cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal and harmonic combination-sensitive neurons in the zebra finch's HVc

Song learning shapes the response properties of auditory neurons in the song system to become highly selective for the individual bird's own ("autogenous") song. The auditory representation of autogenous song is achieved in part by neurons that exhibit facilitated responses to combinations of components of song. To understand the circuits that underlie these complex properties, the combination sensitivity of single units in the hyperstriatum ventrale, pars caudale (HVc) of urethane-anesthetized zebra finches was studied. Some neurons exhibited nonlinear temporal summation, spectral summation, or both. The majority of these neurons exhibited low spontaneous rates and phasic responses. Most combination-sensitive neurons required highly accurate copies of sounds derived from the autogenous song and responded weakly to tone bursts, combinations of simple stimuli, or conspecific songs. Temporal combination-sensitive (TCS) neurons required either two or more segments of a single syllable, or two or more syllables of the autogenous song, to elicit a facilitated, excitatory response. TCS neurons integrated auditory input over periods ranging from 80 to 350 msec, although this represents a lower limit. Harmonic combination-sensitive (HCS) neurons required combinations of two harmonics with particular frequency and temporal characteristics that were similar to autogenous song syllables. Both TCS and HCS neurons responded much more weakly when the dynamical spectral features of the autogenous song or syllables were modified than when the dynamical amplitude (waveform) features of the songs were modified. These results suggest that understanding the temporal dynamics of auditory responses in HVc may provide insight into neuronal circuits modified by song learning.
Results of a community-based Aedes aegypti control program in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Abstract This report describes the results of a community-based Aedes aegypti control program in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Baseline surveys concerning knowledge, beliefs, and practices of 577 women and a larval survey of 616 house lots were carried out in October 1989. Following development of a public health communication intervention from this data, the program was implemented in six communities. Evaluation used an untreated control group design with pretest and two post-tests, one at completion and one six months later. Significant changes in knowledge and behavior were seen in the treatment group in both post-tests. Women in the intervention group were able to identify the Ae. aegypti mosquito, the larval production sites of the mosquito, and appropriate control methods. A behavior change proxy was measured by examining changes in the Breteau (number of positive containers/100 houses surveyed) and container indices. The Breteau index remained the same in the intervention group while it increased significantly in the comparison group. Changes were also seen with respect to individual containers. This project demonstrated that a community-based communication program aimed at larval production site elimination or control can be effective in changing behavior and reducing larval production sites.
TCP-aware active congestion control in optical packet-switched networks

This paper proposes a TCP-aware active congestion control architecture in OPS networks and investigates the performance improvement. Simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme can significantly reduce packet-loss rate and efficiently enhance the network throughput.
Performance analysis of large scale communication networks

Methods which make it possible to evaluate the overall network performance with regard to characteristics which act upon the entire network are described. The algorithms which result from these methods help to demonstrate the effects of varying such factors as the budget allocated to the network or varying the land mass which the network serves. >
Stochastic crack propagation in fastener holes

A simple crack growth rate-based stochastic model for fatigue crack propagation in fastener holes under spectrum loadings is investigated. With available fractographic data in the very small crack size region, i.e., 0.004 to 0.07 inches, the model was demonstrated previously to be very good. Further, laboratory tests were conducted using wide fastener hole specimens to obtain fractographic data covering the small and large crack size regions in both laboratory air and a corrosive environment. The correlations between the stochastic model and the fractographic results in either the corrosive or noncorrosive environment are demonstrated to be very good. The model is shown to be valid for crack growth damage accumulation from the very small crack up to the critical crack size. Such a simple model is ideal for practical applications, such as in durability and damage tolerance analyses. Factors affecting the stochastic crack growth analysis and prediction are also investigated.
The clonal evolution of tumor cell populations

It is proposed that most neoplasms arise from a single cell of origin, and tumor progression results from acquired genetic variability within the original clone allowing sequential selection of more aggressive sublines. Tumor cell populations are apparently more genetically unstable than normal cells, perhaps from activation of specific gene loci in the neoplasm, continued presence of carcinogen, or even nutritional deficiencies within the tumor. The acquired genetic insta0ility and associated selection process, most readily recognized cytogenetically, results in advanced human malignancies being highly individual karyotypically and biologically. Hence, each patient's cancer may require individual specific therapy, and even this may be thwarted by emergence of a genetically variant subline resistant to the treatment. More research should be directed toward understanding and controlling the evolutionary process in tumors before it reaches the late stage usually seen in clinical cancer.
Factors affecting the separation of milk proteins and partially hydrolyzed proteins by continuous flow paper electrophoresis

Abstract The conditions for the separation of proteins by curtain electrophoresis have been determined. At low rates of sample application, proteins with a difference of one unit of mobility can be separated unless a high degree of interaction exists. This method is shown to be particularly effective in separating α-, β-, and γ-casein, a mixture of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin, as well as peptides produced by the action of trypsin on β-casein. The amounts of material which can be purified by curtain electrophoresis are small, however, they are adequate to produce enough material for characterization of proteins and peptides by modern analytical methods.
A time study of the in vitro Metabolism of 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one by human adrenocortical tissue☆

Abstract A kinetic study of the in vitro metabolism of 3β-hydroxyan-drost-5-en-17-one-7 2H by a normal human adrenal gland and an adrenocortical adenoma causing Cushing's syndrome is presented. The principal product, androst-4-ene-3, 17-dione-7 2H, was separated, identified and quantitated by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,, The results are compared with those obtained with 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one-7 3H as substrate and analysis of the products by isotope dilution.
β‐Arrestin 1 Couples Thrombin to the Rapid Activation of the Akt Pathway

In a variety of cell types including chinese hamster embryonic fibroblasts (IIC9 cells), alpha-thrombin is a potent mitogen. Thrombin irreversibly activates Par 1, a member of the seven membrane-spanning superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This, in turn, activates several heterotrimeric G proteins and induces signaling pathways that are critical for cell cycle reentry and proliferation. In IIC9 cells, alpha-thrombin activates the phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI 3-Kinase)/Akt pathway, which is essential for G1 cell cycle progression. At present the mechanism for activation and regulation of the PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway is not fully understood. My preliminary data demonstrates a role for beta-arrestin 1 in the regulation of alpha-thrombin-induced Akt activity. In addition to their importance in receptor down-regulation, beta-arrestins are now known to scaffold proteins involved in stimulating specific signaling pathways. My preliminary data show that equal to or precedes -thrombin activates a rapid Akt activity in a beta-arrestin 1-dependent manner in IIC9 cells.
Molecular characterization of domestic and exotic potato virus S isolates and a global analysis of genomic sequences

Five potato virus S (PVS) isolates from the USA and three isolates from Chile were characterized based on biological and molecular properties to delineate these PVS isolates into either ordinary (PVSO) or Andean (PVSA) strains. Five isolates – 41956, Cosimar, Galaxy, ND2492-2R, and Q1 – were considered ordinary strains, as they induced local lesions on the inoculated leaves of Chenopodium quinoa, whereas the remaining three (FL206-1D, Q3, and Q5) failed to induce symptoms. Considerable variability of symptom expression and severity was observed among these isolates when tested on additional indicator plants and potato cv. Defender. Additionally, all eight isolates were characterized by determining the nucleotide sequences of their coat protein (CP) genes. Based on their biological and genetic properties, the 41956, Cosimar, Galaxy, ND2492-2R, and Q1 isolates were identified as PVSO. PVS-FL206-1D and the two Chilean isolates (PVS-Q3 and PVS-Q5) could not be identified based on phenotype alone; however, based on sequence comparisons, PVS-FL206-1D was identified as PVSO, while Q3 and Q5 clustered with known PVSA strains. C. quinoa may not be a reliable indicator for distinguishing PVS strains. Sequences of the CP gene should be used as an additional criterion for delineating PVS strains. A global genetic analysis of known PVS sequences from GenBank was carried out to investigate nucleotide substitution, population selection, and genetic recombination and to assess the genetic diversity and evolution of PVS. A higher degree of nucleotide diversity (π value) of the CP gene compared to that of the 11K gene suggested greater variation in the CP gene. When comparing PVSA and PVSO strains, a higher π value was found for PVSA. Statistical tests of the neutrality hypothesis indicated a negative selection pressure on both the CP and 11K proteins of PVSO, whereas a balancing selection pressure was found on PVSA.
Abstract A33: The role of microRNA-181a in TGF-β-mediated breast cancer progression

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that functions to inhibit breast cancer development in the normal mammary epithelium by inducing cell cycle arrest, and maintaining microenvironmental homeostasis through extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling. Mammary tumorigenesis causes a loss in TGF-β-mediated cytostasis and leads to a switch in TGF-β function, whereby TGF-β promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, invasion and metastasis. This switch in TGF-β function, from tumor suppressor to tumor promoter, is referred to as the “TGF-β paradox” and occurs through molecular mechanisms that remain incompletely understood. Moreover, this switch in TGF-β function is often accompanied by desmoplastic and fibrotic reactions, leading to the formation of a more rigid microenvironment, which in and of itself has been associated with tumor progression. We have shown that tissue compliance and extracellular matrix rigidity mediate how cells sense and respond to TGF-β. Indeed, we can recapitulate the “TGF-β paradox” by exposing metastatic breast cancer cells to compliant ECM signals, which reinstates the cytostatic activities of TGF-β. As a possible mechanism for the influence of matrix rigidity on TGF-β signaling, we sought to define the miRNA expression profiles induced by TGF-β in metastatic cells as compared to their non-metastatic counterparts when grown in either compliant or rigid conditions. We show that ECM rigidity regulates the miRNA expression signature induced by TGF-β in breast cancer cells. From this miRNA signature, we have identified the miR-181 family as a miR family that is highly upregulated in metastatic cells in response to TGF-β. Additionally, over-expression of a miR-181a mimic enhances TGF-β-mediated invasion. Conversely, treating cells with a hairpin inhibitor directed against miR-181a inhibits TGF-β-mediated invasion, EMT, and survival signaling. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-181a abrogates pulmonary outgrowth and enhances overall survival in vivo. Collectively, our findings identify the miR-181a family as a novel effector of TGF-β-driven tumor progression and suggest that measures capable of diminishing miR-181a levels may alleviate breast cancer progression. [FY09-DOD-BCRP-Predoctoral Traineeship Award]. Citation Format: Molly A. Taylor, William P. Schiemann. The role of microRNA-181a in TGF-β-mediated breast cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A33.
Female Consumers’ Reactions to Body Scanning

The body scanner is a new technology that has the potential to resolve issues for the apparel industry in fit of clothing and in communication and visualization of apparel fit. The interest consumers have in the scan process, in being scanned, and in allowing retailers and manufacturers to use their scan data is crucial to the commercial success of these applications. Two related studies were conducted. First, 203 female participants aged 35 to 55 were surveyed after they were scanned and viewed their scanned images on the computer monitor and in a movie file. For 22 of these participants, an observer also recorded their verbal and nonverbal responses to the scan process and viewing their scan. Although general acceptance of scanning was very high, women who were married and had over $100,000 household income were significantly less comfortable with some aspects of the body scan process. Observations of participants’ verbal, facial, and bodily expressions found some participants to be unsettled and unprep...
Early Changes in Refractive Error Following Radial Keratotomy

• One hundred twenty-six eyes that had undergone radial keratotomy were analyzed to assess the early changes in refractive error after surgery. Between two weeks and three months, 38% of eyes became more myopic by less than 1 diopter (D), 34% by 1.00 to 1.87 D, and 25% by 2.00 to 3.50 D. Four eyes (3%) had a decrease of 0.25 to 1.25 D. The average increase between two weeks and three months was 1.31 D (SD, 0.9 D). To decrease this change, 15 eyes were semi-pressure patched at night and treated with topical steroids for four weeks following surgery. The average change between two weeks and three months in these eyes was 0.3 D (SD, 1.0 D). This retrospective study suggests that semi-pressure patching after surgery may be useful for eyes that are undercorrected or overcorrected by less than 1 D.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for use with nuclear protein-DNA complex antigens

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for identification and quantitation of nuclear antigens (nonhistone protein-DNA complexes from chromatin). Until now, the complement fixation assay has been the only immunoassay routinely applied to nonhistone protein-DNA complexes. The ELISA is considerably more sensitive than the micro-complement fixation test for assaying the immunospecificity of nuclear protein-DNA complexes. Dilutions of rabbit antisera as great as 1 : 6 400 could be used to detect nanogram quantities of antigen, chicken reticulocyte chromatin or dehistonized rat liver chromatin.
REVISION OF VERNONIA SERIES FLEXUOSAE (COMPOSITAE: VERNONIEAE)

SeriesFlexuosae consists of eight closely related species. The taxa are collectively unique in their morphology and share similar flavonoid compounds. They range from south-central Brazil southwest into Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. The eight species are keyed, described and mapped and synonymies are provided.
Patients’ Emergency Contraception Comprehension, Usage, and View of the Emergency Department Role for Emergency Contraception

Female Emergency Department (ED) patients were surveyed to determine their comprehension of the concept of emergency contraception (EC), to assess how often they had used EC in comparison to other forms of contraception, and to learn which patients want the ED to provide EC services. Most of the 761 respondents were aged < 35 years (62.1%), never married (42.9%), had been pregnant at least once (70.2%), had never had an abortion (76.1%), had never used EC (90.6%), and had sex with a man within the past month (70.7%). Respondents were 2.5 times more likely to have had an abortion than to have used EC; 85.3% could not correctly answer two questions that assessed comprehension of the concept of EC; 43.1% wanted the ED to offer EC, 55.6% to provide information about EC, and 52.6% to refer patients for EC. Younger patients, those who attended religious services infrequently, patients who had ever used EC, and those at risk of pregnancy were more likely to want the ED to provide EC services.
Biomimetic Synthesis of Petuniasterone D via the Epoxy Ester−Ortho Ester Rearrangement

The side chain of the insecticidal steroid petuniasterone D was synthesized by the biomimetic acid-catalyzed epoxy ester[bond]ortho ester rearrangement. In addition to the natural (22R,24R)-configuration of the side chain ortho ester, compounds bearing the epimeric (22R,24S)-, (22S,24R)-, and (22S,24S)- [3.2.1]-bicyclic ortho esters were also produced by stereospecific rearrangement of the corresponding isomeric epoxy esters. Functionalization of the steroid nucleus of the (22R,24R)-ortho ester completed the synthesis of the natural product.
The paramagnetic line width in Cu(HCOO)2·4H2O

The paramagnetic ESR line width of Cu(HCOO)2·4H2O has been investigated in the temperature range 20°K to 273°K at 9 GHz and 36 GHz along the principal axes. An unusual linear temperature dependence is observed between 70°K and 273°K. Below 70°K a slight slope change occurs. The rapid line broadening nearT N shows evidence of weak ferromagnetism. The extrapolated 0°K paramagnetic line width shows strong exchange narrowing. An observed „sample size effect” is quantitatively explained. Various temperature-dependent line broadening mechanisms are considered. It is proposed that phonon modulation of the Moriya-Dzyaloshinsky interaction accounts for the linear process.
Temptation, Self-Possession, and Resoluteness: Heidegger's Reading of Confessions X and What Is the Good of Being and Time?

In Heidegger's 1921 lectures, he presents an extensive interpretation of Book Ten of Augustine's Confessions. The present paper elaborates parallels between that interpretation of Augustine's Confessions and Heidegger's interpretation of existence in Being and Time, with special reference to the themes of self-possession (continentia) and resoluteness (Entschlossenheit) as respective anchors of the two interpretations. The study also highlights ways the two interpretations diverge, i.e., the aspects of the interpretation of the Confessions' themes of the good and desirable, the joyful and endearing, the delectatio that Augustine deems the end of our care (finis curae) that do not find their way into the existential analysis. By way of conclusion, questions are raised about the significance and plausibility of Heidegger's prima facie omissions of these themes from his existential analysis.
Maryland's All-Payer Approach to Delivery-System Reform

Maryland, with its all-payer rate-setting system for hospital services, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are launching a new model that will transform the state's delivery system and may guide other federal–state partnerships in improving health care.
Reply to Ogden and Stallard: Phenomenological runoff models in the Panama Canal watershed

Ogden and Stallard (1) argue that our estimates of the effect of reforestation on runoff in the Panama Canal watershed (2) are invalid because we use a particular phenomenological runoff model: the US Department of Agriculture–Natural Resources Conservation Service Curve Number (CN) model. The authors claim that the CN model, originally developed to describe runoff from single storm events in temperate watersheds, does not “work” in humid tropical watersheds and cannot be applied at other temporal or spatial scales. We disagree. The test of any phenomenological model is whether it predicts well at the scale on which data are observed. The CN model does not offer the same insights into hydrological processes as physics-based models, but it has been applied at various temporal (3) and spatial scales (4, 5) with reasonable predictive power. We calibrated our model using precipitation and hydrograph data for the Candelaria subbasin and validated against observed flows for six subbasins in the watershed. At the subbasin scale the model predicted flows within . The predicted margin of error for the whole watershed was found to be 1%. Sensitivity analysis showed that the estimated hydrological flows were relatively stable with respect to CN variations.
Attention and schizophrenia: a view from cognitive neuroscience.

(1996). Attention and Schizophrenia: A View from Cognitive Neuroscience. Cognitive Neuropsychiatry: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 95-102.
Enhanced geolocation of spaceborne laser altimeter surface returns: parameter calibration from the simultaneous reduction of altimeter range and navigation tracking data

Abstract The accurate geolocation of a laser altimeter’s surface return, the spot from which the laser energy reflects on the Earth’s surface, is a critical issue in the scientific application of these data. Pointing, ranging, timing and orbit errors must be compensated to accurately geolocate these data. Detailed laser altimeter measurement models have been developed and implemented within precision orbit determination software providing the capability to simultaneously estimate the orbit and geolocation parameters from a combined reduction of altimeter range and spacecraft tracking data. In preparation for NASA’s future dedicated Earth observing spaceborne laser altimeter missions, the Vegetation Canopy Lidar (VCL) and the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat), data from two Shuttle Laser Altimeter (SLA) missions have been reprocessed to test and refine these algorithms and to develop the analysis methodologies for the production and verification of enhanced geolocation products. Both direct altimetry and dynamic crossover data have been reduced in combination with navigation tracking data to obtain significant improvement in SLA geolocation accuracy. Residual and overlap precision tests indicate a factor of two improvement over the previously released SLA Standard Data Products, showing 40-m RMS horizontal and 26-cm RMS elevation geolocation precision for the long SLA-01 arcs. Accuracy estimates by comparing SLA profiles to Digital Elevation Models show horizontal positioning accuracy at the 60-m (1σ) level. Vertical accuracies, on the order of 1 m (1σ) for low slope surfaces are now dominated by the ±75-cm one-way range resolution of the instrument. Comparable relative improvements are also observed in the analysis of the SLA-02 data. The analyses show that complex temporal variations in parameters (i.e., pointing) can be recovered and not just simple biases. The methodology and results obtained from the detailed analysis are discussed in this paper, along with their applicability to VCL and ICESat.
Impact of filmless imaging on the frequency of clinician review of radiology images

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of filmless imaging on the frequency with which physicians access radiology images and to assess clinician perception of image accessibility using a hospital-wide Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS). Quantitative data were collected at the Baltimore VA Medical Center (BVAMC), prior to and after conversion to filmless imaging, to determine the frequency with which clinicians access radiology images. Survey data were also collected to assess physician preferences of image accessibility, time management, and overall patient care when comparing filmless and film-based modes of operation. In general, there was a significant increase in the average number of radiology images reviewed by clinicians throughout the hospital. However, the one area in the hospital where this trend was not observed was in the intensive care unit (ICU), where the frequency of image access was similar between film and filmless operations. Ninety-eight percent of clinicians surveyed reported improved accessibility of images in a filmless environment resulting in improved time management. The mean clinician estimate of time saved due to the use of PACS was 44 minutes. The study documented a combination of clinician perception of improved accessibility and substantial time savings with the use of a hospital-wide PACS, which was supported by objective measurements. The increased frequency of image review by clinicians and rapid image access should provide a further impetus to radiologists to decrease report turnaround time to provide “added value” for patient care.
IMPORTANCE OF COLONIC MUCOSAL BIOPSIES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

IMPORTANCE OF COLONIC MUCOSAL BIOPSIES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Two-transitive actions on conjugacy classes

Every group acts transitively by conjugation on each of its conjugacy classes of elements. It is natural to wonder when this action becomes multiply transitive. In this paper, we determine all finite groups which act faithfully and 2-transitively on a conjugacy class of elements. We also give some consequences including a solvability criterion based on what fraction of elements belong to conjugacy classes upon which the group acts faithfully and 2–transitively.
Fine-tuning Your Seismic Image: Prestack Data Warping to Improve Stack Quality And Resolution

Recent developments in seismic attributes have allowed us to peek into the lateral misalignment of imaged data before stack, with a similar resolution as vertical moveout is traditionally examined. We develop a procedure to measure that lateral moveout and then correct for it by applying a warping procedure to the data. When used to correct for residual lateral moveout, subtle but potentially important improvements in the quality and resolution of the stacked image should be expected. Other suggested applications include use of the warping shifts to feed a tomographic estimation of velocity updates or as a diagnostic of quality and associated risk in an imaging project. Extension into a 3D procedure is possible. In that case, most likely the best approach for measurement of misalignment is to combine regular seismic data for vertical moveout and attribute data for lateral moveout.
Computer Attitude Scale

A Computer Attitude Scale is reported herein. The instrument is a twenty-nine-item with a reliability of 0.80. It is specifically intended to assess attitudes of high school students toward computer technology. The specificity of this instrument for targeting only a special group of learners, makes it a powerful tool for structuring instruction and evaluating educational programs that incorporate technology into the teaching and learning material in the high school environment.
Control of fluid intake by estrogens in the female rat: role of the hypothalamus

Body fluid homeostasis is maintained by a complex network of central and peripheral systems that regulate blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte excretion, and fluid intake. The behavioral components, which include well regulated water and saline intake, are influenced by a number of hormones and neuropeptides. Since the early 1970s, it has been known that the ovarian estrogens play an important role in regulating fluid intake in females by decreasing water and saline intake under a variety of hypovolemic conditions. Behavioral, electrophysiological, gene and protein expression studies have identified nuclei in the hypothalamus, along with nearby forebrain structures such as the subfornical organ (SFO), as sites of action involved in mediating these effects of estrogens and, importantly, all of these brain areas are rich with estrogen receptors (ERs). This review will discuss the multiple ER subtypes, found both in the cell nucleus and associated with the plasma membrane, that provide diversity in the mechanism through which estrogens can induce behavioral changes in fluid intake. We then focus on the relevant brain structures, hypothesized circuits, and various peptides, such as angiotensin, oxytocin, and vasopressin, implicated in the anti-dipsogenic and anti-natriorexigenic actions of the estrogens.
Semiclassical analysis of the scattering of 16O by 28Si

Abstract Semiclassical analysis of the optical potentials which fit the recent Stony Brook-BNL 16 O + 28 Si scattering data, shows that the scattering mechanism of these potentials at backward angles is essentially the same. Neither the reflection from the sharp surface of the surface transparent potential used by Dehnhard and Shkolnik, Golin and Kahana, nor the modified form factor in the potential used by Lee and Chan is essential to fit the angular distribution. Based on the uniform approximation, we derive analytic formula to understand the angular distribution at backward angles and to understand the oscillatory structure in the 180° excitation functions.
Venography with carbon dioxide as a contrast agent.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and potential role of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a contrast agent for venography. Consecutive patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast agents or with unsatisfactory iodinated contrast studies underwent CO2 digital subtraction venography. The images were rated by three experienced angiographers. Image quality and complications were assessed. Over a 14-month period, 66 vein segments were studied in 21 patients. There was good correlation between experienced angiographers on CO2 image quality (Ri = 0.80) and good agreement on diagnosis (k = 0.62). In 91% of the vein segments evaluated with CO2 there was interobserver agreement on the diagnosis. Upper extremity veins were adequately imaged with CO2 alone in all (6/6) patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast. Following suboptimal iodinated contrast studies in six patients, CO2 produced significantly better quality upper extremity central vein images (p < 0.05). Pain following injection into peripheral veins was the only CO2-related complication. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters were successfully deployed with CO2 alone in 78% (7/9) of patients; two required iodinated contrast. Based upon initial experience, CO2 venography can be recommended in patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast or unsatisfactory iodinated contrast studies.
Should caring be viewed as a competence? (Re-)Opening the dialogue over the limitations of competency frameworks in HRD

Understanding, I have been urging, is active, is an engagement, is a form of agency….It is an expression of individuality; and it strikes against the conventionalism of competency, insofar as compe...
EFFECT OF STIMULUS VARIABLES ON VERBAL PERSEVERATION OF DYSPHASIC SUBJECTS.

Oral responses were received from 33 dysphasics to word stimuli counterbalanced according to abstraction level, part of speech, length, and frequency of occurrence, and presented through the visual, auditory, and visual-auditory modalities. The results indicated that: through the visual modality, words of high and medium abstraction level produced significantly more perseveration than low, while through the auditory and visual-auditory modalities no significant differences were found; regardless of modality no significant differences existed among nouns, verbs and adjectives; regardless of modality long words produced significantly more perseveration than short; regardless of modality no significant differences existed between words of frequent and infrequent occurrence in the language; regardless of abstraction level, part of speech, word length and frequency of occurrence, the visual modality produced significantly more perseveration than the auditory and visual-auditory modalities, except in the case o...
The Princeton separator, past and future

Abstract Some past research applications of the Princeton separator are reviewed. The future program envisaged includes fundamental β decay studies, low temperature nuclear orientation and nuclear astrophysics.
Maturation and current status of neuroscience: data from the 1976 Inventory of U.S. Neuroscientists.

Abstract The growth of neurosciences as a correlated field of brain and behavior was demonstrated by the increase since 1968 of publications, membership in the Society for Neuroscience, and attendance at its annual meetings. The extent and characteristics of the resultant pool of neuroscientists in 1976 was assessed from responses to a questionnaire that provided demographic, sociologic, and field specialization data. Information on research projects and their dollar support was obtained from the Smithsonian Science Information Exchange. Indicators from these data were compared with those obtained from earlier surveys and with aggregated data in the biomedical sciences. Since 1968–69 the number of scientists with Ph.D.'s increased their proportion of the pool of neuroscience personnel and those with M.D.'s decreased. More than half were employed in medical school settings and only one-quarter were engaged in full-time research. The ratios of dollar support to number of projects funded in 1968 and 1976 varied widely among scientific disciplines, as did fields of training and later research specialization. The indicator variability found in the subfields of neuroscience underscores the urgency of continued monitoring and the fallacy of using aggregated data to identify needs for personnel in specific fields.
Corporate mergers and the problems of IS integration

Abstract The process of integrating information systems (IS) during corporate mergers can be critical to their success. Factors that can support or impede the successful integration of IS include organizational and IS attributes, organizational merger management and IS integration activities. This study develops a conceptual framework for measuring IS integration success and identifies the factors influencing it. A field survey investigates the relationship between these factors and success. According to the results of our field survey of CIOs, prior merger experience, IS participation in merger planning, the quality of merger planning, the criteria used for setting IS integration priorities, and a high level of data sharing across applications appear to have a positive influence on the success of the IS integration. When changes that directly affect personnel have a significant impact, that impact seems to be mostly negative. Programming language incompatibilities also have a negative impact on IS integration success.
Thyroid hormone resistance syndromes

Abstract The gene for generalized thyroid hormone resistance has been mapped to the c- erb Aβ thyroid hormone receptor on chromosome 3 in multiple kindreds. Different mutations have been identified in the triiodothyronine (T 3 )-binding domain of c- erb Aβ and result in variable changes in T 3 binding affinity. The variant phenotypes of thyroid hormone resistance are likely due to different mutations in the c- erb Aβ receptor.
14C-acetate incorporation and nucleic acid synthesis in human lymphocytes stimulated by PHA and tuberculin in vitro☆

Abstract Studies on the timing of incorporation of labeled acetate in relationship to other cellular events in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-treated lymphocytes have suggested that acetylation of nuclear histones may constitute an important regulatory mechanism for gene activation. In the present investigation, it was shown that PHA stimulation of lymphocytes from a tuberculin-positive patient caused an early increased incorporation of 14 C-acetate prior to RNA and DNA synthesis. Lymphocytes from the same patient, however, repeatedly showed no increased incorporation of 14 C-acetate following exposure to the sensitizing antigen, tuberculin (PPD), even though RNA and DNA synthesis were markedly stimulated. These results suggest that regulatory mechanisms of DNA template activity other than acetylation may be operative in sensitized lymphocytes responding to specific antigen. One possible explanation for the differences in 14 C-acetate incorporation is that the increased uptake of acetate exhibited by PHA-treated cells is an effect related to nonspecific membrane changes caused by the PHA. If this is the case, then template regulation in PHA and antigen-stimulated lymphocytes may be achieved via similar but yet to be defined mechanisms.
Comparative in vitro activity of vancomycin and levofloxacin in combination with rifampin against planktonic versus sessile cells of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Study objective To evaluate the activity of vancomycin and levofloxacin alone and combined with rifampin against planktonic and sessile cells. Intervention Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the three drugs were determined against a clinical isolate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE 23) and a reference strain of MRSE (ATCC 35984). Measurements and main results The MICs/MBCs of vancomycin, levofloxacin, and rifampin against MRSE 23 were 0.78/0.78 microg/ml, 0.19/0.19 microg/ml or below, and 0.19/0.19 microg/ml or below, and against ATCC 35984 were 0.78/1.56 microg/ml, 0.19/0.19 microg/ml or below, and 0.19/0.19 microg/ml or below, respectively. A 99.9% killing activity was achieved with vancomycin, levofloxacin, and vancomycin-levofloxacin against planktonic cells of MRSE 23 (18.9, 21.3, and 17.5 hrs, respectively) and only with levofloxacin against ATCC 35984 (21.5 hrs). No regimen achieved 99.9% killing activity against sessile cells. Conclusion Adding rifampin was antagonistic against planktonic cells and had an additive effect against sessile cells. Activity typically reported using nutrient-rich, planktonic cells may not be applicable to sessile cells under environmental and growth restrictions.
Medication Adherence and Heart Failure

Heart failure remains among the most prevalent and burdensome medical conditions in the United States. With increasing awareness regarding resource use and costs of care, there has been significant interest in the identification of factors that influence rates of hospitalization and readmission in individuals with heart failure. Medication adherence has been identified as one such modifiable factor. Many barriers to medication adherence have been identified and include factors related to the patient, those related to their medical condition, their medical regimen, the healthcare system and others that are social and socioeconomic in nature. Identification of these barriers has led to novel interventions for improving medication adherence with the goal of improving the care of individuals with heart failure.
Dose-dependent systemic and regional hemodynamic effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide.

ABSTRACT The dose-response effects of infused calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a potent vasodilator, on systemic and regional hemodynamics in the conscious rat remain incompletely defined. The radioactive microsphere technique provided these determinations before and after the intravenous administration of vehicle or 22,65, 220, and 2200 pmol of CGRP. Neither vehicle nor 22 pmol of CGRP significantly changed any systemic or regional hemodynamic parameter. Starting at the 65-pmol dose, CGRP significantly decreased mean blood pressure and total peripheral resistance, while increasing heart rate without changing cardiac output. CGRP produced selective regional vasodilatory effects, with the coronary circulation being unusually sensitive. In contrast, CGRP caused significant increases in blood flow to the mesenteric and cutaneous circulations only at the two highest doses. CGRP increased plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine, and renin activity significantly at only the 2200-pmol dose. In conclusion, CGRP decreases blood pressure by peripheral vasodilation, with a threshold dose occurring between 22 and 65 pmol. In addition, the coronary circulation appears to be particularly sensitive to the vasodilatory properties of CGRP.
Structure of the Molybdenum Site of Rhodobacter sphaeroides Biotin Sulfoxide Reductase

Conditions for heterologous expression of Rhodobacter sphaeroides biotin sulfoxide reductase in Escherichia coli were modified, resulting in a significant improvement in the yield of recombinant enzyme and enabling structural studies of the molybdenum center. Quantitation of the guanine and the molybdenum as compared to that found in R. sphaeroides DMSO reductase demonstrated the presence of the bis(MGD)molybdenum cofactor. UV−visible absorption spectra were obtained for the oxidized, NADPH-reduced, and dithionite-reduced enzyme. EPR spectra were obtained for the Mo(V) state of the enzyme. X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the molybdenum K-edge has been used to probe the molybdenum coordination of the enzyme. The molybdenum site of the oxidized protein possesses a Mo(VI) mono-oxo site (MoO at 1.70 A) with additional coordination by approximately four thiolate ligands at 2.41 A and probably one oxygen or nitrogen at 1.95 A. The NADPH- and dithionite-reduced Mo(IV) forms of the enzyme are des-oxo molybdenum ...
Recent progress in Wacker oxidations: moving toward molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant.

Wacker oxidations, the conversion of terminal olefins to methyl ketones with Pd(II) catalysts, have seen widespread use in synthetic applications. Standard synthetic Wacker conditions use catalytic PdCl2 with stoichiometric CuCl under an aerobic atmosphere in a mixed-solvent system of N,N-dimethylformamide and H2O. Though much attention has been directed toward elucidating the rate-determining step and the mechanism of nucleopalladation, the assumption that Cu does not participate in this portion of the catalytic cycle has recently been called into question based on an isolated Pd/Cu bimetallic species and the influence of Cu on product selectivity. Fortunately, recent advancements have been made toward the elimination of Cu additives, thereby alleviating these issues. Success in this area has come from the application of information gained in studying other direct-O2-coupled Pd(II) oxidation systems, including ligand modulation, something which could not be achieved in the presence of Cu. The development...
High Order Finite Difference and Finite Volume Methods for Advection on the Sphere

Numerical schemes used for computational climate modeling and weather prediction are often of second order accuracy. It is well-known that methods of formal order higher than two offer a significant potential gain in computational efficiency. We here present two classes of high order methods for discretization on the surface of a sphere, first finite difference schemes satisfying the summation-by-parts property on the cube sphere grid, secondly finite volume discretizations on unstructured grids with polygonal cells. Furthermore, we also implement the seventh order accurate weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO7) scheme for the cube sphere grid. For the finite difference approximation, we prove a stability estimate, derived from projection boundary conditions. For the finite volume method, we develop the implementational details by working in a local coordinate system at each cell. We apply the schemes to compute advection on a sphere, which is a well established test problem. We compare the performance of the methods with respect to accuracy, computational efficiency, and ability to capture discontinuities.
Teaching leisure skills to severely handicapped adults: An age-appropriate darts game

This study demonstrates the acquisition and generalization of dart skills by three severely multihandicapped adults. The program took place in a community adult development center. By identifying the motor responses required to play darts, a 7-step task analysis was generated to facilitate instruction. Systematic training procedures using applied behavior analysis were implemented. A combination multiple baseline across subjects and changing criterion design was used. The results indicated that not only could this supposedly difficult skill be acquired by severely multihandicapped individuals, but that they could also generalize to other appropriate environments. Acquisition of this skill could help optimize their use of free time for leisure pursuits in a variety of settings.
Numerical Simulation of Random Packing of Spherical Particles for Powder-Based Additive Manufacturing

Powder-based additive manufacturing is an efficient and rapid manufacturing technique because it allows fabrication of complex parts that are often unobtainable by traditional manufacturing processes. A better understanding of the packing structure of the powder is urgently needed for the powder-based additive manufacturing. In this study, the sequential addition packing algorithm is employed to investigate the random packing of spherical particles with and without shaking effect. The 3D random packing structures are demonstrated by illustrative pictures and quantified in terms of pair distribution function, coordination number, and packing density. The results are presented and discussed aiming to produce the desirable packing structures for powder-based additive manufacturing.
Corrections to the deuteron static moments

Abstract We show results for the corrections to the deuteron quadrupole and magnetic moments due to relativistic effects, mesonic exchange currents, higher order terms in the single-particle current and contributions from the spin-orbit and quadratic spin-orbit parts of the NN interaction. We have also considered estimates of the contributions from the isobar components of the deuteron wave function. We discuss the significance of our results in the determination of the spatial behavior of the deuteron wave function and, by extension, of that of the NN potential.
Formulation and validation of a Ritz-based analytical model of high-frequency periodically layered isolators in compression

Abstract Periodically layered isolators exhibit transmissibility “stop bands” or frequency ranges in which there is very low transmissibility. A two-dimensional axisymmetric model was developed to accurately predict the location of these stop bands for isolators in compression. A Ritz approximation method was used to model the axisymmetric elastic behavior of layered cylindrical isolators. A modal analysis was performed for a single elastomer and metal layer combination or cell. A modal synthesis approach was then used to obtain a model of an n-celled isolator, from which overall isolator modal properties are determined. This model of the dynamic behavior of layered isolators was validated with experiments. Analytical and experimental transmissibilities are compared for test specimens having identical elastomer components, but different geometries and different numbers of cells. In all cases, experimental and analytical transmissibilities are in close agreement at frequencies ranging from zero to those associated with the initial roll-off of the stop bands. For three and four cell cases, minimum stop band analytical transmissibilities lie below the minimum experimental measurements, although an experimental noise floor imposed a minimum transmissibility measurement of approximately 1.4×10−4. Experiment suggests a practical isolator design could limit the minimum number of cells to three or four to ensure a pronounced stop band attenuation effect. In addition, analytical and experimental transmissibilities are compared for geometrically similar test specimens with differing elastomeric damping properties. The analytical and experimental results show that stop band effectiveness is not appreciably affected by the addition of modest damping.