A multiscale spatial filtering account of the White effect, simultaneous brightness contrast and grating induction

Blakeslee and McCourt ((1997) Vision Research, 37, 2849-2869) demonstrated that a multiscale array of two-dimensional difference-of-Gaussian (DOG) filters provided a simple but powerful model for explaining a number of seemingly complex features of grating induction (GI), while simultaneously encompassing salient features of brightness induction in simultaneous brightness contrast (SBC), brightness assimilation and Hermann Grid stimuli. The DOG model (and isotropic contrast models in general) cannot, however, account for another important group of brightness effects which includes the White effect (White (1979) Perception, 8, 413-416) and the demonstrations of Todorovic ((1997) Perception, 26, 379-395). This paper introduces an oriented DOG (ODOG) model which differs from the DOG model in that the filters are anisotropic and their outputs are pooled nonlinearly. The ODOG model qualitatively predicts the appearance of the test patches in the White effect, the Todorovic demonstration, GI and SBC, while quantitatively predicting the relative magnitudes of these brightness effects as measured psychophysically using brightness matching. The model also accounts for both the smooth transition in test patch brightness seen in the White effect (White & White (1985) Vision Research, 25, 1331-1335) when the relative phase of the test patch is varied relative to the inducing grating, and for the spatial variation of brightness across the test patch as measured using point-by-point brightness matching. Finally, the model predicts intensive aspects of brightness induction measured in a series of Todorovic stimuli as the arms of the test crosses are lengthened (Pessoa, Baratoff, Neumann & Todorokov (1998) Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Supplement, 39, S159), but fails in one condition. Although it is concluded that higher-level perceptual grouping factors may play a role in determining brightness in this instance, in general the psychophysical results and ODOG modeling argue strongly that the induced brightness phenomena of SBC, GI, the White effect and the Todorovic demonstration, primarily reflect early-stage cortical filtering operations in the visual system.     

Cation exchange contribution to the retention of specific quaternary ammonium compounds in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

The influence of electrolytes on the retention of organic cationic solutes in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) has been investigated. The effects of the nature and concentration of electrolytes and mobile phase pH on the retention of two model quaternary ammonium compounds were studied on mu-Bondapak C18 stationary phase with aqueous methanolic eluents. The nature and concentration of inorganic cations added to the mobile phase modified the retention of the solutes. The counter anion of the added electrolyte did not perceptibly influence solute retention at constant mobile phase pH, although it did significantly influence solute retention when the electrolytes were added to unbuffered mobile phases. The retention data are consistent with the inclusion of an ion exchange contribution to the retention of cationic solutes in the systems investigated.     

Detachable shape-memory sewing ring for heart valves

The novel sewing ring concept consists of a detachable ring snap connection between valve housing or stent and suture cuff. The suture cuff itself is a memory metal ring of nickel-titanium (NiTi) that is embedded within a textile fabric torus. After a special training program the ring can assume two geometric shapes when alternately cooled and heated. Due to this physical property, the sewing ring can be safely fixed within a groove of the housing or stent by changing between room and physiological temperature. This allows the surgeon first to implant the sewing ring followed by arbitrary positioning and final fixation of the valve by the shape-memory effect. Additional advantages are an increased stiffening of the valve base for minimizing potential leaflet dysfunction, and reduced time and risk of implantation, particularly when a reoperation is necessary.     

鹿茸口服液促进RNA和蛋白质合成作用的研究

目的：研究鹿茸口服液对青年及老年小鼠RNA和蛋白质合成的作用。方法：观察口服鹿茸口服液对小鼠肝RNA和蛋白质含量及^3H-Uridine和^3H-Leucine掺入的影响。结果：鹿茸口服液可明显增加老年小鼠肝RNA和蛋白质含量及[^3H]Uridine和[^3H]Leucine掺入RNA和蛋白质，作用明显强于青年小鼠。结论：鹿茸口服液对老年小鼠RNA和蛋白质合成有明显促进作用。     

博宁霉素霜剂对牛乳头瘤病毒所致奶牛乳头瘤的疗效观察

目的 观察博宁霉素霜剂对牛乳头瘤病毒所致奶牛乳头瘤的疗效。方法 将临床患病牛随机分为2组每次将药物和基质分别涂于试验牛及对照牛乳头皮肤的肿瘤上，每日3次，连续进行10d。结果 试验组2例指状乳头状瘤分别于第6天和第9天完全脱落；4例扁平瘤虽未脱落，但瘤体表面均发生明显的剥蚀；对照组均未发生此类现象。结论 博宁霉索霜剂对奶牛乳头的皮肤无损害作用，但可选择性地使指状乳头瘤脱落，扁平瘤剥蚀、脱皮，呈现良好的治疗作用。     

特区经济学的理论前提

实行特殊政策和实施特殊管理体制是世界经济特区共有的基本特征。正是这两个基本特征构成了特区经济学的两个理论前提。对经济特区实行特殊政策和实施特殊管理体制进行理论分析 ,目的在于为构筑特区经济学的理论体系作理论上的准备     

银环蛇毒素对白血病K562细胞株凋亡诱导作用的研究

目的 探讨银环蛇毒素及其若干组分在体外对白血病K562细胞株的凋亡诱导作用。方法 采用阳离子交换层析法分离纯化银环蛇粗毒，应用MTT法、荧光显微镜和流式细胞术等研究毒素对K562细胞株的凋亡作用。结果 除Ⅳ峰毒素外，银环蛇粗毒及分离的部分组分IV峰、Ⅶ峰和Ⅷ峰等毒素的荧光显微图末见特征性的凋亡小体，DNA含量分布组方图中的二倍体峰前末见Gl细胞群。结论 银环蛇毒对K562细胞具有杀伤作用，但并非是细胞凋亡作用，而是致细胞坏死，而粗毒中的某些组分可能具有促K562细胞凋亡作用。     

Vascular compression of the airway: Indications for and results of surgical management

Vascular compression of the airway is a significant cause of respiratory compromise in children. While the indications for surgical repair are sometimes life threatening, they can also be subtle. This retrospective study examines 45 surgical cases of tracheobronchial compromise secondary to vascular compression at a large children's hospital between July 1983 and February 1996. A total of 34 were diagnosed with innominate artery compression, ten with a double aortic arch and one with an anomalous right subclavian artery. The 45 patients, 25 male and 20 female, ranged in age from 12 days to 11 years at surgery (average 13 months). A total of 21 (47%) presented with proven or suspected episodes of cyanosis or apnea. All 45 patients had evidence of vascular compression during microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. The diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 23/45 (51%), barium swallow in 22/45 (49%) and aortogram in 3/45 (7%). There was one death. One patient had a tracheotomy before surgery and continues to require it after surgery. Complete resolution of symptoms was achieved in 39/45 (87%) with five requiring more than one operation before their symptoms resolved completely. A total of four patients experienced a recurrence of symptoms within a variable length of time after surgery. Surgical indications and treatment alternatives will be discussed.     

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTIN 96 CASES OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Thetrigeminalnervebranchesofftheoph-thalmic,mandibularandmaxillarybranchesfromthesemilunarganglion,whicharemainsensorynerveslnnervatingtheheadandtheface.Ifanyonebranchoftheminthedistribu-tionregionsofthetrigeminalnerveisaffectedbywind-cold,pressureorinflammatorystimulation,etc.,abnormalsensationorpainwillbeinducedinthecorrespondinginnervatedregion.Clinical-ly,patholOgicchangeoftheophthalmicbranchismorecommonandmaycausepainoftheorbitandtheforehead,andlacrimation;Patientswithpainofthemaxillarybr…     

Acute bronchodilatory effect of salmeterol on methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in childhood asthma

Abstract A review of the literature highlights the need for research, particularly on the acute bronchodilatory effect of salmeterol on bronchoconstriction in the pediatric age group. The present study attempted to evaluate the acute bronchodilatory effect of salmeterol on methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in childhood asthma and to compare it with the effect of salbutamol. Forty-four asymptomatic children with mild-to-moderate asthma (23 boys and 21 girls; aged7–17 years) were studied. At the beginning, the baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) was measured, and the methacholine challenge was performed by doubling the dose to determine PC₂₀ (provocative concentration of inhaled methacholine required to reduce FEV! by 20%). At the same time, the transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (S_ao₂) was also measured. Each subject inhaled a single dose of 25 μ salmeterol (n: 23, group I) or 100 μg salbutamol (n: 21, group II) following the Sp₂ measurement. The same measurements (FEV₁, S_ao₂) were repeated 5 and 20 min after the inhalation. After inhalation of salmeterol or salbutamol, the differences between the values of FEV₁ and S_aO₂ after 5 and 20 min were insignificant in both group I and group II (P > 0.05), although there was a significant improvement in both FEV₁ and S_aO₂ after 5 and 20 min (P < 0.005). From these findings it was concluded that salmeterol can be considered as effective as salbutamol on methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction.