cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A tidal explanation for the sunrise/sunset anomaly in HALOE low-latitude nitric oxide observations

The difference in sunrise and sunset low-latitude nitric oxide (NO) mixing ratios in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) is shown to be consistent with a perturbation induced by the migrating diurnal tide. The vertical wind of the tide can induce factor of 2 changes over 12 hours at the equator. The vertical, latitudinal and temporal structure of NO perturbations closely matches the structure of vertical winds from a tidal model. In addition, previous observations of the seasonal and interannual variation in the tidal wind appear to correlate with NO variations.
Some Comments on the Electrical Conductivity of TTF-TCNQ

Abstract The best organic conductors of electricity known are the charge-transfer salt TTF-TCNQ (tetrathiafulvalinium tetracyanoquinodimethanide) (l), first prepared in these laboratories,1-7 and several of its derivatives8 and analogs.9,10 The chain-like structures4 of these materials lead to conductivities which are highly anisotropic, but metallic in magnitude along the chain axis. Since the propagation of conduction electrons is thus restricted effectively to one dimension, it is natural to expect chemical impurities and lattice defects to influence transport more profoundly here than in conventional threedimensional metals.
Intransitive cycles: Rational choice or random error? An answer based on estimation of error rates with experimental data

The paper presents results from two new experiments designed to test between the ‘rational choice’ hypothesis and the ‘random error’ hypothesis for intransitive choice. Error probabilities and population shares for transitive and intransitive preference types are estimated from data collected in the first experiment. An unrestricted model (which treats intransitive patterns as true patterns) performs no better than a model that is restricted to transitive patterns. Analysis of the conditional distributions of choice patterns, using data from the second experiment, confirms more directly the main results of the first experiment: that observed intransitive choice patterns are due to random error.
The shoot meristem as a site of continuous organogenesis

Abstract In higher plants, organ formation occurs throughout life. This remarkable process occurs at a collection of stem cells termed the shoot meristem. The shoot meristem originates during embryogenesis and is later responsible for generating the above-ground portion of the plant. The shoot meristem can be thought of as having two zones, a central zone containing meristematic cells in an undifferentiated state, and a surrounding peripheral zone where cells enter a specific developmental pathway toward a differentiated state. Recent advances have revealed several genes that specifically regulate meristem development in Arabidopsis . The function of these genes and their genetic interactions are described.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight analysis of the copolymerization reaction of an expanding monomer with a diepoxide

In search of a composite with low stress and low shrinkage properties, this study includes matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight analysis of the photoinitiated cationic polymerization between an expanding monomer [1,5,7,11-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecane (TOSU)] and a diepoxide [bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE)]. Past studies using NMR and differential scanning calorimetry analyses concluded copolymerization indirectly on the basis of deviations from homopolymer product data. This is the first study to provide direct evidence of copolymerization between these species. Unlike previous research, this study enables the identification of the TOSU homopolymer and the absence of the BADGE homopolymer, suggesting initial cationic activation of TOSU. In addition to peaks that correspond to the presumed mechanism for six-membered TOSU polymerization, many peaks have a net gain or loss of cyclic carbonate in support of a new polymerization mechanism participating in the reaction. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5962–5970, 2005
PROSTHODONTICS: ACHIEVING QUALITY ESTHETIC DENTISTRY AND INTEGRATED COMPREHENSIVE CARE

ABSTRACT Background Prosthodontics is the dental specialty responsible for diagnosis, rehabilitation and maintenance of patients with complex clinical conditions involving missing or deficient teeth and/or craniofacial tissues. The essence of the specialty is expert treatment planning. Overview/Literature Reviewed In recent years, new approaches and technology have been introduced as a result of research performed in universities and by industry. The field of prosthodontics continues to evolve owing to a better understanding of the biology of the oral cavity and the introduction of new techniques and improved biomaterials. Improvements in periodontal and oral surgical techniques, implant procedures and materials, esthetic restorative materials, and jaw tracking recorders and articulators have led to enhanced functional and esthetic oral and maxillofacial prostheses. Conclusions and Clinical Implications The complexities of today's technical and clinical procedures and the higher expectations for more esthetically pleasing dentistry by the general patient population have placed a premium on teamwork involving general dentists, specialists and dental technicians.
Surgical treatment of giant basilar artery aneurysms

Microsurgical clip reconstruction of a giant basilar artery aneurysm is considered one of the most challenging operative endeavors in neurosurgical practice. The operation, when carried out successfully, requires both surgical skill and intraoperative judgment. The authors present the surgical approaches and techniques used for the treatment of giant basilar artery aneurysms. In particular, the authors emphasize the extended lateral transsylvian approach, an exposure developed by the senior author (H.H.B.). In addition, this paper details the methods of preoperative evaluation, skull base approaches, proximal occlusive techniques, and the use of cerebral revascularization strategies as an adjunct in aneurysm obliteration.
Proteomic expression profiling and identification of serum proteins using immobilized trypsin beads with MALDI-TOF/TOF.

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is a widely used technique for serum protein expression profiling and biomarker discovery. Many profiling strategies typically employ chemical affinity beads or surfaces to decrease sample complexity of dynamic fluids such as serum or plasma. However, many of the proteins captured on a particular surface or bead are not resolved in the lower mass ranges where time-of-flight mass spectrometers are most effective. Thus, a majority of reported protein expression profiling studies primarily interrogate the native low molecular mass constituents of the target sample. We report an expression profiling workflow that utilizes immobilized trypsin paramagnetic beads following an initial affinity bead fractionation step, thereby reducing large mass proteins to peptides that are better suited to analysis and sequencing determinations. Our bead-based trypsin approach resulted in more efficient digestion of complex serum protein extracts at short incubation times. This method was reproducibl...
Spatial Uncertainty and Ecological Models

Applied ecological models that are used to understand and manage natural systems often rely on spatial data as input. Spatial uncertainty in these data can propagate into model predictions. Uncertainty analysis, sensitivity analysis, error analysis, error budget analysis, spatial decision analysis, and hypothesis testing using neutral models are all techniques designed to explore the relationship between variation in model inputs and variation in model predictions. Although similar methods can be used to answer them, these approaches address different questions. These approaches differ in (a) whether the focus is forward or backward (forward to evaluate the magnitude of variation in model predictions propagated or backward to rank input parameters by their influence); (b) whether the question involves model robustness to large variations in spatial pattern or to small deviations from a reference map; and (c) whether processes that generate input uncertainty (for example, cartographic error) are of interest. In this commentary, we propose a taxonomy of approaches, all of which clarify the relationship between spatial uncertainty and the predictions of ecological models. We describe existing techniques and indicate a few areas where research is needed.
Crystal structure of the 1: 1 complex of 5-fluorouracil and 9-ethylhypoxanthine.

9-Ethylhypoxanthine and 5-fluorouracil form a 1 : 1 crystalline complex. The structure of this complex has been solved by x-ray diffraction analysis. The molecules crystallize in a monoclinic lattice and form a sheet structure in which pairs of fluorouracil molecules are held together by two hydrogen bonds. The 9-ethylhypoxanthine residues fill up the rest of the molecular sheet by forming single hydrogen bonds with each uracil pair.
Locking in stable states of gene expression: transcriptional control during Drosophila development

Cell fate decisions can be maintained during long periods of developmental time by stable states of gene expression. The Polycomb group and trithorax group proteins of Drosophila are key transcriptional regulators that maintain stable expression states during development. Recent advances in knowledge about individual Polycomb group and trithorax group proteins, their mechanisms of action, and potential homologs in mice and humans are contributing to a greater understanding of their roles in gene expression and development.
Stabilizing controllers design for a networks control system with time-varying sampling periods

In this paper, the mathematical model of networked control systems with time-varying sampling periods and delays that they are driven by two Markov chains are established, the necessary and sufficient conditions ensuring the stochastic stability of systems are presented, and the controller design ensuring the stochastic stability of systems is also proposed by using the cone complementarity linearization method. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller design.
Ultrafast coherent dynamics of fano resonances in semiconductors.

We present the first investigation of the ultrafast dynamics of the coherent emission from Fano resonances in semiconductors. Time-resolved femtosecond four-wave mixing (FWM) in GaAs under high magnetic field shows that dephasing is dominated by the coupling between discrete states and continua responsible for the Fano interference. In striking contrast to atomic systems and Lorentzian excitations in semiconductors, the decay of the time-integrated FWM signal is not related to dephasing. This decay is due to quantum interference originating from the interplay between semiconductor many-body effects and Fano interference.
Pulmonary vasoreactivity in animals with relatively increased pulmonary blood flow

Pulmonary haemodynamics and vasoreactivity to pentobarbital and thiamylal were measured in dogs with normal and increased lung blood flow. Pressure response and vasoreactivity were greater in animals with relatively increased flow. Enhanced pharmacological response may be related to more uniform vascular filling and a greater number of open, reacting vessels.
The Promise of the New South: Life After Reconstruction—Fifteenth Anniversary Edition – By Edward L. Ayers

The author set himself an ambitious goal in 1992 when he published a book that, as he notes in this new edition, was “inspired by the sweep and power of C. Vann Woodward's Origins of the New South,...
Semiclassical approach to black hole evaporation

Black hole evaporation may lead to massive or massless remnants, or naked singularities. This paper investigates this process in the context of two quite different two-dimensional black hole models. The first is the original Callan-Giddings-Harvey-Strominger (CGHS) model, the second is another two-dimensional dilaton-gravity model, but with properties much closer to physics in the real, four-dimensional, world. Numerical simulations are performed of the formation and subsequent evaporation of black holes and the results are found to agree qualitatively with the exactly solved modified CGHS models, namely, that the semiclassical approximation breaks down just before a naked singularity appears.
Influence of high pressure gases on polymer‐solvent thermodynamic and transport behavior

Removal of residual solvent and monomers from a polymer through devolatilization can be the limiting step in production throughput. The process may be made more efficient by the addition of a cosolvent. In this work, the effects of two soluble gases, carbon dioxide, and ethylene, on the solubility and diffusivity of a number of solvents in poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(styrene) have been evaluated. The results indicate that in general the solubilities are reduced by the presence of the soluble gases and the diffusivity is significantly increased, with ethylene having the most pronounced effect. Larger solvent molecules benefit more by the presence of the added gas. The implications of this work are that replacement of noninteracting gases such as air or nitrogen with soluble gases can reduce solvent removal times and increase production rates. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Microtubule inhibitors differentially affect translational movement, cell surface expression, and endocytosis of transferrin receptors in K562 cells.

We used quantitative fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence photobleaching recovery techniques to investigate the translational movement, cell surface expression, and endocytosis of transferrin receptors in K562 human erythroleukemia cells. Receptors were labeled with fluorescein-conjugated transferrin (FITC-Tf). Coordinated decreases in surface fluorescence counts, the photobleachig parameter K, and transferrin receptor fractional mobility were observed as FITC-Tf was cleared from the cell surface by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Based on the kinetics of decrease in these parameters, first order rate constants for FITC-Tf uptake at 37°C and 21°C were calculated to be 0.10-0.15 min−1 and 0.02–0.03 min, respectively. K562 cells were treated with colchicine or vinblastine to investigate the role of microtubules in transferrin receptor movement and endocytosis. Treatment of cells for 1 hr with a microtubule inhibitor prevented transferrin receptor endocytosis but had no effect on the translational mobility of cell surface receptors. In contrast, drug treatment for 3 hr caused translational immobilization of cell surface receptors as well as inhibition of endocytosis. These effects were not produced by β-lumicolchicine, an inactive colchicine analog, or by cytochalasin, a microfilament inhibitor. The effect of microtuble inhibitors on transferrin receptor mobility was reversed by pretreating cells with taxol, a microtubule-stabilizing agent. Microtubule inhibitors had no effect on the translational mobility of cell surface glycophorins or phospholipids, indicating that intact microtubules were not required for translational movement of these molecules. We conclude that the translational movement of cell surface transferrin receptors is directed by a subpopulation of relatively drug-resistant microtubules. In contrast, transferrin receptor endocytosis depends on a subpopulation of microtubules that is relatively sensitive to the action of inhibitors. These results appear to demonstrate at least two functional roles for microtubules in receptor-mediated transferrin uptake in K562 cells. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Priming of the nasal mucosa by ragweed extract or by an irritant (ammonia)

Confirming previous work by Connell, it was shown that challenging nine subjects intranasally on successive days with short ragweed extract (SRW) resulted in a priming effect manifested by significantly augmented increases in nasal airways resistance as well as in increasing subjective symptoms. Priming was reproducible and transient. In contrast, significant priming to an irritant, ammonia gas (NH3), could not be unequivocally demonstrated over a similar period of time in these same subjects under the conditions employed. Also, priming these subjects with SRW extract failed to enhance responsiveness to NH3.
Survival of mouse embryos frozen to -196 degrees and -269 degrees c.

Mouse embryos survived freezing to -196 degrees C. Survival required slow cooling (0.3 degrees to 2 degrees C per minute) and slow warming (4 degrees to 25 degrees C per minute). Depending on the specific rates used, 50 to 70 percent of more than 2500 frozen and thawed early embryos developed into blastocysts in culture after storage at -196 degrees C for up to 8 days. When approximately 1000 of the survivors, including some frozen to -269 degrees C (4 degrees K), were transferred into foster mothers, 65 percent of the recipients became pregnant. More than 40 percent of the embryos in these pregnant mice gave rise to normal, living full-term fetuses or newborn mice.
Major Urologic Problems in Geriatrics: Assessment and Management

Elderly urologic patients require the same cautions as used in development of treatment programs for them in other disciplines. Because of potential interference with poor renal function or crossover effects with central or peripheral nervous system, however, many urologic drugs must be titrated appropriately. In treating cancer, erectile dysfunction, incontinence or urinary infection, patient quality of life and life span become dominant factors in making therapeutic decisions, by behavioral change, medication, or surgical intervention.
Gate dielectric reliability in the sub threshold regime

The dielectric reliability of devices operating in the high bias, low gate current sub threshold state that can occur in analog and mixed signal designs is investigated using substrate hot carrier injection to accelerate breakdown. The complexities of this stress mode are elucidated and a reliability projection methodology is presented.
Chemistry of Puupehenone: 1,6-Conjugate Addition to Its Quinone−Methide System

The marine natural product puupehenone (1), isolated in good yields from sponges of the genus Hyrtios, has been shown to undergo stereospecific 1,6-conjugate addition to its quinone-methide system. Several nucleophilic agents such as hydrogen cyanide, Grignard reagents, and nitroalkanes were studied, producing structurally diverse compounds. This lead optimization study was initiated due to the bioactivity of puupehenone and its natural analogues, which includes numerous previous reports of potential anticancer and antiinfective activity.
Sub-cellular localization and characterization of DNA polymerases from rat liver and hepatomas.

Summary Previous studies from this laboratory described a correlation between DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase activity in a variety of normal rat tissues, regenerating rat liver and a series of 12 types of rat hepatomas. DNA polymerase in these tissues, isolated by the Mantsavinos procedure, was separated into two peaks of activity by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. A low molecular weight fraction prefers native DNA primer, is the predominant component of normal rat liver and increases markedly in regenerating liver. A fraction of high molecular weight material which prefers denatured DNA as primer is present to a small extent in normal and regenerating rat liver but increases markedly in fetal rat liver (−6 days from birth), other developing tissues of the rat, rat hepatomas, rat renal tumors and various human cancers. Sub-cellular fractionation of rat liver and selected Morris hepatomas showed that DNA polymerase activity preferring denatured DNA primer is associated with a cytoplasmic smooth membrane fraction in normal liver and is present in the nucleus, as well as with the smooth membranes from hepatoma tissues. The activity with these fractions from the progressed hepatoma 7777 was markedly increased. DNA polymerase preferring native DNA as primer is associated with the nucleus and ribosomes of rat liver and hepatoma. DNA polymerase associated with these sub-cellular fractions from rat liver and hepatoma tissues was partially purified and the properties of the polymerase compared. The ribosomal- and nuclear-associated polymerase of rat liver appears to be the same enzyme in that the physical and enzymatic properties of the purified enzyme are identical. The membrane-associated DNA polymerase, also present in nuclei of hepatomas, has different physical and enzymatic properties than the polymerase associated with both ribosomes and nuclei of liver. After purification both enzymes prefer “activated DNA” as primer. Purified membrane polymerase is free of nuclease activity but purified ribosome polymerase contains a small amount of endonuclease activity that produces single-strand breaks in DNA (“nickase”). All four deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates are required for normal activity of both polymerases but the purified polymerase from ribosomes has about 25% maximal activity in the presence of a single deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate. This activity does not appear to catalyze terminal addition to the primer since experiments with homodeoxyribopolymers demonstrated a requirement for base pairing with the template. We suggest that the physiological function of the polymerase associated with ribosomes and nuclei is in limited polymerization reactions such as DNA repair. The polymerase associated with smooth membranes, and present in the nuclei of proliferating tissues, may function in the replication reaction. Furthermore, we support earlier suggestions ( 18. , 33. ) that the presence of these enzymes in cytoplasm may be due to their origin in this compartment of the cell.
Rolling with the punches: An examination of team performance in a design task subject to drastic changes

Designers must often create solutions to problems that exhibit dynamic characteristics. For instance, a client might modify specifications after design has commenced, or a competitor may introduce a new technology or feature. This paper presents a cognitive study that was conducted to explore the manner in which design teams respond to such situations. In the study, teams of undergraduate engineering students sought to solve a design task that was subject to two large, unexpected changes in problem formulation that were introduced during solving. High- and low-performing teams demonstrated very different approaches to solving the problem and overcoming the changes. The results indicate that there may exist a relationship between problem characteristics and fruitful solution strategies.
Unfused Involutions in Finite Groups

ABSTRACT Let x be a p-element of a finite group G. We say that x is unfused in G if, for some Sylow p-subgroup S of G containing x, all G-conjugates of x in S are S-conjugates. It is shown (using the classification of finite simple groups) that a finite group that contains an unfused involution has a chief factor of order 2. #Communicated by M. Dixon.
Fenestrated cisternae in the Golgi apparatus of the epididymis.

Attention is directed toward the occurrence of fenestrations or pores in Golgi cisternae of rat and mouse epididymis. There is a gradation in the degree of cisternal fenestration within a Golgi complex. Cisternae at the convex pole are highly flattened and contain few pores, but those near the concave side are distended and exhibit a large number of roughly circular fenestrations 300–600 A in diameter. Cisternae in the middle of a stack often have an unperforated central portion that is surrounded by a fenestrated and expanded peripheral region. The structure of these Golgi complexes is compared with previous descriptions of Golgi cisternae, particularly the fenestrated cisternae reported in plant cells.
Low-dose prazosin in patients with muscle cramps during hemodialysis.

Sympathetic nervous system response to volume stress is more marked in patients with frequent hemodialysis-associated skeletal muscle cramps than in most patients who cramp infrequently. Accordingly, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, and balanced trial in which five patients with frequent hemodialysis-associated cramps were given either placebo or a prazosin dose (ranging from 0.25 to 1.0 mg) at the start of 16 dialysis sessions. These low doses of prazosin appeared to reduce cramp frequency in four of the five patients, and patient-stratified multiple logistic regression analysis indicated an aggregate 58% reduction in cramp frequency (p = 0.030). On the other hand, prazosin therapy was associated with an increased incidence of hypotension that required therapeutic intervention both during (p = 0.033) and after (p = 0.010) hemodialysis. Our findings support the hypothesis that sympathetic activation plays a pathogenetic role in hemodialysis-associated skeletal muscle cramps and suggest that pharmacologic attenuation of this response may be of therapeutic benefit. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1994) 56, 445–451; doi:10.1038/clpt.1994.159
Nonadiabatic Calculations of the Dipole Moments of LiH and LiD.

We present very high-accuracy fully nonadiabatic calculated values for the dipole moments for the ground states of LiH and LiD. These results were calculated via numerical differentiation of the energy obtained at different electric field strengths. The values for the energy were obtained from variational optimization with analytical gradients of the wave function expanded in a basis of explicitly correlated floating s-type Gaussian functions. The values obtained for LiH and LiD, 2.3140 and 2.3088 a.u., are nearly identical to those obtained by experiment.
Saturated‐liquid and vapor densities for polar fluids

Relationships have been developed for the saturated-liquid density and the compressibility factor of saturated vapors by an extension of Pitzer's acentric factor approach. The fourth parameter for polar fluids defined previously by the authors in terms of the vapor pressure was utilized. For the saturated-liquid density and the critical compressibility factor quadratic terms were necessary to accurately represent the data for a wide range of normal and polar fluids including large polar molecules. Comparisons for substances not used in the development of the relationships indicate that good results can be obtained for polar fluids by the method of this study.
A learning algorithm for connectionist concept classes

A connectionist learning algorithm, the BRD (bounded, random, distributed) algorithm, is defined and formally analyzed within the framework of computational learning theory. From a neural network viewpoint this framework gives clear definitions to such commonly used terms as 'generalization' and 'scaling up' and addresses such issues as what class of functions is being learned, how many training examples should be used, how many iterations are required, and with what certainty can one be assured of learning a good model? From a computational learning theory perspective, a new class of connectionist concepts is shown to be polynomially learnable using the BRD algorithm. Since a variant of the BRD algorithm is in current use for tasks such as pattern recognition, this makes it one of the few learning algorithms shown to be polynomial within the computational learning theory framework that is close to an 'industrial strength' algorithm. >
Iterative interference management in coded passive wireless sensors

Coded wireless sensor networks enable high resolution spatio-temporal data collection from passive battery-free wireless sensors. The quasi-orthogonal digital codes embedded in analog sensors allow for separation of their responses to interrogating signals under certain conditions. Although these types of sensors promise to enable a large array of new applications, they come short in interference management. This study sheds light on the limitations of these types of sensor networks and present novel methods for managing interference in a passive fashion.
Gating charge differences between two voltagegated K+ channels are due to the specific charge content of their respective S4 regions

Voltage-gated ion channels that differ in their primary amino acid sequence in the putative voltage sensor, the S4 region, show distinct voltage-sensing characteristics. In this study, we directly compared two voltage-gated K+ channels, the mammalian RCK1 with the Drosophila Shab11, and correlated the specific amino acid content of their respective S4 regions with the distinct voltage-sensing properties they exhibit. We find that specific differences in the charge content of the S4 region are sufficient to account for the distinct gating valence of each channel. However, differences in residues inside the S4 region are not sufficient to account for each channel's characteristic voltage range of activation.
Remembering a Past President

Remarks prepared for the NCME memorial celebration for Brenda Holliday Loyd (August 3,1949-December 6, 1995) at the Annual Meeting of NCME, New York City, April 10, 1996.
Endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery with intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE The two most recent significant advances in pituitary surgery have been the endonasal endoscopic approach and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (IMRI). Each provides improved visualization of intra- and parasellar anatomy with the goal of attaining a complete resection. The combination of the two techniques has not been previously reported in the literature. METHODS We performed endoscopic, endonasal resection of pituitary macroadenomas in 15 patients using the Polestar N-10 (0.12T) IMRI (Odin Medical Technologies, Inc., Newton, MA). Eleven patients had nonfunctioning tumors, three had acromegaly, and one had a medication-resistant prolactinoma. The effect of the magnetic field on the cathode ray tube screen and the image quality of the IMRI images were assessed. The presence of residual tumor on IMRI was noted and then re-examined with the endoscope. RESULTS Although the Polestar N-10 is a low Tesla magnet, the IMRI caused significant distortion of the cathode ray tube screen regardless of the viewing angle. This was overcome with the use of a wall-mounted plasma screen. IMRI images were obtained in all cases and were of sufficiently high quality to demonstrate adequate decompression of the optic chiasm and the removal of all suprasellar tumor. In three cases, residual tumor was found with IMRI that was resected endoscopically before the completion of surgery. In four other cases, potential residual tumor was examined endoscopically and found to be normal postoperative change. In eight cases no residual intrasellar tumor was seen on the IMRI. Preresection visual deficits improved in all cases and the insulin-like growth factor levels normalized in two of three cases. There were no delayed cerebrospinal fluid leaks. CONCLUSION Combining intraoperative endoscopy and IMRI is feasible and distortion of the cathode ray tube screen can be overcome with the use of either a plasma or liquid crystal display screen. Each technology provides complementary information, which can assist the surgeon in safely maximizing the extent of resection. In this small series using a low-field magnet, rates of residual tumor following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery were less than have been reported following microscope-based transsphenoidal surgery.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Coumarin Anticoagulants XXI: Effect of Plasma Protein Binding on Distribution Kinetics of Warfarin in Rats

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of plasma protein binding on the pharmacokinetic parameters for warfarin that are used conventionally to describe its distribution kinetics on the basis of the time course of plasma warfarin concentrations. Following rapid intravenous injection, warfarin concentrations in the plasma of 14 selected adult male rate declined triexponentially, with the terminal exponential phase starting at about 5 hr. The free fraction, f, of warfarin in the serum of individual animals ranged from 0.303 X 10(-2) to 2.89 X 10(-2). The parameters of the equation Ct = Pe-theta + Ae-alphat + Be-betat for plasma concentration Ct at time t were obtained from the experimental data by nonlinear least-squares computer fitting and varied markedly between animals. Strong and highly statistically significant positive correlations with f were obtained for P, B, and beta, but no significant correlation was found for A, theta, and alpha. Rate constants and apparent volumes for a three-compartment open mammillary model with elimination from the central compartment were calculated. No apparent correlation was found between f and the intercompartment distribution rate constants. However, strong positive correlations between f and the elimination rate constant, the volume of the central compartment, and the volume of distribution, V area, were observed. There also was a strong linear correlation between f ant total clearance. Excellent replication of the experimental data was obtained when the experiment were repeated in some animals after 2 weeks. A detailed analysis of practical pharmacokinetic problems associated with and revealed by such repeated experiments is presented.
High-Impact Political Science Internships in a “Low-Density Opportunity” Environment

Internship placements located away from capital cities and metropolitan areas may lack opportunities for involvement in high-profile issues but they can uphold standards of “high-impact educational practice” (Kuh 2008 ). This study of 59 political science interns at the Mississippi University for Women demonstrates that high-impact outcomes may be generated in small-city placements that include administrative tasks if students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and recommend improvements. Students not only extract information from their experiences for academic assignments, they also appraise the effectiveness of the work unit in attaining its goals and they formulate means by which it may improve procedures and outcomes. The scale of operations in small-city environments broadens the options for this type of analysis: exposure to a wide scope of decision processes and results is preferred to a focus on a specialized task.
FacePerf: Benchmarks for Face Recognition Algorithms

In this paper we present a collection of C and C++ biometric performance benchmark algorithms called FacePerf. The benchmark includes three different face recognition algorithms that are historically important to the face recognition community: Haar-based face detection, Principal Components Analysis, and Elastic Bunch Graph Matching. The algorithms are fast enough to be useful in realtime systems; however, improving performance would allow the algorithms to process more images or search larger face databases. Bottlenecks for each phase in the algorithms have been identified. A cosine approximation was able to reduce the execution time of the Elastic Bunch Graph Matching implementation by 32%.
Informed consent among chronically ill elderly: Assessing its (in)adequacy and predictors

Abstract Physicians are legally and ethically required to obtain informed consent from patients prior to providing medical care. However, the chronically ill elderly may poorly understand the facts that are needed for them to make informed choices, and they also may wish to avoid discussing potentially discouraging information. Interviews of 142 elderly hemodialysis patients were conducted to determine whether informed consent for performing dialysis had been obtained and to explore potential causes of inadequate informed consent. As predicted, most patients lacked information needed to render fully informed consent. However, when we examined potential causes for the very low levels of knowledge reported by patients, we found that patients’ education level, cognitive capacity, and willingness to discuss medical contingencies were stronger predictors of informed consent than were the communicative practices of doctors. Neither doctors’ willingness to promptly disclose the need for dialysis nor their willin...
Antidotes for Acute Bismuth Intoxication

Nine chelating agents were tested as antidotes for acute bismuth intoxication in mice. Of these, those with sulfhydryl groups, adjacent aromatic hydroxy groups or appropriately positioned phosphonate groups proved themselves to be effective antidotes. Of the compounds currently approved for therapeutic use, D-penicillamine was the most effective.
It Depends: Conditional Correlation Between Frequency of Storybook Reading and Emergent Literacy Skills in Children With Language Impairments

The current study examined the association between frequency of storybook reading and emergent literacy in 212 children at risk for language impairment, assessed during the fall semester of kindergarten. Measures included parent-reported storybook reading, as well as direct assessments of print knowledge, letter awareness, and expressive vocabulary. Results suggested nonsignificant to moderate (r = .11 to .25) correlations between frequency of storybook reading and child emergent literacy across the entire range of environment and ability. Quantile regression results suggested that the association was highest at low frequency of storybook reading, particularly for print knowledge, approaching r = .50. Moreover, the association between frequency of storybook reading and emergent literacy was highest at higher levels of emergent literacy for print knowledge, but particularly for letter naming, approaching r = .80. These results suggest that in children with language difficulties, the relationship between as...
A demonstration of incubation in anagram problem solving

The present study attempted to show that longer periods of incubation would lead to an increased facilitation of anagram problem solving. The break between the presentation of anagrams was 0 sec, 20 min, or 24 h. It was found that longer breaks increased the probability that an anagram would be solved. These results suggest that solving anagrams may be a useful task for pursuing studies of incubation.
Rapid Emergence of Echinocandin Resistance in Candida glabrata Resulting in Clinical and Microbiologic Failure

We report a case of Candida glabrata candidemia that developed resistance to micafungin within 8 days of initiation of therapy in a patient without previous echinocandin exposure or other known risk factors for clinical or microbiological failure. Pre- and postresistant isolates were confirmed to be isogenic, and sequencing of hot spots known to confer echinocandin resistance revealed a phenylalanine deletion at codon 659 within FKS2.
A basic unit of computation in distributed systems

The authors define basic units of computation in distributed systems, whether communicating synchronously or asynchronously, as comprising indivisible logical units of computation that take the system from one ground state to another. It is explained how a computation can be viewed as a partial order over the basic units of the computation. The problem of detecting the basic units is considered. One algorithm for creating ground states during a computation in an asynchronously communicating system with FIFO channels is given, and an existing algorithm that implicitly creates ground states in a synchronously communicating system is referenced. The significance of the basic unit is explained, and its applications are given. >
Precise measurement of seismic travel times from an air gun source

Summary. Seismic travel times for extrema, zero-crossings, or entire body waves need to be determined precisely to one part in lo3 or better in several varieties of seismic studies employing an impulsive artificial source. Examples are crosshole surveys which delineate rock crack distribution separating the holes and monitoring of crustal seismic travel times in earthquake precursor studies. A timing resolution of one part in lo3 has been achieved previously using digitally recorded seismic data. These methods, however, do not use interpolation between digitized data points as a method to increase the timing resolution. We report travel-time determinations based on interpolation between digitized points which achieve a precision of two parts in lo4, a five-fold improvement over the existing methods. In addition, the effects of seismic noise on travel-time measurement have been compared for the extremum location, the unnormalized correlation, and the normalized correlation method, The following conclusions are drawn from this comparison: (1) the normalized correlation method provides an 18-55 per cent improvement in the standard deviation of the mean over the extremum location method, and (2) results as accurate as those by the normalized correlation can be obtained by the unnormalized correlation if a complete up-and-down swing of the waveform is used as the master trace and if the master trace is close to being sinusoidal. The advantage of the unnormalized correlation over the normalized correlation is speed; the unnormalized correlation is faster by a factor of 28 in computing time.
Reversing hormone resistance: have we found the golden key?

Hormone receptors are present in the majority of both early- and late-stage breast cancers, with expression found in approximately 65% to 70% of metastatic tumors. Despite the availability of a number of effective hormone therapies, resistance develops in a subset of earlystage tumors and in almost all tumors in the advanced setting. In addition, a subset of hormone receptor–positive tumors are primarily resistant to hormone therapies. The search for mechanisms to reverse resistance has focused on inhibiting pathways that are known to be upregulated in the setting of progressive disease. 1-3 Improvements in response and progression-free survival (PFS) that were seen with the addition of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)– targeted therapy to first-line aromatase inhibitors in patients with HER2-positive, hormone receptor–positive metastatic breast cancer represented the first clear indication that targeting growth factor receptor pathways could be an effective approach to reversing resistance, 4,5 and added additional validity to preclinical models that predicted this effect. 3 However, only approximately 8% to 10% of breast cancers are both HER2- and hormone receptor–positive, so the search for other approaches remains a critical research and clinical question. Phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is the most frequently altered pathway in breast cancer, with both mutations and amplifications of the encoding genes. 6 This pathway mediates a number of critical cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a signal transduction kinase in the PI3K pathway that exists in two multiprotein complexes, mTOR complexes 1 and 2 (mTORC1 and mTORC2; Fig 1). mTORC1 consists of mTOR that is associated with raptor (regulatory-associated protein of mTOR) and is downstream of AKT. In contrast, mTORC2 is associated with rictor (rapamycin-insensitive
Reappraisal of potential risks associated with low-level radiation.

It is well known that acute exposure to high radiation doses can kill in days and that chronic exposure to more moderate doses also may have fatal consequences. It is evident that exposure to low levels of natural radiation has not proven to be harmful. The question addressed is how low is low or are there levels of radiation below which harmful effects cannot be discussed. It is recommended that funding for research in this field be withdrawn until better tools become available - if they ever do - and that a cost-benefit analysis be required prior to any new regulatory decisions.
Ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometric differentiation of dissolved organic matter isolated by coupled reverse osmosis-electrodialysis from various major oceanic water masses

Abstract A high-recovery technique of dissolved organic matter (DOM) isolation – reverse osmosis coupled with electrodialysis (RO/ED) – was used to isolate DOM from the North Atlantic Senegal-Mauritanian upwelling area surface water (5 m), North Atlantic oxygen minimum water (415 m) and deep water (3000 m), North Pacific subtropical gyre surface water (5 m), and North Pacific intermediate water (674 m) and deep water (3500 m). Samples were characterized by ultrahigh resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI FTICR-MS). RO/ED isolated DOM samples share a significant number of common formulas accounting for 54–79% of formulas in each sample. Total dissolved carbohydrate (TCHO) concentrations in RO/ED isolated DOM were specifically measured using a colorimetric method, and were found to have higher contribution to DOC than estimated by FTICR-MS data. Percentages of TCHO-C in DOC are in the range of 3.7–19.6% in all samples, with the North Pacific deep (3500 m) water having the lowest % and the North Atlantic upwelling core surface water having the highest %. Principal component analysis (PCA) using the relative magnitudes of MS peaks facilitated identification of specific peaks that are enriched in different samples. Peaks enriched in surface samples have higher H/C values than peaks enriched in deep samples, in both the North Atlantic DOM and the North Pacific DOM. This enrichment pattern is likely due to the selective photo-degradation of aromatic compounds and the bio-production of aliphatic and carbohydrate-like compounds in surface waters, and the selective bio-degradation of aliphatic and carbohydrate-like compounds with increasing depth. In further support of a photo-degraded signature for DOM in surface waters, photo-resistant and photo-produced molecular formulas were present in the highest numbers in the surface North Pacific subtropical gyre DOM. Peaks enriched in the North Pacific intermediate and deep DOM have significantly higher O/C values than the North Atlantic oxygen minimum layer and deep DOM, for both CHO formula compounds and CHON formula compounds. This difference in O/C values observed for the deep Pacific vs. Atlantic suggests oxidation of DOM, possibly via microbial activity during the ageing of DOM or the preferential remineralization of DOM from sinking particles at depth in the Pacific.
Observations on the Ventricular Dysrhythmia Associated with Atrial Fibrillation in the Dog Heart

The distribution of ventricular cycle lengths and the incidence of "long" cycles were studied during episodes of atrial fibrillation induced by electrical stimulation of the right atrium in exposed dog hearts. It was concluded that the ventricular dysrhythmia can be interpreted in terms of concealed conduction. Long cycles (bracketing one or more responses concealed in the A-V node) tend to favor the occurrence of subsequent long cycles. The probability of occurrence of long cycles is shown to be a function of the duration of the "concealment zone" and of the atrial input frequency.
Book Review: Paul Aarts and Francesco Cavatorta, Civil Society in Syria and Iran: Activism in Authoritarian Contexts (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2012)

Review of Paul Aarts and Francesco Cavatorta, Civil Society in Syria and Iran: Activism in Authoritarian Contexts (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2012) Pp. 259. $58.00 cloth, $22.50 paper.