cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Alleganiensis) in the Coosawattee River System (Mobile River Basin), Georgia

Abstract Here we report the first record of the Eastern Hellbender in the Mobile River Basin (Cartecay River, Coosawattee River system) of northwest Georgia. Nearly all records of Eastern Hellbenders in the southeastern United States are from Tennessee or Ohio river drainages (Mississippi River Basin); a few historic records of presumably introduced origin are also known from the Savannah drainage (Atlantic Basin). We first captured this species in June 2009 while surveying for fishes. We then carried out Hellbender surveys at 6 sites and captured 2 individual Hellbenders in the Cartecay River within 1 river km of our first collection site. However, no more Hellbenders were found during additional fish surveys at 21 sites. Microsatellite data indicate an 84% probability of membership with a Hellbender population in the adjacent Toccoa River system (Tennessee drainage), suggesting either natural historic dispersal (e.g., via stream capture) or a more recent introduction from the Toccoa into the Cartecay sy...
Selection Criteria for Postmastectomy Radiotherapy in T1–T2 Tumors with 1 to 3 Positive Lymph Nodes

Background Postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) is well established in patients with ≥4 positive axillary lymph nodes (ALN); indications in 1 to 3 positive ALN remains controversial. We examined clinicopathologic criteria used for PMRT selection and compared locoregional recurrence (LRR), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) among patients with and without PMRT.
On the exact planning of the GMPLS-based metro core network

The continuing rapid increase in the number of wavelengths per fiber will dramatically increase the size of OXCs/ROADMs in the WDM-based metro core networks. This calls for the use of the multi-granular switching concept introduced in GMPLS to avoid the cost explosion of these optical switches. This paper addresses the optimal planning problem of the GMPLS-based metro core network by (1) considering the whole traffic flow hierarchy defined in GMPLS, and (2) maintaining the color-continuity constraint for all optical flows. We call such a planning problem the routing and multi-granular paths assignment (RMGPA). The objective of the problem is to minimize the total weighted port count in the metro core network. The problem is formulated as an MILP model. Due to the computational complexity of the problem, the MILP model is solved for small-sized problems.
Isolation and characterization of a novel human prostatic stromal cell culture: DuK50.

A novel human prostatic stromal cell culture, designated DuK50, has been passedin vitro >12 mo. Tissue cultures were obtained from material harvested within a normal region of a radical prostatectomy specimen. These monolayers exhibited normal fibroblastic characteristics with each cell having a flattened, elongated appearance. Karyotypic analysis revealed a normal, male 46, XY chromosomal content with no numerical or structural abnormalities. DNA analysis using a Cell Analysis Systems Image Analyzer confirmed a euploid DNA content (7.9 pg DNA). Cellular markers for verification of stromal cell type were performed by immunohistochemical techniques. DuK50 stained positive for vimentin and fibronectin. Immunostains for epithelial cytokeratins and prostate-specific antigen were negative, which ruled out contamination with prostatic epithelial cells. Negative immunostaining with desmin monoclonal antibody and light staining with smooth muscle actin alpha is consistent with the staining pattern of myofibroblasts. Response to various androgens, measured by a microculture tetrazolium assay technique, revealed a significant growth stimulation of DuK50. Soft agar invasiveness assays and tumorigenicity studies in nude mice were negative. DuK50 exhibits a rapid doubling time with excellent plating efficiency, thrives in a readily available media supplemented with fetal bovine serum, and passes with routine trypsin protocols. The availability of this prostatic stromal cell culture may facilitate studies on this cell type’s role in growth factor modulation, drug and steroid metabolism, and stromal-epithelial interactions in the prostate.
Pharmacology and function of imidazole 4-acetic acid in brain.

Abstract 1. Imidazole 4-acetic acid (IMA) is a naturally occurring metabolite in brain, although it is unclear what biochemical pathways are involved in its biosynthesis and breakdown. Some evidence, however, suggests that IMA is an oxidation product of histamine. 2. The compound has pronounced neuropharmacological properties, many of which are consistent with an activation of GABA A receptors. Indeed, IMA is able to displace [ 3 H]GABA from GABA A sites in a potent manner. 3. IMA displays definite partial agonist characteristics as an enhancer of benzodiazepine binding to the GABA A receptor complex in membrane preparations. In addition, it has an affinity for GABA C receptors, where it seems to act as an antagonist, and perhaps as a weak partial agonist. A third recognition site for IMA in brain is the I 1 -imidazoline receptor. 4. Parenteral administration to experimental animals leads to a sleep-like state which can often be accompanied by seizures. In addition, central application of IMA has been associated with a dose-related reduction in arterial pressure and sympathetic nervous discharge. 5. No specific receptor site or uptake system for IMA has yet been discovered, adding uncertainty to its role in central nervous system function. Yet the possibility cannot be overlooked that IMA plays a role in regulating blood pressure.
Intrauterine viral infection at the time of second trimester genetic amniocentesis

Objective: To determine whether preexisting intrauterine viral infection is associated with postamniocentesis pregnancy loss. Methods: We accessed our bank of second-trimester amniotic fluid (AF) samples obtained aseptically and stored at −20C from all 11,971 women who underwent genetic amniocentesis between 1988 and 1995. Samples were retrieved from every case of spontaneous pregnancy loss within 30 days of the amniocentesis (excluding aneuploidy and anomalies, n = 66). Sixty-six control samples were randomly chosen from subjects who delivered at term and were matched for year of test, gestational age, maternal age, and indication for amniocentesis. Investigators were blinded to the status of the samples, which were studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of adenovirus, parvovirus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, enterovirus, influenza A virus, and β-actin DNA. Results were compared with interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels previously measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the same samples. Results: Sixty-two study cases and 60 controls were sufficient for all PCR studies. Fourteen AF samples contained a single virus: five (8%) of 62 study cases and nine (15%) of 60 controls (P = .27). Adenovirus accounted for nine (64%) of 14 viruses identified: four of 62 cases and five of 60 controls (P = .74). Cytomegalovirus was not identified in any study cases but was found in three controls. The mean IL-6 levels in samples with and without virus were not significantly different (4.8 ± 15.9 ng/mL with virus compared with 2.0 ± 8.8 ng/mL without virus; P = .53). Conclusion: Presence of virus in second-trimester AF is not significantly associated with elevated IL-6 levels or with early postamniocentesis pregnancy loss.
Perceived growth and decline following breast cancer: A comparison to age-matched controls 5-years later.

Research indicates that individuals who experience stressful life events, such as a diagnosis of cancer, often experience both positive and negative changes as a result of their experiences, but little research has compared these changes with those of a control group who have experienced other stressful life events. We compared 184 5-year breast cancer survivors (Stages: I, II, and III; 95% Caucasian) with 184 age-matched controls in terms of perceived growth and decline that stem from stressful events. Survivors reported on their experience with cancer, whereas controls identified the most stressful event that happened to them 5 years ago. Survivors reported more growth (e.g. appreciation of life) and more decline (e.g. physical side effects) compared with controls. However, there were no group differences in reports of psychological stress. When survivors were compared with controls whose stressor was a personal health problem, many of the differences in growth between the two groups remained, but the differences in decline disappeared. These findings suggest that some growth is unique to breast cancer, but much of the decline associated with breast cancer is similar to the decline associated with other types of health problems. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Note on the Problem of Determining the Most Effective Predictor Variables in Multiple Regression

A PROBLEM that often troubles educators is de termining which variables most effectively predict a certain criterion such as grades. Oftentimes a number of predictor variables are considered and the primary aim is to select as few of these as pos sible for prediction purposes without losing too much predictive power. Several possible approach es to resolving such a problem do not always lead to the same solution. A convenient solution is sometimes found through logical analysis, while other times variables are selected that are most practically feasible. When the problem is consid ered statistically, it is a matter of determining the least number of predictor variables that account for most of the variance in the criterion variable. Fre quently this becomes a question of determining which combination of perhaps two or three predic tor variables appears to be the most useful combi nation of the original six or seven predictors con sidered. Although procedures for handling such a problem statistically are described in many statistics text books, several important points in relation to the application of these procedures seem to be in need of clarification. Specifically, application of such procedures can lead to conflicting results unless caution is exercised in defining the problem. The oretically the problem could be stated in a number of ways, but for illustration purposes this paper will concentrate upon only two of these. First, a solution might be sought by eliminating predictor variables from the total multiple corre lation coefficient for all variables included in the problem, with the aim being not to reduce the size of this R significantly (or the amount of variance accounted for). Those variables that remained af ter this elimination process would be used for pre diction purposes. A second solution to the same multiple regression problem could be found by start ing with a single variable and adding other variables that contribute significant amounts of variance until the best combination is identified. An example will illustrate the divergent outcomes that can be obtained due to the different definitions employed. In solving for these solutions, letus use a set of hypothetical multiple correlation coefficients for eight predictor variables as shown in Table 1.
Role of secondary lymphoid tissues in primary and memory T-cell responses to a transplanted organ.

Secondary lymphoid tissues are the hub of adaptive immune responses wherein rare cognate lymphocytes encounter dendritic cells bearing antigen from peripheral tissues and differentiate into effector and memory cells that eliminate antigen. It is accepted that immune responses against microbial and tumor antigens are initiated within secondary lymphoid tissues. There is less agreement on whether the same principle applies to immune responses to a transplanted organ because an allograft expresses foreign major histocompatibility complex and contains donor antigen presenting cells that could activate T cells directly in situ leading to rejection. Recent studies confirm that although naive T cells can be primed within the allograft, their differentiation to effect rejection is dependent on secondary lymphoid tissues. Antigen-experienced memory T cells, unlike Naive T cells, function largely independent of secondary lymphoid tissues to cause allograft rejection. In an alloimmune response, secondary lymphoid tissues support not only immune activation but also immune regulation essential for allograft survival. Here, we will review recent findings and discuss the role of secondary lymphoid tissues in primary and memory alloimmune responses.
Recent progress in the analysis of sugar monomers from complex matrices using chromatography in conjunction with mass spectrometry or stand-alone tandem mass spectrometry

Analysis of trace levels of carbohydrate monomers in complex matrices requires excellent discrimination of the peaks of interest from background noise. Minimizing contaminating peaks introduced during sample preparation and chromatography is extremely important. However, the exquisite selectivity of the mass spectrometer is essential as a chromatographic detector in this regard. Traditionally gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been the method of choice for trace analysis of derivatized carbohydrates. Recent improvements in commercial tandem mass spectrometers (MS-MS) are encouraging the use of GC-MS-MS for improved specificity in trace analysis. There has also been an explosion in applications of electrospray ionization (ESI) for sensitive introduction of polar molecules (including sugars) into the mass spectrometer. This has encouraged ongoing developments in high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and MS-MS of underivatized carbohydrates. This has the potential to dramatically simplify sample preparation. However, as yet LC-MS and MS-MS do not match the sensitivity of GC-MS or GC-MS-MS. Developments in analysis of sugar monomers from complex matrices using chromatography (GC/LC) in conjunction with mass spectrometry (MS, MS-MS) or stand-alone MS-MS are discussed.
Novel twin study implicates IL-6 in the etiology of young adult Hodgkin lymphoma

Cytokines are small secreted or membrane-bound proteins that act in both an autocrine and paracrine fashion and have a central role in the development and regulation of the immune system. There is increasing interest in the role of these proteins in cancer etiology and pathogenesis.[1][1],[2][2]
Relationship between aquatic toxicity and oxidative degradation of unsubstituted phenylenediamines

The static acute toxicities and degradative rates of the unsubstituted phenylenediamines (pdas) varied significantly among the ortho, para and meta isomers. With fathead minnows, the nominal 96-h LC50s were 0.06, 44 and 1,600 mg/L for p-pda, o-pda and m-pda, respectively. In daphnid tests, the nominal 48-h EC50s were 0.28, 0.87 and 5.9 mg/L for p-pda, o-pda and m-pda, respectively. The nominal 96-h EC50s in algae were 0.28, 0.16 and 2.4 mg/L forp-pda, o-pda and m-pda, respectively. With oxygenation, the times to reach 1/2 initial concentrations were 4 to 9 h for p-pda, 650 to 1,100 h for o-pda and 3,200 to 8,100 h for m-pda. Results suggest acute toxicities of pdas are related to their chemical reactivities (degradative rates) and that pdas may degrade rapidly under environmental conditions.
Ambient temperature predicts sex ratios and male longevity

The theory that natural selection has conserved mechanisms by which women subjected to environmental stressors abort frail male fetuses implies that climate change may affect sex ratio at birth and male longevity. Using time series methods, we find that cold ambient temperatures during gestation predict lower secondary sex ratios and longer life span of males in annual birth cohorts composed of Danes, Finns, Norwegians, and Swedes born between 1878 (earliest year with complete life tables) and 1914 (last birth cohort for which male life span can be estimated). We conclude that ambient temperature affects the characteristics of human populations by influencing who survives gestation, a heretofore unrecognized effect of climate on humanity.
Measurement of optical fiber dispersion and dispersion slope using a pair of short optical pulses and Fourier transform property of dispersive medium

There are several methods to measure the optical fiber dis- persion and dispersion slope. They are, generally, divided into time and frequency domain methods. The modulation phase shift technique (MPS) is a frequency domain method providing the highest accuracy. Time domain methods have lagged behind their frequency domain coun- terparts. Recently, a paper by Tong et al., used the spatial-temporal analogy to improve the time domain measurement past the previous simple minded pulse broadening measurement over the known length of the fiber. In spite of marked improvement, the time domain measurement still remains inferior to MPS. We show that by using a pair of short optical pulses instead of a single pulse, one can alleviate some of the previous shortcomings of time domain methods. The new method achieves excel- lent agreement with the frequency domain technique. © 2001 Society of
Secure, Privacy-Preserving Analysis of Distributed Databases.

In industrial and government settings, there is often a need to perform statistical analyses that require data stored in multiple distributed databases. However, the barriers to literally integrating these data can be substantial, even insurmountable. In this article we show how tools from information technology—specifically, secure multiparty computation and networking—can be used to perform statistically valid analyses of distributed databases. The common characteristic of these methods is that the owners share sufficient statistics computed on the local databases in a way that protects each owner's data from the other owners. Our focus is on horizontally partitioned data, in which data records rather than attributes are spread among the databases. We present protocols for securely performing regression, maximum likelihood estimation, and Bayesian analysis, as well as secure construction of contingency tables. We outline three current research directions: a software system implementing the protocols, se...
Adding insult to injury: effects of interpersonal rejection types, rejection sensitivity, and self‐regulation on obsessive relational intrusion

This study tested the I(3) model [Finkel, 2007; 2008] of intimate partner violence as applied to obsessive relational intrusion (ORI) to assess the relation among self-regulation, rejection, rejection sensitivity (RS), and stalking-related aggression. In Study 1, participants (N=221) read one of three vignettes: no relationship termination, an "internal" rejection (involves an internal attribution to the rejected as cause of relationship ending), or an "external" rejection (external attributions for relationship demise). Next, participants experienced one of two conditions manipulating self-regulation (no depletion vs. depletion). Finally, participants rated their likelihood of engaging in ORI (e.g. unwanted pursuit and/or aggression). Consistent with predictions, participants receiving an internal rejection reported higher aggression than participants experiencing an external rejection, especially when depleted of self-regulation. Study 2 extended the design of Study 1 by adding in a screening survey of RS. Internal rejections still yielded more aggression than other conditions, but this was especially so when rejection-sensitive persons were depleted of self-regulation. In addition to providing support for the I(3) model of aggression, this research shows that not all types of rejection are created equal. Aggr. Behav. 37:1-18, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
Low velocity impact and compression after impact characterization of woven carbon/vinylester at dry and water saturated conditions

Abstract The low velocity impact response and compression after impact strength of dry and water saturated plain weave carbon/vinylester composites have been determined. The composites employed T700 carbon fibers and vinylester 510A and 8084 resins. Quasi-static impact tests were conducted on dry C/VE510A and C/VE8084 to estimate the threshold impact force required to initiate damage in the composites. Falling-weight impact tests were conducted on the composites over a range of impact energies from 6.7 to 47 J. Destructive inspection of damaged panels revealed damage in the form of matrix cracks as well as delamination between fiber bundles. The quasi-static estimation of the threshold impact force was in reasonable agreement with that measured in the impact test. To examine structural degradation due to impact loading, impacted panels were tested in compression (CAI). The CAI strength decreased with increasing impact energy. Absorbed moisture caused further reductions of the CAI strength.
Cysteine proteases and tumor progression

The levels, subcellular distribution and ratio to endogenous inhibitors of cathepsins B and L are frequently altered in tumors. In several cases, these alterations correlate with tumor progression from benign to malignant, which suggests that cysteine proteases may contribute to tumor progression. Analysis and inhibition of cysteine proteases may therefore be clinically applicable in cancer. Several groups have found that cathepsin B serves as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of tumor progression, whereas in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that cysteine protease inhibitors can reduce tumor cell invasion and metastasis in some systems. Thus, cysteine proteases may prove to be an important target for therapeutic interventions aiming at reducing tumor metastasis.
High homocysteine, low folate, and low vitamin B6 concentrations: prevalent risk factors for vascular disease in heart transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND A high plasma homocysteine concentration is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and thrombosis, which are major causes of morbidity and mortality in heart transplant patients. High homocysteine concentrations may be caused by lower folate and vitamin B6 levels. We hypothesized that these patients might have high homocysteine concentrations and low levels of folate and vitamin B6, which could contribute to the development of vascular complications. METHODS Total fasting plasma homocysteine was measured in 189 cardiac transplant recipients and in healthy controls, as were concentrations of folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and creatinine. RESULTS Homocysteine concentrations were higher in recipients than controls (19.1+/-13.0 vs. 11.0+/-3.0 micromol/L, P 90th percentile for controls, 14.6 micromol/L) was seen in 68% of recipients (P<0.01). Folate and vitamin B6 concentrations were lower (5.9+/-4.2 vs. 7.9+/-4.2 pmol/L and 40+/-25 vs. 84+/-77 nmol/L, respectively; P<0.01 for both). Folate and vitamin B6 deficiencies were seen in 10.8% and 17.91% of recipients, respectively (P<0.01). Hyperhomocysteinemia was more frequent in patients with vascular complications after transplantation than in those without (79.2% vs. 63.8%, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Elevated plasma homocysteine and deficiencies of folate and vitamin B6 are common in transplant recipients. A high homocysteine concentration was more common in patients with vascular complications. Prospective studies are now required to evaluate the role of these abnormalities as risk factors for the atherothrombotic complications of transplantation.
Induction of Tension Wood by 2,3,5-Tri-iodobenzoic Acid

TENSION wood, the reaction wood of angiosperms, is usually formed as a morphogenetic response to geotropic and other orientation movements of stems and branches. In general it is formed on the upper side of leaning stems and its formation is thought to be a regulatory response, maintaining the stems and branches in specific orientations. Anatomically, tension wood is characterized by fibres with a conspicuously thickened inner layer of the cell wall, the gelatinous layer, which is unlignified or only partially lignified. In addition there is a marked reduction in the size and number of vessels in comparison with adjacent normal wood1. An eccentricity of growth is frequently associated with tension wood formation, with wider growth rings evident on the tension wood side2.
The R7 RGS protein family: multi-subunit regulators of neuronal G protein signaling.

G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways mediate the transmission of signals from the extracellular environment to the generation of cellular responses, a process that is critically important for neurons and neurotransmitter action. The ability to promptly respond to rapidly changing stimulation requires timely inactivation of G proteins, a process controlled by a family of specialized proteins known as regulators of G protein signaling (RGS). The R7 group of RGS proteins (R7 RGS) has received special attention due to their pivotal roles in the regulation of a range of crucial neuronal processes such as vision, motor control, reward behavior, and nociception in mammals. Four proteins in this group, RGS6, RGS7, RGS9, and RGS11, share a common molecular organization of three modules: (i) the catalytic RGS domain, (ii) a GGL domain that recruits Gβ5, an outlying member of the G protein beta subunit family, and (iii) a DEP/DHEX domain that mediates interactions with the membrane anchor proteins R7BP and R9AP. As heterotrimeric complexes, R7 RGS proteins not only associate with and regulate a number of G protein signaling pathway components, but have also been found to form complexes with proteins that are not traditionally associated with G protein signaling. This review summarizes our current understanding of the biology of the R7 RGS complexes including their structure/functional organization, protein–protein interactions, and physiological roles.
Testing the incremental predictive accuracy of new markers.

BackgroundIt has become commonplace to use receiver operating curve (ROC) methodology to evaluate the incremental predictive accuracy of new markers in the presence of existing predictors. However,...
A generalized model for predicting equilibrium conditions for gas hydrates

A modification of van der Waals and Platteeuw's hydrate equilibrium model which incorporates the effect of spherical asymmetry is developed. A corresponding states correlation is used to predict the deviation of Langmuir constants from ideal values. In this model the Kihara parameters obtained from hydrate equilibrium data agree well with those obtained from virial coefficient data.
The revisit of nonlinear Lagrange relaxation based QoS routing

The development of efficient quality of service (QoS) routing algorithms in a high-speed networking or the next generation IP networking environment is a very important and at the same time very difficult task due to the need to provide divergent services with multiple QoS requirements. Recently, a heuristic algorithm, H/spl I.bar/MCOP, which is based on a nonlinear Lagrange relaxation (NLR) technique, has been proposed to resolve the contradiction between the time complexity and the quality of solution. Even though H/spl I.bar/MCOP has demonstrated an outstanding capability of finding feasible solutions to the multipath constrained (MCP) problem, it has not exploited the full capability that an NLR-based technique could offer. We propose a new NLR-based heuristic, called NLR/spl I.bar/MCP, in which the search process is interpreted from a probability perspective. Simulation results indicate that NLR/spl I.bar/MCP can achieve a higher probability of finding feasible solutions than H/spl I.bar/MCOP. We also verify that the performance improvement of an MCP heuristic has a tremendous impact on the performance of a higher level heuristic that uses an MCP heuristic as the basic step.
The 32 S RNA of Neurospora crassa mitochondria is not a precursor of the mitochondrial ribosomal RNAs.

Abstract Studies on the synthesis of Neurospora mitochondrial ribosomal RNAs by Kuriyama & Luck 1973 have led to the currently accepted idea that the mature 19 S and 25 S rRNA species are synthesized via a common 32 S precursor RNA. The present results provide evidence that the 32 S RNA band analyzed by Kuriyama & Luck was in fact a mixture of low concentrations of rapidly labeled RNA species, probably including separate precursors of 19 S and 25 S RNA, along with higher concentrations of aggregates of mature 19 S and 25 S RNA. The former account for the pulse-labeling characteristics of the 32 S band, whereas the latter contribute most of the mass-label, resulting in misleading hybridization data.
Inactivation of Retinoblastoma Protein in Uveal Melanoma by Phosphorylation of Sites in the COOH-Terminal Region

Uveal melanoma is the most common malignancy of the eye, but little is known about its underlying genetic defects. Melanomas of uveal origin, unlike those of the skin, are rarely familial and have not been linked consistently to mutations in tumor suppressor genes. Here, we investigated the Rb pathway in uveal melanoma. Most tumors displayed strong immunostaining for Rb and p16, suggesting that they were not mutationally inactivated. However, Rb was frequently phosphorylated at serine-807 and serine-811, and cyclin D1 was expressed in many of the tumors. Mutation of these serine residues prevented cyclin D-dependent phosphorylation from inactivating Rb in cultured cells. We conclude that Rb is frequently inactivated in uveal melanoma by phosphorylation of residues in the COOH-terminal region that regulate its activity, and one mechanism for this phosphorylation is overexpression of cyclin D.
A minimax optimization approach to sidelobe suppression filter design

A sidelobe suppression filter is designed to operate simultaneously with a matched filter. For the purpose of the design, a filter is canonically decomposed into two orthogonal components. One is the conventional matched filter, the other is the sidelobe suppression filter. The minimax optimization technique is utilized to determine the optimal filter weights to minimize the peak sidelobe level of the combined filter output. The technique is also applied to design a close-in sidelobe-free filter. The sidelobe performance of the proposed filter is compared with those of the MMSE inverse filter and the matched filter. The loss in processing gain compared with a matched filter and the filtering complexity are also examined.
The frequency and significance of postintubation hypotension during emergency airway management

Abstract Objective Arterial hypotension is a recognized complication of emergency intubation, but the consequence of this event is poorly described. Our aim was to identify the incidence of postintubation hypotension (PIH) after emergency intubation and to determine its association with inhospital mortality. Methods Retrospective cohort study of tracheal intubations performed in a large, urban emergency department over a 1-year period. Patients were included if they were older than 17 years and had no systolic blood pressure measurements less than 90 mm Hg for 30 consecutive minutes before intubation. Patients were analyzed in 2 groups, those with PIH, defined as any recorded systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg within 60 minutes of intubation, and those with no PIH. The primary outcome was inhospital mortality. Results Of 465 patients who underwent emergency intubation, 336 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Postintubation hypotension occurred in 79 (23%) of 336 patients. Patients with PIH had significantly higher inhospital mortality (33% vs 21%; 95% confidence interval for 12% difference, 1%-23%) and longer mean intensive care length of stay (LOS) (9.7 vs 5.9 days, P P Conclusion Postintubation hypotension occurs in almost one quarter of normotensive patients undergoing emergency intubation. Postintubation hypotension is independently associated with higher inhospital mortality and longer intensive care unit and hospital LOS.
A non-linear theory for symmetric, supercavitating flow in a gravity field

An analysis is made of the effect of a longitudinal gravity field on two-dimensional supercavitating flow past wedges. Under the assumption that the flow is both irrotational and incompressible, a non-linear theory is developed for steady flow. By utilizing conformal mapping in combination with the Schwarz reflexion principle, the mathematical problem is reduced to a three-parameter, non-linear integral equation with one constraint. The equation is derived by reflecting the flow about the rigid boundaries; the constraint is obtained by requiring the net singularity strength inside the cavity-wedge system to be zero. A successive-approximation procedure is used to obtain a numerical solution of the integral equation. Typical results are presented in graphs and tables, and the results of the present work are compared to those of Acosta's linear theory.
The Last Mile: Using Fax Machines to Exchange Data between Clinicians and Public Health

There is overlap in a wide range of activities to support both public health and clinical care. Examples include immunization registries (IR), newborn screening (NBS), disease reporting, lead screening programs, and more. Health information exchanges create an opportunity to share data between the clinical and public health environments, providing decision support to clinicians and surveillance and tracking information to public health. We developed mechanisms to support two-way communication between clinicians in the Indiana Health information Exchange (IHIE) and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). This paper describes challenges we faced and design decisions made to overcome them. We developed systems to help clinicians communicate with the ISDH IR and with the NBS program. Challenges included (1) a minority of clinicians who use electronic health records (EHR), (2) lack of universal patient identifiers, (3) identifying physicians responsible for newborns, and (4) designing around complex security policies and firewalls. To communicate electronically with clinicians without EHRs, we utilize their fax machines. Our rule-based decision support system generates tailored forms that are automatically faxed to clinicians. The forms include coded input fields that capture data for automatic transfer into the IHIE when they are faxed back. Because the same individuals have different identifiers, and newborns’ names change, it is challenging to match patients across systems. We use a stochastic matching algorithm to link records. We scan electronic clinical messages (HL7 format) coming into IHIE to find clinicians responsible for newborns. We have designed an architecture to link IHIE, ISDH, and our systems.
Plasma Concentrations of Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid Throughout Human Gestation

Objective: Normal pregnant women are characterized by decreases in blood pressure and dramatic falls in systemic vascular resistance. This vasodilation is lost in pregnancies complicated by proteinuric hypertension (preeclampsia). Because gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) is considered to be both an inhibitory neurotransmitter and an antihypertensive amino acid, we hypothesized that GABA levels might increase throughout gestation and might play a role in the vasodilatory alterations observed in normal pregnancy.Methods: Blood samples for measurement of plasma GABA by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) were obtained from 4 normal nonpregnant women, from 39 pregnant women at various times throughout gestation, and from 5 women with preeclampsia (37-40 weeks).Results: Normal pregnancy was associated with progressive increases (p < 0.01) in plasma GABA levels after the first trimester, reaching maximum values by 27-33 weeks of gestation. In term hypertensive pregnant women, GABA levels were 13 ± 3% lowe...
V–I transition and n-value of multifilamentary LTS and HTS wires and cables

Abstract For low Tc multifilamentary conductors like NbTi and Nb3Sn, the V–I transition to the normal state is typically quantified by the parameter, n, defined by (ρ/ρc)=(I/Ic)n. For NbTi, this parameterization has been very useful in the development of high Jc wires, where the n-value is regarded as an index of the filament quality. In copper-matrix wires with undistorted filaments, the n-value at 5 T is ∼40–60, and drops monotonically with increasing field. However, n can vary significantly in conductors with higher resistivity matrices and those with a low copper fraction. Usually high n-values are associated with unstable resistive behavior and premature quenching. The n-value in NbTi Rutherford cables, when compared to that in the wires is useful in evaluating cabling degradation of the critical current due to compaction at the edges of the cable. In Nb3Sn wires, n-value has been a less useful tool, since often the resistive transition shows small voltages ∼ a few μV prior to quenching. However, in “well behaved” wires, n is ∼30–40 at 12 T and also shows a monotonic behavior with field. Strain induced Ic degradation in these wires is usually associated with lower n-values. For high Tc multifilamentary wires and tapes, a similar power law often describes the resistive transition. At 4.2 K, Bi-2223 tapes as well as Bi-2212 wires exhibit n-values ∼15–20. In either case, n does not change appreciably with field. Rutherford cables of Bi-2212 wire show lower values of n than the virgin wire.
Discovering trends in text databases

We address the problem of discovering trends in text databases. Trends can be used, for example, to discover that a company is shifting interests from one domain to another. We are given a database V of documents. Each document consists of one or more text fields and a timestamp. The unit of text is a word and a phrase is a list of words. (We defer the discussion of more complex structures till the “Methodology” secl-inn \ Ao.aw.;,tc.rl ..r;th r...rh nhrano ;a s h;rtmw nf the YAVU., ~uu”~Icu”n,L& ““lull \.uIUIA yuLCll”U I” Lo ,YYUY”~ y “I Yll” frequency of occurrence of the phrase, obtained by partitioning the documents based upon their timestamps. The frequency of occurrence in a particular time period is the number of documents that contain the phrase. (Other measures of frequency are possible, e.g. counting each occurrence of the phrase in a document.) A trend is a specific subsequence of the history of a phrase that satisfies the users’ query over the histories. For example, the user may specify a “spike” query to finds those phrases whose frequency of occurrence increased and then decreased.
The Search for a Standard: Markets and Media

Communication scholars are frequently oblivious to the market constraints on the media. We often operate in an imaginary world of an unfettered press and an informationhungry public. This diagnostic problem limits our ability through research to strengthen the press as an instrument of democracy. By glossing over constraints on the press— most notably, its need to attract and hold an audience and therefore its need to respond to audience tastes—we issue recommendations so unrealistic that they have no chance of being taken seriously by those in the news business, much less put into practice. In this context, John Zaller’s attempt to develop a new standard for press performance is a constructive one. Zaller proposes nothing less than a wholesale revision of how we think about the press’s responsibility in a democratic society, much like Michael Schudson (1998) recently did in reference to the citizen’s role. Indeed, Zaller’s standard is fitted to Schudson’s standard: a burglar alarm press in the service of the monitorial citizen. Zaller’s standard is constructed around behavioral tendencies. Citizens are said to have a powerful appetite for soft news. They are also said to have little need for highquality news information because their influence is felt primarily through elections where they base their judgments largely on long-standing partisan preferences. Because of these tendencies, says Zaller, the press fulfills its public duty by acting as a warning bell that alerts citizens to threatening developments. It is not obliged to furnish quality information. Most citizens neither want it nor need it. (Zaller excludes elite daily papers, such as the New York Times, from his burglar alarm standard. They would continue to be judged by the quantity and quality of the information they provide.) Is the burglar alarm standard the answer to our diagnostic and prescriptive problem? Does it provide a standard that fits with the press’s capacities and imperatives and with the public’s abilities and needs? Is it the standard we should apply to the performance of virtually all news organizations except the elite few? I believe the answer is no. Zaller’s argument rests on shaky assertions about the nature of citizens as audience and as public. I believe the traditional standard—what Zaller calls the full standard—is a better one, although we need to rethink its application.
Effect of Cobalt Applied to the Cerebellum on Cobalt Experimental Epilepsy in the Cat

SUMMARY Cobalt implant in the frontal lobes of cats has again been shown to cause epilepsy. Adversive seizures with cobalt epilepsy lesions were observed for the first time. It is suggested that adversive seizures may represent a stage in the natural history of the cobalt seizure in the cat which, because of their transient nature, have been missed before. Polyspike-and-wave activity, which some authors suggest is comparable to petit mal epilepsy, was also seen without apparent clinical manifestation of seizure activity. Mirror foci was observed to develop in some animals about the 7th day but were not further investigated. Cobalt implant in the homolateral cerebellar hemisphere, contralateral cerebellar hemisphere and cerebellar vermis did not appear to alter the epileptogenic effect of cobalt in the frontal lobe either in terms of observable behavior of seizure threshold determination. Susceptibility to seizures as measured by seizure threshold appeared to be enhanced when lesions were present on the frontal cortex and on the vermis (declive, tuber, folium vermis, and pyramis) but this difference was not of statistical significance. It is suggested that chronic stimulation of Purkinje cells by cobalt applied to the cortex of the vermis may diminish fastigial nucleus activity. Purkinje cell recordings with microelectrodes are recommended to confirm this hypothesis. RESUME On confirme que 'implantation de cobalt dans les lobes frontaux du chat provoque 'epilepsie et, pour la premiere fois, on a observe des crises epileptiques adversives. On suggere que les crises adversives provoquees par le cobalt constituent une phase de 'evolution naturelle des crises epileptiques et que ces crises adversives n'ont pas ete decrites jusqu'a maintenant du fait qu'elles sont transitoires. On a aussi observe des decharges de polypointes ondes infracliniques, qui selon certains auteurs sont comparables aux decharges de 'epilepsie du type petit mal. Dans certains animaux on a vu apparaitre autour de la 7eme journee des foyers en miroir, qui 'ailleurs n'ont pas fait 'objet 'ulterieures investigations. 'implantation de cobalt dans hemisphere cerebelleux homo et contralateral ainsi que dans le vermis ne semble pas modifier 'effet epileptogene du cobalt dans le lobe frontal, ni du point de vue du comportement, ni du seuil convulsivant. La predispostion aux crises, mesuree en fonction du seuil des crises, a semble augmentee pour des lesions du cortex frontal et du vermis (declive, tuber, folium vermis, et pyramis), mais cette difference n'etait pas statistiquement significative. On pense que la stimulation chronique des cellules de Purkinje, consecutive a 'application du cobalt sur le cortex du vermis peut diminuer 'activite du noyau du fastigium. Des enregistrements avec microelectrodes des cellules de Purkinje sont a envisager aux fins de confirmer cette hypothese.
Eye movements and imitation learning: Intentional disruption of expectation

Over repeated viewings of motion along a quasi-random path, ability to reproduce that path from memory improves. To assess the role of expectations and sequence context on such learning, subjects eye movements were measured while trajectories were viewed for subsequent reproduction. As a sequence of motions was repeated, subjects' eye movements became anticipatory, leading the stimulus' motions. To investigate how prediction errors affected eye movements and imitation learning, we injected an occasional deviant motion into a well-learned stimulus sequence, violating subjects' expectation about the motion that would be seen. This unexpected direction of motion in the stimulus sequence did not impair reproduction of the sequence. The externally induced prediction errors promoted one-shot learning: During the very next stimulus presentation, their eye movements showed that subjects now expected the new sequence item to reappear. A second experiment showed that an associative mismatch can facilitate accurate reproduction of an unexpected stimulus. After a deviant sequence item was presented, imitation accuracy for sequences that contained the deviant direction of motion was reduced relative to sequences that restored the original direction of motions. These findings demonstrate that in the context of a familiar sequence, unexpected events can play an important role in learning the sequence.
Usability guided key-target resizing for soft keyboards

Soft keyboards offer touch-capable mobile and tabletop devices many advantages such as multiple language support and room for larger displays. On the other hand, because soft keyboards lack haptic feedback, users often produce more typing errors. In order to make soft keyboards more robust to noisy input, researchers have developed key-target resizing algorithms, where underlying target areas for keys are dynamically resized based on their probabilities. In this paper, we describe how overly aggressive key-target resizing can sometimes prevent users from typing their desired text, violating basic user expectations about keyboard functionality. We propose an anchored key-target method which incorporates usability principles so that soft keyboards can remain robust to errors while respecting usability principles. In an empirical evaluation, we found that using anchored dynamic key-targets significantly reduce keystroke errors as compared to the state-of-the-art.
Another Role for the Celebrity: Akt and Insulin Resistance

See related article, pages 180–188 Insulin is the most potent anabolic hormone and is essential for tissue development, growth, and maintenance of whole-body glucose homeostasis. Failure of the target cells to respond to insulin stimulation, ie, insulin resistance, is commonly observed under acute stress conditions and in individuals with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes. Insulin resistance has been considered a major risk factor for the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.1,2 Although a well-documented phenomenon, the molecular mechanisms leading to insulin resistance remain elusive, attributable, in part, to the complexity of the insulin signaling pathway. Circulating insulin binds to and activates its cell surface receptor to elicit its biological actions (Figure). The insulin receptor is a widely expressed transmembrane tyrosine kinase consisting of two α- and two β-subunits.3,4 The binding of insulin to the extracellular α-subunit results in a rapid configurational change in the receptor leading to the autophosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues of the intracellular region of the β-subunit.5 This process results in activation of the tyrosine kinase activity of the insulin receptor, which transmits the insulin signal by phosphorylating a number of substrate proteins.5,6 The insulin-receptor signaling involves two major pathways: the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, mainly responsible for mitogenesis and cell growth, and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3-K) pathways, mainly account for the metabolic responses (Figure; although depicted as linear pathways, these two systems also interact under certain conditions). A critical player in the PI3-K pathway is the Ser/Thr kinase Akt (PKB), which serves as a multifaceted intermediary propagating insulin receptor signaling to the diversified downstream biological effectors. Akt has drawn much attention for the versatile roles …