cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of acid reflux cough using serial assays of exhaled breath condensate pH.

Chronic cough is a common problem, frequently caused or exacerbated by acid reflux. Diagnosis of acid reflux cough is haphazard currently, often relying on long therapeutic trials of expensive medications. We tested the hypothesis that the most relevant mechanistic component of acid reflux in chronic cough is when it rises to the level of the airway where acid can potentially be aspirated. We further wished to determine if multi-sample exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH profiles can identify chronic cough patients likely to respond to proton pump inhibitor therapy. 59 subjects were recruited for this study. Initially we examined EBC pH (gas-standardized with Argon) in the setting of 15 experimental pharyngeal acid challenges to determine duration of EBC acidification. Subsequently, we enrolled 22 healthy subjects to determine a normal multi-sample exhaled breath condensate pH profile over 1–3 days. We additionally obtained multi-sample EBC pH profiles in 22 patients with chronic cough. These samples were timed to occur after coughing episodes. Exhaled breath condensate pH was measured after gas standardization. We found that exhaled breath condensate pH is substantially reduced for approximately 15 minutes after pharyngeal acid load. Healthy subjects rarely have any low EBC pH values (defined as < 7.4 based on a normative reference range from 404 healthy subjects). Patients with chronic cough who subsequently responded well to proton pump inhibition (n = 8) invariably had one or more cough episodes associated with EBC acidification. No patient who had normal EBC pH with each of their cough episodes reported a clinically relevant response to proton-pump inhibition. Patients whose cough responds to proton pump inhibition have transient exhaled breath condensate acidification with coughing episodes, supporting the role of airway acidification in reflux-triggered cough. Multi-sample EBC pH profiles, involving samples collected immediately subsequent to a coughing episode, may be useful appropriately to direct therapy to those patients with cough who have relevant acid reflux.
An optical line of sight sensor for the pinhole facility

A scale model of the optical line-of-sight sensor that measures the pointing angle error to the sun for the Space-Shuttle-based pinhole facility has been designed and tested in the laboratory. This sensor consists of a pinhole camera with two pairs of perpendicularly mounted linear photodiode arrays to detect the intensity distribution of the solar image produced by the pinhole. The video signal of the arrays is digitized and transferred into a microcomputer. The deflection of the image center, which expresses the pointing error, is calculated from these data. The experimental results show that the sensor can estimate the pointing error of 0.0167 arc-s resolution and 0.0032 arc-s r.m.s. accuracy for the full-scale system when the pinhole is 32 m from the detector. >
Mainstream Economic Rhetoric, Ideology and Institutions

The purpose of this essay is to provide an alternative approach to studying the rhetoric of policy-oriented economics suggesting that the range of economic-policy possibilities is conditioned by the rhetoric of economics. To this end, Martin Feldstein's pro-privatization rhetoric will be compared to that of President Bush. In doing so, we will aim at showing that just as the political rhetoric of Social Security invokes the authority of "ideographs" such as personal ownership to draw on a society's ideological and cultural repertoire, economic rhetoric undertakes a similar task by employing "economic ideographs" like deadweight loss to resonate with fellow economists through an appeal to the implicit normative premises embedded in the language of economics.
Mitochondrial Gene Responses to Low Oxygen Stress in Turtle Organs

Abstract Effects of anoxic submergence (1, 5, and 20 h at 5 C) and subsequent aerobic recovery (1, 5, and 24 h at 5 C) on gene expression in organs of the anoxia-tolerant turtle Trachemys scripta elegans were examined. Differential screening of a cDNA library from brains of 20 h anoxia-exposed turtles selected two clones from Anoxic Turtle Brains, ATB1.22 and ATB2.4, as potentially up-regulated by anoxia. The insert of clone ATB1.22 had a single open reading frame that encoded a protein of 376 amino acids which was identified as mitochondrial cytochrome b (CYTb); the sequence was 99% complete and showed 72% of nucleotide residues and 76% of amino acid residues identical to those in the human sequences. Clone ATB2.4 contained an open reading frame encoding 322 amino acids with 65% nucleotide and 63% amino acid sequence identity with another mitochondrial protein, NADH-μbiquinone oxidoreductase subunit 4 (ND4). Northern blot analysis of the time course of gene expression in five organs during 20 h anoxia ex...
Global emissions of methane during the last several centuries

Abstract Direct atmospheric measurements of methane have been taken only during the last 20 years or so. For earlier times the concentrations of methane are determined from the analysis of air trapped in polar ice. Here we have combined all available data to construct globally averaged concentrations on a unified absolute calibration scale that extends back to about 1500 A.D. We use these data to calculate the global annual emissions of methane during the time between now and 500 years ago. According to our calculations the combined natural and anthropogenic methane emissions were around 180 Tg/yr during the 15th century, 200 Tg/yr in the early part of the 18th century and are now about 450 Tg/yr. This is an increase of a factor of 2.5 over the last 400 years, 80% of which has occurred since the turn of the century, and 50% has occurred over the last 40 years. The changes of atmopsheric methane during the last century are dominated by changes in emissions with perhaps small effects from changes in OH. We find also that the rate of increase of atmospheric concentrations slowed between 1930 and 1945, which is also reflected in independent agricultural records of cattle populations and area under rice agriculture; both are large sources of methane that can be attributed to human activities. In recent times the trend of methane is falling rapidly, probably due mostly to a slowdown in anthropogenic emissions but also to possible increases of OH.
Foldons, protein structural modules, and exons

Abstract Foldons, which are kinetically competent, quasi-independently folding units of a protein, may be defined using energy landscape analysis. Foldons can be identified by maxima in a scan of the ratio of a contiguous segment's energetic stability gap to the energy variance of that segment's molten globule states, reflecting the requirement of minimal frustration. The predicted foldons are compared with the exons and structural modules for 16 of the 30 proteins studied. Statistical analysis indicates a strong correlation between the energetically determined foldons and Go's geometrically defined structural modules, but there are marked sequence-dependent effects. There is only a weak correlation of foldons to exons. For gammaII-crystallin, myoglobin, barnase, alpha-lactalbumin, and cytochrome c the foldons and some noncontiguous clusters of foldons compare well with intermediates observed in experiment.
445: Urinary angiogenic factors can triage hypertension in pregnancy

TRIVEDI, JACKIE PHAN, SALLY AGENT, SARAH APPLETON, DOUGLAS WOELKERS, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California OBJECTIVE: An imbalance of serum angiogenic factors may cause preeclampsia. Abnormalities of soluble VEGF receptor (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) precede the manifestations of disease. Our objective was to test whether urine sFlt-1 and PlGF could diagnose and differentiate various syndromes of hypertension in pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective study of women with hypertension in pregnancy. Controls included women with other obstetrical complaints. Urine was collected, centrifuged, and stored at -80°C. Urine sFlt-1 and PlGF were determined using ELISA. Results were normalized to urine creatinine and log transformed for analysis. Subjects were assigned to one of 4 groups: control (CON), gestational hypertension (GHTN), mild preeclampsia (mPET) or severe preeclampsia (sPET) based on NIH 2000 criteria. Statistical differences were compared with ANOVA or Chi Square, and was set to 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 71 subjects were analyzed: CON (n 28), GHTN (n 17), mPET (n 11), and sPET (n 15). There were no significant differences in age, BMI or race, although gestational age was less among preeclamptics. Urine sFlt-1 was non-significantly increased in mPET and sPET (p 0.085), while levels of urinary PlGF were decreased significantly in both PET groups (p 0.001) compared to controls. When expressed as the ratio of sFlt-1 to PlGF (log [Ratio/Cr]), the urinary factors of each group were all significantly different from one another (p 0.001). There was no correlation with proteinuria. By receiver-operator analysis, the log [Ratio/Cr] had 81% sensitivity and 87% specificity in diagnosing preeclampsia compared to either CON or GHTN. Additionally, there was a strong correlation between the log [Ratio/Cr] and birth weight percentile (p 0.01) and composite neonatal morbidity (p 0.02). CONCLUSION: Differences in urinary angiogenic factors characterize the various types of hypertension in pregnancy, and may be useful in diagnosing preeclampsia. A positive test is associated with increased neonatal morbidity and low birth weight percentile.
On cognitive conservation biology: why chickadees leave a patch of woodland

Although not previously emphasized, colonization of habitat patches by cognitive animals involves both decisions bringing an animal to a particular patch and decisions causing the animal to remain in the patch. We focus on the latter form of decision by examining the habitat and landscape correlates of persistence in chickadees (Poecile spp.) that we introduced into small woodlots previously cleared of conspecifics. The birds' decisions to remain were associated importantly with the presence of a canopy layer of large trees, and less so with area of'the woodland patch and distance they had been transported from the capture site. The decision to persist was little related to landscape features near the focal habitat patch. The future holds promise for application of principles of cognition to landscape biology.
The effect of androgen blockade on granulosa cell estradiol production after follicle-stimulating hormone stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Context: Previously, we have shown that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit an exaggerated serum estradiol (E2) response to recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) (150 IU) compared with similarly treated normal women. This enhanced granulosa cell responsiveness is consistent with excessive follicular development after gonadotropin therapy and the corresponding risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. In vitro studies have shown that granulosa cells treated with androgens display greater FSH-induced E2 production than untreated cells, suggesting a role for androgens in granulosa cell responsiveness. Main Objective: This study was conducted to determine whether blockade of androgen action in PCOS women by administration of the antiandrogen flutamide would alter E2 responses to rhFSH. Design: We conducted a prospective cohort study. Subjects and Setting: We studied 11 women with PCOS at an institutional general clinical research center. Intervention: On study d 1, each subject received 150 IU rhFSH ...
Monitoring the depth of abrasive waterjet penetration

Abstract In order to control the uniformity of the abrasive waterjet penetration into the workpiece, it is necessary to devise a monitoring methodology that can indirectly monitor the depth of abrasive waterjet penetration. It was shown that the workpiece normal force generated by an abrasive waterjet could be used as the indicator of the depth of jet penetration, and that a force-feedback control holds promise as an effective way to regulate the depth of jet penetration. The effects of different abrasive waterjet process variables on both the depth of cut and the workpiece normal force are discussed.
Vesicle Transport in Arterial Endothelium and the Influence of Mechanical Factors on Macromolecular Permeability

The time-dependent transport of labeled vesicles in arterial endothelium has been modeled, taking into account the space-varying electrodynamic and hydrodynamic forces and the steric hindrance of vesicle attachment by the already attached vesicles. With the aid of laboratory model experiments to assess the steric hindrance effect, theoretical computation has been made on time-dependent labeled vesicle concentration profiles, and the results agree reasonably well with the published experimental data. Oscillatory length variations (5-10 Hz for 15 min) and elevation of transmural pressure (from 0-100 and 200 mmHg) caused increases in 125I-albumin uptake by the canine common carotid artery. Theoretical computations based on ultrastructural determination of free vesicle density indicate that there was negligible enhancement of vesicle diffusion by these mechanical disturbances. The increases in albumin uptake following length oscillation and pressure elevation to 100 mmHg were accompanied by increases in luminal surface area, and the albumin permeability remained unchanged. The albumin permeability was elevated following pressure elevation to 200 mmHg, and this was attributable to (a) a decrease in transendothelial diffusion distance, and (b) facilitation of vesicle loading into the vesicles.
My, oh Myh9 … and platelets, too

A long-sought animal model for congenital human thrombocytopenias that result from myosin gene mutations reveals defects in platelet production as well as platelet function. May first reported on the unusual combination of large platelets and leukocyte inclusions (Dohle bodies) in 1909.[1][1] The
Effects of interfacial bonding on sliding phenomena during compressive loading of an embedded fibre

The effects of interfacial bonding on the sliding phenomena at the fibre/matrix interface are considered for fibre-reinforced ceramic composites when an axial compressive stress is applied at the exposed end of an embedded fibre. Sliding occurs at the interface when the interfacial shear strength is exceeded. The interfacial shear stress, the stress transfer from the fibre to the matrix, the length of the sliding zone, and the fibre displacement are analysed in the present study. The results show that at a fixed load, the sliding length and the fibre displacement decrease with increase in the interfacial shear strength. Effects of interfacial bonding on the applied stress-fibre displacement relationship during compressive loading and subsequent unloading are also revealed.
An assessment of the genotoxicity of vanadium

The activities of vanadium oxide (V2O3), vanadyl sulfate (VOSO4) and ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) in inducing sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and chromosomal aberrations (CAb) were assayed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The toxic concentrations (TC50) for these compounds were found to be 25, 23 and 16 micrograms elemental vanadium/ml, respectively. At does 1/50-1/4 TC50, vanadium compounds were able to induce significant increases (P less than 0.01) in the SCE frequency with or without the addition of rat hepatic S9 mix. These compounds also induced CAb in the cells at doses closely equivalent to the TC50.
Dental Use and Expenditures for Older Uninsured Americans: The Simulated Impact of Expanded Coverage

Objective To determine if providing dental insurance to older Americans would close the current gaps in dental use and expenditure between insured and uninsured older Americans. Data Sources/Study Setting We used data from the 2008 Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) supplemented by data from the 2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Study Design We compared the simulated dental use and expenditures rates of newly insured persons against the corresponding rates for those previously insured. Data Collection/Extraction Methods The HRS is a nationally representative survey administered by the Institute for Social Research (ISR). The MEPS is a nationally representative household survey sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Principal Findings We found that expanding dental coverage to older uninsured Americans would close previous gaps in dental use and expense between uninsured and insured noninstitutionalized Americans 55 years and older. Conclusions Providing dental coverage to previously uninsured older adults would produce estimated monthly costs net of markups for administrative costs that comport closely to current market rates. Estimates also suggest that the total cost of providing dental coverage targeted specifically to nonusers of dental care may be less than similar costs for prior users.
Development of a SNR parameterization scheme for general lidar assessment

We present a general methodology for evaluating the capabilities of a general lidar system encompassing both backscatter (elastic and Raman lidar) and topographic targets. By introducing a well-defined atmospheric reference medium and by individually examining and decomposing the contributions of lidar system parameters including lidar transmitter power, field of view, receiver noise, atmospheric conditions, and sky background on the signal-to-noise ratio, we obtain a simple dimensionless parameterization of the lidar system. Using this parameterization, numerical simulations are carried out to determine achievable lidar performance including operation range, minimum detectable gas concentration, and so on.
Compaction behavior of uniaxially cold-pressed Bi–Ta composites

Compaction of Bi and Ta powders was performed by uniaxial pressing at room temperature. Post-pressing density was evaluated as a function of the compaction pressure, and indicated that as the Ta content increases there is a reduction in density for comparable pressing conditions. A modified Heckel equation is used to evaluate the compaction behavior. The analysis indicates that the yield pressure increases with increasing Ta content while the Poisson’s ratio is not significantly affected. The yield pressure derived from the analysis compares favorably with published compression testing data for polycrystalline Bi.
UV laser ablation of electronically conductive polymers

Abstract The UV laser ablation of thin polypyrrole and polyaniline films coated on an insulating substrate is described. UV laser ablation is used to pattern the conductive polymer coating; patterns with submillimeter features are easily obtained with edge resolution on the order of a few microns.
Opposite Smad and Chicken Ovalbumin Upstream Promoter Transcription Factor Inputs in the Regulation of the Collagen VII Gene Promoter by Transforming Growth Factor-β

A critical component of the epidermal basement membrane, collagen type VII, is produced by keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and its production is stimulated by the cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). The gene, COL7A1, is activated by TGF-β via Smad transcription factors in cooperation with AP1. Here we report a previously unsuspected level of complexity in this regulatory process. We provide evidence that TGF-β may activate the COL7A1 promoter by two distinct inputs operating through a common region of the promoter. One input is provided by TGF-β-induced Smad complexes via two Smad binding elements that function redundantly depending on the cell type. The second input is provided by relieving the COL7A1 promoter from chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor (COUP-TF)-mediated transcriptional repression. We identified COUP-TFI and -TFII as factors that bind to the TGF-β-responsive region of the COL7A1 promoter in an expression library screening. COUP-TFs bind to a site between the two Smad binding elements independently of Smad or AP1 and repress the basal and TGF-β-stimulated activities of this promoter. We provide evidence that endogenous COUP-TF activity represses the COL7A1 promoter. Furthermore, we show that TGF-β addition causes a rapid and profound down-regulation of COUP-TF expression in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The results suggest that TGF-β signaling may exert tight control over COL7A1 by offsetting the balance between opposing Smad and COUP-TFs.
The quantum kinks of two-dimensional theories of the φ4 type

Abstract We apply a recently established method of kink quantization, to two-dimensional theories of the φ 4 type possessing either a Z(4) × O( N ) or an SU( N ) symmetry and containing N complex scalar fields. Correlation functions of kinks are estimated through a 1/ N expansion. Quantum kinks are interpolated by a local field, whenever a broken symmetry phase occurs. These kinks are massless. This result holds up to all orders in 1/ N .
Effects of Naloxone and Morphine on the Proestrous Surge of Prolactin and Gonadotropins in the Rat

The effects of naloxone hydrochloride and morphine sulfate on the proestrous surge of PRL and gonadotropins (LH and FSH) were investigated in normal cycling Sprague-Dawley rats. Blood samples (0.45–0.50 ml) were withdrawn without anesthesia every 20 min from 1400–2000 h through an atrial cannula implanted the same morning. RIA revealed that a single iv injection of naloxone (0.2 mg/kg) at 1400 h completely suppressed the surge of PRL, and this was reversed by a concomitant injection of morphine (10 mg/kg). Morphine itself did not alter the peak of the PRL surge. Morphine suppressed only the early phase of the LH surge, and this was reversed by naloxone. Naloxone alone did not change the peak of the LH Surge but maintained higher levels than controls during the declining phase. The FSH surge was not altered by either morphine or naloxone. These results suggest that endogenous opioid peptides may have a role in regulating the PRL and LH surges during proestrus in the rat. (Endocrinology 106: 1568, 1980)
Divorce law and family formation

Several studies have investigated whether unilateral divorce laws raised divorce rates, with mixed results. This paper asks whether unilateral, and no-fault, divorce laws influenced family formation. Besides their interest to policy makers, such effects may help theorists understand the mechanisms through which laws affect behavior. The results suggest that no-fault laws slightly reduced fertility, and unilateral divorce modestly increased divorce and legitimacy. However, the pattern of effects is not consistent with any of the hypotheses reviewed, and the estimated magnitudes suggest that changes in divorce law were not a major cause of changing family structure.
Smad4-dependent TGF-β Signaling Suppresses RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-dependent Motility and Invasion of Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Transforming growth factorβ (TGF-β) signals through Smad-dependent and Smad-independent pathways. However, Smad signaling is altered by allelic deletion or intragenic mutation of the Smad4 gene in more than half of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. We show here that loss of Smad4-dependent signaling leads to aberrant expression of RON, a phosphotyrosine kinase receptor, and that signaling by RON cooperates with Smad4-independent TGF-β signaling to promote cell motility and invasion. Restoring Smad4 expression in a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line that is deficient in Smad4 repressed RON expression. Conversely, small interference RNA knock down of Smad4 or blocking TGF-β signaling with a TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor in Smad4-intact cell lines induced RON expression. TGF-β-induced motility and invasion were inhibited in cells that express Smad4 and that have low levels of RON compared with isogenically matched cells that were deficient in Smad4. Furthermore, knocking down RON expression in Smad4-deficient cells suppressed TGF-β-mediated motility and invasion. We further determined that Smad4-dependent signaling regulated RON expression at the transcriptional level by real-time reverse transcription PCR and RON promoter luciferase reporter assays. Functional inactivation by site-directed mutations of two Smad binding sites on the RON promoter inhibited TGF-β-mediated repression of RON promoter activity. These studies indicate that loss of Smad4 contributes to aberrant RON expression and that cross-talk of Smad4-independent TGF-β signaling and the RON pathway promotes an invasive phenotype.
Improved in Vivo Stability of Actinium-225 Macrocyclic Complexes

The favorable nuclear properties of actinium-225 (225Ac) have led to proposal of this isotope for use in radioimmunotherapy. In an effort to reduce the toxicity of free 225Ac, a series of ligands were evaluated for stability in vivo. Loss of 225Ac from acyclic chelating agents resulted in high liver uptake and poor whole body clearance. The macrocyclic ligands c-DOTA, PEPA, and HEHA were evaluated, and 225Ac-HEHA showed exceptional stability in vivo. 225Ac chelated with EDTA, DTPA, DOTA, or PEPA permitted substantial accumulation of the radionuclide to the liver, while the 225Ac-HEHA complex was essentially excreted within minutes of administration. The preparation of the ligands and radiolabeled complexes and the biodistribution results will be discussed.
Alternative treatment for secretory diarrhea revealed in a new class of CFTR inhibitors.

Diarrhea remains the number one killer of children less than 5 years of age throughout the world. A large number of organisms are responsible including viruses (rotaviruses), bacteria (Escherichia coli and cholera vibrios) and parasites. It may not be obvious to most people but we are living during the sixth pandemic of cholera in modern memory. This pandemic started in the Celebes Islands in the late 1950’s, marched around the globe in less than two decades and now every continent has had reported cases. Unlike previous pandemics, the causative organism is Vibrio El Tor not the classical V. cholerae. Studies prompted by this most recent pandemic have contributed an immense increase in our understanding of the mechanism underlying diarrhea. Robert Koch, in his original description of cholera seen among pilgrims in the Egyptian city of El Tor, found ulceration of the intestinal mucosa and postulated that the cause of diarrhea was an increased leak of plasma into the lumen. More recent research has now shown that the Vibrio exotoxin induces intestinal secretion, a process that was previously unknown (1). Cholera exotoxin binds to ganglioside GM1 on the apical surface and after internalization causes an increase in cellular cyclic AMP levels (2). The toxin ADP-ribosylates adenylyl cyclase resulting in a permanent activation of the enzyme (3). The increased level of cyclic AMP activates chloride secretion by the intestinal mucosa (4). Exotoxins of other bacteria, such as E. coli, activate guanylate cyclase and the resultant cyclic GMP also induces secretion (5). The mainstay of therapy in secretory diarrheas has been the justly celebrated oral rehydration therapy, which single-handedly has been responsible for reducing the mortality of children by more than half (6). A report in this issue of the JCI by Ma, Verkman, and their colleagues describes the development of an inhibitor of chloride secretion that might serve as a useful addition to our armamentarium (7). A second report in this issue, by Musch and colleagues has resurrected the Koch idea by showing that immune-mediated diarrhea causes an increased leakiness of the intestinal epithelium (8).
The self in psychoanalysis and in phenomenological philosophy

(1986). The self in psychoanalysis and in phenomenological philosophy. Psychoanalytic Inquiry: Vol. 6, Commentaries on Heinz Kohut's How Does Analysis Cure?, pp. 437-458.
A ball-target-based extrinsic calibration technique for high-accuracy 3-D metrology using off-the-shelf laser-stripe sensors

This paper presents a ball-target-based method for the extrinsic calibration of a three-dimensional (3-D), multiple-axis, structured-light (laser-stripe) scanning system. The calibration involves the scanning of a physical artifact (a ball-target) in the working volume of the measurement system whenever a change of sensor occurs or during initial system setup. Based on the fact that there are only eight independent parameters in the transformation from the skewed sensor frame to an orthogonal reference frame, a constrained optimization calibration algorithm is developed. A slice-interpolation algorithm is used to identify the conjugate pairs. Through calibration, the usually nonorthogonal skewed sensor frame can be related to a Cartesian world frame. Experimental studies using a tetra-ball target demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed calibration technique. As reflected by the radii of the ball target, the shape distortion of the image was reduced from an average of 1.44 to 0.04 mm over an 18.93-mm range. As reflected by the distances between the centers of the balls, the dimensional distortion was reduced from an average of 4.28 to 0.07 mm over a 90-mm range.
Commonality of neural representations of words and pictures.

article i nfo In this work we explore whether the patterns of brain activity associated with thinking about concrete objects are dependent on stimulus presentation format, whether an object is referred to by a written or pictorial form. Multi-voxel pattern analysis methods were applied to brain imaging (fMRI) data to identify the item category associated with brief viewings of each of 10 words (naming 5 tools and 5 dwellings) and, separately, with brief viewings of each of 10 pictures (line drawings) of the objects named by the words. These methods were able to identify the category of the picture the participant was viewing, based on neural activation patterns observed during word-viewing, and identify the category of the word the participant was viewing, based on neural activation patterns observed during picture-viewing, using data from only that participant or only from other participants. These results provide an empirical demonstration of object category identification across stimulus formats and across participants. In addition, we were able to identify the category of the word that the participant was viewing based on the patterns of neural activation generated during word-viewing by that participant or by all other participants. Similarly, we were able to identify with even higher accuracy the category of the picture the participant was viewing, based on the patterns of neural activation demonstrated during picture-viewing by that participant or by all other participants. The brain locations that were important for category identification were similar across participants and were distributed throughout the cortex where various object properties might be neurally represented. These findings indicate consistent triggering of semantic representations using different stimulus formats and suggest the presence of stable, distributed, and identifiable neural states that are common to pictorial and verbal input referring to object categories.
How political were Verdi's operas? Metaphors of progress in the reception of I Lombardi alla prima crociata

This article re-examines claims for liberal and patriotic significance traditionally made for the operas Verdi composed for La Scala in the early 1840s. Although it is still commonly asserted that Verdi's music mobilized a new kind of national consciousness, the journalistic reception of Nabucco (1842) and I Lombardi alla prima crociata (1843) give few hints that critics were interested in the images of national identity, unity or colonial oppression alluded to in those works. This silence is all the more striking in contrast with contemporary writing on Francesco Hayez, in which critics found ways to comment on the national themes explored in the canvasses, despite censorship. Departing from this surprising divergence between music and art criticism, the article examines reviews of I Lombardi as a case study for how we might extract historical information from a documentary record that was so deeply shaped by censorship and self-censorship.
Bioerosion in Rocky Intertidal Zone of Northern Gulf of California: ABSTRACT

Pleistocene sedimentary rocks exposed in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones of the northeastern Gulf of California coastline are being significantly weathered and eroded by a diverse suite of biologic agents. Macroscopic bioerosion of carbonate substrates in this region is universal, although the distribution patterns of particular taxa of borers are patchy. In the vicinity of Puerto Penasco (Sonora, Mexico), where the tidal range achieves a maximum of 9 m (30 ft), the dominant macroboring organisms include mytilid bivalves (Lithophaga), sipunculid worms (Phascolosoma and Themiste), and clinoid sponges (Cliona). Abundances are locally high (e.g., up to 120 sipunculids per 1,000 m3 of rock). Other prominent but slightly less abundant borers include bryozoans, regular echinoids, and polychaete annelids (eunicids, spionids, and possibly sabellids). Nestlers, which are organisms that occupy and sometimes modify or enlarge preexisting borings, are common. They include bivalves (mainly arcids and petricolids) and crustaceans (various crabs and shrimps). Data on the distribution of borers with respect to intertidal microfacies are not sufficient to permit much generalization at this point in the investigation. However, it is clear that substrate character is an important factor. Poorly cemented beachrock (sandstone composed of bioclasts and volcanic rocks fragments) is bored intensely by bivalves and sipunculids. Limestone coquina is colonized by dense populations of boring bivalves and sponges. Loose shell material commonly contains borings of sponges and polychaetes. To determine bioerosion rates and colonization sequences of boring taxa, experiments with marble slabs staked out at numerous sites are in progress. End_of_Article - Last_Page 950------------
Relational mnemonics in category clustering: The correlates of word frequency, familiarity, and category-name variables

The reported use of relational or rote recall techniques in a category-clustering paradigm was examined as a function of (1) the frequencies of occurrence of the nouns being recalled, (2) the familiarity scale values of the nouns, and (3) the availability of instructions containing category-name cues. Results indicate that: (1)with relational techniques being used in higher proportions than rote techniques, the difference between types of techniques was an increasing function of frequency of occurrence; (2) for low-familiarity words, the use of relational techniques increased more rapidly with increasing frequency of occurrence for instructed groups than for uninstructed groups; and (3) increasing word frequency was associated with decreasing differences between familiarity conditions for both types of techniques. An explanation, based upon assumptions concerning associative relationships, is offered for the results.
A proteolytic digestion technique for evaluating freeze-induced damage to acrosomes of chicken spermatozoa☆

Abstract Approximately 94% of freshly collected chicken spermatozoa were capable of digesting a gelatin membrane. The spermatozoa could undergo complete autolysis which resulted in disappearance of the sperm structure within the hole in the membrane. Freezing reduced the number of spermatozoa capable of membrane digestion from 94% in fresh semen to 65% in frozen semen. Storage in vitro at 40 °C reduced the ability of either fresh or frozen spermatozoa to completely digest the membrane. This technique appears to be an effective method for evaluating freezethaw damage to the acrosome of the chicken spermatozoon.
Plasma parameters in the near wake of the space shuttle

Results are presented from a Spherical Retarding Potential Analyzer and a spherical Langmuir Probe which were flown on the Spacelab-2 mission of the Space Shuttle Orbiter in August 1985. The probes were mounted in such a position that for certain Orbiter orientations, the wake edge formed by the starboard payload bay sill swept across the probes at a roll rate of once per orbit about an inertially stabilized pointing direction. Profiles of O(+) number density and electron number density across the wake edge showed that the charge particle number densities declined into the wake at a faster rate than that predicted by theoretical models. At angles of more than 10 deg into the wake from its geometric edge, two electron populations are found, with different mean random energies and electrical potentials. One of these populations is suggested to be the result of selective filtering of the high energy tails of the ambient ionospheric population, the other, a result of photoemission from the payload bay surfaces.
CRYOPRESERVATION OF EMBRYOS AS A MEANS OF GERM PLASM CONSERVATION IN SHEEP

Embryos were collected from 4 lines of Targhee sheep between 1986 and 1990. The lines were selected for preweaning growth rate (Lines DH and HW) or for multiple births (Line HT); Line C served as an unselected control group. Estrus was synchronized using fluorogestone acetate-impregnated vaginal pessaries, and ewes were superovulated with FSH. Embryos at the morula or blastocyst stage were surgically recovered from mature ewes at Days 5 to 6 and were frozen following morphological evaluation. The overall average number of freezable embryos per collection was 2.9, and did not differ significantly among years or among lines. Of the embryos collected between 1986 and 1988, 92 were transferred to 53 recipients in 1989, producing 53 lambs. Survival rates were 60.9 and 47.8%, respectively, for embryos evaluated as good and fair after thawing. Good-quality blastocysts yielded the highest survival rate (64.4%). Analyses indicated no significant effects of line, developmental stage or embryo evaluation on the incidence of lambing. It was concluded that embryos of morula or blastocyst stage can be successfully frozen for extended periods. The data on embryo yield and survival following cryopreservation were used to calculate numbers of donors needed to preserve and reconstitute a population of specified size.
Sequential, Orthogonal Fields: A Path to Long-Range, 3-D Order in Block Copolymer Thin Films

The use of two orthogonal, external fields is shown to control the orientation of lamellar microdomains in three dimensions in diblock copolymer thin films. An elongational flow field was applied to obtain an in-plane orientation of the microdomains of the copolymer melt, and an electric field, applied normal to the surface, was then used to further align the microdomains. Thin films of symmetric diblock copolymers of poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) with long-range order and orientation of the lamellar microdomains were obtained as evidenced by small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy.
Physical Properties of a 2003 April Quiescent Streamer

In 2003 April, the Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS) on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) observed a quiescent streamer in an effort to derive the physical plasma parameters across the streamer and as a function of height (from 1.75 to 5.0 R☉). Values for the electron temperature, proton and O5+ kinetic temperatures, elemental abundances, and O5+ outflow velocity were derived. The presence of the first ionization potential (FIP) effect was also explored. These plasma parameters were compared to those derived for other previously reported active region and quiescent streamers. The photospheric normalized absolute elemental abundances for O, Si, S, Ar, and Fe were derived at 1.75 R☉. The remaining parameters were derived at five heights up to 5.0 R☉. To calculate the electron density above 2.2 R☉ the polarized brightness data from another SOHO instrument, the Large Angle Spectroscopic Coronagraph (LASCO) C2 detector, was employed. The streamer was located above a complex filament structure and had a slightly higher electron temperature compared to what is typically found for quiescent streamers. This streamer did exhibit the customary FIP effect, but no abundance-depleted core typically found for such stable quiescent streamers was detected. The perpendicular kinetic temperature for the protons and the O5+ ions did not vary across the streamer. This differs from two other quiescent streamer comparison cases, in which the O5+ kinetic temperature did decrease at the core structure. The O5+ outflow velocities were similar to those observed in an equatorial streamer from solar minimum.
Transnasal endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: a meta-analysis.

Objectives/Hypothesis Trauma and surgery are the most common causes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. Surgical repair is recommended for patients with CSF leaks that do not respond to conservative measures, traumatic CSF leaks that require transcranial surgery for associated brain injuries, and iatrogenic defects that are discovered intraoperatively. The purpose of our study was to ascertain the outcome after transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF leaks and to identify factors regarding the patient, CSF fistula, and treatment that may influence the results of the repair. Methods We performed a meta-analysis of all studies published in English between 1990 and 1999 that reported a minimum of five patients with CSF fistulae that were repaired using an endoscopic approach. We analyzed data that included type of graft and technique used during the repair, surgical complications, the use of packing, and the use of lumbar drains and antibiotics. The success rate was monitored and correlated with the other variables. The meta-analysis database was compared with and added to a database comprising our own patients. Results Fourteen studies comprising 289 CSF fistulae met the inclusion criteria. Endoscopic repair of CSF leaks was successful in 90% (259/289) of the cases after a first attempt. Seventeen of 30 persistent leaks (52%) were closed after a second attempt. Thus ultimately 97% (276/289) of the leaks were repaired using an endoscopic approach. The success rate of repairs using any of the reported techniques and materials was high and not statistically different. The incidence of major complications such a meningitis, subdural hematoma, and intracranial abscess was less than 1% for each complication. Conclusion The endoscopic approach is highly effective and is associated with low morbidity. The literature supports the endoscopic approach using a variety of techniques and materials for the repair of CSF leaks.
Time-dependent plug-in hybrid electric vehicle charging based on national driving patterns and demographics

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are one promising technology for addressing concerns around petroleum consumption, energy security and greenhouse gas emissions. However, there is much uncertainty in the impact that PHEVs can have on energy consumption and related emissions, as they are dependent on vehicle technology, driving patterns, and charging behavior. A methodology is used to simulate PHEV charging and gasoline consumption based on driving pattern data in USDOT’s National Household Travel Survey. The method uses information from each trip taken by approximately 170,000 vehicles to track their battery state of charge throughout the day, and to determine the timing and quantity of electricity and gasoline consumption for a fleet of PHEVs. Scenarios were developed to examine the effects of charging location, charging rate, time of charging and battery size. Additionally, demographic information was examined to see how driver and household characteristics influence consumption patterns. Results showed that a compact vehicle with a 10.4 kW h useable battery (approximately a 42 mile [68 km] all electric range) travels between 62.5% and 75.7% on battery electricity, depending on charging scenario. The percent of travel driven electrically (Utility Factor, UF) in a baseline charging scenario increased from 64.3% using 2001 NHTS data to 66.7% using 2009 data. The average UF was 63.5% for males and 72.9% for females and in both cases they are highly sensitive to age. Vehicle charging load profiles across charging scenarios and demographics show a varying effect on summertime peak load, which can be useful for PHEV market segmentation and electric utility planning.
Technology readiness assessment of advanced space engine integrated controls and health monitoring

An evaluation is given for an integrated control and health monitoring system (ICHM) system that is designed to be used with hydrogen-oxygen rocket engines. The minimum required ICHM functions, system elements, technology readiness, and system cost are assessed for a system which permits the operation of H-O engines that are space-based, reusable, and descent throttleable. Based on the evaluation of the H-O ICHM, it is estimated that the minimum system requirements for demonstration on an engine system testbed will require an investment of 30 to 45 million dollars over six years.
Extended-range computation of Wannier-like functions in amorphous semiconductors

Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701-2979~Received 10 December 1999!We have computed ﬁrst-principles occupied Wannier-like functions within an unprecedented spatial range ina realistic model of amorphous Si containing 4096 atoms. To avoid the computation of eigenstates we appliedthe O(N) Fermi-operator expansion method. The functions decay exponentially in space in a fashion similar tothe best-localized occupied Wannier states in crystalline silicon. While their decay lengths do not depend onthe local distortions, the functions have an intricate nonspherical structure depending on the disorder in thematerial.
A retrospective analysis of 327 mandibular fractures

The cases of 372 mandibular fractures are reviewed with respect to treatment, including the indications for extraction of teeth in the line of fracture, complications, and duration of maxillomandibular fixation. It was found that, in general, teeth can be maintained in the line of fracture, although there appeared to be an increased rate of complications associated with fractures when teeth are in the line of injury. In addition, a four-week period of maxillomandibular fixation appears to be an appropriate guideline for treatment.
Cervical vertebral anomaly and ventricular septal defect in an Arabian foal

Summary A male Arabian foal born with a cervical mass and no apparent clinical signs presented with a cervical vertebral anomaly and ventricular septal defect. Both congenital anomalies were diagnosed at age 3 weeks and rechecked at age 6 months with radiographs and ultrasonographic studies respectively. At 11 months, in addition to radiographs and Doppler ultrasonographic studies, a contrast ultrasonographic study and post mortem myelographic and computed tomographic studies of the cervical vertebral column revealed the appearance of this rare cervical vertebral anomaly and the severity of the ventricular septal defect. To the authors' knowledge, in the Arabian foal, both conditions have not been reported simultaneously in the same patient.
From destination prediction to route prediction

A prediction of a vehicle's route would be useful for giving the driver advance warnings and alerts about upcoming situations and opportunities. This paper presents a new algorithm for predicting a driver's route based on a probabilistic prediction of the driver's destination. For each candidate destination, our route prediction algorithm plans a route to that destination. Roads on these routes accumulate the probabilities of their respective destinations, giving higher probabilities to roads along the way to higher probability destinations. The algorithm is based on a single parameter that characterises how efficiently a driver drives. Once this parameter is computed, it does not require storing a history of trips, and it works in places a driver has never visited. We test the algorithm on 100 routes recorded with the Global Positioning System GPS and show that the route prediction quickly narrows down the future route to a small fraction of the road network. We also compare our algorithm to two other algorithms to show how it performs better.