cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Propagation of Short Electron Pulses in a Plasma Channel

We report the near-steady-state propagation over long distance of a 25 psec, tightly focused relativistic electron beam which creates, by radial ejection of plasma electrons, a focusing ion channel in a plasma of electron density smaller than the beam. A dense beam core, close in radius to the injected beam, which was nearly matched to the ion focusing strength, is observed at the plasma exit. Time-resolved imaging confirms that this core is situated in the trailing half of the beam, as predicted by analytical and computer models. We discuss the impact of these results on plasma wake field acceleration schemes.
Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Choosing to Write Autobiographies.

Choice of out-of-class supporting projects appears to be related to neuroticism but not to introversion-extraversion.
EUV Analysis of a Quasi-static Coronal Loop Structure

Decaying active region 10942 is investigated from 4:00 – 16:00 UT on 24 February 2007 using a suite of EUV observing instruments. Results from Hinode/EIS, STEREO and TRACE show that, although the active region has decayed and no sunspot is present, the physical mechanisms that produce distinguishable loop structures, spectral line broadening, and plasma flows still occur. A coronal loop that appears as a blue-shifted structure in Doppler maps is apparent in intensity images of log(T)=6.0 – 6.3 ions. The loop structure is found to be anti-correlated with spectral line broadening generally attributed to non-thermal velocities. This coronal loop structure is investigated physically (temperature, density, geometry) and temporally. Light curves created from imaging instruments show brightening and dimming of the loop structure on two different time scales; short pulses of 10 – 20 min and long duration dimming of two – four hours until its disappearance. The coronal loop structure, formed from relatively blue-shifted material that is anti-correlated with spectral line broadening, shows a density of 1010 to 109.3 cm−3 and is visible for longer than characteristic cooling times. The maximum non-thermal spectral line broadenings are found to be adjacent to the footpoint of the coronal loop structure.
Community agency and sustainable tourism development: the case of La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Previous sustainable tourism research has called for the promotion of community-based tourism as a means of achieving sustainable development goals. Such community-based development has been noted as essential for sustainable practices because of its capacity to benefit local populations while reducing tourism's negative consequences. Nonetheless, some researchers have warned that community-based tourism, by itself, does not necessarily lead to sustainable practices. This study examines local social interactional elements necessary for the achievement of sustainable tourism practices. Such practices are attainable when certain attitudinal, organizational and/or behavioral conditions are present within a community. Using a case study methodology, this article examines the interactional elements by which residents of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, engaged in sustainable tourism practices. The study was based on the theoretical notion of the community field. It used key informant interviews and participant observat...
Locked-in syndrome: Report of a case

Locked-in syndrome is a unique clinical condition associated with ventral pontine lesions. The locked-in state is characterized by tetraplegia and mutism with maintenance of alertness as well as vertical eye movements and eye blinking, by which communication is possible. A case of locked-in syndrome in a 58-year-old man that demonstrates the clinical manifestations of the disorder is reported. Unless the physician is familiar with the signs and symptoms of the locked-in syndrome, the diagnosis may be missed and the patient may erroneously be considered comatose.
Factors Affecting Interpretation of Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Areas

Recently there has been an increased interest in determining the circulating glucose concentration after the ingestion of various individual foods and mixed meals. The purpose of these determinations is to systematically rank foods with respect to their quantitative effect on postmeal glucose concentration. Potentially such data could be useful in designing a diet for individuals with diabetes. We believe this concept is good. However, several factors that may affect interpretation of the data used to develop this ranking need to be considered before the utility of this approach to dietary management can be assessed: 1) duration of time over which the data are collected and analyzed; 2) use of absolute versus incremental areas in the determinations; 3) inclusion or exclusion of negative areas if incremental areas are used; 4) differences in response to a given food in males compared with females; 5) severity of diabetes; 6) confounding effects of oral agents or insulin treatment; 7) reproducibility of data; 8) differences in collection of blood sample; 9) food composition, processing, and preparation; 10) the dose-response relationship to ingestion of a given carbohydrate; 11) the meal being studied, i.e., first, second, or third meal of the day; and 12) a possible effect of the composition of the previous meal, if the response is tested to any meal other than the first meal of the day.
Solution-state and solid-state structural characterization of complexes of a new macrocyclic ligand containing the 1,5-diazacyclooctane subunit.

The synthesis and characterization of a new constrained tetraazamacrocyclic ligand, 1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclo[9.3.3]heptadecane (1,11-C3-cyclam), is reported. Because of its basicity, this ligand (p...
Cytokine gene expression in human cardiac allograft recipients

Abstract The long-term success of heart transplantation for end-stage heart disease has been hindered by the problems associated with acute and chronic graft rejection, opportunistic infections and potentially fatal complications of intensive immunosuppression. A more complete understanding of the biology of transplant rejection should provide the basis for the development of improved methods for controlling and monitoring rejection. Cytokines, the soluble factors which regulate the immune response, are central to the rejection process. The objective of this study was to analyse cytokine mRNA transcripts in 99 biopsy samples and 89 blood samples from 65 and 35 Stanford Medical Center cardiac transplant recipients, respectively, gathered between January 1990 and January 1992. Following RNA extraction and conversion to cDNA, samples were amplified with cytokine-specific primers for interleukins (IL) 1 to 8, TNF-β (tumour necrosis factor-β) and IFN-γ (interferon-gamma) and were analysed by gel electrophoresis and Southern blot hybridization. Our results demonstrate that, despite chronic immunosuppressive therapy, the peripheral blood of transplant recipients expressed a higher combined percentage of different cytokine transcripts than did peripheral blood obtained from normal volunteers. In transplant patients, detection of cytokine transcripts for IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-2 increased with time after transplantation. Intragraft IL-7 gene expression was significantly increased in biopsies diagnosed with mild (grade 1) rejection when compared to those with no evidence of rejection or with moderate to severe rejection. Implications of these results in light of possible mechanisms of rejection and of new approaches to immunotherapy are discussed.
"Rewind and Replay:" Changing Teachers' Heterosexist Language to Create an Inclusive Classroom Environment

Abstract Objectives: By completing the “Rewind and Replay” activity, participants will: (1) identify heterosexist language in common classroom interactions, (2) discuss underlying heterosexist assumptions embedded in common teacher statements, (3) brainstorm inclusive terms and expressions for use in place of heterosexist language, and (4) verbally practice alternatives to common heterosexist expressions. Target Audience: Pre-K through high school teachers and teacher candidates.
Single-cell analysis of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and phosphatase and tensin homolog activation

A single-cell assay was developed to measure the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) using microanalytical chemical separations and a fluorescently labeled lipid substrate. Phosphatidyl-inositol 4,5 bisphosphate labeled on its acyl chain with Bodipy fluorescein (Bodipy Fl PIP2) was utilized as a substrate for both in vitro and cell-based assays. Detection limits for the substrate and product of the PI3K reaction were 10 to 20 zeptomol. In vitro assays with PI3K with and without pharmacologic inhibitors demonstrated that Bodipy Fl PIP2 was converted to phosphatidyl-inositol 3,4,5 trisphosphate (Bodipy Fl PIP3). Bodipy Fl PIP3 could be back converted to Bodipy Fl PIP2 by the phosphatase PTEN. When Bodipy Fl PIP2 was added to a cell lysate, 1.4 fmol of the Bodipy Fl PIP3 were produced per ng of protein in the cytoplasmic extract in 10 min. Addition of Bodipy Fl PIP3 to a cell lysate yielded 3 fmol of Bodipy Fl PIP2 per ng of protein in 8 min. Both Bodipy Fl PIP2 and Bodipy Fl PIP3 were measureable in single cells and the two species could be inter-converted. Under the appropriate conditions, a fluorescent diacylglycerol was also detected in single cells. When the FceR1 receptor on the cells loaded with the fluorescent lipid was cross-linked, the amount of Bodipy Fl PIP3 generated per cell increased 4-fold over that of unstimulated cells. This production of Bodipy Fl PIP3 was blocked by wortmannin. Chemical cytometry utilizing the fluorescent lipids will be of value in understanding lipid metabolism at the single-cell level.
Reduction theory over quadratic imaginary fields

Abstract Hurwitz developed a reduction theory for real binary quadratic forms of positive discriminant based on least-remainder continued fractions. For each quadratic imaginary field k , we develop a similar theory for complex binary quadratic forms of nonzero discriminant. This uses a Markov partition for the geodesic flow over the quotient of hyperbolic 3-space by the Bianchi group B k . When k has a Euclidean algorithm, our theory is based on least-remainder continued fractions.
Fractures of the C1 and C2 Vertebrae

Abstract Upper cervical fractures of the axis and atlas (C1 and C2, respectively) typically occur in children and in the elderly population. The anatomic characteristics of the craniocervical junction allows for unique fracture patterns. Jefferson fractures of the atlas are the classic fracture presentation of the C1 vertebrae. Odontoid fractures and traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis are the most commonly reported fractures of the C2 vertebrae. This chapter will review the anatomy, injury mechanisms, and fracture types seen in the C1 and C2 vertebrae. In addition, several nonoperative and operative treatment options, supported by the literature, will be discussed.
Weighted hurdle regression method for joint modeling of cardiovascular events likelihood and rate in the US dialysis population

We propose a new weighted hurdle regression method for modeling count data, with particular interest in modeling cardiovascular events in patients on dialysis. Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in this population. Our aim is to jointly model the relationship/association between covariates and (a) the probability of cardiovascular events, a binary process and (b) the rate of events once the realization is positive - when the ‘hurdle’ is crossed - using a zero-truncated Poisson distribution. When the observation period or follow-up time, from the start of dialysis, varies among individuals the estimated probability of positive cardiovascular events during the study period will be biased. Furthermore, when the model contains covariates, then the estimated relationship between the covariates and the probability of cardiovascular events will also be biased. These challenges are addressed with the proposed weighted hurdle regression method. Estimation for the weighted hurdle regression model is a weighted likelihood approach, where standard maximum likelihood estimation can be utilized. The method is illustrated with data from the United States Renal Data System. Simulation studies show the ability of proposed method to successfully adjust for differential follow-up times and incorporate the effects of covariates in the weighting.
Pattern and rate of erosion inferred from Inca agricultural terraces in arid southern Peru

Abstract Earthworks of assumed age and their initial and current morphologies provide an ideal basis for developing and testing models for long-term landform erosion. Inca agricultural terraces abandoned at ∼ 1532 A.D in the drylands of southern Peru may be used to document morphological changes since the abandonment. The objective of this research is to determine the erosion pattern and process to estimate the erosion rate. The development of rills and channels on the Inca agricultural terraces is evidence for erosion by wash processes on slopes where the anchoring effect of vegetation is absent and loose material is available for removal. The pattern and amount of erosion from 1532–2005 A.D. is estimated by comparing elevation models of the observed morphology and reconstructed models of the original morphology of the Inca terraces. The results show that in areas of sediment accumulation surface elevation increased up to 0.5 m. Elevation lowering on the terrace treads was 0.7 m at maximum, and a temporally and spatially averaged lowering rate was 0.094 mm yr − 1 . This gives insights about how the rate of erosion occurs on currently disturbed lands in arid environments where soil resources are scarce and lands are prone to desertification.
Childhood hypersensitivity pneumonitis (farmer's lung): Four cases in siblings with long-term follow-up

A propos de 4 cas dans une meme fratrie, suivis durant 22 ans; le poumon de fermier est rare en pediatrie et dificile a diagnostiquer du fait de sa nature insidieuse et de la resolution spontanee quand l'antigene n'est plus present. C'est lui qu'il faut identifier et evacuer ce qui peut conduire a un vrai changement de vie. Les corticoides sont maintenant recommandes
Long‐term results of treatment for glomus jugulare and glomus vagale tumors with radiotherapy

Since 1954, 39 cases of glomus jugulare or vagale tumor have been treated by the authors with radiotherapy. The initial results with orthovoltage (280 kV) therapy were unpredictable, but 30 patients with 32 tumors treated with megavoltage radiotherapy (Cobalt-60 [60Co] or linear accelerator) have shown either no evidence of recurrence or complications, with one exception, or died of causes unrelated to their glomus tumor. Megavoltage radiotherapy is recommended for primary treatment of all glomus tumors that present with evidence of bone invasion or nerve involvement.
At least two toxins are involved inEscherichia coli mastitis

Culture filtrate ofEscherichia coli produces changes in the bovine udder identical to those seen in experimental infections with the same organism.E. coli endotoxin produces an acute inflammatory response but none of the cell damage induced by culture filtrate. It appears therefore that at least 2 toxins are involved in the disease.
Numerical Computations of Supersonic Base Flow with Special Emphasis on Turbulence Modeling

Abstract : A zonal, implicit, time-marching Navier-Stokes computational technique has been used to compute the turbulent supersonic base flow over cylindrical afterbodies. A critical element of calculating such flows is the turbulence model. Various eddy viscosity turbulence models have been used in the base region flow computations. These models include two algebraic turbulence models and a two-equation k-epsilon model. The k-epsilon equations are developed in a general coordinate system and solved using an implicit algorithm. Calculations with the k-epsilon model are extended up to the wall. Flow field computations have been performed for a cylindrical afterbody at M = 2.46 and at angle of attack alpha = 0. The results are compared to the experimental data for the same conditions and the same configuration. Details of the mean flow field as well as the turbulence quantifies have been presented. In addition, the computed base pressure distribution has been compared with the experiment. In general, the k-epsilon turbulence model performs better in the near wake than the algebraic models and predicts the base pressure much better. Base flow, Base pressure, Turbulence models, Wake, Supersonic flow.
Higher order chance coincidences in a fast-slow coincidence arrangement

Abstract In this paper, we consider an ordinary fast-slow coincidence measurement with two radiation detectors. In addition to the chance coincidences due to two pulses (one from each detector) there are higher order chance coincidences which require a total of three or four pulses and whose relative contributions to the counting rate increase with source strength. Formulas for these effects are given, and methods for measuring the corrections are discussed. For a source with a simple decay scheme, and for the special cases of either very narrow or very wide analyzer channels it is shown that the higher order corrections may be neglected if the single counting rates are small compared to the reciprocal resolving time of the slow coincidence circuit.
Ligand effects on the electrooxidation of molybdenum halide complexes of the type CpMo(CO)3−n(PR3)nX and ChMo(CO)2X

Abstract Complexes of the type CpMo(CO) 3− n (PR 3 ) n X and ChMo(CO) 2 X, where Cp = η 5 -C 5 H 5 , Ch = η 7 -C 7 H 7 and X = halide, can be oxidized electrochemically by one electron in dichloromethane. The potential necessary for oxidation and the rate of decomposition of the resulting cation decrease as n increases or as the phosphine becomes a better electron donor. A linear correlation is observed between the highest energy carbonyl stretching frequency and the formal or peak potential for the oxidation. As the halide is changed from chloride to bromide to iodide the oxidation potential increases but the rate of decomposition of the cation decreases. Both of these trends can be traced to the inverse halide order, in which the oxidation potential increases as the electronegativity of the halide ligand decreases. This effect arises from greater metal to halide backbonding in the complexes of the heavier halogens, which decreases electron density on the metal center and thus increases the oxidation potential. However the added bond order with the heavier halogens apparently also stabilizes those cations toward decomposition.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: The First Decade

The treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) drastically changed with the introduction of imatinib mesylate, a Bcr-Abl1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), in 1998. By directly targeting this leukemogenic protein kinase, imatinib affords patients with CML sustained chromosomal remissions, which translate into prolonged survival. However, there has been concern over the emergence of resistance to imatinib, and some patients fail to respond or are intolerant of imatinib therapy because of untoward toxicity. This has spurred interest in developing novel TKIs to overcome the mechanisms of resistance that lead to treatment failure—most importantly, Bcr-Abl1 kinase domain mutations. Two of these second-generation TKIs, nilotinib and dasatinib, are approved worldwide for the treatment of CML after imatinib failure or intolerance. Although these agents are active, they fail in many patients because of the development of highly resistant mutations such as the T315I, against which several novel agents are currently being tested in clinical trials. This review provides an account of the progress made in the field of TKI therapy for CML over the past decade.
Effects of Foreknowledge of Manner of Death in the Assessment from Genuine and Simulated Suicide Notes of Intent to Die

(1970). Effects of Foreknowledge of Manner of Death in the Assessment from Genuine and Simulated Suicide Notes of Intent to Die. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 82, No. 2, pp. 215-221.
Non-operational testing of software for security issues

We are studying extension of the classical Software Reliability Engineering (SRE) methodology into the security space. We combine “classical” reliability modeling, when applied to reported vulnerabilities found under “normal” operational profile conditions, with safety oriented fault management processes. We illustrate with open source Fedora software.
Adaptive Confidence Bands for Nonparametric Regression Functions

This article proposes a new formulation for the construction of adaptive confidence bands (CBs) in nonparametric function estimation problems. CBs, which have size that adapts to the smoothness of the function while guaranteeing that both the relative excess mass of the function lying outside the band and the measure of the set of points where the function lies outside the band are small. It is shown that the bands adapt over a maximum range of Lipschitz classes. The adaptive CB can be easily implemented in standard statistical software with wavelet support. We investigate the numerical performance of the procedure using both simulated and real datasets. The numerical results agree well with the theoretical analysis. The procedure can be easily modified and used for other nonparametric function estimation models. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Maintenance of opsin and S-antigen gene expression in RCS dystrophic rats following RPE transplantation.

Abstract The effects of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation in rescuing photoreceptor cells (PRC) were studied in RCS rats bearing the rdy mutation. RPE preparations from Long-Evans rats were transplanted into the subretinal space of post-natal (P) 17–19-day-old RCS rats. Age-matched RCS animals in the control group received injections of the transplantation vehicle buffer alone. The animals were killed at various post-natal ages after RPE transplantation. Immunocytochemical studies using antibodies to opsin and S-antigen indicated intact photoreceptor cells in the transplanted retinas. In contrast age-matched sham-injected animals did not show any rescue of photoreceptor cells at P90. Single RPE transplantation of 60 000 cells in each eye resulted in restoration of near normal mRNA levels for opsin, and S-antigen proteins. Comparisons of mRNA levels of two visual proteins using cDNA probes demonstrated a therapeutic effect of RPE transplantation in preventing a progressive decline in mRNA levels due to retinal degeneration. In contrast, P109 sham-injected controls showed no detectable mRNA levels for these proteins. In vitro protein synthesis in RPE-transplanted retinas implied further competence of these retinas. These data suggest that RPE transplantation not only rescues photoreceptors from degeneration, but more importantly, it allows normal transcription and translation in these cells rendering them capable of participating in the visual and signal transduction cascade.
Non-Fermi liquid regimes in the low-temperature phase diagrams of the systems U1−xMxPd2Al3 (M=Y,Th)

Abstract Temperature–composition (T–x) phase diagrams and non-Fermi liquid (NFL) characteristics in the electrical resistivity, specific heat, and magnetic susceptibility at low temperatures for the U1−xMxPd2Al3 (M=Y,Th) systems are described. The T–x phase diagrams, the NFL characteristics, and the underlying mechanisms for the NFL behavior exhibit distinct differences for M=Y3+ and Th4+, apparently reflecting the difference in valence of the M atom substituents, and suggesting that U is tetravalent in these two systems.
Otolaryngology residents' objectives in entering the workforce.

Objectives To determine the priorities of current otolaryngologists-in-training in considering their first employment opportunities. Study Design Twenty-one-item survey measuring the importance of various first job issues, with all items scored on a five-point Likert-type ordinal scale. Methods The resident membership of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery was anonymously surveyed by means of mail-in questionnaires. Results were stratified by years of training. Results Responses from 242 of 1174 mail-in surveys (21% response rate) exhibited a wide distribution of responses for all 21 questions. The availability of free time to spend with one's family was regarded by more than half of the respondents to have the highest overall importance. As years of training increased, priorities shifted toward geographic location, away from issues such as the on-call schedules. The availability of research time and resources received the overall lowest priority, with more than half of the respondents ranking it as only somewhat important or lower. Conclusions Otolaryngologists-in-training feel strongest about the availability of free time to spend with their families as they finish formal training and consider employment opportunities. By acknowledging the concerns of graduating residents, including the ability to pursue their primary interests when they start working, we can better adapt conditions to create a more comfortable and stable entry into the workforce.
High Resolution Brain SPECT Imaging in a Clinical Substance Abuse Practice

Brain SPECT imaging is a nuclear medicine study that uses isotopes bound to neurospecific pharmaceuticals to evaluate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and indirectly metabolic activity. With current available technology and knowledge SPECT has the potential to add important clinical information to benefit patient care in many different areas of a substance abuse practice. This article explores the clinical controversies and limitations of brain SPECT, plus seven ways it has the potential to be immediately useful in clinical substance abuse practice, including: adding valuable information to the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of substance abusers; helping clinicians ask better questions; helping them in making more complete diagnoses and preventing mistakes; evaluating underlying brain system pathology in individual patients; decreasing stigma and increasing compliance; visualizing effectiveness via follow-up evaluations; and encouraging the exploration of innovative and alternative treatments.
A cytogenetic study of a population of mentally retarded males with special reference to the marker (X) syndrome

A cytogenetic survey of a population of 274 mentally retarded males on community placement is described. Thirtyfive had an aneuploid chromosome constitution and five had the mar (X) syndrome. The range of clinical variation among the mar(X) probands and their affected relatives is described. Family studies were possible for four of the five mar(X) probands and in two families the mar(X) gene was apparently transmitted through a clinically normal male, suggesting that this type of male transmission may be a not uncommon phenomenon.
IN VITRO CULTURE OF B-LYMPHOCYTES DERIVED FROM EPSTEIN-BARR-VIRUS- ASSOCIATED POSTTRANSPLANT LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE DISEASE: CYTOKINE PRODUCTION AND EFFECT OF INTERFERON-ALPHA

Epstein-Barr-virus-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease ranges from transient lymphadenitis to aggressive lymphoma. This study characterizes an in vitro model to study the pathogenesis of this disease with a cell culture system. Five B-cell lines derived from posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease tissue were characterized with regard to immunophenotype, karyotype, molecular genetics, cytokine production, and growth regulation. All cell lines expressed CD19, CD21, CD22, CD43, and CD77, but not CD10 antigens. Immunoglobulin light chain restriction was seen in four of five cell lines, and cytogenetic abnormalities were demonstrable in three of the five. Cells proliferating in culture contained multiple Epstein-Barr virus episomes and showed lytic viral replication. All cell lines produced tumor necrosis factor-β and interleukin-10 without evidence of autocrine growth regulatory loops involving these cytokines. No evidence of IL-1 alpha, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 or IL-6 production was found by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Adding 500 U IFN-α/ml to the culture medium resulted in 30% inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation.
Comment on “Paleomagnetism of Early Jurassic rocks, Watchung Mountains, Newark Basin: Evidence for complex rotations along the border fault”

Van Fossen et al. [1986] interpret discordant paleomagnetic directions from the eastern and western limbs of the Watchung Syncline to suggest complex strain near the Border Fault. If a case can be made that there is a 10 my age difference between the eastern and western limb magnetizations, and the western limb magnetization has not been thermally reset by the Preakness Basalt, then apparent polar wander during the Triassic/Jurassic can be used to explain the discordance. The western limb magnetization may record the sharp cusp predicted by the PEP model of Gordon et al. [1984] and date it to be mid-Hettangian in age.
The Prevalence of Irrational Thinking in the Third Reich: Notes Toward the Reconstruction of Modern Value Rationality

Within the voluminous literature on the Holocaust, a trend has emerged in recent years: a shift of focus from remembrance and commemoration of this horrible event to serious reflection about its significance in a variety of theological, philosophical, historical, and even aesthetic contexts. This shift has not been an easy one, for its practicioners have had to face the widely held view that the Holocaust is unintelligible or incomprehensible, and that the tools of scholarship are simply inadequate to grasp it in any meaningful way. This view is certainly understandable when uttered by those who have personally survived the Holocaust—voices which played a leading role in the literature of previous decades. But even as these voices recede in time, the obstacles which this event poses to intelligibility remain formidable to many scholars.
Prevention of esophageal thermal injury during radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation

Pulmonary vein isolation using radiofrequency ablation is an effective therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, the esophagus descends in close proximity to the posterior wall of the left atrium and renders this structure susceptible to thermal injury. Esophageal ulceration has been hypothesized to be a precursor to left atrial–esophageal fistula, a procedural complication associated with poor prognosis. In this review, we have analyzed and summarized the published data regarding esophageal thermal injury during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and strategies to minimize risk of this complication. While esophageal temperature monitoring can be useful, multiple factors such as patient characteristics and specific strategies for radiofrequency energy delivery also merit consideration.
Fast and Lazy Build of Acceleration Structures from Scene Hierarchies

In this paper we show how to use structural information about a scene such as is contained in a scene graph to build SAH-based acceleration structures more efficiently. We provide a general method for doing so together with asymptotic analyses for both standard and lazy variants of our method. In particular, we show bounds of O(n) for full k-d tree builds over n primitives and O(v + log n) for lazy k-d tree builds over v visible primitives. We provide experimental results showing that these asymptotic properties translate into real-world speedups. In fact, without a method like ours, it is impossible to achieve better than O(n) for even the first split of a lazy build. We also show that under certain (realistic) assumptions on the scene structure, our method produces provably good acceleration structures. Finally, we provide experimental results demonstrating that our acceleration structures are of nearly indistinguishable quality to those produced with a full SAH build.
Paracrine regulation of the renin-aldosterone system.

Abstract A number of clinical states have been described where there are derangements or discrepancies between renin-angiotensin and aldosterone secretion. We have studied the potential effect of some cytokines or growth factors (peptide regulatory factors) on this system in vitro . Both tumor necrosis factor/cachectin and interleukin I are potent regulators acting as renin secretogogues and inhibitors of aldosterone synthesis. These actions are mediated by prostaglandin cyclooxygenase products and their actions mimic the syndrome of hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism in critical illness. Insulin and insulin-like growth factor I are also renin secretogogues in vitro However in a diabetic model (streptozotocin rat), there is resistance to both agonists as well as enhanced feedback suppression to angiotensin. A third peptide, transforming growth factor (TGFβ) has even more complex actions, acting as a secretogogue at low doses (10 −12 M) but inhibiting renin at higher doses. TGFβ production is increased in the diabetic state so that this peptide as well as the insulin family may be involved in hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism.
Endogenous opioid systems and the regulation of dendritic growth and spine formation

The role of endogenous opioid systems (endogenous opioids and opioid receptors) in neuronal development was examined in 10- and 21-day-old rats by utilizing an opioid antagonist (naltrexone) paradigm. Throughout the first 3 weeks of life, Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily subcutaneous injections of either 50 mg/kg naltrexone, a dosage that invoked a complete (24 hours/day) receptor blockade, or 1 mg/kg naltrexone, a dosage which intermittently blocked (4-6 hours/day) opioid receptors and exacerbated opioid action; animals injected with sterile water served as controls. Pyramidal cells from the frontoparietal cortex (layer III) and hippocampal field CA1, and cerebellar Purkinje cells, were impregnated by using the Golgi-Kopsch method; total and mean dendrite segment length, branch frequency, and spine concentration were analyzed morphometrically. Perturbations of endogenous opioid systems caused region-dependent alterations in dendrite complexity and/or spine concentration in all brain areas. Continuous opioid receptor blockade resulted in dramatic increases in dendrite and/or spine elaboration compared to controls at 10 days in all brain regions; however, these increases were only evident in the hippocampus at 21 days. With intermittent blockade, dendrite and/or spine growth were often subnormal, being predominant at day 21. Our results indicate that endogenous opioid systems are critical regulators of neuronal differentiation, and they control growth through an inhibitory mechanism. Considering previous findings demonstrating that neurobehavioral ontogeny is dependent on endogenous opioid-opioid receptor interactions, the present results suggest an opioid-dependent, structure-function relationship between neuronal and behavioral maturation.
General cloud cover modifier for clear sky solar radiation models

Worldwide lack of comprehensive measured solar radiation resource data for solar system design is well known. Several simple clear sky solar radiation models for computing hourly direct, diffuse and global hemispherical solar radiation have been developed over the past 25 years. The simple model of Richard Bird, Iqbal's parameterization C, and Gueymard's REST model are popular for estimating maximum hourly solar resources. We describe a simple polynomial in cloud cover (octa) modifier for these models that produces realistic time series of hourly solar radiation data representative of naturally occurring solar radiation conditions under all sky conditions. Surface cloud cover observations (Integrated Surface Hourly Data) from the National Climatic Data Center are the only additional (hourly) input data to model total hemispherical solar radiation under all sky conditions. Performance was evaluated using three years of hourly solar radiation data from 31 sites in the 1961-1990 National Solar Radiation Data Base. Mean bias errors range from - 10% to -20%, and are clear sky model dependant. Root mean square error of about 40%, are also dependent upon the particular model used and the uncertainty in the specific clear sky model inputs and lack of information on cloud type and spatial distributions.
Determining the quality of conjoint analysis results using violation of a priori signs

Abstract Researchers in the field of conjoint analysis have suggested the use of sign violations of the estimated part-worth coefficients as a measure of the quality of the results. A priori sign violation is the mismatch between the ordinality of the true and estimated part-worth utilities. Based on the a priori sign criterion, LINMAP outperforms OLS for each type of evaluation model used. Validation using the a priori sign violation should be the preferred method when some or all of these conditions hold (the number of profiles is relatively small and the number of attributes is relatively large), when the dominant evaluative model is used, and the internal fit is poor (or evaluative error is large). The results suggest that the extent of sign violations should be used as an indication of the quality of results only within the context of the study design.
Racial disparity in in-hospital mortality after lobectomy for lung cancer

Abstract Background Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we investigated the impact of surgical approach and race on in-hospital mortality after lobectomy for lung cancer. Methods Logistic regression was used to model odds ratios for in-hospital mortality related to surgical technique (thoracotomy vs video assisted thoracoscopic surgery [VATS]) and race using discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2008 to 2011). Results VATS lobectomies increased each year (25.9% to 39.2%, P = .001) in the 19,353 patients identified. A racial disparity was noted, with black patients being 66% more likely to die in the hospital (odds ratio 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 2.37, P = .005). Excluding 2010 data suggests that there is evidence of benefit associated with VATS; however, no evidence of an association between race and in-hospital mortality exists. Conclusions This study elucidates race-related mortality in lobectomy patients. Although racial disparities are present throughout health care, this finding emphasizes one of the challenges in using large databases to assess such disparities.
Observations on the fine structure of the schizonts of Haemoproteus columbae Kruse

SYNOPSIS. The schizonts of Haemoproteus columbae resemble the exoerythrocytic schizonts of avian Plasmodium in their fine structure. Haemoproteus infects endothelial cells and grows several hundredfold in volume, destroying the cytoplasm and nucleus of the host cell. The schizont's plasma membrane is trilamellar with a dense outer lamella. Some schizonts have micropores in their plasma membranes, but there is no evidence for ingestion thru them. Instead, numerous vesicles and channels fill the host cell cytoplasm and give its plasma membrane and periparasitic vacuolar membrane the appearance of active pinocytosis. The parasite's membrane shows no sign of pinocytosis, indicating that it probably feeds by diffusion. The growing schizont has numerous mitochondria, nuclei, and ribosome-rich cytoplasm which contains electron-lucent vacuoles and clefts. The latter appear to be artifacts of fixation.
Adenoviral transfer of the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene blocks endothelial cell apoptosis.

Abstract Background. We have previously reported that vascular inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene transfer inhibits injury-induced intimal hyperplasia in vitro and in vivo. One mechanism by which NO may prevent intimal hyperplasia is by preserving the endothelium or promoting its regeneration. To study this possibility we examined the effect of iNOS gene transfer on endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and viability. Methods. An adenoviral vector (AdiNOS) containing the human iNOS cDNA was constructed and used to infect cultured sheep arterial ECs. NO production was measured, and the effects of continuous NO exposure on EC proliferation, viability, and apoptosis were evaluated. Results. AdiNOS-infected ECs produced 25- to 100-fold more NO than control (AdlacZ) infected cells as measured by nitrite accumulation. This increased NO synthesis did not inhibit EC proliferation as reflected by tritiated thymidine incorporation. Chromium 51 release assay revealed that EC viability was also unaffected by AdiNOS infection and NO synthesis. In addition, prolonged exposure to NO synthesis did not induce EC apoptosis. Instead, NO inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis in these cells by reducing caspase-3—like protease activity. Conclusions. Vascular iNOS gene transfer, while inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation, does not impair EC mitogenesis or viability. Augmented NO synthesis may also protect ECs against apogenic stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide. Therefore iNOS gene transfer may promote endothelial regeneration and can perhaps accelerate vascular healing.
Enhanced HARQ Using Prioritized Bit Selection and Rearrangement for WiMAX Systems

HARQ (hybrid automatic-repeat-request) enhances system throughput by improving SNR and gaining time diversity through retransmissions. To utilizing the coding gain, this paper classifies the priority of FEC coded bits and rearranges the bits for each retransmission at MSB (most significant bit) positions or LSB (less significant bit) positions of modulation symbols according to their priorities. In Addition to time diversity, the proposed HARQ gains frequency and spatial diversities. With themaximum retransmissions of two, numerical simulations showthat the proposed scheme outperforms the conventional ChaseCombining (CC) HARQ and Incremental Redundancy (IR) HARQ for WiMAX systems in terms of BLER (block error rate)and throughput with maximum SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) gainsof 3.5dB and 3dB, respectively.
Unsteady-State Heating and Cooling of Solid Objects

If a hot object is plunged into cold water it cools, but not instantaneously. Two factors govern the cooling rate of the object: the film resistance at the surface of the object, characterized by the h value for that situation; and The rate of heat flow out of the interior of the object. The governing differential equation for this conduction process is $$\frac{\partial T_{s}}{\partial t} = \alpha \left ( \frac{\partial^{2}T_{s}}{\partial x^{2}} + \frac{\partial^{2}T_{s}}{\partial y^{2}} + \frac{\partial^{2}T_{s}}{\partial z^{2}}\right )$$ (11.1) where $$\alpha = \frac{k_{s}}{\rho_{s}C_{s}},\;\;\;\;\textup{thermal\;diffusivity}\;[\textup{m}^{2}/\textup{s}]$$ and $$T_{s} = \textup{temperature\;at\;any\;point\;in\;the\;object}\;\;[\textup{K}]$$
Loss limitations in dielectrically apertured vertical cavity lasers

Summary form only given. To quantify the round-trip modal losses, we use a one-dimensional (1-D) propagation model like the classical "Fox-Li" approach, in which a scalar field is propagated around a cavity until the field does not change from one pass to the next. We account for the full angular reflection spectrum of the DBRs and use the equivalent distributed index to account for the position of the aperture relative to the standing wave intensity profile in the cavity. In each case considered the modal gain is increased until cavity losses are compensated. Apertures of different diameters and thicknesses as well as tapered apertures that provide a more lens-like element are considered. The model also allows us to examine the departure of the mode shape and the dispersion relation of the actual dielectric apertured structure from that predicted with the uniform waveguide model. Based on the 1-D results we construct an approximate model that allows us to extend the results to two dimensions.
Genomic and proteomic approaches for studying human cancer: Prospects for true patient-tailored therapy

Global gene expression analysis is beginning to move from the laboratories of basic investigators to large-scale clinical trials. The potential of this technology to improve diagnosis and tailored treatment of human disease may soon be realised, now that several comprehensive studies have demonstrated the utility of gene expression profiles for the classification of tumours into distinct, clinically relevant subtypes and the prediction of clinical outcomes. In addition, new data from the emerging proteomics platforms add another layer of molecular information to the study of human disease, as scientists attempt to catalogue a complete inventory of the proteins encoded by the genome and to establish a 'biosignature' profile of human health and disease. As a result, it is anticipated that, together, these technologies will facilitate the comprehensive study of genes, gene products and signalling pathways so that the objective of personalised molecular medicine can be achieved. This paper will review the studies that best demonstrate how genomics and proteomics technologies can be used to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment it will specifically highlight the important work being incorporated into clinical trials.
Digital image watermarking for joint ownership verification without a trusted dealer

In this paper, we propose a novel watermarking algorithm that makes use of a secret sharing scheme to address the problem of joint ownership verification for a digital image without a trusted dealer, which has not be addressed so far. Given that multiple owners create an image jointly, they collaboratively compute their own distinct keys without anyone else involved. For the watermarking detection, only when certain number of owners present their keys, can the ownership of the image be verified. Any owner alone can not verify the image ownership. In addition, experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has the desired properties such as invisibility, reliable detection and robustness against a wide range of imaging processing operations.
Lateralization of Components of Melodic Stimuli: Musicians versus Nonmusicians.

Using dichotic listening methodology, 25 musicians and 25 nonmusicians were compared on four cerebral lateralization tasks: melodies, tonal patterns, rhythm patterns, and verbal stimuli. Musicians demonstrated superior performance on the music tasks with regard to overall scores, degree of improvement during a second administration of the tasks, and number of test trials for which both left and right ear items were correctly identified. No group differences were found for verbal stimuli. The only lateralization difference observed was in rhythm pattern recognition, for which musicians revealed a right hemisphere superiority as contrasted to a left hemisphere dominance for nonmusicians. Results are interpreted in terms of superior cognitive strategies of musicians as a function of musical training.
Control of wireless-networked lighting in open-plan offices

This paper presents an energy-efficient lighting control system for open-plan offices with two novel features: A versatile ‘plug-and-play’ wireless-networked sensing and actuation system, and a control method incorporating multiple management strategies to provide occupant-specific lighting. Workstation-based wireless photosensors are employed to measure task illuminance, and individual addressability of wireless-enabled dimmable luminaires increases the freedom of the lighting system to fulfil various lighting requirements. Daylight harvesting, occupancy control and light level tuning strategies are formulated into an optimisation problem that generates light outputs for each luminaire to produce the desired lighting at each workstation with minimal energy usage. A pilot study of the wireless-networked lighting system implemented in a small open-plan office has shown more than 60% energy savings potential compared to conventional practice without any control.