cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Infraciliatures of Balantidium coli and B. caviae (?) and Some Morphological Observations on These Species*

SYNOPSIS. Balantidium coli was cultured for 4 months in Dobell-Laidlaw's medium. About 10 specimens of monsters were found in the preparations (Chatton-Lwoff silver impregnation technique). One individual showed a tendency to polystomy. One doublet of Balantidium caviae (?) in preparations treated by the same technique was found in a population from a guinea pig. The monsters of Balantidium coli are either single distomic individuals or doublets (homopolar or heteropolar). The infraciliature of the monsters shows different degrees of deviation from the normal pattern. No reorganization field during the formation of additional cytostomes was observed, which agrees with the data on normal stomatogenesis. This process is very similar in both normal specimens and monsters and is characterized by the arrangement of radiating kineties surrounding the anlage of the cytostome and, evidently, by invagination of this area which later forms the peristome. The fate of single monsters and that of homopelar doublets is unknown. The heteropolar monsters are considered non-viable because the arrangement of the kineties in both presumptive daughters contradicts the rule of desmodexy (Chatton-Lwoff). The occurrence of the monsters in cultures may possibly be explained by the action of acriflavine which is mutagenic for Escherichia coli, or by gentian-violet which inhibits fission of sea urchin eggs. This paper apparently constitutes the first presentation of anomalies of the infraciliature in parasitic ciliates. In addition the exact arrangement of the kineties and kinetosomes at the posterior pole of Balantidium coli is described.
Constrained multisine input signals for plant-friendly identification of chemical process systems

This paper considers the use of constrained minimum crest factor multisine signals as inputs for plant-friendly identification testing of chemical process systems. The methodology presented here effectively integrates operating restrictions, information-theoretic requirements, and state-of-the-art optimization techniques to design minimum crest factor multisine signals meeting important user-specified time and frequency domain properties. A series of optimization problem formulations relevant to problems in linear, nonlinear, and multivariable system identification are presented; these culminate with their application to the modeling of the Weischedel–McAvoy high-purity distillation column problem, a demanding nonlinear and highly interactive system. The effectiveness of these signals for modeling for control purposes and the ability to incorporate a priori nonlinear models in the signal design procedure are demonstrated in this distillation system case study.
Posterior Limbus Vertebrae: A Cause of Radiating Back Pain in Adolescents and Young Adults

Four cases of posterior limbus vertebrae are presented, three in the lumbar spine and one in the lower thoracic spine. All four patients have myelographic documentation of herniated disc material affecting the spinal canal. One patient underwent an additional discogram that confirms the pathophysiology of the limbus vertebra by demonstrating that contrast material injected into the nucleus pulposus tracks between the body and the detached fragment.
Warfarin as a probe of cytochromes P-450 function.

(1989). Warfarin as A Probe of Cytochromes P 450 Function. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 20, No. 2-4, pp. 479-487.
Correlates of self-efficacy expectation and prediction of walking behavior in cardiac surgery elders,

As the number of elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass and valve replacement) continues to increase, evidence is growing that they can do so with improved health status, functional status, longevity, and life quality. In this article, we used self-efficacy theory to explore one of the most common recovery behaviors--walking various distances. In preoperative data collected in-hospital through data collection at one, two, three, six, and twelve months postoperatively, we explored: (a) the trajectories of self-efficacy expectation (SEE) and self-reported (SR) behavior performance over the first postoperative year; (b) the relationships between SEE and SR behavior; (c) predictors of SEE; and (d) using hierarchical multiple regression, identified predictors of SR behavior at each point of time. The sample (N = 199) was primarily male (76%) with a mean age of 75.8 years. SEE and SR behavior increased over time though with different trajectories; at all points in time, females had lower scores. Correlations between SEE and SR behavior were statistically significant (r values ranging from 0.67 to 0.89; p < .01) for both males and females. Predictors of SEE and SR identified were a mix of physiologic and psychologic constructs. The amount of explained variance in SR behavior scores ranged from a low of 23% at one month to a high of 64.7% at six months. The gender differences sustained one year after cardiac surgery are striking; elder females may need targeted interventions to enhance recovery.
Panic Attacks and Phobias

UNTIL recently panic disorder was viewed almost exclusively in psychological terms. It was believed that the patient was overreacting to a life stress or an "unconscious" conflict.1 A growing body ...
The chemistry and biological activity of a new class of azole fungicides: 1-amino-1,2,4-triazoles

The fungicidal activity of a novel class of triazole compounds in which the 1-position of the azole nucleus is bonded to a nitrogen atom was investigated. Such 1-amino-1,2,4-triazoles are amenable to great structural variation which allows the elucidation of the requirements for biological activity. As in most other triazole fungicides, the basic structural requirement for activity is a two-atom bridge connecting the azole nucleus to a hydrophobic group, typically an aromatic ring. The synthesis and optimization of fungicidal activity of this class of triazole fungicide are discussed.
Heterorhabditis marelatusn. sp. (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) from Oregon

Abstract A new species of the nematode genusHeterorhabditiswas found during a survey of soil entomopathogenic nematodes near Seaside, Oregon.Heterorhabditis marelatusn. sp. differs from other species ofHeterorhabditisby the length of infective juvenile and gubernaculum, and the shape of spicules, bursa, and genital papillae.Heterorhabditis marelatusn. sp. has distinct random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragments, with a minimal RAPD polymorphism frequency of 0.85 to otherHeterorhabditisspecies examined.
The multifunctional role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ßs on mammary epithelial cell biology

The transforming growth factor-βs are potent growth inhibitors of normal and transformed breast epithelial cells in culture. In vivo, these peptides modulate the development of the mouse mammary gland. Tissuespecific overexpression of mature TGF-β1 in transgenic mice results in mammary gland atrophy and prevention of carcinogen-induced breast tumorigenesis. However, the inhibitory effect of endogenous or exogenous TGF-βs on established tumor cells is less clear. Several published circumstantial and more direct data argue that, in some cases, the tumor cell TGF-βs may contribute to the maintenance and/or progression of tumor cells in an intact host by modulating their interaction with host factors. This differential role of the TGF-βs on mammary cells as determined by their normal or transformed phenotype as well as the biological and clinical implications of these data are discussed.
Six new species of Lepidapedon Stafford, 1904 (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae) from deep-sea macrourid fishes from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, with revised keys to the species of the genus.

Species of the genus Lepidapedon are divided into various groups and subgroups based on vitelline distribution relative to the acetabulum and anterior extent of the excretory vesicle. Members of this genus predominantly parasitise gadiform fishes and are commonly collected from relatively deep waters. A recent study of deep-sea helminths from macrourids of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea revealed six new species of this genus. L. mexicanensis n. sp., of the elongatum group, elongatum subgroup, differs from other species in this subgroup in proportions (as % of body length), lacking confluent vitelline fields between both the ovary and anterior testis and the testes, and in having a smaller egg and body size. L. nezumiatis n. sp., of the elongatum group, desclersae subgroup, differs from both L. filiformis and L. desclersae in having intermediate egg and body sizes, and a longer oesophagus than prepharynx. L. caribbaei n. sp. and L. longivesicula n. sp., of the garrardi group, congeri subgroup, differ from L. congeri in having a sucker-ratio of 1:<1. L. caribbaei n. sp. and L. longivesicula n. sp. differ from each other in that L. caribbaei n. sp. has numerous long, barb-like, deeply imbedded spines, a less elongate body, an infundibuliform oral sucker, a similar-sized oesophagus and prepharynx, and a caecal bifurcation which is closer to the acetabulum than oral sucker, while L. longivesicula n. sp. has shorter, serrate or plate-like, lightly imbedded, widely to sporadically spaced spines, a more elongate body, a spherical to subspherical oral sucker, a longer oesophagus than prepharynx, and a caecal bifurcation which is closer to the oral sucker than acetabulum. L. desotoensis n. sp., of the rachion group, rachion subgroup, is distinct from both L. luteum and L. abyssensis in having a smaller size, lacking cervical glands or pharyngeal gland cells, and possessing dark-staining particles in the mesenchyme, while it differs from L. abyssensis specifically in having a much longer oesophagus than prepharynx, lateral vitelline fields that are not confluent intertesticularly, and wider eggs. L. zaniophori n. sp., also of the rachion subgroup, differs from both L. cascadensis and L. genge in having a smaller egg size, a shorter prepharynx and oesophagus than pharynx, and vitelline fields that are intertesticular but only slightly encroach between the ovary and anterior testis. L. sammari and L. spiniferi are designated as incertae sedis, and L. quiloni and L. stromateusi are designated as species inquirendae. New parasite keys and host records for Coelorinchus coelorhincus, C. caribbaeus and Nezumia cyrano are offered. Support is given to Lepidapedon probably being the dominant digenean genus in deep water.
Immunochemical studies of Shigella flexneri 2a and 6, and Shigella dysenteriae type 1 O-specific polysaccharide-core fragments and their protein conjugates as vaccine candidates.

There is no licensed vaccine for the prevention of shigellosis. Our approach to the development of a Shigella vaccines is based on inducing serum IgG antibodies to the O-specific polysaccharide (O-SP) domain of their lipopolysaccharides (LPS). We have shown that low molecular mass O-SP-core (O-SPC) fragments isolated from Shigella sonnei LPS conjugated to proteins induced significantly higher antibody levels in mice than the full length O-SP conjugates. This finding is now extended to the O-SPC of Shigella flexneri 2a and 6, and Shigella dysenteriae type 1. The structures of O-SPC, containing core plus 1-4 O-SP repeat units (RUs), were analyzed by NMR and mass spectroscopy. The first RUs attached to the cores of S. flexneri 2a and 6 LPS were different from the following RUs in their O-acetylation and/or glucosylation. Conjugates of core plus more than 1 RU were necessary to induce LPS antibodies in mice. The resulting antibody levels were comparable to those induced by the full length O-SP conjugates. In S. dysenteriae type 1, the first RU was identical to the following RUs, with the exception that the GlcNAc was bound to the core in the β-configuration, while in all other RUs the GlcNAc was present in the α-configuration. In spite of this difference, conjugates of S. dysenteriae type 1 core with 1, 2, or 3 RUs induced LPS antibodies in mice with levels statistically higher than those of the full size O-SP conjugates. O-SPC conjugates are easy to prepare, characterize, and standardize, and their clinical evaluation is planned.
Ancient Egyptian numbers: a CS-complete example

A critical piece of any successful curriculum is a robust example that permeates the key concepts of the field. For computer science, we refer to such an example as CS-complete. A good CS-complete example is applicable in CS1, CS2, and Discrete Mathematics. Approximately 4000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians used a numbering system that serves as a prototype CS-complete example. In this paper, we outline the use of Egyptian numbering system as an example that naturally extends through CS1, CS2, and Discrete Mathematics.
A proposed framework for teaching and evaluating critical thinking in nursing

Critical thinking is now an explicit National League for Nursing outcome requirement for nursing education programs, and all nursing faculty currently are expected to teach and evaluate critical thinking. However, most of the related literature is theoretical and not on the practical level that might be directly usable by faculty. This article presents a beginning framework developed by a faculty task force at the Indiana University School of Nursing for teaching and evaluating critical thinking. The conceptual definition of critical thinking underlying the framework reflects the efforts of several hundred experts from various disciplines, is maximally inclusive, and lends itself well to operationalization in the nursing context. The task force made two assumptions for this project: first, that the principles of rational thinking are essentially the same at every educational level, although the expertise expected of students at different educational levels certainly differs; and, second, that at this time a focus on operational as opposed to theoretical definitions for the six identified components of critical thinking (interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-regulation) would be particularly useful for faculty and student understanding.
Finite element modeling of tube hydroforming of polycrystalline aluminum alloy extrusions

Abstract Finite element modeling of tube hydroforming requires information about the anisotropy of the extruded aluminum tube. Unlike sheet metals, the complex geometry of extruded tubes makes it difficult, except in extrusion direction, to directly measure material properties. Therefore, polycrystalline models provide a good alternative for calculating the anisotropy of the tube in all directions and under various loading conditions. Using a rate-independent single crystal yield surface and rigid plasticity, a Taylor-type polycrystalline model was developed and implemented into ABAQUS/Explicit finite element (FE) code using VUMAT. The constitutive model was then used to calculate the crystallographic texture evolution during the hydroforming of an extruded aluminum tube. Initial crystallographic texture measured using orientation imaging microscopy (OIM) and uniaxial tensile test data obtained along the extrusion direction were input to this FEA model. In order to efficiently and practically simulate the tube hydroforming process using the polycrystalline model, sensitivity to the number of grain orientation, total simulation time, and number of finite elements were studied. Predicted results agreed very well with experimentally measured strain obtained from tube hydroforming process.
Antisocial Behavioral Syndromes in Adulthood and Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment over Three-Year Follow-Up: Results from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is associated with poorer treatment outcomes, but more help seeking, for alcohol use disorders (AUDs); however, associations of ASPD with AUD treatment in the general population have not been studied prospectively. OBJECTIVE: To examine prediction of treatment over 3-year follow-up among adults with AUDs by baseline ASPD and syndromal adult antisocial behavior without conduct disorder before age 15 (AABS). METHOD: Face-to-face interviews with 34,653 respondents to the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, of whom 3,875 had prevalent AUDs between Waves 1 and 2 and ASPD, AABS, or no antisocial syndrome at Wave 1. RESULTS: In unadjusted analyses, baseline ASPD predicted AUD treatment but AABS did not. After adjustment for additional need, predisposing, and enabling factors, antisocial syndromes did not predict treatment. Baseline predictors of treatment included more past-year AUD symptoms and past-year nicotine dependence and AUD treatment. CONCLUSIONS: That baseline antisocial syndrome did not predict AUD treatment may reflect strong associations of antisociality with previously identified predictors of help seeking.
Long and Short Range Criteria for Housing Choice and Environmental Behavior

Psychological and anthropological theories purport that individuals do not maintain conflicting attitudes or values, opting for one position which is consistent with emergent behavior. A longitudinal study of 761 families in the process of choosing housing and then living in it leads to an extremely different conclusion, based on the added dimension of time. Many families choose housing and evince behavior once there on the basis of criteria that stand in sharp contrast to those which they personally consider most important. Yet, such conflict is neither a source of dissatisfaction nor of attitude change. Understanding aspiration-related sequencing of life events leads not only to a fuller explanation of residential satisfaction but to an additional perspective on how people deal with life goals and choice criteria.
A Comparison of sex role orientation between women with bulimia and normal controls

A group of women (n = 38) who met the DSM-III critieria for bulimia and a group of normal control women (n = 26) between the ages of 18–34 were administered the revised version of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (1981) to test the hypothesis that bulimic women are “hyperfeminine” in their sex-role orientation. Both the original and the median split method of scoring the data were employed. The hypothesis was not supported: normal controls scored higher than bulimics on the femininity scale. The findings from both scoring methods reflect a tendency for the bulimic women to systematically score lower than the controls on all sex-typed items resulting in significantly more bulimics in the “undifferentiated” category. This scoring pattern can be understood as an indication of low self-esteem or as a less well-defined sense of self. It was hypothesized that both possibilities would increase these young women's susceptibility to developing bulimic symptoms.
A photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio study of the structures and chemical bonding of the B25(-) cluster.

chemical bonding of the B 25 − cluster. Global minimum searches reveal a dense potential energy landscape with 13 quasi-planar structures within 10 kcal/mol at the CCSD(T)/6-311+G(d) level of theory. Three quasi-planar isomers (I, II, and III) are lowest in energy and nearly degenerate at the CCSD(T) level of theory, with II and III being 0.8 and 0.9 kcal/mol higher, respectively, whereas at two density functional levels of theory isomer III is the lowest in energy (8.4 kcal/mol more stable than I at PBE0/6-311+G(2df) level). Comparison with experimental photoelectron spectroscopic data shows isomer II to be the major contributor while isomers I and III cannot be ruled out as minor contributors to the observed spectrum. Theoretical analyses reveal similar chemical bonding in I and II, both involving peripheral 2c-2e B−B σ-bonding and delocalized interior σ- and π-bonding. Isomer III has an interesting elongated ribbon-like structure with a π-bonding pattern analogous to those of dibenzopentalene. The high density of low-lying isomers indicates the complexity of the medium-sized boron clusters; the method dependency of predicting relative energies of the low-lying structures for B 25 − suggests the importance of comparison with experiment in determining the global minima of boron clusters at this size range. The appearance of many low-lying quasi-planar structures containing a hexagonal hole in B25 − suggests the importance of this structural feature in maintaining planarity of larger boron clusters. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC .[ http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4879551]
Phosphoinositide hydrolysis and insulin secretion in response to glucose stimulation are impaired in isolated rat islets by prolonged exposure to the sulfonylurea tolbutamide.

Abstract Isolated rat islets of Langerhans were incubated for 2 h in a [3H]inositol-containing medium supplemented with 7 mM glucose and the sulfonylurea tolbutamide (50–200 μM). After labeling, the ability of these islets to respond during a subsequent perifusion to 20 mM glucose or 15 mM α-ketoisocaproate (KIC) was assessed. The following major observations were made. Prior exposure to tolbutamide inhibited [3H]inositol efflux, inositol phosphate accumulation, and the insulin secretory responses of subsequently perifused islets to 20 mM glucose stimulation. When present during the 2-h labeling period, the calcium channel blocker nitrendipine (500 nM), a compound that abolishes tolbutamide-induced increases in PI hydrolysis, blocked these inhibitory effects of tolbutamide. In addition, the diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor monooleoylglycerol (50 μM) restored the impaired second phase insulin secretory response noted after a 2-h tolbutamide exposure. Prior exposure to tolbutamide (200 μM) also desensitized ...
Monte Carlo study of the moment and maximum likelihood estimators of Weibull parameters

En este articulo presentamos los resultados de un estudio por el metodo de Monte Carlo del problema de las propiedades de las pequenas muestras de los momentos y estimadores de maxima verosimilitud de algunos de los parametros de la distribucion de Weibull.
Effect of Feeding Rate and Pond Primary Productivity on Growth of Litopenaeus vannamei Reared in Inland Saline Waters of West Alabama

Abstract Feeding costs have skyrocketed worldwide in the past several years, negatively impacting shrimp farmers. Typically, 50–60% of the production costs of shrimp farm operations are attributed to feed inputs. The increasing cost of feed combined with declining market prices for shrimp makes it difficult to maintain adequate profit margins. In west Alabama, shrimp farmers are located long distances from feed mills and pay high shipping fees in addition to high feed prices. These low-salinity waters are quite productive, providing natural food items throughout the production cycle. To determine the possibility of reducing feed rates by relying more on pond primary productivity to contribute to shrimp growth, four growth trials were conducted with juvenile Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (formerly known as Penaeus vannamei). Juvenile shrimp were offered different feed rates ranging from 0% (no feed) to 110% of a normal daily ration by means of static, flow-through, or partial daily water exchan...
Intranasal nafarelin: an LH-RH analogue treatment of gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty.

The agonistic analogues of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone decrease biochemical findings and clinical signs of gonadotropin-dependent precoclous puberty. We tested a new analogue, nafarelin acetate, in 15 girls with gonadotropin-dependent precoclous puberty. The hydrophobic nature and potency of this compound allow it to be administered by intranasal inhalation. Laboratory assessment of vaginal cytology, estradiol and urinary gonadotropin levels, and growth velocity revealed that nafarelin acetate 800 to 1200 μg/day diminished these values during a 6-month treatment period. These results suggest gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty in girls can be treated with intranasal administration of nafarelin acetate.
Qualitative patterns of protein synthesis in the mouse oocyte

Mouse oocytes were found to synthesize proteins actively at the germinal vesicle, metaphase I, metaphase II, and pronuclear (6 hours post-fertilization) stages. The qualitative pattern components being synthesized in vitro, as demonstrated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, changed throughout maturation and fertilization. Oocytes were arrested at metaphase I by greater than 0.1 mug/ml cycloheximide or actinomycin D. The protein pattern in oocytes cultured in the presence of actinomycin D progresses to a metaphase II pattern in spite of the nuclear maturation arrest, indicating a dissociation between meiotic maturation and the changes in the pattern of proteins synthesized at different stages of maturation.
The role of combination therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Medical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) attempts to duplicate the known benefits of prostatectomy without the associated morbidity. The major goals of treatment for BPH include the relief of bothersome voiding symptoms and the prevention of disease progression. Despite the abundance of clinical data regarding the medical treatment for BPH during the past 20 years, a consensus regarding the best treatment regimen has not been reached. Recently, data from the largest randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled trial (MTOPS) evaluating the long-term progression of BPH-related voiding dysfunction were released. After a mean follow-up time of more than 4 years, combination therapy with a receptor antagonists (ARA) and 5-a reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) was found to be superior to monotherapy, with ARA or 5-ARI for the prevention of BPH-related disease progression. These compelling data from the MTOPS group should be considered when initiating a medical treatment plan for patients with BPH-related voiding dysfunction.
Finite regions of attraction for the problem of Lur'e.

Finite regions of attraction of equilibrium for problem of Lure analyzed using Liapunov functions
Fuchs-Kliewer phonon spectrum of Co3O4(110) single crystal surfaces by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy

Abstract The Fuchs–Kliewer phonon spectrum of single crystal Co3O4(110) has been analyzed by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and the four fundamental phonon losses have been identified at 26.8, 47.5, 71.1 and 84.7 meV (216, 383, 573 and 683 cm−1). This is the first HREELS study reported for an intrinsic spinel single-crystal surface with primary focus on the Fuchs–Kliewer phonon structure. The Co3O4 crystal is first characterized by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), which establish the composition, cleanliness, and order of the (110) surface. Electron scattering is then used to obtain a series of well-resolved Fuchs–Kliewer phonon spectra over 2.25–14.25 eV incident electron energy range. The variation in phonon intensity with primary beam energy is shown to agree with that predicted by dielectric theory.
Controlling radiation exposure during interventional procedures in childhood cancer patients

Many pediatric cancer patients undergo multiple diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic procedures over the course of their illnesses and are therefore at high risk for radiation exposure. There are a variety of measures that radiologists can employ to reduce this risk. These include limiting the use of radiation whenever possible, using specific strategies to reduce radiation exposure during interventional procedures, using quality assurance programs to ensure compliance, and maintaining continuing staff radiation safety educational programs. Some of the diagnostic and therapeutic interventional radiologic procedures that are performed in pediatric oncology patients are discussed here, along with specific tips for managing radiation exposure.
Synthesis of a Base-Free Hafnium Nitride from N2 Cleavage: A Versatile Platform for Dinitrogen Functionalization

The synthesis and characterization of a metastable, base-free isocyanato dihafnocene μ-nitrido complex from CO-induced dinitrogen cleavage is described. The open coordination site at hafnium suggested the possibility of functionalization of the nitrogen atom by cycloaddition and insertion chemistry. Addition of the strained, activated alkyne, cyclooctyne, resulted in N–C bond formation by cycloaddition. The alkyne product is kinetically unstable engaging the terminal hafnocene isocyanate and promoting deoxygenation and additional N–C bond formation resulting in a substituted cyanamide ligand. Group transfer between hafnium centers was observed upon treatment with Me3SiCl resulting in bridging carbodiimidyl ligands. Amidinato-type ligands, [NC(R)N]3– were prepared by addition of either cyclohexyl or isobutyronitrile to the base free dihafnocene μ-nitrido complex, which also engages in additional N–C bond formation with the terminal isocyanate to form bridging ureate-type ligands. Heterocummulenes also prov...
Transmission of viral RNA and DNA to maize kernels by vascular puncture inoculation

Vascular puncture inoculation (VPI) is an effective technique for transmission of maize viruses without using arthropods or other biological vectors. It involves using a jeweler's engraving tool to push minuten pins through a droplet of virus inoculum toward the major vascular bundle in the scutellum of germinating kernels. Here, VPI is shown to be useful for introducing RNA and DNA viral genomes into maize. Maize dwarf mosaic potyvirus (MDMV) virions, MDMV genomic RNA, foxtail mosaic potexvirus (FoMV) genomic RNA and maize streak geminivirus (MSV) DNA were introduced into kernels by VPI, and infection rates determined. At high concentrations, both MDMV virion and genomic RNA preparations produced 100% infection of susceptible maize. However, MDMV genomic RNA was transmitted with about 100-fold lower efficiency than virions. FoMV genomic RNA and MSV DNA were transmitted at lower efficiency than the MDMV RNA, and the highest transmission rates were about 50%. Ribonuclease A pretreatment prevented genomic MDMV and FoMV RNA transmission, but not MDMV virion transmission indicating the viral RNA was the infectious entity. Proteinase K (ProK) pretreatment reduced transmission of MDMV RNA suggesting that integrity of the viral genomic protein bound covalently to the viral RNA may be important for efficient transmission.
The Importance and Challenges of Being Interesting

What is the most frequent reason why manuscripts get rejected? Inappropriate samples? Faulty measures? Weak results? In reflecting on my experiences as a reviewer, the most common reason I see for manuscripts not being accepted is the size of the contribution. Every manuscript has its methods-related limitations, and certainly some of these can render even the most provocative idea unpublishable. At the end of the day, however, the publishability of a manuscript often comes down to weighing the inevitable methods-related flaws against its contribution. For the purposes of this discussion, by contribution I am referring to how interesting and provocative the central points of a manuscript happen to be. How inherently interesting an idea is has long been recognized as being important in advancing theory in a given field. Social scientist and philosopher Murray Davis (1971) observed that “a theorist is great not because his theories are true, but because they are interesting. In fact, the truth of a theory has very little to do with its impact” (p. 309). But unfortunately, developing interesting ideas and crafting interesting manuscripts is no simple feat. Here, I offer a few humble suggestions to authors, reviewers, and even editors, regarding their roles in elevating the “interesting quotient” of literature in our field.
Aspects of Zuni Prehistory: Preliminary Report on Excavations and Survey in the El Morro Valley of New Mexico

Abstract Preliminary assessment of survey and excavation data suggest that major shifts occurred regionally in settlement patterns within El Morro Valley during the last half of the 13th century A.C. Clusters of small masonry pueblos on ridge tops are replaced by a few, large, defensible pueblos; then the valley is abandoned early in the 14th century. Intensification of intercommunity warfare is postulated in attempting to explain these shifts, and our results are compared with those of earlier workers (especially Leslie Spier and Richard Woodbury) to arrive at a tentative cultural-historical outline culminating in Zuni settlement of the Cities of Cibola.
Clinical management of infants and newborn babies undergoing major surgery utilizing a rapid infusion device

Summary In this paper we describe the perioperative management of a premature infant who underwent excision of a giant sacrococcygeal teratoma, a newborn infant who had a partial hepatectomy for a haemangioendothelioma of the liver and an 18-month-old infant who had repair of abdominal aortic, renal and iliac arterial aneurysms. In each case a rapid infusion device was used to deliver warm, washed and ventilated blood to replace massive intraoperative blood loss. Although the blood loss in each operation was in excess of twice the total blood volume of the patient, losses were replaced effectively with the rapid infusion device without any significant hypovolaemic episodes. Successful management of newborn babies and infants undergoing surgery with large and potentially hazardous blood loss can be provided using the rapid infusion device. Paediatric anaesthesiologists should strongly consider using this technology when caring for a baby or infant during surgery where massive haemorrhage may occur.
The decline in attentional visual fields over time among older participants in the Salisbury Eye Evaluation Driving Study.

PURPOSE The loss of attentional visual field (AVF) has been linked to poor mobility and car crashes. We investigated the risk factors associated with a decrease in AVF over time among participants in the Salisbury Eye Evaluation Driving Study (SEEDS). METHODS In a longitudinal cohort of 968 individuals ages 67 to 87, demographic, medical, visual, and cognitive factors were obtained at baseline (2005-2006) and follow-up (2007-2008) using structured medical questionnaires and onsite examinations. Using the standard deviation for the difference in AVF over 2 years of 4.3°, two subgroups were created: Those who lost 5° or more in two years and those who had no loss (i.e., loss of 5° or less, or no loss). Age-adjusted and multivariate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for each explanatory factor were determined using logistic regression. RESULTS The overall change in AVF was -0.34° (SD = 4.32), which was a significant decline from baseline. of the population, 14% lost 5° or more of AVF. The following determinants were associated with a minimum loss of 5° over 2 years: female sex (OR = 1.59, P = 0.03), history of stroke (OR = 1.90, P = 0.03), depression (OR = 1.07, P = 0.02), a lower baseline Trails A and B scores (OR = 1.09, P = 0.003 and OR = 1.02, P = 0.02, respectively), and lower baseline visual acuity (OR = 1.21, P = 0.03). In addition, decline was related to a lower baseline measure of auditory attention (OR = 1.14, P = 0.007) and lower baseline visual fields in the central 20° (OR = 1.24, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Loss in AVF over time is related independently to decrements in cognition and vision. The higher odds of loss in female subjects, independent of these factors, deserves further research.
Invariance-based on-line test for RTL controller-datapath circuits

We present a low-cost on-line test methodology for RTL controller-datapath pairs, based on the notion of path invariance. The fundamental observation supporting the proposed methodology is that the transparency behavior inherent in RTL components renders rich sources of invariance in a design. Furthermore, the algorithmic controller-datapath interaction provides additional sources of invariance. A judicious selection and combination of modular transparency, based on the algorithm implemented by the controller-datapath pair, yields a powerful set of invariant paths. Such paths enable a simple, yet very efficient on-line test capability, achieving fault security in excess of 90% while keeping the hardware overhead below 40% on complicated, difficult to test, benchmarks.
Effect of Intracerebroventricular Insulin Infusion on Diabetic Hyperphagia and Hypothalamic Neuropeptide Gene Expression

To test the hypothesis that diabetic hyperphagia results from insulin deficiency in the brain, diabetic rats (streptozotocin-induced) were given an intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of saline or insulin (at a dose that did not affect plasma glucose levels) for 6 days. Food and water intake were significantly increased in diabetic rats, but only food intake was affected by ICV insulin. Diabetic hyperphagia was reduced 58% by ICV insulin compared with ICV saline (P < 0.05) and was accompanied by a 69% increase in diabetes-induced weight loss (P < 0.05). To evaluate whether central nervous system (CNS) insulin deficiency affects expression of neuropeptides involved in food intake, in situ hybridization was done for neuropeptide Y (NPY), which stimulates feeding, in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and for cholecystokinin (CCK) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which inhibit feeding, in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. In diabetic rats, NPY mRNA hybridization increased 280% (P < 0.05), an effect reduced 40% by ICV insulin (P < 0.05). CCK mRNA hybridization increased 50% in diabetic rats (P < 0.05), a response reduced slightly by ICV insulin (P < 0.05), whereas CRH mRNA hybridization decreased 33% in diabetic rats (P < 0.05) and was unchanged by ICV insulin. The results demonstrate that CNS infusion of insulin to diabetic rats reduces both hyperphagia and overexpression of hypothalamic NPY mRNA. This observation supports the hypothesis that a deficiency of insulin in the brain is an important cause of diabetic hyperphagia and that increased hypothalamic NPY gene expression contributes to this phenomenon.
Dorsomedial SCN neuronal subpopulations subserve different functions in human dementia

The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) are necessary and sufficient for the maintenance of circadian rhythms in primate and other mammalian species. The human dorsomedial SCN contains populations of non-species-specific vasopressin and species-specific neurotensin neurons. We made time-series recordings of core body temperature and locomotor activity in 19 elderly, male, end-stage dementia patients and 8 normal elderly controls. Following the death of the dementia patients, neuropathological diagnostic information and tissue samples from the hypothalamus were obtained. Hypothalamic tissue was also obtained from eight normal control cases that had not had activity or core temperature recordings previously. Core temperature was analysed for parametric, circadian features, and activity was analysed for non-parametric and parametric circadian features. These indices were then correlated with the degree of degeneration seen in the SCN (glia/neuron ratio) and neuronal counts from the dorsomedial SCN (vasopressin, neurotensin). Specific loss of SCN neurotensin neurons was associated with loss of activity and temperature amplitude without increase in activity fragmentation. Loss of SCN vasopressin neurons was associated with increased activity fragmentation but not loss of amplitude. Evidence for a circadian rhythm of vasopressinergic activity was seen in the dementia cases but no evidence was seen for a circadian rhythm in neurotensinergic activity. These results provide evidence that the SCN is necessary for the maintenance of the circadian rhythm in humans, information on the role of neuronal subpopulations in subserving this function and the utility of dementia in elaborating brain-behaviour relationships in the human.
The emotive neuroscience of embodiment.

Embodiment in psychological research and theory often refers to the idea that the body plays a crucial role in emotive, motivational, and cognitive processes. We review past and recent embodiment research, focusing on neuroscientific work. In particular, we review a growing body of evidence supporting the notion that manipulated facial expressions, hand contractions, and changes in physical posture influence physiological activity related to approach motivation or the inclination to move toward a stimulus. Several other perspectives are also considered, such as work related to facial-feedback theories of emotion, theories of grounded or embodied cognition, and mirror neuron research. Ultimately, we conclude that bi-directionality may exist between certain bodily movements and other components of approach- or avoidance-related emotions. Avenues for new research are considered given these implications.
Use of monoclonal antibodies to analyze peripheral blood and salivary gland lymphocyte subsets in sjögren's syndrome

Using monoclonal antibodies to cell surface antigens, we studied lymphocyte subsets in 15 patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. The absolute number of OKT8-positive cells (reactive with T suppressor/cytotoxic cells) was significantly decreased in such patients (353 +/- 186/mm3) compared to age-matched controls (631 +/- 150/mm3) (P less than 0.001). The number of OKT4-positive cells (reactive with T helper/inducer cells) was comparable in both groups (932 +/- 588/mm3 versus 1.073 +/- 290/mm3). The ratio of OKT4/OKT8-reactive peripheral blood lymphocytes was increased (greater than 2.4) in 67% of these patients and ranged from 1.0 to 6.4 (normal = 1.8 +/- 0.3). OKT4-positive cells were the predominant subset in lip biopsy specimens stained with immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase techniques; the OKT4/OKT8 ratio exceeded 3.0 in all 5 patients examined. In 1 patient with pseudolymphoma, a lymph node biopsy specimen contained 80% T cells with an OKT4/OKT8 ratio of 3.2. Thus, OKT4-positive cells predominated in the peripheral blood lymphocytes as well as in sites of inflammation in primary Sjogren's syndrome. The decreased number of OKT8-positive cells in primary Sjogren's syndrome was probably not caused by circulating autoantibody, since patients' sera did not react with normal OKT8-positive cells. Functional studies using pokeweed mitogen demonstrated that T helper cell activity for immunoglobulin synthesis was contained in the OKT4-positive subset in both normal and patients' peripheral blood lymphocytes. Removal of OKT8-positive cells by complement-mediated lysis did not lead to increased immunoglobulin synthesis or production of rheumatoid factor. The identification of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets by use of monoclonal antibodies and the relationship of these subsets to tissue infiltrates and autoantibody production provide further insight into the pathogenesis of primary Sjogren's syndrome.
Incentive Alignment and Risk Perception: An Information Security Application

Technologies and procedures for effectively securing the enterprise in cyberspace exist, but are largely underdeployed. Reasons for this shortcoming include the neglect of the role of stakeholder perceptions in organizational reward systems, and misaligned incentives for effective allocation of resources. We present a methodology for practitioners to employ, with examples for identification of perverse incentives—situations where the interests of a manager or employee are not aligned with those of the organization—and for estimation of the damage caused by incentive misalignment. We present our revision to the risk perception model developed by Fischhoff and Slovic. We also present the results of our findings from our interviews of 42 information security executives across the U.S. about the role of risk perception and incentives in information security decisions. We discuss how to identify and to correct misalignments, to develop efficient incentive structures, and to include perceptual principles and security governance in making information security a property of the organizational environment. This research contributes to the practice and theory of information security, and has several implications for practitioners and researchers in the alignment of incentives and symmetrization of information across organizations.
Blind guidance using mobile computer vision: a usability study

We present a study focusing on the usability of a wayfinding and localization system for persons with visual impairment. This system uses special color markers, placed at key locations in the environment, that can be detected by a regular camera phone. Three blind participants tested the system in various indoor locations and under different system settings. Quantitative performance results are reported.
Resource allocation for signal detection with active sensors

We consider the problem of determining the existence of known constant signals over a set of sites, given noisy measurements obtained by a team of active sensors that can switch between different sites. Since the quality of detection depends on the time that the sensors allocate at every site, maximizing the total detection probability relies on selecting the sites and possibly the order in which these should be monitored. When the switching time between sites is negligible, as in steerable camera networks, we show that optimizing the global detection performance for a team of sensors with uncorrelated measurement noise is a convex problem. On the other hand, for significant switching times, which can be due to path planning for mobile robots in surveillance missions, the detection problem can be approximated by an integer program, known as the orienteering problem. Due to its hardness, even small instances of this problem are difficult to solve. Focusing on the single sensor problem, we propose a heuristic that employs the well studied traveling salesman problem to determine an optimal sequence of sites that maximizes the available time for detection. We finally show that when the switching penalties can be captured by a constraint on the number of sites to be observed, then submodularity of the unconstrained performance objective results in an effective greedy algorithm for selecting these sites.
Comparing Floor-Dominated and Party- Dominated Explanations of Policy Change in the House of Representatives

We test two explanations of the legislative process for their ability to account for the ideological pattern of policy change produced by bills enacted by the House of Representatives, 1953–1996. The Floor-Dominated explanation argues that the floor's median member largely determines legislative outcomes, while the Party-Dominated explanation claims that power for the majority party. We develop three measures of the ideological pattern of policy change and independent variables that reflect the predictions of the two explanations. While we find support for both explanations, the greater significance, both substantively and statistically, of the Party-Dominated explanation leads us to conclude that the House's agenda-setting process is largely controlled by the majority party.
Bridges connecting computer science and calculus

An experimental course is highlighted which helps to bridge the gap between Computer Science and Calculus and which educates students on the contributions of females and minorities in the fields of both Computer Science and Mathematics. The paper addresses the structure and content of such a course that was developed to help students perform better in Calculus. Also included are interventions designed specifically to increase the retention of students in Computer Science. Data is presented that is relevant to understanding the effectiveness of the course.