cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic relationships of mustards with multiaperturate pollen (Physarieae, Brassicaceae) based on the plastid ndhF gene: implications for morphological diversification.

Abstract Physarieae, a tribe of mustards with multiaperturate pollen, was investigated phylogenetically for the first time using comprehensive sampling and plastid molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses were employed to test the monophyly of the tribe, to investigate relationships of its seven genera, and to study the evolution of selected morphological traits. Character evolution was inferred using parsimony approaches for nine continuous and three discrete traits related to trichomes, fruits, seeds, and pollen. Two monophyletic clades were recovered within Physarieae: the DDNLS clade, which included five genera (Dithyrea, Dimorphocarpa, Nerisyrenia, Lyrocarpa, and Synthlipsis), and the PP clade, which comprised two genera (Paysonia and Physaria). Under this new phylogenetic context, multiaperturate pollen appeared to be a potential synapomorphy of the tribe. In addition, five continuous fruit and seed traits were identified as new potential synapomorphies for Physarieae. Our analyses also indicated that ...
Selective Requirements for E2f3 in the Development and Tumorigenicity of Rb-Deficient Chimeric Tissues

The tumor suppressor function of the retinoblastoma protein pRB is largely dependent upon its capacity to inhibit the E2F transcription factors and thereby cell proliferation. Attempts to study the interplay between pRB and the E2Fs have been hampered by the prenatal death of Rb; E2f nullizygous mice. In this study, we isolated Rb; E2f3 mutant embryonic stem cells and generated Rb(-/-); E2f3(-/-) chimeric mice, thus bypassing the lethality of the Rb(-/-); E2f3(-/-) germ line mutant mice. We show that loss of E2F3 has opposing effects on two of the known developmental defects arising in Rb(-/-) chimeras; it suppresses the formation of cataracts while aggravating the retinal dysplasia. This model system also allows us to assess how E2f3 status influences tumor formation in Rb(-/-) tissues. We find that E2f3 is dispensable for the development of pRB-deficient pituitary and thyroid tumors. In contrast, E2f3 inactivation completely suppresses the pulmonary neuroendocrine hyperplasia arising in Rb(-/-) chimeric mice. This hyperproliferative state is thought to represent the preneoplastic lesion of small-cell lung carcinoma. Therefore, our observation highlights a potential role for E2F3 in the early stages of this tumor type.
SU-E-T-897: SRS Treatment Plan Quality for Large Brain Tumor Using Cyberknife and RapidArc

Purpose: This work will evaluate the quality of the treatment plan for large braintumors using Cyberknife from Accuray and RapidArc from Varian. Cyberknife is a cone based non‐isocentric stereotactic radiosurgery(SRS) system; RapidArc is a MLC based volumetric modulated arc therapy system. The Cyberknife system can generate arbitrary dose shape with high conformality and rapid dose fall off. RapidArc with 2.5mm HD MLC can potentially deliver dose shape typically required for brainradiosurgery. This study compares treatment plans using RapidArc with clinical treatment plans for large braintumors from Cyberknife. Methods: Clinical Cyberknife treatment plans for large braintumors with volume up to 50 cubic centimeters are selected to be re‐planned using RapidArc. Prescriptions are 24 or 27 Gy in 3 fractions covering at least 95% of the target volume while minimizing the dose to critical organs with CI (Conformity Index: ratio of target volume receiving prescription dose to total volume at prescription) 1.5 or less. RapidArc plans are generated with one 358 degree arc to have the same target coverage and similar dose constraints. CI, CI50% (ratio of volume getting 50% prescription dose to total volume at prescription) and maximum dose 2cm from the targets are compared between the 2 modalities.Results: The RapidArc plans have same to 10% higher CI, 10%– 150% higher CI50% and same to 50% higher maximum dose 2cm from targets than Cyberknife plans with same target coverage and similar target minimum Conclusions: RapidArc can generate plans with similar conformality with Cyberknife but with lower dose fall off than Cyberknife. RapidArc results come closest to Cyberknife results for larger tumor volumes.
Diagnosis and Management of Major Tracheobronchial Injuries

Abstract From 1968 to 1978, 14 patients were treated for major tracheal or bronchial injury. Five injuries resulted from blunt trauma and nine from penetrating injury. Of the 5 patients with injury due to blunt trauma, three had avulsions of the right main bronchus from the trachea. In 2 of them, the injury was associated with stellate tears of the distal trachea and bronchus. The simple avulsion was repaired by a primary anastomosis of the right main bronchus to the distal trachea. For the other 2 patients, treatment consisted of right pneumonectomy. The remaining 2 patients in this group had complete transection of the trachea and underwent primary repair. Of the 9 patients with a penetrating injury, 4 had lacerations of the cervical trachea which were treated with neck exploration and tracheostomy. Three patients with partial transections of the cervical or upper mediastinal trachea were treated by primary closure. The other 2 patients had gunshot wounds to the distal right lateral trachea, which were treated by right thoracotomy and primary closure. There were no deaths, and the subsequent course was generally good in all patients.
The Logic of Partial-Risk Aversion: Paradox Lost

One rational individual may be willing to pay less than another to insure a risk % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafeart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaWefv3ySLgznf% gDOfdaryqr1ngBPrginfgDObYtUvgaiuaacuWF1oG8gaacaaaa!41B4!\[\tilde \varepsilon \] when another risk % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafeart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGabm4Dayaaia% aaaa!36F7!\[\tilde w\] is present even though he would pay more to insure any isolated risk, and even though % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafeart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaamyraiGacI% cadaabcaqaamrr1ngBPrwtHrhAXaqeguuDJXwAKbstHrhAG8KBLbac% faGaf8xTdiVbaGaaaiaawIa7aiqadEhagaacaiGacMcaciGG9aGaai% imaaaa!47F3!\[E(\left. {\tilde \varepsilon } \right|\tilde w) = 0\] for all w. Noticing this, Ross (1981) proposed excluding such reversals and gave equivalent analytical conditions. Reconsidering, we explain why some reversals are natural and show that prohibiting them has peculiar and undesirable properties. Although we also simplify the conditions and prove them necessary for partial-risk portfolio results, we conclude that they represent revealing restrictions on comparative statics rather than natural implications of increased aversion to risk.
Myths and Attitudes About Fathers Scale: Developing a Scale to Determine Myths About Fatherhood

There is a need to reevaluate the significance of a father’s role and the impact he has on his child’s life; however, there are currently no scales measuring people’s attitudes about fathers. The M...
Convergent synthesis of (+)-xestodecalactone A via a Pd-catalyzed α-arylation reaction ☆

Abstract The convergent total synthesis of (+)-xestodecalactone A ( 1 ) is reported. In addition, a formal synthesis of (+)-sporostatin has been accomplished by means of intercepting a previously reported intermediate en route to 1 . The key reaction utilized was a convergent Pd-catalyzed α-arylation between a boronic acid and an α-bromoester.
Blood pressure regulates the activity and function of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in vascular smooth muscle.

The Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC1) is one of several transporters that have been linked to hypertension, and its inhibition reduces vascular smooth muscle tone and blood pressure. NKCC1 in the rat ...
Locating Migration: Rescaling Cities and Migrants. Nina Glick Schiller and Ayse Caglar, editors

(2012). Locating Migration: Rescaling Cities and Migrants. Nina Glick Schiller and Ayse Caglar, editors. Urban Geography: Vol. 33, New Directions in Urban Theory, pp. 618-620.
Cryptococcus neoformans constitutes an ideal model organism to unravel the contribution of cellular aging to the virulence of chronic infections

Aging affects all organisms, from unicellular yeasts to multicellular humans. Studies in model organisms demonstrate that the pathways that mediate the two forms of aging, replicative and chronological, are highly conserved. Most studies are focused on the effect of aging on an individual cell rather than a whole population. Complex longevity regulation, however, makes aging a highly adaptive trait that is subject to natural selection. Recent studies have shed light on the potential relevance of aging in fungal pathogens, which undergo replicative aging when they expand in the host environment. Hence, pathogens causing chronic infections can constitute ideal model organisms in unraveling the contribution of selection to aging within a population and help elucidate the contribution of aging itself to the virulence of infections.
Gα12 Stimulates Apoptosis in Epithelial Cells through JNK1-mediated Bcl-2 Degradation and Up-regulation of IκBα

Apoptosis is an essential mechanism for the maintenance of somatic tissues, and when dysregulated can lead to numerous pathological conditions. G proteins regulate apoptosis in addition to other cellular functions, but the roles of specific G proteins in apoptosis signaling are not well characterized. Galpha12 stimulates protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a serine/threonine phosphatase that modulates essential signaling pathways, including apoptosis. Herein, we examined whether Galpha12 regulates apoptosis in epithelial cells. Inducible expression of Galpha12 or constitutively active (QL)alpha12 in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells led to increased apoptosis with expression of QLalpha12, but not Galpha12. Inducing QLalpha12 led to degradation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 (via the proteasome pathway), increased JNK activity, and up-regulated IkappaBalpha protein levels, a potent stimulator of apoptosis. Furthermore, the QLalpha12-stimulated activation of JNK was blocked by inhibiting PP2A. To characterize endogenous Galpha12 signaling pathways, non-transfected MDCK-II and HEK293 cells were stimulated with thrombin. Thrombin activated endogenous Galpha12 (confirmed by GST-tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) pull-downs) and stimulated apoptosis in both cell types. The mechanisms of thrombin-stimulated apoptosis through endogenous Galpha12 were nearly identical to the mechanisms identified in QLalpha12-MDCK cells and included loss of Bcl-2, JNK activation, and up-regulation of IkappaBalpha. Knockdown of the PP2A catalytic subunit in HEK293 cells inhibited thrombin-stimulated apoptosis, prevented JNK activation, and blocked Bcl-2 degradation. In summary, Galpha12 has a major role in regulating epithelial cell apoptosis through PP2A and JNK activation leading to loss of Bcl-2 protein expression. Targeting these pathways in vivo may lead to new therapeutic strategies for a variety of disease processes.
Genetic Parameters and Trends of Milk, Fat, Days Open, and Body Weight After Calving in North Carolina Experimental Herds

The main objective of this study was to estimate genetic trends for 3.7% FCM, fat yield, days open, and predicted body weight after calving in six experimental dairy herds owned by the State Farm Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Body weights were predicted from heart girths measured at or before the first test day after calving. Data analyzed were 23,052 records from 8575 cows, daughters of 681 bulls. Heritabilities and breeding values were estimated using the multiple-trait, derivative-free REML programs and a single-trait repeatability model. Breeding values of cows were averaged by and regressed on birth year to estimate genetic trends. Genetic correlations between traits were estimated by correlating breeding values. Estimates of heritability were 0.25 for 3.7% FCM, 0.28 for fat yield, 0.03 for days open, and 0.17 for predicted body weight. Unfavorable genetic relationships were found between yields and days open and between yields and body weight. Genetically, cows that were heavier after calving produced less milk and fat but conceived earlier than smaller cows. Genetic changes in yields and days open were greater for cows born after 1970, but the greatest genetic changes were after 1980 (FCM, 94.7 kg/yr; fat yield, 3.46 kg/yr; days open, 1.1 d/yr). Breeding values for body weight increased for cows born from 1950 to 1970, decreased until 1980, and increased for later parities. The results of our study suggest that AI organizations may need to include fertility traits in progeny testing and relax the emphasis on increased body weight.
Notes on interface growth kinetics 50 years after Burton, Cabrera and Frank

This overview is devoted to some unresolved basic problems in crystal growth kinetics. The density wave approach to propagation of a spatially diffuse interface between a growing crystal and its simple (e.g., metallic) melt is discussed is Section 2. This approach allows for the calculation of kinetic coefficients and is an alternative to the localized interface concept in which each atom belongs to either a solid or a liquid. Sections 3 and 4 deals mainly with layer growth from solution. Mutual retardation of the growth steps via their bulk and d a c e diffusion fields is the major subject. The influence of solution flow on step bunching (Section 4) suggests the essential influence of bulk diffusion on the surface morphology. The flow within the solution boundary layer enhances step-step interaction, influences the step bunching process and the resulting step pattern morphology on the growing surface. Recent experiments on the rates at which strongly polygonized steps on protein and small molecule crystals propagate during growth from solution are analyzed in Section 5 . We have shown that the step segments may be "singular" and that "one-dimensional nucleation" may be the rate limiting stage for the segments that are shorter or comparable in length to the thermodynamically equilibrium interlink distance. In this case, the reciprocal dependence of the segment propagation rate on the segment length that follow from the Gibbs-Thompson law, should be replaced by an abrupt switch from zero to a finite constant velocity. Until recently, the Kossel crystal remained the only model used in crystal growth theory. In such Kossel Gibbs-Thomson law, should be replaced by an abrupt switch &om zero to a finite constant velocity. crystals, all kinks at the steps are identical and the kink rate is a linear function of the supersaturation. In the non-Kossel crystals, there may be several kink configurations characterized by different geometries and energies. These configurations should appear in a specific sequence when each new lattice unit cell is filled. As a result of such a cooperative interaction within the unit cell, a non-linear dependence of the kink rate on the vapor pressure or solution concentration in excess over the equilibrium value should be expected.
Subconscious reconditioning: Evaluation of a placebo strategy for outcome research

This report describes an attention-placebo control technique for use in outcome research. Data are presented suggesting that the technique, “subconscious reconditioning,” is perceived by subjects to be as credible as systematic desensitization and cue-controlled relaxation. Findings from initial outcome studies, indicating the placebo's capability to facilitate significant reductions in self-report measures of test and speech anxiety, are also reviewed. Implications of this type of placebo methodology for outcome research are briefly discussed.
LS-LEACH: A New Secure and Energy Efficient Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks are facing many challenges such as the limited resource in processing power, storage and energy. The limited energy resource is one of the main challenges facing the security in such networks. This paper aims to improve the current security mechanisms in wireless sensor networks as well as reducing power consumption. LEACH protocol provides an energy routing protocol. However, it doesn't cover the security problems. Alternatively, this paper aims to provide an improved secure and more energy efficient routing protocol called LS-LEACH (Lightweight Secure LEACH). Authentication algorithm is integrated to assure data integrity, authenticity and availability. Furthermore, this paper shows the improvement over LEACH protocol that makes it secure and how to make it more energy efficient to reduce the effect of the overhead energy consumption from the added security measures.
A cost-benefit analysis of a condom social marketing programme in Tanzania

This article uses the revealed preference, willingness-to-pay approach to estimate the benefits in a cost-benefit analysis of a condom social marketing (CSM) programme in Tanzania. The demand curve used to derive the consumer surplus had unit elasticity and it was estimated from a cross-sectional sample of 1272 persons. People were willing to pay different prices for the condoms because perceived quality varied. Net benefits were close to zero for the minimum estimate that ignored external benefits. With external benefits included, the CSM programme was judged socially worthwhile with our best estimate producing a benefit-cost ratio ranging from 1.31 to 1.72.
Influence of Fetal Heart Orientation on the Sonographic Identification of an Echogenic Intracardiac Focus in the Left Ventricle

The objective of this study was to compare the ability to visualize an echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) of the left ventricle in four different cardiac projections. One hundred seventeen fetuses ...
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison of the effect of nitrofurantoin monohydrate macrocrystals on the development of urinary tract infections after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence with suprapubic catheterization

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine if antibiotic prophylaxis with nitrofurantoin monohydrate macrocrystals (study drug) after pelvic organ prolapse and/or urinary incontinence surgery with suprapubic catheterization (SPC) decreases urinary tract infection (UTI) compared with placebo in a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial. Study design Six centers participated in this study. After a negative preoperative urine culture, history, surgical and postoperative course, urine culture and symptoms at SPC removal, and at 6 to 8 weeks postoperative, any other UTI and adherence were recorded. To demonstrate a 50% decrease in the bacteruria rate from 20%, with 80% power and α of 0.05, 438 patients were required. Data were evaluated with Student t test and Fisher exact test. Results Of 449 patients enrolled, 211 randomized to study drug, and 224 randomized to placebo. No pre- or perioperative differences existed between groups (all P > .05). Antibiotic prophylaxis decreased positive urine cultures compared with placebo (46% vs 61%, P = .002), symptomatic UTI at SPC removal (7.2% vs 19.8%, P = .001), and any other symptomatic UTI 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively (18.9% vs 32.6%, P = .002). Antibiotic prophlylaxis did not decrease symptomatic UTI at the 6- to 8-week postoperative visit (1.8% vs 5.4%, P = .10). Conclusion Antibiotic prophylaxis with nitrofurantoin monohydrate macrocrystals decreases UTI compared with placebo after pelvic organ prolapse and/or urinary incontinence surgery with suprapubic catheterization.
How reliable is a RAID

Disk arrays offer greatly increased transfer bandwidth at low cost, but without additional data redundancy they can suffer from significantly degraded reliability. The authors examine the reliability of RAID (redundant arrays of inexpensive disks) systems and find that although extremely reliable disk arrays cannot be attained with data redundancy alone, RAID system reliability can be made better than conventional large disks with little extra hardware. They show that the rest of the system components, such as the host bus adapters, power supplies, and fans cannot be ignored. The authors present a scheme in which the system support components are organized into groups orthogonal to the data redundancy groups, thus guaranteeing that no single disk or component failure will permanently lose data. This approach yields disk arrays with reliability about 50% greater than conventional disk subsystems. If further reliability improvements are sought, various parts of the support hardware can be made redundant. The authors have shown how these affect the design of a 49-data-disk RAID. >
Better Living Through Reality TV: Television and Post-Welfare Citizenship, by Laurie Ouellette and James Hay

The abundance of reality TV programs in the past decade or so has been analyzed from a range of perspectives, but no work to date thoroughly addresses the relation between reality TV and contempora...
The role of maladaptive beliefs in cognitive-behavioral therapy: Evidence from social anxiety disorder

Beliefs that are negatively biased, inaccurate, and rigid are thought to play a key role in the mood and anxiety disorders. Our goal in this study was to examine whether a change in maladaptive beliefs mediated the outcome of individual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD). In a sample of 47 individuals with SAD receiving CBT, we measured maladaptive interpersonal beliefs as well as emotional and behavioral components of social anxiety, both at baseline and after treatment completion. We found that (a) maladaptive interpersonal beliefs were associated with social anxiety at baseline and treatment completion; (b) maladaptive interpersonal beliefs were significantly reduced from baseline to treatment completion; and (c) treatment-related reductions in maladaptive interpersonal beliefs fully accounted for reductions in social anxiety after CBT. These results extend the literature by providing support for cognitive models of mental disorders, broadly, and SAD, specifically.
Experimental manipulation of shell color and morphology of the limpets Lottia asmi (Middendorff) and Lottia digitalis (Rathke) (Mollusca: Patellogastropoda)

Abstract We experimentally show that substratum can determine an individual patellogastropod's color and morphology. Lottia asmi (Middendorff), previously considered a high-domed, black stenotopic species on trochid gastropods, is similar to other northeastern Pacific limpet species with low profile and tessellated color patterns, when it is translocated to rock substrata. Lottia digitalis (Rathke), a highly variable species with at least two ecological variants that have been considered to be genetically determined, changes between these two forms when translocated from stalked barnacles to rocks. Color changes because the ingested pigments (algal, periostracal, etc.) and other materials (e.g., calcium carbonate) vary between substrata; morphological changes occur as responses to the topographical complexity and constraints of substrata. The geographical distribution of ecological variants of polytypic limpet species, and the ability to achieve cryptic coloration, may be determined by the geographic distributions of algae on which the limpets feed rather than by intrinsic characteristics of the limpets.
Collective Action and the Mobilization of Institutions

Bias in the composition of interest communities is often explained by reference to variations in the collective action constraint facing voluntary and nonvoluntary organizations. But with the exception of literature on PAC formation, studies of direct institutional mobilization are rare. More often than not, their mobilization advantages vis-a-vis problems of collective action are simply assumed. This paper fills this gap by testing the collective action hypothesis on direct institutional mobilization. We argue that the PAC studies are flawed as tests of this hypothesis; they study the wrong mode of political activity and use selective samples and limited research designs. We develop a new test using state data on seven types of institutions to solve these problems. We also compare the collective action problem facing institutions to the related problems facing voluntary organizations. We find strong evidence of collective action problems in institutional mobilization, problems that make interest populations of nonvoluntary and voluntary organizations appear far more similar than commonly thought.
Killing of non-replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis by 8-hydroxyquinoline

Objectives: To determine the effect of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) on non-replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in comparison with its reported effect on replicating Mtb. Methods: The MIC of 8HQ for replicating H37Rv Mtb was determined by microdilution in 7H9 broth. Bactericidal activity was determined by exposing H37Rv Mtb to 8HQ for 4 days under conditions that otherwise allowed exponential replication (20% O2, pH 6.6) and conditions under which replication was precluded: 1% O2 ,p H 6.6; 20% O2, pH 5.5; or 20% O2, pH 5.5, 0.5 mM sodium nitrite. Serial dilutions were plated on 7H11 agar to quantify cfu. Frequency of resistance (FOR) was determined with .10 9 bacteria plated on 7H9 agar plates containing 2× MIC 8HQ. Results: 8HQ was active against replicating Mtb (MIC 2.5 mM, 0.36 mg/L). Under both replicating and non-replicating conditions, cfu were reduced in 4 days by ≥ 5l og 10 at the highest concentration tested (10 mM). Bactericidal activity was maximal at low pH, where 8HQ reduced cfu by 1–1.5 log10 at 1 mM. We were unable to recover any 8HQ-resistant colonies. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that 8HQ has bactericidal activity of comparable potency against non-replicating and replicating Mtb, a property not observed for anti-infective agents currently approved for treatment of tuberculosis, and a very low FOR. Drugs with these properties are urgently needed to shorten the course of treatment for both active and latent tuberculosis.
Radiation doses to infants and adults undergoing head CT examinations

For routine noncontrast CT examinations of the head, we compared the radiation doses of infant patients aged no more than two years old, with those of "adults" defined as any patient whose weight was greater than 40 kg. Data were obtained for 23 infants, and an equal number of "adults," who underwent CT head examinations between May 1997 and March 1998. Patient CT data acquired included the x-ray tube potential (kVp), mAs, section thickness, and total number of sections. For radiation dosimetry purposes, the head was modeled as a uniform cylinder of water using patient size data obtained from a representative cross-sectional image. CT techniques and patient size data permitted the computation of the mean section doses in the head region, total energy imparted, and the corresponding effective doses. All CT scans were performed at 120 kVp, with an average current-exposure time product of 271 +/- 73 and 340 +/- 0 mAs for infants and "adults," respectively. The radius of the water cylinder used to model the patient head increased from 58 mm for 4 kg newborns to 70 mm for 8 kg infants. For "adults," there was little correlation between the weight of the patient and the mean water equivalent radius of 88 mm (r2 = 0.14). Mean section doses were 44.4 +/- 11.1 mGy for infants, and 44.2 +/- 1.5 mGy for "adults." The energy imparted to infants correlated with patient weight (r2= 0.35) much more than did that of "adults" (r2= 0.02). The average infant energy imparted (66.4 +/- 28.7 mJ) was approximately half the value obtained for "adults" (140 +/- 10 mJ). The average effective dose to the infants (7.6 +/- 3.1 mSv), however, was approximately six times higher than that for "adults" (1.3 +/- 0.1 mSv). There was no significant correlation between patient effective dose and patient mass for either the infant (r2 = 0.12) or the "adult" group of patients (r2= 0.02). Infant doses varied much more than "adult" doses, primarily because of a wider range of x-ray technique factors selected and secondarily due to the variation in infant head size. The observed variability in the computed radiation dose parameters indicates that it should be possible to reduce infant doses routinely in head CT examinations without any adverse effect on diagnostic imaging performance. For such routine head CT scans, the average dose reduction for infants weighing between 4 and 8 kg would be expected to range between 40% and 60%.
A Capabilities Approach to Mental Health Transformation: A Conceptual Framework for the Recovery Era

Recent commissions in Canada and the United States have stipulated recovery to be the overarching aim of mental health care and have called for systems of care to be transformed to be made consistent with this aim. If these efforts are not simply to repeat the mistakes of the past, a new conceptual framework will be needed to provide an alternative foundation for rethinking the nature of care for people with serious mental illnesses. In this paper, the authors identify the limitations of the conceptual framework of the deinstitutionalization movement and then offer the capabilities approach developed by Sen (1992, 1999) and others as a more adequate framework for the post-institutional era.
Middle Cambrian Arthropods from Utah

The Middle Cambrian Spence Shale Member (Langston Formation) and Wheeler and Marjum Formations of Utah are known to contain a diverse soft-bodied fauna, but important new paleontological material continues to be uncovered from these strata. New specimens of anomalocaridids include the largest and smallest near complete examples yet reported from Utah. New material of stem group arthropods includes two new genera and species of arachnomorphs: Nettapezoura basilika and Dicranocaris guntherorum. Other new arachnomorph material includes a new species of Leanchoilia comparable to L. protogonia Simonetta, 1970; Leanchoilia superlata? Walcott, 1912; Sidneyia Walcott, 1911a; and Mollisonia symmetrica Walcott, 1912. L. protogonia from the Burgess Shale is confirmed as a separate species and is not a composite fossil. The first example of the trilobite Elrathia kingii preserving traces of the appendages is described. In addition, new material of the bivalved arthropods Canadaspis Novozhilov in Orlov, 1960; Branchiocaris Briggs, 1976; Waptia Walcott, 1912; and Isoxys Walcott, 1890 is described.
THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF EPILEPSY: Past, Present, and Future

Epilepsy and seizures represent a common neurologic occurrence. Through epidemiologic studies, much has been learned about the frequency, causes, and natural history of epilepsy and seizures. This knowledge has, in turn, had a significant impact on the treatment and management of individuals with seizures. The following is a review of the history of epilepsy prior to and since the advent of modern epidemiologic methods, and of ways in which epidemiologic data have altered greatly our understanding of this heterogeneous class of disorders. In addition, some of the recent changes that have occurred in public health, medicine, and neurodiagnostic methods and how these changes may be affecting the epidemiology and prognosis of epilepsy are reviewed. Such changes require the continued epidemiologic monitoring of epilepsy so that we may have an accurate understanding of the current forms of the disorder.
Randomized controlled trials in adult traumatic brain injury

Background: To optimize strategies for achieving the effectiveness of interdisciplinary interventions, this study conducted a comprehensive literature review of all Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) over the past 30 years.Method: Three major databases including Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched, yielding 1176 peer reviewed publications. One hundred RCTs were included, encompassing 55 pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic acute phase trials and 45 rehabilitation and pharmacologic post-acute trials.Results: The majority of acute phase pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic trials (40/55) showed either no effect or adverse effect on TBI outcomes. Several trials involving early nutritional therapy or pre-hospital rapid intubation demonstrated significant treatment effects. The effect of decompressive craniectomy, therapeutic hypothermia and osmotic therapy remained controversial. The majority of post-acute phase trials (36/45), consisting of cognitive rehabilita...
Two-photon microscopy-guided femtosecond-laser photoablation of avian cardiogenesis: noninvasive creation of localized heart defects

Embryonic heart formation is driven by complex feedback between genetic and hemodynamic stimuli. Clinical congenital heart defects (CHD), however, often manifest as localized microtissue malformations with no underlying genetic mutation, suggesting that altered hemodynamics during embryonic development may play a role. An investigation of this relationship has been impaired by a lack of experimental tools that can create locally targeted cardiac perturbations. Here we have developed noninvasive optical techniques that can modulate avian cardiogenesis to dissect relationships between alterations in mechanical signaling and CHD. We used two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy to monitor cushion and ventricular dynamics and femtosecond pulsed laser photoablation to target micrometer-sized volumes inside the beating chick hearts. We selectively photoablated a small (∼100 μm radius) region of the superior atrioventricular (AV) cushion in Hamburger-Hamilton 24 chick embryos. We quantified via ultrasound that the disruption causes AV regurgitation, which resulted in a venous pooling of blood and severe arterial constriction. At 48 h postablation, quantitative X-ray microcomputed tomography imaging demonstrated stunted ventricular growth and pronounced left atrial dilation. A histological analysis demonstrated that the laser ablation produced defects localized to the superior AV cushion: a small quasispherical region of cushion tissue was completely obliterated, and the area adjacent to the myocardial wall was less cellularized. Both cushions and myocardium were significantly smaller than sham-operated controls. Our results highlight that two-photon excited fluorescence coupled with femtosecond pulsed laser photoablation should be considered a powerful tool for studying hemodynamic signaling in cardiac morphogenesis through the creation of localized microscale defects that may mimic clinical CHD.
Microphone-array hearing aids with binaural output .I. Fixed-processing systems

This work is aimed at developing a design for the use of a microphone array with binaural hearing aids. The goal of such a hearing aid is to provide both the spatial-filtering benefits of the array and the natural benefits to sound localization and speech intelligibility that accrue from binaural listening. The present study examines two types of designs for fixed-processing systems: one in which independent arrays provide outputs to the two ears, and another in which the binaural outputs are derived from a single array. For the latter, various methods are used to merge array processing with binaural listening. In one approach, filters are designed to satisfy a frequency-dependent trade between directionality and binaural cue fidelity. In another, the microphone signals are filtered into low- and high-frequency components with the lowpass signals providing binaural cues and the highpass signal being the single output of the array processor. Acoustic and behavioral measurements were made in an anechoic chamber and in a moderately reverberant room to evaluate example systems. Theoretical performance was calculated for model arrays mounted on an idealized spherical head. Results show that both single- and dual-array systems provided target-intelligibility enhancements (2-4 dB improvements in speech reception threshold) relative to binaural cardioid microphones. In addition, the binaural-output systems provided cues that assist in sound localization, with resulting performance depending directly upon the cue fidelity. Finally, the sphere-based calculations accurately reflected the major features of the actual head-mounted array results, both in terms of directional sensitivity and output binaural cues.
Heteroclinic cycles and periodic orbits for the O(2)-equivariant 0:1:2 mode interaction

We study the quadratic normal form describing the generic interaction of Fourier modes of wavenumbers 0, 1 and 2 under the symmetry group O(2) of rotations and reflections, in the case that the homogeneous quadratic terms preserve ‘energy’: the sum of the squares of absolute values of the (complex) variables. This system is a generalization of the 1:2 mode interaction studied by Dangelmayr [G. Dangelmayr, Steady-state mode interactions in the presence of O(2)-symmetry, Dyn. Stab. Syst. 1 (2) (1986) 159–185], Armbruster et al. [D. Armbruster, J. Guckenheimer, P. Holmes, Heteroclinic cycles and modulated travelling waves in systems with O(2) symmetry, Physica D 29 (1988) 257–282] and others, and its restriction to the 1:2 subspace is a degenerate case of that system. It displays all the classes of fixed points, periodic orbits (standing and travelling waves), invariant tori (modulated travelling waves) and heteroclinic cycles found in the 1:2 interaction, as well as new heteroclinic cycles connecting pure and mixed modes, chaotic cycles, and ‘strange’ periodic orbits. We describe the key dynamical features, show that the degenerate 1:2 case possesses a second organizing center at which bifurcation curves coalesce, provide representative bifurcation sets and diagrams for the 1:2 and 0:1:2 systems, and use a conservative limit to understand the periodic orbits in the latter system. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A Method for Rearing the Rice Water Weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in the Laboratory

Abstract The purpose of the experiments presented in this paper was to investigate methods for rearing larvae and pupae of the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, on rice plants in a laboratory in the absence of mud. Rearing containers were developed in which larvae were reared in a layer of rice roots in water. When mating pairs of adult weevils were used to infest plants, these methods were sufficient to rear weevils from eclosion of eggs to the final instar. When neonates were used to infest rice seedlings in the rearing containers, over 40% of the infesting larvae in two repetitions developed to the 3rd or 4th instar; this rate of survival was not significantly different than survival rates of larvae reared in mud. When 3rd instars were individually reared in water in test tubes with rice plants, 55.0% of the insects were alive and developing normally on the 15th day after infestation. Other experiments demonstrated that late-instar larvae and pupae of the rice water weevil may be re...
Thermoelastic generation of continuous Lamb waves for microfluidic devices

We use the thermoelastic effect as non-contact method to generate Lamb waves for applications in microfluidics. Our system uses a regeneratively amplified ultrafast Ti:Sapphire laser producing 150 fs pulses at a 250 kHz repetition rate. These pulses are focused onto a commercially available 2 /spl mu/m thick nitrocellulose membrane coated with gold. Strongly chirped Lamb waves are generated using a cylindrical lens to produce a single line focus. We measure extremely slow phase velocities ranging from 80 to 150 m/s within a frequency range from 250 kHz to 2 MHz. Adjusting the spacing of a multiple line source produces CW Lamb waves at frequencies of 250 kHz, 500 kHz, and 750 kHz. These results show that the thermoelastic effect is a promising non-contact method to generate CW Lamb waves for microfluidic devices.
Diversity and compartmentalization of persistent HIV-1 reservoirs under suppressive antiretroviral therapy

Buzon MJ, Codoner FM, Frost SD et al. Deep molecular characterization of HIV-1 dynamics under suppressive HAART. PLoS Pathog. 7(10), E1002314 (2011). Understanding the nature of persistent HIV-1 reservoirs in patients on suppressive antiretroviral therapy is important in order to establish a functional cure for AIDS. Intensification protocols targeting viral integrase have been used to probe the persistent reservoirs. Here, Buzon et al. longitudinally analyzed the genotypes of HIV-1 episomal and integrated DNA samples in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by deep sequencing. Statistical analyses indicated that episomal and integrated DNA samples encompass two different genetic populations, and these two DNA forms may originate from different compartments. As the first report on compartmentalization between episomal cDNA and integrated HIV-1 DNA genomes, this paper provides an improved understanding of the population structure and compartmentalization of replication-competent virus under suppressive antire...
The impact of HIV research on health outcome and healthcare policy

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have shown an almost unique linkage between biomedical research and improved healthcare outcomes. A transformation has been seen between 1981 when AIDS was a rapidly fatal condition, to the present dramatic survival prolongation. HIV infection is a chronic illness requiring ongoing modern therapy. Parallels and interactions between HIV research and cancer research are close. The ability of novel therapies to suppress HIV replication and restore host immunity has decreased the incidence and progression of cancers in HIV patients. The rapid application of new knowledge to patient care and health policy in HIV has key lessons for other disease areas. Patient and Public Involvement has been influential in research activity and funding. The availability of laboratory markers of disease has been central to the successful application of novel HIV therapies. Active development and management of cooperative large-scale clinical trials supported by advocacy groups was influential. HIV investigators have been at the forefront of identifying cost-effective treatments that can be widely applied. The science, clinical research and political response to the HIV epidemic offer a model generalizable to other serious diseases. Opportunities to share the experiences and lessons learned from HIV should be sought, particularly in the cancer research community.
Precise Frequency Dissemination Using the 19-kHz Pilot Tone on Stereo FM Radio Stations

A continuous 19-kHz pilot tone is included as part of the modulation format of stereo FM broadcast radio stations. An experiment was performed which measures the stability of the received pilot in urban and rural environments. A mathematical analysis is presented of the phase stability of the received pilot as a function of multipath. It shows that phase changes will exist dependent upon a reflected radio signal's phase lag, relative amplitude, and the modulation index. Data are presented which indicate: 1) phase versus time of the pilot at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) laboratory using a directional yagi and a vertical whip; 2) Allan variance measurements of ?versus ?using a directional yagi; and 3) the day-to-day phase delay of the pilot at five urban locations and three rural locations using a vertical whip. With 5 min of averaging time, the delay of the pilot at five urban sites was reproducible to within 2 ?s each day over a five-day period. Delay was reproducible to within 0.8 ?s at three urban sites.
The management of secondary abdominal pregnancy.

Abstract A group of 23 cases of secondary abdominal pregnancy are presented. In the majority of cases, complete primary removal of the placenta was accomplished. The factors favoring removal are discussed and some of the hazards noted. Adequate blood replacement is essential. If primary removal of the placenta is not possible, subsequent complications are likely. An early diagnosis favors complete operation because removal is less difficult during the first half of pregnancy.
Construction of the conserved ζ via the effective action for perfect fluids

Abstract We consider the problem of how to construct the curvature perturbation ζ , which is expected to be time independent on super-horizon scales to nonlinear level; in particular we concentrate on the case where the existence of such conserved ζ is guaranteed: a universe dominated by a perfect fluid with adiabatic pressure. We have used a low energy/long wavelength effective action to model the fluid sector and coupled it to the Einstein gravity. This setup enables us to verify explicitly the assumption of “local homogeneity and isotropy” used in previous literature. As a corollary, we also show that the nonlinearly defined graviton field γ i j is conserved outside the horizon in the same manner as ζ is.
Deriving prognostic continuous time Bayesian networks from D-matrices

Probabilistic graphical models are widely used in the context of fault diagnostics and prognostics, providing a framework to model the relationships between faults and tests in complex systems. Bayesian networks have sufficient representational power as a model for system-level diagnosis but are inadequate for domains involving prognosis. In order to perform fault prognostics, a model must have the capability to perform probabilistic reasoning over time. One model well suited to this problem is the continuous time Bayesian network (CTBN). In this paper, we propose a method of constructing a continuous time Bayesian network from a D-matrix, a common matrix representation of a diagnostic model. Additionally, we provide procedures for parameterizing the CTBN using reliability information such as the mean time between failures, as well as the false alarm and non-detect probabilities. Through experiments on two different datasets, we demonstrate the correctness of our parameterization process. We also explore the ways in which applying evidence impacts the query results over the network. Finally, we demonstrate the real-world applicability of this approach by performing incremental tests for the purpose of diagnosing and prognosing a fault in the system.
Excess Wealth Transform with Applications

Shaked and Shanthikumar [425] introduced the excess wealth transform and the related excess wealth order. A lot of research activities have taken place on this topic lately. In this paper, we discuss some recent developments of this transform and illustrate how to use this transform in extreme value analysis. We also summarize the applications of excess wealth order in reliability theory, auction theory, and actuarial science. Some new research directions are mentioned as well.
Exploring Transition to Self-Management Within the Culture of Sickle Cell Disease.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the meaning of transition to self-management in sickle cell disease. Design/Method: Twelve audio-recorded semistructured interviews were conducted with a sample of 21- to 25-year-olds recruited from a comprehensive sickle cell center in the northeast region of the United States. Data were analyzed using an existential framework according to van Manen’s phenomenological method. Findings: The meaning of transition to self-management was found in lived time, space, body, and human relationship. The emerging themes highlighted in this article include: Best Mother Ever, Growing up in the Hospital, I’m Not Trying that Again, Doing it on My Own, Living Day-by-Day, and Not a Kid any Longer. The themes reflected meaning and insight into this unique experience. Conclusion/Practice Implications: Study results emphasize the culturally constructed meaning of transition to sickle cell disease self-management and need to integrate transcultural perspectives into nursing prac...