cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combustion of hydrocarbon fuels within porous inert media

Abstract There has been a recent surge of interest in the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels within porous inert media. The interest has been directed by the needs of industry to develop high performance radiant heaters while complying with increasingly stringent emissions regulations. This paper reviews the processes associated with non-catalytic combustion within porous media, and describes related experimental and modeling research. Experimental measurements in porous media are difficult because of the physical limitations caused for both optical and mechanical probes by the presence of a solid matrix. Modeling is challenging because of the limited knowledge of the fundamentals of the thermal, radiative, and fluid mechanical processes within porous media, and how these participate in the combustion process. Much of the recent interest in the field has followed the commercial availability of reticulated ceramic foams. This paper describes the structural properties of these materials, and their heat transfer properties including convective, conduction, and radiative behavior. The fluid mechanics of porous materials, relating to pressure drop and turbulence flow characteristics are presented. Flames stabilized within the matrix of a porous media have higher burning speeds and leaner flammability limits than open flames. This is due to the internal feedback of heat from the burned gases to the unburned gases through radiation and conduction through the porous medium. This ability to operate at very lean equivalence ratios also contributes to their characteristically low NO emissions. In this paper, we present experimental measurements which show the effects of the porous matrix on reaction rates, flammability limits, and flame stabilization. Exhaust emissions and radiant output from porous media burners are presented for both single-stage and multi-stage burners. The use of liquid fuels in a non-premixed mode of combustion is also discussed. Modeling the combustion process within porous media is quite complex because it requires coupled solution of the energy transfer and chemical kinetics occurring locally in the medium. We present approaches of varying sophistication which predict flame speeds, temperature and concentration profiles, and radiative efficiency.
Pediatric cosmetic dermatology

Dermatologic Cosmetic Surgery is a rapidly expanding field. This expansion is not limited just to the adult population, but it is becoming more appropriate for the pediatric population. The dermatologic cosmetic procedures performed on infants and children, however, vary from those that are performed on adults. The reason behind this difference is the physiologic, psychological, and medico-legal issues that involve the young. Dermatologists recently have been performing more cosmetic-type surgical procedures, especially in an ambulatory setting. Many of these procedures happen to occur on infants and children. Differences in Procedures Between Pediatric and Adult Patients The patient’s age is critical in determining the timing and expected outcomes of a particular surgical procedure. In the infant and small child, cosmetic procedures usually are performed to correct or modify physical attributes that would otherwise severely effect their social or personal development. In the youngest age groups, infants and toddlers have not yet developed an awareness of body image and parent anxiety is the impetus for most cosmetic procedures in this age group. Body image generally develops between 5–10 years of age. At this age, a physical disfigurement may create fear and stress in a child, which may cause parents to seek corrective surgical procedures. 1 Great care must be taken to minimize the psychological trauma these cosmetic surgical procedures may cause a child.
Much About Such

In traditional (e.g. Quirk style) grammars, there is confusion about the classification of the word such. This arises because there is often no clear differentiation between two such's that differ semantically and syntactically: identifying such and intensifying such. I clarify the differences and suggest that the position of such indicates that a more articulated structure, with at least a determiner phrase and a number phrase is needed to account for ‘central determiners.” Using data from the BNC I analyze intensifying such in the framework of the split-degree-phrase hypothesis (Corver 1997). I also consider the structure of the DP containing such, discussing the layered DP (Zamparelli 1995) and predication within the NP (Abney 1987, Bennis et al. 1998).
DIFFUSION CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION NEAR AN IDEALIZED CONTACT SPOT

The distribution of the concentration of a diffusing substance near an idealized contact spot is determined analytically for unsteady self-diffusion across only the contact region. The results demonstrate that the influence of the contact spot is restricted to less than ten spot radii in the radial direction and less than four in the axial direction. Es wird die Konzentrationsverteilung einer diffundierenden Substanz in der Nahe eines idealisierten Kontaktpunktes analytisch fur eine nichtstationare Selbstdiffusion nur durch das Kontaktgebiet hindurch bestimmt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, das des Einflus des Kontaktpunktes auf weniger als zehn Punktradien in radialer Richtung und weniger als vier in axialer Richtung beschrankt ist.
Urinary incontinence in community-dwelling women: clinical, urodynamic, and severity characteristics.

Summary Descriptive data on 145 community-dwelling older women with urinary incontinence are presented. Assessment included history, physical and functional examinations, and urodynamic and severity evaluations. Patients were 67 ± 8 years old, mentally and functionally intact, predominantly white, and of middle-to-upper socioeconomic strata. Specific urodynamic criteria were used to establish the diagnosis of sphincteric incompetence and detrusor instability. Fifteen (10%) did not fulfill either criteria, 90 (62%) had sphincteric incompetence, 17 (12%) had detrusor instability, and 23 (16%) had both. Detrusor and urethral function variables showed some impairment in all patients. Impairment was least in subjects without demonstrable diagnosis and worst in those with both disorders ( p
Aquarium fish dermatologic diseases

Aquarium fish are one of the largest groups of pets kept in the United States. There is an ever increasing demand for veterinary services related to pet fish. Early clinical signs in many infectious and noninfectious diseases of fish are manifested by the skin. In this article, we have reviewed and described the more common environmental and pathogen-related dermatologic diseases of pet fish. Diseases prevention, control, and various treatment protocols also have been discussed.
Transmission line application MATLAB Toolbox based on the graphical design methods of the Smith chart

In this article, we present a transmission line application (TLA) MATLAB Toolbox capable of solving the single-stub and double-stub matching problems for transmission lines using the graphical method of the Smith chart. The package handles both the short stub and open stub cases and provides an analytical and graphical solution. For each of the aforementioned problems, the software produces the corresponding Smith chart and a summary of the final results. The software provides the user with the flexibility to tackle other potential design problems that can be handled by the Smith chart techniques. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 6: 23–30, 1998
Patient, Family, and Staff Responses to End-Stage Renal Disease

The course of a chronic illness is composed of discrete developmental phases, which influence the relationship of the patient to the care-giving system, and the tasks required of patients, families, and medical staff. Family characteristics may influence medical outcome. Compliance may be a critical factor in mediating the biological response to social phenomena. The relationship of the patient to his or her family and the health-care system may change dramatically through the developmental phases of the chronic disease. The case of a patient with endstage renal disease (ESRD) illustrating these concepts is presented.
Effect of Ionizing Radiation of Impurity-Vacancy Dipoles in Lead-Doped NaCl and KCl

The radiolytic behavior of NaCl: Pb and KCl: Pb upon exposure to 1.5-MeV electrons at various temperatures has been investigated by means of optical absorption and ionic thermocurrent (ITC) methods. Irradiation decreases the ${\mathrm{Pb}}^{2+}$ $A$ band at 272 nm and introduces two narrow bands at 207 (210) and 253 nm in NaCl (KCl). Since the new bands decrease in amplitude when holes are released by warming the crystals into the range where they become mobile, and increase in amplitude at the expense of the $A$ band when electrons are released by $F$-band excitation, we conclude that they are associated with Pb states of lower positive charge, i. e., ${\mathrm{Pb}}^{0}$ and/or ${\mathrm{Pb}}^{+}$. Irradiation also decreases the height of the ${\mathrm{Pb}}^{2+}$-cation-vacancy ITC relaxation peak near 227 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and introduces small ITC peaks at lower temperature, which are not produced by similar irradiation doses in pure KCl. One of these, at 175 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K in NaCl and near 200 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K in KCl, anneals at 300 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K but is enhanced by $F$-band bleaching at lower temperatures. It is proposed that this new ITC peak is associated with the relaxation of a pseudodipole composed of a cation vacancy bound by elastic forces to a ${\mathrm{Pb}}^{+}$ ion.
External morphology of the egg of the pink scavenger caterpillar, Pyroderces rileyi (Wallsingham) (Lepidoptera : Cosmopterigidae)

Abstract The egg of the pink scavenger caterpillar, Pyroderces rileyi (Walsingham), (Lepidoptera : Cosmopterigidae) was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The egg is subcylindrical to fusiform (0.43 × 0.23 mm), truncate at the anterior end and rounded at the posterior. Surface sculpturing consists of longitudinal and transverse ridges of about equal prominence. The anterior end has the form of a circular depression, bearing a rosette of short, petal-like primary cells on a slight elevation at its center. The micropylar canals open into a pit at the center of the rosette. The rosette is surrounded by a row of long, wedge-shaped secondary cells that extend outward to the rim of the depression. The depression is outlined by a prominent ridge that joins the anterior ends of the longitudinal ridges. Aeropyles occur at the anterior end along this ridge, mostly at ridge intersections, and at ridge intersections on the posterior end. The openings of the anterior aeropyles are surrounded by heavy raised collars. Those of the posterior aeropyles may or may not have collars.
FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE GENERALITY OF THE PRIMING EFFECT IN VERBAL ASSOCIATIONS

Storms (1958) found that badtward associations such as peace-justice were greatly increased in frequency if the word justice appeared in a list of words read by S just before the association tesr. This effect was termed "priming" by Segal and Cofer (1960) since the mere occurrence of the response member seemed to prime an association. Segal and Cofer investigated this phenomenon in greater detail and found it to be dependent upon associative strength and to dissipate rapidly as a function of the time interval since the reading of the response words. They used Storms' backward association method in most of their work. Although some of their badcward associations were quite strong enough to qualify as forward associations, it seems worthwhile in addition to study the effect of priming on hierarchies of associations in the forward direction. Kent-Rosanoff stimulus m~ords were selected such that the frequency of the primary response was between 20% and 40% and the frequency of the third most frequent (tertiary) response between 89% and 20% in the Minnesota norms (Russell & Jenkins, 1954). Experimental and control lists of 14 stimulus words each were matched for average frequency of primary and tertiary responses. A randomized list of tertiary responses to the experimental words was read by 88 Ss in a UCLA beginning psychology class while E read the list aloud. This list was then hidden from view and Ss were insuucted to write their first associations to all 28 stimulus words. For the experimental and the concrol stimulus words the frequencies of the various responses were compared with frequencies in the Minnesota norms, especially with regard to the tertiary responses in those norms. The terriary response to 11 of the 14 experimental words went up in rank. This was true for only one of the 14 control words. This difference is significant at the ,001 level (Fisher exact probability rest). For nine of the experimental words, the tertiary response in the norms became the primary response in this experiment. This occurred for only one control word. This appears to be funher evidence that the priming effect applies to forward as well as backward associations. The occurrence of a response seems to advance that response temporarily in habit family heirarchies associated with other stimuli.
Evaluation of Pre-Impregnated Resin-Glass Systems for Insulating Superconducting Magnets

In constructing a magnet using adiabatically stable conductors it is vital to prevent any mechanical motion of the conductor. There are two popular fabrication techniques to achieve this goal. First, the magnet coils may be impregnated with resin after they are wound. Suitable resin systems have been investigated at Rutherford High Energy Laboratory (RHEL) [1]. Second, the conductor may be wrapped before coil winding with an insulation (e.g., fiberglass tape) preimpregnated with resin that is cured after the coil is wound. If the insulation is applied in “barber-pole” fashion, rather than overlapped, the resulting channels in the finished magnet allow helium to cool the conductors directly and provide an additional margin of stability. This second technique was developed largely at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). No systematic investigation of resin candidates was performed, since the first material tried, Bondmaster E645, proved suitable for use. However, as discussed below, this material proves inconvenient to use in other applications and has a considerably lower bond strength than other resins.
Activation of autophagy protects against acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity

Autophagy can selectively remove damaged organelles, including mitochondria, and, in turn, protect against mitochondria-damage–induced cell death. Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can cause liver injury in animals and humans by inducing mitochondria damage and subsequent necrosis in hepatocytes. Although many detrimental mechanisms have been reported to be responsible for APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, it is not known whether APAP can modulate autophagy to regulate hepatotoxicity in hepatocytes. To test the hypothesis that autophagy may play a critical protective role against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, primary cultured mouse hepatocytes and green fluorescent protein/light chain 3 transgenic mice were treated with APAP. By using a series of morphological and biochemical autophagic flux assays, we found that APAP induced autophagy both in the in vivo mouse liver and in primary cultured hepatocytes. We also found that APAP treatment might suppress mammalian target of rapamycin in hepatocytes and that APAP-induced autophagy was suppressed by N-acetylcysteine, suggesting APAP mitochondrial protein binding and the subsequent production of reactive oxygen species may play an important role in APAP-induced autophagy. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine or chloroquine further exacerbated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. In contrast, induction of autophagy by rapamycin inhibited APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: APAP overdose induces autophagy, which attenuates APAP-induced liver cell death by removing damaged mitochondria. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)
Reactivity of limbic neurons of the monkey to appetitive and aversive signals

Abstract Monkeys were trained to press separate levers in response to two different visual stimuli. Correct response to one stimulus led to food reward and correct response to the other ensured a diminution of the probability of an electric shock. Thus, in the fully trained animal, one stimulus was used operationally as a signal for food (F) and the other as a signal for shock (S). After training, the animals were surgically prepared for recording of single-unit activity in the awake state by means of a roving microelectrode. Limbic unit discharge and the EEG from limbic structures were recorded during performance of the discrimination task. The results can be summarized as follows. 1. 1. Spontaneous activity of limbic units in the test situation was generally higher among animals performing discrimination than in non-trained animals or in animals subjected to extinction of discriminative behavior. 2. 2. Over one half of all units sampled from the amygdala, the hippocampus and the piriform cortex of trained animals responded with changes of firing frequency to presentation of one or both signals; excitatory responses were more common than inhibitory responses. 3. 3. Reactivity of limbic units, both in magnitude of responses to the signals and in number of responsive units, was higher in animals performing discrimination than in non-performing animals. 4. 4. Units responding differentially to the F signal and to the S signal were observed more frequently in the amygdala than in other limbic structures. 5. 5. The EEG from limbic structures showed non-specific reactions to the signals generally characterized by transition toward frequencies higher than those prevalent in the resting EEG. These results are discussed in the light of knowledge acquired by anatomical, electrophysiological and behavioral research on the limbic system. EEG reactions to the signals are viewed as manifestations of the activation of limbic structures by perception of stimuli with motivational significance for the organism. The described changes of activity of limbic units are interpreted tentatively as phenomena of the participation of these units in the cerebral processing of this kind of information. It is suggested that integrative processing of significant sensory information takes place in successive stages, proceeding from sensory systems, through the inferior and mesial temporal cortex, toward the hippocampus and the amygdala.
``Critical thickness'' of amorphous phase formation in binary diffusion couples

In thin‐film diffusion couples the sequential growth of equilibrium intermetallic compound phases and the missing of certain of them shown in the equilibrium phase diagram are well‐known phenomena. It has been proposed that the first growing equilibrium phase has to exceed a critical thickness before a second equilibrium phase can start to grow. We investigate whether this concept can also be applied to the first growing phase which is a metastable amorphous alloy. We consider two different cases depending on the specific form of Gibbs’ free energy‐versus‐composition diagrams. In the first case an analogous concept can be applied and the amorphous phase continues to grow after reaching its critical thickness. In the second case the amorphous phase starts to shrink after it has reached its critical thickness. For calculating the critical thickness in the second case a new procedure is suggested which is based on the maximum rate of decrease in Gibbs’ free energy.
Individual Education: Application of Adler's Personality Theory.

(1985). Individual Education: Application of Adler's Personality Theory. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 59, No. 1, pp. 35-38.
Approaches to the ‘woman question≐ in India: From Maternalism to mobilization

Synopsis The Report of the Committee on the Status of Women in India, Towards Equality , concludes that one of the unintended consequences of modernization in India is a deterioration in the conditions of Indian women. How can this situation be changed? This essay examines three approaches to address ‘the woman question≐ currently being utilized by activists in India. The three approaches are (1) forming middle-class women's associations, (2) participating in militant rural movements, and (3) developing feminist theory and practice. The impact of each approach is discussed, and the prospects for the emergence of a mass based women's movement are assessed.
Thrombin-induced platelet aggregation is mediated by a platelet plasma membrane-bound lectin

Throbin-activated human platelets cause agglutination of trypsinized, formalinized bovine erythrocytes. This lectin activity of stimulated platelets was blocked by galactosamine, glucosamine, mannosamine, lysine, and arginine, but not by N-acetylated sugars, other neutral sugars, or other amino acids. Inhibitors of the thrombin-induced lectin activity also blocked thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. It appears that a membrane surface component that has lectin activity mediates platelet aggregation.
Caught in action: selecting peptide aptamers against intrinsically disordered proteins in live cells.

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) or unstructured segments within proteins play an important role in cellular physiology and pathology. Low cellular concentration, multiple binding partners, frequent post-translational modifications and the presence of multiple conformations make it difficult to characterize IDP interactions in intact cells. We used peptide aptamers selected by using the yeast-two-hybrid scheme and in-cell NMR to identify high affinity binders to transiently structured IDP and unstructured segments at atomic resolution. Since both the selection and characterization of peptide aptamers take place inside the cell, only physiologically relevant conformations of IDPs are targeted. The method is validated by using peptide aptamers selected against the prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein, Pup, of the mycobacterium proteasome. The selected aptamers bind to distinct sites on Pup and have vastly different effects on rescuing mycobacterial proteasome substrate and on the survival of the Bacille-Calmette-Guerin, BCG, strain of M. bovis. This technology can be applied to study the elusive action of IDPs under near physiological conditions.
Exposure to pups influences the strength of maternal motivation in virgin female rats

Following repeated exposure to foster pups, virgin female rats acquire and eventually express a full spectrum of maternal caretaking behaviors directed toward pups. Though these behaviors are vigorous, these females are reportedly less motivated to seek out and interact with pups (i.e. maternally motivated) than parturient females during early postpartum. The present study systematically assesses how the length of pup-exposure and nature of interactions between the female-pup dyad affect maternal motivation in the virgin female rat. Virgin females were exposed to young pups consistently (24 h/day) across a prolonged period (21 days), briefly (1 h/day) across a relatively brief period (7 days), or distally (pups inaccessible in mesh bag). During final pup-exposure days, females were conditioned and tested for their preference for a pup-associated chamber (e.g. maternal motivation) using conditioned place preference. Early postpartum females provided a comparison group. Fully maternal behavior only emerged in females given prolonged pup-exposure; this behavior improved significantly over time and was maximally expressed for a duration equivalent to early postpartum. Females given brief pup-exposure expressed only emergent maternal behaviors initiated by pups; distal pup-exposure evoked pup-avoidance. Virgin females given prolonged or brief pup-exposure expressed substantial pup-associated chamber preference, with more females preferring the pup-associated chamber following longer pup-exposures in a subtle stepwise relationship. Maternal motivation was strikingly similar in prolonged pup-exposure virgin and early postpartum females. Females given distal pup-exposure completely lacked maternal motivation. Maternal behavior did not predict chamber preference. Results suggest that pup-exposure, regardless of length, is sufficient to support strong maternal motivation, whereas parity is not required.
From the other side of the reference desk: A focus group study

Abstract A study of how patrons think and behave as they seek information at a major research library reveals the need to provide the kinds of services and programs that meet the actual needs and preferences of patrons. Focusing on what librarians think is needed can result in poor service.
Gap-filling missing data in eddy covariance measurements using multiple imputation (MI) for annual estimations

Abstract Missing data is a ubiquitous problem in evaluating long-term experimental measurements, such as those associated with the FluxNet project, due to the equipment failures, system maintenance, power-failure, and lightning strikes among other things. To estimate annual values of net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE), latent heat flux (LE) and sensible heat flux ( H ), such gaps in the measured data must be filled or imputed. So far, no standardized method has been accepted and the imputation methods used are largely dependent on the researchers’ choice. Here, we used multiple imputation (MI) to gap-fill the missing data for annual estimations of NEE, LE and H at three flux sites associated with the FluxNet effort. MI is a Monte Carlo technique in which the missing values are replaced by several simulated values. Each data set imputed is a complete one where the observed values are the same as those in the original data set; only the missing values are different. Thus, the normal statistical analysis (e.g. annual total calculation) can be applied to each data set separately. The results of each analysis can be recombined into one summary. We applied the MI method to eddy covariance measurements collected from Walker Branch Watershed (WBW) site (a deciduous forest), Duke site (a coniferous forest) and Niwot site (a subalpine forest). Results showed that annual estimations of NEE, LE and H by MI were comparable to other imputation methods but MI was much easier to apply because of readily available software and standard algorithms. Besides the normal statistical analyses, MI also provided confidence intervals for each estimated parameter. This confidence interval is most useful when assessing energy, water, and carbon balance closures at a given tower site. Significant differences in annual NEE, LE and H were found among years at the three AmeriFlux sites. NEE at the Niwot Ridge site was lower and LE and H were higher than at the other two sites. With the available software and realistic gap-filling capability, MI has the potential to become a standardized method to gap-fill eddy covariance flux data for annual estimations and to improve the analysis of uncertainties associated with annual estimations of NEE, LE and H from regional and global flux networks.
The Lysyl Oxidase Pro-peptide Attenuates Fibronectin-mediated Activation of Focal Adhesion Kinase and p130Cas in Breast Cancer Cells

The lysyl oxidase (LOX) gene encodes an enzyme (LOX) critical for extracellular matrix maturation. The LOX gene has also been shown to inhibit the transforming activity of Ras oncogene signaling. In particular, the pro-peptide domain (LOX-PP) released from the secreted precursor protein (Pro-LOX) was found to inhibit the transformed phenotype of breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer cells. However, the mechanisms of action of LOX-PP remained to be determined. Here, the ability of LOX-PP to attenuate the integrin signaling pathway, which leads to phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and the activation of its downstream target p130Cas, was determined. In NF639 breast cancer cells driven by Her-2/neu, which signals via Ras, ectopic Pro-LOX and LOX-PP expression inhibited fibronectin-stimulated protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Importantly, phosphorylation of FAK on Tyr-397 and Tyr-576, and p130Cas were substantially reduced. The amount of endogenous p130Cas in the Triton X-100-insoluble protein fraction, and fibronectin-activated haptotaxis were decreased. Interestingly, expression of mature LOX enzyme enhanced fibronectin-stimulated integrin signaling. Of note, treatment with recombinant LOX-PP selectively reduced fibronectin-mediated haptotaxis of NF639, MDA-MB-231, and Hs578T breast cancer cells. Thus, evidence is provided that one mechanism of action of LOX-PP tumor suppression is to block fibronectin-stimulated signaling and cell migration.
Evolution and Current Use of the Tuberculin Test

Since it was first introduced in the late 1800s, the tuberculin test has undergone continual refinement in its formulation, standardization, and dosage, as well as its interpretation and indications for use. New guidelines have replaced universal screening with targeted testing and rigid definitions of positivity with individualized criteria formulated from a Bayesian approach. This review summarizes the evolution of the test and provides information to help gauge its predictive value.
Intersymbol interference channels with signal-dependent non-Gaussian noise: estimation of achievable information rates

In this letter, we calculate the achievable information rates for the intersymbol interference channels with general signal-dependent correlated noise under the constraint that the inputs are chosen from a finite alphabet. The proposed method employs canonical multivariate density estimation techniques. This method is important in that it can be used for accurate estimation of the achievable information rates for magnetic recording channels with media noise, where higher order media noise models can be taken into account instead of the first-order model.
Transverse and Sigmoid Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Mimicking Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Carotid Cavernous Fistula

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) can produce a variety of symptoms depending on fistula location, size, and venous drainage. Although cavernous sinus fistulas (CCFs) classically present with symptoms of orbital venous congestion due to retrograde venous drainage into the superior ophthalmic vein (i.e. an arterialised "red eye") (Miller NR. Neurosurg Focus 2007;23:1--15), dAVFs not localised to the cavernous sinus rarely present with a "red eye" and instead produce increased intracranial pressure, which can mimic idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The authors present a unique case of an intracranial dAVF with clinical features suggestive of both CCF and IIH. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility to avoid delayed diagnosis of the intracranial dAVF.
Bariatric Surgery Improves Histological Features of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent in obese patients. We sought to determine the effects of bariatric surgery on the histological features of NAFLD. Two blinded pathologists graded liver biopsies done during bariatric procedures and subsequent operations in 160 patients using the Brunt classification. Data are mean ± SD. Interval between biopsies was 31 ± 26 months. Initial biopsies demonstrated steatosis 77 %, lobular inflammation 39 %, and chronic portal inflammation 56 %. Steatohepatitis was present in 27 %. Grade 2–3 fibrosis was present in 27 %, and cirrhosis was present in one patient. On post-bariatric biopsy, steatosis resolved in 75 %, lobular inflammation resolved in 75 %, chronic portal inflammation resolved in 49 %, and steatohepatitis resolved in 90 %. Fibrosis of any grade resolved in 53 % and improved in another 3 % of patients. Grade 2 fibrosis resolved in 58 %, improved in 3 %, and did not worsen in 11 %. Bridging fibrosis resolved in 29 %, improved in 29 %, and did not worsen in 29 %. Bariatric surgery is associated with resolution of steatosis or steatohepatitis in the majority of patients. More importantly, grade 2 or 3 (bridging) fibrosis is resolved or improved in 60 % of patients. Bariatric surgery should be considered as a treatment of NAFLD in severely obese patients.
Progressive image coding for noisy channels

We cascade an existing image coder with carefully chosen error control coding, and thus produce a progressive image compression scheme whose performance on a noisy channel is significantly better than that of previously known techniques. The main idea is to trade off the available transmission rate between source coding and channel coding in an efficient manner. This coding system is easy to implement and has acceptably low complexity. Furthermore, effectively no degradation due to channel noise can be detected; instead, the penalty paid due to channel noise is a reduction in source coding resolution. Detailed numerical comparisons are given that can serve as benchmarks for comparisons with future encoding schemes. For example, for the 512/spl times/512 Lena image, at a transmission rate of 1 b/pixel, and for binary symmetric channels with bit error probabilities 10/sup -3/, 10/sup -2/, and 10/sup -1/, the proposed system outperforms previously reported results by at least 2.6, 2.8, and 8.9 dB, respectively.
Investigation of Eccentrically Loaded CFRP-Confined Elliptical Concrete Columns

This paper presents a finite-element analysis study of elliptical concrete columns, converted from rectangular cross sections and confined with carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) through an enhancement/strengthening procedure, under eccentric loadings. The parameters considered for the finite-element analysis study include various eccentric loads, and the number of CFRP layers as well as their orientation with respect to circumferential axis of concrete columns. Validation of the finite-element model was performed leveraging an experimental study reported in the literature. Study findings suggest that eccentric loading versus concentric loading considerably reduces the efficiency of the CFRP wrapping. The study, however, also shows that it is possible to diminish the adverse effect of eccentric loading through proper adjustment of the wrap configuration, i.e., the number of layers as well as the orientation of the fibers.
Cerebral vascular amyloid deposition in rabbits with induced thyroglobulin immunity

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) occurs in humans along with the neuritic amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease, in several familial (inherited) syndromes, and in a sporadic form that increases in prevalence with age to attain a rate of about 60% after age 90. In the non-Alzheimer conditions, it is often accompanied by cerebral hemorrhage and sometimes also by dementia. We report here the experimental induction of cerebrovascular amyloid (CVA) in thyroglobulin (Tg)-immunized rabbits. The vascular deposits in these rabbits are comparable to that seen in humans in that they primarily involve arterioles, venules, and capillaries and exhibit microscopic and ultrastructural characteristics similar to the human lesion. Prominent congophilic vascular lesions in the brain were seen in three out of six Tg-immunized rabbits, whereas less striking basement membrane thickening was evident in three other experimental animals, probably reflecting individual variations in vascular responses to actively induced Tg immunity. Occasional primitive amyloid plaques were also encountered adjacent to vascular lesions. These observations are of particular interest since in other experimental models, cerebral vascular amyloid deposits have not been observed, thus suggesting that immunopathogenic events induced by active Tg immunization may be unique in their effects on the cerebral vasculature.
Hierarchical approach to interference mitigation in multi-cell downlink orthogonal frequency-division multiple-access networks with low feedback

A low-complexity and low-feedback interference mitigation scheme is developed for multi-cell orthogonal frequency-division multiple-access (OFDMA) cellular systems. The problem is formulated as a weighted sum-rate maximisation problem for all users in the network. The centralised solution assuming full feedback of interfering base stations (BSs) from each mobile on each subchannel is prohibitively expensive in terms of computational complexity and feedback overhead. A hierarchical solution is proposed where the BSs solve only localised resource allocation problems, whereas a centralised controller arbitrates the conflicts of interest among different cells. Moreover, the mobiles apply simple threshold rules to reduce the feedback to the BSs. The simulation results show significant savings in the BS-mobile signalling as well as the signalling between the radio network controller (RNC) and the BSs, while maintaining comparable performance to the case of full feedback.
Mullite Formation from Nonstoichiometric Diphasic Precursors

Diphasic gels with Al/Si atomic ratios of 6/1, 3.1/1, 3/1, 2/1, and 1/1 were used to study the effect of precursor composition on mullite formation process and the resulting microstructure. Mullite formation initiated at about 1300°C for all samples, with only some slight differences in temperatures. The mullite formation temperature was a minimum for an Al/Si ratio of 3.1/1 and increased as the Al/Si ratio of the gels increased or decreased. For the 6/1 gel, dissolution of alumina into mullite solid solution was observed after the initial mullite formation. The dissolution process was reversed above 1450°C with the formation of θ-Al2O3 and then α-Al2O3. Change of microstructures from equiaxed to elongated mullite grain structures was found within a narrow range of composition near the nominal Al/Si ratio of 3/1.
Predicting the Grain‐Size Distributions in High‐Density, High‐Purity Alumina Ceramics

On discute de la distribution granulometrique basee sur l'analyse d'image de ceramiques densifiees obtenues par moulage sous pression d'une poudre d'alumine de haute purete. On developpe un algorithme permettant de prevoir la distribution granulometrique, on compare les resultats ainsi prevus avec les resultats experimentaux
VLA proteins in the integrin family : structures, functions and their role on leukocytes

Article de synthese sur les roles des integrines β1 (proteines VLA) comme recepteurs dans l'adherence des leucocytes a la matrice extracellulaire et comme recepteurs dans l'adherence cellule a cellule
Molecular recognition of poly(A) by small ligands: an alternative method of analysis reveals nanomolar, cooperative and shape-selective binding

A few drug-like molecules have recently been found to bind poly(A) and induce a stable secondary structure (Tm� 608C), even though this RNA homopolymer is single-stranded in the absence of a ligand. Here, we report results from experiments specifically designed to explore the association of small molecules with poly(A). We demonstrate that coralyne, the first small molecule discovered to bind poly(dA), binds with unexpectedly high affinity (Ka >10 7 M � 1 ), and that the crescent shape of coralyne appears necessary for poly(A) binding. We also show that the binding of similar ligands to poly(A) can be highly cooperative. For one particular ligand, at least six ligand molecules are required to stabilize the poly(A) self-structure at room temperature. This highly cooperative binding produces very sharp transitions between unstructured and structured poly(A) as a function of ligand concentration. Given the fact that junctions between Watson–Crick
Collective endorsement and the dissemination problem in malicious environments

We consider the problem of disseminating an update known to a set of servers to other servers in the system via a gossip protocol. Some of the servers can exhibit malicious behavior. We require that only the updates introduced by authorized clients are accepted by non-malicious servers. Spurious updates, in particular those generated by compromised nodes, are not accepted by non-malicious servers. We take the approach of collective endorsement where each server endorses an accepted update by computing a list of message authentication codes with symmetric keys allocated to it. We use a novel key allocation scheme that allocates a set of symmetric keys to each participating server to minimize the total number of keys. Our protocol is designed to minimize update diffusion time. In the absence of faulty nodes, its diffusion time is O(log n), which is the best possible time achieved when nodes only suffer from benign faults. If the actual number of Byzantine faults experienced during an update's dissemination is f, diffusion time increases to O(log n) + f. This is better than the latency of previously known protocols that take O(log n) +b time, where b is the assumed threshold that defines the maximum number of malicious servers that can be tolerated rather than f, the actual number of failures. The buffer requirements and message sizes are higher in our protocol than other known protocols, thus it trades off memory and bandwidth resources to improve latency.
Local inhibition of nitric oxide and prostaglandins independently reduces forearm exercise hyperaemia in humans.

We tested the hypothesis that inhibition of synthesis of either nitric oxide (NO) or vasodilating prostaglandins (PGs) would not alter exercise hyperaemia significantly, but combined inhibition would synergistically reduce the hyperaemia. Fourteen subjects performed 20 min of moderate rhythmic forearm exercise (10% maximal voluntary contraction). Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured by Doppler ultrasound. Saline or study drugs were infused (2 ml min−1) into the forearm via a brachial artery catheter to locally inhibit synthesis of NO and PGs during steady state exercise (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 25 mg over 5 min to inhibit NO synthase (NOS); and ketorolac, 3 mg over 5 min to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX)). After achieving steady state exercise over 5 min (control), L-NAME was infused for 5 min, followed by 2 min saline, then by a 5 min infusion of ketorolac, and finally by 3 min of saline (n= 7). Drug order was reversed in seven additional subjects, such that single inhibition of NOS or COX was followed by combined inhibition. FBF during exercise decreased to 83 ± 2% of control exercise (100%) with NOS inhibition, followed by a transient decrease to 68 ± 2% of control during COX inhibition. However, FBF returned to levels similar to those achieved during NOS inhibition within 2 min (80 ± 3% of control) and remained stable through the final 3 min of exercise. When COX inhibition was performed first, FBF decreased transiently to 88 ± 4% of control (P < 0.01), and returned to control saline levels by the end of ketorolac infusion. Addition of L-NAME reduced FBF to 83 ± 3% of control, and it remained stable through to the end of exercise. Regardless of drug order, FBF was ∼80% of steady state control exercise (P < 0.01) during the last 30 s of exercise. We conclude that (1) NO provides a significant, consistent contribution to hyperaemia, (2) PGs contribute modestly and transiently, suggesting a redundant signal compensates for the loss of vasodilating PGs, and (3) NO and PG signals appear to contribute independently to forearm exercise hyperaemia.
Target prediction for icon clicking by athetoid persons

We present an investigation into modeling of athetoid motion and prediction of user intent, for use in assistive computer interfaces during icon-clicking tasks. Data were recorded from three athetoid patients during unassisted icon-clicking trials with an isometric joystick. In order to facilitate development and testing of filter designs without the difficulty of repeated testing with human subjects, a quantitative model of the recorded patient data was developed using pseudoinverse methods. Using this model within the visuomotor control loop for the icon-clicking task, a prediction filter was then developed to reduce the target acquisition time. The filter is based on a novel "autoregressive stretching window" model which selects five data points evenly distributed across the input and output histories to predict the intended target, together with a second-order system that smoothes the movement of the cursor. On average, the filter demonstrated a reduction of target acquisition time by a factor of 2.7 in experiments with the patient models.
Magnetic Tracking System for Radiation Therapy

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) requires precise delivery of the prescribed dose of radiation to the target and surrounding tissue. Irradiation of moving body anatomy is possible only if stable, accurate, and reliable information about the moving body structures are provided in real time. This paper presents a magnetic position tracking system for radiation therapy. The proposed system uses only four transmitting coils and an implantable transponder. The four transmitting coils generate a magnetic field which is sensed and measured by a biaxial magnetoresistive sensor in the transponder in the tumor. The transponder transmits the information back to a computer to determine the position of the transponder allowing it to track the tumor in real time. The transmission of the information from the transponder to the computer can be wired or wireless. Measurements using a biaxial sensor agree well with the field strength calculated from the ideal equations. The translation from the measurement data to the 3-D location and orientation requires a numerical technique because the equations are in nonclosed forms. The algorithm of tracking is implemented using MATLAB. Each calculation of the position along the target trajectory takes 30 ms, which makes the proposed system suitable for real-time tracking of the transponder for radiation assessment and delivery. An error of less than 2 mm is achieved in the demonstration.
The importance of sagittal 2D reconstruction in pelvic and sacral trauma: avoiding oversight of U-shaped fractures of the sacrum.

OBJECTIVE. The U-shaped sacral fracture can be overlooked without appropriate imaging. Radiographic and CT imaging of seven patients with U-shaped sacral fractures was reviewed.CONCLUSION. Although it is difficult to discern on anteroposterior radiographs and axial or coronal CT, the fracture is easily identifiable on CT images in the sagittal plane. We advocate reconstruction of CT images of the sacrum in the sagittal plane in trauma to prevent failure of identification.
Effects of carbon tetrachloride, menadione, and paraquat on the urinary excretion of malondialdehyde, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone in rats

Excretions of the lipid peroxidation products, formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and acetone (ACON), were simultaneously identified and quantitated in the urine of female Sprague-Dawley rats by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) following the acute administration of carbon tetra-chloride, a model alkylating agent that does not induce glutathione depletion, and the redox cycling compounds paraquat and menadione. All three xenobiotics are well-known inducers of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress was induced by oral administration of single doses of 2.5 mL of carbon tetrachloride/kg, 60 mg menadione/kg, and 75 mg paraquat/kg. These doses are approximately 50% of the LD50's for the three xenobiotics. Urinary excretion of FA, ACT, MDA, and ACON increased relative to control animals following treatment with all xenobiotics. Over the 48 hours of the study, the greatest increases in the excretion of MDA, FA, ACT, and ACON occurred after paraquat administration, with increases of approximately 2.7-, 2.6-, 4.3-, and 11.0-fold, respectively. This technique may have wide-spread applicability as an effective biomarker for investigating altered lipid metabolism in disease states and exposure to environmental pollutants/xenobiotics.