cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of occlusion in the perception of depth, lightness, and opacity.

A theory is presented that explains how the visual system infers the lightness, opacity, and depth of surfaces from stereoscopic images. It is shown that the polarity and magnitude of image contrast play distinct roles in surface perception, which can be captured by 2 principles of perceptual inference. First, a contrast depth asymmetry principle articulates how the visual system computes the ordinal depth and lightness relationships from the polarity of local, binocularly matched image contrast. Second, a global transmittance anchoring principle expresses how variations in contrast magnitudes are used to infer the presence of transparent surfaces. It is argued that these principles provide a unified explanation of how the visual system computes the 3-D surface structure of opaque and transparent surfaces.
Dispersed angiosperm cuticles : their history, preparation, and application to the rise of angiosperms in Cretaceous and Paleocene coals, southern western interior of North America

Abstract Cuticle — the decay-resistant outer layer of leaves and young stems — provides a reliable means of identifying fossil plant remains and reflects the vegetative adaptations of plants to climate and other environmental parameters. The study of dispersed angiosperm cuticles originated prior to World War II and has focused on the origin and paleoecology of coal. Activity in dispersed cuticles reached a high point during the 1950s and 1960s with the study of Tertiary lignites in central Europe, then subsided in central Europe as workers from other regions expanded the technique to other time-periods and geographic regions. Data from dispersed cuticles augment data from palynomorphs because dispersed cuticles originate from a different generation of the vascular plant life cycle and have different taphonomic histories. Because the analysis of dispersed angiosperm cuticles is unfamiliar to many geologists, methods for the analysis and preparation of dispersed angiosperm cuticles are detailed in an appendix. Dispersed cuticle assemblages from coals in the upper Albian Longford Member of the Kiowa Formation and the Maastrichtian-Paleocene Raton Formation of the Southern Western Interior provide new constraints on the times that angiosperms entered coal swamps and rose to dominance. The Kiowa assemblages indicate that angiosperms first entered coal swamp environments by the late Albian, while the Raton assemblages indicate that angiosperms dominated primary productivity in some subtropical coal swamps by the late Maastrichtian. Angiosperms in Kiowa coals probably comprised pioneer species in conifer-dominated vegetation; the most common family of angiosperms was Chloranthaceae. Angiosperms in upper Maastrichtian Raton coals comprised the dominant seed plants to the exclusion of conifers; magnoliid dicots and monocots were the dominant taxa and comprised diverse genera and families. Evidence from palynology and types of preserved cuticle indicates that ferns were subordinate to seed plants in biomass in Raton coals, in contrast to some described assemblages from the Northern Western Interior. Paleocene coals from the Raton Basin show the loss of many Cretaceous angiosperm taxa as well as the appearance of new taxa, including conifers belonging to Taxodiaceae. However, these Taxodiaceae were evergreen and subordinate in abundance to angiosperms. Vegetational patterns shown by Cretaceous-Paleocene coals of the Southern Western Interior contrast with those of more northerly regions and indicate a poleward gradient in the timing of angiosperm dominance in coal swamps.
Associations of serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, IgM and interleukin-1beta with early-onset periodontitis classification and race.

Background: The significance of serum concentrations of various antibodies and cytokines in the pathogenesis of early-onset periodontitis (EOP) is not well understood. Recent reports suggest differences between young blacks and whites in certain humoral responses, regardless of periodontal status. This study was undertaken to compare the serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, IgM, and IL-1β in EOP subjects with that of healthy controls, and to study the effect of race on these levels. Material and Methods: This case-control study included 228 individuals, 19–25 years old who were selected from a larger population examined in the National Survey of Oral Health of United States Children in 1986/1987. The subjects were classified by their EOP status and they included 166 subjects with EOP and 62 healthy controls. Blood samples were used to assess the serum concentrations of IgG, IgM, IgA, IgG subclass, and IL-1β. Results: The serum concentrations of IgG, IgG subclasses, IgA, and IgM in blacks were not significantly different in the generalized, localized and incidental EOP groups as compared to the healthy controls. The serum IL-1β concentration was slightly and uniformly lower in the EOP groups than in the control group, although not statistically significant. Blacks had significantly higher serum concentrations of total IgG, and of IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 than whites and Hispanics. Hispanics had significantly higher serum concentrations of IgM and IgG4 than whites and blacks. Hispanics also had a significantly higher serum concentration of IL-1β than blacks. Conclusions: Total antibody response in blacks is not associated with EOP classification. Race has a significant effect on serum antibody concentrations irrespective of disease classification, with blacks having significantly higher serum concentrations of IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 than whites and Hispanics.
Development, Evaluation, and Future Directions of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.

The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) is a comprehensive, school-wide program that was designed in the mid-1980s to reduce bullying and achieve better peer relations among students in elementary, middle, and junior high school grades. Key program elements are described and a number of cultural adaptations to U.S. schools are noted. Several large-scale evaluations from Norway are reviewed, which provide compelling evidence of the program's effectiveness in Norwegian schools. Studies evaluating the OBPP in diverse settings in the United States are also reviewed. Although these studies have not produced completely uniform results, they have shown positive effects of the OBPP on students' self-reported involvement in bullying and antisocial behavior. Directions for ongoing and future research are noted.
Development of an extruded micronutrient delivery vehicle for the fortification of nixtamalised maize with chelated iron at the point of wet milling

Summary The use of high-temperature extrusion for the development of a micronutrient delivery vehicle (MDV), made of rice and maize (1:1 w/w), as part of a fortification technology for traditional nixtamalised maize (NM) masa at the point of use was evaluated. A Welly puffing extruder and a peristaltic pump were used to establish a uniform extrusion process for MDVs containing 302 ± 13 mg kg−1 of NaFeEDTA or 656 ± 8 mg kg−1 of ferrous bisglycinate. After manual premixing (30 s) of MDVs with NM (1:20 or 1:40 MDV:NM) and grinding with a pilot scale burr mill (5 min), iron distribution in masa was variable, ranging 3–21% RSD within sections of individual 2-kg batches. Kneading (5 min) shortly after grinding resulted in uniformed iron distribution (<4% RSD). Despite the iron source and fortification level, fortified NM masa was harder and darker than control after 8-h storage at room temperature; however, these changes require further sensory evaluation.
Structures of alkali metal ion-adenine complexes and hydrated complexes by IRMPD spectroscopy and electronic structure calculations.

Complexes between adenine and the alkali metal ions Li+, Na+, K+, and Cs+ have been investigated by infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy between 2800 and 3900 cm−1, as have so...
Selective Nanosensor Array Microsystem For Exhaled Breath Analysis

Abstract This work describes a novel concept of a three-nanosensor array microsystem that may serve as a handheld breath analyzer for disease diagnosis. The specification and performance of a simple metal oxide nanosensor operating between three distinct temperatures are discussed, focusing on the need for a non-invasive blood cholesterol monitor. Interfacing the sensor array to an integrated circuit for electrical readout and temperature control provides for a complete microsystem capable to capturing a single exhaled breath and analyzing it with respect to its relative content of isoprene, carbon dioxide, and ammonia gas. This inexpensive sensor technology may be used as a personalized medical diagnostics in the near future.
Discography: The Data, the Myth, and Reality

urgery to treat low back pain (LBP) symptoms presumably resulting from intervertebral disc disease (IDD) is arguably S the most controversial surgical indication in spine surgery because the natural history of IDD is poorly defined, and the condition is often self-limiting and benign. Questions that often come to the forefront include: What specifically causes the pain in IDD? Would a selective fusion or the placement of a motion segment preservation device lead to pain relief? Is the disc and disc interspace the only source of pain? How important is facet arthritis pain, the inflammation of adjacent tendons, or muscle fatigue secondary to instability or poor coronal or sagittal balance in LBP generation? Is >1 level involved? Would the proposed surgery accelerate the degeneration of the adjacent levels not included in the initial construct? In addition, it has been established by multiple studies that a vast array of psychosocial variables exists that may cause, exacerbate, or change the patient’s perception of his or her back pain.
Impaired Gustatory Neophobia following Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats

To investigate the function of the amygdala following traumatic brain injury (TBI), rats were tested on a gustatory neophobia task that is sensitive to amygdala and hippocampal damage. Rats were either injured at a moderate level of fluid percussion injury (2.1 atm) or surgically prepared but not injured (sham-injury). Seven days after injury (n = 8) or sham injury (n = 9), rats were habituated to the testing chamber without food items present for 30 min. All rats were then food deprived. Twenty-four hours later, rats were placed in the testing chamber for 30 min and allowed to eat freely from four dishes of different foods: rat chow, raisins, potatoes, and cookies. Results showed that injured and sham-injured rats did not differ in their ability to find hidden food, suggesting that TBI does not produce an enduring impairment of olfaction. There was also no difference in the total amount of food eaten between injured and sham groups (p > 0.05). The percentage of each type of food consumed did differ between the two groups with sham controls consuming more familiar food (rat chow) compared to the unfamiliar foods (p < 0.01). The injured animals distributed their eating evenly among the four foods with no particular preference for any one food (p < 0.05). This pattern of eating behavior in injured animals is similar to animals that have lesions to both the hippocampus and amygdala (Sutherland and McDonald, 1990). Therefore, the results of this experiment suggest that, in addition to the hippocampus, the amygdala may also contribute to the behavioral changes observed following TBI.
Torturers and the Tortured

AbstractPatrick Lenta and Jessica Wolfendale have written two very thoughtful discussions on torture. A central question that arises in responding to these essays in terms of my recent book, Stoic Warriors, is whether ancient Stoicism affords any insights into both the propensity to inflict torture as well as the capacity to endure it. Wolfendale suggests that the learned capacity to endure torture, and in particular, becoming desensitised to pain, may be part of the psychological background that informs a willingness to inflict torture. Training in resisting torture, such as that which special operations troops typically go through, involves not only learning techniques, which can then be reverse engineered in applying torture (what some argue has happened in Guantanamo Bay), but also learning the kind of stress inoculation that makes one willing to use those techniques. In short, military training that involves torture resistance hardens one’s soul and makes one indifferent to the suffering that torture...
A simple preparative polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis apparatus: Purification of three branched-chain amino acid binding proteins from Escherichia coli

Abstract The equipment used for preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis has been either difficult to construct or costly if purchased commercially. An inexpensive preparative acrylamide gel apparatus and peristaltic pump are described in this paper which are easy to use and may be constructed from readily available materials. The construction of the preparative gel apparatus requires no special machining or glass blowing. This report describes the use of the disc gel apparatus in the final purification step of three binding proteins which appear to be involved in the transport of the branched-chain amino acids in Escherichia coli. Two of these proteins have been described previously (1–4). The apparatus has also been successfully used in a number of other laboratories for the purification of a variety of other proteins (5–9).
Case-based or non-case-based questions for teaching postgraduate physicians: a randomized crossover trial.

PURPOSE The comparative efficacy of case-based (CB) and non-CB self-assessment questions in Web-based instruction is unknown. The authors sought to compare CB and non-CB questions. METHOD The authors conducted a randomized crossover trial in the continuity clinics of two academic residency programs. Four Web-based modules on ambulatory medicine were developed in both CB (periodic questions based on patient scenarios) and non-CB (questions matched for content but lacking patient scenarios) formats. Participants completed two modules in each format (sequence randomly assigned). Participants also completed a pretest of applied knowledge for two modules (randomly assigned). RESULTS For the 130 participating internal medicine and family medicine residents, knowledge scores improved significantly (P < .0001) from pretest (mean: 53.5; SE: 1.1) to posttest (75.1; SE: 0.7). Posttest knowledge scores were similar in CB (75.0; SE: 0.1) and non-CB formats (74.7; SE: 1.1); the 95% CI was -1.6, 2.2 (P = .76). A nearly significant (P = .062) interaction between format and the presence or absence of pretest suggested a differential effect of question format, depending on pretest. Overall, those taking pretests had higher posttest knowledge scores (76.7; SE: 1.1) than did those not taking pretests (73.0; SE: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.7, 5.6; P = .0003). Learners preferred the CB format. Time required was similar (CB: 42.5; SE: 1.8 minutes, non-CB: 40.9; SE: 1.8 minutes; P = .22). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that, among postgraduate physicians, CB and non-CB questions have similar effects on knowledge scores, but learners prefer CB questions. Pretests influence posttest scores.
Three-dimensional seed reconstruction from an incomplete data set for prostate brachytherapy

Intra-operative dosimetry in prostate brachytherapy requires 3D coordinates of the implanted, radioactive seeds. Since CT is not readily available during the implant operation, projection x-rays are commonly used for intra-operative seed localization. Three x-ray projections are usually used. The requirement of the current seed reconstruction algorithms is that the seeds must be identified on all three projections. However, in practice this is often difficult to accomplish due to the problem of heavily clustered and overlapping seeds. We have developed an algorithm that permits seed reconstruction from an incomplete data set. Instead of all three projections, the new algorithm requires only one of the three projections to be complete. Furthermore, even if all three projections are incomplete, it can reconstruct 100% of the implanted seeds depending on how the undetected seeds are distributed among the projections. The method utilizes the principles of epipolar imaging geometry and pseudo-matching of the undetected seeds. The algorithm was successfully applied to a large number of clinical cases where seeds imperceptibly overlap in some projections.
Synchronous firing of inhibitory interneurons results in saturation of fast GABAA IPSC magnitude but not saturation of fast inhibitory efficacy in rat neocortical pyramidal cells

The kinetic properties of evoked fast inhibitory postsynaptic currents were examined to elucidate factors underlying the limit on the magnitude of fast inhibition in neocortex. Using whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings from layer V pyramidal neurons in slices of rat somatosensory cortex, fast γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA)ergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents were selectively recorded by holding cells at potentials equal to excitatory postsynaptic current reversal (∼0 mV). As stimulus intensity was increased, the magnitude and duration of the fast inhibitory postsynaptic current increased. Over the range of stimuli applied (2–10 V), fast GABAA-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents reached a maximum peak conductance of 25.9 ± 4.2 nS (range 10.5–41.2 nS) at intensities approximately 2-times threshold. As stimulus intensities were increased beyond this point of maximal conductance, the time constant of current decay increased as function of stimulus strength, while rise time remained unaffected. Exposure to nominally magnesium-free solutions did not affect maximal peak conductances of fast inhibitory postsynaptic currents, but did cause an increase in the time constants of current decay by 66.3 ± 23.6%, resulting in an 85.6 ± 24.6% increase in the total charge flux carried by single inhibitory postsynaptic currents. This effect may be due to prolonged activation of postsynaptic GABAA receptors by excess GABA released in response to increased excitation. Exposure to the GABA uptake blocker, nipecotic acid, similarly prolonged current decay without affecting the maximal peak conductance. Our findings suggest that the limit on recruitment of evoked fast inhibition in neocortical layer V pyramidal cells arises from the saturation of postsynaptic GABAA receptors. However, while there is a limit to the peak fast inhibitory postsynaptic conductance which can be recruited with increasing excitation, inhibitory strength may still be modulated by increasing charge flux through the prolongation of fast inhibition. Synapse 28:91–102, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
25 years after the nucleosome model: chromatin modifications

Nucleosomes play a dynamic role in transcription. The key to this role is the structure of the flexible and charged histone tails that extend from the hydrophobic nucleosome core. These tails are modified by acetylation and deacetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, ubiquitination and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, and they regulate functions as diverse as transcription, DNA-dependent chromatin assembly, DNA repair, mitosis and silencing by heterochromatin.
Suggested resources for scholarly teaching and for the scholarship of teaching and learning.

These are some of my favorite resources of informing scholarly teaching (ST) and the scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL). This list is focused on the needs of college biology faculty. It is highly selective and somewhat idiosyncratic in that many more items are relevant and could have been included.
Elastosis Perforans Serpiginosa, Down Syndrome, and Moyamoya Disease

A 16-year-old girl with Down syndrome, moyamoya disease, and history of a previous stroke presented with acute onset of left hemiparesis and elastosis perforans serpiginosa. Elastosis perforans serpiginosa in a patient with Down syndrome and moyamoya disease is a novel finding. Development of elastosis perforans serpiginosa in association with progressive vaso-occlusive disease may be a biological marker of progression of moyamoya disease.
Use of shallow class hierarchies to facilitate object-oriented nonlinear structural simulations

Insights are presented, that pertain to the design of object-oriented (OO) finite element analysis (FEA) platforms and were gained from the creation of a particular one for simulating nonlinear (NL) dynamics of flexible reticulated structures. The discussion emphasizes how class hierarchies for OO FEA platforms may be designed to ease implementation, verification, and maintenance while promoting robustness and generality. In particular, a strict division into narrowly interfaced “Model” and “Analysis” parts is proposed for both class and instance hierarchies. A description of the data and methods necessary for FEA of NL dynamics is used to explain the motivation for, practice of, and benefits from employing shallow class hierarchies of co-operating, fine-grained objects, as opposed to the traditional choice of deep class hierarchies of specialized, coarse-grained objects.
Missing Dosages and Neuroleptic Usage May Prolong Length of Stay in Hospitalized Parkinson's Disease Patients

Background Parkinson’s disease patients are more likely to be hospitalized, have higher rates of hospital complications, and have an increased risk of deterioration during hospitalization. Length of stay is an important underlying factor for these increased risks. We aimed to investigate potential medication errors that may occur during hospitalization and its impact on length of hospital stay. Methods A cross-sectional chart review of 339 consecutive hospital encounters from 212 PD subjects was performed. Medication errors were defined as wrong timing or omission of administration for dopaminergic drugs and administration of contraindicated dopamine blockers. An analysis of covariance was applied to examine whether these medication errors were related to increased length of hospital stays. Results A significant effect for dopaminergic administration (p<0.01) on length of hospital stay was observed. Subjects who had delayed administration or missed at least one dose stayed longer (M=8.2 days, SD=8.9 vs. M=3.6 days SD=3.4). Contraindicated dopamine blocking agents were administered in 23% (71/339) of cases, and this was also significantly related to an increased length of stay (M=8.2 days, SD=8.9 vs. M=3.6 days SD=3.4), p<0.05. Participants who received a contraindicated dopamine blocker stayed in the hospital longer (M=7.5 days, SD=9.1) compared to those who did not (M=5.9 days, SD=6.8). Neurologists were consulted in 24.5% of encounters. Specialty consultation had no effect on the medication related errors. Conclusions Missing dopaminergic dosages and administration of dopamine blockers occur frequently in hospitalized Parkinson’s disease patients and this may impact length of stay. These potentially modifiable factors may reduce the risk of a longer stay related to hospitalization.
IDENTIFYING THE IMPACT OF DOMAIN KNOWLEDGE AND COGNITIVE STYLE ON WEB-BASED INFORMATION SEARCH BEHAVIOR

Although information searching in hypermedia environments has become a new important problem solving capability, there is not much known about what types of individual characteristics constitute a successful information search behavior. This study mainly investigated which of the 2 factors, 1) natural characteristics (cognitive style), and 2) acquired knowledge (domain knowledge) had a stronger influence on search behavior, and what types of impact these had on search activities. To examine search behavior, the search outcome precision, the searching time, the number of URL nodes, and the number of keywords were analyzed and the demographic backgrounds including the searching experience and gender were also measured to discover any correlation with the major variables. The study findings suggest that domain knowledge was not associated with any other search activities but affected only the search precision. Cognitive style meanwhile did not affect search precision but interacted with the searching experience and this interaction affected the total length of searching time. Finally, there was no correlation found between 2 variables: domain knowledge and cognitive style.
Applied sport psychology: Goals, issues, and challenges

(1995). Applied sport psychology: Goals, issues, and challenges. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 81-91.
Clinical significance and developmental changes of auditory-language-related gamma activity.

Abstract Objective We determined the clinical impact and developmental changes of auditory-language-related augmentation of gamma activity at 50–120Hz recorded on electrocorticography (ECoG). Methods We analyzed data from 77 epileptic patients ranging 4–56years in age. We determined the effects of seizure-onset zone, electrode location, and patient-age upon gamma-augmentation elicited by an auditory-naming task. Results Gamma-augmentation was less frequently elicited within seizure-onset sites compared to other sites. Regardless of age, gamma-augmentation most often involved the 80–100Hz frequency band. Gamma-augmentation initially involved bilateral superior-temporal regions, followed by left-side dominant involvement in the middle-temporal, medial-temporal, inferior-frontal, dorsolateral-premotor, and medial-frontal regions and concluded with bilateral inferior-Rolandic involvement. Compared to younger patients, those older than 10years had a larger proportion of left dorsolateral-premotor and right inferior-frontal sites showing gamma-augmentation. The incidence of a post-operative language deficit requiring speech therapy was predicted by the number of resected sites with gamma-augmentation in the superior-temporal, inferior-frontal, dorsolateral-premotor, and inferior-Rolandic regions of the left hemisphere assumed to contain essential language function ( r 2 =0.59; p =0.001; odds ratio=6.04 [95% confidence-interval: 2.26–16.15]). Conclusions Auditory-language-related gamma-augmentation can provide additional information useful to localize the primary language areas. Significance These results derived from a large sample of patients support the utility of auditory-language-related gamma-augmentation in presurgical evaluation.
Schistosomiasis and signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum

A definitive link between Schistosoma hematobium infection and squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder has been identified. A weaker association between S japonicum infection and colorectal neoplasia has been proposed, although reports are limited to case reports, a case series, and epidemiologic studies. Virtually all cases presented in the literature describe intestinal-type adenocarcinoma occurring in association with S japonicum. We here describe a 40-year-old male Filipino patient with signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum and evidence of infection by S japonicum.
Sequential Machines, Ambiguity, and Dynamic Programming

Given a sequential machine, in the terminology of E. F. Moore, Annals of Mathematics Studies, No. 34, 1956, a problem of some interest is that of determining testing procedures which will enable one to transform it into a known state starting from an initial situation in which only the set of possible states is given.To treat this problem, we introduce the concept of ambiguity, and show how the functional equation approach of dynamic programming can be applied.
Dual action of epidermal growth factor: extracellular signal-stimulated nuclear–cytoplasmic export and coordinated translation of selected messenger RNA

We report the first example of a coordinated dual action of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in stimulating the nuclear–cytoplasmic export and translation of a select messenger RNA (mRNA). The effect of EGF is mediated by the RNA-binding protein Grb7 (growth factor receptor–bound protein 7), which serves as an adaptor for a specific mRNA–protein export complex and a translational regulator. Using the κ–opioid receptor (OR [KOR]) as a model, we demonstrate that EGF activates nuclear SHP-2 (Src homology region 2–containing tyrosine phosphatase), which dephosphorylates Grb7 in the nucleus. Hypophosphorylated Grb7 binds to the KOR mRNA and recruits the Hu antigen R–exportin-1 (CRM1) complex to form a nuclear–cytoplasmic export complex that exports KOR mRNA. EGF also activates focal adhesion kinase in the cytoplasm to rephosphorylate Grb7, releasing KOR mRNA for active translation. In summary, this study uncovers a coordinated, dual activity of EGF in facilitating nuclear export of a specific mRNA–protein complex as well as translational activation of the exported mRNA.
Multiplex microbead measurements for the characterization of cat and ragweed allergen extracts.

Background Current assays for allergen extracts can measure either overall potency or the levels of individual allergens. Objective To develop a multiplex allergen extract potency assay (MAEPA) for allergen extracts that can concurrently measure individual allergens and characterize the overall allergen levels in the mixture. Methods Six anti–Fel d 1 and 6 anti–Amb a 1 recombinant antibodies were generated and were covalently bound to carboxy-labeled beads. Antibody-bound beads were then used to measure Fel d 1 and Amb a 1 levels in commercial cat hair and short ragweed pollen (SRP) extracts, respectively, using bead-based flow cytometry. These major allergen levels were compared with those obtained using a conventional antibody-based method. Allergen levels were calculated by comparing the half-maximal effective concentrations of dose-response curves analyzed using 4-parameter fits. Bead-antibody pairs were tested to determine whether the presence of additional bead-antibody pairs affected the apparent potency of the extract. Results Allergen contents of cat hair and SRP extracts determined using the MAEPA and anti–Fel d 1 and anti–Amb a 1 antibodies were comparable with potencies determined using conventional methods. Cross-interference from the concurrent use of multiple beads was minimal. Six lots of cat hair extract and 6 lots of SRP extract were tested. Conclusions The MAEPA, a bead-based assay using recombinant antibodies, accurately determined Fel d 1 levels in cat hair allergenic extracts and Amb a 1 levels in SRP extracts. The results of this assay are reproducible and are consistent with data obtained using conventional methods.
Research Portfolio Analysis Using Extensions of Quality Function Deployment

AbstractResearch portfolio analysis can effectively promote participation in strategic and complex decision processes. This develops a consensus for and an understanding of organizational goals and the associated performance metrics. To achieve this goal, a portfolio decision model should provide analysis of current program information without the distraction of excessive complexity. Specifically, the model's benefits should exceed the difficulty and effort required for model development, use, and maintenance.This paper describes a research portfolio model that achieves these goals by applying quality function deployment (QFD) methods. The model identifies the most important research activities and quantifies their impact on research program objectives. Important characteristics of research planning are integrated into the QFD framework including interaction of research activities, probability of success of research programs, and progress adjusted importance of strategic objectives.The model was developed...
Effects of sesquiterpene lactones on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.

Abstract 1. 1. The toxic plant sesquiterpene lactones, helenalin, hymenoxon, mexicanin-E, tenulin, dihydrogriesenin, and psilotropin which were isolated from Helenium, Hymenoxys , and Geigeria spp markedly inhibited “state 3” respiration in mouse hepatic mitochondria. With the exception of dihydrogriesenin and psilotropin, all the other sesquiterpene lactones stimulated “state 4” respiration. 2. 2. The sesquiterpene lactones also stimulated ATPase activity in the presence of Mg 2+ ions and caused mitochondrial swelling in buffer solutions containing magnesium, sodium, ammonium and potassium chloride salts. 3. 3. The number of alkylating sites present in a sesquiterpene lactone appears to be related to the inhibitory activity on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, however, the structure-activity relationship of these lactones is not clear at present. 4. 4. Mitochondria prepared from the liver of ethoxyquin hydrochloride-fed mice were less susceptible to sesquiterpene lactone-mediated inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.
A GAME MODEL OF COUNTERPROLIFERATION, WITH MULTIPLE ENTRANTS

We consider a game-theoretic model of counterproliferation, in which a single Incumbent (holding nuclear weapons) is faced with a sequence of potential Entrants (who are considering developing and deploying a nuclear capability or other weapons of mass destruction of their own). The Incumbent can either choose to act preemptively, with certain costs, or allow the Entrants to deploy a nuclear capability, with consequent costs due to the potential for nuclear blackmail. How should each of the players decide? The players' decisions are optimally based not only on their own cost functions (which each knows) but also on their opponent's cost structure (which is known only in probability). Entrants (other than the first) can learn something about the Incumbent's cost structure from decisions they have made in the past. It turns out that, depending on a would-be Entrant's cost structure, a record of preemption by the Incumbent can have either a deterrent or provocation effect. Understanding the basis for each of these contradictory effects is critical to designing an optimal counterproliferation strategy.
Surgical treatment of high-risk intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae: clinical outcomes and avoidance of complications.

Objective An increasing number of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) are amenable to endovascular treatment. However, a subset of patients with high-risk lesions requires surgical intervention for complete obliteration. We reviewed our experience with the surgical management of high-risk intracranial DAVFs and offer recommendations to minimize complications based on fistula location and type. Methods Hospital records for 53 patients (16 women, 37 men) with high-risk intracranial DAVFs treated surgically between 1995 and 2004 were reviewed to determine their presenting symptoms, location, endovascular and surgical interventions, angiographic outcome, and treatment complications. Most patients (76%) presented with intracranial hemorrhage, progressive neurological deficits, or seizures. All patients had high-risk angiographic features such as cortical venous drainage or venous varix. Preoperative embolization was performed in 27 patients. Surgical approaches were tailored to the lesion location. Fistulae were located in the transverse-sigmoid junction (n = 18), tentorium (n = 17), ethmoid (n = 7), superior sagittal sinus (n = 6), torcula (n = 4), and sphenoparietal sinus (n = 3). Results At the time of the last follow-up evaluation, 49 patients (92%) had good or excellent outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale score, 4 or 5) and three (6%) were deceased. Five patients had a residual fistula. One residual spontaneously thrombosed, one was treated with gamma knife radiosurgery, and two were successfully embolized. The overall morbidity and mortality rate was 13%. Conclusion Despite fulminant presenting symptoms, high-risk intracranial DAVFs can be successfully managed with good outcomes. When anatomic features prevent endovascular access, or embolization fails to obliterate the lesion, urgent surgical treatment is indicated. Patients with residual filling of the DAVF should be considered for adjuvant therapy, including further embolization or radiosurgery.
Optical Properties of Zinc Sulfide and Cadmium Sulfide in the Ultraviolet

The index of refraction and the extinction coefficient of thin films of zinc sulfide and cadmium sulfide evaporated on quartz substrates were determined in the spectral range from the visible to 2100 A. The optical properties were calculated from reflectance and transmittance measurements made with a Beckman DK Spectrophotometer equipped to measure specular reflectance. The index of refraction and the extinction coefficient of zinc sulfide have maxima at 2300 A and 2150 A, respectively. There is a maximum of the extinction coefficient of cadmium sulfide at 2300 A. The refractive index of cadmium sulfide has a maximum at 2500 A and a subsidiary maximum at 5000 A. There is a region of anomalous dispersion from 4000 A to 5000 A and a contribution to the absorption which are probably associated with the excitation of valence electrons into the conduction band.
Current Practices in Distance Learning Library Services at Urban and Metropolitan Universities

Urban and metropolitan universities serve a diverse population of learners, including nontraditional and part-time students, many taking courses on-campus, off-campus at remote locations and/or online. Libraries at these institutions are committed to providing collections and services to support students and faculty engaged in both traditional and online environments. This article reports on a survey of libraries at the member institutions of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) that identifies the services, activities and policies that urban and metropolitan libraries have developed to provide library resources to their distance learners.
Prevention of cochlear implant electrode damage.

Purpose of review As the current trend in cochlear implantation is to prescribe cochlear implants for patients with residual hearing and to use electroacoustic stimulation, cochlear implant damage must be prevented. This article summarizes current research endeavors to prevent electrode insertion trauma and resulting hearing loss. Recent findings Alteration in surgical technique is necessary with each new electrode design. Nontraumatic surgical technique also requires minimizing acoustic trauma due to drilling the cochleostomy, mechanical damage from electrode insertion, potential infection, and fibrosis of the cochlea. The pattern of hearing loss following electrode insertion trauma is an immediate loss that results from direct trauma to the macroscopic elements of the cochlea and a delayed loss that may reflect the activation of inflammatory and cell death pathways. Therapies under investigation include glucocorticoids, inhibitors of cell death pathways, and hypothermia. Summary Electrode insertion trauma-induced hearing loss involves multiple mechanisms ranging from mechanical insertion trauma to activation of inflammatory and cell death pathways. The macroscopic mechanical damage to the cochlea may be prevented by improvement of electrode design and surgical technique. The molecular damage needs further studies to assess the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies in preserving functional residual hearing.
Entropy of self-gravitating radiation systems and gravitational collapse

Abstract The entropy of a self-gravitating and radiating system confined to a spherical box (for two cases with and without a central black hole) is calculated using the equation of state of radiation near the black hole horizon, derived by Li Li-xin and Liu Liao. Unlike the result of Sorkin et al., the present result contains no divergence difficulties and the upper bound on the total entropy in the case with a central black hole is equal to the entropy of a black hole having the same mass. The following scenario is considered reasonable: a central black hole forms first, it then grows until all the radiation and matter falls into the black hole. The entropy of the system at any stage of the collapse is always less than the entropy of the final black hole, thus providing an explanation of the origin of the black hole entropy.
The representation of physically active girls in children's picture books.

Purpose: Borrowing from Tuchman's (1978) concept of symbolic annihilation, the purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which physically active females were represented in children's picture books. Method: Employing a qualitative content analysis methodology (Hsieh & Shannon, 2005), the written and pictorial portrayals of girls' physical activities were analyzed in 10 children's picture books. A directed approach to content analysis (Hsieh & Shannon, 2005) was employed in which the researchers began with predetermined categories that were used to code the text and images. Results: The findings indicated that the majority of the primary female characters were illustrated wearing appropriate athletic attire that would allow for physical movement. Although all of the primary female characters were depicted as excited about being physically active, 6 of the books described the movement of the primary female characters using action-oriented descriptors. The parents of the primary female characters were...
Systematic implications of bullate leaves and isozymes for Halophila from Fiji and Western Samoa

Abstract Small-leaved plants from Fiji and Western Samoa with either bullate or smooth leaves had identical isozyme patterns for five enzyme systems, but plants from Fiji differed from plants of Western Samoa in isozymes of acid phosphatase, esterase and alcohol dehydrogenase. The isozyme patterns for plants of Fiji and Western Samoa differed from those of small-leaved plants of Guam that are referred to Halophila minor (Zoll.) den Hartog and from those of both small- and large-leaved plants of eastern Australia that have been referred to H. ovalis (R. Br.) Hook. f. Plants that had produced bullate or smooth leaves in Fiji or Western Samoa continued to produce bullate or smooth leaves, respectively, under controlled laboratory conditions, but most bullate-leaved plants were induced to produce smooth leaves and some smooth-leaved plants produced slightly bullate leaves under some experimental manipulations, suggesting strong genetic controls with environmental interaction. The small-leaved plants of Fiji and Western Samoa with either bullate or smooth leaves should be separated from H. ovalis, and because of inter-island differences in leaf morphology and isozyme patterning, they should be treated as endemic taxa or placed with other small-leaved populations of the Pacific in H. minor as a polymorphic taxon.
Characterization of the porosity distribution in the upper part of the karst Biscayne aquifer using common offset ground penetrating radar, Everglades National Park, Florida

Summary The karst Biscayne aquifer is characterized by a heterogeneous spatial arrangement of porosity and hydraulic conductivity, making conceptualization difficult. The Biscayne aquifer is the primary source of drinking water for millions of people in south Florida; thus, information concerning the distribution of karst features that concentrate the groundwater flow and affect contaminant transport is critical. The principal purpose of the study was to investigate the ability of two-dimensional ground penetrating radar (GPR) to rapidly characterize porosity variability in the karst Biscayne aquifer in south Florida. An 800-m-long GPR transect of a previously investigated area at the Long Pine Key Nature Trail in Everglades National Park, collected in fast acquisition common offset mode, shows hundreds of diffraction hyperbolae. The distribution of diffraction hyperbolae was used to estimate electromagnetic (EM) wave velocity at each diffraction location and to assess both horizontal and vertical changes in velocity within the transect. A petrophysical model (complex refractive index model or CRIM) was used to estimate total bulk porosity. A set of common midpoint surveys at selected locations distributed along the common-offset transect also were collected for comparison with the common offsets and were used to constrain one-dimensional (1-D) distributions of porosity with depth. Porosity values for the saturated Miami Limestone ranged between 25% and 41% for common offset GPR surveys, and between 23% and 39% for common midpoint GPR surveys. Laboratory measurements of porosity in five whole-core samples from the saturated part of the aquifer in the study area ranged between 7.1% and 41.8%. GPR estimates of porosity were found to be valid only under saturated conditions; other limitations are related to the vertical resolution of the GPR signal and the volume of the material considered by the measurement methodology. Overall, good correspondence between GPR estimates and the direct porosity values from the whole-core samples confirms the ability of GPR common offset surveys to provide rapid characterization of porosity variability in the Biscayne aquifer. The common offset survey method has several advantages: (1) improved time efficiency in comparison to other GPR acquisition modes such as common midpoints; and (2) enhanced lateral continuity of porosity estimates, particularly when compared to porosity measurements on 1-D samples such as rock cores. The results also support the presence of areas of low EM wave velocity or high porosity under saturated conditions, causing velocity pull-down areas and apparent sag features in the reflection record. This study shows that GPR can be a useful tool for improving understanding of the petrophysical properties of highly heterogeneous systems such as karst aquifers, and thus may assist with the development of more accurate groundwater flow models, such as those used for restoration efforts in the Everglades.
The Loeb-Jennings debate and the science of animal behavior.

American laboratory biologists showed considerable interest in the study of invertebrate behavior in the period 1890–1910. The most important controversy was that between Jacques Loeb and H. S. Jennings regarding the nature of animal tropisms. Loeb advocated a dynamic approach that would lead to control of behavior, while Jennings argued for structural-mechanical explanations designed to account for evolutionary adaptation. Jennings's criticism of Loeb's tropism theory was a Pyrrhic victory in that it led American biologists to lose interest in invertebrate behavior. The paper concludes by considering the relative impact of Leob's and Jennings's research programs on the work of John B. Watson.
COMPLIANCE WITH PERFORMANCE MEASURES IN THE NCDR ICD REGISTRY

Beta-blocker (BB) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/receptor blockers (ARB) are well-established treatments for patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, with availability of NQF (National Quality Forum) endorsed performance measures related to guideline-directed medical
INITIAL RELAXATION RESPONSE: CONTRASTS BETWEEN CLINICAL PATIENTS AND NORMAL VOLUNTEERS

The effectiveness of EMG biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, and self-relaxation were compared using a within-subjects design. Thirteen clinical subjects and 48 normal volunteers participated in 4 counterbalanced relaxation sessions using one of the techniques. Frontalis EMG and surface skin temperature were monitored throughout the sessions. For reducing EMG, biofeedback was more effective than the other three techniques. A significant interaction of treatment X subjects was found for changes in skin temperature. Clinical subjects had the greatest increase in skin temperature with EMG biofeedback and analog subjects responded best to self-relaxation. There were no significant differences in initial measures of EMG or skin temperature for the two samples.