cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alkylation and Carbamylation Effects of Lomustine and Its Major Metabolites and MGMT Expression in Canine Cells.

DNA Alkylation is thought to be the reason for the efficacy of lomustine while carbamylation has been implicated as the cause for the side effects seen with lomustine treatment such as hepatotoxicity. In the alkylation study we show that lomustine and its metabolites form similar levels of the DNA adducts N7 hydroxyethylguanine and O6 hydroxyethyldeoxyguanosine. In terms of carbamylation, lomustine showed greater extent of carbamylation in the canine hepatocytes and lymphoma cell lines. The DNA repair enzyme O6 methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) causes resistance of tumor cells to bifunctional nitrosourea, like lomustine. There is no data available regarding MGMT expression/activity in canine cells or tissues. Our study shows that there is low MGMT activity in the canine lymphoid cell line 17–71 while the GL-1 cells did not show any detectable enzyme activity or mRNA expression. The MGMT enzyme activity measured in canine hepatocytes is about 250–350 fmol/mg protein as compared to about 90 fmol/mg protein in 17–71 cells. We also show that MGMT mRNA expression in 17–71 cells and canine hepatocytes positively correlates with its enzyme activity in these cells.
Altered bacterial culture density following exposure to aflatoxins

Eight species of bacteria were incubated in culture media containing 10 μg/ml aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), or aflatoxin G2 (AFG2). Their culture density at 20°C was determined at four and eight days (d) after inoculation. In all species of bacteria studied (Bacillus cereus, Proteus mirabilis, Erysipylothrix rusiopathie (insidiosa), Streptococcus fecalis, Staphylococcus epidermis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Micrococcus spp., andEscherichia coli), AFB1, AFB2 and AFG2 substantially decreased culture sizes at 4 d, but not at 8 d. InB. cereus andP. mirabilis, culture sizes were increased by AFB1, AFB2, and AFG2 at 8 d post inoculation. These results indicate that AFB1, AFB2, and AFG2 suppressed initial growth of these species in vitro, while later growth in some species was either unaltered or enhanced.
A probabilistic approach for analysis of uncertainty in the evaluation of watershed management practices

Summary A computational framework is presented for analyzing the uncertainty in model estimates of water quality benefits of best management practices (BMPs) in two small ( 2 ) watersheds in Indiana. The analysis specifically recognizes the significance of the difference between the magnitude of uncertainty associated with absolute hydrologic and water quality predictions, and uncertainty in estimated benefits of BMPs. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is integrated with Monte Carlo-based simulations, aiming at (1) adjusting the suggested range of model parameters to more realistic site-specific ranges based on observed data, and (2) computing a scaled distribution function to assess the effectiveness of BMPs. A three-step procedure based on the One-factor-At-a-Time (OAT) sensitivity analysis and the Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) was implemented for the two study watersheds. Results indicate that the suggested range of some SWAT parameters, especially the ones that are used to determine the transport capacity of channel network and initial concentration of nutrients in soils, required site-specific adjustment. It was evident that uncertainties associated with sediment and nutrient outputs of the model were too large, perhaps limiting its application for point estimates of design quantities. However, the estimated effectiveness of BMPs sampled at different points in the parameter space varied by less than 10% for all variables of interest. This suggested that BMP effectiveness could be ascertained with good confidence using models, thus making it suitable for use in watershed management plans such as the EPA’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program. The potential impact of our analysis on utility of models and model uncertainties in decision-making process is discussed.
Performance Analysis of Heterogeneous Feedback Design in an OFDMA Downlink With Partial and Imperfect Feedback

Current OFDMA systems group resource blocks into subband to form the basic feedback unit. Homogeneous feedback design with a common subband size is not aware of the heterogeneous channel statistics among users. Under a general correlated channel model, we demonstrate the gain of matching the subband size to the underlying channel statistics motivating heterogeneous feedback design with different subband sizes and feedback resources across clusters of users. Employing the best-M partial feedback strategy, users with smaller subband size would convey more partial feedback to match the frequency selectivity. In order to develop an analytical framework to investigate the impact of partial feedback and potential imperfections, we leverage the multi-cluster subband fading model. The perfect feedback scenario is thoroughly analyzed, and the closed form expression for the average sum rate is derived for the heterogeneous partial feedback system. We proceed to examine the effect of imperfections due to channel estimation error and feedback delay, which leads to additional consideration of system outage. Two transmission strategies: the fix rate and the variable rate, are considered for the outage analysis. We also investigate how to adapt to the imperfections in order to maximize the average goodput under heterogeneous partial feedback.
Landscape Frontiers, Geography Frontiers: Lessons to Be Learned

Abstract Advancing ecotones, such as treelines and frontiers of human settlement, may share some characteristic dynamics because both include feedbacks between spatial pattern and process. Both might be examined as complex, self-organizing systems in terms of complexity theory and thus be usefully compared. A cellular automaton of advancing alpine treeline in Montana shows attractors in power-law frequency distributions of spatial and temporal pattern. Frontiers of study areas in the Amazonian region of Ecuador, analyzed using change detection of Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, have power-law distributions of advancing deforestation. Alternative approaches in self-organized complexity, including self-organized percolation, and the inverse cascade model, and an approach to complexity involving optimization, highly optimized tolerance, are considered. Some combination of these, based on their common ancestry in percolation theory (with its ties to geocomputation), might provide insights into population-env...
Regeneration of splenic remnants after partial splenectomy in rats.

Splenic regeneration in the rat was measured after removal of 25, 50, or 75% of the spleen, 50% of the spleen with autotransplantation of the excised portion, and splenectomy with autotransplantation of 50% of the spleen. Splenic growth in rats undergoing sham splenectomies served as a control. Splenic mass at 6 weeks and 4 months after surgery was directly related to the remnant size. “Normalized” spleen weights (measured as grams of splenic tissue per 100 grams of rat weight) after 25, 50, and 75% splenectomy were 57, 41, and 38% of controls at 6 weeks, and 77, 71, and 44% of controls at 4 months. All differences were significant at P < 0.03 except those between 50 and 75% splenectomy at 6 weeks, and between 25 and 50% splenectomy at 4 months. A comparison of autotransplanted splenic mass after total splenectomy with that after 50% splenectomy (0.042 ± 0.005 and 0.025 ± 0.004, respectively, at 6 weeks) demonstrated that an intact subtotal spleen inhibited significantly regeneration of the autotransplanted spleen. The effect of autotransplanted splenic tissue on regeneration of a splenic remnant was little to none at 4 months.
Diffusion through a tube with partial constriction

Abstract The diffusion of a substance through a tube with a partial constriction is solved by eigenfunction expansions and matching. The added resistance due to the constriction is found. The results are useful in heat conduction in rods and mass diffusion through a membrane.
Characterization of phase I and phase II drug metabolism and the effect of beta-naphthoflavone in the liver and posterior kidney of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.

Immature channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg Β-naphthoflavone (BNF) and its effects on phase I and phase II xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes of liver and posterior kidney were evaluated. Microsomal monooxygenases in control animals exhibited higher specific activities in liver than in kidney although if data are expressed as turnover numbers, both organs have comparable activities, Β-naphthoflavone treatment resulted in increases in hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 content and ethoxyresorufin deethylase activity. Renal monooxygenases were not responsive to BNF injection. The phase II xenobiotic metabolizing systems of liver or kidney did not respond to BNF treatment. With the exception of epoxide hydrolase which was higher in renal microsomes, phase II drug metabolizing activity of liver cell fractions was about two-fold that observed in fractions isolated from posterior kidney.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa mucoid strain 8830 binds glycans containing the sialyl-Lewis x epitope

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is a leading cause of their morbidity and mortality. Pathogenesis is initiated in part by molecular interactions of P. aeruginosa with carbohydrate residues in airway mucins that accumulate in the lungs of patients with this disease. To explore the nature of the glycans recognized by a stable, mucoid, alginate-producing strain P. aeruginosa 8830 we generated a genetically modified Pa8830 expressing green fluorescent protein (Pa3380-GFP). We tested its binding to a panel of glycolipids and neoglycolipids in which selected glycans were covalently attached to dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine and analyzed on silica gel surfaces. Among all glycans tested, Pa8830-GFP bound best to sialyl-Lex-containing glycan NeuAc(α2-3)Gal(β1-4)[Fuc(α1-3)]GlcNAc-R and bound weakly to H-type blood group Fucα1-2Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R, sialyl-lactose, and Lex, and exhibited little binding toward non-fucosylated derivatives. Interestingly, while Pa8830-GFP bound to the glycosphingolipid asialoGM1, it did not appear to bind to a wide variety of other glycosphingolipids including GM1, GM2, asialoGM2, and sulfatide. These results indicate that P. aeruginosa 8830 has preferential binding to sialyl-Lex-containing glycans and has weak recognition of related fucose- and sialic acid-containing glycans. The finding that Pa8830 binds sialyl-Lex-containing glycans, which occur at increased levels in mucins from CF patients, is consistent with studies of other strains of P. aeruginosa and further suggests that such glycans on CF mucins contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Using Nested Models and Laboratory Data for Predicting Population Effects of Contaminants on Fish: A Step Toward a Bottom-Up Approach for Establishing Causality in Field Studies

Predicting the effects of contaminants on fish populations is difficult due to their complex life history and high interannual variation in their population abundances. We present an approach that extrapolates laboratory data on contaminant effects, including behavioral effects, to the population level by using a series of nested statistical and simulation models. The approach is illustrated using PCB effects on Atlantic croaker. Laboratory experiments were performed that estimated PCB effects on fecundity, egg mortality, and the swimming speed and predator evasion behavior of larvae. A statistical model converted impaired predator evasion to reduced probability of escaping a predatory fish. An individual-based model then converted the output of the statistical model into changes in larval stage duration and survival, which were used to change elements of the matrix model. A matrix projection model simulated population dynamics for 100 years for baseline conditions and for two hypothetical PCB exposure sc...
Interspecific hybridization of phaseolus vulgaris with P. lunatus and P. acutifolius

The influence of genotypic combinations on the growth of hybrid embryos between Phaseolus vulgaris and P. lunatus, and between P. vulgaris and P. acutifolius was examined. All embryos obtained from P. vulgaris × P. lunatus crosses developed only to a stage which appears to be comparable to the pre-heart-shape stage of selfed embryos. Reciprocal crosses were attempted, but pods abscised at a very early stage. Embryos derived from P. vulgaris × P. acutifolius and reciprocal crosses attained the cotyledon stage although no mature seeds were formed. A distinct characteristic of these embryos was the uneven development of the two cotyledons. The rate of growth and final size of these hybrid embryos seemed to be influenced by the genotypes of both parents. Immature embryos were cultured on defined medium and the effects of glutamine and gibberellin (GA3) were examined. Glutamine was effective in increasing the survival rate; gibberellin had no apparent effect. Plants derived from cultured embryos of P. vulgaris × P. lunatus, P. vulgaris × P. acutifolius and P. acutifolius × P. vulgaris were obtained.
Research: Techniques for multimedia synchronization in network file systems

One of the unique features that distinguishes digital multimedia from traditional computer data is the presence of multiple media streams, whose display must proceed in a mutually synchronized manner. The design of techniques for synchronization of multimedia data at the time of storage, and retrieval from network file servers is the subject matter of this paper. We present algorithms by which a file server can create a relative time system and synchronize media units transmitted by different sources on a network to construct a multimedia object. These algorithms stay robust in the absence of global clocks, presence of transmission jitter and generation rate mismatches. We develop a feedback technique using which the file server can detect asynchronies in display devices during retrieval of multimedia objects, and even restore synchrony by deleting or duplicating media units destined for asynchronous destinations. We then present strategies by which the file server can actually predict the time in future when the asynchrony of a device is expected to exceed the permitted bound, and take gradual preventive action to nullify the asynchrony in advance. These algorithms can be generalized to heterogeneous multimedia networks in which there may be variations in sizes of media units generated, differences in network locations of sources and destinations, etc. We are currently implementing these techniques in a digital multimedia on-demand storage server being developed at the UCSD Multimedia Laboratory.
A Novel Clinical Prediction Rule for 30-day Mortality Following Balloon Aortic Valuloplasty: The CRRAC the AV Score

Objectives: We seek to identify predictors of 30-day mortality after balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). Background: To date, there is no validated method of predicting patient outcomes after percutaneous aortic valve interventions. Methods: Data for consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent BAV at the Mount Sinai Medical Center from January 2001 to July 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Cox-proportional hazards regression was used to identify significant predictors of 30-day mortality, and the resultant model was compared to the EuroSCORE using Akaike's Information Criterion and area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC). Results: The analysis included 281 patients (age 83 ± 9 years, 61% women, aortic valve area: 0.64 ± 0.2 cm2) and 36 (12.8%) of whom died within 30 days of BAV. With identified risk factors for 30-day mortality, critical status, renal dysfunction, right atrial pressure, and cardiac output, we constructed the CRRAC the AV risk score. Thirty-day survival was 72% in the highest tertile versus 94% in the lower two tertiles of the score. Compared to the additive and logistic EuroSCORE, the risk score demonstrated superior discrimination (AUC = 0.75 vs. 0.60 and 0.63, respectively). Conclusions: We derived a risk score, the CRRAC the AV score that identifies patients at high-risk of 30-day mortality after BAV. Validation of the developed risk prediction score, the CRRAC the AV score, is needed in other cohorts of post-BAV patients and potentially in patients undergoing other catheter-based valve interventions. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Interpretation of dynamic scattering from polymer solutions

The theoretical results availabTe for the i,nte,rpretatio~ of the dynamic scattering from polymer soJutions have been re,examined. The scattering law S~/, t) is formulated using the eigenfunction expansion method and the linear response theory. All previously known exact expressions of S(q, t) for a single unperturbed Gaussian cl~ain have been re-derived using the first method to demonstrate the interrelationships among the various approaches to calculation of S(q, t). The results are cast into new forms which, in many cases, are more convenient for both numerical and analytical discussions. The ~nfi~i~e ~hain results are obtained from the exact closed expression of S(q, t) for ring polymers as a special .case as N ~ oo. Questions like the effect of the draining parameter on the shape of S(q, t), the positive definiteness of the diffusion tensor, and the possibility of measuring the eigenvalue of the first internal mode through light scattering, have been included in the discussions. A new method has been proposed for the interpretation of the dynamic scattering experiments in terms of the initial slope, ,Q,, of In S(q, t). The quantity ~ can also be identified as the first cumulant ofS(q, t). The advantage of this method is that ~Q(q) can be calculated for all q values as a function of temperature and concentration by combining the linear response theory and the blob model of chain statistics. Consequently, one is not restricted to the asymptotic small- and intermediate-q regions in order to interpret the scattering experiments. The analytical and numerical results giving ~2(q) under various conditions have been presented. Using infinite chain results it is shown that acts as a characteristic frequency in the sense that in both the small- and intermediate-q regions, In S(q, t) can be scaled to a q-independent shape function when time is expressed as ~,t. This property facilitates the measurement of ~ from S(q, t)-data using a known shape function. The feasibility of the method has been demonstrated using light scattering data on polystyrene in toluene in the transition region between small-and intermediate q-regions.
The observing response is not due to biased expectancies

A modified probability learning experiment with humans tested the hypothesis that the observing response (OR) occurs because S mistakenly expects the preferable event more often following the OR than the \(\overline {\rm OR}\). The OR effect was clearly present but evidence of biased expectancies was not. These results lend weight to motivational theories, which posit greater utility of events following the OR than the \(\overline {\rm OR}\).
Transmission electron microscopic study of polytene chromosome 2R from Drosophila melanogaster.

A simple and rapid method for studying polytene chromosome squashes by transmission electron microscope (TEM) is described. This technique provides close correlation between the light microscopic image and the TEM image. Fine structures of the chromosomes are preserved. The band pattern of region 44 A to 50 F of the chromosome 2R has been analyzed and compared with Bridges' map (1935) and Lefevre's photographic representation (1976).
Forward and 90-degree light scattering measurements in optofluidic flow cytometer

A microfluidic flow cytometer for three-parameter light scatter measurements is demonstrated to distinguish between 4 sizes of polystyrene beads from 5–15 ∞m. Light blocking and guiding elements are employed in this compact, integrated microfluidic chip.
STABILITY ANALYSIS OF AN AXIALLY ACCELERATING STRING

The dynamic response of an axially accelerating string is investigated. The time dependent velocity is assumed to vary harmonically about a constant mean velocity. Approximate analytical solutions are sought using two different approaches. In the first approach, the equations are discretized first and then the method of multiple scales is applied to the resulting equations. In the second approach, the method of multiple scales is applied directly to the partial differential system. Principal parametric resonances and combination resonances are investigated in detail. Stability boundaries are determined analytically. It is found that instabilities occur when the frequency of velocity fluctuations is close to two times the natural frequency of the constant velocity system or when the frequency is close to the sum of any two natural frequencies. When the velocity variation frequency is close to zero or to the difference of two natural frequencies, however, no instabilities are detected up to the first order of perturbation. Numerical results are presented for a band-saw and a threadline problem.
Malignant lymphoma of the uterine cervix

Three patients with primary malignant lymphoma of the uterine cervix are reported and the literature is reviewed. All of the patients in the current cases presented with irregular menstruation. Two patients were found to have diffuse histiocytic lymphoma, and one patient had diffuse mixed lymphoma. Histologic diagnosis was confirmed by outside expert pathologists in all cases. In spite of locally advanced disease according to FIGO's classification (Stage IVA-2 and Stage IIB-1), they responded well to external irradiation, and had control of tumor within the pelvis. All are alive at 13, 7, and 3 years, respectively, after the completion of irradiation. One patient developed disseminated disease 4.25 years after the completion of external irradiation, but was successfully treated with combination chemotherapy for 2 years, and is alive at 6.75 years after the completion of chemotherapy without disease. Review of the other 21 cases reported in the literature reveals that 14 were free of disease after treatment. The importance of distinguishing malignant lymphoma from undifferentiated carcinoma or sarcoma is emphasized since cervical malignant lymphoma can be successfully treated with irradiation in spite of locally advanced disease.
A study of the electrophoretic and O2 dissociation properties of the hemoglobins of some delphinid cetaceans.

1. 1. The electrophoretic mobilities of hemoglobins from eleven species of delphinids are compared. 2. 2. Only four hemoglobin arrays are observed in the elecrophoretic study. Each of the species exhibits only one of the four observed hemoglobin complements. 3. 3. The oxygen dissociation curves are presented for each of three hemoglobin complements at various pH values. Comparisons show each of the arrays to have distinct functional properties. Electrophoretically indistinguishable hemoglobin complements were found to have indistinguishable functions in a three species complex indicating probable identity. Another species pair with electrophoretically indistinguishable hemoglobins had disparate O2 dissociation properties indicating molecular dissimilarity. 4. 4. Bohr factors are shown to vary slightly in the physiological pH range. 5. 5. Concentrations of lactic acid shift the P50 values very slightly toward dissociation in an effect similar to that described for other salt concentrations. CO2 concentrations appear to have little effect on oxygen-binding properties at a fixed pH.
Cell wall synthesis during growth and maturation of Nitella internodal cells.

An improved 13C-density-labeling method was used to study cell wall synthesis in rapidly expanding, slowly expanding and recently mature internodes of Nitella translucens var axillaris (A.Br.) R.D.W. As cells matured, the rate of wall synthesis slowed and the deposition of cellulose microfibrils changed from a predominantly transverse direction in the primary wall of rapidly expanding internodes to a helicoidal array in the secondary wall of mature internodes. The secondary wall was characterized by relatively higher rates of cellulose synthesis and lower rates of pectin synthesis than the primary wall. The synthesis of xyloglucan also decreased markedly at the transition to secondary wall synthesis, while the synthesis of mannose-rich hemicellulose increased. Even though structural differences were striking between the primary and secondary walls of Nitella, compositional differences between the two types of wall were quantitative rather than qualitative.
Pharmacotherapy with the mentally retarded: Implications for clinical psychologists

Abstract The present review was prepared to facilitate clinical psychologists' knowledge of possible therapeutic and contratherapeutic effects of pharmacotherapeutic agents used with the mentally retarded. Six classes of drugs regularly used with the mentally retarded are discussed: neuroleptics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antimonics, stimulants, and antiepileptics. The conditions for which these drugs are prescribed, their prevalence of use, pharmacological properties, side effects, and effectiveness are considered, along with the availability of other treatments. Beyond this, the methodological issues involved in assessing drug effects and current litigation and legislation with the mentally retarded are summarized.
A Review of the Costs, Cost‐Effectiveness and Third‐Party Charges of Bone Marrow Transplantation

In an era of health care reform, costs, cost-effectiveness and charges for health care are taking on a larger role in the decision to adopt a new therapy. Hospitals, health maintenance organizations, third-party payers, doctors and patients all have an interest in the economic factors of health care; however, not all new therapies or medications have been analyzed. Bone marrow transplantation is one of the most expensive cancer treatments, costing an average of $193,000 per patient; therefore, many economic studies have focused on the costs of the therapy. However, it is important to note that these findings are not necessarily applicable to other diseases. Cost data are not static and even small changes in protocol can make a large difference in costs. Also, cost data from outside the United States is not always applicable to the United States system due to differences such as socialized medicine, workers' wages and pharmaceutical costs. Many economic analyses focus on the hospitals' charges and extrapolate cost-effectiveness from these figures, yet the amount hospitals charge for services and products is not always relative to the costs. Therefore, third-party payer costs are also important in analyzing the cost-effectiveness of a procedure. This article will review five signature papers which illustrate important issues to consider when trying to determine the costs and cost-effectiveness of bone marrow transplants.
Young Men's Perceived Quality of Parenting Based on Familial History of Alcoholism.

ABSTRACT Parental Bonding Inventories (PBI) were given to 173 males, mean age 22, and analyzed based on the participant's familial risk for alcoholism. Differences in PBI scores were examined based on the recency and severity of paternal drinking problems, and on whether both the mother and father had alcohol problems or only the father. Differences in drinking patterns of sons were also examined based on PBI ratings. Fathers of the high familial risk participants were rated by sons as being significantly less Caring than the fathers of low familial risk participants. Participants who rated their fathers as low in Protection had significantly more days of heavy drinking in the past year compared to those who rated their fathers as high in Protection.
Low Myopia with Low Astigmatic Correction Gives Cataract Surgery Patients Good Depth of Focus

Abstract Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) are being developed to improve the depth of focus of pseudophakic patients. However, the authors noted good uncorrected distance and near acuity in 32 pseudophakic patients with postoperative refraction of myopic astigmatism and round reactive pupils where a plano convex monofocal posterior chamber IOL was used. They suggest that for appropriate clinical assessment of the effectiveness and safety of multifocal IOLs, a randomized, controlled, double-masked clinical trial be undertaken to compare monofocal with multifocal IOLs. In such a trial, they suggest aiming for myopic astigmatism in the monofocal IOL group.
Use of motor performance tests to differentiate aging effects from disease effects

The present study has demonstrated that behavioral testing can provide non-invasive methods for monitoring the time-courses of aging and disease processes. Performance on two of our tests changed linearly with increasing age in both cardiomyopathic and healthy hamsters, but these changes occurred at an earlier age in the CM hamsters than in healthy control hamsters. In addition, healthy hamsters showed age-related changes in performance on some tests, while sick CM hamsters did not show parallel changes. These results indicate that disease can modify the rate of change in some markers of aging, and thus they suggest that disease might be able to modify the aging process. However, such a preliminary hypothesis requires much further work. Performance on another behavioral test was shown to be stable throughout much of the lifespan of healthy hamsters, and yet disease in CM hamsters was clearly able to affect it. Thus it was possible to find some tests which discriminated between aging and disease effects, but only because the time-course of the disease we were studying was well defined. Most importantly, these results have suggested a way of thinking about the problem of disease in aging studies that may be more fruitful than others previously used. Examining the changes over time in both healthy subjects (putatively disease-free) and those with disease should allow one to determine which age-related changes are dependent on the presence of organic disease and to separate these from the changes which might inevitably occur solely from increasing age.
The Mesolithic Continuum in Western Europe

THE term "Mesolithic" serves to denote basically Paleolithic cultures of early postglacial Europe, representing the period between the final Upper Paleolithic and the introduction of agriculture. Cultural, geological, and radiocarbon dating suggest that something on the order of 8000 to 2500 B.c. spans this era. Changes in climate during this period led to alterations in vegetation and fauna, as seen in the forestation of what had been ice-sheets or tundra and in the replacement of animals more suited to open country-reindeer, mammoth, bison, and horse-by forest animals such as elk, red deer, roe deer, aurochs, and wild boar. In addition to cultural adaptations resulting from forestation, there was the subsequent adaptation to marine environments with their abundance of natural resources.
Encoding theory of mind in character design for pedagogical interactive narrative

Computer aided interactive narrative allows people to participate actively in a dynamically unfolding story, by playing a character or by exerting directorial control. Because of its potential for providing interesting stories as well as allowing user interaction, interactive narrative has been recognized as a promising tool for providing both education and entertainment. This paper discusses the challenges in creating interactive narratives for pedagogical applications and how the challenges can be addressed by using agent-based technologies. We argue that a rich model of characters and in particular a Theory of Mind capacity are needed. The character architect in the Thespian framework for interactive narrative is presented as an example of how decision-theoretic agents can be used for encoding Theory of Mind and for creating pedagogical interactive narratives.
Single bead characterization using analytical constructs: application to quality control of libraries.

Analytical construct technology has been successfully applied to the single-bead analysis of a split-mix combinatorial library. Substrates can be released from the resin by conventional cleavage for biological screening. Alternatively, for the purpose of analysis and quality control, cleavage at an orthogonal construct linker produces an analytical fragment incorporating the substrate. This analytical fragment is highly sensitized to electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and is easily identified by isotope labeling. The construct cleavage rendered readily visible even those compounds that clearly could not be seen by conventional cleavage and mass spectrometry analysis. A 1H NMR control experiment proved that the compounds cleaved conventionally were, however, present in the sample in good yield and purity. In view of the data obtained, we think that this is a significant and important step toward solving our current quality control problems.
In situ filtering and ingestion rates of deep-sea benthic boundary-layer zooplankton in the Santa Catalina Basin

In situ rates of filtration, particulate ingestion, and carbon ingestion of deep-sea benthic boundary-layer zooplankton were determined in December 1984 in the Santa Catalina Basin, at 1 300 m depth in the California Borderland, by a short-term radioisotope-incorporation technique. Zooplankton were collected at 1 or 50 m above the bottom with an opening-closing net system on a submersible, and incubated at depth with labelled amino acids in special cod-end chambers. Concentrations of particulate material and particulate organic carbon in the ambient water were also measured. The zooplankton had a median weight-specific filtration rate of 12.4 ml (mg dr. wt)-1 h-1 and a median carbon ingestion rate of 5.4 μg C (mg dr. wt)-1 h-1. Filtration rates were not significantly different from those in similar experiments in the north Atlantic at 2 175 m depth or Narragansett Bay in the winter, although the medians of the deep-sea experiments were lower than for the Bay. In the Santa Catalina Basin, rates from experiments at 1 m above the bottom in more turbid water were not significantly different from those at 50 m above the bottom in clearer water. These deep-sea benthic boundary-layer zooplankton may have the potential to respond to food pulses, and their relatively high ingestion rates suggest that they could have significant effects on particulate, chemical, and bacterial processes in the near-bottom water column.
Historical Account of Interventional Neuroradiology

Although neurointervention shares common roots with other catheter-based interventions, the complexity of the cerebrovascular system and the diversity of illnesses that affect it have led to the development of special tools and approaches uniquely designed to address these challenges. This chapter reviews the major milestones in the evolution of what some may consider the youngest of the catheter-based cardiovascular disciplines.
General Surgery in Evolution: Technology and Competence

This paper addresses the current status of General Surgery, the direction in which it is moving, and how to prepare for future changes. The paper points out that, since the predicted effects of new technology on the practice of General Surgery are more technical complexity, decreasing invasiveness, and fewer traditional operations, the consequences for the training of surgeons, the division of responsibilities among specialists, and the organization of surgical care will be substantial. In light of the current difficulty in dealing with the stresses within General Surgery, the paper discusses how changes in residency training and an increased use of Fellowships will enable the specialty to handle such disruptive changes in the future.
Possible gas-phase syntheses for seven neutral molecules studied recently with the Green Bank Telescope

Aims. With the Green Bank telescope (GBT), seven neutral molecules have been newly detected or confirmed towards either the cold interstellar core TMC-1 or the hot core source Sgr B2(N) within the last 1–2 years. Towards TMC-1, the new molecules seen are cyanoallene (CH2CCHCN) and methyl triacetylene (CH3C6H) while methyl cyanoacetylene (CH3CCCN) and methyl cyanodiacetylene (CH3C5N) were confirmed. Towards Sgr B2(N), the three newly detected molecules are cyclopropenone (c-C3H2O), ketenimine (CH2CNH), and acetamide (CH3CONH2); these are mainly seen in absorption and are primarily located in an envelope around the hot core. In this work, we report a detailed study of the gas-phase chemistry of all seven molecules. Methods. Starting with our updated gas-phase chemical reaction network osu.01.2007, we added formation and depletion reactions to treat the chemistry of each of the seven molecules. Some of these were already in our network but with incomplete chemistry, while most were not in the network at all prior to this work. We assumed the standard physical conditions for TMC-1 and assumed that these also hold for the envelope around Sgr B2(N). Standard pseudo-time-dependent calculations were run for each source. Results. For TMC-1, we reproduced the observed fractional abundances of three detected molecules at early times of 10 5−6 yr and came close to reproducing a fourth. For the halo surrounding Sgr B2(N), our results are more ambiguous: only for ketenimine were we able to match the observed abundance very well.
Affect Of Orientation Ratio On The Recording Characteristics Of Longitudinal Thin Film Media

The effect of orientation ratio on recording characteristics has been experimentally investigated. Thin film longitudinal media with orientation ratios (ORs) of 2.34 and 0.86, having almost the same coercivity, were used in this study. High OR film medium makes the transition sharp, and high signal output and low medium noise are obtained in low densities. However, at high densities, noise power becomes significantly higher than low OR film medium, and strong demagnetization field from previously recorded transition induces nonlinear bit shift of newly recorded transition which results in poor overwrite performance. >
Technical Note---The Effect of Grouping Continuous Variables on Correlation Coefficients

The purpose of this note is to supplement some recent articles which discuss correlations between two grouped random variables. In this paper we give a more parsimonious and less computationally complex method of assessing the effect of grouping while also giving some insights into the best ways to group continuous variables. Implications of these results for certain marketing studies are given.
Perceiving freedom givers: Effects of granting decision latitude on personality and leadership perceptions

Abstract A perennial question facing managers is how much decision latitude to give their employees at work. The current research investigates how decision latitude affects employees' perceptions of managers' personalities and, in turn, their leadership effectiveness. Results from three studies using different methods (two experiments and a survey) indicate an inverted-U shaped relationship between degree of decision latitude and leadership effectiveness perceptions. The increase in leadership effectiveness perception between low and moderate decision latitude was explained by an increase in perceived agreeableness; the decrease in leadership effectiveness perception between moderate and high decision latitude was explained by a decrease in perceived conscientiousness. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Variation between Breeds in Feed Cost of Milk Production

Summary 1.Jersey cows produced butterfat at a lower feed cost per pound than Holsteins. 2.Holstein cows produced milk at a lower feed cost per 100 pounds than Jerseys. 3.On the basis of energy as expressed in 4 per cent F.C.M., there appeared to be no significant difference between breeds in cost of production. 4.Purebred herds apparently produced 4 per cent F.C.M. at-a lower feed cost than did grade herds.
Pressureless Sintering t-zirconia@δ-Al2O3 (54 mol%) Core–Shell Nanopowders at 1120°C Provides Dense t-Zirconia-Toughened α-Al2O3 Nanocomposites

Zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) is of growing importance in a wide variety of fields exemplified by ZTA prosthetic implants. Unfortunately, ZTA composites are generally difficult to process because of the need to preserve the tetragonal zirconia phase in the final dense ceramic, coincident with the need to fully densify the a-Al2O3 component. We report here that liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis of mixtures of metalloorganic precursors of alumina and zirconia at varying compositional ratios provide access in one step to core–shell nanoparticles, wherein the shell is d-Al2O3 and the core is a perfect single crystal of tetragonal (t-) zirconia. Pressureless sintering studies provided parameters whereby these nanopowder compacts could be sintered to full density (499%) at temperatures just above 11001C converting the shell component to a-Al2O3 but preserving the t-ZrO2 without the need for any dopants. The final average grain sizes of these sintered compacts are r200 nm. The resulting materials exhibit the expected response to mechanical deformation with the subsequent production of monoclinic ZrO2. These materials appear to offer a low-temperature, low-cost route to fine-grained ZTA with varied Al2O3:t-ZrO2 compositions.
Laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty.

The technique for laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) arose from the open procedure in 1993, as minimally invasive surgical approaches were applied to virtually all commonly performed operations (1,2). In 1992 approximately 85% of bariatric surgeons utilized an open VBG as ddescribed by Mason at the University of Iowa, and the initial laparoscopic approaches attempted to mimic that technique (3,4). The Mason-like VBG incorporated a circular stapler to create an opening near the lesser curve, in order to insert a linear stapler vertically alongside a bougie to form a vertical pouch (Fig. 19.1-1), and the laparoscopic techniques followed that general form, but authors reported technical issues and controversies in attempting to replicate the open procedure, which will be discussed later in this chapter (3,4). In 1995 we developed a novel approach to performing a laparoscopic VBG by omitting the circular stapler and employing a totally linear stapler technique to wedge out a segment of the fundus to create a vertically oriented pouch (Fig. 19.1-2), as an alternative to the classic procedure (5).
New species and records of anthuridean isopod crustaceans from the Indian Ocean

Twenty four new species of anthuridean isopods are described from a variety of localities in the Indian Ocean, including the granitic Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, Phuket Island, the Persian Gulf and Zanzibar Island: Family Antheluridae, Anthomuda quadrilineata; Family Anthuridae, Amakusanthura cosmoledo, Apanthuroides aldabrae, Apanthuroides calculosa, Eisothistos andamanensis, Eisothistos corallina, Heptanthura phuket, Malacanthura arabica, Mesanthura quadrata, Panathura indica, Pendanthura picardi, Pendanthura seminigra, Pendanthura siamensis, Quantanthura andamanensis; Family Hyssuridae, Neohyssura gladia, Xenanthura victoriae; Family Paranthuridae, Accalathura hastata, Accalathura phuketensis, Accalathura wardae, Leptanthura calcis, Leptanthura maheensis, Paranthura algophila, Paranthura seychellensis, Paranthura urodentata. Of the 15 genera represented, all except two were previously known from the Indian Ocean; Heptanthura and Pendanthura are recorded from the Indian Ocean for the first time. Most of ...
NSF budget clears Senate hurdle

At one of the two most important hearings on the National Science Foundation's budget request for FY 1992, held April 24, there was little to suggest that the Senate VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies subcommittee—chaired by Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.)—will make any dramatic changes in the agency's allotment. NSF director Walter Massey reviewed the foundation's budget request, up 17.5% over this year's, but he provoked little discussion about the portions for research and related activities. Mikulski was particularly interested in indirect cost rates and in facility modernization, especially at smaller colleges.
Does ductal occlusion with the Gianturco coil cause left pulmonary artery and/or descending aorta obstruction?

Thirty-two patients (median age 4.5 years) underwent transcatheter Gianturco coil occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed the day after coil placement and at intermediate follow-up (median 8.6 months). Echocardiographic results were compared with angiographic and hemodynamic data obtained during catheterization. Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography performed the day after ductal occlusion displayed evidence of coil protrusion into the left pulmonary artery in 28 of 31 patients (90%) and into the descending aorta in 17 of 29 (59%). However, pulsed Doppler analysis demonstrated normal left pulmonary arterial flow velocities in 28 of 29 patients (97%) and normal descending aortic flow velocities in 26 of 27 (96%). Pulse Doppler results were corroborated by angiographic and hemodynamic catheterization data, which showed no evidence of adjacent vessel obstruction. Peak Doppler velocities among patients with and without 2D echocardiographic left pulmonary artery or descending aorta coil impingement did not differ significantly. The discrepancy between 2D and pulse Doppler findings did not change significantly at intermediate follow-up. Thus, transcatheter occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus with properly implanted Gianturco coils does not cause significant obstruction to flow in the left pulmonary artery or descending aorta despite frequently misleading 2D echocardiographic images of coil impingement on these vessels.
MODIS seasonal and inter-annual responses of semiarid ecosystems to drought in the Southwest U.S.A

High temporal frequency observations with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard the Terra Earth Observing System platform offer unique opportunities to study climate- and anthropogenic-induced land transformations in the temporal domain. Shifts in vegetation type and physiognomies alter biologic activity and responses to climate patterns in unpredictable ways. Increases in insect populations (e.g. bark beetle) and fire associated with a multi-year drought in the Southwest U.S.A have greatly impacted the health of its native ecosystems from pinyon-juniper, Ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer forests to the savanna, grassland, and desert shrub ecosystems. In this study, MODIS time series data combined with AVIRIS overflights were analyzed for detection and evaluation of the causes, severity, and extent of changes in ecosystem health. We used the 16-day MODIS enhanced vegetation index (EVI) product and a normalized difference water index (NDWI) to analyze the seasonal, inter-annual, and spatial patterns of vegetation activity over a wide range of land cover types across eco-climatic and elevational gradients and through the winter and variable monsoon rainfall `pulses'. The temporal dynamics of vegetation were found to be highly sensitive to both anthropogenic and climatic forcings found in the semiarid and arid Southwest with seasonal and inter-annual profiles varying markedly with land cover type and land surface disturbance (e.g., drought, insects). All land cover types and eco-climatic gradients from desert shrub to montane forest were significantly affected by the drought, with grasslands most impacted. Tree mortality variability could also be assessed and we found that combined MODIS-AVIRIS data offer the potential of ecosystem health and risk assessment