cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CONCERNING SURVIVAL AND VIRULENCE OF THE MICROORGANISM CULTIVATED FROM POLIOMYELITIC TISSUES.

The minute microorganism cultivated from poliomyelitic tissues survives and maintains its pathogenicity in cultures for more than one year. Upon inoculation into monkeys poliomyelitis may fail to appear upon the first injection and yet follow from the effects of successive injections of the culture. Inoculations of cultures into monkeys which fail to produce paralysis may fail also to induce resistance or immunity. In this respect the action of the cultures resembles that of the virus as contained in infected nervous tissues. The lesions occurring in the spinal cord, medulla, and intervertebral ganglia of the monkeys which respond to the several inoculations of the cultures are identical with those present in the nervous organs of the animals responding to injection of the ordinary virus. Glycerinated nervous tissues derived from the monkeys responding to several injections of the cultures transmit experimental poliomyelitis to monkeys upon intracerebral inoculation. The microorganism inoculated may be recovered in cultures from the monkeys which develop poliomyelitis; but cultivation from the brain tissue is attended with the usual difficulties surrounding the obtaining of the initial growth. The microorganism cultivated from poliomyelitic tissues is adapted with difficulty to saprophytic conditions of multiplication, but once adapted growth readily takes place upon suitable media. When, however, as a result of inoculation into monkeys, the parasitic propensities of the microorganism are restored, it again displays the marked fastidiousness to artificial conditions of multiplication present at the original isolation. The experiments reported in this paper afford additional strong evidence in support of the view already expressed, that this microorganism bears an etiological relationship to epidemic poliomyelitis in the human subject and to experimental poliomyelitis in the monkey.
Quasi-Block-Cholesky Factorization With Dynamic Matrix Compression for Fast Integral-Equation Simulations of Large-Scale Human Body Models

In this paper, a fast direct integral-equation method for simulating human models is presented. Based on the mixed symmetric and skew-symmetric pattern of the impedance matrix, a quasi-block-Cholesky (QBC) algorithm was proposed to reduce both the memory and central processing unit (CPU) time for matrix factorization by half. Dynamic matrix compression via single-level adaptive cross approximation (ACA) was further applied to reduce the computational costs. Validity of the QBC method is provided. Numerical examples further demonstrate the practicality of the proposed method.
A Ghoulish Inconsistency: A Comment on Tim Keller's "The National Implications of "Cain v. Horne"".

Tim Keller's article insightfully explores the flawed legal reasoning behind and potentially pernicious consequences of the Arizona Supreme Court's 2009 Cain vs. Horne ruling. He carefully examines the two fundamental flaws in the court's interpretative methodology: a failure to engage in a straightforward textual analysis of Arizona's Blaine Amendment and an unwillingness to adhere to the analytic framework that the court itself had previously established. In addition, Keller discusses the implications of the Cain decision, demonstrating why it is not persuasive legal authority for similarly situated constitutional provisions in other states. This brief comment notes that Keller's analysis identifies the fundamental misapprehension that underpins Cain: an unwillingness on the part of many courts to accept their Blaine Amendments at face value and a lack of clarity about the difference between direct and indirect aid.
Compact on-chip plasmonic light concentration based on a hybrid photonic-plasmonic structure.

We present a novel approach for achieving tightly concentrated optical field by a hybrid photonic-plasmonic device in an integrated platform, which is a triangle-shaped metal taper mounted on top of a dielectric waveguide. This device, which we call a plasmomic light concentrator (PLC), can achieve vertical coupling of light energy from the dielectric waveguide to the plasmonic region and light focusing into the apex of the metal taper(at the scale ∼ 10nm) at the same time. For a demonstration of the PLCs presented in this paper, we numerically investigate the performance of a gold taper on a Si3N4 waveguide at working wavelengths around 800nm. We show that three major effects (mode beat, nanofocusing, and weak resonance) interplay to generate this light concentration phenomenon and govern the performance of the device. Combining these effects, the PLC can be designed to be super compact while maintaining high efficiency over a wide band. In particular, we demonstrate that under optimized size parameters and wavelength a field concentration factor (FCF), which is the ratio of the norm of the electric field at the apex over the average norm of the electric field in the inputting waveguide, of about 13 can be achieved with the length of the device less than 1μm for a moderate tip radius 20nm. Moreover, we show that a FCF of 5 – 10 is achievable over a wavelength range of 700 – 1100nm with the length of the device further reduced (to about 400nm).
Immunofluorescence with respiratory syncytial virus.

Abstract The growth of respiratory syncytial (RS) virus in tissue cultures of HEp-2 cells at a low multiplicity of infection has been studied by means of several staining procedures including immunofluorescence, as well as by serial infectivity titrations. Specific fluorescent staining was first noted 10 hours after infection and was restricted entirely to the cytoplasm throughout the growth cycle. A significant increase in the amount of infectious virus present in the system was first detected 10 hours after inoculation, and peak values were achieved after 48 hours. The pattern of development of RS antigen has been compared with that of other medium-sized ether-sensitive agents and possible taxonomic implications are discussed.
A semiparametric approach using the discriminant metric SAM (spectral angle mapper)

Automatic anomaly detection has been cited as a candidate method for remote processing of hyperspectral sensor imagery (HSI) to promote reduction of the extremely large data sets that make storage and transmission difficult. But automatic anomaly detection in HSI is itself a challenging problem owing to the impact of the atmosphere on spectral content and the variability of spectral signatures. In this paper, I propose to use the discriminant metric SAM (spectral angle mapper) and some of the advances made on the theory of semiparametric inference to design an anomaly detector that assumes no prior knowledge about the target and the clutter statistics. The detector will assume that the probability distribution function (pdf) of any object in a scene can be modeled as a distortion of a reference pdf. The maximum-likelihood method for the model is discussed along with its asymptotic behavior. The proposed anomaly detector is tested using real hyperspectral data and compared to a benchmark approach.
Development of a special-purpose test surface guided by uncertainty analysis - Introduction of a new uncertainty analysis step

Development of a recent experimental program to investigate the effects of streamwise curvature on boundary layer transition required making a bendable, heated and instrumented test wall, a rather nonconventional surface. The present paper describes this surface, the design choices made in its development and how uncertainty analysis was used, beginning early in the test program, to make such design choices. Published uncertainty analysis techniques were found to be of great value; but, it became clear that another step, one herein called the pre-test analysis, would aid the program development. Finally, it is shown how the uncertainty analysis was used to determine whether the test surface was qualified for service.
Computer-aided volumetric analysis as a sensitive tool for the management of incidental meningiomas

Meningiomas are typically slow-growing lesions that, depending on the location, can be relatively benign. Knowing their exact rate of growth can be helpful in determining whether surgery is necessary. In this study we retrospectively reviewed the meningioma practices of the two senior authors (JR, MR). Our goal was to measure meningioma growth using a variety of methods (linear using diameters, and volumetric using the computer-aided perimeter and cross-sectional diameter methods) to compare rates of growth among the methods. Of 295 meningioma patients seen over an 8-year period, we identified a cohort of 31 patients with at least 30 months of follow-up. Volumes were calculated using medical imaging software with T1 post-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. Doubling times and growth rates were calculated. Of the 31 patients, 26 (84%) were shown to have growing meningiomas. The perimeter methodology measured higher growth rates than the diameter method for both doubling times as well as percentage annual growth (p < 0.01). The mean doubling time was 13.4 years (range, 2.1–72.8 years) and 17.9 years (range, 4–92.3 years) comparing perimeter and diameter methods, respectively. The mean percentage of annual growth was 15.2% (range, 1.8–61.7%) and 5.6% (range, 0.7–12.2%), comparing perimeter and diameter methods, respectively. Linear growth was calculated at 0.7 mm/year. Overall, we found that computer-aided perimeter methods showed a more accurate picture of tumor progression than traditional methods, which generally underestimated growth.
Percutaneous Femoral Vein Access for Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement Does Not Cause Insertion-Site Thrombosis

Background The efficacy of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in the prevention of pulmonary embolism in patients with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been well described. What remains uncertain is the risk of insertion-site thrombosis of the femoral vein after filter placement. Historically, the risk was relatively high, most likely due to large delivery systems and therefore a need for longer compression at the insertion site to provide hemostasis. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the incidence of thrombus formation at the femoral vein puncture site after percutaneous insertion of contemporary IVC filters. Methods From October 2010 to November 2011, 61 consecutive patients underwent placement of an IVC filter by 3 vascular surgeons and 3 interventional radiologists at our tertiary-care Level I trauma center. All filters were inserted through the right or left common femoral vein. Duplex ultrasound studies (DUS) were performed within 24 hours before filter placement and 24‒72 hours after filter placement. Results Fifty-six patients completed the study, including 46 men and 10 women. They ranged in age from 19 to 90 (mean 50) years. Forty-one filters (73%) were placed for prophylaxis: 39 of the patients were trauma victims with immobility and/or contraindications to anticoagulation, 1 had an intracranial hemorrhage with an underlying malignancy, and 1 had very limited mobility. The remaining 15 filters (27%) were placed because of an acute DVT with a contraindication to or a complication from anticoagulation. The filters utilized were: Boston Scientific—Greenfield (n = 25); Cook—Celect (n = 18); Bard—G2X (n = 2); Bard—Eclipse (n = 6); and Cordis—TrapEase (n = 5). Sheath diameters ranged from 6- to 12-French. None of the 56 patients had thrombus formation at the insertion site on follow-up DUS. Conclusions Based on our study findings, the risk of femoral insertion-site thrombosis after percutaneous placement of contemporary IVC filters is negligible. Concern for femoral vein thrombosis should not be a reason for using the internal jugular vein to deploy IVC filters.
Recent titles dealing with Indian and Nepali Maoists

Chakravarti, Sudeep. Red Sun: Travels in Naxalite Country. Revised ed. New York: Penguin, 2009.Much like the work of Arundhati Roy (below), a journalist uses his access to the Maoists to explore th...
Thermal blooming in gases

The absorption of light and subsequent thermalisation of the absorbed energy can be significantly affected by the presence of non-equilibrium population distributions in gases. The phenomenon of thermal blooming in gases is discussed from this standpoint. It is shown that a transient phenomenon of “absorption cooling” can occur, leading to a focusing rather than defocusing of an incident laser beam. Flux densities causing saturation in air and pure CO2 are calculated. For vibrational saturation in air, I > 3.66 kw/cm2, for pure CO2, I > 4.58 kw/cm2. For rotational saturation, in either gas, I > 840 kw/cm2.
Acoustic properties of some lipids

Abstract An indirect and extremely precise indicator of sound velocity, triggering frequency, was measured in several fatty acids and triglycerides between 30° and 65 °C. Triggering frequency values, which are readily convertible to velocity values, were obtained after preheating the sample to the desired temperature and then allowing it to equilibrate for about 5 min in a commercial sound velocity analyzer. The calculated sound velocities of several fatty acids and triglycerides increased with either increasing chain length or increasing unsaturation. Adiabatic compressibilities at 40 °C decreased with increasing chain length in the saturated fatty acids, whereas no systematic relationship was observed for tributyrin, tricaproin, and tricaprylin. Relative adiabatic compressibilities at 65 °C for C18 unsaturated fatty acids decreased progressively from oleic to linolenic acids. The compressibility value at 65 °C of trans elaidic acid was slightly greater than that of the cis isomer, oleic acid. From these data and from idealized crystalline structural drawings, some general conclusions were drawn concerning the conformations and packing of fatty acid molecules in the liquid state. Triggering frequency was also measured in several alcohols, aldehydes, fatty acids and 2-ketones. A linear relationship existed at shorter chain lengths when the log of the number of carbons versus the triggering frequency at 65 °C was plotted. The methylene increment for the fatty acids, calculated from the molar sound velocities at 40 °C, was 190.07.
Differential Harnack estimates for a nonlinear heat equation

Abstract We consider positive solutions to the semilinear heat equation w t = Δ w + a w log w , a ≠ 0 , on complete Riemannian manifolds without boundary. This equation has applications to studying Ricci flow and gradient Ricci solitons. We derive several differential Harnack inequalities which improve on those of Y. Yang (2008) [13] . We use these inequalities to derive bounds on gradient Ricci solitons.
Evaluation of optical rhinometry for nasal provocation testing in allergic and nonallergic subjects

Abstract Objective Optical rhinometry is a new method that quantifies light extinction in optical density to assess nasal blood volume as a measure of nasal patency. The purpose of this study is to evaluate optical rhinometry as an objective evaluation of nasal patency using nasal provocation testing with histamine and oxymetazoline. Study Design Prospective pilot. Setting Academic tertiary rhinologic practice. Subjects and Methods Convenience sample of five adult subjects with allergic rhinitis and five adult normal subjects who underwent challenge with histamine and oxymetazoline. Patients underwent challenge with increasing concentrations of histamine to determine the amount of histamine needed to cause a positive optical rhinometry reading. The same subjects then underwent histamine challenge with this amount followed by oxymetazoline. Nasal patency was assessed subjectively after each challenge with the visual analog scale. Results The median histamine amount needed to cause a positive response was statistically lower in allergic rhinitis as compared with nonallergic subjects at 150 μg and 300 μg, respectively (P = 0.04). When comparing the optical rhinometry with subjective nasal congestion after histamine and oxymetazoline challenges, there was a statistically significant correlation with r = 0.79 (P = 0.00003). Conclusion This initial study demonstrates a correlation between subjective symptoms of nasal patency and objective measurements with the optical rhinometer. Less histamine amount necessary to incite nasal congestion in allergic rhinitis suggests that these patients may be primed to the effects of histamine. These preliminary data suggest that optical rhinometry is able to assess changes in nasal patency during challenges with histamine and oxymetazoline.
DNA Polymorphisms Reveal Geographic Races of Reed Canarygrass

Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is a cool-season perennial with a circumglobal distribution in the northern hemisphere, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Repeated introductions of European germplasm into North America have created confusion over the origins of reed canarygrass germplasm found in wet- lands, pastures, and breeding programs. The objectives of this study were to identify sources of DNA marker variation among reed canarygrass cultivars from Europe and North America and between landraces and improved cultivars from North America. Analysis of 205 reed canarygrass plants from 15 cultivars based on 102 amplifi ed fragment length polymorphic (AFLP) DNA mark- ers revealed two groups of cultivars. One group consisted of three closely related but geographi- cally diverse North American landraces that were completely separated from all other plants in only two dimensions of the AFLP incidence matrix. The complete discrimination of these plants from all European plants suggests their possible origin from native North American germplasm. These results were supported by chloroplast DNA sequence analysis, which additionally revealed separation of a potential Scandinavian cytoplas- mic race from the continental European cyto- plasmic race. This is the strongest evidence to date suggesting that native North American reed canarygrass germplasm has been preserved within cultivars of this species.
Federated Search Tools: The Next Step in the Quest for One-Stop-Shopping

Summary The emergence of federated search tools for the library market represents a significant step toward the longstanding goal of a common searching interface in the reference environment. These systems aim to provide integrated access to library resources of all types. This article describes and evaluates federated search tools from four vendors. It suggests criteria that may be useful for libraries attempting to compare and contrast this type of access tool.
Degenerate series representations of the universal covering group of SU(2, 2)

Abstract We prove a reducibility criterion for certain families of representations induced from irreducible finite dimensional representations of the 11-dimensional parabolic subgroup of the universal covering group of SU(2, 2). If an induced representation is reducible and can be considered as a representation of SU(2, 2) as well, we compute the number of composition factors.
Placental lesion multiplicity: risk factor for IUGR and neonatal cranial ultrasound abnormalities

Abstract Objective : To determine whether placental lesions are risk factors for neurologic morbidities in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) infants, we compared the incidence of cranial ultrasound (CUS) abnormalities and the number and type of placental lesions in IUGR cases and gestational age-matched appropriate for gestational age (AGA) controls. Study design : Retrospective case-control study of 94 singleton IUGR and 145 AGA infants. Medical records, CUS reports, and placental histology were reviewed. Analyses included χ 2 , t -test, analysis of variance and logistic regressions to identify those variables significantly associated with IUGR and those associated with CUS abnormalities. Results : The incidence of CUS abnormalities was 1.7-fold higher in IUGR cases (50%) than controls (29.7%) ( p p p Conclusions : The severity of placental abnormalities expressed as the cumulative number of placental lesions is a significant risk factor for IUGR and perinatal brain injury. These results suggest that abnormal uteroplacental or fetoplacental blood flow may adversely affect intrauterine growth and increase the risk for brain injury.
Interrelations of Age, Health, and Speed

Latent construct structural equation modeling of the relations among age, self-rated health, and speed was conducted with two samples, each containing 372 adults between 18 and 87 years of age. The major results were confirmed in both samples. Self-rated health, sensory-motor speed, perceptual speed, and reaction time speed all decreased as age increased, but health only partially mediated the relationship between age and speed. There were direct effects of age on all types of speed in addition to the indirect effects of age on speed through the self-rated health measures, and there were direct effects of age on perceptual speed in addition to the indirect effects through sensory-motor speed. Language: en
Effects of serotonin and histamine on proximal and distal coronary vasculature in dogs: comparison with alpha-adrenergic stimulation.

Abstract The effect of several vasoactive agents on epicardial conductance arteries and distal resistance arteries was studied in intact dogs using a special catheter system to infuse vasoactive mediators directly into the left anterior descending coronary artery of intact dogs. Serotonin produced significant epicardial vasoconstriction (42% cross-sectional area reduction, p
Calcium metabolism during lactation: enhanced effects of thyrocalcitonin.

Lactating rats were compared with nonlactatingcontrols, with regard to the intake andabsorptionof calcium, serum calcium level, and theprotective effect of thyrocalcitonin (TC) against hypereal cemia and hyperphosphatemia. While consuming a commercial diet, intact, nonfastedlactating rats maintained a serum calcium levelof approximately 9 mg/100 ml, which was 1 mg/100 ml lower than that of nonlactating controls. The levelrose to that of the controls within one day after removalof the litters from the mother. Comparedwith nonlactating rats, lactating rats had a threefoldhigher calcium intake and a six-fold higher rateof net absorption of calcium. After intragastric calcium (10 mg/100 g body wt)the increase in serum calcium was small (1 mg/100 ml)2 h later in both groups of sham-operated rats butwas markedly increased in th yro pa rath yro idee tomizedgroups, with the lactating rats showing a significantlygreater increase than the nonlactating rats. The injection of a small dose of porcine thyrocalcitoninco...
Life History Antecedents of Subjective Contentment and Dysphoria in a Hippie Culture

(1972). Life History Antecedents of Subjective Contentment and Dysphoria in a Hippie Culture. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 5, Drug Abuse 1972, pp. 89-93.
The Elasticity of Foreign Demand for U.S. Agricultural Products

Not unexpectedly, the upheavals in world agricultural markets in recent years have led to an increased interest in international trade problems in the agricultural economics literature. In order to quantify our analytical insights into these problems, we need empirical estimates of a host of basic relationships. Data problems and identification problems plague the international trade researcher. These problems are well known and are not pursued here. Their presence, however, has led to the adoption of some useful devices to reduce the empirical burden and to utilize existing estimates of various parameters. One such device is the subject of this note.
Effects of topical nitroglycerine patches and ointment on digital venous plasma nitric oxide concentrations and digital blood flow in healthy conscious horses.

Objective— To measure and compare palmar digital venous plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentrations and digital arterial blood flow after application of topical nitroglycerine (NTG). Study Design— Experimental study. Animals— Healthy adult horses (n=8). Methods— Digital blood flow was measured by an ultrasonic Doppler flow probe surgically implanted around the medial palmar digital artery. Blood was collected from a catheter placed in the medial palmar digital vein for quantification of NO. NTG patches, NTG ointment or control patches were placed over the palmar digital vessels at the level of the fetlock. Two horses had an intra-arterial infusion of an NTG solution into the medial palmar digital artery in a pilot study. Results— Digital arterial blood flow did not change significantly with application of the NTG patches, NTG ointment, or control patches. There were no statistically significant or biologically important changes in digital venous NO concentrations across time or between treated and control horses. In the pilot study, digital arterial blood flow and palmar digital venous NO concentrations increased with intra-arterial infusion of NTG. Conclusions— In clinically healthy horses, digital arterial blood flow and digital venous plasma NO concentrations did not change significantly with application of the NTG patches/ointment. These treatments are unlikely to have an effect on the digital vasculature of laminitic horses, however, further investigation is warranted. Clinical Relevance— Although NTG patches have been used as a method of decreasing vasomotor tone and improving digital blood flow in horses with laminitis, this study provides evidence in healthy conscious horses that this treatment is not effective in altering digital blood flow.
Experimental colitis studied by colonoscopy in the rat: effect of indomethacin

Diffuse colitis was produced in rats by the intracolonic administation of 10% acetic acid. The course and evolution of this chemical colitis was followed by performing serial fiberoptic colonoscopy and biopsy. The effect of intrarectal indomethacin on the prostaglandin E content of the colonic mucosa and on the severity of colitis as judged by endoscopic and histologic criteria was evaluated. Intrarectal administration of indomethacin was associated with decreased severity of inflammation and decreased prostaglandin E 2 content of the colonic mucosa. This model may be useful in evaluating other potential therapeutic agents.
Energy, Water and Fish: Biodiversity Impacts of Energy-Sector Water Demand in the United States Depend on Efficiency and Policy Measures

Rising energy consumption in coming decades, combined with a changing energy mix, have the potential to increase the impact of energy sector water use on freshwater biodiversity. We forecast changes in future water use based on various energy scenarios and examine implications for freshwater ecosystems. Annual water withdrawn/manipulated would increase by 18–24%, going from 1,993,000–2,628,000 Mm3 in 2010 to 2,359,000–3,271,000 Mm3 in 2035 under the Reference Case of the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Water consumption would more rapidly increase by 26% due to increased biofuel production, going from 16,700–46,400 Mm3 consumption in 2010 to 21,000–58,400 Mm3 consumption in 2035. Regionally, water use in the Southwest and Southeast may increase, with anticipated decreases in water use in some areas of the Midwest and Northeast. Policies that promote energy efficiency or conservation in the electric sector would reduce water withdrawn/manipulated by 27–36 m3GJ−1 (0.1–0.5 m3GJ−1 consumption), while such policies in the liquid fuel sector would reduce withdrawal/manipulation by 0.4–0.7 m3GJ−1 (0.2–0.3 m3GJ−1 consumption). The greatest energy sector withdrawal/manipulation are for hydropower and thermoelectric cooling, although potential new EPA rules that would require recirculating cooling for thermoelectric plants would reduce withdrawal/manipulation by 441,000 Mm3 (20,300 Mm3 consumption). The greatest consumptive energy sector use is evaporation from hydroelectric reservoirs, followed by irrigation water for biofuel feedstocks and water used for electricity generation from coal. Historical water use by the energy sector is related to patterns of fish species endangerment, where water resource regions with a greater fraction of available surface water withdrawn by hydropower or consumed by the energy sector correlated with higher probabilities of imperilment. Since future increases in energy-sector surface water use will occur in areas of high fish endemism (e.g., Southeast), additional management and policy actions will be needed to minimize further species imperilment.
Learning of a hippocampal-dependent conditioning task changes the binding properties of AMPA receptors in rabbit hippocampus.

The N-methyl- d -asparate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) subtypes of glutamate receptors have been shown to play critical roles in various forms of synaptic plasticity (i.e., learning and memory, long-term potentiation). We previously demonstrated that the binding of [3H]AMPA to the AMPA subtype of glutamate receptors was selectively increased in hippocampus following classical conditioning of the rabbit nictitating membrane response in a delay paradigm. We report here that the same effect was observed in a variant of this learning paradigm that requires the participation of the hippocampus, i.e., trace conditioning of the rabbit nictitating membrane. The binding of [3H]TCP (N-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclo-hexyl]-3,4-piperidine) to the NMDA receptor remained unchanged in all the experimental groups tested. Paired presentations of conditioned and unconditioned stimuli resulted in an increased binding of [3H]AMPA, an agonist of the AMPA receptors, in several hippocampal subfields while the binding of an antagonist, [3H]CNQX (6-nitro-7-cyanoquinoxaline-2, 3-dione), was decreased. The results suggest that the learning-induced changes in binding of the ligands to the AMPA receptor reflect changes in affinity of the receptor rather than in the number of sites. These results support the hypothesis that changes in hippocampal glutamate receptors are a corollary of synaptic plasticity in certain forms of learning.
Rap1gap2 regulates axon outgrowth in olfactory sensory neurons

Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) extend their axons from the nasal epithelium to their odorant receptor-dependent locations in the olfactory bulb. Previous studies have identified several membrane proteins along the projection pathway, and on OSN axons themselves, which regulate this process; however, little is known about the signaling mechanisms through which these factors act. We have identified and characterized Rap1gap2, a novel small GTPase regulator, in OSNs during early postnatal mouse development. Rap1gap2 overexpression limits neurite outgrowth and branching in Neuro-2a cells, and counteracts Rap1-induced augmentation of neurite outgrowth. Rap1gap2 expression is developmentally regulated within OSNs, with high expression in early postnatal stages that ultimately drops to undetectable levels by adulthood. This temporal pattern coincides with an early postnatal plastic period of OSN innervation refinement at the OB glomerular layer. Rap1gap2 stunts OSN axon outgrowth when overexpressed in vitro, while knock-down of Rap1gap2 transcript results in a significant increase in axon length. These results indicate an important role of Rap1gap2 in OSN axon growth dynamics during early postnatal development.
Abundance and structural diversity of bacteriohopanepolyols in suspended particulate matter along a river to ocean transect

The concentration and structural diversity of a suite of bacteriohopanepolyols (BHPs) was measured in suspended particulate matter (SPM) from six stations along a river–ocean transect off the Pacific coast of Panama. Riverine SPM contained BHPs diagnostic of soil input consistent with a terrigenous source. The concentration of BHPs was 10 times greater in riverine SPM than marine SPM demonstrating that terrigenous OM exported to marine sediments could provide a significant contribution to the marine sedimentary hopanoid inventory. Given the rich structural diversity of BHPs in terrigenous SPM, interpretations of the sedimentary record of hopanoids in coastal marine settings must resolve inputs from marine pelagic and terrigenous sources.
Food As a Risk Factor for Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Adolescents.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) is a common GI disorder. We reported a prevalence of 38% of esophageal GER symptoms among adolescents1 and found cigarette smoking, alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were risk factors2. Now we are analyzing if certain foods and drinks are risk factors for GER symptoms in the same age group.
LED camera light with a compact wide-range zoom

A design concept for an extremely compact zoom optics which is suitable for illumination applications is presented. Such optics is especially useful for camera or flash lights as the illuminated area can be adjusted according to the picture content of the photo or film camera. The principle of the design is as follows: Collimated light passes through two lenses, each with a freeform surface. The freeform surfaces face each other and fit into one another perfectly. When the two lenses are merged together, they basically represent a coplanar plate: The cone angle entering the merged lenses does not change while passing them. When the plates are separated, the light is scattered at the freeform surfaces. Due to the smooth characteristics of the freeform surfaces shape, the cone angle can be adjusted continuously with the distance of the zoom lenses. The distance of the zoom lenses, which is necessary for maximum angle widening, is dependent on the size of the structures of the freeform surfaces and can be reduced to the sub-millimeter range. The compactness of the resulting device is a major advantage of the design concept. The principle of operation of the design could be shown by the construction of a prototype. It features a LED light source and a zoom range of 5° to 30° (cone angle). The luminous flux of the device is approx. 650 lm.
Papillary serous adenocarcinoma of the endometrium: a clinicopathologic study of 19 cases.

Abstract Survival in 19 patients with papillary serous adenocarcinoma of the endometrium treated at the University of Vermont during the period 1960–1987 was significantly worse than that for 360 patients with other types of endometrial cancer. Deaths were associated with extrauterine spread and deep myometrial invasion detected at the time of surgery. Two patients without myometrial invasion and with extrauterine spread who also died may have developed synchronous peritoneal serous carcinoma.
Real time path integral methods for a system coupled to an anharmonic bath

We propose an efficient path integral scheme for calculating the quantum dynamics of an arbitrary one‐dimensional system coupled nonlinearly to many anharmonic noninteracting ‘‘bath’’ degrees of freedom. The starting point is an improved discretization of the path integral in terms of numerically constructed propagators [Chem. Phys. Lett. 193, 435 (1992)]. The resulting influence functional is comprised of one‐dimensional correlation functions with step‐structured time‐dependent potentials and therefore is similar in structure to that employed in the spin‐boson calculations of Coalson [J. Chem. Phys. 86, 995 (1987)]. In the present case, though, the influence functional is nonlinear and is computed using numerical iterative wave function propagation methods. Numerical tests on a system coupled to ten anharmonic oscillators demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme, which requires numerical effort that scales only linearly with the number of anharmonic bath degrees of freedom.
Ego Psychology Theory

Gaining recognition in the United States in the late 1930s and 1940s, ego psychology focuses on a person's ego functions, defenses, sense of mastery, coping capacities, and life cycle stages. It also draws attention to the impact of interpersonal relationships, the environment, and the culture on human functioning. Biopsychosocial assessment, mobilizing client strengths, and the client-worker relationship are at the core of ego-oriented intervention, which utilizes psychological and environmental techniques. Ego-oriented intervention has been applied to diverse problems and populations and its proponents have attempted to integrate many of the ideas and principles of culturally sensitive, affirmative, and empowering interventive approaches. There is increasing evidence for the utility of ego psychological interventions and ego psychology is still popular today among social work practitioners. Keywords: ego psychology; ego-oriented intervention; clinical social work practice
Reference Price Research: Review and Propositions

Abstract A substantial body of research evidence has now accumulated in the reference price literature. One stream of research has identified the antecedents of reference price and has assessed their effects through experimentation. Others have calibrated a variety of reference price models on panel data and reported the effects on brand choice and other purchase decisions. In this article, the authors review the published literature on reference price in both the behavioral and modeling streams. They offer an integrative framework to review prior research on (1) the formation of reference price, (2) retrieval and use of reference price, and (3) influences of reference price on various purchase decisions and evaluations. In doing so, the authors examine the influences of consumers' prior purchase history and contextual moderators, such as specific purchase occasions, promotional environment of the store, and product category characteristics. They summarize the key findings, identify the unresolved issues,...
Bacterial biofilms in surgical specimens of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objectives: Biofilms are bacterial pathogens that organize in several chronic and recalcitrant infectious processes. We hypothesize that biofilms play a role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Our goal is to demonstrate biofilms in mucosal specimens of patients undergoing surgery for CRS. Study Design: A prospective study of the presence of biofilms in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS compared with control patients without CRS. Methods: There were a total of 30 subjects and 4 controls enrolled. The samples of 24 subjects and 4 controls were cultured and then prepared using standard methods for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The remaining six subjects' samples were treated using advanced cryofixation methods as preparation to preserve structure for SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: Using strict SEM morphologic criteria, 24 (80%) of the 30 patients were found to have micrographic evidence of biofilms. All controls had healthy appearing cilia and goblet cells without biofilms. The six cryofixation samples showed biofilm structures on SEM micrographs that were correlated with bacterial structures seen at the mucosal surface on the corresponding TEM cross sections. Bacterial cultures were positive on all patients. Conclusions: Biofilms were demonstrated to be present in patients undergoing surgery for CRS; none of the patients without CRS had any evidence of biofilms. Although SEM is capable of demonstrating the biofilms' three-dimensional structure, glycocalyx, and water channels, it cannot clearly demonstrate the presence of bacteria within the biofilm. We were able to demonstrate evidence of bacteria in the biofilms on the subjects tested using TEM.
Combining Equity and the Precautionary Principle: Examples Drawn from Hog Production in Poland

(2005). Combining Equity and the Precautionary Principle: Examples Drawn from Hog Production in Poland. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 39, Papers From The 2005 AFEE Meeting, pp. 357-364.
Catalytic role of palladium and relative reactivity of substituted chlorines during adsorption and treatment of PCBs on reactive activated carbon

The adsorption-mediated dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is a unique feature of reactive activated carbon (RAC). Here, we address the RAC system, containing a tunable amount of Fe as a primary electron donor coupled with Pd as an electrochemical catalyst to potentially respond to the characteristic of contaminated sites, effectively traps and treats various PCB congeners. A dramatic increase in RAC reactivity with Pd doping at as low as 0.01% suggests its critical role for accelerating hydrodechlorination of PCBs. Characteristic adsorption and dechlorination behavior and ensuing decomposition pathways of 13 selected PCB congeners are discussed with their surface interactions with RAC. Important findings include (i) inherent dechlorination susceptibility of chlorines in para > meta > ortho position, regardless of independent or competitive conditions as well as substrate effects, (ii) favorable reduction of more toxic coplanar PCB congeners, (iii) preferential electrophilic attack to chlorines in a less substituted phenyl ring and an isolated chlorine, regardless of the steric or inductive effect as a dominant limiting factor for the dechlorination of ortho or meta PCBs, respectively, (iv) prominent dechlorination inhibition for higher ortho congeners but negligible inhibition for higher meta congeners, and (v) eventual complete dechlorination of higher PCB congeners to biphenyl.
Affinity Capillary Electrophoresis: From Binding Measurement to Combinatorial Library Screening

Affinity capillary electrophoresis is a new procedure for receptor-ligand binding studies. Since its introduction in the early 1990s, this method has proved valuable in chiral separation of racemates, the measurement of binding constants, the estimation of kinetic rate constants, the determination of stoichiometries, the investigation of electrostatic interactions, the estimation of effective charges and molecular weights of biomolecules, the characterization of enzymatic catalysis, and, most recently, combinatorial library screening in solutions. This technique demands small amounts of samples, involves no radiolabeled materials or chemically immobilized ligands, and does not require changes in spectroscopic characteristics upon binding. This paper reviews the most recent applications of affinity capillary electrophoresis in binding measurement and combinatorial library screening.
Test results of a concentrating photovoltaic module using Kohler integration optics for flux homogenization

A new two mirror concentrating photovoltaic module making use of Kohler integration optics is introduced. A brief design background is included. First test results from a 15 Watt prototype are given.
Tree Recruitment Limitation by Introduced Snowshoe Hares, Lepus americanus , on Kent Island, New Brunswick

Species introductions often have negative consequences for native plant and animal communities of islands. Herbivores introduced to islands lacking predators can attain high population densities and alter native plant communities by selective consumption of palatable plants. We examined the legacy of the 1959 introduction of Snowshoe Hares ( Lepus americanus ) to Kent Island, New Brunswick, by reconstructing a history of tree recruitment on Kent Island and on nearby Outer Wood Island, which lacks Snowshoe Hares. Tree-ring records show pronounced recruitment peaks associated with farm abandonment in the 1930s for Kent Island and in the 1950s for Outer Wood Island. Following the introduction of Snowshoe Hares to Kent Island, tree recruitment plummeted and has remained low ever since. In contrast, trees continued to establish throughout the latter 20th century on Outer Wood Island. The high rates of seedling mortality on Kent Island associated with Snowshoe Hare browsing coupled with high rates of canopy tree mortality threaten to degrade severely the forest of this important seabird nesting sanctuary.
A model of JIT make-to-stock inventory with stochastic demand

We consider a firm that manages its internal manufacturing operations according to a just-in-time (JIT) system but maintains an inventory of finished goods as a buffer against random demands from external customers. We formulate a model in which finished goods are replenished by a small fixed quantity each time period. In the interest of schedule stability, the size of the replenishment quantity must remain fixed for a predetermined interval of time periods. We analyse the single-interval problem in depth, showing how to compute a cost-minimising value of the replenishment quantity for a given interval length, and characterising the optimal cost, inventory levels and service as functions of the interval length and initial inventory. The model displays significant cost and service penalties for schedule stability. A dynamic version of the problem is also formulated, and shown to be convex in nature with relatively easily computed optima.
Exogenous 1-dopa alters spiroperidol binding, in vivo, in the mouse striatum

The effect of exogenous 1-dopa on the binding of tritiated spiroperidol, in vivo, in the murine striatum was investigated. The results obtained demonstrated that the binding of 3H-spiroperidol can be altered by the administration of l-dopa. This effect appears to be related to both the dose of spiroperidol and l-dopa given. Since l-dopa raised striatal dopamine levels in a dose dependent manner, these results suggest that the estimates of receptor parameters obtained using positron emission tomography and analogs of spiroperidol may be affected by the differences in endogenous dopamine concentrations among subjects.
Determination of shunt flow in a case of multiple arteriosystemic connections

A 64-year-old woman presented with acute congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation, with good response to medical management. Selective coronary and left ventricular cineangiography demonstrated multiple arteriosystemic connections arising from both left and right coronary arteries, but normal (although tortuous) coronary vessels and ventricular contraction pattern. Determination of the magnitude of the shunt flow and concommitant measurement of myocardial lactate extraction suggested that this type of coronary vascular abnormality was an angiographic curiosity without discernible clinical import; however, the etiology of the patient's heart disease remains an enigma.
Modifying the Black-Scholes-Merton model to calculate the cost of employee stock options

Purpose – More than 80 percent of S&P 500 firms that issue ESOs use the Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) model and substitute the estimated average term for the contractual expiration to calculate ESO expense. This simplification systematically overprices ESOs, which worsens as the stock's volatility increases. The purpose of this paper is to present a modification of the BSM model to explicitly incorporate the rates of forfeiture pre- and post-vesting and the rate of early exercise. Design/methodology/approach – The paper demonstrates the model's usefulness by employing historical exercise and forfeiture data for 127 separate ESO grants and 1.31 billion ESOs to calculate the exercise and forfeiture parameters and value ESOs for nine firms. Findings – The modified BSM model is just as accurate but easier to use than the more computationally intensive utility maximization and trinomial lattice models, and it avoids the ASC 718 BSM model's overpricing bias. Originality/value – If firms prefer the BSM model over m...
The Effects of Interpersonal Oppressive Violence on Women and Children: Implications for Conflict Management and Violence Prevention Training

This article presents a model for understanding interpersonal oppression and violence utilized specifically for the purpose of exercising coercive control over a victim--as is the case in domestic violence, rape, and child abuse. The deliberate use of violence for oppression is contrasted with the widely held view, in conflict management and violence prevention curricula, that people resort to violence because they lack alternative skills. The motivation of the perpetrator is explored and the effects of oppression on the victim is outlined, with particular attention to the disabling effects of trauma that render victims unable to effectively utilize conflict management skills developed in the context of a rational approach. The need for an increased awareness of oppressive violence on the part of conflict management and violence prevention practitioners is highlighted.