cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preserving data utility via BART

Abstract When preparing data for public release, information organizations face the challenge of preserving the quality of data while protecting the confidentiality of both data subjects and sensitive data attributes. Without knowing what type of analyses will be conducted by data users, it is often hard to alter data without sacrificing data utility. In this paper, we propose a new approach to mitigate this difficulty, which entails using Bayesian additive regression trees (BART), in connection with existing methods for statistical disclosure limitation, to help preserve data utility while meeting confidentiality requirements. We illustrate the performance of our method through both simulation and a data example. The method works well when the targeted relationship underlying the original data is not weak, and the performance appears to be robust to the intensity of alteration.
Implications from studies of the nucleus accumbens: Toward a multi-factor theory of schizophrenia

A model is propose of dopamine and histamine modulation of afferent hippocampal activity in the nucleus accumbens. It is suggested that increased dopamine action leads to an increase in the signal/noise ratio or a form of contrast enhancement. To the contrary, the effect of an increased histamine action would be to inhibit the most salient incoming hippocampal message; i.e., a form of contrast reduction.
Capacity of small groups of muscles to accomplish precision grasping tasks

An understanding of the capacity or ability of various muscle groups to generate endpoint forces that enable grasping tasks could provide a stronger biomechanical basis for the design of reconstructive surgery or rehabilitation for the treatment of the paralyzed or paretic hand. We quantified two-dimensional endpoint force distributions for every combination of the muscles of the index finger, in cadaveric specimens, to understand the capability of muscle groups to produce endpoint forces that accomplish three common types of grasps-tripod, tip and lateral pinch-characterized by a representative level of Coulomb friction. We found that muscle groups of 4 or fewer muscles were capable of generating endpoint forces that enabled performance of each of the grasping tasks examined. We also found that flexor muscles were crucial to accomplish tripod pinch; intrinsic muscles, tip pinch; and the dorsal interosseus muscle, lateral pinch. The results of this study provide a basis for decision making in the design of reconstructive surgeries and rehabilitation approaches that attempt to restore the ability to perform grasping tasks with small groups of muscles.
Excellence in Education—Meeting the Challenge with Effective Practices

Excellence in education is possible, according to this writer, who says that with renewed emphasis and a sharp ened focus on pursuing that ideal, the United States can again be proud of its schools and their effectiveness in educating our youth.
Epic Fail: What a Perfectly Putrid Poster Can Do for You

After months, perhaps years, of fieldwork, lab work, and analysis, you have results that you simply have to share with the world. You've shelled out for your Fall Meeting registration. You're stoked that your poster session doesn't coincide with any of the talks you've marked as essential. And because your BFF has agreed to share accommodation costs, you have a suite at the Hotel Nikko. No one can deny that you're as confident as a Kardashian and as primed for launch as a fully fuelled Titan rocket. Ain't no stoppin' you now!
Simulation of a visual feedback supervisory control system

A vision-based tele-operating system has been designed and simulated in our lab with model-based supervisory control and model-based, top-down image processing, IP, for robot pose recovery. A secondary global positioning system, GPS, is used for backup for situations when IP is not expected to work. These modules have been integrated to achieve robust performance of the system with reduced human attendance. Robust top-down IP at near-real time feedback is achieved by a pose extraction algorithm that is based on the Scanpath Theory of human eye movement. Extensive model-directed pre- filtering, low-level image processing and post-filtering of visual images, as well as model-directed data fusion are used to ensure consistency between internal model and external environment. Simulation of the system under a wide range of image and plant noise was performed to verify the stability of the system, as well as to reflect the influence and mode of failure of the system with such noise injection.
A radiolabeled staphylococcal Protein A assay for detection of anti-erythrocyte IgG in warm agglutinin autoimmune hemolytic anemia of dogs and man

Abstract A cell wall protein from Staphylococcus aureus , Protein A, (SpA) has been shown to have the ability to bind the Fc region of most mammalian IgG molecules. This study uses this unusual property as the basis for a quantitative assay for erythrocyte (RBC) bound antibodies. Test serum is incubated in a suspension of normal RBC's. The cells are then washed and incubated with 125Iodinelabeled SpA (125I-SpA). After incubation cells are pelleted and bound radiolabeled SpA counted. This procedure has been performed using canine anti-goat RBC (D a gRBC) serum and human anti-D serum (positive controls) to establish the kinetics of the SpA reaction in the above system. The results indicate that SpA binds to red blood cells as a function of membrane bound antibody. RBC's incubated with indirect Coombs positive sera bound 42.6% and 43.3% of the 125I-SpA, as compared to 19.2%, the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval (n=9) for normal sera. Furthermore, significant binding was observed for certain indirect Coombs negative (direct Coombs positive) sera indicating that the SpA assay is more sensitive than the indirect Coombs test. The SpA system should provide the clinician with an inexpensive, sensitive, quantitative assay for the diagnosis of warm agglutinin autoimmune hemolytic anemia, as well as other autoimmune disorders involving membrane bound IgG.
Exploring the Emergence of Organized Crime in Rio de Janeiro: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach

This paper focuses on the emergence of criminal activity due to the unmet human needs of those living in Rio's favelas. An agent-based model is developed to explore how human needs, environmental factors, and individual attributes impact state-level behaviors. The emergence of organized crime is observed as "common" criminals turn into gang members. The prevention of conflict requires policies that anticipate responses and avoid conflict. By "re-creating" the current environment, we have the ability to potentially predict the onset of violence where it does not yet exist or understand the source of conflict in those areas already in the midst of violence.
Effects of excitatory amino acids on immunocytochemically identified populations of neurons in turtle retina.

Excitatory amino acids play an important role in visual processing in the retinas of many species, but little is known about the identity of the specific postsynaptic cell types and the pharmacology of their receptors. To investigate which specific cell types were affected by excitatory amino acids, we examined the effects of exogenous aspartate, glutamate, kainic acid,n-methyl-D-aspartate, and MK-801 on retinal neurons. Specific populations of neurons were labelled using antibodies directed against glucagon, enkephalin, neurotensin, γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid decarboxylase, serotonin, glycine, glutamate or aspartate. We analyzed a combination of long-termin vivo injections (seven days following an intraocular injection of kainic acid) and short term in vitro incubations. There were changes in the labelling intensity and sometimes in the relative localization of all of the antigens in the drug treated retinas. Some observations suggested that the drugs were altering neurotransmitter metabolism. Differential responses were seen in specific cell types within the populations of neurons with neurotensin-, glutamate-, aspartate-, glycine, γ-aminobutyric acid-, and glutamic acid decarboxylase-like immunoreactivity. The immunocytochemical approach used in these studies was able to determine specific retinal cell types which were influenced by particular exitatory amino acids. The broad extent of cell types influenced and the potential metabolic effects suggest that excitatory amino acids and their receptors play a complex role in visual processing.
Characterizing and automatically detecting crowdturfing in Fiverr and Twitter

As human computation on crowdsourcing systems has become popular and powerful for performing tasks, malicious users have started misusing these systems by posting malicious tasks, propagating manipulated contents, and targeting popular web services such as online social networks and search engines. Recently, these malicious users moved to Fiverr, a fast growing micro-task marketplace, where workers can post crowdturfing tasks (i.e., astroturfing campaigns run by crowd workers) and malicious customers can purchase those tasks for only $5. In this manuscript, we present a comprehensive analysis of crowdturfing in Fiverr and Twitter and develop predictive models to detect and prevent crowdturfing tasks in Fiverr and malicious crowd workers in Twitter. First, we identify the most popular types of crowdturfing tasks found in Fiverr and conduct case studies for these crowdturfing tasks. Second, we build crowdturfing task detection classifiers to filter these tasks and prevent them from becoming active in the marketplace. Our experimental results show that the proposed classification approach effectively detects crowdturfing tasks, achieving 97.35 % accuracy. Third, we analyze the real-world impact of crowdturfing tasks by purchasing active Fiverr tasks and quantifying their impact on a target site (Twitter). As part of this analysis, we show that current security systems inadequately detect crowdsourced manipulation, which confirms the necessity of our proposed crowdturfing task detection approach. Finally, we analyze the characteristics of paid Twitter workers, find distinguishing features between these workers and legitimate Twitter accounts, and use these features to build classifiers that detect Twitter workers. Our experimental results show that our classifiers are able to detect Twitter workers effectively, achieving 99.29 % accuracy.
Observation of metastable states in the autodetachment continuum of the negative molecular ion NH

Abstract We have measured the fundamental vibrational-rotational spectrum of NH − in the ground electronic state (X 2 Π). Many transitions were observed in which both the initial and final states are several eV above the autodetachment limit. The states in the ground vibrational manifold (lower Δ doublet) are stable against autodetachment on the experimental time scale (≈ 10μs). The transitions ito v = 1 states (lower Δ doublet) have 30–100 MHz linewidths, independent of J . This has implications for selection rules and the dynamics of the autodetachment process.
On the zeros of the Askey-Wilson polynomials, with applications to coding theory

In a symmetric association scheme that is (P and Q)-polynomial, the P and Q eigenmatrices are given by balanced ${}_4 \phi _3 $ Askey–Wilson polynomials. In this paper, the parameters of the Askey–Wilson polynomial are classified so that its zeros are not contained in its spectrum. These results, together with theorems of Biggs and Delsarte, imply the nonexistence of perfect codes and tight designs in the classical association schemes of type $A_N $, $B_N $, $C_N $, $D_N $ and the afl'lne matrix schemes.
The social ecology of treatment: case study of a service system for maltreated children

Difficulties in improving services for maltreated children can be attributed in part to misunderstanding of how the forces determining service availability and procedures operate. A case study of an attempt to modify one service delivery system is presented and analyzed in terms of social ecological theory. Recommendations are made for improving services to families, both directly and by means of system interventions.
Development of a computerized scheme for detection of very subtle lung nodules located in opaque areas on chest radiographs

The detection of lung nodules located in opaque areas including the mediastinum, retrocardiac lung, and lung projected below or on the diaphragm has been very difficult, because the contrast of these nodules is usually extremely low, and sometimes radiologists may not pay attention to these locations. In this study, we have developed a new computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) scheme designed specifically for the detection of these difficult-to-detect lung nodules located in opaque areas. We used 1,000 chest images with 1,076 lung nodules, which included 73 very difficult lung nodules in these opaque areas. In this new computerized scheme, opaque areas within a chest image were segmented by use of an adaptive multi-thresholding method based on edge-gradient values, and then the gray level and contrast of the chest image were adjusted for the opaque areas. Initial candidates were identified by use of the nodule-enhanced image obtained with the average radial-gradient (ARG) filtering technique based on radial gradient values. We employed a total of 35 image features for sequential application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in order to reduce the number of false-positive candidates. The ANNs were trained and tested by use of a k-fold cross-validation test method (k=100), in which each of 100 different combinations of training and test image data sets included 990 and 10 chest images, respectively. The overall performance determined from the results of 100 test data sets indicated that the average sensitivity in detecting lung nodules was 52.1% with 1.89 false positives per image, which was considered "acceptable", because these nodules were very subtle and difficult to detect. By combination of this advanced CAD scheme with our standard CAD scheme for lung-nodule detection, the clinical usefulness of the CAD scheme would be improved significantly.
The age of our universe

If we assume that the observed Redshift of starlight is due to the Doppler effect we end up with models of the universe which contradict the basic laws of science. If we assume that the red shift may be due to a tiring of light, an assumption still to be tested, we end up with no contradiction with the laws of science. You the reader must choose.
Monomer concentrations and dimerization constants in crystallizing lysozyme solutions by dialysis kinetics

Dialysis kinetics measurements have been made to study the effect of ionic strength on the dimerization of lysozyme in acidic solutions that lead to the growth of tetragonal lysozyme crystals. Using glutaraldehyde cross-linked dimers of lysozyme, we have determined that both monomers and dimers can escape from 25,000 molecular weight cutoff dialysis membranes with velocity constants of 5.1 x 10(-7) and 1.0 x 10(-7) s(-1) for the monomer and dimer species, respectively. The flux from 25K MWCO membranes has been measured for lysozyme in pH 4.0 buffered solutions of 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7% NaCl over a wide range of protein concentrations. Assuming that dimerization is the first step in crystallization, a simple monomer to dimer equilibrium was used to model the flux rates. Dimerization constants calculated at low protein concentrations were 265, 750, 1212, and 7879 M(-1) for 3, 4, 5, and 7% NaCl, respectively. These values indicate that dimerization increases with the ionic strength of the solution suggesting that aggregation is moderated by electrostatic interactions. At high protein concentrations and high supersaturation, the dimerization model does not describe the data well. However, the Li model that uses a pathway of monomer dimer tetramer octamer 16-mer fits the measured flux data remarkably well suggesting the presence of higher order aggregates in crystallizing solutions.
Visual support for incremental abstraction and refinement in Ada 95

1. ABSTRACT GRASP is a software engineering tool which uniquely combines a source code diagramming technique, the control structure diagram (CSD), with other comprehension aids such as complexity visualization, syntax coloring and source code folding. The synergistic combination of these features in GRASP has the potential to be a powerful aid in any activity where source code is expected to be read. The primary focus of GRASP is to improve the comprehension efficiency of software and, as a result, improve reliability and reduce costs during design, implementation, testing, maintenance and reengineering.
Large functional repertoire of regulatory T-cell suppressible autoimmune T cells in scurfy mice

Abstract Scurfy mice which lacks functional Foxp3 transcription factor and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, spontaneously develop autoimmune responses against skin, lung, liver and tail. However, many organs/tissues are spared from autoimmune attack. Here, we demonstrate that scurfy mice contain dormant autoimmune T cells that induced new diseases such as sialoadenitis, dacryoadenitis, pancreatitis, gastritis, intestinal inflammation, colitis, and myositis in RAG-1 KO mice. Inflammation in as many as 12 organs/tissues was consistently induced in individual recipients with scurfy lymph node cells containing as few as 1.25 × 106 CD4+ T cells. Moreover, transfer of the multiple organ autoimmune diseases could be suppressed by as little as 0.5 × 106 CD4+CD25+ Treg cells, mediated by inhibiting autoimmune T-cell expansion. Our study provides evidence for the presence of a large repertoire of autoimmune lymphocytes against various organs/tissues in scurfy mice as well as Treg cells in B6 mice capable of suppressing the expansion of these autoimmune lymphocytes. Various conditions that control the expression of autoimmune T cells are discussed.
Indications for Aortic Valve Replacement in Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a common condition, particularly in the elderly. The treatment is surgical, and any patient with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis should be considered for aortic valve replacement. Aortic stenosis causes an increase in afterload to the left ventricle, which when severe can lead to hemodynamic instability. Although the therapy of aortic stenosis is valve replacement, determining whether a patient has symptoms and accurately assessing the severity of stenosis can be difficult. The management of patients with severe aortic stenosis in the intensive care unit setting can be very challenging, particularly when comorbid medical conditions make aortic valve replacement difficult. This article reviews the diagnosis of aortic stenosis, methods of assessing symptoms and severity, and management of severe symptomatic stenosis, particularly in the intensive care unit setting. Components of the history that suggest symptomatic aortic stenosis are presented. The role of physical examination is discussed, as are the echocardiographic means of determining stenosis severity. Other means of assessing severity are addressed, as are circumstances in which there can be difficulty in interpretation, such as severe aortic stenosis and left ventricular dysfunction. Management of patients, focusing on the intensive care unit setting, is reviewed, with a focus on the timing of aortic valve replacement.
Coincidence electronics for the circular ring transaxial positron camera

Abstract A fast electronic circuitry for recording coincident events in a paralle mode among simultaneously active channels with 64 NaI(Tl) detectors arranged in a circular geometry is described. The circuit can be easily modified for higher or lower number of detectors in any geometrical configuration. The detection system is used for recording positron annihilation photons (511 keV) in coincidence, originating from the site of accumulation of radionuclides within an object. The coincident data can then be reconstructed to provide a three-dimensional transverse axial distribution of the positron emitting activity.
η2 and η4 olefin complexation by S, S-[RuII(Me2edda)]: a structural change to accommodate bidentate dienes

[RuII(Me2edda)(H2O)2] (1), Me2edda2− = N,N′-dimethylethylenediaminediacetate, exhibits a sterically-controlled molecular recognition in forming η2 and η4 olefin complexes. 1 exists with an N2O2 in-plane set of chelate donors and axial H2O ligands. The two CH3 functionalities of Me2edda2− are poised above and below the N2O2 plane of the glycinato rings. Studies herein of the 2,2′-bipyridine complex, [RuII(Me2edda)(bpy)], with bidentate bpy chelation as established via 1H NMR and electrochemical methods show 1 to be ligated in the S,S configuration with the glycinato rings in-plane as a cis-O form. 1 is sterically discriminating in forming η2 complexes with smaller olefins (ethylene, 2-propene, cis-2-butene, methyl vinyl ketone and 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol), but rejects larger decorated ring structures and branched olefins (1,2-dimethyluracil, cyclohexene-1-one 2-methyl-2-propene). η2 complexes of 1 have characteristic RuII/III DPP waves near 0.55 V which vary slightly with olefin structure. Potentially bidendate dienes (1,3-butadiene, 1,3-cyclohexadiene and 2,5-norbornadiene (nbd) form η4 complexes as shown by RuII/III waves between 0.94 and 1.30 V, indicate of a highly stabilized RuII center by π-backboning. An η2⇌η4 ‘equilibrium’ with apparent K = 22 at 25 °C is observed for nbd coordinated to 1. (The η2 and η4 distribution may be a kinetic one and not a thermodynamic one). To allow formation of the cis η4 complexes, 1 must undergo a shift of one or both glycinato donors from the N2O2 plane into the axial site away from the dimethyl functionalities. η4 chelation by 1,3-butadiene has been confirmed by 1H NMR spectral assignments of two [RuII(Me2edda)] isomers, one in the axial rans-O glycinato configuration, e.g. 1,3-butadiene is bidentate in the original N2O2 plane and a second unsymmetrical glycinato arrangement with in-plane and axial glycinato as well as in-plane and axial η4-1,3-butadiene coordination. [RuII(hedta)(H2O)]− (2), hedta3− = N-hydrpxyethylenediaminetriacetate, is less discriminating for olefin structures, forming η2 complexes with all eleven olefins and dienes mentioned for studies with 1. However, 2 does not undergo displacement of a carboxylate donor by the second olefin unit of a diene [RuII(hedta)(diene)]− complexes possess a pendant non-coordinated olefin and on η2-bound olefin in the complex, indicated by a normal RuII(pac)(olefin)RuII/III wave near 0.55 V.
Averaging correlation coefficients: A BASIC program.

A computer program is presented for averaging correlation coefficients, using Fisher's Z transformation.
Visual programming environment for multisensor data fusion

In recent years, numerous multisensor data fusion systems have been developed for a wide variety of applications. Defense related applications include; automatic target recognition systems, identification-friend-foe-neutral, automated situation assessment and threat assessment systems, and systems for smart weapons. Non-defense applications include; robotics, condition-based maintenance, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics. For each of these applications, multiple sensor data are combined to achieve inferences which are not generally possible using only a single sensor. Implementation of these data fusion systems often involves a significant amount of effort. In particular, software must be developed for components such as data base access, human computer interfaces and displays, communication software, and data fusion algorithms. While commercial software packages exist to assist development of data bases, communications, and human computer interfaces, there are no general purpose packages available to support the implementation of the data fusion algorithms. This paper describes a visual programming tool developed to assist in rapid prototyping of data fusion systems. This toolkit is modeled after the popular tool, Khoros, used by the image processing community. The tool described here is written in visual C, and provides the capability to rapidly implement and apply data fusion algorithms. An application to condition based maintenance is described.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Privacy and securityAnswering the wrong questions is no answer

Asking the wrong questions when building and deploying systems results in systems that cannot be sufficiently protected against the threats they face.
Response of cells to restricted visual stimuli in an association area of cat cerebral cortex

Abstract Cellular responses to restricted light patterns (circular spots or vertical slits, 0.5–3.0 degrees in diameter) were studied in the anterior part of middle suprasylvian gyrus of cats anesthetized with chloralose. “On”, “off”, or “on-off”, phasic responses were observed over almost the entire visual field when stimulus intensities were two or more log units brighter than the background. When near-threshold stimuli were employed, restricted receptive fields (3–30 degrees in diameter) were located near the center of the visual field. The most extensive receptive field mapping was done near the horizontal meridian and the type of response often changed as the stimulus was moved to different parts of the field. Cells were influenced by both eyes and summation was observed during binocular stimulation. Many of the cells also responded to auditory click stimuli. After surgical ablation or undercutting of ipsilateral visual cortical areas and section of the corpus callosum, cells rarely responded to restricted light stimuli although diffuse light stimuli were still effective. Transient depression of visual cortex by the application of KCl also eliminated cell responses to restricted spots of light; responses returned with recovery of the depressed cortical areas. The present data indicate that neurons in this association area respond to restricted visual stimuli in a specific manner, and this sensory-specific visual input is dependent upon participation of visual cortex. It is suggested that this cortical locus plays a role in complex sensory mechanisms involving intermodality, sensory-specific interactions.
Adjuvant Activity of Erythrocyte Isoantigens

Erythrocyte isoantigens determined by the B blood-group locus of chickens enhance the immune response to weak isoantigens. This adjuvant action occurs if the antigens are present on the same erythrocyte, and the recipients are capable of responding immunologically to the B antigens.
Validation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression screening among Chinese Americans.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to validate the Chinese Bilingual version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (CB-PHQ-9) for screening for depression among Chinese Americans in primary care. Method Chinese-American patients attending a primary care clinic were screened for major depressive disorder (MDD) using the CB-PHQ-9. All patients who scored 15 or higher on the CB-PHQ-9 were interviewed using the Chinese-bilingual Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, patient version . Eight percent of patients who scored less than 15 on the CB-PHQ-9 were randomly selected and interviewed with the depression module of the Chinese-bilingual Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, patient version . Results During the study, 1940 unduplicated patients completed the CB-PHQ-9. The CB-PHQ-9 had high internal consistency ( α = 0.91), and the scores of each of its 9 items had moderate to moderately high correlations (0.52-0.85) with the total scores. The sensitivity and specificity of the CB-PHQ-9 for recognizing MDD were found to be 81% and 98%, respectively, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was estimated to be 0.97 (SE, 0.01). Conclusion The CB-PHQ-9 is a valid and useful instrument for screening for MDD among Chinese Americans in primary care.
Feeding Induced by Pharmacological Blockade of Fatty Acid Metabolism Is Selectively Attenuated by Hindbrain Injections of the Galanin Receptor Antagonist, M40

Galanin has been shown to stimulate feeding when injected intracranially in rats. Lesion and Fos studies have shown that the neural pathway for feeding stimulated by mercaptoacetate (MA) -induced blockade of fatty acid oxidation includes several structures rich in galanin cell bodies or terminals. In the present experiment, we examined the role of hindbrain galanin in feeding stimulated by MA. We found that galanin (1 nmol) stimulates feeding when injected into the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), a site that is crucial for MA-induced feeding, or into the fourth ventricle (4V, 1 or 5 nmol) and that NTS or 4V injections of the galanin receptor antagonist, M40 (1.5 or 5 nmol), completely blocked feeding induced by MA (68 mg/kg). The effect of the M40 appeared to be specific for MA-induced feeding, since M40 did not significantly attenuate either feeding induced by the antimetabolic glucose analog, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG, 100 or 200 mg/kg), or deprivation-induced water intake. Results suggest that feeding induced by decreased fatty acid oxidation relies upon galaniner-gic terminals in the hindbrain. Furthermore, results indicate that hindbrain neurons involved in MA-induced feeding differ neurochemically from those important for 2DG-induced feeding.
Prenatal diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion when ultrasound examination reveals a heart defect

Purpose: The incidence of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is approximately 1 in 5,000 births, and accounts for 5–30% of all heart defects, making it one of the more common genetic conditions in the population. Methods: We employed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to study the incidence of 22q11.2 deletions in fetuses with cardiac anomalies detected on ultrasound examination. Results: Of 64 cases, 18 had visible chromosome anomalies. FISH testing for 22q11.2 deletion was performed on the remaining 46 cases, and five exhibited a 22q11.2 deletion. Three of the five had de novo deletions, one was maternally inherited, and one family declined testing. Conclusion: FISH analysis for 22q11.2 deletion should be performed on all fetuses with cardiac defects (excluding hypoplastic left heart and echogenic focus) and a normal G-banded karyotype.
Orthostatic change in shock index: comparison with traditional tilt test definitions.

Objective: To determine whether the orthostatic change in the shock index or published tilt test criteria better discriminated normal individuals from those with moderate acute blood loss. Methods: Postural vital signs were recorded in a standardized manner before and after an elective 450-mL phlebotomy associated with blood donation in healthy volunteers. Paired comparisons of the sensitivity of each of 3 published tilt test criteria were made against the sensitivity of an orthostatic change in shock index (OCSI) at the threshold for OCSI yielding the same specificity. Subjects were prospectively divided into group 1 (age < 65 years) and group 2 (age ≥ 65 years). Results: A total of 336 healthy euvolemic adult blood donors were studied over a 1-year period (group 1 = 292; group 2 = 44). For each published criterion for a positive tilt test (for both groups), OCSI had the same or higher sensitivity for a chosen specificity. No sensitivity difference was statistically significant. An OCSI ≥ 0 was 99%/98% sensitive and 10%/10% specific (group l/group 2) for a 450-mL blood loss; whereas an OCSI 2 0.25 was 28%/23% sensitive and 92%/100% specific (group l/group 2). Conclusion: The OCSI discriminates normal individuals from those with acute moderate blood loss as well as previously published tilt test definitions do.
Neonatal chlorpyrifos exposure targets multiple proteins governing the hepatic adenylyl cyclase signaling cascade: implications for neurotoxicity.

Abstract Chlorpyrifos has been hypothesized to interact with receptors and transduction proteins involved in the production of cyclic AMP, contributing to adverse effects on cell replication and differentiation. We studied the effects of neonatal chlorpyrifos exposure on hepatic adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity, as the liver accumulates the highest concentrations of chlorpyrifos and is the site for generation of its active metabolite, chlorpyrifos oxon. Newborn rats were given 1 mg/kg of chlorpyrifos s.c. on PN1-4. On PN5, 24 h after the last dose, AC catalytic activity was induced as assessed by the response to the direct AC stimulant, Mn 2+ . In contrast, AC activation dependent upon interaction of the enzyme with G-proteins (forskolin) did not show any enhancement, suggesting impairment of G-protein function. This conclusion was confirmed by impaired responsiveness to fluoride, which directly activates G-proteins. In addition, the response of AC to hormonal signals was altered in a receptor-selective manner, with an enhanced response to glucagon but not to the β-adrenoceptor agonist, isoproterenol. The effects of chlorpyrifos on AC signaling displayed a critical developmental period of vulnerability, as treatment of older rats (PN11-14) failed to cause substantial induction of AC or interference with G-protein signaling, although it did still enhance the glucagon response. In all cases, the effects of chlorpyrifos disappeared within a few days of discontinuing treatment. These results stand in contrast to the delayed deterioration of AC signaling seen in the brain after the same chlorpyrifos treatment. The temporal and organ selectivity of chlorpyrifos’ effects on the AC cascade suggest that disruption of membrane signaling occurs consequent to selective effects on cell development, rather than representing a direct interaction between chlorpyrifos and signaling proteins.
The effect of ultrasonic vibrations on molting in triturus viridescens.

The mechanism of the molting reaction in Triturus has been described by Adams, Kuder and Richards (1932) as a pituitarythyroid- epidermal interrelationship. Preliminary observations by the writer indicated a marked increase in the frequency of molting following exposure of the animals to ultrasonic vibrations. An attempt therefore was made to determine (1) duration of the effect following treatment, (2) seasonal variations in the response, (3) the effect of the vibrations at different energy levels and periods of exposure, and (4) localization, if possible, of the site of the primary effect of the treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Triturus viridescens were collected at Pawling, Xew York in April, May, August, October, and November, and at Whately Glen, Massachusetts in March and June. Test animals were exposed to ultrasonic vibrations at a frequency of 350,000/sec, generated piezoelectrically,1 for 8–120 seconds at energy levels of approximately 20–35 watts acoustic. Animals were exposed shortly after being...
Of Marigold Beer: A Reply to Vermaas and Houkes

Vermaas and Houkes advance four desiderata for theories of artifact function, and classify such theories into non-intentionalist reproduction theories on the one hand and intentionalist non-reproduction theories on the other. They argue that non-intentionalist reproduction theories fail to satisfy their fourth desideratum. They maintain that only an intentionalist non-reproduction theory can satisfy all the desiderata, and they offer a version that they believe does satisfy all of them. I reply that intentionalist non-reproduction theories, including their version, fail to satisfy their first desideratum. Thus neither type of function theory satisfies all the desiderata. This suggests that the list of desiderata may well be inconsistent, and that ultimately we may have to decide whether to give up the first desideratum or the fourth one. I recommend giving up the fourth one on the grounds that this choice preserves the phenomenologically salient social aspects of artifact function.
Recurrent Malignant Melanoma Following a 35‐Year Disease‐Free Interval

A case is presented of recurrent melanoma following a 35-year disease-free interval after treatment for stage 1 disease. Although the case seems to indicate a recurrence of melanoma, the possibility that the “recurrent 1esions” may have been a new primary lesion should be considered. Regardless of disease-free interval following initial treatment, a complete cure of the disease can never be assumed.
Granule swelling in stimulated bovine adrenal chromaffin cells: regulation by internal granule pH.

Adrenal medullary chromaffin cells secrete catecholamines through exocytosis of their intracellular chromaffin granules. Osmotic granule swelling has been implicated to play a role in the generation of membrane stress associated with the fusion of the granule membrane. However, controversy exists as to whether swelling occurs before or after the actual fusion event. Using morphometric methods we have determined the granule diameter distributions in rapidly frozen, freeze-substituted chromaffin cells. Our measurements show that intracellular chromaffin granules increase in size from an average of 234 nm to 274 nm or 277 nm in cells stimulated to secrete with nicotine or high external K+, respectively. Granule swelling occurs before the formation of membrane contact. Ammonium chloride, an agent which inhibits stimulated catecholamine secretion by approximately 50% by altering the intragranular pH, also inhibits granule swelling. In addition, ammonium chloridetreated secreting cells show more granule-plasma membrane contacts than untreated secreting cells. Sodium propionate induces granule swelling in the absence of secretagogue and has been shown to enhance nicotine- and high K+- induced catecholamine release. These results indicate that in adrenal chromaffin cells granule swelling is an essential step in exocytosis before fusion pore formation, and is related to the pH of the granule environment.
Necrotising Soft Tissue Infections of the Perineum and Genitalia. Bacteriology, Treatment and Risk Assessment

Necrotising soft tissue infections of the perineum and genitalia are associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity. We reviewed the records of 29 consecutive patients to investigate the possible correlation between clinical outcome and number of types of bacteria cultured, focus of infection, presence of diabetes, patient age, renal function and delay until presentation. The patients had an average of 3.9 bacterial organisms cultured intra-operatively (range 1-9). Patients with a rectal focus of infection had a greater number of bacteria and required longer hospitalisation and more operative procedures than patients with dermal or urethral foci. Those over the age of 60 had significantly longer hospital stays and higher mortality. Diabetes and impaired renal function did not increase mortality or morbidity. Suprapubic cystostomy was required in 24 patients (83%), diverting colostomy in 9 (31%) and orchiectomy in 3 (10%). Six patients (21%) died despite broad spectrum antibiotics and aggressive and frequent surgical debridement.
Mechanical energy losses due to motion of dislocations in graphite and carbons

Abstract By means of an electromagnetic driving and detection system investigations of mechanical energy losses under alternating stress have been performed on various carbon solids. Materials studied were a glassy carbon, various baked carbons and polycrystalline graphites, and some pyrolytic graphites. It was found that with decreasing strain amplitude the internal friction Q−1 decreases and the dynamic elastic modulus E increases towards limiting values Q0−1 and E0. Moreover, the amplitude dependent portion of the internal friction Q−1−Q0−1 is seen to be linearly proportional to the modulus defect (E 0 −E) E 0 for the same amplitude. A very weak neutron irradiation (dose less than 1014 nvt) causes in some cases very large changes in the loss character. These facts can be explained by point imperfections pinning down dislocations. The temperature dependence of Q0−1 for polycrystalline graphite shows a so-called Bordoni peak at 50°K for a frequency of about 12 kc accompanied by a small hump at 80°K. The curve of E0 against temperature shows steep drops in the same ranges of temperature. The Peierls potentials of the glissile dislocations in graphite corresponding to these two peaks are roughly estimated to be 0.07 and 0.12 eV respectively.
Harmonic expectation and affect in Western music: Effects of attention and training

We investigated the effects of selective attention and musical training on the processing of harmonic expectations. In Experiment 1, participants with and without musical training were required to respond to the contour of melodies as they were presented with chord progressions that were highly expected, slightly unexpected, or extremely unexpected. Reaction time and accuracy results showed that when attention was focused on the melody, musically trained participants were still sensitive to different harmonic expectations, whereas participants with no musical training were undifferentiated across expectation conditions. In Experiment 2, participants were required to listen holistically to the entire chord progression and to rate their preference for each chord progression. Results from preference ratings showed that all the participants, with or without musical training, were sensitive to manipulations of harmonic expectations. Experiments 3 and 4 showed that changing the speed of presentation of chord progressions did not affect the pattern of results. The four experiments together highlight the importance of attentional focus in musical training, especially as it relates to the processing of harmonic expectations.
Synthesis and Properties of High-Quality InN Nanowires and Nanonetworks

We report on the growth of high-quality InN nanowires by the vapor–liquid–solid mechanism at rates of up to 30 μm/h. Smooth and horizontal nanowire growth has been achieved only with nanoscale catalyst patterns, while large-area catalyst coverage resulted in uncontrolled and three-dimensional growth. The InN nanowires grow along the [110] direction with diameters of 20 to 60 nm and lengths of 5 to 15 μm. The nanowires bend spontaneously or get deflected from other nanowires at angles that are multiples of 30°, forming nanonetworks. The gate-bias-dependent mobility of the charge carriers ranges from 55 cm2/V s to 220 cm2/V s, and their concentration is ∼1018 cm−3.
A theoretical investigation of the relative stability of hydrated glycine and methylcarbamic acid—from water clusters to interstellar ices

We have theoretically investigated how the low-energy conformers of the neutral and the zwitterionic forms of glycine as well as methylcarbamic acid are stabilized by the presence water. The MP2/6-311++G(d,p) method was utilized to conduct calculations on glycine and methylcarbamic acid in both isolated clusters and in clusters embedded in the conductor-like polarizable continuum model (C-PCM), where the clusters explicitly contain between one and ten water molecules. The neutral forms of glycine and methylcarbamic acid were found to have similar hydration energies, whereas the neutral methylcarbamic acid was determined to be approximately 32 kJ mol−1 more stable than the neutral glycine in the isolated clusters and 30 kJ mol−1 more stable in the C-PCM embedded clusters. Both the number and strength of the hydrogen bonding interactions between water and the zwitterions drive the stability. This lowers the relative energy of the glycine zwitterion from 50 kJ mol−1 above neutral glycine, when there are two water molecules in the clusters to 11 kJ mol−1 below for the clusters containing ten water molecules. For the methylcarbamic acid clusters with two water molecules, the zwitterion is 51 kJ mol−1 higher in energy than the neutral form, but it remains 13 kJ mol−1 above the neutral methylcarbamic acid in the clusters containing ten water molecules. When the bulk water environment is simulated by the C-PCM calculations, we find both the methylcarbamic acid and glycine zwitterionic forms have similar energies at 20 kJ mol−1 above the neutral methylcarbamic acid energy and 10 kJ mol−1 lower than the neutral glycine energy. Although neither methylcarbamic acid nor glycine have been detected in the interstellar medium yet, our findings indicate that methylcarbamic acid is the more stable product from methylamine and carbon dioxide reactions in a water ice. This suggests that methylcarbamic acid likely plays a role in the intermediate steps if glycine is formed in the interstellar medium.
MEASURE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED

This study was designed to explore the attitudes of the orthopedically disabled individual toward his disability and to initiate the preliminary steps toward standardizing an instrument to measure adjustment of the physically disabled. Ss were 45 orthopedically disabled people who were given the Bell Disability Scale of Adjustment (BDSA), the Attitude Toward Disabled Persons (ATDP) scale, and 31 of these 45 were administered the Shipley-Hartford Vocabulary test. The findings are consistent with the rationale underlying the development of the BDSA and are discussed within a framework outlined in an adjustment paradigm of active and passive acceptance and rejection.
Field-induced forces at dielectric interfaces as a possible mechanism of RF hearing effects.

A possible mechanism for effects of microwave radiation on the auditory system is the generation of field-induced forces at interfaces that divide materials of dissimilar electrical properties. A general expression for these “Maxwell stresses” is derived and then used to calculate the approximate magnitude of field-induced force within the organ of Corti during microwave exposure. Comparison of the results with data on the force needed to excite cochlear hair cells indicates auditory responses could be evoked by this mechanism at power densities near the threshold of rf hearing sensations.
Effects of habitat fragmentation and isolation on species richness: evidence from biogeographic patterns

Habitat subdivision by geography or human activity may be an important determinant of regional species richness. Cumulative species-area relationships for vertebrates, land plants, and insects on island archipelagoes show that collections of small islands generally harbor more species than comparable areas composed of one or a few large islands. The effect of the degree of habitat subdivision in increasing species richness appears to increase with the distance from potential sources of colonists. Mountaintop biotas show no clear differences between species richness on large alpine areas and collections of smaller peaks. National park faunas generally have more species in collections of small parks than in the larger parks. In all cases where a consistent effect of subdivision is observed, the more subdivided collection of islands or isolates contains more species. To the degree that these data provide guidance for establishing nature reserves, they suggest that increasing the numbers of reserves may be an important component of conservation strategies.
Transforming School Counseling: Making a Difference for Students

What do school counselors do in your school? If their activities are similar to those in other schools, they are probably counseling individual students, consulting with teachers about problem students in their classrooms, and talking to parents about students who have been caught fighting or are truant. Are there some important tasks missing from their “to do” list?