cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contralateral suppression of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions declines with age: a comparison of findings in CBA mice with human listeners.

Objectives/Hypothesis: The auditory efferent sys tem plays presumed roles in enhancing signals ir noise, maintaining the cochlea for optimal acoustic signal processing, and may have a protective role in preserving auditory function in the face of ototoxic events. The objective of the study was to measure age-related changes of the medial olivocochlear effer ent system in mice by comparing distortion-product otoacoustic emissions generated with and without contralateral white noise stimulation. Consistent with prior work, distortion-product otoacoustic emis sions were typically reduced in magnitude wher white noise was presented to the contralateral ear This contralateral suppression is attributed to activa tion of the medial olivocochlear efferent system which has an inhibitory effect on the cochlear hai cell system. By studying contralateral suppression or cochlear output in subjects of different ages, it is pos sible to describe aging effects on the medial olivoco chlear system. Study Design: CBA mice were dividec into three age groups: young adult, middle-aged, anc old-aged animals (21, 13, and 22 animals per group respectively), and auditory brainstem responses wer< obtained before distortion-product otoacoustic emis sion testing to assess overall hearing abilities. Meth ods: 2f1-f2 distortion-product otoacoustic emission re cordings were obtained from individual subjects (anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine) in each age group under two conditions: 1) in quiet and 2) in the presence of a contralaterally applied wideband noise Results: Principal findings were that distortion product otoacoustic emission levels decreased with age for mice in a way similar to humans, when correcting for the absolute difference in life spans. In addition, contralateral suppression declined in middle-aged and old-aged groups relative to the young adults for mice in a manner similar to humans. The contralateral suppression decline at low frequencies preceded that of the decline in distortion-product otoacoustic emissions with age. Conclusion: Functional decline of the medial olivocochlear efferent system with age precedes outer hair cell degeneration. Loss of medial olivocochlear suppressive function may play a role in the development of presbycusis in both clinical cases and animal models.
Trace-fiber color discrimination by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry: a tool for the analysis of dyes extracted from submillimeter nylon fibers.

The application of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) to trace-fiber color analysis is explored using acidic dyes commonly employed to color nylon-based fibers, as well as extracts from dyed nylon fibers. Qualitative information about constituent dyes and quantitative information about the relative amounts of those dyes present on a single fiber become readily available using this technique. Sample requirements for establishing the color identity of different samples (i.e., comparative trace-fiber analysis) are shown to be submillimeter. Absolute verification of dye mixture identity (beyond the comparison of molecular weights derived from ESI-MS) can be obtained by expanding the technique to include tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). For dyes of unknown origin, the ESI-MS/MS analyses may offer insights into the chemical structure of the compound-information not available from chromatographic techniques alone. This research demonstrates that ESI-MS is viable as a sensitive technique for distinguishing dye constituents extracted from a minute amount of trace-fiber evidence. A protocol is suggested to establish/refute the proposition that two fibers--one of which is available in minute quantity only--are of the same origin.
A Simple Demonstration of the Relationship between Classification and Canonical Variates Analysis

The usual computing procedures in discriminant analysis involve both classificatory and separatory functions (Geisser 1977). The first of these concerns classification of samples from a mixture of populations. Statistical assessment of classification procedures is based on rates of correct classification (Glick 1972,1973; Lachenbruch 1975; Michaelis 1973) or on the "loss" due to misclassification (Anderson 1958, Lachenbruch and Goldstein 1979). Separatory methods, on the other hand, deal with the transformation of data so that population differences are highlighted. This is done by means of "canonical variates," which define a subspace of reduced dimensionality wherein data often can be displayed to advantage. The canonical approach was first suggested by the work of Fisher (1936), and is closely associated with the multivariate analysis of variance (Anderson 1958, Rao 1965). Applied researchers often fail to recognize the statistical relationships between classificatory and separatory discrimination, in large part because mathematical forms, system dimensionalities, and even objectives differ between the two approaches. Kshirsagar and Arseven (1975) previously used a sample-based argument to show that full-rank canonical transforms can be used for classification. However, a key feature of the canonical analysis is the reduction of dimensionality. Thus it is important to know whether the same property holds for the reduced set of canonical variates. A simple matrix argument is used below to show that for certain distributions the posterior probabilities of discriminant analysis are invariant under canonical transformation. This result is used to justify the application of canonical variates for classification, thus integrating both approaches to discrimination.
HIGH-TEMPERATURE DEFORMATION OF POLYCRYSTALLINE URANIUM CARBIDE.

Abstract The proportional limit σ p of arc-cast hypostoichiometric (4.60 wt % C) and arc-cast hyperstoichiometric (5.00 wt % C) uranium carbide was measured in compression in the temperature ranges 700 to 1300 °C and 1120 to 1600 °C at a strain rate of ≅ 3 × 10 −5 sec −1 . The proportional limit is strongly dependent on composition, its magnitude for UC 1+x being much greater than for UC 1−x . Yielding in UC is thermally activated since the proportional limit depends exponentially on the inverse of the absolute temperature for both UC 1−x and UC 1+x , except in the case of UC 1−x at T ⩽ 1130 °C, when free uranium melts and apparently facilitates grain-boundary separation. The apparent activation volume and sensitivity of the strain rate to stress were measured by performing stress-relaxation tests. The results suggest that there is a good correlation between the high initial yielding in UC 1+x compared to UC 1−x and the magnitude of the internal stresses.
Site-specific trapping of reactive species in low-density lipoprotein oxidation: Biological implications

Abundant data suggest that the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein is mediated by lipid-derived free radicals and aldehydes derived from them. In this report we have addressed the site-specific aspects of low-density lipoprotein modification. To this end, both water-soluble and lipid-soluble spin traps (i.e., diamagnetic organic molecules containing nitroso or nitrone functional groups) were used. Radical adducts were detected by electron spin resonance-spin trapping technique. Biochemical indices of low-density lipoprotein modification were thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation, electrophoretic mobility and macrophage-mediated uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Results from this study have shown that the lipophilic spin trap, alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl-N-nitrone, traps a primary low-density lipoprotein lipid-derived radical, while also inhibiting the total oxidative modification in a dose-dependent manner. The more hydrophilic analog, i.e., alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone, appeared to trap the secondary alkyl radicals and did not exert any inhibitory effect on oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein. The lipophilic nitroso spin trap, 2-methyl-2-nitroso propane, which traps a lipid-derived radical, inhibited the low-density lipoprotein modification as did the water-soluble nitroso analog, 2-hydroxymethyl-2-nitroso propane. However, the water-soluble nitroso analog did not trap the lipid radical. The inhibitory effect of 2-hydroxymethyl-2-nitroso propane was tentatively attributed to trapping of aldehydes. It is conceivable that spin traps can inhibit the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein by trapping of the lipid radicals as well as trapping aldehydes formed from lipid peroxidation.
Hazardous materials on golf courses: experience and knowledge of golf course superintendents and grounds maintenance workers from seven states.

Background The golf course industry has a growing Latino work force. Little occupational health research has addressed this work force. This article examines golf course superintendents' and Latino grounds maintenance workers' pesticide knowledge, beliefs, and safety training. In particular, it focuses on knowledge of and adherence to OSHA Right-to-Know regulations. Methods In person, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 golf course superintendents in five states and with 16 Latino grounds maintenance workers in four states. Results Few superintendents were in compliance with Right-to-Know regulations or did pesticide safety training with all of their workers. Few workers had any pesticide safety knowledge. Most safety training on golf courses was rudimentary and focused on machine safety, and was usually conducted in the off-season or on rainy days, not before workers were assigned tasks. Conclusions More Right-to-Know training is necessary for superintendents and grounds maintenance workers. Culturally and linguistically appropriate Spanish language materials need to be developed or made more widely available to train workers. Better enforcement of safety and training regulations is necessary. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:474–485, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Infra-Red Spectrum of Heavy Water Vapor

The vibration-rotation bands ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{2}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{3}$ in the heavy water vapor (${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$O) spectrum have been remeasured. An analysis of the rotational structure has been carried out. From the interpretation of the data the values of the normal frequencies have been determined as well as the values of the reciprocals of inertia effective in these two vibration states. The frequency ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{2}$ is found to be 1178.30 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and the frequency ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{3}$, 2787.23 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. For the state ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{2}$ the effective reciprocals of inertia are $A(V)=16.60$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, $B(V)=7.35$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, $C(V)=4.84$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. For the state ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{3}$, $A(V)=14.88$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, $B(V)=7.24$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, $C(V)=4.84$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
An experimental study of vocal communication between mother and infant monkeys (Macaca nemestrina).

Vocal communication was studied in six feral-born mother monkeys (Macaca nemestrina) and their three- to four-month-old infants in tests which employed two sound-shielded rooms equipped with microphones and speakers. The mothers' locomotor activity levels were measured as activity counts, and vocalizations of mothers and infants were recorded under three conditions: mothers in two-way auditory communication with their own infants, in two-way auditory communication with other infants of matched sex and age, and without communication. Mothers' vocalizations and activity counts during auditory access were correlated with the number of infants' vocalizations in the same tests. Mothers' activity counts were higher with auditory access to an infant. However, neither activity counts nor vocalizations of mothers differed when in communication with their own infants from the same measures when in communication with matched infants. Neither mothers nor infants vocalized differently, either qualitatively or quantitatively, in the three conditions.
Animal Grouping for Protection From Parasites: Selfish Herd and Encounter-Dilution Effects

Grouping has been widely accepted as a mechanism for protection from predation. Just as has been apparent with predation, there is now ample evidence that parasites (biting flies, warble flies and parasitoids) can impact an animal's individual fitness. Some aspects of grouping, namely an encounter-dilution effect and the selfish herd effect, appear to apply as much to protection of animals from flying parasites as protection from predators. The encounter-dilution effect provides protection when the probability of detection of a group does not increase in proportion to an increase in group size (the encounter effect), provided that the parasites do not offset the encounter effect by attacking more members of the group (the dilution effect). The selfish herd effect provides protection from flying parasites to animals that are in the center of a group or more closely placed to other animals. Most of the quantitative evidence for the protection from flying parasites from grouping comes from studies on ungulates. Further investigation of these effects among a variety of taxa is needed for a full appreciation of the role of parasites in animal grouping and sociality.
The computer as experimenter in social psychological research

The effects of familiarity and exposure paradigm on evaluative meaning were investigated in four experiments involving 161 Ss. A DEC PDP-10 computer linked to a VB10-C display screen for 1/0 assigned Ss to condition, presented instructions, tested Ss’ understanding of the instructions, generated and displayed stimuli in various frequencies, and obtained evaluative ratings of the stimuli. Problems encountered, Ss’ reactions, and current and possible use of the computer in social psychological research are discussed.
Performance of a large Bragg-curve spectrometer

Abstract A large Bragg-curve spectrometer has been constructed and tested. The detector has a cylindrical geometry and operates with a homogeneous electric field. Energy resolutions of
Language and Motor Skills of Preschool Children with Sickle Cell Disease

Sz~mmary.-Language skills of 9 African-American preschool children with sickle cell disease were not significantly diFferent from those of nondiseased children but gross and fine motor skills were. Sickle cell disease is a chronic hereditary condition most commonly found among AfricanAmerican individuals in the United States. This disease occurs in one of every 600 births. Neurological compLcat~ons have been well documented in 15% to 26% of patients (2), but these children's language and motor development from 3 to 5 years of age have rarely been studied so we compared scores of 18 African-American children ages 3 to 5 years, 9 wich sickle cell disease and 9 healthy peers with no diagnosis matched by age and sex. There was a questionnaire for parents and for each child an oral language sample, the Preschool Language Scale -3 (Standard Scores) (41, the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation (Percentile Ranks) (31, and the Denver Developmental Screening Test (% Items Failed) (1). There were no significant ddference in mean standard scores on Auditory Comprehension (MSC, 85.7f 12.7 vs Mc, 84.5+_8.0), Expressive Communication (MSC, 88.8k11.9 vs MC 89.5+ 12.71, Total Language scores (MsC, 86.5f 12.5 vs MC, 86.2*10.2), Mean Length of Utterance (Msc, 5; Mc, 5.3) or Aruculat~on sUs (MSC percenule rank 43.5f 22.1 vs MC 43.7 vs 18.2); however, d&erences were 51~niflcant in Eiie and gross motor skds (% items failed, Msc 36.1 vs MC 8.3). For these ch~ldren language is developing like their peers bur not their gross and fine motor skills. Given the nature of sickle cell disease. i.e.. chronic oain. freauent hosoitahza, . L,.
Computed tomographic follow-up evaluation of operative intervention for periacetabular lysis.

Abstract Computed tomography (CT) accurately evaluates periacetabular lytic lesions. The purpose of this study is to determine the fate of osteolytic lesions after treatment with liner exchange and bone grafting. Fifteen patients who had undergone liner exchange with grafting for progressive lytic lesions, as demonstrated by preoperative CT scans, were identified. Postoperative CT scans were performed at a minimum of 2 years post revision. The largest cross sectional lytic area was compared with the postoperative scan to determine the fate of the lesion. The mean size of the measured lytic lesions preoperatively was 6.38 cm 2 . Postoperatively, lesions decreased to 2.94 cm 2 ( P = .000). Modular liner exchange with grafting is effective in treating osteolytic lesions in the pelvis, as demonstrated by CT.
Imaging and Thermal Studies of Wheat Gluten/Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Wheat Gluten/Thiolated Poly(vinyl alcohol) Blends

The morphology of wheat protein (WG) blends with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and respectively with thiolated polyvinyl alcohol (TPVA) was investigated by atomic force (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as by modulated dynamic scanning calorimetry (MDSC). Thiolated additives based on PVA and other substrates were previously presented as effective means of improving the strength and toughness of compression molded native WG bars via disulfide-sulfhydryl exchange reactions. Consistent with our earlier results, AFM and TEM imaging clearly indicate that the addition of just a few mole percent of thiol to PVA was sufficient to dramatically change its compatibility with wheat protein. Thus, TPVA is much more compatible with WG and phase separates into much smaller domains than in the case of PVA, although there are still two phases in the blend: one WG-rich phase and another TPVA-rich phase. The WG/TPVA blend has phase domains ranging in size from 0.01 to 0.1 microm, which are roughly 10 times smaller than those of the WG/PVA blend. MDSC further illustrates the compatibilization of the protein with TPVA via the dependence of the transition temperatures on composition.
Difficulty falling asleep.

180 hospitalized patients with expressed difficulties falling asleep were compared with 131 control patients on a psychological problem inventory to investigate the heightened anxiety view of insom...
Albedo heterogeneity on the surface of (1943) Anteros

Abstract We have investigated the effect of rotation on the polarization of scattered light for the near-Earth asteroid (1943) Anteros using the Dual Beam Imaging Polarimeter on the University of Hawaii’s 2.2 m telescope. Anteros is an L-type asteroid that has not been previously observed polarimetrically. We find weak but significant variations in the polarization of Anteros as a function of rotation, indicating albedo changes across the surface. Specifically, we find that Anteros has a background albedo of p v = 0.18 ± 0.02 with a dark spot of p v
Speed and sensitivity limitations of extrinsic photoconductors

Abstract For extrinsic photoconductors with gain in excess of unity there is a minimum response time determined by the background flux. Combining this concept with conventional D ∗ arguments leads to D ∗ max/ τ min = λ hc η 4 qμP ϵϵ0t 1 2 . This sensitivity bandwidth product has a value of 2 × 10 18 cm Hz 1 2 W sec for extrinsic germanium for 12.5 microns.
Conservation of the T-box gene family from Mus musculus to Caenorhabditis elegans

Recently, a novel family of genes with a region of homology to the mouse T locus, which is known to play a crucial, and conserved, role in vertebrate development, has been discovered. The region of homology has been named the T-box. The T-box domain of the prototypical T locus product is associated with sequence-specific DNA binding activity. In this report, we have characterized four members of the T-box gene family from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. All lie in close proximity to each other in the middle of chromosome III. Homology analysis among all completely sequenced T-box products indicates a larger size for the conserved T-box domain (166 to 203 residues) than previously reported. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that one C. elegans T-box gene may be a direct ortholog of the mouse Tbx2 and Drosophila omb genes. The accumulated data demonstrate the ancient nature of the T-box gene family and suggest the existence of at least three separate T-box-containing genes in a common early metazoan ancestor to nematodes and vertebrates.
S14: Use of transgenic mice in carcinogenicity hazard assessment: Is this the future?

The two-species rodent lifetime bioassay is still considered to be the gold standard for carcinogenicity assessment. This assay, which has hardly changed in the last quarter century, is protracted, expensive, utilizes many animals and often gives results which are of questionable relevance to human risk. A 1997 ICH guideline (S1B) permitted the use of alternative assays in place of a mouse two-year study. The alternative most often utilized by drug sponsors has been 6-month studies in transgenic mice. Since the guideline was finalized, FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research has received and reviewed 157 protocols for transgenic mouse carcinogenicity assays and reviewed results of 53 completed studies. The overwhelming numbers of studies have been negative. Approximately a quarter of the mouse protocols currently reviewed by CDER's executive carcinogen assessment committee are for transgenic mice. While these assays are shorter in duration and use fewer animals, time from beginning range-finding studies to a final report on the definitive test is still a year or more. Transgenic mice are difficult to produce, expensive and results are still of uncertain relevance to humans. A number of different approaches are being explored that may result in faster, less expensive and more relevant cancer risk assessment studies. Empirically derived “signatures” representing changes in gene expression associated with exposure to known carcinogens is being studied as means to predict cancer risk. While these validation studies are currently being performed in rodents, similar technologies could eventually be used to monitor patients in clinical trials.
COMPARISON OF UNWEIGHTED AND IMPORTANCE-WEIGHTED JOB SATISFACTION MEASURES FOR THREE SAMPLES OF FEMALE OFFICE WORKERS

Summary.-Multiplicative importance-weighted and unweighted composites of job-satisfaction components were correlated with separate measures of over-all job attitudes and a termination criterion. In no case did the use of weighting for importance result in higher correlations with criteria than the use of rawscore unit weights. It is often implied that those aspects of the work situation which are perceived as more important by an employee have a greater influence on his over-all job attitudes and his behavior on the job than do aspects he deems less important. This suggests that over-all satisfaction measures should be some joint function of the satisfaction with and importance of the various job aspects. When importance ratings are used they typically are used as multiplicative weights for corresponding satisfaction scores for the job factors. A sum of such importanceweighted job factors would be expected to correlate higher with separate assessments of over-all job attitudes and with measures of behavioral responses to the job. Recent studies by Ewen ( 1967) and Waters ( 1969) reported that summed job-component satisfaction scores weighted differentially for importance were no more related to separate measures of over-all job attitudes than unweighted sums of the same items. Also, Mikes and Hulin (1968) found that an unweighted sum of job-aspect scores correlated higher with a termination criterion than the sum of the aspect scores weighted for importance. These data do not provide any empirical support for the expected utility of a consideration of importance in obtaining over-all job satisfaction measures. However, in view of the rather broad implications and theoretical appeal of importance weighting, additional data seem warranied. The three sets of data reported in this paper provide replications of studies concerned with comparing unweighted and importance-weighted composites for both separate over-all job attitude and behavioral criteria.
Selective Excision of 5-Carboxylcytosine by a Thymine DNA Glycosylase Mutant

The mammalian thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) excises the mismatched base, uracil, thymine or 5-hydroxymethyluracil (5hmU), as well as removes 5-formylcytosine (5fC) and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) when paired with a guanine. In the previously solved structure of TDG in complex with DNA containing 5caC, the side chain of asparagine 157 (N157) contacts the 5-carboxyl moiety of 5caC via a weak hydrogen bond. We examined the role of N157 in recognition of 5caC by mutagenesis. The asparagine-to-alanine (N157A) mutant has no detectable base excision activity for a G:T mismatch, and its excision activity is reduced for other substrates including G:5caC. Unexpectedly, the asparagine-to-aspartate (N157D) mutant has a comparable base excision rate for G:5caC substrate to that of wild type, but it only has residual activity for G:U and no detectable activity for other substrates. We further show that the N157D mutant has higher activity for 5caC at a lower pH (6.0), suggesting that increased protonation of the carboxylate of 5caC and the aspartate facilitates base excision. The N157D mutant remains highly specific for 5caC even in the presence of large excess of genomic DNA, a property that can potentially be used for mapping the very low amount of 5caC in genomes.
Effects of Unidentified Growth Factor Sources on Feed Preference of Chicks

Abstract The effect on feed preference of various feed ingredients considered to be sources of unidentified growth factors (UGF) was studied with egg-type chicks. In each experiment five or six pens of 20 males were assigned to each treatment. All chicks were fed a corn-soy basal diet with added fat during days 1 to 13. During days 14 to 21 chicks of the test treatment were offered a choice of the basal diet (Feeder 1) or a test diet with one of the UGF sources (Feeder 2). In pens of the control treatment both feeders contained the basal diet. All diets were approximately equal in calculated nutrient composition. The UGF sources, included at 5% of the diet, were meat and bone meal (MBM); fish solubles and meal (FSM), a commercial mixture made from fish, whey, and fermentation products (UGF mix); and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Each day feed consumption from each of the feeders was measured and their positions were alternated. Chicks showed a significant preference for FSM and UGF mix in two trials, no preference for MBM in one trial, and no preference for DDGS in one trial, and a significant rejection of DDGS in the other. No differences in weight gain were noted. The MBM decreased gain/feed and DDGS increased total feed intake in one of two trials. These studies indicate that some UGF sources improve feed preference in chicks fed practical diets.
Gaseous nitrogen emmissions from undisturbed terrestrial ecosystems: An assessment of their impacts on local and global nitrogen budgets

There is increasing interest in the importance of nitrogen gas emissions from natural (non-agricultural) ecosystems with respect to local as well as global nitrogen budgets and with respect to the effects of nitrogen oxides on atmospheric ozone levels and global warming. The volatile forms of nitrogen of common interest are ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide, (N2O), dinitrogen (N2), and NOx (principally NO + NO2). It is often difficult to attribute emissions of these compounds from soils to a single process because they are produced by a variety of common biogeochemical mechanisms. Although environmental conditions in the soil often appear to favor nitrogen gas emissions, the potential nitrogen gas emission rate from undisturbed ecosystems is rarely approached. The best estimates to date suggest that nitrogen gas emission rates from undisturbed ecosystems typically range from > 1 to perhaps 10 or 20 kg N ha-1 yr-1. Under certain conditions, however, emission rates may be much higher. For example, excreta from animals in grasslands may elevate ammonia volatilization up to 100 kg N ha-1 yr-1 depending on grazer density; tidal input of nutrients to coastal wetlands may support denitrification rates of several hundred kg N ha-1 yr-1 . Excepting such cases, gaseous nitrogen losses are probably a small component of the local nitrogen budget in most undisturbed ecosystems. However, emissions from undisturbed soils are an important component of the global source strengths for (N2O + N2), N2O and NOx (50%, 21%, and 10% respectively). Emission rates of N2O from natural ecosystems are higher than assumed previously by perhaps 10 times. Large-scale disturbance may have a stimulatory effect on nitrogen emission rates which could have important effects on global nitrogen budgets. There is a need for more sophisticated methods to account for natural temporal and spatial variations of emissions rates, to more accurately and precisely assess their global source strengths.
Video self‐modeling to improve academic performance: A literature review

Video self-modeling (VSM) has been used for decades to effectively improve individuals' behaviors and skills. The purpose of this review is to locate and analyze published studies that used VSM for typical school-based academic skills to determine the effect of VSM interventions on students' academic performance. Only eight studies were located that met the selection criteria. Based on the results of these 8 studies, VSM shows promise for improving academic performance, although the small number of studies limits our ability to draw strong conclusions about the efficacy of VSM across the school age span and across various academic skills. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Some remarks on the numerical approximation of stochastic differential equations

The aim of this article is to discuss the convergence of some numerical stochastic schemes in geophysical fluid dynamics (GFD) and to make some remarks on the numerical analysis of stochastic differential equations (SDEs).
How does knowledge transform as it is transferred? Speculations on the possibility of a cognitive theory of knowledgescapes

Sketches an interdisciplinary framework for advancing the conceptual understanding of the knowledge transfer process. Uses its central tenet that the knowledge transfer process is ultimately a human‐to‐human process and since this process is inherently interactive and dynamic, the knowledge, in essence, transforms while or during the very process of its transfer. Argues that there is a need for a more robust representation of human cognition situated in the broader context of dynamic interactions taking place during the transfer or exchange of knowledge. Proposes that by incorporating and explaining human interaction with the external symbolic storage (ESS) of knowledge and scaffolding to include institutional knowledge, a theory of cognitive knowledgescapes can be built. The implications of a such a theory for knowledge transfer, exchange and uses in the networks of regions, institutions, organizations and technology are examined and topics for carrying out further research are suggested.
Drug–laboratory interaction between beta-lactam antibiotics and the galactomannan antigen test used to detect mould infections

Several studies have demonstrated that piperacillin/tazobactam produces a false-positive result for the galactomannan antigen test. However, the most recent literature has demonstrated that this interaction is no longer a concern. There is little information regarding the drug–laboratory interaction with the generics of piperacillin/tazobactam or other broad-spectrum beta-lactams, such as ceftaroline, doripenem, imipenem/cilastatin, and meropenem. The purpose of this study was to determine if a drug–laboratory interaction exists with these antibiotics. Tests showed that one lot of imipenem/cilastatin by Hospira Healthcare India Private Limited produced a false-positive result for the galactomannan antigen test. All other medications tested, including piperacillin/tazobactam from seven manufacturers and imipenem/cilastatin by Hospira Inc., did not produce positive results. Since the reason for this drug–laboratory interaction with imipenem/cilastatin is unknown, more studies are needed to further investigate this interaction. Providers also should be educated of these findings: no drug–laboratory interaction with piperacillin/tazobactam and a possible drug–laboratory interaction with imipenem/cilastatin (Hospira Healthcare India Private Limited).
Acute Hypertension Increases Norepinephrine Release in the Anterior Hypothalamic Area

Neurons in the anterior hypothalamic area play an important role in NaCl-sensitive hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats, and previous studies have suggested that baroreceptor feedback modifies the activity of these neurons. To test the hypothesis that the release of norepinephrine in the anterior hypothalamic area is modified by arterial baroreceptor reflex feedback and that this reflex release is disturbed in spontaneously hypertensive rats on a high NaCl diet, we used the push-pull technique to measure the release of the norepinephrine metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol in the anterior hypothalamic area. Seven-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats were placed on a high (8%) or a basal (1%) NaCl diet for 2 weeks. The high NaCl diet elevated mean arterial pressure and greatly reduced basal norepinephrine metabolite levels in the anterior hypothalamic area of the spontaneously hypertensive (but not the control) rats (305 +/- 32 pg/10 min in the rats consuming 1% NaCl and 93 +/- 9 pg/10 min in the rats consuming 8% NaCl). An infusion of tramazoline (an imidizoline that causes long-lasting hypertension) that increased arterial pressure by 25 mm Hg elevated anterior hypothalamic area norepinephrine metabolite concentrations significantly more in the spontaneously hypertensive rats on the 1% NaCl diet (to 392 +/- 46 pg/10 min) than in those on the 8% NaCl diet (to 113 +/- 18 pg/10 min). In contrast, in Wistar-Kyoto rats the tramazoline-induced increase in arterial pressure elevated anterior hypothalamic area norepinephrine metabolite concentrations slightly more in rats on the 8% NaCl diet than in those on the 1% NaCl diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
SU‐FF‐T‐369: Propagation of Linac Output and Fluence Discretization Error to Dose Distributions in IMRT

Purpose:Linac output variation and the fluence discretization from MLC leaf sequencing are sources of IMRT delivery error. We investigate a theory describing the propagation of fluence errors to dose distributions. Method and Materials: We assume that the fluence from each beam port is the planned fluence plus a gantry angle dependent error. We assume linac output variation contributes to systematic and random error whereas fluence discretization error is purely random. Expressions for the random and systematic dose error distributions were derived with standard error propagation theory. We investigated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and prostate cases planned with step‐and‐shoot IMRT and tomotherapy. Linac output errors were estimated from measurements from a linac with a malfunctioning magnetron, thus representing higher‐than‐normal output errors. The maximum relative random and systematic linac output errors were both around 2%. Results: For both patients and both modalities, the relative dose error in the PTV due to systematic linac output variations was around 1% and the random component was negligible. The dose error in the PTV due to fluence discretization was between 0.1% and 0.2% for tomotherapy and about 1% for step‐and‐shoot. The relative dose error threshold such that 90% of the voxels in the PTV had a 90% chance of error less than the threshold was 1.5% for step‐and‐shoot and 0.5% for tomotherapy. Conclusions: The relative random dose error at a point decreases as the inverse square root of the number of beams that affect that point, making the relative random dose error orders of magnitude lower than the relative systematic error. Systematic dose error changes little with the number of beams used in the treatment since it is not propagated in quadrature. The dose errors from the malfunctioning magnetron had little effect on the treatment. Conflict of Interest: TR Mackie has financial interest in TomoTherapy Inc.
Tourism in developing countries

Tourism in Developing Countries. By Martin Oppermann and Kye‐Sung Chon, International Thomson Business Press. (Berkshire House, 168–173 High Holborn, London WC1V7AA) ISBN 0–4151–3939–2, 1997, xiv +177‐pp. Tables, figures, bibliography, index).
Allochimeric class I MHC protein-induced tolerance by partial TCR engagement requires activation of both CTL4- and common gamma-chain-dependent cytokine signals.

Background. The various toxicities associated with the general immune suppression resulting from current clinical immunosuppressive therapies continue to plague transplant recipients as well as jeopardize allograft survival. Methods. The present study utilized allochimeric class I MHC antigens (α 1h u 70-77-RT1.A a ) bearing only four donor RT1.A u polymorphic amino acids (a.a.; His 70 , Val 73 , Asn 74 , and Asn 77 ) superimposed on the recipient RT1.A a background to induce transplantation tolerance in the rat cardiac transplant model. Results. Oral delivery of α 1h u 70-77-RT1.A a protein alone (days 0-6) induced tolerance, as evidenced by inhibition of both acute and chronic rejection processes. Delivery of α 1h u 70-77-RT1.A a with therapeutic doses of cyclosporine (CsA) also prevented chronic rejection, otherwise readily developed after treatment with CsA alone. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based analysis showed that tolerant recipients had reduced numbers of interleukin (IL)-2/interferon (IFN)-γ-producing T helper (Th)1 cells and elevated numbers of IL-4/IL-10-producing Th2 cells. Adoptive transfer experiments revealed that potent regulatory T cells mediated tolerance. The same T cells displayed diminished T cell receptor (TCR)-driven signaling via extracellular regulated kinase, AP-1, and NF-κB. as well as the common γ-chain (γ c ) cytokine-receptor-induced signaling by Janus kinase 3 (Jak3)/stimulators and activators of transcription Stat/5 pathways. Tolerance induction was prevented in vivo by inhibition of signal 2 by CTL4Ig or of signal 3 by either rapamycin, which disrupts the mammalian target of rapamycin, or AG490, which inhibits Jak3. Finally, partial or complete tyrosine phosphorylation of Zap70 was observed in alloantigen-specific T cell clones in response to tolerogenic versus immunogenic peptides, respectively. Conclusions. Tolerance induction by allochimeric proteins is achieved by partial TCR activation in the presence of signals 2 and 3, resulting in a skewed Th2 phenotype.
Role of the Indirect Pathway of the Basal Ganglia in Perceptual Decision Making

The basal ganglia (BG) play an important role in motor control, reinforcement learning, and perceptual decision making. Modeling and experimental evidence suggest that, in a speed–accuracy tradeoff, the corticostriatal pathway can adaptively adjust a decision threshold (the amount of information needed to make a choice). In this study, we go beyond the focus of previous works on the direct and hyperdirect pathways to examine the contribution of the indirect pathway of the BG system to decision making in a biophysically based spiking network model. We find that the mechanism of adjusting the decision threshold by plasticity of the corticostriatal connections is effective, provided that the indirect pathway counterbalances the direct pathway in their projections to the output nucleus. Furthermore, in our model, changes within basal ganglia connections similar to those that arise in parkinsonism give rise to strong beta oscillations. Specifically, beta oscillations are produced by an abnormal enhancement of the interactions between the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the external segment of globus pallidus (GPe) in the indirect pathway, with an oscillation frequency that depends on the excitatory cortical input to the STN and the inhibitory input to the GPe from the striatum. In a parkinsonian state characterized by pronounced beta oscillations, the mean reaction time and range of threshold variation (a measure of behavioral flexibility) are significantly reduced compared with the normal state. Our work thus reveals a specific circuit mechanism for impairments of perceptual decision making associated with Parkinson's disease.
Driving prevalence and factors associated with driving among patients with epilepsy.

Abstract Purpose The goal of the work described here was to determine the prevalence of driving and associated variables among patients followed at a level 4 epilepsy center. Method A survey was mailed out to patients seen at the University of Florida/Jacksonville Comprehensive Epilepsy Program. Results The study population comprised 308 respondents. Nearly 20% of patients with poorly controlled seizures continued to drive. Although several demographic and clinical variables were associated with driving, on univariate analysis, using multiple logistic regression, being employed, not receiving disability benefits, having less frequent seizures, and taking fewer antiepileptic drugs were the variables independently associated with driving. A subset analysis of patients with poorly controlled seizures indicated that being employed was still an independent factor associated with driving, along with higher annual household income and absence of convulsions and waking seizures. Conclusion A significant number of patients with poorly controlled seizures drive. Being employed is a major reason these patients continue to drive.
The evaluation of species composition as a qualitative factor in primary productivity

Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of plant species composition are necessary adjuncts to reliable estimates of primary productivity and are an integral part of any attempt to assess effects of thermal additions to the aquatic environment. Adequate and representative sampling of plant populations presents a formidable problem under most circumstances. This is particularly true in sampling populations of phytoplankton and submergent and emergent aquatic vegetation. The aquatic medium and marsh habitat present unique problems and variables not characteristic of terrestrial ecosystems. This narrative is intended to be a selec-
Non-Adherence Is Associated with Negative Perception and Poor Understanding of Medications, and Increased Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Diameter in a Population of Inner-City Patients with Systolic Heart Failure

Non-Adherence Is Associated with Negative Perception and Poor Understanding of Medications, and Increased Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Diameter in a Population of Inner-City Patients with Systolic Heart Failure Mariana Markell, Sima Terebello, Meriam F. Caboral, Judith E. Mitchell; Renal Division, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY; Division of Cardiology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
An Evaluation of the Chromic Oxide Method for Determining Digestibility

Summary Eight lactating dairy cows were used in a ten-day digestion trial, in which the conventional total collection method of determining digestibility was compared with the grab-sampling technique using chromic oxide as an indicator. Variations in the excretion of chromic oxide and crude fiber at 2-hr. intervals over a 24-hr. period were studied. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the two methods of determining the digestibility of the rations. Analyses of samples from the total fecal composites for the first six days of the ten-day trial revealed coefficients of digestibility comparable to those obtained for the entire period. Considerable variations were found in the chromic oxide content of the feces samples taken at various hours of the day, regardless of whether chromic oxide was administered once or twice daily. These variations make it difficult to select a sampling period which will give approximately 100% recovery for all cows for a given day; however, these data indicated this can be overcome in digestion studies by sampling the feces for a ten-day period. The hourly variations in the excretion of chromic oxide were not associated with the excretion of crude fiber.
EFFECTS OF THREE VARIABLES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MIDDLE-AND LOWER-CLASS CHILDREN IN DISCRIMINATING SIMILAR LETTERS IN WORDS

AbstractNinety 4-year-olds were given a matching-to-standard pretest to determine the degree to which they confused similar letters. All Ss except the control group were trained on matching trigrams in sessions that varied in three ways: (1) the letter distinguishing the two choices differed by one or many features; (2) the standard was present or absent when S tried to match it; and (3) the S did or did not have the overlay procedure, the opportunity to place his choice over the standard. The initial test was readministered to all Ss. The overlay procedure significantly improved posttest scores. Components of the error totals were differentially influenced by the variables. No overall differences in the effect of the variables were found by social class.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COCAINE CRAVING AMONG NON-TREATMENT-SEEKING INDIVIDUALS WITH COCAINE DEPENDENCE

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate potential gender differences in cocaine craving among non–treatment seekers with cocaine dependence. We examined 10 female and 11 male individuals matched by demographic characteristics and severity of drug use; we used a multidimensional questionnaire that assesses various aspects of craving: (a) current intensity, (b) projected intensity, (c) resistance to use cocaine, (d) responsiveness to drug-related conditioned stimuli, and (e) imagined likelihood of use if in a setting with access to drugs. Other instruments utilized were the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Addiction Severity Index. Female subjects had higher total craving scores (p <. 05), with post hoc tests showing more present desire to use cocaine and responsivity to drug-conditioned stimuli, along with lower scores on the desire not to use cocaine. In exploratory analyses, we found greater depressive symptomatology (p =. 02) and severity of family/social problems (p =. 02) in females th...
Multivariate Geographic Clustering in A Metacomputing Environment Using Globus

The authors present a metacomputing application of multivariate, nonhierarchical statistical clustering to geographic environmental data from the 48 conterminous United States in order to produce maps of regions of ecological similarity, called ecoregions. These maps represent finer scale regionalizations than do those generated by the traditional technique: an expert with a marker pen. Several variables (e.g., temperature, organic matter, rainfall etc.) thought to affect the growth of vegetation are clustered at resolutions as fine as one square kilometer (1 km2). These data can represent over 7.8 million map cells in an n-dimensional (n = 9 to 25) data space. A parallel version of the iterative statistical clustering algorithm is developed by the authors using the MPI (Message Passing Interface) message passing routines. The parallel algorithm uses a classical, self-scheduling, single-program, multiple data (SPMD) organization; performs dynamic load balancing for reasonable performance in heterogeneous metacomputing environments; and provides fault tolerance by saving intermediate results for easy restarts in case of hardware failure. The parallel algorithm was tested on various geographically distributed heterogeneous metacomputing configurations involving an IBM SP3TM, an IBM SP2TM, and two SGI Origin 2000TM s. The tests were performed with minimal code modification, and were made possible by GlobusTM (a metacomputing software toolkit) and the Globus-enabled version of MPI (MPICH-G). Our performance tests indicate that while the algorithm works reasonably well under the metacomputing environment for a moderate number of processors, the communication overhead can become prohibitive for large processor configurations.