cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of vascularization in islet transplantation.

A main challenge for long-term insulin-independence following islet transplantation in type 1 diabetes is occult hypoxic, inflammatory, and immune graft loss [1-3]. Anoxia from initial avascularity is particularly stressful to islets function in the hyperglycemic milieu of a diabetic recipient [4,5]. Therefore, monitoring and improving early vascularization of islet grafts is pivotal for their long-term viability and function in both experimental and clinical settings. Although microscopy provides high spatial-resolution images of preserved tissue, clinically facile methods are needed to image viable islet grafts in situ. Several studies have confirmed the ability to localize islets by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) both in vitro and in vivo [6-10]. Other imaging modalities, such as positron emission tomography using 18-fluro-deoxyglucose, can also visualize islet location but suffer from short half-lives and poor resolution, favoring MR contrast as a high-resolution method. [11]. Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI is an imaging modality that can noninvasively measure key hemodynamic parameters such as blood flow, blood volume, interstitial volume, and capillary permeability in real time. The method has been used experimentally and clinically to assess the tumor angiogenesis and develop the anticancer drugs [12-16]. DCE MRI has also been used to evaluate the angiogenesis of tissue-engineered bladders [17] and to test the response to vascular endothelial growth factor therapy [18]. We previously reported that a significant increase in islet vascularization follows a rise in hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in islet grafts, and that development of newly formed microvessels is more abundant on post-transplant day 14 in comparison to day 3 [19]. To understand better the time-course of vascularization of islet grafts, and its relation with function, an accurate and reproducible method of imaging islet revascularization in vivo is needed. To our knowledge, this is the first published work on the use of DCE MRI to evaluate vascularization in islet transplantation to date. In this study, we demonstrate that this temporal evolution of neovascularization in islet grafts can be detected by contrast-enhanced MRI.
Outcomes following active surveillance of men with localized prostate cancer diagnosed in the prostate specific antigen era.

Purpose: We gained insights concerning outcomes associated with men who elect active surveillance for the management of localized prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case series analysis of 40 patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer since 1990 who elected active surveillance.Results: A total of 31 patients remained on active surveillance for a median of 48 months (range 12 to 168). The 5-year probability of remaining on active surveillance was 74%. Most patients who abandoned this strategy did so within 33 months of diagnosis (range 12 to 84). An increasing prostate specific antigen and anxiety were the 2 most common reasons. A delay in treatment did not appear to compromise subsequent outcomes.Conclusions: Men with low grade prostate cancer can elect active surveillance and have excellent long-term results.
Seasonal and interannual patterns of sedimentation in the Corsica River (MD): Evaluating the potential influence of watershed restoration

Abstract Temporal and spatial trends in sediment deposition rates and sediment character were examined in the Corsica River over a 5-year period. The finest sediment and lowest deposition rates were observed in the middle of the river, whereas coarser, more rapidly depositing sediment was found at the up- and down-stream end-members. Averaged over the study period, sediment deposition rates decreased and sediment grain sizes increased, especially since 2010, which was ∼5 years after restoration began. These trends are consistent with sediment reductions within the watershed. This study highlights the time lag that often occurs between implementation of restoration activities and impacts to the adjacent aquatic environment. It also shows the need for relatively long time-series of data to place the potential impact of restoration within the context of natural variability of the system, especially with respect to variations in river discharge.
The City and the Bottom Line: Urban Megaprojects and the Privatization of Planning in Southeast Asia

Prevailing perspectives on the impacts of globalization on urban form in large, globalizing cities in Asia hold that these cities are experiencing an inexorable process of ‘Westernization’ or ‘Americanization’. Yet this focus on convergence distracts us from the task of analyzing urban change and its causes, leading to analytical muddiness and awkward planning and policy implications. The author presents an alternative framework that focuses on actor-centered analysis, and the importance of understanding historical context. This framework is employed in a case study of recent trends in urban development in Metro Manila, based on interviews, government, private sector, and nonprofit sector documents, and newspapers. It is concluded that, in Metro Manila, a defining characteristic of contemporary urban development is the unprecedented privatization of urban and regional planning. Large developers have conceived of urban development plans on a metrowide scale, and begun to implement these with the assistance...
Similarity and Numerical Equivalence: Appearances Count

Abstract The present study investigated whether preschool children recognize numerical equivalence between sets that vary in similarity. The relation between emergence of accurate numerical equivalence judgments and acquisition of the conventional counting system was also explored. The results of this investigation provide evidence for two main conclusions. First, the ability to recognize numerical equivalence for different sets emerges gradually during the period from 3 to 4 years of age depending on the degree of overall similarity between the sets. Second, conventional counting ability is linked to success on some but not all comparisons, suggesting that acquisition of the labels for various set sizes might aid in abstraction of numerical relations.
Analysis of polymer membrane formation through spinodal decomposition

A phenomenological model used in a previous work for spinodal decomposition of polymer-solvent systems is further analyzed. From the dimensionless form of the nonlinear Cahn-Hilliard equation, the dimensionless induction time is found to be a constant number for suddenly quenched systems. Computer simulation is carried out for prediction of early stage behavior with thermal history corresponding to a linear temperature drop followed by a constant temperature vs. time. In the areas of polymer membrane formation and phase separation studies, the universality of the constant dimensionless Induction time for suddenly quenched systems allows the determination of the minimum time needed for phase separation via spinodal decomposition. Also, simulation results for the double linear temperature history allows the convenient prediction of early stage spinodal decomposition behavior at every point of a membrane cross section undergoing thermal inversion phase separation.
Separation of Lymphocytes of Rat Bone Marrow by Combined Glass‐Wool Filtration and. Dextran‐Gradient Centrifugation

SUMMARY The two-step separation of rat bone marrow involving glass-wool filtration combined with dextran-gradient centrifugation yields viable cell suspensions composed predominantly of lymphocytes with a minimum of contamination by granulocytes (less than 10 per cent). Because filtration of rat bone marrow through glass wool removes the larger marrow cells and most of the immature forms of the red cell series, it is useful as a first step in the separation of lymphocytes from bone marrow. Density-gradient centrifugation of the glass-wool filtrate serves to differentially settle out lymphocytes and granulocytes when dextran solutions of appropriate densities are used. The middle or layer 2 (density 1.0600) of the dextran gradient yields the greatest absolute numbers of lymphocytes. Small numbers of transitional and blast cells are also present in this layer. The separation procedure results in excellent preservation of cell morphology as evidenced by Jenner-Giemsa staining. A high level of viability of the separated cells is indicated by dye exclusion, characteristic fluorescence in the presence of acridine orange, and capacity for oxygen consumption. In vivo viability of the separated cells is also indicated by their capacity to confer protection following their infusion into lethally irradiated rats.
Dual‐opposite injection electrokinetic chromatography for the unbiased, simultaneous separation of cationic and anionic compounds

The concept of dual opposite injection in capillary electrophoresis (DOI-CE) for the simultaneous separation, under conditions of suppressed electroosmotic flow, of anionic and cationic compounds with no bias in resolution and analysis time, is extended to a higher pH range in a zone electrophoresis mode (DOI-CZE). A new DOI-CE separation mode based on electrokinetic chromatography is also introduced (DOI-EKC). Whereas conventional CZE and DOI-CZE are limited to the separation of charged compounds with different electrophoretic mobilities, DOI-EKC is shown to be capable of separating compounds with the same or similar electrophoretic mobilities. In contrast to conventional EKC with charged pseudostationary phases that often interact too strongly with analytes of opposite charge, the neutral pseudostationary phases appropriate for DOI-EKC are simultaneously compatible with anionic and cationic compounds. This work describes two buffer additives that dynamically suppress electroosmotic flow (EOF) at a higher pH (6.5) than in a previous study (4.4), thus allowing DOI-CZE of several pharmaceutical bases and weakly acidic positional isomers. Several DOI-EKC systems based on nonionic (10 lauryl ether, Brij 35) or zwitterionic (SB-12, CAS U) micelles, or nonionic vesicles (Brij 30) are examined using a six-component test mixture that is difficult to separate by CZE or DOI-CZE. The effect of electromigration dispersion on peak shape and efficiency, and the effect of surfactant concentration on retention, selectivity, and efficiency are described.
Investigation of Approaches for the Fabrication of Protein Patterns by Scanning Probe Lithography

This paper investigates three different approaches to patterning proteins within ultrathin resist layers formed from self-assembled monolayers using scanning probe lithography (SPL) at the submicrometer length scale. The first approach uses a “nanografting” method to pattern a reactive carboxylic acid terminated thiol into a resist composed of a methyl-terminated monolayer. Rabbit IgG antigen is bound to the patterned region, and an immunoassay utilizing direct readout of the topographic change resulting from specific binding of anti-rabbit IgG antibody is performed using scanning force microscopy. To address issues related to nonspecific protein adsorption, the other two approaches investigated the patterned removal of glycol-terminated monolayers by mechanically “scraping” patterns at high tip−sample forces by SPL. Protein attachment to the scraped regions was achieved either through the chemisorption of a disulfide coupling agent or by the direct adsorption of Fab‘-SH antibody fragments. Results obtain...
Corn Phenology in Relation to Natural and Simulated Infestations of the Sugarcane Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Infestations of Diatraea saccharalis (F.) in corn caused significant yield losses chiefly associated with reduced primary ear weights due to tunnelling in lower internodes and ear feeding. Plant compensation, measured as increased secondary ear production, occurred in apparent response to artificial SCB infestations. Losses from lodging and stand reduction resulted only when infestations were initiated at the early-whorl stage of plant development. Percentage of loss per larva per plant was much higher (1.8–3.5-fold) from infestations begun at or before silking than from infestations begun at later growth stages. Ear quality was most severely affected by infestations initiated near the silking stage of development. Natural infestations beginning during or after kernel blister resulted in a significant decrease (ca. 40%) in secondary ear yields. Data on feeding site patterns relative to plant phenology indicated that the primary positions attacked changed from low portions of the stalk to ears as plant development progressed from whorl to silking. Also, natural infestations declined toward the late stages of kernel maturation.
Monopole Condensation and the Lattice-Quantum-Chromodynamics Crossover

We propose the condensation of dynamical monopoles and their strings as the mechanism responsible for the rapid crossover from weak to strong coupling in SU(2) lattice gauge theory. By adding to the Wilson action a chemical potential for monopole formation, we are able to study the crossover in an extended phase plane. We find a critical value for the potential, related to the transition in a dual Ising model, above which monopoles are absent. Support for this picture is garnered from Monte Carlo simulations.
Interface shapes in a torsionally oscillating, layered medium of viscoelastic liquids

The free surface motion of a layered medium of liquids in a gravitationally stable configuration, resting on top of a layer of mercury, driven by a torsionally oscillating, cylindrical outer wall is investigated. The non-linear problem in the unknown physical domain is expressed as a series of linear problems in the rest state by means of a domain perturbation method. The flow variables and the stress are expanded into series in terms of the amplitude of the oscillation of the cylinder. The shapes in the mean of the interfaces between layers and the flow field are determined up to second order in the perturbation parameter, the amplitude of the oscillation.
The IPM model of computer virus management

The authors develop a theoretical model, borrowed from the agricultural sciences, for the management of computer security as it relates to ''pests'', such as computer viruses and worms. The model discusses characteristics of computer viruses and worms, control strategies, and suggests a uniform virus prevention program that does not discriminate among files.
Oxidation of a cyclic tripeptide by molecular oxygen and the development of fluorescence in the Aequorea green fluorescent protein

Abstract The jellyfish, Aequorea victoria , emits a greenish light from photocytes located along the margin of its umbrella. The source of the light is a green fluorescent protein (GFP) within the photocyte. The GFP has a chromophore in its internal structure, formed by a post-translational modification of the tripeptide, -Ser-65-Tyr-66-Gly-67-, present within the primary structure of a 238 amino acid long precursor molecule. In forming the chromophore, an autocatalytic cyclization of the tripeptide takes place, resulting in a loss of one water molecule through dehydration and two hydrogen molecules by air oxidation. The protein folds into a barrel-shaped structure composed of 11 beta sheets with a chromophore at the center. The excited state of the phenolate anion of Tyr-66 of the chromophore is the emitter of the green light. The green light results from a Forster-type resonance energy transfer from the excited state of the blue fluorescent protein (BFP), formed by the aequorin reaction, to GFP. The blue fluorescent protein (BFP) is the product of an oxygenase reaction in which, coelenterazine, a small organic substrate molecule is oxidized by an oxygen molecule via a dioxetanone mechanism.
Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) is involved in the innate immune response to Paramyxoviridae infection in vivo.

The early host response to pathogens is mediated by several distinct pattern recognition receptors. Cytoplasmic RNA helicases including RIG-I and MDA5 have been shown to respond to viral RNA by inducing interferon (IFN) production. Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated a direct role for MDA5 in the response to members of the Picornaviridae, Flaviviridae and Caliciviridae virus families ((+) ssRNA viruses) but not to Paramyxoviridae or Orthomyxoviridae ((−) ssRNA viruses). Contrary to these findings, we now show that MDA5 responds critically to infections caused by Paramyxoviridae in vivo. Using an established model of natural Sendai virus (SeV) infection, we demonstrate that MDA5−/− mice exhibit increased morbidity and mortality as well as severe histopathological changes in the lower airways in response to SeV. Moreover, analysis of viral propagation in the lungs of MDA5−/− mice reveals enhanced replication and a distinct distribution involving the interstitium. Though the levels of antiviral cytokines were comparable early during SeV infection, type I, II, and III IFN mRNA expression profiles were significantly decreased in MDA5−/− mice by day 5 post infection. Taken together, these findings indicate that MDA5 is indispensable for sustained expression of IFN in response to paramyxovirus infection and provide the first evidence of MDA5-dependent containment of in vivo infections caused by (−) sense RNA viruses.
Can listeners hear how many singers are singing? The effect of listener's experience, vibrato, onset, and formant frequency on the perception of number of simultaneous singers.

Summary Objective/Hypothesis This study investigated whether listener’s experience, presence/absence of vibrato, formant frequency difference, or onset delay affect the ability of experienced and inexperienced listeners to segregate complex vocal stimuli. Study Design Repeated measures factorial design. Methods Two sets of stimuli were constructed: one with no vibrato and another with vibrato. For each set, each stimulus was synthesized at four pitches: A3, E4, B4, and F5. Stimuli were synthesized using formant patterns appropriate for the vowel |ɑ|. Frequencies for formants one through four were systematically varied from lower to higher in an attempt to simulate the acoustic results of corresponding changes in vocal tract length. Four formant patterns were synthesized (patterns A–D). Three pairs were created at each pitch, pairing the formants AB (mezzo-soprano/mezzo-soprano), CD (soprano/soprano), and AD (mezzo-soprano/soprano). Each of these three pairs was constructed in three separate conditions: simultaneous onset; the first voice in the pair with an onset delay of 100 milliseconds; and the second voice in the pair with an onset delay of 100 milliseconds. Using a scroll bar, listeners rated how difficult it was for them to hear each stimulus pair as two separate voices. Results The most difficult combinations to segregate were produced with no vibrato and used simultaneous onset. The easiest conditions to segregate were combinations including a “soprano-like” formant pattern (D) in the vibrato condition. Overall, listener’s experience did not affect the perceived difficulty of segregation; however, in the presence of vibrato cues, inexperienced listeners did not use delay cues as an aid in segregation in the same manner as did experienced listeners. Once vibrato was removed from the experimental context, inexperienced listeners were able to use delay to aid in segregation in a similar manner to experienced listeners. Conclusion Presence/absence of vibrato, formant pattern difference, and onset delay interact in a complex manner to affect the perceived difficulty of voice segregation.
Human rights in the Ramakrishna Math and Mission: ‘For liberation and the good of the world’

Abstract Beginning from an analysis of human rights activity in terms of a relationship between a judgement on human nature and consequent action , the article explores the claim that the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda provide an authentically Hindu basis for a commitment to human rights activity. Reference is made to the contemporary work of the Ramakrishna Movement and to the justifications it gives for its activities. The sources of this commitment are examined with particular reference to Vivekananda's teaching. Finally, the influence of Vivekananda's thought and the work of the Ramakrishna Movement are evaluated within the context of post-independence India.
Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes Leads to Changes in the Cellular Biomechanics

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are rolled-up cylindrical structures of single (single-walled carbon nanotube-SWCNT) or multiple (multi-walled carbon nanotube-MWCNT) sheets of graphene that have high aspect ratio,[1] high electrical and thermal conductivity,[2] ultra-light weight,[3] and high mechanical strength.[4] Their unique properties provide a tremendous potential for applications in fields as diverse as electronics,[5] aerospace industries,[6] sensors,[7] actuators,[8] or composites.[9] Based on their properties, researchers have also been exploring CNTs potential for biological and biomedical applications as drug delivery systems,[10] substrate for cells growth in tissue regeneration,[11] therapeutic agents,[11] or as vectors for gene transfection.[12] Such broad applications of CNTs have led to an increased production level and thus increased concerns regarding human and environmental exposure. Further, given their applications in the biomedical field,[13,14] understanding how biological systems interact with this nanomaterial is urgently needed to create safer therapies,[14,15] and to regulate occupational exposures.[16,17]
When executives influence peers: Does function matter?

Executives often spend considerable time and energy trying to influence peers to support new initiatives (e.g., Conger, 1998; Enns, Huff, & Golden, 2001). That said, we know relatively little about how executives actually influence their peers. Using a sample of 132 executives, the present study found that finance executives differed the most from other executives in terms of the influence tactics and contexts used when influencing peers. Human resource executives also differed considerably from their counterparts in operations regarding influence tactics and contexts. Possible explanations, directions for future research, and implications for management are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two Approaches for Using Multiple Anchors in NEAT Equating A Description and Demonstration

Nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) equating functions that use a single anchor can have accuracy problems when the groups are extremely different and/or when the anchor weakly correlates with the tests being equated. Proposals have been made to address these issues by incorporating more than one anchor into NEAT equating functions. These proposals have not been extensively considered or comparatively evaluated. This study evaluates two proposed approaches for incorporating more than one anchor into NEAT equating functions, poststratification and missing data imputation. The approaches are studied and compared in an example of equating mixed format tests where the use of multiple equating is expected to improve equating. The results show that both approaches produced nearly equivalent equating results but that the poststratification approach has some flexibility and accuracy advantages over imputation in terms of standard errors.
Structural Dynamics Model of Multisegmented Folding Wings: Theory and Experiment

Morphing wing research has garnered much attention in the aerospace community over the last decade, and the folding wing is a promising concept that can improve aircraft performance over multiple types of missions. Several high-fidelity analyses of folding wing structural dynamics have been published, but most analyses are specifi ct o certain wing planforms or a fixed number of wing segments. This paper presents a general structural dynamics modelthatpredictsthenaturalfrequencies ofafoldingwingwithsimplifiedgeometry butwithanarbitrary number of wing segments. The model is derived using beam theory and component modal analysis: the energy expressions and constraint equations are derived from kinematics, and the equations of motion are derived using Lagrange’s equations with Lagrange multipliers. Three experimental models are constructed, and the natural frequencies are measured over a wide range of fold angles. The agreement between theory and experiment is within 10% for most data points. The results agree well with trends from existing work, and the model can be used to study the structural dynamics behavior of folding wings as well as similar multibody systems.
Indirect Imaging of the Papillary and Peripapillary Microvasculature using Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (AOSLO)

To demonstrate the use of different aperture sizes and degree of confocality of the AOSLO system on papillary and peripapillary capillary imaging in human subjects. Microvasculature was clearly visualized inside and outside the optic disc.
Use of Tegaderm for postoperative eye dressing in children.

Creating a secure postoperative eye dressing after pediatric surgery can be challenging. Children frequently attempt to remove dressings, especially those covering their face and eyes. Any dressing or tape with loose ends may be pulled and dislodged. We report a fast and simple method to create a secure postoperative eye dressing using transparent Tegaderm™ dressing.
X-ray diffraction analysis of carious dentine treated with stannous fluoride.

Abstract Carious dentine was treated with a 10 per cent stannous fluoride solution for 24 hr at 37 °C and prepared for X-ray diffraction analyses using the powder smear mount technique. It was found that a new crystalline material was produced within the dentinal matrix. Replica experiments using synthetic hydroxyapatite with and without added collagen and reacted with stannous fluoride produced a material identical to that found in the stannous fluoride treated carious dentine. These results indicate that the material was the product of an inorganic reaction and that the organic collagen in carious dentine plays little or no role in this reaction. Additional experiments using synthetic hydroxyapatite and varying solution concentrations and reaction times showed that the crystalline material, most probably a tin phosphate, was produced in less than 5 min. and was independent of solution strength or prolonged exposure to the solution for up to 10 days.
In utero as a potential location for cell transplantation

A variety of diseases, including some which affect the hemostatic and blood coagulation systems, result from dysfunction of specific cell types. Attempts to ameliorate such diseases by implantation of healthy donor cells typically fail due to immune rejection of the donor cells. One method to possibly overcome this limitation is to administer donor cells prior to immune competence, thus inducing immune tolerance to the donated cells. To accomplish this, donor cells must be administered in utero, relatively early in the developmental process. We describe herein studies in which engraftments of fetal hepatocytes and a hepatoblast line were successfully accomplished by in utero administration of cells in mice. This approach reversed the clinical outcome of Factor X (FX) deficiency, increasing the survival time of FX null mice. Further, engraftment of donor cells was observed in the liver, as well as the spleen, brain, interstitium of the gonad, and lung. These results demonstrate the potential for applicatio...
Ischaemia and the myocyte cytoskeleton: review and speculation

The cardiomyocyte cytoskeleton is composed of a highly organised complex array of specific proteins, arranged to transmit mechanical forces within the cell, to adjacent cells and the extracellular matrix, as well as to maintain internal organisation of cellular organelles. Although most of the published reports on cytoskeletal proteins refer to non-myocyte and smooth muscle cells, there seem significant homologies with cardiac structures. The specific interactions of some proteins in certain cytoskeletal structures are established and may be analogous to interactions in cardiac myocytes, but the roles of many proteins are uncertain, and the list of proteins that compose the cytoskeleton is likely to be incomplete. Some proteins may serve a dual role, contributing to signal transduction as well as to organisation and mechanical stability of the cell. Phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins, and elaborate cellular systems to control protein phosphorylation levels, suggest phosphorylation as a potential mechanism of controlling cytoskeletal assembly and remodelling. Disturbances of the cytoskeleton during ischaemia may produce alterations in cell structural integrity that could account for cell injury and death. Although mechanisms both of cytoskeletal assembly in normal cells and of cytoskeletal injury in ischaemic cells are currently poorly understood, research into the interactions of cytoskeletal proteins during ischaemia includes new approaches that may increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of the cardiac myocyte.
Metal−Alkyl Bond Protonolysis Studies of (dfepe)Pt(Me)X Complexes in Acidic Media

Protonolyses of (dfepe)Pt(Me)X (dfepe = (C2F5)2PCH2CH2P(C2F5)2; X = O2CCF3, OSO2H, OSO2CF3, OSO2F) complexes in their respective neat acid solutions cleanly yield (dfepe)Pt(X)2 products with rates dependent on relative acid strengths. No (dfepe)Pt(Me)(X)2(H)+ intermediates were observed by variable-temperature NMR in dichloromethane. The (perfluoroaryl)phosphine analogue (dfppe)Pt(Me)2 (dfppe = (C6F5)2PCH2CH2P(C6F5)2) is much less resistant to protonolysis and rapidly converts to (dfppe)Pt(OTf)2 in HOTf at 20 °C. Kinetic studies for protonolysis in CF3CO2H(D) and CF3SO3H(D) solvents were carried out. Examination of ionic strength and chloride anion effects in trifluoroacetic acid indicate that prior association of anion to (dfepe)Pt(Me)X systems is not kinetically important. kH/kD values were obtained from competitive protonolysis studies (CF3CO2H, 9 ± 2 (20 °C); H2SO4, 7 ± 2 (100 °C); CF3SO3H, 2.7 ± 0.7 (100 °C)). In the case of CF3CO2H, separate kinetic runs in protio and deuterio acids gave a lower kH/...
Hypothermia induced by centrally administered vasopressin in rats: A structure-activity study

Abstract Vasopressin and related peptides cause short-lasting hypothermia when injected into the lateral ventricle of the rat. In the present study, the structure-activity relationships for the induction of this effect were examined. For the agonist peptides studied, the structural requirements were found to be similar to those required to cause peripheral vasoconstriction and to induce behavioral excitation in mice. However, an antagonist of the presser and behavioral effects of vasopressin was ineffective in antagonizing the hypothermie response. Moreover, this analog and another pressor antagonist themselves caused hypothermia. Comparison with the structure-activity relationships for other effects on the central nervous system strongly suggests that the hypothermie response is unrelated to the effects of vasopressin on consolidation of memory, development of tolerance to drugs, and mechanisms of reinforcement.
Mucous Plugging Simulating Pulmonary Embolism in Patients with Quadriplegia

Two quadriplegic patients suddenly lost consciousness and were found to have an elevated alveolar-arteriolar oxygen gradient. Their chest x-ray films were normal. Perfusion scintiscans of their lungs showed large areas with markedly reduced or absent perfusion. Ventilation scintiscans demonstrated absent or decreased ventilation to the hypoperfused areas, suggesting mucous plugging. In quadriplegic subjects who have an ineffective cough, acute mucous plugging can produce the sudden onset of hypoxia with essentially normal chest x-ray films, thus mimicking acute pulmonary embolism.
Value-at-risk support vector machine: stability to outliers

A support vector machine (SVM) stable to data outliers is proposed in three closely related formulations, and relationships between those formulations are established. The SVM is based on the value-at-risk (VaR) measure, which discards a specified percentage of data viewed as outliers (extreme samples), and is referred to as $$\mathrm{VaR}$$ VaR -SVM. Computational experiments show that compared to the $$\nu $$ ? -SVM, the VaR-SVM has a superior out-of-sample performance on datasets with outliers.
Inverse Source Problems in Transport Equations

This paper proposes an iterative technique to reconstruct the source term in transport equations, which account for scattering effects, from boundary measurements. In the two‐dimensional setting, the full outgoing distribution in the phase space (position and direction) needs to be measured. In three space dimensions, we show that measurements for angles that are orthogonal to a given direction are sufficient. In both cases, the derivation is based on a perturbation of the inversion of the two‐dimensional attenuated Radon transform and requires that (the anisotropic part of) scattering be sufficiently small. We present an explicit iterative procedure, which converges to the source term we want to reconstruct. Applications of the inversion procedure include optical molecular imaging, an increasingly popular medical imaging modality.
Joining of iron powder compacts by an infiltration method

Abstract Joining of iron powder compacts by an infiltration method was attempted. The joining strength of the compacts was investigated with respect to variations in roughness of the surface, applied pressure, relative density of preforms, infiltration temperature and the time. The joining strength was found to be almost equal to those of monobloc ompacts by conventional infiltration when the joining was done under the optimum conditions. Joining of the iron powder compact and wrought steel samples such as S10C and S55C was also carried out and high strength could be obtained by this method. Samples with complicated shapes or with holes in the parts could be easily made with the infiltration technique proposed.
Psychopharmacology of Alcohol

Significant strides have been taken in the last few years in this interdisciplinary field that combines biological, behavioral, and biochemical approaches to the study of the potent psychopharmacological actions of alcohol. The principal reasons for this are twofold. First, the experimental investigation of alcohol's effect on the central nervous system and the disease process produced by the drug have newly achieved a measure of scientific respectability. No longer is the sight of a rat, hamster, or pig drinking an alcoholic beverage in a laboratory setting greeted by a singular scowl or unrestrained amusement. Second, although the etiology of alcoholism may stem partially from deeply rooted psychological or sociocultural problems, the patholog­ ical manifestations of drinking all have a biological basis; these include the perma­ nency of one's addictive liability and the well-known inherent predisposition toward alcohol imbibition. As a result, the difficult question pertaining to alcohol's multi­ plicity of effects is now being examined by investigators from different disciplines joining together. Today, an enzymologist may be as fascinated by the alcohol­ drinking pattern of an animal as by the catabolism of the compound; and a behav­ iorist can be concerned as much with the question of drug receptor interactions as with the characteristics of a withdrawal symptom seen in an alcohol-dependent animal. A number of monographs, monumental reviews (1, 2), and collections of papers based on conferences or symposia have given coverage to a large part of the wealth of information on the psychopharmacology of alcohol. These treatises are devoted to issues such as the action of alcohol on the central nervous system (eNS) (3-7), the factors that alter the self-administration of alcohol by an animal (8-12), the biochemical and metabolic aspects of the fluid (13-18) and the more general problem of drugs that affect alcohol consumption, intoxication and withdrawal (19-21).
The peeling skin syndrome

A unique form of congenital ichthyosis in two unrelated patients is described and characterized histologically by separation of the epidermis between the stratum comeum and the stratum granulosum. The clinical history, genetics, serially performed skin biopsies, and biochemical studies are reviewed. This form of lchthyosls is different from previously described entities. Lifelong peeling of the general body epidermis, pruntus, short stature, easily removed anagen hairs, and the ability to easily mechanically separate stratum corneum from the rest of the epidermis characterize the syndrome. In two families with this disorder, autosomal recessive inheritance is suggested. A low plasma tryptophan level was present in two patients with this disease. This inherited disorder of the epidermis was first described in 1924 before the genetics and histology of ichthyosis were extensively studied and is a distinct genetic and clinical entity to be considered in unusual cases of ichthyosis.
Evaluating a computational model of perceptual grouping by proximity.

A formal approach to the phenomenon of perceptual grouping by proximity was investigated. Grouping judgments of random dot patterns were made by the CODE algorithm (van Oeffelen & Vos, 1982) and several related algorithms, and these judgments were compared with subjects’ grouping judgments for the same stimuli. Each algorithm predicted significantly more subject judgments than would be expected by chance. The more subjects agreed on how a given dot pattern should be grouped, the more successful was the algorithms’ ability to match the judgments for that pattern. CODE predicted significantly fewer subject judgments than did some of the other algorithms, largely because of its overemphasis on the extent of interactivity among dots as they are being grouped.
In vivo administration of tolmetin in hyaluronic acid modulates protease levels in postsurgical macrophage-conditioned media.

Tolmetin sodium in a hyaluronic acid carrier (tolmetin-HA) was previously shown to reduce adhesion formation and alter the kinetics and levels of cellular influx into the peritoneal cavity after surgery. In this study, the effect of tolmetin-HA on the level of protease activity in macrophage-conditioned media was determined. The level of collagenase activity in macrophage-conditioned media was supressed at 12 and 24 h after administration of tolmetin-HA. Alternatively, the peak level of elastase activity measured in macrophage-conditioned media was unchanged after tolmetin-HA treatment, but the kinetics of expression of maximal protease activity was delayed from 12 h in the control surgical rabbits to 24 h in tolmetin-HA-treated rabbits. Elevated plasminogen activator activity was detected in acid-treated conditioned media from the tolmetin-HA-treated rabbits when compared to control levels. However, no alteration in the level of plasminogen activator inhibitor activity was present in conditioned media of...
The Career Beliefs of Homeless Veterans: Vocational Attitudes as Indicators of Employability

This study analyzes homeless veterans' career beliefs and suggests how these beliefs may limit their employability. Using the Career Beliefs Inventory (CBI; Krumboltz, 1991), the vocational beliefs of 279 homeless veterans were compared to those of two control groups: one employed (N = 390), the other unemployed (N = 67). Even though the three groups had significant demographic, medical, and social differences, there were remarkable similarities in how they viewed employment. Further research on how homeless veterans' vocational attitudes manifest into tangible behavior is required to substantiate the importance of the CBI results.
Specific chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes are associated with risk of bladder cancer

Specific chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in chromosomes 9 and 11 may be associated with bladder cancer. To investigate this hypothesis, in this study, we used a whole-chromosome painting technique to detect chromosomal aberrations in PBLs from 100 patients with bladder cancer and 100 matched controls. We also used a locus-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization technique to study 9p21 and cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) aberrations in PBLs of 10 patients and 10 controls and in tumor tissues of 38 additional cases. The chromosome-painting analysis showed that there were more aberrations of chromosomes 9 and 11 in bladder cancer patients than in controls. When categorized by type, the number of deletions of 9p and of translocations of chromosome 11 was significantly higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.05). Stratified analysis showed a larger odds ratio (OR) for bladder cancer in individuals with either a 9p deletion or a chromosome 11 translocation/amplification and an even larger OR in individuals with both aberrations. Using locus-specific analysis, we found that 9p21 aberrations occurred more frequently in bladder cancer patients (12.1 per 1,000 interphase cells) than in controls (6.4 per 1,000 interphase cells, P < 0.05); CCND1 translocation and amplification were observed only in bladder cancer patients. Tumor tissue analysis showed that aberrations of 9p21 (40.0 per 100 interphase cells) and CCND1 (43.8 per 100 interphase cells) were very common. Thus, we concluded that 9p deletions and translocations of chromosome 11, especially at 9p21 and CCND1, are associated with bladder cancer.
Reduced Gamma Range Activity at REM Sleep Onset and Termination in Fear-Conditioned Wistar-Kyoto Rats

Abstract Recent investigations of rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) continuity have emphasized the importance of transitions both into and out of REMS. We have previously reported that, compared to Wistar rats (WIS), Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY) responded to fear conditioning (FC) with more fragmented REMS. Gamma oscillations in the electroencephalogram (EEG) are synchronized throughout the brain in periods of focused attention, and such synchronization of cell assemblies in the brain may represent a temporal binding mechanism. Therefore, we examined the effects of FC on EEG gamma range activity (30–50 Hz) at REMS transitions in WKY compared to WIS. Relative power in the gamma range (measured as a percent of total power) at Baseline and upon re-exposure to the fear-inducing conditioning stimulus was measured 35 s before REMS onset to 105 s after REMS onset (ARO) and 85 s before REMS termination (BRT) to 35 s after REMS termination. After baseline recording, rats received 10 tones, each co-terminating with an electric foot shock. On Days 1 and 14 post-conditioning, rats were re-exposed to three tones. Fast-Fourier transforms created power spectral data in the gamma frequency domain. Relative power was extracted from an average of 4–5 REMS transitions. Relative gamma power was always higher in WIS. On Day 14, at 15 s and 25 s ARO, WKY had significant increases in relative gamma power from Baseline. WIS had a significant increase on Day 1 at 25 s ARO. Despite the increases in relative gamma power, WKY never achieved levels attained by WIS. Moreover, at 5 s BRT, only WKY had a significant decrease in relative gamma power from Baseline to Day 14. Gamma range activity may indicate neural activity underlying maintenance of REMS continuity. Low relative gamma power at REMS transitions may be associated with increased REMS fragmentation in WKY after FC.
How much more do growers receive for Fair Trade-organic coffee? ☆

Abstract I use a representative sample of coffee growing households in southern Mexico to estimate the price premium and gross income gain from participating in Fair Trade-organic markets through grower cooperatives. For the 2004–2005 season, FT-organic growers received an average premium of 12.8 cents per pound, yielding a gross income gain of 5% of total household income or about 26 dollars per household member. The gain is net of the costs of cooperative participation but not of other costs incurred to become certified and suggests that price premiums alone have a limited potential to increase household returns from growing coffee. More broadly speaking, the finding raises questions about the persistence of substantial price premiums associated with social or environmental labeling initiatives.
Effect of group size on vigilance while drinking in the coati, Nasua narica in Costa Rica

Abstract Vigilance and the duration of drinking bouts at a waterhole in Palo Verde, Costa Rica were examined in coatis, Nasua narica . Coatis came to drink in groups of one to 13. Only males came alone to the waterhole. Mean length of drinking bouts decreased with successive bouts, and most coatis had one to four drinking bouts per visit to the waterhole. Length of all drinking bouts increased with group size, and vigilance decreased as group size increased. Larger groups remained at the waterhole longer than smaller groups. The results of this study suggest that waterholes are particularly dangerous places because their location is known to predators and coati are required to come to them. Thus, being in a large group is advantageous at a waterhole where vigilance time per individual can be less in larger compared with smaller groups, and there are more eyes to watch for predators.
Temporal Variation in the Carrying Capacity of a Perennial Grass Population

Density dependence and, therefore, K (carrying capacity, equilibrium population size) are central to understanding and pre- dicting changes in population size (N). Although resource levels certainly fluctuate, K has almost always been treated as constant in both theoretical and empirical studies. We quantified temporal var- iation in K by fitting extensions of standard population dynamic models to 16 annual censuses of a population of the perennial bunch- grass Bouteloua rigidiseta. Variable-K models provided substantially better fits to the data than did models that varied the potential rate of population increase. The distribution of estimated values of K was skewed, with a long right tail (i.e., a few "jackpot" years). The pop- ulation did not track K closely. Relatively slow responses to changes in K combined with large, rapid changes in K sometimes caused N to be far from K. In 13%-20% of annual intervals, K was so much larger than N that the population's dynamics were best described by geometric growth and the population was, in effect, unregulated. Explicitly incorporating temporal variation in K substantially im- proved the realism of models with little increase in model complexity and provided novel information about this population's dynamics. Similar methods would be applicable to many other data sets.
Generalized geometric mean decomposition and DFE MMSE transceiver design for cyclic prefix systems

This paper considers the decomposition of a complex matrix as the product of several sets of semi-unitary matrices and upper triangular matrices in iterative manner. The innermost triangular matrix has its diagonal elements equal to the geometric mean of the singular values of the complex matrix. This decomposition, generalized geometric mean decomposition (GGMD), has one order less complexity than the geometric mean decomposition (GMD) if the target matrix is a diagonal matrix. GGMD can be used to design the optimal decision feedback equalizer (DFE) MMSE transceiver for arbitrary multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) channels. The GGMD transceiver shares the same performance as the transceiver designed by using GMD. For the applications over cyclic prefix system, the GGMD transceiver has K/ log 2 (K) times lower complexity1 than the GMD transceiver, where K is the number of subchannels and is a power of 2.
Urban Poverty Traps: Neighbourhoods and Violent Victimisation and Offending in Nairobi, Kenya

This project examines violent victimisation and offending in poor urban neighbourhoods in Nairobi, Kenya. Using data from the 2000 Nairobi Cross-sectional Slum Survey (NCSS), the study assesses nei...