cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-muscle synergies in an unusual postural task: quick shear force production

We considered a hypothetical two-level hierarchy participating in the control of vertical posture. The framework of the uncontrolled manifold (UCM) hypothesis was used to explore the muscle groupings (M-modes) and multi-M-mode synergies involved in the stabilization of a time profile of the shear force in the anterior–posterior direction. Standing subjects were asked to produce pulses of shear force into a target using visual feedback while trying to minimize the shift of the center of pressure (COP). Principal component analysis applied to integrated muscle activation indices identified three M-modes. The composition of the M-modes was similar across subjects and the two directions of the shear force pulse. It differed from the composition of M-modes described in earlier studies of more natural actions associated with large COP shifts. Further, the trial-to-trial M-mode variance was partitioned into two components: one component that does not affect a particular performance variable (V UCM), and its orthogonal component (V ORT). We argued that there is a multi-M-mode synergy stabilizing this particular performance variable if V UCM is higher than V ORT. Overall, we found a multi-M-mode synergy stabilizing both shear force and COP coordinate. For the shear force, this synergy was strong for the backward force pulses and nonsignificant for the forward pulses. An opposite result was found for the COP coordinate: the synergy was stronger for the forward force pulses. The study shows that M-mode composition can change in a task-specific way and that two different performance variables can be stabilized using the same set of elemental variables (M-modes). The different dependences of the ΔV indices for the shear force and COP coordinate on the force pulse direction supports applicability of the principle of superposition (separate controllers for different performance variables) to the control of different mechanical variables in postural tasks. The M-mode composition allows a natural mechanical interpretation.
Evaluation of commercial imported fire ant extracts by crossed immunoelectrophoresis and radioallergosorbent test

Abstract Imported fire ant whole-body extracts (IFAWBE) from three major U.S. commercial suppliers and a reference IFAWBE and imported fire ant venom (IFAV) preparation were compared by crossed immunoelectrophoresis and RAST-inhibition testing. Results of crossed immunoelectrophoretic studies showed major differences in antigen content between commercial preparations. IFAWBE and IFAV RAST-inhibition testing showed that no commercial extract had equivalent inhibitory activity to the reference IFAWBE. Reference IFAWBE reached 50% inhibition of IFAWBE and IFAV RAST at 52 and 492 μg/ml, respectively. IFAV gave 50% inhibition of IFAWBE and IFAV RAST at 5.9 and 58 μg/ml, respectively. Of the commercial extracts, only those from one supplier were able to reach 50% inhibition of the reference IFAWBE RAST, and no commercial extract from any supplier was able to reach 50% inhibition of IFAV RAST. Analysis of inhibition slopes and intercepts confirmed that there were both qualitative and quantitative differences among the commercial extracts and the reference IFAWBE and IFAV. Our findings suggest possible reasons why some individuals fail to respond to testing or immunotherapy with IFAWBE and show the urgent need for standardization of allergenic extracts for diagnosis and treatment of imported fire ant sensitivity.
Computer-mediated communication as a virtual third place: building Oldenburg’s great good places on the world wide web

The sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term ‘third place’ or ‘great good places’ to describe the public spaces used for informal social interaction outside of the home and workplace. Oldenburg’s conceptualization has been used consistently to describe the communication of computer-mediated contexts such as chatrooms and multi user environments. This analysis examines the accuracy, utility and potential pitfalls of Oldenburg’s concept for computer-mediated communication scholarship. Further, it offers the necessary conditions for creating viable ‘virtual’ third places on the world wide web. Finally, it identifies directions for continued research as well as theoretical implications for scholars interested in digital communication technologies.
Inferring sequences produced by a linear congruential generator missing low-order bits

An efficient algorithm is given for inferring sequences produced by linear congruential pseudorandom number generators when some of the low-order bits of the numbers produced are unavailable. These generators have the formX n=aX n−1+b (modm). We assume that the constantsa,b, andm are unknown, and thatt=O(log logm) of the low-order bits are not used.
M13 Bacteriophage as a Biological Scaffold for Magnetically-Recoverable Metal Nanowire Catalysts: Combining Specific and Nonspecific Interactions To Design Multifunctional Nanocomposites

Magnetically separable hydrogenation catalysts serve as an example of a multifunctional M13 bacteriophage nanocomposite made by (a) growing Rh nanoparticles lengthwise along the pVIII region via nonspecific electrostatic interactions and (b) anchoring Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the pIII tip via materials-specific interactions identified through phage display methods
Group process variables in group supervision

A single subject case study indicated the supervision group was primarily task-oriented, made a contribution to supervisees' learning, and achieved the affiliation level of group development.
The Empty Noose: The Trouble With Removing Spectacle From Lynching Iconography

Although graphic lynching photographs have become a popular topic of academic study, today’s lynching iconography does not rely on spectacle. This essay explores how the shift to figurative represe...
Superstition predicts favorable weight change in an open-placebo trial: a prospective study.

Given the difficulty of losing weight via adhering to healthy lifestyle choices, this study sought to understand how a placebo may elicit favorable weight change. Specifically, we examined if superstition may be related to increased responsiveness to an open-placebo. In this pilot study of 25 undergraduate participants, it was hypothesized that individuals with higher levels of superstition may be more responsive to a 3-week open-placebo weight change trial. Participants were given once-daily saltine crackers to use as open-placebos for weight change in their preferred direction (gain or loss). The weight of each participant was measured before and after the 3-week open-placebo period. A Pearson’s r correlation showed a significant positive relationship between superstition and placebo responsiveness, determined by weight gain or loss in the preferred direction, r (25) = 0.493, p < 0.05. We hope these preliminary results engender future research on open-placebo uses for weight management.
The natural history of drinking and alcohol-related problems after traumatic brain injury

Abstract Bombardier CH, Temkin NR, Machamer J, Dikmen SS. The natural history of drinking and alcohol-related problems after traumatic brain injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:185-91. Objectives: To describe changes in drinking from before traumatic brain injury (TBI) to 1 year after TBI. Design: Inception cohort with 1-year follow-up. Setting: Level I trauma center. Participants: Adults (N=197) hospitalized with a broad range of head injury severity. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Results: Drinking and alcohol-related problems decreased substantially from preinjury to 1 year after TBI. However, about one quarter of the sample reported heavy drinking, significant problems, or both during the first year after TBI. Preinjury alcohol use and problems were highly predictive of heavy use and problems after TBI. Conclusion: Although drinking and alcohol-related problems decreased after TBI, there appears to be an ongoing need for prevention and intervention efforts. Screening for preinjury alcohol problems can be used to identify the vast majority of persons who will develop alcohol-related problems within 1 year after injury. [copy ] 2003 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Randomized trial of administration of prostaglandin E2 gel for induction of labor in the morning or the evening

Objective: To compare the outcome of induction of labor and patient's preferences using a protocol with the first dose of prostaglandin E 2 endocervical gel in the evening versus a protocol with the first dose in the morning. Design: We performed a randomized trial comparing administration of prostaglandin E 2 endocervical gel in the morning with administration of prostaglandin E 2 gel in the evening, followed if necessary by a second dose being given after six hours if labor had not started or the cervix was still unripe. Formal induction of labor by amniotomy and oxytocin infusion was performed the morning after the initial prostaglandin E 2 dose. Patients' preferences were assessed using a questionnaire that was completed after delivery. Setting: Tertiary care hospital in the Netherlands with 1,600 deliveries per year. PARTICIPANTS: One-hundred and twenty-six women with viable singleton pregnancies at term who had induction of labor with prostaglandins. Main outcome measures: Time of delivery (daytime, evening or night) and patient's satisfaction. Results: Fifty-eight women were allocated for administration of gel in the morning, whereas 68 had their gel in the evening. Administration of gel in the evening did not significantly reduce delivery between 23.00 hours and 08.00 hours, although there was a reduction in delivery between 23.00 hours and 08.00 hours in nulliparae. None of the multiparous women delivered between 18.00 hours and 23.00 hours after induction of labor in the evening. The relative risk for delivery by vacuum or forceps was increased after allocation of gel in the evening (4.2; 95 % confidence limits 1.4 to 13). Patients' preferences favored administration of gel in the morning. Conclusions: There was no benefit in starting induction of labor with prostaglandin E 2 in the evening, compared with starting in the morning.
The effect of membrane domains on the G protein–phospholipase Cβ signaling pathway

The plasma membrane serves as a barrier to limit the exit and entry of components into and out of the cell offering protection from the external environment. Communication between the cell and the external environment is mediated by multiple signaling pathways. While the plasma membrane was historically viewed as a lipid bilayer with freely diffusing proteins, the last decade has shown that the lipids and proteins in the plasma membrane are organized in a non-random manner, and that this organization can direct and modify various signaling pathways in the cell. In this review, we qualitatively discuss the ways that membrane domains can affect cell signaling. We then focus on how membrane domains can affect a specific signaling pathways – the G protein – phospholipase Cβ pathway and show how membrane domains can play an active role in directing or redirecting G protein signals.
Triadin Deletion Alters Calcium Sparks in Murine Cardiomyocytes

Gene-targeted deletion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) protein triadin (Trdn-/-) causes 50% reduction in ryanodine receptor (RyR2) Ca2+ release channels and cardiac calsequestrin, and a 50% decrease in the size of t-tubule SR junctions in mouse heart muscle. Here we report on the Ca2+ spark properties of Trdn-/- cardiomyocytes. Isolated ventricular myocytes from Trdn-/- mice (N=5) and wild-type littermates (Trdn+/+, N=8) were loaded with the Ca-sensitive fluorescent indicator Fluo4-AM and Ca2+ sparks were measured in 2mM Ca2+ by confocal microscopy in line scan mode. As illustrated in the figure, triadin deletion caused a dramatic reduction in spark amplitude (ΔF/Fo: Trdn-/- 0.43±0.01, n=893; Trdn+/+ 0.61±0.02, n=745, p<7.27E-22), spark width (FWHM (μm): Trdn-/- 2.64±0.03 n=893, Trdn+/+ 2.90 ± 0.03, n=745, p<1.77E-09) and spark upstroke velocity (Δ(F/Fo)/Δtmax(Δ(F/Fo)/s): Trdn-/- 31.67±0.90, n=891, Trdn+/+ 58.35±1.62, n=741, p<3.49E-48), whereas spark frequency was modestly increased (sparks/100μm/s: Trdn-/- 0.92±0.08, n=255 myocytes, Trdn+/+ 0.71±0.06, n=321 myocytes, p<0.03). The changes in spark properties occurred in absence of significant changes in SR Ca2+ content measured by rapid caffeine application. These data suggest that loss of triadin has a drastic effect on spark properties, possibly by altering the number of RyR2 and/or the RyR2 cluster size.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Dependence on plasma density of the conductivity of an electron-hole plasma in germanium at 2 K

Abstract High densities of electron-hole plasma have been optically injected into Ge at T ∼ 2K, and the plasma density inferred from measurements of the plasma absorption at 3.39μ. The behavior of the conductivity with increasing density and at different electric fields can be understood from a model of a plasma condensation into high density drops, with the plasma density in the drops ⩾ 6 × 1016 c−3.
Wealth and Wealth Proxies in a Permanent Income Model

This paper formulates a permanent income model of consumer expenditures. Through use of this model, measures of permanent income are examined that are alternatively based on (a) measured income patterns, (b) stocks of consumer liquid assets, (c) stocks of consumer financial assets, and (d) stocks of consumer real and financial assets. Using assets in permanent income measures is found to improve upon using measured income patterns in explaining consumer expenditure. Consumer assets are further found not to be treated as one homogeneous stock by consumers. Money and risky financial assets contribute significantly to explaining consumer spending, while savings and real assets are of no value. Finally, asset effects on consumption are found to be inelastic but statistically significant.
CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE OF CLINICAL MEMORY TESTS

Snmmmy.-Although there are many methods used to measure memory, there is surprisingly little agreement as to the validity of these measures. This study was designed to assess the convergent and divergent validity of several different memory measures. 60 college students served as subjects in the study. A moderate degree of convergent validity was found for the memory scales. A principal component analysis gave rwo major factors, memory for verbal and nonverbal materials. Controlling for intelligence (Quick Test) did not substantially reduce the convergent validity of rhe memory measures, establishing the divergent validity of memory. While there is a need to assess clinically the memory functions of individuals, the current methods appear to need additional work to improve the level of convergent validiry and to reflect the diversity in memory.
Spin trapping of hydroperoxyl radical by a cyclic nitrone conjugated to β -cyclodextrin: a computational study.

Spin trapping of hydroperoxyl radical (HOO·) by the amide-linked conjugate of 5-carbamoyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (AMPO) to β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was studied computationally using a two-layered ONIOM method. From a conformational perspective, the “internal” conformation of 5R-β-CD-AMPO is more favored than the “external” conformation in which the nitrone is located outside of the cavity of the β-CD. When the HOO· addition product is formed, the most stable isomer has the nitroxyl (N1–O1) moiety pointing inside the cavity of the β-CD. Thus, this “internal” conformation might protect the N1–O1 moiety of the resulting spin adduct from access by reducing agents, thereby improving the lifetime of the radical adduct. The computed energetic barrier for HOO· addition to the 5R-β-CD-AMPO is 8.7 kcal/mol, which is marginally smaller than spin trapping by the non-conjugated AMPO (that is, without the β-CD). To optimize the reactivity of the β-CD-AMPO conjugate, the effect of a spacer unit between the AMPO segment and the β-CD moiety with varying methylene units, (CH2) n (n = 1, 2, 3), on the energetics of HOO· addition was evaluated. The structure with only one methylene spacer (n = 1) appears to be optimal as determined by the smaller activation barrier (6.2 kcal/mol) for HOO· addition to the nitrone moiety. Compared with very time-consuming quantum mechanical methods, the ONIOM method appears to offer significant advantages for evaluation of the best β-CD-AMPO conjugate for trapping of such reactive oxygen species and providing for the rational design of novel nitrones as spin traps.
Identity structure, narrative accounts, and commitment to a volunteer role.

Abstract Degree of commitment was explored in relation to core self and role-identity. Thirty-one American emergency medical technicians (EMTs) described themselves in the EMT role (EMT now) and the way they anticipated they would be in the future (EMT future) by selecting items from an adjective checklist. Participants also described “real me,” “ideal me,” and “ought me.” Ratings of commitment and extranormative activity were also obtained. Finally, participants described a positive and a negative episode they had experienced as an EMT in an open-ended question that was coded for task and relational content. Each participant's checklist data set was individually analyzed using HICLAS, a clustering algorithm for binary data (P. DeBoeck, S. Rosenberg, & I. Van Mechelen, 1993). Results indicate that the similarity between EMT now and real me best predicted activity and the similarity between EMT future and real me best predicted commitment (positive correlations in both cases). Older, more experienced EMTs ...
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and the neutrophil: mechanisms of action.

The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a hemopoietic growth factor that regulates the production and functional activity of granulocytes and macrophages. GM-CSF is part of the complex cytokine/interleukine network. This complex network is composed of mediator molecules that participate in the immune system (see Table I). GM-CSF is also a member of the colony-stimulating factors (CSF’s) family. It has been known for a long time that CSF’s are humoral factors necessary for the control and induction of hemopoiesis (1, 2). Its name was derived from the observation that when GM-CSF is added to a semisolid culture of human bone marrow cells it stimulates the formation of pure colonies of both macrophages and neutrophils (3). GM-CSF plays a crucial role in the commitment of bone marrow stem cells, directing the proliferation and differentiation into specific precursors of the different lineages, and enhancing the survival of both progenitors and mature cells (4, 5). This cytokine is also able to potentiate the activation of mature phagocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils and macrophages) and in certain cases, it can activate directly mature phagocytes (6). Thus, GM-CSF plays an important role in host defense (7).
Stress-strain behavior of styrene-acrylonitrile/glass bead composites in the glassy region

The effects of temperature, strain rate and filler content on tensile properties of SAN/glass bead composites are studied. A point of discontinuity on the stress-strain curves for unannealed composites is investigated, annealing results in smooth curves with no discontinuities. A simple model for the filler effect on yield stress is suggested and shown to be in a good agreement with experimental data. A double shifting procedure to account for the temperature and filler effects on yield stress as a function of strain rate is proposed. A single master curve that can be represented by the equation: relates composite yield stress to strain rate, temperature and filler volume fraction.
“Race” in the Epidemiologic Literature: An Examination of the American Journal of Epidemiology, 1921–1990

The routine presentation of epidemiologic data by "race" has been challenged as impeding identification of modifiable risk factors and fostering an unsubstantiated belief in the biologic distinctness of the "races." This study examines the past and current uses of "race" in US epidemiologic research. The authors reviewed every paper published in the 1921, 1930, 1940, 1950, and 1960 volumes of the American Journal of Hygiene and in the 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, and 1990 volumes of the American Journal of Epidemiology. Of the total of 1,200 papers published during the sample years, 558 reports of original epidemiologic research conducted in the United States were identified. The proportion of these papers containing a reference to "race" rose steadily from 1975. However, the proportion of papers reporting inclusion of "nonwhite" populations did not show a parallel increase. Exclusion of "nonwhite" subjects and description of predominantly "white" study populations increased instead. Recommendations for future epidemiologic practice include the following: 1) greater inclusion of "nonwhite" populations in epidemiologic research and 2) vigorous investigation of the root causes of observed "race"-associated differences.
Disaster taxa in microbially mediated metazoans: how endosymbionts and environmental catastrophes influence the adaptive capacity of reef corals

Reef corals are examples of metazoans that engage in mutualisms with a variety of microorganisms, including dinoflagellates, Bacteria, Archaea, and viruses. The high adaptive capacity of these microbial symbionts can be co-opted by their coral hosts, and various emergent traits of these associations, such as thermotolerance, are undergoing strong selection due to climate change. This selection may spur the rise of microbial 'disaster taxa': opportunistic, cosmopolitan generalists that can proliferate and increase host survivorship following disturbances. Coral bleaching (a stress-induced loss of dinoflagellates) constitutes one type of catastrophic disturbance for resident symbiont communities, and opens novel patches of host for colonization by microbial disaster taxa. Moreover, the compartmentalization of microbial symbionts within coral polyps reduces their effective population size and thus facilitates the spread of disaster taxa during times of environmental change. These phenomena suggest that, despite widespread loss of coral cover as a result of climate disturbances, the potential spread of resilient microbial disaster taxa in surviving colonies can have important implications for coral reef persistence over the coming decades.
Narcolepsy: A case from India with polysomnographic findings

Narcolepsy is a common sleep disorder with a prevalence of about 0.02%. However, it may remain largely unrecognized in the Indian population owing to the perceived low prevalence. To the best of our knowledge there is only one case of narcolepsy reported from India so far. We present a case of narcolepsy with cataplexy with classical clinical and polysomnographic findings of narcolepsy.
Error Report Driven Post-Mortem Analysis

Regulatory agencies, such as US FDA, and other third party reviewers of software have the task of comprehending apiece of software in the event of its failure. Program slicing is the preferred technique to analyze software failures. However, program slicing might yield extremely large slices and also demand that an user have intimate knowledge of the software (by specifying a slicing criterion). In this paper we propose solutions to ameliorate both of these problems. The main hypothesis of the paper is that error reports can be used to generate slicing criteria, thus allowing a third-party reviewer to use slicing without any knowledge of the system being analyzed. The first contribution of the paper is a study of how error reports can be formalized and how execution sequences (called error traces) that satisfy an error report can be identified, which can then be sliced. A primary feature of this work is that incomplete error reports could be dealt with. The second contribution of the paper is a scheme for using abstract interpretation in the generation of error traces and (potential) slicing criteria from error reports. These "abstract" error traces can be sliced, much like in dynamic/conditional slicing, with respect to the criteria generated, allowing for inputs to be used to reduce the size of slices. Furthermore, being abstract in nature, they are shorter than exact execution sequences and also allow for easier comprehension. We finally present a case study involving a medical device that illustrates how our approach can aid with program comprehension.
Noninvasive ultrasonic examination technology in support of counter-terrorism and drug interdiction activities: the acoustic inspection device (AID)

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a portable, battery-operated, handheld ultrasonic device that provides non-invasive container interrogation and material identification capabilities. The technique governing how the acoustic inspection device (AID) functions, involves measurements of ultrasonic pulses (0.1 to 5 MHz) that are launched into a container or material. The return echoes from these pulses are analyzed in terms of timeof-flight and frequency content to extract physical property measurements (the acoustic velocity and attenuation coefficient) of the material under test. The AID performs an automated analysis of the return echoes to identify the material, and detect contraband in the form of submerged packages and concealed compartments in liquid filled containers and solid-form commodities. An inspector can quickly interrogate outwardly innocuous commodity items such as shipping barrels, tanker trucks, and metal ingots. The AID can interrogate container sizes ranging from approximately 6 inches in diameter to over 96 inches in diameter and allows the inspector to sort liquid and material types into groups of like and unlike; a powerful method for discovering corrupted materials or miss-marked containers co-mingled in large shipments. This manuscript describes the functionality, capabilities and measurement methodology of the technology as it relates to homeland security applications.
Handedness and professional tennis.

Based on the hypothesis that as a group left-handed (LH) people have better developed right hemispheres and therefore have better developed motor, attentional, and spatial functions than right-hand...
An Evaluation of Two Hands-On Lab Styles for Plant Biodiversity in Undergraduate Biology.

We compared learning cycle and expository formats for teaching about plant biodiversity in an inquiry-oriented university biology lab class (n = 465). Both formats had preparatory lab activities, a hands-on lab, and a postlab with reflection and argumentation. Learning was assessed with a lab report, a practical quiz in lab, and a multiple-choice exam in the concurrent lecture. Attitudes toward biology and treatments were also assessed. We used linear mixed-effect models to determine impacts of lab style on lower-order cognition (LO) and higher-order cognition (HO) based on Bloom's taxonomy. Relative to the expository treatment, the learning cycle treatment had a positive effect on HO and a negative effect on LO included in lab reports; a positive effect on transfer of LO from the lab report to the quiz; negative impacts on LO quiz performance and on attitudes toward the lab; and a higher degree of perceived difficulty. The learning cycle treatment had no influence on transfer of HO from lab report to quiz or exam; quiz performance on HO questions; exam performance on LO and HO questions; and attitudes toward biology as a science. The importance of LO as a foundation for HO relative to these lab styles is addressed.
Biogenesis of the Protein Storage Vacuole Crystalloid

We identify new organelles associated with the vacuolar system in plant cells. These organelles are defined biochemically by their internal content of three integral membrane proteins: a chimeric reporter protein that moves there directly from the ER; a specific tonoplast intrinsic protein; and a novel receptor-like RING-H2 protein that traffics through the Golgi apparatus. Highly conserved homologues of the latter are expressed in animal cells. In a developmentally regulated manner, the organelles are taken up into vacuoles where, in seed protein storage vacuoles, they form a membrane-containing crystalloid. The uptake and preservation of the contents of these organelles in vacuoles represents a unique mechanism for compartmentalization of protein and lipid for storage.
A multi-locus species phylogeny of African forest duikers in the subfamily Cephalophinae : evidence for a recent radiation in the Pleistocene

Duikers in the subfamily Cephalophinae are a group of tropical forest mammals believed to have first originated during the late Miocene. However, knowledge of phylogenetic relationships, pattern and timing of their subsequent radiation is poorly understood. Here we present the first multi-locus phylogeny of this threatened group of tropical artiodactyls and use a Bayesian uncorrelated molecular clock to estimate divergence times. A total of 4152 bp of sequence data was obtained from two mitochondrial genes and four nuclear introns. Phylogenies were estimated using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analysis of concatenated mitochondrial, nuclear and combined datasets. A relaxed molecular clock with two fossil calibration points was used to estimate divergence times. The first was based on the age of the split between the two oldest subfamilies within the Bovidae whereas the second was based on the earliest known fossil appearance of the Cephalophinae and molecular divergence time estimates for the oldest lineages within this group. Findings indicate strong support for four major lineages within the subfamily, all of which date to the late Miocene/early Pliocene. The first of these to diverge was the dwarf duiker genus Philantomba, followed by the giant, eastern and western red duiker lineages, all within the genus Cephalophus. While these results uphold the recognition of Philantomba, they do not support the monotypic savanna-specialist genus Sylvicapra, which as sister to the giant duikers leaves Cephalophus paraphyletic. BEAST analyses indicate that most sister species pairs originated during the Pleistocene, suggesting that repeated glacial cycling may have played an important role in the recent diversification of this group. Furthermore, several red duiker sister species pairs appear to be either paraphyletic (C.callipygus/C. ogilbyi and C. harveyi/C. natalensis) or exhibit evidence of mitochondrial admixture (C. nigrifrons and C. rufilatus), consistent with their recent divergence and/or possible hybridization with each other. Molecular phylogenetic analyses suggest that Pleistocene-era climatic oscillations have played an important role in the speciation of this largely forest-dwelling group. Our results also reveal the most well supported species phylogeny for the subfamily to date, but also highlight several areas of inconsistency between our current understanding of duiker taxonomy and the evolutionary relationships depicted here. These findings may therefore prove particularly relevant to future conservation efforts, given that many species are presently regulated under the Convention for Trade in Endangered Species.
Characterization and reactivity of organic monolayers on gold and platinum surfaces

Purpose is to understand how the mobilization, dielectric, orientation, composition, coverage, and structure of self-assembled organic monolayers on metal surfaces affects the surface reactivities and properties of these films in order to facilitate the construction of desired films. Two model systems were used: tiols at Au and aromatic acids at Pt. Surface analysis methods, including contact angle, electrochemistry, ellipsometry, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), and x-ray photospectroscopy, were used to study the self-assembled organic monolayers on Au and Pt. IRRAS, contact angle, and electrochemistry were used to determine the surface pK{sub a} of phenylcarboxylic acids and pyridylcarboxylic acids monolayers on Pt. These techniques were also used to determine the orientation of polymethylene chain axis and the carboxylic follow the structural evolution of the chains and end group of the thiolate monolayers during formation. IRRAS was also used to assess the carboxylic acid group in terms of its possible existence as the non-hydrogen-bonded species, the hydrogen-bonded dimeric group, and the hydrogen-bonded polymeric group. These different forms of the end group were also followed vs coverage, as well as the reactivity vs solution pH. IRRAS and contact angle were used to calculate the rate constant of the esterification of carboxylic acid-terminated monolayers on Au.
Integrating Interactive Web-Based Technology to Assess Adherence and Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease

Research indicates that the quality of the adherence assessment is one of the best predictors for improving clinical outcomes. Newer technologies represent an opportunity for developing high quality standardized assessments to assess clinical outcomes such as patient experience of care but have not been tested systematically in pediatric sickle cell disease (SCD). The goal of the current study was to pilot an interactive web-based tool, the Take-Charge Program, to assess adherence to clinic visits and hydroxyurea (HU), barriers to adherence, solutions to overcome these barriers, and clinical outcomes in 43 patients with SCD age 6–21 years. Results indicate that the web-based tool was successfully integrated into the clinical setting while maintaining high patient satisfaction (>90%). The tool provided data consistent with the medical record, staff report, and/or clinical lab data. Participants reported that forgetting and transportation were major barriers for adherence to both clinic attendance and HU. A greater number of self-reported barriers (P < .01) and older age (P < .05) were associated with poorer clinic attendance and HU adherence. In summary, the tool represents an innovative approach to integrate newer technology to assess adherence and clinical outcomes for pediatric patients with SCD.
Quantitative analysis of finger ridge counts of the Parsi community in India.

Summary Total finger ridge counts of 200 Parsi males and 200 Parsi females were analysed. They do not display a significant sex difference, the mean value for total ridge counts in males being 139·805 (S.D. = 45·39) and for females the value being 135·905 (S.D. = 41·27). Mean ridge counts and their distributions are presented. They tend to conform generally to data from other sources but the males do not markedly have many more ridges. The right/left differentiation is not distinct. Among the European populations compared with the present sample, the Parsi females differ from all the others, whereas the males do not do so. Further comment must await more data.
Soar-RL: integrating reinforcement learning with Soar

In this paper, we describe an architectural modification to Soar that gives a Soar agent the opportunity to learn statistical information about the past success of its actions and utilize this information when selecting an operator. This mechanism serves the same purpose as production utilities in ACT-R, but the implementation is more directly tied to the standard definition of the reinforcement learning (RL) problem. The paper explains our implementation, gives a rationale for adding an RL capability to Soar, and shows results for Soar-RL agents' performance on two tasks.
Timing, Incidence and Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy for Malignancy: A Case for Extended Duration Pharmacological Prophylaxis

Purpose: Patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer are at high risk for venous thromboembolism. Recent data have demonstrated that the risk of venous thromboembolism often extends beyond hospital discharge in nonurological surgical populations. To our knowledge the timing of venous thromboembolism in patients who have undergone radical cystectomy during a 30-day postoperative period has not been assessed. Therefore, we evaluated the timing, incidence and risk factors for venous thromboembolism for patients undergoing radical cystectomy for malignancy.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive, observational, retrospective study data from 1,307 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for malignancy from 2005 to 2011 were collected using the American College of Surgeons NSQIP (National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) database. Venous thromboembolism occurrences were evaluated by postoperative day and whether they occurred while an inpatient or after discharge home. Univariate and mul...
Mechanisms of photoresist dissolution

The comprehensive physical picture developed describes the dissolution of a broad range of materials, including novolak-based photoresists and can be applied to the dissolution in aqueous base of both small molecules and polymers that can ionize. The model was verified by measuring the dissolution of solute-coated spinning discs. Key experimental variables included the flow (as a Reynolds number) and the base concentration, which was in this case of sodium hydroxide. The physical and chemical characteristics of the dissolving species determine the rate-limiting steps, which cause different dissolution behavior. The dissolution of low molecular weight phenolic resin is controlled by a combination of solute release and solute mass transfer, without the formation of any significant intermediate gel phase. Several other dissolution mechanisms are rationalized based on a simple “strings of buoys” analogy, which can be extended to other cases as well.
Heart transplantation An answer for end-stage heart failure

Heart transplantation remains the best treatment option for end-stage heart failure. For patients who are not candidates for transplantation, better medical management and surgical options in heart failure can improve both the length and quality of a patient's life. Continuing research on xenotransplantation and the total artificial heart may decrease the need for human transplantation in years to come and may allow others with severe heart failure to have a chance at living longer.
The Villa Giulia

Julius III, who ruled the Roman Church from 1550 to 1555, has been called the last of the Renaissance Popes.1 It is easy to see why. As his very name Julius implies, the Pope looked back nostalgically to the golden decades at the beginning of the sixteenth century. As far as life in Rome itself was concerned, he set out quite consciously to revive the vanished glories of the high Renaissance.2 He was the last of the Renaissance Popes in the sense that he was the last who could have said simply, and without mental reservations: “God hath given us the papacy, now let us enjoy it.”8 He was the last Pope who could have retired with a group of convivial cardinals to gorge, to gamble, and to sunbathe naked amid the pagan splendors of his own suburban villa — living fauns among the marble nymphs.4
Fatigue in Older Adults Postmyocardial Infarction.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine putative factors that may independently contribute to fatigue and subsequent persistence of fatigue in elderly adults 6-8 months post myocardial infarction (MI). Studies suggest cardiac function, comorbidities, daytime sleepiness, depression, anemia, interleukins, and social support are correlates of fatigue; however, no studies have systematically examined these factors 6 months post MI in an aging population. Methods. Study participants included 49 women and men (N=98) ages 65 to 91 who were 6-8 months post MI. Data collection included the Demographic Health Status Questionnaire (heart rate, blood pressure, body mass index, medications), Fatigue-Related Comorbidity Scale, Revised Piper Fatigue Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Social Provisions Scale and venous blood tests (b-natriuretic peptide, hemoglobin, interleukin-6). Results. Fatigue persisted after MI in 76% of older men and women with no difference by sex. Only depression scores (Ptrend=.0004) and mean arterial pressure (Ptrend=.015) were found to be linearly independent predictors for fatigue, controlling for age, Il-6 levels, and body mass index. Conclusions. Post MI depression and mean arterial blood pressure are important to assess when examining fatigue post MI in older populations.
Sphingoid bases and ceramide induce apoptosis in HT-29 and HCT-116 human colon cancer cells

Complex dietary sphingolipids such as sphingomyelin and glycosphingolipids have been reported to inhibit development of colon cancer. This protective role may be the result of turnover to bioactive metabolites including sphingoid bases (sphingosine and sphinganine) and ceramide, which inhibit proliferation and stimulate apoptosis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of sphingoid bases and ceramides on the growth, death, and cell cycle of HT-29 and HCT-116 human colon cancer cells. The importance of the 4,5-trans double bond present in both sphingosine and C(2)-ceramide (a short chain analog of ceramide) was evaluated by comparing the effects of these lipids with those of sphinganine and C(2)-dihydroceramide (a short chain analog of dihydroceramide), which lack this structural feature. Sphingosine, sphinganine, and C(2)-ceramide inhibited growth and caused death of colon cancer cells in time- and concentration-dependent manners, whereas C(2)-dihydroceramide had no effect. These findings suggest that the 4,5-trans double bond is necessary for the inhibitory effects of C(2)-ceramide, but not for sphingoid bases. Evaluation of cellular morphology via fluorescence microscopy and quantitation of fragmented low-molecular weight DNA using the diphenylamine assay demonstrated that sphingoid bases and C(2)-ceramide cause chromatin and nuclear condensation as well as fragmentation of DNA, suggesting these lipids kill colon cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Flow cytometric analyses confirmed that sphingoid bases and C(2)-ceramide increased the number of cells in the A(0) peak indicative of apoptosis and demonstrated that sphingoid bases arrest the cell cycle at G(2)/M phase and cause accumulation in the S phase. These findings establish that sphingoid bases and ceramide induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells and implicate them as potential mediators of the protective role of more complex dietary sphingolipids in colon carcinogenesis.
Pharmacokinetics in drug therapy III: clindamycin dosage regimens for treatment of chronic osteomyelitis

A patient case which illustrates the application of pharmacokinetic principles to the dosing of clindamycin is presented. Based on calculations of a pharmacist, a patient wtih chronic osteomylitis was successfully treated at home with oral clindamycin 300 mg every four hours. The calculations showed that adequate blood and bone levels of the drug would be reached.
THE BEHAVIOR OF ARGENTAFFIN CELLS IN THE AREA OF STENOSING LARGE INTESTINE TUMORS

Die beiden fur die Auszahlung der argentaffinen Zellen im Verdauungstrakt am haufigsten verwendeten Auszahlmethoden werden an einer Serie von 27 Fallen mit zum Teil stenosierenden Dickdarmtumoren miteinander verglichen und die dabei gefundenen Vor- und Nachteile gegeneinander abgewogen. Dabei ergibt die Auszahlung einer bestimmten Anzahl langsgetroffener Krypten die zuverlassigeren Werte. Die andere Methode, die Auszahlung der Zellen in ausgemessenen Schleimhautabschnitten einer bestimmten Lange eignet sieh besonders fur die vergleichende Untersuchung verschiedener Farbemethoden an aufeinanderfolgenden ] Schnitten.
Neural Circuits on a Chip.

Neural circuits are responsible for the brain’s ability to process and store information. Reductionist approaches to understanding the brain include isolation of individual neurons for detailed characterization. When maintained in vitro for several days or weeks, dissociated neurons self-assemble into randomly connected networks that produce synchronized activity and are capable of learning. This review focuses on efforts to control neuronal connectivity in vitro and construct living neural circuits of increasing complexity and precision. Microfabrication-based methods have been developed to guide network self-assembly, accomplishing control over in vitro circuit size and connectivity. The ability to control neural connectivity and synchronized activity led to the implementation of logic functions using living neurons. Techniques to construct and control three-dimensional circuits have also been established. Advances in multiple electrode arrays as well as genetically encoded, optical activity sensors and transducers enabled highly specific interfaces to circuits composed of thousands of neurons. Further advances in on-chip neural circuits may lead to better understanding of the brain.
Frequentist and Bayesian Bartlett Correction of Test Statistics Based on Adjusted Profile Likelihoods

SUMMARY For inference about a multidimensional parameter b in the presence of nuisance param
Sonographic Appearance of Abnormal Cervical Lymph Nodes in the Preoperative and Reoperative/“Empty” Neck: A Surgeon’s Perspective

Thyroid cancer frequently metastasizes to the cervical lymph nodes. Identifying initial metastatic disease or recurrent thyroid cancer is imperative in proper operative management. Cervical lymph nodes have distinct sonographic features when benign and malignant. Utilizing ultrasound to evaluate the neck in patients with thyroid cancer or thyroid nodules is helpful in stratifying the malignant potential of individual lymph nodes. Though no single ultrasound finding can accurately diagnose metastasis, specific features of lymph node morphology can help identify lymph nodes that warrant further work-up. This chapter focuses on the sonographic features that allow differentiation between benign and malignant lymph nodes and specifically centers on the criteria that most reliably suggest metastasis.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Selected Anticancer Drugs: Pharmacogenomics Issues

Monitoring the concentration of a drug in blood continues to provide important information on pharmacokinetic behavior in individual patients. While these traditional approaches to therapeutic drug monitoring have been successful for a few drugs, such as methotrexate used in high doses and busulfan, they generally fail to capture the full variability in a drug's response. Breakthroughs in genetics and genomics over the past two decades are bringing the field of personalized medicine into a new era. This is especially true in the area of oncology, where several laboratory tests based on germline or tumor genetic variations have been incorporated into the product labeling for anticancer agents. In some cases, companion “diagnostic” tests are even becoming an integral part of the product labeling for therapeutic drugs. This chapter will review some of the advances in anticancer chemotherapy with a focus on those tests currently employed in clinical practice including the exciting area of targeted therapeutics.