cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of the Sexual Self-Disclosure Scale

The recent literature on human sexuality emphasizes the importance of sexual communication. The present research reports the results of three studies documenting the development and validation of an instrument concerned with sexual communication, the Sexual Self-Disclosure Scale (SSDS). The results in Study I indicated that the twelve SSDS subscales were highly reliable and that women were more willing to discuss the topics on the SSDS with female than male therapists. A second study revealed that men's and women's responses to the SSDS were related in meaningful, predictable ways to their sexual-esteem, sexual-depression and sexual-preoccupation, as measured by the Sexuality Scale. In Study III, the SSDS was revised to include a wider variety of sexual topics dealing with sexual behaviors, values-preferences, attitudes, and feelings. The results from Study III indicated that men's and women's responses to the SSDS-R varied as a function of their own gender and the content of the sexual topics. The discussion focuses on the increased need for communication about sexual issues, the implications of the present findings for intimate relationships, and the possible uses of the Sexual Self-Disclosure Scale in the study of human sexuality.
Energy and Environmental Politics in Post‐Corporatist Mexico

No government that is serious about environmental protection will imitate the Mexican model. The undrinkable waters and defiled deserts of Mexico's northern border towns and the poisoned air of its capital city are infamous. But there are noticeable changes in Mexican politicians’ and lawmakers’ attitudes toward the country's environmental ills, in no small part because of changing public attitudes toward these problems. As Mexico's political system becomes more open and democratic, policy elites are increasingly attentive to environmental problems, as ordinary citizens, and especially urbanites, vent their frustration at the ballot box. Perhaps ironically, Mexico's hydrocarbon industries are potential leaders in the nascent environmental reform process. Inducements for better environmental behavior by the oil and natural gas industries are new, municipal and federal environmental regulations, stepped-up enforcement, and local and cross-border markets for Mexico's gas.
Vacuum arc arrays for intense metal ion beam injectors

Abstract Arrays of vacuum arcs have been investigated as a high-flux source of metal ions. Twelve adjacent arcs have been ignited by a single trigger input. The ignition method consists of overvolting the interelectrode gap to 50 kV with a low-energy pulser; the method is compatible with high-repetition-rate operation. With aluminum electrodes, the flux of Al + available for extraction exceeded 1 A/cm 2 over a 0.2 ms pulse. The flux was uniform in space and reproducible. The arc arrays were developed as a source for an intense ion beam generator for application to materials surface modification.
Teaching science appreciation.

In his Editorial “A New College Science prize” (7 January, p. [10][1]), B. Alberts writes that “the world badly needs a revolution in science education—a revolution that must begin at the college level.” In the Education Forum “Changing the culture of science education at research
Causal or spurious: Using propensity score matching to detangle the relationship between violent video games and violent behavior

Throughout the past decade, numerous states have passed legislation to prohibit the sale of violent video games to children, usually in conjunction with an argument that exposure to violent media increases violent behavior. However, the link between video games and violence is not yet fully understood. This study uses propensity score matching as a method to more adequately address the underlying issue of causality. Using a sample of 6567 8th grade students, these analyses test whether there is a causal link between playing violent video games and violence, non-violent deviance and substance use. Results indicate a substantial decrease in the relationship between video games and these outcomes when a matched sample is used. This suggests that the strength of evidence supporting a relationship has likely been overestimated using other methodologies.
Study estimates incidence of suicidal ideation and suggests factors that put people at risk.

Gunnell D, Harbord R, Singleton N, et al . Factors influencing the development and amelioration of suicidal thoughts in the general population—cohort study. Br J Psychiatry 2004;185:385–93. [OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Q Which factors are associated with suicidal thoughts and likelihood of recovery? ### ![Graphic][3] Design: Cohort study. ### ![Graphic][4] Setting: A sample of people from the second National Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, which randomly selected people living in private households in the UK: initial interviews between March and September 2000; follow up interviews after 18 months. ### ![Graphic][5] Population: 3561 people (all people with a Clinical Interview Schedule−Revised (CIS–R) score above 5 and a 20% random sample of people with a CIS–R score below 5) in initial interview; 2404 of these people in follow up interview included in analysis. ### ![Graphic][6] Assessment: People were questioned on presence of suicidal thoughts, defined as positive response to “Have you ever thought of taking your life, even if you would not really do it?” They were also questioned on their age, gender, baseline CIS–R score, marital status, size of primary support group, life … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DThe%2BBritish%2BJournal%2Bof%2BPsychiatry%26rft.stitle%253DBr.%2BJ.%2BPsychiatry%26rft.issn%253D0007-1250%26rft.aulast%253DGunnell%26rft.auinit1%253DD.%26rft.volume%253D185%26rft.issue%253D5%26rft.spage%253D385%26rft.epage%253D393%26rft.atitle%253DFactors%2Binfluencing%2Bthe%2Bdevelopment%2Band%2Bamelioration%2Bof%2Bsuicidal%2Bthoughts%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bgeneral%2Bpopulation%253A%2BCohort%2Bstudy%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1192%252Fbjp.185.5.385%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F15516546%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=bjprcpsych&resid=185/5/385&atom=%2Febmental%2F8%2F2%2F53.atom [3]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [4]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [5]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif [6]: /embed/inline-graphic-4.gif
Reviewers are not perfect but could they try harder

Abstract Reviewers play a key role in the peer-review process. Serving a dual role, reviewers provide authors feedback to improve their manuscript's quality, and assist editors in choosing acceptable manuscripts for publication. Even though reviewers fully understand their dual roles, generally are knowledgeable about the subject, and typically are motivated to write constructive comments, they can still produce biased reviews. This article addresses two questions. Why do some reviewers provide more biased evaluations than others? How can those biases be reduced to improve the quality of reviews? Drawing on the judgment and decision making literature, this article identifies the sources of reviewer biases and proposes potential bias reduction strategies.
SCALE DRIFT IN EQUATING ON A TEST THAT EMPLOYS CUT SCORES

The purpose of this study is to determine the extent of scale drift on a test that employs cut scores. It is essential to examine scale drift in a testing program using new forms that are often put on scale through a series of intermediate equatings (known as equating chains). This may cause equating error to accumulate to a point where scale scores are rendered incomparable across two parallel chains or time periods. The study examined whether scale drift occurred for two conditions (i.e., parallel equating chains and a single long chain). Data from three tests that employed cut scores were used in this study. Results indicated that although there was some difference observed between the actual equating conversions derived via different equating chains, the effect of these differences on actual pass/fail status of test takers was not large. However, these results may change if new cut scores are introduced. Also, for tests that do not employ cut scores, stability in most parts of the score scale is important, not just at particular cut score points.
In memoriam: Paul G. Risser (1939–2014)

We lost a great one in ecology, an important person in the development of landscape ecology in North America and a gem of person on July 10, 2014. Paul continued to work in his office as much as he could throughout his many treatments for the decades-long illness that finally killed him, and was in his office until the week before he died. He leaves behind his wife Les, his twin brother, four sons, two daughters, and 14 grandchildren. Paul G. Risser was born September 14, 1939 in Blackwell, Oklahoma, attended Grinnell College in Iowa (where he was serving as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at the time of his death), and earned M.S. (1965) and Ph.D. degrees (1967) from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. From there, he joined the University of Oklahoma, Norman, faculty of Botany, where he served as Director of the Oklahoma Biological Survey for 7 years and Chairman of the Department for 5 (with a stint at NSF as Program
Atypical E2Fs drive atypical cell cycles

It is well documented that polyploid cells exist in mammalian tissues such as the placenta and liver, but their function and the mechanisms for their formation have remained elusive. Two studies now identify a role for atypical E2F transcription factors in promoting polyploidy in mammals and challenge present theories about the function of polyploidy.
High spectral resolution reflectance of Douglas fir grown under different fertilization treatments : Experiment design and treatment effects

Douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco.] seedlings were grown with different fertilization treatments in an experiment designed to investigate the effects of foliar biochemistry on needle and canopy reflectance measurements. Potentially confounding effects of the covariance of canopy structure with foliar biochemical concentration were minimized by fertilizing after leaf expansion. Seedlings showed no significant differences in specific leaf area, % needle moisture, biomass, or LAI, but showed significantly different total nitrogen concentrations, and some differences in chlorophyll concentrations. Measurements were made of needle optical properties, and bidirectional reflectance was obtained of needles and of canopies. Canopy reflectance was acquired under sky illumination using two field spectroradiometers. Needle and canopy treatment differences were highly significant in the visible region. Some treatment differences were also found in broad-band regions in the infrared in the canopy reflectances. Narrow-band infrared differences were detected in needle first derivative spectra, and coincided with known protein absorption features. Needle and canopy bidirectional reflectances were similar, but narrow-band features found in the needle infrared spectra were not found in the canopy data. Two possibilities for the failure to detect these narrow features in the canopy data are a confounding effect from variability caused by illumination angle changes and/or the low signal-to-noise characteristics of the field spectroradiometer relative to the laboratory instrument. The suite of optical and structural measurements taken from the same set of trees should provide a useful data set for parameterizing canopy models aiming to predict high spectral resolution reflectance of canopies.
The relationship between helicobacter infection and peptic ulcer disease

Abstract Helicobacter pylori infection of gastric mucosa is widespread, causing asymptomatic superficial gastritis; however, symptomatic disease in the form of duodenal and gastric ulcers is present only in a small proportion of infected individuals. H pylori causes most of the peptic ulcer disease that is not associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use or gastrinoma. The best evidence for H pylori causing peptic ulcer disease is the reduction of recurrence of this disease with eradication of the organism. The pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease from initial H pylori infection is not yet completely understood. Diagnosis of H pylori infection in peptic ulcer disease can be made with invasive (endoscopic) and noninvasive (serologic or breath test) testing. Treatment for patients with peptic ulcers due to H pylori is recommended after the diagnosis is established. Triple antimicrobial therapy for two weeks is the best investigated regimen, but two drug therapies that combine a proton pump inhibitor and an antibiotic or antibiotics are available as alternatives.
Digital Subtraction Angiography

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA), utilizing computerized x-ray imaging equipment for image acquisition and subtraction, will provide substantial improvements in blood vessel imaging. With the high contrast sensitivity of these systems, visualization of major blood vessels using intravenous injections of radiographic contrast media is possible on a routine basis. Current technology, using digitized video fluoroscopy and temporal subtraction, may in the future be upgraded using energy subtraction, or a combination of time and energy (hybrid subtraction). Applications of line-scanned radiography to DSA have been demonstrated but improvements in frame rate and resolution of the line-scanned technology is needed for future systems.
Biotech Research Tool Patent in Macedonia: Current Legal and Economic Parameters

One of the vigorously debated topics related to the protection of biotechnology inventions has been the issue of patents on biotechnology research tools, which usually are used in very early stages of biotechnology research. Proponents of patenting argue that the patent system acts as an incentive for biotech/pharma companies to invest in research and development which is aimed at developing biotech research tools. Opponents of patenting maintain that such patents might impede future research by creating "patent-thickets" and preventing researchers from performing experiments which rely on the patented tools without authorization and royalty payments.The Republic of Macedonia is a small, developing country that lacks specifically crafted legislation or even an articulated public policy promoting the growth of the biotechnology sector. Macedonian patent law contains rather broad exemption to patent rights, termed in "free use for personal and non commercial purposes" and "free use for research and development" of a patented invention. These provisions use obfuscating language and might generate confusion and divergent judicial practices. Also problematic are the law’s provisions which pertain to biotechnology patents and, especially, exemptions to biotechnology patents; these appear to misinterpret the mirroring provisions of the European Union Biotechnology Directive.This article argues in favor of amending the Macedonian industrial property law with a list of both specific exemptions and safeguards, which should provide clarity in future judicial practice pertaining to experimental-use exemptions of biotech research-tool patents in this country.
Nonlinear spatial dynamics, equilibrium states, and static optimization theory

Abstract Are long-term deterministic sociospatial dynamics optimum? Can one find optimality criteria under which the dynamic equilibrium state of dynamic deterministic models could also be construed as best? These are the questions addressed in this paper, and the answers seem to be negative in the general case, at least for a number of optimization formulations examined.
Cortical and trabecular load sharing in the human vertebral body.

The biomechanical role of the vertebral cortical shell remains poorly understood. Using high-resolution finite element modeling of a cohort of elderly vertebrae, we found that the biomechanical role of the shell can be substantial and that the load sharing between the cortical and trabecular bone is complex. As a result, a more integrative measure of the trabecular and cortical bone should improve noninvasive assessment of fracture risk and treatments. Introduction: A fundamental but poorly understood issue in the assessment of both osteoporotic vertebral fracture risk and effects of treatment is the role of the trabecular bone and cortical shell in the load-carrying capacity of the vertebral body. Materials and Methods: High-resolution μCT-based finite element models were developed for 13 elderly human vertebrae (age range: 54–87 years; 74.6 ± 9.4 years), and parameter studies—with and without endplates—were performed to determine the role of the shell versus trabecular bone and the effect of model assumptions. Results: Across vertebrae, whereas the average thickness of the cortical shell was only 0.38 ± 0.06 mm, the shell mass fraction (shell mass/total bone mass)—not including the endplates—ranged from 0.21 to 0.39. The maximum load fraction taken by the shell varied from 0.38 to 0.54 across vertebrae and occurred at the narrowest section. The maximum load fraction taken by the trabecular bone varied from 0.76 to 0.89 across vertebrae and occurred near the endplates. Neither the maximum shell load fraction nor the maximum trabecular load fraction depended on any of the densitometric or morphologic properties of the vertebra, indicating the complex nature of the load sharing mechanism. The variation of the shell load-carrying capacity across vertebrae was significantly altered by the removal of endplates, although these models captured the overall trend within a vertebra. Conclusions: The biomechanical role of the thin cortical shell in the vertebral body can be substantial, being about 45% at the midtransverse section but as low as 15% close to the endplates. As a result of the complexity of load sharing, sampling of only midsection trabecular bone as a strength surrogate misses important biomechanical information. A more integrative approach that combines the structural role of both cortical and trabecular bone should improve noninvasive assessment of vertebral bone strength in vivo.
Achievement motivation: Conceptions of ability, subjective experience, task choice, and performance.

Achievement behavior is denned as behavior directed at developing or demonstrating high rather than low ability. It is shown that ability can be conceived in two ways. First, ability can be judged high or low with reference to the individual's own past performance or knowledge. In this context, gains in mastery indicate competence. Second, ability can be judged as capacity relative to that of others. In this context, a gain in mastery alone does not indicate high ability. To demonstrate high capacity, one must achieve more with equal effort or use less effort than do others for an equal performance. The conditions under which these different conceptions of ability function as individuals' goals and the nature of subjective experience in each case are specified. Different predictions of task choice and performance are derived and tested for each case. In this article, predictions of task choice, performance, and subjective experience in experimental achievement settings are derived, and relevant evidence is examined. An intentional view of behavior (Dennett, 1978) is adopted. In this, action is construed as a rational attempt to attain goals or incentives. In commonsense terms, individuals' actions serve to achieve purposes efficiently or economically. In the terms of games theory, action maximizes
B(C6F5)3- vs Al(C6F5)3-derived metallocenium ion pairs. Structural, thermochemical, and structural dynamic divergences.

The thermodynamic and structural characteristics of Al(C6F5)3-derived vs B(C6F5)3-derived group 4 metallocenium ion pairs are quantified. Reaction of 1.0 equiv of B(C6F5)3 or 1.0 or 2.0 equiv of Al...
Effects of audio and visual surrogates for making sense of digital video

Video surrogates are meant to help people quickly make sense of the content of a video before downloading or seeking more detailed information. In this paper we present the results of a study comparing the effectiveness of three different surrogates for objects in digital video libraries. Thirty-six people participated in a within subjects user study in which they did five tasks for each of three surrogate alternatives: visual alone (a storyboard), audio alone (spoken description), and combined visual and audio (a storyboard augmented with spoken description). The results show that combined surrogates are more effective, strongly preferred, and do not penalize efficiency. The results also demonstrate that spoken descriptions alone lead to better understanding of the video segments than do visual storyboards alone, although people like to have visual surrogates and use them to confirm interpretations and add context. Participants were able to easily use the combined surrogates even though they were not synchronized, suggesting that synchronization of different media channels may not be necessary in surrogates as it is in full video. The results suggest that multimodal surrogates should be incorporated into video retrieval user interfaces and audio surrogates should be used in small display interfaces. The study also raises questions about the need to synchronize different information channels in multimedia surrogates.
Hong Kong: Colonial city to global city to provincial city?

Abstract This article examines Hong Kong's transition to a global city. At present, it is the world's eighth largest trading entity and the busiest container port. This growth has been based on an economy that is relatively free of government intervention, but the future is uncertain as political interference in the economy could increase and a rising tide of nationalism could lead to a more homogeneous community, the antithesis of the polyethnicity required for the global city.
Structures of an intramembrane vitamin K epoxide reductase homolog reveal control mechanisms for electron transfer

Vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) catalyses the formation of protein disulphide bonds and is the pharmacological target of the anticoagulant drug warfarin. Liu et al. present crystal structures of a bacterial VKOR in two different conformations and reveal how motions of a helix ensure unidirectional electron transfer.
Functionally-substituted stannocenes. η5-acetyl- and alkoxycarbonyl-cyclopentadienyltin(II) derivatives

η5-Acetyl- and alkoxycarbonyl-cyclopentadienyltin(II) compounds, η5-RC(O)C5H4SnC5H5-η5 where R = CH3OCH3 and OC2H5, are synthesized from the substituted cyclopentadienylsodium salts with η5-cyclopentadienyltin(II) chloride and characterized by physical properties, analytical data, IR, mass, NMR and tin-119m Mossbauer spectroscopies.
CRT-806 Impact of Body Mass Index on Outcomes of Severe Aortic Stenosis Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Obese aortic stenosis patients undergoing surgical replacement have improved survival in comparison with underweight patients. Currently there are scarce data regarding BMI impact on outcome of severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Our aim was to
Further physiological observations during induced basilar artery spasm in cats and dogs

Abstract In these experiments, it was determined that the previously described basilar artery spasm in the cat induced by direct exposure to blood or platelet fraction could be similarly produced in the dog. It was also found that spasmogenic platelet fraction was not deactivated by in vitro exposure to CSF for 24 hours, and that platelet fraction was active when injected intrathecally in vivo , thus expanding the significance of our earlier report of the spasmogenic properties of platelet fractions when irrigated directly upon the basilar artery of the cat.
A quantitative assessment of congruence between molecular and nonmolecular estimates of phylogeny

An important means of assessing the validity of phylogenetic hypotheses is to measure congruence between different studies of the same group. We applied statistical methods to assess patterns of congruence among phylogenies taken from the literature, using strict-consensus and quartet statistics to measure congruence for 48 pairs of phylogenies of various groups of birds and mammals. The strict-consensus measures were higher on average for distance-distance comparisons than for distance-parsimony or parsimony-parsimony comparisons, and for molecular-molecular comparisons than for molecular-morphological or morphological-morphological comparisons. However, the only factor that was consistently important statistically was the number of taxa involved in the comparison, with congruence decreasing as the number of taxa increased. Quartet indices, which measure network similarity regardless of root position, also showed an effect based on number of taxa but exhibited no trend toward higher congruence in molecular-molecular and distance-distance comparisons. The number of studies with jointly unresolved quartets was small, indicating that data sets varied in the degree to which they could resolve relationships at different phylogenetic levels. The levels of congruence between phylogenies, including those employing single-copy nuclear DNA hybridization data, appear to be higher than expected in random sets of trees, cannot be explained by nonindependence of data sets, and thus provide empirical support for the validity of both distance and parsimony methods of phylogenetic inference. In specific instances, low congruence pointed to mistakes in the application of certain methods, and to the existence of problem taxa in need of additional study.
Efficient and robust multiphoton data storage in molecular glasses and highly crosslinked polymers.

Efficient and robust multiphoton data storage in molecular glasses and highly crosslinked polymers
Stochastic Programming with Equilibrium Constraints

In this paper, we discuss here-and-now type stochastic programs with equilibrium constraints. We give a general formulation of such problems and study their basic properties such as measurability and continuity of the corresponding integrand functions. We discuss also the consistency and rate of convergence of sample average approximations of such stochastic problems
Sensitivity of two-dimensional echocardiography in the direct visualization of atrial septal defect utilizing the subcostal approach: Experience with 154 patients

In the standard precordial echocardiographic imaging planes, there is frequent dropout of atrial septal echoes in the region of the fossa ovalis that can be minimized by use of the subcostal imaging approach. The diagnostic sensitivity of this approach was reviewed in 154 patients (mean age 31 years, range 2 months to 74 years) with documented atrial septal defect in whom a satisfactory image of the atrial septum could be obtained. Subcostal two-dimensional echocardiography successfully visualized 93 (89%) of the 105 ostium secundum atrial septal defects, all 32 (100%) ostium primum defects and 7 (44%) of the 16 sinus venosus defects. A defect was not visualized (false negative response) in 12 patients (11%) with an ostium secundum defect and in 9 patients (56%) with a sinus venosus defect. In three of the former and five of the latter, a two-dimensional echocardiographic contrast examination established the presence of the interatrial shunt. Twenty-four patients (16%) with clinical findings of uncomplicated atrial septal defect confirmed by two-dimensional echocardiography underwent surgical repair of the defect without preoperative cardiac catheterization. There were no perioperative complications. Two-dimensional echocardiographic examination of the atrial septum utilizing the subcostal approach is the preferred method for the confident, noninvasive diagnosis and categorization of atrial septal defects. Two-dimensional echocardiographic contrast and Doppler examinations complement the technique and enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Subsequent memory effects in schizophrenia.

Abstract Differential neural activation at encoding can predict which stimuli will be subsequently remembered or forgotten, and memory deficits are pronounced in schizophrenia. We used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate subsequent memory (SM) effects for visual fractals in patients with schizophrenia ( n =26) and healthy controls ( n =28). Participants incidentally encoded the fractals during an oddball task and 10 min later they made old/new recognition memory judgments on 30 target fractals and 30 foil fractals. We found evidence for subsequent memory (SM, subsequently remembered>subsequently forgotten) effects on regional brain activation in both groups but with distinct patterns. Region of interest (ROI) analyses in controls demonstrated SM activation in both medial temporal lobe (MTL) and fusiform cortex (FF), whereas patients showed SM effects only in the FF. There were no significant between group differences in MTL activation; however, patients demonstrated greater FF activation than controls. Notably, greater FF activation during successful encoding was associated with more severe negative symptoms. Exploratory whole brain analyses in patients demonstrated SM activation in the occipital pole, lateral occipital cortex, left inferior temporal gyrus, and fusiform cortex; whereas in controls there was no significant activation that survived correction for multiple comparisons. Our findings suggest that patients, particularly those with prominent negative symptoms, may activate FF as a compensatory strategy to promote successful encoding, with relatively less reliance on MTL recruitment.
The value of SysML modeling during system operations: A case study

System models are often touted as engineering tools that promote better understanding of systems, but these models are typically created during system design. The Ground Data System (GDS) team for the Dawn spacecraft took on a case study to see if benefits could be achieved by starting a model of a system already in operations. This paper focuses on the four steps the team undertook in modeling the Dawn GDS: defining a model structure, populating model elements, verifying that the model represented reality, and using the model to answer system-level questions and simplify day-to-day tasks. Throughout this paper the team outlines our thought processes and the system insights the model provided.
Lake ecosystems: A polyhedral dynamics representation

Abstract For water quality problems involving global changes in the structure of the aquatic ecosystem, differential equation representations are often inadequate. A technique for modeling the global structure and dynamic behavior of such systems, called polyhedral dynamics, is presented by means of a simple yet realistic example. The lake ecosystem, composed of organic and inorganic nutrients, light, phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish, is represented as a multidimensional “graph” using a technique labeled “Q-analysis”, then a flow pattern is superimposed upon the “Q-analysis” to describe the dynamic behavior of the system. The importance of each element may be measured by its connectivity level with the other elements of the system. In this way, a strong correlation is found between the results obtained through Q-analysis and traditional ecological thinking. In other words, a Q-analysis can be used to gain insight into a complex process such as lake eutrophication. Also, consideration of the dynamic behavior gives a quantitative basis to the qualitative changes which an ecosystem undergoes as a result of increased nutrient loading. The approach may thus be used to assess the effectiveness of alternative eutrophication control methods.
Genome Sequence Comparison and Scenarios for Gene Rearrangements: A Test Case

As large portions of related genomes are being sequenced, methods for comparing complete or nearly complete genomes, as opposed to comparing individual genes, are becoming progressively more important. A major, widespread phenomenon in genome evolution is the rearrangement of genes and gene blocks. There is, however, no consistent method for genome sequence comparison combined with the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of highly rearranged genomes. We developed a schema for genome sequence comparison that includes three successive steps: (i) comparison of all proteins encoded in different genomes and generation of genomic similarity plots; (ii) construction of an alphabet of conserved genes and gene blocks; and (iii) generation of most parsimonious genome rearrangement scenarios. The approach is illustrated by a comparison of the herpesvirus genomes that constitute the largest set of relatively long, complete genome sequences available to date. Herpesviruses have from 70 to about 200 genes; comparison of the amino acid sequences encoded in these genes results in an alphabet of about 30 conserved genes comprising 7 conserved blocks that are rearranged in the genomes of different herpesviruses. Algorithms to analyze rearrangements of multiple genomes were developed and applied to the derivation of most parsimonious scenarios of herpesvirus evolution under different evolutionary models. The developed approaches to genome comparison will be applicable to the comparative analysis of bacterial and eukaryotic genomes as soon as their sequences become available.
Special Slant Surfaces and a Basic Inequality

A slant immersion is an isometric immersion of a Riemannian manifold into an almost Hermitian manifold with constant Wirtinger angle. A slant submanifold is called proper if it is neither holomorphic nor totally real. In [2], the author proved that, for any proper slant surface M with slant angle θ in a complex-space-form $іdetilde M^2(4∬silon)$ with constant holomorphic sectional curvature 4∊, the squared mean curvature and the Gauss curvature of M satisfy the following basic inequality: H2(p) ≥ 2K(p) − 2(1 + 3 cos2θ)∊. Every proper slant surface satisfying the equality case of this inequality is special slant. One purpose of this article is to completely classify proper slant surfaces which satisfy the equality case of this inequality. Another purpose of this article is to completely classify special slant surfaces with constant mean curvature. Further results on special slant surfaces are also presented.
Platinum nanoparticle-facilitated reflective surfaces for non-contact temperature control in microfluidic devices for PCR amplification

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is critical for amplification of target sequences of DNA or RNA that have clinical, biological or forensic relevance. While extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometry (EFPI) has been shown to be adequate for non-contact temperature sensing, the difficulty in defining a reflective surface that is semi-reflective, non-reactive for PCR compatibility and adherent for thermal bonding has limited its exploitation. Through the incorporation of a reflective surface fabricated using a thermally driven self-assembly of a platinum nanoparticle monolayer on the surface of the microfluidic chamber, an enhanced EFPI signal results, allowing for non-contact microfluidic temperature control instrumentation that uses infrared-mediated heating, convective forced-air cooling, and interferometic temperature sensing. The interferometer is originally calibrated with a miniature copper-constantan thermocouple in the PCR chamber resulting in temperature sensitivities of −22.0 to −32.8 nm· °C−1, depending on the chamber depth. This universal calibration enables accurate temperature control in any device with arbitrary dimensions, thereby allowing versatility in various applications. Uniquely, this non-contact temperature control for PCR thermocycling is applied to the amplification of STR loci for human genetic profiling, where nine STR loci are successfully amplified for human identification using the EFPI-based non-contact thermocycling.
On neurogenetic relations in Drosophila melanogaster.

The thoracico-abdominal nerve centers of several winged but flightless Drosophila mutants were examined. Cell number estimates were made for the ganglia of bithorax, vestigial, cut, taxi, and Curly mutants, as well as of wild type flies. No numerical hypoplasia was observed in any of the mutants examined, thus confirming the original conclusion of Power ('50) that inability to fly is not correlated with a hypoplasia of the thoracico-abdominal nerve center. A numerical hyperplasia was observed in the bithorax and vestigial mutants. The hyperplasia in the bithorax mutant is discussed in relation to the increased peripheral field in the thorax, caused by the action of the bithorax gene. The cause of the hyperplasia in the vestigial mutant remains unknown.
Cloning and characterization of RLPK, a novel RSK-related protein kinase.

Abstract A novel protein kinase whose activity can be stimulated by mitogen in vivo was cloned and characterized. The cDNA of this gene encodes an 802-amino acid protein (termed RLPK) with the highest homology (37% identity) to the two protein kinase families, p90RSK and p70RSK. Like p90RSR, but not p70RSK, RLPK also contains two complete nonidentical protein kinase domains. RLPK mRNA is widely expressed in all human tissues examined and is enriched in the brain, heart, and placenta. In HeLa cells, transiently expressed epitope-tagged RLPK can be strongly induced by epidermal growth factor, serum, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, but only moderately up-regulated by tumor necrosis factor-α and other stress-related stimuli. The activity of RLPK stimulated by epidermal growth factor was not inhibited by several known protein kinase C inhibitors nor by rapamycin, a known specific inhibitor for p70RSK, but could be inhibited by herbimycin A, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and partially inhibited by PD98059 or SB203580, inhibitors for the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Recombinant RLPK possesses high phosphorylation activity toward histone 2B and the S6 peptide, RRRLSSLRA. Although purified recombinant RLPK can be phosphorylated by ERK2 and p38α in vitro, its activity is not affected by this phosphorylation. Moreover, the treatment of RLPK with acid phosphatase did not reduce its in vitro kinase activity. These data suggest that RLPK is structurally similar to previously isolated RSKs, but its regulatory mechanism may be distinct from either p70RSK or p90RSKs.
Relation of the observed far ultraviolet solar irradiance to the solar magnetic sector structure

Comparison of the observed solar far ultraviolet irradiance and the observed solar sector structure during 1969 through 1972 shows a tendency for EUV maxima to be located near sector boundaries.
Bromegrass mosaic virus infection of seedling roots of Zea mays, Triticum aestivum, Avena sativa and Hordeum vulgare☆

Abstract Bromegrass mosaic virus (BMV) multiplication was studied in roots of Zea mays L. (sweet corn), Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell. (wheat), Avena sativa L. (oats) and Hordeum vulgare L. (barley). Mechanical inoculation of corn roots with BMV did not produce systemic infection, but BMV moved systemically from inoculated wheat, oat and barley roots. Virus was purified from both corn and barley roots. Ultrastructural modifications of BMV-infected corn and wheat root tips revealed BMV particles almost completely replacing cytoplasmic contents of infected cells with minimal pathological effects. BMV caused significant increases in soluble and residue nitrogen levels of infected seedling roots and shoots. Carbohydrate levels increased in infected shoots and decreased in roots.
Centile-based ultrasound morphometric tables.

Current ultrasound morphometric tables estimate centiles assuming normal distribution and similar variation throughout gestation. Our goal was to develop normative tables for biparietal diameter, femur length and average abdominal diameter using actual centiles. We studied the last complete ultrasound examination from 9510 singleton, live pregnancies without major malformations delivered at our hospital. Actual 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 95th centiles were calculated for each week and compared to estimates based on means and standard deviations. With advancing gestational age, variation in average abdominal diameter increased and variation in biparietal diameter and femur length remained stable. The largest difference between an actual and an estimated centile limit was 2 mm for biparietal diameter or femur length and 3 mm for average abdominal diameter. Differences between true and estimated centile limits were less than the intraobserver variation of the ultrasound measurements and therefore clinically unimportant. Copyright © 1995 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Persons Newly Diagnosed with HIV Infection are at High Risk for Depression and Poor Linkage to Care: Results from the Steps Study

Little is known about the prevalence and impact of depression in persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection. The Steps Study is a prospective, observational cohort study of persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection. Participants were administered a battery of instruments, including the CES-D. Linkage to care was defined as attending at least one clinic appointment in each of the first two 90-day intervals following diagnosis. Of 180 participants, 67% screened positive for depression. In multivariate analysis, depression was associated with female sex, income <$25,000, recent substance abuse, baseline poor access to medical care, and low self-efficacy. Fifty-six and sixty-eight percent of depressed and not depressed participants linked to care, respectively. In multivariate analysis, depression was a borderline significant predictor of poor linkage. Depression is very prevalent in persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection. Interventions targeting linkage to care should address depression, substance abuse, and barriers to care.
The growth response of the green alga Chlorella vulgaris to combined divalent cation exposure

Using the growth response of the green algaChlorella vulgaris as a model system, the effects of combinations of the environmentally active cations Cd, Co, and Cu were evaluated. The 96-h static EC50 for these cations toC. vulgaris were, respectively, 0.89 μM, 9.0 μM, and 2.8 μM, yielding a toxicity series such that Cd>Cu>Co. The cation combinations of Cd+Cu, and Cu+Co acted synergistically, while Cd + Co, and the tri-metallic combination Cd + Cu + Co resulted in antagonistic interactions. Examination of these toxic combinations at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h indicate that the cellular response is not a uniform one. Failure of energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometric analysis to demonstrate any intracellular incorporation of these cations (except for a weak cytoplasmic Cu peak at the 8.0 KEV position) suggests that the toxic actions of these cations at EC50 concentrations are exerted at the level of the plasma membrane.
Biological and Behavioral Consequences of Alterations in Monoamine Oxidase Activity

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) has many intraneuronal regulatory metabolic functions as well as detoxifying properties. Inhibition of the enzyme leads to rapid changes in the cellular concentrations of neurotransmitter amines and in the balance between different amines in neurons. Longer term alterations in MAO activity are accompanied by secondary, adaptational changes in neurotransmitter-related receptors, other enzymes, and additional cell functions in brain and other tissues. In addition, MAO inhibition is accompanied by marked changes in the sensitivity of the organism to some dietary constituents (e.g., tyramine, tryptophan, and other amines and amine precursors) as well as to many drugs (e.g., sympathomimetics, opiates, reserpine, and caffeine). While nearly complete MAO inhibition has been said to be required for direct behavioral changes to occur, partial MAO inhibition (reductions of 25-75 percent in enzyme activity) or selective inhibition of either the MAO-A or MAO-B form of the enzyme-especially after longer term inhibitor administration-lead to readily demonstrable alterations in the sensitivity of both animals and man to a variety of exogenous agents, and are also associated with a number of biological changes, including those involving neuroendocrine, blood pressure, and sleep mechanisms. These changes in cellular mechanisms and physiological functions may provide models for evaluating the significance of moderate (40 percent) mean reductions in platelet MAO activity found in chronic schizophrenic patients and some other psychiatric patient populations. The basic principle underlying these models is that MAO inhibition leads to impaired regulation in many neurotransmitter systems and other cellular functions, yielding consquent deficits in the attenuation of responses to exogenous stimuli and to endogenous psychobiological changes.
Focal upper extremity neuropathy in neonates

Focal upper extremity neuropathies are common in neonates. The brachial plexus is the most common site involved. Brachial plexus injuries may involve different structures, thus producing different clinical presentations: complete brachial plexus palsy, Duchenne-Erb palsy, upper-middle trunk brachial plexus palsy, Klumpke palsy, fascicular brachial plexus palsy, and bilateral brachial plexus palsy. The causes of brachial plexus palsy are obstetric injury, intrauterine compression, humeral osteomyelitis, hemangioma, exostosis of the first rib, neck compression, and neoplasm. The differential diagnosis of brachial plexus palsy includes pseudoparesis, amyoplasia congenita, congenita varicella syndrome, and neurological lesions at other neuroanatomical levels. The cause and the degree of injury dictate the prognosis. The prognosis of obstetric brachial plexus injury is usually good.
STUDY OF SOME ENZYME SYSTEMS BY MEANS OF THE DIFFERENTIAL MICRORESPIROMETER

Three enzymic phenomena, inactivation by oxygen, Q(OO2) measurements of a dehydrogenase system, and hydrolysis of acetyl phosphate by a phosphatase of Clostridium kluyveri, were studied by means of the differential microrespirometer. Respiration of yeast cells was also measured with the same instrument. All results obtained in the four types of study agreed closely with earlier results obtained with the Warburg apparatus. The amount of sample needed was of the order of 1/100 to 1/200 of that necessary for comparable study with the Warburg apparatus. The advantages of the instrument in enzyme isolation and purification studies are discussed.
An information-processing model of the BOLD response in symbol manipulation tasks.

Two imaging experiments were performed—one involving an algebraic transformation task studied by Anderson, Reder, and Lebiere (1996) and the other an abstraction symbol manipulation task studied by Blessing and Anderson (1996). ACT-R models exist that predict the latency patterns in these tasks. These models require activity in an imaginal buffer to represent changes to the problem representation, in a retrieval buffer to hold information from declarative memory, and in a manual buffer to hold information about motor behavior. A general theory is described about how to map activity in these buffers onto the fMRI blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response. This theory claims that the BOLD response is integrated over the duration that a buffer is active and can be used to predict the observed BOLD function. Activity in the imaginal buffer is shown to predict the BOLD response in a left posterior parietal region; activity in the retrieval buffer is shown to predict the BOLD response in a left prefrontal region; and activity in the manual buffer is shown to predict activity in a motor region. More generally, this article shows how to map a large class of information-processing theories (not just ACT-R) onto the BOLD response and provides a precise interpretation of the cognitive significance of the BOLD response.