cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How to Punch Someone and Stay Friends: An Inductive Theory of Simulation*

One way to study ontology is to assess how people differentiate real activities from others, and a good case is how groups organize simulation. However, social scientists have tended to discuss simulation in more limited ways, either as a symptom of postmodernism or as an instrumental artifact. Missing is how groups organize simulations to prepare for the future. First, I formulate a definition of simulation as a group-level technique, which includes the qualities of everyday ontology, playfulness, risk and consequence reduction, constrained innovation, and transportability. Next, I use ethnographic data collected at an amateur boxing gym to argue that simulations simplify the most risky, unpredictable, and interpersonal aspects of a consequential performance. The problem is that a simulation can rarely proceed exactly like the reality it is derived from. For example, boxers hold back in sparring but should not in competition. The effectiveness of a simulation therefore depends on how robust the model is and how well members translate the imperfect fit between the contextual norms of the simulation and its reality.
Personalization of an energy awareness pervasive game

One of the recurrent major environmental problems is the high energy consumption. It has been challenging to find methods of persuading people to have better habits on energy usage. We are proposing the use of personalization to enhance a mobile and pervasive-based gaming approach to better foster domestic energy awareness close to people. The game is based on real-time domestic energy consumption data and presents persuasive feedback information, beyond the competitive feeling of the game. The personalization mechanisms are provided by an external web service that is designed to serve different applications, even if from different systems or domains.
Evaluation of 51Cr as a leucocyte label

Summary. A double label technique has been developed to compare the behaviour of 51Cr labelled leucocytes with DF32P labelled leucocytes. Whole blood is divided into two aliquots and the leucocytes in each are labelled with a different isotope. After infusion of labelled cells, the radioactivity of each isotope can be determined simultaneously on the same blood sample using liquid scintillation counting. In studies of seven patients with solid tumours and one with leukaemia, the intravascular disappearance of autologous leucocytes labelled with 51Cr and DF32P appeared similar in five of the eight patients during the initial 6 hr following infusion. Thereafter in all but one instance, 51Cr labelled leucocytes had slightly higher specific activities. 51Cr labelled lymphocytes and DF32P labelled lymphocytes also behaved in the same manner. It is concluded that51Cr is a suitable leucocyte label and may be substituted for DF32P under certain circumstances.
THE APPLICATION OF MICROCOMPUTER AND ON-LINE GRAPHICAL DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY TO DEMAND-RESPONSIVE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Abstract Scheduling and dispatching a fleet of vehicles to respond to ongoing requests for transportation to and from various points in an urban area can be a complex proposition. Human controllers face an unmanageable number of scheduling possibilities. A strictly mainframe computer-based system would require elaborate computer algorithms, and high investment cost. This paper discusses the development of a low-cost interactive microcomputer color graphics system that displays vehicle and demand information and performs routine tasks while freeing the human dispatcher for creative decision-making. The system is designed for dispatching demand-responsive vehicles for pickup and delivery of passenger and express packages.
Optical vortex behavior in dynamic speckle fields

The dynamic behavior of phase singularities, or optical vortices, in the pseudo-phase representation of dynamic speckle patterns is investigated. Sequences of band-limited, dynamic speckle patterns with predetermined Gaussian decorrelation behavior were generated, and the pseudo-phase realizations of the individual speckle patterns were calculated via a two-dimensional Hilbert transform algorithm. Singular points in the pseudo-phase representation are identified by calculating the local topological charge as determined by convolution of the pseudo-phase representations with a series of 2×2 nabla filters. The spatial locations of the phase singularities are tracked over all frames of the speckle sequences, and recorded in three-dimensional space (x,y,f), where f is frame number in the sequence. The behavior of the phase singularities traces 'vortex trails' which are representative of the speckle dynamics. Slowly decorrelating speckle patterns results in long, relatively straight vortex trails, while rapidly decorrelating speckle patterns results in tortuous, relatively short vortex trails. Optical vortex analysis such as described herein can be used as a descriptor of biological activity, flow, and motion.
Endolymphatic Stromal Myosis Associated with Tamoxifen Use

A case of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (endolymphatic stromal myosis) occurring in a patient who had received tamoxifen citrate for 3 years following surgical treatment for breast cancer is presented. Endometrial adenocarcinomas have been the most frequently reported tumor associated with tamoxifen use. More recently, uterine sarcomas have also been described in association with the use of tamoxifen. This report adds only the second case of a low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma associated with tamoxifen use. As in the first report, the tumor demonstrated a sex-cord-like pattern of differentiation, an uncommon feature of endometrial stromal sarcomas. This suggests a possible association between tamoxifen use and the subsequent development of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma.
FREQUENCY AND PROGNOSTIC IMPLICATIONS OF ELEVATED LEFT ATRIAL PRESSURE IN THE PRESENCE OF NORMAL RIGHT ATRIAL PRESSURE IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: RESULTS FROM A PROSPECTIVE COHORT OF 442 PATIENTS

Elevated right atrial pressure (RAP) is common in ESRD patients. Elevated JVP is often used to adjust dialysis regimens and volume status in these patients. Little is known about frequency and clinical implications of isolated left atrial pressure (LAP) elevation in the presence of normal RAP. We
Dispute settlement mechanisms and maritime boundary settlements

The literature on the institutionalization of international cooperation argues that states include dispute settlement procedures in their agreements to “tie the hands” of states. This paper reverses this thinking and shows that when a regime provides institutionalized dispute settlement, states sometimes seek to undo it. The settlement of maritime boundaries is a case in point. Governed by the Law of the Sea regime, which provides four institutional mechanisms for states to solve disputes, the vast majority of agreements specify bilateral negotiations as the only way to deal with future conflicts. The reason for this is that states pay attention to both the cost and flexibility of conflict resolutions mechanisms. We find that poorer states are more likely than wealthy states to specify bilateral negotiations, the cheapest and most flexible conflict resolution mechanism. Wealth differentials are also associated with greater demands for flexibility.
Cervical cytology and other screening methods among women admitted to the medical intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to determine whether routine gynecologic screening is obtained for women admitted to a medical intensive care unit in a large tertiary medical center and whether this history is used to document and update screening for these patients. METHODS A retrospective chart review of 65 women admitted to the medical intensive care units of Harper Hospital or Detroit Receiving Hospital of the Detroit Medical Center over a period of one month. RESULTS None of the patients eligible for cervical cytology and pelvic examination had these issues addressed in the intake history or had any of the reviewed examinations done or planned for after discharge from intensive care. CONCLUSIONS Admission to intensive care is an opportunity to assess and update routine gynecologic health screening. This important function is not routinely addressed in the medical records of women admitted to intensive care.
Perpetuating myths: A response to hardy's 1996 coleman griffith address

Abstract To take someone's ideas seriously enough to question them is a significant form of respect. It builds communities where controversy stimulates thought instead of enmity; what the clash of ideas leads not to victory for one party but to new questions and news answers for everyone. (Nicholls, 1989, p. i)
Persistence in visual feedback control by the elderly

Young and elderly subjects performed aiming movements to a visual target with a manipulandum to determine whether the elderly reduce their reliance on visual feedback after extended practice. Reliance on visual feedback was assessed by performance on trials in which the cursor displaying arm movement was unpredictably extinguished. Movements were divided into two subcomponents: a primary, ballistic submovement and a secondary, corrective submovement. For both age groups, removal of visual feedback prior to practice resulted in a decrease in the distance covered in the primary submovement, an increase in the distance of the secondary submovement, and a decrease in endpoint accuracy. After extensive practice with the cursor present, the proportion of distance traveled with the primary submovement was again assessed under trial conditions in which the cursor randomly disappeared. Following practice, the young demonstrated that they were capable of extending the primary submovement distance closer to the target. In addition, primary submovement distance was unaffected by the removal of vision following practice. After practice the elderly did not show evidence of lengthening the primary submovement, and submovement distance and endpoint accuracy continued to be altered by the removal of vision. This suggests that, unlike the young, the elderly do not benefit from practice so that they can place a greater proportion of the movement under program control. Thus, on a relative basis, a greater proportion of their overall movement requires corrective adjustments.
Unusual case of central vein thrombosis and sepsis

A patient with Crohn's disease who required placement of a right external jugular vein central catheter for total hyperalimentation is presented. Catheter-induced thrombosis and catheter-associated bacteremia and sepsis subsequently developed. Following the description of the case is a brief discussion of the complications inherent in central line placement, the mechanisms by which thrombosis and sepsis occur, and the measures that can be taken to decrease the incidence of thrombosis and sepsis in central line placement. The management of central venous thrombosis and sepsis is medical and not surgical in nature, and consists of catheter removal, antibiotics, and anticoagulation.
Analysis of breast CT lesions using computer-aided diagnosis: an application of neural networks on extracted morphologic and texture features

Dedicated cone-beam breast CT (bCT) scanners have been developed as a potential alternative imaging modality to conventional X-ray mammography in breast cancer diagnosis. As with other modalities, quantitative imaging (QI) analysis can potentially be utilized as a tool to extract useful numeric information concerning diagnosed lesions from high quality 3D tomographic data sets. In this work, preliminary QI analysis was done by designing and implementing a computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) system consisting of image preprocessing, object(s) of interest (i.e. masses, microcalcifications) segmentation, structural analysis of the segmented object(s), and finally classification into benign or malignant disease. Image sets were acquired from bCT patient scans with diagnosed lesions. Iterative watershed segmentation (IWS), a hybridization of the watershed method using observer-set markers and a gradient vector flow (GVF) approach, was used as the lesion segmentation method in 3D. Eight morphologic parameters and six texture features based on gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) calculations were obtained per segmented lesion and combined into multi-dimensional feature input data vectors. Artificial neural network (ANN) classifiers were used by performing cross validation and network parameter optimization to maximize area under the curve (AUC) values of the resulting receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Within these ANNs, biopsy-proven diagnoses of malignant and benign lesions were recorded as target data while the feature vectors were saved as raw input data. With the image data separated into post-contrast (n = 55) and pre-contrast sets (n = 39), a maximum AUC of 0.70 ± 0.02 and 0.80 ± 0.02 were achieved, respectively, for each data set after ANN application.
Tutorial dialogues and gist explanations of genetic breast cancer risk.

The intelligent tutoring system (ITS) BRCA Gist is a Web-based tutor developed using the Shareable Knowledge Objects (SKO) platform that uses latent semantic analysis to engage women in natural-language dialogues to teach about breast cancer risk. BRCA Gist appears to be the first ITS designed to assist patients’ health decision making. Two studies provide fine-grained analyses of the verbal interactions between BRCA Gist and women responding to five questions pertaining to breast cancer and genetic risk. We examined how “gist explanations” generated by participants during natural-language dialogues related to outcomes. Using reliable rubrics, scripts of the participants’ verbal interactions with BRCA Gist were rated for content and for the appropriateness of the tutor’s responses. Human researchers’ scores for the content covered by the participants were strongly correlated with the coverage scores generated by BRCA Gist, indicating that BRCA Gist accurately assesses the extent to which people respond appropriately. In Study 1, participants’ performance during the dialogues was consistently associated with learning outcomes about breast cancer risk. Study 2 was a field study with a more diverse population. Participants with an undergraduate degree or less education who were randomly assigned to BRCA Gist scored higher on tests of knowledge than those assigned to the National Cancer Institute website or than a control group. We replicated findings that the more expected content that participants included in their gist explanations, the better they performed on outcome measures. As fuzzy-trace theory suggests, encouraging people to develop and elaborate upon gist explanations appears to improve learning, comprehension, and decision making.
Effects of DOM and DMT in a proposed animal model of hallucinogenic activity

A previously proposed animal model of lysergic acid diethylamide's (LSD) effects in humans was tested for its applicability to other hallucinogens, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methyl amphetamine (DOM) and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Both "free" and "forced" exploration tests in a behavioral pattern monitor were used to determine the effects of these hallucinogens on the normal tendencies of rats to avoid novel and central areas, respectively. The effects of DOM (0.3-1.0 mg/kg) were quite similar to those previously reported for LSD. Specifically, DOM reduced crossovers, holepokes, and rearings when rats were tested in a novel environment. In a familiar environment, only rearing activity was reduced with minimal effect on ambulation. Like LSD, entries into the central area were reduced in both situations. DOM also produced a dose-dependent reduction of entries into the novel chamber in a free exploration test. Pretreatment with the serotonin (5-HT) antagonist cyproheptadine (1.0 mg/kg), which does not block the psychological effects of hallucinogens in humans, selectively blocked DOM's reduction of rearings without altering DOM's reduction of center entries, crossovers, or holepokes. Like LSD and DOM, DMT (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg) produced a selective reduction of entries into the center region when rats were forced to explore a novel holeboard chamber. All three doses also selectively reduced holepoke responses without affecting crossovers or rearings. In conclusion, enhanced avoidance of novel and central areas appears to be a valid indicator of hallucinogenic activity since LSD, DMT, and DOM all share this property. Conversely, the reduction of rearings produced by LSD and DOM is not a suitable model behavior since the effect is not produced by DMT and cyproheptadine is capable of selectively blocking this effect.
Water quality criteria for hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX).

Abstract The occurrence of the munitions compound hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in groundwater surrounding Army ammunition plants may result in contamination of local drinking water supplies. RDX exerts its primary toxic effect in humans on the central nervous system, but also involves gastrointestinal and renal effects. Symptomatic effects following acute exposure include hyperirritability, nausea, vomiting, generalized epileptiform seizures, and prolonged postictal confusion and amnesia. Health effects data were analyzed for RDX, and although no controlled human studies exist concerning the acute or chronic toxic effects of exposure to RDX, sufficient animal toxicity data are available to derive an ambient water quality criterion for the protection of human health. This paper summarizes the available literature on metabolism of RDX and human and animal toxicity. Based on noncarcinogenic mammalian toxicity data, and following the methodologies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an ambient water quality criterion for the protection of human health of 103 μg/liter is proposed for ingestion of drinking water and aquatic foodstuffs. A criterion of 105 μg/liter is proposed for ingestion of drinking water alone.
The Elasticity of U.S. Import Demand: A Theoretical and Empirical Reappraisal

Much useful research, both empirical and theoretical, has recently been undertaken on the elasticity of demand for imports. While so far the results have been mainly negative, considerable insight into this subject has been gained.' All of the statistically derived demand functions for imports yield elasticity estimates that are exceedingly low, much lower than "informed opinion" would expect them to be. These surprisingly low estimates have stimulated many students to a rigorous examination, in relation to the least squares method of estimation, of the nature of the problem and of the data available for its solution. The main conclusion has been either that an estimate by the least squares method is impossible or that the results obtained are gross underestimates. This paper endeavors to show, however, that, at least for certain cases, such as imports of finished manufactures into the United States, meaningful estimates can be derived by the least squares method.
Pod removal, shade, and defoliation effects on soybean yield, protein, and oil

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield formation in field environments can be either source-limited or sink-limited, depending on the assimilatory capacity of the mother plant relative to the assimilate demands of the developing seeds. Our objective was to evaluate yield and seed quality relationships under source-limited and sink-limited conditions during the seed-filling period, as protein and oil comprise on average more than 600 g kg ―1 of the soybean seed. Field experiments were conducted in five central Minnesota environments to examine the effects of multiple pod removal, shade, and defoliation treatments on soybean yield, seed size, seed protein concentration, and seed oil concentration. Pod removal, shade, and defoliation treatments each resulted in decreased yield and altered protein and oil concentrations relative to the control. Averaged across all levels for each treatment, pod removal increased seed size 19% over the control, while defoliation and shade resulted in respective seed size reductions of 7.7 and 15% when compared to the control. Despite differential treatment effects on individual seed growth, pod removal and shade treatments each resulted in increased seed protein concentration and decreased seed oil concentration. In contrast, defoliation resulted in seeds with lower protein concentration and higher oil concentration than pod removal and shade. Pod removal and shade effects on seed quality differed primarily in magnitude, as the average oil concentration across all shade treatments was 10 g kg ―1 lower than the average oil concentration across all pod removal treatments. No individual treatment resulted in increased oil concentration relative to the control.
Myotube heterogeneity in developing chick craniofacial skeletal muscles

Avian skeletal muscles consist of myotubes that can be categorized according to contraction and fatigue properties, which are based largely on the types of myosins and metabolic enzymes present in the cells. Most mature muscles in the head are mixed, but they display a variety of ratios and distributions of fast and slow muscle cells. We examine the development of all head muscles in chick and quail embryos, using immunohistochemical assays that distinguish between fast and slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms. Some muscles exhibit the mature spatial organization from the onset of primary myotube differentiation (e.g., jaw adductor complex). Many other muscles undergo substantial transformation during the transition from primary to secondary myogenesis, becoming mixed after having started as exclusively slow (e.g., oculorotatory, neck muscles) or fast (e.g., mandibular depressor) myotube populations. A few muscles are comprised exclusively of fast myotubes throughout their development and in the adult (e.g., the quail quadratus and pyramidalis muscles, chick stylohyoideus muscles). Most developing quail and chick head muscles exhibit identical fiber type composition; exceptions include the genioglossal (chick: initially slow, quail: mixed), quadratus and pyramidalis (chick: mixed, quail: fast), and stylohyoid (chick: fast, quail: mixed). The great diversity of spatial and temporal scenarios during myogenesis of head muscles exceeds that observed in the limbs and trunk, and these observations, coupled with the results of precursor mapping studies, make it unlikely that a lineage based model, in which individual myoblasts are restricted to fast or slow fates, is in operation. More likely, spatiotemporal patterning of muscle fiber types is coupled with the interactions that direct the movements of muscle precursors and subsequent segregation of individual muscles from common myogenic condensations. In the head, most of these events are facilitated by connective tissue precursors derived from the neural crest. Whether these influences act upon uncommitted, or biased but not restricted, myogenic mesenchymal cells remains to be tested. Dev Dyn 1999;214:178–194. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Relationships between the thermal environment and activity of Piute ground squirrels (Spermophilus mollis)

Abstract (1) We examined relationships between ground squirrel activity and operative temperature (Te) in two habitats in southwestern Idaho, USA to determine how activity patterns are tied to environmental conditions and how habitat can mediate the thermal environment. (2) Midday environmental conditions were too hot throughout much of the active season for Piute ground squirrels to remain active in a grassland habitat. (3) Ground squirrels were most active in grassland at a Te of approximately 25°C and showed a strong bimodal activity pattern during the latter half of their active season (after 15 April). (4) Suitable aboveground microclimates existed throughout most of the season in sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) habitats and ground squirrels remained active throughout the day. (5) The availability of cooler microhabitats may make sagebrush a better habitat than grassland for Piute ground squirrels, especially during the latter portion of the active season and in hotter than normal years.
Emulsions of crude glycerin from biodiesel processing with fuel oil for industrial heating.

There is considerable interest in using crude glycerin from biodiesel production as a heating fuel. In this work crude glycerin was emulsified into fuel oil to address difficulties with ignition and sustained combustion. Emulsions were prepared with several grades of glycerin and two grades of fuel oil using direct and phase inversion emulsification. Our findings reveal unique surfactant requirements for emulsifying glycerin into oil; these depend on the levels of several contaminants, including water, ash, and components in MONG (matter organic non-glycerin). A higher hydrophile–lipophile balance was required for a stable emulsion of crude glycerin in fuel oil compared to water in fuel oil. The high concentration of salts from biodiesel catalysts generally hindered emulsion stability. Geometric close-packing of micelles was carefully balanced to mechanically stabilize emulsions while also enabling low viscosity for pumping and fuel injection. Phase inversion emulsification produced more stable emulsions ...
Genetic screening in patients of reproductive age. How do you advise prospective parents who want to know specific risks

At times, determining the actual genetic condition occurring in a family can be very difficult. The most important steps in deciding when testing is appropriate are the patient's age and family history, with special attention to ethnic background. By identifying risk factors before pregnancy, prospective parents can be fully informed about their specific risk of having a child with a genetic condition. Furthermore, the pros and cons of invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures often can be fully discussed well in advance of an actual pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and genetic counselors can provide valuable assistance when difficult questions or problems arise.
PCORI: odd name, important job, potential trouble

A new research institute set up by health reform act begins work in the spotlight In the past few years there has been much debate in the United States about comparative effectiveness research, defined by the Institute of Medicine as “the generation and synthesis of evidence that compares the benefits and harms of alternative methods to prevent, diagnose, treat, and monitor a clinical condition or to improve the delivery of care.” The institute says that the idea is “to assist consumers, clinicians, purchasers, and policy makers to make informed decisions that will improve health care at both the individual and population levels.”1 Comparative effectiveness research first vaulted into the news here when Congress dedicated $1.1bn (£0.7bn; €0.75bn) to it as part of the fiscal stimulus package passed in 2009, at the height of the recession.2 The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, quickly disbursed those funds to sponsor research and research infrastructure development to improve medical decisions and clinical outcomes by comparing various drugs, treatments, and other interventions. Some critics, often drug and …
Analysing technology investments-from NPV to Strategic Cost Management (SCM)

Abstract This paper considers the very difficult managerial challenge of evaluating potential investments in new manufacturing technology. A U.S. based case study is used to demonstrate the limitations of the conventional NPV framework and to demonstrate the role of explicit strategic analysis through the SCM framework.
The influence of the electrochemical stressing (potential step and potential-static holding) on the degradation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell electrocatalysts

Abstract The understanding of the degradation mechanisms of electrocatalysts is very important for developing durable electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The degradation of Pt/C electrocatalysts under potential-static holding conditions (at 1.2 V and 1.4 V vs. RHE) and potential step conditions with the upper potential of 1.4 V for 150 s and lower potential limits (0.85 V and 0.60 V) for 30 s in each period [denoted as Pstep(1.4V_150s–0.85V_30s) and Pstep(1.4V_150s–0.60V_30s), respectively] were investigated. The electrocatalysts and support were characterized with electrochemical voltammetry, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Pt/C degrades much faster under Pstep conditions than that under potential-static holding conditions. Pt/C degrades under the Pstep(1.4V_150s–0.85V_30s) condition mainly through the coalescence process of Pt nanoparticles due to the corrosion of carbon support, which is similar to that under the conditions of 1.2 V- and 1.4 V-potential-static holding; however, Pt/C degrades mainly through the dissolution/loss and dissolution/redeposition process if stressed under Pstep(1.4V_150s–0.60V_30s). The difference in the degradation mechanisms is attributed to the chemical states of Pt nanoparticles: Pt dissolution can be alleviated by the protective oxide layer under the Pstep(1.4V_150s–0.85V_30s) condition and the potential-static holding conditions. These findings are very important for understanding PEM fuel cell electrode degradation and are also useful for developing fast test protocol for screening durable catalyst support materials.
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes inhibit regenerative axon growth of dorsal root ganglia neurons of mice

Recent observations have demonstrated that nanomaterials may be toxic to human tissue. While the ability of nano-scaled particulate matter is known to cause a range of problems in respiratory system, recent observations suggest that the nervous system may be vulnerable as well. In the current paper we asked whether exposure of primary neuronal cell cultures to nanoparticles might compromise regenerative axon growth. Regenerative response was triggered by performing a conditioning lesion of sciatic nerve five days prior to collection of dorsal root ganglia (DRG). DRG neurons were plated at a low density and incubated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (0.1-10 μg/ml in 10% of surfactant in saline) overnight. The experiments showed that exposure of DRG cultures to MWCNT significantly impaired regenerative axonogenesis without concomitant cell death. These results indicate that MWNCTs may have detrimental effect on nerve regeneration and may potentially trigger axonal pathology.
WHERE DOES A FRUIT‐EATING BIRD DEPOSIT MISTLETOE SEEDS? SEED DEPOSITION PATTERNS AND AN EXPERIMENT

The distribution of desert mistletoes (Phoradendron californicum) among mesquite (Prosopis velutina) hosts is significantly aggregated. We hypothesized that the aggregation of mistletoes among hosts is produced by the pattern of seed rain generated by seed dispersers. We tested whether frugivorous Phainopeplas (Phainopepla nitens) foraged preferentially, and hence deposited mistletoe seeds disproportionately, in already parasitized mesquites. We found that Phainopeplas favored parasitized tall trees as perching and feeding sites and deposited mistletoe seeds disproportionately on trees with these characteristics. To assess experimentally the effect of the presence of mistletoes on seed deposition, we removed mistletoes from host trees. Before mistletoe removal, seed deposition was equivalent and temporally correlated in pairs of control and removal trees. After removal, deposition was lower into removal trees than into unmanipulated trees. Although mistletoe removal resulted in lower seed deposition, it did not eliminate it. We inferred that seed deposition into parasitized hosts can result from deposition of seeds originating from within a host and from other infected hosts. We conclude that the response of seed-dispersing birds to mistletoes leads to disproportionate seed deposition into already parasitized trees and that the heterogeneous distribution of seeds among hosts created by birds contributes to the clumped distribution of mistletoes among hosts.
Light microscopic observations of Echinostoma caproni metacercariae during in vitro excystation

Light microscopy was used to study excystation of Echinostoma caproni metacercariae in various media. Optimal excystation was observed in an alkaline trypsin-bile salts medium (TB) at 40 ± 1°C. The percentage of excystation in TB medium declined following either acid pepsin or acid saline pretreatment. Excystation rarely occurred in either trypsin or bile salts alone. Dissolution of the outer cyst occurred in TB medium thus facilitating excystation. Activation of the larva within the inner cyst led to its eventual release through an aperture in the mucoid plug region. Excystation of this species was facilitated by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. There were considerable differences in excystation events between this species and the related allopatric species, E. trivolvis
SCARE TACTICS IN A NEOTROPICAL WARBLER: WHITE TAIL FEATHERS ENHANCE FLUSH–PURSUIT FORAGING PERFORMANCE IN THE SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (MYIOBORUS MINIATUS)

Abstract Flush–pursuit foragers use exaggerated and animated foraging movements to flush potential prey that are then pursued and captured in flight. The Myioborus redstarts comprise 12 species of flush–pursuit warblers found in montane forests of the American tropics and subtropics. All members of the genus have contrasting black-and-white tail feathers that are exposed by spreading the tail during animated foraging displays. Plumage pattern and tail-spreading behavior were examined to see how they affected flush–pursuit foraging performance of the Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus) in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Although flycatching was the most common foraging tactic used by Slate-throated Redstarts, flush–pursuit foraging increased in both frequency and intensity when birds were feeding nestlings. Flush–pursuit prey attacks occurred more frequently following hops in the spread-tail foraging posture than hops in more typical warbler-like posture, suggesting that tail-spreading behavior assists in...
In-Situ Characterization of Growth and Intermixing at a Heteroepitaxial Interface: Fe on Au(001)

The growth and chemical intermixing of submonolayer and a few monolayer thick Fe films on a Au(001) surface was studied by High Resolution Low Energy Electron Diffraction (HRLEED) technique. Through the analysis of the energy dependent angular profiles as a function of time, we obtained the distribution of islands and distribution of spacings during submonolayer growth. The interference of electron waves from different chemical elements in terraces at different heights in the surface contributes to the background intensity and broadening in the angular profiles of diffraction beams. A subsurface Fe capped by Au islands as a result of atomic place exchange was observed at the initial stage of monolayer growth. From the energy dependent angular profiles as a function of temperature, we determine the quantitative change of inhomogeneity length (~20 A) at the interface of ultrathin films at elevated temperatures due to intermixing.
Minimal detectable change for spatial and temporal measurements of gait after incomplete spinal cord injury.

Background and Purpose: Gait deviations in individuals after incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI) that are quantified using spatiotemporal (ST) parameters are often targeted during therapeutic interventions. The purpose of our study was to establish reliability and responsiveness of ST parameters of gait after ISCI using an instrumented walkway (GaitMat II). Methods: Sixteen individuals with ISCI participated in the study. Each subject completed at least 2 walking trials at self-selected (SS) walking speed. Intraclass correlation coefficients model 2, 1 (ICC2,1) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), standard error of measurement (SEM), SEM percent change (SEM%), the minimal detectable change (MDC), and the MDC percent change (MDC%) were determined for 8 ST parameters including step length, single limb support, and double limb support time for the more and less impaired limb, cadence, and speed. Results: Excellent test-retest agreement (0.84-0.99) was observed in all ST parameters. SEM% ranged from 8% to 29...
Calculating complexity of large randomized libraries

Randomized libraries are increasingly popular in protein engineering and other biomedical research fields. Statistics of the libraries are useful to guide and evaluate randomized library construction. Previous works only give the mean of the number of unique sequences in the library, and they can only handle equal molar ratio of the four nucleotides at a small number of mutation sites. We derive formulas to calculate the mean and variance of the number of unique sequences in libraries generated by cassette mutagenesis with mixtures of arbitrary nucleotide ratios. Computer program was developed which utilizes arbitrary numerical precision software package to calculate the statistics of large libraries. The statistics of library with mutations in more than 20 amino acids can be calculated easily. Results show that the nucleotide ratios have significant effects on these statistics. The more skewed the ratio, the larger the library size is needed to obtain the same expected number of unique sequences. The program is freely available at http://graphics.med.yale.edu/cgi-bin/lib_comp.pl.
ASPECTS OF THE CREED OF IMAM AHMAD IBN HANBAL: A STUDY OF ANTHROPOMORPHISM IN EARLY ISLAMIC DISCOURSE

Today, the religion of Islam is most distinctly characterized by the emphasis it places on the transcendence of God.1 God's otherness (mukhālafa), it is said, is presupposed in Islamic thinking from the Qurءan.2 A review of the history of dogmatic development in Islam reveals, however, that during the formative period—that is, the period to about 9503—divine transcendence was only one alternative among several models attempting to explain God's unity. Indeed, it coexisted alongside its antithesis, “assimilation” (tashbīh), or as we term it, anthropomorphism.4 Muslim and Western scholars agree that, although the anthropomorphist model certainly existed—the various heresiographies attest to it—it existed only on the margins of Islam, in the extravagant fancies of a few deviant doctors.5 Thus, anthropomorphist ideas were relevant only marginally, if at all, to Islam's attempt at theological self-definition. Such, at least, is the current scholarly consensus. But how accurate is this reading of Islam's theological history?
Holistic Grading in Science and Engineering

A description of holistic grading for oral and written individual and team-prepared work in science and engineering courses, and guidelines for its implementation in the classroom are presented. Anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of the methodology is reported.
The natural history of Bugula flabellata at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, including the behavior and attachment of the larva

The breeding season of Bugula flabellata extends from June 10th to November 15th. The young embryos develop in brood pouches (ovicells) and are finally expelled from the colony as swimming embryos. They come from the colonies at dawn or early morning. After a free-swimming period of four to six hours, each larva becomes attached and after a profound metamorphosis which involves the loss of larval organs, it develops into the bryozoan colony by budding. The larvae at first are positive to light, but become negative before attachment. Their behavior is described in detail and the mode of attachment is explained. After the larva has become attached a period of rapid growth by budding ensues. The rate of growth is given in a table in which it is shown that the first individual of the colony is completed in two days and that a new series of buds is formed every two days. There are eight or ten individuals after one week and over a hundred in two weeks. In one month the colony is half-grown and becomes sexually mature. A colony becomes senescent in three months, when it measures 112 to 134 inches in diameter. Younger colonies hibernate successfully and resume growth in early May, when new polypides are formed.
Does response mode affect amount recalled or the magnitude of the testing effect

The testing effect is the finding that retrieval practice can enhance recall on future tests. One unanswered question is whether first-test response mode (writing or speaking the answer) affects final-test performance (and whether final-test response mode itself matters). An additional unsettled issue is whether written and oral recall lead to differences in the amount recalled. In three experiments, we examined these issues: whether subjects can recall more via typing or speaking; whether typing or speaking answers on a first test can lead to better final-test performance (and whether an interaction occurs with final-test response mode) and whether any form of overt response leads to better final-test performance as compared to covert retrieval (thinking of the answer but not producing it). Subjects studied paired associates; took a first test by typing, speaking, or thinking about responses; and then took a second test in which the answers were either spoken or typed. The results revealed few differences between typing and speaking during recall, and no difference in the size of the testing effect on the second test. Furthermore, an initial covert retrieval yielded roughly the same benefit to future test performance as did overt retrieval. Thus, the testing effect was quite robust across these manipulations. The practical implication for learning is that covert retrieval provides as much benefit to later retention as does overt retrieval and that both can be effective study strategies.
Modification of Cell Lethality at Elevated Temperatures The pH Effect

The lethal response of Chinese hamster ovary cells to hyperthermia was determined at selected extracellular pH. Decreasing pH from 7.6 to 6.7 increased the lethal response of cells over the temperature range of 41 to 44°C. Cell viability was not effected over this pH range at 37°C. The pH sensitizing affect was most prominent at temperatures which were marginally lethal at normal pH (7.4). Four hours of exposure to 42°C decreased survival to 10% at pH 7.4 and 0.01% at pH 6.7. Enhanced cell killing was observed when the cells were exposed to reduced pH and elevated temperatures simultaneously. Prolonging the time of pH exposure before and after hyperthermia did not influence survival. High-density culturing increased the sensitivity of cells to hyperthermia. This affect was due to metabolic acidification of the medium and could be reversed by adjusting the pH.
Influence of hyperpnea on airway surface fluid volume and osmolarity in normal humans

To determine the effect of hyperpnea on the characteristics of periciliary liquid, we collected airway surface fluid (ASF) and measured its osmolarity in 11 normal people while they breathed dry, f...
A Novel Fluorescence Intensity Screening Assay Identifies New Low-Molecular-Weight Inhibitors of the gp41 Coiled-Coil Domain of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

A metallopeptide-based fluorescence assay has been designed for the detection of small-molecule inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp41, the viral protein involved in membrane fusion. The assay involves two peptides representing the inner N-terminal-heptad-repeat (HR1) coiled coil and the outer Cterminal-heptad-repeat (HR2) helical domains of the gp41 six-helix bundle which forms prior to fusion. The two peptides span a hydrophobic pocket previously defined in the literature. The HR1 peptide is modified with a metal-ligated dye complex, which maintains structural integrity and permits association with a fluorophorelabeled HR2 peptide to be followed by fluorescence quenching. Compounds able to disrupt six-helix bundle formation can act as fusion inhibitors, and we show that they can be detected in the assay from an increase in the fluorescence that is correlated with the potency of the compound. Assay optimization and validation have resulted in a simple quantitative competitive inhibition assay for fusion inhibitors that bind in the hydrophobic pocket. The assay has an assay quality factor (Z) of 0.88 and can rank order inhibitors at 10 M concentration with Kis in the range of 0.2 Mt o 30M, an ideal range for drug discovery. Screening of a small peptidomimetic library has yielded three new low-molecular-weight gp41 inhibitors. In vitro syncytium inhibition assays confirmed that the compounds inhibited cell-cell fusion in the low micromolar range. These lead compounds provide a new molecular scaffold for the development of fusion inhibitors.
MIPS: A microprocessor architecture

MIPS is a new single chip VLSI microprocessor. It attempts to achieve high performance with the use of a simplified instruction set, similar to those found in microengines. The processor is a fast pipelined engine without pipeline interlocks. Software solutions to several traditional hardware problems, such as providing pipeline interlocks, are used.
Sympatry of 2 hantavirus strains, paraguay, 2003-2007.

To explore geographic and host-taxonomic patterns of hantaviruses in Paraguay, we established sampling sites in the Mbaracayu Biosphere Reserve. We detected Jabora vi-rus and Itapua37/Juquitiba–related virus in locations ≈20 m apart in different years, which suggested sympatry of 2 dis-tinct hantaviruses.
The effects of torsional loading conditions and damage on bovine cortical bone strength

Loading conditions have dramatic effects on bone strength, and torsion is a common mode of loading for bone in the physiologic setting. The relationship between loading conditions, particularly loading rate and damage accumulation was investigated. How rate dependent damage effects bone strength was also examined. Bovine cortical bone specimens were tested with three loading protocols to: (1) establish the rate dependence of bovine bone strength in torsion, (2) determine the rate dependent nature of damage accumulation, and (3) characterize damage accumulation in relation to time. A statistically significant rate dependent reduction in torsional strength was noted. When specimens were loaded to the same twist level at three different loading rates, the authors found a significant rate dependent reduction in bone strength. These results confirmed prior assumptions that rate dependent reductions in strength are due to time dependent damage accumulation. The authors also presented data in which they further explored this time dependent damage accumulation more specifically. Initial results suggested that damage accumulates nonlinearly with time, and the authors believe this nonlinear behavior may be important for understanding the mechanical response to torsional loading.
Putting It All Together: Methods for Combining Neural Networks

The past several years have seen a tremendous growth in the complexity of the recognition, estimation and control tasks expected of neural networks. In solving these tasks, one is faced with a large variety of learning algorithms and a vast selection of possible network architectures. After all the training, how does one know which is the best network? This decision is further complicated by the fact that standard techniques can be severely limited by problems such as over-fitting, data sparsity and local optima. The usual solution to these problems is a winner-take-all cross-validatory model selection. However, recent experimental and theoretical work indicates that we can improve performance by considering methods for combining neural networks.
Head Starts in Contests

This paper studies equilibrium behavior in a class of games that models asymmetric multiprize competitions in which players’ costs are not necessarily strictly decreasing. Such costs accommodate head starts, which capture incumbency advantages, prior investments, and technological differences. I provide an algorithm that constructs the unique equilibrium in which players do not choose weakly-dominated strategies, and apply it to study multiprize all-pay auctions with head starts. A comparison to the standard all-pay auction shows that the strategic effects of head starts differ substantially from those of differing valuations.