cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Preoperative Single Fraction Partial Breast Radiotherapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer.

Introduction : Preliminary data supports the efficacy of partial breast irradiation (PBI) in carefully selected patients. However, in 2008, several series evaluating external beam PBI reported negative toxicity outcomes, possibly related to large volumes of normal tissue receiving near-prescription doses.We hypothesized that delivery of external beam PBI in a single fraction to the preoperative tumor volume, as defined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), would be dosimetrically feasible and result in decreased dose to the ipsilateral breast as compared to institutional historical controls. Methods: Ten patients with unifocal T1 breast cancer who had undergone a preoperative MRI were identified. Contrast-enhanced subtraction MR images were loaded into Eclipse treatment planning software and used to define the gross tumor volume (GTV). A 1.5cm uniform expansion (minus first 5mm of skin) was used to generate the clinical target volume (CTV) for dose-volume analysis. An additional 2-3 mm margin was included for penumbra.The first 3mm of skin/subcutaneous tissue was defined as an avoidance structure. Bilateral lungs and heart were segmented. A prospective “virtual plan” was created using four photon beams in a non-coplanar beam arrangement and optimized to deliver 15Gray (Gy) to the CTV.Specific dosimetric data was extracted including dose conformity (breast volume receiving 100% of the dose/CTV) and dose to the ipsilateral breast, ipsilateral lung, and heart. Results: The median breast volume was 1713cc9s (range 1014 – 2140cc9s) and the median target volume only 41cc9s (26-62cc9s). In all cases, 95% of the prescription dose covered 100% of the CTV volume. Median dose conformity was 1.2 (range 1.1-1.6). Maximum dose for all plans was not greater than 110%. Doses to the heart and lung were negligible.Median maximum skin dose was 9.3Gy or 62% of the prescription dose. Median maximum dose to 1cc of skin was reduced to 7.0Gy and at 10cc9s skin volume, the median maximum was only 4.9Gy.Median percent of the ipsilateral breast volume receiving 100% of the dose (V100) was only 3.5% (range 2.4-4.7%). The median percent volume receiving 50% of the dose (V50) was 13% (range 7.5-20.8%), substantially less than institutional experience with post-operative PBI. Conclusion: Pre-operative radiotherapy is dosimetrically feasible in women with small breast tumors. Excellent target coverage with negligible dose to normal tissue can be achieved. Skin dose appears reasonable given the small volumes.Median V100 and V50 compare favorably to institutional experience with post-operative PBI. A prospective Phase I trial evaluating this technique is undergoing institutional review. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 4105.
Anti-biofilm properties of chitosan-coated surfaces.

Surfaces coated with the naturally-occurring polysaccharide chitosan (partially deacetylated poly N-acetyl glucosamine) resisted biofilm formation by bacteria and yeast. Reductions in biofilm viable cell numbers ranging from 95% to 99.9997% were demonstrated for Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans on chitosan-coated surfaces over a 54-h experiment in comparison to controls. For instance, chitosan-coated surfaces reduced S. epidermidis surface-associated growth more than 5.5 10log units (99.9997%) compared to a control surface. As a comparison, coatings containing a combination of the antibiotics minocycline and rifampin reduced S. epidermidis growth by 3.9 10log units (99.99%) and coatings containing the antiseptic chlorhexidine did not significantly reduce S. epidermidis surface associated growth as compared to controls. The chitosan effects were confirmed with microscopy. Using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy and fluore...
Age-related refractoriness of pha-induced lymphocyte transformation. II. 125i-pha Binding to spleen cells from young and old mice.

Abstract Using 125I-labeled red kidney bean phytohemagglutinin (125I-PHA), we have found that spleen cells from old BC3F1 mice bind this plant mitogen equally well, if not better, than spleen cells from young BC3F1 mice, although PHA-induced blastogenesis of spleen cells from old mice is sharply reduced. Analyses demonstrated that there is neither significant alteration of binding affinity nor decreased total number of membrane receptor sites for PHA in senescing mouse spleen cells. The amount of PHA which was initially bound to spleen cells in serum-free medium appeared to be insufficient for a subsequent full stimulation of blastogenesis ([3H]thymidine incorporation) in either young or old mouse spleen cells; when washed free of unbound extracellular PHA and upon cultivation in serum-containing culture medium, spleen cells rapidly released more than 90% of the bound PHA. Also, temperatures which change cell membrane morphology played a significant role in the binding and retention of PHA. However, no difference was observed between young and old mouse spleen cells in all these phenomena of PHA-cell membrane interaction.
Quality of life in female cancer survivors: Is it related to ovarian reserve?

The purpose of the study is to assess the quality-of-life scores and possible association with measures of ovarian reserve in female cancer survivors compared to healthy controls of similar age. In this prospective cohort study, fifty-nine cancer survivors aged 16–39 years and 66 healthy, similarly aged unexposed women were recruited at the University of Pennsylvania. The primary outcome measures are the generic and cancer-specific domain scores on the Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors (QLACS) instrument, early follicular phase serum hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), inhibin B (INH), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and ovarian ultrasound measurements [ovarian volume and antral follicle count (AFC)]. Cancer survivors had significantly higher total and cancer-specific domain scores compared to unexposed participants. Serum AMH, INH, ovarian volume, and AFC were lower while serum FSH was higher in cancer survivors. Although survivors exhibited diminished ovarian reserve, these markers were not independently associated with total QLACS score. Cancer survivors with irregular menstrual function were found to have lower quality-of-life (QOL) scores than those with regular cycles. We found that QOL appears to be significantly impaired in cancer survivors compared to controls, even when remote from initial cancer diagnosis. In addition, our study suggests that reproductive aging contributes to QOL in the setting of irregular menses and likely profound impairment of ovarian function.
Systematic approach to the diagnosis of lysosomal storage disorders

Disorders that arise as a result of lysosomal dysfunction represent some of the most challenging diagnostic problems in medicine. Not only are these disorders infrequently seen, but they may also present with signs and symptoms that mimic perinatal injury, food intolerance, or the sequellae of neonatal infection. Misidentification can lead to significant delay in diagnosis. Ironically, as the prevailing economic climate places increasing time constraints on practicing physicians, medical research is providing treatment strategies and management techniques that are most effective if applied early in the course of the disease. Most lysosomal storage disorders can now be definitively diagnosed once the signs are recognized. In many cases the benefits of early diagnosis, enlightened management, and appropriate referral are considerable. The aim of this paper is to demystify this elusive class of diseases, to promote clinical vigilance in their detection, and to provide a systematic approach to diagnosis when clinical suspicion is aroused. MRDD Research Reviews 2001;7:190–199. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Advanced superimposed sputtering of amorphous Indium Zinc Oxide transparent conductors for Energy applications

In this work, we investigate the use of RF, DC, and mixed RF/DC magnetron sputtering and its effect on the optoelectronic properties of amorphous Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO) films sputtered from an 87/13 wt% ceramic target. The effect of oxygen concentration in the sputter gas is examined at several RF/DC power ratios and a variety of total powers to help optimize conductivity. We find that higher conductivities can be achieved at 50% of the typical DC sputtering oxygen concentration when duplicated via mixed RF/DC sputtering. By combining the two, mixed RF/DC sputtering allows for the high deposition rates of typical DC sputter deposition, while obtaining the greater conductivities and transparencies assisted by RF sputtering.
Osteoclast-induced Foxp3+ CD8 T-cells limit bone loss in mice

Abstract Osteoimmunology is the crosstalk between the skeletal and immune systems. We have previously shown in vitro that osteoclasts (OC) crosspresent antigens to induce FoxP3 in CD8 T-cells (OC-iTc REG ), which then suppress osteoclast activity. Here we assessed the ability of OC-iTc REG to limit bone resorption in vivo . Mice lacking CD8 T-cells lose more bone in response to RANKL (Tnfsf11) administration. Using adoptive transfer experiments we demonstrate that FoxP3 + CD8 T-cells limit bone loss by RANKL administration. In ovariectomized mice, a murine model of postmenopausal osteoporosis, OC-iTc REG limited bone loss and increased bone density as assessed by serum markers, micro computed tomography (μCT) and histomorphometry. Indeed, OC-iTc REG —treated ovariectomized mice had decreased levels of effector T-cells in the bone marrow compared to untreated mice, and increased bone formation rates relative to bisphosphonate-treated mice. Our results provide the first in vivo evidence that OC-iTc REG have anti-resorptive activity and repress the immune system, thus extending the purview of osteoimmunology.
TUBERCLE BACILLARY EXTRACTS IMMUNOGENIC FOR MICE. 6. COMPARATIVE IMMUNOGENICITY OF TRYPSIN EXTRACT OF TUBERCLE BACILLI IN MICE AND GUINEA PIGS.

Summary A water-soluble antigen extracted from acetone-washed trypsin-digested tubercle bacilli and previously reported immunogenic for mice on the basic of lung density assays has been verified as immunogenic in both mice and guinea pigs by assessment with other techniques. Survival of mice vaccinated with this antigen and then chailenged with virulent tubercle bacilli was longer to a statistically highly significant degree than survival of unimmunized control mice. Examination of necropsied mice and guinea pigs immunized with trypsin extract showed that they developed significantly less tuberculosis from challenge than unimmunized control animals. The immunogenicity of the extract was equivalent in mouse experiments to that of entire killed tubercle bacilli, but in guinea pigs it may have been slightly inferior. Reasons for and against a possible species discrepancy are discussed briefly. Possible relationships between trypsin-extracted immunogen and polysaccharides recently reported by two other laboratories as protective for mice or guinea pigs are also discussed.
Rivaroxaban to prevent pulmonary embolism after hip or knee replacement.

Rivaroxaban (Figure 1) is a new oral prescription medication used to help prevent clots from forming. Rivaroxaban is marketed under the brand name Xarelto, and it is approved in the United States, Canada, and Europe to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing an elective hip or knee replacement and to prevent stroke from atrial fibrillation. This Cardiology Patient Page will discuss the use of rivaroxaban to prevent pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis after hip or knee replacement. Figure 1. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) 10-mg tablets. Although there are many risk factors for developing a blood clot after surgery, one of the biggest is being immobile after surgery. Patients are at risk for developing a blood clot up to 3 months after surgery. Anticoagulants or “blood thinners” prevent blood clots from forming after surgery. Although these medications do not actually “thin” your blood, they make it more difficult for blood to clot. Proteins, called clotting factors, and platelets, a type of blood cell, are normally found flowing through your blood vessels. When you have a cut or when you are not moving and your blood becomes sluggish, clotting factors and platelets work together to form a clot or thrombus. Although this natural process helps you stop bleeding when you have a cut, it can be harmful when blood clots develop in the arms, legs, or lungs. This process is called the coagulation cascade (Figure 2). One …
Mechanisms and therapeutic advances in the management of endocrine-resistant breast cancer

The estrogen receptor (ER) pathway plays a critical role in breast cancer development and progression. Endocrine therapy targeting estrogen action is the most important systemic therapy for ER positive breast cancer. However its efficacy is limited by intrinsic and acquired resistance. Mechanisms responsible for endocrine resistance include deregulation of the ER pathway itself, including loss of ER expression, post-translational modification of ER, deregulation of ER co-activators; increased receptor tyrosine kinase signaling leading to activation of various intracellular pathways involved in signal transduction, proliferation and cell survival, including growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, epidermal growth factor receptor, PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Mitogen activated kinase (MAPK)/ERK, fibroblast growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor; alterations in cell cycle and apoptotic machinery; Epigenetic modification including dysregulation of DNA methylation, histone modification, and nucleosome remodeling; and altered expression of specific microRNAs. Functional genomics has helped us identify a catalog of genetic and epigenetic alterations that may be exploited as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers of response. New treatment combinations targeting ER and such oncogenic signaling pathways which block the crosstalk between these pathways have been proven effective in preclinical models. Results of recent clinical studies suggest that subsets of patients benefit from the combination of inhibitor targeting certain oncogenic signaling pathway with endocrine therapy. Especially, inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway, a key component implicated in mediating multiple signaling cascades, offers a promising approach to restore sensitivity to endocrine therapy in breast cancer. We systematically reviewed important publications cited in PubMed, recent abstracts from ASCO annual meetings and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, and relevant trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. We present the molecular mechanisms contributing to endocrine resistance, in particular focusing on the biological rationale for the clinical development of novel targeted agents in endocrine resistant breast cancer. We summarize clinical trials utilizing novel strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance, highlighting the need to better identify the appropriate patients whose diseases are most likely to benefit from these specific strategies.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate as an injectable female contraceptive

Abstract A total of 723 patients began receiving depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), 150 mg every three months, in the 21-month period from April 1967 to January 1969. This medication is a long-acting parenteral female contraceptive agent. One pregnancy occurred. Seventy-three women who subsequently had tubal ligation or hysterectomy were excluded from the analyses of continuation of DMPA. At 12 months 56.8 women per 100 and at 18 months 49 per 100 were continuing use of the medication. Irregular vaginal bleeding was the major medical reason for discontinuing use. Normal menses had not resumed within one year in 24 percent of the women discontinuing DMPA. This medication has an application in family planning practice for women who do not plan to have more children.
Molecular markers for early cancer detection

(2000). Molecular markers for early cancer detection. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 75-125.
The synthesis and molecular structure of [TmPh]2Pb: a complex with an ‘inverted’ η4-coordination mode for the tris(2-mercapto-1-phenylimidazolyl)hydroborato ligand

Abstract The tris(2-mercaptoimidazolyl)borate lead complex, [TmPh]2Pb, may be synthesized by reaction of Pb(ClO4)2 with 2 equivalents of [TmPh]Li. The molecular structure of [TmPh]2Pb has been determined by X–ray diffraction, revealing that it possesses an unusual structure with an inverted η4-coordination mode for the [TmPh] ligand which includes a Pb···H–B interaction.
Evaluation of different scintillators for 1MV NDE x-ray imaging

X-ray radiography is an important and frequently used NDE method of testing metal structures, such as tube welding quality, cracks and voids in cast iron or other metals. It gives fast and visible answer for structural defects. The Varian high energy portal imagers on Clinacs used in cancer treatment were tested for this purpose. We compared the traditional Gadox (LANEX) screen with and without a 1mm Cu buildup plate as used clinically. We also tested different hybrid scintillators, which consisted of different phosphor layers deposited onto fiberoptic plates. The last screen tested was a 2cm thick fiberoptic plate which contained scintillating fibers. The sensitivity (ADU = number of digital counts per a given X-ray dose), the resolution (MTF – modulation transfer function) and the DQE (detective quantum efficiency) were compared, with a 1 MV source, for these X-ray conversion screens. We found that the additional 1mm Cu plate, which improves the absorption and the contrast at 6 or higher energy MeV imaging, does not improve the image quality at 1MV. Rather it attenuates the X-rays, resulting in lower sensitivity and a lower DQE(0) of 2.2% with the additional Cu plate compared to DQE(0) of ~4% without the Cu plate. The hybrid scintillators with evaporated phosphors on fiberoptic plates tested were too thin resulting in low sensitivity. The best results were obtained from the thick scintillating fiberoptic screens, which provided the best DQE and high resolution with the 1MV X-ray beam. Further optimization is planned by changing the thickness of the scintillating fiber optic plate.
Urodynamic distinctions between idiopathic detrusor overactivity and detrusor overactivity secondary to multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the urodynamic characteristics of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) secondary to multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with idiopathic DO (IDO) to determine whether urodynamic distinctions could differentiate the different etiologies of DO. Methods The urodynamic characteristics of DO in women with MS (n = 54) were compared with the overactive contractions found in women with lower urinary tract symptoms and IDO (n = 42). Among other parameters, the amplitude of the first overactive contraction, maximal detrusor contraction, and threshold volume for the first overactive contraction were evaluated to assess the DO severity. A sensitivity analysis using cutoff values determined from those urodynamic parameters that differed between the patient groups is presented. Results The amplitude of the first overactive contraction was statistically greater in the patients with MS and NDO compared with patients with IDO (28.3 cm H 2 O versus 20.5 cm H 2 O, P = 0.003), as was the maximal detrusor contraction (46.4 cm H 2 O versus 30.8 cm H 2 O, P = 0.002). The threshold volume for DO was greater among patients with NDO (186.8 mL versus 150.5 mL, P = 0.037), likely secondary to the elevated postvoid residual urine volume noted among patients with MS ( P = 0.049). Using a cutoff value of 30 cm H 2 O for amplitude of the first overactive contraction achieved a positive predictive value of 88% for identifying MS in our data set. Conclusions The urodynamic characteristics of NDO differed significantly from those of IDO. Additional investigation is required to determine whether these differences are due to neurogenic influences directly on the detrusor muscle through aberrant innervation or by other mechanisms, such as enhanced outlet resistance during voiding.
Robust on-line neural learning classifier system for data stream classification tasks

The increasing integration of technology in the different areas of science and industry has resulted in the design of applications that generate large amounts of data on-line. Most often, extracting information from these data is key, in order to gain a better understanding of the processes that the data are describing. Learning from these data poses new challenges to traditional machine learning techniques, which are not typically designed to deal with data in which concepts and noise levels may vary over time. The purpose of this paper is to present supervised neural constructivist system (SNCS), an accuracy-based neural-constructivist learning classifier system that makes use of multilayer perceptrons to learn from data streams with a fast reaction capacity to concept changes. The behavior of SNCS on data stream problems with different characteristics is carefully analyzed and compared with other state-of-the-art techniques in the field. This comparison is also extended to a large collection of real-world problems. The results obtained show that SNCS can function in a variety of problem situations producing accurate classification of data, whether the data are static or in dynamic streams.
REACTIVE LESIONS AT THE CHORIO-RETINAL JUNCTION: An Experimental Study

Addition of increased amounts of serum and a protein (peroxidase from horseradish) to the culture medium caused structural alterations in previously confluent cultures composed of cells from the human retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. The alterations consisted in the formation of bi- and multi-layered strands, plaques and nodular structures and in the detachment of cells with formation of nude areas. These alterations resemble the frequently observed reactive alterations at the chorio-retinal junction in eyes with inflammation, trauma, retinal detachment and certain degenerative disease processes as the senile disciform macula degeneration.
Production function regressions, returns to scale, and externalities

A number of recent papers have used simple linear regressions in an attempt to identify market structure, the extent of returns to scale, and possible external effects in U.S. manufacturing industries. The results obtained from these regressions have important implications for several branches of modern macroeconomics. As a result, the macro literature frequently cites specific numerical evidence from Caballero and Lyons (1992) and Hall (1990), which suggests that there are quantitatively significant increasing returns to scale, or external effects in U.S. manufacturing. In contrast, it is the argument of this paper that this evidence is not convincing. The most robust evidence suggests that the typical U.S. manufacturing industry displays constant returns with no external effects. On the other hand, there is significant heterogeneity across industries.
Primary productivity in Halodule wrightii : a comparison of techniques based on daily carbon budgets

Bimonthly variations in shoot density, biomass, and blade productivity were used to estimate diel rates of primary productivity in conjunction with in situ measurements of photosynthesis and irradiance for a monospecific meadow ofHalodule wrightii Ascherson in Laguna Madre, Texas. Four separate techniques for estimating areal primary productivity were compared to estimates of primary production calculated from in situ measurements of photosynthesis and continuous recording of underwater light using the Hsat model. The clip and reharvest method, which is commonly used to measure shoot production, provided estimates ranging from 0.003 mol C m−2 d−1 in winter to 0.054 mol C m−2 d−1 in summer. In contrast, a method using aboveground biomass values, previously determined turnover rates, and belowground: aboveground biomass ratios provided estimates of primary production ranging from 0.04 mol C m−2 d−1 (winter) to 0.49 mol C m−2 d−1 (spring), similar to values determined from the Hsat model using in situ measurements of photosynthesis and ambient light regimes. Our results indicate that the clip and reharvest method dramatically underestimates primary productivity forH. wrightii, and that the inclusion of belowground biomass in carbon budget calculations is essential to obtaining realistic estimates of plant productivity. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01BY069 00022
The effect of epinephrine on tonic immobility (animal hypnosis) in chickens

To establish a dose-response relationship between epinephrine and tonic immobility (TI) in chickens, six groups of 10 cockerel chicks were given no injection, IP injection with saline, or injection with.125,.25,.5, or 1.0 mg/kg of epinephrine prior to three tests for duration of TI. Results indicated that TI was an increasing function of epinephrine dosage.
The prognostic value of interim positron emission tomography scan in patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Summary The prognostic value of interim positron emission tomography (PET) was evaluated after 2 cycles of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastin and dacarbazine in classical Hodgkin lymphoma patients (n = 229), based on Deauville criteria. In early stage non-bulky disease, bulky stage II disease, advanced stage low International Prognostic Score (IPS ≤2) and advanced stage (IPS ≥3), 3-year progression-free survival rates in PET2-negative vs. PET2-positive groups were 95·9% vs. 76·9% (P < 0·0018), 83·3% vs. 20·0% (P = 0·017), 77·0% vs. 30·0% (P < 0·001) and 71·0% vs. 44·4%(P = 0·155), respectively. The outcome after positive PET2 was better than previously reported. The results from non-randomized studies of PET2-guided therapy would be valuable with careful interpretation.
Short-Timescale Chemo-Mechanical Effects and their Influence on the Transport Properties of Fractured Rock

Anomalous changes in permeability are reported in fractures circulated by fluids undersaturated with respect to the mineral host. Under net dissolution and net removal of mineral mass, fractures may alternately gape or seal, depending on the prevailing mechanical and chemical conditions. The influence on transport properties is observed to be large, rapid, and irreversible: Permeabilities may change by two orders of magnitude in a month, and the direction of permeability change may switch spontaneously, for no apparent change in environmental forcing. These behaviors are apparent in continuous circulation experiments conducted on fractures in novaculite and limestone, intermittently imaged by X-ray CT. In novaculite, permeability reduces by two orders of magnitude as silica is net removed from the sample. Surprisingly, these changes can occur at modest temperatures (∼80°C) and stresses (∼3.5 MPa), where compaction progresses as temperatures are incremented. Isothermal (∼20°C) circulation tests in limestone show similar compaction driven by pressure solution. Where circulation remains undersaturated in Ca, the change in permeability spontaneously switches from net reduction to net increase as a wormhole forms. The surprising magnitude and rapidity of these changes are investigated in the context of the competition between stress- and chemistry-mediated effects.
Hot Spots, High Explosives Ignition, and Material Microstructure

This paper reviews the subject of high explosives ignition with focus on impact and shock loadings from the view point of modeling and identifying scientific issues that need to be addressed to establish a science basis on which to build a better predictive methodology for explosives safety. A motivation is to move explosives safety from empiricism to an advanced computation based analytic scientific and engineering basis, facilitating innovation. But because of the vastness of the subject, the scope of coverage is limited primarily to select aspects of shock and impact loadings that are relevant to the project the author has been involved in and presented in the companion paper by Min Zhou et al. of Georgia Institute of Technology.* (*Min Zhou et al., Materials Science Forum, in this volume)
Computed tomographic findings in the Arnold-Chiari Type I malformation.

Abstract The clinical and CT findings in a patient with the Arnold-Chiari Type I Malformation are described. Utilizing intrathecal metrizamide CT, the cerebellar tonsillar herniation was well visualized.
AN APPROACH FOR POPULATION ASSESSMENT IN THE ABSENCE OF ABUNDANCE INDICES

Population assessment models give managers insight into both the current status of a given population and how that population may respond to management measures. Nearly all of the techniques in both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife management require either an independent estimate of absolute abundance or an index that is consistently proportional to abundance. When neither of these exists, some information can still be mined from the changes in the sex and age ratios within the population over time. When harvesting is highly skewed toward a single sex or age class, the change in these ratios provides information about the exploitation rate and, when combined with absolute numbers removed, also provides information on absolute abundance. Traditional change-in-ratio techniques require independent estimates of other variables in order to be used in a predictive sense for open populations. This paper proposes a new method that combines the synthetic approach of fisheries stock assessment with the information contained in sex and age ratios to allow for the assessment of populations when no estimate of absolute abundance or reliable index of abundance exists. Although estimates of population parameters such as survival rates and fecundity are produced, the primary output of the estimation routine is the current population size and structure and the potential population sizes and structures that may result from future management options. The approach is validated using simulated data and is then applied to data for an elk population in north-central Idaho. Corresponding Editor: B. A. Maurer
Psychophysical studies of monkey vision. II. Squirrel monkey wavelength and saturation discrimination.

Abstract Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) were tested in four-choice discrimination experiments to determine their wavelength and saturation discrimination ability. Their wavelength discrimination curve had only a single minimum, in the region of 480 nm, and the discrimination performance was far poorer than that of macaque monkeys tested under identical conditions. The saturation discrimination tests indicated that the whole spectrum is more desaturated for squirrel monkeys than for macaques, and that the least saturated region is about 500 nm rather than 570 nm. There is, however, no neutral point. These results, plus their depressed photopic sensitivity to long wavelengths, support the classification of squirrel monkeys as severely protanomalous trichromats.
The Beautiful Soul in the Confessional: Crafting the Moral Self in Friederike Helene Unger's Confessions of a Beautiful Soul written by Herself

This article examines how Unger’s Confessions of a Beautiful Soul written by Herself creates a new model of moral acquisition. This model finds its place between religious morality and moral performance, calling for the novel’s protagonist, Mirabella, to cultivate a moral self through the spiritual practice of reading. Such a model still revolves around moral transformation, but it is no longer of her soul, but rather her thoughts; that is, Mirabella must first collect various depictions of morality from a wide scope of literature, then choose from these which ones she deems as of greatest importance to her, namely virginity and the control of the passions, and then apply these two concepts in great measure to her self. The proof of her successful cultivation is then evident in her physiognomy. This model is as new as it is radical; first, it provides an alternative to Goethe’s model in his fictional autobiography, Confessions of a Beautiful Soul; second, it contains implications for Mirabella in terms of both gender and class; finally, it allows for a new form of moral authenticity during a time of growing artifice in late eighteenth-century Germany. Foucault’s notions of self-cultivation in The Care of the Self, as well as the commentaries on physiognomy advanced in the works of Lavater and Winckelmann, provide the interpretive lens for this new model.
Evaluation of the inactivation of infectious Herpes simplex virus by host-defense peptides.

A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide microplate assay was adapted to screen for the ability of 20 host-defense peptides to inactivate herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. The procedure required minimal amounts of material, was reproducible, and was confirmed with standard antiviral testing techniques. In screening tests, with the exception of melittin, a highly cytotoxic and hemolytic peptide found in bee venom, the α-helical peptides in our test panel (magainins, cecropins, clavanins, and LL-37) caused little viral inactivation. Several β-sheet peptides (defensins, tachyplesin, and protegrins) inactivated one or both viruses, sometimes with remarkable selectivity. Two peptides were identified as having antiviral activity against both viruses, indolicidin (a tryptophan-rich peptide from bovine neutrophils) and brevinin-1 (a peptide found in frog skin). The antiviral activity of these two peptides was confirmed with standard antiviral assays. Interestingly, the antiviral activity of brevinin-1 was maintained after reduction and carboxamidomethylation, procedures that abolished its otherwise prominent hemolytic and cytotoxic effects.
Studies on glucuronide synthesis in rats chronically treated with morphine and phenol.

Abstract Glucuronyl transferase activity in rats chronically treated with morphine is decreased whereas that in rats chronically treated with phenol is unchanged when the enzymic activity is compared with that in control rats. The depressed enzymic activity in rats treated with morphine is apparent regardless of whether morphine or phenol is used as the substrate in assaying the activity. The activity of uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose dehydrogenase remains unaltered in the experimental animals. The glucuronyl transferase reaction in rats chronically treated with morphine becomes rate-limiting in conjugating foreign substances in the body.
Structure and Dynamics in Solids As Probed by Optical Spectroscopy

Optical spectroscopy provides a useful tool for probing the structure and dynamics of solids. Over the years, optical methods have evolved from absorption spectroscopy to more complex methods such as spectral hole burning, photon echoes, and luminescence line narrowing. The absorption spectrum provides information about inhomogeneous broadening, while the latter approaches provide information about the systematics of the homogeneous line shapeinformation that is often obscured by inhomogeneous broadening. When external perturbations such as strain or electric fields are applied, details of the local site can be obtained. Recently, the ultimate limit of optical spectroscopy has been attained, in which the spectral properties of individual single impurity molecules in a solid can be measured, with all ensemble averaging removed. This novel regime has provided additional, previously unobtainable, information on a highly local scale, such as the direct observation of the spectral shifting of a single molecule...
William Harvey and art misplaced.

Summary William Harvey's De generatione uses a quotation from Seneca's Epistula 58 together with material from Aristotle to oppose the cognitive processes and methods of the artist to those Harvey wishes to require for the anatomist. This paper studies ways in which Harvey, as a deliberate writer, makes rhetorical uses of that opposition to expose false anatomists as those who rely on books rather than on observation and who promulgate sciolist fictions. In showing that they contrast to true anatomists, whose statements derive from careful observation, and to imaginative artists, whose fictions do not claim to be verifiable truth, Harvey achieves a work establishing the status of the science of reproduction and summoning others to the proper method of practising it.
Hydride generation, electrothermal vaporization and liquid chromatography as sample introduction techniques for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Although the most common method of sample introduction for inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) used is pneumatic nebulization, it suffers from limitations particularly with respect to the transport efficiency. In an effort to improve the analyte transport to the plasma, many alternative techniques have been studied, including electrothermal vaporization (ETV) and hydride generation, among others. Flow injection and liquid chromatography, although they employ pneumatic nebulization, have also been studied as sample introduction techniques due to the ability to analyze small volume samples and obtain speciation information. Here, some advances in sample introduction for ICP-MS will be discussed including hydride generation and ETV techniques. In addition, recent studies in HPLC-ICP-MS will also be described. Advantages and disadvantages of each method will be reviewed together with the application to some representative samples.
Detailed Analysis for the Solvolysis of Isopropenyl Chloroformate

The specific rates of solvolysis (including those obtained from the literature) of isopropenyl chloroformate (1) are analyzed using the extended Grunwald-Winstein equation, involving the N(T) scale of solvent nucleophilicity (S-methyldibenzothiophenium ion) combined with a Y(Cl) scale based on 1-adamantyl chloride solvolysis. A similarity model approach, using phenyl chloroformate solvolyses for comparison, indicated a dominant bimolecular carbonyl-addition mechanism for the solvolyses of 1 in all solvents except 97% 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP). An extensive evaluation of the outcomes acquired through the application of the extended Grunwald-Winstein equation resulted in the proposal of an addition-elimination mechanism dominating in most of the solvents, but in 97-70% HFIP, and 97% 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE), it is proposed that a superimposed unimolecular (S(N)1) type ionization is making a significant contribution.
Computational Intelligence Applications for Defense [Research Frontier]

Given the current global security environment, there has been increased interest within the security and defense communities in novel techniques for solving challenging problems. New problems have emerged within the broad areas of security and defense that are difficult to tackle with conventional methods, thus requiring new techniques for detecting and adapting to emerging threats. The purpose of the symposium is to present current and ongoing efforts in computational intelligence as applied to security and defense problems.
Genetic Characterization of the Savannah and Pee Dee River Populations of Robust Redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) with Conservation Implications

Robust Redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) is a deep-dwelling catostomid that lives in southeastern rivers of the United States. After being lost to science for about 100 years, M. robustum was rediscovered in the 1980s by the Georgia DNR and is a federal species of special concern. Our goal was to genetically characterize populations of M. robustum in the Savannah and Pee Dee rivers based on genetic diversity and population structure using a suite of ten microsatellites. Substantial levels of population structure were detected between rivers (RST = 0.308), with high genetic diversity (0.81–0.87) and low inbreeding in both systems. Long-term estimates of effective population sizes were very high for both systems, but contemporary estimates were substantially lower, with the Pee Dee River estimate being of concern from a conservation standpoint. Their long life span and overlapping generations result in a high potential for across-year-class spawning and are likely contributing to the maintenance of high genet...
Bryophytes in perennially moist forests of Papua New Guinea: ecological orientation and predictions of disturbance effects.

Water relations of bryophytes must be understood along at least four dimensions: hydration/dehydration frequency; hydration duration; dehydration duration; degree of water loss. All these are biomass-dependent functions such that large colonies of bryophytes may maintain hydration longer than smaller colonies. The spread of a bryophyte colony allows lateral movement of capillary water; contiguous clones will thus allow lateral conduction of that water. In contrast, separated tufts or cushions may store water but will contribute very little to its transfer over the surface of the phorophyte. Many of the tropical rainforests of New Guinea have a larger mass of epiphytic bryophytes than any temperate forest. The primary effect of disturbance in these forests is a reduction in bryomass, presumably due to desiccation because of increased insolation and wind movement. The reduction of bryomass will decrease water and mineral retention in the bryophyte clones; and the reduction in the size of those clones will reduce their contiguity and thus interfere with bryophyte-mediatcd water and mineral transfer. Disturbance may alter bryophyte species frequency but, under present agricultural and forestry practices in New Guinea, I have seen no evidence of significant loss of bryophyte species.
Meeting the Challenge of Distance Learning in a Public/NonProfit MPA Curriculum

Abstract This article contends that there is a growing interest in the theory and practice of Distance Learning (DL). The article presents a DL application in a public/nonprofit administration curriculum. A description of the major DL platforms is made including the author's use of the WebCT and Yahoo groups platforms. Moreover, the article examines the many technological and behavioral challenges of DL. It is argued that in meeting such challenges, the higher education community must find ways to invest and support flexible platforms that support all faculty. Until such solutions are found, DL may never reach its fullest potential.
Cholesterol, cancer, and public health policy

A review of prospective cardiovascular epidemiologic studies reveals an inverse relationship between serum cholesterol levels and cancer mortality in half the studies in which this relationship has been examined. This inverse relationship has been demonstrated only for males, and is most consistently demonstrated for large bowel cancer. However, a review of international and intergroup epidemiologic data reveals that dietary fat intake is positively correlated with mortality rates for all cancers and for large bowel cancer. Internationally, there is also a positive correlation between mortality rates for ischemic heart disease and for cancer, as well as a positive correlation between mean population values of total serum cholesterol levels and cancer mortality. The biologic plausibility of the relationship between low serum cholesterol levels and cancer, and between high dietary fat intake and cancer are examined, with particular reference to large bowel cancer. Models are proposed to provide a coherent framework in which both low serum cholesterol levels and high dietary fat intake are risk factors for carcinogenesis. It is concluded that, on the basis of present knowledge, limitation of dietary fat and cholesterol intake is a prudent public health measure for the prevention of both coronary heart disease and cancer.
An Underserved Population and Untapped Resource : A Preliminary Study of Collegiate Sorority Response to Dating Violence

To what extent do national collegiate sororities have formal programs and policies addressing dating violence? Given that undergraduate women are at high risk for violence by a male partner, sororities represent an opportunity to reach large numbers of undergraduates as well as women in the community who are active in alumni chapters. Based on a telephone survey and review of organizational Web sites, study results suggest that collegiate sororities are an underserved population with regard to prevention, education, and outreach services and an untapped resource with regard to opportunities for community service. Suggestions for building collaboration between sororities and service providers to raise awareness, support victims, create safety planning, and develop resources are addressed.
Conversation at the Erotic Oasis

Scholarly investigations of men's same-sex anonymous sexual encounters have traditionally focused on identifying such behaviors as deviant and/or dangers to public health. Scholars have examined the structure and processes of such interactions, and typically presented the cruising process as one characterized by silence and a reliance on non-verbal communications. Drawing on law enforcement and court documents pertaining to a sample of 127 cases of men arrested for cruising activities, this study highlights the role that verbal exchanges and conversation play in such endeavors. Findings reveal that silence is not a contextual norm and conversation serves multiple purposes in the activities of men seeking men for anonymous, public-location sexual activities.
Inequalities in Products of Minors of Totally Nonnegative Matrices

Let ΔI,I′ be the minor of a matrix which corresponds to row set I and column set I′. We give a characterization of the inequalities of the form ΔI,I′ ΔK,K′ ≤ ΔJ,J′ ΔL,L′ which hold for all totally nonnegative matrices. This generalizes a recent result of Fallat, Gekhtman, and Johnson.
Dilution kinetic studies of yeast populations: in vivo aggregation of galactose utilizing enzymes and positive regulator molecules.

By use of a selective medium containing ethidium bromide, population analyses of yeast galactose long-term adaptation mutants (gal3) in the process of deadaptation in the absence of galactose have been performed. The analysis of diploid strains homozygous for the gal3 locus but heterozygous for different combinations of the other mutant galactose loci, which thus have reduced amounts of the gene products of those loci, have demonstrated that, in addition to the two permease units determined in a previous study, a cell requires one complex of the Leloir pathway enzymes and two complexes specified by the Gal4 locus to be readily induced. From the consideration of these complexes as being aggregated molecules which are diluted out as units (i.e., if such a molecule were a dimer, it would not dissociate into monomers) during cell growth, the in vivo aggregation of these enzymes and the Gal4 gene product could be studied. The data indicate that the function of the Gal4 gene product is to activate a Leloir enzyme complex. It is postulated that the gal3 phenotype is the result of such strains' inability to actively synthesize an endogenous co-inducer which allows wild-type cells to be readily induced upon exposure to galactose.