cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ring-like structures of frequency domains of wavelets

It is well known that the global frequency domain Ω of any orthonormal wavelet has a hole which contains the origin, viz. the frequency domain Ω possesses a ring-like structure Ω=S∖S∗(0∈S∗⊂S). We show that under some weak conditions, the set S and the hole S∗ are determined uniquely by Ω, where the size of the hole S∗ satisfies 0∈S4⊂S∗⊂S2 and the union of 4πν-translations (ν∈Zd) of S is the whole space Rd. Meanwhile, we give the corresponding converse theorem. We also show an interesting result: there is no orthonormal wavelet whose global frequency domain is the difference set of two balls. Finally, in order to explain our theory, we construct various global frequency domains and explain a general method of the construction of a wavelet with a given frequency domain.
Organizational determinants of outpatient substance abuse treatment duration in women

Longer treatment duration has consistently been related to improved substance use outcomes. This study examined how tailored women's programming and organizational characteristics were related to duration in outpatient substance abuse treatment in women. Data were from two waves of a national outpatient substance abuse treatment unit survey (n = 571 in 1999/2000, n = 566 in 2005). Analyses were conducted separately for methadone and nonmethadone programs. Negative binomial regressions tested associations between organizational determinants, tailored programming, and women's treatment duration. Of the tailored programming services, childcare was significantly related to longer duration in the nonmethadone programs, but few other organizational factors were. Tailored programming was not associated to treatment duration in methadone programs, but ownership, affiliation, and accreditation were related to longer duration. Study findings suggest evidence for how external relationships related to resources, treatment constraints, and legitimacy may influence women's treatment duration. Methadone programs may be more vulnerable to external influences.
Implementing feedback cards in core clerkships.

Context Historically, medical students report receiving little formative feedback. Reports of feedback processes are generally limited to a single course or specialty. There is a paucity of research detailing feedback across the core clerkship year. Objectives We aimed to determine the feasibility of a cross-clerkship feedback encounter card system, describe the content of feedback requested and received during the core clerkships, and examine student satisfaction with the feedback card system. Methods Students (n = 127) enrolled in six mandatory clerkships were required to complete feedback cards, twice weekly during inpatient rotations and once weekly during outpatient rotations. Students checked-off areas in which they wanted to receive feedback and gave the card to a supervisor, who indicated areas in which feedback was provided. Descriptive statistics summarised completeness and feedback content. A two-factor anova estimated differences between students’ perceptions of feedback usefulness pre- and post-feedback card implementation. Results A total of 5369 feedback cards were completed in 2006 (78% of the target). Feedback about presentation skills (57% of cards) and fund of knowledge (48% of cards) were most frequently requested. On approximately 80% of the cards, students received feedback in the area(s) they had requested. During each clerkship, students requested feedback in most areas at least once. The mean rating of feedback usefulness was significantly lower after feedback card implementation (mean 3.6, standard deviation [SD] 1.1) than before implementation (mean 3.7, SD 1.0) (F = 11.022, P < 0.001, effect size = − 17). Conclusions Despite evidence that students received feedback multiple times, satisfaction was low. Research identifying factors that improve satisfaction with feedback during clinical training is needed.
USING DISCRETE VARIABLE REPRESENTATION PATH INTEGRAL MONTE CARLO WITH METROPOLIS SAMPLING TO COMPUTE GROUND STATE WAVEFUNCTIONS

The discrete variable representation (DVR) matrix dynamics formulation of the path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) method, implemented numerically in a way that enables Metropolis sampling to be employed, is proposed as a means of computing ground state quantum wavefunctions. A key advantage of the DVR-PIMC approach is that customized marginal potentials may be employed, leading to significantly larger PIMC time step sizes, and substantial reductions in computational (CPU) effort. An additional key advantage of the present implementation is that the DVR provides a natural set of interpolant functions that can be used for accurate interpolation and extrapolation of function and tensor quantities away from predefined grid points. The new method is applied here to compute the ground state wavefunction of a model one degree-of-freedom (1 DOF) Morse oscillator system. A one-to-two order-of-magnitude reduction in CPU effort is observed, in comparison with a conventional PIMC simulation. The generalization for many DOFs is straightforward, and expected to result in even greater performance enhancement.
Estimating common mean and heterogeneity variance in two study case meta-analysis

Abstract The relative behavior of estimators of the common mean and of the heterogeneity variance in the simple random effects model of meta-analysis is explored. A new risk function relating these estimation problems is introduced. Bayes estimators for each of the parameters are derived.
Photon states and spontaneous emission

The concept of second-order coherence is applied to states resulting from stimulated emission. We propose a relation between the coefficients for the second-order coherent state and the probabilities for spontaneous and stimulated emission.
Valence band effective-mass expressions in the sp 3 d 5 s * empirical tight-binding model applied to a Si and Ge parametrization

Exact, analytic expressions for the valence band effective masses in the spin-orbit, ${\mathrm{sp}}^{3}{d}^{5}{s}^{*}$ empirical tight-binding model are derived. These expressions together with an automated fitting algorithm are used to produce improved parameter sets for Si and Ge at room temperature. Detailed examinations of the analytic effective-mass expressions reveal critical capabilities and limitations of this model in reproducing simultaneously certain gaps and effective masses. The [110] masses are shown to be completely determined by the [100] and [111] masses despite the introduction of $d$ orbitals into the basis.
An optimal GTS scheduling algorithm for time-sensitive transactions in IEEE 802.15.4 networks

IEEE 802.15.4 is a new enabling standard for low-rate wireless personal area networks and has been widely accepted as a de facto standard for wireless sensor networking. While primary motivations behind 802.15.4 are low power and low cost wireless communications, the standard also supports time and rate sensitive applications because of its ability to operate in TDMA access modes. The TDMA mode of operation is supported via the Guaranteed Time Slot (GTS) feature of the standard. In a beacon-enabled network topology, the Personal Area Network (PAN) coordinator reserves and assigns the GTS to applications on a first-come-first-served (FCFS) basis in response to requests from wireless sensor nodes. This fixed FCFS scheduling service offered by the standard may not satisfy the time constraints of time-sensitive transactions with delay deadlines. Such operating scenarios often arise in wireless video surveillance and target detection applications running on sensor networks. In this paper, we design an optimal work-conserving scheduling algorithm for meeting the delay constraints of time-sensitive transactions and show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing scheduling model specified in IEEE 802.15.4.
Mood Selection in Czech and Russian "If-Then" Constructions.

Abstract Czech and Russian have similar morphosyntactic resources to express conditionality in complex sentences. In spite of such formal similarities, there are significant differences in mood selection between Czech and Russian. The author of this paper argues that, in addition to notions such as time, degrees of hypotheticality and the speaker's epistemic stance, further dimensions are necessary to describe the functions of the conditional and indicative moods in if-then constructions in the two languages: the relationship between the condition and the consequent, the notion of alternative worlds, and the speaker's perspective with respect to these alternative worlds.
GLUCOSE INFUSION FOR THE PREVENTION OF BILIRUBIN TOXICITY IN THE NEONATE: THE ROLE OF FREE FATTY ACIDS (FFA)

The jaundiced neonate is at risk to bilirubin toxicity if its serum albumin has a diminished capacity to further bind bilirubin as indicated by a high saturation index (SI) of ≥ 8% (J Pediatr 76:12, 1970). This study reports 8 jaundiced infants (T. Bil = 13.8 ± 1.8 mg%) withy high SI (8.4 ± 0.8%) and no hemolytic disease or drug intake. The infants were 2–4 days old and were either feeding poorly on formula or insufficiently on the breast with glucose water supplement. Glucose infusion was given at a rate of 1 g/kg/h for 2 hours. After the infusion, there was a significant fall (ρ 0.10) in the bilirubin (Δ = 1.1 mg%) or serum protein (Δ = -0.15 g%) concentrations. The composition of the serum FFA was further analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography and it was observed that the SI was predominantly influenced by the unsaturated FFA level. The fall in the SI (Δ = -4.6%) correlated significantly (ρ 0.10). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that the risk to bilirubin toxicity in any jaundiced infant who is feeding insufficiently should be immediately identified since treatment by, glucose is both simple and effective. In particular, the jaundiced infant is at risk if breast fed prior to the normal flow of mother's milk. Since all the breast fed infants in our series who had high SI were being supplemented with oral glucose water after each breast feeding, our findings further indicate that the measure may not be effective in reducing the risk to bilirubin toxicity.
Inhibition of myeloid differentiation by inhibitors of ADP‐ribosylation

Inhibitors of ADP-ribosylation inhibited the myeloid differentiation of murine myelomonocytic leukemia, WEHI-3BD+ cells induced by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Benzamide, at 2.0 mM, inhibited 50% of the WEHI-3BD+ cell differentiation but had no significant effect on the proliferation. However, benzylaminododecylguanine hydrochloride and p-methoxylbenzylaminodecamethylene guanidine sulfate at 2.0 and 2.2 microM, respectively, inhibited 50% of proliferation but had no effect at all on differentiation. The differential effects of inhibitors provide a model to study the role of ADP-ribosylation in myeloid differentiation.
Mothering Mexico: The Historiography of Mothers and Motherhood in 20th‐Century Mexico

This essay explores how both scholars have understood the category of motherhood in 20th-century Mexican history. From the self-sacrificing, long-suffering icon of ‘traditional’ motherhood to the ‘modern’ mother who used up-to-date child-rearing techniques, mothers and mothering has had a tremendous symbolic value to various parts of Mexican society. The discourse of motherhood was deployed in multiple ways, by multiple actors since Porfirian times and throughout the postrevolutionary era. A robust scholarship has developed around the concept of mothers, motherhood and maternity.
Roger B. Taney and the Slavery Issue: Looking beyond—and before—Dred Scott

[Slavery] is a blot on our national character, and every real lover of freedom, confidently hopes that it will be effectually, though it must be gradually, wiped away; and earnestly looks for the means, by which this necessary object may best be attained. —Rog er B. Taney, 1819 Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney is best remembered for his 1857 opinion in Dred Scott v. Sandford, in which he refused a Missouri slave’s claim to freedom and denied the rights of citizenship to both slaves and free blacks. “They had for more than a century before been regarded as beings of an inferior order,” the chief justice infamously intoned, “and altogether unfit to associate with the white race, either in social or political relations; and so far inferior, that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” Amid the national debate over the extension of slavery, Taney took the extreme proslavery position in his opinion, guaranteeing the property rights of slave owners by holding that Congress had no power to prohibit the institution in new territories. Less well known, however, are Taney’s words in defense of an abolitionist minister nearly forty years earlier in Frederick County, Maryland. While establishing his career as a lawyer and serving as a Federalist political leader, Taney had defended Rev. Jacob Gruber, who had been indicted for preaching a sermon that allegedly disturbed the peace and promoted rebellion. During that 1819 trial, Taney made impassioned statements against the peculiar institution that stand in stark contrast to those penned by the “angry southern gentleman” in the Dred Scott decision. In a speech to the jury, Taney described slavery as “a blot on our national character” and insisted that “every real lover of freedom confidently hopes that it will be effectually, though it must be gradually, wiped away.” Historians have occasionally noted the incongruence between Taney’s statements in 1819 and his opinion in Dred Scott, but no scholar has investigated the relationship between Taney’s early antislavery
Study of pure formic acid as solvent for acid-base equilibria☆

Abstract A study was made on the preparation of pure formic acid and its use as a solvent for the study of very weak bases. A glass closed system was constructed for carrying out the purification and all subsequent manipulations in an inert atmosphere. Potentiometric titrations were carried out on a number of substituted tetrazoles with satisfactory accuracy and reproducibility using quinhydrone electrodes and p-toluenesulphonic acid as the titrant. Attempts to use hydrogen electrodes in this solvent were unsuccessful.
Murine monoclonal antibodies biologically active against the amino region of HIV-1 gp120: isolation and characterization.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 envelope glycoprotein is synthesized as a precursor (gp160) and subsequently cleaved to generate the external gp120 and transmembrane gp41 glycoproteins. Both gp120 and gp41 have been demonstrated to mediate critical functions of HIV, including viral attachment and fusion with the cell membrane. The antigenic variability of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein has presented a significant problem in the design of appropriate and successful vaccines and offers one explanation for the ability of HIV to evade immune surveillance. Therefore, the development and characterization of functional antibodies against conserved regions of the envelope glycoprotein is needed. Because of this need, we generated a panel of murine monoclonal antibodies (MuMabs) against the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. To accomplish this, we immunized Balb/C mice with a recombinant glycoprotein 160 (gp160) that was synthesized in a baculovirus expression system. From the growth-positive hybridomas, three MuMabs were generated that demonstrated significant reactivity with recombinant gp120 but failed to show reactivity against HIV-1 gp41, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using vaccinia constructs that synthesize variant truncated subunits of gp160, we were able to map reactivity of all three of the Mabs (ID6, AC4, and AD3) to the first 204 residues of gp120 (i.e., the N terminus of gp120) via Western blot analysis. Elucidation of the epitopes for these Mabs may have important implications for inhibition of infection by HIV-1. Our initial attempts to map these Mabs with linear epitopes have not elucidated a specific antigenic determinant; however, several physical characteristics have been determined that suggest a continuous surface epitope. Although these antibodies failed to neutralize cell-free or cell-associated infection by HIV-1, they did mediate significant antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, indicating potential therapeutic utility. In summary, these data suggest the identification of a potentially novel site in the first 200 aa of gp120 that mediates ADCC.
Horse Heart Myoglobin Catalyzes the H2O2-Dependent Oxidative Dehalogenation of Chlorophenols to DNA-Binding Radicals and Quinones†

The heme-containing respiratory protein, myoglobin (Mb), best known for oxygen storage, can exhibit peroxidase-like activity under conditions of oxidative stress. Under such circumstances, the init...
Non-metric statistical analyses: Some metric alternatives☆

Abstract Two classes of permutation techniques for completely randomized and randomized block designs are considered in this expository paper. The analysis space of these techniques corresponds to the data space in question for only a small subset of these classes (the congruence principle is satisfied when this correspondence holds). In particular, the analysis space associated with most classical techniques among these classes (e.g., one-way analysis of variance and randomized block analysis of variance) is non-metric and does not satisfy the congruence principle. An example demonstrates how a well known statistical method which involves a non-metric analysis space and does not satisfy the congruence principle (the two-sample t test) is unable to detect obvious differences, whereas, a corresponding statistical method which does satisfy the congruence principle provides unambiguous detection of the same differences. Since the obvious differences in question are analogous to the types of differences routinely encountered in many biological, physical and social science disciplines, the use of the well known statistical methods (such as the two-sample t test) has probably prohibited the detection of many major findings in these disciplines. In addition, new multivariate methods are introduced to compare cyclic data.
NHERFs, NEP, MAGUKs, and more: interactions that regulate PTEN.

Sporadic inactivating mutations of PTEN are found in a wide range of common human cancers, and inherited inactivating mutations of PTEN cause the rare cancer predisposition syndromes now collectively known as PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome [PHTS; Li et al., 1997; Steck et al., 1997; Pilarski and Eng, 2004]. PTEN is a relatively small (55 kDa) protein with at least five different functional domains (Fig. 1). These include the phosphatase domain, the C2 regulatory domain, a phosphoinositide-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) binding domain, two consecutive PEST homology domains, and a PDZ-binding domain. The primary substrate of PTEN is the mitogenic membrane-associated lipid, PIP3 [Maehama and Dixon, 1998]. PTEN works to oppose PI3K, a family of kinases that phosphorylate PIP2 to PIP3 in response to mitogenic signals and other stimuli. PIP3 then binds to the Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domain of the Akt proteins and recruits them to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane where they are phosphorylated by mTOR and other kinases. This activates their serine/threonine kinase activity and initiates a complex signal transduction cascade that modulates cellular survival, growth, migration, and metabolism. Fig. 1 PTEN functional domains. Human PTEN includes at least five different functional domains—a PIP2 binding domain (1–15), a phosphatase domain (22–185), a C2 regulatory domain (190–351), PEST homology domains (350–375, ... A variety of groups have attempted to identify PTEN interaction partners in the hopes of discovering novel means of PTEN regulation and possibly identifying new PTEN effectors. These studies have been technically challenging, as evidenced by the fact that there have been no reports of interacting proteins that immunoprecipitate with PTEN efficiently enough to be visible with standard protein stains. Instead, the majority of the PTEN-interacting proteins described in the literature have been initially identified by the yeast two-hybrid method or by candidate immunoprecipitation/Western blot approaches. It appears likely that PTEN interactions are weak, transient, and/or destabilized by the detergents that are commonly used for cellular lysis. Furthermore, the predominant membrane localization of PTEN may complicate the purification of PTEN-containing protein complexes. Of note, PTEN is also regulated via post-translational modifications, and in some cases has been shown to interact (probably transiently) with the enzymes that catalyze these modifications. A discussion of the enzymes that catalyze these post-translational modifications is beyond the scope of this review. Here we summarize the PTEN protein/ protein interactions that have been described in the literature thus far. The majority of them are believed to aid in the intracellular localization of PTEN, with a minority proposed to affect signaling, genomic stability, and other cellular processes. With exceptions as noted, many of these suggested interactions have not yet been independently confirmed.
Receptor-Ligand Interaction Between CD44 and Osteopontin (Eta-1)

The CD44 family of surface receptors regulates adhesion, movement, and activation of normal and neoplastic cells. The cytokine osteopontin (Eta-1), which regulates similar cellular functions, was found to be a protein ligand of CD44. Osteopontin induces cellular chemotaxis but not homotypic aggregation, whereas the inverse is true for the interaction between CD44 and a carbohydrate ligand, hyaluronate. The different responses of cells after CD44 ligation by either osteopontin or hyaluronate may account for the independent effects of CD44 on cell migration and growth. This mechanism may also be exploited by tumor cells to promote metastasis formation.
Vasopressin Stimulates DNA Synthesis in Cultured Rat Hepatocytes

Abstract Liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy is significantly impaired in rats with hereditary vasopressin (AVP) deficiency. This suggested that AVP might have a direct effect on cultured rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes from male Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated using a two-step collaganase perfusion technique and plated at a density of 105/16-mm Primaria plate. After a suitable attachment period, hepatocytes were incubated with minimal essential media, AVP, AVP plus a specific AVP antagonist, or oxytocin. Hepatocyte proliferation was measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation ([3H]Thy) into hepatocyte DNA. AVP (10 nM) increased [3H]Thy significantly (and this effect was blocked by an AVP-specific antagonist (50 nM). Oxytocin had no effect on hepatocyte DNA synthesis. To further investigate the influence of AVP on hepatocyte proliferation, the effect of AVP on transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α)-stimulated hepatocyte proliferation was also studied. This combination was chosen based on the ability of AVP to inhibit the biologic effects of EGF (a TGF-α analog). There was significant attenuation of TGF-α (50 nM)-stimulated [3H]Thy in the presence of AVP (10 nM). In summary: (l) AVP stimulates proliferation of cultured rat hepatocytes. (2) The effect of AVP can be significantly abolished by a specific AVP antagonist. (3) The proliferative response of AVP is specific. (4) AVP significantly attenuates TGF-α-stimulated hepatocyte hepatic DNA synthesis. Further studies should elucidate the mechanisms for the effects of AVP on hepatic proliferation alone or in combination with other factors.
Thin deformable mirrors for a reconfigurable space telescope

As part of a small satellite technology demonstration that will utilize autonomous assembly, reconfiguration, and docking technology to form the primary mirror for the mission’s telescope payload, the mirror segments are required to modify and control their shape, in order to allow for imaging in different configurations. This paper focuses on the development of 10 cm diameter active lightweight mirrors. The current mirror design, control scheme, and fabrication methods are described, as well as experimental results on initial samples. The data demonstrates that the mirrors are capable of at least 100 microns of displacement during operation, and that fabrication on polished molds can result in high quality reflective surfaces.
Male accessory gland substances modify the host-seeking behavior of gravid Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Abstract Male accessory gland (MAG) substances of the mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.), when transferred during mating or injected directly into females, significantly reduced the host-seeking behavior of the females when they were gravid. The effect on female behavior was modulated by the nutritional state of the male; compared to well-fed males, starved males contained less total protein in their MAGs, transferred less protein to females during mating, and had less of an effect on the inhibition of host-seeking behavior by the gravid females to which they mated. Juvenile hormone (JH) administered to starved males increased the levels of total MAG proteins in their accessory glands, but the host-seeking behavior of gravid females mated to JH-treated males was not significantly affected, suggesting that the production of specific substances did not increase. Injection of MAG homogenates from other mosquito species into Ae. aegypti indicated that there was some degree of specificity in the inhibition of the host-seeking behavior.
A longitudinal study of the prevalence of asthma in a community population of school-age children.

Abstract Objective: Using a unique county-wide resource that links all health care providers' medical records to assess current and "ever" prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma. To describe the age and sex rates and temporal trends in new asthma diagnoses and associations with race and socio-economic status. Study design: A longitudinal retrospective evaluation of a population-based cohort of school children using linked medical and school records. Results: Overall, 17.6% of children in grades kindergarten through 12 had a physician diagnosis of asthma and 12.9% had an asthma-related visit within the past 2 years. An additional 19.7% had visits for reactive airway disease or recurrent wheezing or bronchospasm with no diagnosis of asthma. Children provided with free and reduced-cost lunches had lower cumulative and incident asthma rates from birth through their current school age. Race was not related to rates of physician-diagnosed asthma. There was a significant temporal increase in rates of new asthma diagnoses. Conclusions: In this community, 1 in 3 children have had a physician-documented recurrent wheezing-type illness, and 1 in 6 were diagnosed with asthma. Diagnoses rates were directly related to socioeconomic status. (J Pediatr 2002;140:576-81)
Soluble Organoiron Derivatives of Polypyrrole

Treatment of Fe(η5-C5H5)(η1-NC4H4)(CO)2 (1) with N(Bu)4S208 in the presence of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid leads to the formation of a soluble, electrically conducting polymer (2). Solutions of 2 l...
Characterization of spawn-inducing factors in the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

Abstract The spawn-inducing radial nerve factor (RNF) of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus , is a heat-stable polypeptide. The molecular weight of this RNF, as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, is 5600 ± 800. The RNF induces sea urchin gonads to produce a nonprotein gonad factor. This gonad factor (GF), as well as 1-methyladenine (the starfish gonad factor), causes sea urchin testis fragments to spawn. GF co-chromatographs with 1-methyladenine on thin-layer chromatography plates.
Odor considerations in the use of frying oils

Odors generated into cooking and serving areas during use of oils in pan frying and deep-fat frying are of concern to home and institutional consumers and, in some respects, to industrial users. Odor considerations are factors in the selection of types of oils to be used in both domestic and foreign markets. Comparative techniques have been developed to evaluate room odor characteristics of frying oils. Evaluation research has been done on various oils and cooking fats for room odors developed during frying. Improved odor characteristics contributed by additives to oils have been studied, as well as relationship between the linolenate content of soybean oil and its characteristic room odor. The nature of the volatile constituents which contribute to room odors during frying is the subject of continuing research efforts.
Soft underlayer noise in perpendicular recording and its impact on error rate

Minimum soft underlayer thickness for adequate flux conduction was established through experiment and calculation. Methods for suppressing stripe domains were discussed. Characteristics of spike noise in laminated soft underlayers were described, and the impact of spike noise on error rate was assessed using a software channel. The correlation between spike noise and errors was weak.
Acute cerebral ischemia: evaluation with dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging and MR angiography.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR angiography (MRA) were used to evaluate cerebral blood volume and the intracranial arterial system in 34 patients within 48 hours after the onset of cerebral ischemia. In 24 of the patients, an abnormality identified on T2-weighted images corresponded to the acute clinical deficit. Intracranial MRA demonstrated occlusions or severe stenoses of major vessels supplying the area of infarction in 16 of these patients, and decreased blood volume correlated well with MRA abnormalities. Infarcts less than 2 cm in diameter were not reliably shown with MRA or blood volume studies. Correlation between lesions seen with MRA and decreased blood volume in acute infarcts was good, and both techniques demonstrated lesions early in the clinical course. By providing information about hemodynamics not available with conventional T1- or T2-weighted images, MRA and dynamic MR imaging could prove helpful in describing the pathophysiologic characteris...
Effect of number of pups upon suckling-induced fall in pituitary prolactin concentration and milk ejection in the rat.

The effect of variations in suckling by litters of 2, 6 or 10 pups upon pituitary prolactin concentration before and after nursing and upon milk ejection were studied in lactating rats. Prolactin concentration after 8 hr of nonsuckling on postpartum day 7 increased 3-fold with an increase in the size of the litter from 2 to 10 pups. The falls in prolactin concentration and milk ejection were maximally provoked by suckling by 6 pups. The lowest values were obtained with suckling by 2 pups, whereas values obtained with 10 pups were intermediate. The number of glands nursed and the number of functional mammary glands were significantly less in rats with 2-pup litters. These results suggest that the intensity of suckling stimulation may be one means of adapting prolactin and oxytocin requirements during lactation in the rat. (Endocrinology 82: 623, 1968)
Telemedical diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity: accuracy of expert versus non-expert graders.

Background/aims To assess accuracy of telemedical retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) diagnosis by trained non-expert graders compared with expert graders. Methods Eye examinations (n=248) from 67 consecutive infants were captured using wide-angle retinal photography (RetCam-II, Clarity Medical Systems, Pleasanton, California, USA). Non-expert graders attended two 1-h training sessions on image-based ROP diagnosis. Using a web-based telemedicine system, 14 non-expert and three expert graders provided a diagnosis for each eye: no ROP, mild ROP, type 2 pre-threshold ROP or treatment-requiring ROP. All diagnoses were compared with a reference standard of dilated indirect ophthalmoscopy by an experienced paediatric ophthalmologist. Results For detection of type 2 or worse ROP, the mean (range) sensitivities and specificities were 0.95 (0.94–0.97) and 0.93 (0.91–0.96) for experts, 0.87 (0.71–0.97) and 0.73 (0.39–0.95) for resident non-experts, and 0.73 (0.41–0.88) and 0.91 (0.84–0.96) for student non-experts, respectively. For detection of treatment-requiring ROP, the mean (range) sensitivities and specificities were 1.00 (1.00–1.00) and 0.93 (0.88–0.96) for experts, 0.88 (0.50–1.00) and 0.84 (0.71–0.98) for resident non-experts, and 0.82 (0.42–1.00) and 0.92 (0.83–0.97) for student non-experts, respectively. Conclusions Mean sensitivity and specificity of trained non-experts were lower than that of experts, although several non-experts had high accuracy. Development of methods for training non-expert graders may help support telemedical ROP evaluation.
On the Origin and Status of the “El Greco Fallacy”

The oddly elongated forms painted by the Spanish Renaissance artist El Greco are popularly but incorrectly attributed to astigmatism. The particular reason this explanation fails has long offered a deep lesson for perceptual psychology, even motivating recent research. However, the details and historical origins of this lesson—often called the “El Greco fallacy”— have been obscured over many retellings, leading to an incomplete and even inaccurate understanding of its provenance and status. This note corrects the record, which is richer, subtler, and more interesting than recent accounts would suggest.
Reorientation and landmark-guided search by young children: Evidence for two systems

Disoriented 4-year-old children use a distinctive container to locate a hidden object, but do they reorient by this information? We addressed this question by testing children's search for objects in a circular room containing one distinctive and two identical containers. Children's search patterns provided evidence that the distinctive container served as a direct cue to a hidden object's location, but not as a directional signal guiding reorientation. The findings suggest that disoriented children's search behavior depends on two distinct processes: a modular reorientation process attuned to the geometry of the surface layout and an associative process linking landmarks to specific locations.
Institutional Dualism and International Development: A Revisionist Interpretation of Good Governance

This article examines the tensions, trade-offs, and complementarities between so-called good governance and bad governance in international development and draws on U.S. history to comment on current change efforts. Aid donors have ambitious plans to encourage countries to replace corrupt or closed public institutions with more accountable systems. Yet democratic or rational-legal governance does not necessarily represent an improvement over ostensibly improper governance. It is important to bear in mind that certain clientelistic practices have hidden positive functions, such as giving poor people access to resources. Governance institutions are neither bad nor good in themselves; outcomes are what matter.
Low-frequency applications of superconducting quantum interference devices

The applications of Josephson junctions to the measurement of low-frequency magnetic fields and voltages are reviewed. The relevant ideas of flux quantization and Josephson tunneling are very briefly reviewed, and the various methods of making Josephson junctions mentioned. The two basic types of magnetic sensor, the dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) and the RF SQUID, are described in some detail. Their theory of operation, noise limitations, and application to practical devices are discussed. The resolution of SQUID's commonly used in an analog mode is 10-4to 10-3Φ 0 /√Hz, where Φ 0 is the flux quantum. The basic sensor may be used in conjunction with a flux transformer to measure magnetic fields (with a resolution of 10-14T/√Hz), magnetic-field gradients (with a resolution of 10-12T/m/√Hz), and magnetic susceptibilities. The SQUID may also be used as a voltmeter. The resolution is limited by the Johnson noise developed in the resistance of the low-temperature circuit, provided that this resistance is not too large: the upper limit in the liquid-He4temperature range appears to be a few tens of ohms.
Scholarly Dialogues and Participatory Action Research

This paper addresses two issues that are pertinent to the papers in the special issue on Participatory Action Research. The first is the conceptual contributions of the papers. The more explicit these contributions the more dialogue they enable with researchers beyond the action research tradition. The second is the extent to which intervention participants have a say in the scholarly presentations of the interventions. The greater the scholarly dialogue between action researchers and participants the more complete the description of the interventions.
Natural history of pathologically organ-confined (pT2), Gleason score 6 or less, prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES Men with pathologically organ-confined, Gleason score 6 or less prostate cancer are considered to have an excellent prognosis after surgery as definitive monotherapy. We determined the incidence of biochemical recurrence (BR), local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM), and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) among this low-risk cohort. METHODS A retrospective search of our radical prostatectomy database identified 6081 men with pathologically organ-confined (pT2), Gleason score 6 or less prostate cancer treated from 1983 to 2005. Of these, 2551 (42%) had adequate follow-up information and were assessed for BR, LR, DM, and PCSM. The pathologic specimens of men with disease progression were reevaluated by an experienced genitourinary pathologist, and the patients with disease that was upgraded or upstaged (n = 25) were excluded from additional analysis, resulting in a final study cohort of 2526. The actuarial probabilities of BR and LR were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS With a median follow-up of 5.0 years (range 2 to 22), BR occurred in 13 patients (0.5%). The 5, 10, and 15-year actuarial probability of BR was 0.3%, 0.9%, and 1.3%, respectively. Five patients (0.2%) developed LR, four of whom received salvage radiotherapy with a subsequently undetectable prostate-specific antigen level. The 5, 10, and 15-year actuarial probability of LR was 0.1%, 0.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. No DM or PCSM occurred. CONCLUSIONS With postoperative follow-up for more than 2500 patients with pathologically organ-confined, Gleason score 6 or less prostate cancer, BR and LR after radical prostatectomy were extremely rare, and no patients experienced DM or PCSM.
Intercellular and intracellular signalling systems that globally control the expression of virulence genes in plant pathogenic bacteria

Plant pathogenic bacteria utilize complex signalling systems to control the expression of virulence genes at the cellular level and within populations. Quorum sensing (QS), an important intercellular communication mechanism, is mediated by different types of small molecules, including N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), fatty acids and small proteins. AHL-mediated signalling systems dependent on the LuxI and LuxR family proteins play critical roles in the virulence of a wide range of Gram-negative plant pathogenic bacteria belonging to the Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. Xanthomonas spp. and Xylella fastidiosa, members of the Gammaproteobacteria, however, possess QS systems that are mediated by fatty acid-type diffusible signal factors (DSFs). Recent studies have demonstrated that Ax21, a 194-amino-acid protein in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, plays dual functions in activating a rice innate immune pathway through binding to the rice XA21 pattern recognition receptor and in regulating bacterial virulence and biofilm formation as a QS signal molecule. In xanthomonads, DSF-mediated QS systems are connected with the signalling pathways mediated by cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP), which functions as a second messenger for the control of virulence gene expression in these bacterial pathogens.
NKCC1 transporter facilitates seizures in the developing brain

During development, activation of Cl(-)-permeable GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)-R) excites neurons as a result of elevated intracellular Cl(-) levels and a depolarized Cl(-) equilibrium potential (E(Cl)). GABA becomes inhibitory as net outward neuronal transport of Cl(-) develops in a caudal-rostral progression. In line with this caudal-rostral developmental pattern, GABAergic anticonvulsant compounds inhibit motor manifestations of neonatal seizures but not cortical seizure activity. The Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC1) facilitates the accumulation of Cl(-) in neurons. The NKCC1 blocker bumetanide shifted E(Cl) negative in immature neurons, suppressed epileptiform activity in hippocampal slices in vitro and attenuated electrographic seizures in neonatal rats in vivo. Bumetanide had no effect in the presence of the GABA(A)-R antagonist bicuculline, nor in brain slices from NKCC1-knockout mice. NKCC1 expression level versus expression of the Cl(-)-extruding transporter (KCC2) in human and rat cortex showed that Cl(-) transport in perinatal human cortex is as immature as in the rat. Our results provide evidence that NKCC1 facilitates seizures in the developing brain and indicate that bumetanide should be useful in the treatment of neonatal seizures.
Synthesis of λ1, λ2, and λ3 light chains by mouse spleen B cells

To determine whether the infrequency of immunoglobulins with lambda 3 light chains is due to a corresponding scarcity of lambda 3 B cells, the production of the various lambda chain subtypes (lambda 1, lambda 2, and lambda 3) by normal spleen cells was compared. The results showed that lambda 1, lambda 2, and lambda 3 chains are produced in a ratio of about 1.0: 0.7 : 0.3, respectively. The argument is made that lambda 1, lambda 2, and lambda 3 B cells exist in the same ratio. Results obtained with neonatal and nude mouse spleen cells suggest that these small differences are not due to stimulatory effects of environmental antigens or regulatory T cells. The much greater disparity in the abundance of lambda subtypes in various antibody responses and serum Ig suggests that lambda 1 B cells may be more likely than lambda 2 or lambda 3 B cells to differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells.
Melanoma-associated retinopathy: screening for melanoma-associated retinopathy in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma

Purpose: Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is a paraneoplastic retinopathy that develops in some patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM).The syndrome is identified by, and possibly caused by, antibodies reactive with retinal depolarizing bipolar cells. CMM patients lacking indications of vision problems are not usually routinely screened for melanoma-induced retinal hypersensitivity, but may have undergone similar sensitization without losing tolerance or may be in the early stages of MAR. The purpose of this study was to look into the possibility that subclinical and immunologic indications of MAR appear in CMM patients without recognized retinopathies. Methods: Twenty-nine CMM patients (stages II-IV), being treated at the Department of Dermatology (The Saarland University Hospital), were screened to detect abnormalities suggestive of MAR. Our assessment included exploration of ophthalmologic history, ophthalmologic examination, electrophysiology, nyctometry, perimetry, testing of color visi...
Cardiopulmonary function after lobectomy or pneumonectomy for pulmonary neoplasm.

Resection of pulmonary tissue for bronchial carcinoma causes a decrease in vital capacity of 15% after lobectomy and 35–40% following pneumonectomy. After operation the lung becomes stiffer and elastic recoil pressure and transdiaphragmatic pressure at TLC increase. Maximum effort tolerance decreases after pneumonectomy with a normal pulmonary artery pressure at rest and an increase in pulmonary artery pressure and in pulmonary vascular resistance on effort, compared to preoperative values. Cardiac output and stroke volume during effort show a decrease after operation with an increase in peripheral arterial blood pressure and in peripheral vascular resistance. Arterial oxygen saturation on effort decreases after pneumonectomy, possibly due to the absolute decrease in diffusing capacity. When comparing resting and exercise values at identical work loads, increases in systemic arterial blood pressure, pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance and arteriovenous oxygen difference were similar although generally less pronounced after lobectomy compared to pneumonectomy; cardiac output, stroke volume and oxygen consumption showed the same tendency to decrease after lobectomy and pneumonectomy.
Predictive vector quantization with intrablock prediction support region

A predictive vector quantization (PVQ) structure is proposed, where the encoder uses a predictor based on an intrablock support region, followed by a modified vector quantizer stage. Simulation results show that a modification on a previously published PVQ system led to an improvement of 1 dB in PSNR for Lenna.
TAX POLICIES TO INCREASE FARM PRICES AND INCOME: A QUANTITATIVE SIMULATION

In previous periods when agricultural production was large relative to demand in North America, supply control through limitations in production and markets has been used. Large cropfalls and mammoth international purchases by the USSR during the early 1970s depleted North American grain stocks and caused major supply control programs to vanish. With more favorable worldwide weather, however, grain production and carryover have increased to levels where farmers may demand supply and market controls to improve prices and income. In contrast to conventional models, we make a quantitative analysis for the United States to three tax policies which might be used to restrain production and improve prices and farm income. All tax alternatives do so if the taxes collected by the government are returned to farmers. The tax alternatives examined include a tax on inputs, a gross sales tax, and a tax-in-kind similar to a share rent. The tax policies are applied through an econometric simulation model. Certain limitations of the tax policies are explained. Aux epoques anterieures, lorsque la production agricole etait grande compareee a la demande dans l'Amerique du Nord, on a controle les stocks de reserve par moyen de limitations de production et de vente. Les recoltes inferieures et les enormes achats par l'URSS pendant la premiere partie des annees 70 ont diminue les reserves des cereales de l'Amerique du Nord, ce qui a rendu superflus les programmes majeurs de controle. Toutefois, un climat global favorable a augmente la production et l'accumulation jusqu'au point ou les agriculteurs peuvent considerer necessaires des controles sur la production et la vente afin d'ameliorer les prix et leurs revenus. Faisant contraste avec les modeles conventionnels, nous presentons une analyse quantitative pour les Etats-Unis de trois systemes d'impots qui pourraient etre appliques pour diminuer la production et pour ameliorer les prix et les revenus agricoles. Tous les trois systemes sont effectifs a ce but, pourvu que les impots percus par le gouvernement soient rendus aux producteurs. Les alternatifs examines comprennent un impot sur les frais de production, un impot en gros sur les ventes et un systeme d'impots payables par une quantite des cereales produites, semblable au metayage. Les systemes sont appliques par moyen d'un modele de simulation econometrique. Certaines limitations des systemes sont presentees.
Antioxidants: Molecular Interactions Between Vitamins E And C, Biothiols and Carotenes

Antioxidants are coming under increasing scrutiny as preventive and ameliorative agents in a number of chronic degenerative conditions that have an oxidative component. A great deal of epidemiological and clinical evidence suggests that vitamin E and beta-carotene, in particular, may be beneficial.