cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality comparison between three-dimensional T2-weighted SPACE and two-dimensional T2-weighted turbo spin echo magnetic resonance images for the brachytherapy planning evaluation of prostate and periprostatic anatomy.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare an isotropic three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted sequence sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using flip angle evolution (SPACE) with an axial two-dimensional T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence with regard to overall image quality and the delineation of normal prostate and periprostatic anatomy for low-dose-rate prostate cancer brachytherapy planning evaluation. Methods and Materials Patients (n = 69) with prostate cancer who had pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for low-dose-rate brachytherapy treatment planning were included. Three radiologists independently assessed the visibility of nine anatomic structures on each sequence by using a 5-point scale and overall image quality by using a 4-point scale. The significance of the differences in diagnostic performance was tested with a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results No significant intersequence differences were found for most (7/9) anatomical structures and overall image quality. The mean scores for visibility of anatomical structures on the 3D SPACE and 2D TSE sequences, respectively, were as follows: the zonal anatomy (3.7; 3.9, p = 0.05), prostate capsule (3.9; 4.0, p = 0.08), neurovascular bundle (2.9; 2.9, p = 0.9), rectoprostatic angle (3.8; 3.8, p = 0.35), rectum (4.2; 4.3, p = 0.26), urethra (3.8; 3.9, p = 0.12), urinary bladder (4.6; 4.6, p = 0.61), and overall image quality (2.9; 2.9, p = 0.33). 3D SPACE was superior for delineation of the genitourinary diaphragm (3.8; 3.6, p = 0.003), whereas 2D TSE was superior for delineation of the seminal vesicles (3.5; 4.0, p Conclusions Anatomic delineation of the prostatic and periprostatic anatomy provided by the 3D SPACE sequence is as robust in quality as that provided by a conventional 2D TSE sequence with superior delineation of the genitourinary diaphragm. For MRI-based brachytherapy treatment planning, the 3D SPACE sequence with subcentimeter isotropic resolution can replace the 2D TSE sequence and be incorporated into standard MRI protocols.
Characterization of the medication regimen complexity index in high-utilizer, adult psychiatric patients

Introduction Few studies have examined the role of medication-related factors in psychiatric readmissions. Our objective was to characterize the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) and assess its association with psychiatric hospital readmission frequency and time to readmission in a high-utilizer psychiatric cohort. Methods Adult patients admitted between July 2012 and March 2014 were identified if discharged from an inpatient psychiatry service with greater than or equal to 5 psychiatric readmissions or at least one 30-day readmission. Complexity of the medication regimen was determined using a validated MRCI electronic capture tool. Results One hundred sixty-eight patients were included. Average MRCI for all readmissions was 7.09 for psychotropic medications, 5.90 for other prescription medications, 2.98 for over the counter, and 16.00 for total medications. Ages greater than 65 years old and female sex were associated with higher total MRCI scores. Average MRCI for psychotropic medications and average psychotropic medication count, along with depression diagnosis, were found to be significantly associated with average time between each readmission but not with readmission frequency. An average total MRCI score greater than 19.7, when broken down by percentiles, was associated with a shorter time to readmission. Discussion Psychotropic regimen complexity, psychotropic medication count, total MRCI greater than 19.7, and a diagnosis of depression may contribute to a shorter time to readmission in adult psychiatric patients with a history of frequent readmissions. Future studies are needed to confirm findings and evaluate clinical significance and impact.
Intranasal fentanyl spray versus intravenous opioids for the treatment of severe pain in patients with cancer in the emergency department setting: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective Intranasal fentanyl (INF) quickly and noninvasively relieves severe pain, whereas intravenous hydromorphone (IVH) reliably treats severe cancer pain but requires vascular access. The trial evaluated the efficacy of INF relative to IVH for treating cancer patients with severe pain in an emergency department (ED) setting. Methods We randomized 82 patients from a comprehensive cancer center ED to receive INF (n = 42) or IVH (n = 40). Eligible patients reported severe pain at randomization (≥7, scale: 0 “none” to 10 “worst pain”). We conducted non-inferiority comparisons (non-inferiority margin = 0.9) of pain change from treatment initiation (T0) to one hour later (T60). T0 pain ratings were unavailable; therefore, we estimated T0 pain by comparing 1) T60 ratings, assuming similar group T0 ratings; 2) pain change, estimating T0 pain = randomization ratings, and 3) pain change, with T0 pain = 10 (IVH group) or T0 pain = randomization rating (INF group). Results At T60, the upper 90% confidence limit (CL) of the mean log-transformed pain ratings for the INF group exceeded the mean IVH group rating by 0.16 points (>pain). Substituting randomization ratings for T0 pain, the lower 90% CL of mean pain change in the INF group extended 0.32 points below (<pain relief) mean change in the IVH group. Finally, assuming all subjects in the IVH group had maximum pain at T0 and that T0 pain for the INF group remained unchanged from randomization, the lower bound of the 90% CL for mean pain decrease in the INF group extended 1.37 points below (<pain relief) mean decrease in the IVH group. Time (minutes) from randomization until T0 was longer for the IVH (Median 23, IQR 12) versus INF (Median 15, IQR 11) group (P<0.001). Conclusions Two of three analyses supported non-inferiority of INF versus IVH, while one analysis was inconclusive. Compared to IVH, INF had the advantage of shorter time to administration. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02459964
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students: (Re)imagining Multilingual Education

The structure of American public schools has altered within the past 30 years due to receiving extensive number of linguistically diverse students. The fact that culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) students often experience academic failure within the U.S. public schools creates a subgroup of students who cannot achieve their educational goals. The purpose of this study is to explore ideal practices in order to enhance teachers’ and policy makers’ perceptions and awareness on the unique needs of CALD students. The findings of this study reveal the fact that ineffective methods for teaching CALD students and short-term goal-oriented educational policies fall short of meeting the academic needs of CALD students, and this research offers a conceptual framework that could contribute to CALD students’ intellectual growth through effective and constructive language learning practic
Surface characteristics of polymer nanocomposites

The performance of optical and electronic detectors and sensors are affected by surface and bulk impurities. In some cases, nanoscale thin films are used as detectors and their life cycle is significantly decreased. In the case of conformal shapes, surfaces with different polishing, decoration and geometries exhibit unusual wetting and nucleation characteristics for impurities and this requires continuous attention for cleaning. The situation for space borne components and vehicles surfaces exposed to wetting liquids requires remote cleaning. In the present paper, we report the effect of surface topographies of substrates with nanoengineered titanium oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles embodied in polystyrene and study the effect of the composites to create different hydrophobic characteristics with great potential for detectors and sensors operating in ultra-violet and infrared regions.
Neurogenesis in the adult Drosophila brain.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's currently affect ∼25 million people worldwide (Erkkinen et al. 2018). The global incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is estimated at ∼70 million/year (Dewan et al. 2018). Both neurodegenerative diseases and TBI remain without effective treatments. We are utilizing adult Drosophila melanogaster to investigate the mechanisms of brain regeneration with the long term goal of identifying targets for neural regenerative therapies. We specifically focused on neurogenesis, i.e. the generation of new cells, as opposed to the regrowth of specific subcellular structures such as axons. Like mammals, Drosophila have few proliferating cells in the adult brain. Nonetheless, within 24 hours of a Penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury (PTBI) to the central brain, there is a significant increase in the number of proliferating cells. We subsequently detect both new glia and new neurons and the formation of new axon tracts that target appropriate brain regions. Glial cells divide rapidly upon injury to give rise to new glial cells. Other cells near the injury site upregulate neural progenitor genes including asense and deadpan and later give rise to the new neurons. Locomotor abnormalities observed after PTBI are reversed within two weeks of injury, supporting the idea that there is functional recovery. Together, these data indicate that adult Drosophila brains are capable of neuronal repair. We anticipate that this paradigm will facilitate the dissection of the mechanisms of neural regeneration and that these processes will be relevant to human brain repair.
Seismic design coefficients and factors for coupled composite plate shear walls/concrete filled (CC-PSW/CF)

Abstract ASCE 7–16 (2016) [4] defines three seismic performance factors to approximately predict the inelastic response of a seismic resisting system. These factors are the response modification factor, R; deflection amplification factor, Cd; and the system over-strength factor, Ωo. The research presented here was conducted, using FEMA P695 methodology, to determine the value of the above factors for a special seismic-force resisting system defined as Coupled Composite Plate Shear Walls-Concrete Filled (CC-PSW/CF). The ASCE 7–16 (2016) [4] and AISC 341–16 (2016) seismic provisions provide specific requirements for the use of planar composite steel plate shear walls in seismic regions. However, the ASCE-7–16 standard does not differentiate between coupled and non-coupled walls. Coupled walls can benefit from the added energy dissipation provided by their coupling beams and are accordingly expected to exhibit better seismic hysteretic behavior than uncoupled walls. Therefore, coupled walls systems should arguably have a higher response modification factor value. In this paper, the FEMA P695 approach taken for determining the seismic parameters of CC-PSW/CF is presented. To enhance confidence in the results, the Incremental Dynamic Analyses needed as part of the P695 procedure were conducted in parallel using two different non-linear hysteretic models. Complementary studies were also conducted to investigate the sensitivity of results to assumptions related to damping and yielding models. Results show that values R = 8, Cd = 5.5, and Ωo = 2.5 would be appropriate for CC-PSW/CF.
The Human Antibody Response to the Influenza Virus Neuraminidase Following Infection or Vaccination.

The influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) is primarily involved in the release of progeny viruses from infected cells—a critical role for virus replication. Compared to the immuno-dominant hemagglutinin, there are fewer NA subtypes, and NA experiences a slower rate of antigenic drift and reduced immune selection pressure. Furthermore, NA inhibiting antibodies prevent viral egress, thus preventing viral spread. Anti-NA immunity can lessen disease severity, reduce viral shedding, and decrease viral lung titers in humans and various animal models. As a result, there has been a concerted effort to investigate the possibilities of incorporating immunogenic forms of NA as a vaccine antigen in future vaccine formulations. In this review, we discuss NA-based immunity and describe several human NA-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that have a broad range of protection. We also review vaccine platforms that are investigating NA antigens in pre-clinical models and their potential use for next-generation influenza virus vaccines. The evidence presented here supports the inclusion of immunogenic NA in future influenza virus vaccines.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Pediatric Nonindex Readmission: Evidence From Florida Hospitals.

OBJECTIVES Increasing pediatric care regionalization may inadvertently fragment care if children are readmitted to a different (nonindex) hospital rather than the discharge (index) hospital. Therefore, this study aimed to assess trends in pediatric nonindex readmission rates, examine the risk factors, and determine if this destination difference affects readmission outcomes. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we use the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Database to include pediatric (0 to 18 years) admissions from 2010 to 2017 across Florida hospitals. Risk factors of nonindex readmissions were identified by using logistic regression analyses. The differences in outcomes between index versus nonindex readmissions were compared for in-hospital mortality, morbidity, hospital cost, length of stay, against medical advice discharges, and subsequent hospital visits by using generalized linear regression models. RESULTS Among 41 107 total identified readmissions, 5585 (13.6%) were readmitted to nonindex hospitals. Adjusted nonindex readmission rate increased from 13.3% in 2010% to 15.4% in 2017. Patients in the nonindex readmissions group were more likely to be adolescents, live in poor neighborhoods, have higher comorbidity scores, travel longer distances, and be discharged at the postacute facility. After risk adjusting, no difference in in-hospital mortality was found, but morbidity was 13% higher, and following unplanned emergency department visits were 28% higher among patients with nonindex readmissions. Length of stay, hospital costs, and against medical advice discharges were also significantly higher for nonindex readmissions. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of children experienced nonindex readmissions and relatively poorer health outcomes compared with index readmission. Targeted strategies for improving continuity of care are necessary to improve readmission outcomes.
Parametric Imaging of Surface Hardness Using Barkhausen Technique

Magnetic Barkhausen technique has been used to parametrically image the effects of thermal exposure on the surface condition of industrial components. Wear and fatigue resistance of industrial components are primarily determined by the mechanical condition of the surface layer. Standard hardness measurement techniques cannot easily be used to assess the condition of components in service because they are not well adapted to in situ measurements and are essentially destructive in nature. Barkhausen signals are sensitive to changes in surface hardness because the altered microstructure affects the dynamics of domain wall motion and consequently the Barkhausen signal. This paper presents the results of Barkhausen technique used to image the surface hardness on a flat plate material.
Argument as Hypothesis-Testing

This essay proposes that argumentation be understood as a rhetorical analogue to hypothesis-testing in the scientific method. It is a means for determining what should be regarded as true in situations in which empirical methods are not available. The paradigm is described and implications of following it are explored. The specific concern of the essay is with argumentation as deployed in competitive academic debate (referred to as “forensics”) but its point of view is generally applicable.
Culture, Development, and Zero-Sum Thought

Zero-sum thought is believed to vary across collectivist and individualist cultures. In two studies, we test a model of the origins of cross-cultural differences in zero-sum thought. We examine individuals at four age groups (preschool, early elementary, late elementary, adults) in a collectivist culture, Singapore, and an individualist culture, the United States. Participants predict one vignette character’s state on either the basis of a different character or the same character at a different time. Results indicate early- emerging differences in zero-sum thought that are consistent with previous findings on cultural differences in emotional suppression. Results are discussed in terms of cultural differences in suppression and practical implications.
The method of moments analysis of a band-pass filter

We simulate a band-pass filter. This filter is a multilayer structure with 23 layers and 28 vias. The simulation is performed by an integral equation based on the method of moments (MoM). Some new techniques are used to speed up the calculation. Triangular-quadrilateral hybrid basis functions are used to reduce the unknowns, the unknown edges with more than two connecting cells are embedded to simplify the problem, and the absorbing boundary condition in MoM codes is used to treat the vias connected to the ground planes. A fast Green's function via spectral interpolation is used to calculate the Green's function efficiency. Compared with the experiment results, the analysis we used for the filter is not only efficient but also accurate.
Required role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) for integrin-stimulated cell migration

FAK localizes to sites of transmembrane integrin receptor clustering and facilitates intracellular signaling events. FAK-null (FAK-) fibroblasts exhibit a rounded morphology, defects in cell migration, and an elevated number of cell-substratum contact sites. Here we show that stable re-expression of epitope-tagged FAK reversed the morphological defects of the FAK- cells through the dynamic regulation of actin structures and focal contact sites in fibronectin (FN) stimulated cells. FAK re-expressing fibroblasts (clones DA2 and DP3) exhibit a characteristic fibrillar shape and display indistinguishable FN receptor-stimulated migration properties compared to normal fibroblasts. Expression of various FAK mutants in the FAK- cells showed that FAK kinase activity, the Tyr-397/SH2 domain binding site, and the first proline-rich SH3 binding region in the FAK C-terminal domain were individually needed to promote full FAK-mediated FAK- cell migration to FN whereas direct paxillin binding to FAK was not required. Expression of the FAK Phe-397 mutant did not promote FAK- cell migration and overexpression of p50(csk) in DA2 cells inhibited migration to FN suggesting that Src-family PTKs play important roles in FAK-mediated motility events. Expression of the FAK C-terminal domain, FRNK, promoted FAK dephosphorylation at Tyr-397 and potently blocked FAK-mediated cell migration. This dominant-negative effect of FRNK was reversed by a point mutation (Leu-1034 to Ser) which prevented FRNK localization to focal contact sites. Our results show that FAK functions as a key regulator of fibronectin receptor stimulated cell migration events through the recruitment of both SH2 and SH3 domain-containing signaling proteins to sites of integrin receptor clustering.
A system-on-chip design of a low-power smart vision system

A low-power smart imager design is proposed for real-time machine vision applications. It takes advantages of recent advances in integrated sensing/processing designs, electronic neural networks, and sub-micron VLSI technology. The smart vision system integrates an active pixel camera, with a programmable neural computer and an advanced microcomputer. A system-on-a-chip implementation of this smart vision system is shown to be feasible by integrating the whole system into a 3-cm/spl times/3-cm chip design in a 0.18 m CMOS technology. The on-chip neural computer provides one tera-operation-per-second computing power for various parallel vision operations and smart sensor functions. Its high performance is due to massively parallel computing structures, high data throughput rates, fast learning capabilities, and system-on-a-chip implementation. This highly integrated smart imager can be used for various scientific missions and other military, industrial or commercial vision applications.
Synthesis and properties of fluorine‐containing heterocyclic compounds. II. trifluoromethyl benzo[h]quinolines, benzo[h]‐1,6‐napthyridines, 1,7‐ and 1,10‐phenanthrolines

Four heterocyclic rings containing the trifluoromethpl group have been prepared by the reductive, dehalogenation of the corressponding chloro compounds. These were obtained from the hydroxy derivativexs which, in turn, were formed in the condensation of ethyl trifluoroacetoacetate with 1-naphthylaminc and some substituted aminoquinolines. Spectral data were used to ascertain the position of the hydroxyl group in the hydroxy derivatives. In one case, the position of this group was established by an independent synthesis.
The Momentum Kick Model Description of the Near-Side Ridge and Jet Quenching

In central high-energy heavy-ion collisions, jets are produced in nucleon-nucleon collisions and they interact with the dense medium produced in the interacting region. Depending on the relative azimuthal angle relative to the trigger particle, observed high-pt jets can be classified as near-side jets or away-side jets. An away-side jet is associated with a broad cone of particles pointing azimuthally opposite to the trigger particle direction. The strong attenuation of the away-side jet in its passage through the produced dense matter is one of the many notable experimental observations in relativistic heavy-ion collisions and is a signature for the production of the strongly-coupled quark-gluon plasma [1, 2, 3, 4]. On the other hand, a near-side jet is characterized by the presence of associated particles within a narrow azimuthal angle along the trigger particle direction. It retains many of the characteristics of the associated fragmentation products as those of a jet in pp and peripheral heavy-ion collisions. The near-side jet occurs when the high-pt jet emerges near the surface of the produced parton medium.
Survival and Health Outcomes After Cytoreductive Surgery With Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy for Disseminated Peritoneal Cancer of Appendiceal Origin

Cytoreductive surgery with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin can alleviate symptoms and prolong survival. This aggressive therapy may impair patient quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study was to monitor health outcomes before and after treatment. Patients underwent cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy for peritoneal cancer. Patients completed questionnaires consisting of demographic information and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, the SF-36 Medical Outcomes Study survey, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression Scale, and the ECOG Performance Status Rating before (T1) and after surgery at 3 (T2), 6 (T3), 12 (T4), and 24 (T5) months. Time trends were assessed with the mixed model (SAS PROC MIXED) to allow use of all the observed data as well as to account for missing data. Fifty-eight patients (50% female) with a mean age 52.4 years (SD 12.6; range, 28–80) were assessed before surgery. Overall survival at 1 year was 78.7%. Emotional well-being improved over the study period, while physical well-being and physical functioning declined at T2 and then improved to near baseline levels at T3 and T4. Percentage of patients with depressive symptoms was as follows: T1 = 24%, T2 = 30%, T3 = 24%, and T4 = 33%. QOL scores improved over time. Although complications can affect short-term recovery, survival in appendix cancer patients with peritoneal cancer is good and for some can be achieved without major decrements in QOL at 1 year. Depressive symptoms and some physical limitations remain in surviving patients.
THE IMPACT OF SPLIT BOND RATINGS ON RISK PREMIA

Interest rates for bonds are negatively correlated with credit ratings assigned by agencies such as Moody's Investor Service and Standard & Poor's. Still in dispute is whether or not the ratings themselves convey information that is reflected in prices, hence interest rates in the bond markets. Disagreement between these two agencies' ratings leads to “split” ratings, and in this paper, the authors use the phenomenon of split ratings to assess whether or not ratings have a separate impact on bond prices. The results indicate that a downside split appears to have greater bond yield impact than an upside split. The findings are inconsistent with bond market efficiency, at least in the strong form. The market considers the quality of a split-rated bond to reflect the lower of the two ratings. Finally, the symmetry of the results with respect to the ratings agencies indicates that neither agency has more influence than the other in determining bond yields.
Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy A New Hypothesis of Cause

Blood and urine studies were performed on 30 consecutive infants who came to autopsy in 1963 after sudden unexpected death. In every case, a constellation of anatomic alterations was found which is identical with that seen in experimentally induced anaphylaxis in animals. Urine analyses revealed intense proteinuria at the time of death and the presence of an abnormal urinary compound termed a "nephrosis peptide."These authors hypothesize a physio logic defect leading to the absorption of undigested protein. This study suggests that this protein, being antigenic, is re sponsible for a lethal anaphylactic reac tion, thereby explaining the sudden death of some infants.
Developing Public Awareness and Acceptance of Metrication: Preliminary Analysis

The three major arguments made by opponents of metrication—cost, confusion, and cultural perception—are addressed. Research into these factors has suggested that encouraging the use of metrication is not an impossible task if strategic planning for a comprehensive communication campaign is conducted.
Clinical utility and dilemmas of SNP microarray testing.

The ability to diagnose patients with developmental delay, intellectual disability, congenital anomalies, and dysmorphic features has significantly improved with the introduction of SNP microarray technologies which includes more than 1.8 million markers on a single array. This high-density array will allow for sensitively detecting all known abnormalities with defined loci of interest as well as the discovery of ‘‘new syndromes’’ as a cause of mental retardation or autism. The most common micro deletion disorders include15q11-q13 Prader-Willi/Angelman, 22q11.3 velo-cardiofacial, 17pl3.3 William, 1p36and 16p11.2 microdeletion syndromes. SNP arrays are able to detect segmental uniparental disomy (UPD) as in Prader Willi syndrome and UPD14. SNP arrays identify parental consanguinity which may otherwise go undetected. Long stretches of homozygosity can be analyzed for recessive genes in patients born to consanguineous parents. (http://www.ccs.miami.edu/cgi-bin/ROH/ROH_analysis_tool.cgi) Arrays cannot however identify balanced chromosomal rearrangements, such as translocations or inversions, Marker chromosomes may also be missed, depending on the size, marker composition, and array coverage of the specific chromosomal region present on the marker. Dilemmas arise when ‘‘CNVs of uncertain clinical significance’’ are identified, or if a parent is not available for testing, thus making it difficult to identify if the rearrangement is inherited or arose de-novo. Further dilemmas arise if a parent is identified with the same rearrangement and is apparently asymptomatic, should one then consider the presence of a mutation in a recessive gene in the other allele to explain autism, mental retardation or other disorders. Overall SNP array technology has become the test of choice, permitting a 5.9% detection rate in patients with negative microarray-based CGH and an overall detection rate approaching 29%.
The relative frequency of induced mutations recovered from Drosophila melanogaster gametogenic stages irradiated at different dose rates

Abstract Inseminated Drosophila females were exposed to radiation doses of approx. 2000 or 4000 R at dose rates ranging from 8 to 240 000 R/h. The observed frequencies of sex-linked lethal mutations induced in spermatozoa and oogonia suggest that dose-rate effects were absent in spermatozoa over the whole range and in oogonia up to 3000 R/h. There was a consistent increase in oogonial mutation frequency from 3000 to 240 000 R/h. These results are discussed in relation to the well-established dose-rate effects observed in the mouse.
Aortoiliac reconstruction in infants and toddlers: replacement with decellularized branched pulmonary artery allograft.

Abstract Background Aortic reconstruction in infants and small children has been reported with Dacron or polytef prosthetic material, hypogastric artery autograft, and saphenous vein autograft. In children, synthetic grafts are limited by a concern for late infection and a lack of potential growth. Available autogenous vessels have a limited length and diameter. Conventional allografts have not been durable. When the entire infrarenal aorta and aortoiliac bifurcation must be replaced, none of the historic options are optimal. Methods We report 2 cases of infrarenal aorta and aortoiliac bifurcation reconstruction using a new generation of cryopreserved allograft now decellularized for decreased immunogenicity. The branched pulmonary artery allograft is particularly attractive for reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation. Results The postoperative course in both cases was uncomplicated. Follow-up with serial abdominal duplex ultrasound has shown no evidence of graft stenosis or calcification at 29 and 32 months, respectively. Conclusions The use of commercially available, decellularized, and antigen-reduced allograft offers a nonsynthetic option for replacement of the pediatric abdominal aorta. We chose this novel approach in hopes of reducing the lifetime risk for graft infection and maintaining the potential for graft ingrowth by the child.
Raman spectra of polycrystalline isobutene-d0, isobutene-d6 and isobutene-d8

Abstract The Raman spectra of polycrystalline isobutene- d 0 , isobutene- d 6 and isobutene- d 8 were recorded from 100 to 4000 cm −1 . The thirty fundamental modes are assigned on the basis of group frequency correlations, isotopic shift ratios and previously reported infrared band contours. The assignment is discussed in conjunction with existing force fields. Since the low temperature Raman technique for solids is particularly useful for resolving complicated spectral patterns and for detecting weak transitions, it was possible to assign a number of the CH vibrations that were obscured in the spectra of samples in the gaseous and liquid phases.
Computer simulation of bacterial survival data from a complex dilution experiment

A computer simulation is provided to generate bacterial survival data using the Weibull model (the exponential being an option). The simulation provides data when serial dilution is used before or after exposure to a bactericide allows for incubation as well. The simulation should be useful in all sterilization studies - whether of medical services, food, pharmaceuticals, or space vehicles. The algorithm, upon which the simulation is based, adheres faithfully to the probabilistic description of the experiment. The simulation should also be useful to both statisticians and microbiologists.
Effects of capsaicin desensitization on taste in humans

The desensitization effects on taste resulting from application of 100 or 10 ppm capsaicin, accompanied by daily testing of a capsaicin series (1-1000 ppm, in log steps), or the desensitization resulting from application of 100 ppm capsaicin without the daily capsaicin testing, were investigated. The taste stimuli were three concentrations each of NaCl, sucrose, citric acid, quinine and 6-n-propylthiouracil. Following either type of 100 ppm desensitization, the magnitude estimates of the two bitter tastes, in particular, and citric acid showed significant decrements. Following 10 ppm capsaicin or an ethanol control procedure, there were no such effects. Recovery was complete in 1-3 days. It seems possible that the taste decrements are due to effects on both the taste and tactile components of taste, though there is a stronger case for effects on the tactile component.
Bruce Rind the Truth Teller

Abstract Age of consent through most of history and cultures has coincided with biological changes taking place in adolescents, i.e., between 12 and 14. It was in fact in the best interests of society to have girls become pregnant in their teens. Even when age of marriage for males was somewhat later, age of consent remained the same, and in some societies, this delay resulted in homoerotic relationships between boys and adult males as it did in Greece.
Light, chlorophyll, carboxylase activity and CO2 fixation at various depths in the chlorenchyma of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller under current and elevated CO2.

summary Mature cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller have a thick chlorenchyma (about 4 mm) with a relatively high chlorophyll convent (0.65 gm−2), suggesting that light may be greatly attenuated and hence CO2 fixation negligible in the inner part of this tissue. Indeed, blue light (400–470 nm) and red light (670–685 nm)were 99% attenuated in the outer 2 mm of the chlorenchyma when the cladodes developed under both current and elevated CO2 Concentrations. Nevertheless, the nocturnal acidity increase and 14C accumulation following a brief exposure to 14CO2 at night decreased only 22 to 47% for a layer 2–3 mm deep in the chlorenchyma of this CAM plant. Under a particular growth CO2, the activities of both ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and phosho-enolyruvate carboxylase were similar for each of the outer three 1-mm-thick layers of the chlorenchyma. Therefore, although the light level and total chlorophyll decreased sharply with depth and the chlorophyll a/b ratio also decreased. Substantial CO2 fixation apparently occurs throughout most of the chlorenchyma. When O. ficus-indica was grown under 720 μmol CO2 mol−1, the chlorenchyma was 20% thicker but contained 11% less chlorophyll and had a lower absorptance than under the current CO2 concentration (370μmol mol−1). Greater nocturnal acidity increases and 14C accumulation following exposure to 14CO2 at night occurred at the doubled CO2 concentration despite 29–39% reductions in the activities of the two carboxylating enzymes, the lower absorptance, and a 24% increase in the cladode reflectance from 400–700 nm.
Direct Numerical Simulation of a Fully Developed Turbulent Flow over a Wavy Wall

Turbulent flow over a sinusoidal solid wavy surface was investigated by a direct numerical simulation using a spectral element technique. The train of waves has an amplitude to wavelength ratio of 0.05. For the flow conditions (Re=hUb/2ν= 3460) considered, adverse pressure gradients were large enough to cause flow separation. Numerical results compare favorably with those of Hudson's (1993) measurements. Instantaneous flow fields show a large variation of the flow pattern in the spanwise direction in the separated bubble at a given time. A surprising result is the discovery of occasional velocity bursts which originate in the separated region and extend over large distances away from the wavy wall. Turbulence in this region is very different from that near a flat wall in that it is associated with a shear layer which is formed by flow separation.
Optical characteristics of cryoconite (surface dust) on glaciers: the relationship between light absorbency and the property of organic matter contained in the cryoconite

Optical characteristics of the cryoconite collected from nine glaciers in the Himalaya, Tibet and the Arctic (Canada and Svalbard) were analyzed. The spectral light reflectance (visible region) of the cryoconite on the six glaciers in the Arctic and the Himalayawas generally low, indicating high light absorbency (dark coloration) of the cryoconite. In contrast, the spectral reflectances of the cryoconite on the three glaciers in Tibet were significantly higher than on the other glaciers. There was no significant difference in the spectral reflectance of mineral particles contained in the cryoconite between the Tibetan and the other glaciers, indicating that the difference in the albedo of the cryoconites is not due to the mineral particles, but due to organic matter contained in the cryoconite. Chemical analysis of the organic matter in the cryoconites revealed that the light absorbency of cryoconites is due to the amount of humic substances, which are dark-colored organic substances, the residue of bacterial decomposition of organic matter. The cryoconite of the three glaciers in Tibet contained significantly smaller amounts of humic substances than that of the other glaciers, probably due to different biological or chemical conditions. Results show that the formation of the humic substances in the cryoconite affects its optical characteristics, and possibly affects the surface albedo of the glaciers.
Cholinergic neuropil of the striatum observes striosomal boundaries

Acetylcholine and dopamine are key neurotransmitters in the extrapyramidal motor system, where they are thought to lie in a 'functional balance' brought about by interactions between the terminals of the dopamine-containing nigrostriatal tract and the cholinergic interneurones of the striatum. The precise nature of these interactions is not understood, however, nor is it clear how they influence the functioning of striatal systems containing other neurotransmitters. A new clue to understanding such interplay among transmitter-coded systems in the striatum has come from the finding that many of them, including nigrostriatal afferents, follow a macroscopic ordering in which neural elements are concentrated either in or out of the striatal tissue compartments called striosomes. We here report that the cholinergic neuropil of the striatum is also compartmentalized: fibres expressing immunoreactivity to antibodies raised against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) are sparse in striosomes and are dense in the extrastriosomal matrix. These findings suggest that the interactions between acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters in the striatum are spatially constrained, that cholinergic modulation of striatal function predomintes in the extrastriosomal matrix, and that extrapyramidal pathways originating in the matrix, including transthalamic pathways to the frontal lobes, may in particular reflect this cholinergic influence. Such a differential organization of striatal cholinergic circuitry could help to account for the selective therapeutic efficacy of anticholinergic drugs in the treatment of extrapyramidal disorders.
Decoding stimulus identity from multi-unit activity and local field potentials along the ventral auditory stream in the awake primate: implications for cortical neural prostheses

Objective. Hierarchical processing of auditory sensory information is believed to occur in two streams: a ventral stream responsible for stimulus identity and a dorsal stream responsible for processing spatial elements of a stimulus. The objective of the current study is to examine neural coding in this processing stream in the context of understanding the possibility for an auditory cortical neural prosthesis. Approach. We examined the selectivity for species-specific primate vocalizations in the ventral auditory processing stream by applying a statistical classifier to neural data recorded from microelectrode arrays. Multi-unit activity (MUA) and local field potential (LFP) data recorded simultaneously from primary auditory complex (AI) and rostral parabelt (PBr) were decoded on a trial-by-trial basis. Main results. While decode performance in AI was well above chance, mean performance in PBr did not deviate >15% from chance level. Mean performance levels were similar for MUA and LFP decodes. Increasing the spectral and temporal resolution improved decode performance; while inter-electrode spacing could be as large as 1.14 mm without degrading decode performance. Significance. These results serve as preliminary guidance for a human auditory cortical neural prosthesis; instructing interface implementation, microstimulation patterns and anatomical placement.
Avascular necrosis following extensive chemotherapy and dexamethasone treatment in a patient with advanced ovarian cancer : Case report and review of the literature

Avascular necrosis has long been recognized as a complication of glucorticoid therapy. With the recent recognition of paclitaxel's activity in advanced ovarian cancer, increasing attention has been focused on the concomitant use of corticosteroid premedication and its associated morbidities. This report describes avascular necrosis occurring in a patient receiving chemotherapy with corticosteroid medication for advanced recurrent ovarian cancer.
Norm-Narrowing and Self- and Other-Perceived Aggression in Early-Adolescent Same-Sex and Mixed-Sex Cliques

We examined the relations between group context and self- and other-perceptions of aggressive behavior in an ethnically-diverse sample of 168 male and female grade 7 adolescents. We used self- and peer-reports of aggression in high- and average-aggressive mixed-sex and same-sex cliques to examine whether group members would assimilate their self-report of aggression to the aggression report of their peers by way of perceived homophily or, conversely, engage in contrast and see their level of aggression as comparatively low in the face of high-aggression peers. Among boys in mixed-sex groups, comparison with highly-aggressive others resulted in a self-perception of lower levels of aggression than those perceived by their peers. Conversely, girls in mixed-sex groups reported their own levels of aggression to be higher than those perceived by their peers. We interpret these findings in terms of the notion of"norm narrowing": rather than being set by the larger social environment, such as the school, norms are more narrowly determined within one's immediate peer group. Language: en
Bond graph modeling of automotive power trains

Abstract This paper starts with a development of a simple, basic bond graph model of automotive power trains. The model contains key components needed to reproduce the dominant (shuffle) mode oscillations that are often observed in manual transmission vehicles. The basic model is illustrated with an example and supported by experimental data. Various extensions of the basic model are also considered, including four wheel drive vehicles and power trains with automatic transmissions. The modeling extensions were facilitated by a generic bond graph structure for planetary gears, which are appropriately modified for the present tasks. The derived models are useful for preliminary assessment of the effects of power train system/component design changes, and for power train control system design.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and Postherpetic Neuralgia

Herpes zoster (HZ), commonly called shingles, is a distinctive syndrome caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV). This reactivation occurs when immunity to VZV declines because of aging or immunosuppression. Herpes zoster can occur at any age but most commonly affects the elderly population. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), defined as pain persisting more than 3 months after the rash has healed, is a debilitating and difficult to manage consequence of HZ. The diagnosis of HZ is usually made clinically on the basis of the characteristic appearance of the rash. Early recognition and treatment can reduce acute symptoms and may also reduce PHN. A live, attenuated vaccine aimed at boosting immunity to VZV and reducing the risk of HZ is now available and is recommended for adults older than 60 years. The vaccine has been shown to reduce significantly the incidence of both HZ and PHN. The vaccine is well tolerated, with minor local injection site reactions being the most common adverse event. This review focuses on the clinical manifestations and treatment of HZ and PHN, as well as the appropriate use of the HZ vaccine.
Effects of salt, BHA/BHT, and differing phosphate types on quality and sensory characteristics of beef longissimus muscles.

: USDA Select striploins (n = 20) were cut into thirds (anterior, medial, and posterior) and randomly assigned to 1 of 6 treatments. Treatments included: (1) control (C); (2) 0.006% BHA (butylated hydroxyl anisole)/BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) (70%/30%) (BB); (3) 0.4% trisodiumphosphate (CT); (4) 0.4% sodiumtripolyphosphate with 0.5% salt (BH); (5) sodiumtripolyphosphate, 0.5% salt, and 0.006% BHA/BHT (70%/30%) (SB); (6) 0.2% sodiumtripolyphosphate, 0.2% trisodiumphosphate, and 0.5% salt (STB). Muscle sections were injected to 110% (10% pump) of their weight with their respective treatments. Inclusion of BHA/BHT allowed for lower mean oxidation values. Regardless of phosphate type, muscles treated with both phosphate and salt had lower retail purge (P < 0.05). Sensory panelists rated (P < 0.05) STB, SB, and BH to be juicier than all other treatments. These data suggest that inclusion of both salt and phosphate can enhance palatability, lower cook loss, and retail purge.
SEDIMENT ENTRAINMENT AND DEPOSITION MEASUREMENTS IN LONG ISLAND SOUND.

Entrainment and deposition fluxes were measured in Central Long Island Sound. Data were collected with a 3‐MHz acoustic transceiver range gated to sample the sediment concentration in 1‐cm intervals in the bottom 70 cm of the water column. Horizontal and vertical velocities were sampled 68 cm above the bottom. A turbulent control volume derivation was used to estimate the fluxes and their variation over one 3.5‐hr deployment and a second deployment that spanned a tidal cycle. Time histories of three measures of the shear stress as well as the turbulent and wave kinetic energy were correlated with the entrainment fluxes. Turbulent and wave kinetic energy was the most reliable correlate with entrainment while the Reynolds' stress and drag coefficient estimates fared less well, the former failing at ebb tide, and the latter during periods of low average velocity.
The relationship between locomotor behavior and limb morphology in brown (Cebus apella) and weeper (Cebus olivaceus) capuchins.

This study is a comparison of locomotor behavior and postcranial form in two species of capuchin monkey, the brown capuchin (Cebus apella), and the weeper capuchin (Cebus olivaceus). Behavioral data from groups of wild C. apella and C. olivaceus in Guyana were collected during the period of December 1999 through November 2000. Postcranial variables including 40 measurements and three indices were taken from 43 adult and subadult specimens of C. apella and 14 adult and subadult specimens of C. olivaceus housed in American museums, as well as two wild-caught adult specimens of C. olivaceus from the Georgetown Zoo in Guyana. The results of this study indicate that these two capuchins exhibit similar patterns of locomotor behavior, but that there are important differences in how they move through their homerange, particularly with respect to quadrupedalism. These differences in behavior are reflected in their postcranial morphology and can be related to differences in foraging strategies. This study provides an example of the importance of using more exclusive categories of quadrupedal behaviors when comparing closely related arboreal quadrupeds, as well as an alternative explanation for some of the postcranial features of C. apella that may relate to foraging postures and foraging strategy rather than traditionally categorized patterns of locomotor behavior. Am. J. Primatol. 69:736–756. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.