cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Error Control Codes For Advanced Television Signals Based Upon Preliminary And Post Filtering

Several aspects of the design of filters for burst error control for television signals in new or existing, analog or digital formats wili be described. The error control capability is provided by prefiltering, so no redundant information need be transmitted. Prefilters which minimize distortion of the image and optimize effectiveness in estimating errors will be discussed. Postfilters which can compensate for the prefiltering, further minimizing the small distortion are discussed. These error control methods can implement very efficient real-number outer codes that provide burst or impulse noise protection for signals in digital format that may employ standard finite-field inner codes, data compression algorithms, and other digital or analog processing. This inner processing can exacerbate impulse noise or cause substantial burst errors, which should be removed by outer codes, such as the described ones, in order to achieve the desired subjective improvement of advanced television.
Robust stabilization of a heavy top

This paper investigates the robust stabilization of relative equilibria. The motivating example is that of a heavy top. For the heavy top conditions which ensure the robust stabilization of the system are derived and discussed. These conditions generalize previous results for the rigid body. These conditions are then examined in the case of structured uncertainty in the mass and inertia properties of the top. Bounds are obtained for the family of stabilizing feedback gains and the corresponding error in the rotation axis is investigated. These results are then applied to the specific example of a heavy top with a mass imbalance spinning below critical velocity.
The Claim of John 7.15 and the Memory of Jesus' Literacy

This article argues that John 7.15 claims neither literacy nor illiteracy for Jesus, but rather that Jesus was able to confuse his opponents with regards to his scribal literacy. According to the Johannine narrator, Jesus' opponents assumed he did not ‘know letters’, but also acknowledged that he taught as if he did. This article also suggests that the claim of John 7.15 is historically plausible in light of first-century Christianity's corporate memory(ies) of Jesus' literacy.
Lesser Antillean snake faunas: distribution, ecology, and conservation concerns

Thirty-three islands in the Lesser Antilles range in area from 0.06 to 1,510 km2 and harbour 25 species of snakes representing five families and 10 genera. The islands have suffered at least six, and possibly as many as 11, historical extirpations and at least one historical extinction. The number of snake species per island is 1–5, and species richness is correlated with island size and habitat diversity. Islands that harbour three or more species exhibit greater habitat diversity, are larger, have a higher maximum elevation, and are situated closer to the South American mainland, the source area for most genera. North of the Guadeloupe Archipelago, islands support one or two species (an Alsophis or an Alsophis and a Typhlops). From the Guadeloupe Archipelago southwards, snake faunas have species belonging to genera that are widespread on the Neotropical mainland: Boa, Corallus, Chironius, Clelia, Liophis, Mastigodryas and Bothrops. Between 50 and 75% of the Lesser Antillean snake fauna preys on Anolis lizards. Snake faunas in the Lesser Antilles are not saturated, and many islands could support additional species; fossil evidence and written records indicate that they did. The islands have a 5,000-year history of habitat alteration, but introduced predators probably have had the greatest negative impact on snakes. The potential establishment of an alien snake (e.g. Elaphe guttata) into the Lesser Antilles is a valid concern. Preventing additional introductions of alien predators and protecting satellite island populations of threatened species are the two most important mechanisms for snake conservation in the region.
Gravitational waves from gamma-ray bursts

We present a mechanism for long bursts of gravitational radiation from Kerr black holes surrounded by a torus. These systems are believed to form in core-collapse of massive stars in association with gamma-ray bursts. The torus catalyzes black hole-spin energy mostly into gravitational radiation, with a minor output in winds, thermal and neutrino emissions. Torus winds impact the remnant envelope of the progenitor star from within, which may account for X-ray emission lines and leaves a supernova remnant. The frequency in gravitational radiation satisfies f_{gw}=470Hz (E_{SNR}/4\times 10^{51})^{1/2}(0.1/\beta)^{1/2}(7M_\odot/M_H)^{3/2}, where E_{SNR} is the kinetic energy in the SNR, M_H is the black hole mass and \beta\simeq0.1 the initial ejection velocity, as detected in GRB 011211. Ultimately, this leaves a black hole binary surrounded by a SNR, which is conceivably illustrated by RX J050736-6847.8.
Function and Mechanism of CNTF/LIF Signaling in Retinogenesis

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) exhibit multiple biological effects in the developing vertebrate retina. CNTF/LIF inhibits rod photoreceptor, and promotes bipolar cells and Muller glia differentiation. In addition, CNTF/LIF has been shown to have proliferative and apoptotic effects. Moreover, LIF also inhibits retinal vascular development. CNTF/LIF signaling components CNTFRα, LIFRβ, gp130, and a number of STAT proteins are expressed in the retina. CNTF/LIF activates Jak-STAT, ERK, and Notch pathways during retinal development. Perturbation of CNTF induced signal transduction reveals that different combinations of CNTF/LIF signaling pathways regulate differentiation of retinal neurons and glia. Gene expression studies show that CNTF/LIF affects retinogenesis by regulating various genes involved in transcription, signal transduction, protein modification, apoptosis, protein localization, and cell ion homeostasis. Most past studies have deployed ectopic expression or addition of exogenous CNTF/LIF, thus further ana-lysis of mice with conditional mutations in CNTF/LIF signaling components will allow better understanding of in-vivo functions of CNTF/LIF associated signaling events in retinogenesis.
Device for convenient measurement of spatially varying bidirectional reflectance

Capturing surface appearance is a challenging task because reflectance varies as a function of viewing and illumination direction. In addition, most real-world surfaces have a textured appearance, so reflectance also varies spatially. We present a texture camera that can conveniently capture spatially varying reflectance on a surface. Unlike other bidirectional imaging devices, the design eliminates the need for complex mechanical apparatus to move the light source and the camera over a hemisphere of possible directions. To facilitate fast and convenient measurement, the device uses a curved mirror so that multiple views of the same surface point are captured simultaneously. Simple planar motions of the imaging components also permit change of illumination direction and region imaging. We present the current prototype of this device, imaging results, and an analysis of the important imaging properties.
Social and emotional difficulties in children with ADHD and the impact on school attendance and healthcare utilization

Background: The objective of this study was to examine the impact of co-occurring social and emotional difficulties on missed school days and healthcare utilization among children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Data were from the 2007 U.S. National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and were based on parental proxy responses to questions in the Sample Child Core, which includes questions on demographics, health, healthcare treatment, and social and emotional status as measured by questions about depression, anxiety, and phobias, as well as items from the brief version of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Logistic regression was used to assess the association between co-occurring social and emotional difficulties with missed school days and healthcare utilization, adjusting for demographics. Results: Of the 5896 children aged 6–17 years in the 2007 NHIS, 432 (7.3%) had ADHD, based on parental report. Children with ADHD and comorbid depression, anxiety, or phobias had significantly greater odds of experiencing > 2 weeks of missed school days, ≥ 6 visits to a healthcare provider (HCP), and ≥ 2 visits to the ER, compared with ADHD children without those comorbidities (OR range: 2.1 to 10.4). Significantly greater odds of missed school days, HCP visits, and ER visits were also experienced by children with ADHD who were worried, unhappy/depressed, or having emotional difficulties as assessed by the SDQ, compared with ADHD children without those difficulties (OR range: 2.2 to 4.4). Conclusions: In children with ADHD, the presence of social and emotional problems resulted in greater odds of missed school days and healthcare utilization. These findings should be viewed in light of the limited nature of the parent-report measures used to assess social and emotional problems.
A novel electromechanical interrogation scheme for implant able passive transponders

This paper presents design, fabrication, and implementation of a novel electromechanical energy scavenging and wireless interrogation scheme using low frequency components of musical vibrations to overcome challenges associated with previously reported passive transponders such as: short transmission range, misalignment sensitivity, and complicated receiver circuitry. The transponder has two phases of operation: 1) mechanical vibration phase, in which an acoustic receiver (a piezoelectric cantilever) converts the sound vibration into electrical power and charges a capacitor; and 2) electrical radiation phase, in which the stored charge is dumped into an LC tank, forcing it to oscillate at its natural resonance frequency and emitting the energy to an outside receiver. In a pressure sensing configuration, the distance between a planar coil and a ferrite core is modulated by the pressure, thus changing the inductance and in turn inducing a change in the frequency of the emitted signal. A prototype transponder was built and tested using a PZT cantilever with a mechanical resonant frequency of 435 Hz encapsulated in a glass capsule (length=40 mm, diameter=8 mm) along with a rectifier circuitry and a storage capacitor. The inductive pressure sensor located outside the capsule had a sensitivity of 2.5k Hz/kPa. We were able to easily pick up the transmitted RF pulses at distances of up to 7 cm without the tight requirement on alignment between the receiver and the transponder coils.
Observation of Kα. X-ray satellites from a target heated by an intense ion beam

We have made the first observation of Kα X-ray satellites from a target heated by an intense ion beam. The satellites are produced when thermal ionization due to beam heating is accompanied by inner-shell ionization from beam ion impact. The Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator II was used to irradiate a conical aluminum target with a proton beam. The nominal beam parameters were 50–75 kJ in a 1-cm spot, 15–20-ns pulse length, and 4–5-MeV protons at peak power. An elliptical crystal X-ray spectrograph inside a 1000-kg tungsten shield was used to record the spectra. The peak ion stage reached by the aluminum target was +8. Collisional radiative calculations were performed, which indicate a peak electron temperature of 20–60 eV.
Effect of update merging on reliable storage performance

Performance of a reliable storage subsystem for a centralized database system was studied by simulation. The reliable storage subsystem studied consists of three redundant disk units that are updated one at a time from a consistent database state to another consistent database state. Thus, even if a central processor and/or one disk unit fail simultaneously, at least one disk unit will contain a consistent database state. Redundant multiple disk units allow simultaneous processing of multiple read operations. Our simulation result shows that when all transactions are read-only transactions, the throughput of a three-unit system is 2.5 times higher than that of a single-unit system. On the other hand, redundant disk units slows down write operation because each disk unit must be updated for each virtual page updated. The major result in this paper shows that this adverse effect can be mitigated if updates of multiple transactions are merged and if an efficient disk scheduling policy (e.g., CSCAN) is employed. When the ratio of write operations to read operations is between 10 to 30%, the throughput of the three-unit system is still 89 to 144% higher than that of the single-unit system, which is not reliable. This result is significant when we consider that the performance of a reliable storage subsystem based on logging cannot exceed that of a single-unit storage subsystem.
Effects of Aquatic Herbicides and Housing Density on Abundance of Pond-Breeding Frogs

Abstract - Aquatic herbicides are applied to control nuisance vegetation in lakes and ponds, and are often re-applied over many years. This study compared the abundance of 5 frog species in treated and untreated lakes in Ashburnham, MA. At each lake, I assessed the density of human housing and lake area to determine their relationship with frog abundance. I employed a standard calling index to estimate the abundance of each frog species and the sum of calling indices from all species served as a measure of total frog abundance at each survey site. The sum of calling indices declined with increasing density of human housing; herbicide treatment was not an important main effect. However, there was marginal interaction between herbicides and housing density: lakes with moderate—high housing densities seemed to have lower frog abundance with herbicide treatments. Although the data set was limited, my results suggest that frogs may benefit from permanently untreated refuge zones on lakes. When I assessed frog ...
7β‐Chloro‐6,14‐endo‐etheno‐6,7,8,14‐tetra­hydro­thebaine

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C21H24ClNO3, there are two independent mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit. The compound is the product of a new procedure for preparing Diels–Alder adducts of thebaine with 7β substit­uents.
Organic and synthetic fertility amendments influence soil microbial, physical and chemical properties on organic and conventional farms

Field experiments were conducted to examine the effects of organic and synthetic soil fertility amendments on soil microbial communities and soil physical and chemical properties at three organic and three conventional vegetable farms in Virginia and Maryland in 1996 and 1997. Two treatments, including either an alternative organic soil amendment (composted cotton-gin trash, composted yard waste, or cattle manure) or synthetic soil amendment (fertilizer) were applied to three replicated plots at each grower field location. Production history and time affected propagule densities of Trichoderma species which remained higher in soils from organic farms. Propagule densities of Trichoderma species, thermophilic microorganisms, and enteric bacteria were also detected in greater numbers in soils amended with alternative than synthetic amendments, whereas propagule densities of Phytophthora and Pythium species were lower in soils amended with alternative than synthetic fertility amendments. Concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, and Mn were higher in soils amended with alternative than synthetic fertility amendments. Canonical correlations and principle component analyses indicated significant correlation between these soil chemical factors and the biological communities. First-order canonical correlations were more negative in fields with a conventional history, and use of synthetic fertilizers, whereas canonical correlations were more positive in fields with a history of organic production and alternative soil amendments. In the first year, yields of corn or melon were not different in soil amended with either synthetic or organic amendments at four of six farms. In the second year, when all growers planted tomatoes, yields were higher on farms with a history of organic production, regardless of soil amendment type. Alternative fertility amendments, enhanced beneficial soil microorganisms reduced pathogen populations, increased soil organic matter, total carbon, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), and lowered bulk density thus improving soil quality.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma bovoculi Strain M165/69T (ATCC 29104)

ABSTRACT Bovine ocular infections compromise animal health and result in significant economic losses. Mycoplasma bovoculi is an etiological agent of conjunctivitis. Presented here is the 760,240-bp complete genome sequence of the M. bovoculi type strain M165/69T. An analysis of the deduced proteome provides insights into the adherence and antigenic variation mechanisms of the strain.
Finite Temperature Corrections to Relic Density Calculations

In this paper we evaluate finite temperature corrections to the dark matter relic density within the context of minimal supersymmetry with a neutralino as the lightest supersymmetric partner (LSP). We identify several regions of parameter space where the weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) annihilation cross section is especially sensitive to small corrections to the underlying parameters. In these regions, finite temperature effects have the potential to be important. However, we shall show by explicit calculation that these effects are small. In the regions we investigated, the maximal corrections are on the order of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ and are therefore negligible compared with theoretical and experimental uncertainties.
Phylogenetic Relationships in Phoradendreae (Viscaceae) Inferred from Three Regions of the Nuclear Ribosomal Cistron. I. Major Lineages and Paraphyly of Phoradendron

Abstract Phoradendron is a genus of morphologically diverse mistletoes that currently lacks a satisfactory supraspecific classification. Its subtle distinction from Dendrophthora moreover suggests that Phoradendron may not be monophyletic. This study uses sequences from three regions of the nuclear ribosomal DNA cistron to infer phylogenetic relationships in the two genera. These DNA regions differ in their rates of nucleotide substitution. Sequences of the ITS spacers are sufficiently variable to resolve relationships among closely related species but are barely alignable with those of more distantly related species and outgroups. Alignment is possible, however, among sequences of the 5.8S gene and among two regions of the 26S nuclear rDNA. Maximum parsimony analyses suggested that neither Phoradendron nor Dendrophthora is monophyletic. Three major clades were identified whose topologies suggest that many characters traditionally used for primary subdivision are homoplastic. Communicating Editor: Alan Wh...
Performance and power analysis of globally asynchronous locally synchronous multiprocessor systems

This paper investigates the performance and power dissipation of globally asynchronous locally synchronous (GALS) multi-processor systems. We show that communication loops are a source of significant throughput degradation in communications links and that there is no degradation whatsoever under certain conditions for one-way links, and that it is possible to design GALS multiprocessors without this performance penalty. Independent clock domains and unbalanced computation in the GALS multiprocessor allow scaling of the clock frequency and supply voltage to achieve high energy efficiency. The synchronization overhead between independent clock domains results in a less than 1% performance reduction compared to a globally synchronous system over a number of DSP and numerical applications. Clock and voltage scaling can achieve an approximately 40% power savings with no reduction of performance. These results compare favorably with the 25% power savings and more than 10% performance reduction reported for GALS uniprocessors.
Prognostic significance of pleural effusion in ovarian cancer.

manipulation hole permitted the application of the scintillation counter to the abdominal wall. We examined 2 patients. In Case 1 (Table I) the minimum values of blood flow at the height of the contractions as well as maximum values during the intervals between contractions were found to be significantly higher under abdominal decompression : t 8.971 (minimum); t 4.438 (maximum). Case 2 displays the minimum and maximum values of activity during irregular contractions. Strong contractions commenced after the administration of oxytocin, and simultaneously a significant fall in radiation counts was registered. During abdominal decompression the diminished blood flow was significantly increased both during contractions and in the intervals between them: t 5.489 (minimum); t 6.867 (maximum). In Fig. 1 the values are processed by harmonic analysis. Due to a coexistent aortocaval compression exerted between and during uterine contractions, the gravid uterus virtually divides maternal circulation into caudal and cephalad zones with different hemodynamic conditions.8 We may presume that the increase in blood flow observed during abdominal decompression is caused by the change in the position of the uterus which releases the retrouterine aortocaval compression.
Preface to 'International Economic Integration and Asia'

Regional economic integration has become a key force in international commercial policy in the 2000s. Europe has traditionally embraced regionalism; the United States became actively involved in preferential trading arrangements only in the 1980s. While Asia has been late in accepting formal regional economic integration accords, all Asian countries are now in the process of creating various free-trade areas and other forms of economic integration programs, and some are already in place. This volume analyzes the regionalism trend from an Asian perspective. It considers the lessons from, and the economic implications of, various economic integration programs in the OECD (mostly the EU but also NAFTA), as well as the proposals for closer economic integration in the region itself. Chapters deal with both real and financial integration issues.
Exchange-Correlation Functional with Good Accuracy for Both Structural and Energetic Properties while Depending Only on the Density and Its Gradient.

The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) has been a workhorse exchange–correlation functional for electronic structure studies of extended systems (liquid-phase reactions, solids, heterogeneous and enzymatic catalysis, biopolymers) because its dependence on only the spin-labeled electron densities and their reduced gradients makes it the most affordable choice that produces realistic results for thermochemistry. However, much recent research has focused on its poor performance for solid-state lattice constants; the results for lattice constants can be improved but only at the cost of making the energetic predictions worse. In the present article, we propose a new density functional, called N12, which may be thought of as a generalization of range-separated functionals. The N12 functional depends only on the spin-labeled electron densities and their reduced gradients, but with a new kind of nonseparable term that gives it much greater flexibility. The N12 functional is the first exchange–correlation fu...
Groups of p53 target genes involved in specific p53 downstream effects cluster into different classes of DNA binding sites

The tumor suppressor protein p53, once activated, can cause either cell cycle arrest or apoptosis through transactivation of target genes with p53 DNA binding sites (DBS). To investigate the role of p53 DBS in the regulation of this profound, yet poorly understood decision of life versus death, we systematically studied all known and potential p53 DBS. We analysed the DBS separated from surrounding promoter regions in yeast and mammalian assays with and without DNA damage. p53 efficiently utilized the DBS of MDM2 and of genes connected to cell cycle arrest, DNA repair and the death receptor pathway of apoptosis. However, p53 was unable to utilize two-thirds of the isolated DBS, a subset that included almost all DBS of apoptosis-related genes. Neither ASPP2, a p53-interacting protein reported to specifically stimulate p53 transcriptional activity on apoptosis-related promoters, nor DNA damage resulted in p53 utilization of isolated DBS of apoptosis-related genes. Thus, a major regulation of p53 activity occurs at the level of p53 DBS themselves by posing additional requirements for the successful utilization of apoptosis-related DBS.
5 cases of nerves brucellosis cases investigation and analysis

Objective To improve the understanding of the nerves brucellosis disease. Methods 5 cases of nerves brucellosis coli disease of epidemiological data,clinical manifestation,etiology specific inspection data were retrospectively analyzed and summarized. Results 4 cases were male,1 female,age between 30-60 years old,4 in 5 patients has a history of close contact with sheep,1 case with a history of eat mutton hotpot often. 5 patients have different degree of fever,headache,joint pain. 2 cases of nausea and vomiting associated with meningeal stimulation; 2 cases of hand,foot and numb,1 case of double lower limbs weakness. 5 patients were diagnosed in addition to the general treatment and symptomatic treatment,all application minocycline,rifampicin and ceftriaxone 3 drug combination therapy,cure standards. Conclusions Nerves brucellosis route of transmission is complex,diverse clinical manifestations,imaging and no specific change,so the fetal hydrops,misdiagnosis,when patients with unexplained neurological symptoms,should pay special attention to the presence of brucellosis bacillus history of epidemiology,cerebrospinal fluid brucellosis coli antibodies and serum agglutination test should be as a routine inspection,do early diagnosis,early treatment,improve the prognosis.
Effect of antibiotics and osmotic change on the release of endotoxin by bacteria retained on intravenous inline filters

A study was conducted on the effects of two antibiotics (gentamicin and carbenicillin) and of a sudden change from an isotonic to a hypotonic solution on the release of endotoxin by three gram-negative bacteria(Esherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) growing on a 0.22-mum pore size membrane filter. During a 72-hour constant flow of sterile lactated Ringers's solution through the contaminated filters, no endotoxin was released into the filtrates as tested by the coagulation of Limulus amebocyte lysate. However, flushing the filters with carbenicillin or gentamicin killed the bacteria and caused the release of endotoxin into the filtrates. A sudden osmotic change (flushing the filter with water) did not kill the bacteria nor cause the release of endotoxin into the filtrate.
Induction and intracellular localization of HSP-72 after renal ischemia

To determine whether heat shock proteins (HSPs) might be active in cellular recovery following transient ischemia, we examined rat kidneys for 70-kDa HSP (HSP-70) mRNA expression, protein elaboration, and intracellular localization after 45 min of renal ischemia and reflow of 15 min, 2, 6, and 24 h. Inducible HSP-70 mRNA is present at 15 min of reperfusion, peaks between 2 and 6 h, and falls by 24 h. Inducible 72-kDa HSP (HSP-72) protein accumulates progressively through 24 h and is found in both soluble and microsomal fractions following ischemia. Within proximal tubules, immunofluorescent localization of HSP-72 is restricted to the apical domain at 15 min, is dispersed through the cytoplasm in a vesicular pattern at 2 and 6 h, and has migrated away from the apical domain at 24 h. A portion of the vesicular HSP-72 is associated with lysosomes; no intranuclear HSP-72 is detected. The course of mRNA induction, protein elaboration, and HSP-72 localization coincides with previously described changes in proximal tubule morphology and polarity following sublethal ischemic injury. HSP-72 may be instrumental in cellular remodeling and restitution of epithelial polarity during recovery from ischemic renal injury.
Using Morphed Images to Study Visual Detection of Cutaneous Melanoma Symptom Evolution.

Early detection attenuates otherwise high mortality from the skin cancer melanoma, and although major melanoma symptoms are well defined, little is known about how individuals detect them. Previous research has focused on identifying static stimuli as symptomatic vs. asymptomatic, whereas under natural conditions it is changes in skin lesions that most demand vigilance. Three experiments explored detection-of-change behavior using a series of images in which melanoma symptoms gradually increased in severity. Goals included exploring perceptual properties of the images in generalization-testing and modified psychophysical procedures, and examining the smallest amount of change in symptom severity that was detected in laboratory conditions vs. an approximation of field conditions. Precise measurement of detection behavior is seen as a prerequisite to evaluating the effectiveness of interventions for improving skin self-examination.
Influence of galactosyl lactose on energy and protein digestibility, enteric microflora, and performance of weanling pigs.

ABSTRACT: In three experiments, weanling pigswere used to investigate the effect of feeding .5%galactosyl lactose in a simple corn-soy diet on nutrientdigestibility, selected ileal microbial concentrations,fermentation acids, and performance. In Exp. 1, 2021-d-old weaned pigs in two replicate trials were fedeither a 19% CP corn and soybean meal diet or asimilar diet containing .5% galactosyl lactose. Fecesand urine were collected over a 3-wk period todetermine apparent CP and energy digestibilities.Apparent digestibilities of CP and energy were notdifferent between treatments. In Exp. 2, 2414-d-old nursing pigs were cannulated at the terminalileum and fed the diets described above after weaningat 21 d of age. Ileal samples were collected at 20, 23,27, 30, 34, 37, and 41 d of age. Samples were assayedfor VFA, lactate, and selected microflora. Ileal fermen-tation acid concentrations and selected microflorawere affected by age of pig but were not differentbetween feed treatments. In Exp. 3, 91 21- to24-d-old weaned pigs were fed the control and testdiets already described; intake, BW gain, and feedefficiency were determined for 9 wk after weaning.Intake was greater in pigs fed galactosyl lactose, butADG and gain/feed did not differ between treatments.Inclusion of galactosyl lactose in weanling pig dietsdid not affect protein or energy digestibility,microflora, short-chain fatty acids, or performance ofyoung pigs.Key Words: Pigs, Oligosaccharides, Volatile Fatty Acids, IleumJ. Anim. Sci. 1997. 75:1009–1016
Stochastic integrals and differential systems

We abstract and extend the stochastic integration with martingale integrators to more general processes for which the dominated convergence theorem is still valid. The motivation here is to obtain a unified treatment of several different stochastic integrals, available in the literature, by means of a generalized boundedness principle based on a fundamental idea formulated by S. Bochner. After presenting the semi-martingale integrals in the next section, to serve as a key example, the desired boundedness principle is treated in detail in Section 2. It is also shown there, and in Section 3, that the earlier integrals fit in this frame work; and several applications are worked out to exhibit the universality of the principle, including some vector and multiparameter cases. The rest of the chapter is devoted to the existence (and unicity) of solutions of both linear and nonlinear higher order stochastic differential equations and its progression to stochastic flows for the L 2,2-bounded case. This work takes up Sections 4 and 5 below, and most of Section 4 appears in book form for the first time. Several other results are included in the Complements section.
Effect of Intraoperative Dexamethasone on Pain Scores and Narcotic Consumption in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Objective To examine whether the addition of intravenous dexamethasone during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) would be effective at reducing postoperative pain scores and postoperative opioid consumption. Methods A total of 102 patients undergoing TKA were placed into two groups: 55 subjects received intraoperative dexamethasone 8 mg intravenously (treatment group) and 47 did not receive dexamethasone at any time during the perioperative period. Comparison was made using the 0–10 numeric pain rating scale and the amount of opioids used in each group. Results Patients who received dexamethasone required significantly less oral opioids compared to the control group. Pain scores at 24 h post-surgery were significantly less for the dexamethasone group compared to the control group. There was no difference between groups in regards to patient-controlled analgesic dose or pain scores in the post-anesthesia care unit, at 12 or 48 h post-surgery. Conclusion A single dose of dexamethasone given intraoperatively significantly decreased oral narcotic consumption and decreased pain scores 24 h postoperatively. Dexamethasone appears to be a safe modality to use to control pain in patients undergoing TKA.
Abstract 309: Sp-3 But not the NF-kB Transcription Factor Causes the Up-regulation of Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor Expression and Contributes to Hypertension in Aging FBN rats.

We recently reported that age-associated oxidative stress is causal to higher renal angiotensin Type 1 (AT1) receptor function and hypertension in aged Fisher 344 X Brown Norway (FBN) rats. We became interested in examining the mechanism of higher AT1 receptor function in the aging kidneys. Adult (3-month) and aging (21 month) FBN rats were subjected to conscious blood pressure measurement by telemetry approach. The levels of AT1 receptor mRNA in the kidney cortex was measured by qRT-PCR while nuclear Sp-3 and NF-kB-p65 redox-sensitive transcription factors were determined by western blotting. We found that blood pressure was higher in aged than in adult rats (adult vs. old: 110±1 vs. 130±1 mmHg) which was associated with higher AT1 receptor mRNA levels (adult vs. old: 1.51±0.72 vs. 7.86±1.03 DU), and nuclear levels of both Sp-3 (adult vs. old: 0.56±.01 vs. 1.54±.02 DU) and NF-kB-p65 (adult vs. old: 0.9±.01 vs. 1.5±0.01 DU). To further delineate whether sp-3 or NF-kB-p65 or both transcription factors are responsible for the up-regulation of AT1 receptor, human kidney (HK2) cells were transfected with Sp-3 and NF-kB-p65 plasmids. We found that Sp-3 plasmid but not NF-κB-p65 plasmid transfection caused an increase in the levels of AT1 receptor protein in HK2 cells (control vs. transfected: 135±22 vs. 235±10 DU). Furthermore, Sp-3 siRNA treatment resulted in the reduction of Sp-3 (control vs. transfected: 136±10 vs. 93±21 DU) and AT1 receptor protein levels (control vs. transfected: 270±38 vs. 172±201 DU) in HK2 cells. Our results suggest that sp-3 but not the NF-κB-p65 is involved in the up-regulation of renal AT1 receptor that may be contributing to hypertension in aging FBN rats.
Peptide Probe for Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: Electrophoretic Assessment of the Binding Interface and Evaluation of Surface Functionalization.

Noncovalent interactions of peptides and proteins with carbon nanotubes play a key role in sensing, dispersion, and biocompatibility. Advances in these areas require that the forces which contribute to physical adsorption are understood in order that the carbon nanotubes present a degree of functionalization appropriate to the desired application. Affinity analyses of peptides are employed to evaluate the role of tryptophan and arginine residues in physical adsorption to carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Peptides containing arginine and tryptophan, WR(W)n, are used with affinity capillary electrophoresis to identify factors that lead to the formation of peptide–carbon nanotube complexes. The effects of changing the amino acid composition and residue length are evaluated by measuring dissociation constants. Electrostatic interactions contribute significantly to complexation, with the strongest interaction observed using the peptide WRWWWW and carboxylated carbon nanotube. Stronger interaction is o...
REGIONAL LONGITUDINAL STRAIN FOR DIAGNOSIS AND FOLLOW-UP OF CONSTRICTIVE PERICARDITIS: NOVEL ADDITIONAL USE OF AN EXISTING MODALITY

Determination of Constrictive Pericarditis(CP) can be challenging. Regional longitudinal strain may be a novel diagnostic tool for further characterization of CP, but is not routinely used as a part of the evaluation. Furthermore, change in the regional strain pattern post treatment may be used to
Leveraging Aberrant Vasculature in Celiac Artery Stenosis: The Arc of Buhler in Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Abstract Background: Celiac artery stenosis and occlusion have been described rarely in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), although it occurs relatively frequently in this group. An ...
Mentoring International Medical Graduates

The number of IMGs in US surgery continues to increase. IMG applicants should be evaluated as to their overall qualifications rather than solely as an IMG. IMG mentoring must be implemented early, preferably by designated IMG faculty and resident mentors. To optimally mentor IMGs it is necessary to understand their unique challenges upon entering a new country and medical culture. Structured mentoring programs efficaciously mentor IMGs entering US residencies.
Cerebral hemodynamic and metabolic effects of remote ischemic preconditioning in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Background: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a form of endogenous neuroprotection induced by transient, subcritical ischemia in a distant tissue. RIPC effects on cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism have not been explored in humans. This study evaluates hemodynamic and metabolic changes induced by RIPC in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
Clinical Trial Designs and Measures in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias.

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a large group of genetically-diverse neurologic disorders characterized clinically by a common feature of lower extremity spasticity and gait difficulties. Current therapies are predominantly symptomatic, and even then usually provide inadequate relief of symptoms. Going forward, HSP therapeutics development requires a systematic analysis of quantifiable measures and tools to assess treatment response. This review summarizes promising therapeutic targets, assessment measures, and previous clinical trials for the HSPs. Oxidative stress, signaling pathways, microtubule dynamics, and gene rescue/replacement have been proposed as potential treatment targets or modalities. Quantitative evaluation of pre-clinical rodent HSP models emphasize rotarod performance, foot base angle, grip strength, stride length, beam walking, critical speed, and body weight. Clinical measures of HSP in humans include 10-m gait velocity, the Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale (SPRS), Ashworth Spasticity Scale, Fugl-Myer Scale, timed up-and-go, and the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire. We conducted a broad search for past clinical trials in HSPs and identified clincial trials investigating pharmacological agents including atorvastatin, gabapentin, L-threonine, botulinum toxin, dalfampridine, methylphenidate, and baclofen. We provide recommendations for future HSP treatment directions based on these prior research experiences as well as regulatory insight.
Preoperative Chronic Opioid Therapy: A Risk Factor for Complications, Readmission, Continued Opioid Use and Increased Costs After One- and Two-Level Posterior Lumbar Fusion.

Study Design.Retrospective, economic analysis.Objective.To study patient profile associated with preoperative chronic opioid therapy (COT), and study COT as a risk factor for 90-day complications, emergency department (ED) visits, and readmission after primary one- to two-level posterior lumbar fusi
Numerical Solution of the Primitive Equations on the Connection Machine

Since the late 1960’s, the hydrostatic primitive equations have been the basis for operational Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP). These equations describe the time rate of change of the three dimensional atmospheric state variables: wind, temperature, moisture and pressure. Numerical time integration, from a set of initial conditions, for a period of 2 to 10 days provides guidance that has become indispensable to the operational forecaster. These numerical solutions require significant computer resources and operational weather centers have sought out the most advanced digital computers available. The most advanced systems, however, are often saturated shortly after installation as the NWP models increase in resolution and sophistication. The nature of the problem is such that a doubling of the spacial resolution, in 3 dimensions, increases the CPU requirements by a factor of 16 and the memory requirements by a factor of 8. The demand for increased memory and computational speed will most likely continue into the foreseeable future as modelers strive for increased accuracy through better spacial resolution and greater sophistication in the representation of physical processes.
Tailoring the thermal stability of nanocrystalline Ni alloy by thick grain boundaries

Abstracts Nanocrystalline (NC) metals have high strength, but are highly susceptible to grain growth at elevated temperatures due to the driving force to reduce the energy stored at grain boundaries (GBs). In this study, we compared the thermal stability of NC Ni alloy with conventional thin GBs and thick GBs. Thermomechanical treatment was applied to induce thick GBs in the Ni alloy. After annealing at 800 °C, significant grain growth occurs in the Ni alloy with thin GBs; whereas the nanograins with Mo-rich thick GBs remain stable. This study provides a fresh perspective on improving the thermal stability of NC alloys.
Load alleviation of feather-inspired compliant airfoils for instantaneous flow control.

Birds morph their wing shape to adjust to changing environments through muscle-activated morphing of the skeletal structure and passive morphing of the flexible skin and feathers. The role of feather morphing has not been well studied and its impact on aerodynamics is largely unknown. Here we investigate the aero-structural response of a flexible airfoil, designed with biologically accurate structural and material data from feathers, and compared the results to an equivalent rigid airfoil. Two coupled aero-structural models are developed and validated to simulate the response of a bioinspired flexible airfoil across a range of aerodynamic flight conditions. We found that the bioinspired flexible airfoil maintained lift at Reynolds numbers below 1.5x105, within the avian flight regime, performing similarly to its rigid counterpart. At greater Reynolds numbers, the flexible airfoil alleviated the lift force and experienced trailing edge tip displacement. Principal component analysis identified that the Reynolds number dominated this passive shape change which induced a decambering effect, although the angle of attack was found to effect the location of maximum camber. These results imply that birds or aircraft that have tailored chordwise flexible wings will respond like rigid wings while operating at low speeds, but will passively unload large lift forces while operating at high speeds.
Critical Living: Collapsing the Distance between Buzz Words and Practiced Beliefs

As a White dance educator, I write this article to discuss a problem I encounter daily in my collegiate dance classrooms that I imagine is not foreign to others in the dance education community. Wh...
Artificial intelligence in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Background and Aims Artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications have transformed several industries and are widely used in various consumer products and services. In medicine, AI is primarily being used for image classification and natural language processing and has great potential to affect image-based specialties such as radiology, pathology, and gastroenterology (GE). This document reviews the reported applications of AI in GE, focusing on endoscopic image analysis. Methods The MEDLINE database was searched through May 2020 for relevant articles by using key words such as machine learning, deep learning, artificial intelligence, computer-aided diagnosis, convolutional neural networks, GI endoscopy, and endoscopic image analysis. References and citations of the retrieved articles were also evaluated to identify pertinent studies. The manuscript was drafted by 2 authors and reviewed in person by members of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Technology Committee and subsequently by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Governing Board. Results Deep learning techniques such as convolutional neural networks have been used in several areas of GI endoscopy, including colorectal polyp detection and classification, analysis of endoscopic images for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection, detection and depth assessment of early gastric cancer, dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus, and detection of various abnormalities in wireless capsule endoscopy images. Conclusions The implementation of AI technologies across multiple GI endoscopic applications has the potential to transform clinical practice favorably and improve the efficiency and accuracy of current diagnostic methods.
Men’s Health and Psychiatry

Prevalent mental health conditions vary significantly between men and women. Men have more substance use disorders, autism, and ADHD, while women have twice the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders as men. These differences in prevalent mental health conditions may be mediated in part by androgens. Testosterone has effects on brain structure and function including increased cerebral blood flow, serotonergic neural firing, neurogenesis, and neurotransmitter regulation. With aging, testosterone levels decline, and depressive illness and medical morbidity increase. Most cross-sectional and prospective studies have reported an association between low serum testosterone levels and depressive symptoms. This association may be due to a physiologic effect of low serum testosterone, but also could be related to confounders such as medical morbidity. The results of testosterone treatment trials on mood have been conflicting with particular subgroups of men appearing to be more responsive to testosterone treatment. Men who were more likely to respond to testosterone treatment were hypogonadal, middle-aged men with less severe depressive disorders or treatment refractory depression. Men who were less likely to respond were eugonadal or older than 60 years. Due to conflicting findings from prior studies, testosterone cannot be recommended as routine treatment for men with depressive illness, particularly for major depression. However, in men diagnosed with hypogonadism, potential beneficial mood effects could be considered when assessing the overall benefits and risks of treatment. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of testosterone on mood and to identify subgroups of men who may be more responsive to it.