cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deformable image registration for the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy in prostate treatment planning.

Purpose There is now convincing evidence that prostate cancer cells lack the ability to produce and accumulate citrate. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI), regions of absent or low citrate concentration in the prostate can be visualized at a resolution of a few mm. This new advancement provides not only a tool for early diagnosis and screening but also the opportunity for preferential targeting of radiation to regions of high tumor burden in the prostate. The differences in the shape and location of the prostate between MRSI imaging and treatment have been the major obstacle in integrating MRSI in radiation therapy treatment planning. The purpose of this study is to develop a reliable method for deforming the prostate and surrounding regions from the geometry of MRSI imaging to the geometry of treatment planning, so that the regions of high tumor burden identified by the MRSI study can be faithfully transferred to the images used for treatment planning. Methods and materials Magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging studies have been performed on 2 prostate cancer patients using a commercial MRSI system with an endorectal coil and coupling balloon. At the end of each study, we also acquired the MRI of the pelvic region at both the deformed state where the prostate is distorted by the endorectal balloon and the resting state with the endorectal balloon deflated and removed. The task is to find a three-dimensional matrix of transformation vectors for all volume elements that links the two image sets. We have implemented an optimization method to iteratively optimize the transformation vectors using a Newton-Ralphson algorithm. The objective function is based on the mutual information. The distorted images using the transformation vectors are compared with the images acquired at the resting conditions. Results and discussion The algorithm is capable of performing the registration automatically without the need for intervention. It does not require manual contouring of the organs. By applying the algorithm to multiple image sets of different patients, we found a good agreement between the images transformed from those acquired at the deformed state and those acquired at resting conditions. The computation time required for achieving the registration is in the range of a half-hour (for image size: 256 pixels x 256 pixels x 25 slices). However, the space of registration can be restricted to speed up the process. Conclusion In this article, we described a three-dimensional deformable image registration method to automatically transform images from the deformed imaging state to resting state. Our examples show that this method is feasible and useful to the treatment planning system.
A Return Stroke NOx Production Model

AbstractA model is introduced for estimating the nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) production from a lightning return stroke channel. A realistic modified transmission line model return stroke current is assumed to propagate vertically upward along a stepped leader channel of 0.1-cm radius. With additional assumptions about the initial radial expansion rate of the channel, the full nonlinear differential equation for the return stroke channel radius r(z, t) is solved numerically using Mathematica V9.0.1.0. Channel conductivity and channel air density are adjustable constants, and the model employs typical atmospheric profiles of temperature, pressure, and density. The channel pressure is modeled by a dynamic pressure expression. Channel temperature is extracted from the pressure by a minimization technique that involves a generalized gas law appropriate for high temperatures where dissociation and ionization are important. The altitude and time variations of the channel energy density are also obtained. Th...
Vascular surgeons—do they make a difference in peripheral vascular disease? *

Abstract Background. The purpose of this study was to quantitate the effect of surgeons with added qualifications in general vascular surgery on aortic and peripheral vascular surgery performed in a community hospital. Methods. We performed a retrospective study covering a 22-year period and comparing indications, procedures, and results of surgeons who had added qualifications in general vascular surgery with those of board certified general and thoracic surgeons in a private hospital. In Period I (1975-1982), there were 702 vascular procedures all performed by thoracic (65%) and general (35%) surgeons. In Period II (1982-1997), there were 2590 vascular procedures performed by vascular surgeons (73%), general surgeons (7%), and thoracic surgeons (20%). A further comparison was done to examine the results of surgeons with added qualifications in general vascular surgery with board certified general and thoracic surgeons within Period II. Results. The volume and frequency of different types of vascular surgery changed significantly from Period I to Period II with lower extremity prosthetic reconstructions decreasing from 12% to 8.2% and autogenous lower extremity bypasses increasing from 15% to 36%. The percentage of distal reconstructions increased significantly from 27% of the total vascular surgeries in Period I to 44.3% in Period II. In Period II, vascular surgeons operated on older patients, had decreased mortality, decreased length of stay, and performed more distal bypasses than board certified general and thoracic surgeons. Conclusions. The development of vascular surgery as a separate specialty appears to have had a beneficial effect on the types of vascular surgery and the results when compared in a contemporaneous or retrospective fashion. (Surgery 2001;129:136-42.)
An Ensemble Learning Framework for Online Web Spam Detection

Most of the existing studies about web spam detection explicitly or implicitly assume that the detection process is performed offline on the search engine side. However, we argue that online web spam detection is even useful in some specific scenarios. We propose to implement a web browser plug-in to support online web spam detection. Three different sets of spam labeling data are collected and adopted for learning a reliable web spam classifier. An empirical study is conducted on the benchmark web spam data collection. The statistical analysis of the data set verifies the necessity of online web spam detection. The performance of the proposed ensemble learning framework for online web spam detection is also examined and it meets the requirement of online webs Pam detection.
Laparoscopic pericardial window: Anesthetic implications

VARIOUS SURGICAL techniques have been used to diagnose and treat effusive pericardial disease. Standard approaches for pericardiectomy include a subxyphoid approach and a left and right anterior thoracotomy. A relatively new technique, laparoscopic pericardial fenestration (window), is increasing in popularity. In the surgical literature, there have been 5 reports of laparoscopic pericardial window for malignant pericardial effusions and 2 reports using transdiaphragmatic laparoscopic pericardial windows as diagnostic procedures in trauma.1-4 The reported advantages of this technique are lower recurrence rates, smaller incisions, and shorter operative times. It is not known whether carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum significantly adversely affects the hemodynamics and pulmonary mechanics in patients with pericardial effusions with and without tamponade. To the authors’ knowledge, there are no reports of this technique in the anesthesiology literature. The physiologic effects of laparoscopy combined with pericardial effusions and tamponade have not been described. Three cases of laparoscopic pericardiectomy done at this institution for malignant pericardial effusions secondary to lung cancer and the potential cardiopulmonary complications that such procedures may incur are described.
Energy saving information cascades in online social networks: an agent-based simulation study

Information shared through online social networking platforms is spread from user to user. Although some researchers have argued that this phenomenon can unfold similarly to an epidemic, others have found that information disseminates within a narrow range, propagating only a few levels in a communication network. In an effort to resolve these conflicting findings, we developed an information cascade model to conduct a variance-based global sensitivity analysis (GSA) to determine the influence of two network attributes on the diffusion of energy saving information. The simulation results of the base model showed that energy saving information failed to generate deep cascades. Also, the results from the GSA demonstrated that network density and the number of an initiator's connections had limited influence on information cascades. These findings suggest that massive network structures and a large number of potential recipients do not engender deep cascades of energy saving information in online social networks.
Behavioral control for real-time simulated human agents

A system for controlling the behaviors of an interactive human-like agent, and executing them in real-time, is presented. It relies on an underlying model of continuous behavior as well as a discrete scheduling mechanism for changing behavior over time. A multiprocessing framework executes the behaviors and renders the motion of the agents in real-time. Finally we discuss the current state of our implementation and some areas of future work.
RELATIONSHIPS AND DEVELOPMENT DURING ADOLESCENCE: INTERPERSONAL ADAPTATION TO INDIVIDUAL CHANGE

Developmental perspectives on relationships address Processes of dyadic adaptation to normative changes in individuals. Relationships with parents and peers during adolescence are a microcosm of these continuous adaptations. Three key themes from research on relationships during adolescence are examined: changes in relative distance from, and connectedness to, different categories of relationship partners; the coexistence of continuity and change in relationships; and increasing differentiation and interrelation of relationships. Findings from studies of adolescent relationships (1) illustrate the potential value of normative perspectives on relationship properties and conditions and (2) underscore the need for further research on processes of relationship change. Particularly needed are testable formulations regarding the processes of relationship change and attention to interrelations among significant close relationships.
Integrated Optical Polarizer for Silicon-on-Insulator Waveguides Using Evanescent Wave Coupling to Gap Plasmon–Polaritons

Resonant coupling to a gap plasmon-polariton supported by a metal-dielectric nanoscale multilayer on top of a silicon guiding core is proposed for polarization control in silicon-on-insulator waveguides. The device functionality relies on the unusual dispersion properties of the gap plasmon-polaritons, whose modal index can be significantly higher than the refractive index of the gap layer.
Judicial Politics in the European Community: European Integration and the Pathbreaking Cassis de Dijon Decision

Was the European Court of Justice a key actor in the “relaunching” of European integration in the 1980s? This article examines the crucial political role that was played by the Court with its Cassi...
Wavelet-Based Waveform for Effective Sidelobe Suppression in Radar Signal

A new radar waveform based on wavelets is proposed. The waveform shows significant advantages over conventional linear frequency modulated (LFM) and Costas waveforms for effective sidelobe suppression. Another benefit comes from the wavelet packets, each of which occupies a subband in the frequency domain. Subband adaptation of the waveform in both magnitude and phase becomes flexible, responding to varying target and environmental conditions. The latter facilitates the development of powerful cognitive radars.
Design study of a transverse-to-longitudinal emittance exchange proof-of-principle experiment

Transverse-to-longitudinal emittance exchange can be achieved through certain arrangements of dipole magnets and a dipole mode rf cavity. Theory on such schemes has been developed in the past several years. In this paper we report our numerical simulations to optimize a low energy (E sime 15 MeV) proof-of-principle experiment planned at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA). Parametric studies of the dipole magnets and cavity strengths, as well as initial beam parameters, are presented.
Assessing the Economic Impact of College Football Games on Local Economies

This article provides an empirical examination of the economic impact of spectator sports on local economies. Confirming the results of other ex post analyses of sports in general, this article finds no statistically significant evidence that college football games in particular contribute positively to a host's economy. Our analysis from 1970 to 2004 of 63 metropolitan areas that played host to big-time college football programs finds that neither the number of home games played, the winning percentage of the local team, nor winning a national championship has a discernable impact on either employment or personal income in the cities where the teams play. An examination of a subset of 42 smaller college towns finds that winning seasons actually reduce the growth rate of per capita personal income. Although successful college football teams may bring fame to their home towns, fortune appears to be a bit more elusive.
Handwritten address interpretation using word recognition with and without lexicon

This paper describes an address interpretation system developed for determining the nine-digit ZIP code in mail pieces containing handwritten addresses. The system consists of 1) skew and slant correction, 2) line segmentation, 3) recognition of ZIP code field using context-free strategies, 4) recognition of street number field, 5) recognition of the PO Box field (if valid), and 6) evaluation of the recognition performance using all "bha" address images. In the evaluation test, the error rate of street line recognition was 1.45% with 40.14% accept rate and 1.62% with 40.71% accept rate when the National ZIP+4-database was used for street name lexicon generation or consistency check of ZIP Code and PO Box number.
Interfacial gate resistance in Schottky-barrier-gate field-effect transistors

We discuss in depth a previously overlooked component in the gate resistance R/sub g/ of Schottky-Barrier-Gate FETs, in particular, 0.1-/spl mu/m gate-length AlInAs/GaInAs MODFETs. The high-frequency noise and power gain of these FETs depend critically on R/sub g/. This has been the motivation for the development of T-gates that keep the gate finger metallization resistance R/sub ga/ (proportional to the gate width W/sub g/) low, even for very short gate length L/sub g/. R/sub ga/ increases with frequency due to the skin effect, but our three-dimensional (3-D) numerical modeling shows conclusively that this effect is negligible. We show that the always "larger-than-expected" R/sub g/ is instead caused by a component R/sub gi/ that scales inversely with W/sub g/. We interpret R/sub gi/ as a metal-semiconductor interfacial gate resistance. The dominance of R/sub gi/ profoundly affects device optimization and model scaling. For GaAs and InP-based SBGFETs, there appears to exist a smallest practically achievable normalized interfacial gate resistance r/sub gi/ on the order of 10/sup -7/ /spl Omega/ cm/sup 2/.
Two-Locus Sampling Distributions and Their Application

Methods of estimating two-locus sample probabilities under a neutral model are extended in several ways. Estimation of sample probabilities is described when the ancestral or derived status of each allele is specified. In addition, probabilities for two-locus diploid samples are provided. A method for using these two-locus probabilities to test whether an observed level of linkage disequilibrium is unusually large or small is described. In addition, properties of a maximum-likelihood estimator of the recombination parameter based on independent linked pairs of sites are obtained. A composite-likelihood estimator, for more than two linked sites, is also examined and found to work as well, or better, than other available ad hoc estimators. Linkage disequilibrium in the Xq28 and Xq25 region of humans is analyzed in a sample of Europeans (CEPH). The estimated recombination parameter is about five times smaller than one would expect under an equilibrium neutral model.
Adjusting Internal Model Errors through Ocean State Estimation

Abstract Oceanic state estimation is a powerful tool to estimate internal model parameters simultaneously with the model’s initial conditions and surface forcing field that jointly would bring a model into consistency with time-varying large-scale ocean observations. Here an attempt to estimate geographically varying fields of horizontal and vertical viscosity and diffusivity within a 9-yr-long estimation procedure is presented. The estimated coefficients are highly efficient in preserving watermass characteristics and frontal structures by reducing the model temperature and salinity drift, especially around the Southern Ocean. The estimated mean circulation results in stronger transports of western boundary currents and of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Moreover, an increase of about 10% in the strength of the meridional overturning circulation and in the poleward heat transport can be found. Estimated changes in the horizontal mixing coefficients seem to agree with the notion that diapycnal mixing i...
Solving engine maintenance capacity problems with simulation

For many companies the scheduling of job shops proves very difficult. Competing priorities (due dates, potential profit) from multiple customers confronts the plant manager with many tough questions; which product to work next, can this order wait, and what products to produce together to maximize the machine utilization and minimize setups. These same situations are all too common for the manager of an engine maintenance facility. Most airlines fly multiple aircraft types with a unique engine type for each aircraft. Engine overhauls are usually within a single facility at the airline’s main hub. With so many different parts and repair routings, a job shop environment is common for an engine maintenance facility. This paper will provide an overview of an engine maintenance system, clearly define the capacity planning problem, and describe the goal and scope of the simulation model and its applicability. The model development, experiments, results, and future direction will also be discussed.
Strategy Construction in the Higher-Order Framework of TL

When viewed from a strategic perspective, a labeled rule base in a rewriting system can be seen as a restricted form of strategic expression (e.g., a collection of rules strictly composed using the left-biased choice combinator). This paper describes higher-order mechanisms capable of dynamically constructing strategic expressions that are similar to rule bases. One notable difference between these strategic expressions and rule bases is that strategic expressions can be constructed using arbitrary binary combinators (e.g., left-biased choice, right-biased choice, sequential composition, or user defined). Furthermore, the data used in these strategic expressions can be obtained through term traversals.A higher-order strategic programming framework called TL is described. In TL it is possible to dynamically construct strategic expression of the kind mentioned in the previous paragraph. A demonstration follows showing how the higher-order constructs available in TL can be used to solve several problems common to the area of program transformation.
Comprehensive analysis reveals how single nucleotides contribute to noncoding RNA function in bacterial quorum sensing

Five homologous noncoding small RNAs (sRNAs), called the Qrr1-5 sRNAs, function in the Vibrio harveyi quorum-sensing cascade to drive its operation. Qrr1-5 use four different regulatory mechanisms to control the expression of ∼ 20 mRNA targets. Little is known about the roles individual nucleotides play in mRNA target selection, in determining regulatory mechanism, or in defining Qrr potency and dynamics of target regulation. To identify the nucleotides vital for Qrr function, we developed a method we call RSort-Seq that combines saturating mutagenesis, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, high-throughput sequencing, and mutual information theory to explore the role that every nucleotide in Qrr4 plays in regulation of two mRNA targets, luxR and luxO. Companion biochemical assays allowed us to assign specific regulatory functions/underlying molecular mechanisms to each important base. This strategy yielded a regional map of nucleotides in Qrr4 vital for stability, Hfq interaction, stem-loop formation, and base pairing to both luxR and luxO, to luxR only, and to luxO only. In terms of nucleotides critical for sRNA function, the RSort-Seq analysis provided strikingly different results from those predicted by commonly used regulatory RNA-folding algorithms. This approach is applicable to any RNA-RNA interaction, including sRNAs in other bacteria and regulatory RNAs in higher organisms.
The relationship between walkability and neighborhood social environment: The importance of physical and perceived walkability

Abstract This study examines how both physical and perceived walkability is associated with neighborhood social environment. We analyze walkability and the 2004 Homeowner Survey data conducted in Franklin County, Ohio, and employ structural equation modeling. The empirical analysis shows that perceived walkability enhances neighborhood social environment while physical walkability does not. This study suggests that the negative relationship between physical walkability and neighborhood social environment is related to a spatial intersection between high physical walkability and socio-economic distress.
Role of Sleep Disturbance, Depression, Obesity, and Physical Inactivity in Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Author(s): Katz, Patricia; Margaretten, Mary; Trupin, Laura; Schmajuk, Gabriela; Yazdany, Jinoos; Yelin, Edward | Abstract: ObjectiveFatigue is a major concern for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, in order to treat fatigue adequately, its sources need to be identified.MethodsData were collected during a single home visit (number of participants = 158). All participants had physician-diagnosed RA. Assessments of self-reported sleep quality, depression, physical activity, RA disease activity, muscle strength, functional limitations, and body composition were made. Information on demographics, medications, and smoking was collected. The Fatigue Severity Inventory (FSI; measuring average fatigue over the past 7 days) was used as the primary outcome. Analyses were first conducted to evaluate bivariate relationships with fatigue. Correlations among risk factors were examined. Multivariate analyses identified independent predictors of fatigue.ResultsThe mean ± SD age was 59 ± 11 years, the mean ± SD disease duration was 21 ± 13 years, and 85% of subjects were female. The mean ± SD FSI rating was 3.8 ± 2.0 (range 0-10). In multivariate analyses, self-reported disease activity, poor sleep, depression, and obesity were independently associated with fatigue. Physical inactivity was correlated with poor sleep, depression, and obesity. Mediation analyses indicated that physical inactivity had an indirect association with fatigue, mediated by poor sleep, depression, and obesity.ConclusionThis cross-sectional study suggests that fatigue may not be solely a result of RA disease activity, but may result from a constellation of factors that includes RA disease activity or pain, but also includes inactivity, depression, obesity, and poor sleep. The results suggest new avenues for interventions to improve fatigue in individuals with RA, such as increasing physical activity or addressing depression or obesity.
A Mouse Can Roar: Small Island States, the United Nations, and the End of Free-for-All Fishing on the High Seas

The oceans are in crisis and there might seem to be little urgency for action. A recent study published in Science gravely predicted the complete global collapse of commercial fisheries by 2048. Scarcely a week goes by without alarming news of oil spills, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, or overfishing - all testaments to the damage we are wreaking to the planet and its oceans. But while the trends are ominous, time remains for those who would act now to change course. This article traces the story of the effort of an unlikely small island country, the Republic of Palau (together with a coterie of diplomats, political leaders, law students, non-governmental organization (NGO) activists, and a minor celebrity or two), to end the reckless practice of deep sea bottom trawling in international waters. Part I of this article traces the role of small island countries in the development of international environmental law and challenges the traditional view that these countries cannot be full members of the international community of states. Part II traces Palau's bumpy road to nationhood and UN membership following World War II, as well as the country's ever-present linkage between the environment and the national interest. Part III recounts how destructive fishing made its way onto the agenda of Palau and the General Assembly, resulting in a consensus that the precautionary approach should apply for all high seas bottom fisheries. The article concludes with reflections on the responsibility of every country, large and small, for the long-term health of the ocean. In a world where the big and powerful often reign supreme, it is important to remember that size is not everything among sovereigns and that good ideas still matter.
Testing and Modeling of a Porous Axial-Injection, End-Burning Hybrid Motor

Testing was conducted using polyethylene as the porous fuel and gaseous oxygen as the oxidizer. Nominal test articles were tested using 100, 50, and 15 μm pore sizes. Pressures tested ranged from atmospheric to 1194 kPa, and oxidizer injection velocities ranged from 35 to 80 m/s. Regression rates were determined using pretest and posttest length measurements of the solid fuel. Experimental results demonstrated that the regression rate of the porous axial-injection, end-burning hybrid was a function of the chamber pressure, as opposed to the oxidizer mass flux typical in conventional hybrids. Regression rates ranged from approximately 0.65 mm/s at atmospheric pressure to 7.74 mm/s at 1194 kPa. The analytical model was developed based on a standard ablative model modified to include oxidizer flow through the grain. The heat transfer from the flame was primarily modeled using an empirically determined flame coefficient that included all heat transfer mechanisms in one term. An exploratory flame model bas...
A Quadruple Tank Process Control Experiment

A quadruple tank apparatus was developed for use in undergraduate chemical engineering laboratories that illustrates the performance limitations for multivariable systems posed by ill-conditioning, right half plane transmission zeros, and model uncertainties. The most novel aspect of the apparatus is that it has a configuration in which the time-varying movement of a right half plane transmission zero across the imaginary axis makes it impossible to control the process with a linear feedback controller. This appears to be the first educational laboratory experiment designed to clearly illustrate the extreme effects that time-varying dynamics can have on controllability of the process. Example identification and control results illustrate the use of the experiment in an undergraduate process control laboratory.
Quantification of fumarate and investigation of endogenous and exogenous fumarate stability in rat plasma by LC-MS/MS.

Background: Fumaric acid is a commonly used excipient in pharmaceutical products. It is not known if its presence may lead to fluctuation of endogenous fumarate levels. An LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated to quantify fumarate in support of a toxicokinetics study. Results: Stability evaluation showed that endogenous fumarate was stable for 6 h at room temperature, while exogenously added fumaric acid was converted to malate within 1 h due to the presence of fumarase. Citric acid, a fumarase inhibitor, prevented the conversion of added fumaric acid in rat plasma. Conclusion: The method was validated in citric acid stabilized rat plasma using a surrogate matrix approach. A discrepancy in stability was observed between endogenous fumarate and exogenously added fumaric acid.
Nectar sugars and caloric reserves in natural populations of Aedes canadensis and Aedes stimulans (Diptera:Culicidae)

Aedes canadensis and Aedes stimulans adults probed the flowers of seven plant species in woodlands. Of the 217 males and females collected, 159 (73.3%) were sighted during 1700 to 1930 h (EDT). An anthrone reagent detected fructose or sucrose in newly emerged adults (53.2∼ of 124 A. canadensis , 45.1% of 142 A. stimulans ) and in blood-seeking females (50.1% of 515 A. canadensis , 49.3% of 600 A. stimulans) collected during diurnal and crepuscular periods (0930 to 1930 h). Sugar positivity rates peaked for both species (53.7 to 63.6%) during 1700 to 1930 h, a time when the majority of adults was observed on blossoms. Average amounts of total available energy reserves, determined by bichromate and spectrophotometric assays, were greater in blood-seeking A . stimulans females (mean range = 6.2−11.4 cal per female) than in both sexes ≤ 12 h old (mean = 0.8−2.7 cal per insect). The presence of fructose or sucrose in newly emerged males and females reinforces the importance of these sugars for insect survival during early adulthood.
Some Insects Injurious to Birdsfoot Trefoil in New York

Birdsfoot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus L., is a leguminous plant which recently has become of importance because of its excellent possibilities as a perennial forage crop. The plant is indigenous to Europe, and is common in the region from the Mediterranean Sea northward to the Scandinavian Peninsula. It was introduced into the western hemisphere prior to 1875, and naturalized stands of the plant now are present in the United States, for the most part, in New York, Oregon, and California. However, birdsfoot trefoil was not recognized as a plant of forage value, in this country, until the mid 1920's, and extensive use of the plant was not considered until the development of promising cultural varieties within the past few years.
Perspective: Codesign for materials science: An optimal learning approach

A key element of materials discovery and design is to learn from available data and prior knowledge to guide the next experiments or calculations in order to focus in on materials with targeted properties. We suggest that the tight coupling and feedback between experiments, theory and informatics demands a codesign approach, very reminiscent of computational codesign involving software and hardware in computer science. This requires dealing with a constrained optimization problem in which uncertainties are used to adaptively explore and exploit the predictions of a surrogate model to search the vast high dimensional space where the desired material may be found.
Micromolar brain levels of kynurenic acid are associated with a disruption of auditory sensory gating in the rat.

Brain levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous antagonist of glycineB/NMDA and α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, are elevated in individuals with schizophrenia. Both receptors are broadly implicated in the pathophysiology of this disease, particularly in the deficits many patients show in filtering the sensorium. In the present study, we sought to determine whether elevated brain levels of KYNA disrupt auditory gating in anesthetized rats. A mid-latency evoked potential was recorded from the hippocampus in response to a pair of auditory tones. Gating was assessed by determining the ratio of the amplitude of test and conditioning responses (T/C ratio) in rats that had received KYNA's precursor L-kynurenine (KYN; 150 mg/kg, i.p.) together with probenecid (PBCD; 200 mg/kg, i.p.) 2 h prior to the start of the recording session. KYNA levels in the hippocampus of KYN+PBCD-treated rats were increased 500-fold, and accompanied by a significant increase in T/C ratio consistent with a disruption in sensory gating. PBCD alone increased hippocampal KYNA 12-fold, but did not significantly elevate T/C ratio. L-701,324 (3–30 mg/kg, i.v.), a centrally acting glycineB site antagonist, also failed to disrupt gating; however, large quantities of the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphopentanoate (200 nmol, i.c.v.) markedly increased T/C ratio. Thus, while total blockade of NMDA receptors disrupts auditory gating, partial blockade achieved by antagonism of its glycine coagonist binding site does not. These observations indicate that the disruption in auditory processing in rats with greatly elevated KYNA levels is not attributable to the compound's antagonist actions at the glycineB receptor.
Macroscopic traveling packet and soliton states of quasi-one-dimensional flocks.

Using a continuum model for inhomogeneous flocks, we show that a finite but arbitrarily large moving ``packet'' of active particles (e.g., moving creatures) can form in a background of a lower density disordered phase of these particles, like a liquid drop surrounded by vapor. The ``vapor density'' of the disordered background can be made arbitrarily low. We find three basic types of quasi-one-dimensional states: ``longitudinal'', ``transverse'', and ``oblique'' states, with their internal velocity fields, respectively, parallel, perpendicular, and oblique to the interface. The transitions between these states are also studied.
Diffusion of cesium and iodine in compressed IG-110 graphite compacts

Abstract Nuclear graphite grade IG-110 is currently used in the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) in Japan for certain permanent and replaceable core components, and is a material of interest in general. Therefore, transport parameters for fission products in this material are needed. Measurement of diffusion through pressed compacts of IG-110 graphite is experimentally attractive because they are easy to prepare with homogeneous distributions of fission product surrogates. In this work, we measured diffusion coefficients for Cs and I in pressed compacts made from IG-110 powder in the 1079–1290 K temperature range, and compared them to those obtained in as-received IG-110.
Efficacy of Crystalline Lysine in Alternative Diets for Pond-raised Hybrid Catfish, ♀ Ictalurus punctatus × ♂Ictalurus furcatus

A study was conducted to examine the efficacy of crystalline lysine in alternative diets for pond-raised hybrid catfish, ♀ Ictalurus punctatus × ♂ Ictalurus furcatus. Two 28% protein alternative diets supplemented with l-lysine HCl at the required level based on 62% (previously published value) or 100% lysine availability were compared with a traditional 28% protein control diet. Hybrid catfish fingerlings (mean initial weight = 43 g/fish) were stocked into 15 earthen ponds (0.04 ha) at a density of 14,826 fish/ha with five ponds per treatment. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for a 173-d growing season. There were no significant differences in total diet fed, net yield, weight gain, and survival among dietary treatments. There were also no significant differences in carcass yield, fillet yield, and fillet proximate composition and fillet lysine concentration among treatments. Fish fed the traditional control diet had slightly, but significantly, lower feed conversion ratio than fish fed alternative diets, which is likely related to higher dietary fiber levels in the alternative diets. Results from this study show that crystalline lysine can be considered 100% available when used to supplement lysine-deficient diets for pond-raised hybrid catfish.
Monsanto’s Biotechnology Politics: Discourses of Legitimation

ABSTRACTSince the first product became commercially available in 1995, biotechnology has become the fastest growing crop technology, dominating large shares of the global agricultural market. The development of biotechnology, however, has given rise to questions regarding human and ecological safety, culminating in local and global political battles. While researchers interested in biotech politics have focused on areas such as media framing, social movements, and campaign work, less attention has been paid to how the industry has historically promoted and legitimized this swift proliferation. In this study, we conduct a discourse analysis of documents available on live and archived websites to discern the legitimation strategies employed by one important corporate actor, Monsanto. Findings show that for nearly two decades, Monsanto consistently employed discursive resources that concealed details about actors and action, reflected trends among experts in global sustainability discourse, and reshaped narr...
Exchange Rate Regimes

The choice of the exchange rate regime (ERR) has direct implications on the evolution of key nominal variables (inflation, relative prices) and, as a result, on output growth and volatility, and income distribution. Moreover, it may affect many other fronts related to nominal issues such as trade (influenced by real exchange rate levels and exchange rate stability) and finance (as a peg may foster financial intermediation at the cost of building currency imbalances). This survey deals, first, with the identification of de facto ERR – understood as the policy maker's decision rather than the empirical characterization of exchange rate behavior. Next, it focuses on the channels through which ERR may influence economic outcomes. Finally, it traced the history of ERR in the post-Bretton Woods years and takes stock of the current state of the ERR debate.
Tools for translation: non-viral materials for therapeutic mRNA delivery

In recent years, messenger RNA (mRNA) has come into the spotlight as a versatile therapeutic with the potential to prevent and treat a staggering range of diseases. Billions of dollars have been invested in the commercial development of mRNA drugs, with ongoing clinical trials focused on vaccines (for example, influenza and Zika viruses) and cancer immunotherapy (for example, myeloma, leukaemia and glioblastoma). Although significant progress has been made in the design of in vitro-transcribed mRNA that retains potency while minimizing unwanted immune responses, the widespread use of mRNA drugs requires the development of safe and effective drug delivery vehicles. In this Review, we provide an overview of the field of mRNA therapeutics and describe recent advances in the development of synthetic materials that encapsulate and deliver mRNA payloads. This Review summarizes recent advances in the field of mRNA therapeutics. The synthetic materials that encapsulate and deliver mRNA payloads are described, alongside an overview of commercial development of mRNA drugs.
Die Lehrkraft als zentrale Determinante des Schulerfolgs

Das Leistungsniveau von Schulern und Schulerinnen wird von den unterschiedlichsten Faktoren beeinflusst. In der Regel werden die Faktoren, die als Determinanten fur den Schulerfolg der Schuler/-innen gelten, auf drei Ebenen zusammengefasst: die Individualebene, die Klassenebene und die Schulebene (vgl. Marzano, 2000, S. 39f.; Hosenfeld et al., S. 517ff.; Campbell et al., 2004, S. 165f.; Lipowsky, 2006, S. 47).
Pragmatically Computationally Difficult Pragmatics to Recognize Humour.

The humour found in short jokes and their often equivalent newspaper cartoons graphic representations are often de­pendent on the results of ambiguity in human speech. The ambiguities can be unexpected and funny. Sometimes well-known ambiguities cooperatively repeated can also be funny. Captioned cartoons often derive their humour from an unexpected ambiguity that can be understood by a lis­tener who can automatically use world knowledge to re­solve the ambiguity. The question considered here is whether the listener can be a computational device as well as a human and the pragmatic difficulty of applying lin­guistic pragmatics to do so. Computational analysis of nat­ural language statements needs to successfully resolve am­biguous statements. Computerized understanding of dia­logue must not only include syntactic and semantic analy­sis, but also pragmatic analysis. Pragmatics includes an un­der­standing of the speaker’s intentions, the context of the utter­ance, and social implications of human communica­tion, both polite and hostile. Computational techniques can use restricted world knowledge in re­solving ambiguous lan­guage use. This paper considers the prag­matic difficulties in recognizing humour in short jokes as well as their repre­sentation in cartoons.
Role of Textural Parameters

Adsorbents are usually selected based on their textural properties. These properties include several parameters such as a high surface area and volume of pores. In some cases, the distribution of pores sizes becomes important because it may impact the selectivity of adsorption. Overall, these features are essential when the vapors to be adsorbed are retained on the surface by physisorption but they are also useful to initiate chemisorption or reactive adsorption. Indeed, a reaction between the adsorbent surface groups and the targeted molecule requires that the vapor is temporarily immobilized on the surface. For these reasons, it is paramount to study in detail the textural parameters of the adsorbents tested for the removal of ammonia from air. This chapter provides a description of the porosity of the samples tested and then discusses the various effects of porosity on the ammonia adsorption. In this study, the porosity is evaluated by measuring nitrogen adsorption and the parameters of porous structure are determined from the isotherms.
Parasitism and Corporate Predation

During Joseph Stalin era, the Soviet people were the objects of predation, the prey of the totalitarian regime. In addition to this major predator, there were parasites, most of which were petty and multiplied in millions, practicing embezzlement of socialist property, nepotism, cronyism, and gift-giving as a camouflaged bribery. It argues that despite the partial disintegration of the Soviet Union, the modern Russian state retains the role of the major predator. This one overwhelming predator helps predatory raiders to overpower—both legally and financially—a strong and successful business. This chapter argues that a profitable business can fall prey to a predatory raider only through the involvement or direct interference of an external force, an exogenous factor, or an overwhelming aggressive power such as that of the predatory state. Corrupt bureaucrats collude with predatory raiders, forming an unlawful symbiosis in order to expropriate profitable businesses and other valuable assets to their personal benefit.
BDNF, COMT, and DRD2 polymorphisms and ability to return to work in adult patients with low- and high-grade glioma.

Background Cognitive and language dysfunction is common among patients with glioma and has a significant impact on survival and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Little is known about the factors that make individual patients more or less susceptible to the cognitive sequelae of the disease. A better understanding of the individual and population characteristics related to cognitive function in glioma patients is required to appropriately stratify patients, prognosticate, and develop more efficacious treatment regimens. There is evidence that allelic variation among genes involved in neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity are related to neurocognitive performance in states of health and neurologic disease. Methods We studied the association of single-nucleotide polymorphism variations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, rs6265), dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2, rs1076560), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT, rs4680) with neurocognitive function and ability to return to work in glioma patients at diagnosis and at 3 months. We developed a functional score based on the number of high-performance alleles that correlates with the capacity for patients to return to work. Results Patients with higher-performing alleles have better scores on neurocognitive testing with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and Stroop test, but not the Trail Making Test. Conclusions A better understanding of the genetic contributors to neurocognitive performance in glioma patients and capacity for functional recovery is necessary to develop improved treatment strategies based on patient-specific factors.
Specificity and generalization in perceptual adaptation to systematic variation in speech

A signature problem in our understanding of spoken language processing is listeners’ perceptual constancy in the face of considerable variability in the instantiation of linguistic form. Abundant evidence now suggests that listeners are sensitive to the fine-grained structure of linguistic units that signal differences among talkers and track and adapt to this structure during the perception of speech. This talk will present data from a perceptual learning paradigm addressing both the constraints and flexibility of speech perceptual mechanisms. The aim was to address the degree to which exposure to variation in and expectations about talker- and group-specific attributes influence the degree of specificity and generalization in the perceptual adaptation process. Listeners were exposed to talker-dependent variation in a linguistic form, and expectations about talker characteristics were manipulated. The results suggest that listeners dynamically adapt to and encode systematic changes in the linguistic category structure as a function of expectation and appear to flexibly integrate talker- and group-dependent sources of variation into linguistic representation and processing.A signature problem in our understanding of spoken language processing is listeners’ perceptual constancy in the face of considerable variability in the instantiation of linguistic form. Abundant evidence now suggests that listeners are sensitive to the fine-grained structure of linguistic units that signal differences among talkers and track and adapt to this structure during the perception of speech. This talk will present data from a perceptual learning paradigm addressing both the constraints and flexibility of speech perceptual mechanisms. The aim was to address the degree to which exposure to variation in and expectations about talker- and group-specific attributes influence the degree of specificity and generalization in the perceptual adaptation process. Listeners were exposed to talker-dependent variation in a linguistic form, and expectations about talker characteristics were manipulated. The results suggest that listeners dynamically adapt to and encode systematic changes in the linguistic cate...
Appropriate Activation of the Pediatric Rapid Response Team In Response to an Elevated Pediatric Early Warning Score

Background The Pediatric Early Warning Score(s) (PEWS) is an important tool for patient safety. Worsening PEWS identify patients at risk for respiratory and/or cardiac arrest within the next 24 hours. Close attention to PEWS can help prevent poor neurologic outcomes and patient deterioration and mortality. Kaiser Oakland’s pediatric ward protocol states that the Pediatric Rapid Response Team (PRRT) should be activated for all PEWS 5 or above, or when any caregiver feels the patient is at risk of decompensation. This criteria strives to combine clinical assessment with objective data, as elevated PEWS correlate …