cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combining evidence from multiple views of 3-D objects

We summarize a recently developed modular neural system which exploits sequences of 2D views for learning and recognizing 3D objects. An aspect network is an unsupervised module of our complete artificial vision system for detecting and learning the view transitions (as the appearance of a rotating object changes), and for later recognizing objects from sequences of views. By processing sequences of views, the system accumulates evidence over time, thereby increasing the confidence of its recognition decisions. Also, when new views are revealed following views recognized previously by an aspect network during the course of observation, the new views and view-transitions are used to refine the evolving 3D object representation automatically. Recognition is possible even from novel (previously unexperienced) view sequences. The objects used for illustration are model aircraft in flight. The computations are formulated as differential equations among analog nodes and synapses to model the temporal dynamics explicitly.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Distractibility during infants' examining and repetitive rhythmic activity

The goal of this study was to assess the role of examining and repetitive rhythmic activity in infants' exploration of novel objects. Sixteen 8-month-old infants played with novel toys as auditory-visual slide distractors occurred on one side at random intervals. The results showed that examining, but not repetitive activities, declined with exposure to the objects. They also showed that infants had different patterns of distractibility during examining and repetitive rhythmic activities. The infants were slower to turn to the distractor if they were examining the toy than if they were engaged in other activity, but the probability of a response did not differ. In contrast, when engaged in repetitive rhythmic activity, infants were less likely to respond to the distractor than when engaged in other activities, including examining; the speed with which they responded, however, did not differ. The results suggest that, during these two activities, the mechanisms for resisting distraction are quite different. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 32: 275–283, 1998
Teaching about child sexual abuse by integrating criminal justice and nursing

This paper discusses an innovative, interdisciplinary course on child sexual abuse. Integrating two disciplines (criminal justice and nursing) often perceived to be distinct and unrelated, this paper demonstrates the establishment of cross-disciplinary commonalities. Based on the authors' experiences developing and presenting the course, this discussion focuses on: (a) the rationale and structure of such a course, (b) topical issues, (c) learning objectives and activities, (d) student responses to such a course, and (e) recommendations for how such a course can effectively be implemented.
An analysis of tests for regression coefficient stability

Abstract An exact small-sample point-optimal test is developed for testing the hypothesis that a regression coefficient is constant against the alternative that it is generated by a first-order autoregressive process. In addition, it is shown how Watson and Engle's (1985) asymptotic test can be modified so that its small-sample level can be computed and its small-sample power properties investigated. Simulation results show that the point-optimal test developed in this paperoutperforms the small-sample Watson–Engle test as well as other tests given in the literature. A point-optimal test is also constructed for a stochastic coefficient generated by an ARIMA (1,1,0) process.
Gene Expression Profiles of Intracellular and Membrane Progesterone Receptor Isoforms in the Mediobasal Hypothalamus During Pro‐Oestrus

Progesterone action is mediated by its binding to specific receptors. Two progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms (PRA and PRB), three membrane progesterone receptor (mPR) subtypes (mPRα, mPRβ and mPRγ) and at least one progesterone membrane-binding protein [PR membrane component 1 (PRmc1)] have been identified in reproductive tissues and brain of various species. In the present study, we examined gene expression patterns for PR isoforms, mPR subtypes and PRmc1 in the rat mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) during pro-oestrus. The mRNA level for each receptor subtype was quantified by a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the time points: 13.00 h on dioestrous day 2; 09.00, 13.00, 17.00 and 22.00 h on pro-oestrus; and 13.00 h on oestrus. For PR, one primer set amplified PRA+PRB, whereas a second primer set amplified PRB. As expected, PRA+PRB mRNA expression was greater than PRB in MBH tissue. PRB mRNA levels increased throughout the day on pro-oestrus, with the highest levels being observed at 17.00 h. PRB mRNA levels in the MBH were increased by 2.4- and 3.0-fold at 13.00 and 17.00 h, respectively, on pro-oestrus compared to 13.00 h on dioestrous day 2. There were differential mRNA expression levels for mPRs and PRmc1 in the MBH, with the highest expression for PRmc1 and the lowest for mPRγ. The mPRα mRNA contents at 13.00 and 17.00 h on pro-oestrus were increased by 1.5-fold compared to that at 13.00 h on dioestrous day 2. The mPRβ mRNA levels at 13.00 and 17.00 h on pro-oestrus were 2.5- and 2.4-fold higher compared to that at 13.00 h on dioestrous day 2, respectively. PRA+PRB, mPRγ and PRmc1 mRNA levels did not vary on pro-oestrus. These findings suggest that the higher expression of PRB, mPRα and mPRβ in the MBH on pro-oestrous afternoon may influence both genomic and nongenomic mechanisms of progesterone action during the critical pre-ovulatory period.
Synthesis and characterization of mechanically alloyed and shock-consolidated nanocrystalline NiAl intermetallic

Abstract The synthesis, microstructural characterization and microhardness of nanocrystalline B2-phase NiAl intermetallic are discussed in this paper. Nanophase NiAl powders were prepared by mechanical alloying of elemental Ni and Al powders under an argon atmosphere for different times (0–48 h). The alloyed nanocrystalline powders were then consolidated by shock compaction at a peak pressure of 4–6 GPa, to 83% dense compacts. Characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the microstructure of the shock-consolidated sample was retained at the nanoscale. The average crystallite size measurements revealed that mechanically alloyed NiAl grain size decreased from 48±27 to 9±3 nm with increasing mechanical alloying time from 8 to 48 h. The long-range-order parameters of powders mechanically alloyed for different times were determined, and were observed to vary between 0.82 for 5 h and 0.63 for 48 h of milling time. Following shock compaction, the long-range-order parameter was determined to be 0.76, 0.69 and 0.66, respectively, for the 16, 24 and 48 h alloyed specimens. Both the mechanically alloyed nanocrystalline NiAl powder and the shock-consolidated bulk specimen showed evidence of grain boundary dislocations, subgrains, and distorted regions. A large number of grain boundaries and defects were observed via high resolution TEM (HRTEM). Shear bands were also observed in the mechanically alloyed NiAl intermetallic powders and in the shock-consolidated compacts. Microhardness measurements of shock-consolidated material showed increasing microhardness with increasing crystallite size refinement, following Hall–Petch behavior.
Prostaglandin E2 Mediates IL-1β-Related Fibroblast Mitogenic Effects in Acute Lung Injury through Differential Utilization of Prostanoid Receptors

The fibroproliferative response to acute lung injury (ALI) results in severe, persistent respiratory dysfunction. We have reported that IL-1beta is elevated in pulmonary edema fluid in those with ALI and mediates an autocrine-acting, fibroblast mitogenic pathway. In this study, we examine the role of IL-1beta-mediated induction of cyclooxygenase-2 and PGE2, and evaluate the significance of individual E prostanoid (EP) receptors in mediating the fibroproliferative effects of IL-1beta in ALI. Blocking studies on human lung fibroblasts indicate that IL-1beta is the major cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA and PGE2-inducing factor in pulmonary edema fluid and accounts for the differential PGE2 induction noted in samples from ALI patients. Surprisingly, we found that PGE2 produced by IL-1beta-stimulated fibroblasts enhances fibroblast proliferation. Further studies revealed that the effect of fibroblast proliferation is biphasic, with the promitogenic effect of PGE2 noted at concentrations close to that detected in pulmonary edema fluid from ALI patients. The suppressive effects of PGE2 were mimicked by the EP2-selective receptor agonist, butaprost, by cAMP activation, and were lost in murine lung fibroblasts that lack EP2. Conversely, the promitogenic effects of mid-range concentrations of PGE2 were mimicked by the EP3-selective agent, sulprostone, by cAMP reduction, and lost upon inhibition of Gi-mediated signaling with pertussis toxin. Taken together, these data demonstrate that PGE2 can stimulate or inhibit fibroblast proliferation at clinically relevant concentrations, via preferential signaling through EP3 or EP2 receptors, respectively. Such mechanisms may drive the fibroproliferative response to ALI.
Differential single-electron capture cross sections in low-energy Arq+ (q = 4–8) ions — He and Ar collisions

Abstract Differential cross sections for single-electron capture by Arq+ ions (q = 4–8) from He and Ar have been measured at impact energies between 600 and 2500 eV, and projectile scattering angles between 0 and 25 mrad. The experimental angular distributions contain a main peak lying near a critical angle θc, which corresponds to capture at an impact parameter equal to the crossing radius. The results are quantitatively explained by a semi-classical model based on Coulomb potential energy curves.
Sodium phenylbutyrate decreases plasma branched-chain amino acids in patients with urea cycle disorders

Sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPBA) is a commonly used medication for the treatment of patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs). Previous reports involving small numbers of patients with UCDs have shown that NaPBA treatment can result in lower plasma levels of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) but this has not been studied systematically. From a large cohort of patients (n=553) with UCDs enrolled in the Longitudinal Study of Urea Cycle Disorders, a collaborative multicenter study of the Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium, we evaluated whether treatment with NaPBA leads to a decrease in plasma BCAA levels. Our analysis shows that NaPBA use independently affects the plasma BCAA levels even after accounting for multiple confounding covariates. Moreover, NaPBA use increases the risk for BCAA deficiency. This effect of NaPBA seems specific to plasma BCAA levels, as levels of other essential amino acids are not altered by its use. Our study, in an unselected population of UCD subjects, is the largest to analyze the effects of NaPBA on BCAA metabolism and potentially has significant clinical implications. Our results indicate that plasma BCAA levels should to be monitored in patients treated with NaPBA since patients taking the medication are at increased risk for BCAA deficiency. On a broader scale, these findings could open avenues to explore NaPBA as a therapy in maple syrup urine disease and other common complex disorders with dysregulation of BCAA metabolism.
The effects of shadowing on modelling forward radar propagation over a rough sea surface

In order to accurately predict the effects of ocean roughness on forward radar propagation, it is important to incorporate the relevant physical scattering mechanisms. Shadowing is one such mechanism that is particularly important for low-grazing incidence yet it is often not taken into account. One broad class of approximations defines a roughness reduction factor in terms of an ensemble average over surface heights of a Rayleigh phase factor. The widely used Ament approximation and Miller–Brown approximation are two examples from this class of approximations that do not incorporate shadowing. In this paper, we use this class of approximations to develop a ‘shadowed’ approximation that implements a probability density function (PDF) for a rough sea surface illuminated at grazing incidence. A rigorous method of moments calculation is used to compare and quantitatively assess the accuracy of the Ament, Miller–Brown, and shadowed approximations at horizontal polarization. It is shown that the shadowed appro...
Primary retinal detachments without apparent breaks.

Summary In a prospective study of 415 consecutive eyes operated on for retinal detachment, there were no apparent retinal breaks in 41 eyes. Examination of the most likely site for breaks during, or shortly after, cryotherapy was helpful in detecting tiny breaks in several cases. All detachments without apparent breaks were operated on with a three-step operation: we applied two rows of confluent cryotherapy to all retinal breaks, drained subretinal fluid, and used buckles just anterior to the equator. Surgical cure, defined as reattachment for at least six months, was achieved in 93% of eyes with apparent breaks, and in 85% of eyes without apparent breaks. The latter figure increased to 91% when the seven patients with preoperative massive preretinal retraction were excluded.
A microtechnique for PHA transformation of 5000 separated lymphocytes

Abstract A microtechnique for studying phytohemagglutinin (PHA) responsiveness of 5000 separated human peripheral blood lymphocytes is described. Cells were distributed in conical-bottom microtiter wells for 3- and 5-day culture periods, after which stimulation was measured by incorporation of tritiated thymidine into DNA. Peak stimulation occurred over a narrow PHA dose range. More pronounced PHA stimulation was noted in 5-day cultures than in 3-day cultures using this technique, while the reverse was true for standard technique (500,000 lymphocytes). This microtechnique enables one to study PHA-induced proliferation of an extremely small number of separated human lymphocytes obtained not only from blood, but also from cellular compartments where lymphocytes are found in limited quantity.
The Geometry of Leptin Action in the Brain: More Complicated Than a Simple ARC

Leptin signals the repletion of fat stores, acting in the CNS to permit energy utilization by a host of autonomic and neuroendocrine processes and to decrease feeding. While much recent research has focused on the leptin-regulated circuitry of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), the majority of brain leptin receptor (LepRb)-expressing neurons lie outside the ARC in other CNS regions known to modulate energy balance. Each set of LepRb neurons throughout the brain presumably mediates unique aspects of leptin action, and understanding the function for LepRb-expressing neurons throughout the brain represents a crucial next step in the study of energy homeostasis.
Abl tyrosine kinase in signal transduction and cell-cycle regulation

Although the biological function of the c-Abl tyrosine kinase remains unsolved, potentially productive avenues towards the elucidation of that function have been identified by recent progress. An F-actin binding and a sequence-specific DNA-binding domain have been discovered in c-Abl, and DNA binding has been shown to be cell-cycle regulated. Deletion of those two domains in the mouse c-Abl results in a loss of biological function despite the production of an active tyrosine kinase. These findings suggest a role for c-Abl in the regulation of processes occurring on F-actin and on specific DNA elements.
Surgery for pediatric vocal cord paralysis: a meta-analysis.

Abstract Objective: The study goal was to determine the impact of various surgical procedures for bilateral vocal cord paralysis in children by using established principles of meta-analysis. Study Design and Setting: We conducted a retrospective review of the literature in which a predetermined protocol was used to identify articles for meta-analysis. Six articles met inclusion criteria, and pertinent data were extracted. Results: Pooled data analysis demonstrated primary procedure-specific decannulation rates for external arytenoidopexy for 19 of 24 (79%), external arytenoidectomy for 14 of 19 (74%), CO2 laser arytenoidectomy for 4 of 10 (40%), and costal cartilage graft procedures for 2 of 2 (100%). External arytenoid procedures are more efficacious than CO2 laser procedures in terms of primary decannulation (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Meta-analysis of the existing literature reveals that external arytenoidopexy and external arytenoidectomy are equivalently effective procedures and that the two combined are significantly more effective than CO2 ablative procedures. Significance: External procedures appear to be more effective as a first-line treatment in pediatric vocal cord paralysis, with arytenoidopexy with or without partial arytenoidectomy offering an attractive first-line surgical option. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;126:349-55.)
The Big Picture: A Meta-Analysis of Program Effectiveness Research on English Language Learners:

This article presents a meta-analysis of program effectiveness research on English language learners. The study includes a corpus of 17 studies conducted since Willig’s earlier meta-analysis and uses Glass, McGaw, and Smith’s strategy of including as many studies as possible in the analysis rather than excluding some on the basis of a priori “study quality” criteria. It is shown that bilingual education is consistently superior to all-English approaches, and that developmental bilingual education programs are superior to transitional bilingual education programs. The meta-analysis of studies controlling for English-language-learner status indicates a positive effect for bilingual education of .23 standard deviations, with outcome measures in the native language showing a positive effect of .86 standard deviations. It is concluded that bilingual education programs are effective in promoting academic achievement, and that sound educational policy should permit and even encourage the development and implementation of bilingual education programs.
A new thermode perfusion system for local temperature manipulation.

Abstract A thermode perfusion system incorporating a miniature heater was used to alter the local temperature in the brain of the marmot and of the cat. In the marmot, local temperature has been changed or clamped over a range of 35–39°C at the rate of 0.4°C/W. In the cat, local temperature has been increased by 1.5°C and decreased by 2°C at the rate of 0.15°C/W.
Mind the Gap! Implications of a Person-Environment Fit Model of Intellectual Disability for Students, Educators, and Schools.

A person-environment fit conceptualization of intellectual disability (ID) requires educators to focus on the gap between a student's competencies and the demands of activities and settings in schools. In this article the implications of the person-environment fit conceptual model are considered in regard to instructional benefits, special education service delivery, assessment and planning processes (including developing Individualized Education Programs), and the roles and responsibilities of special and general education teachers.
An Application of Bayesian Decision Theory to Decentralized Control of Job Scheduling

There is a wide spectrum of techniques that can be aptly named decentralized control. However, certain functions in distributed operating systems, e.g., scheduling, operate under such demanding requirements that no known optimal control solutions exist. It has been shown that heuristics are necessary. This paper presents a heuristic for the effective cooperation of multiple decentralized components of a job scheduling function. An especially useful feature of the heuristic is that it can dynamically adapt to the quality of the state information being processed. Extensive simulation results show the utility of this heuristic. The simulation results are compared to several analytical models and a baseline simulation model. The heuristic itself is based on the application of Bayesian decision theory. Bayesian decision theory was used because its principles can be applied as a systematic approach to complex decision making under conditions of imperfect knowledge, and it can run relatively cheaply in real time.
Effects of alkaloids on feeding by Phormia reginaconfirm the critical role of sensory inhibition

Abstract. Inhibition of peripheral chemoreceptors by micromolar concentrations of alkaloids may account for feeding deterrence. Earlier work showed a reduction in both the proboscis extension response and sensory activity recorded from sugar-sensitive cells in tarsal D and labellar ‘largest’ hairs when the stimulating solution was sucrose mixed with alkaloids. In the present work a similar behavioural effect was also seen when alkaloids were mixed with pyranose and furanose sugars as well as with water and deuterium oxide. Behavioural deterrence continued after the stimulus was removed. Complete recovery occurred after 120 s. To check against the possibility of a central inhibitory state (CIS) having been established two sets of experiments were run in which quinine was applied to a single tarsus followed by a sucrose post-test to the contralateral tarsus. In one half of the tests sugar was applied first (S1Q2), and in the other half quinine first (Q1S2). Comparable tests were run with contralateral labellar hairs. No CIS was set up by Q1; however, a central excitatory state (CES) was set up by S1. In order to test (a) whether quinine had different effects on other known or unknown receptors and (b) post-ingestive effects, volumes imbibed in single drinks of sucrose with and without quinine were compared. Volumes of the mixture imbibed were not significantly different from what was predicted based on the known reduction in sensory acitivty.
Analytical structure of a fuzzy controller with linear control rules

Abstract We prove that a fuzzy controller with linear control rules and Mamdani minimum inference is the sum of a global two-dimensional multilevel relay and a local nonlinear proportional-integral (PI) controller. The properties of the nonlinear gains of the local PI controller are investigated. Moreover, it is proven that, as the number of input fuzzy sets approaches ∞, the global multilevel relay approaches a global linear PI controller while the local nonlinear PI controller disappears.
Patterns of muscle activity during different behaviors in chicks: implications for neural control

The large behavioral repertoire that spans the embryonic and postembryonic stages of development make chicks an ideal system for identifying patterns of muscle activity that are common to different behaviors and those that are behavior-specific. The main goal of this work was to identify the similar and dissimilar aspects of the recruitment patterns and the regulation of muscle activity during three distinct postembryonic behaviors: walking, swimming and airstepping. We identified two synergies that were common to each of these behaviors. The synergies were not disrupted by the absence of FT1 activity in airstepping. Within each synergy the recruitment time, recruitment order and duration of activity were not rigid, but varied according to the context-specific resistance that the leg encountered. Unlike the other muscles, FT2 activity was not recruited as part of the same synergy in each behavior. When weight-bearing contact with the substrate did not occur, as in swimming and airstepping, as well as in walking in chicks with deafferented legs, FT2 activity was not recruited as part of either synergy, but was recruited during the time between them. Although not identical, embryonic motility and hatching motor pattern both show the two synergies described for the postembryonic behaviors. Like the latter behaviors, the synergies tolerated the absence of activity from specific muscles. Thus, we suggest that the CNS produces different behaviors using many of the same muscles by organizing the patterned activity around two common synergies while permitting the different muscles that participate in a synergy to be modified in tandem or on an individual basis. Furthermore, the common synergies are established early during prenatal development in chicks.
Multilevel model to assess appropriateness of pediatric serum drug concentrations.

• A multilevel model reviewing four assessment levels for pediatric serum drug concentrations was developed. Criteria for appropriate indication, sample collection, documentation, and utilization were based on therapeutic drug monitoring principles. The model was applied to 222 pediatric serum drug concentrations. Inadequate documentation was a major problem, but it occurred at a lower rate (37%) than previously reported. The rates of inappropriateness for indication (15%), sample collection (16%), and utilization (10%) were well within reported ranges but were significantly lower with pharmacy input. Overall, 48.2% of drug concentrations were inappropriate. Digoxin, phenobarbital, and aminoglycosides had the highest error rates. The annualized cost of inappropriate serum drug concentrations was $12 325. The described method allows for targeting of educational programs with defined areas for improvement. The findings of this study also support the involvement of clinical pharmacists in the therapeutic drug monitoring process. (AJDC. 1991;145:1171-1175)
Simultaneous Bidding with a Fixed Charge if Any Bid is Successful

We consider the situation in which a bidder faces a group of simultaneous auctions that carry a single fixed charge, which is incurred if and only if one or more of the auctions are won. In a decision theoretic framework, we analyze the bidder's optimal strategy for three alternative formulations of the problem. If the bidder's only decision is selecting the auctions in which to bid, a simple decision rule is derived that holds regardless of the probabilities of winning. We also obtain necessary conditions for selecting the optimal bid levels. Finally, we present a single state variable dynamic programming formulation for obtaining the optimal amounts to bid in statistically independent auctions.
Demeclocycline-Induced Natriuresis and Renal Insufficiency: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

We examined renal function and Na + balance in a patient with congestive heart failure who was treated with demeclocycline (DMC) on three separate occasions under strict metabolic balance conditions. Natriuresis and reversible renal insufficiency, which could not be explained solely on the basis of negative Na + balance, developed on each occasion. In contrast to reports of an association between elevated serum DMC levels and renal insufficiency in patients with cirrhotic edema, the renal insufficiency in this patient with cardiac edema occurred in the absence of high DMC levels. Consequently, markedly elevated serum DMC levels do not appear to be a prerequisite for the development of natriuresis or renal insufficiency in edematous patients receiving this drug. In an attempt to clarify the mechanism of the natriuresis, we also examined the effects of DMC on Na + transport in an invitro model system, the toad urinary bladder. DMC inhibited aldosterone-stimulated Na + transport, but had no effect on Na + transport when the latter was jointly stimulated by ADH and theophylline. Despite this selective inhibition of the natriferic effect of aldosterone in-vitro, it is unlikely that such a mechanism completely accounts for the natriuresis observed in-vivo since the natriuresis is generally of large magnitude and is usually accompanied by some degree of kaliuresis, and DMC had no consistent effect on urinary aldosterone excretion. Consequently, other mechanisms must be sought to explain the natriuretic effect of DMC in edematous patients. Likewise, mechanisms other than negative Na + balance (perhaps primary alterations in renal hemodynamics) must underly the development of renal insufficiency in such individuals.
Pollards in Nidderdale: A Landscape History

In the Yorkshire Dales, where the destruction of the rural setting is less advanced than in most other parts of England, countrysides frequently exist as historical palimpsests that incorporate elements from various earlier phases of colonisation and exploitation. The region is noted for the survival of antiquities of many kinds. In places, pollarded trees are significant components in the scenic pastiche, though prior to this survey there was no general recognition that their distribution is closely linked to the main themes that have conditioned the process of landscape development. The survey, which collected details on 186 ancient trees within a study area around 17 miles long by 8 miles wide, was undertaken according to the perspectives of landscape history. These not only seek to discover the evolution of landscapes, but also recognise that evidence is embedded in features like trees, fields, trackways and so on.
“Expectation as etiology” versus “the good old days”: Postconcussion syndrome symptom reporting in athletes, headache sufferers, and depressed individuals

The present study explored the explanatory power of Mittenberg’s “expectation as etiology” theory for the persistence of postconcussion syndrome (PCS) complaints. One hundred forty-one participants completed a PCS symptom checklist under 2 conditions. Normal controls, healthy athletes and depressed individuals reported current symptoms and symptoms expected following a hypothetical mild head injury. Head-injured athletes, chronic headache sufferers, and a 2nd sample of normal controls reported current symptoms and retrospective symptoms (prior to their injury0illness or from some point in the past). Depressed individuals reported more current symptoms than normal controls and healthy athletes, demonstrating that “ PCS” symptoms are not specific to PCS. All groups expected more symptoms following mild head injury than currently experienced, supporting the idea that individuals expect negative consequences following head injury. However, healthy athletes expected fewer symptoms than normals or depressed individuals, possibly due to preexisting expectations for speedy recovery. Both head-injured athletes and headache sufferers reported more current symptoms than the past, but not at a rate lower than baseline of normal controls. Results suggest that the “expectation as etiology” hypothesis may be too specific, and that, following any negative event, people may attribute all symptoms to that negative event (the “good old days” hypothesis). ( JINS, 2001, 7, 323‐333.)
Fast subdivision of Be´zier surfaces

In this paper the classical subdivision method for paramet rically defined surfaces by Lane and Riesenfeld is reformulated for Bezier surfaces. The new algorithm is based on matrix multiplications, which results in a very concise and elegant formulation. In addition, for geometry modeling this formula tion allows very fast implemen tations. Three implementations are described along with some test results.
Vascular delay and intermittent stimulation: keys to successful latissimus dorsi muscle stimulation.

Abstract Background . The goal of this study was to obtain physiologically significant increases in peak left ventricular (LV) systolic pressure and stroke volume with latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) stimulation in cardiomyoplasty (CMP). We hypothesized that preserving LDM integrity by vascular delay and intermittent stimulation would significantly increase LDM cardiac assistance. Methods . In 4 control dogs and 12 dogs that had undergone a vascular delay (VD) procedure, LV dysfunction was induced by intracoronary microsphere injections. Cardiomyoplasty surgery was performed 14 days later, followed by progressive LDM conditioning. In the control dogs and in 6 of the VD dogs, the LDM was stimulated 24 hours per day (VD plus constant stimulation [CS]). In the other 6 VD dogs, LDMs were stimulated on a daily schedule of 10 hours on and 14 hours off (VD plus interrupted stimulation [IS]). Latissimus dorsi muscle stimulated beats were compared with nonstimulated beats 9 weeks later. Results . In the control dogs, LDM stimulation had minimal effects. In VD + CS and VD + IS, LDM stimulation increased peak LV pressure, stroke volume, stroke work, and stroke power ( p p p Conclusions . VD and IS considerably increased the LV assistance with LDM stimulation. Further studies of this combined approach to CMP should be planned.
Modeling considerations for predicting performance of CICS/VS systems

Various aids and tools are used in capacity planning. One such aid, an analytic model, is discussed in this paper. Both the decisions made in the development of an aid and the way the aid is used are examined. Characteristics of a good planning aid are emphasized with the analytic model serving as the example.
Impact of prehybridization PCR amplification on microarray detection of nitrifying bacteria in wastewater treatment plant samples

Summary A gel-based microarray that included a set of 26 oligonucleotide probes targeting all nitrifying bacteria at varying levels of specificity suggested the presence of targeted microorganisms when hybridized to RNA isolated from a wastewater treatment plant, but could not discriminate between perfectly matched and mismatched sequences due in part to low signal intensity. To enhance sensitivity and improve discrimination, polymerase chain reaction was used to selectively amplify the 16S rRNA genes of specific nitrifier groups. RNA transcribed from these DNA templates was hybridized to the microarray and thermal dissociation analysis was used to characterize the specificity of hybridization. Amplification with Nitrospira specific primers resulted in the selective amplification of this target group, confirmed by both a significant increase in signal intensity and a melting profile identical to the reference RNA. In contrast, Nitrobacter was not detected in the environmental samples with probe Nbac1000 despite pre-amplification with Nitrobacter -specific primers, indicating the absence of strains containing this Nitrobacter -specific sequence. Pre-amplification using primers specific for b -Proteobacterial ammonia-oxidizing bacteria resulted in a significant increase in signal intensity for probe Nso190, but melting profiles for probe Nso190 showed a slight deviation between amplified RNA and the reference microorganism, suggesting that the amplification products contained some sequences that varied by a single nucleotide difference in the probe target region.
Protein Sequence Motif Super-Rule-Tree (SRT) Structure Constructed by Hybrid Hierarchical K-Means Clustering Algorithm

Protein sequence motifs information is crucial to the analysis of biologically significant regions. The conserved regions have the potential to determine the role of the proteins. Many algorithms or techniques to discover motifs require a predefined fixed window size in advance. Due to the fixed size, these approaches often deliver a number of similar motifs simply shifted by some bases or including mismatches. To confront the mismatched motifs problem, we use the super-rule concept to construct a Super-Rule-Tree (SRT) by a modified HHK clustering which requires no parameter setup to identify the similarities and dissimilarities between the motifs. By analyzing the motifs results generated by our approach, they are not only significant in sequence area but secondary structure similarity. We believe new proposed HHK clustering algorithm and SRT can play an important role in similar researches which requires predefined fixed window size.
In vivo determination of skin near-infrared optical properties using diffuse optical spectroscopy

We develop a superficial diffusing probe with a 3 mm source-detector separation that can be used in combination with diffuse optical spectroscopic (DOS) methods to noninvasively determine full-spectrum optical properties of superficial in vivo skin in the wavelength range from 650 to 1000 nm. This new probe uses a highly scattering layer to diffuse photons emitted from a collimated light source and relies on a two-layer diffusion model to determine tissue absorption coefficient mu a and reduced scattering coefficient mu's. By employing the probe to measure two-layer phantoms that mimic the optical properties of skin, we demonstrate that the probe has an interrogation depth of 1 to 2 mm. We carry out SSFDPM (steady state frequency-domain photon migration) measurements using this new probe on the volar forearm and palm of 15 subjects, including five subjects of African descent, five Asians, and five Caucasians. The optical properties of in vivo skin determined using the superficial diffusing probe show considerable similarity to published optical properties of carefully prepared ex vivo epidermis+dermis.
Ancient Sex-Specific Extension of the Cytochrome c Oxidase II Gene in Bivalves and the Fidelity of Doubly-Uniparental Inheritance

Bivalves of the families Mytilidae and Unionidae show a unique mode of mitochondrial DNA inheritance called doubly uniparental inheritance. In addition to receiving the maternally transmitted mtDNA lineage, males receive a separate mtDNA genome from their fathers. This system is sometimes compromised, in that female genomes are occasionally recruited into the male cycle of inheritance. These masculinization events are common in the Mytilidae but have not been reported in the Unionidae. In order to estimate the age of the male and the female lineages in the Unionidae and to look for evidence of masculinization, we sequenced the junction between the cytochrome c oxidase II gene and the cytochrome c oxidase I gene. The unionid male and female lineages diverged approximately 450 MYA. There is no evidence for masculinization during this period, suggesting that there are taxon-specific differences in the rate of masculinization. Coincidentally, a 200-codon extension of the COII gene is present in the male genome of the Unionidae and may be responsible for the absence of masculinization.
Predicting gene expression from sequence: a reexamination.

Although much of the information regarding genes' expressions is encoded in the genome, deciphering such information has been very challenging. We reexamined Beer and Tavazoie's (BT) approach to predict mRNA expression patterns of 2,587 genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae from the information in their respective promoter sequences. Instead of fitting complex Bayesian network models, we trained naive Bayes classifiers using only the sequence-motif matching scores provided by BT. Our simple models correctly predict expression patterns for 79% of the genes, based on the same criterion and the same cross-validation (CV) procedure as BT, which compares favorably to the 73% accuracy of BT. The fact that our approach did not use position and orientation information of the predicted binding sites but achieved a higher prediction accuracy, motivated us to investigate a few biological predictions made by BT. We found that some of their predictions, especially those related to motif orientations and positions, are at best circumstantial. For example, the combinatorial rules suggested by BT for the PAC and RRPE motifs are not unique to the cluster of genes from which the predictive model was inferred, and there are simpler rules that are statistically more significant than BT's ones. We also show that CV procedure used by BT to estimate their method's prediction accuracy is inappropriate and may have overestimated the prediction accuracy by about 10%.
Mare and Foal Bonding and Problems

A number of specific behavioral responses have been identified in mares and foals as the presumed behavioral interactive sequences supporting bonding. With the exception of the severely physically compromised foal, most failures of the mare foal bond appear to result from inadequate behavior of the mare. Six distinct forms of maternal behavior problems include ambivalence of the mare toward her foal, fear of the foal, nursing only avoidance of the foal, extreme protectiveness of the foal that becomes problematic in domestic confinement, savage attack (true rejection), and stealing or adoption of an alien foal. Management of maternal behavior problem cases in which the pair cannot be salvaged include foster (or nurse mares) and hand-rearing methods. Also presented are current practical resources related to managing certain types of inadequate maternal behavior and for rearing the orphaned foal.
Effect of hydrodynamic pressure processing on the processing and quality characteristics of moisture-enhanced pork loins.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the influence of hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP) and aging on the processing characteristics and final meat quality of moisture-enhanced pork loins. Boneless pork loins (n = 24) were split into 3 portions and assigned treatments: control (non-HDP treated, brine-injected), HDP treated before brine-injection, or HDP treated after brine-injection. Pork loins were injected with a salt/phosphate/water solution to 110% of original weight on day 0, intermittently tumbled 3 h, and then held overnight. Meat quality and protein characteristics were measured on days 1 and 8. HDP-treated loins had greater (P < 0.05) brine retention after overnight equilibration and a higher (P < 0.05) processing yield than controls. Warner–Bratzler shear force and expressible moisture decreased (P < 0.0001) with aging from days 1 to 8, but were not significantly affected by either HDP treatment. When the drip loss data from HDP treatments were pooled, HDP samples had lower drip loss values than controls. L* and b* measurements exhibited significant HDP by aging interaction effects, but a* was not influenced by either HDP or aging. Myofibrillar protein solubility and gel electrophoresis measurements of protein degradation were influenced by aging treatments. Data from this study suggest that HDP may have beneficial effects on the processing and final product quality of moisture-enhanced pork loins. Practical Application: This study demonstrates that hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP) is an effective postharvest technology for improving the processing and meat quality characteristics of moisture-enhanced pork loin products, benefiting both meat processors and consumers.
Conflicts Between Student/Professional, Parental, and Self-Development Roles: A Comparison of High and Low Effective Copers

This study investigated the coping strategies used by returning university students in dealing with conflicts between the demands of their students/professional role and their parental role or their student/professional role and their "self" as a self-actualized person. The 57 female and 28 male subjects used nine scales developed by the authors to describe their typical strategies for coping with their role conflict in one of these two areas. Subjects also rated the degree of role conflict experienced and the effectiveness of their coping strategies. As predicted, subjects rating their characteristic ways of coping as highly effective [High Effective Copers] reported less conflict and endorsed different coping strategies than subjects rating their characteristic strategies as less effective [Low Effective Copers]. High Effective Copers of both genders used Perspective Taking to a greater extent, and Depression and Calling Time Out to a lesser extent, than did Low Effective Copers. Recognition of Societal...
Wild-caught rodents retain a majority of their natural gut microbiota upon entrance into captivity

Summary Experiments conducted on captive animals allow scientists to control many variables; however, these settings are highly unnatural. Previous research has documented a large difference in microbial communities between wild animals and captive-bred individuals. However, wild-caught animals brought into captivity might retain their natural microbiota and thus provide a better study system in which to investigate the ecology of the gut microbiome. We collected individuals of the desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida) from nature and investigated changes in the microbial community over 6 months in captivity. Additionally, we inventoried potential environmental sources of microbes (food, bedding) from the wild and captivity. We found that environmental sources do not make large contributions to the woodrat gut microbial community. We documented a slight decrease in several biodiversity metrics over 6 months in captivity, yet the magnitude of change was small compared with other studies. Wild and captive animals shared 64% of their microbial species, almost twice that observed in other studies of wild and captive-bred individuals (≤ 37% shared). We conclude that wild-caught animals brought into captivity retain a substantial proportion of their natural microbiota and represent an acceptable system in which to study the gut microbiome.
RiskVA: A Visual Analytics System for Consumer Credit Risks Analysis

Consumer credit risk analysis plays a significant role in stabilizing a banks investments and in maximizing its profits. As a large financial institution, Bank of America relies on effective risk analysis to minimize the net credit loss resulting from its credit products (e.g. mortgage and credit card loans). Due to the size and complexity of the data involved in risk analysis, risk analysts are facing challenges in monitoring large amounts of data, comparing its geospatial and temporal patterns, and developing appropriate management strategies based on the correlation from multiple analysis perspectives. To address these challenges, we present RiskVA, an interactive visual analytics system that is tailored to support credit risk analysis. RiskVA provides risk analysts with interactive data exploration and information correlation, and visually assists them in depicting market fluctuations and temporal trends of the targeted credit product. When evaluated by analysts from Bank of America, RiskVA was appreciated for its effec- tiveness in performing in-depth risk analysis, and is considered useful in facilitating the banks risk management operations.
Fibrin sealant combined with fibroblasts and platelet-derived growth factor enhance wound healing in excisional wounds

We test the hypothesis that the fibrinogen-thrombin formulation of fibrin sealant combined with fibroblasts and PDGF-BB enhance cutaneous wound healing. Four formulations varying in fibrinogen and thrombin concentration were applied to full-thickness biopsy wounds in the rabbit ear cutaneous wound healing model with or without cultured rabbit dermal fibroblasts (RDFs; 3 × 10 5 cells/wound) embedded in the fibrinogen component. At post-wounding day 7, there was no difference in the diluted vs. non-diluted formulations for either the promotion of granulation tissue coverage of the open wounds or total granulation tissue area when tested without embedded cells. Including the RDFs, the highest degree of wound coverage by granulation tissue was observed in the combined dilution formulation (17.3 mg/mL fibrinogen, 167 U/mL thrombin; n=10 wounds) that was 167% (p < 0.05) of the nondiluted FS containing cells (50 mg/mL fibrinogen, 250 U/mL thrombin; n=10 wounds). Inclusion of fibroblasts increased granulation tissue area within the wounds vs. FS alone (p < 0.05) for each diluted formulation although no differences in this parameter were observed within each group (FS alone or with embedded cells). However, addition of the vulnerary growth factor PDGF-BB (3 mg; n=4) with the embedded RDFs in the combined dilution formulation increased granulation tissue area over two-fold (p < 0.01) over FS alone. Additionally, the presence of the RDFs promoted incorporation of the granulation tissue with and epithelial migration over the FS suggesting an active interaction between cells delivered to the wound by FS and the host repair cells. The findings suggest the progress of cutaneous defect repair can be enhanced by ex vivo cell delivery in fibrin sealant.