cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Addition versus deletion as a signal

Subjects typically show superior discriminative performance when a distinguishing feature appears on reinforced rather than nonreinforced trials. The phenomenon is usually attributed to the relative predictiveness of the reinforcer by different stimulus elements. However, stimulus addition may be more effective than stimulus deletion as a signal. By removing the standard intertriai intervals, we made addition and deletion equally predictive of the reinforcer in four operant experiments involving between- and within-subject comparisons. Pigeons consistently performed better on operant discriminations when the addition rather than deletion of an auditory or visual stimulus served as the cue for food. This general finding persisted despite manipulation of the relative duration and localizability of the signal. Thus mere presence as opposed to absence plays a role in the feature-positive superiority, an outcome that may reflect a fundamental, biologically based difference between addition and deletion as effective signals of reinforcement.
T cells take aim at cancer

Ever since Paul Ehrlich introduced the term “magic bullet,” the exquisite capacity for specificity afforded by the immune system has always underpinned its appeal as a therapeutic weapon against cancer. The first clinical validation of this principle came in the form of mAb administration, which, after a decade of skepticism, produced therapeutic successes in breast cancer and B cell lymphomas. T cell-based immunotherapy offers an even broader therapeutic potential, owing to the ability of T cells to recognize peptides derived from proteins in any cellular compartment. These peptides are produced when proteins are processed by specialized machinery; they then combine with MHC molecules, which transport them to the cell surface where the peptide–MHC complexes can be recognized by T cells. Although hundreds of experiments in rodent tumor models support the notion that tumor-specific T cells can be activated to inhibit tumor growth, direct evidence for therapeutic capacity in human cancer has been marginal. Now, two clinical studies using adoptive transfer of melanoma-specific T cells provide clear evidence for the ability of T cells to mediate antitumor activity and provide important general principles for T cell immunotherapy (1, 2). The most direct approach for analyzing the activity of tumor-reactive T cells is to grow T cell clones ex vivo with defined specificity and adoptively transfer them back into the tumor-bearing host. It is typically much more difficult to grow tumor-reactive T cells from cancer patients than to grow virus-reactive T cells. This has been thought to be because the immune system views tumors more as “self” than foreign; thus, T cells become tolerant to tumor antigens. Nonetheless, tumor tolerance is relative and not absolute, leaving open a potential window of immunotherapeutic opportunity (3). Melanoma has been the most popular target for T cell-based immunotherapy in part because it is …
Increasing the Reliability of Self-Report by Adults with Moderate Mental Retardation

Reliable self-reporting by individuals with mental retardation is especially important as the field moves to promote consumer participation in decision making and program evaluation. The Sheltered Care Environmental Scale (SCES) was chosen as a basis for constructing a picture-prompted questionnaire assessing three dimensions of the SCES: Conflict, Cohesion, and Independence. A test-retest design was used to compare picture-prompted administration with reliance exclusively on verbal questioning. Data indicate that the use of pictures enhances the test-retest reliability of the instrument.
Arcane Facts and New Words: Expanding Your Creative Talent

In response to "constructive" e-fan mail lamenting his occasional use of "big words," columnist Phil Emma takes us on a sesquipedalian jaunt through the realm of the intellectually curious--from the Blue Note jazz club, to a chat with dizygotic Abkhaz twins at Vabj, in Bhuj, to a formal description of the Three Stooges in Backus-Naur form.
Tunneling into high temperature superconductors: Andreev bound states and broken time-reversal symmetry

Abstract Tunneling into high-temperature superconductors is shown to be a powerful spectroscopic probe of the unconventional superconducting state in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 (YBCO). Planar tunneling is performed on low-leakage, ab -oriented YBCO/I/Cu junctions, where I is formed with a self-assembled organic monolayer. The reproducible dependence of the tunneling conductance on temperature, magnetic-field, doping and ion-induced disorder confirm that the zero-bias conductance peak (ZBCP) is an Andreev bound state, which arises directly from a d -wave order parameter. At temperatures below ∼8 K in zero applied magnetic field, the ZBCP splits, signifying a phase transition into a broken time-reversal symmetry state. An applied magnetic field induces further splitting that grows nonlinearly with increasing field. A theoretical model that invokes the formation of sub-dominant order parameter near the surface shows striking qualitative and quantitative agreement with our data.
Unusual sized cecal mass presenting without obstruction: a case report

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and lethal disease with thousands of new cases of large bowel cancer diagnosed in the United States each year. Colorectal cancer frequently causes obstruction of the large bowel. Cases of obstructions and perforations have been documented with masses well below 6 cm in diameter. Obstruction and/or perforation are important predictors of prognosis with respect to colorectal carcinomas. The following is the presentation of an unusual case of a 13 × 12 × 16 cm colonic adenocarcinoma without any signs of obstruction or perforation. Perioperative mortality rates for colorectal cancer with obstruction have been documented anywhere from 5% to 47.6%, making obstruction an important predictive factor in long-term patient survival. Although a correlation between obstruction and patient outcome has been determined, a correlation between colorectal tumor size/staging and obstruction has yet to be investigated.
Advances in the application of mass spectrometry to studies of drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics and toxicology*

Abstract Applications of mass spectrometry to studies of drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics and toxicology published from the latter part of 1988 through mid-1991 are reviewed. Current trends and future prospects for mass spectrometry in these fields are discussed, with emphasis on the value of “soft ionization” techniques, on-line LC-MS systems, tandem mass spectrometry and stable isotopes for qualitative, quantitative and mechanistic investigations.
Ground testing for the no-vent fill of cryogenic tanks: Results of tests for a 71 cubic foot tank

NASA Lewis Research has been investigating the no-vent till method, since it is a promising approach to transfer liquid while handling the problems of low-g venting. This paper reports the results of a test series for filling a 71 cu ft tank with liquid hydrogen without venting. Twenty two tests were conducted, ten with a bottom orifice as the inlet and 12 with a spray bar. Parameters investigated included inlet saturation pressures of approximately 5, 15, and 25 psia; transfer pressures of 20, 30, and 45 psia; and various starting wall temperatures. Of the tests, only the one run at the highest wall temperature (238 R) failed to fill the tank. Test results are compared to a thermodynamic equilibrium model. Overall model-data agreement was good except for the tendency of the model to overshoot during the initial wall cool-down of the higher starting wall temperature fills.
Analytical Formulation for the Temperature Profile by Duhamel’s Theorem in Bodies Subjected to an Oscillatory Heat Source

An analytical technique is presented for treating heat conduction problems involving a body experiencing oscillating heat flux on its boundary. The boundary heat flux is treated as a combination of many point heat sources, each of which emits heat intermittently based on the motion of the flux. The working function of the intermittent heat source with respect to time is evaluated by using the Fourier series and temperature profile of each point heat source is derived by using the Duhamel’s theorem. Finally, by superposition of the temperature fields over all the point heat sources, the temperature profile due to the original moving heat flux is determined. Prediction results and verification using finite element method are presented for an oscillatory heat flux in a rectangular domain.
Effects of awake tidal breathing, swallowing, nasal breathing, oral breathing and the Müller and Valsalva maneuvers on the dimensions of the upper airway. Evaluation by ultrafast computerized tomography.

Determinations of the size and dynamics of the upper airway during respiration are important in individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders. Ultrafast computerized tomography can acquire eight 8-mm axial-slice thicknesses of the upper airway in 224 ms. If this sequence is acquired every 0.7 second over an entire respiratory cycle and played back in movie mode, the dynamic changes in the airways size can be evaluated and measured. This report defines the size of the upper airway during normal tidal breathing and describes the changes that occur with swallowing, isolated nasal breathing, and isolated oral breathing and with the Muller and Valsalva maneuvers.
Degradation of insoluble bovine collagen and human dentine collagen pretreated in vitro with lactic acid, pH 4.0 and 5.5.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that both insoluble pure type I collagen from bovine Achilles tendon and dentine collagen in root dentine powder from human teeth required acid pretreatment for subsequent degradation by trypsin, a non-specific protease. Pure type I collagen or dentine powder was treated with lactic acid, at pH 4 or 5.5, or distilled, deionized water (pH 7) as a negative control. After incubation at 37 °C for 24 h, extracts of pure type I collagen solutions were analysed for soluble collagen with the hydroxyproline assay. Extracts of dentine powder solution were analysed for Ca2+, total protein, final pH, and hydroxyproline. Residual, undegraded pellets were washed and then treated with trypsin or collagenase. After 24 h of incubation, the soluble fractions from the enzyme-treated pure type I collagen and dentine powder solutions were analysed for hydroxyproline. Results showed that almost no pure type I collagen was degraded during acid pretreatment. Trypsin degraded significantly more pure type I collagen in the pH 4-treated group than in the other groups. Collagenase degraded about 70% of the pure type I collagen irrespective of acid preatreatment. While acid pretreatment at pH 4 did not degrade dentine collagen, data from Ca2+ analyses and collagen breakdown by trypsin suggested that pretreatment at pH 4 demineralized and denatured dentine collagen so that the collagen could be subsequently degraded by enzymes. After pretreatment at pH 4, about 27 and 57% of the dentine collagen was degraded by trypsin and collagenase, respectively, in contrast to minimal degradation of non-acidtreated dentine collagen by the same enzymes. These results indicate that acid pretreatment is important for subsequent degradation of pure type I collagen and dentine collagen by non-specific proteases such as trypsin.
The national ignition facility performance status

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser has been designed to support high energy density science (HEDS), including the demonstration of fusion ignition through Inertial Confinement. NIF operated a single ''quad'' of 4 beams from December 2002 through October 2004 in order to gain laser operations experience, support target experiments, and demonstrate laser performance consistent with NIF's design requirement. During this two-year period, over 400 Main Laser shots were delivered at 1{omega} to calorimeters for diagnostic calibration purposes, at 3{omega} to the Target Chamber, and at 1{omega}, 2{omega}, and 3{omega} to the Precision Diagnostics System (PDS). The PDS includes its own independent single beam transport system, NIF design frequency conversion hardware and optics, and laser sampling optics that deliver light to a broad range of laser diagnostics. Highlights of NIF laser performance will be discussed including the results of high energy 2{omega} and 3{omega} experiments, the use of multiple focal spot beam conditioning techniques, the reproducibility of laser performance on multiple shots, the generation on a single beam of a 3{omega} temporally shaped ignition pulse at full energy and power, and recent results on full bundle (8 beamline) performance. NIF's first quad laser performance meets or exceeds NIF's design requirements.
Adult liver parenchymal cells in primary culture characteristics and cell recognition standards.

Primary cultures provide one method for studying liver biochemistry in vitro. The short term incubations of isolated cells employ homogenous cell populations, incubated in completely defined media. These cells are capable of exhibiting several of the in vivo functions. The long term cultures derived from adult liver parenchymal cells offer different advantages. For example, these cells can be cloned, isolated, injected into animals, and induced to synthesize increased amounts of some cell-specific enzymes. Organ cultures of adult liver are yet another in vitro system yielding important information on liver function.
Thermal detection of enzyme-labelled antigen-antibody complexes using fiber-optic interferometry

Abstract A fiber-optic interferometer is described for measuring the heat produced in an enzymatic reaction that is localized on the surface of the sensing fiber in a two-arm interferometer. Reactants are introduced to the sensing arm of the interferometer using a flow injection analysis system, while the reference arm is isolated in a separate compartment. Solution concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are quantified using the enzyme catalase immobilized to the sensing fiber. Catalase is also used as a detectable label in a solid-phase thermal immunosensing scheme. These initial results are presented, as well as a discussion of the potential advantages of using a sensor for thermal immunoassays.
The Direct Analysis of Fermentation Products by Raman Spectroscopy

The increasing importance of chemical synthesis by fermentation has led to interest in monitoring this type of reaction by direct analysis for either the compounds which are being synthesized or the by-products of the synthesis. Special conditions must be met in this type of analysis. The reaction medium is aqueous, and it must be protected from bacterial invasion from the environment. Often the reaction products are nonvolatile compounds.
The best parameter subset using the Chebychev curve fitting criterion

The Chebychev (also Minimax andLź Norm) criterion has been widely studied as a method for curve fitting. Published computer codes are available to obtain the optimal parameter estimates to fit a linear function to a set of given points under the Chebychev criterion. The purpose of this paper is to study procedures for obtaining the best subset ofq parameters from a given set ofm parameters whereq is less-than-or-equal-tom.
Low power DC arcjet operation with hydrogen/nitrogen/ammonia mixtures

The effect of gas composition and ambient pressure on arcjet operation was determined. Arcjet operation in different facilities was also compared to determine the validity of tests in small facilities. Volt-ampere characteristics were determined for an arcjet using hydrogen/nitrogen mixtures (simulating both ammonia and hydrazine), hydrogen/nitrogen/ammonia mixtures, and pure ammonia as propellants at various flow rates. The arcjet had a typical performance of 450 sec specific impulse at 1 kW with hydrogen/nitrogen mixures. It was determined that the amount of ammonia present in the gas stream had a significant effect on the arcjet volt-ampere characteristics. Also, hydrogen/nitrogen mixtures simulating ammonia gave arc characteristics approximately the same as those of pure ammonia. Finally, no differences in arc volt-ampere characteristics were seen between low and high ambient pressure operation in the same facility. A 3 to 5 V difference was seen when different facilities were compared, but this difference was probably due to differences in the voltage drops across the current connections, and not due to arcjet operational differences in the two facilities.
Generalized Hodges-Lehmann estimators for the analysis of variance

Abstract For Xi, …, Xn a random sample and K(·, ·) a symmetric kernel this paper considers large sample properties of location estimator θ satisfying ΣΣK(X i − θ , X j − θ = 0 . Asymptotic normality of θ is obtained and two forms of interval estimators for parameter θ satisfying EK(X1 − θ, X2 − θ) = 0, are discussed. Consistent estimation of the variance parameters is obtained which permits the construction of asymptotically distribution free procedures. The p-variate and multigroup extension is accomplished to provide generalized one-way MANOVA. Monte Carlo results are included.
Results of a randomized trial comparing intra-arterial cisplatin and intravenous PCNU for the treatment of primary brain tumors in adults: Brain Tumor Cooperative Group trial 8420A.

Purpose To test the efficacy of intra-arterial (IA) cisplatin versus intravenous (IV) PCNU for treating primary brain tumors, in a randomized trial (Brain Tumor Cooperative Group [BTCG] Trial 8420A).
Is neuronal death necessary for acquired epileptogenesis in the immature brain

A central question concerning acquired epileptogenesis in the immature brain is whether neuronal death is required for the development of epilepsy after a brain insult. Results from three different animal models of brain injury during early development have been used to develop the hypothesis that status epilepticus, prolonged febrile seizures, or hypoxia-induced seizures can lead to chronic epilepsy without the occurrence of neuronal death. This brief review will summarize the evidence supporting the hypothesis in each model and then critique the data and published interpretations. A case will be made that the evidence to date neither rules out the occurrence of neuronal death nor demonstrates that epileptogenesis (i.e., spontaneous recurrent seizures) has actually occurred in these animal models of acquired pediatric epilepsy. We also review evidence for the opposing hypothesis: acquired epileptogenesis in the immature brain requires, or at least often involves, neuronal death.
Ferrocene containing liquid crystalline copolyesters

Iron-containing aromatic copolyesters were synthesized from 1,1′-bis-(chlorocarbonyl)ferrocene, terephthaloyl chloride, isophthaloyl chloride and methylhydroquinone. The copolymers obtained were characterized for their liquid crystalline properties by a variety of methods, and all of the copolyesters synthesized were nematic.
Dietary γ-linolenate attenuates tumor growth in a rodent model of prostatic adenocarcinoma via suppression of elevated generation of PGE2 and 5S-HETE

Prostate cancer poses considerable threat to the aging male population as it has become a leading cause of cancer death to this group. Due to the complexity of this age-related disease, the mechanism(s) and factors resulting in prostate cancer remain unclear. Reports showing an increase risk in prostatic cancer with increasing dietary fat are contrasted by other studies suggesting the beneficial effects of certain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the modulation of tumor development. The n-6 PUFA, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), has been shown to suppress tumor growth in vitro. Therefore, using the Lobund-Wistar (L-W) rat model of prostate cancer, we tested the hypothesis whether dietary supplementation of GLA could suppress tumor growth and development in vivo. Prostatic adenocarcinomas were induced in two groups of L-W rats, the experimental group (N-nitroso-N-methylurea, NMU/testosterone propionate, TP) and the GLA group (NMU/TP/GLA fed) undergoing similar treatment but fed a purified diet supplemented with GLA. Our findings revealed a decrease in prostate growth in the NMU/TP/GLA-fed group as determined by weight, tissue size, DNA content and prostate-specific antigen (tumor marker of prostate cancer). Comparison between the two groups showed a significant increase in 5S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and prostaglandin E(2) in the NMU/TP group. These increases paralleled the increased protein expression and activity of cyclooxygenase-2 as well as increased activity of 5-lipoxygenase. Taken together, the findings showed that intake of GLA-enriched diet does reduce prostatic cancer development in L-W rats and could serve as a non-toxic adjunct in management of human prostatic cancer.
Vitamin D insufficiency does not affect response of bone mineral density to alendronate

Summary We investigated whether osteoporosis therapy with alendronate in postmenopausal patients is equally effective in patients who are vitamin D insufficient as in those who are vitamin D sufficient. We found that vitamin D insufficiency is common among patients with low bone density but that vitamin D insufficiency did not impair response to alendronate.
Genomic instability and mouse microRNAs.

Tumor progression is the continual selection of variant subpopulations of malignant cells that have acquired increasing levels of genetic instability (Nowell Science 1976, 194, 23–28). This instability is manifested as chromosomal aneuploidy or translocations, viral integration or somatic mutations that typically affect the expression of a gene (oncogene) that is especially damaging to the proper function of a cell. With the recent discovery of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs), the concept that a target of genetic instability must be a protein-encoding gene is no longer tenable. Over the years, we have conducted several studies comparing the location of miRNA genes to positions of genetic instability, principally retroviral integration sites and chromosomal translocations in the mouse as a means of identifying miRNAs of importance in carcinogenesis. In this current study, we have used the most recent annotation of the mouse miRome (miRBase, release 16.0), and several datasets reporting the sites...
Evaluation of the Planck-mean absorption coefficients from HITRAN and HITEMP databases

New values of Planck-mean absorption coefficients are presented for various gases, based on line-by-line calculations from the high-resolution databases, HITRAN and HITEMP. The new values are compared with previously published Planck-mean absorption coefficients.
Failure to Rescue: Physician Specialty and Mortality After Reoperation for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Repair

Objectives Complications after AAA repair resulting in re-intervention increase mortality risk, but have not been well-studied. Mortality after re-intervention is termed failure to rescue and may reflect differences related to quality management of the complication. This study describes the relationship between reoperation and mortality, and examines the effect of physician specialty on re-intervention rates and failure to rescue after AAA repair.
Changing the binding specificity of a represser by redesigning an α-helix

We replaced amino acids on the 'outside', or solvent-exposed, surface of the DNA recognition alpha-helix of 434 repressor with the corresponding amino acids from the recognition helix of P22 repressor. The binding specificity of the resulting hybrid protein, as measured in vivo and in vitro, was that of P22 repressor.
Arab Americans, African Americans, and infertility: barriers to reproduction and medical care

Objective To compare barriers to infertility care among African Americans and Arab Americans. Design Qualitative study using semi-structured reproductive histories and open-ended ethnographic interviews. Setting Infertile volunteers in a private IVF clinic in Dearborn, Michigan, an Arab American ethnic enclave community in metropolitan Detroit. Patient(s) Arab American men presenting for infertility diagnosis and treatment, including assisted reproductive technologies. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Perceived barriers to effective infertility care. Result(s) Arab Americans and African Americans living in metropolitan Detroit are at increased risk of infertility and share similar histories of poverty, racism, and cultural barriers to medical treatment. This study, which focused on infertile Arab American men living in or near Dearborn (an ethnic enclave community composed mainly of recent immigrants and war refugees), revealed significant barriers to effective infertility care, including economic constraints, linguistic and cultural barriers, and social marginalization in mainstream U.S. society, particularly after September 11, 2001. Conclusion(s) Arab Americans experience disparities in access to infertility care, largely because of poverty and social marginalization in post-September 11th America.
Off-Diagonal Long-Range Order and Persistent Currents in a Hollow Cylinder

Some properties of the reduced density matrix are considered in their general relation to the current produced by a system of charged particles in a thin-walled long cylinder. The common connection of persistent currents and off-diagonal long-range order to the velocity distribution function will be particularly stressed. Essential features of this function, characteristic for the superconducting state, are discussed and exemplified by applying an analogous procedure to the case of boson and fermion systems.
Promoting positive emotions following relationship dissolution through writing

Past research shows that writing promotes coping following traumatic events, but pays limited attention to the benefits of writing following relationship dissolution. Research also largely overlooks the utility of positively-focused writing following stressful events. A total of 87 currently single participants (25 males, 62 females) who recently experienced relationship dissolution were randomly assigned to one of three writing conditions (negatively-focused, positively-focused, and neutral) to determine writing's impact on change in emotions. As hypothesized, participants in the positive writing condition increased in positive emotions from pretest to immediate posttest compared to both the negative writing and neutral writing conditions. There were no differences between conditions in the experience of negative emotions. These findings show how writing can help people cope with relationship dissolution.
Local and National Determinants of Office Vacancies

Abstract A model of vacancy rate determination is estimated using over 30 years of data for 20 U.S. office markets. The variances of individual city office vacancy rates are decomposed into common, time-varying components and city-specific fixed effects. City-specific persistence terms are also included to allow for lagged adjustment toward equilibrium. Three striking results are obtained. First, we find that the level of equilibrium is predominately determined by local , rather than national factors. Second, we find that it is the random shocks causing local deviations from equilibrium which reflect the integration across markets. Specifically, we find significant contemporaneous correlations of shocks across cities. Finally, the results depict a dramatic level of persistence in all markets. The model is then applied to determine whether the experience of the 1980′s represented a structural break in the underlying office market structure.
Associations Between Impulsivity and Body Dissatisfaction in Females at Risk for Developing Eating Disorders

Sixty-one women (40 at-risk for an eating disorder based on the Screening Instrument for Identifying Individuals at Risk for Developing Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa, SCANS) completed a self-report packet of questionnaires concerning executive function, impulsive behavior, mood, anxiety, delayed discounting and measures of body image dissatisfaction. Results revealed that the at-risk group were more depressed, had lower motivation, displayed more empathy, were more anxious (state and trait) and had a greater impulse behavior of urgency.
Dissociation of behavioral inhibition within the fornix system.

Abstract Rats with transections of either the total fornix bundle, the precommissural fornix, or the postcommissural fornix columns were tested on the acquisition of a DRL-20 schedule and a modified Sidman avoidance task. Total and precommissural fornix cuts severely impaired DRL performance and facilitated avoidance acquisition. Postcommissural columns transections had no effect on DRL performance, but did facilitate performance on the avoidance task. The existing DRL data from this study and others are consistent with a hypothesized septo-hippocamposeptal inhibitory feedback loop which mediates behavioral inhibition.
Biosensors based on one-dimensional nanostructures

Over the past decade, one-dimensional nanostructures (1D-NS) have been studied for the detection of biological molecules. These nanometre-scale materials, with diameters comparable to the size of individual biomolecules, offer the advantage of high sensitivity. In this feature article we discuss different techniques of biosensing using 1D-NS, namely electrical, electrochemical, optical, and mechanical methods, with a focus on the advancement of these techniques. Advantages and disadvantages of various synthesis and functionalization methods of 1D-NS, as well as biosensor device fabrication procedures are discussed. The main focus of this review is to demonstrate the progress of protein and DNA sensors based on 1D-NS over the past decade, and in addition we present an outlook for the future of this technology.
Modifications of the Wright Dust Feed Mechanism permitting stable dispersion of native ragweed pollen

Conventional methods have not provided aerosols of suitable constancy. The Wright Dust Feed Mechanism was adapted to provide tractable pollen dispersion.
No Need to Fear Evidence-Based Medicine

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) aims to apply the best available evidence gained from the scientific method to clinical decision making. The notion seems noble in its purpose, yet there are some apprehensions and misconceptions among physicians, especially those in a predominantly surgical field such as facial plastic surgery. Developing a sophisticated understanding of the inherent biases and limitations of EBM will become increasingly important for the researcher and practicing surgeon as we strive to improve the rigor of our studies and produce noteworthy scientific evidence that improves the health outcomes for our patients.
Colloidal Dynamics from Forced Rayleigh Scattering

Colloidal suspensions are remarkable analogues of molecular fluids. In particular, at high volume fraction (Φ v ) they share two characteristic features with super-cooled molecular liquids: the appearance of two distinct modes of translational motion (fast and slow diffusive modes), and a critical retardation of the latter as Φ v approaches random close packing (a colloidal “glass transition”). These phenomena have been studied extensively by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) [1-4] and are the subject of many theoretical analyses [5-12]. This paper concerns the use of forced Rayleigh scattering (FRS) to address questions not resolved by existing data or theory. We report: 1) properties of a hydrophobic silica colloid bearing photoactive azo-dye groups suitable for FRS studies, and 2) preliminary results from FRS measurements which reveal some unanticipated features regarding the transition from short-time to long-time self-diffusion at small k.
Production and absorption of nitric oxide gas in the nose

Some nitric oxide gas (NO) produced in the sinuses and nasal cavity is absorbed before leaving the nose. To measure production and absorption, we introduced NO at different concentrations into one nostril while sampling the NO leaving the opposite nostril with the soft palate closed. The quantity of NO gas produced in six normal subjects (amount leaving plus the amount absorbed) averaged 352 nl/min and was the same at gas flows ranging from 8 to 347 ml/min and at 10 l/min. An absorption coefficient A was calculated by dividing the amount of NO absorbed by the concentration leaving the nose. A ranged from 17 ml/min at a nasal gas flow of 8 ml/min to an A of 24 ml/min at a nasal gas flow of 347 ml/min. The calculated rates of production and absorption did not change when gas flow rate was increased, suggesting diffusion equilibrium. The amount of uptake of NO in the nasal mucosa can be explained by its solubility coupled with tissue and blood reactivity.
Cross-Functional Working Relationships in Marketing

Marketing managers spend a large part of their day interacting with superiors, subordinates, and peers from other functional units in the organization. To effectively serve as an advocate for the consumer at various levels of the hierarchy and across functions, the marketing manager must initiate, develop, nurture, and sustain a network of relationships with multiple constituencies within the firm. Special relationship skills are required in managing this cross-functional exchange network and in mobilizing support for a particular strategy course. Indeed, the reputational effectiveness of marketing managers (and of marketing units) rests on their ability to respond to the needs and demands of members of this internal exchange network. Because the needs of the involved constituent groups often conflict, a set of adaptive processes characterize exchange relations across functions. The central purpose of this commentary is to review promising conceptual perspectives and to suggest several lines of research that might deepen our understanding of the challenging interfunctional role that marketing managers assume in the firm.
Knockout of the folate transporter folt-1 causes germline and somatic defects in C. elegans

Background: The C. elegans gene folt-1 is an ortholog of the human reduced folate carrier gene. The FOLT-1 protein has been shown to transport folate and to be involved in uptake of exogenous folate by worms. A knockout mutation of the gene, folt-1(ok1460), was shown to cause sterility, and here we investigate the source of the sterility and the effect of the folt-1 knockout on somatic function. Results: Our results show that folt-1(ok1460) knockout hermaphrodites have a substantially reduced germline, generate a small number of functional sperm, and only rarely produce a functional oocyte. We found no evidence of increased apoptosis in the germline of folt-1 knockout mutants, suggesting that germline proliferation is defective. While folt-1 knockout males are fertile, their rate of spermatogenesis was severely diminished, and the males were very poor maters. The mating defect is likely due to compromised metabolism and/or other somatic functions, as folt-1 knockout hermaphrodites displayed a shortened lifespan and elongated defecation intervals. Conclusions: The FOLT-1 protein function affects both the soma and the germline. folt-1(ok1460) hermaphrodites suffer severely diminished lifespan and germline defects that result in sterility. Germline defects associated with folate deficiency appear widespread in animals, being found in humans, mice, fruit flies, and here, nematodes.
Physiological Roles of G Protein–Coupled Receptor Kinases and Arrestins

Heterotrimeric G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are found on the surface of all cells of multicellular organisms and are major mediators of intercellular communication. More than 800 distinct GPCRs are present in the human genome, and individual receptor subtypes respond to hormones, neurotransmitters, chemokines,
What do color changes reveal about an outdoor scene

In an extended image sequence of an outdoor scene, one observes changes in color induced by variations in the spectral composition of daylight. This paper proposes a model for these temporal color changes and explores its use for the analysis of outdoor scenes from time-lapse video data. We show that the time-varying changes in direct sunlight and ambient skylight can be recovered with this model, and that an image sequence can be decomposed into two corresponding components. The decomposition provides access to both radiometric and geometric information about a scene, and we demonstrate how this can be exploited for a variety of visual tasks, including color-constancy, background subtraction, shadow detection, scene reconstruction, and camera geo-location.
A Computer Aided Detection System for Digital Mammograms Based on Radial Basis Functions and Feature Extraction Techniques

An intelligent computer-aided detection system (CAD) can be very helpful in detecting and diagnosing breast abnormalities earlier and faster than typical screening programs. In this paper, a system based on radial basis neural networks coupled with feature extraction techniques for detecting breast abnormalities in digital mammograms is presented. Suspicious regions are identified following a run of the trained neural network. Within this work, 322 breast images from the MIAS database are considered. Five co-occurrence matrices are constructed at different distances for each suspicious region. A number of statistical features are used to train and test the radial basis neural network presented. An average recognition rate of 87% was achieved. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the overall sensitivity of the technique measured by Az was found to be 0.91
The assessment of material-handling strategies in dealing with sudden loading: the effect of uneven ground surface on trunk biomechanical responses.

As a major risk factor of low back injury, sudden loading often occurs when performing manual material-handling tasks on uneven ground surfaces. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of a laterally slanted ground on trunk biomechanical responses during sudden loading events. Thirteen male subjects were subjected to suddenly released loads of 3.4 and 6.8 kg, while standing on a laterally slanted ground of 0°, 15° and 30°. The results showed that 8.3% and 5.6% larger peak L5/S1 joint compression forces were generated in the 30° condition compared with the 0° and 15° conditions, respectively. The increase of L5/S1 joint moment in the 30° condition was 8.5% and 5.0% greater than the 0° and 15° conditions, respectively. Findings of this study suggest that standing on a laterally slanted ground could increase mechanical loading on the spine when experiencing sudden loading.Practitioner Summary: Sudden loading is closely related to occupational low back injuries. The results ...
A Description and Demonstration of the Polytomous DFIT Framework.

Raju, van der Linden, & Fleer (1995) proposed an item response theory based, parametric differential item functioning (DIF) and differential test functioning (DTF) procedure known as differential functioning of items and tests (DFIT). According to Raju et al., the DFIT framework can be used with unidimensional and multidimensional data that are scored dichotomously and/or polytomously. This study examined the polytomous-DFIT framework. Factors manipulated in the simulation were: (1) length of test (20 and 40 items), (2) focal group distribution, (3) number of DIF items, (4) direction of DIF, and (5) type of DIF. The findings provided promising results and indicated directions for future research. The polytomous DFIT framework was effective in identifying DTF and DIF for the simulated conditions. The DTF index did not perform as consistently as the DIF index. The findings are similar to those of unidimensional and multidimensional DFIT studies.
Backscattering of electromagnetic waves from layered rough surfaces and its application in estimating deep soil moisture

An analytical method to calculate the scattering coefficients of a three-layer 3D rough surface is introduced. The two rough interfaces are assumed to be distinct. The waves in each region are represented as a superposition of an infinite number of up- and down-going spectral wave components, whose amplitudes are found by applying the boundary conditions. A small-perturbation formulation is used in the process and the scattering coefficients are derived to the first order. The formulation is validated against known solutions for special cases of flat interfaces as well as the single rough surfaces. Results are then generated for several cases of the three-layer rough interface medium, to be used for modeling of the backscattered signals from a tower-based radar system and subsequent estimation of multilayered soil properties such as moisture content and subsurface layer height
Site selection and repeatability in Brown-Headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) parasitism of Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) nests

The reproductive success of obligate brood parasitic birds depends on their ability to seek out heterospecific nests. Some nests are more suitable for parasitism than others and, for example, parasitic females may benefit from laying eggs preferentially and repeatedly at safer sites. Observations on patterns of Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) parasitism on Eastern Phoebes (Sayornis phoebe) across 2 years suggested that parasitism occurred at above chance levels during the first rather than the second nesting attempts and at nests located under eaves rather than bridges. Previously parasitized nests were more likely to be parasitized again in the subsequent breeding season. Sites under eaves and bridges did not differ in whether Brown-headed Cowbirds could be detected in the proximity of the nest. However, nests from first nesting attempts and nests under eaves were less likely to be lost as a result of structural failure of the Eastern Phoebe's mud nest. These data suggest that site discrimination b...
Performance of Five 915-MHz Wind Profilers and an Associated Automated Quality Control Algorithm in an Operational Environment

The accuracy and availability of data from a network of 915-MHz boundary layer wind profilers operated by the U.S. Air Force on the Eastern Range are assessed using an automated quality control (QC) algorithm developed by the authors. The accuracy and reliability of the automated algorithm is assessed using the results of an extensive manual examination of the same data used for the assessment of the instruments. The details of the automated algorithm and the manual screening process are provided. Data were collected over a 647-day period from five profilers configured to produce one profile every 15 min, resulting in about 200 000 measurements. The results indicate that the instruments provide reliable, accurate data except when maintenance problems or heavy precipitation are present. Precipitation affected as much as 25% of the measurements in the dataset. The automated QC algorithm proved extremely effective in identifying unacceptable data. Only 0.03% of the data passing automated QC were identified as bad by manual review. While some valid data were identified as bad, the automated algorithm appears to provide exceptional performance for use in automated operational assimilation of boundary profiler data for model initialization and data visualization.
Dual-chamber pacing with a short atrioventricular delay in congestive heart failure: a randomized study.

Objectives. This prospective study assessed the initial hemodynamic effects and long-term clinical benefits of dual-chamber pacing with a short atrioventricular (AV) delay in patients with chronic heart failure who had no traditional indication for pacemaker implantation. Background. Dual-chamber pacing with a short AV delay has been proposed as a nonpharmacologic treatment for drug-refractory heart failure. Both initial and long-term hemodynamic as well as functional benefits have been reported. All previous studies have used an AV delay of 100 ms. Despite encouraging results, these previous studies have been anecdotal and uncontrolled. Methods. This double-blind, randomized, crossover trial included 12 subjects with chronic congestive heart failure despite optimal medical therapy. Patients were required to be in sinus rhythm with no evidence of significant bradyarrhythmias. On the day after implantation of a dual-chamber pacemaker, invasive hemodynamic measurements were made at varying AV delays between 100 and 200 ms. Patients were then randomized to either dual-chamber pacing with a 100-ms AV delay or backup mode (VVI at 40 beats/min). After 4 to 6 weeks, crossover to the other pacing mode was programmed. Results. Hemodynamic measurements on the day after pacemaker implantation demonstrated no benefit of pacing with any AV delay compared with intrinsic conduction. At the optimal AV interval for each patient, neither cardiac output (4.5 ± 1.5 vs. 4.7 ± 1.6 liters/min [mean ± SD]) nor wedge pressure (16 ± 10 vs. 17 ± 8 mm Hg) improved significantly from baseline measurements during intrinsic conduction. The long-term pacing protocol was completed in nine patients. Ejection fraction was 16 ± 6% with dual-chamber (VDD mode) pacing and 18 ± 4% in backup mode (p = NS). No patient had an increase in ejection fraction by ≥5% with VDD pacing, nor did any patient improve in New York Heart Association functional class with short AV delay dual-chamber pacing. Also, there were no significant reductions in body weight or diuretic requirements during this pacing period. Conclusions. Dual-chamber pacing with a short AV delay does not improve hemodynamic and clinical status or ejection fraction measured on the day after pacemaker implantation in patients with chronic congestive heart failure. Routine use of pacemaker therapy with a short AV delay as a primary treatment of heart failure in patients without standard arrhythmic indications is unwarranted.
Removal of Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Inhibitors Associated with Cloacal Swab Samples and Tissues for Improved Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus by RT-PCR:

Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) is routinely used for the rapid detection of Avian influenza virus (AIV) in clinical samples, but inhibitory substances present in some clinical specimens can reduce or block PCR amplification. Most commercial RNA extraction kits have limited capacity to remove inhibitors from clinical samples, but using a modified commercial protocol (Ambion MagMAX, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA) with an added high-salt wash of 2 M NaCl and 2 mM ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid was shown to improve the ability of the kit to remove inhibitors from cloacal swabs and some tissues. Real-time RT-PCR was carried out in the presence of an internal positive control to detect inhibitors present in the purified RNA. Cloacal swabs from wild birds were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR comparing RNA extracted with the standard (MagMAX-S) and modified (MagMAX-M) protocols. Using the standard protocol on 2,668 samples, 18.4% of the samples had evidence of inhibitor(s) in the samples, but the modified protocol removed inhibitors from all but 21 (4.8%) of the problem samples. The modified protocol was also tested for RNA extraction from tissues using a TRIzol-MagMAX-M hybrid protocol. Tissues from chickens and ducks experimentally infected with high-pathogenicity Asian H5N1 AIV were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR, and the limit of detection of the virus was improved by 0.5-3.0 threshold cycle units with the RNA extracted by the MagMAX-M protocol. The MagMAX-M protocol reported in the present study can be useful in extracting high-quality RNA for accurate detection of AIV from cloacal swabs and tissues by real-time RT-PCR.