cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is there a recovery of decision-making function after frontal lobe damage? A study using alternative versions of the Iowa Gambling Task.

In a previous study, we examined whether frontal patients with impaired decision making on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) would recover over time if retested on the IGT. However, a major limitation of repeated administration of the IGT is practice effects, where control participants show improvement with retesting. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to design two alternative versions of the IGT to eliminate practice effects. We found that control participants did not show improvement in performance across the different versions of the task, thus reflecting success in our attempt to design alternative versions of the IGT. Compared to control participants, patients with damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) performed worse on all three versions of the IGT, even after controlling for age, sex, and education. The development of alternative versions of the IGT provides a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers to utilize the IGT as a way to track how the decision-making abilities o...
Use of Laboratory Robots for Transport and Delivery of Blood Products

The blood bank at the VA Boston Healthcare system extended the use of 2 laboratory robots (Aethon, Pittsburgh, PA) for laboratory specimen pickup, transport, and delivery of blood products using a combination of 3 proven technologies. First, the adoption of a single universal cooler system for the transport of red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) with electronic temperature monitoring/recording. Second, programmable robots capable of navigating throughout the hospital. Finally, the development of an interactive consult/order robot request form. Using a synthesis of these 3 technologies, the blood bank has reduced the need to use scarce human labor resources for transport of blood products within our facility, thus freeing up staff from this time consuming activity. We suggest that our experience be used as a paradigm for other facilities in their efforts to develop an integrated, electronic, and robotic system for the transport and delivery of blood products. Figure 1 Thermal Wizard Red Shield cooler. Figure 2 Validator, lucite blood product carrier, and gel blocks within cooler. Prior to acquiring the laboratory robots, the blood bank at the VA Boston Healthcare System adopted a single cooler system for storage and transport of red blood cells; this cooler system has enabled the blood bank to store red cells between 1°C and 6°C for up to 24 hours and provided an electronic temperature monitoring system with the ability to monitor internal cooler temperatures. The blood bank also developed an interactive electronic tracking and documenting process to fulfill the requirements of regulatory agencies for the traceability of blood products.1 In this report, we present our experience with developing our process for transport of blood products using a combination of 2 unique technologies: a single, unique cooler system and a commercially available robot. Additionally we describe a computerized process for tracking and documentation of blood products …
Short-term outcomes after combined colon and liver resection for synchronous colon cancer liver metastases: A population study

Introduction The timing of surgical resection for stage IV colon cancer with liver metastasis and the safety of simultaneous colon and liver resection remains controversial. The purpose of our study was to evaluate short-term outcomes after combined colon and liver resection (CCLR) versus colon resection (CR) or liver resection alone (LR) using a population database.
ICECUBE NEUTRINO OBSERVATORY

This contribution is a brief report on the IceCube kilometer cubed neutrino telescope located at the geographical South Pole. IceCube construction is on schedule to be completed in 2011. The full detector will consist of 86 strings, each with 60 digital optical modules. At the time of writing 59 strings of IceCube are taking data. Based on the data taken to date, the telescope meets its design goals. Selected results of ongoing analysis of IceCube detector data are presented.
Different phenotypic consequences of simultaneous versus stepwise Apc loss

APC is considered a gatekeeper for colorectal cancer (CRC). Cells with heterozygous APC mutations have altered expression profiles suggesting that the first APC hit may help set the stage for subsequent transformation. Therefore, we measured transformation efficiency following what we have designated as 'simultaneous' versus 'stepwise' Apc loss. We combined a conditional Apc allele (Apc(CKO)) with a Cre reporter gene and an out-of-frame Cre allele (Pms2(cre)) that stochastically becomes functional by a frameshift mutation in single cells. Loss of one Apc allele (Apc(CKO/+)) had little consequence, whereas simultaneous loss of both Apc alleles (Apc(CKO/CKO)) resulted in increased clonal expansion (crypt fission), consistent with the gatekeeper function of Apc. Interestingly, our analyses showed that most of the Apc-deficient crypts in Apc(CKO/CKO) mice appeared normal, with morphological transformation, including β-catenin deregulation, occurring in only 17% of such crypts. To determine whether transformation efficiency was different following stepwise Apc loss, we combined Apc(CKO) with a germline mutant allele, either Apc(Min) or Apc(1638N). Transformation efficiency following stepwise Apc loss (Apc(Min/CKO) or Apc(1638N/CKO)) was increased five-fold and essentially all of the Apc-deficient cells were dysplastic. In summary, our data suggest that the gatekeeper function of Apc consists of two roles, clonal expansion and morphological transformation, because simultaneous Apc loss frequently leads to occult clonal expansion without morphological transformation, whereas stepwise Apc loss more often results in visible neoplasia. Finally, that Apc-deficient cells in certain scenarios can retain a normal phenotype is unexpected and may have clinical implications for surveillance strategies to prevent CRC.
Atypical expiratory flow volume curve in an asthmatic patient with vocal cord dysfunction.

Background Vocal cord dysfunction can coexist with or masquerade as asthma. Vocal cord dysfunction, when coexistent with asthma, contributes substantially to the refractory nature of the respiratory problem. Objective To report a case of an asthmatic patient with vocal cord dysfunction and a previously unreported unique expiratory flow volume curve. Results A 16-year-old female, known to have asthma, developed increased frequency of her asthma exacerbations. Spirometry, during symptoms, showed an extrathoracic airway obstruction with a reproducible unique abrupt drop and rise in the expiratory flow volume loop. Laryngoscopy showed adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration and expiration. Conclusions We report a unique expiratory flow volume curve in an asthmatic with vocal cord dysfunction that resolved with panting maneuvers. Speech and psychological counseling helped prevent future attacks.
The role of the IGF1 receptor in the regulation of cdc2 mRNA levels in fibroblasts

Abstract The levels of cdc2 mRNA increase when quiescent cells are stimulated by growth factors. In BALB/c 3T3, both platelet-derived growth factor and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are required to increase cdc2 mRNA levels. In p6 cells, which constitutively overexpress the IGF-1 receptor, IGF-1 is sufficient. The importance of the IGF-1 IGF-1 receptor interaction in regulating the levels of cdc2 mRNA was further confirmed by showing that an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to the IGF-1 receptor RNA inhibited the IGF-1-mediated increase.
Effect of X-Rays on Cultured Monkey Kidney Cells Infected with a Myxovirus

Rhesus monkey kidney cells were found to be capable of forming a uniform monolayer even though they were highly infected with DA, a myxovirus. Irradiation did not result in readily observable CPE in virus infected cultures, although examination of stained preparations revealed definite changes as compared with control cultures. Increased numbers of multinucleated giant cells were observed in infected cultures exposed to x rays, whereas considerably fewer and only mononucleated giant cells were obtained in irradiated cells without virus infection. (auth)
Precordialgia as a manifestation of vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

In 6 patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI), precordialgia and autonomic-nervous-system manifestations such as diaphoresis and tachycardia were associated with the symptoms of VBI. Investigation ruled out cardiac and gastrointestinal causes. Possible mechanisms are discussed on the basis of intermittent ischemia of the central autonomic centers supplied by the posterior circulation.
Excellence through community ‐‐ Achieving mathematics education reform in the United States

After an introduction to the history and problems of achieving educational reform in the United States, a specific example of reform is documented. The reform community consists of a fourth grade teacher and a college mathematics professor working together to improve the fourth grade mathematics class. The educational philosophy of their teamwork is discussed and specific examples of the application are given.
Mexiletine for refractory-ventricular arrhythmias: results using serial electrophysiologic testing.

Abstract Mexiletine was administered during serial drug testing to 35 patients with electrically inducible ventricular arrhythmias and to 6 with recurrent ventricular tachycardia that could not be induced or terminated by programmed cardiac stimulation. All patients had arrhythmias resistant to all conventionally available agents. Electrically induced arrhythmias were completely suppressed during mexiletine therapy in 13 patients. In 12 patients no antiarrhythmic regimen was completely suppressive and in 7 of these mexiletine favorably modified the response to programmed stimulation. In four of six patients with frequent episodes of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia that were not inducible by programmed cardiac stimulation, arrhythmia was controlled by mexiletine. The presence of complete arrhythmia suppression with mexiletine during acute testing accurately predicted long-term freedom from recurrent arrhythmia in 16 of 17 patients over a mean follow-up period of 12.6 ± 6 months. Severe adverse neurologic effects were noted early during mexiletine therapy in three patients, but no patient discharged on such therapy experienced major adverse effects. The study demonstrates that mexiletine can provide well tolerated effective prophylaxis against recurrent ventricular arrhythmias in a significant proportion of patients resistant to conventional drugs.
A New Surface Model for β-Plane Turbulence

Abstract This paper introduces a new numerical model for studying wave–turbulence interactions in a continuously stratified rotating flow, having a uniform potential vorticity and a rigid boundary. The meridional variation in the Coriolis parameter (β effect), a channel geometry, and the first-order nonlinear terms in a small Rossby number expansion are included into the surface quasigeostrophic dynamics. The model contains important dynamical characteristics of three-dimensional flows such as advection by ageostrophic winds, and stretching and tilting of relative vorticity. Nevertheless, it has the computational economy of two-dimensional flows. Long-term direct numerical simulations are performed for decaying turbulence arising from random initial conditions. In addition to the formation of steady zonal jets, frequently reported as a possible end state under the β effect, this model exhibits several other realistic physical effects that were lacking in the previously studied β-plane models for wave–turb...
Influences Upon Consumer Expectations of Services

Provides insight into the concept of quality in the service market by investigating possible influences on consumer expectations of quality and how these expectations may be better met. Reports on a study examining the effects of certain stimuli on expectations regarding different types of service. Discovers that significant differences were found regarding the nature of the expectations as the stimuli werevaried, differences which remained after involvement and the removal of personal need effects. Offers recommendations to service providers and includes an explanation of the methodology used in the study.
Effect of Antioxidants on the Storage Stability of Soybean-Oil-Based Biodiesel

Biodiesel is composed of the monoalkyl esters produced from a variety of animal fats or vegetable oils, which can be used in blends with conventional petroleum diesel in existing diesel engines. While having many desirable properties, poor oxidative and storage stabilities are a source of considerable concern. This paper presents results of studies on the effectiveness of various individual and binary antioxidants [(α-tocopherol (α-T), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT), t-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), 2,5-ditert-butyl-hydroquinone (DTBHQ), ionol BF200 (IB), propylgallate (PG), and pyrogallol (PY)] to improve the storage stability of soybean oil (SBO)- and distilled SBO-based biodiesel. Results indicate that the induction period (IP) of untreated SBO-based biodiesel significantly decreased with the increasing storage time, while the IP values with adding TBHQ to SBO-based biodiesel remained constant for up to 30 months. Moreover, the binary antioxidant formulations of THBQ/BHA maintain...
Microfluidic Organ-on-a-Chip Technology for Advancement of Drug Development and Toxicology

In recent years, the exploitation of phenomena surrounding microfluidics has seen an increase in popularity, as researchers have found a way to use their unique properties to create superior design alternatives. One such application is representing the properties and functions of different organs on a microscale chip for the purpose of drug testing or tissue engineering. With the introduction of "organ-on-a-chip" systems, researchers have proposed various methods on various organ-on-a-chip systems to mimic their in vivo counterparts. In this article, a systematic approach is taken to review current technologies pertaining to organ-on-a-chip systems. Design processes with attention to the particular instruments, cells, and materials used are presented.
Surgical management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy with laminectomy and instrumented fusion.

Abstract Objective: The indications for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) with laminectomy and instrumented fusion remain ill-defined. Cervical laminectomy without instrumented fusion has been associated with suboptimal outcomes, particularly in the setting of cervical kyphosis. This work's purpose is to retrospectively review our experience in patients who underwent laminectomy with instrumented fusion for CSM and to assess the neurological and radiological outcomes of patients treated with this technique. Methods: Fifty-four consecutive patients underwent multilevel laminectomy and instrumented fusion for CSM. The indications were patients with (1) cervical stenosis ≥ 3 spinal segments and (2) absence of a cervical kyphosis or (3) patients older than 65 years with significant medical comorbidities. Nurick myelopathy grades and cervical radiographs were obtained preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-operatively. Perioperative complications, radiographic and clinical outcomes were...
P14 methylation in human colon cancer is associated with microsatellite instability and wild-type p53.

Abstract Background & Aims: Colorectal cancers with high levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-H) have an unexplained low rate of p53 gene mutations. Most such cancers have the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP+) with methylation and transcriptional silencing of the mismatch repair gene MLH1. The p14 (ARF) gene on chromosome 9p is deleted and/or silenced by hypermethylation in a subset of human malignancies. There is evidence suggesting that p14 suppresses tumorigenicity by stabilizing the p53 protein. Methods: We investigated the role of p14 in colorectal cancer by determining its methylation status in cancers that were studied previously for microsatellite instability, CIMP, and mutations of p53 and K-RAS. Results: p14 methylation was present in 21 of 94 cases overall (22%) and was frequent particularly in the subgroups with MSI-H (52% [11 of 21] vs. 14% [10 of 72], P = 0.004), in CIMP+ cases (40% [19 of 48] vs. 4% [2 of 46], P P = 0.004). Of 91 fully characterized cases, 41 (45%) had p53 mutations alone, 17 (19%) had p14 methylation alone, 30 (33%) had neither, but only 3 (3%) had both p53 mutations and p14 methylation. p14 methylation is an early event in colorectal carcinogenesis, being detectable in normal aging epithelium by using sensitive assays. Conclusions: In colorectal cancer, p14 methylation is associated with the presence of microsatellite instability and with absence of p53 mutations. The results provide a possible explanation for the paucity of p53 mutations in colon cancers with microsatellite instability. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2003;124:626-633
Compressed History Matching: Exploiting Transform-Domain Sparsity for Regularization of Nonlinear Dynamic Data Integration Problems

In this paper, we present a new approach for estimating spatially-distributed reservoir properties from scattered nonlinear dynamic well measurements by promoting sparsity in an appropriate transform domain where the unknown properties are believed to have a sparse approximation. The method is inspired by recent advances in sparse signal reconstruction that is formalized under the celebrated compressed sensing paradigm. Here, we use a truncated low-frequency discrete cosine transform (DCT) is redundant to approximate the spatial parameters with a sparse set of coefficients that are identified and estimated using available observations while imposing sparsity on the solution. The intrinsic continuity in geological features lends itself to sparse representations using selected low frequency DCT basis elements. By recasting the inversion in the DCT domain, the problem is transformed into identification of significant basis elements and estimation of the values of their corresponding coefficients. To find these significant DCT coefficients, a relatively large number of DCT basis vectors (without any preferred orientation) are initially included in the approximation. Available measurements are combined with a sparsity-promoting penalty on the DCT coefficients to identify coefficients with significant contribution and eliminate the insignificant ones. Specifically, minimization of a least-squares objective function augmented by an l 1-norm of DCT coefficients is used to implement this scheme. The sparsity regularization approach using the l 1-norm minimization leads to a better-posed inverse problem that improves the non-uniqueness of the history matching solutions and promotes solutions that are, according to the prior belief, sparse in the transform domain. The approach is related to basis pursuit (BP) and least absolute selection and shrinkage operator (LASSO) methods, and it extends the application of compressed sensing to inverse modeling with nonlinear dynamic observations. While the method appears to be generally applicable for solving dynamic inverse problems involving spatially-distributed parameters with sparse representation in any linear complementary basis, in this paper its suitability is demonstrated using low frequency DCT basis and synthetic waterflooding experiments.
Halothane binding to a G protein coupled receptor in retinal membranes by photoaffinity labeling.

General anesthetics have been reported to alter the functions of G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling systems. To determine whether these effects might be mediated by direct binding interactions with the GPCR or its associated G protein, we studied the binding character of halothane on mammalian rhodopsin, structurally the best understood GPCR, by using direct photoaffinity labeling with [14C]halothane. In the bleached bovine rod disk membranes (RDM), opsin and membrane lipids were dominantly photolabeled with [14C]halothane, but none of the three G protein subunits were labeled. In opsin itself, halothane labeling was inhibited by unlabeled halothane with an IC50 of 0.9 mM and a Hill coefficient of −0.8. The stoichiometry was 1.1:1.0 (halothane:opsin molar ratio). The IC50 values of isoflurane and 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluorocyclobutane were 5.0 and 15 mM, respectively. Ethanol had no effect on opsin labeling by halothane. A nonimmobilizer, 1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane, inhibited halothane labeli...
Images from the sky

Abstract Space-based imagery has, until recently, been available primarily to high-level government leaders and subordinate agencies operating within the government. Rapid advances in communications technology and satellite remote sensing has made it possible for the individual citizen to purchase remote sensing imagery of virtually any area on the globe. No longer the private domain of governments, imagery is readily available to corporate organizations with huge investments in forestry, minerals, crops, or other natural resources. More importantly, imagery can be obtained without the permission of the sensed nation. For example, imagery produced by SPOT Imaging of France was used extensively by the coalition forces and the United States Air Force before and during Operations Desert Shield and Storm. Corporations and governments are not the only groups eager to take advantage of this new technology. One only needs to watch the evening weather report for a glimpse of how low-to-medium resolution satellite imagery is used by the news media to predict and track weather patterns around the globe. For the media to take full advantage however, satellite resolution must be reduced to five meters or less. This paper reviews the history of commercial satellite remote sensing, as well as the U.S. government's highly classified KH-series satellites, and explores the future impact of “Mediasat” with regard to its use by the news media. The satellite images that play an increasing role in TV news and weather reports have a short but revealing history, and are part of a potentially even more revolutionary news reporting technology. What follows is a brief attempt to assess this history and the possible future in terms of technological developments, commercial applications, and social applications.
Associations among family history of cancer, cancer screening and lifestyle behaviors: a population-based study

Some cancers are largely preventable through modification of certain behavioral risk factors and preventive screening, even among those with a family history of cancer. This study examined the associations between (1) family cancer history and cancer screening, (2) family history and cancer preventive lifestyle behaviors, and (3) cancer screening and lifestyle behaviors. Data were from the 2009 California Health Interview Survey (n = 12,603). Outcomes included screening for breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) and six cancer preventive lifestyle behaviors, based on World Cancer Research Fund recommendations. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, stratified by gender and race–ethnicity, examined associations. Predicted probabilities of cancer screening by family cancer history, race–ethnicity, and sex were computed. Family history of site-specific cancer—CRC for men and women, and BC for women—was associated with higher probability of cancer screening for most groups, especially for CRC, but was largely unrelated to other lifestyle behaviors. In the few cases in which family history was significantly associated with lifestyle—for example, physical activity among White and Latino males, smoking among White and Asian females—individuals with a family history had lower odds of adherence to recommendations than those with no family history. Greater overall adherence to lifestyle recommendations was associated with higher odds of up-to-date CRC screening among White and Asian males, and lower odds among Asian females (no significant association with BC screening); this relationship did not vary by family cancer history. The fact that family history of cancer is not associated with better lifestyle behaviors may reflect shared behavioral risks within families, or the lack of knowledge about how certain lifestyle behaviors impact personal cancer risk. Findings can inform interventions aimed at lifestyle behavioral modification for individuals at increased cancer risk due to family history.
Fluorescence lifetime and quantum efficiency for 5d → 4f transitions in Eu2+ doped chloride and fluoride crystals

Abstract An investigation of the relevant parameters for broadly tunable lasers utilizing the efficient, broad-band 5d → 4f emission in a number of Eu2+ doped metal fluorides, chlorides, and fluoro-chlorides has been performed. Results of measurements of absorption and emission spectra, quantum efficiencies, and fluorescence lifetimes in MF2 and MCl2 (M = Ca, Ba, Sr) and MFCl (M = Ba, Sr) are presented. A calculation of the pump energy threshold for laser action in CaF2 : Eu2+ based on our spectroscopic data is made. Although the estimation indicated that laser threshold in CaF2 : Eu can be easily achieved, strong excited-state absorption in this system was found to prohibit laser oscillation.
Sparse representation based face recognition using weighted regions

Face recognition is a challenging research topic, especially when the training (gallery) and recognition (probe) images are acquired using different cameras under varying conditions. Even a small noise or occlusion in the images can compromise the accuracy of recognition. Lately, sparse encoding based classification algorithms gave promising results for such uncontrollable scenarios. In this paper, we introduce a novel methodology by modeling the sparse encoding with weighted patches to increase the robustness of face recognition even further. In the training phase, we define a mask (i.e., weight matrix) using a sparse representation selecting the facial regions, and in the recognition phase, we perform comparison on selected facial regions. The algorithm was evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively using two comprehensive surveillance facial image databases, i.e., SCfaceandMFPV, with the results clearly superior to common state-of-the-art methodologies in different scenarios. Publisher’s Note: This paper, originally published on 24 December 2013, was replaced with a revised version on 11 June 2014. If you downloaded the original PDF but are unable to access the revision, please contact SPIE Digital Library Customer Service for assistance.
Structural Analysis of PAX3 Genomic Rearrangements in Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma

In the pediatric cancer alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, the (2;13)(q35;q14) translocation juxtaposes PAX3 and FKHR to produce a chimeric PAX3-FKHR gene. With the use of Southern blot methodology, genomic rearrangements of PAX3 intron 7 were detected in 23 of 23 fusion-positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas and were not detected in 19 fusion-negative embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas. Rearrangements corresponding to the reciprocal FKHR-PAX3 fusion were detected in 21 of 23 PAX3-FKHR-positive cases, though FKHR-PAX3 transcripts were detected in only 15 of 23 cases. Mapping experiments demonstrated that breakpoints occurred throughout this 17.5 kb PAX3 intron and, in 12 of 23 cases, breakpoints clustered within a 4.5-kb region at the 3' end of the intron. Chromatin analysis revealed a prominent DNase I hypersensitive site at the 5' end of the intron but did not indicate any other DNA-protein interactions that might have affected the breakpoint distribution. Sequence analysis identified AT-rich regions within the 3' cluster, as well as alternating purine-pyrimidine and homopyrimidine elements at the borders of this cluster. These finding suggest that translocation breakpoints are constrained to PAX3 intron 7 primarily by functional boundaries related to the flanking exons and may be secondarily affected by sequence features within this intron.
A new species of Eleutherodactylus from Perú (Anura: Leptodactylidae)

A new member of the Eleutherodactylus unistrigatus group is described from the Rio Mayo drainage in the upper Amazon Basin, Departamento San Martin, Peru. This species possesses a unique pattern of yellow spots in the groin and a pair of glandular dorsolateral ridges. It resembles five other upper Amazonian congeners (E. carvalhoi, E. croceoinguinis, E. imitatrix, E. toftae, E. variabilis) that also have yellow or orange flash colors in the groin region. These frogs can be distinguished by a combination of features, including condition of tympanum and vocal apparatus, presence of digital lateral fringes, and details of groin color and pattern. A multivariate analysis of three basic measurements resulted in clear differentiation of the new species, with the morphometric relationship of the other five remaining unresolved.
Electron paramagnetic resonance as a probe of technologically relevant processing effects on CdTe solar cell materials

The performance of polycrystalline thin film CdTe solar cells is limited by as yet poorly understood deep level defects which serve as recombination centers. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has unrivaled analytical power and sensitivity in the identification of deep level defects in semiconductors; however, very little EPR literature exists with regard to technologically relevant processing of present day polycrystalline CdTe solar cells. In this study we explore the effects of several features important in these present day processing techniques: (1) effects of CdCl2 etching and (2) effects of Cu on the CdTe. Cu is widely used with CdTe solar cells and is thought to play a significant role in CdTe solar cells performance. Although the EPR spectra in all the cases we explored are dominated by a substitutional Mn site signal, our results are clearly sensitive to multiple changes caused by the aforementioned processing parameters.
A uniqueness theorem for epd type equations in general spaces

A uniqueness theorem for solutions of Euler-Poisson-Darboux type equations in general spaces is proved which settles a question open for a number of years and gives a technique applicable to uniqueness questions for other second order abstract differential problems
Effects of the initial vibrational excitation of O2 on bond dissociations in the O2(gas) + H(ads) collision

Abstract The collision-induced dissociation of adatom and gas molecule bonds in the O 2 (g)/H(ads)/surface system has been studied at different initial vibrational excitation of the oxygen molecule. At low excitation, all trajectories lead to O 2 trapping on an adatom site for several to many picoseconds, and adatom dissociation is more efficient than O 2 dissociation. As reagent excitation increases, the residence time of trapped O 2 decreases, and at the same time both adatom and O 2 bond dissociation probabilities increase. Near the dissociation threshold, the O 2 probability rises very rapidly with increasing initial excitation while the adatom probability decreases as a result of preferential energy transfer to a large amplitude vibrational motion of the highly excited O 2 bond. Even at such excitation, a significant fraction of O 2 does not dissociate while adatom does, in which case the desorbing H atom acquires a large kinetic energy and deexcites O 2 through impulsive interactions.
The Utilization of Dairy By-Products

Since the beginning of history, the blast of the horn has been a signal for action. The trumpet call of freedom leading our country into the world war upon the side of justice sounds again an appeal for action. And it must be concerted action in all fields of endeavor. We who stay at home must omit no action that will strengthen and comfort our people and their Allies. War time needs have called our attention to many existing uneconomic practices which should be eliminated not only during the conflict, but in times of peace as well. Thrifty methods necessitated during this period should become a national routine. No country is rich enough to habitually practice wasteful methods and continue successful.
Effect of Local Damage Caused by Overweight Trucks on the Durability of Steel Bridges

AbstractOver the lifetime of a bridge, traffic loads cause numerous stress-strain cycles within its components which in turn lead to the slow accumulation of damage in them. The rate of progression of this damage with time is affected by several human-induced and natural factors such as volume and type of traffic loads, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices. Traffic volume and truck weights have been steadily increasing with the growth and technical development of the freight industry. With increased truck weight limits being anticipated in the future, a detailed study of the potential detrimental effects of such increases, especially due to overweight trucks, on the durability of bridges has become necessary. In this paper, a computational approach is presented to assess the effect of different load-related and environmental factors on the durability of steel bridge components using detailed finite-element (FE) models that were calibrated using data from inspection reports of real bridges. ...
Phenotypic heterogeneity in X-linked infantile agammaglobulinemia with in vitro monocyte suppression of immunoglobulin synthesis.

Abstract In vitro immunoglobulin (Ig) production was studied in two brothers with X-linked infantile agammaglobulinemia (XLA) to determine the etiology of their differing serum Ig levels. Patient 1 (P1), age 17 years, had an IgG level of 122 mg/dl, IgA undetectable, and IgM levels of 0 to 6 mg/dl while patient 2 (P2), age 14 years, had IgG level of 184 mg/dl, IgA undetectable, and IgM values of 24 to 35 mg/dl. Both boys had normal percentages of T lymphocytes and normal responses to PHA. P1 had 1% circulating B cells and P2 had no detectable circulating B cells. Both boys had identical HLA-A and HLA-B antigens and similar complete blood counts and differentials, including 8–18% monocytes. In vitro Ig synthesis was measured in pokeweed mitogen stimulated cell cultures by [35S]methionine incorporation and Ig immunoprecipitation. Neither boy was able to synthesize Ig in vitro, but only P1 had cells which suppressed Ig synthesis of control cells. T-Cell fractions from these boys showed normal helper and suppressor activity when cultured with control B cells. However, the non-T-cell fraction from P1 suppressed Ig synthesis. This suppressor effect could be eliminated by removing plastic adherent cells from P1's mononuclear cells or T-depleted fraction, suggesting monocyte suppressor cells. We conclude that the B-cell defect in XLA can be modified by secondary monocyte-mediated suppression, resulting in phenotypic variation in laboratory findings.
Detection of Sulfur-Containing Compounds in the Gas Phase of Cigarette Smokes

Abstract The use of gas chromatography with flame photometric detection provides a convenient means of detecting sulfur-containing compounds in the gas phase of cigarette smoke. Application of the method casts doubt on currently held views about the composition of the sulfur-containing portion of smokes.
The Changing Face of Clostridium difficile : What Treatment Options Remain?

In this issue of the Journal, an article by Pepin et al. documents the shifting sands of the modern-day Clostridium difficile epidemic as seen in Quebec. Pepin and coauthors' observation that the superior activity of vancomycin over metronidazole has been lost since the emergence there of the hypervirulent strain NAP1/027 in 2003 has implications for the future treatment of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). This editorial explores these, particularly in complicated cases and high-risk populations.
Shift in magnitude of reward after minimal acquisition

Three groups of male albino rats were given nine trials in a straight runway with 0 (control), 2 (E-2), or 4 (E-4) trials with small reward (one pellet) and then shifted to large reward (five pellets). The ceiling effect problem has been hypothesized as preventing the occurrence of positive contrast. Shifting reward magnitude early in training was done to obviate the ceiling effect problem. Although the ceiling effect was not a problem using this procedure, positive contrast failed to emerge with any degree of reliability. The results were discussed in terms of the necessity of establishing rg and its relationship to contrast phenomena.
Personality Impressions of World of Warcraft Players Based on Their Avatars and Usernames: Consensus but No Accuracy

Every week an estimated 20 million people collectively spend hundreds of millions of hours playing massively multiplayer online role-playing games MMORPGs. Here the authors investigate whether avatars in one such game, the World of Warcraft WoW, convey accurate information about their players' personalities. They assessed consensus and accuracy of avatar-based impressions for 299 WoW players. The authors examined impressions based on avatars alone, and images of avatars presented along with usernames. The personality impressions yielded moderate consensus avatar-only mean ICC =.32; avatar plus username mean ICC =.66, but no accuracy avatar only mean r =.03; avatar plus username mean r =.01. A lens-model analysis suggests that observers made use of avatar features when forming impressions, but the features had little validity. Discussion focuses on what factors might explain the pattern of consensus but no accuracy, and on why the results might differ from those based on other virtual domains and virtual worlds.
Role of the finger flexors in rheumatoid deformities of the metacarpophalangeal joints

HEN LOOKING for the major cause of deformity in the rheumatoid W metacarpophalangeal joint, several clinical observations offer clues. The characteristics of the early deformity recur with remarkable consistency, being comprised of varying degrees of luxation of the proximal phalanx in a volar and an ulnar direction, and deviation in an ulnar dir~ti0n.l.~ Secondly, the deformity has both passive and dynamic aspects. Passively, the finger can be luxated and deviated more than normal, even though it may be readily returned to a normal position in many patient^.^^^ Dynamically, the finger tracks along a more luxated and ulnarly deviated path during voluntary active flexion.? The passive deformity implies a loss of integrity of the specific structures normally preventing deviation and luxation. This damage in turn is indicative of forces acting consistently in the direction of the passive deformity. The dynamic deformity implies a new balance of forces during MCP flexion, which are in dynamic equilibrium only when the finger is tracking along a more ulnar and luxated path. In fact, some patients are totally unhble to
A solution to the inverse kinematic problem in robotics using neural network processing

A solution algorithm is presented using the T.T. Hopfield and D.W. Tank (Biol. Cybern., vol.52, p.1-12, 1985) analog neural computation scheme to implement the Jacobian control technique. The states of neurons represent joint velocities of a manipulator, and the connection weights are determined from the current value of the Jacobian matrix. The network energy function is constructed so that its minimum corresponds to the minimum least square error between actual and desired joint velocities. At each sampling time, connection weights and neuron states are updated according to current joint positions. During each sampling period, the energy function is minimized and joint velocity command signals are obtained as the states of the Hopfield network. The network dynamics are analyzed using a closed-loop control structure. Simulation shows that this method is capable of solving the inverse kinematic problem for a planar redundant manipulator in real time. >
Optimal Drug-Aerosol Delivery to Predetermined Lung Sites

This review summarizes computer simulation methodologies of air-particle flow, results of drug-aerosol transport/deposition in models of the human respiratory system, as well as aspects of drug-aerosol targeting and associated inhalation devices. After a brief introduction to drug delivery systems in general, the required modeling and simulation steps for optimal drug-aerosol delivery in the lung are outlined. Starting with medical imaging and file conversion of patient-specific lung-airway morphologies, the air-particle transport phenomena are numerically solved for a representative inhalation flow rate of Q total = 30 l/min. Focusing on microspheres and droplets, the complex airflow and particle dynamics, as well as the droplet heat and mass transfer are illustrated. With this foundation as the background, an overview of present inhaler devices is presented, followed by a discussion of the methodology and features of a new smart inhaler system (SIS). With the SIS, inhaled drug-aerosols can be directly delivered to any predetermined target area in the human lung.
When is unemployment politically important? Explaining differences in political salience across European countries

This article explores alternative hypotheses for variation in the political salience of unemployment. The differences between the political opinions of employed and unemployed people are used as a proxy for the qualitative importance of unemployment. Unemployment is not found to be more politically salient when government support of the unemployed is more generous or when jobless spells are shorter. Far more important is the character of employment. Unemployment is more politically salient in countries where employment guarantees a basic livelihood. The data also suggest that unemployment has greater salience in countries where the unemployed are more likely to use state employment exchanges in searching for work. Two conclusions are suggested. First, public toleration of high unemployment in recent decades may be partly the result of the rise of atypical work arrangements. Second, while it is debatable whether social‐democratic protections of employment standards increase unemployment rates, such efforts...
Metrics to identify where object-oriented program comprehension benefits from the runtime structure

To evolve object-oriented code, developers often need to understand both the code structure in terms of classes and packages, as well as the runtime structure in terms of abstractions of objects. Recent empirical studies have shown that for some code modifications tasks, developers do benefit from having access to information about the runtime structure. However, there is no good sense of when object-oriented program comprehension clearly depends on information about the runtime structure. We propose using metrics to identify cases in object-oriented program comprehension that benefit from information about the runtime structure. The metrics relate properties observed on a statically extracted hierarchical object graph to the type structures declared in the code and highlight key differences between the runtime structure and the code structure.
The finite and the infinite in temporal logic

At the last TACAS in Barcelona, already almost a year ago, Alur, Etessami, and Madhusudan [2004] introduced CaRet, a temporal logic framework for reasoning about programs with nested procedure calls and returns. The details of the logic were themselves interesting (I will return to them later), but a thought struck me during the presentation, whether an axiomatization might help understand the new temporal operators present in CaRet. Thinking a bit more about this question quickly led to further questions about the notion of finiteness and infinity in temporal logic as it is used in Computer Science. This examination of the properties of temporal logic operators under finite and infinite interpretations is the topic that I would like to discuss here. I will relate the discussion back to CaRet towards the end of the article, and derive a sound and complete axiomatization for an important fragment of the logic.
A radioimmunoassay for chironomid hemoglobin

Abstract A double antibody, competitive radioimmunoassay was developed for the quantitation of stage-specific hemoglobin from the insect Chironomus thummi . The radioimmunoassay will detect as little as 150 picograms of Hb 3, a hemoglobin synthesized and secreted into the hemolymph of larvae during the 4th, but not the 3rd instar. The assay also detects cross-reacting hemoglobins purified from 4th instar larvae and in freshly laid eggs. Application of this radioimmunoassay is discussed in light of the cross-reacting Hbs in the insect.
Evidence for functional, inhibitory, histamine H3 receptors in rat carotid body Type I cells.

Abstract The Type I cells are the sensory elements of the carotid bodies and play a critical role in defining the ventilatory response to hypoxia and hypercapnia. Type I cells release multiple neurotransmitters during a chemosensory stimulus resulting in increased firing of the carotid sinus nerve and modification of the breathing pattern. While much is known about the actions of individual neurotransmitters in this system, very little is known about how multiple neurotransmitters may integrate to shape the output of the carotid body. Recent data has indicated that the neurotransmitter histamine does not excite isolated Type I cells despite being released during hypoxia and its receptors being present on the Type I cells. Here the hypothesis that histamine might modulate an excitatory neurotransmitter such as acetylcholine was tested. Using calcium imaging techniques it was found that histamine attenuated calcium signaling events initiated by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist acetyl-β-methylcholine via an H3 receptor mediated mechanism. In summary, these results suggest that when acetylcholine and histamine are co-released from Type I cells in response to chemostimuli, histamine may attenuate or modulate the excitatory presynaptic actions of acetylcholine.
Computation of density distributions in solutions at sedimentation equilibrium.

Abstract In Part I of this paper we show the density distributions which would result from solute redistribution when sucrose solutions are centrifuged to equilibrium in swinging-bucket rotors at rates of rotation up to 65,000 rpm. The distributions were computed by a graphic technique described in Part II. The equilibrium distributions at 25,000 rpm are not greatly different from the typical preformed distributions commonly used to support band velocity (rate-zonal) separations. As the rate of rotation is increased the equilibrium distributions depart from linearity. At 65,000 rpm most of the sucrose would eventually be in the bottom half of the tube. The computed equilibrium density distribution is shown for sodium chloride at 65,000 rpm. It is pointed out that a salt gradient preformed to this shape should have a stabilizing effect similar to the commonly used sucrose gradients, while at the same time being nonsedimenting. The graphic computational technique described in Part II makes possible the rapid determination of a density distribution once the solution properties have been computed and plotted.