cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The burden of depression in prostate cancer.

Objective We sought to analyze the prevalence and incremental burden of depression among elderly with prostate cancer. Methods We adopted a retrospective cohort design using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare linked database between 1995 and 2003. Patients with prostate cancer diagnosed between 1995 and 1998 were identified and followed retrospectively for 1 year pre-diagnosis and up to 8 years post diagnosis. In this cohort of patients with prostate cancer, depression during treatment phase (1 year after diagnosis of prostate cancer) or in the follow-up phase was identified using the International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision depression-related codes. Poisson, general linear (log-link) and Cox regression models were used to determine the association between depression status during treatment and follow-up phases and outcomes–health resource utilization, cost and mortality. Results Of the 50,147 patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, 4285 (8.54%) had a diagnosis of depression. A diagnosis of depression during treatment phase was associated with higher odds of emergency room visits (odds ratio (OR) = 4.45, 95% CI = 4.13, 4.80), hospitalizations (OR = 3.22, CI = 3.08, 3.37), outpatient visits (OR = 1.71, CI = 1.67, 1.75) and excess risk of death over the course of the follow-up interval (hazard ratio = 2.82, CI = 2.60, 3.06). Health care costs associated with depression remained elevated compared with costs for men without depression, over the course of the follow-up. Conclusions Depression during the treatment phase was associated with significant health resource utilization, costs and mortality among men with prostate cancer. These findings emphasize the need to effectively identify and treat depression in the setting of prostate cancer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of metallic nanoclusters in silica by ion implantation

Abstract We have changed both linear and nonlinear optical properties of suprasil-1 by implanting 2.0 MeV copper, 350 keV tin, 1.5 MeV silver and 3.0 MeV gold. These changes were induced both by over implantation above the threshold fluence for spontaneous cluster formation and by subsequent thermal annealing, and are due to an increase in resonance optical absorption as well as an enhancement of the nonlinear optical properties. Using optical absorption spectrophotometry and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry, we have measured the cluster size for each heat treatment temperature. Using Z -scan technique we have determined the third order electric susceptibility for each implanted species to be 1.5 × 10 −6 esu for Sn nanoclusters, 2.7 × 10 −6 esu for Cu nanoclusters, 5 × 10 −7 esu for Ag nanoclusters, to 6.5 × 10 −7 esu for Au nanoclusters in suprasil-1.
Stress induces biphasic-rewiring and modularization patterns in the metabolomic networks of Escherichia coli

Metabolomic networks describe correlated change in metabolite levels that crucially link the transcriptome and proteome with the complex matter and energy dynamics of small molecule metabolism. These networks are atypical. They do not directly portray regulatory and pathway information, yet they embed both. Here we study how stress rewires the metabolomic networks of Escherichia coli. Networks with vertices describing metabolites and edges representing correlated changes in metabolite concentrations were used to study time resolved bacterial responses to four non-lethal stress perturbations, cold, heat, lactose diauxie, and oxidative stress. We find notable patterns that are common to all stress responses examined: (1) networks are random rather than scale-free, i.e. metabolite connectivity is dictated by large network components rather than ‘hubs’ (2) networks rewire quickly even in the absence of stress and are therefore highly dynamic; (3) rewiring occurs minutes after exposure to the Stressor and results in significant decreases in network connectivity, and (4) at longer time frames connectivity is regained. The common biphasic-rewiring pattern revealed in our time-resolved exploration of metabolite connectivity also uncovers unique structural and functional features. We find that stress-induced decreases in connectivity were always counterbalanced by increases in network modularity. Remarkably, rewiring begins with energetics and carbon metabolism that is needed for growth and then focuses on lipids, hubs and metabolic centrality needed for membrane restructuring. While these patterns may simply represent the need of the cell to stop growing and to prepare for uncertainty, the biphasic modularization of the network is an unanticipated result that links the effects of environmental perturbations and the generation of modules in biology.
Controlled Plasmonic Nanostructures for Surface-Enhanced Spectroscopy and Sensing

After its discovery more than 30 years ago, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was expected to have major impact as a sensitive analytical technique and tool for fundamental studies of surface species. Unfortunately, the lack of reliable and reproducible fabrication methods limited its applicability. In recent years, SERS has enjoyed a renaissance, and there is renewed interest in both the fundamentals and applications of SERS. New techniques for nanofabrication, the design of substrates that maximize the electromagnetic enhancement, and the discovery of single-molecule SERS are driving the resurgence of this field. This Account highlights our group's recent work on SERS. Initially, we discuss SERS substrates that have shown proven reproducibility, stability, and large field enhancement. These substrates enable many analytical applications, such as anthrax detection, chemical warfare agent stimulant detection, and in vitro and in vivo glucose sensing. We then turn to a detailed study of the wavelength and distance dependence of SERS, which further illustrate predictions obtained from the electromagnetic enhancement mechanism. Last, an isotopic labeling technique applied to the rhodamine 6G (R6G)/silver system serves as an additional proof of the existence of single-molecule SERS and explores the dynamical features of this process. This work, in conjunction with theoretical calculations, allows us to comment on the possible role of charge transfer in the R6G/silver system.
Synthesis of Uniform Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Iron Disilicide as Catalyst

The preparation of carbon nanotube (CNT) materials with high purity is critical for many potential applications. These materials not only need to be free of carbonaceous impurities but also have uniform diameters. Within the CNT family, double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs), as the simplest member of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, have demonstrated good potential in many bulk applications. However, the synthesis of DWNTs with uniform diameter and high purity is still a challenge. Here, a method to prepare high-purity DWNTs using iron disilicide (FeSi2) as catalyst is demonstrated. Over 90% of CNTs in the sample were DWNTs with a narrow diameter distribution in the range of 4−5 nm. An additional advantage of using FeSi2 as catalyst is to simplify the process to prepare suitable catalyst because commercially available FeSi2 can be used directly without any further treatment.
FACAIC: model selection algorithm for the orthogonal factor model using AIC and CAIC

This paper describes the authors' FORTRAN algorithm FACAIC for choosing the number of factors for an orthogonal factor model using Akaike's Information Criterion. FACAIC utilizes the IMSL subroutine OFCOMM.
Infrared charge-injection-device array performance at low background.

Low-background tests of a 1 x 32 Si:Bi charge-injection-device (CID) IR detector are carried out to evaluate its feasibility for space-based astronomical observations. Optimum performance is obtained at a temperature of 11 K. The sensitivity is found to compare well with that of discrete extrinsic silicon photoconductors. The measured sensitivity and the apparent absence of anomalous effects make extrinsic silicon CID arrays very promising for astronomical applications.
Ischemia-induced regional wall motion abnormality is improved after coronary angioplasty: Demonstration by dobutamine stress echocardiography

Abstract Objectives . The purpose of this study was to examine whether dobutamine stress echocardiography can detect reversal of ischemia-induced left ventricular regional wall motion abnormality immediately after percutaneous transluminal coronary angiopiasty. Background . Although angioplasty is routinely performed as a means of coronary revascularization, at present there is a question whether this results in an immediate improvement in ischemia-induced left ventricular regional function. Methods . Thirty-five patients underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography 24 h before and 24 to 48 h after angiographically successful coronary angioplasty. Only patients with normal wall motion at rest were included. Dobutamine infusion was begun at 5 μg/kg per min and increased at 5-min intervals (10, 20, 30, 40 μg/kg per min). Echocardiographic images were stored into cine loops and analyzed off line with simultaneous comparison of images acquired at baseline, 5 μg/kg per min, peak infusion and recovery. Echocardiographic images were interpreted independently, without knowledge of other data, by two experienced cardiologists using the 16-myocardial segment model. Results . Before angioplasty, dobutamine stress echocardiography induced wall motion abnormalities in 31 patients (88%). Wall motion score at peak dobutamine infusion improved in 28 (90%) of the 31 patients after angioplasty. Wall motion score at peak dobutamine infusion for the group improved from 20 ± 3 before angioplasty to 17 ± 2 after angioplasty (p Conclusions . We conclude that dobutamine stress echocardiography is an excellent method to demonstrate an immediate improvement in stress-induced regional left ventricular dysfunction in the distribution of the vessel undergoing successful angioplasty.
Dynamic linear response

The near-equilibrium nature of dynamic linear response when a system is acted upon by an external force is clarified by using the linearity condition to identify a limited class of near-equilibrium density matrices that characterize the response. The analysis incorporates a distinction between undriven and driven time dependences. Irreversibility is introduced in a traditional way by means of a nonunitary component in the evolution of the undriven dynamics.
Evidence for Structural Changes in Carboxyl-Terminal Peptides of Transducin α-Subunit upon Binding a Soluble Mimic of Light-Activated Rhodopsin†

Although a high-resolution crystal structure for the ground state of rhodopsin is now available, portions of the cytoplasmic surface are not well resolved, and the structural basis for the interaction of the cytoplasmic loops with the retinal G-protein transducin (Gt) is still unknown. Previous efforts aimed at the design, construction, and functional characterization of soluble mimics for the light-activated state of rhodopsin have shown that grafting defined segments from the cytoplasmic region of bovine opsin onto a surface loop in a mutant form of thioredoxin (HPTRX) is sufficient to confer partial Gt activating potential [Abdulaev et al. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 39354−39363]. To assess whether these designed mimics could provide a structural insight into the interaction between light-activated rhodopsin and Gt, the ability of an HPTRX fusion protein comprised of the second (CD) and third (EF) cytoplasmic loops (HPTRX/CDEF) to bind Gt α-subunit (Gtα) peptides was examined using nuclear magnetic reso...
Proximal junctional kyphosis in primary adult deformity surgery: evaluation of 20 degrees as a critical angle

BACKGROUND : Multiple studies have reported on the prevalence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) following spinal deformity surgery; however, none have demonstrated its significance with respect to functional outcome scores or revision surgery. OBJECTIVE : To evaluate if 20° is a possible critical PJK angle in primary adult scoliosis surgery patients as a threshold for worse patient-reported outcomes. METHODS : Clinical and radiographic data of 90 consecutive primary surgical patients at a single institution (2002-2007) with adult idiopathic/degenerative scoliosis and 2-year minimum follow-up were analyzed. Assessment included radiographic measurements, but most notably sagittal Cobb angle of the proximal junctional angle at preoperation, between 1 and 2 months, 2 years, and ultimate follow-up. RESULTS : Prevalence of PJK ≥20° at 3.5 years was 27.8% (n = 25). Those with PJK ≥20° at ultimate follow-up were older (mean 56 vs 46 years), had lower number of levels fused (median 8 vs 11), and were proximally fused to the lower thoracic spine more often than upper thoracic spine (all P < .001). PJK ≥20° was associated with significantly higher body mass index and fusion to the sacrum with iliac screws (P < .016, P < .029, respectively). Scoliosis Research Society outcome score changes were lower for PJK patients, but not significantly different from those in the non-PJK group. CONCLUSION : PJK ≥20° in primary adult idiopathic/degenerative scoliosis does not lead to revision surgery for PJK, but is univariately associated with older age, shorter constructs starting in the lower thoracic spine, obesity, and fusion to the sacrum. The negative results, supported by Scoliosis Research Society outcome data, provide important guidance on the postoperative management of such PJK patients. ABBREVIATIONS : BMI, body mass indexLIV, lowest instrumented vertebraeODI, Oswestry Disability IndexPJ, proximal junctionalPJK, proximal junctional kyphosisSRS, Scoliosis Research SocietyUIV, upper instrumented vertebra.
A monolithic patch-clamping amplifier with capacitive feedback

Abstract Patch-clamping is an established method for directly measuring ionic transport through cellular membranes with sufficient resolution to observe open/close transitions of individual channel molecules. This paper describes an alternative technique for patch-clamping which uses a capacitor as the transimpedance element. This approach eliminates bandwidth and saturation limitations experienced with resistive patch-clamping amplifiers. A complete monolithic design featuring an on-chip operational amplifier, a capacitor array with gain-ranging from 30 pF down to 0.03 pF, and reset and gain ranging switches has been fabricated using 5 μm CMOS technology. It is shown that the voltage noise of the CMOS operational amplifier limits the overall noise performance, but that performance competitive with conventional instruments can be achieved over a 10 kHz bandwidth, at least for small input capacitances (≤ 5 pF). Results are presented along with an analysis and comparison of noise performance using both resistive and capacitive elements.
Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

Summary A well-trained surgeon is capable of improving the facial appearance of many people by revision of aging lower eyelids. A knowledge of the anatomy, pathology, and physiology of the area is essential. By a careful preoperative examination, determination of the proper procedure, and by skillfully performed surgery much can be done for patients seeking this procedure. Methods of examination and suggested techniques for surgery have been outlined.
Electron attachment kinetics in flames: Dissociative attachment to HBO2

Abstract The rate coefficient for the dissociative electron attachment e + HBO 2 → BO 2 − + H has been measured in a number of well characterized laboratory test flames at total pressures of 1.0 and 0.13 atm. The data are consistent with the Arrhenius expression k = 3.2 × 10 −10 exp(−11000/ T ) ml molecule −1 s −1 between 1730 and 2250 K. The failure of the observed BO 2 − formation rates to correlate in any systematic way with hypothetical three-body rate coefficients demonstrates that three-body attachment processes are negligible in these flames and that dissociative attachment dominates.
The Angular Distribution of Photoelectrons Ejected by Polarized Ultraviolet Light in Potassium Vapor

Light of wave-lengths in the region of 2400A selected by a monochromator and polarized by a pile of quartz plates illuminated a jet of potassium vapor. The lateral directions of emission of the photoelectrons relative to the electric vector were studied. Though the electrons were ejected with energies less than one equivalent volt, the experiments were definite in establishing that the most probable direction of ejection is that of the electric vector and that the angular distribution varies as the square of the cosine of the angle between the electric vector and the direction in question. This result is in accord with predictions of the wave mechanics for a spherically symmetrical atom and incidentally therefore constitutes additional evidence that molecules do not play an appreciable part in the observed photo-ionization of potassium vapor.
Enthalpy of (m-cresol + quinoline) at temperatures between 291 K and 655 K and at pressures to 10342 kPa

Enthalpy measurements were made on five mixtures of (m-cresol + quinoline) along isobars from 207 kPa to 10342 kPa, in the temperature range 291 K to 670 K, using a reference-fluid boil-off calorimeter. For {xm-CH3C6H4OH + (1 − x)C9H7N} measurements were made at x=0.2000, 0.3333, 0.5000, 0.6667, and 0.8000. In addition to the direct calorimetric results, equations for the liquid and vapor enthalpies as well as ideal-gas enthalpies are reported.
Parents' perceptions of the HPV vaccine: a key target for improving immunization rates.

. From 2008–2010,parents reported that clinician’s recom-mendation for all adolescent vaccinationsincreased significantly; the highest ratesof clinician recommendations were forHPV vaccination, and they increasedfrom 47% to 52%. Over that sameperiod, the reported rates of the parents’intent to not vaccinate their adolescentsagainst HPV increased from 40% to44%. The reasons that the parents gavefor intending to not vaccinate againstHPV differed greatly from the other twoadolescent vaccinations – the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine(Tdap) and the meningococcal conjugatevaccine (MCV). While <1% of theparents noted concerns for the safetyand side effects with Tdap and MCV,4.5% did with HPV in 2008 and thatincreased to 16% by 2010.ItisnotjustthattheacceptancerateofHPV vaccination is poor; timely comple-tion of the HPV vaccine series is alsopoor. In a study of the North Carolinaimmunization registry, of those of138,823 females 9–26 years of age whohad received at least one dose of HPVbetween 2006 and 2009, 55% completedthe series and only 28% completed theseries on time
Geophysical investigation of the June 6, 1944 D‐Day invasion site at Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France

A near-surface geophysical survey at the D-Day invasion site on top of the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, was carried out using ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic induction and magnetic gradiometry equipment. The subsurface targets of investigation are predominantly buried concrete and steel structures and earthworks associated with the German coastal fortifications at this strongpoint of Adolf Hitler’s Atlantic Wall. The targets are readily detectable, embedded within the vadose zone of a weakly magnetic, electrically resistive, loess soil cover. The radar and electromagnetic induction responses lend themselves to plan-view imaging of the subsurface, while the magnetics data reveal the presence of buried magnetic bodies in a more subtle fashion. Several intriguing geophysical signatures were discovered, including what may be the buried remains of a railway turntable, ordnance fragments in the bomb craters, a buried steel-reinforced concrete trench, and a linear chain of machine-gun firing positions. Geophysical prospecting is shown to be a very powerful tool for historical battlefield site characterization.
Homogeneous catalytic reactions of methanol with carbon monoxide

Abstract The reactions between methanol and carbon monoxide or synthesis gas in the presence of cobalt, rhodium and iridium catalysts are reviewed. The differences between the systems are discussed with reference to the pathways at the metal center. A new interpretation of the mechanism of the cobalt-catalyzed methanol carbonylation reaction is proposed. These systems also exhibit varying amounts of competitive side-reactions, in particular the water-gas shift reaction and alcohol hydrogenolysis. The mechanisms of these side-reactions are discussed.
A Study of Techniques for Measuring 65Zn Absorption and Biological Half-life in the Chicken

Abstract COTZIAS et at. (1962) reported a method to study total body turnover of 65Zn by mice. The total body radioactivity of the animals was determined in a scintillation well counter and the percentages of retention of the radioisotope were plotted as a function of time. Furchner and Richmond (1962) using total body radioactivity determinations plotted the logarithm of the percentages of retention versus time. They then extrapolated the linear component of the retention curves of orally dosed rats back to the y-axis, thus obtaining values for the amount retained at zero days, which they considered absorption. Heth and Hoekstra (1965) reported experiments determining 65Zn absorption in the rat. They dosed rats orally by gavage and by intramuscular injection into the hind leg with 65Zn. When plotting the percentages of retention versus time they observed that a rapid decrease of retention of 65Zn in both orally dosed and injected animals occurred . . .
821 MAGNESIUM SULPHATE (MgSO 4 ): FURTHER CONFUSION IN THE INTERPRETATION OF THE NEWBORN CBC

821 MAGNESIUM SULPHATE (MgSO 4 ): FURTHER CONFUSION IN THE INTERPRETATION OF THE NEWBORN CBC
Effect of x-irradiation on protein synthesis in pig thyroid microsomal suspensions.

SummaryX-Irradiation of microsomal particles prepared from pig thyroid homogenates by conventional methods with 100, 000 rads before incubation with radioactive leucine reduced protein synthesis as much as 60% of that of a nonirradiated control. The effect of the radiation was most pronounced at early incubation times (15-30 min) and at low concentrations of the supernatant fraction. β-Mercaptoethanol, which was necessary for protein synthesis, reduced the amount of X-ray damage to protein synthesis considerably when added before X-irradiation, but had minimal effect when added after X-irradiation.
Qualified Dublin Core metadata for online journal articles

This paper describes an implementation utilizing preliminary Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) guidelines for expressing Qualified Dublin Core (DCQ) metadata in RDF/XML. Primary source objects used in this research were online versions of articles published in more than 50 academic journals in physics and engineering. Articles were encoded in well‐formed XML. While able to follow DCMI guidelines generally, it was necessary to augment DCQ semantics with local extensions in order to retain desired richness of semantics and structure. Also described is related work, including development of XML schema documents necessary to validate metadata and creation of a transforming XSL stylesheet to “dumb‐down” metadata to simple Dublin Core. As a case study, this research illustrates issues encountered when expressing real‐world DCQ metadata in RDF/XML. Significant initial investment of effort was required to develop RDF facilities and expertise. Pending more applications that exploit RDF, this investment may not be warranted in all domains.
Carotenoid biosynthesis in Neurospora crassa: Incorporation of 2-C14-mevalonate during control of pigmentation by continuous culture

Abstract Neurospora crassa , when grown in continuous culture, produced phytoene but no pigments until the supply of nutrient medium was stopped; pigmentation was complete about 24 hours later. To provide labeled intermediates, 2-C 14 mevalonate was added during the colorless growth phase; 6–10 hours later the medium supply was stopped and nonlabeled mevalonic acid lactone was added as a diluent. Analyses of samples which were taken at intervals showed that the specific activity of the pigments was 20–100 times higher than that of the phytoene. Moreover, the total radioactivity in phytoene was insufficient to account (as precursor) for the total radioactivity in the carotenoid pigments. It is concluded, therefore, that the phytoene which formed and accumulated during the colorless growth phase was an end product and was not a precursor of the carotenoid pigments.
Does Customer Engagement with Internet Based Services Influence Adoption of Other New Products

The impact of the Internet on how and when individuals decide to adopt new products and services remains a critical yet under examined topic. This research examines the linkage between Internet use and the new product diffusion process through the examination of a very large, detailed, Internet usage dataset. Our 12-month longitudinal analysis of 34,731 customers' Internet related behaviours indicates that the introduction of Internet based services is positively correlated with expedited adoption behaviour. Customers that utilized a company's Internet related service innovations were over twice as likely to adopt the company's new product offering during the first year of introduction. We conclude by discussing the implications and need for additional research. Copyright © 2010 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. L'Internet influence-t-il quand et comment les personnes decident d'adopter de nouveaux produits et services ? Cette question, quoiqu'importante, est loin d'avoir fait l'objet de recherches approfondies. Le present article examine, grâce a une tres grande base de donnees detaillees sur l'usage de l'Internet, la correlation entre l'utilisation de l'Internet et le processus de diffusion de nouveaux produits. Douze mois d'analyses longitudinales du comportement de 34 731 clients indiquent que l'introduction de services par internet est positivement reliee a une conduite d'adoption acceleree. Les clients qui utilisent les services Internet d'une compagnie sont plus de deux fois plus enclins a adopter l'offre d'un nouveau produit de cette compagnie pendant la premiere annee de son lancement. Nous concluons en examinant les implications de l'etude et en proposant des pistes pour des recherches futures. Copyright © 2010 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On silica-based solid phase extraction techniques for isolating microbial membrane phospholipids: Ensuring quantitative recovery of phosphatidylcholine-derived fatty acids

Abstract A silica-based solid phase extraction (SPE) protocol commonly used to isolate phospholipids from total lipid extracts failed to quantitatively recover phosphatidylcholines (PC) from three commercial SPE columns because a polar eluent volume of 5 mL methanol per 0.5 g silica was shown to be insufficient. Phosphatidylcholines, which are an important component of some fungal and bacterial cell membranes, were completely recovered when a larger ratio of 20:1 v/w methanol (mL) to silica (g) was used. Separation of phospholipids from a soil sample showed that a methanol:silica ratio of 20:1 recovered substantially greater amounts of phospholipids and resulted in a different phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) structural profile than a 10:1 ratio. This study also confirmed that methanol preconditioning of the manufactured SPE columns studied is necessary for quantitative recovery of phospholipids.
pH-related variations in trace metal concentrations in Lake Orta (Italy)

Abstract The relationships between pH and trace metal concentrations in the water of Lake Orta are discussed on the basis of data collected monthly between January 1984 and March 1988 and of laboratory experiments, in which calcium carbonate was added to lake water at two different pH. The results obtained from both sets of data are in good agreement, indicating a decrease in metal concentration with increasing pH in the case of aluminium, copper, iron and chromium; zinc and nickel do not show significant variations with increasing pH, while in the case of manganese the indications are scanty and do not permit a conclusion. These results suggest that there would be a decided decrease in metal concentrations if the water underwent liming at pH > 6.0–6.5, with a substantial improvement in the water quality, given the toxic effect of some of the metals in the water of Lake Orta.
A data mining framework for online dynamic security assessment: Decision trees, boosting, and complexity analysis

Online dynamic security assessment provides the real-time situational awareness for assessing the impact of various N-k contingencies, so that appropriate preventive/corrective controls could be armed in a timely fashion. This task is challenging due to the large number of possible contingencies, the massive scale of power systems, and the multi-scale dynamics that occur under varying operating conditions. In this study, a data mining framework for online dynamic security assessment using decision trees and a boosting technique is developed, with the following multi-stage processing. 1) In the offline training stage, classifiers consisting of multiple simple decision trees are built based on a given collection of training data, and an iterative algorithm is used to “boost” the accuracy of the classifiers. 2) In the near real-time update stage, the simple decision trees together with their voting weights are updated when new data are available, enabling a smooth tracking of the changes of decision regions. 3) In the online DSA stage, real-time phasor measurements are used to locate the current operating condition into a decision region and obtain timely security decisions. The clustering of contingencies and data preprocessing via dimension reduction of the attributes are also discussed. Numerical testing based on a practical power system demonstrates that the proposed approach works well under a variety of realistic operating conditions.
Disruption of MT impairs motion processing

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have associated motion processing with cortical region MT+, which includes sub-region MT that preferentially processes motion in the contralateral visual field. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to temporarily disrupt MT+ which impaired motion perception, suggesting this region is necessary for motion processing. In the present study, we used fMRI guided TMS to disrupt MT and determine whether this sub-region is necessary for motion processing. On an individual participant basis, MT was localized in each hemisphere using motion related fMRI activity on the posterior bank of the ascending limb of the inferior temporal sulcus. In the first experiment, 1 Hz TMS of left MT preferentially impaired motion detection in the contralateral versus ipsilateral visual field. In the second experiment, single-pulse TMS of MT impaired motion processing to a greater degree than color processing. These results provide convergent evidence that sub-region MT is necessary for motion processing.
Talking About Instruction: Student Teachers' Reflections on Success and Failure in the Classroom

Verbal descriptions of successful and unsuccessful lessons were used to examine 47 student teach ers' conceptions of instruction. The interns identified seven elements related to lesson success or ...
The effect of dietary protein on the excretion of α2u, the sex-dependent protein of the adult male rat

Adult male rats were maintained on normal (20% casein), protein-free (0% casein), high protein (50% casein), decicient protein (20% zein), and a supplemented, deficient protein (20% zein plus L-lysine and L-tryptophan) diets. Rats on a protein-free diet excreted approximately 1 mg alpha2u/24 h compared with a normal of 10-15 mg/24 h. Depleted rats placed on a 20% casein diet showed a rapid restoration of the normal alpha2u excretion as well as total urinary proteins. Accumulation of alpha2u in the blood serum was measured in nep-rectomized rats. Rats on a 0% casein diet accumulated only 30% of the alpha2u compared to normals. On a 50% casein diet, rats excreted 30-50 mg alpha2u/24 h. However, the accumulation was normal in the serum of nephrectomized rats. A high protein diet did not stimulate alpha2u synthesis but probably increased the renal loss of all urinary proteins. The excretion of alpha2u on a zein diet was reduced to the same degree as with the protein-free diet. Supplementation with lysine and tryptophan restored the capacity to eliminate alpha21 to near normal levels. Accumulation of alpha2u in the serum of nephrectomized rats kept on the zein diets showed that the effect to suppress the synthesis of the ahpha2u. Supplementation restored the biosynthesis of alpha2u. We conclude that the effect of dietary protein on the excretion of urinary proteins in the adult male rat is caused in large part by an influence on the hepatic biosynthesis of alphay2u. The biosynthesis of this protein, which represents approximately 30% of the total urinary proteins, is dependent on an adequate supply of dietary protein.
Interaction of central and superficial peripheral thermosensors in control of thermoregulatory behaviors of the rat.

Abstract The interaction of localized central and superficial peripheral thermal stimulation was studied in rats using diathermic warming of different brain areas controlling postural extension, locomotion, and grooming and a thermal floor warmed from thermally neutral 26.5 to 33.5 or 40.5°C, which induced locomotion and grooming. When behaviors were elicited by both central and superficial stimuli, combined stimuli were additive (activity) or partially additive subject to a ceiling (grooming). When behaviors were elicited by only one (or predominantly one) of two stimuli, combinations of the stimuli evidenced inhibition (grooming), multiplicative summation (activity), or mixtures of facilitation at low intensities and inhibition at high intensities (extension). Behaviors not elicited in significant amounts by either stimulus did not increase when both were combined (extension). It was concluded that the varied influences on thermoregulatory behaviors exerted by superficial and central thermosensors acting separately and in combination can largely explain the differences in behavioral response patterns induced by various thermal stress conditions that distribute heat differently between the surface and core of the body.
A neural network based real-time gaze tracker

A real-time gaze-tracking system that estimates the user's eye gaze and computes the window of focused view on a computer monitor has been developed. This artificial neural network based system can be trained and customized for an individual. Unlike existing systems in which skin color features and/or other mountable equipment are needed, this system is based on a simple non-intrusive camera mounted on the monitor. Gaze point is accurately estimated within a 1 in. on a 19-in. monitor with a CCD camera having a 640 × 480 image resolution. The system performance is independent of user's forward and backward as well as upward and downward movements. The gaze-tracking system implementation and the factors affecting its performance are discussed and analyzed in detail. The features and implementation methods that make this system real-time are also explained.
Physiology of pain.

The substantial increase in our collective knowledge of pain physiology and pharmacology over the past decade has had a significant effect on the practice of clinical veterinary medicine. An overview of the basic anatomical and physiologic components of nociceptive processing is presented, as well as a discussion of the sensitizing events that occur within the nervous system in acute and chronic pathologic pain states. The unique features of visceral and neuropathic pain are also outlined. With the goal of improving the success of our therapeutic interventions, the final section is devoted to the various classes of analgesic drugs and techniques, and how they are best incorporated into pain management strategies.
Dietary modification with dairy products for preventing vertebral bone loss in premenopausal women: a three-year prospective study.

The effect of dietary calcium on vertebral bone mass in women is controversial. In a randomized study we have investigated the effect of dietary modification in the form of dairy products on vertebral bone mass in 30- to 42-yr-old premenopausal women over a 3-yr period. Twenty women increased their dietary calcium intake by an average of 610 mg/day (P < 0.03) for 3 yr, while 17 age- and weight-matched women served as controls. Calcium intake was monitored by 3-day diet histories and 24-h urinary calcium excretion. The consumption of the dairy products did not alter serum calcium or PTH levels or the fasting urinary calcium to creatinine ratio. Twenty-four-hour urinary calcium excretion increased by 28% (P < 0.03) in the supplemented women. Dairy product intake was accompanied by increased dietary fat intake, but there were no statistically significant changes in serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The vertebral bone density in the women c...
The presence of long-lived spin states in organic solids with rapid molecular motions

Abstract For organic solids with sufficiently mobile molecular segments, the application of a long and weak pulse ( γB 1 /2π∼100 Hz) can yield inverted sharp peaks with linewidths of ∼100 Hz in the 1 H NMR spectra, and the use of multi-frequency weak pulses can excite multiple inverted sharp peaks. For these compounds, the normal 1 H free induction decay (FID) of a static sample contains a slowly decaying part, which can be detected by acquisition delay up to about 2 ms. The presence of highly mobile molecular segments can also be identified by using a “dipolar filter.”
Oxygen concentrators for the delivery of supplemental oxygen in remote high-altitude areas

Oxygen concentrators are a relatively new technology for the delivery of supplemental oxygen. Readily available for domicile use in modern countries, these machines have proved reliable. The application of oxygen concentrators for the supply of medical oxygen in remote high-altitude settings has important cost-saving and supply implications. In our experience at a remote hospital at 3900 m in the Nepal Himalayas, oxygen concentrators constitute an effective and affordable means to supply medical oxygen. Using an air compressor and 2 zeolite chambers, the machine traps nitrogen from room air compressed to 4 atm, thus concentrating oxygen in the expressed gas. At delivery flow rates of 2 to 5 liters per minute, oxygen concentrations greater than 80% can be maintained. An electric power requirement of less than 400 W can be provided from a variety of sources, including a small gasoline generator, a solar or wind power system with battery store, or a domestic or commercial power source. At our facility, a cost savings of 75% for supplemental oxygen was found in favor of the oxygen concentrator over cylinders (0.17 US cents per liter vs 0.79 US cents per liter).
The Impact of State Minimum Wages on Child Poverty in Female-Headed Families

Several state governments set minimum wage levels above the federal level, and some automatically index them to inflation. This article uses the variation in real minimum wages both over time and across states to examine how minimum wages have affected poverty rates of children living in female-headed households. These children are among the most vulnerable members of society and are increasingly likely to feel the impact of such policy actions due to the growing presence of their mothers in low-wage labor markets. Evidence based on state-level panel data for the years 1991 to 2002 shows that minimum wages have significantly reduced child poverty rates, after controlling for a number of other potentially relevant factors. These findings are robust to alternative measures of poverty, sample definition, estimation technique, and variable selection.
Using image synthesis for multi-channel registration of different image modalities.

This paper presents a multi-channel approach for performing registration between magnetic resonance (MR) images with different modalities. In general, a multi-channel registration cannot be used when the moving and target images do not have analogous modalities. In this work, we address this limitation by using a random forest regression technique to synthesize the missing modalities from the available ones. This allows a single channel registration between two different modalities to be converted into a multi-channel registration with two mono- modal channels. To validate our approach, two openly available registration algorithms and five cost functions were used to compare the label transfer accuracy of the registration with (and without) our multi-channel synthesis approach. Our results show that the proposed method produced statistically significant improvements in registration accuracy (at an α level of 0.001) for both algorithms and all cost functions when compared to a standard multi-modal registration using the same algorithms with mutual information.
Actinide behavior in natural waters

Abstract The range of potential reactions of actinide elements in natural systems is unusually broad. This is due to the existence of these elements in one or more of four different oxidation states, each with a different set of values for complexation. Hydrolysis, redox, and complexation by carbonate, humics and other natural ligands serve to affects the transport of actinides by natural waters. If plutonium, the element of most concern, is in the IV state, hydrolysis is dominant and leads to high sorption on particulate surfaces. However, if the plutonium is in the V states as PuO2+, hydrolysis and complexation are minimal and mobility should be high. These aspects of actinide behavior are reviewed briefly. Model calculations are presented to show the species expected in seawater and the results compared with measured total concentrations of neodymium, thorium, and uranium. The quality of the data is discussed in terms of its importance in actinide geochemistry.
Concentrations of Free and Conjugated Estrogens at Different Landscape Positions in an Agricultural Watershed Receiving Poultry Litter

Animal hormones can enter the aquatic environment along with runoff as a result of manure or litter application on agricultural landscapes. Our understanding of the transport of these hormones and their concentrations at various points along the watershed drainage is however limited. We investigated the transport of naturally produced poultry hormones in an agricultural watershed located on coastal plain soils of Delaware receiving land application of raw poultry manure. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of free and conjugated forms of estrogens in agricultural runoff at selected landscape positions in the agricultural watershed. Estrogen concentrations were determined for surface water, soil water, and runoff sediment. Estrogen forms that were analyzed were: Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2β and E2α), Estriol (E3), and their sulfate and glucuronide conjugates. Poultry litter application occurred at a rate of 9 Mg ha−1 in early spring (April 2010). Sampling was performed for surface runoff, subsurface drainage, and sediment for nine storm events extending over 187 days before and after manure application (March–October 2010). Runoff was collected from the field edge, upland and lowland riparian positions and from the stream. Samples were analyzed by for liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Concentrations of estrogens were low (<20 ng l−1) for most of the samples and decreased from the field edge into the riparian zone. Estrogens were not detected in soil water and runoff sediments. Overall, this study suggests that manure application practices at our sites in Delaware such as incorporation of litter into the soil likely reduced the concentrations of estrogens in runoff and reduced the threat posed to aquatic ecosystems.
Experience Richness: Effects of Training Method on Individual Technology Acceptance

The nature of the training experience a person is exposed to is an important contextual element influencing technology acceptance, but little research has explored the differences in technology acceptance for different types of training experiences. This research investigates the difference in technology acceptance for individuals experiencing different types of training. Our work builds on prior research by Venkatesh, Bandura, and others examining the technology acceptance model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and self-efficacy and this paper is focused on addressing several remaining questions raised by this research stream. Specifically, our research addresses the nature of training and user acceptance and our findings show that individuals who are exposed to vicarious experience training differ on many dimensions with regard to technology acceptance when compared to individuals experiencing direct, hands-on training.
A functional role for nicotine in Bcl2 phosphorylation and suppression of apoptosis.

Nicotine is not only a major component in tobacco but is also a survival agonist that inhibits apoptosis induced by diverse stimuli including chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the intracellular mechanism(s) involved in nicotine suppression of apoptosis is unclear. Bcl2 is a potent antiapoptotic protein and tumor promotor that is expressed in both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. It is possible that nicotine may regulate Bcl2 to stimulate cell survival. Here we report that nicotine can induce Bcl2 phosphorylation exclusively at the serine 70 site in association with prolonged survival of SCLC H82 cells expressing wild-type but not the phosphorylation-deficient S70A mutant Bcl2 after treatment with chemotherapeutic agents (i.e. cisplatin or VP-16). Nicotine induces activation of PKCα and the MAPKs ERK1 and ERK2, which are physiological Bcl2 kinases. Furthermore, ET-18-OCH3, a specific phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, blocks nicotine-stimulated Bcl2 phosphorylation and promotes apoptosis, suggesting that PLC may be involved in nicotine activation of Bcl2 kinases. Using a genetic approach, the gain-of-function S70E mutant, which mimics Ser70 site phosphorylation in the flexible loop domain, potently enhances chemoresistance in SCLC cells. Thus, nicotine-induced cell survival results, at least in part, from a mechanism that involves Bcl2 phosphorylation. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies for lung cancer in which Bcl2 is expressed may be used to abrogate the anti-apoptotic activity of Bcl2 by inhibiting multiple upstream nicotine-activated pathways.
Physical properties of asteroid 433 Eros

Newly available photometric, polarimetric, spectroscopic, thermal-radiometric, radar, and occultation results are synthesized in order to derive a coherent model for Eros. The geometric albedo is 0.19 plus or minus 0.01 at the visual wavelength, and the overall dimensions are approximately 13 by 15 by 36 km. The rotation is about the short axis, in the direct sense, with a sidereal period of 5 hr 16 min 13.4 sec. The pole of rotation lies within a few degrees of ecliptic coordinates 16 deg longitude and beta = +11 deg latitude. Eros is uniformly coated with a particulate surface layer several millimeters thick. It has an iron-bearing silicate composition, similar to that of a minority of main-belt asteroids, and probably identifiable with H-type ordinary chondrites.
Differential diagnosis of lateral orbital masses

Computed tomography is ideal for demonstrating orbital masses. It provides information regarding lesion location and involvement of intraorbital structures. It therefore can be used in both staging and follow-up of orbital lesions. Mass location, attenuation characteristics, form, and presence or absence of contrast enhancement all may aid the radiologist in the differential diagnosis of orbital lesions by CT. However, this review of lateral orbital masses illustrates that the differential diagnosis can be quite varied. Careful correlation with history and clinical findings may lead one to the proper diagnosis; however, often the exact nature of a lateral orbital mass must await histologic confirmation.