cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Event-related brain potentials elicited by rhyming and non-rhyming pictures differentiate subgroups of reading disabled adolescents

Event-related brain potentials were recorded while disabled adolescent subjects read and judged whether two sequentially presented pictures had names that rhymed. Subjects with relatively good phonetic skills displayed an N400 priming effect, i.e., a significant reduction in the amplitude of the negative peak, occurring approximately 400 msec post-stimulus, for pictures with names that rhymed with preceding pictures as compared with pictures that had names that did not rhyme with the prime. No such effect was evident for subjects with relatively poor phonetic skills. This lack of an N400 priming effect provides evidence for a reduction in neural capacity and/or activation during phonological processing in the subjects with poor phonological skills. Demonstrating the N400 priming effect to be stronger in one group of reading disabled subjects, compared to another, supports the position that specific subtypes of reading disability exist. In addition to the stronger N400 priming effect, the phonetically stronger group also exhibited an enhanced negativity, from 700 to 1,000 msec after target stimulus onset, compared to phonetically inferior subjects. This finding replicates earlier work and possibly reflects a higher level of confidence in the group with better phonetic skills.
THE FRACTURE ENERGY OF INTERFACES : AN ELASTIC INDENTATION TECHNIQUE

Abstract Debonding of thin refractory coatings between two oxides has been investigated by developing a new, simple indentation test technique. The method is based on a Hertzian indentation approach, modified to incorporate crack propagation down an interface plane beneath and parallel to the indented surface. The test method has been analyzed using finite elements and the results validated by experiments on homogeneous solids. Test materials have been selected to distinguish coatings capable of debonding from those immune from debonding. The implications for fiber coatings suitable for use in high temperature oxide based composites have been discussed.
A simultaneous interpretation, by wind speed and direction, of ambient air negative ion density in Athens, Greece

A recently developed data presentation technique, the rectangular wind frequency isopleth diagram, has been applied to examine the effect of wind speed and direction, acting simultaneously, on ambient air negative ion densities. The large negative ion concentration decreases in the majority of directions and wind speed intervals, while that of the small ions increases, as the wind speed increases. The local maxima and minima, occurring in some sectors, are properly discussed.
Characterization of post-translational modifications common to three primary mesenchyme cell-specific glycoproteins involved in sea urchin embryonic skeleton formation.

Previous studies have established the importance of a complex, N-linked oligosaccharide chain, recognized by a monoclonal antibody (mAb 1223), in the formation of sea urchin embryonic skeletal components known as spicules. To further investigate the function of this epitope, mAb 1223 was added to primary mesenchyme (PM) cell cultures prior to spiculogenesis. The antibody did not inhibit cell migration, cell attachment, or synthesis of the filapodial networks upon which the spicules are deposited. However, it did block deposition of mineralized CaCO3 along these filapodia, strongly supporting the previously proposed role for the 1223 epitope in calcium accumulation and/or deposition. Previously the 1223 epitope has been most extensively studied in association with a mesenchyme-specific protein of 130 kDa (msp 130). It has now been established, by Western blot analysis of whole embryo and PM cell extracts using mAb 1223, that two other proteins of 205 and 250 kDa contain the 1223 epitope. A study of the developmental profiles of expression of these glycoproteins revealed that all three were first expressed just prior to spiculogenesis, consistent with a role for any or all of these proteins in this process. Additionally all three proteins incorporated ethanolamine, myristate, and palmitate, the precursors of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Further labeling studies revealed differences in the metabolic lability of the GPI anchor in the three proteins; pulse-chase studies demonstrated that the ethanolamine moiety was stable in msp 130, but was rapidly chased from the 205-kDa protein (T12 = 14 hr). Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C partially released (50%) msp 130 from the PM cell surface, whereas it had no effect on release of the 205- and 250-kDa proteins. Studies with 35SO4 labeling and PNGase F treatment directly established that all three proteins are sulfated, and that most of the sulfate is attached to the N-linked oligosaccharide chains. Thus, the three major mAb 1223-reactive glycoproteins in PM cells are also the three major proteins containing both sulfated N-linked oligosaccharide chains and GPI anchors. Further investigation of this intriguing correlation may help to define the precise function of the 1223 epitope in the process of spicule formation
CD27/CD70 interactions regulate T dependent B cell differentiation

CD27 is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family member whose expression is limited to cells of the lymphoid lineage. Constitutively expressed on T lymphocytes, it is a costimulatory molecule for a regulatory subset. Induced on B lymphocytes after antigenic challenge, it is a marker of memory cells. CD70, CD27 ligand, is a TNF related trans-membrane protein induced upon activation on T and B cells. In complement of ligation of CD40, another TNF receptor family member expressed by B cells, CD27/CD70 interaction plays a key role in T dependent B cell responses and is responsible for plasma cell differentiation. B lymphocyte responses appear thus controlled by different T cell subsets expressing CD154 (CD40 ligand), CD27, or CD70 (CD27 ligand).
Densification of nano-CeO2 ceramics as nuclear oxide surrogate by spark plasma sintering

Abstract The sintering and resulting microstructure of nano-grained CeO2 ceramics were investigated as functions of the spark plasma sintering (SPS) parameters. Ceria powders could be sintered to a relative density over 97% with a grain size of about 30 nm. The applied uniaxial pressure during sintering had a significant effect on densification. The combination of high pressure and fast heating rate produces a marked reduction in the sintering temperature to densify CeO2 with very limited grain growth. Heating rate and holding time, however, had insignificant effect on density but a measurable effect on grain size.
Truth‐bearers and the Liar – a reply to Alan Weir

A defence of a solution to the Liar which treats uses of tokens as truth-beares in response to some criticism by Alan Weir of an article by Michael Clark
Solvent treatment of coals: 1. Effects on microporosity at ambient temperature

The effects of extraction with thirteen solvents and three solvent mixtures at ambient temperature on the surface areas of three bituminous coals were investigated. The total surface area of each coal, measured by CO2 at 298 K, was substantially increased by extraction with pyridine, ethylenediamine, methylpyrrolidinone and THF. The maximum surface area attained was nearly the same for the three coals—evidence for a similar, highly crosslinked macromolecular network type of structure in all three coals. Given enough time, the mixed solvents were also effective in increasing the total surface area when the ‘solubility parameter’ of the coal was equal to the ‘solubility parameter’ of the mixture. None of the solvents increased the surface area measured by nitrogen significantly, indicating that the pores opened by the extraction of soluble pore material were < 0.5 nm in size. All the effective solvents satisfied the donor and acceptor number requirements for extraction of pore material based on the donor-acceptor model of coal extraction.
Will VAMS Reinforce the Walls of the Egg-Crate School?

Throughout the United States there is an increasing trend toward using value-added methods (VAMs) for high-stakes decisions. When policymakers use VAMs to identify, reward, and dismiss teachers, they may perpetuate the egg-crate model of schooling and undermine efforts to build instructional capacity schoolwide. At any time, in any school, some teachers are more knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled than others. Schools function best when they continuously leverage teachers’ expertise so that all students in all classrooms are well served. Drawing from research about the incentives and norms that influence teachers’ work within schools, this article illustrates what can happen when these methodologies are used to make job decisions and it identifies the hazards of using VAMs for this purpose. Contextualizing this within the larger discussion about performance evaluation systems, the article suggests how VAMs can be used productively as one source of information to promote improvement schoolwide.
Psycholinguistics of Aphasia Pharmacotherapy: Asking the Right Questions.

Background: Among the obstacles to demonstrating efficacy of pharmacological intervention for aphasia is quantifying patients’ responses to treatment in a statistically valid and reliable manner. In many of the review papers on this topic, detailed discussions of various methodological problems are highlighted, with some suggestions on how these shortcomings should be addressed. Given this deep understanding of caveats associated with the experimental design of aphasia pharmacotherapy studies, investigations continue to produce inconsistent results.Aim: In this review paper, we suggest that the inclusion of theory-driven linguistic measures in aphasia pharmacotherapy studies would add an important step toward elucidating precise patterns of improvement in language performance resulting from pharmacotherapeutic intervention.Main Contribution: We provide a brief review of the clinical approaches currently used in pharmacotherapy studies of aphasia, which often lack psycholinguistic grounding. We then presen...
Strength and rigidity of the elastic lunar lithosphere and implications for present-day mantle convection in the moon

Lunar gravity data are used to estimate the thickness of the elastically defined lunar lithosphere, and the load-bearing capability of lithosphere with respect to lunar mascons is analyzed by representing the elastic lithosphere as a plane elastic plate subject to spatially concentrated loads from above and buoyant support from below. Gravity perturbations are computed and compared with observations, the spectrum of lunar gravity perturbations is derived, and effects of curvature are considered. The magnitude of the elastic stresses associated with a lithospheric flexure model maintaining the irregularities of the lunar gravity field is shown to be quite similar to that of the lithospheric stresses found on earth. It is concluded that associated differences in gravity, heat flow, and lithospheric thickness all combine to make the lunar lithosphere much more rigid and stronger than that of earth. Implications for present-day lunar convection are discussed.
Distinguishing between amateur sport participants and spectators: the List of Values approach

This study uses the List of Values (LOV) (Kahle, 1983) approach to investigate the differences in social values of amateur basketball tournament participants and spectators. The data from the survey of tournament attendees (N = 399) were utilised to demonstrate that social values can be used to predict the likelihood of a person becoming either a participant or a spectator in an amateur sport tournament. The value orientations are discussed in the context of demographic differences between the two groups. The sense of accomplishment and excitement values were positively related to tournament participation. In contrast, the warm relationship with others and security values were positively related to tournament spectatorship. Practical implications of these findings for marketing and management of amateur sport tournaments are discussed.
Improved effective index method for oxide-confined VCSEL mode analysis

We propose a novel treatment that enhances the accuracy of the Effective Index Method (EIM) when used for gain-guided oxide-confined VCSELs. If a thin oxide is placed at or near a z-field null position, the diffraction caused by the oxide becomes negligible. Gain-guiding subsequently dominates and causes the EIM to break down. To circumvent this problem, we propose to use an artificial index-guided diffraction effect to simulate the gain-guided diffraction effect. This is achieved by increasing the oxide thickness and making a correction to the oxide index by taking a weighted sum between the original oxide index and the center region index at the oxide layer position. The weight is specifically chosen to be the mean z-field (normalized to its local z-field variation) at the position of the oxide. We show that this simple correction to the EIM successfully simulates the gain-guided diffraction effect and produces the correct transverse phase variation for oxide-apertured VCSELs when gain-guiding becomes the dominant mechanism. Therefore, the improved EIM is able to produce resonant wavelengths which are in excellent agreement to those of the vector Green's function method for the COST-268 VCSEL model, both in the gain-guided and index-guided regimes. Comparisons with an experimental model have also been made and excellent agreement is shown.
Elucidating the thermal chemical and mechanical mechanisms of ultraviolet ablation in poly(methyl methacrylate) via molecular dynamics simulations

[Figure: see text]. Laser ablation harnesses photon energy to remove material from a surface. Although applications such as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery, lithography, and nanoscale device fabrication take advantage of this process, a better understanding the underlying mechanism of ablation in polymeric materials remains much sought after. Molecular simulation is a particularly attractive technique to study the basic aspects of ablation because it allows control over specific process parameters and enables observation of microscopic mechanistic details. This Account describes a hybrid molecular dynamics-Monte Carlo technique to simulate laser ablation in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). It also discusses the impact of thermal and chemical excitation on the ensuing ejection processes. We used molecular dynamics simulation to study the molecular interactions in a coarse-grained PMMA substrate following photon absorption. To ascertain the role of chemistry in initiating ablation, we embedded a Monte Carlo protocol within the simulation framework. These calculations permit chemical reactions to occur probabilistically during the molecular dynamics calculation using predetermined reaction pathways and Arrhenius rates. With this hybrid scheme, we can examine thermal and chemical pathways of decomposition separately. In the simulations, we observed distinct mechanisms of ablation for each type of photoexcitation pathway. Ablation via thermal processes is governed by a critical number of bond breaks following the deposition of energy. For the case in which an absorbed photon directly causes a bond scission, ablation occurs following the rapid chemical decomposition of material. A detailed analysis of the processes shows that a critical energy for ablation can describe this complex series of events. The simulations show a decrease in the critical energy with a greater amount of photochemistry. Additionally, the simulations demonstrate the effects of the energy deposition rate on the ejection mechanism. When the energy is deposited rapidly, not allowing for mechanical relaxation of the sample, the formation of a pressure wave and subsequent tensile wave dominates the ejection process. This study provides insight into the influence of thermal, chemical, and mechanical processes in PMMA and facilitates greater understanding of the complex nature of polymer ablation. These simulations complement experiments that have used chemical design to harness the photochemical properties of materials to enhance laser ablation. We successfully fit the results of the simulations to established analytical models of both photothermal and photochemical ablation and demonstrate their relevance. Although the simulations are for PMMA, the mechanistic concepts are applicable to a large range of systems and provide a conceptual foundation for interpretation of experimental data.
Observational assessment of chronic pain patient-spouse behavioral interactions

A methodology for the observational assessment of behavioral interactions between chronic pain patients and their spouses was developed and evaluated. Chronic pain patients and their spouses (n=50 couples) and healthy controls (n=33 couples) were videotaped while performing a series of tasks. Behaviors of both partners were coded from the videotapes. All subjects also completed a set of self-report measures scheme showed acceptable interrater agreement and discriminated pain and control groups on the basis of overt as well as self-reported behavior as predicted by operant theory. Pain patients showed higher rates of overt nonverbal and verbal pain behaviors compared to controls, spouses of pain patients showed more solicitous behavior than did control spouses, and pain patients and their spouses showed less facilitative behavior than did controls. The coding scheme also demonstrated convergent validity in that code categories correlated significantly with self-report measures as similar construct. The results suggest that this methodolgy and coding system are potentially useful tools for addressing important theoretical and clinical questions related to the operant model of chronic pain behavior. of physical and psychological functioning. Results indicated that the behavioral coding
Carotid endarterectomy then and now: outcome and cost-effectiveness of modern practice

Abstract Background During the past decade, our practice of performing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has changed dramatically, most notably by an abrupt shift from routine to selective preoperative angiography, reliance on defined care plans with full-time nurse practitioner oversight, and increasing reliance on eversion endarterectomy and cervical block anesthesia. This study was designed to determine whether these shifts in policy have been associated with lower costs without sacrificing clinical outcome. Methods All patients undergoing CEA from July 1993 to December 2000 were identified, and inpatient and outpatient charts were reviewed. Cost data were obtained from the central hospital accounting system and converted to 2001 dollars. Thirty-day outcomes and costs were quantified each year and compared between each of 2 temporally well-defined groups: those undergoing “routine” versus “selective” angiography and those cared for before and after defined patient care protocols were instituted. Results A total of 1168 CEAs were analyzed. Thirty-day combined stroke and death rate was 3.1%, and no trends or significant differences over time were seen. From 1993 to 2000 the cost of CEA fell from $9302 to $6216 (P Conclusions Changes in policy from routine to selective angiography, reliance on defined postoperative care pathways, eversion endarterectomy, and cervical block anesthesia have been associated with significant cost savings, with no compromise in clinical outcome at our institution.
Observing ultraviolet signatures of interstellar organics with the Hubble Space Telescope

The Cosmic Origins Spectrograph ( COS ) will be more sensitive for ultraviolet spectroscopy than either the GHRS or the STIS , especially in the far UV where many absorption lines and bands formed by atoms and molecules have electronic transitions from the ground state. Here we outline our plans for using the COS to observe interstellar gas and dust in the cold ISM, along with a report on the results of preliminary archival HST search for UV diffuse interstellar bands.
Pycnonuclear reaction and possible chain reactions in an ultra-dense DT plasma

Abstract In ultra dense matter, fusion reactions might be observable even at zero temperature. We show that these so-called “pycnonuclear reactions” can be appreciable in the laboratory, and that explosive fusion chain-reactions are possible. Moreover, we predict the possibility of fission-like chain reactions. We assess the enhancement due to electron screening and consider the local field correction as well as relativistic effects.
Pancreatic cancer biology and genetics

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive and devastating disease, which is characterized by invasiveness, rapid progression and profound resistance to treatment. Advances in pathological classification and cancer genetics have improved our descriptive understanding of this disease; however, important aspects of pancreatic cancer biology remain poorly understood. What is the pathogenic role of specific gene mutations? What is the cell of origin? And how does the stroma contribute to tumorigenesis? A better understanding of pancreatic cancer biology should lead the way to more effective treatments.
DISCRETE WAVELET ANALYSIS FOR MULTIPARTICLE PRODUCTION EXPERIMENTS

In high energy nucleus–nucleus collisions (SPS, RHIC, LHC) and in cosmic rays interactions, many particles are produced in the available phase space. We make an attempt to apply the wavelets technique in order to classify such events according to the event pattern and also to locate the so-called "clustering" in a distribution. After describing the method, we demonstrate its power (a) to a single event, produced by a pion condensation theoretical model, (b) to a sample of Pb–Pb simulated data at 158 GeV/c per nucleon taking into account all the experimental uncertainties.
No Evidence that Male Choice Contributes to the Maintenance of a Shared, Sex-Limited Trait in Mimetic and Non-mimetic Female Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies, Papilio glaucus

In animal species that have morphological polymorphisms maintained by unique or divergent selection pressures, understanding the preservation of shared traits is important for identifying the factors that are influencing overall evolutionary processes. In the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly, Papilio glaucus, females are dimorphic. One morph (‘dark-morph’) is mostly black and mimics the toxic pipevine swallowtail, Battus philenor. These females have large amounts of blue coloration on the dorsal hind wings that enhances their mimetic resemblance. Conversely, the alternate female type (‘yellow-morph’) is similar to males in coloration with the exception of extensive dorsal blue coloration, comparable to dark-morph females. Such coloration is almost completely absent in males. We examined dorsal blue coloration in P. glaucus to determine if mimetic resemblance in dark morphs is predominantly responsible for the maintenance of dorsal blue color in both female types, or whether mate recognition and/or sexual selection by males has a stronger influence on this trait. We measured the relative amount and variance of dorsal and ventral blue coloration in females of both color morphs, as well as males. We also compared these measurements to similar ones taken in the sister species, P. canadensis (which does not exhibit female dimorphism). Lastly, we investigated mate recognition and preferences of wild males. Our results suggest that mimetic resemblance may be more important than sexual selection for sustaining dorsal blue coloration in dark-morph females and that yellow-morphs could have elevated levels of blue due to currently unknown genetic associations. Although trait correlation between sexes is common, intrasexual trait correlation in a sex-limited, polymorphic species has not been frequently observed.
Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase is an essential enzyme in Trypanosoma brucei. In vitro RNA interference and in vivo inhibition studies.

We report the cloning and sequencing of a gene encoding the farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) of Trypanosoma brucei. The protein (TbFPPS) is an attractive target for drug development because the growth of T. brucei has been shown to be inhibited by analogs of its substrates, the nitrogen containing bisphosphonates currently in use in bone resorption therapy. The protein predicted from the nucleotide sequence of the gene has 367 amino acids and a molecular mass of 42 kDa. Several sequence motifs found in other FPPSs are present in TbFPPS, including an 11-mer peptide insertion present also in the Trypanosoma cruzi FPPS. Heterologous expression of TbFPPS in Escherichia coli produced a functional enzyme that was inhibited by several nitrogencontaining bisphosphonates, such as pamidronate and risedronate. Risedronate was active in vivo against T. brucei infection in mice (giving a 60% survival rate), but pamidronate was not effective. The essential nature of TbFPPS was studied using RNA interference (RNAi) to inhibit the expression of the gene. Expression of TbFPPS double-stranded RNA in procyclic trypomastigotes caused specific degradation of mRNA. After 4 days of RNAi, the parasite growth rate declined and the cells subsequently died. Similar results were obtained with bloodstream form trypomastigotes, except that the RNAi system in this case was leaky and mRNA levels and parasites recovered with time. Molecular modeling and structure-activity investigations of enzyme and in vitro growth inhibition data resulted in similar pharmacophores, further validating TbFPPS as the target for bisphosphonates. These results establish that FPPS is essential for parasite viability and validate this enzyme as a target for drug development.
A novel performance evaluation paradigm for automated video surveillance systems

Most existing performance evaluation methods concentrate on defining various metrics over a wide range of conditions and generating standard benchmarking video sequences to examine the effectiveness of a video tracking system. It is a common practice to incorporate a robustness margin or factor into the system/algorithm design. However, these methods, deterministic approaches, often lead to overdesign, thus increasing costs, or underdesign, causing frequent system failures. In order to overcome the aforementioned limitations, we propose an alternative framework to analyze the physics of the failure process via the concept of reliability. In comparison with existing approaches where system performance is evaluated based on a given benchmarking sequence, the advantage of our proposed framework lies in that a unified and statistical index is used to evaluate the performance of an automated video surveillance system independent of input sequences. Meanwhile, based on our proposed framework, the uncertainty problem of a failure process caused by the system’s complexity, imprecise measurements of the relevant physical constants and variables, and the indeterminate nature of future events can be addressed accordingly.
A multilevel modeling and analysis of network-centric systems

Abstract The design, analysis and development of parallel and distributed applications on high performance Network-Centric Systems (NCS) are still very challenging tasks. Consequently, there is a great need for an integrated multilevel analysis methodology to assist in designing and analyzing the performance of both existing and proposed new network-centric systems. Currently, there are no comprehensive analysis methods that address such diverse needs. This paper presents a three-level hierarchical modeling approach for analyzing the end-to-end performance of an NCS application. The overall system is partitioned into application level, protocol level and network level. Functions at each level are modeled using queueing networks. This approach enables the designer to study system performance for different types of networks and protocols and different design strategies. In this paper we use video-on-demand as an application example to show how our approach can be used to analyze the performance of such an application.
Modulation of the cellular pharmacology of JM118, the major metabolite of satraplatin, by copper influx and efflux transporters

Satraplatin is an orally bioavailable platinum analog that has activity in prostate cancer. JM118 is the most abundant species found in the plasma following the oral ingestion of satraplatin and has anti-tumor activity in vitro against cell lines that are resistant to cisplatin (DDP). The goal of the current study was to determine whether the activity of JM118 in some DDP-resistant cells can be explained by differences in the cellular pharmacology of the two drugs. The effect of each of the Cu transporters CTR1, ATP7A and ATP7B on sensitivity to the growth inhibitory effect of JM118 and its cellular pharmacology was examined to identify the characteristics of JM118 that distinguish it from DDP. These studies were performed using wild type and CTR1−/− homozygous knockout mouse embryo cells, and human Me32a Menkes disease fibroblasts that do not express either ATP7A or ATP7B plus sublines molecularly engineered to express either ATP7A (MeMNK cells) or ATP7B (MeWND cells). Knockout of the Cu influx transporter CTR1 in murine embryo cells increased their resistance to DDP and reduced its cellular accumulation but had no effect on sensitivity to JM118 or its uptake. In the case of DDP, forced expression of either of the two Cu efflux transporters, ATP7A or ATP7B, in Me32a cells rendered them resistant to DDP, increased whole cell accumulation of Pt but reduced the amount of Pt in DNA. In the case of JM118, forced expression of either ATP7A or ATP7B rendered Me32a cells resistant, increased not only whole cell Pt accumulation but also increased rather than decreased the amount of Pt in DNA. These results demonstrate that both ATP7A and ATP7B mediate resistance to JM118 as well as DDP and suggest that they sequester both DDP and JM118 into vesicular compartments within the cell resulting in enhanced whole cell accumulation and reduced cytotoxicity. We conclude that there are two important differences between DDP and JM118 with respect to the effect of Cu transporters on their cellular pharmacology. First, whereas CTR1 is involved in DDP accumulation it does not play a role in the uptake of JM118. Second, ATP7A and ATP7B, while they both mediate resistance, have opposite effects on the accumulation of Pt in DNA following exposure to the two drugs. ATP7A and ATP7B appear to be able to modulate the toxicity of the Pt that accumulates in DNA following exposure to JM118. These results suggest that JM118 will retain activity in cells in which DDP resistance is due to the loss of CTR1, but not in cells in which resistance is due to enhanced expression of ATP7A or ATP7B.
Comparison of long-term variability for standard and short-wavelength automated perimetry in stable glaucoma patients.

Abstract PURPOSE: To quantify and compare, on a point-by-point basis, the long-term variability of standard and short-wavelength automated perimetry in a group of stable glaucoma patients. METHODS: From a group of 53 glaucoma patients experienced in visual field testing, we identified one eye, randomly chosen, from each of 25 glaucoma patients whose condition was found to be stable, based on both standard and short-wavelength automated perimetry visual field criteria. On each of three visits during a period of up to 3 months, each patient performed one standard and one short-wavelength automated perimetry 24-2 visual field in a random order on a Humphrey visual field analyzer. The long-term variability (also referred to as test-retest variability) was defined as the SD of the three threshold decibel values at each test location. The long-term variability for each test point (mean ± SD) was determined separately for both standard visual fields and short-wavelength automated perimetry. RESULTS: With all 52 test locations of the 24-2 field averaged, the global long-term variability, mean (± SD) for standard visual fields and short-wavelength automated perimetry was 2.37 ± 2.03 dB (95% confidence interval, 2.26–2.48 dB) and 2.92 ± 2.03 dB (95% confidence interval, 2.81–3.03 dB), respectively ( P CONCLUSIONS: In a group of stable glaucoma patients, mean long-term variability was 0.55 dB higher for short-wavelength automated perimetry than for standard visual fields. This needs to be taken into consideration when serial visual fields are evaluated for change.
Introduction to artificial neural systems for pattern recognition

Abstract The artificial intelligence community has seen a recent resurgence in the area of neural network study. Inspired by the workings of the brain and nervous system, neural networks have solved some persistent problems in vision and speech processing. However, the new systems may offer an alternative approach to decision-making via high level pattern recognition. This paper will describe the distinguishing features of neurally inspired systems, and present popular systems in a discrete-time, algorithmic framework. Examples of applications to decision problems will appear, and guidelines for their use in operations research will be established.
On the formulation of contact problems of shells and plates

The equations of motion in terms of resultants and the constitutive equations in the theory of shells and plates are ordinarily derived from the three-dimensional equations relative to an interior surface, often taken to be the middle surface in the reference configuration of the shell-like body. This usual formulation is not, in general, applicable to contact problems of shells for which one of the major surfaces, e.g., the upper surface, is specified as the reference surface. The present paper is concerned with the transformation relations between the relevant variables (and hence also the response functions) of the traditional formulation and one which can be obtained relative to one of the major surfaces. Our derivations, carried out both from the three-dimensional equations and by a direct approach, utilize only the conservation laws and the field equations without recourse to constitutive equations. Hence, the results are applicable to any shell-like medium and their validity is not limited to elastic shells alone.
247 RELATIONSHIP OF BINDING AND METABOLIC DISPOSITION TO INTERNALIZATION OF INSULIN

Previous studies by others have demonstrated internalization and lysosomal degradation of insulin in isolated cells, following binding to membrane receptors. In the present studies, the perfused rat liver was used to study the relationship between internalization, binding and metabolic disposition of I125 insulin. Washed, human RBC in 4% BSA and KRB were used in open perfusion of liver in situ in weanling rats. After ten minutes of perfusion, 1 × 106 CPM insulin125 were added to the pre-hepatic line. Samples were serially collected for determination of total, TCA soluble and precipitable counts. At a perfusate concentration of 250 μU/ml, 35% of labelled insulin is bound to liver. During the subsequent 20 minutes of perfusion, approximately 30% of bound insulin re-appears in the perfusate as intact (TCA precipitable) insulin. Less than 1% of total counts are present in liver after 20 minutes. Addition of methylamine (10 mM), which inhibits clustering of hormone-receptor complexes, increased the amount of I125 insulin bound, and reduced amount degraded. Lysosomotropic agents (chloroquine, colchicine, and NH4Cl) had no effect on the amount of insulin bound but markedly inhibited (> 60%) the amount degraded. These studies indicate that: 1) greater than one half of bound insulin is internalized; 2) insulin binding to receptors is independent of rates of lysosomal degradation; 3) insulin bound to hepatic membranes may be, in part, released intact to the peripheral circulation.
An analytic stress model applied to the Snake River Plain (Northern Basin and Range province U.S.A.)

Abstract The complex representation of plane stress is used for an analytic model to describe the stress regime of the Snake River Plain (SRP) region of the western United States. The area is modeled as an infinite elastic sheet cut along a circular arc with tension applied at infinity. Modeling results include the following: (1) south of the Snake River Plain, the principal direction of tension rotates from the direction of the applied stress to a direction sub-parallel to the cut, consistent with the orientation of normal faulting and nodal planes given by fault plane solutions; (2) north of the Snake River Plain, calculated stress directions are consistent with the variable nature of faulting in that region; (3) a decrease in magnitude of predicted stresses is observed within the Snake River Plain consistent with relatively low levels of seismicity on the Plain.
Oestrogen Receptor β is Involved in the Actions of Oestrogens in the Brain for Affective Behaviour, but not Trophic Effects in Peripheral Tissues

Oestrogens, such as 17β-oestradiol (E2), have pleiotropic effects throughout the body, owing, in part, to their having several sources and target tissues. E2 is primarily thought of as being produced and secreted by the ovaries, and influencing reproduction-related function. In addition to a clear ovarian source, E2 is also produced in other regions of the body, including the adrenal glands, adipose and the central nervous system (1). One challenge has been that many of these sources of oestrogens are also a main target of them for their diverse trophic effects (e.g. the brain, ovaries) throughout the lifespan. Furthermore, E2’s diverse effects are not limited to reproductive function, and can influence mood and cognition. E2’s effects are not limited to a discrete time period but have actions throughout the lifespan, from development to late age. It is beyond the scope of this review to exhaustively cover all of E2’s sources, targets, effects, and the timing of E2’s influence. Instead, this review will focus on the possibility that E2’s beneficial effects in the brain at oestrogen receptor beta (ERβ), may be distinguishable from negative proliferative effects on peripheral, ER(α)-rich tissues, such as the uterus and mammary glands. Basic science experiments performed in our laboratory and others in support of this notion will be reviewed and discussed. More recent lines of investigation to further understand the mechanisms of E2’s effects at ERs, which may involve changes in the cell cycle, will be summarized. What follows first is a brief summary of the most well-recognised physical and psychological effects of E2 throughout the adult lifespan.
Peripheral Nasal Field Defects

Visual field assessment using the Octopus Perimeter was carried out on 96 eyes with early P.O.A.G. The central visual field was assessed quantitatively using programmes 31 and 32 while the peripheral field was assessed using a two-step suprathreshold screening programme (07).
Unhelpful helpers: when scaffolding structures veil collaborative interactions

Collaborative software tools are designed to support users in individual and group efforts to engage in complex tasks and/or to acquire and develop complex cognitive skills. The aim is to help users by alleviating or lessening the burden of complexity or even to hide or veil the complexity inherent in these tasks and skills. These embedded design structures act as scaffolds to provide support and laddering for users' attempts at climbing through, or mastering, skills and tool use. Tools whose scaffolds and structures fail to support and/or mediate collaborative interactions and exchanges become "unhelpful helpers". Unhelpful helpers stifle, hinder, and sometimes inhibit the collaborative interactions they were designed to support. Through the use of both metaphysical and natural representations of scaffolding and collaborative interactions, we examine the emergence of unhelpful helping as a by-product, in particular, of the design of scaffolding in collaborative tools. We argue that collaborative tools should be designed with a realistic and deep understanding of the context and practices in which they will be used. Furthermore, we argue that special attention and care should be given to the design of scaffolding structures to ensure that they support and help collaborative interactions and exchanges in ways they were intended.
Magnitude of abdominal incision affects the duration of postoperative ileus in rats.

The pathogenesis of reduced postoperative ileus (POI) in laparoscopic gastrointestinal (GI) surgery still remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of surgical incision on postoperative ileus. The effects of length, depth, and site of the incision on GI transit were compared using the geometric center of 51 Cr in rats. The inhibitory mechanism of abdominal incision on GI transit also was studied. The findings showed that 5 cm of abdominal skin and the 5-cm back muscle incision had no significant effect on GI transit. However, the 5-cm abdominal muscle–fascia incision and a 5-cm laparotomy significantly delayed GI transit. Gastrointestinal transit after a 5-cm laparotomy was significantly delayed, as compared with that of a 1-cm laparotomy regardless whether intestinal manipulation was performed or not. Guanethidine and yohimbine, but not propranolol, significantly improved the impaired GI transit after a 5-cm laparotomy. The results suggest that the longer and deeper abdominal incision more profoundly inhibits GI transit. The inhibitory effect of abdominal incision is mediated via the activation of the somatosympathetic reflex and alpha-2 adrenoceptors.
A NESTED POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION ASSAY TO DIFFERENTIATE PESTIVIRUSES

Viruses that comprise the Pestivirus genus cause significant losses to the livestock industry. Based on sequence analysis, currently 4 distinct genotypes are identified of which 3 infect cattle and sheep. Distinguishing between bovine and ovine isolates by serological tests has often been difficult because of a high degree of cross reactivity. In this study, a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed to identify and distinguish between bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) type I, BVDV type II, as well as border disease virus (BDV) genotypes. Consensus oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify a 826-bp product from any of the 3 pestivirus types in a reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). This product was subjected to a second round of nested PCR with type-specific primers which yielded DNA products of unique size characteristic for each pestivirus genotype. Using this assay, we were able to rapidly characterize several viral isolates and determine that all 3 genotypes can be found among ovine isolates.
Some relevant variables in observational learning of the rat

Several aspects of observational experience were examined to determine their relative contribution to observational learning of rats. Six groups of 10 Ss viewed demonstrator rats perform different aspects of a visual discrimination task for water reinforcement on an elevated Y maze. Ss were then tested for trials and errors to reach criterion on the same task. Modeling aspects of the demonstrator’s performance were most important, while vicarious reinforcement had little effect. Informational and following aspects also had impact.
Evolution of Local Microstructures: Spatial and Temporal Correlation in Clusters Undergoing 2-Dimensional Diffusion

Diffusion-limited, capillarity-driven, coarsening of precipitates is an important and intensively studied phenomenon. Coarsening can occur among several microstructural constituents ranging from the primary phases to widely dispersed precipitates. Moreover, coarsening of three-dimensional (3-D) phase domains, occurring via mass transport through a two-dimensional (2-D) diffusion field (called mixed-dimensional phase coarsening) is a cooperative phenomenon that is of practical importance, especially in thin film technologies and catalysis. A primary objective of our current work is to focus on the details of evolving microstructures through a study of 'island' formation in heteroepitaxial film/substrate systems. Whereas this work has been designed for space-based coarsening studies, which require long-duration quality microgravity to observe 3-D Ostwald ripening, a significant amount of work has been performed during ground-based studies to observe diffusional coarsening in a liquid-liquid two-phase system. We have performed the experiment at an isopycnic point to maximize exclusion of gravity-based system disturbance. This has allowed observations of 3-D droplets, immobilized by container wall contact, undergoing coarsening by 2-D diffusion for the required long times (approximately 4 months) using a holographic imaging technique. Although such systems may not be as reliant on long-duration microgravity processing as 3-D systems are, they are of direct relevance to so-called mixed-dimensional coarsening and to the study of heterostructures grown by thin-film technique
The wrapped, the rapt, and the rapped: Considerations on models of Japanese society, “Japanists,” and stigmatized Japanese hotrodders

Ben‐Ari, Eyal, Brian Moeran, and James Valentine, eds. Unwrapping Japan: Society and Culture in Anthropological Perspective. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1990. viii + 237 pp. including index. $34.00 cloth. Sato, Ikuya. Kamikaze Biker: Parody and Anomy in Affluent Japan. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1991. xviii + 277 pp. including appendices, notes, references, and indices. $34.95 cloth.
Resonances and Correlations in heavy ion collisions

Results of resonance production from RHIC at \(\sqrt {s_{NN} } = 200\) GeV and SPS at \(\sqrt {s_{NN} } = 17\) GeV are presented and discussed in context with a possible hadronic interaction phase after chemical freeze-out in a heavy ion collision. Momentum spectra and yield may change due to rescattering and regeneration of hadronic decaying resonances. We compare the decays of resonances into leptonic and hadronic channels in order to discuss the impact of a the possible medium modifications on the resonance and their decay products. Microscopic model calculations predicts that high momentum resonances are almost unaffected by the hadronic medium. This raises the idea of using high transverse momentum selection criteria in order to extract resonances created at an early stage of a heavy ion collision.
The role of sex-specific normative beliefs in undergraduate alcohol use.

OBJECTIVES: To create explanatory models of 3 undergraduate drinking practices based on sex-specific norms. METHODS: An electronic, student survey at one Mid-western university produced a representative sample of college students. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses indicated that close-friend norms were the best predictors of drinking frequency, quantity, and drunkenness. With one exception, typical student (or distal) norms had no significant relationship to drinking. Opposite-sex norms had associations with drinking above and beyond that explained by same-sex norms. CONCLUSIONS: The findings challenge the current application of the popular social norms approach that relies on distal drinking norms to provide normative feedback.