cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The malabsorptive very, very long limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for super obesity: Results in 257 patients

Background For the past 11 years, we have used a malabsorptive form of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), the “very, very long limb” RYGB, for selected patients with BMIs >50 kg/m2 and in highly selected patients with BMI Methods To determine long-term efficacy and complications, we followed prospectively 257 consecutive patients; 188 (73%) participated in a postoperative survey. Results Of the patients, 60% were female; overall age (x ± SD) was 45 ± 11 years, and BMI was 61 ± 11 kg/m2. Operative mortality was 1% with substantive postoperative morbidity occurring in 13%. Eighty-two percent of patients returning the survey an average of 48 months postoperatively (range, 12 to 148 months) lost >50% of excess body weight; BMI at follow-up was 37 ± 9 kg/m2. Resolution of comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (94%), hypertension (65%), sleep apnea (48%), and asthma (30%). Side effects included mild food intolerance (82%), occasional loose or watery stools (71%), nephrolithiasis (16%), and symptomatic steatorrhea (5%). Nine patients (4%) who developed or were developing impending protein/calorie malnutrition required proximal relocation of the enteroenterostomy with symptom resolution. Conclusions Overall, 90% were satisfied with the operation, and 93% would recommend it to a friend. The very, very long limb RYGB is relatively safe and effective and has acceptable side effects in the treatment of selected patients with super obesity (BMI >50). Because of the possibility of malabsorptive sequelae, patients should be selected based on degree of medical sophistication, insight, and compliance.
Model-based Clustering of Ischemic Stroke Patients

The objective of our study is to find meaningful groups in the data of ischemic stroke patients using unsupervised clustering. The data are modeled using Gaussian mixture models with a variety of covariance structures. Cluster parameters in each of these models are estimated by maximum likelihood via the Expectation-Maximization algorithm. The best models are then selected by relying on information-theoretic criteria. It is observed that the stroke patients can be grouped into a small number of medically relevant clusters that are defined primarily by the presence of diabetes and atrial fibrillation. Characteristics of the clusters found are discussed, using statistical comparisons and data visualization.
Hooking Up with Oct4

The transcription factor Oct4 plays a central role in controlling the undifferentiated state of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. Two complementary papers in this issue of Cell Stem Cell describe the extended network of proteins that interact with Oct4. Together, these studies broaden our understanding of the control of pluripotency.
REROUTING RAILROAD SHIPMENTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TO AVOID POPULATED AREAS

Abstract The casualty risk due to hazardous material releases from railroad cars in the U.S. is estimated for a recent year. Approximate flow patterns of hazardous materials in that year are generated using a national network model. Alternative flow patterns representing population-avoidance rerouting policies are also generated, and some aggregate impacts are estimated with and without track upgrading. We find that population exposure can be reduced 25–50% by rerouting, at the cost of a 15–30% increase in traffic circuity. We also formulate and apply a risk model which shows that extensive routing changes can reduce casualties by about 50% but that extensive upgrading with or without rerouting can be even more effective. The effects on urban areas of the hypothetical changes are discussed, but financial impacts on the railroads are not addressed.
Responses of type A cat spinal ganglion neurons to repetitive stimulation of their central and peripheral processes.

Abstract Intracellular recordings were made from L7-S1 type A spinal ganglion neurons of anesthetized cats while electrical stimulation was delivered repetitively to their associated dorsal root and the sciatic nerve. The general response pattern of these neurons changed during stimulation at progressively higher rates. The changes were observable as jitter in onset latency of the evoked spikes, inability of evoked responses to follow electrical stimuli in a 1:1 manner (spike failure), reduction in action potential amplitude, and decomposition of the full spike into its non-myelinated and myelinated components. The frequency following ability of these spike components was in the order of full spike In jitter in onset latency and inability to follow high frequency stimulation was determined only for the full spike, as is typical for antidromicity criteria, a wide frequency following spectrum was obtained for our sample of spinal ganglion neurons. Less than a third of the cells were able to follow stimulation rates in excess of 200 Hz, and about a fifth of the neurons failed to follow any rates greater than 20 Hz. Most of the neurons activated from both the dorsal root and sciatic nerve responded with the same pattern of stimulus-evoked responses. However, some of these cells exhibited strikingly different patterns to dorsal root and sciatic stimulation, including the presence of prepotentials following stimulation of one, but not the other, process. These prepotentials occurred in the depolarizing direction, at threshold stimulation were all-or-none in nature, generated spikes that varied in onset latency, and failed to occur at even low-to-moderate rates of stimulation. The results indicate that the frequency following spectrum of cat type A ganglion neurons is wide, and that it is their somata that are most vulnerable to high frequency stimulation. It is possible that some of the observed prepotentials are functional manifestations of synaptic contacts in spinal ganglia.
Regulating the land application of manure from animal production facilities in the USA

Water pollution from the land application of manure has been cited as an issue that needs to be addressed. Judicial challenges have forced the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt additional controls governing concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). State agencies have also been directed to do more to minimize the risk of pollution from animal production. In developing appropriate controls, regulatory agencies have distinguished animal production facilities based on size and on whether they discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Four categories of animal producers have been identified based on different requirements addressing the land application of manure. The expenses of regulatory requirements for agriculture suggest that other avenues should be explored to enhance sustainable production and reduce water pollution. The identification of polluters, implementation efforts, enforcement issues and educational endeavors could be augmented to address contamination problems. Finding ways for agricultural groups to cooperate with the EPA and for states to implement total maximum daily load requirements might also be effective in improving water quality. To address the land application of manure, the goal should be to eliminate substandard land application practices that cause too many pollutants to enter surface waters rather than simply imposing additional regulations.
The effects of single gene substitution on the mammalian melanocyte system—a qualitative and quantitative histological study in the C57BL and DBL mice

About 160 skin samples from the tail, sole, palm, ear and scrotum of DBL and C57BL/St mice were “split” with NaBr and treated with DOPA. A quantitative and qualitative microscopic analysis showed that: (a) the two strains did not differ consistently in the frequency of epidermal or dermal melanocytes; nor did the sexes differ from each other in this respect; (b) the melanocytes of the two strains differed morphologically. The DBL melanocytes were generally larger, with melanin-congested perikarya. They had fewer dendrites than the C57BL melanocytes and their dendrites were shorter; and (c) the melanocytes of the DBL and C57BL strains differed in activity, the DBL melanocytes donating less melanin to Malpighian cells than did the C57BL melanocytes. It was concluded that the morphology of DBL and C57BL melanocytes is largely autonomously determined, although regional differences in melanocyte morphology suggest that the cellular environment also plays some part in influencing melanoblast differentiation.
Calculation of denominator functions for nonstandard finite difference schemes for differential equations satisfying a positivity condition

An essential feature of nonstandard finite difference schemes for differential equations is the precise manner in which the discretization of derivatives is made. We demonstrate, for differential equations modeling systems where the solutions satisfy a positivity condition, that procedures can be formulated to calculate the so-called denominator functions that appear in the discrete derivatives. These procedures are applied to a number of both ordinary and partial model differential equations to illustrate their use. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2007
The nature of the chick's magnesium-sensitive retinal spreading depression

Spreading depression (SD) in the chick retina is completely suppressed by 10 mM MgCl2 in the bathing solution (Mg-sensitive SD). However, after increasing the KCl concentration in the Mg solution to values between 10 and 20 mM the retina can again exhibit SDs (Mg-insensitive SD). It has been postulated that the Mg-sensitive SD is a glutamatergic phenomenon. This is supported by the effect of four gl(utamate)-antagonists—L-proline, glutamic acid diethyl ester (GDEE), D-α-aminoadipate (D-AA), and 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (APB)—which all suppressed this type of SD. It was suggested that this effect is due to competitive binding of glutamate involved in the Mg-sensitive SD and the gl-antagonist to glutamate receptors. The suppression of SD could be reversed by washing the preparation in a physiologic salt solution. The gl-antagonists in relatively high concentrations had a cytotoxic effect which, when severe, suppressed SD and prevented the recovery of this phenomenon by washing the compound out of the tissue. The compounds examined had, in addition to their gl-antagonistic properties, a gl-agonistic effect, which was postulated to enhance the Na+ permeability of neural membranes resulting in a release of K+ into the extracellular space. In preparations bathed in 10 mM MgCl2 (which suppresses Mg-sensitive SDs) the four compounds investigated promoted Mg-insensitive SDs supposedly when the extracellular K+ concentration reached values between 10 and 20 mequiv.
Prolactin Decreases Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Kinase Activity via a Phosphorylation-dependent Mechanism

Previously, we have shown that prolactin inhibits epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced mitogenesis in mouse mammary epithelial cells without altering the response to other growth promoting agents. This effect has been associated with reduced EGF-induced EGF receptor (EGFR) tyrosine phosphorylation, Grb-2 association, and Ras activation. Our current hypothesis is that prolactin induces an alteration in EGFR kinase activity via a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism. To test this hypothesis, we treated normal murine mammary gland cells with or without 100 ng/ml prolactin. EGFR isolated by wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography from nontreated cells exhibited substantial ligand-induced phosphorylation, and EGFR isolated from prolactin-treated cells displayed minimal EGF-induced EGFR phosphorylation, as well as decreased kinase activity toward exogenous substrates. The observed decrease in ligand-induced EGFR phosphorylation could not be attributed to either differential amounts of EGFR, decreased EGF binding affinity, or the presence of a phosphotyrosine phosphatase or ATPase. EGFR isolated from prolactin-treated cells exhibited increased phosphorylation on threonine. Removal of this phosphorylation with alkaline phosphatase restored EGFR kinase activity to levels observed in nontreated cells. Therefore, these results suggest that prolactin antagonizes EGF signaling by increasing EGFR threonine phosphorylation and decreasing EGF-induced EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation.
Regulation of α1b-adrenergic receptor gene expression in rat liver cell lines

Abstract α 1b -Adrenergic receptor gene expression was investigated in two rat hepatic cell lines, Clone 9 and McA-RH7777 cells. By Northern blot analysis, Clone 9 cells expressed a 2.7 kb α 1b -adrenergic receptor gene transcript whereas two transcripts, 3.3 kb and 2.7 kb, were observed in total cellular RNA isolated from rat liver. A binding site for the α 1 -adrenergic antagonist [ 3 H]prazosin was observed in Clone 9 cell membrane preparations ( B max = 47 ± 7 fmol/mg protein and K d = 0.11 ± 0.02 nM, n = 5. In contrast, α 1b -adrenergic receptor gene transcripts could not be detected in total cellular RNA prepared from McA-RH7777 cells by either Northern blot analysis or ribonuclease protection assays. However, results from nuclear run-off assays indicated that the α 1b -adrenergic receptor gene was transcribed in McA-RH7777 cells and α 1b -adrenergic receptor gene transcripts were observed in McA-RH7777 cell nuclear RNA. These results suggest that α 1b -adrenergic receptor gene expression in liver may be regulated in part post-transcriptionally and that this level of regulation may be altered or disrupted in the Clone 9 and McA-RH7777 cell lines.
Enzymatic sulphur oxygenation reactions

Abstract Sulphur is a key constituent in a wide variety of biologically important compounds, ranging from amino acids and coenzymes to antibiotics and pesticides. In analogy with the more widely studied metabolism of aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons and amines, the intial step in metabolism of sulphur compounds is commonly oxygenation on sulphur. While sulphur oxygenation in vivo has been known for many years, it is only within the past decade that many of the enzymes responsible have been identified, and molecularlevel details have become available. This review focuses on the molecular aspects of enzymatic sulphur oxygenation, and considers mono and dioxygenases active on inorganic sulphur, organic thiols, thioethers, thioesters and thiones. Information from very diverse areas of the literature is brought together, and the implications of sulphur oxygenation reactions to drug design, as well as to environmental and toxicological areas, are mentioned.
Ultraviolet (381 nm), room temperature laser in neodymium-doped fluorozirconate fibre

Lasing in the ultraviolet has been observed in neodymium-doped fluorozirconate glass (ZBLAN) fibres at room temperature. For a cavity output coupling of < 0.1%, 74 µW of power was obtained at 381 nm (4D3/2 → 4I11/2 transition of Nd3+) when a 45 cm long fibre was pumped with 275 mW at a wavelength of nominally 590 nm.
Setting priorities for the library’s systems office

While many libraries do some form of planning, few take the time to identify, review and establish priorities. The lack of a commitment to setting priorities leads libraries to operate in a manner that does not always reflect the needs of the organization and the people it serves. It can also lead to wasted time, energy and financial resources as the organization focuses its efforts on developments of lesser importance. The priority setting process is not easy, but it will allow the library to understand its organizational needs and allocate resources accordingly. This will also create a situation in which the library can justify and explain the decisions it makes and the work that it is working on currently as being that which is most critical to the organization.
Architectural (FIGO) grading, nuclear grading, and other prognostic indicators in stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma with identification of high‐risk and low‐risk groups

We studied 164 cases of Stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma to determine the relative prognostic value of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and nuclear grading systems. Other factors known to be of prognostic value in endometrial carcinoma also were evaluated. Both the FIGO and nuclear grading systems correlated with five-year mortality rate from cancer. Nuclear Grade 3 proved to be a superior predictor of fatal outcome (nine of 13 [69%] ) over FIGO Grade 3 (four of 13 [31%]). We advocate the combined use of FIGO and nuclear grading systems, along with other prognostic parameters, for the detection of most patients with fatal cancer.
FT-IR/ATR hyperspectral imaging - applications and data analysis

This paper briefly introduces applications of FT-IR hyperspectral imaging to laboratory analyses and focuses on application of FT-IR/ATR imaging to crop protection products on test and plant surfaces. Results from univariate and multivariate analyses of the hyperspectral images are shown and advantages of the multivariate approach demonstrated.
Cl- channels in basolateral TAL membranes. XVI. MTAL and CTAL cells each contain the mRNAs encoding mmClC-Ka and mcClC-Ka

Cl - channels in basolateral TAL membranes. XVI. MTAL and CTAL cells each contain the mRNAs encoding mmClC-Ka and mcClC-Ka. Background Our prior data indicate that two separate but homologous basolateral chloride (Cl - ) channels, mmClC-Ka and mcClC-Ka, are the principal mediators of net Cl - absorption in mouse medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) and cortical thick ascending limb (CTAL) cells, respectively. In the present studies, we evaluated the possibility that there might be translational or post-translational suppression of mmClC-Ka and mcClC-Ka activity in CTAL and MTAL cells, respectively. Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragments were prepared that were highly specific for either mmClC-Ka or mcClC-Ka , the cDNAs encoding mmClC-Ka and mcClC-Ka, respectively. Results Using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR with these highly specific products, mRNAs specific for non-homologous channel sequences in either mmClC-Ka or mcClC-Ka were present in both MTAL and CTAL cells. Conclusions Both mouse MTAL and CTAL cells contain the mRNAs encoding mmClC-Ka and mcClC-Ka. There may be translational or post-translational suppression of mmClC-Ka activity in CTAL cells, and of mcClC-Ka activity in MTAL cells.
A ONE‐RESOURCE “STOICHIOMETRY”?

Biddanda, B., M. Ogdahl, and J. Cotner. 2001. Dominance of bacterial metabolism in oligotrophic relative to eutrophic waters. Limnoldgy and Oceanography 46:730-739. Brown, J. H., J. E Gillooly, A. P. Allen, V. M. Savage, and G. B. West. 2004. Toward a metabolic theory of ecology. Ecology 85:1771-1789. Chen, X., and B.-L. Li. 2003. Testing the allometric scaling relationships with seedlings of two tree species. Acta Oecologica 24:125-129. Damuth, J. 1993. Cope's rule, the island rule and the scaling of mammalian population density. Nature 365:748-750. Dodds, P. S., D. H. Rothman, and J. S. Weitz. 2001. Reexamination of the "3/4-law" of metabolism. Journal of Theoretical Biology 209:9-27. Gorshkov, V..G., V. V. Gorshkov, and A. M. Makarieva. 2000. Biotic regulation of the environment: key issue of global change. Springer-Verlag, London, UK. Lal, R. 1990. Soil erosion and land degradation: the global risks. Pages 129-172 in R. Lal and B. A. Stewart, editors. Advances in soil science. Volume 11. Soil degradation. Springer-Verlag, New York, New York. Li, W. K. W. 2002. Macroecological patterns of phytoplankton in the northwestern North Atlantic Ocean. Nature 419:
Epidermal growth factor receptor expression, signal pathway, and inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract The majority of non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) overexpress the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The EGFR is frequently overexpressed in preneoplastic bronchial lesions. Thus, EGFR is an excellent potential target for prevention and therapy. New agents developed to inhibit EGFR function include monoclonal antibodies to EGFR and small-molecule receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Preclinical studies showed that both types of inhibitors blocked the in vitro growth of human NSCLC cell lines by inhibiting receptor phosphorylation and phosphorylation of downstream proteins including MAP kinases and AKT. Both types of inhibitors also slowed the growth of human NSCLC tumors in nude mice. Additive or synergistic growth inhibition resulted from the combination of either type of inhibitor with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Clinical phase I and phase II trials showed that both types of inhibitors could be delivered safely, and serum concentrations equivalent to or higher than those required for in vitro activity were achieved. Skin rash was the dose-limiting toxicity with all inhibitors. The skin rash was dose related and reversible. Objective responses were observed in advanced-stage patients refractory to chemotherapy, though the responses were partial responses. Response rates appear higher when the inhibitors are combined with chemotherapy. The results of randomized trials comparing the use of chemotherapy alone with chemotherapy plus the inhibitors are eagerly awaited. Semin Oncol 29 (suppl 14):38-44. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Racial variation in willingness to trade financial resources for life-prolonging cancer treatment

BACKGROUND: Minority patients receive more aggressive care at the end of life, but it is unclear whether this trend is consistent with their preferences. We compared the willingness to use personal financial resources to extend life among white, black, Hispanic, and Asian cancer patients. METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed lung or colorectal cancer participating in the Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance observational study were interviewed about myriad aspects of their care, including their willingness to expend personal financial resources to prolong life. We evaluated the association of race/ethnicity with preference for life-extending treatment controlling for clinical, sociodemographic, and psychosocial factors using logistic regression. RESULTS: Among patients (N = 4214), 80% of blacks reported a willingness to spend all resources to extend life, versus 54% of whites, 69% of Hispanics, and 72% of Asians (P<.001). In multivariate analyses, blacks were more likely to opt for expending all financial resources to extend life than whites (odds ratio, 2.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.84-3.17; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Black cancer patients are more willing to exhaust personal financial resources to extend life. Delivering quality cancer care requires an understanding of how these preferences impact cancer care and outcomes. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Increased vitamin E levels in the lungs of guinea pigs exposed to mainstream or sidestream smoke

Abstract The effect of chronic cigarette smoking on tissue levels of vitamins E and C was determined using guinea pigs as experimental animals. Twenty-eight l-month old male guinea pigs were exposed to mainstream smoke (MS), sidestream smoke (SS), or sham smoke (SH) twice daily, or maintained as room controls (RC) for 17 or 20 weeks. Smoke was generated from the University of Kentucky reference cigarette, 2R1, using a peristaltic pump smoking machine. At the end of each experiment, the levels of vitamins E and C were measured in the liver, kidney, lung and plasma of each animal. Relative to the SH group, the vitamin E concentration in the lungs of the MS group was increased over 3 fold, and that of the SS group over 2-fold. No significant difference was observed between the SH group and RC group. The vitamin E concentration in the plasma, liver and kidney was not significantly different among the treatment groups. The levels of vitamin C were not significantly affected by cigarette smoking in the lung, liver, kidney or plasma. The increased levels of vitamin E in the lungs of chronically smoked guinea pigs suggest an adaptive response against pulmonary injury. The results obtained also provide direct experimental evidence for a pulmonary effect of sidestream smoke.
Personality Traits Expressed Interior Design as Behavior-Setting Plan

This study examined the relationship between the personality trait of social participation and the interior design of subjects' home entertainment areas. In all, 50 men and 41 women enrolled in an MBA Program completed the Social Participation scale from the Jackson Personality Inventory and drew a diagram of their home entertainment areas. Correlations were calculated between Social Participation scores and the number of seats per square foot in the entertainment area (r = .24, p < .05) and Social Participation scores and ratio of chairs to seats in the entertainment area (r = -.23, p < .05). Female respondents showed a significantly stronger r = -.39 than males r = -.06. These general results are interpreted as supporting behavior-setting theory as a mediator in the personality-situation controversy.
Update on surgical simulation: the Ohio State University experience☆

The authors discuss and review their experience with surgical simulation from early preoperative planning stations, to their involvement with functional endoscopic sinus surgery, to their current project. The future of such endeavors is discussed.
Self-organization of nodes in mobile ad hoc networks using evolutionary games and genetic algorithms

Abstract In this paper, we present a distributed and scalable evolutionary game played by autonomous mobile ad hoc network (MANET) nodes to place themselves uniformly over a dynamically changing environment without a centralized controller. A node spreading evolutionary game, called NSEG, runs at each mobile node, autonomously makes movement decisions based on localized data while the movement probabilities of possible next locations are assigned by a forced-based genetic algorithm (FGA). Because FGA takes only into account the current position of the neighboring nodes, our NSEG, combining FGA with game theory, can find better locations. In NSEG, autonomous node movement decisions are based on the outcome of the locally run FGA and the spatial game set up among it and the nodes in its neighborhood. NSEG is a good candidate for the node spreading class of applications used in both military tasks and commercial applications. We present a formal analysis of our NSEG to prove that an evolutionary stable state is its convergence point. Simulation experiments demonstrate that NSEG performs well with respect to network area coverage, uniform distribution of mobile nodes, and convergence speed.
Emotional loyalty and share of wallet: A contingency approach

Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate whether three demographic (age, income, and education) and two situational (relationship duration and product type) customer characteristics moderate the relationship between emotional loyalty and share of wallet. In so doing, this study explicitly examines the extent to which results diverge when using share of wallet versus conative loyalty (i.e., behavioral intentions) as the dependent measure. Data from a sample of US store shoppers ( n =604) indicate that education, relationship duration, and product type moderate the effect of emotional loyalty on share of wallet but not on conative loyalty. Implications for retailers are discussed with suggestions for future research.
Transoral and transverse incision for excision of the maxillary sinus.

For many years, the Weber-Fergusson incision has been the standard approach for removing part or all of the maxillary sinus. Exposure is excellent and cosmetic results are generally gratifying. As our experience with these procedures has increased, we have found that the lower half or two thirds of the maxilla can be just as easily resected transorally, avoiding any facial incision. The initial incision is made in the gingivo-buccal sulcus and is extended beyond the midline to include some of the sulcus on the contralateral side. The nasal cartilages are cut and the soft tissues of the middle one third of the face can be lifted up like a curtain to expose the maxilla. For lesions of the entire maxilla involving the orbital plate and requiring orbital exenteration, the only facial incision required is a 6–8 cm transverse extension from the lateral angle of the palpebral fissure. The bridge of soft tissue bounded by the mouth below and the palpebral fissure plus the lateral extension above can be retracted up and down to expose the underlying maxilla during its excision. Any risk of poor reapproximation of the lip with notching is avoided. These approaches are especially valuable if heavy radiation predisposing to incisional breakdown has preceded operation.
Search for 21-Centimeter Radiation near Cosmic X-Ray Sources

A search was made for 21-centimeter wavelength radiation in the regions of seven of the cosmic x-ray sources. No new sources with flux densities greater than 5.5 flux units were found.
Collective Excitations in Superfluid Helium

Collective excitations of the phonon gas in liquid helium-4 are considered. It is proposed that below 0.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K there are other propagating collective excitations in addition to second sound.
The Vascular System

The vascular system is the name given to the system of arteries, capillaries, and veins which carries blood from the heart to all parts of the body and back again. Naturally, the integrity of a functional vascular system is a sine qua non for the existence of higher organisms as they are known. Therefore it is important to understand the mode of organization and structure of this system, both for practical and for theoretical reasons.
Advertising Theory: Reconceptualizing the Building Blocks

A large amount of research in advertising utilizes theories from other disciplines and simply uses an advertising message as a stimulus or focal content topic. The actual elements that make advertising unique are often ignored in this work. It is proposed here that advertising theory and research needs to become more focused on what makes advertising a distinct phenomenon and these elements need to be incorporated in our thoughts and research. Four examples of possible elements are suggested here. These are skepticism, repetition, message coordination and clutter. Research in each of these areas is reviewed and illustrations of how they may impact theory development and theory testing in advertising are presented. Key Words • advertisingclutterintegrated marketing communicationmessage coordina- tionrepetitionskepticism
Process and accomplishment in academic medicine

Medical academic systems are characterized by interplay between accomplishment and process. The term accomplishment refers to fulfillment of the system's original goals, such as education, research and medical care, whereas the term process refers to the culture and structure, which are developed to pursue these goals. A mathematical model is developed to simulate the mechanisms that govern growth of medical systems over time. Because system performance is easier to measure by process than accomplishment, in the long run investments in growth are shifted away from accomplishment towards process. In all aging medical systems alike, the proportion of process tends to increase at the expense of accomplishment.
MIFresh: promoting local produce consumption

In this paper we introduce MIFresh, a grocery store system consisting of a large display and individual kiosks that aims to increase the demand of local produce. In cities like Detroit, where poverty and health are major concerns, increasing consumption of local produce can help create local jobs, sustain the environment, and improve health. We used rapid contextual design to analyze Detroit's existing food system and, based on our findings, iteratively design a solution. MIFresh uses proven techniques such as coupons and rewards points programs and delivers education and awareness about the importance of consuming local produce. User testing results among the target population are promising.
Liquid Infiltration of MgO and Al2O3 Thin Films

The deposition of glass films on thin ceramic substrates is a novel method for investigation of the initial stages of liquid infiltration into the grain boundaries of these materials. By maintaining electron transparency at all stages of the experiment, the transmission electron microscope (TEM) can be used to characterize individual grain boundaries before and after penetration by a liquid. The method has been tested for the MgO and AI2O3 systems, which have extensively studied experimental counterparts in which the corresponding bulk materials are infiltrated by a siliceous liquid.
“A favored child of the state”: Federal Student Aid at Ohio Colleges and Universities, 1934–1943

Higher education scholars are familiar with the close relationship between American higher education and the federal government after World War II. The G.I. Bill and Cold War concerns for maintaining the nation's technological advantage made the federal government the major benefactor of postsecondary growth. The seismic shifts of that era, though, tend to overshadow earlier developing ties between the federal government and the colleges and, more specifically, the roots of direct federal aid to college students. This article seeks to redress that problem by exploring the subtle ways that federal aid became integrated into the visions and plans of the leaders of American higher education in the years prior to World War II. By examining New Deal Era college aid at a variety of institutions of higher education in the state of Ohio, we can uncover how the earlier courtship between the federal government and the colleges helped clear the way for later, more profound changes.
A two-tone test method for continuous-time adaptive equalizers

This paper describes a novel test method for continuous-time adaptive equalizers. This technique applies a two-sinusoidal-tone signal as stimulus and includes an RMS detector for testing, which incurs no performance degradation and a very small area overhead. To validate the technique, the authors used a recently published adaptive equalizer as the test case and conducted both behavioral and transistor-level simulations. Simulation results demonstrate that the technique is effective in detecting defects in the equalizer, which might not be easily detected by the conventional eye-diagram method
Probabilistic Characterization of Neural Model Computations

Information retrieval in a neural network is viewed as a procedure in which the network computes a "most probable" or MAP estimate of the unknown information. This viewpoint allows the class of probability distributions, P, the neural network can acquire to be explicitly specified. Learning algorithms for the neural network which search for the "most probable" member of P can then be designed. Statistical tests which decide if the "true" or environmental probability distribution is in P can also be developed. Example applications of the theory to the highly nonlinear back-propagation learning algorithm, and the networks of Hopfield and Anderson are discussed.
A language and platform-independent approach for reverse engineering

We present an approach for reverse engineering a program to capture design and implementation artifacts such as metrics and UML class or sequence diagrams. We also describe an implementation of our approach, libthorin. However, unlike previous reverse engineering tools, libthorin can be applied to a variety of programming languages including C, C++, Java, Fortran 90 and C#. Moreover, libthorin can provide both coarse-grained and fine-grained information about the program under development to enable re-engineering of information and high-level diagrams such as metrics and class diagrams, or low-level diagrams such as sequence diagrams, control flow graphs and other program representations and analysis tools for testing, debugging and profiling an application under development.
Diarrhea, Red Diapers, and Child Abuse Clinical Alertness Needed for Recognition; Clinical Skill Needed for Success in Management

Three children were chronically given phenolphthalein in the form of laxatives by emotionally disturbed mothers. All children had repeated hos pitalizations and extensive diagnostic testing because of recurrent intractable unexplained diarrhea. One child died. Pink-red urine and stool were passed at some time during their illnesses. The presence of phenolphthalein was tested for by application of dilute acid or dilute alkali to the diapers causing respec tively disappearance or deepening of the pink-red color. Cases went un- diagnosed for prolonged intervals because mothers seemed exemplary. Evidence of their psychiatric illnesses was found once the possibility was considered.Phenolphtalein poisoning should be tested for in any case of intractable diarrhea when objective evidence of intestinal mucosal damage cannot be found. The condition represents a heretofore unrecognized variant of child abuse or battering.
(False) Dichotomies, political ideologies, and preferences for environmental management along the rural-urban interface in Calaveras County, California

Abstract At the core of land use and governance debates in the United States are purported dualities: economy vs. environment, public goods vs. private rights, and the merits and demerits of regulation. While such dichotomies are inevitably partial, they offer a heuristic to interrogate the deeper nuances of a problem or process. I investigate these dichotomies in one site (Calaveras County, California) along the rural-urban interface (RUI). The RUI is home of some of the most valued places in contemporary society as well as some of the most challenged in terms of planning and management. Land management decisions along the RUI are complicated by social and ecological heterogeneity as well as ongoing, dynamic cultural and environmental change. Differing perspectives and shifting conditions in place influence stakeholders' views on the value and utility of a variety of resources, both environmental and social. This paper investigates how political and environmental ideologies and environmental management preferences are related in order to consider the implications of such divergent perspectives for policy and governance. Using a mixed method approach, I examine varying viewpoints related to the environment/economy dichotomy and conclude that increasing polarization of political and environmental ideals and preferences along the RUI impacts land use planning and policy as well as social, environmental, and economic outcomes. I argue that the physical and cultural landscape of the RUI is transforming and, as such, we must also (re)configure pathways for cooperation and problem solving to effectively address the challenges and contradictions of these social and ecological changes.
On Nonlinear Systems with Poorly Behaved Zero Dynamics

The design of controllers for nonlinear, nonminimum-phase systems is very challenging and is currently considered to be one of the most difficult theoretical control problems. Most control algorithms for nonlinear processes perform a linearization making use of an inverse of the system. In the linear case, the system can be factored into the minimum-phase and the nonminimum-phase parts and only the first one is inverted for purpose of control design. A similar scheme for nonlinear systems is still under investigation. The present work adresses the problem of synthesizing nonlinear state feedback controllers for nonlinear, nonminimum-phase processes in three different ways. The first approach consists of a partial linearization which preserves stability by using an approximate stable/anti-stable factorization. The second technique can be viewed as an inner-outer factorization based approach. And, finally, in the single-output case, it is shown (through an example) that stabilization of the internal dynamics of a nonmininum-phase system can be achieved by using an additional input if this is feasible in practice. In this case, the manipulated variables have different roles, i.e., one is chosen such as to input/output feedback linearize the system and the second is used to locally stabilize the resulting nonminimum-phase internal dynamics.
Younger and Older African American Adolescent Mothers' Relationships with Their Mothers and Female Peers.

This study examined differences in younger (ages 14 to 16) and older (ages 17 to 19) African American adolescent mothers’ receipt of maternal and peer support and associations among economic strain...
Topographic analysis of the coronary sinus and major cardiac veins by computed tomography.

Background The coronary sinus (CS) and its branches may play a role in the genesis of various arrhythmias. Applications of radiofrequency energy within the CS may be necessary. Atrio-esophageal fistula has been recognized as a complication of ablation along the posterior left atrial wall. Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe the in vivo topographic anatomy of the CS, esophagus, and coronary arteries using computed tomography (CT). Methods Helical contrast CT of the heart with three-dimensional and endoscopic reconstructions was performed in 50 patients (28 men and 22 women; mean age 54 ± 10 years). The images were reformatted to determine the relationships among the CS, adjacent blood vessels, and esophagus and to determine the nature and thickness of surrounding tissue layers. Results Mean CS ostium diameter was 12 ± 4 mm, and mean thickness of the periosteal fat layer was 3 ± 2 mm. In 40 of the 50 patients (80%), the esophagus was adjacent to the CS, starting 24 ± 9 mm from the ostium, and remained in contact for a mean length of 7 ± 5 mm. Mean thickness of the fat layer between the esophagus and CS was 1 ± 1 mm, and mean thickness of the anterior wall of the esophagus was 3 ± 2 mm. In 10 patients (20%), there was no contact between the esophagus and CS. In 40 patients (80%), the right coronary artery was less than 5 mm from the CS (minimum distance 1 ± 1 mm) over a mean length of 17 ± 11 mm. In all patients, the circumflex artery was less than 5 mm from the CS (minimum distance 1 ± 0.4 mm) over a mean length of 16 ± 9 mm in patients with right-dominant coronary circulation and over a mean length of 86 ± 11 mm in patients with left-dominant coronary circulation. Conclusion The CS often lies very close to the esophagus and coronary arteries. During radiofrequency energy ablation in the CS, caution should be exercised to prevent injury to surrounding structures.
Interaction of Meteoric Water with Magma: An Oxygen-Isotope Study of Ash-Flow Sheets from Southern Nevada

Glassy rocks from compositionally zoned ash-flow sheets and cogenetic lava flows, erupted from the late Miocene Timber Mountain–Oasis Valley caldera complex, show systematic oxygen-isotope variations (90 analyses) among all major phenocryst phases: quartz, sanidine, plagioclase, biotite, augite, and magnetite. Oxygen-isotope compositions of each phenocryst phase become lighter in O18 with decreasing age and are interpreted as indicating major interaction between meteoric ground water and batholithic-sized bodies of silicic magma prior to eruption. Each of the ash-flow sheets is compositionally zoned from silicic and phenocryst-poor at the base of more mafic and phenocryst-rich at the top; this pattern represents in inverse order the original compositional zonation in the magma chamber. The changing isotopic fractionations between phenocrysts also reflect crystallization temperatures that varied vertically over several kilometers in the differentiated magma. Posteruption oxidation and cooling effects have not significantly modified oxygen-isotope compositions of phenocrysts from glassy rocks.
Early intrauterine pregnancy failure: a randomized trial of medical versus surgical treatment.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether medical treatment of early pregnancy failure represents a reasonable alternative to surgical therapy. Study Design: Patients who were diagnosed with pregnancy failure before 12 weeks of gestation were randomly assigned to receive either medical (intravaginal misoprostol) or surgical therapy (dilatation and curettage). In the medical arm of the study, 800 μg of misoprostol was placed within the posterior vaginal fornix. Patients subsequently were seen 24 and 48 hours after the initial dosing; intravaginal misoprostol was readministered only if ultrasound images revealed evidence of persistent pregnancy tissue. By 72 hours after initial study entry, if either a gestational sac or placental tissue was present, the medical treatment was considered a failure, and uterine curettage was performed. Statistical analysis was performed with the two-tailed unpaired t test, χ 2 analysis, Fisher exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test; a probability value of Results: A total of 50 women were enrolled, with 2 patients in the surgical arm experiencing spontaneous pregnancy loss before their scheduled procedures. Twenty-five women received medical therapy; 25 women were randomized to surgical procedure. Fifteen patients in the medical group (60%; 95% CI, 0.41-0.79) had successful pregnancy termination and did not require curettage. There were no significant differences between the medical and surgical groups with respect to either posttreatment hematocrit level or the time needed to achieve negative human chorionic gonadotropin test results. Conclusion: Intravaginal misoprostol is an effective agent for the treatment of early pregnancy failure. Medical treatment of early pregnancy failure represents a reasonable alternative to immediate surgical therapy. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:321-6.)
Polarization Tracking of a Partially Coherent Signal Using a Double Loop

We consider the problem of simultaneously estimating the phase and polarization angles of a linearly polarized electromagnetic wave. The solution of this problem has applications to space communications and ionospheric probing. The nonlinear stochastic characteristics of a cross-coupled double-loop implementation for the tracker are evaluated using the multidimensional Fokker-Planck equation. The exact stationary probability density is found for a special case of equal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the two loops. The stationary probability density is obtained for a general class of double loops when the two loop bandwidths differ greatly.
On the application and design of artificial neural networks for motor fault detection. II

The general design considerations for feedforward artificial neural networks (ANNs) to perform motor fault detection are presented. A few noninvasive fault detection techniques are discussed, including the parameter estimation approach, human expert approach, and ANN approach. A brief overview of feedforward nets and the backpropagation training algorithm, along with its pseudocodes, is given. Some of the neural network design considerations such as network performance, network implementation, size of training data set, assignment of training parameter values, and stopping criteria are discussed. A fuzzy logic approach to configuring the network structure is presented. >
Heat loss and blood flow during hyperthermia in normal canine brain. II: Mathematical model.

A mathematical model for heating and cooling during hyperthermia has been developed from an appropriate solution of a bioheat transfer equation. Predicted cooling rates obtained from the model have been compared with cooling rates obtained from experiments performed on both perfused and non-perfused normal canine brain tissue. The agreement between the predicted and observed cooling rates in non-perfused tissue is satisfactory (within 6–11 per cent) and provides confidence that the conduction process is being accurately represented. The model is then used to estimate the relative contribution of conductive and convective (blood flow) heat loss during cooling for the in vivo experiments. Estimates of blood flow dynamics are made from cooling data taken early and late in a heating course using the model to correct for conductive heat loss. Simplified forms of the bioheat transfer equation are examined. An adequate model for the observed cooling data is one that treats heat loss (both conduction and blood fl...