cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RELATIONSHIP OF ISOMERIC FATTY ACIDS IN HUMAN CORD BLOOD TO N3 AND N6 STATUS. † 1808

Trans isomers (t) and cis positional isomers (cp) of unsaturated fatty acids in the food supply are transferred from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Several European studies have found an inverse relationship between human fetal/preterm t and long chain n3 and n6 fatty acids derived from the essential fatty acids, which could have consequences for growth and neurodevelopment. We measured maternal (M) and cord blood (CB) plasma phospholipid (PL) and triglyceride (TG) fatty acids in 50 mother-term infant pairs. Plasma lipids were extracted, PL and TG separated, and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES) prepared by standard procedures. FAMES were separated by capillary (SP-2560, 100 m × 0.25 mm) gas chromatography. M t intake(Harvard/Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire) correlated with MPL 18:1 t(n7-n11, g/100 g total fatty acids), which correlated with CBTG and CBPL 18:1 t (FASEB J 1996, in press). MPL 18:1 t and 18:1 cp (n5-n7) were also correlated (r=0.636, p<0.0001), and MPL 18:1 cp correlated with 18:1 cp in both CBTG (r=0.330, p<0.03) and CBPL (r=0.383, p<0.01). Having demonstrated relationships between M and CB 18:1 t and cp, we asked if these fatty acids in CB were related to CBPL docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n6). Both CBTG 18:1 t and cp were inversely related to CBPL DHA (r=-0.316, p<0.03 and r=-0.587, p<0.0001, respectively). CBTG 18:1 cp (but not t) was also inversely related to CBPL AA (r=-0.513, p<0.0001). Like CBTG 18:1 cp, CBPL 18:1 cp (but not t) was inversely correlated with CBPL AA (r=-0.498, p<0.0003) and CBPL DHA (r=-0.614, p<0.0001). Compared with t, cp may have been a more sensitive indicator of the inverse relationships between isomeric fatty acids and CBPL DHA and AA because cp was found in 3.6-fold (CBTG) and 6.3-fold (CBPL) higher amounts. On the basis of the relationships shown here, higher circulating M t and cp can be linked to poorer DHA and AA status at term birth, the consequences of which remain to be determined. Supported by Medical Student Research Fellowship Grant (USPHS GR DK07405).
A Multicenter Study to Improve Emergency Medicine Residents’ Recognition of Intracranial Emergencies on Computed Tomography☆☆☆★★★

Abstract Study objective: Cranial computed tomography (CT) has assumed a critical role in the practice of emergency medicine for the evaluation of intracranial emergencies. Several recent studies have documented a deficiency in the emergency physician's ability to interpret these studies. The purpose of this study was to quantify the baseline ability of emergency medicine residents to interpret cranial CTs, and to test a novel method of cranial CT interpretation designed for the emergency physician in training. Methods: A standardized pretest was administered to assess baseline ability to interpret CT scans. A standardized posttest was given 3 months after the course. Each test consisted of 12 CT scans with a short accompanying history. All scans were validated by 3 expert reviewers for difficulty and diagnosis. A 2-hour course based on the mnemonic "Blood Can Be Very Bad" was then administered. "Blood" reminds the examiner to search for blood, "Can" prompts the examiner to identify 4 key cisterns, "Be" denotes the need to examine the brain, "Very" prompts a review of the 4 ventricles, and finally "Bad" reminds the examiner to evaluate the bones of the cranium. Results: Eighty-three residents at 5 institutions were initially examined. The mean percentage correct before the course was 60% (95% confidence interval [CI] 58%-64%) on the standardized pretest. At retesting 3 months after the course, the accuracy rate increased to 78% (n=61, 95% CI 75%-81%, P t test). Conclusion: Emergency medicine residents are deficient in their ability to interpret cranial CT scans. A novel educational course was demonstrated to significantly improve this ability.[Perron AD, Huff JS, Ullrich CG, Heafner MD, Kline JA: A multicenter study to improve emergency medicine residents' recognition of intracranial emergencies on computed tomography. Ann Emerg Med November 1998;32:554-562.]
Measurements of the refractive indices and thermo-optic coefficients of Si 3 N 4 and SiO x using microring resonances

We present a method for determining the core and cladding refractive indices of a microring resonator from its measured quasi-transverse electric and magnetic resonant modes. We use single wavelength reflective microrings to resolve the azimuthal order ambiguity of the measured resonances. We perform accurate electromagnetic simulations to model the dependence of the resonances on geometrical and material parameters. We linearize the model and use the singular value decomposition method to find the best fit parameters for the measured data. At 1550 nm, we determine n(Si(3)N(4))=1.977±0.003 for stoichiometric silicon nitride deposited using low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) technique and n(SiO(x))=1.428±0.011 for plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) oxide. By measuring the temperature sensitivities of microring resonant modes with different polarizations, we find the thermo-optic coefficient of the stoichiometric silicon nitride to be dn(Si(3)N(4))/dT=(2.45±0.09)×10(-5) (RIU/°C) and the PECVD oxide to be dn(SiO(x))/dT=(0.95±0.10)×10(-5) (RIU/°C).
Coordinated Capacitated Lot‐Sizing Problem with Dynamic Demand: A Lagrangian Heuristic

Coordinated replenishment problems are common in manufacturing and distribution when a family of items shares a common production line, supplier, or a mode of transportation. In these situations the coordination of shared, and often limited, resources across items is economically attractive. This paper describes a mixed-integer programming formulation and Lagrangian relaxation solution procedure for the single-family coordinated capacitated lot-sizing problem with dynamic demand. The problem extends both the multi-item capacitated dynamic demand lot-sizing problem and the uncapacitated coordinated dynamic demand lot-sizing problem. We provide the results of computational experiments investigating the mathematical properties of the formulation and the performance of the Lagrangian procedures. The results indicate the superiority of the dual-based heuristic over linear programming-based approaches to the problem. The quality of the Lagrangian heuristic solution improved in most instances with increases in problem size. Heuristic solutions averaged 2.52% above optimal. The procedures were applied to an industry test problem yielding a 22.5% reduction in total costs.
Outcomes of Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients older than 70 years; survival benefit at considerable morbidity and mortality.

Background Cytoreductive surgery (CRS)/Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is associated with prolonged survival in selected patients with peritoneal surface disease. Yet, for elderly patients (older than 70 years of age) CRS/HIPEC is controversial, due to associated morbidity.
The effects of hypoxia and temperature on metabolic aspects of embryonic development in the annual killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus

Embryos of Austrofundulus limnaeus are exceptional in their ability to tolerate prolonged bouts of complete anoxia. Hypoxia and anoxia are a normal part of their developmental environment. Here, we exposed embryos to a range of PO2 levels at two different temperatures (25 and 30 °C) to study the combined effects of reduced oxygen and increased temperature on developmental rate, heart rate, and metabolic enzyme capacity. Hypoxia decreased overall developmental rate and caused a stage-specific decline in heart rate. However, the rate of early development prior to the onset of organogenesis is insensitive to PO2. Increased incubation temperature caused an increase in the developmental rate at high PO2s, but hindered developmental progression under severe hypoxia. Embryonic DNA content in pre-hatching embryos was positively correlated with PO2. Citrate synthase, lactate dehydrogenase, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase capacity were all reduced in embryos developing under hypoxic conditions. Embryos of A. limnaeus are able to develop normally across a wide range of PO2s and contrary to most other vertebrates severe hypoxia is not a teratogen. Embryos of A. limnaeus do not respond to hypoxia through an increase in the capacity for enzymatic activity of the metabolic enzymes lactate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, or phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Instead they appear to adjust whole-embryo metabolic capacity to match oxygen availability. However, decreased DNA content in hypoxia-reared embryos suggests that cellular enzymatic capacity may remain unchanged in response to hypoxia, and the reduced capacity may rather indicate reduced cell number in hypoxic embryos.
Age-related decline in forest growth: an emergent property

Abstract Proposed explanations for the age-related decline in forest production (i.e. ‘culmination of current annual increment’) generally fall into one of two categories: (1) the ecophysiology of individual, generally old, trees; and (2) structural changes at the population level associated with increasing stand age. The decline in production occurs in young forests, is substantial at young stand ages, and timing of decline can be altered simply by changes in stand density. Changes in physiology of old trees do not account for the near-universal decline in production in developing stands. Rather, peak production and its subsequent decline are associated with inevitable changes in the structure of developing forest stands. Peak production almost invariably occurs as peak community leaf area is obtained. Substantial changes in canopy architecture, production efficiency, and tree population structure occur at this point, resulting in declining stand-level production. These changes are emergent properties that must be studied and understood at the population level, and are not derived from individual tree physiological processes.
Performance Analysis of MIMO Receivers under Imperfect CSIT

This paper considers spatial multiplexing (SM) systems with preceding. The precoder is derived from the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the available channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) and the receiver is a function of the precoder and the current channel. With perfect CSIT, the MRxMT flat-fading MIMO channel can be decomposed into mm(MT,MR) parallel spatial subchannels. However in practice, the available CSIT suffers from delay-induced error due to the channel temporal variations. Using this outdated CSIT for precoding in SM systems causes interference among the subchannels. Performance of the decorrelator, minimum mean squared error (MMSE) and successive interference cancelation (SIC) receivers is analyzed as the reliability of the available CSIT varies. Explicit expressions for the signal to interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and the mean squared error (MSE) are derived. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the significant performance gain achieved by precoding even with a moderate amount of correlation between the available outdated channel estimate and the current channel.
28- and 34-MeV Li-6 and Li-7 elastic scattering on nuclei with 40 <= A <= 91

$^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ and $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ elastic scattering were measured at 28 and 34 MeV on $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ and $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$ to $\frac{\ensuremath{\sigma}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{R}}l{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. An anomalous back angle enhancement was seen for $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ + $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$. No set of optical model parameters tried was able to fit the back angle $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ + $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ data. Optical model parameters which exhibited a continuous Igo ambiguity but no discrete ambiguities were obtained for the above reactions and for other Li elastic scattering on $^{62}\mathrm{Ni}$, $^{63}\mathrm{Cu}$, $^{64}\mathrm{Zn}$, $^{68}\mathrm{Zn}$, $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$, and $^{91}\mathrm{Zr}$. For a given value of the diffuseness, all parameter sets related by the Igo ambiguity gave completely identical fits to data. The value of the diffuseness which yielded acceptable fits was limited to a narrow range. It was found that the optical model parameters are extremely sensitive to the absolute normalization of the data. An empirical formula for the optical model parameters as a function of $N$ and $Z$ of the target nucleus was obtained for both $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ and $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ elastic scattering on these targets.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$($^{6}\mathrm{Li}$, $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$), $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$($^{7}\mathrm{Li}$, $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$), $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$($^{6}\mathrm{Li}$, $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$), $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$($^{7}\mathrm{Li}$, $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$); $E=28 \mathrm{and} 34$ MeV; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta})$, ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{lab}}=10\ensuremath{-}165\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$; deduced optical model parameters. Deduced systematic optical model parameters Li+$^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$, $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$, $^{63}\mathrm{Cu}$, $^{64}\mathrm{Zn}$, $^{68}\mathrm{Zn}$, $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$, $^{91}\mathrm{Zr}$.
Ventricular conduction delay and asystole during systemic hyperkalemia

Abstract Systemic hyperkalemia was induced in 30 intact dogs to evaluate electrophysiologic and hemodynamic alterations caused by excess of potassium (K+) ion. Sequential changes included atrioventricular junctional delay and block, followed by acceleration of junctional pacemakers and conduction delays in the ventricular specialized tissue and ventricular muscle. These resulted in unusual arrhythmias difficult to interpret in the peripheral electrocardiogram. As the level of potassium progressively rose, terminal Purkinje or Purkinje-muscle block was the dominant mechanism of arrest, with conduction through the ventricular specialized conduction system continuing at a regular rate even after asystole. The duration and amplitude of the intramural complexes were consistently reduced throughout the heart wall, whereas intramural conduction was progressively prolonged with late and inconstant changes in activation sequence. Ventricular pacing thresholds increased progressively, but were attainable even after asystole in some cases. The enhanced plasma K+ was associated with accumulation of K+ and sodium (Na+) in myocardial tissue. A relatively uniform distribution of these ions from endocardium to epicardium is postulated to be a requirement for progressive conduction delay, lack of ectopic beats and asystole. Systemic arterial pressure and coronary blood flow were maintained until very high levels of K+ were reached. Although left ventricular end-diastolic pressure increased progressively, the maximal rate of rise of left ventricular pressure ( dP dt max) was reduced only at a K+ level of 11 mEq/liter. Myocardial ischemia was not present, thus suggesting that the abnormal ventricular function may have been secondary to conduction delays.
A longitudinal perspective on neurodevelopmental outcome after infant cardiac transplantation

Abstract Background With improvement in medical outcomes, the current research has shifted toward understanding and enhancing the quality of life after pediatric heart transplantation. Previous research has indicated that infant heart transplant recipients are generally at risk for neurodevelopmental delays; however, no longitudinal studies exploring the patterns of development within this medical population have been performed. Methods Using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development—II, 39 children (2 to 38 months of age) who underwent heart transplantation in infancy ( Results Mean Mental Development Index (MDI) scores for all age groups were within normal limits, except for the age ranges of 18 to 23 and 24 to 35 months, which were mildly delayed. Average Psychomoter Development Index (PDI) scores for all age groups reflected mildly delayed performance, except for the 36- to 38-month age group, which was within normal limits. Repeated measures analyses of variance on a sub-set of participants with at least 4 consecutive assessments revealed within-subject effects on MDI scores ( F = 5.7, p F = 1.6, p = 0.22). Significant decreases in MDI scores at 18 and 28 to 36 months were noted. Conclusions Motor development in this population was consistently mildly delayed. Age-dependent variability in cognitive skills was apparent. The delays appeared due to speech/language acquisition (18 months), and abstract reasoning/goal-directed behaviors (28 to 36 months). Possible etiologies for cognitive delays include test artifacts, auditory functioning and effects of immunosuppressive agents. Understanding risk factors in this patient population will allow for early and effective intervention.
Depressed mood, gender, and problem drinking in youth

ABSTRACT Background: Depressed mood and substance misuse are prevalent during adolescence, but rates differ between males and females. Little is known regarding how depressed mood influences response to substance use interventions and interacts with gender in connection with subsequent drinking. This study explores the relationship of depressed mood and gender to treatment response in adolescents admitted to an Emergency Department (ED) for alcohol-related incidents. Methods: Adolescents treated at an ED were randomly assigned to a Motivational Interviewing condition or to standard hospital care. Participants (N = 268; ages 13 to 19) were followed for 6 months with detailed measures of alcohol involvement and depressed mood. Results: Depressed mood at the time of the ED visit predicted less drinking at 6-month follow-up for 13- to 17-year-old girls, but predicted more follow-up drinking for 13- to 17-year-old boys and for 18- to 19-year-old females, above and beyond effects of baseline drinking. Depressed...
Cortisone induced alterations of costal cartilage in single and in parabiosed rats.

Cortisone-treated Buffalo rats have been parabiosed with untreated controls of the same age. The optical and electron microscopy, including histochemistry, of costal cartilage of these rats has been compared with that in single cortisone treated rats, single controls, and control parabiosed with control rats, at 14 and 28 days after parabiosis. Single cortisone-treated rats, in comparison to controls, have shown the greatest alteration in cellular morphology and in the extracellular matrix both at 14 and at 28 days. Cortisone-treated parabiosed rats demonstrate a gradation of these alterations. Cellular alterations include enhancement of lipid and glycogen deposition concurrently with the presence of numerous large cytoplasmic vacuoles containing beaded irregularly-shaped filaments, banded or unbanded collagen-like fibrils, and/or electron dense lamellar bodies. In the extracellular matrix, matrix vesicles, amianthoid fibers, randomly oriented unbanded fibrillar materials, and filament-like materials are most prominent in the single cortisone-treated rats and they are progressively less prominent in the cortisone-treated parabiosed rats, and in the parabiosed and single controls. Calcification of the extracellular matrix follows a similar pattern and is observed initially in pericellular halos of the single cortisone and in cortisonetreated rats parabiosed with controls. Histochemical techniques have shown that chondroitin sulfate is less demonstrable in the single cortisone and in the cortisone-treated parabiosed rats than it is in the single or parabiosed controls at 14 days but, at 28 days, all untreated or treated rats, single or parabiosed are basically comparable. Glycoproteins are prominent in the single cortisone-treated rats both at 14 and at 28 days and, at these same times, they are progressively less prominent in the cortisone-treated parabiosed rats and in the single or parabiosed controls. Many of the cortisone induced alterations in costal cartilage are suggestive of enhancement of the aging process.
Twenty-four-hour venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation without systemic heparinization in dogs

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was performed in five dogs without systemic heparinization to assess the feasibility of heparin-free ECMO. The surfaces of the inverted hollow-fiber-type oxygenator and circuit of the ECMO system were coated with heparin by the endpoint-attached (covalent-bonded) technique. No heparin was administered to the animal except for a small dose to maintain patency of the arterial line (1 IU/h). ECMO was run for 24 h at a pump flow of 50 ml/kg · min and was successful throughout the experiment in four of the five dogs. Scanning electron microscopy did not detect any blood clots in the oxygenator or circuit except for inside and outside the cannulas that were not coated with heparin in the carotid artery and jugular vein. Activated clotting time (ACT), fibrinogen, and anti-thrombin III (AT-III) activity remained within the normal physiological range. Serum heparin concentrations were low throughout the experiment, indicating minimal heparin release. Platelet levels decreased and fibrinopeptide B β15-42 (FPB β15-42) increased significantly after 6 h ECMO. D-dimer levels did not change throughout the experiment. ECMO was discontinued in one case after successful a 23-h run because of macroscopic clot formation at the oxygenator blood inlet. ACT had suddenly increased to 160 s approximately 1 h prior to this clot formation. These results suggest that the amount of systemic heparinization required can be substantially reduced by a heparin-coated ECMO system. Total abolishment of heparin administration in pediatric venoarterial ECMO may be possible by refinement of this technique. Monitoring of AT-III and FPB β15-42 in addition to ACT may be useful for early diagnosis of latent but ongoing coagulopathies during ECMO.
Identification & Quantification of Iron Deposits in Sickle Cell Disease Tissue by Label-Free Multi-Photon Microscopy

Iron-complex deposits were identified in humanized sickle cell disease mouse splenic tissue by multi-photon microscopy (MPM) using intrinsic fluorescence. MPM emission spectra and morphological features were quantitatively compared to standard histological methods.
Pharmacokinetics of urea: Development of a kinetic model for correlating dietary nitrogen intake and urea metabolism in chronic renal failure

A simple urea pharmacokinetic model is developed to define the multiple correlations among dietary nitrogen intake, urea generation rate, and serum urea nitrogen. Model-based patient data are simulated during and between dialysis for serum urea nitrogen. Application of the kinetic model is demonstrated by retrospective fitting of serum urea nitrogen to the simultaneous equations which pertain to the model. The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained through the computer fitting can be integrated according to the mass balance equation to yield a quantitative solution to achieving the regulation of protein nitrogen intake. The kinetic approach is potentially advantageous over the conventional nitrogen balance method by virtue of its simplicity. Further validation of the pharmacokinetic model is required before its clinical application.
Valence States of BeO Feynman's Way

Energy curves are computed by adding a second-order Feynman diagram to a zero of energy. Third order confirms the goodness of second order. The zero of energy includes charge transfer and polarization. It is an average of a limited configuration-mixing model. Evaluation of diagrams requires one set of model orbitals for all valence states, one set of probability amplitudes for all valence states, and two parameters for each valence state. Parameters are evaluated with the zero of energy. Spectroscopic constants and excitation and dissociation energies approach limits of the chosen basis set. Average (maximum) errors between second order and experiment for X, a, A, and B are 0.9 (2.1) pm for Re; 17 (31) kJ/mol for De; 2 (6) kJ/mol for Te; 35 (45) cm−1 for ωe; and 9 (21) kJ/mol for T∞. Frequencies and bond distances for C do not match any calculated for a single state. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 76: 259–279, 2000
The Elusive Quest for the Perfect Index of Concentration: Reply to Egan, Anderton, and Weber

In this response we correct an error in our earlier description of the RCO index We also confirm that the index is not bounded on the negative side as we hadpreviously thought, and we discuss the conditions under which its value goes below -1. We consider defining concentration in terms of density rather than area and systematically compare areaand density-based measures. We conclude that in spite of its methodological imperfections RCO remains a useful and informative measure of spatial concentration that can be safely used until a clearly superior alternative is identified. In a 1988 Social Forces article, we argued that residential segregation is appropriately conceptualized as spanning five dimensions of spatial variation. One of these was "concentration,' which we defined as "the relative amount of physical space occupied by a minority group in the urban environment" (289). We evaluated three potential indices of concentration using confirmatory factor analysis and recommended that the relative concentration index (RCO) be used in future studies of segregation to measure this dimension, a conclusion confirmed in a
Ionizing radiation and the developing brain

The unique susceptibility of the central nervous system to radiation exposure is attributable to its extensive period of development, the vulnerability of its neuronal cells, the migratory activity of many of its cells, its inability to replace mature neurons, and the complexity of the system itself. Radiation effects may be due to glial or neuronal cell death, interruption of migratory activity, impaired capacity to establish correct connections among cells, and/or alterations in dendritic development. These structural changes are often manifested as behavioral alterations later in life. Sensitivity to radiation (dose-response) is markedly similar among all mammalian species when developmental periods are compared. This review compares and contrasts human and animal behavioral data. Neonatal and postnatal adult behavioral tests have been shown to be sensitive, noninvasive measures of prenatal radiation exposure, although currently their predictive validity for humans is uncertain. Additional research is needed to determine the presence and significance of postnatal morphologic and functional alterations due to prenatal exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation.
How behaviors spread in dynamic social networks

In this paper, we explore how decentralized local interactions of autonomous agents in a network relate to collective behaviors. Earlier work in this area has modeled social networks with fixed agent relations. We instead focus on dynamic social networks in which agents can rationally adjust their neighborhoods based on their individual interests. We propose a new connection evaluation theory, the Highest Weighted Reward (HWR) rule: agents dynamically choose their neighbors in order to maximize their own utilities based on rewards from previous interactions. We prove that, in the two-action pure coordination game, our system would stabilize to a clustering state in which all relationships in the network are rewarded with an optimal payoff. Our experiments verify this theory and also reveal additional interesting patterns in the network.
The laser ablation ion funnel: Sampling for in situ mass spectrometry on Mars

A considerable investment has been made by NASA and other space agencies to develop instrumentation suitable for in situ analytical investigation of extra terrestrial bodies including various mass spectrometers (time-of-flight, quadrupole ion trap, quadrupole mass filters, etc.). However, the front-end sample handling that is needed to collect and prepare samples for interrogation by such instrumentation remains underdeveloped. Here we describe a novel approach tailored to the exploration of Mars where ions are created in the ambient atmosphere via laser ablation and then efficiently transported into a mass spectrometer for in situ analysis using an electrodynamic ion funnel. This concept would enable elemental and isotopic analysis of geological samples with the analysis of desorbed organic material a possibility as well. Such an instrument would be suitable for inclusion on all potential missions currently being considered such as the Mid-Range Rover, the Astrobiology Field Laboratory, and Mars Sample Return (i.e., as a sample pre-selection triage instrument), among others.
Joint segmentation and spiculation detection for ill-defined and spiculated mammographic masses

A learning-based approach integrating the use of pixel level statistical modeling and spiculation detection is presented for the segmentation of mammographic masses with ill-defined margins and spiculations. The algorithm involves a multi-phase pixel-level classification, using a comprehensive group of regional features, to generate a pixel level mass-conditional probability map (PM). Then, mass candidate along with background clutters are extracted from the PM by integrating the prior knowledge of shape and location of masses. A multi-scale steerable ridge detection algorithm is employed to detect spiculations. Finally, all the object level findings, including mass candidate, detected spiculations, and clutters, along with the PM are integrated by graph cuts to generate the final segmentation mask. The method was tested on 54 masses (51 malignant and 3 benign), all with ill-defined margins and irregular shape or spiculations. The ground truth delineations were provided by five experienced radiologists. Area overlap ratio of 0.766 (±0.144) and 0.642 (±0.173) were obtained for segmenting the whole mass and only the margin portion, respectively. Williams index of area and contour based measurements indicated that segmentation results of the algorithm well agreed with the radiologists' delineation. Most importantly, the proposed approach is capable of including mass margin and its extension which are considered as key features for breast lesion analyses.
Spin density distribution of iron-group ions with d5 configuration in fluoride crystals

Abstract A mechanism suggested by Rimmer to explain the ESR spectra of d 5 ions on octahedral sites in fluoride crystals has been investigated and found to be important only if the metal to fluorine distance is large.
Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in men with prostate carcinoma who receive androgen-deprivation therapy.

BACKGROUND Prostate carcinoma (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men. Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is used frequently in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic PCa, rendering these men hypogonadal. Because male hypogonadism is associated with an unfavorable metabolic profile, and men with PCa have high cardiovascular mortality, the authors evaluated the effects of long-term ADT on fasting glucose levels, insulin levels, and insulin resistance. METHODS To evaluate the long-term effects of ADT on fasting glucose and insulin resistance in men with PCa who received ADT and to determine whether these metabolic alterations are a result of hypogonadism, the authors conducted a cross-sectional study at a university-based research institution in the United States. In total, 53 men were evaluated, including 18 men with PCa who received ADT for at least 12 months prior to the onset of the study (the ADT group), 17 age-matched men with nonmetastatic PCa who had undergone prostatectomy and/or received radiotherapy and who were not receiving ADT (the non-ADT group), and 18 age-matched controls (the control group). None of the men had a known history of diabetes mellitus. RESULTS The mean age was similar in all 3 groups (P = 0.33). Serum total testosterone levels (P < 0.0001) and free testosterone levels (P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the ADT group compared with the other groups. Men in the ADT group had a higher BMI compared with the other groups (overall P = 0.005). After adjustment for age and BMI, men in the ADT group had significantly higher fasting levels of the following parameters: 1) Glucose levels were 131.0 ± 7.43 mg/dL in the ADT group compared with 103.0 ± 7.42 mg/dL in the non-ADT group (P = 0.01) and 99.0 ± 7.58 mg/dL in the control group (P < 0.01). 2) Insulin levels were 45.0 ± 7.25 uU/mL in the ADT group compared with 24.0 ± 7.24 uU/mL in the non-ADT group (P = 0.05) and 19.0 ± 7.39 uU/mL in the control group (P = 0.02). 3) Leptin levels were 25.0 ± 2.57 ng/mL in the ADT group compared with 12.0 ± 2.56 ng/mL in the non-ADT group (P < 0.01) and 6.0 ± 2.62 ng/mL in the control group (P < 0.01). 4) The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMAIR) = 17.0 ± 2.78 in the ADT group compared with HOMAIR = 6.0 ± 2.77 in the non-ADT group (P < 0.01) and HOMAIR = 5.0 ± 2.83 in the control group (P = 0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between total and free testosterone levels with fasting glucose, insulin, leptin, and HOMAIR. CONCLUSIONS The current data suggested that men with PCa who are receiving long-term ADT are at risk for developing insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, thus leading to their increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This adverse metabolic profile developed independent of age and BMI and appeared to be a direct result of androgen deprivation. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
An experimental investigation of bubble growth and detachment in vertical upflow and downflow boiling

A visual study of vapor bubble growth and departure in vertical upflow and downflow forced convection boiling is presented. A vertical flow boiling facility was constructed with a transparent, electrically-heated test section in which the ebullition process could be observed. High-speed digital images of flow boiling phenomena were obtained, which were used to measure bubble growth, departure diameters, and lift-off diameters. Experiments were conducted for flow of FC-87 over a commercially-finished nichrome heating surface, with mass flux ranging from 190 to 666 kg m−2 s−1 and heat flux ranging from 1.3 to 14.6 kW\m2. The flow was slightly subcooled (ΔTsub = 1.0–5.0°C), and boiling occurred at isolated nucleation sites. A major conclusion of this work is that the observed vapor bubble dynamics between upflow and downflow are significantly different. In the upflow configuration, bubbles departing the nucleation site slide along the heater wall, and typically do not lift off. In the downflow configuration, bubbles either lift off directly from the nucleation site or slide and then lift off, depending on flow and thermal conditions. The process of vapor bubble sliding appears to be responsible for enhanced energy transfer from the heating surface, as evidenced by larger heat transfer coefficients for upflow than for downflow under otherwise identical operating conditions.
A Brunswikian Evolutionary-Developmental theory of adolescent sex offending

A Brunswikian Evolutionary-Developmental model was developed to relate the sex offending behavior of adolescents to other forms of social deviance, tracing a history of repeated frustration and failure in various competitive sexual strategies and escalation to more extreme means of obtaining sexual gratification. Four hypothetical constructs were proposed as stages in the development of sexual criminality: (1) Psycho-Social Deficiency (PSD); (2) Non-Criminal Sexuality (NCS); (3) Non-Sexual Criminality (NSC); and (4) Sexual Criminality (SC). Significant direct and indirect pathways led from PSD to SC through both NCS and NSC, each time facilitated by an interaction with PSD. Although the causal orders between stages remain equivocal, the current results are consistent with our theory and establish the heuristic value of our theoretical approach, providing empirical support for otherwise counterintuitive predictions. This interpretation also offers hope for focusing preventative intervention at one major root cause of this unfortunate cascade of consequences, Psycho-Social Deficiency. Language: en
The God Beyond

This article is an attempt to describe the structure of imaging God at the adult level At the adult level of religious development, this structure has three interrelated pieces: first, there is an adult self;second, there is unfettered imaging; and third, there is the God the adult self is able to relate to in unfettered imaging, and this is the God Beyond. The article concludes with a brief look at how the adult self hears and speaks about the God Beyond.
Polymorphism of lactate dehydrogenase isozymes in pigeons.

RECOGNITION of the molecular heterogeneity of enzymes in single organisms has offered a new dimension for studying the genetic control of enzyme synthesis. In the case of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) five distinct types (isozymes) can be identified in most mammalian and avian tissues by the method of starch-gel electrophoresis1–3. Each isozyme is a tetramer formed by the association of two monomers, A and B (ref. 4), so that the polypeptide composition of LDH–1 through LDH–5 respectively may be written as follows: A0B4, A1B3, A2B2, A3B1 and A4B0. Genetic investigations5–7 have shown that the synthesis of the A and B sub-units is under the control of two different structural genes, a and b. Hence the isozyme composition of each tissue depends on the relative activity of the genes at these loci.
Ion-Selective Electrodes.

This review focuses on the more significant contributions to the understanding and use of ion-selective electrodes (ISE's). There is a strong interest in this field as over 1400 articles and abstracts were found during the writing of this review which covers the period from January 1986 through December 1987. The major analytical and electrochemical journals were read and a hand search of Chemical Abstracts uncovered the remaining articles. Unlike previous fundamental reviews, this paper will not attempt to list all the pertinent papers on ISE's. Rather, the more interesting works and applications are covered to illustrate examples of the general trends and directions of ISE interests.
Research note:Autoradiography utilising labelled ascorbic acid reveals biochemical and morphological details in diverse calcium oxalate crystal-forming species

Many plant species accumulate calcium oxalate crystals in specialised cells called crystal idioblasts. In one species of crystal-forming plants (Pistia stratiotes L.; forming raphide crystals), it has been shown that ascorbic acid is the primary precursor of oxalic acid. The question remains if this is true of other calcium oxalate crystal-forming plants. One way of answering the above question is by examining ascorbic acid as the oxalic acid precursor in diverse species with a variety of crystal types. In this study we tested ascorbic acid as the primary precursor of oxalic acid in four different species, each forming one of the four, thus far, unexamined crystal types: water hyacinth, styloid (and raphide); tomato, crystal sand; winged-bean, prismatic; water lily, astrosclereids with surface prismatic crystals. Pulse–chase feeding of 1-[14C]-ascorbic acid followed by resin embedding, microautoradiography and light microscopy were employed to examine incorporation of label into calcium oxalate crystals. For the species and crystal types studied, ascorbic acid is the primary precursor of oxalic acid and further, oxalic acid is added to crystals in patterns that correlate with the age and type of crystal involved.
Further evidence for latent learning in hippocampal-lesioned rats

Rats with substantial dorsolateral lesions to the hippocampal formation showed significant latent learning of a complex spatial maze. Their overall maze performance, however, was characteristically impaired. Behavior during the pre-exposure phase of the experiment was useful in predicting test maze behavior. Three measures in particular had predictive value: entrances into the maze alley leading to the final choice point, behavior at that choice point, and goal box entries.
ONTOGENY AND CORRELATIVE RELATIONSHIPS OF THE PRIMARY THICKENING MERISTEM IN FOUR-O'CLOCK PLANTS (NYCTAGINACEAE) MAINTAINED UNDER LONG AND SHORT PHOTOPERIODS'

A B S T RA C T The developmental anatomy of Mirabilis jalapa was investigated during the first 90 days of growth. The primary thickening meristem (PTM) initially differentiates in the pericycle at the top of the cotyledonary node 18 days after germination, then basipetally in the pericycle through the hypocotyl. The PTM differentiates acropetally into the stem and in the pericycle of the primary root, commencing 22 days after germination. Endodermis is easily identifiable in hypocotyls as well as in primary roots because of Casparian thickenings in its cells. It has not been definitely identified in stems. There are three rings of primary vascular bundles in the stem. The PTM differentiates as segments of cambium in a layer of cells (probably in the pericycle) on an arc between vascular bundles of the outer bundle ring. Later, arcs of PTM differentiate externally to the phloem of each bundle. Each arc forms a connection between original segments of PTM lying on either side of each vascular bundle. Thus, the PTM becomes a continuous cylinder. The PTM differentiates in the pericycle outside vascular tissue in the hypocotyl and root. Differentiation of the PTM and the mode of secondary thickening is similar in plants exposed to short (8-hr) and to long (18-hr) photoperiods, but some differences were observed. The PTM differentiates closer to the stem apex in all plants over 18 days of age growing vegetatively under long photoperiods. That is, the diffuse lateral meristem, in whose cells the PTM differentiates in young internodes, is shorter in nearly all investigated plants growing in long photoperiods. The hypocotyl and base of the primary root of 40-dayold plants in short photoperiods were more enlarged than those of the same age plants in long photoperiods; but, at the end of 64 days, the hypocotyl and primary root base were larger in plants growing under short photoperiods. Thirty-four days after seed germination, flower initiation occurs in plants exposed to short photoperiods. One hundred fifty days after seed germination, flowers differentiate on plants exposed to long photoperiods.
Structural Studies of Antarctic Fish Antifreeze Glycoproteins by One- and Two-Dimensional NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract The solution structure of antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGP's) of the polar fish Tetramatomus borchgrevinki has been investigated by 2D 1 H NMR spectroscopy as well as molecular modeling calculations (MM2). The simple glycotripeptide repeating structure in the shorter AFGP's (fractions 7 & 8) makes the structural analysis amenable. The resonance assignments of AFGP's 7 & 8 were determined by two-dimensional NMR techniques (COSY, Relayed-COSY, Phase Sensitive DQCOSY, NOESY). Information about the protein secondary structure was obtained by the coupling constants between the back-bone amide and α-carbon protons (obtained by phase sensitive COSY). Additional three dimensional constraints were obtained from NOESY through-space connectivities. The three dimensional solution structures of several AFGP's glycotripeptide fragments were based on MM2 calculations. The model structure was compared with the experimental data. Exchange rates of amide protons measured by dynamical spectroscopy show that the threo...
Automated prefetch mechanism: design and implementation for a radiology PACS

A clinical picture archiving and communication system (PACS) requires immediate access to both patients' previous and current images as well as the corresponding radiology reports. We have developed a prefetch mechanism for the PACS system in the UCSF Department of Radiology that automatically retrieves historical images and reports for reviewing at remote display stations.
Increasing the in vitro proliferation rate of Perkinsus mediterraneus, a parasite of the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis

Perkinsus mediterraneus is an alveolate parasite first described in Ostrea edulis from the Balearic Islands (Mediterranean Sea, Spain), and little is known about its biology or the disease it causes. Continuous in vitro cultures of P. mediterraneus have recently been established in the protein-deficient culture medium JL-ODRP-2F to facilitate its study. Parasite proliferation rate in vitro however was low, with densities increasing 2- to 6-fold between subcultures at 6-week intervals. To increase the proliferation rate of P. mediterraneus cultures to rates similar to other Perkinsus species, various culture conditions (temperature, osmolality, pH, O(2), and CO(2) concentrations), culture procedures (seeding density and frequency of medium changes), concentrations of medium components, and addition of medium supplements (oyster tissue lysate, oyster plasma, animal sera, growth factors, and hormones) were tested. All treatments were evaluated by measuring parasite densities after 2 weeks of culture. The greatest increase in parasite densities, a 35-fold increase over the cell seeding density and 18 times that of the control (cells without supplementation), occurred in medium supplemented with 1,000 μg/mL of O. edulis tissue lysate. P. mediterraneus proliferation was also significantly increased by oyster tissue lysate concentration as low as 125 μg/mL.
On the effect of acoustic layer modes in an mos oxide on inversion layer mobility

Abstract The effect of thermally generated acoustic layer modes in the silicon dioxide gate of a silicon MOSFET on inversion layer electron mobility is investigated using the deformation potential formalism. The layer mode contribution to mobility is found to vary significantly for SiO 2 layer thicknesses less than about 25 nm above which an asymptotic “thick” layer value is approached. This “thick” layer value differs considerably from the contribution in the limit of a zero thickness layer and, for some conduction band minima and especially for higher electron energies, can be quite large, even dominating over other phonon contributions. However, the overall contribution appears to be small and thus likely not the source of the discrepancy between theoretical and experimental mobility values
Activation of κ-opioid receptors in the nucleus ambiguus does not affect cardiovascular function or outcome following acute hemorrhage in the rat

The central cardiovascular response to hemorrhage is believed to be regulated, in part, by specific brain cardioregulatory nuclei, including the nucleus ambiguus (NA) of the hindbrain. Since endogenous opioid peptides and opiate receptors have been localized to this brain region, activation of endogenous opioid systems in the NA may affect the cardiovascular response to acute hemorrhage. The present study examined the effects of intracerebral microinjection of κ-receptor agonists into the NA prior to acute fixed-volume hemorrhage in awake rats. 15 min prior to fixed volume hemorrhage (7.5 ml/300 g), male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 59) received a microinjection of either (1) the synthetic κ-receptor agonist U-50, 488H (10 nM) or (2) U-50,488H (100 nM) or (3) the endogenous κ-receptor agonist dynorphin 1–17 (1 nM) or (4) Des-Tyr dynorphin 2–17, inactive at opiate receptors (1 nM) or (5) equal volume saline. With the exception of the first 10 min post-hemorrhage, where intracerebral injection of both dynorphin 1–17 and dynorphin 2–17 caused a transient suppression of mean arterial blood pressure (P < 0.05 when compared to saline-treated controls), microinjection of the κ-agonists dynorphin 1–17 or U-50,488H had no effect on blood pressure, heart rate or mortality when compared to control animals. These results suggest that activation of κ-opiate receptors in the NA does not markedly influence cardiovascular response to acute hemorrhage.