cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Dopaminergic Agonist-Induced Gnawing Behavior by Neuroleptic Drugs in Mice

Several neuroleptic drugs cause the Parkinsonian syndrome (PS) in humans; however, this effect is not detectable in rodents. PS-inducing drugs inhibit gnawing or biting behavior induced by apomorph...
Global Regulation of Post-translational Modifications on Core Histones

Full-length masses of histones were analyzed by mass spectrometry to characterize post-translational modifications of bulk histones and their changes induced by cell stimulation. By matching masses of unique peptides with full-length masses, H4 and the variants H2A.1, H2B.1, and H3.1 were identified as the main histone forms in K562 cells. Mass changes caused by covalent modifications were measured in a dose- and time-dependent manner following inhibition of phosphatases by okadaic acid. Histones H2A, H3, and H4 underwent changes in mass consistent with altered acetylation and phosphorylation, whereas H2B mass was largely unchanged. Unexpectedly, histone H4 became almost completely deacetylated in a dose-dependent manner that occurred independently of phosphorylation. Okadaic acid also partially blocked H4 hyperacetylation induced by trichostatin-A, suggesting that the mechanism of deacetylation involves inhibition of H4 acetyltransferase activity, following perturbation of cellular phosphatases. In addition, mass changes in H3 in response to okadaic acid were consistent with phosphorylation of methylated, acetylated, and phosphorylated forms. Finally, kinetic differences were observed with respect to the rate of phosphorylation of H2A versus H4, suggesting differential regulation of phosphorylation at sites on these proteins, which are highly related by sequence. These results provide novel evidence that global covalent modifications of chromatin-bound histones are regulated through phosphorylation-dependent mechanisms.
Semantic web support for the business-to-business e-commerce lifecycle

If an e-services approach to electronic commerce is to become widespread, standardisation of ontologies, message content and message protocols will be necessary. In this paper, we present a lifecycle of a business-to-business e-commerce interaction, and show how the Semantic Web can support a service description language that can be used throughout this lifecycle. By using DAML, we develop a service description language sufficiently expressive and flexible to be used not only in advertisements, but also in matchmaking queries, negotiation proposals and agreements. We also identify which operations must be carried out on this description language if the B2B lifecycle is to be fully supported. We do not propose specific standard protocols, but instead argue that our operators are able to support a wide variety of interaction protocols, and so will be fundamental irrespective of which protocols are finally adopted.
Brain monoamine levels in suckling mice following postnatal exposure to secalonic acid D via the dam's milk

Abstract Mice were gavage-fed on day 13 of pregnancy with 0 (groups N, 15, 25) or 25 (group P) mg/kg of secalonic acid D (SAD) and again while nursing their offspring on postgestational days 1–10 with 0 (N,P), 15(15) or 25(25) mg/kg/day. SAD residues were present in the stomach of pups nursed by SAD-treated dams. Postnatal exposure to SAD decreased (P
A comparison of indirect measures of feeding behaviour based on ARGOS tracking data

ARGOS tracking data are frequently used to infer feeding locations of marine predators. Most track-based methods rely on the assumption that feeding takes place within regions of area-restricted search (ARS); however, it is unclear whether the spatial accuracy and temporal resolution of ARGOS-quality data are sufficient to extract the location of ARSs at the resolution of individual feeding bouts. Using ARGOS tracking data from northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) and Laysan albatrosses (Phoebastria immutabilis), we tested several track-based estimators of feeding locations against independent feeding proxies (dive type or shape and number of landing events). The track-based methods were: turn angle, transit rate, first-passage time, and fractal dimension. None of these methods provided a reliable estimate of putative feeding activity at the species level, as measured by dive-type analysis or landing events. At the individual level, variation in agreement between track-based estimates and feeding proxies highlighted the importance of considering the effect of spatial scale. Biological justification of track-based metrics should be more carefully assessed before assigning particular functions to individual tracks (feeding/foraging/searching/transit) or groups of tracks (biological hotspots).
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Electromagnetic Measurement Facility

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory recently improved its electromagnetic measurement capability through the installation of a precision broad-band monocone antenna, shrouded by EM absorbers, at its Transient Range Facility. This paper provides a brief history of the facility, describes the current measurement systems, and discusses the improvements observed.
Intensity discrimination and the precision of call timing in two species of neotropical treefrogs

1. Field acoustic playback experiments were conducted with maleEleutherodactylus coqui andE. portoricensis. Periodic tone bursts of intensities similar to natural sounds in the habitat of the frogs were used to create sonic interference. The period between tone bursts, the ‘time window’, was varied in duration and in intensity relative to the tone burst. 2. Males of both species suppressed vocalizations during the stimulus tone bursts. The amount of suppression decreased as the tone burst was lengthened. 3. Males of bothE. coqui andE. portoricensis suppressed calling in response to tone bursts of 0.40 to 2.0 kHz, a range which encompasses the principal frequency components present in their vocalizations. 4. BothE. coqui andE. portoricensis initiated significantly (P<0.01) more calls within the time windows between stimulus tone bursts than would be expected by chance when the window duration was as short as 0.25 s and 0.10 s, respectively. These durations are approximately 10% of the spontaneous call repetition periods for each species. 5. E. coqui initiated significantly (P<0.01) more calls than would be expected by chance in tone-filled time ‘windows’ which were only 4 to 6 dB less intense than the tone bursts. This ability of intensity discrimination under sonically adverse natural field conditions indicates a level of performance in the same range as that of mammals. 6. The ability of frogs to call preferentially during very brief silent periods or during periods of slight intensity reductions is viewed as an adaptation for avoiding acoustic interference, and thus improves the efficiency of acoustic communication in an intense and complex sonic environment.
In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the temporal lobe in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Purpose Prior proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies have consistently reported decreased brain n -acetyl aspartate (NAA) levels and increased myo -inositol (mI) levels in subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD) relative to healthy comparison subjects. These studies have usually been conducted in small and homogeneous populations of patients with established Alzheimer's disease. Few studies have tested the usefulness of this finding in a general population seeking evaluation for memory loss and other cognitive declines. We designed a study to evaluate the significance of single-voxel proton MRS findings in these patients with memory loss and other cognitive declines. General method Thirty-five subjects with a primary complaint of memory loss and other cognitive declines were consecutively referred over a period of 13 months to a specialty clinic. Patients with a diagnosis of mild to moderate probable Alzheimer's disease ( N =22), non-Alzheimer's dementia (depression, multiinfarct dementia, Parkinson's Disease, Korsakoff's Psychosis, and bipolar disorder; N =13), and healthy comparison subjects ( N =18) were examined with respect to possible differences in metabolites using proton MRS in a 3.4-ml anterior temporal lobe voxel. Findings The Alzheimer's disease group had 10.7% lower NAA/creatine (Cr) ratios relative to the healthy comparison group and 9.4% lower NAA/creatine relative to the non-Alzheimer's dementia group (15.0% lower NAA/creatine relative to the depression subgroup of the non-Alzheimer's dementia group). There were no significant differences in choline (Cho) or myo -inositol ratios among the groups. There were significant correlations between NAA/creatine ratios and mini-mental status exam (MMSE) scores in subjects with Alzheimer's disease ( t =2.41, p =0.032) but not in subjects with non-Alzheimer's dementia or in its depression subgroup. Conclusions This study found a reduction in the neuronal marker NAA in the anterior temporal lobe of patients diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease, using a short add-on proton MRS exam. This change was not observed in patients whose memory loss and other cognitive declines were not attributed to Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that it may aid in the diagnosis or detection of Alzheimer's disease.
Novel use of water soluble “Aquapour” as a temporary spacer during coil winding for the NSTX-U centerstack

A major facility upgrade to the National Spherical Torus eXperiment (NSTX-U) is currently underway at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). A key component of NSTX-U is the fabrication of a new, higher field centerstack (CS). In order to simultaneously provide robust joints between the inner and outer legs of the Toroidal Field Coils (TF) and minimize radial build, the NSTX-U CS design requires that the Ohmic Heating solenoid (OH) be wound directly on the inner TF bundle. To protect the OH against thermal expansion stress during scenarios where the inner TF bundle is hot but the OH is relatively cool, the completed CS will have a 0.100 inch annular gap between the outer diameter of the TF bundle and the inner diameter of the OH solenoid. “Aquapour”, a proprietary material produced by the Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing Company will be used during manufacture to produce this gap. After the TF bundle is vacuum pressure impregnated and cured, a cylindrical “clam shell” mold will be assembled around it, and a slurry of powdered Aquapour and water will be pumped into the annular space between the mold and TF bundle. Subsequent baking will turn the Aquapour solid, and a protective layer of wet lay-up fiberglass and resin will be added. The OH solenoid will be wound directly on this wet lay-up shell. After vacuum pressure impregnation of the OH, the water soluble Aquapour will be washed away, leaving the required radial clearance between the TF and OH. This paper will describe prototyping and testing of this process, and plans for use on the actual CS fabrication.
MEH-PPV Light-Emitting Diodes: Mechanisms of Failure

Abstract Organic light-emitting diodes show increasing promise for technological application. Polymer based systems, although offering some processing advantages over LEDs based on organic small molecules, have not yet demonstrated sufficient stability for commercial devices. We have therefore undertaken a study aimed at identifying the degradation mechanisms in LEDs fabricated from a single layer of MEH-PPV between ITO as transparent anode and calcium as cathode. Current-voltage, luminance, spectroscopy and in-situ IR measurements were made. The results reveal several processes leading to reduced power conversion efficiency and eventual failure. Chemical degradation of the polymer, even in devices protected from ambient oxygen, both reduces its ability to transport charge and introduces carbonyl moities which quench the luminescence. FTIR spectroscopy provides details of the chemical processes involved and indicates that ITO can act as an oxygen reservoir in the formation of aromatic aldehydes. Additiona...
The stabilization of environments

In planning and activity research there are two common approaches to matching agents with environments. Either the agent is designed with a specific environment in mind, or it is provided with learning capabilities so that it can adapt to the environment it is placed in. In this paper we look at a third and underexploited alternative: designing agents which adapt their environments to suit themselves. We call thisstabilization, and we present a taxonomy of types of stability that human beings typically both rely on and enforce. We also taxonomize the ways in which stabilization behaviors can be cued and learned. We illustrate these ideas with a program calledFixPoint, which improves its performance over time by stabilizing its environment. .
Black Humor as Self-Affirmation

The article addresses how Black Humor has served as biting social commentary in response to an uncaring, racist white world. The language of the humor reflects an attempt to cushion the impact of racism and represents an uncompromising refusal to be demeaned. The humor releases
Comparative Potency and Dissolution Performance of Internationally Available Piroxicam Products

Generic drug products are marketed throughout the world and are generally regarded as being equivalent to the name brand product. Piroxicam is a widely prescribed nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug and is marketed under the Pfizer tradename Feldene® or Felden®. In countries with no patent laws or where the Feldene® patent has expired, the drug is available under various trademarks by many different producers. Differences in formulations produced by different manufacturers can be assessed by measuring dissolution rate and potency. In this study, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) dissolution and potency tests were applied to 85 generic piroxicam products obtained from 21 countries in an attempt to evaluate if the available formulations met standard quality assurance tests. The results show that of the 85 piroxicam products tested, 17 products met the USP dissolution standards and 68 products failed. Of the 85 products tested for potency as a percentage of label claim, 50 products failed the USP criteria. Overall, 91% of the generic piroxicam products evaluated failed to meet the routine in vitro USP quality assurance criteria for potency and/or dissolution. The substantial differences observed in this study regarding performance of piroxicam dosage forms available worldwide have possible implications in terms of product equivalency and standards at an international level. While these results cannot be used to draw clinical conclusions without bioavailability data, they should nonetheless be kept in mind by healthcare practitioners. These data should be evaluated along with other relevant considerations before physicians and pharmacists make decisions regarding the interchange of these products.
Single-centre evaluation of the extraperitoneal and transperitoneal approach in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

Abstract Objective. Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is feasible using either an extraperitoneal (EP) or a transperitoneal (TP) approach. This study reports on the experience of a single hospital using both techniques. Material and methods. From July 2009 to March 2011, 170 patients underwent RARP. EP was chosen in 103 patients and TP in 67. TP was preferred in cases previous mesh hernia repair or if extended lymph-node dissection (LND) was considered necessary. Otherwise, EP was performed; it was preferred in cases of obesity (body mass index (BMI) > 30kg/m2)) or previous intra-abdominal surgery. Results. There were no significant differences in preoperative mean age (64.4 vs 65.6 years), BMI (26.5 vs 26.3 kg/m2) or prostate size (51.8 vs 55.8 cm3) between EP and TP patients. Owing to preoperative selection criteria, prostate-specific antigen levels and the average Gleason score were significantly lower in EP than in TP patients (p < 0.001). Whereas access time and time for anastomosis did n...
A simplification of the Kopp—Diewert method of decomposing cost efficiency and some implications

Abstract Earlier papers by Kopp and Diewert (1982) and Zieschang (1983) have considered ways of decomposing the overall productive efficiency into technical and allocative components given the parameters of a frontier cost function. This paper presents a simplified approach to the same problem, and some implications for a possible solution of the ‘Greene problem’ [Greene (1980)a].
The Application of Artificially Prolonged Hibernation of Parasites to Liberation Technique

When a noxious insect has become established in a previously uninfested area and the introduction of its parasitic enemies is undertaken, workers are confronted with numerous problems involving relationships between parasites and hosts. One problem sometimes encountered is a lack of synchronization in the development of the parasites which are being introduced and that of their hosts. A problem of this type has been experienced with Microgaster tibialis Nees and Eulimneria crasszfemur Thoms., brought from Europe for colonization in the North Central States, where their host, Pyrausta nubilalis Hbn., has but one generation each year.
Heat Conduction in a Moving Semi-infinite Solid Subjected to Pulsed Laser Irradiation

Heat conduction in a moving semi-infinite body subject to laser irradiation is considered. The body of knowledge of exact analytical solutions for Gaussian laser irradiation is expanded to include pulsed lasers, and laser beams that penetrate into the body with exponential decay. For applications with complicated geometries (laser melting and evaporation), a simple integral method, based on one-dimensional diffusion is presented and its range of validity determined.
Musical Sequence Learning and EEG Correlates of Audiomotor Processing

Our motor and auditory systems are functionally connected during musical performance, and functional imaging suggests that the association is strong enough that passive music listening can engage the motor system. As predictive coding constrains movement sequence selections, could the motor system contribute to sequential processing of musical passages? If this is the case, then we hypothesized that the motor system should respond preferentially to passages of music that contain similar sequential information, even if other aspects of music, such as the absolute pitch, have been altered. We trained piano naive subjects with a learn-to play-by-ear paradigm, to play a simple melodic sequence over five days. After training, we recorded EEG of subjects listening to the song they learned to play, a transposed version of that song, and a control song with different notes and sequence from the learned song. Beta band power over sensorimotor scalp showed increased suppression for the learned song, a moderate level of suppression for the transposed song, and no suppression for the control song. As beta power is associated with attention and motor processing, we interpret this as support of the motor system's activity during covert perception of music one can play and similar musical sequences.
Redesigning the care of carotid endarterectomy patients

Abstract Recent studies have supported the effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) as a treatment for significant carotid stenosis. 1,2 While the efficacy of CEA has been established, it is important to review the processes and outcomes of care to ensure high-quality, cost-effective care. As part of a quality-improvement process, our hospital's Vascular Surgery Quality Improvement Team redesigned the care for patients having CEA surgery. Practice changes, implemented in January 1995, included routine discharge on the first postoperative day, a new critical pathway supported by a computerized order set, a switch from general anesthesia to a regional block approach, and the use of an algorithm in treating postoperative hypertension. The impact of these changes on cost and quality were then analyzed. A retrospective chart audit was completed on 185 CEA surgeries performed in 1995. Length of stay decreased by 1.15 days, and costs were reduced by $1900 per case, with no change in postoperative morbidity or mortality rates. The incidence and severity of postoperative hypertension, bradycardia, and hypotension were also analyzed, supporting the practice changes and the current level of nursing care.
Diverticulitis occurs early after lung transplantation

Abstract Background Lung transplantation recipients are at an increased risk for developing diverticulitis. However, the incidence and natural history of diverticulitis have not been well characterized. Our objective was to identify patient and transplant-related factors that may be associated with an increased risk of developing diverticulitis in this patient population. Materials and methods This is a retrospective single institution study. All patients who received a lung transplant between May 2008 and July 2013 were evaluated using an existing lung transplantation database. Patient-related factors, the incidence and timing of diverticulitis, and outcomes of medical and surgical management were measured. Results Of the 314 patients who received a lung transplant, 14 patients (4.5%) developed diverticulitis. All episodes (100%) of diverticulitis occurred within the first 2 y after transplantation. Eight patients (57%) required surgery with a mortality rate of 12.5%. Six patients (43%) were managed medically and did not require surgery with a mean follow-up period of 442 d. Conclusions Diverticulitis is common after lung transplantation and occurs with a higher incidence compared with the general population. Diverticulitis occurs early in the posttransplant period, and the majority of patients require surgery. Patients who respond promptly to medical treatment may not require elective resection. A greater awareness of the risk of diverticulitis in the early posttransplant period may allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Hydrogen passivation of Se and Te in AlSb

Using infrared absorption spectroscopy we have observed local vibrational modes (LVM's) arising from DX-hydrogen complex in AlSb. Hydrogen was diffused into bulk AlSb:Se and AlSb:Te by annealing in sealed quartz ampoules with either hydrogen gas or methanol (${\mathrm{CH}}_{3}$OH). The persistent photoabsorption of the DX-like Se donor is significantly reduced after hydrogenation. In hydrogenated AlSb:Se, we attribute the LVM peaks at 1608.6 and 1615.7 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ to hydrogen stretch modes. Deuterated AlSb:Se has only one stretch mode at 1173.4 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. The second, third, and fourth harmonics of the wag modes are observed and show splittings consistent with ${\mathit{C}}_{3\mathit{v}}$ symmetry. In AlSb:Te, we find a hydrogen stretch mode at 1599.0 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and a deuterium mode at 1164.4 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. We propose a model in which the hydrogen attaches to an aluminum in a [111] antibonding orientation. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE DISABILITY SIMULATING MENTAL RETARDATION.

There are a number of children, estimated at from 5 to 15 per cent of the American grade school population, boys outnumbering girls three to one, who, without any demonstrable evidence of structural damage to the central or peripheral nervous systems, have difficulty in dealing with stimuli on a symbolic level. These children are suffering from developmental language disorders (Brain, 1961; Chess, 1944), variously described as congenital language disorders or lags (Head, 1927), specific language disorders (Silver and Hagin, 1960), developmental aphasias or dysphasias, dyslexias, dysgraphias, and dyspraxias (Bender, 1958; Money, 1962), congenital auditory imperception (Weisenberg and McBride, 1935; Worster-Drought and Allen, 1929a, b), congenitally word-deaf (Weisenberg and McBride, 1935) or wordblind children (Hallgren, 1950; Morgan, 1896), strephosymbolic (Orton, 1937) or sinlingualism (Peacher, 1950). These children have certain characteristics in common: 1. There is a strong family history of language disturbance (Hallgren, 1950). 2. All have evidence that the neurophysiological organization, corresponding to cerebral dominance, is not fully established (Silver and Hagin, 1960). 3. All have specific perceptual problems in more than one perceptual area. These specific perceptual problems are characterized by difficulty in orientation in space and in time, so that there are errors in right-left orientation; disturbance in body image relative to orien-
An evaluation of a high-resolution operational wave forecasting system in the Adriatic Sea

Abstract The SWAN (Simulating Waves Nearshore) wave model using wind inputs generated by the ALADIN 8-km, operational high-resolution, atmospheric model was run in real-time to provide surface waves forecast for the semi-enclosed Adriatic Sea in support of the “Dynamics of the Adriatic in Real-Time” (DART) field experiments. Together with predictions from other wave and wind models, the successful prediction of a high sea-state event by this model led to a real-time shifting of planned operations while at sea, allowing five ADCP moorings to be deployed just before a bora storm and associated storm waves arrived. The model was also able to simulate the spatial gradients in significant wave height observed by in-situ and remote-sensing measurements for a particular sirocco storm case study, providing an additional perspective in aiding interpretation of the model output of features. To further quantify prediction skill, the wave forecast performance over a 12-month period was evaluated against in-situ and altimeter measurements over the region. Correlation coefficients between forecast and in-situ measured significant wave heights were from 0.82 to 0.91 for the 24-h forecast and from 0.78 to 0.88 for the 48-h forecast. However, best-fit slope comparisons with in-situ wave data at five coastal locations show the forecast wave heights were underpredicted by 10% to 30%. Best-fit slope comparisons between modeled wind speeds, U 10 , and significant wave heights, H s , and altimeter-derived measurements show that model U 10 was about 4% underpredicted, but H s was underpredicted by an average of 30%. The underprediction of SWAN H s has a very significant location-dependent geographical variation ranging from 10% to over 50%. In addition, the wave model comparison with altimeter H s shows a broad region of scatter index exceeding 0.4 along and offshore of the central Croatian coast. Elsewhere the scatter index is generally around 0.3. Compared to previous studies we found that using higher-resolution wind forcing with realistic orography decreased the U 10 underestimation bias, but the magnitude of H s underestimation bias did not correspondingly decrease, suggesting that wave model dynamics or wind–wave coupling deserves further investigation.
Flame Propagation Along Matchstick Arrays

Abstract Experimental observations are presented on flame propagation along uniform, linear, horizontal arrays of vertically oriented matchsticks. Matchstick height and spacing between matchsticks are varied. Reported results include necessary conditions for flame propagation, linear rates of flame propagation, and char angle—the angle between the horizontal and a photographically recorded line of incipient char formation on the face of the matchstick array. Theoretical explanations for the experimental observations are offered on the basis of a model which employs an ignition temperature and uses previously determined flame shapes for individually burning cellulosic cylinders. The remarkably good agreement between theory and experiment supports the contention that convective effects are of primary importance in flame propagation at matchstick size scales.
Safety and efficacy of tacrolimus in pediatric liver recipients

Pediatric liver transplantation is now so successful that we expect more than 80% of children to survive into adolescence and adulthood. As the focus of care shifts toward long-term patient management, immunosuppressive regimens should, in addition to preventing acute and chronic rejection, promote good quality of life and be free of significant long-term side effects. Historically, the most effective immunosuppressive regimens have been based on induction with a combination of calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporin or tacrolimus) and steroids. Usually, maintenance is monotherapy with cyclosporin or tacrolimus or dual therapy with low-dose alternate-day steroids to encourage growth. A number of studies, including long-term follow-up, have shown significantly lower incidences of rejection, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cosmetic side effects in patients treated initially with tacrolimus compared with cyclosporin. The use of anti-interleukin-2 inhibitors as induction therapy, with low-dose tacrolimus or in combination with mycophenolate mofetil, has a key role in preventing significant renal dysfunction and reducing infection and rejection. Steroid-free immunosuppression is also proving to be an effective option for the management of pediatric liver recipients. The main challenges now facing pediatricians include ensuring long-term quality of life, optimizing immunosuppression while preventing associated adverse events, and managing a smooth transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood.
Relationship between aneurysm occlusion and flow diverting device oversizing in a rabbit model

Background and purpose Implanted, actual flow diverter pore density is thought to be strongly influenced by proper matching between the device size and parent artery diameter. The objective of this study was to characterize the correlation between device sizing, metal coverage, and the resultant occlusion of aneurysms following flow diverter treatment in a rabbit model. Methods Rabbit saccular aneurysms were treated with flow diverters (iso-sized to proximal parent artery, 0.5 mm oversized, or 1.0 mm oversized, respectively, n=6 for each group). Eight weeks after implantation, the angiographic degree of aneurysm occlusion was graded (complete, near-complete, or incomplete). The ostium of the explanted aneurysm covered with the flow diverter struts was photographed. Based on gross anatomic findings, the metal coverage and pore density at the ostium of the aneurysm were calculated and correlated with the degree of aneurysm occlusion. Results Angiographic results showed there were no statistically significant differences in aneurysm geometry and occlusion among groups. The mean parent artery diameter to flow diverter diameter ratio was higher in the 1.0 mm oversized group than in the other groups. Neither the percentage metal coverage nor the pore density showed statistically significant differences among groups. Aneurysm occlusion was inversely correlated with the ostium diameter, irrespective of the size of the device implanted. Conclusions Device sizing alone does not predict resultant pore density or metal coverage following flow diverter implantation in the rabbit aneurysm model. Aneurysm occlusion was not impacted by either metal coverage or pore density, but was inversely correlated with the diameter of the ostium.
Five-year follow-up of primary optetrak posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasties in osteoarthritis

A series of 66 primary Optetrak Posterior Stabilized total knees with modular tibial components were followed prospectively for a minimum of 5 years in patients with osteoarthritis. Fifty-one percent of the patients were obese based on body mass index greater than 30. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between body mass index and both Hospital for Special Surgery and Knee Society scores. Despite reduced ratings due to obesity, 90% of the patients were rated good or excellent. Patellofemoral design changes nearly eliminated patellofemoral crepitation and soft tissue entrapment. Design changes did not compromise implant survival. Predicted implant survival at 93 months using reoperation for any reason as an end point was 97%.
Rytov approximation for x-ray phase imaging

In this study, we check the accuracy of the first-order Rytov approximation with a homogeneous sphere as a candidate for application in x-ray phase imaging of large objects e.g., luggage at the airport, or a human patient. Specifically, we propose a validity condition for the Rytov approximation in terms of a parameter V that depends on the complex refractive index of the sphere and the Fresnel number, for Fresnel numbers larger than 1000. In comparison with the exact Mie solution, we provide the accuracy of the Rytov approximation in predicting the intensity and phase profiles after the sphere. For large objects, where the Mie solution becomes numerically impractical, we use the principle of similarity to predict the accuracy of the Rytov approximation without explicit calculation of the Mie solution. Finally, we provide the maximum radius of the sphere for which the first order Rytov approximation remains valid within 1% accuracy.
Race and Turnout: Does Descriptive Representation in State Legislatures Increase Minority Voting?

The 2008 election marked an end to the longstanding gap in the level of black and white voter turnout, offering further evidence that minority empowerment affects voter turnout. In this article, the authors move beyond a dyadic conceptualization of empowerment and argue that the level of descriptive representation within the legislative body as a whole is crucial to understanding how context affects voter turnout. They find African Americans and Latinos are more likely to vote when residing in states with increased descriptive representation in the state legislature measured by the percentage of black or Latino lawmakers.
Evaluation of MINDO/3 calculated structures. III. Saturated acyclic compounds with chlorine, nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur†

Fifty-one structures have been calculated by the MINDO/3 method to evaluate the errors introduced by branching and by the presence of the heteroatom. The structures are evaluated by comparisons which reveal that the calculated ΔHf values reflect a bias because of the presence of the heteroatom. With two carbons or more in a chain attached to a heteroatom group, a linear relationship exists which makes possible the calculation of reasonably accurate ΔHf values for unbranched alcohols, primary or secondary amines, ethers, thioethers, thiols, and alkyl chlorides. Branching errors do not seem to be linearly related among the systems. Some errors in calculations of geometries are also discussed.
Computational aspects of a code to study rotating turbulent convection in spherical shells

Abstract The coupling of highly turbulent convection with rotation within a full spherical shell geometry, such as in the solar convection zone, can be studied with the new anelastic spherical harmonic (ASH) code developed to exploit massively parallel architectures. Inter-processor transposes are used to ensure data locality in spectral transforms, a sophisticated load balancing algorithm is implemented and the Legendre transforms, which dominate the workload for large problems, are highly optimized by exploiting the features of cache memory and instruction pipelines. As a result, the ASH code achieves around 120 Mflop/s per node on the Cray T3E and scales nearly linearly for adequately large problem sizes.
Multipath combining/cancelling DS spread spectrum detection

The additional dimensionality and bandwidth of direct-sequence spread spectrum signaling can be used to provide multiple access and exploit multipath in wireless communication. However, the severely spread channels that will be encountered in broadband wireless applications, combined with bandwidth limitations, motivates the use of additional receiver processing to provide improved performance at moderate spreading gains. Spread spectrum with simultaneous RAKE combining and ISI cancellation is explored. A received signal model is presented that captures the general time-varying multipath/multi-user case. Linear detectors are studied; in particular, results are shown for a correlation detector supplying tentative decisions to a RAKE detector working in tandem with a decision feedforward/feedback structure. The performance of this method is compared with both classical RAKE detection and a RAKE performance bound. The results show significant gains for typical multipath channels and suggest directions for further study of joint spread-spectrum and symbol-rate receiver processing.
Mathematical Modeling in Biology: Philosophy and Pragmatics

Philosophy can shed light on mathematical modeling and the juxtaposition of modeling and empirical data. This paper explores three philosophical traditions of the structure of scientific theory – Syntactic, Semantic, and Pragmatic – to show that each illuminates mathematical modeling. The Pragmatic View identifies four critical functions of mathematical modeling: (1) unification of both models and data, (2) model fitting to data, (3) mechanism identification accounting for observation, and (4) prediction of future observations. Such facets are here explored using a recent exchange between two groups of mathematical modelers in plant biology. Scientific debate can arise from different philosophies of modeling.
Tunable sensitivity and linearity of self-assembled carbon nanotube composite based pH biosensors using silica nanoparticles

We describe tunable sensitivity and linearity of layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembled single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) thin-film composites as a pH sensor by means of silica nanoparticles (SNPs). The SWCNT thin-film devices without and with SNP layer were fabricated with LbL self-assembly and characterized electrochemically in pH buffers. The role of SNPs in SWCNT thin-film chemoresistors and ISFETs is proven to increase and linearize the sensitivity to pH. The linearization in presence of SNP layer is attributed to a positive shift in pH gating voltage in p-type semiconducting SWCNTs. Two types of sensitivity, linear and exponential behaviors found with and without SNP layer, are useful for developing biosensors.
The Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP): A Novel Translatable Model for Increasing Interest in Nephrology Careers

Despite the increasing prevalence of CKD in the United States, there is a declining interest among United States medical graduates in nephrology as a career choice. Effective programs are needed to generate interest at early educational stages when career choices can be influenced. The Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP) is a novel program initiated at Harvard College that increases student knowledge of and interest in kidney health and disease, interest in nephrology career paths, and participation in kidney disease research. This model, built on physician mentoring, kidney screening of underserved populations, direct interactions with kidney patients, and opportunities to participate in kidney research, can be reproduced and translated to other workforce-challenged subspecialties.
A model of emergent category-specific activation in the posterior fusiform gyrus of sighted and congenitally blind populations

Theories about the neural bases of semantic knowledge tend between two poles, one proposing that distinct brain regions are innately dedicated to different conceptual domains and the other suggesting that all concepts are encoded within a single network. Category-sensitive functional activations in the fusiform cortex of the congenitally blind have been taken to support the former view but also raise several puzzles. We use neural network models to assess a hypothesis that spans the two poles: The interesting functional activation patterns reflect the base connectivity of a domain-general semantic network. Both similarities and differences between sighted and congenitally blind groups can emerge through learning in a neural network, but only in architectures adopting real anatomical constraints. Surprisingly, the same constraints suggest a novel account of a quite different phenomenon: the dyspraxia observed in patients with semantic impairments from anterior temporal pathology. From this work, we suggest that the cortical semantic network is wired not to encode knowledge of distinct conceptual domains but to promote learning about both conceptual and affordance structure in the environment.
Frequency space environment map rendering

We present a new method for real-time rendering of objects with complex isotropic BRDFs under distant natural illumination, as specified by an environment map. Our approach is based on spherical frequency space analysis and includes three main contributions. Firstly, we are able to theoretically analyze required sampling rates and resolutions, which have traditionally been determined in an ad-hoc manner. We also introduce a new compact representation, which we call a spherical harmonic reflection map (SHRM), for efficient representation and rendering. Finally, we show how to rapidly prefilter the environment map to compute the SHRM---our frequency domain prefiltering algorithm is generally orders of magnitude faster than previous angular (spatial) domain approaches.
Punishing the Innocent: The Need for Due Process and the Presumption of Innocence Prior to Trial

For the many thousands of Americans detained in jail pending trial or plea bargain, the fundamental principles of due process and the presumption of innocence are virtually meaningless. The two principles are given meaning at the trial stage by the state's burden of proving guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, yet only a small percentage of accused ever reach trial. For the overwhelming majority of detainees, incarceration in jail following arrest and inability to post bail becomes punishment before conviction; the oft-recited myth of the presumption of innocent until proven guilty becomes in reality a harsh presumption of guilt following arrest. Pretrial detention impacts are quite similar to those of post-conviction incarceration, even for those truly innocent of the crimes charged. If we take seriously the criminal process's concern that the margin of error in fact-finding be reduced so that an innocent person is not punished until he is found guilty, then we must reexamine the dogma that the principles of due process and the presumption of innocence are not generally applicable to pretrial procedure. In place of our current Probable Cause Model should be a new model, that of Probable Guilt. Under this new approach, an accused unable to make the bail that has been set is entitled to a forward-looking probable guilt hearing, with a right to counsel; the State can only justify continued detention, with its stigma and deprivation of liberties, if it snows by clear and convincing evidence that there is a substantial likelihood of conviction. The goal is to minimize erroneous punishment of those who are legally innocent.
The Effect of Physical Factors on the Colonization and Relocation Behavior of Immature Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Water velocity, substrate placement and the length of exposure time influenced the number of Prosimulium mixtum/fuscum Syme and Davies and Cnephia dacotensis Dyar and Shannon larvae attaching to white ceramic tiles and clear plastic tapes in the field. P. mixtum/fuscum readily attached to either substrate whereas C. dacotensis demonstrated a preference for white ceramic tiles. In an artificial stream, both species preferred specific velocity ranges although they did not increase their relocation behavior when exposed to varying depths of 2 to 30 cm and temperatures of 2° to 30°C. P. mixtum/fuscum increased relocation behavior in the absence of light.
The healing of femoral neck fractures in dogs. The use of intraosseous venography and India ink staining.

This study evaluates healing fractures of the femoral neck in dogs by using standard radiography, intraosseous venography, India ink staining and histology.
System Hierarchy Optimization Method for MEMS Applications

A new design optimization methodology for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) application is presented. The optimization approach considers minimization of several uncertainty factors on the overall system performance while satisfying target requirements specified in the form of constraints on micro-fabrication processes and materials system. The design process is modeled as a multi-level hierarchical optimal design problem. The design problem is decomposed into two analysis systems; uncertainty effects analysis and performance sensitivity analysis. Each analysis system can be partitioned into several subsystems according to the different functions they perform. The entire problem has been treated as a multi-disciplinary design optimization (MDO) for maximum robustness and performance achievement. In this study, the analysis results are provided as optimized device geometry parameters for the example of the selected micro accelerometer device.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Control experiments for a network of signalized intersections using the ‘.Q' simulator

Abstract The control of a network of signalized intersections is studied using a discrete-event simulator called ‘point queue' (.Q). Vehicles arrive at entry links from outside the network in a continuous Poisson stream, independently make turns at intersections, and eventually leave from exit links. There is a separate queue at each intersection for each turn movement. The control at each intersection determines the amount of time that each queue is served within each cycle. A vehicle arriving at an intersection joins the appropriate queue, waits there until it is served (its ‘green light' is operated), then travels over the downstream link and joins the next queue or leaves if it is an exit link. The performance of the control scheme is measured in terms of the length of each queue, the queue waiting time, and the travel time from entry to exit. Two sets of control policies are modeled and compared via .Q simulations for a fairly complex arterial network near the I-15 freeway in San Diego, CA. The first is ‘fixed time (FT)' control which generates an open loop periodic sequence of green light operations. The second is a feedback strategy called ‘max pressure (MP)' in which the turn movement that is operated is a function of the queue lengths adjacent to the intersection. The simulations confirm the theoretical property of MP, namely that it maximizes throughput, whereas FT does not. The simulation study provides more details concerning the queue length distribution and the behavior of MP as a function of how frequently it is invoked. These details are critical in evaluating the practicality of MP. The study shows that the .Q simulator is a versatile tool in the design of signal control.
Symposium: Workshop on Inherited Breast Cancer in Jewish Women: Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications

Introduction to Symposium: Workshop on the BRCA1 Breast Cancer Gene in the Jewish Population, Cleveland, Ohio, 1997.
MR Imaging of the Diabetic Foot

Abnormalities of the peripheral nervous, vascular, and immune systems contribute to the development of numerous foot and ankle pathologies in the diabetic population. Although radiographs remain the most practical first-line imaging tool, magnetic resonance (MR) is the tertiary imaging modality of choice, allowing for optimal assessment of bone and soft tissue abnormalities. MR allows for the accurate distinction between osteomyelitis/septic arthritis and neuropathic osteoarthropathy. Furthermore, it provides an excellent presurgical anatomic road map of involved tissues and devitalized skin to ensure successful limited amputations when required. Signal abnormality in the postoperative foot aids in the diagnosis of recurrent infection.
Identity Tensions During an NGO Name Change: How Managers Experience an International Organization’s Rebranding Effort

This study examined emergent identity tensions among managers of a non-governmental organization (NGO) during a major rebranding initiative. With respect to organizational identification, NGO manag...