cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Premature Ventricular Complexes and Premature Ventricular Complex Induced Cardiomyopathy

Presentation, prognosis, and management of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) vary significantly among patients and depend on PVC characteristics as well as patient comorbidities. Presentation can range from incidental discovery in an asymptomatic patient to debilitating heart failure. Prognosis depends on, among other factors, the presence or absence of structural heart disease, PVC burden and other factors detailed in this review. Our understanding of the clinical significance of frequent PVCs, particularly as it relates to development of cardiomyopathy, has advanced greatly in the past decade. In this article, we explore the mechanisms governing PVC initiation and discuss prevalence and frequency of PVCs in the general population. We also explore prognostic implications based on PVC frequency as well as the presence or absence of underlying heart disease. We then take a focused look at PVC-induced cardiomyopathy and identify predictors for developing cardiomyopathy. Finally, we discuss clinical evaluation and management of patients presenting with frequent PVCs. Management can include clinical observation, addressing reversible causes, lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, or catheter ablation.
Hydroacoustic detection of volcanic activity on the Gorda Ridge, February–March 1996

Abstract Beginning at 0700 GMT on 28 February 1996, intense seismicity was detected in the northeast Pacific Ocean using the T-phase Monitoring System developed by NOAA/PMEL to access the U.S. Navy’s SOund SUrveillance System (SOSUS) in the North Pacific. The event was preliminarily located on the northernmost segment of the Gorda Ridge near 42.67°N and 126.8°W, in the vicinity of the ridge segment high (“narrowgate”). The nature of the seismicity was similar to that observed in June 1993 at the CoAxial segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge, which was later documented to be a lateral magma injection with subsequent eruption. Due to several gaps in the data, the detection information was not as comprehensive as during the CoAxial event, but an initial migration of epicenters from the narrowgate area down rift is inferred based on arrival bearings from a single array; there is evidence for an additional diking event on the second and third day of activity. There is also indication of a concentration of epicenters located near 42.6°N, as occurred during the CoAxial episode at what was later determined to be an eruption site. Examination of T-wave rise times generally supports this interpretation. Based on the nature and duration of the activity, a response effort was initiated, which later confirmed hot-water plumes and fresh lava flows at the site. Based on both hydroacoustic information and field observations, it is proposed that the episode began with a lateral dike injection, possibly with eruptive activity in the summit region, followed by multiple magma pulses and eventual focusing of the seismic activity and extrusion near 42.6′N.
In vitro metabolism of C-14 labeled beta-carotene.

SummaryTen to 20% of β-carotene was destroyed by incubating C-14 labeled β-carotene with various tissues from the rat. All tissues studied had the ability to transfer radioactivity from β-carotene to sterols, saponifiable material and steam-distillable compound or compounds. ATP, DPN, nicotinamide and MgCl2 were cofactors that increased β-carotene destruction by cell-free homogenates. A negligible amount of CO2 was liberated during incubation.The author thanks Mrs. Phyllis Spiker for technical assistance.
Alterations in Glucose Disposal in Sleep-disordered Breathing

Rationale: It is well established that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is independently associated with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, data on whether SDB alters in vivo kinetics of glucose and insulin are lacking.Objectives: The primary goal of this study was to use the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) in subjects with and without SDB to model the in vivo kinetics of glucose and insulin. Minimal model analysis of the FSIVGTT data was used to derive parameters of insulin sensitivity, glucose effectiveness (a measure of the ability of glucose to mediate its own disposal), and pancreatic β-cell function.Results: A total of 118 nondiabetic subjects underwent polysomnography, the FSIVGTT, and body composition measurements including determination of percent body fat. Compared with normal subjects (apnea-hypopnea index < 5 events/h), those with mild, moderate, and severe SDB displayed a 26.7, 36.5 and 43.7% reduction in insulin sen...
Evolutionary thinking in the history of the comparative psychology of learning

Abstract Darwin's theory of evolution initially inspired researchers to search for intelligence in animals. The early work was dominated by the assumption that intelligence is qualitatively the same in all species, and that it is meaningful to compare all species in the same situation or situations. This assumption persisted through the “learning theory” era, even when interest had faded in species comparisons. Even today there has not yet been an adequate test of the assumption that intelligence is qualitatively the same across species and situations. Interest has returned, however, to a second implication of evoluation: We should expect to find not only similarities among species, but also divergences and adaptation to specific problems. Some speculations are offered regarding implications for human intelligence.
BALANCING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION

Abstract Religious freedom is becoming a universal aspiration, but the concept may mean different things in different countries. Therefore, religious freedom implementation methods and proselytizing methods need to be contextually specific. The principle of individual religious freedom is in tension with the right of indigenous people to protect their culture from external pressure. The U.S. can exhibit emergent global denominationalism-a social system where religious groups respect other faiths while defending and promoting their own truth claims. In the long run, the U.S. may accomplish more through an exemplary society than through religious freedom foreign policy measures.
Micelle formation by ionic surfactants. I. Two phase model, Gouy-Chapman model, hydrophobic interactions

Abstract Two different approaches to the equilibrium between monomers and micelles in ionic detergent solutions are discussed. One is the formation of a new micelle, subject to an equilibrium condition in terms of “integral” quantities; the other is growth of an existing micelle, described by an equilibrium equation containing “differential” quantities. The latter equation is similar to the customary condition of equilibrium between macroscopic phases, except for an additional, non-negligible term which depends explicitly on the micelle size. The extra term shows that the usual treatment of micelles as a separate phase is thermodynamically incorrect. The theory is applied to experimental data of critical micelle concentration (cmc) and average micelle size of dodecyl ammonium chloride and sodium alkyl sulfates in aqueous sodium chloride solutions. Calculations based on the Gouy-Chapman model yield the electrical terms. The remainder in the equilibrium equations gives the nonelectrical, standard-state free energy changes. The degree of consistency between the integral and the differential results shows that the Gouy-Chapman model is not unsatisfactory. However, the comparison of results for anionic and cationic detergents reveals an unexplained difference of about 1 kT per micellized ion. The residual free energy change obtained from the equilibrium equations is attributed mainly to hydrophobic interactions. In the C8 to C12 series of the alkyl sulfates it is found that this free energy change is proportional to the change of hydrocarbon-water contact area in micelle formation. This proportionality does not hold for the ellipsoidal model of large micelles, but only for the more realistic model of a cylinder with a half sphere at each end.
Confirming schizotypic personality configurations in hypothetically psychosis-prone university students

Abstract The personality features of hypothetically psychosis-prone (or schizotypic) subjects were examined. Schizotypic ( n = 32) and control ( n = 44) subjects were identified within a pool of 726 randomly ascertained nonclinical university students who had completed the Perceptual Aberration Scale (PAS) during a large-scale screening study. Approximately 4–6 months after the initial screening, the schizotypic and control subjects completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Schizotypic subjects as a group displayed an average MMPI profile consistent with schizotypic personality features, whereas the control subjects did not. Moreover, multivariate profile analysis revealed that the schizotypic group MMPI profile differed significantly in shape from the control group profile. Finally, schizophrenia-related MMPI high-point codes were five times as prevalent among the PAS-identified schizotypic subjects as among the controls. The results suggest that the PAS identifies individuals who show schizotypic personality MMPI configurations and may carry a latent vulnerability for schizophrenia or, more broadly, psychosis.
Emerging infectious diseases and professional integrity : Thoughts for the new millennium

Abstract The challenges of infection control can put the professional in conflict with political, legal, or administrative authorities. What is likely to be effective infection control policy may not be popular institutional policy. Economic implications of an outbreak investigation or infection control strategy may dominate a debate that should be informed by the greatest good for the public. Privacy concerns, legal liability fears, economic disincentives, and failures to confront issues that are embarrassing for the institution inhibit public health professionals whose helpful insights can protect the public health only when accompanied by policy change. We discuss key issues that can inhibit effective infection control responses, highlighting that personal and professional integrity is as vital a feature of disease control in the new millennium as it has been throughout the history of infection prevention and control. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 1999;27:497-9)
Solid-State Fluorescence of Aromatic Dicarboxamides. Dependence upon Crystal Packing

The fluorescence of six secondary arenedicarboxamides has been investigated in single crystals, powders, melts, and ethanol solution. Single crystals of four rodlike arenedicarboxamides which pack in one-dimensional tapes display dual emission attributed to excited-state monomers and dimers. These tapes have a constant 5-A separation between the long axes of neighboring arenes but differ in the arene−arene dihedral angle. The frequency shift between monomer and dimer fluorescence and the intensity and vibronic structure of the dimer emission are dependent upon the ground-state geometry. Single crystals of two naphthalenedicarboxamides which pack in two-dimensional sheets and have no close contacts between neighboring arenes within the same sheet display only monomer emission. Melted and resolidified samples display broad structureless emission attributed to fluorescence from a mixture of excited monomers and dimers with different ground-state geometries.
Antibody and Plant Agglutinins stimulate Phagocytosis of Erythrocytes by Acanthamoeba

AXENICALLY grown Acanthamoebae phagocytose in simple media a wide variety of particulates while exercising particle discrimination1, and for studies of particle recognition they provide a useful alternative to vertebrate phagocytes2. We have shown that the uptake of sheep erythrocytes (SE) by the amoebae is increased by antibody to the red cells, as with mammalian macrophages. However, the mechanism of opsonization by antibody seems to differ in this case. Furthermore, ingestion of SE by the amoeba was enhanced by plant agglutinins.
Separation of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-Releasing Factor from Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Factor

Sheep stalk-median eminence extract was subjected to gel filtration on a long (150×4.5 cm) column of Sephadex G-25 in 0.1M ammonium acetate. FSH-releasing activity was evaluated by the change in plasma FSH activity induced by intravenous injection of fractions into ovariectomized, estrogen progesterone-blocked rats. LH release was determined by ovarian ascorbic acid depletion produced in immature test rats pretreated with gonadotrophins. A sharp peak of FSHreleasing activity was found in fractions which were eluted from the column before the LHreleasing and pressor zones. Although the LHreleasing area overlapped the descending limb of the FSH-releasing curve, the 2 peaks were distinctly separated. A dose response relationship was demonstrated for both FSH and LH release with certain active fractions. It was concluded that sheep hypothalamic extract contains discrete FSH- and LH-releasing factors. (Endocrinology 76: 290, 1965)
The Prescription Pill Paradox: Nurse Practitioners' Perceptions About Direct-to-Consumer Advertising

ABSTRACTDirect marketing of prescription medications to consumers through mass media has burgeoned in recent years, accompanied by significant interest in how this advertising affects patients and their health care providers. The purpose of this study is to add to the body of literature on direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) by investigating through a series of in-depth qualitative interviews the perceptions of a population of health care professionals who have largely been neglected in prior studies: nurse practitioners (NPs). Five broad, yet apparent, themes emerged from analysis of the interviews about DTCA with 11 NPs practicing in a variety of specialty areas: communication effects, DTCA learning, quick fix, destigmatization, and paradoxes. These themes, and their implications, are discussed in detail.
Applying pair programming for advanced Java course: a different approach

Pair programming is a practice in which two programmers work collaboratively on a computer program, using one computer. They work together in analysis, design, coding and testing of the computer program. Research indicates that this practice result in higher quality code. The IT program at the University of Cincinnati has a freshmen Computer programming sequence, of three courses. The programming language used in the course is Java. The author used pair programming in the third course of the sequence. In industry, pair programming usually involves pairing an experience programmer with a novice programmer. However, the author took a different approach. She paired the students with similar skill level, background and personality. This poster will summarize the authors' experience in applying pair programming.
Pseudopotential calculation of the mass enhancement and superconducting transition temperature of simple metals

A calculation is presented of the electron-phonon mass-enhancement parameter $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ and the superconducting transition temperature ${T}_{c}$ for sixteen simple metals plus Ca, Sr, and Ba. Empirical pseudopotentials and phonon spectra are used to calculate the electron-phonon coupling in a one-orthogonalized-plane-wave approximation using a spherical model of the phonons and the Fermi surface. Umklapp processes are explicitly evaluated. Calculated values of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ are compared with values of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ extracted from ${T}_{c}$ and with values of the enhancement of the density of states at the Fermi surface as measured by the low-temperature specific heat. Excellent agreement is found for the divalent hexagonal metals, using empirical nonlocal pseudopotentials. Satisfactory agreement is found for the other simple metals. It is predicted that Li and Mg should be superconducting at low temperatures. The calculated results are also compared with a simple model for $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ due to McMillan, and the simple model is used to discuss the occurrence of superconductivity in the Periodic Table.
Rolling Mill Reel Drives

During the past few years there has been significant progress in the technology and hardware available to the electrical engineer. Accordingly, drive capabilities and limitations have changed, justifying a restating of application criteria pertaining to reel drives. As an aid in specifying and utilizing reel drives, this paper discusses application techniques and guides based on today's technology.
Interface stability in a slowly rotating low-gravity tank Theory

The equilibrium configuration of a bubble in a rotating liquid confined by flat axial boundaries (baffles) is found. The maximum baffle spacing assuring bubble confinement is bounded from above by the natural length of a bubble in an infinite medium under the same conditions. Effects of nonzero contact angle are minimal. The problem of dynamic stability is posed. It can be solved in the limit of rapid rotation, for which the bubble is a long cylinder. Instability is to axisymmetric perturbations; nonaxisymmetric perturbations are stable. The stability criterion agrees with earlier results.
THE MOSES-PREDOHL PULL AND THE LOCATION DECISION OF THE FIRM*

This paper exploits the two-stage approach and the envelope theorem to examine the role of the Moses-Predhol pull in the cost-minimizing location theory of the firm. It shows that the two-stage approach introduces the Moses-Predohl pull into the first-order conditions. The Moses-Predohl pull is shown to be equal to zero through the envelope theorem. These results show why the assertions of Bossert and Buhl (1986) concerning Kusumoto (1984,1985) are incorrect.
Uses and effects of learner control of context and instructional support in computer-based instruction

The present study examines uses and effects of learner-control of the context or theme of practice examples on a statistics lesson in combination with learner control of the number of examples examined. Subjects were 227 undergraduate students assigned to 15 treatments formed by crossing five context conditions (learner control, education, business, sports, no-context) with three instructional support conditions (learner-control, maximum, minimum). No differences in achievement were attained as a function of either treatment variable. Findings showed, however, that learners who received preferred contexts (i.e., learner-control-context subjects) selected a greater number of examples than those who received prescribed contexts. In addition, achievement was positively related to the frequency with which subjects varied the number of examples selected across lessons. Despite the absence of achievement benefits, the learner-control-context strategy elicited highly favorable student reactions as a learning orientation.
Electromagnetic field calculations for the low frequency eddy current testing of tubular products

Low frequency eddy current technique, known as remote field eddy current (RFEC) technique, is being widely used for the nondestructive testing (NDT) of metallic tubes. Despite the early recognition, advantages and successful application in the in-situ inspection of oil well casings this technique lacked the development of an adequate theoretical base to help understand its complex phenomenon. Theoretical simulation of a practical RFEC geometry (moving probe inside a flawed tube) is described in this paper through the application of finite element numerical analysis technique. The predicted RFEC output traces show a higher and constant detection sensitivity irrespective of flaw depth, flaw location (ID or OD) and location of the sensor within the remote field zone.
Temperature acclimation of upper and lower thermal limits and freeze resistance in the nonindigenous brown mussel, Perna perna (L.), from the Gulf of Mexico

Acute and chronic upper and lower thermal limits and freeze resistance were investigated in the nonindigenous brown mussel, Perna perna, from the Texas Gulf of Mexico coast in order to assess its potential distribution in North American coastal waters. This species' long-term, incipient lower and upper thermal limits were 7.5°C and 30°C, congruent with the seasonal ambient water temperature range of 10–30°C reported for other populations worldwide. Effects of temperature acclimation and individual size on survival time were most pronounced on chronic exposures to lethal temperatures approaching incipient lower or upper thermal limits. When exposed to temperature increasing at 0.1°C min–1, the acute upper lethal limit was 44°C regardless of acclimation temperature or individual size. P. perna had a limited freeze resistance, being intolerant of emersion at –2.5°C. This species' narrow incipient thermal limits, limited capacity for temperature acclimation and poor freeze resistance may account for its restriction to subtidal and lower eulittoral zones of cooler subtropical rocky shores. Near extinction of P. perna from Texas Gulf of Mexico waters occurred in the summer of 1997 when mean surface-water temperatures approached its incipient upper limit of 30°C.
Estimating Service Lives of Organic Vapor Cartridges

Procedures were developed for estimating service lives of air-purifying organic vapor respirator cartridges, including methods for untested compounds and use conditions (concentration, temperature, and airflow rate). Correlations of adsorption capacities and adsorption-rate coefficients based on equilibrium and breakthrough curve data were reviewed. These correlations were combined using the Reaction Kinetic (modified Wheeler) equation to estimate breakthrough times. The proposed estimation procedure showed 95% confidence intervals of up to ±50% when no breakthrough data were assumed. It is shown how even limited breakthrough curve data for one vapor/carbon combination can be used to substantially improve accuracy of the estimation. Only dry conditions (below 50% relative humidity) have been considered so far.
Mass Media Use and the "Revolution of Rising Frustrations" A Reconsideration of the Theory

Lerner's hypothesis of a "revolution of rising frustrations" as expectations generated by mass media outraced economic growth in developing countries has been widely accepted. Yet neither existing data nor much of current thinking about mass media social effects would support such a theory. In a three-year panel study of EI Salvadoran junior high school students, the relationship of early mass media use to subsequent change in social expectation is traced. Clear evidence related an increase in educational and occupational aspirations and a decrease in desire to live in an urban area to increased television exposure. These results were interpreted to suggest that media affects expectation only insofar as other elements of the social environment reinforce such changes.
Stimulation of urinary acidification by aldosterone and inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis.

Urinary acidification by the urinary bladder of the toad (Bufo marinus) was stimulated, relative to control, by thein vitro addition of aldosterone (10−7m), actinomycin D (20 μg/ml), puromycin (80 μg/ml) or cycloheximide (5 μg/ml). The action of the inhibitors of RNA or protein synthesis was not additive with that of aldosterone. This is opposite to the situation with Na+ transport, where the stimulation by aldosterone is abolished by the same concentrations of these inhibitors. That all agents enhanced urinary acidification was verified by: (i) measurement of RSCC (reverse short-circuit current) in the absence of Na+ transport, (ii) inhibition of RSCC by acetazolamide, an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, and (iii) direct measurement of the pH change of the mucosal (urinary) fluid. As in the case of Na+ transport, spirolactone inhibited the action of aldosterone. Although not a unique model, the apparent paradoxical mimicry of aldosterone's stimulation of urinary acidification may be explained by a model which includes action of aldosterone and the inhibitors via their known effects on RNA and protein synthesis.
Prophylactic blood patch performed prior to continuous epidural analgesia

Two cases of inadvertent dural puncture in patients at high risk for dural puncture headache are presented. These patients were managed with an immediate epidural blood patch through a catheter placed at another level with placement of this catheter occurring immediately following the dural puncture. Following the blood patch, the patients were anesthetized with the epidural catheter being used for supplementation of the general anesthetic and for postoperative pain management. Neither patient required further management of a dural puncture headache nor did it appear that the blood interfered with the patients receiving adequate postoperative analgesia through the use of this epidural catheter.
A man-made hot spring on the ocean floor

An instrument package emplaced in a deep-sea drill hole for the Glomar Challenger measured a rise in temperature at the bottom of the hole from 78°C shortly after drilling to 150°C after 42 days. The increase, not predicted by temperature measurements made before and during the drilling, is probably the result of hot water rising from below and flowing out of the hole into the ocean. We describe here this first recorded man-made hot spring on the ocean floor.
Arthroscopic elbow findings: correlation with preoperative radiographic studies.

Abstract Correlation between arthroscopic findings and preoperative radio-graphic studies (plain radiographs and arthrotomograms) was performed in a consecutive series of 37 elbows. Arthrotomograms added significant diagnostic information unavailable from plain radiographs alone, thereby improving the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic efficiency (accuracy) in the evaluation of elbow joint surface changes, marginal spurs, and loose bodies. Arthrotomograms gave 85% accuracy for bone spurs, 89% accuracy for joint surface abnormalities, and 89% accuracy for loose bodies (88% accuracy overall), whereas plain radiographs demonstrated 69% accuracy for bone spurs, 71% accuracy for joint surface abnormalities, and 75% accuracy for loose bodies (72% accuracy overall). The arthrotomograms had 100% sensitivity for loose bodies as well as a 100% negative predictive value for loose bodies. Arthrotomograms are indicated when additional preoperative diagnostic accuracy is necessary. These radiographic studies approached only 90% accuracy, confirming that diagnostic arthroscopy adds additional information.
Silastic intubation of the nasolacrimal passages.

THE use of silicone tubing for maintaining the patency of a severed lacrimal canaliculus or an obstructed nasolacrimal duct has been used since the late 1960s. A method of intubating a lacrimal drainage system with readily available materials and instruments is as follows (see Figure): The proximal end of a severed canaliculus is found. A blunt 22-gauge needle is passed through the canaliculus into the nasolacrimal duct and into the nose. A 3-0 monofilament nylon suture is then passed through the cannula into the nose. Fine forceps are used to grasp the suture beneath the inferior turbinate as it protrudes from the cannula. The cannula is withdrawn leaving the suture in the canaliculus and nasolacrimal duct. The opposite canaliculus and nasolacrimal duct is similarly cannulated and a suture passed through it. Thus, two nylon sutures are in the lacrimal passages.
Polysialic acid at the cell surface: Biophysics in service of cell interactions and tissue plasticity

Polysialic acid (PSA) is a long polymer of negatively-charged sialic acid associated with the neural cell adhesion molecule. PSA serves as a potent negative regulator of cell interactions via its unusual biophysical properties. During development the abundant and regulated expression of this carbohydrate is closely correlated with axon pathfinding and targeting, and with certain aspects of muscle formation. Its level can also be modulated by synaptic activity. PSA expression is more restricted in the neonatal and adult brain, being primarily associated with regions capable of morphological or physiological changes. Studies on the function of PSA studies suggest that its primary role is to promote developmentally-controlled and activity-dependent plasticity in cell interactions and thereby facilitate changes in the structure and function of the nervous system. The presence of PSA on a variety of metastatic tumor lines has also attracted the attention of oncologists, and its late appearance in evolution raises interesting questions about the phylogeny of complex tissue formation. J. Cell Biochem. 70:304–312, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reversed Chloroquine Molecules as a Strategy to Overcome Resistance in Malaria

This short review tells the story of how Reversed Chloroquine drugs (RCQs) were developed. These are hybrid molecules, made by combining the quinoline nucleus from chloroquine (CQ) with moieties which are designed to inhibit efflux via known transporters in the membrane of the digestive vacuole of the malaria parasite. The resulting RCQ drugs can have potencies exceeding that of CQ, while at the same time having physical chemical characteristics that may make them favorable as partner drugs in combination therapies. The need for such novel antimalarial drugs will continue for the foreseeable future.
Invited review: Different conduits in peripheral nerve surgery

A considerable amount of research is being undertaken regarding the possibility of bridging loss of nerve substance with different guiding tubes, in order to improve functional outcome, reduce the surgical time, and reduce damage at donor nerve sites. A review of the literature and personal research allows us to state that: for short gaps, biological tubes (autologous veins) may give good results and also allow chemotactic attraction with selective arrangements of motor and sensory axons. Gaps longer than 1 cm do not allow tropism and are associated with failure to support axonal regrowth. Artificial biodegradable conduits still show results that are controversial; they may give good results provided that the material of which they are made is perfectly tolerated. Empty tubes, longer than 8-10 mm, besides being deprived of the chemotactic attraction, may collapse or be partially reabsorbed and replaced by scar. Probably in the near future biological or biodegradable tubes, containing laminin-like substances or muscle scaffold, will allow us to bridge increasingly large defects in nerves.
Isolation and analysis of the breakpoint sequences of chromosome inversion In(3L)Payne in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract Chromosomal rearrangements constitute a significant feature of genome evolution, and inversion polymorphisms in Drosophila have been studied intensely for decades. Population geneticists have long recognized that the sequence features associated with inversion breakpoints would reveal much about the mutational origin, uniqueness, and genealogical history of individual inversion polymorphisms, but the cloning of breakpoint sequences is not trivial. With the aid of a method for rapid recovery of DNA clones spanning rearrangement breakpoints, we recover and examine the DNA sequences spanning the breakpoints of the cosmopolitan inversion In(3L)Payne in Drosophila melanogaster. By examining the sequence diversity associated with six standard and seven inverted chromosomes from natural populations, we find that the inversion is monophyletic in origin, the sequences are genetically isolated from recombination at the breakpoints, and there is no association with features such as transposable elements. The inverted sequences show 17-fold less nucleotide polymorphism, but there are eight fixed differences in the region spanning both breakpoints. This suggests that this inversion is not recently derived. Finally, Northern analysis and transcript mapping find that the distal breakpoint has disrupted three transcripts that are normally expressed in the standard arrangement. Incidentally, the method introduced here can be used to isolate breakpoint sequences of arrangements associated with many human diseases.
Using an Optimality Index to Understand Perinatal Health Disparities: A Pilot Study With Latina Immigrants.

Purpose: This study demonstrates preliminary evidence of the utility of an optimality index as a simple tool for monitoring complications across the perinatal period. Method: The medical records of 147 Latina women participating in a preventive randomized controlled trial for perinatal depression were reviewed for outcomes across the perinatal period. Results: Application of the optimality index found optimality scores ranging from 77.3% to 97.7% in a Latina immigrant population known to have low rates of low–birthweight infants and preterm birth. Optimality scores were significantly lower among women who had a preterm birth or low–birthweight infant. Discussion: The ability of optimality indices to capture within-group variability will allow for a more nuanced understanding of the antecedents and sequelae of negative birth outcomes. Implications for Practice: Increasing reliance on electronic medical records will facilitate the calculation of optimality scores that can be used to track patterns of perina...
Mining citizen science data to predict orevalence of wild bird species

The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's mission is to interpret and conserve the earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Over the years, the Lab has accumulated one of the largest and longest-running collections of environmental data sets in existence. The data sets are not only large, but also have many attributes, contain many missing values, and potentially are very noisy. The ecologists are interested in identifying which features have the strongest effect on the distribution and abundance of bird species as well as describing the forms of these relationships. We show how data mining can be successfully applied, enabling the ecologists to discover unanticipated relationships. We compare a variety of methods for measuring attribute importance with respect to the probability of a bird being observed at a feeder and present initial results for the impact of important attributes on bird prevalence.
Multicenter evaluation of antimicrobial resistance to six broad-spectrum β-lactams in Colombia: comparison of data from 1997 and 1998 using the Etest method☆

The minimum inhibitory concentrations of six broad-spectrum β-lactam antimicrobial agents were determined in 1998 by use of the Etest versus a total of 823 bacteria in 11 Colombian hospital laboratories. These data were compared with results of a similar study conducted in 1997. The organisms tested included 532 recent clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, 108 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 94 Acinetobacter species, and 89 oxacillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase production was noted among 27.8 to 33.9% of Escherichia coli isolates and 41.7 to 46.7% of Klebsiella spp. isolates. Hyperproduction of Amp C cephalosporinases was observed with 10.5 to 31.4% of isolates of Enterobacter spp., Serratia spp., and Citrobacter spp. An increase in resistance to all of the β-lactams was observed among Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter spp. and P. aeruginosa when 1998 results were compared with those obtained in 1997. The overall rank order of activity of the six β-lactams tested in 1998 versus all clinical isolates was imipenem (93.2% susceptible) > cefoperazone/sulbactam (84.1%) > cefepime (80.9%) > ceftazidime (70.7%) > aztreonam (65.7%) > cefotaxime (65.6%). In contrast, the rank order of these same agents tested against a similar collection of Colombian isolates in 1997 was imipenem (96.6% susceptible) > cefepime (93.6%) > cefoperazone/sulbactam (90.5%) > cefotaxime (74.9%) > aztreonam (74.3%) > ceftazidime (73.2%).
Perception of self and others in male sex offenders against children: Schema content and its relation to criminal sexual behaviour

Abstract Thirty-four civilly committed male sex offenders against children (SOs) chose from a list of traits to describe self, mother, father, best friend, past lover, victim and therapist. Cluster analysis (INDCLAS) uncovered five patterns (i.e. schemas) in Sos’ social perception data: “sexual lover” (past lover described as sexual, arousing, etc. as well as anxious, lonely and worried), “benevolent parent” (mother and father described as warm, caring, etc.), “Sexual friend” (best friend described as happy, secure, etc.), “benevolent therapist” (therapist described as warm, caring, etc.) and “malevolent victim” (victim described as rejecting, cold, etc.). SOs with the benevolent parent schema tended to target boys and force oral sex on their victims; the latter was also true for those with the benevolent therapist schema. SOs without the benevolent parent schema tended to target girls and limit themselves to prepubescent victims. SOs with the sexual lover schema tended to commit vaginal penetrative crimes.
Effects of bicuculline and baclofen on paired-pulse depression in the dentate gyrus of epileptic patients

Paired-pulse field responses were recorded from the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus in brain slices from temporal lobe epileptic patients. Paired-pulse depression (PPD) was examined using perforant path stimulation of low to moderate intensity at an inter-stimulus interval (ISI) of 20 ms. The paired-pulse ratio (PS2/PS1) was expressed as the population spike amplitude of the second response (PS2) relative to that of the first response (PS1). Representative tissue response from each patient biopsy were divided into two groups that were significantly different based on the magnitude of the highest paired-pulse ratio recorded for each biopsy specimen: the strong paired-pulse depression group (PS2/PS1 = 0.12 +/- 0.03; n = 15) and the weak paired-pulse depression group (PS2/PS1 = 0.68 +/- 0.06; n = 13). Paired-pulse ratios from the strong PPD group were relatively independent of stimulus intensity, whereas, PPD was dependent on stimulus intensity in the weak PPD group; i.e., PPD was greatest at the lowest intensity and reached a plateau at higher intensities. Bicuculline (20 microM) and low concentrations of baclofen (0.1-0.2 microM) reduced paired-pulse depression in the strong PPD group, but did not significantly change the paired-pulse ratio in the weak PPD group. Paired-pulse facilitation was observed in some cases after inhibition was blocked pharmacologically. The number of population spikes was increased in the presence of bicuculline but was unchanged by baclofen. In the strong PPD group, baclofen significantly altered the EPSP-population spike (E-S) relationship by increasing the slope of the relationship for the second response, without having an effect on the slope of the first response. Baclofen had no effect on the E-S relationship of either response in the weak PPD group. The data are consistent with (1) less inhibition in the weak PPD group compared to the strong PPD group, (2) reduction of feedback inhibition in the strong PPD group by bicuculline and by low concentrations of baclofen, and (3) the occurrence of paired-pulse facilitation when inhibition was pharmacologically reduced in the dentate gyrus of temporal lobe epileptic patients. The results are also consistent with the presence of GABAB receptors on human inhibitory interneurons that, when activated by baclofen, result in disinhibition of granule cells through feedback circuits. Although inhibition may be compromised in some epileptic human biopsy specimens, the presence of strong inhibition in other patients' biopsy material suggest the re-evaluation of the role of inhibition in epilepsy.
Ontogeny of altered synaptic function in a rat model of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy.

Abstract In the limbic status model of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy, hippocampal stimulation induces acute status epilepticus in rats; recurrent, spontaneous seizures develop following an asymptomatic silent period lasting several weeks. Previous work has shown increased excitability and decreased inhibition in CA1 pyramidal neurons in chronically epileptic animals. To determine the relationship of altered cellular responses to seizure onset, in vitro intracellular recording was used to follow the evolution of changes in synaptic physiology occurring during the seizure-free silent period. Pyramidal cells displayed increasing epileptiform activity throughout the period investigated, 3–14 days following status; the mean number of evoked action potentials from 1.1±0.05 in control cells to 2.4±0.4 early (3 days after status) and 4.3±0.7 late (14 days) in the silent period. Monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid-A receptors in silent period cells differed markedly from controls. Area, rise time, and duration of these potentials decreased by 40–60% within 3 days following status and to values commensurate with chronically epileptic animals in 7 to 10 days. γ-Aminobutyric acid-B receptor-mediated IPSPs diminished more gradually in the silent period, reaching a minimum at day 14. In contrast, presynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor function showed maximum impairment 3 days after status. The benzodiazepine type 1 receptor agonist zolpidem reduced hyperexcitability in both silent period and chronically epileptic cells, but was more effective at unmasking the underlying IPSP in silent period neurons. The results indicate that changes in different components of pyramidal cell inhibitory synaptic physiology associated with chronic epilepsy in this model evolve individually at different rates, but are all complete before seizure onset. Although the results do not imply causality, they do suggest that the development of physiological changes in CA1 pyramidal cells may contribute to the lag period preceding the onset of chronic seizures.
The “Best Corporate Citizens”: Are They Good for Their Shareholders?

Since 2000, "Business Ethics" magazine has published a list of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. Our event study finds significant positive abnormal returns for new companies added to the annual listing on the press release date of the survey, both initially and in subsequent survey releases. Over longer holding periods, the top 100 companies consistently outperform the S&P 500, yet are not significantly different from a matched set of companies, with the exception of the initial survey year (2000). However, a rebalancing strategy based on new additions outperforms both the S&P 500 and a matched portfolio. Copyright (c) 2009, The Eastern Finance Association.
Spatial and reversal learning in congeneric lizards with different foraging strategies.

Environmental demands that require intensive search for mates, food and nest sites are correlated with efficient spatial memory in many mammalian and avian species. This convergence of evidence has led to the view that spatial memory, and the neurological structures associated with it, have been selected in niches that require memory for the location of goal objects. Whether such evolutionary demands are also correlated with nonspatial abilities that require flexible use of associations similar to those required for spatial memory has not been well studied. In addition, correlations between niche types and the use of spatial or nonspatial memory have not been investigated in nonmammalian, nonavian taxa. In this study, we investigated the relationship between foraging strategies and performance on two tasks, one spatial and the other nonspatial, in congeneric lizard species: Acanthodactylus boskianus, an active forager that collects clumped sedentary prey, and Acanthodactylus scutellatus, a sit-and-wait predator that collects distributed mobile prey. The two species did not differ in their performance of a spatial memory task, but A. boskianus, the active forager, performed better on the reversal of a visual discrimination, a nonspatial task. These findings question the generality of the spatial adaptation model for vertebrates. We present the pliancy hypothesis, which we developed to account for these results. © 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
Buddhist Responses to Violence and War Resources for a Socially Engaged Spirituality

In this article, Buddhist resources for a socially engaged spirituality are identified by outlining classical and contemporary Buddhist responses to violence and war. The basic teachings of the Bud...
(La,Sr)TiO3 as a conductive buffer for RABiTS coated conductors

Abstract We report on the epitaxial growth of LaTiO 3 on biaxially textured (0 0 1) Ni. This investigation centers around the potential use of (La,Sr)TiO 3 as a conductive buffer layer for subsequent growth of high temperature superconducting films for coated conductors. Epitaxy of LaTiO 3 on Ni is achieved using pulsed-laser deposition. Excellent in-plane and out-of-plane alignment is confirmed via X-ray diffraction. For undoped LaTiO 3 films, the oxide/metal interface is not stable against substrate oxidation, reflective of the propensity of LaTiO 3 to accommodate excess oxygen in the lattice. Future work will focus on Sr-doped LaTiO 3 films as this should alleviate these limitations.
Enantioconvergent synthesis of (+)-aphanorphine via asymmetric Pd-catalyzed alkene carboamination.

A concise asymmetric synthesis of (+)-aphanorphine has been achieved via a new enantioconvergent strategy. A racemic γ-aminoalkene derivative is transformed into a 1:1 mixture of enantiomerically e...
Vascular assessment of the periarticular ligaments of the rabbit knee.

While the rabbit is being extensively utilized in animal models for orthopaedic research, the vascular anatomy of the knee ligaments has not been thoroughly described in this species. This study demonstrates the blood supply to the infrapatellar fat pad, the cruciate ligaments, the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the menisci, such that the effects of manipulating these tissues may be properly interpreted. Vascular injection with India ink and iodinated i.v. contrast dye was performed in 11 New Zealand white rabbits, and routine histology done on six. The large vessel anatomy is similar to that described for humans and dogs, with a descending geniculate artery, medial and lateral superior and inferior geniculate arteries, a posterior geniculate artery, and a recurrent anterior tibial artery. The microvascular anatomy is also similar in that the infrapatellar fat pad and synovial membrane are highly vascular, the menisci are vascularized from their periphery (being avascular centrally), and the medial collateral ligament is relatively well vascularized. A difference from dogs and humans is present in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is poorly vascularized, with a single artery on its anterior aspect. High magnification histologic evaluation reveals numerous capillaries in the substance of the MCL, while the ACL is nearly devoid of such vessels. The interspecies variation in vascular anatomy is a variable that must be taken into consideration in any surgical or traumatic animal model investigation of knee pathology.
Formative Response of Amsinckia intermedia to the Interrelated Effects of Low Temperature, Thiamin and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid

THE adverse effect of temperature on plant growth may sometimes be corrected by the external application of certain essential metabolites. As early as 1943, Bonner1, using Cosmos sulphureus Cav. as experimental plant material, found that the growth under sub-optimal temperature conditions was improved by thiamin application. Later work by Bonner2 and more recently the experiments by Ketellapper3 showed that both high-and low-temperature effects on several plant species were overcome by chemical treatments. The investigations recorded here were carried out to determine whether or not the response of fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia, Fisch and Mey) to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) when grown at a low temperature can be changed by treatment with certain metabolites.