cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A low-cost recording ionization vacuum gauge

Abstract Recently available low-cost recording meters have been incorporated in a simple differential vacuum tube voltmeter circuit calibrated to read ion currents in conventional vacuum gauges. The circuit has proved useful for monitoring pressure changes in a gettered high-vacuum system and should have application for instruction purposes. Recording times up to thirty-one days per roll chart are possible and pressure indications as low as 10 −9 mmHg are obtainable. The details of circuit wiring are described along with possible applications as a sensitive current meter. The manner in which evaporated molybdenum films reduce the pressure in a field emission vacuum system is given as an illustration of the use of this circuit. The action of molybdenum getters is well known and serves as an excellent example of the application for the recording ionization gauge to problems of slow changes in pressure in a vacuum system.
Successful transplantation of a donor kidney after penetrating grade 3 injury and renorrhaphy.

Although the number of live donor renal transplants has increased recently, the majority of kidneys continue to be obtained from cadaveric organ donors.1 The need to expand the donor pool has led to the use of all potential organs, including those previously thought to be suboptimal. We report successful transplantation of a cadaveric kidney after surgical repair of a penetrating grade 3 renal injury. CASE REPORT
Mediation of hyperglycemia-evoked gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias by endogenous prostaglandins.

Abstract Background/Aims: Antral hypomotility and gastric dysrhythmias occur in diabetic gastroparesis. This study tested the hypothesis that acute hyperglycemia suppresses fed antral contractions and disrupts slow-wave rhythmicity via prostaglandin pathways. Methods: Six normal volunteers underwent electrogastrography and antroduodenal manometry under control, hyperglycemic clamp, and euglycemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp conditions before and after administration of indomethacin (50 mg orally three times daily for 3 days). Results: Hyperglycemic clamping to 230 mg/dL evoked a 4-fold increase in tachygastric activity and a 2.6-fold increase in arrhythmic activity ( P
Plasma leptin concentrations and energy expenditure in heart failure patients.

Leptin, the protein encoded by the obese gene, is a newly described hormone implicated in the regulation of energy balance. To examine the possible role of leptin in the energy dysregulation that frequently accompanies chronic heart failure, we examined plasma leptin concentrations and energy expenditure in 18 heart failure patients (aged 71 ± 6 years) and 46 healthy elderly controls (66 ± 6 years). Plasma leptin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay, daily energy expenditure by doubly labeled water, and body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Fat mass was lower (P < .01) in heart failure patients compared with healthy controls, whereas fat-free mass did not differ between groups. Plasma leptin concentrations were not different between heart failure patients and healthy controls (5.1 ± 4.2 v 6.8 ± 4.4 pg/mL) and remained similar after statistical control for fat mass (6.0 ± 3.1 v 7.1 ± 3.2 pg/mL). Plasma leptin was related to fat mass in heart failure patients (r = .92, P < .01) and healthy controls (r = .69, P < .01). Free-living daily and physical-activity energy expenditures were lower (P < .01) in heart failure patients compared with healthy controls. Plasma leptin concentrations were related to both daily (r = .67, P < .01) and resting (r = .67, P < .01) energy expenditure in heart failure patients, but not in healthy controls (r = .09 and r = .33, respectively). In conclusion, we found an association between plasma leptin concentrations and energy expenditure in heart failure patients, but not in healthy controls. Thus, leptin may participate in the regulation of energy expenditure and body energy stores in heart failure patients.
Endoscopic staple-assisted esophagodiverticulostomy: an excellent treatment of choice for Zenker's diverticulum.

Objectives The objectives of the present study are to review the technique of endoscopic staple-assisted esophagodiverticulostomy (ESED) for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum and to describe our e-perience and modifications with ESED and the advantages of ESED over previous treatments of Zenker's diverticulum. Study Design Retrospective review of 74 cases of ESED performed for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. Methods Patient's records were retrospectively reviewed and tabulated for age, se-, size of diverticulum, symptoms, duration of symptoms, operative time, length of postoperative hospital stay, oral intake, complications, and relief of symptoms. Results The senior author (r.l.s.) previously reported results in 36 cases of ESED performed in 34 patients with Zenker's diverticulum. We have performed an additional 38 cases of ESED in 37 patients between March 1997 and August 1999. The rate of success of ESED was similar between the two series. The average perioperative time, time until oral intake, and length of postoperative hospital stay decreased in the second series. Overall, there were no mortalities and few complications with ESED. Compared with other forms of treatment of Zenker's diverticulum, such as Dohlman's procedure, diverticulectomy, and diverticulopexy, ESED has a similar rate of success, decreased perioperative time, decreased convalescence, and decreased mortality and complications. Conclusions Cost-effectiveness, safety, and efficacy of ESED offer new advantages over previously used treatments for Zenker's diverticulum. These results continue to support the use of ESED as the initial treatment of choice for patients with Zenker's diverticulum.
How the ASCA National Model Promotes and Inhibits Safe Schools for Queer Youth: An Inquiry Using Critical Theory

This article expands the discussion on safe schools for queer youth by utilizing critical theory (Parker, 2012) to interrogate the American School Counseling Association's National Model (ASCA; 2012). Within this article the ASCA National Model is reviewed and summarized. The author introduces foundational information about critical theory. Drawing on a case vignette from professional school counseling practice, the author argues that the ASCA National Model may be used as a tool for confronting or maintaining the heteronormative status quo within schools, depending upon the critical consciousness of the professional school counselors who use it. Finally, the author provides suggestions for revising the ASCA National Model in a manner that will more effectively interrupt heterosexual and cisgender hegemony to advance safer schools for queer and transgender youth.
Student characteristics and computer-mediated communication

Abstract Use of computer-mediated communication systems (CMCS) to support coursework is increasing, both as a means for students to prepare for using CMCS in their careers and as a mechanism for delivering distance education. But it is not clear whether the same student characteristics lead to academic success using CMCS as with traditional face-to-face (FTF) communication. This paper reports the results of a correlational study of the relationship between individual characteristics and use of CMCS in a team project situation. On most measures the results suggest CMCS will be adopted and used successfully by the same types of students who do well in courses conducted via FTF communication, e.g., students with high-achievement or high-aptitude characteristics. However, personality type was linked to substantial deviations in CMCS usage, suggesting that personality may influence academic success in unanticipated ways.
A Tale of Two Riots: The synkrisis of the Temples of Ephesus and Jerusalem in Acts 19–23:

Towards the end of Paul’s career, Acts narrates two riot scenes tied to the temples in Ephesus and Jerusalem, forming a synkrisis between the two cities and their temples. The similarities between the two scenes argue for temples as places of danger for Christians while protecting the Christian community from perceptions of anti-cultic teaching. The endings, however, are very different. In the ﬁrst case, the correct response to the church is presented in Ephesus where the riot ends in a quick and orderly manner. In the second case, the incorrect response is presented in Jerusalem where the disorder spreads to the local government, forcing the Roman military to intervene.
THE THEORY OF ISLAND BIOGEOGRAPHY AT AGE 40

Review of: Losos, J. B. and R. E. Ricklefs (eds.). 2010. The Theory of Island Biogeography Revisited. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 476 Pages. ISBN: 978-1-4008-3192-0. $99.50 hb; $49.50 pb. Despite representing only about 3% or the earth s surface, islands have had an inordinately important impact on ecological and evolutionary thinking, beginning with the insights of Darwin and Wallace. Islands and their biotas have long fascinated biologists because of their discrete boundaries and isolation, their limited and disharmonie species richness (compared with mainland biotas), and their spectacular examples of adaptive radiation. Sewall Wright (1940) used islands as metaphors in the early days of population genetics, and island-based books written by Carlquist, Lack, and Mayr strongly influenced ecological and evolutionary thinking in the mid-20th century. But, the seminal event that seemingly revolutionized our thinking about evolution on and the biogeography of islands was the 1967 publication of "The Theory of Island Biogeography" (TTIB) by Robert H. MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson, who were both in their late 30s at the time. This 200-page monograph became an instant classic and has inspired several generations of ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and conservation biologists to add "island thinking" to their conceptual toolkits and research and management programs. The current volume is based on a 40-year retrospective on the impact of TTIB on ecology and evolution. Authors of the book's 16 chapters span several academic generations and include one of the original authors, Ed Wilson; first-generation intellectual offspring of MacArthur and Wilson (Holt, Hubbell, Ricklefs, Schoener, Simberloff, Terborgh); other older island aficionados (the Grants, Whittaker); as well as younger island researchers (Clegg, Gillespie, Hanski, Lomolino, Losos, Velland). Although TTIB had a strong impact on conservation thinking in the 1970s and 1980s, chapters with an explicit emphasis on conservation are missing from this book ("conservation" has no entry in the index), whose primary focus, as in the original monograph, is on ecology and evolution. This is unfortunate because some of the world's most pressing current conservation concerns come from islands where many plants and animals have suffered accelerated extinction rates via the hand of man.
Image Interpretation: Bridging the Gap from Mechanically Produced Image to Representation

There is currently a gap in our understanding of how figures produced by mechanical imaging techniques play evidential roles: several studies based on close examination of scientific practice show that imaging techniques do not yield data whose significance can simply be read off the image. If image-making technology is not a simple matter of nature re-presenting itself to us in a legible way, just how do the images produced provide support for scientific claims? In this article I will first show that there is a distinct question about the semiotics of mechanically produced images that has not yet been answered. I show that my account of visual representations can do so, and I argue that the role of convention involved in my account is compatible with the view that visual representations produced through mechanized imaging techniques can play genuine evidential roles in scientific reasoning.
Infrared synchrotron-radiation transmission measurements on YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ in the gap and supercurrent regions

We report infrared synchrotron-radiation transmission measurements on \ensuremath{\sim}1-\ensuremath{\mu}m-thick films of high-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ from 40 to 290 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ (5 to 36 meV). The films were deposited onto MgO substrates and showed resistive superconducting transitions with an onset at 83 K. Spectra below ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ show superconducting behavior, including the characteristic 1/\ensuremath{\omega} supercurrent dependence for frequencies below 100 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. The entire spectrum can be fit when a Mattis-Bardeen-type conductivity is included identifying increasing absorption beginning at a photon energy of 23 meV. However, a substantial residual absorption persists to the lowest measured frequencies. In addition, the appearance of phonons, some attributable to c-axis vibrations, suggests we are sampling a mixture of both a-b--plane and c-axis properties.
Using Bayesian statistics in the estimation of heat source in radiation

Abstract An unknown transient heat source in a three-dimensional participating medium is reconstructed from temperature measurements using a Bayesian inference method. The heat source is modeled as a stochastic process. The joint posterior probability density function (PPDF) of heat source values at consecutive time points is computed using the Bayes’ formula. The errors in thermocouple readings are modeled as independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) Gauss random variables. ‘Maximum A Posteriori’ (MAP) and posterior mean estimates of the heat source are then computed using a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation method. The designed MCMC sampler is composed of a cycle of symmetric MCMC kernels. To increase the sampling speed, a model-reduction technique is used in the direct computation of temperatures at thermocouple locations given a guessed heat source, i.e. in the likelihood computation. Two typical heat source profiles are reconstructed using simulated data to demonstrate the presented methodologies. The results indicate that the Bayesian inference method can provide accurate point estimates as well as uncertainty quantification to the solution of the inverse radiation problem.
Development of viral disinfectant assays for duck hepatitis B virus using cell culture/PCR

Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a worldwide public health problem with chronic carriers at risk for developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Accidental nosocomial infections from inadequately disinfected equipment or exposure to blood and body fluids from patients are major routes. To solve such problems, disinfectants to inactivate HBV must be validated. Duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) is accepted as a surrogate for HBV, due to their similar sensitivities to disinfectants and its safety. Ducklings are used for disinfectant efficacy assays; however, the same virus titer is obtained using duck embryonic hepatocytes. Viral titration in disinfectant efficacy assay is conducted using Southern hybridization of infected duck serum. However, this test requires radioisotopes. Therefore, disinfectant assessment protocols were developed using duck embryonic hepatocytes with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or nested PCR. The ease of handling, lowered cost and enhanced sensitivity make PCR desirable. Chicken embryonic hepatocytes were applied to DHBV disinfectant efficacy assay. Results were consistent and could be used under certain conditions. The virucidal activities of two quaternary ammonium chloride disinfectants, n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (10C-12C) were compared and effective concentrations were 1200 and 1800 ppm, respectively. Efficacies of these disinfectants were validated using real-time quantitative PCR. Results confirmed that the efficacy of n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride was higher than alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (10C-12C). This assay was useful for rapid discrimination of killing potentials of disinfectants. In conclusion, these assays can be applied to other viruses that are unable to cause CPE in cell cultures and broadened the utility of DHBV as animal model for HBV.
Phe71 Is Essential for Chaperone-like Function in αA-crystallin

Abstract Experiments with mini-αA-crystallin (KFVIFLDVKHFSPEDLTVK) showed that Phe71 in αA-crystallin could be essential for the chaperone-like action of the protein (Sharma, K. K., Kumar, R. S., Kumar, G. S., and Quinn, P. T. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 3767–3771). In the present study we replaced Phe71 in rat αA-crystallin with Gly by site-directed mutagenesis and then compared the structural and functional properties of the mutant protein with the wild-type protein. There were no differences in molecular size or intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence between the proteins. However, 1,1′-bi(4-anilino)naphthalene-5,5′-disulfonic acid interaction indicated a higher hydrophobicity for the mutant protein. Both wild-type and mutant proteins displayed similar secondary structure during far UV CD experiments. Near UV CD signal showed a slight difference in the tertiary structure around the 285–295 region for the two proteins. The mutant protein was totally inactive in suppressing the aggregation of reduced insulin, heat-denatured citrate synthase, and alcohol dehydrogenase. However, a marginal suppression of βL-crystallin aggregation was observed when mutant αA-crystallin was included. These results suggest that Phe71 contributes to the chaperone-like action of αA-crystallin. Therefore we conclude that the 70–88-region in αA-crystallin, identified by us earlier, is the functional chaperone site in αA-crystallin.
Properties of the rho meson in nuclear matter.

We calculate the vector-isovector hadronic current correlation function in the presence of nuclear matter. We find that the rho mass decreases by about 20% at nuclear matter density and the rho width is reduced by about 35%. These results are in general accord with the results of calculations made using QCD sum rules. In our calculations, and in the QCD sum-rule calclations, the main effect considered is reduction of the value of the quark condensate in the presence of matter. That reduction is here assumed to be 35% at nuclear matter density.
Isolation and identification of 3,3',5,5'-tetrabis(tert-butyl)stilbenequinone from polyethylene closures containing titanium dioxide and butylated hydroxytoluene.

A yellow compound was isolated from commercially available, discolored, polyethylene ophthalmic closures containing titanium dioxide and butylated hydroxytoluene (I). This compound was present at 7.46 ppm (w/w). It was identified by UV, IR, and mass spectra as 3,3′,5,5′-tetrabis(tert-butyl)stilbenequinone (II), a dimer of I. Further structural confirmation was obtained by NMR. Formation of II is catalyzed by titanium dioxide.
The ultrastructure of the anal vesicle of the parasitoid, Microplitis croceipes (Hymenoptera:Braconidae)

The fine structural characteristics of epithelial cells of the anal vesicle in the hymenopteran parasitoid, Microplitis croceipes (Cresson), are similar to those of transport cells. Apical and basal infoldings, an abundance of mitochondria, ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes and pinocytotic vesicles all indicate a transport function for these epithelial cells. The medial portions of both Malpighian tubules located within the anal vesicle also were examined and on the basis of morphology appear to be active. These observations support earlier physiological data which indicate that the anal vesicle functions in absorption of nutrients and excretion.
Technetium-MIBI as a glioma imaging agent for the assessment of multi-drug resistance

OBJECTIVE:To explore the presence of MDR-1 drug resistance in human glioma utilizing a Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) imaging agent, sesta-MIBI, and testing cases interpreted as positive for drug resistance with molecular characterization of subsequent tissue biopsy, includin
Indirect Solid Free Form Fabrication of Local and Global Porous, Biomimetic and Composite 3D Polymer-Ceramic Scaffolds

Precise control over scaffold material, porosity, and internal pore architecture is essential for tissue engineering. By coupling solid free form (SFF) manufacturing with conventional sponge scaffold fabrication procedures, we have developed methods for casting scaffolds that contain designed and controlled locally porous and globally porous internal architectures. These methods are compatible with numerous bioresorbable and non-resorbable polymers, ceramics, and biologic materials. Phase separation, emulsion-solvent diffusion, and porogen leaching were used to create poly(L)lactide (PLA) scaffolds containing both computationally designed global pores (500, 600, or 800 microm wide channels) and solvent fashioned local pores (50-100 microm wide voids or 5-10 microm length plates). Globally porous PLA and polyglycolide/PLA discrete composites were made using melt processing. Biphasic scaffolds with mechanically interdigitated PLA and sintered hydroxyapatite regions were fabricated with 500 and 600 microm wide global pores. PLA scaffolds with complex internal architectures that mimicked human trabecular bone were produced. Our indirect fabrication using casting in SFF molds provided enhanced control over scaffold shape, material, porosity and pore architecture, including size, geometry, orientation, branching, and interconnectivity. These scaffolds that contain concurrent local and global pores, discrete material regions, and biomimetic internal architectures may prove valuable for multi-tissue and structural tissue interface engineering.
Serum calcitonin after pentagastrin stimulation in patients with bronchogenic and breast cancer compared to that in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Serum immunoreactive calcitonin (iCT) was measured in the peripheral blood of 29 normocalcemic patients with bronchogenic carcinoma of various pathological types and nine patients with breast cancer before and after pentagastrin stimulation. These results were compared to those found in 22 normal subjects and 30 patients with histologically proven medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Our results revealed that 1) serum iCT levels may be abnormally high in all pathological types of bronchogenic carcinoma and in patients with breast cancer; 2) the basal level of serum iCT may be normal, but it is abnormally high after pentagastrin stimulation; 3) the increment rise of iCT after pentagastrin stimulation in the bronchogenic and breast cancer patients was significantly less than that seen in patients'with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (P < 0.001).
Tropospheric OH: model calculations of spatial, temporal, and secular variations

The distribution of the concentrations of the highly reactive OH radicals has been obtained with a detailed time dependent photochemical model. The model contains information on the physical nature of the atmosphere such as temperature, pressure, and solar intensity as well as on the distributions of some key species including the cycles of HOx, NOx, and other reactive compounds. Our model results show that OH has a strong diurnal variation as well as clear vertical, seasonal, and latitudinal variations due to its high reactivity and short lifetime. The globally and seasonally averaged daytime OH concentration is 1.6 × 106 molecules/cm3, which is about two orders of magnitude larger than the globally and seasonally averaged nighttime OH concentration, 1.3 × 104 molecules/cm3. During the daytime, OH production is initiated and maintained by sunlight. The reaction of O(1D) with H2O and the reactions of HO2 with NO and with O3 produce most of the tropospheric OH. At night OH is produced only by the reaction between O3 and nighttime HO2, which is largely generated by the thermal dissociation of HO2NO2. The mechanism for removing OH from the atmosphere is about the same between daytime and nighttime and results mainly from reactions with CO and CH4. Possible secular changes of OH levels, from ice ages to the present, are also evaluated in this paper. We concluded that OH levels, on the whole, decrease only slightly during the different climatic and atmospheric conditions ranging from ice ages to the present polluted global atmosphere; however, the calculated nighttime OH concentration in ice ages is about three times as large as at present.
Artificially Thickened Turbulent Boundary Layers for Studying Heat Transfer and Skin Friction on Rough Surfaces

Thermal and hydrodynamic characteristics of boundary layers developing over uniform spheres roughness with momentum thicknesses as large as 1.43 cm are presented. To obtain thick hydrodynamic boundary layers, an artificial thickening device is employed. The normalized velocity and turbulence profiles produced using this device are two-dimensional and self-preserving. The turbulent transport and structural characteristics are representative of normal behavior to the level of spectra of the longitudinal velocity fluctuations. In the artificially thickened layers, the effect of the unheated starting length (ξ > 0, Δ < δ) on thermal boundary layer properties is present. Turbulent Prandtl number profiles are generally unaffected by the magnitude of the unheated starting length, whereas measured Stanton numbers, show different behavior as the unheated starting length varies. In thermal boundary layers which would have the same thickness as the augmented hydrodynamic layers (Δ ≃ δ), Stanton numbers are shown to be the same as skin friction coefficients, and are then provided for boundary layers much thicker than those previously studied. As fully rough boundary layers develop downstream and δ/ks increases, Cf /2 is proportional to δ2 −b where b = 0.175. In order for such U∞ = constant, thick, rough wall layers to develop far enough downstream to reach smooth behavior where b = 0.250, ks Uτ /ν must become small, and b must increase from 0.175 to become greater than 0.250 in the transitionally rough regime.
Analyzing interaction between distributed denial of service attacks and mitigation technologies

Under sponsorship of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Fault Tolerant Networks (FTN) program, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) has been conducting the Distributed Denial of Service Defense Attack Tradeoff Analysis (DDOS-DATA). DDOS-DATA's goal is to analyze Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks and mitigation technologies to develop an understanding of how well mitigation technologies perform and how they can be combined to limit the potential attack space. This paper provides an overview of the DDOS-DATA project and discusses analysis results for the proof of work, rate limiting, and active monitor mitigation technologies considered both individually and when deployed in combinations.
Perfect velocity tracking for biomedical applications using a pneumatic muscle actuator

A perfect velocity tracking controller is synthesized involving a pneumatic muscle (PM) actuator which may be used for resistance exercise in space applications. In such biomedical devices, isokinetic (constant velocity) tracking is critically important for rehabilitation and emulation of limb motion. To wrap feedback around a pneumatic muscle to perform velocity tracking requires a careful analysis to ensure the efficacy of the device with human use. First a linearization of the dynamics of the PM is performed with a steady state analysis of a controller design. Generalization to nonlinear dynamics is then presented.
The pharmacokinetics of acyl, des-acyl, and total ghrelin in healthy human subjects

Background Ghrelin stimulates growth hormone (GH) secretion and regulates energy and glucose metabolism. The two circulating isoforms, acyl (AG) and desacyl (DAG) ghrelin, have distinct metabolic effects and are under active investigation for their therapeutic potentials. However, there is only limited data on the pharmacokinetics of AG and DAG.
Underappreciated statin-induced myopathic weakness causes disability.

Few contraindications to the use of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) for primary or secondary prevention of coronary artery disease and atherothrombotic stroke have been found, even in the elderly.1 Four statin-induced myopathic syndromes were described by a clinical advisory on drug use and safety: any muscle-related complaints, myalgia without raised creatine phosphokinase (CK), myositis with raised CK (less than 10 times normal), and rhabdomyolysis.1 Myopathy, defined as a CK level greater than 10 times the upper limit of normal, is estimated to occur in 0.5% of patients treated with statins during clinical trials. Rhabdomyolysis was estimated in hospitalized patients at 0.45 for atorvastatin, pravastatin, or simvastatin, compared to 5.3 per 10,000 person-years for cerivastatin.2 No prospective studies have included routine testing of muscle strength or muscle enzymes, however,3,4 so the incidence of weakness, the sine qua non of a myopathy, may be underappreciated.
Comparison of A2E Cytotoxicity and Phototoxicity with all‐trans‐Retinal in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells†

All-trans-retinal is the precursor of A2E, a fluorophore within lipofuscin, which accumulates in human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells and contributes to age-related macular degeneration. Here we have compared the in vitro dark cytotoxicity and visible-light-mediated photoreactivity of all-trans-retinal and A2E in hRPE cells. All-trans-retinal caused distinct cytotoxicity in hRPE cells measured with cell metabolic activity (MTS) and lactate dehydrogenase release assays. Significant increases in intracellular oxidized glutathione (GSSG), extracellular GSH and GSSG levels and lipid hydroperoxide production were observed in cells incubated in the dark with 25 and 50 microM all-trans-retinal. Light modified all-trans-retinal's harmful action and decreased extracellular glutathione and hydroperoxide levels. A2E (<25 microM) did not affect cell metabolism or cytoplasmic membrane integrity in the dark or when irradiated. 25 microM A2E raised the intracellular GSSG level in hRPE cells to a much smaller extent than 25 microM all-trans-retinal. A2E did not induce glutathione efflux or hydroperoxide generation in the dark or after irradiation. These studies support our previous conclusions that although A2E may be harmful at high concentrations or when oxidized, its phototoxic properties are insignificant compared to those of all-trans-retinal. The endogenous production of A2E may serve as a protective mechanism to prevent damage to the retina by free all-trans-retinal.
Non-nicotine pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation.

Several arguments can be made in support of the search for non-nicotine therapies to improve smoking cessation success. Theoretical approaches to treating nicotine dependence without perpetuating the nicotine addiction cycle have lead to investigation of a variety of medications. Five categories of non-nicotine smoking cessation medications include those that: modify the effect of neurotransmitters involved in nicotine dependence; stabilize a psychiatric comorbid condition that depends on nicotine; substitute or simulate the reinforcing or sensory effects of tobacco; create an aversion to tobacco use; or relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Each of these categories addresses separate aspects of why a person smokes. The clear effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) demonstrates only a 22%, 6-month abstinence rate (OR = 3). 19 For the 75% of smokers who don't succeed using NRTs, there must be alternate options, because repeated nicotine replacement attempts are not as successful as the first use. 64 Many smokers do not want to continue nicotine use after discontinuing tobacco, and some fear developing a dependence on the NRT. To achieve the best long-term success, nicotine replacement requires complete abstinence after an abrupt substitution of NRT for tobacco use, whereas non-nicotine therapies may overlap with smoking for days to several weeks in preparation for a quit date. 68 In addition, some smokers experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing nicotine replacement products. Because of these arguments and the unsatisfactory success rates for this serious, lethal, and preventable addiction, it is not surprising that so many non-nicotine drugs for smoking cessation have been proposed and studied. This article presents the philosophical overview for each of the five classes of non-nicotine therapies.
Study of temperature dependence of thermal diffusion in polystyrene/ethylbenzene by thermal field-flow fractionation

Using a special thermal field-flow fractionation apparatus capable of working over a broad temperature range, we have observed that retention in the polystyrene/ethylbenzene system decreases substantially as the cold wall temperature increases from 360 to 424 K. Polymers of four different molecular weights ranging from 20,000 to 160,000 were used to verify this conclusion. Based on our earlier work showing that thermal diffusion parameters could be calculated from retention data, we have used the present measurements along with earlier values to generate a compilation of thermal diffusion data over the temperature range from 270 to 424 K. These results are used to develop empirical expressions for the thermal diffusion factor and the thermal diffusion coefficient for polystyrene in ethylbenzene as a function of temperature and molecular weight. It is shown that these results have potential usefulness both in terms of the new physicochemical data obtained and in terms of the guidelines they provide for choosing experimental conditions for thermal field-flow fractionation experiments.
Minnesota Wolf Ear Lengths as Possible Indicators of Taxonomic Differences

Genetic findings suggest that 2 types of wolves, Canis lupus (Gray Wolf) and C. lycaon (Eastern Wolf), and/or their hybrids occupy Minnesota (MN), and this study examines adult wolf ear lengths as a possible distinguisher between these two. Photographic evidence suggested that the Eastern Wolf possesses proportionately longer ears than Gray Wolves. Ear lengths from 22 northwestern MN wolves from the early 1970s and 22 Alaskan wolves were used to represent Gray Wolves, and the greatest length of the sample (12.8 cm) was used as the least length to demarcate Eastern Wolf from Gray Wolf influence in the samples. Twenty-three percent of 112 adult wolves from Algonquin Park in eastern Ontario and 30% of 106 recent adult wolves in northeastern MN possessed ears >12.8 cm. The northeastern MN sample differed significantly from that of current and past northwestern MN wolves. Ear-lengths of wolves in the eastern half of the northeastern MN wolf population were significantly longer than those in the western half of that study area, even though the mean distance between the 2 areas was only 40 km, and the mean length of my 2004–2009 sample was significantly longer than that of 1999–2003. These findings support the hypothesis that Eastern Wolves tend to possess longer ears than do Gray Wolves and suggest a dynamic hybridization process is still underway in MN.
Evolutionary algorithms in data mining: multi-objective performance modeling for direct marketing

Predictive models in direct marketing seek to identify individuals most likely to respond to promotional solicitations or other intervention programs. While standard modeling approaches embody single objectives, real-world decision problems often seek multiple performance measures. Decision-makers here desire solutions that simultaneously optimize on multiple objectives, or obtain an acceptable tradeoff amongst objectives. Multi-criteria problems often characterize a range of solutions, none of which dominate the others with respect to the multiple objectives - these specify the Pareto-frontier of non- dominated solutions, each offering a different level of tradeoff. This paper proposes the use of evolutionary computation based procedures for obtaining a set of non- dominated models with respect to multiple stated objectives. The targeting depth-of-file presents a crucial real-world criterion in direct marketing, and models here are tailored for specified file-depths. Decision-makers are thus able to obtain a set of models along the Pareto-frontier, for a specific file-depth. The choice of a model to implement can be thus based on observed tradeoffs in the different objectives, based on possibly subjective and problem specific judgements. Given distinct models tailored for different file-depths, the implementation decision can also consider performance tradeoffs at the different depths-of- file. Empirical results from a real-world problem illustrate the benefits of the proposed approach. Both linear and non- linear models obtained by genetic search are examined.
Recursive algorithms for two-dimensional smoothing using bicubic Hermite polynomial

In the past, smoothing splines originated from approximation theory have been successfully applied to data filtering and image smoothing problems. Even though the nonrecursive technique of smoothing splines provides an optimal solution, the amount of computation increases rapidly with the size of the two-dimensional data. Here, we present a derivation of quarter-plane filtering algorithms which obtain smoothed estimates of function values and their derivatives by fitting two-dimensional smoothing splines in a recursive manner. The derivation procedure will highlight specific problems encountered in two-dimensional filtering problem. Also, the amount of computation for this recursive processor increases only linearly with the size of the two-dimensional data. Due to some approximations introduced in its derivation, this recursive processor becomes suboptimal.
Using Cross-Linked SU-8 to Flip-Chip Bond, Assemble, and Package MEMS Devices

This paper investigates using an SU-8 photoresist as an adhesive material for flip-chip bonding, assembling, and packaging microelectromechanical systems devices. An important factor, when using SU-8 as an adhesive material is to control ultraviolet (UV) exposure during fabrication to maximize bond strength due to material cross linking. This approach is much improved over previous efforts where SU-8 bake times and temperatures where changed to alter material cross-linking. In this paper, bake times and temperatures were maintained constant and total UV exposure energy was varied. Once fabricated, bond strength was systematically tested to determine the tensile loads needed to separate bonded structures. The resulting separation force was shown to increase with UV exposure and ranged from 0.25 (5-s exposure) to 1.25 N (15-s exposure). The separation test data were then analyzed to determine the statistical significance of varying UV exposure time and its effect on SU-8 cross-linking and bond strength. The data show that total UV exposure dose is directly correlated with the bond strength of SU-8 bonded structures. By varying only UV dose, the separation force data exhibited a statistically significant dependence on SU-8 cross linking with a 5% probability of error. Further, SU-8 etch resiliency increased by approximately 40%–60% as cross linking was increased with UV exposures ranging from 5 to 15 s.
Head and neck cancer patient and family member interest in and use of E-mail to communicate with clinicians†

Background. E-mail is actively discussed as a promising method for clinical communication, but little study of patient and family preferences regarding its use has been done. This study aimed to describe patients' and family members' interest in and use of E-mail with their surgeons and nurses after head and neck cancer surgery. Methods. Surveys were distributed to patients and family members attending postoperative clinic visits. Seventy-four patients and 35 caregivers completed the surveys. Results. Although one in three patients expressed interest in E-mailing their clinicians, only 9.5% reported actually doing so. Symptom management and prescription refills were the most common issues addressed by E-mail. Few family members expressed any interest in using E-mail. Conclusions. The findings suggest that E-mail communication between patients with head and neck cancer or their family members with surgeons and nurses is not common. Interest in using E-mail tends to be stronger among patients than family members. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck27: XXX–XXX, 2005
Integrating large and distributed life sciences resources for systems biology research: progress and new challenges

Researchers in Systems Biology routinely access vast collection of hidden web research resources freely available on the internet. These collections include online data repositories, online and downloadable data analysis tools, publications, text mining systems, visualization artifacts, etc. Almost always, these resources have complex data formats that are heterogeneous in representation, data type, interpretation and even identity. They are often forced to develop analysis pipelines and data management applications that involve extensive and prohibitive manual interactions. Such approaches act as a barrier for optimal use of these resources and thus impede the progress of research. In this paper, we discuss our experience of building a new middleware approach to data and application integration for Systems Biology that leverages recent developments in schema matching, wrapper generation, workflow management, and query language design. In this approach, ad hoc integration of arbitrary resources and computational pipeline construction using a declarative language is advocated. We highlight the features and advantages of this new data management system, called LifeDB, and its query language BioFlow. Based on our experience, we highlight the new challenges it raises, and potential solutions to meet these new research issues toward a viable platform for large scale autonomous data integration. We believe the research issues we raise have general interest in the autonomous data integration community and will be applicable equally to research unrelated to LifeDB.
Anatomical Comparison of Minimally Invasive Nasal Valve Procedures

Objective To determine the quantitative effects of Z-plasty vs spreader grafts on nasal valve surface area. Methods Eight fresh cadaver heads were used that provided 16 total nasal valve procedures. Surgical sides were randomized, and Z-plasty was performed on 8 valves and endonasal spreader grafts were performed on 8 valves. The minimal cross-sectional area at the level of the nasal valve was measured preoperatively and postoperatively using acoustic rhinometry. We then compared Z-plasty and spreader grafts using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results The mean nasal surface area at the nasal valve before Z-plasty was 1.37 cm 2 (range, 0.39-2.25 cm 2 ) and after Z-plasty was 1.95 cm 2 (range, 1.08-2.62 cm 2 ). The mean surface area at the nasal valve before spreader grafts was 1.15 cm 2 (range, 0.75-1.48 cm 2 ) and after spreader grafts was 1.48 cm 2 (0.95-1.95 cm 2 ). This correlates with a mean increase in the nasal valve surface area of 65% when Z-plasty was performed (95% CI, 28%-88%; P = .007) and 31% when a spreader graft was performed (95% CI, 15%-54%; P = .01). Conclusions Z-plasty and spreader grafts were shown to increase nasal valve surface area. Z-plasty seems to increase nasal valve surface area more than spreader grafts.
A method for cross-document narrative alignment of a two-hundred-sixty-million word corpus

Identifying similar narrative sections across longer documents would help identify key events within a corpus, enrich understanding of those events, provide a mechanism for organizing corpora according to their event content, and allow for bottom-up testing of theories of narrative. This paper proposes an automated method for narrative alignment across large textual corpora using techniques from natural language processing and similarity-based image segmentation. This method proceeds by segmenting each document into a series of events, constructs sequences of abstracted representations of those events, compares pairs of sequences to generate image matrices, segments the images, identifies similar segments to discover commonly occurring narrative units, and, finally, returns the source sentences to make the clusters of narrative similarity readable. Preliminary tests of elements of this method were conducted on a small heterogeneous corpus (< 100 documents) and a moderate heterogeneous corpus (10k documents). Further implementation as described in this position paper is necessary to scale to the full 251k document corpus from which the moderate corpus was drawn.
The emotional growth of teens: How group counseling intervention works for schools by Fibkins, W. L.

The need for group counseling programs in schools remains important today. The thesis of this book appears to be that school counselors can make use of groups to do counseling in schools rather tha...
An Update On The Possible Incorporation Of IFRS Into The U.S. Financial Reporting System

The SEC issued the “Commission Statement in Support of Convergence and Global Accounting Standards” in February 2010 to reaffirm its position that IFRS was best positioned to serve as the single set of high-quality globally accepted accounting standards and indicated that it would not incorporate IFRS into the financial reporting system for U.S. issuers unless such a change is in the best interest of U.S. investors and capital markets and that a determination was expected to be made in 2011 as to whether, when, and how to incorporate IFRS into the financial reporting system for U.S. issuers. It is now 2015 and the SEC still has not yet made a decision. Nonetheless, based on the statements given by the SEC Chief Accountant James Schnurr at the Baruch College Financial Reporting Conference in May 2015, it appears that the SEC might make a decision really soon. The wait for the SEC’s decision might finally be over. This paper provides an update on the possible incorporation of IFRS into the U.S. financial reporting system.
Gap Acceptance During Lane Changes by Large-Truck Drivers—An Image-Based Analysis

This paper presents an analysis of rearward gap acceptance characteristics of drivers of large trucks in highway lane change scenarios. The range between the vehicles was inferred from camera images using the estimated lane width obtained from the lane tracking camera as the reference. Six-hundred lane change events were acquired from a large-scale naturalistic driving data set. The kinematic variables from the image-based gap analysis were filtered by the weighted linear least squares in order to extrapolate them at the lane change time. In addition, the time-to-collision and required deceleration were computed, and potential safety threshold values are provided. The resulting range and range rate distributions showed directional discrepancies, i.e., in left lane changes, large trucks are often slower than other vehicles in the target lane, whereas they are usually faster in right lane changes. Video observations have confirmed that major motivations for changing lanes are different depending on the direction of move, i.e., moving to the left (faster) lane occurs due to a slower vehicle ahead or a merging vehicle on the right-hand side, whereas right lane changes are frequently made to return to the original lane after passing.