cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rumor Remove Order Strategy on Social Networks

Rumors are defined as widely spread talk with no reliable source to back it up. In modern society, the rumors are widely spreading on the social network. The spread of rumors poses great challenges for the society. A ”fake news” story can rile up your emotions and change your mood. Some rumors can even cause social panic and economic losses. As such, the influence of rumors can be far-reaching and long-lasting. Efficient and intelligent rumor control strategies are necessary to constrain the spread of rumors. Existing rumor control strategies are designed for controlling a single rumor. However, there are usually many rumors existing on social networks and only limited rumors can be removed at a time due to the limited detection capacity and CPU performance. Consequently, when dealing with multiple rumors, we should remove rumors in a certain order. We argue that the order of removing rumors matters as different rumors possess different properties, e.g., acceptance rate, propagation speed, etc. Unfortunately, to the best of our knowledge, there is no prior work on removing multiple rumors and the order of removing rumors. To this end, this paper proposes two novel rumor control strategies to remove the multiple rumors. We also extends the classical Susceptible Infected Recovered (SIR) model to simulate the dynamics of rumor propagation in a more practical manner. We evaluate the performance of strategies. The experiments show that our proposed rumor control strategies obviously outperform than benchmark strategy.
Histoplasmosis capsulatum as a cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in common variable immunodeficiency

Infection with Histoplasma capsulatum is the most common systemic fungal infection in the United States, but symptomatic gastrointestinal disease is rare. Gastrointestinal involvement is seen in patients with an established immunosuppressed state that predates any infection. We report a patient presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding ultimately diagnosed with disseminated histoplasmosis. Work-up led to the diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency, a diagnosis not previously described as associated with gastrointestinal histoplasmosis. Resolution of the colonic ulcer was documented after appropriate antifungal therapy, underscoring the importance of including this infectious process in the differential of a patient without other risk factors for colonic ulceration.
Computational results on recurrent dynamic neural network for signal analysis

This paper presents a new recurrent dynamic neural network to solve signal analysis and processing problems. The neural network is essentially composed of feedback-type connections and arrays of integrators, linear gains, and nonlinear activation functions. By seeking a minimum global energy state, the network solves for the best set of representation coefficients required to model a given signal in terms of suitable elementary basis signals. An analytical model of the recurrent neural network is obtained through discretization of the integrator blocks and linearization of the activation function. Continuity of the algorithm when segment boundaries are crossed is accomplished by varying the slope of the linearized activation function. The proposed approach results in a closed analytical form of the recurrent neural network solution. The perceived advantages of using the network are estimation of robustness, prediction of convergence by examining the eigenvalues of the analytical state matrix, and increase of computational speed. Moreover, unlike traditional numerical methods, the new approach offers the possibility of handling time-varying signals with uncertainties.
The Problem of Practical Intellect in the Psychology of Animals and the Psychology of the Child

At the very beginning of the development of child psychology, as a separate branch of psychological study, K. Stumpf2 attempted to define the character of the new scientific area, comparing it to botany. He said that C. Linnaeus,3 as is known, called botany a pleasant science. This is scarcely applicable to modern botany. … If any science deserves to be called pleasant, then it is specifically child psychology, the science of what is most dear, loved, and pleasant in the world, what we care for especially and what we are, for this reason, obliged to study and understand.4
Dietl syndrome: intermittent ureteropelvic junction obstruction as a cause of episodic abdominal pain.

Intermittent ureteropelvic junction obstruction, often associated with an aberrant vessel to the lower pole of the kidney, may cause a distinct clinical syndrome of episodic crampy upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting known as a Dietl crisis. Although Josef Dietl1 first described this clinical entity in 1864, and numerous reports appear in the English language urologic and radiologic literature dating back to 1909,2 there has been only one recent report in the pediatric literature.3 In the latter report, renal ultrasonography was recommended as a screen for intermittent ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children with recurrent abdominal pain. We recently saw two patients in whom the diagnosis of intermittent ureteropelvic junction obstruction was not made by ultrasound.
Planetary Radio Emission from Lightning: Discharge and Detectability

A unifying concept is presented that explains the radio frequency signature of lightning at Earth and the outer planets. It is assumed that the source discharge duration primarily accounts for the character of the radio frequency (RF) spectra observed from space. Planetary-specific propagation effects are considered to be secondary. The advantage of this approach is the ease in explaining both the detection of signals in one frequency band and also the near-simultaneous lack of detection in other frequency bands. Prior to this illustration, planet-unique propagation scenarios had to be invoked to explain the nondetection of an event in a given band. However, according to the present picture, a slow lightning discharge at Jupiter can account for the observation of very low frequency (VLF) whistler signals, but also the lack of substantial high frequency (HF) energy in the form of spheric emissions. A fast discharge at Saturn explains the detection of HF Saturnian Electrostatic Discharges, but also explains the lack of VLF whistler signals, since the radiated energy from the fast current couples most easily to the HF band. From this illustration, estimates of the discharge duration at the outer planets are obtained that are consistent with the observed RF spectra from space.
Comparative Immunological and Enzymatic Study of the Tryptophan Synthetase β2 Subunit in the Enterobacteriaceae

The β2 subunits of tryptophan synthetase, formula α2β2, from Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Serratia marcescens were compared by three criteria. (i) αβ association constants for the various β2 subunits and E. coli α subunit varied between 3.6 × 108m−1 for E. coli and 0.33 × 108m−1 for S. marcescens; values for the other organisms were intermediate. (ii) Antiserum neutralization of the β2 subunit enzyme activity using anti-E. coli β2 serum showed significant cross-reaction among the organisms (E. coli, 1.0; S. dysenteriae, 0.98; S. typhimurium, 0.67; E. aerogenes, 0.61; S. marcescens, 0.42). (iii) Quantitative microcomplement fixation showed E. coli β2 and S. marcescens β2 subunits to have an index of dissimilarity of 1.8 while the other organisms had intermediate indexes. Similar complement fixation data were obtained with antisera from separate rabbits and from first course and boost sera. These findings suggest that the general surface structure and the respective α subunit binding site of the β2 subunits from these Enterobacteriaceae have been strongly conserved.
Gene-Silencing Screen for Mammalian Axon Regeneration Identifies Inpp5f (Sac2) as an Endogenous Suppressor of Repair after Spinal Cord Injury

Axonal growth and neuronal rewiring facilitate functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Known interventions that promote neural repair remain limited in their functional efficacy. To understand genetic determinants of mammalian CNS axon regeneration, we completed an unbiased RNAi gene-silencing screen across most phosphatases in the genome. We identified one known and 17 previously unknown phosphatase suppressors of injury-induced CNS axon growth. Silencing Inpp5f (Sac2) leads to robust enhancement of axon regeneration and growth cone reformation. Results from cultured Inpp5f(-/-) neurons confirm lentiviral shRNA results from the screen. Consistent with the nonoverlapping substrate specificity between Inpp5f and PTEN, rapamycin does not block enhanced regeneration in Inpp5f(-/-) neurons, implicating mechanisms independent of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Inpp5f(-/-) mice develop normally, but show enhanced anatomical and functional recovery after mid-thoracic dorsal hemisection injury. More serotonergic axons sprout and/or regenerate caudal to the lesion level, and greater numbers of corticospinal tract axons sprout rostral to the lesion. Functionally, Inpp5f-null mice exhibit enhanced recovery of motor functions in both open-field and rotarod tests. This study demonstrates the potential of an unbiased high-throughput functional screen to identify endogenous suppressors of CNS axon growth after injury, and reveals Inpp5f (Sac2) as a novel suppressor of CNS axon repair after spinal cord injury. Significance statement: The extent of axon regeneration is a critical determinant of neurological recovery from injury, and is extremely limited in the adult mammalian CNS. We describe an unbiased gene-silencing screen that uncovered novel molecules suppressing axonal regeneration. Inpp5f (Sac2) gene deletion promoted recovery from spinal cord injury with no side effects. The mechanism of action is distinct from another lipid phosphatase implicated in regeneration, PTEN. This opens new pathways for investigation in spinal cord injury research. Furthermore the screening methodology can be applied on a genome wide scale to discovery the entire set of mammalian genes contributing to axonal regeneration.
Three dimensional, radiosteriometric analysis (RSA) of equine stifle kinematics and articular surface contact: A cadaveric study

Summary Reasons for performing study Studies examining the effect of stifle joint angle on tibial rotation, adduction–abduction angle and articular contact area are lacking. Objectives To test the hypothesis that tibial rotation, adduction–abduction angle and articular contact area change with stifle joint angle. Study design Descriptive study of normal kinematics and articular contact patterns of the equine stifle through the functional range of motion using 3 dimensional (3D) radiosteriometric analysis (RSA) and equine cadaver stifles. Methods Multiple, radiopaque markers were embedded in the distal femur and proximal tibia and sequential, biplanar x-rays captured as the stifle was passively extended from 110° to full extension. Computer-programmed RSA was used to determine changes in abduction–adduction and internal–external rotation angles of the tibia during stifle extension as well as articular contact patterns (total area and areas of high contact) through the range of motion. Results The tibia rotated externally (P<0.001) as the stifle was extended. Tibial abduction occurred from 110–135° of extension (P<0.001) and tibial adduction occurred from 135° through full extension (P = 0.009). The centre of joint contact moved cranially on both tibial condyles during extension with the lateral moving a greater distance than the medial (P = 0.003). Articular contact area decreased (P = 0.001) in the medial compartment but not in the lateral compartment (P = 0.285) as the stifle was extended. The area of highest joint contact increased on the lateral tibial condyle (P<0.001) with extension but decreased (P = 0.001) on the medial tibial condyle. Conclusions Significant changes occur in tibial rotation, adduction–abduction angle and articular contact area of the equine stifle through the functional range of motion. Understanding the normal kinematics of the equine stifle and the relationship between joint positions and articular contact areas may provide important insight into the aetiology and location of common stifle joint pathologies (articular cartilage and meniscal lesions).
Distinct contributions of the amygdala and hippocampus to fear expression

The present study attempted to distinguish the independent contributions of the amygdala and hippocampus to fear expression. Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with bilateral excitotoxic amygdala lesions (n = 4), bilateral excitotoxic hippocampal lesions (n = 8) and unoperated controls (n = 9) were allowed to reach over a neutral junk object or fear-provoking stimulus (i.e., a rubber snake or a jumping rubber spider) to retrieve a food reward. Monkeys were exposed to each stimulus for 30 s. On each trial we recorded the monkey's latency to retrieve the food reward and scored their whole-body reactions to the object. Confirming previous work we found that, relative to controls, both operated groups showed shorter food-retrieval latencies and exhibited fewer defensive and more approach behaviors when exposed to the fear-provoking stimuli. However, only monkeys with amygdala lesions showed an abnormal, excessive visual interest in the snake and spider. By contrast, monkeys with hippocampal lesions displayed behaviors that were unrelated to the presence of the fear stimuli, thereby indicating a lack of interest in, and emotional reactivity towards, the snake and spider. These data show that the hippocampus and amygdala contribute independently to the overall expression of defensive responses.
Small Bowel Ulcers.

Treatment of small intestinal ulcers depends on the cause of the ulcers. Ulcerations of the small intestine (apart from duodenal ulcers) are uncommon. Two diverse syndromes of idiopathic small bowel ulcerations include the isolated nonspecific ulcer and idiopathic chronic ulcerative enteritis (ICUE). Treatment of isolated nonspecific ulcers include discontinuation of medications known to cause nonspecific ulcerations, balloon dilation of strictures, and segmental resection of involved segments. Treatment of ICUE includes a diet trial of gluten restriction and consideration of early surgery because of the potential for associated malignancies. Steroid therapy has not been shown to be effective in the treatment of ICUE.
Structural studies on osmium carbonyl hydrides XXVI. Crystal structure of a complex with a 2-methylimidazolyl ligand bound to a triosmium cluster: (μ-H)Os3(CO)10[μ-3,4-η2-C3N2H2(2-CH3)] ☆

Abstract The compound (μ-H)Os3(CO)10[μ-3,4-η2-C3N2H2(2-CH3)] has been studied via a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. It crystallizes in the centrosymmetric mono-clinic space group P21/n with a 9.568(3), b 17.663(5), c 12.063(2) A and β 97.72(2)°. All non-hydrogen atoms were located and the structure was refined to RF 5.5% for all 1894 data and RF 3.7% for those 1511 data with ¦F0¦ > 3σ(¦F0¦). Unlike the corresponding imidazolyl complex, this 2-methylimidazolyl complex is ordered in the crystalline state. The two non-bridged OsOs bond lengths are Os(1)Os(3) 2.884(1) and Os(2)Os(3) 2.892(1) A, while the di-bridged distance is Os(1)Os(2) 2.957(1) A. The 2-methylimidazolyl ligand is bonded to the triosmium cluster via the linkages Os(1)N(1) 2.153(16) A and Os(2)C(1) 2.089(18) A.
Criterion Referencd Testing 30 Yeam Later: Promise Broken, Promise Kept

What promises has CRT kept or broken? Why do we need denser tests to make good, criterion-referenced interpretations? What wisdom has grown from experience with CRTs?
WE‐D‐220‐01: Tissue Displacement Monitoring for Prostate and Liver IGRT Using a Robotically‐Controlled Ultrasound System

Purpose: We previously reported the implementation of a novel telerobotic ultrasound system capable of real‐time soft‐tissue imaging during radiotherapy beam delivery. Expanding on this capability, the aim of this work was to develop and characterize an image‐based technique for real‐time detection of prostate and liver displacements. Methods: Image processing techniques were implemented on spatially localized images to generate two tissue displacement parameters (TDPs) in real‐time. The TDPs were derived from the cross correlation similarity measure between a reference image template and the current image within the incoming stream. In five volunteers, soft‐tissue targets were continuously imaged with a customized robotic manipulator while recording the TDPs. Variations of the TDPs in the absence of tissue displacements were evaluated, as well as the sensitivity of the TDPs to prostate translations and rotations. Robustness of the method to template window selection and total time lag of the system were also investigated. The system's applicability to liver respiratory gating was explored with two volunteers. Results: Prostate translations of 1.8 mm, 2.1 mm, and 2.0 mm were detectable in the M/L, A/P, and S/I directions at the 95% confidence level. Prostate pitch of 3.8° was also detectable. False positives in the absence of displacements were registered at a rate of 1 false positive event per 7 minutes of continuous imaging time. Total system time lag was 173 ms, mostly limited by ultrasound acquisition rate. Respiratory signals based on liver blood vessel monitoring differed significantly from signals based on an external marker. Conclusions: For the first time, quantitative real‐time monitoring of soft‐tissue target displacements was demonstrated in‐vivo using telerobotic ultrasound. Such monitoring has the potential to detect small clinically‐relevant intra‐fractional variations of the prostate position during radiotherapy. An internal ultrasound‐based respiratory signal could be a better predictor of liver target motion than an external surrogate.
Liquid-crystalline collapse of pulmonary surfactant monolayers.

During exhalation, the surfactant film of lipids and proteins that coats the alveoli in the lung is compressed to high surface pressures, and can remain metastable for prolonged periods at pressures approaching 70 mN/m. Monolayers of calf lung surfactant extract (CLSE), however, collapse in vitro, during an initial compression at ∼45 mN/m. To gain information on the source of this discrepancy, we investigated how monolayers of CLSE collapse from the interface. Observations with fluorescence, Brewster angle, and light scattering microscopies show that monolayers containing CLSE, CLSE-cholesterol (20%), or binary mixtures of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine(DPPC)-dihydrocholesterol all form bilayer disks that reside above the monolayer. Upon compression and expansion, lipids flow continuously from the monolayer into the disks, and vice versa. In several respects, the mode of collapse resembles the behavior of other amphiphiles that form smectic liquid-crystal phases. These findings suggest that components of surfactent films must collapse collectively rather than being squeezed out individually.
Decreased superovulation in adult mice following neonatal exposures to technical methoxychlor.

Abstract To examine the effects of technical methoxychlor (MXC) on superovulation, neonatal mice received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of either sesame oil, 10 μg of estradiol 17β, or 0.1, 0.5, or 1 mg of technical MXC. At 2 and 4 months, half of the mice received a superovulatory regimen of 10 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin followed by 10 IU human chorionic gonadotropin. The mice were sacrificed 15 to 20 h later, the number of ovulated oocytes were counted, and the ovaries were removed for histology. In the lowest MXC dose, the ovaries appeared normal and at 2 months, ovulated the same number of oocytes as controls. Estradiol or the highest two MXC closes induced ovarian atrophy. Following gonadotropin injections, these ovaries also ovulated oocytes. However, the number of oocytes recovered from experimental mice exhibited a time- and dose-dependent decline, and by 4 months, their number was significantly reduced. Neonatal exposures to MXC reduces ovulatory rates and ovarian functions in adults.
Static and dynamic components of renal cortical brush border and basolateral membrane fluidity: role of cholesterol.

Static polarization and differential polarized phase fluorimetry studies on rat renal cortical brush border (BBM) and basolateral membranes (BLM) were undertaken to determine the membrane components responsible for differences in BBM and BLM fluidity, whether these differences were due to the order or dynamic components of membrane fluidity and if a fluidity gradient existed within the bilayer. Surface membrane proteins rigidified both BBM and BLM fluidity. Neutral lipid extraction, on the other hand, caused a larger decrease in BBM than BLM fluorescence polarization (0.104vs. 0.60,P<0.01) using diphenyl hexatriene (DPH). Cholesterol addition to phospholipid fractions restored membrane fluidity to total lipid values in both BBM and BLM phospholipids. The response to cholesterol in the BBM was biphasic, while the BLM response was linear. Lateral mobility, quantitated using dipyrenylpropane, was similar in both BBM and BLM fractions at 35°C. BBM and BLM differed primarily in the order component of membrane fluidity as DPH-limiting anisotropy (r α) (0.212vs. 0.154,P<0.01) differed markedly between the two membrane fractions. The two membrane components also differed with respect to 2 and 12-anthroyloxy stearate (2-AS, 12-AS) probes, indicating a difference in the dynamic component of membrane fluidity may also be present. DPH and 12-As probes were also used to quantitate inner core membrane fluidity and showed the BBM was less fluid than the BLM for intact membranes, total lipid extracts and phospholipids. Results obtained using the surface membrane probes trimethylammonium-DPH (TMA-DPH) and 2-AS suggested a fluidity gradient existed in both BBM and BLM bilayers with the inner core being more fluid in both membranes. These data indicate cholesterol is in large part responsible for fluidity differences between BBM and BLM and that these membranes, while clearly differing in the order component of membrane fluidity, may also difer in the dynamic component as well.
Viscoelastic properties of edible lipids

The viscoelastic natures of beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax and a high-melting milkfat fraction were compared by estimating their relaxation parameters from stress relaxation data. A generalized Maxwell model consisting of one spring element and two Maxwell elements best described the stress relaxation of all lipids tested. The stress responses over both the compressive and relaxation portions of a stress relaxation test were considered. Cone penetration tests were used as a comparison to the stress relaxation tests. Candelilla wax and carnauba wax behaved similarly as hard and elastic materials which resisted deformation. Beeswax and the milkfat fraction, on the other hand, were significantly more viscous, less elastic, and more easily deformed.
Dividing a fixed portion into more pieces leads to larger portion size estimates of JELL-O squares

How visual qualities of a food impact perceptions of the amount of food present and consumed have been studied. Previous research has investigated many factors affecting these perceptions, including the height of a glass, the size of a serving bowl, and other food intake cues. We investigated how the number of pieces a serving is divided into impacts perceptions of the amount of food present and consumed. Results indicate that dividing a fixed portion into a greater number of pieces leads people to perceive a greater amount of food in the serving.
CRT-108 Clinical Outcomes Of Drug-eluting Stents Implantation In Octogenarians: Difference In ST- And Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Little information was available regarding the clinical outcomes of drug-eluting stents (DES) in octogenarians with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences between non-ST- and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for
A Decision-based Perspective on Assessing System Robustness☆

Abstract Although robustness often is cited as a desirable property of a system, a widely-accepted approach for quantifying it remains elusive. Informally, a system is robust if it avoids the downside consequences associated with uncertainty or perturbations. Prior approaches to quantifying robustness rely on the standard deviation of system responses or the expected ratio of performance under perturbation to nominal performance. Because the principal usefulness of any system metric is to inform decisions about the design of that system, we turn to rigorous decision theory for guidance on how to deal with the concept of robustness. We find that existing proposals for robustness quantification are inconsistent with accepted theory for rational decision making. Rather than propose an alternative quantification scheme, we argue that fundamentally there is no need to quantify robustness as an independent figure of merit. Instead, systems engineers can make decisions that favor system robustness using established methods based on expected utility theory. A key to this is formulating the decision problem in terms of fundamental objectives rather than means objectives. One's preference to favor robustness is associated with being risk averse over the fundamental objectives and is captured by using a concave utility function.
An analysis of force generation in TEA CO 2 laser ablation of liquids

A combination of techniques including launch ballistics, force sensing, and time-resolved ICCD imaging was applied to the study of the mechanisms of liquid ablation in the irradiance regimes from 106-108 W/cm2. A TEA CO2 laser (λ = 10.6 μm), 300 ns pulse width and 9 J pulse energy, was used for ablation of liquids contained in various quartz glass containers in order to examine dependencies on surface tension, absorption depth, etc . Dominant mechanisms of force generation were analyzed in order to determine their characteristics, and the evolution of the liquid surface was studied in depth. Net imparted impulse and coupling coefficient were derived from the force sensor data and ballistics experiments, and relevant results will be presented for various container designs and liquids used. The key differences between surface and volume absorbing liquids was observed. Various mechanisms including plasma formation, vaporization, bulk liquid flow, etc . will be critically examined and their relevance to force generation and propulsion will be determined.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Noise Abatement Techniques in Southern Pine Sawmills and Planer Mills

Noise abatement in sawmills and planer mills generally has been considered infeasible by the industry because of a combination of economic constraints and inadequate development of controls. Work by two mills in southern Georgia, utilizing their own materials and their in-house staff for installation, has successfully reduced their employee noise exposure. Noise was reduced in these mills from the high 90- and low 100-dBa levels to between the upper 80 s and lower 90 s. This was accomplished without excessive costs or major process and equipment changes. Abatement methods included properly positioned barriers, machinery isolation, double-wall enclosures, acoustically treated infee and outfeed tunnels, employee rotation, and machinery enclosures.
SPIN-FREE QUANTUM CHEMISTRY. XXVI. THE ISING, SMALL-BIPOLARON THEORY OF CUPRATE SUPERCONDUCTIVITY

The Ising, small-biopolaron (ISB) theory is a strong-coupling theory of cuprate superconductivity which is based in the negative-U, Hubbard Hamiltonian. Its ground state is composed of (small) biopolarons and (small-biopolaron) holes with a vibronically induced, biopolaron-hole exchange interaction, J{sub BH}, between them. The energy gap, {Delta}(0), is taken to be equal to the dissociation energy of a small biopolaran and which, since it is defined spectroscopically, is not an order parameter. The application of the Ising meanfield theory to the highly degenerate ground-state yields a second-order phase change with kT{sub c}/2=J{sub BH} and a real order parameter, {Omega}(T), which is valid over the entire temperature range from zero to T{sub c}. Near T{sub c}, the Ising free energy functional takes the same form as does the Landau. In the presence of an electromagnetic field, the Ising functional is a generalization of the Ginzburg-Landau functional which employs a complex order parameter and which is invariant under the electromagnetic gauge transformation. The breaking of the gauge invariance yields the London theory of superconductivity. 6 refs., 9 figs.
On the positive and negative affective responses to cocaine and their relation to drug self-administration in rats

Acute cocaine administration produces an initial rewarding state followed by a dysphoric/anxiogenic “crash.” The objective of this study was to determine whether individual differences in the relative value of cocaine’s positive and negative effects would account for variations in subsequent drug self-administration. The dual actions of cocaine were assessed using a conditioned place test (where animals formed preferences for environments paired with the immediate rewarding effects of 1.0mg/kg i.v. cocaine or aversions of environments associated with the anxiogenic effects present 15-min postinjection) and a runway test (where animals developed approach-avoidance “retreat” behaviors about entering a goal box associated with cocaine delivery). Ranked scores from these two tests were then correlated with each other and with the escalation in the operant responding of the same subjects observed over 10 days of 1- or 6-h/day access to i.v. (0.4mg/inj) cocaine self-administration. Larger place preferences were associated with faster runway start latencies (r s = −0.64), but not with retreat frequency or run times; larger place aversions predicted slower runway start times (r s = 0.62), increased run times (r s = 0.65), and increased retreats (r s = 0.62); response escalation was observed in both the 1- and 6-h self-administration groups and was associated with increased CPPs (r s = 0.58) but not CPAs, as well as with faster run times (r s = −0.60). Together, these data suggest that animals exhibiting a greater positive than negative response to acute (single daily injections of) cocaine are at the greatest risk for subsequent escalated cocaine self-administration, a presumed indicator of cocaine addiction.
[Reply to “Comment on “The Oceanography Report’”/Composition of the Oceanography Report] Editor's Note

TOR' editorial policy has always been to provide an outlet for general and timely information of potential interest to all oceanographers. As Bill Sackett notes—and as I noted when I became Eos editor (Eos, July 3, 1984, p.426)—articles about physical oceanography predominate, even though TOR' editors have expended considerable effort to solicit articles from the other disciplines of ocean science.
Analysis of strategies to improve cost effectiveness of blood cultures.

BACKGROUND Approximately 90% of all blood cultures grow no organisms (ie, are true negatives), and 5% are thought to represent contaminants (ie, are false positives). The cost effectiveness of blood cultures could therefore be improved by developing rules that safely decreased the number of cultures drawn from patients with a low likelihood of having bacteremia and/or by improving the process of obtaining cultures, thereby decreasing the number of contaminants. We analyzed the potential effects of these two approaches. METHODS We annualized the hospital costs and lengths of stay for patients with true-negative and false-positive blood cultures from a retrospective analysis of 939 sets of cultures drawn in January 2002. RESULTS Of the 939 blood culture sets, 816 (87%) were true negatives and generated annualized costs of approximately $750,000. Although only 56 (6%) of the blood culture sets were false positives, they resulted in annualized costs of $1.4-$1.8 million and added an estimated 1450-2200 extra hospital days/year. CONCLUSIONS Despite there being nearly 15 times as many true-negative blood cultures as false positive ones, far greater improvements in resource utilization would result from reducing the number of contaminated blood cultures than by reducing the number of true negatives. The potential savings from this approach are of sufficient magnitude to justify investing considerable resources to attaining this goal. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2006;1:272–276. © 2006 Society of Hospital Medicine.
A Discussion of the Role of Distributed Effects in Latch-Up

Latch-up in monolithic integrated circuits is caused by the activation of four-layer SCR paths in certain technologies, in particular, bulk CMOS. A lumped element cross-coupled bipolar model has been widely used to discuss this parasitic SCR action with reasonable success. However, in the push toward VLSI structures, latch-up modeling and prediction based upon the simple model has proven inadequate. The deviations can be explained by an extension of the model into a network that couples parallel paths and by ensuring that measured parameters for the model reflect those of the latch-up situation. This paper discusses these points to allow the continued use of the lumped model in latch-up studies.
Fast text-to-speech algorithms for Esperanto, Spanish, Italian, Russian and English

Fast, simple algorithms are presented for producing good-quality speech from a phonemic synthesizer in five different languages: Esperanto, Spanish, Italian, Russian and English. The Esperanto and Spanish algorithms can operate on standard written texts. For Italian the typist must occasionally mark the stressed syllable in a word, and for Russian the typist must mark all stressed syllables. For English, the typist must use a phonetic spelling and mark the stressed syllables: situations where this approach is viable include the addition of speech output to computer-based educational materials. A particularly advantageous phonetic spelling scheme for English is presented. Comparisons are made among the five languages as to the ease with which text-to-speech conversions can be made.
Impact of transapical aortic valve replacement on apical wall motion.

Background Recent reports indicate that the transapical approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement may be associated with elevated cardiac enzymes, poor recovery of left ventricular function, and poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether transapical access is associated with apical dysfunction and to assess consequences on patient outcomes. Methods In patients undergoing transapical aortic valve replacement, apical regional function was retrospectively assessed using the three standard echocardiographic long-axis views. Patients with abnormal baseline apical motion were excluded. Apical regional wall motion abnormality was assessed on preprocedural (baseline), immediate postprocedural (early [6 ± 2 days]), and late postprocedural (late [95 ± 76 days]) examinations. Apical regional wall motion abnormalities were categorized as normal, hypokinesis, or akinesis. Results A total of 58 patients undergoing transapical aortic valve replacement were included in the present analysis. Of those, 16 (28%) developed early apical dysfunction. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the patients who developed early apical dysfunction and those who did not. Patients who received 26-mm valves were more likely to develop apical dysfunction (40% vs 69%, P = .05). In total, 50% of patients with apical dysfunction (eight of 16) had complete recovery of apical function but tended to have lower ejection fractions (50% vs 60%, P = .045) at long-term follow-up. No difference in short-term or long-term mortality was detected in these small patient cohorts. Conclusions Myocardial injury during transapical access resulted in apical dysfunction early after the procedure in 28% of patients. This apical dysfunction was transient in half of the patients and was associated with a decrease in left ventricular function but did not affect mortality.
Should patient age be a consideration in carotid endarterectomy

Age as a factor in the selection of patients for carotid endarterectomy was studied with a retrospective evaluation of the perioperative and late results of procedures performed on 115 elderly patients. The results were taken from an experience of 685 operations performed on 607 patients. Perioperative results in 420 patients under 75 years of age (560 operations) were compared with results in 115 patients over 75 years of age (125 operations). Statistical comparison revealed a greater proportion of men in group I (66%, 55%, p = 0.0186) and a greater proportion of patients in group II with contralateral carotid stenosis (24%, 33%, p = 0.0382) and stroke as a preoperative indication for operation (14%, 22%, p = 0.0393). No statistical difference was found between group I and group II as regards other operative indications, contralateral carotid occlusion, bilaterality of operation, emergency operation, operation for recurrent carotid disease, frequency of shunt use, perioperative wound bleeding, and perioperative transient ischemic attack. Ipsilateral perioperative stroke occurred in 12 patients (2%), with all strokes occurring in the younger group of patients (2.4%) (NS). Perioperative death occurred in six (1%) patients, with five deaths (1%) occurring in the younger group (cardiac, 2; stroke, 2; protamine reaction, 1) and one (0.9%) death occurring in the elderly group of patients (ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm) (NS). Life-table analysis of the late results of the 115 elderly patients revealed cumulative survival rates of 85.4% and 63.8% at 2 and 5 years, respectively. The principal causes of late death were cardiac (48%), cancer (15%), and stroke (9%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Atomic structural environment of grain boundary segregated Y and Zr in creep resistant alumina from EXAFS

Abstract Dopants Y and Zr at 100 p.p.m. level (Y or Zr to Al atomic ratio) in ultra-high purity polycrystalline alumina have been found to be mainly segregated to the alumina grain boundaries. The atomic structural environments around the Y and Zr segregants have been investigated by Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS). On average, Y ions in α -Al 2 O 3 grain boundaries are coordinated by four oxygens, at a distance of 2.30 A, which corresponds nearly to the Y–O bond length in cubic Y 2 O 3 , and Zr ions are coordinated by five oxygens at a distance of 2.14 A, which is approximately the same as the average Zr–O bond length in monoclinic ZrO 2 . However, in the EXAFS radial distribution function, the Y-cation and Zr-cation next nearest neighbor shell cannot be clearly identified. These results suggest that Y and Zr at 100 p.p.m. concentrations in α -Al 2 O 3 occupy grain boundary sites with well defined nearest neighbor cation–oxygen bond lengths similar to those in their parent oxides but with the next nearest neighbor cation–cation distances varying considerably from site to site. From EXAFS, the Y grain boundary saturation concentration is estimated to be 6.0 atoms/nm 2 , which is consistent with the estimate from STEM of 4.4 atoms/nm 2 . The differences in the Zr–O and Y–O nearest neighbor distances and coordination numbers in Al 2 O 3 grain boundaries are related to the Y–Al and Zr–Al size mismatches.
Distribution of optic fibers in the cat.

This study undertook to investigate pathways and connections of optic tract fibers in the pulvinar, hypothalamus, ventral lateral geniculate, pretectal region and superior colliculus. Thirty-five adult cats were utilized — 28 experimental subjects and seven controls. The right eye was removed and the cats allowed to survive for periods from three to 61 days. The chief method of investigation was the silver impregnation technique of Nauta-Gygax ('54), supplemented by Marchi and luxol-blue cresyl-fast-violet methods. Study of fiber patterns of degeneration in serial sections of the Nauta-Gygax preparations revealed no preterminal axonal degeneration in the hypothalamus or pulvinar. Portions of a completely crossed accessory optic tract as described by Hayhow ('59) were identified. Preterminal degeneration of fine collaterals of the larger optic fibers was found in the dorsal one-third of the lateral portion of the ventral lateral geniculate. Large areas of preterminal degeneration and many fibers of passage were observed in the pretectal region. Localized areas of pretermimal degeneration in this region were interpreted as belonging to the pretectal nucleus and to the nucleus of the optic tract. A large number of fine optic fibers was found terminating in the superficial stratum opticum of the superior colliculus. Two areas of preterminal degeneration lateral to the colliculus were interpreted as extension of the pretectal nucleus and as the nucleus olivaris colliculi.
Susceptibility of Laboratory-reared Horn Flies and Stable Flies to Selected Insecticides

Susceptibility of laboratory-reared horn flies, Haematobia irritans (L.), to topical applications of 17 currently marketed insecticides was determined. Three insecticides also were tested on bull-reared horn flies, and 4 insecticides were tested on laboratory-reared stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). Of the toxicants tested, coumaphos had the lowest LD50 and LD90. The organophosphates were generally more toxic than the chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Centrally Administered Pertussis Toxin Inhibits Microglia Migration to the Spinal Cord and Prevents Dissemination of Disease in an EAE Mouse Model

Background Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models are important vehicles for studying the effect of infectious elements such as Pertussis toxin (PTx) on disease processes related to acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or multiple sclerosis (MS). PTx has pleotropic effects on the immune system. This study was designed to investigate the effects of PTx administered intracerebroventricularly (icv) in preventing downstream immune cell infiltration and demyelination of the spinal cord. Methods and Findings EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice with MOG35–55. PTx icv at seven days post MOG immunization resulted in mitigation of clinical motor symptoms, minimal T cell infiltration, and the marked absence of axonal loss and demyelination of the spinal cord. Integrity of the blood brain barrier was compromised in the brain whereas spinal cord BBB integrity remained intact. PTx icv markedly increased microglia numbers in the brain preventing their migration to the spinal cord. An in vitro transwell study demonstrated that PTx inhibited migration of microglia. Conclusion Centrally administered PTx abrogated migration of microglia in EAE mice, limiting the inflammatory cytokine milieu to the brain and prevented dissemination of demyelination. The effects of PTx icv warrants further investigation and provides an attractive template for further study regarding the pleotropic effects of infectious elements such as PTx in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders.
Cognitive and perceptual influences on visual line bisection: psychophysical and chronometric analyses of pseudoneglect.

Perceptual and cognitive influences on line bisection were isolated using a tachistoscopic forced-choice paradigm. Pretransected lines were presented for 150 msec at four orientations ([symbol: see text],-,/ and [symbol: see text]). Subjects made either 'left-right' (for -,/, and [symbol: see text] lines) or 'above-below' (for [symbol: see text],/and [symbol: see text] lines) discriminations in response to each line stimulus, depending upon perceived transector location relative to veridical line midpoint. Median response time and point of subjective equality (P.S.E.) were computed for each treatment condition. P.S.E.s in 'left-right' conditions were significantly left of veridical; response time maxima were similarly displaced. Azimuthal pseudoneglect was greatest for horizontal lines. P.S.E.s in 'above-below' conditions were displaced above veridical, and response time maxima were similarly displaced. Altitudinal pseudoneglect was greatest for negative diagonal lines [symbol: see text]. Azimuthal pseudoneglect significantly exceeded altitudinal pseudoneglect. 'Left-right' responses (mean = 478.3 msec) were significantly faster than 'above-below' responses (mean = 504.6 msec). We conclude that scanning eye and/or gross limb movements do not account for pseudoneglect, and that a significant component must be purely perceptual. Chronometric and psychometric measures of pseudoneglect are in remarkable agreement. The effects of altitudinal and azimuthal pseudoneglect are neither separable nor additive, suggesting the existence of independent mechanisms governing the allocation of spatial attention to objects of differing orientation. The slopes of the psychometric functions for lines of cardinal orientation are significantly steeper than for diagonal lines, which may reflect a processing conflict between these putatively independent mechanisms at diagonal line orientations. Decision context significantly modulates the magnitude of pseudoneglect for physically identical stimuli, perhaps reflecting the selective differential engagement of the vertical or horizontal attentional mechanisms. There are significant individual differences in line bisection performance, even in a very homogeneous sample of strongly right-handed subjects.
Replication of the 3D architecture of tissues

Biological tissues are ensembles of various types of cells and extracellular molecules. Functionality in tissues arises from their components (cells and extracellular molecules) as well as from the location of those components relative to each other. The organization of the constituents of a tissue is known as histoarchitecture. As cell culture reaches beyond flat, rigid surfaces, several approaches have been published that attempt to re-create in vitro the three-dimensional (3D) histoarchitecture found in vivo. In these approaches, researchers use scaffolding molecules (extracellular matrix, ECM) of natural or synthetic origin to support cell growth 1 . Scaffolds harvested from tissues replicate precisely the in vivo ECM but they may be limited by its biologic variability 2 . Conversely, synthetic scaffolds 3 , 4 provide tailored, defined, repeatable ECM but lack the chemical signaling completeness provided by biological scaffolds. Here we will review methods for replicating in vitro the 3D histoarchitecture of live tissues, focusing on those approaches that use (or are compatible with) tissue-harvested scaffolds.