cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Food Insecurity: A Concept Analysis.

chroederSmaldoneAim To report an analysis of the concept of food insecurity in order to (a) propose a theoretical model of food insecurity useful to nursing; and (b) discuss its implications for nursing practice, nursing research, and health promotion. Background A total of 48 million Americans are food insecure. As food insecurity is associated with multiple negative health effects, nursing intervention is warranted. Design Concept analysis. Data sources A literature search was conducted in May 2014 in Scopus and MEDLINE using the exploded term “food insecur*.” No year limit was placed. Government websites and popular media were searched to ensure a full understanding of the concept. Review Methods Iterative analysis, using the Walker and Avant method. Results Food insecurity is defined by uncertain ability or inability to procure food, inability to procure enough food, being unable to live a healthy life, and feeling unsatisfied. A proposed theoretical model of food insecurity, adapted from the Socio-Ecological Model, identifies three layers of food insecurity (individual, community, society), with potential for nursing impact at each level. Conclusion Nurses must work to fight food insecurity. There exists a potential for nursing impact that is currently unrealized. Nursing impact can be guided by a new conceptual model, Food Insecurity Within the Nursing Paradigm. SchroederSmaldone
An asynchronous fully digital channel for magnetic recording

The asynchronous sampling, digital detection (ASDD) channel samples the analog waveform slightly above the timing frequency, with arbitrary phase. Both timing and detection functions are digital, unlike other hybrid channels with digital detection and analog timing. Software channels were written for both sampling detection and peak sensing, but the latter only was implemented in hardware. The digital peak sensing implementation requires second order differencing and nonlinear interpolation only when the sampling rate is below 1.25 times the clock rate, for an equalized (1-7) waveform. The timing function is a unique digital algorithm, analogous to a Type 2 PLO. The channel was implemented on a CMOS chip. Maximum sampling frequency is 90 MHz, power dissipation about 1 watt.
Teach Beyond Your Reach: An Instructorâs Guide to Developing and Running Successful Distance Learning Classes, Workshops, Training Sessions, and More

Review of Robin Neidorf'sÂ book Teach Beyond Your Reach: An Instructorâs Guide to Developing and Running Successful Distance Learning Classes, Workshops, Training Sessions, and More.
Detection of genome similarity as an exploratory tool for mapping complex traits.

For one- and two-trait-locus models, we show that the lod score based on affected relative pairs or trios is a monotonically increasing function of the genome similarity measured by the proportion of alleles shared identical by descent (IBD) conditional on observed marker data. These results can be generalized to multitrait-locus models. Thus, we can use conditional probability of genes shared IBD as a tool to reveal chromosomal segments that are likely to harbor the genes underlying the complex traits. 01995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Water-fat separation imaging of the heart with standard magnetic resonance bSSFP CINE imaging.

Purpose To study balanced steady-state free precession CINE phase-sensitive water-fat separation imaging in four cardiac imaging planes to determine the necessary phase correction and image artifacts particular to this technique. Methods Ten healthy volunteers and two subjects with known heart pathologies were studied with standard balanced steady-state free precession CINE imaging. Water-only and fat-only images were calculated using sign detection of the real part of the complex image after phase correction with constant and linear terms. Phase correction values were determined using both manual and automated methods. Differences in phase correction values between imaging planes, cardiac phases, coil elements, automated image reconstruction parameters as well as artifact scores between the automated and manual methods were studied with statistical tests. Results Water-fat separation performed well in the heart after constant and linear phase correction. Both constant (p = 0.8) and linear x (p = 1) and y (p = 1) phase correction values did not vary significantly across cardiac phases, but varied significantly among the coils (p < 0.001) and imaging planes (p < 0.001). False water-fat separation artifacts were most frequent in the chest/back and also were present at the mitral and aortic valves. Conclusion Constant and linear phase correction is necessary to provide consistent results in standard imaging planes using a balanced steady-state free precession water-fat separation postprocessing algorithm applied to standard cardiac CINE imaging. Magn Reson Med 71:2096–2104, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Probing the biological role a poor Km plays in the processivity and temporal control of CcrM (549.9)

Caulobacter crescentus is a model prokaryote involving asymmetric division which requires stringent temporal and spatial control of gene regulation attained through epigenetic silencing. The Cell c...
Accelerated partial breast irradiation: a valid choice

Doctor Ross puts forth a series of cogent arguments in favor of careful study of partial breast irradiation prior to its generalized use. (1) The title of Dr. Ross's article-particularly the phrase "who will benefit" begs a different perspective than the presentation of existing data for or against the use of any given therapy. Instead, the question asks for a more profound view of the role of any healthcare provider within any healthcare system in helping a patient deal with the medical, social, psychological and financial impact of a disease process.
Electric properties and domain structures in Ba(Ti,Sn)O/sub 3/ ceramics

The Ba(Ti,Sn)O/sub 3/ ceramics are known as relaxor materials and they show very small hysteresis of field induced strains and field induced polarizations. An optical study was attempted to explain these dielectric properties. Domain structures and motions in Ba(Ti/sub 1-x/Sn/sub x/)O/sub 3/ (x=0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.13) ceramics were observed under an electric field at various temperatures using a high resolution CCD microscope system. Electrical properties such as field induced strains, dielectric properties and field induced polarization characteristics were also measured. The Ba(Ti/sub 1-x/ Sn/sub x/)O/sub 3/ ceramics showed a significant difference in domain structures and motions with changing composition. The domain structure became tiny and complex with increasing x. Changes of domain structures due to the phase transitions were also observed with varying temperature. The domain reorientation was easily induced with rising and falling electric field. The results of domain observations can explain the electrical properties well.
Boundary-layer moisture regimes

Boundary-layer moisture fluctuations are estimated by analyzing HAPEX and FIFE data collected on 52 aircraft flight legs. Moisture fluctuations were given considerable attention in the HAPEX flights, which were 120 km long, and flew 150 m over one area of homogeneous terrain. The repetitions permit statistical consideration of motion characteristics on horizontal scales. Two prototypical boundary layer regimes are discovered: the entrainment-drying boundary layer, and the moistening boundary layer. The latter demonstrates positive moisture skewness close to the surface related to high surface evaporation. The former is characterized by boundary-layer instability, weak surface evaporation, and drier air aloft, leading to unexpected negative moisture skewness. It is noted that 10 km moisture variations with horizontal gradients are often found in narrow zones of horizontal convergence, called mesoscale moisture fronts. A negative moisture to temperature correlation, due to surface energy budget inhomogeneity, is shown to incur large mesoscale variations of relative humidity.
The survivance of French Canadians in New England (1865–1930): History, geography and demography as destiny*

(1981). The survivance of French Canadians in New England (1865–1930): History, geography and demography as destiny. Ethnic and Racial Studies: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 91-109.
Experimental balances for the second moments for a buoyant plume and their implication on turbulence modeling

Abstract The experimental budgets for the transport equations for heat flux and Reynolds stress are presented for a round turbulent buoyant plume. The pressure correlation terms are deduced as the closing terms and are found to constitute a substantial part of these budgets. Even though a buoyant plume is initiated by buoyancy, it is found that the production of heat flux and Reynolds stress is largely maintained by the mean flow gradients, because the buoyancy production terms are not as large. The results are used to assess the local equilibrium assumption, which implies that the production and destruction terms of the transport equations balance each other. The results are also used to investigate why the mechanical to thermal time scale ratio for a buoyant plume is different than the commonly used value. Finally, some simpler models for the pressure correlation terms, which appear in the heat flux and the Reynolds stress equations, are assessed against those deduced from the experiment.
Comparative analysis of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy techniques in the treatment of localized renal tumors

Objective To report our initial experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy compared with traditional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Methods A retrospective review of the Johns Hopkins minimally invasive urologic surgery database identified 207 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy from 2007 to 2011 by a single surgeon. The patient demographics and pathologic, operative, and perioperative outcomes were compared between the surgical techniques. The early oncologic outcomes are reported for the entire cohort. Results A total of 102 and 105 patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, respectively. The demographic data were comparable between the 2 groups. The clinical and pathologic tumor characteristics were similar between the 2 groups, and a significant proportion (≥48%) of patients in each group had moderate to high complexity tumors. Patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy had decreased warm ischemia times, estimated blood loss, and operative times on univariate and multivariate analysis. No difference was seen in the total perioperative or significant urologic complications between the 2 groups. A review of the early oncologic outcomes revealed no local recurrences and 1 case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Conclusion Minimally invasive partial nephrectomy is associated with favorable perioperative outcomes and low morbidity. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy appears to be associated with favorable warm ischemia times compared with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.
Grasshopper haemagglutinin: Immunochemical localization in haemocytes and investigation of opsonic properties

The haemagglutinin (lectin) present in the haemolymph of the grasshoppers Melanoplus differentialis and M. sanguinipes has been localized to the haemocytes, and the in vitro opsonic capacity of purified grasshopper haemagglutinin has been investigated. Immunocytochemical labelling of fixed haemocyte monolayers with monoclonal antibody revealed that agglutinin is present in approx. 25% of the granular cells. Plasmatocytes (phagocytes) do not contain agglutinin. Potential haemocytic membrane receptors for haemagglutinin were indicated by the binding of fluorescein-conjugated peanut agglutinin to granular haemocytes. However, comparable binding of purified grasshopper haemagglutinin could not be demonstrated by immunochemical labelling. Haemocytes, in vitro, interact with asialo human erythrocytes, Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria (vegetative cells) and spores of Nosema locustae. No increase in binding or phagocytic (opsonic) activity was observed when these three foreign particle types were incubated in either grasshopper serum or purified haemagglutinin prior to overlayering the haemocyte monolayers, or when monolayers were exposed to purified agglutinin prior to overlayering with foreign partices. The results indicate that although grasshopper haemolymphatic haemagglutinin is present in a subpopulation of grasshopper haemocytes, it does not contribute to the in vitro association of haemocytes with these foreign particles.
Vertical Specialization with Developed and Developing Countries

This paper investigates country and industry-level determinants of vertical specialization-based production and trade between the United States and both developed and developing countries. Industries engaged in vertical specialization are identified through their use of offshore assembly provisions in the U.S. tariff code. The main difference between developed and developing countries is that educational attainment of the workforce exerts a positive effect on vertical specialization with developed countries and a negative effect with developing countries. Most industry-level determinants exert similar influences on the decision to conduct vertical specialization with developed and developing countries. Global firms must choose between developed and developing countries when deciding where parts and components will be produced and where final products will be manufactured.
Genetic determinants of hair color and Parkinson's disease risk.

Objective A history of melanoma is associated with increased risks for Parkinson's disease (PD). We examined whether hair color, one of the most important phenotypes of pigmentation and a risk factor for melanoma, was associated with PD risk in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS; 1986–2002) and the Nurses' Health Study (NHS; 1980–2002). Methods We included 38,641 men and 93,661 women who were free of PD at baseline. Information on natural hair color in early adulthood (age 18–21 years) was assessed via a questionnaire. We also conducted a case–control study (298 PD cases) nested in these two cohorts to examine the association between the melanocortin1-receptor Arg151Cys polymorphism and PD risk. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models in the cohort analyses and conditional logistic regression in the nested case–control study. Results PD risk increased with decreasing darkness of hair color. Pooled RRs for PD were 1 (reference), 1.40, 1.61, and 1.93 (95% confidence interval, 1.1–3.4) for black, brown, blond, and red hair, respectively, after adjusting for age, smoking, ethnicity, and other covariates. The associations between hair color and PD were particularly strong for relative younger onset of PD (<70 yr) (adjusted RR for red vs black hair = 3.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–8.7). In the case–control study, participants with Cys/Cys genotype, which was associated with red hair, had a greater PD risk, relative to the Arg/Arg genotype (adjusted RR, 3.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–9.4). Interpretation These findings suggest a potential role of pigmentation in PD. Ann Neurol 2009;65:76–82
Smoking in Movies and Increased Smoking Among Young Adults

Objective This study assessed whether smoking in the movies was associated with smoking in young adults. Methods A national web-enabled cross-sectional survey of 1528 young adults, aged 18–25, was performed between September and November 2005. Logistic regression and path analysis using probit regression were used to assess relationships between exposure to smoking in the movies and smoking behavior. Analysis was completed in December 2006. Results Exposure to smoking in the movies predicted current smoking. The adjusted odds of current smoking increased by a factor of 1.21 for each quartile increase in exposure to smoking (p Conclusions The association between smoking in the movies and young adult smoking behavior exhibited a dose–response relationship; the more a young adult was exposed to smoking in the movies, the more likely he or she would have smoked in the past 30 days or have become an established smoker.
Molecular interactions between general anesthetics and the 5HT2B receptor.

Background: Serotonin modulates many processes through a family of seven serotonin receptors. However, no studies have screened for interactions between general anesthetics currently in clinical use and serotonergic G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Given that both intravenous and inhalational anesthetics have been shown to target other classes of GPCRs, we hypothesized that general anesthetics might interact directly with some serotonin receptors and thus modify their function. Methods: Radioligand binding assays were performed to screen serotonin receptors for interactions with propofol and isoflurane as well as for affinity determinations. Docking calculations using the crystal structure of 5-HT2B were performed to computationally confirm the binding assay results and locate anesthetic binding sites. Results: The 5-HT2B class of receptors interacted significantly with both propofol and isoflurane in the primary screen. The affinities for isoflurane and propofol were determined to be 7.78 and .95 μM,...
Coherent scattering and matrix correction in bone-lead measurements.

The technique of K-shell x-ray fluorescence of lead in bone has been used in many studies of the health effects of lead. This paper addresses one aspect of the technique, namely the coherent conversion factor (CCF) which converts between the matrix of the calibration standards and those of human bone. The CCF is conventionally considered a constant but is a function of scattering angle, energy and the elemental composition of the matrices. The aims of this study were to quantify the effect on the CCF of several assumptions which may not have been tested adequately and to compare the CCFs for plaster of Paris (the present matrix of calibration standards) and a synthetic apatite matrix. The CCF was calculated, using relativistic form factors, for published compositions of bone, both assumed and assessed compositions of plaster, and the synthetic apatite. The main findings of the study were, first, that impurities in plaster, lead in the plaster or bone matrices, coherent scatter from non-bone tissues and the individual subject's measurement geometry are all minor or negligible effects; and, second, that the synthetic apatite matrix is more representative of bone mineral than is plaster of Paris.
Diminished Responsivity on a Passive Avoidance Task to Second Administration of Scopolamine

Rats were given two training sessions, separated by intervals of 1, 3, or 6 days, on a passive avoidance task. For each training interval, control groups receiving saline and experimental groups receiving scopolamine prior to both sessions were run. Although scopolamine impaired acquisition of the task, the drugged groups displayed a marked improvement in performance on the second day of training. The data suggest, however, that the degree of behavioral improvement for the scopolamine groups diminished with intervals of increased duration interposed between the 2 training days. Two alternative explanations are entertained to account for the excellent Day-2 performance of the scopolamine groups: the development of a partial physiological tolerance to the effects of scopolamine or the development of a behavioral tolerance, unrelated to any known physiological tolerance.
Molecular-scale speciation of Zn and Ni in soil ferromanganese nodules from loess soils of the Mississippi Basin.

Determining how environmentally important trace metals are sequestered in soils at the molecular scale is critical to developing a solid scientific basis for maintaining soil quality and formulatin...
ATP Requirement for Release of Adenovirus mRNA from Isolated Nuclei

THE presence of polyadenylic acid (poly(A)) tracts in both the heterogeneous nuclear RNA (HnRNA) and polysomal messenger RNA of eukaryotic cells indicates that the high molecular weight HnRNA is the precursor of polysomal mRNA1–3. At least two features of HnRNA, double stranded regions4 and small segments of polyuridylic acid5, seem to be absent from polysomal mRNA. These data and previous observations on the metabolism of HnRNA in vivo6–10 suggest that HnRNA is cleaved and only a selected portion(s) transported to the cytoplasm as functional mRNA.
Improved performance of a subsurface radar target identification system through antenna design

Improved identification performance of a video pulse subsurface radar system is reported. The video pulse system, which utilizes complex natural resonances of the target and a prediction correlation processing, is improved in comparison to the system reported previously by better fitting the system bandwidth to the bandwidth which contains the complex natural resonances of the desired target. The antenna and associated hardware modifications to achieve this are described. Identification performance of the modified system is given using actual buried land mine-like targets. Significant improvement of the quality of the received waveforms and hence the signal-to-clutter ratio is obtained. Potential further improvement is discussed. This may be achieved by removing the natural resonance associated with the antenna from the data prior to the application of the predictor correlator.
Intelligent Sampling for Big Data using Bootstrap Sampling and Chebyshev inequality

The amount of data being generated and stored is growing exponentially, owed in part to the continuing advances in computer technology. These data present tremendous opportunities in data mining, a burgeoning field in computer science that focuses on the development of methods that can extract knowledge from data. In many real world problems, these data mining algorithms have access to massive amounts of data. Mining all the available data is prohibitive due to computational (time and memory) constraints. Much of the current research is concerned with scaling up data mining algorithms (i.e. improving on existing data mining algorithms for larger datasets). An alternative approach is to scale down the data. Thus, determining a smallest sufficient training set size that obtains the same accuracy as the entire available dataset remains an important research question. Our research focuses on selecting how many (sampling) instances to present to the data mining algorithm. The goals of this paper is to study and characterize the properties of learning curves, integrate them with Chebyshev Bound to come up with an efficient general purpose adaptive sampling schedule, and to empirically validate our algorithm for scaling down the data.
Stress distributions in bluntly-notched ceramic composite laminates

We present a methodology for determining stress distributions ahead of blunt notches in plates of fiber-reinforced ceramic–matrix composites subject to uniaxial tensile loading, accounting for the effects of inelastic straining due to matrix cracking. The methodology is based on linear transformations of the corresponding elastic distributions. The transformations are derived from adaptations of Neuber’s law for stress concentrations in inelastic materials. Comparisons are made with results computed by finite element analysis using an idealized (bilinear) form of the Genin–Hutchinson constitutive law for ceramic composite laminates. Effects of notch size and shape as well as the post-cracking tangent modulus are examined. The comparisons show that, for realistic composite properties, the analytical solutions are remarkably accurate in their prediction of stress concentrations and stress distributions, even in cases of large-scale and net-section inelasticity. Preliminary assessments also demonstrate the utility of the solution method in predicting the fields under multiaxial stressing conditions.
Structural and functional alterations in the zona fasciculata of the rat adrenal cortex in obstructive jaundice.

This study investigated the effect of experimentally-induced cholestasis in the rat on the structure and function of the zona fasciculata, the glucocorticoid secretory region of the adrenal cortex. Wistar-Furth rats (200-250g) were assigned to three groups: bile duct ligated (BDL), Sham operated (Sham) and unmodified normal control (NC). On day 14, serum bilirubin and liver histology were performed to confirm cholestasis in BDL animals together with basal 24 hour 17-hydroxycorti-costeroid excretion, adrenal histology and zona fasciculata ultrastructure in all experimental groups. Following this laparotomy, structural and functional studies were repeated on day 15 to evaluate the response of the gland to surgically induced stress. Basal 24 hr. 17-hydroxycorticoid steroid excretion was elevated in BDL animals (26.9 ±3.2 μ g/24 hr) with respect to Sham (10.4 ± 2.3) and NC groups (13.5 ± 3.2) (p <0.05). Adrenal histology and ultrastructural studies demonstrated excessive accumulation of vesicles laden with glucocorticoid biogenic precursors. Following surgical stress 24 hr 17 OH corticosteroid excretion increased in all groups: BDL (31.0 ± 3.0 μg/24 hr) vs Sham (15.6 ± 1.8) and NC (14.5 ± 2.4) Moderate alterations in zona fasciculata architecture were seen following surgery in all groups. Cholestasis induces overactivity of the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, and may modify the normal metabolic responses to surgical and other stresses.
Topographic organization of the middle temporal visual area in the macaque monkey: Representational biases and the relationship to callosal connections and myeloarchitectonic boundaries

We have used physiological and anatomical techniques to address three general issues concerning the topographic organization of the middle temporal visual area (MT) of the macaque monkey. First, we carried out a quantitative analysis of irregularities and asymmetries in the visual representation in MT. This analysis revealed a striking overemphasis on a restricted portion of the visual field that runs obliquely through the inferior contralateral quadrant and largely avoids both the horizontal meridian and the inferior vertical meridian. This corresponds to the portion of the visual field that would be maximally stimulated during visually guided hand movements. Second, the physiologically determined topographic organization of MT was compared to the pattern of callosal inputs in the same hemisphere, which are known to be distributed irregularly within MT. Callosal inputs tended to be densest near the representation of the vertical meridian, but there were numerous exceptions to this trend. Thus, topographic irregularities account for only part of the irregularities in callosal inputs to MT. Finally, comparison of these data with previous reports shows a strong correlation between body weight and the average size of MT. The representation in myeloarchitectonically defined MT was found to include much of the visual periphery, although it is unclear from our data whether this representation is invariably complete.
Inhibitory sequences within the B-domain stabilize circulating factor V in an inactive state

Blood coagulation factor V circulates as a procofactor with little or no procoagulant activity. It is activated to factor Va by thrombin following proteolytic removal of a large central B-domain. Although this reaction is well studied, the mechanism by which bond cleavage and B-domain release facilitate the transition to the active cofactor state has not been defined. Here we show that deletion or substitution of specific B-domain sequences drives the expression of procoagulant function without the need for proteolytic processing. Conversion to the constitutively active cofactor state is related, at least in part, to a cluster of amino acids that is highly basic and well conserved across the vertebrate lineage. Our findings demonstrate that discrete sequences in the B-domain serve to stabilize the inactive procofactor state, with proteolysis primarily functioning to remove these inhibitory constraints. These unexpected results provide new insight into the mechanism of factor V activation.
Time-activity budget of adult screwworm behavior (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

A time-activity budget of adult screwworm behavior was determined in an outdoor screened enclosure. Screwworms spent most (75.7%) of their time in the passive behaviors of resting and grooming. The adults spent 9.5% of daytime activity feeding, mainly on flowers or nectaries, but also on animal wound fluids and feces. Adults moving in vegetation preferred walking over flying in both frequency and duration. Flying was a frequent activity, but flights were of short (13.7 s) duration. Courtship, mating, and oviposition constituted <1% of a fly's total activity. The unusual behavior characterized as “bubbling” was interpreted as either thermoregulation or as nectar concentration.
Smart grid, Distributed Generation, and standards

The purpose of this paper is to gather and document the most pertinent information about the “Smart Grid, ” explore its many components, and propose some suitable attributes while considering Distributed Generation (DG) interconnection as a major integral part. Effects of various Smart Grid components on Generation, Transmission, Substation and other sections of the power systems are identified and discussed. Latest DG interconnection rules and standards are reviewed and presented. Major technical concerns due to interconnection of DG at higher penetrations are investigated and explored by simulations using a utility grade computer program. Simulation results verifying the technical issues are presented. Some of the main limitations of the current rules and standards are pointed out. Some solutions and further research to overcome these limitations are proposed.
Developing Integrated Work Cultures: Findings from a Study on School Change.

The use of systems thinking to shape organizations is opening new doors for schools to address the complex challenges of learning and work. Today's schools continue to seek ways to transform systems of work to prepare our young people for the twenty-first century. To accomplish this will require altering work culture patterns.
An oscillating interferometer for wavelength modulation in atomic absorption flame spectrometry

Abstract An oscillating Fabry-Perot interferometer for wavelength modulation of radiation from a continuum source is used in atomic absorption flame spectrometry. This new method has the advantages of economy and simplicity associated with a continuum source. Analytical curves and limits of detection are given for Ag, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu and Mg. The shape of the analytical curves agrees with qualitative predictions. This new atomic absorption system is compared with other atomic absorption spectrometric systems. The construction, characteristics and choice of conditions of the oscillating Fabry-Perot interferometer are described.
Meigs' syndrome with an elevated CA 125 from benign Brenner tumors.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Meigs’ syndrome refers to solid, benign ovarian tumors, ascites, hydrothorax, and resolution of these signs after surgery. Meigs’ syndrome with an elevated CA 125 secondary to benign Brenner tumors is exceedingly rare. CASE: A postmenopausal woman presented with a large pelvic mass, ascites, and a right pleural effusion. Serum CA 125 was 759 IU/mL. Ascitic fluid, pleural fluid, and fine needle aspiration of the mass were without evidence of malignancy. Exploratory laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy revealed benign Brenner tumors. Immunohistochemical staining for CA 125 showed immunoreactivity in the omentum only. Postoperatively, her signs and symptoms resolved completely and did not recur. CONCLUSION: Cytologic or histologic confirmation of malignancy is imperative in patients with a pelvic mass, ascites, hydrothorax, and elevated CA 125 before initiating chemotherapy.
Towards a large-scale biologically realistic model of the hippocampus

Real neurobiological systems in the mammalian brain have a complicated and detailed structure, being composed of 1) large numbers of neurons with intricate, branching morphologies - complex morphology brings with it complex passive membrane properties; 2) active membrane properties - nonlinear sodium, potassium, calcium, etc. conductances; 3) non-uniform distributions throughout the dendritic and somal membrane surface of these non-linear conductances; 4) non-uniform and topographic connectivity between pre- and post-synaptic neurons; and 5) activity-dependent changes in synaptic function. One of the essential, and as yet unanswered questions in neuroscience is the role of these fundamental structural and functional features in determining “neural processing” properties of a given brain system. To help answer that question, we're creating a large-scale biologically realistic model of the intrinsic pathway of the hippocampus, which consists of the projection from layer II entorhinal cortex (EC) to dentate gyrus (DG), EC to CA3, DG to CA3, and CA3 to CA1. We describe the computational hardware and software tools the model runs on, and demonstrate its viability as a modeling platform with an EC-to-DG model.
Comparative study of low-energy neutral atom imaging techniques

Low-energy neutral atom (LENA) imaging promises to be a revolutionary tool for global imaging of space plasmas. The technical challenges of LENA detection include separating them from the intense ambient UV without losing information about their incident trajectories, quantifying their trajectories, and obtaining high-sensitivity measurements. Two techniques that have been proposed for this purpose are based on fundamentally different atomic interaction mechanisms between LENAs and a solid: LENA transmission through an ultrathin foil and LENA reflection from a solid surface. Both of these methods provide LENA ionization (for subsequent removal from the UV by electrostatic deflection) and secondary electron emission (for time-of-flight start pulse generation and/or coincidence). We present a comparative study of the transmission and reflection techniques based on differences in atomic interactions with solids and surfaces. Transmission methods are shown to be superior for secondary electron emission rather than reflection methods. Furthermore, transmission methods are shown to be sufficient for LENA imaging at LENA energies of approximately 1 keV to greater than 30 keV. A hybrid instrument using reflection from a low work function surface for LENA ionization and transmission for secondary electron emission is optimal for imaging of LENAs with energies less than approximately 1 keV.
Dynamical supersymmetry breaking in a superstring inspired model

We present a dilaton dominated scenario for supersymmetry breaking in a recently constructed realistic superstring inspired model with an anomalous U(1) symmetry. Supersymmetry is broken via gaugino condensation due to a confining SU(Nc) gauge group in the hidden sector. In particular, we find that by imposing on the model the phenomenological constraint of the absence of observed flavor changing neutral currents, there is a range of parameters related to the hidden sector and the Kahler potential for which we obtain a low energy spectrum consistent with present experimental bounds. As an illustrative example, we derive the low energy spectrum of a specific model. We find that the LSP is the lightest neutralino with a mass of 53 GeV and the lightest Higgs has a mass of 104 GeV.
Nutrient-dependent Regulation of PGC-1α’s Acetylation State and Metabolic Function Through the Enzymatic Activities of Sirt1/GCN5

Mammals possess an intricate regulatory system for controlling flux through fuel utilization pathways in response to the dietary availability of particular macronutrients. Under fasting conditions, for instance, mammals initiate a whole body metabolic response that limits glucose utilization and favors fatty acid oxidation. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which this process occurs will facilitate the development of new treatments for metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes and obesity. One of the recently identified components of the signal transduction pathway involved in metabolic reprogramming is PGC-1α. This transcriptional coactivator is able to coordinate the expression of a wide array of genes involved in glucose and fatty acid metabolism. The nutrient-mediated control of PGC-1α activity is tightly correlated with its acetylation state. In this review, we evaluate how the nutrient regulation of PGC-1α activity squares with the regulation of its acetylation state by the deacetylase Sirt1 and the acetyltransferase GCN5. We also propose an outline of additional experimental directives that will help to shed additional light on this very powerful transcriptional coactivator.
Deficiency of a neuronal growth-sustaining factor in fibroblasts of patients with Alzheimer's disease

A previous report has shown a deficiency of a cholinergic differentiating factor in spent culture media in which Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient fibroblasts were grown (Kessler, 1987). We used a similar approach to investigate whether AD fibroblast-conditioned medium demonstrated central nervous system (CNS) neuronal growth sustaining properties. For these investigations we used cultured fetal murine telencephalic vesicle neurons. Control fibroblast-conditioned medium produced statistically significant neuronal survival as compared to AD fibroblast-conditioned medium or to nonconditioned medium. There was no statistically significant difference between AD fibroblast-conditioned medium and nonconditioned medium results. These results suggest that there may be a deficiency in AD of a CNS neuronal growth-sustaining factor.
Forest transitions: An introduction

Abstract When people speak about ‘forest transitions’, they generalize about the ways in which the extent of forested land changes as societies undergo industrialization and urbanization. Alexander Mather coined the term ‘forest transition’, outlined a theory to explain it, and carried out a series of careful historical studies to illustrate the idea. The papers assembled in this special issue both extend and deepen Mather's pathbreaking work. They suggest that the idea of the forest transition, like the much critiqued idea of a demographic transition in population studies, has become a useful theoretical tool for understanding contemporary land use changes.
Asymmetric business cycle turning points

Abstract This paper presents evidence that business cycles are characterized by ‘sharp’ troughs and ‘round’ peaks. Changes in growth rates surrounding NBER troughs are found to be larger than changes surrounding peaks, and the probability of a direct contraction to recovery transition is found to be higher than the probability of a direct recovery to contraction transition. These findings suggest caution in interpreting empirical tests of economic series that assume symmetry and motivate theoretic models in which additions to capacity, production, and employment at the end of a recession are not mirror images of the cutbacks at the end of an expansion.
Performance evaluation of a real-time TMS32010-based adaptive noise canceller (ANC)

A real-time adaptive digital filter with applications to noise cancellation is presented and evaluated under real-life conditions. The system, implemented using the TMS32010 microprocessor, was tested under different environmental conditions and over a wide range of parameter values. Performance measures and quantitative evaluations are given. >
Elongation of the anterior tubercle of a cervical vertebral transverse process: An unusual variant

Elongation of the anterior tubercle of a transverse process of a cervical vertebra is a congenital anomaly that should be considered in a patient demonstrating a bony mass projecting anterior to the vertebral body on a lateral radiograph of the cervical spine. Reported is a case of elongation of the tubercles of the transverse processes of both C5 and C6 with the formation of an articulation. Computed tomography was used to definitively differentiate this variant from a fracture fragment, bone tumor, or osteophyte. This anomaly is probably a form of supernumerary cervical rib developing at a level above the lowest cervical vertebra.
Modular forms and the cosmological constant

Abstract The vacuum amplitude of the heterotic string in a flat background vanishes for the first twenty orders of string perturbation theory. The proof relies on the algebraic geometry of modular forms.
Office automation research at New York University

The Center for Research on Information Systems (CRIS) at New York University's Graduate School of Business Administration sponsors an extensive program of research on a broad number of information systems topics. In this report, we will highlight recently published work prepared under the auspices of CRIS which we believe will be of interest to the readers of SIGOA Bulletin, presenting citations and condensed versions of their abstracts. We will also describe a series of research projects currently in progress, under the heading "OA Research Currently Underway."
Mask availability for next-generation lithography

The Next Generation Lithography (NGL) Mask Center of Competency (MCoC) has been developing mask technology to support all of the major next generation lithographies for several years. Cross-cutting process development has been applied to generate progress in both the membrane and reflective mask formats. The mask technology has been developed to early capability stage for all of the mask formats. Proximity x-ray masks, although only for certain niche applications, are a very developed mask format. This information has been used to produce electron beam projection masks, in both continuous membrane and stencil formats, and extreme ultraviolet lithography masks. In this paper, we discuss the status of the lithography technology development and the obstacles that remain between the current early development capability and the availability for manufacturing.
Axially symmetric motion of a stratified, rotating fluid in a spherical annulus of narrow gap

A linear theory is presented for the steady, axially symmetric motion of a stratified fluid in a narrow, rotating spherical annulus with a spherically symmetric gravitational field.The fluid is driven by a combination of differential rotation of the two shells and differential heating applied at the surfaces of the spheres.It is shown that the effect of stratification becomes increasingly important at lower latitudes with the Ekman layers on the spheres’ surfaces fading in strength as the geostrophic interior velocities themselves tend toward the shell speeds at lower latitudes.The Singularities In The Geostrophic Solutions At The Equator Are Removed By A Boundary Layer Whose Detailed Structure Depends On The Ratio Of Horizontal To Vertical Mixing Coefficients Of Momentum And Heat.
Flame spread over thin solid fuels in partially premixed atmospheres

Abstract Experiments on flame spread rates ( S f ) over thin solid fuels in oxidizing atmospheres to which gaseous fuel is added reveal a large increase in S f for some gaseous fuels. The most to least effective fuels tested are, in order, H 2 , CO, hydrocarbons, and NH 3 . From these experiments it is inferred that, unlike nonpremixed flame spread, the finite-rate kinetics of the gaseous fuel have a dominant influence on S f even far from extinction conditions. A simple model developed to account for the effect of the gaseous fuel on S f , while still retaining the framework of deRis's model of S f for infinite-rate kinetics of the solid fuel vapors, shows good qualitative and fair quantitative agreement with experimental data. Furthermore, it is shown that for some fuels, e.g., CO, the gaseous products of partial combustion produce a more combustible environment than the fresh atmosphere; the practical implications of this finding for modeling fires in enclosures are discussed.
Diagnosis of gastrointestinal tuberculosis: Using cytomorphological, microbiological, immunological and molecular techniques - A study from Central India.

The present study included three groups: (A) age and gender matched control (n=24) with no previous signs of M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) infection, (B) patients (n=28) diagnosed with gastro-intestinal TB (GITB), (C) patients (n=50) with clinical and histo-pathological signs of GITB, but were culture and AFB negative. Real time assay performed using fluorescence resonance energy transfer hybridization probes showed a positivity index of 36 % in group C, i.e. 18 were found reactive from the total 50 cases studied. In addition, immune characterization of these 18 cases showed depleted CD4+ count and increased levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines. No positive case was found in group A, while in group B, out of total 28 cases studied 27 were found positive. A combinatorial diagnostic approach for rapid detection and characterization of GITB might provide specific therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment of the infection in future.
Genetic and Pathophysiologic Studies of a New Kindred with Glucocorticoid-Suppressible Hyperaldosteronism Manifest in Three Generations*

This report describes investigations in a new kindred with dexamethasone-suppressible hyperaldosteronism affecting three successive generations. The presumptive diagnosis was first made in a 7-yr-old boy and led to the identification of the disorder in his mother and grandmother. Several other members of the family were investigated. Genotyping and HLA typing were also performed. To further explore the nature of this unusual disorder, urine from the three patients documented to have the syndrome was assayed for an aldosterone-stimulating factor recently reported to be found in patients with idiopathic aldosteronism. None of these patients showed measurable activity of such a urinary factor. The identification of members in three generations strongly supports the heritable nature of the disorder and probable autosomal dominant type of transmission. The absence of urinary aldosterone-stimulating factor in these patients further supports the tenet that the disorder is pathogenetically distinct from idiopathic aldosteronism, since both disorders are usually associated with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia.
A Hard Fight for We: Women's Transition from Slavery to Freedom in South Carolina

This title is winner of the Willie Lee Rose Publication Prize, the Southern Association of Women Historians, 1998. The courage and vigor with which African-American women fought for their freedom during and after the Civil War are firmly at the center of this groundbreaking study. Focusing on slave women on the rice plantations of lowcountry South Carolina, Leslie Schwalm offers a thoroughly researched account of their vital roles in antebellum plantation life and in the wartime collapse of slavery, and their efforts as freedwomen to recover from the impact of war while redefining life and labor in the postbellum period. Freedwomen fiercely asserted their own ideas of what freedom meant and insisted on important changes in the work they performed for white employers and in their own homes. They rejected the most unpleasant or demeaning tasks, guarded prerogatives gained under a slave economy, and defended their vision of freedom against unwanted intervention by Northern whites and the efforts of former owners to restore slavery's social and economic relations during Reconstruction.