cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A role for non-neuronal cells in synchronization of intracellular calcium oscillations in primate LHRH neurons.

Publisher Summary A study using multiunit activity recording from the medial basal hypothalamus indicates that pulsatile luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) release is a consequence of synchronized activity of individual LHRH neurons. An increase in single unit spike components extracted from the multiunit “LHRH pulse-generator” activity by cluster analysis occurs as a simultaneous increase in the firing rate of many individual hypothalamic neurons rather than the recruitment of new bursting neurons. The mechanism underlying LHRH synchronization is currently unknown. This is because, unlike oxytocin and vasopressin neurons, LHRH neurons do not form a nucleus in the hypothalamus and there is little evidence for physical contact between LHRH neurons—such as synapses or syncytium formation—that allow the synchronization of LHRH neurons. The perikarya of LHRH neurons are covered by glial sheaths and LHRH neuroterminals are intimately associated with glial end feet. The chapter also explains synchronization of [Ca2+]i oscillations and LHRH neurosecretion.
Factors influencing essential fiber properties

The fundamentals of macromolecules are presented with respect to fiber forming materials. The physical and chemical methods which enable one to alter or modify a given fiber are discussed. The possibilities for the different groups of fiber-types are presented in detail. Die grundlegenden Eigenschaften von Makromolekulen als faserbildende Substanzen sowie physikalische und chemische Methoden zur Abwandlung der Fasereigenschaften werden diskutiert; das Verhalten der verschiedenen Gruppen von Fasern wird im einzelnen behandelt.
Europe's ONP bargain: What's in it for the user?

Abstract Open Network Provision (ONP) is characterized as an institutionalized collective bargaining process in which the interests of the telecommunications user in Europe have often been overlooked. This article examines how the practical measures put in place by the ONP process have addressed user interests. Second, it asks how users have influenced the direction of the ONP process, particularly with regard to the proposed Voice Telephony Directive and, finally, it asks how ONP will meet the needs of the user in the future. It argues that the ONP bargain should be shifted from the Community level to the marketplace itself, allowing experience to necessitate regulation, rather than regulation to dictate experience.
Kernels for Periodic Time Series Arising in Astronomy

We present a method for applying machine learning algorithms to the automatic classification of astronomy star surveys using time series of star brightness. Currently such classification requires a large amount of domain expert time. We show that a combination of phase invariant similarity and explicit features extracted from the time series provide domain expert level classification. To facilitate this application, we investigate the cross-correlation as a general phase invariant similarity function for time series. We establish several theoretical properties of cross-correlation showing that it is intuitively appealing and algorithmically tractable, but not positive semidefinite, and therefore not generally applicable with kernel methods. As a solution we introduce a positive semidefinite similarity function with the same intuitive appeal as cross-correlation. An experimental evaluation in the astronomy domain as well as several other data sets demonstrates the performance of the kernel and related similarity functions.
Pharmacotherapy of acute sinusitis in children

The pharmacotherapeutic options for acute sinusitis in children are reviewed. Acute sinusitis occurs more frequently in children than in adults. The diagnosis is based primarily on clinical signs and symptoms. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the organisms most frequently implicated. A variety of antimicrobials have FDA-approved labeling for use in the treatment of sinusitis. In randomized, controlled clinical trials identified in a MEDLINE search for the period from 1966 to 1999, amoxicillin had efficacy similar to that of amoxicillin-clavulanate, azithromycin, cefuroxime, and clarithromycin in treating acute sinusitis in children. Azithromycin was effective as a three-day course of treatment. Amoxicillin and cefuroxime are better tolerated than most antibiotics; azithromycin and clarithromycin are also well tolerated. Amoxicillin-clavulanate tends to cause more gastrointestinal symptoms than amoxicillin and is more expensive. Azithromycin is more expensive than amoxicillin but less expensive than other broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Amoxicillin remains the drug of first choice for treating acute sinusitis in children. It has been found to be as effective as other broad-spectrum agents, better tolerated, and less expensive.
Infectious diseases of nonhuman primates in a zoo setting

Infections and diseases are a major cause for concern as well as loss of animal life in the zoo setting. This problem is the result of contact with agents such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, rickettsia, chlamydia, or viruses. Control of such infections and diseases is difficult principally because of the design and purpose of the zoo itself. However, infection and disease can be minimized with appropriate recognition of the problem and training of personnel to limit the spread of infectious organisms. Biohazards need to be considered not only among the various animal populations, but with regard to human contacts, particularly in relation to nonhuman primates.
Consistent histories and the interpretation of quantum mechanics

The usual formula for transition probabilities in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics is generalized to yield conditional probabilities for selected sequences of events at several different times, called “consistent histories,” through a criterion which ensures that, within limits which are explicitly defined within the formalism, classical rules for probabilities are satisfied. The interpretive scheme which results is applicable to closed (isolated) quantum systems, is explicitly independent of the sense of time (i.e., past and future can be interchanged), has no need for wave function “collapse,” makes no reference to processes of measurement (though it can be used to analyze such processes), and can be applied to sequences of microscopic or macroscopic events, or both, as long as the mathematical condition of consistency is satisfied. When applied to appropriate macroscopic events it appears to yield the same answers as other interpretative schemes for standard quantum mechanics, though from a different point of view which avoids the conceptual difficulties which are sometimes thought to require reference to conscious observers or classical apparatus.
Association of optically active ions III: diastereomeric ion pair formation in histidine-glutamic acid mixtures

Abstract Conductometric titrations of equimolar mixtures of L-glutamic acid and L-histidine indicate that these species interact more strongly than L-glutamic acid with D-histidine in dilute solution. The presence of ion pairs is confirmed by the UV spectrum of these solutions. No such stereospecific interactions were found between L-glutamic acid and L-lysine or L-ornithine. The conductometric titration curves of these compounds are identical with that of L-glutamic acid with the DL mixture of the basic amino acids.
Targeted cyst wall puncture and aspiration during EUS-FNA increases the diagnostic yield of premalignant and malignant pancreatic cysts.

Background Characterization of pancreatic cysts by using EUS-FNA includes chemical and cytologic analysis. Objective To evaluate whether material obtained from FNA of the cyst wall increases diagnostic yield. Design Prospective series. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Consecutive patients with pancreatic cysts referred for EUS-FNA between March 2010 and March 2011. Intervention FNA was performed with aspiration of cyst fluid for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytology, followed by cyst wall puncture (CWP). CWP is defined as puncturing the far wall of the cyst and moving the needle back and forth through the wall to sample the wall epithelium. Main Outcome Measurements The diagnostic yield for mucinous cystic pancreatic neoplasms by CEA and cytology obtained from cyst fluid compared with cytology obtained from CWP. CEA ≥192 ng/mL was considered mucinous. Results A total of 69 pancreatic cysts from 66 patients were included. Adequate amounts of fluid were aspirated for CEA, amylase, and cytology in 60 cysts (81%). Cellular material adequate for cytologic assessment from CWP was obtained in 56 cysts (81%). Ten (30%) of 33 cysts with CEA P = .0001). An episode of pancreatitis (1.45%) occurred. Limitation Lack of surgical criterion standard. Conclusions CWP during EUS-FNA is a safe and effective technique for improving the diagnostic yield for premalignant and malignant pancreatic cysts.
Degenerate keys for RSA encryption

Some keys for the RSA public key cryptosystem fail to encrypt all possible plaintext messages. A necessary and sufficient condition for these degenerate keys is given. The probability of choosing such a key, when choosing keys at random, is presented. The impact of degenerate keys in an academic setting is discussed.
Deterioration following alcohol-use disorder treatment in project MATCH.

Objective: This study examines the prevalence and predictors of deterioration during the three months following treatment in Project MATCH (Matching Alcoholism Treatments to Client Heterogeneity), a multisite clinical trial of three different treatments for alcohol-use disorders. Method: The outpatient and aftercare samples of Project MATCH were examined to identify the prevalence of deterioration, as reflected by a decline in percent days abstinent between the 3 months prior to baseline and the 3 months immediately following treatment. Analyses of predictors of deterioration were based on baseline sociodemographic and psychological factors, including substance-related and psychiatric symptoms and treatment-related factors, including treatment type, treatment duration and therapeutic alliance. Results: Approximately 10% (91/927) of patients in the outpatient sample and 7% (50/738) of patients in the aftercare sample deteriorated in the 3 months following treatment. Primary predictors of deterioration in t...
Evader interdiction: algorithms, complexity and collateral damage

In network interdiction problems, evaders (e.g., hostile agents or data packets) are moving through a network toward targets and we wish to choose locations for sensors in order to intercept the evaders. The evaders might follow deterministic routes or Markov chains, or they may be reactive, i.e., able to change their routes in order to avoid the sensors. The challenge in such problems is to choose sensor locations economically, balancing interdiction gains with costs, including the inconvenience sensors inflict upon innocent travelers. We study the objectives of (1) maximizing the number of evaders captured when limited by a budget on sensing cost and, (2) capturing all evaders as cheaply as possible. We give algorithms for optimal sensor placement in several classes of special graphs and hardness and approximation results for general graphs, including evaders who are deterministic, Markov chain-based, reactive and unreactive. A similar-sounding but fundamentally different problem setting was posed by Glazer and Rubinstein where both evaders and innocent travelers are reactive. We again give optimal algorithms for special cases and hardness and approximation results on general graphs.
Asbestos and embryonic development

Chrysotile asbestos was administered to pregnant CD-1 mice in their drinking water and to Day 4 blastocysts during culture. Administration to pregnant mice did not affect embryo survival. In vitro administration of asbestos did not interfere with embryo implantation upon transfer of blastocysts to recipient females but did result in a decrease in postimplantation survival. These studies did not demonstrate asbestos to be teratogenic whether administered to the dam or to the blastocyst in vitro.
Effects of Light Fluence and Wavelength on Expression of the Gene Encoding Cucumber Hydroxypyruvate Reductase

We have investigated the regulation of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) hydroxypyruvate reductase mRNA abundance in response to white-, red-, and far-red-light treatments. Following irradiation of dark-adapted cucumber seedlings with 15 min to 4 h of either white or red light and return to darkness, the mRNA level for the gene encoding hydroxypyruvate reductase (Hpr) in cotyledons peaks in the darkness 16 to 20 h later. The response of the Hpr mRNA level to total fluence of white light depends more directly on irradiation time than on fluence rate. In addition to this time-dependent component, a phytochrome-dependent component is involved in Hpr regulation in dark-adapted green cotyledons as shown by red-light induction and partial far-red-light reversibility. Parallel measurements of mRNA levels for the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit and for the chlorophyll a/b-binding protein show that Hpr is the most responsive to short (about 60 min) white- and red-light treatments and that each mRNA has a characteristic pattern of accumulation in dark-adapted cotyledons in response to light.
Numerical Convergence in Solving the Vlasov Equation

When the Vlasov equation is investigated numerically using the method of test particles, the particle-particle interactions that inevitably arise in the simulation (but are not present in the Vlasov equation itself) result in an accumulation of errors which eventually drive the collection of test particles toward a state of classical thermal equilibrium. We estimate the rate at which these errors accumulate. The Vlasov equation plays a central role in classical (and semiclassical) time-dependent mean field theory, and has been used to model a wide variety of many-body processes, from the gravitational N-body problem [1], to plasma physics [2], to nuclear dynamics [3]. While the content of the Vlasov equation is conceptually simple — interactions among many particles are replaced by a common mean-field potential — solutions are harder to come by, and must in general be sought numerically. This is often accomplished with the test particle method: a swarm of numerical particles is used to simulate a distribution f(r, p,t) in one-body phase space, and the mean-field potential in which these test particles evolve is obtained from this distribution. Thus, while the Vlasov equation replaces a physical manybody problem with the self-consistent evolution of a one-body phase-space distribution, the test particle method in turn replaces the Vlasov equation with a numerical many-body problem. This raises the issue of convergence: for a given number of test particles, and over a given length of time, how closely can we expect the evolution of f(r, p,t) as obtained
The effect of enzyme treatment of soybean meal on oligosaccharide disappearance and chick growth performance

Abstract Research was conducted to determine the effects of enzymatically hydrolyzing raffinose and stachyose from soybean meal (SBM) on fecal oligosaccharide concentration and growth performance of chicks fed a corn-SBM diet. The alpha-galactosidase treatment was optimized for oligosaccharide degradation. Enzyme treatment degraded raffinose and stachyose in SBM by 69 and 54%, respectively, compared to untreated soybean meal (USBM). Diets containing enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESBM) resulted in excreta raffinose and stachyose concentrations reduced to below measurable levels ( 0.05) in growth performance among treatments. Chicks fed the ESBM diet had an increased (P 0.05) improved by enzyme treatment.
Effects of mechanical indentation on diffuse reflectance spectra, light transmission, and intrinsic optical properties in ex vivo porcine skin.

Background and Objectives Mechanical indentation has been shown to increase light transmission through turbid tissue. In this study, we investigated the effects of localized indentation on the optical properties of ex vivo porcine skin specimens by dynamically monitoring diffuse reflectance spectra, light transmission, and applied load while controlling tissue thickness. Study Design/Methods A custom-built diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) system was used to capture diffuse reflectance spectra from tissue specimens undergoing indentation. The DRS probe was designed to perform both optical sensing and tissue indentation. A mechanical load frame was used to dynamically control probe displacement and resultant specimen thickness change while recording applied load. Diffuse reflectance spectra, as well as light transmission at 630 nm, were recorded during stress relaxation tests where tissue specimens were displaced to and held at a final thickness. Tissue optical properties were extracted from reflectance spectra using a previously established look-up table (LUT) approach. Results Indentation increased light transmission through tissue during linear displacement, and continued to increase transmission during subsequent stress relaxation at constant tissue thickness. The magnitude of relative transmission increases was shown to be a function of bulk tissue compressive strain (relative thickness change). Reduced scattering coefficients calculated from the LUT at 630 nm decreased during stress relaxation, with the relative decrease in scattering also depending strongly on tissue compressive strain. Reduced scattering coefficients decreased by 12.0 ± 4.7% at 0.44 ± 0.022 compressive strain, and reduced by 35.6 ± 1.3% at 0.71 ± 0.01 compressive strain. Conclusion DRS can be used to capture transient changes in intrinsic tissue optical properties during mechanical loading. Mechanical indentation modifies tissue optical properties and may be harnessed as a minimally-invasive optical clearing technique to improve optical diagnostics and therapeutics. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:303–309, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Difference in Energy Metabolism of Annulus Fibrosus and Nucleus Pulposus Cells of the Intervertebral Disc

Low back pain is associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. One of the main signs of degeneration is the inability to maintain extracellular matrix integrity. Extracellular matrix synthesis is closely related to production of adenosine triphosphate (i.e. energy) of the cells. The intervertebral disc is composed of two major anatomical regions: annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus, which are structurally and compositionally different, indicating that their cellular metabolisms may also be distinct. The objective of this study was to investigate energy metabolism of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells with and without dynamic compression, and examine differences between the two cell types. Porcine annulus and nucleus tissues were harvested and enzymatically digested. Cells were isolated and embedded into agarose constructs. Dynamically loaded samples were subjected to a sinusoidal displacement at 2 Hz and 15% strain for 4 h. Energy metabolism of cells was analyzed by measuring adenosine triphosphate content and release, glucose consumption, and lactate/nitric oxide production. A comparison of those measurements between annulus and nucleus cells was conducted. Annulus and nucleus cells exhibited different metabolic pathways. Nucleus cells had higher adenosine triphosphate content with and without dynamic loading, while annulus cells had higher lactate production and glucose consumption. Compression increased adenosine triphosphate release from both cell types and increased energy production of annulus cells. Dynamic loading affected energy metabolism of intervertebral disc cells, with the effect being greater in annulus cells.
Morphology of the conidial state of Mycosphaerella musicola in the Pacific region

A description is given of the conidial state (Cercospora musae Zimm.) of Mycosphaerella musicola Leach, on collections of banana leaves from Java, Fiji, Australia and the Philippines. Significant morphological characters of the fungus on these collections are closely uniform and differ markedly from those of the conidial state of M. fijiensis in Fiji and the Philippines. These recent collections of M. musicola from the Pacific region are compared with collections from the Carribbean region described by other authors.
“Se peindre de la plume”: History, Biography, and Self-Portraiture in Montaigne’s Reframing of History

We pass in this present chapter from Montaigne’s reworking of narrative from sixteenth-century chronicles to his appropriation and recasting of the works of historians. How does the chronicle relate to history? Writing about history in another context, Lionel Gossman makes an apt distinction between chronicles and history when he states that history, in its retrospective viewpoint, is “not written from a position within it (like the Medieval chronicles), nor from a position absolutely exterior to it and discontinuous with it” (in the manner of Enlightenment history), “but from a privileged vantage point close to the end of it.”1 It is, as we shall see below, the work of exceptional, mature minds who have lived through the events they are recounting that Montaigne most admires. Whether they come from Antiquity, the Middle Ages or his own epoch, these are the gifted historians who figure prominently among the authors whose thoughts, principles, and stories Montaigne weaves into the fabric of his essays.
A longitudinal study of conversations with parents about sex and dating during college.

Emerging adulthood is a time of sexual and romantic relationship development as well as change in the parent–child relationship. This study provides a longitudinal analysis of 30 young adults’ (17 women, 13 men) sexual experiences, attitudes about sexuality and dating, and reported conversations with parents about sexuality and dating from the 1st and 4th years of college. Self-report questionnaires revealed increases in general closeness with parents, increases in sexual and dating experiences, and more sexually permissive as well as more gender stereotyped attitudes. Qualitative analyses of individual interviews indicated a movement from unilateral and restrictive sex-based topics to more reciprocal and relationship-focused conversations over time. Gender analyses revealed that young women reported more restrictive sex messages and young men more positive sex messages. Participants also described increased openness and comfort in talking about sexual topics with both mothers and fathers from the 1st to 4th year of college. Overall, the results suggest that prior findings of increased mutuality with parents during the college years extend to the traditionally taboo topic of sexuality.
19.2: Adaptive Luminance and Saturation Control for RGBW OLED Displays

An algorithm is discussed for adoptively adjusting the luminance and saturation of images for an RGBW OLED display. By considering image statistics, this algorithm significantly reduces the peak current per color channel and the peak display current while reducing luminance or saturation for only infrequently occurring images.
Maternal syphilis in Michigan: the challenge to prevent congenital syphilis

Abstract Syphilis has re-emerged as a significant public health problem for pregnant women and their babies in Michigan, US, and in many areas of the world. In the US over 50 000 cases of primary and secondary syphilis were reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 1990. Due to the current epidemic of maternal syphilis in pregnancy in our city, we studied 253 cases of maternal syphilis over a one-year period. Our objective was to determine maternal risk factors during pregnancy predicting congenital infection. Women with high venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) titres during pregnancy and unknown duration of disease had the highest incidence of delivering an infant with congenital syphilis. Even with treatment according to the current CDC guidelines there was a 27% incidence of congenital syphilis if disease duration was
Activity, organization, retroactive inhibition, and free recall

The effect of encoding processes on retroactive inhibition (RI) was assessed by varying activity and list organization. The List 2 words could be classified into the same categories used for List 1 (same organization) or into a different set of categories (different organization). All S s received the same word lists. The different-organization S s had less RI than the same-organization S s only when the number of categories to be recalled was relatively small. Activity was manipulated by having the S s study the words or sort them into designated categories. The study S s had higher recall than the sort S s. The changed-activity S s had considerably less RI than the constant-activity S s. The large activity effect suggests that manipulating activity should be an effective way to study memory processes.
Galileo and Aristotle's Wheel

At the beginning of his last major work, Galileo tackles an old paradox, Aristotle’s Wheel, in order to produce a model of the continuum that explains (at least to him) how line segments of different length could be put into a one-to-one correspondence. His argument seems like a playful digression. However, it is precisely this type of a one-to-one correspondence that he needs to support his work on free fall. In this article, we investigate how Galileo’s model for the wheel paradox informs his work on free fall. We also examine some of the reasons his results on free fall—results that were grounded in his notion of the continuum— were not readily accepted in his time.
Structure-based design of α-amido aldehyde containing gluten peptide analogues as modulators of HLA-DQ2 and transglutaminase 2

Complete, life-long exclusion of gluten containing foods from the diet is the only available treatment for celiac sprue, a widespread immune disease of the small intestine. Investigations into the molecular pathogenesis of celiac sprue have identified the major histocompatibility complex protein HLA-DQ2 and the multi-functional enzyme transglutaminase 2 as potential pharmacological targets. Based upon the crystal structure of HLA-DQ2, we rationally designed an aldehyde-functionalized, gluten peptide analogue as a tight-binding HLA-DQ2 ligand. Aldehyde-bearing gluten peptide analogues were also designed as high-affinity, reversible inhibitors of transglutaminase 2. By varying the side-chain length of the aldehyde-functionalized amino acid, we found that the optimal transglutaminase 2 inhibitor was 5 methylene units in length, 2 carbon atoms longer than its natural glutamine substrate.
Effect of insulin on ascorbic acid uptake by heart endothelial cells: possible relationship to retinal atherogenesis.

Abstract Increasing concentrations of insulin were found to increase transport of radioactive ascorbic acid into fetal bovine heart endothelial cells (FBHE). A linear relationship was found between the log of the insulin concentration (range 0 μU/ml to 400 μU/ml) and the uptake of ascorbic acid quantified as dpm/μg protein. Evidence has accrued which relates ascorbic acid to atherogenesis by its possible effect on preventing the breakdown of the glycosaminoglycan matrix of the intimal layer of the artery. Since insulin was found to increase ascorbic acid uptake, any compound, like glucose, that competes for the carrier mechanism may, if present in high enough concentrations, competitively inhibit ascorbic acid transport into the cell. The hyperglycemia and inadequate insulin production associated with diabetes mellitus may cause an ascorbic acid deficiency within the cell. This deficiency would lead to intimal matrix breakdown with subsequent increase in atherogenesis. The microangiopathies associated with diabetes and with the aging process itself may be related to this mechanism.
A Morphology Index Based on Sonographic Findings in Ovarian Cancer

Abstract A morphology index based on morphologic characteristics of ovarian tumors was developed. Specific categories included tumor volume, wall structure, and septal structure. A point scale (0-4) was developed within each category with the total points per evaluation varying from 0-12. Sonograms on 121 patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy for ovarian masses were evaluated using this index. Eighty ovarian tumors had a morphology index score 3 . The findings of the present investigation indicate that the morphology index is a cost effective adjuvant method which significantly increases the specificity and positive predictive value of transvaginal sonography. The routine application of a morphology index to screening sonography should decrease the amount of diagnostic surgery performed in order to detect each case of ovarian cancer.
Transient analysis for a new CMOS latchup model

Abstract In this paper, a new lumped element latchup model which includes two extra bipolar transistors is proposed. The divergence between the results of the conventional and the proposed model is explained in terms of the circuit parameters. An analytical model for the latchup triggered by the voltage transient at the power supply is presented and the predictions of the model are computed and compared to the analytical results of the conventional model and the simulation results using SPICE.
The ultraviolet and optical emission-line spectrum of III Zw 77

The high-ionization Seyfert I galaxy III Zw 77 has been simultaneously observed over the satellite ultraviolet to near-IR spectral regions. As in other AGN, the continuous energy distribution shows a roughly power-law decline across much of the optical region and a flatter-than-unity spectral index in the near-UV. The equivalent widths of the Balmer lines and Ly-alpha are very similar to those found in other AGN. The UV-to-optical emission-line spectrum for narrow lines is fairly similar to those deduced for Seyfert 2 galaxies. A surprising result is the detection of the semiforbidden O III 1661, 1666 A doublet with an intensity indicating high temperatures more suggestive of shock heating than photoionization equilibrium. An interpretation in terms of a multicomponent photoionized structure is proposed in which dense regions produce the UV lines and the lower density regions produce the optical lines.
Fast computation of divided differences and parallel hermite interpolation

Abstract We present parallel algorithms for fast polynomial interpolation. These algorithms can be used for constructing and evaluating polynomials interpolating the function values and its derivatives of arbitrary order (Hermite interpolation). For interpolation, the parallel arithmetic complexity is O(log2 M + log N) for large M and N, where M − 1 is the order of the highest derivative information and N is the number of distinct points used. Unlike alternate approaches which use the Lag-range representation, the algorithms described in this paper are based on the fast parallel evaluation of a closed formula for the generalized divided differences. Applications to the solution of dual Vandermonde and confluent Vandermonde systems are described. This work extends previous results in polynomial interpolation and improves the parallel time complexity of existing algorithms. 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
A pain microcomputer system for clinical and laboratory investigation

Abstract This report describes the design and use of a mobile “Pain Microcomputer System” (PMS). As a mobile clinical and laboratory research tool the PMS integrates four functions: (1) psychophysical measurement of behavioral pain responses; (2) psychophysiologic recording, including brain evoked potentials, cortical power spectrum analysis, EKG and EMG; (3) data acquisition, analysis and display; (4) peripheral communications via modem allows interaction with larger computers for more complex data analyses, extensive graphics, etc. A word processor disk facilitates writing of scientific and clinical reports. Present and future capabilities of the system for comprehensive pain research and patient care are discussed.
Watchful waiting for some children with a mediastinal mass: the potential role for 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography: a case report and review of the literature

Benign hyperplastic thymus is a rare but important differential diagnosis of anterior mediastinal lesions. Histological and radiological criteria are used to distinguish this benign condition from other malignant diseases but have their limitations, and biopsy of mediastinal masses can be risky. We report for the first time the diagnostic value of fluorodeoxyglucose 18 F positron emission tomography for patients with incidentally identified anterior mediastinal masses to avoid biopsy in some cases. A 2 year old girl presented with new onset of emesis and constipation leading to the incidental discovery of an anterior mediastinal mass on radiograph. Chest computed tomography revealed cystic components within the mass concerning for a malignancy. Biopsy of the lesion and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were negative but there was concern that the mediastinal biopsy may have missed the malignant component of the lesion. Hence, a positron emission tomography scan was obtained that showed mild homogeneous fluorodeoxyglucose 18 F avidity within the mass similar to that of normal thymus. The diagnosis of benign hyperplastic thymus was made. The differential diagnosis of an incidentally found anterior mediastinal mass includes malignancy, but benign lesions such as benign hyperplastic thymus must also be considered, particularly when the complete blood count and biochemical profile are normal. Fluorodeoxyglucose 18 F positron emission tomography can help guide a clinician’s decision for further interventions and treatment.
Spatial heterodyne spectroscopy: A non-scanned method for high-resolution interference spectroscopy

Spatial Heterodyne Spectroscopy stands poised to play a significant role in astrophysics and atmospheric remote sensing from space and ground-based platforms. This paper will briefly describe the technique and applications in process.
Complexing, exchange and reactions of tungsten hexafluoride with some simple anions☆

Abstract Complex formation is observed between WF 6 and many anions. Arrhenius activation energies for exchange between free and complexed WF 6 are given for WF 6 N 3 − and WF 6 CN − . It is shown that exchange occurs via a displacement mechanism. Bands in the vibrational spectra of N 3 − , WF 6 N 3 − and WF 5 N 3 are presented.
Prognostic Value of Lymph Node Yield and Metastatic Lymph Node Ratio in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

Lymphadenectomy and thyroidectomy is standard treatment for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), but the prognostic importance of the number of lymph nodes removed (lymph node yield, LNY) and the proportion of metastatic lymph nodes resected (metastatic lymph node ratio, MLNR) is unknown. We hypothesized that MTC survival is influenced by LNY and MLNR. Patients (N = 534) who underwent thyroidectomy with lymphadenectomy for MTC between 1988 and 2004 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for univariate comparisons of survival for LNY and MLNR with a maximum follow-up of 12 years. Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, extent of disease, tumor size, nodal status, LNY, and MLNR. By univariate analysis, increasing LNY was associated with improved survival in all patients (P < 0.002) and node-positive patients (P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis using LNY and MLNR as categorical variables, significant factors influencing survival included: age (P < 0.001), tumor size (P < 0.001), LNY (P = 0.007), and MLNR (P < 0.02); in node-negative patients: age (P = 0.002); in node-positive patients: age (P < 0.001), tumor size (P < 0.001), and LNY (P = 0.001). Using LNY and MLNR as continuous variables, significant factors influencing survival included: age (P < 0.001), tumor size (P < 0.001), and MLNR (P = 0.01); in node-negative patients: age (P < 0.001); in node-positive patients: age (P < 0.001) and tumor size (P < 0.001). In patients undergoing thyroidectomy and lymphadenectomy for MTC, LNY and MLNR predict poorer survival, but their impact on survival was limited to node-positive patients and was otherwise dominated by the effects of age and extent of disease.
Treatment of fecal incontinence - review of observational studies (OS) and randomized controlled trials (RCT) related to injection of bulking agent into peri-anal tissue.

PURPOSE: Novel treatments are needed to augment medical therapy for fecal incontinence. METHODS: Medline and Google search (fecal incontinence and injection treatment), English publications. RESULTS: Twenty-two observational studies and 4 randomized controlled trials were identified. OS mostly with limited sample sizes reported promising results. Repeated injection was necessary in some patients. Effect on anal sphincter pressures was highly variable. Significant improvements in the length of anal high-pressure zone, asymmetry index and maximum tolerable rectal volume were suggested. Four randomized controlled trials (n=176) revealed: 1. Short-term benefits from injection of Bioplastique under ultrasound guidance compared with digital guidance; 2. Silicone biomaterial (PTQ) provided some advantages and was safer than carbon-coated beads (Durasphere); 3. PTQ did not demonstrate clinical benefit compared to control injection of saline; 4. There was significant improvement at 6 weeks post injection, but no difference between Bulkamid and Permacol. A 2010 Cochrane review, however, noted that these data were inconclusive due to limited number and methodological weaknesses. CONCLUSION: Further studies are warranted to assess patient-centered outcomes (e.g. adequate relief) in addition to the attenuation of severity of incontinence symptoms in ambulatory patients. In nursing home residents, cost-effectiveness studies combining injection treatment and prompted voiding (to mitigate constraints of immobility and dementia) in preventing peri-anal skin complications deserves to be considered.
Images of Bach in the Perspective of Basic Research and Interpretative Scholarship

Beginning with remarks on the complementary functions of basic research and interpretive scholarship, the first part of the essay focuses on varying concepts of Bach images, discusses authentic and unauthentic Bach portraits as well as images of the composer's personality, and criticizes the often insufficient regard for basic research. The second part of the article deals with the development of Bach's self-image on the basis of documentary evidence and its interpretation. It suggests that the composer himself contributed significantly during his lifetime to the shape of the emerging ““genius”” image that emerges during the second half of the 18th century and that constitutes the foundation of the icon of ““the man from whom all musical wisdom proceeded”” (Haydn).
The breakup of marine boundary-layer clouds over an inhomogeneous sea surface temperature field

This numerical study examines the breakup of marine atmospheric boundary-layer (MABL) clouds through various physical processes over an inhomogeneous sea surface temperature (SST) field. Three regimes are identified under which the cloud layer will break up. (A) advection of drier air into the MABL for the California case. (B) daytime absorption of solar radiation, occurring most easily over the cold water. (C) mesoscale fluctuations in the flow, producing holes in the cloud layer.
An introduction and review of lattice gauge theories

Abstract An elementary review of lattice gauge theories is presented in which the concept of local gauge invariance is introduced and the Wegner/Wilson action is “derived” as the simplest possible form for a locally gauge invariant action. The properties of the simple limits of a theory of a “matter field” coupled to a gauge field are derived and discussed. A selection of exact results of importance to lattice gauge theories are reviewed and discussed. Approximate and qualitative results from various sources are also summarized.
Names, Natural Kind Terms, and Rigid Designation

L'A. rejette la reponse terminologique que Kripke apporte a la question de la connaissance des especes naturelles et a celle du caractere necessaire des verites scientifiques. L'A. montre que les termes generiques naturels ne sont pas semantiquement rigides, mais que leur predication dans le domaine de la recherche scientifique est epistemiquement rigide
Taurine biosynthesis by neurons and astrocytes.

The physiological roles of taurine, a product of cysteine degradation and one of the most abundant amino acids in the body, remain elusive. Taurine deficiency leads to heart dysfunction, brain development abnormalities, retinal degradation, and other pathologies. The taurine synthetic pathway is proposed to be incomplete in astrocytes and neurons, and metabolic cooperation between these cell types is reportedly needed to complete the pathway. In this study, we analyzed taurine synthesis capability as reported by incorporation of radioactivity from [35S]cysteine into taurine, in primary murine astrocytes and neurons, and in several transformed cell lines (human (SH-SY5Y) and murine (N1E-115) neuroblastoma, human astrocytoma (U-87MG and 1321 N1), and rat glioma (C6)). Extensive incorporation of radioactivity from [35S]cysteine into taurine was observed in rat glioma cells as well as in primary mouse astrocytes and neurons, establishing the presence of an intact taurine synthesis pathway in these cells. Interestingly, exposure of cells to cysteine or cysteamine resulted in elevated intracellular hypotaurine without a corresponding increase in taurine levels, suggesting that oxidation of hypotaurine limits taurine synthesis in cells. Consistent with its role as an organic osmolyte, taurine synthesis was stimulated under hypertonic conditions in neurons.
In Defense of Love Internalism

In recent defenses of moral responsibility skepticism, which is the view that no human agents are morally responsible for their actions or character, a number of theorists have argued against Peter Strawson’s (and others’) claim that “the sort of love which two adults can sometimes be said to feel reciprocally, for each other” would be undermined if we were not morally responsible agents. Among them, Derk Pereboom (Living without free will. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2001, Ideas y Valores 141:5–25, 2009) and Tamler Sommers (Philos Q 57(28):321–342, 2007, Relative justice: cultural diversity, free will, and moral responsibility. Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2012) most forcefully argue against this conception of love. However, in this paper, I plan to defend the claim that there is an essential connection between love and moral responsibility, a thesis I will call love internalism. To begin, I will specify the content and scope of love internalism, and consider ways in which other theorists have attempted to motivate it. I will then consider the various arguments that Pereboom and Sommers advance against love internalism. These arguments, it seems to me, offer us powerful reasons to reject several of the ways in which philosophers have tried to connect moral responsibility to love. Consequently, in light of these criticisms, I will further precisify the content of love internalism. And as we will see, love internalism (as I argue for it) is immune to Pereboom’s and Sommers’ criticisms. Moreover, when its content is sufficiently clarified, love internalism can serve as a plausible premise in an anti-skeptical argument. I thus conclude by arguing that this suitably reformulated statement of love internalism offers a significant challenge to moral responsibility skepticism of the sort Pereboom and Sommers endorse.
The kinetics of recovery of leukocyte number and lymphocyte function following an injection of a single high dose of cyclophosphamide in C3H/HeJ mice

Abstract The short-term effects of the immunosuppressive drug cyclophosphamide (Cy) are well-documented, but the long-term consequences are not as well studied. Here we report on the kinetics of leukocyte number and immune function recovery following a single intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg Cy. The leukocyte number in spleen, lymph node, bone marrow and thymus was unchanged in C3H/HeJ mice injected with the lower dose of Cy, and was severely but transiently depressed in mice injected with 300 mg/kg Cy. Recovery was complete by day 21. Humoral immunity was unchanged with the lower dose of Cy; mice injected with 300 mg/kg recovered normal antibody production after 3–5 weeks. Natural killer cell function was also transiently depressed in animals receiving the higher but not the lower concentration of Cy. Surprisingly, splenic mitogen responses were markedly inhibited in mice injected with either concentration of Cy. The T-cell proliferative response remained depressed even after 5 weeks in mice injected with 300 mg/kg Cy. Lymphocyte subpopulations in spleen were examined by flow cytometry, and, although some deviations were observed, it is unlikely that these changes are responsible for the highly depressed mitogen response. Thus, there is a loss of the proliferative response to mitogens in Cy-treated mice long after recovery of other lymphocyte functions.
ESTIMATING SEA OTTER REPRODUCTIVE RATES

: Sea otters may give birth in any month of the year, so obtaining reproductive rates by observation is difficult. Reproductive rates may be estimated directly (births per otter-year observed) or by determining the time interval between births. Both methods give the same result for long sequences of observations, but field data are limited to shorter periods. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to compare the two approaches, and showed that the interval method overestimates true reproductive rates.
Thylakoid-Dense Chloroplasts of Callisia fragrans

Using the techniques of fractional centrifugation, light and electron microscopy, unique features of the chloroplasts of Callisia fragrans (Linda.) Woods were observed. In size, shape, and in their different stages of development, these chloroplasts were comparable to those described for Lycopersicon, Pelargonium, and Cyhomandra. Callisia chloroplasts differ from others in sedimentation properties and in the relatively high volume of the chloroplast occupied by the thylakoid system. There was almost no stroma. All Callisia chloroplasts were sedimented by a force of 1000g. There were very few fragments. Starch-associated stroma was highly granular and dense in most cases. Plastosomes were not numerous, yet showed unique relationships with thylakoids. Plastoglobuli were observed.
Chemical dynamics of vibrationally excited molecules: Controlling reactions in gases and on surfaces

Experimental studies of the chemical reaction dynamics of vibrationally excited molecules reveal the ability of different vibrations to control the course of a reaction. This Perspective describes those studies for the prototypical reaction of vibrationally excited methane and its isotopologues in gases and on surfaces and looks to the prospects of similar studies in liquids. The influences of vibrational excitation on the C-H bond cleavage in a single collision reaction with Cl and in dissociative adsorption on a Ni surface bear some striking similarities. Both reactions are bond-selective processes in which the initial preparation of a molecular eigenstate containing a large component of C-H stretching results in preferential cleavage of that bond. It is possible to cleave either the C-H bond or C-D bond in the reaction of Cl with CH3D, CH2D2, or CHD3 and, similarly, to use initial excitation of the C-H stretch to promote dissociation of CHD3 to CD3 and H on a Ni surface. Different vibrational modes, such as the symmetric and antisymmetric stretches in CH3D or CH4, lead to very different reactivities, and molecules with the symmetric stretching vibration excited can be as much as 10 times more reactive than ones with the antisymmetric stretch excited. The origin of this behavior lies in the change in the vibrational motion induced by the interaction with the atomic reaction partner or the surface.