cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationships Among Severity and Duration of Clinical Mastitis and Sire Transmitting Abilities for Somatic Cell Score, Udder Type Traits, Productive Life, and Protein Yield

The objective of this study was to determine the relationships among severity and duration of clinical mastitis during first and second lactation and sire transmitting abilities for somatic cell score, udder type traits, productive life, and protein yield. Recording of clinical episodes began at first parturition for 1704 Holstein cows (in six Pennsylvania herds and one Nebraska herd) and continued into second lactation for 1055 of these cows. A total of 456 cows (sired by 168 bulls) had at least one clinical episode during first lactation, and 230 cows (sired by 100 bulls) had at least one clinical episode during second lactation. A severity code from 1 (normal milk) to 5 (acute systemic mastitis) was assigned daily (for up to 30 d after detection) to all quarters that had clinical mastitis. Only the severity codes for the first clinical episode to occur during first and second lactation are considered here. The initial and maximum severity codes, as well as the natural logarithms of both the sum of severity codes that were above normal (> 1) and the total days severity codes were above normal were regressed on herd (a classification variable), age at first calving, days in milk at clinical detection, and sire transmitting abilities taken one at a time. Linear and nonlinear effects were estimated for sire transmitting abilities. Separate analyses were conducted on dependent variables that considered severity and duration of clinical mastitis from: all organisms, coagulase-negative staphylococci, coliform species, streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae, and the most common environmental organisms (coliform species and streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae). Daughters of sires that transmit the lowest somatic cell score had the least severe and shortest clinical episodes from environmental organisms during first lactation. Selection for lower somatic cell score may reduce the severity and duration of clinical episodes from environmental organisms during first lactation.
Conservative Management of Infected Pacemaker Pulse Generator Sites

Abstract Successful management of infection and dehiscence occurring at the site of pacemaker insertion is possible using conservative measures. The experience with 2 patients treated conservatively with success is reported.
Genetic improvements in major US crops: the size and distribution of benefits

The distribution of welfare gains of genetic improvements in major US crops is estimated using a world agricultural trade model. Multi-market welfare estimates were 75% larger than estimates based on the price-exogenous ‘change in revenue’ method frequently used by plant breeders. Annual benefits of these genetic improvements range from US$ 400–600 million depending on the supply shift specification. Of this, 44–60% accrues to the US, 24–34% accrues to other developed countries. Developing and transitional economies capture 16–22% of the welfare gain. The global benefits of a one-time permanent increase in US yields are US$ 8.1 billion (discounted at 10%) and US$ 15.4 billion (discounted at 5%). Gains to consumers in developing and transitional economies range from US$ 6.1 billion (10% discount rate) to US$ 11.6 billion (5% discount rate).
Fiber regeneration is not persistent in dystrophic (mdx) mouse skeletal muscle

Fiber replacement has been measured in adult mdx mouse limb skeletal muscles. During the first 10 days after birth all fibers appear normal; between Week 3 and 4 there is massive fiber degeneration followed by regeneration in which close to 100% of the fibers are repaired or replaced. New fibers arising in adult mice are characterized by expression of fetal myosin mRNAs in whole muscle extracts, and by staining of individual fibers with an embryonic myosin heavy chain-specific antibody. By 10 weeks of age new fiber replacement rate, indicated by frequency of fibers reacting with antibody, is reduced to about 10%, and by 1 year of age less than 1% of the fibers are being replaced at rates above control. Total fiber number also remains fairly constant. We conclude that the fibers regenerating up to 10 weeks of age become stabilized and do not undergo further rounds of degeneration and regeneration. This is consistent with the observed benign phenotype of adult mdx animals and with the idea that once-regenerated fibers escape the catastrophic dystrophic phenotype by acquiring a function that compensates for their mdx mutation. The mechanism by which regenerated mdx fibers restore adequate function in the absence of dystrophin may, when understood, provide clues to effective nongenetic interventions for muscular dystrophy in humans where regenerated fibers continue to degenerate and where the disease is often fatal.
Matching Forensic Sketches and Mug Shots to Apprehend Criminals

Emerging face recognition technology can use forensic sketches to help identify criminal suspects.
Manganese inhibits mitochondrial aconitase: a mechanism of manganese neurotoxicity

The symptoms of Mn-induced neurotoxicity resemble those of Parkinson's diseases. Since iron (Fe) appears to play a pivotal role in pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease, we set out to test the hypothesis that alterations in Fe-requiring enzymes such as aconitase contribute to Mn-induced neurotoxicity. Mitochondrial fractions prepared from rat brain were preincubated with MnCl2 in vitro, followed by the enzyme assay. Mn treatment significantly inhibited mitochondrial aconitase activity (24% inhibition at 625 μM to 81% at 2.5 mM, p<0.05). The inhibitory effect was reversible and Mn-concentration dependent, and was reversed by the addition of Fe (0.05–1 mM) to the reaction mixture. In an in vivo chronic Mn exposure model, rats received intraperitoneal injection of 6 mg/kg Mn as MnCl2 once daily for 30 consecutive days. Mn exposure led to a region-specific alteration in total aconitase (i.e., mitochondrial+cytoplasmic): 48.5% reduction of the enzyme activity in frontal cortex (p<0.01), 33.7% in striatum (p<0.0963), and 20.6% in substantia nigra (p<0.139). Chronic Mn exposure increased Mn concentrations in serum, CSF, and brain tissues. The elevation of Mn in all selected brain regions (range between 3.1 and 3.9 fold) was similar in magnitude to that in CSF (3.1 fold) rather than serum (6.1 fold). The present results suggest that Mn alters brain aconitase activity, which may lead to the disruption of mitochondrial energy production and cellular Fe metabolism in the brain.
A Packing Genetic Algorithm for Configuration Design

Solving packing problems corresponds to finding the optimal placement of a series of objects in an enclosed space, while satisfying functional requirements. The research presented in this paper proposes a “packing GA” designed especially for the packing problems. It differs from the traditional GA by its encoding method and GA operators, which are tailored for the configuration design problem. In this paper, the detailed implementation and the design principles of the packing GA are presented. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, a strict definition of acceptable layout is given, so that the performance of the GA can be judged by a more meaningful criterion. The packing GA is tested against two other GAs on an 8 box packing problem. The results show the packing GA has a much better chance to find the global optimum.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Understanding infectious disease surveillance: its uses, sources, and limitations.

Science for Policymakers is a Journal column aimed at informing key decision makers about scientific advancements that affect biosecurity and biodefense. The articles describe a novel type of research that is currently underway or recently developed, or an issue in the field of biosecurity, and engage readers in thinking about what impact the research has on biosecurity. Readers may submit ideas to the column's editor, Gigi Kwik Gronvall, through the Journal's editorial office at jfox@upmc-biosecurity.org.
Improved lipid profiles in patients undergoing high-flux hemodialysis

Abstract Hyperlipidemia is one of many atherogenic risk factors encountered by patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD). We have studied lipid profiles in these patients and have found less hypertriglyceridemia in those undergoing high-flux HD than those receiving traditional HD. Mean ± SEM triglyceride level was 1.62 ± 0.15 mmol/L (143.3 ± 13.6 mg/dL) in high-flux dialysis patients, 2.39 ± 0.27 mmol/L (211.6 ± 24.1 mg/dL) in conventional dialysis patients, and 1.55 ± 0.13 mmol/L (137.1 ± 11.5 mg/dL) in normal age- and sex-matched controls. In addition, we found that in patients undergoing high-flux HD, females had higher high-density lipoprotein 2 (HDL 2 ) levels (0.62 ± 0.03 mmol/L [23.8 ± 1.3 mg/dL]) than males (0.33 ± 0.04 mmol/L [12.9 ± 1.7 mg/dL]) (P 2 will diminish the incidence of cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients is unknown.
The evolution of specificity in the legume-rhizobium symbiosis

We know more about the partnership between legumes and their root-nodule bacteria than about any other symbiosis or any other plant-microbe interaction. In the light of recent research we are beginning to see details of an elaborate tapestry. The rhizobia are not a self-contained branch on the bacterial tree; their ancestry is intertwined with that of photosynthetic and pathogenic bacteria. Their host ranges, which vary enormously in breadth, overlap to form a tangled web of interconnections between plants and bacteria, and mechanisms of infection and nodule development are more diverse than we once thought. From genetic analysis of the bacteria we learn that specificity is not the province of special 'host-range determinants', but is affected by a wide range of genes with diverse modes of action. The symbiosis is a rich resource for evolutionary fact and speculation, but its complexity and diversity should warn us not to expect easy answers.
Dopaminergic regulation of AP-1 transcription factor DNA binding activity in rat striatum.

Abstract Dopaminergic modulation of the DNA binding activity of AP-1, Spl, CREB and AP-2 transcription factors was examined in rat striatal nuclear extracts by gel shift assay. AP-1 binding was selectively increased in the striatum following depletion of dopamine by 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway or after reserpine treatment. The D 1 agonist SKF 38393 dose-dependently increased AP-1 binding; this effect was significantly increased in reserpine-treated rats and even more markedly enhanced in denervated striatum. The D 2 /D 3 agonist quinpirole, administered alone, did not affect striatal activator protein-1 binding; in combination, quinpirole and SKF 38393 acted synergistically in normal and reserpine-treated rats but not in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats, suggesting that mechanisms underlying D 1 −D 2 /D 3 interactions are altered after dopamine denervation. Most, but not all, of the changes in AP-1 binding activity observed in this study are consistent with changes in levels of Fos/Jun family proteins observed after similar treatments. These results support the hypothesis that D 1 receptor stimulation activates striatonigral neurons and modulates expression of AP-1-related genes in these neurons, while D 2 receptor stimulation mediates tonic inhibition of AP-1 expression and activity in the striatopallidal neurons. Moreover, the findings provide evidence that the loss of dopaminergic input to the striatum, as occurs in Parkinson's disease, induces long-lasting alterations in the regulation of striatal gene expression which may contribute to the disease's progress.
Potential therapies for peanut allergy

Objective To review the investigated therapies for peanut allergy beyond avoidance measures and self-injectable epinephrine. Data Sources A PubMed search was performed using the Keywords peanut allergy and therapy . Additional citations were generated by surveying the reference lists of the pulled articles Study Selection More than 120 articles were reviewed and references were selected based on their relevance to the subject matter. Results Peanut allergy affects more than 1% of the US population and is increasing in prevalence. During the past 15 years multiple therapies have been researched and many have provided promising results. Sustained oral tolerance over desensitization is the goal, and most therapies are unable to demonstrate this because they are currently in their relative infancy. Therapeutic options should be safe, easily administered, and relatively inexpensive. To minimize risk, many therapies will require investigation of combined modalities. Conclusions Peanut allergy is a challenging diagnosis for physicians because few treatment options are available. However, it seems plausible that new offerings may become accepted therapy within the next decade. The ability of a patient to tolerate amounts of peanut in an unintentional ingestion without experiencing anaphylaxis would offer peace of mind to patients and families living with peanut allergy.
Multipolar contributions to optical second-harmonic generation in isotropic fluids.

The general conclusions of the recent article by Andrews and Blake (Phys. Rev. A 38, 3113 (1988)) on the forbidden nature of higher-order multipolar contributions to optical second-harmonic generation are misleading and not generally valid.
Single-diffraction-grating and grism pulse compressors

We introduce and demonstrate a simple, compact, and automatically aligned ultrashort-pulse compressor that uses only a single diffraction element—a grating or a grism (a grating on a prism). This design automatically has unity beam magnification and automatically contributes zero spatiotemporal distortions to the pulse, thus avoiding spatial chirp, angular dispersion, pulse-front tilt, and all other first-order spatiotemporal distortions. It is comprised of only three elements: a diffraction element, a corner cube, and a roof mirror. Half the size of comparable two-grating compressors, it can provide large amounts of negative group-delay dispersion with small translations of the corner cube. The device can operate on pulses with both large and small bandwidths by varying the corner-cube position. Using a grism as the diffraction element, material dispersion up to the third order can be compensated, and we demonstrated compensation for 10 m of optical fiber for 800 nm pulses.
Cryosurgery: Theory and application to head and neck neoplasia

While surgery and radiation therapy remain the time-tested modalities for the treatment of cancer in the head and neck, recent experimental and clinical experience has documented the effectiveness of cryosurgery as an adjunct in the treatment of selected neoplasms in individual patients. A review is provided of the theory of freezing as a method of cell destruction, and experimental and clinical experience illustrate the principles and application of cryosurgery to head and neck tumors.
Conformations of oilseed storage proteins (globulins) determined by circular dichroism.

Conformations of seed globulins from cucurbit, hemp, peanut, and soy, determined by circular dichroism, consisted of 8% α-helical, 31 % pleated sheet, and 61% unordered structures (mean values).
Modeling Uncertainty in Photogrammetry-Derived National Shoreline

Tidally-referenced shoreline data serve a multitude of purposes, ranging from nautical charting, to coastal change analysis, wetland migration studies, coastal planning, resource management and emergency management. To assess the suitability of the shoreline for a particular application, end users require reliable estimates of the uncertainty in the shoreline position. Previous studies on modeling uncertainty in shoreline mapping from remote sensing data have focused on airborne light detection and ranging; to date, these methods have not been extended to aerial imagery and photogrammetric shoreline mapping, which remains the primary shoreline mapping method used by the National Geodetic Survey. The aim of this article is to develop and test a rigorous total propagated uncertainty model for shoreline compiled from both tide-coordinated and non-tide-coordinated aerial imagery using photogrammetric methods. The uncertainty model is developed using data from a study site in northeast Maine. For the study are...
Thoracic spinal Pantopaque cyst and associated syrinx resulting in progressive spastic paraparesis: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE : We describe a unique presentation of a thoracic spinal Pantopaque cyst. Although Pantopaque is no longer used, sequelae of its long-term use may continue to surface. CLINICAL PRESENTATION : Our patient presented to the emergency room with 4 months of progressive lower extremity numbness, spasticity, and incontinence and a 2-day history of left upper extremity dysesthesias. Magnetic resonance imaging at admission revealed a C7-T10 syrinx and an intrathecal extramedullary mass to the right of the spinal cord at T10-T11. INTERVENTION : Radiographic evidence led to the initial diagnosis of hemangioblastoma. The results of a critical analysis of the preoperative studies caused us to suspect a Pantopaque cyst. This suspicion was confirmed at the time of surgery, when a cyst filled with contrast medium was revealed. T9-T11 laminectomies were performed, allowing for a 5-cm dural opening. The cyst was aspirated and excised, and then the syrinx was decompressed. CONCLUSION : Our patient experienced significant sensory and motor improvement postoperatively. We present a previously undescribed complication of one of the most commonly used contrast media, Pantopaque. Despite its replacement with newer agents, it may continue to play a significant role in the pathological presentation of patients in whom it was previously used.
Research on Families and Pediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease: A Review and Needed Directions

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease in children has important and longlasting effects on families. Although aspects of other childhood illnesses can be applied to the study of pediatric HIV disease, the total constellation of symptoms and effects makes HIV disease unique. Further, the majority of families affected by HIV disease are minority and disadvantaged. There is little in the research literature about normal family functioning under these conditions. Many older studies of childhood illness were based on negative assumptions and did not address concepts such as resiliency. Family theories, approaches, and common themes are briefly discussed. The few studies addressing families and pediatric HIV disease are reviewed and recommendations are made for future research directions.
A perspective on the effect of climate and local environmental variables on the performance of attic radiant barriers in the United States

Abstract This paper offers a perspective on how climate and local environmental variables affect the performance of attic radiant barriers across the United States. Transient heat and mass transfer simulations were performed on a vented triangular attic with insulation level of 3.5 m 2 K / W (R-19) and the results were based on integrated hourly ceiling heat fluxes over 3-month periods during the cooling season. The ceiling heat transfer percent reductions ranged from 36.8% in the Tropical Savanna climate to 2.3% in the Mediterranean climate. Peak-hour percent reductions in ceiling heat flux ranged from almost 100% in the Marine West Coast climate to 23% in the Desert climate. The results suggested that local ambient air temperature, humidity, cloud cover index, and altitude had first-order effects. The amount of local solar radiation had no effect on the performance of the systems.
Does Innovation Cause Stock Market Runups? Evidence from the Great Crash

This article examines the stock market's changing valuation of corporate patentable assets between 1910 and 1939. It shows that the value of knowl? edge capital increased significantly during the 1920s compared to the 1910s as investors responded to the quality of technological inventions. Innovation was an important driver of the late 1920s stock market runup, and the Great Crash did not reflect a significant revaluation of knowledge capital relative to physical capital. Although substantial quantities of influential patents were accumulated during the post-crash recovery, high technology firms did not earn significant excess returns over low technology firms for most of the 1930s.
Process variation in metal-oxide-metal (MOM) capacitors

Aerial image simulation of interdigitated sidewall capacitor layouts and extraction of feature changes are used to estimate the parametric performance spread of DC Metal-Oxide-Metal (MOM) mixed signal capacitors as a function of the normalized lithographic resolution k1. Since minimum feature sizes are utilized, the variation of MOM capacitors is attributed to lithography spacing. In this paper, k1 of 0.8, 0.56, 0.40, and 0.28 are studied. The DC capacitance shows a worst-case variability of 42%. While line-end-shortening is a small fractional change in finger length and proves to be not a critical factor in variability, spacing width proves to be the main source of the variability in DC capacitance. Different annular illumination settings are explored for mitigating the variability in spacing width. Co-design of the pitch and illumination shows that for each k1, there is an optimal annular illumination radius. The optimal set of sigmas (i.e. sigma_in and sigma_out) can control the variability between linewidths and spacing widths to 20%.
Electric field effects on the geometry and vibrations of charged molecules: the hydroxide ion case

Abstract We demonstrate how different possible geometry optimization constraints influence the computed OH− geometry and stretching vibrational frequency variation with electric field strength and how these constraints simulate various OH− bonding environments found in solid hydroxide compounds. The unbound OH− is best modeled using the center of coordinate optimization constraint which downshifts the OH− stretching frequency with increasing electric field strengths. The fixed O atom optimization constraint causes upshifts of the OH− stretching frequency with increasing electric field strength and simulates the metal-oxygen and XH⋯OH− bonding situations. Larger downshifts in the OH− stretching frequency are obtained with the fixed H atom constraint to simulate OH−⋯X bonding.
The Growing Problem of Stroke among Young Adults

Although overall stroke incidence has been declining in developed countries, there is evidence that stroke in the young is increasing. Increasing incidence may be particularly pronounced among minorities in whom historically a higher burden of stroke has been reported. Compared with older adults, time spent with disability is longer for those affected at younger ages, and new data suggests that among 30-day young adult stroke survivors, increased mortality persists for as long as 20 years. Stroke in young adults is often missed by less experienced clinicians due to its unexpectedness, leading to lost opportunities for intervention. The causes and risk factors for stroke in the young are often rare or undetermined, but young adults with stroke also have a high burden of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and substance abuse. Disseminating awareness and promoting research on young adult stroke are steps towards reducing the burden of stroke.
An Ultrastructural Study of the Nematocytes of the Polyp of Chrysaora quinquecirrha

The polyp of Chrysaora quinquecirrha (sea nettle) has two forms of nematocytes on the oral arms and upper stalk. A nematocyte with an unencapsulated thread and another containing an encysted heteroneme were observed. One or both of these structures were capable of producing a clinical sting in humans. The relationship of these structures with similar nematocytes present in sea nettle medusae is discussed.
The role of radiofrequency ablation in multiple liver metastases to debulk the tumor: A pilot study before alternative therapies

Introduction: In this study, our aim was to proceed with the first study of our patients by evaluating different metastatic tumor to the liver to check whether, after debulking the tumor with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), the chemotherapy, could increase the survival in these patients as a pilot study before applying alternative therapies in the future. Materials and Methods: We studied 11 patients, 7 male, 4 female; age mean, 68 years (50–84). The tumors considered were carcinoid (3), gastrinoma (3), a new endocrine of unknown origin (2), colorectal (2), and breast (1). Results: All of the patients underwent laparoscopic RFA with a prior confirmatory biopsy and were discharged after 23 hours. No pain, bleeding, or wound infections were reported. One (1) patient with a gastrinoma died 9 months following surgery from a myocardial infarction. All other patients are still alive, although 2 experienced hepatic recurrences. Conclusions: The 11 patients in this series showed that RFA combined with chemotherapy...
Cone channel optics

Abstract The optical properties of a reflecting cone were studied theoretically and experimentally by Williamson.(1) It is intended to supplement the theoretical considerations below. The designations used in the above cited study will be retained as far as possible.
Plate Fixation of Ununited Humeral Shaft Fractures: Effect of Type of Bone Graft on Healing

Background Delayed union or nonunion of a fracture of the humerus is an infrequent but debilitating complication. Open reduction and internal fixation combined with autologous bone-grafting can result in reliable healing of the fracture; however, there is morbidity associated with the bone-graft donor site. This study was designed to evaluate healing of ununited fractures of the humeral shaft treated by one surgeon at one institution with a strict and consistent surgical protocol but with the use of two different types of bone graft: autologous iliac crest bone graft and demineralized bone matrix. Methods A consecutive retrospective cohort series was analyzed. From 1992 to 1999, forty-five patients with an aseptic, atrophic delayed union or nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and autologous iliac crest bone graft. The mean time from the fracture to the surgery was 14.0 months, and the mean duration of follow-up was 32.8 months. From 2000 to 2003, thirty-three patients with the same condition were treated with the same protocol with the exception that demineralized bone matrix was used instead of autologous iliac crest bone graft. The mean time from the fracture to the surgery in that group was 22.6 months, and the mean duration of follow-up was 20.4 months. All patients in both groups were assessed clinically and radiographically. Results Osseous union was noted clinically and radiographically following the index surgery in 100% of the forty-five patients treated with autologous bone graft and 97% (thirty-two) of the thirty-three patients treated with demineralized bone matrix. The mean time to union was 4.5 months in the group treated with autologous bone graft and 4.2 months in the group treated with demineralized bone matrix. The overall functional outcome did not differ between the groups; however, twenty (44%) of the autologous bone-graft recipients had donor site morbidity, including a prolonged pain in the majority and a superficial infection requiring irrigation and debridement in one patient. Conclusions Healing of an ununited humeral shaft fracture can be achieved consistently with rigid plate fixation and lag-screw compression augmented with either autologous cancellous bone graft or commercially available demineralized bone matrix. The harvest of the autologous bone graft is frequently associated with complications. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Influence of Micronization Method on the Performance of a Suspension Triamcinolone Acetonide Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhaler Formulation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of micronization technique on performance and stability of the model drug formulated in a suspension-based pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI). The model drug, triamcinolone acetonide (TAA), was subjected to ball milling or air-jet milling prior to formulation of the pMDI. The dose delivery characteristics of the emitted aerosol cloud were monitored for the ball-milled, air-jet-milled, and unmicronized TAA pMDI formulations prior to and after storage at 25 and 40 degrees C. Cascade impaction was used to determine the aerodynamic particle size distribution of the emitted dose. Both micronization techniques reduced the drug particle size distribution and the polydispersity of the drug particles to a similar extent, but the ball-milling technique reduced the crystallinity of the drug to a greater degree compared to the air-jet-milling technique. The air-jet-milled and unmicronized TAA pMDI displayed similar aerodynamic particle size distributions of the emitted aerosol and respirable fractions over the storage period. The ball-milled TAA resulted in a pMDI formulation with the smallest aerodynamically sized particles and the highest respirable fraction compared to the air-jet-milled or unmicronized TAA pMDI formulations. The micronization techniques significantly influenced the dose delivery characteristics as a result of different initial particle size distributions, amorphous contents, and surface energies.
Optical Heterodyne-Detected Raman-Induced Kerr Effect (OHD- RIKE) Microscopy

Label-free microscopy based on Raman scattering has been increasingly used in biomedical research to image samples that cannot be labeled or stained. Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy allows signal amplification of the weak Raman signal for fast imaging speeds without introducing the nonresonant background and coherent image artifacts that are present in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. Here we present the Raman-induced Kerr effect (RIKE) as a contrast for label-free microscopy. RIKE allows us to measure different elements of the nonlinear susceptibility tensor, both the real and imaginary parts, by optical heterodyne detection (OHD-RIKE). OHD-RIKE microscopy provides information similar to polarization CARS (P-CARS) and interferometric CARS (I-CARS) microscopy, with a simple modification of the two-beam SRS microscopy setup. We show that, while OHD-RIKE microspectroscopy can be in principle more sensitive than SRS, it does not supersede SRS microscopy of heterogeneous biological samples, such as mouse skin tissue, because it is complicated by variations of linear birefringence across the sample.
Flashover mechanism of non-ceramic insulators

The contamination performance of non-ceramic (NO insulators is better than porcelain insulators. The paper describes the pollution collection mechanism and concludes that silicone rubher insulators collect more pollution than porcelain insulators. Long term exposure of silicone rubber insulators produces a thin layer of pollution, which is a mixture of dust, salt and silicone oil. Fog or morning dew produces droplets on the flat surfaces and forms conductive regions. Spot discharge starts between the regions, which reduces hydrophobicity. Simultaneously, dry-band arcing starts on the shank of the insulator. The two arcs join together, which leads to flashover. The flashover voltage of polluted NC insulators is significantly higher than porcelain ones. Insulator performance is measured with laboratory tests. However, salt-fog and clean-fog tests can give different flashover values.
Validation of Infrared Camera Thermal Measurements on High-Voltage Power Electronic Components

Thermal performance of power electronic components Is a limiting factor on the power density and design of high-voltage, high-power systems. Therefore, accurate assessment and characterization of the thermal capabilities of these components is critical for the development and design of high-density power applications. This paper demonstrates the efficacy of using an infrared camera system to characterize high-voltage power electronic components. A comparison is given for the use of two different spray coatings to create a uniform surface emissivity within a variety of experimental situations.
Stimulation of phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase by 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in promyelocytic NB4 leukemia cells: a structure-function study.

Recent studies have shown that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[ 1α,25-(OH)2D3] actions in cell growth and differentiation are mediated by both its nuclear receptor (VDRnuc) and its rapid membrane-related effects. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 1α,25-(OH)2D3 on p42mapk phosphorylation using human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (NB4). 1α,25-(OH)2D3 (10−8 m) significantly increased p42mapk phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with the earliest response detectable at 30 sec. Because 1α,25-(OH)2D3 is a conformationally flexible molecule, we have used a series of conformationally locked (6-s-cis vs. 6-s-trans) analogs to evaluate which shape is optimal for activation. Four 6-s-cis-locked analogs (HF, JM, JN, and JP) and two 6-s-trans-locked analog (JB and JD) were studied. HF, JM, JN, and JP all increased p42mapk phosphorylation at 1 and 5 min (10−8 m), but JB and JD had little effect. Analog HL [1β,25-(OH)2D3], a specific antagonist for only the rapid effects of 1α,25-(OH)2D...
Profiles of neuropsychological impairment in autopsy-defined Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease.

Differentiating the cognitive effects of cerebrovascular disease, particularly small vessel disease, from those of Alzheimer's disease is a difficult clinical challenge. An influential model of how subcortical cerebrovascular disease causes cognitive dysfunction posits that damage to frontostriatal loops impairs frontal lobe function, leading to predominant impairment of executive function and secondary impairments of associated cognitive functions such as memory. Consistent with this, neuropsychological studies of clinically diagnosed patients have reported that individuals with vascular dementia do better on memory tests and worse on executive function tests compared with patients with Alzheimer's disease. This observation has led to the suggestion that predominant cognitive executive dysfunction might serve as a useful diagnostic marker for vascular dementia. We sought to test this idea in a series of cases with autopsy-defined pathologies. Subjects were 62 autopsied cases from a prospective study of vascular contributions to dementia. Using neuropathological features alone, 23 were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 11 with cerebrovascular disease (CVD), 9 with both (mixed pathology) and 19 with normal elderly brain (NEB). Three psychometrically matched composite scales of different cognitive abilities were used: Verbal Memory, Nonverbal Memory and Executive Function. Analysis of group data showed that for Alzheimer's disease memory scores were lower than Executive Function by nearly a standard deviation on average. In contrast, and contrary to the model, CVD was rather equally impaired on Executive Function, Verbal Memory and Nonverbal Memory. Individual patterns of cognitive impairment were examined by defining three profiles based on reliable differences between neuropsychological scores to characterize cases with predominant memory impairment, predominant executive dysfunction, and ‘other’ patterns. Analysis of individual impairment profiles showed that predominant memory impairment was present in 71% of Alzheimer's disease while predominant executive dysfunction described only 45% of CVD. A stronger pattern emerged when cognitively normal cases were excluded; among the six cognitively impaired CVD patients four had predominant executive dysfunction and none had predominant memory impairment. This report, comprised of a substantial sample of autopsy confirmed cases, delineates the patterns of neuropsychological impairment associated with small vessel cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease While the findings show that memory loss usually exceeds executive dysfunction in patients with Alzheimer's disease, the reverse is not the case in CVD. Taken as a whole, the results indicate that the cognitive effects of the small vessel cerebrovascular disease are variable and not especially distinct, thus raising question about the utility of executive impairment as a diagnostic marker for vascular dementia.
MS-Viewer: A Web-based Spectral Viewer for Proteomics Results

The sharing and viewing of peptide identification results from search engines analyzing mass-spectrometry-based proteomic data is made difficult by the range of analysis tools employed, in that each produces a different output format. Annotated results associated with a journal article often have to be made available, but providing these in a format that can be queried by other researchers is often difficult. This is because although standard formats for results have been developed, these are not necessarily easy to produce. In this manuscript we describe the MS-Viewer program, part of the Protein Prospector Web package, which uses easy-to-create tabular files as input for providing highly interactive viewing of search engine results. Thanks to the simplicity and flexibility of the input format, results from a wide variety of search engines have been successfully viewed through the Web interface of this tool.
Erythrocytic antigenic differences between individuals of the deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus*

1. Antigenic polymorphism between individuals of the subspecies Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis is demonstrated.2. Absorption analysis of heteroimmune rabbit sera using erythrocytes of individual mice revealed two unitary complete (saline) agglutinins, designated as anti-A and anti-B, reactive to erythrocytic antigens in this species.Isoimmunization apparently demonstrated these same antigenic differences.3. The two antigenic characters (A and B) defined by the agglutinins are inherited as if simply related to allelic factors designated PmA and PmB respectively.4. These two antigens are found in representatives of both the subspecies P. m. gracilis and P. m. bairdii, and, in addition, the A antigen was observed in a laboratory stock of P. polionotus. Tested individuals of the species P. leucopus and Mus musculus, however, possessed neither antigen, and samples of human blood also lacked both antigens.5. Species-specific agglutinins distinguishing individuals of the species P. leucopus and P. maniculatus, and population-specific agglutinins which distinguished between individuals of the subspecies P. m. bairdii and P. m. gracilis, have been observed.
Organogel formation by a cholesterol-stoppered bistable [2]rotaxane and its dumbbell precursor

The switching properties, gelation behavior, and self-organization of a cholesterol-stoppered bistable [2]rotaxane containing a cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) ring and tetrathiafulvalene/1,5-dioxynaphthalene recognition units situated in the rod portion of the dumbbell component have been investigated by electrochemical, spectroscopic, and microscopic means. The cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) ring in the [2]rotaxane can be switched between the tetrathiafulvalene and 1,5-dioxynaphthalene recognition units by addressing the redox properties of the tetrathiafulvalene unit. The organogels can be prepared by dissolving the [2]rotaxane and its dumbbell precursor in a CH2Cl2/MeOH (3:2) mixed solvent and liquified by adding the oxidant Fe(ClO4)3. Direct evidence for the self-organization was obtained from AFM investigations which have shown that both of the [2]rotaxane and its dumbbell precursor form linear superstructures which we propose are helical in nature.
Personality Traits Predict Emergency Department Utilization Over 3 Years in Older Patients

Background: Emergency department (ED) utilization by older patients has major implications for morbidity, mortality, and health costs, yet its behavioral determinants remain poorly understood. Powerfully tied to health in older adults, the "Big Five" personality traits of neuroticism, extroversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness may predict ED use. Objectives: Investigate the role of personality in prospective ED use among older patients. Research Design: Prospective cohort. Subjects: Adults aged 65 and older. Measures: Participants completed the NEO Five Factor Inventory of personality at baseline, and interviewers administered the Cornell Services Index assessing ED use at baseline and 3 yearly follow-ups. Results: Controlling for income, education, gender, age, physician-assessed medical burden and physical functioning, and interviewer-assessed impairments in basic activities of daily living and physical self-maintenance, and depression, lower agreeableness and higher extroversion were each associated with increased odds of an ED visit over the follow-up period. A 1 sample deviation (SD) increase in extroversion (i.e., 50th versus 83rd population percentile) increased the odds of ED use by 51% (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] [95% CI] = 1.51 [1.03–2.21], z=2.12, N=923, p=0.034). A 1-SD decrease in agreeableness (i.e., 50th versus 17th population percentile) increased odds of ED use by 54% (AOR [95% CI] = 1.54 [1.05–2.22], z = −2.25, N=923, p=0.034). Conclusion: The greater assertiveness and social confidence signified by lower agreeableness and higher extroversion may help older adults overcome potential barriers to the ED. Overly introverted and agreeable older adults may require special encouragement to access the ED—particularly for time-sensitive conditions—to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Microbial phytase improves amino acid utilization in young chicks fed diets based on soybean meal but not diets based on peanut meal

Studies were conducted to evaluate the ability of supplemental microbial phytase to improve performance of young chicks fed phytate-containing, amino acid-deficient diets. Diets based on corn and peanut meal or soybean meal (SBM) and dextrose were fed to young chicks housed in battery cages for 10- and 13-d experimental periods. Assays were designed to evaluate phytase supplementation of both amino acid-deficient and amino acid-adequate diets. Weight gain, feed intake, and gain:feed values of chicks increased (P < 0.05) when deficient amino acids were serially supplemented to either the corn-peanut meal or SBM-dextrose diets. Phytase supplementation (600 and 1,200 U/kg) to the corn-peanut meal diet resulted in no significant differences in weight gain, feed intake, or gain:feed values of chicks when the diet was either deficient or adequate in amino acids. However, phytase supplementation (1,200 U/kg) produced significant increases (P < 0.05) in gain:feed values, but not weight gain, of chicks when they were fed the amino acid-deficient, but not the amino acid-adequate, SBM-dextrose diet. This gain:feed response to phytase supplementation of the amino acid-deficient SBM-dextrose diet occurred in both crossbred (New Hampshire x Columbian) and commercial (Ross x Hubbard) chicks. A digestibility assay was also performed using cecectomized roosters fed dehulled SBM containing three levels of phytase (0, 600, and 1,200 U/kg). When averaged across nine essential amino acids and cystine, true amino acid digestibility (TAAD) values were increased by approximately 2% when 1,200 U/kg phytase was included with SBM and administered to cecectomized roosters. However, neither TAAD values nor TMEn were significantly improved by the phytase addition.
Active role of chondrocyte apoptosis in endochondral ossification

Endochondral ossification involves an ordered progression from cell division through hypertrophic differentiation to cell death. The apoptotic nature of chondrocyte death was first suggested by characteristic changes in morphology; and more recently by the pattern of DNA fragmentation and other characteristic features of apoptosis. In situ detection, although controversial, suggests that DNA fragmentation probably does not occur until late in hypertrophic differentiation. From observations of key features of apoptosis, including activation of the caspase cascade, changes in mitochondrial function, and expression of apoptosis inhibitors, the commitment of chondrocytes to apoptosis, appears to occur very early in hypertrophic differentiation. It is proposed that these changes produce effects that go far beyond the process of cell death and exert a focal influence on the endochondral ossification processes occurring in the microenvironment of the growth cartilage vascular interface. Endochondral ossification processes mediated by chondrocyte apoptosis may include intracellular calcium accumulation and release; matrix calcification; matrix resorption; maintenance of growth plate homeostasis; attraction of blood vessels and osteoblast precursors; and stimulation of bone formation.
PopTract: Population-Based Tractography

White matter fiber tractography plays a key role in the in vivo understanding of brain circuitry. For tract-based comparison of a population of images, a common approach is to first generate an atlas by averaging, after spatial normalization, all images in the population, and then perform tractography using the constructed atlas. The reconstructed fiber trajectories form a common geometry onto which diffusion properties of each individual subject can be projected based on the corresponding locations in the subject native space. However, in the case of high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI), where modeling fiber crossings is an important goal, the above-mentioned averaging method for generating an atlas results in significant error in the estimation of local fiber orientations and causes a major loss of fiber crossings. These limitatitons have significant impact on the accuracy of the reconstructed fiber trajectories and jeopardize subsequent tract-based analysis. As a remedy, we present in this paper a more effective means of performing tractography at a population level. Our method entails determining a bipolar Watson distribution at each voxel location based on information given by all images in the population, giving us not only the local principal orientations of the fiber pathways, but also confidence levels of how reliable these orientations are across subjects. The distribution field is then fed as an input to a probabilistic tractography framework for reconstructing a set of fiber trajectories that are consistent across all images in the population. We observe that the proposed method, called PopTract, results in significantly better preservation of fiber crossings, and hence yields better trajectory reconstruction in the atlas space.
A sequential circuit fault simulation by surrogate fault propagation

A novel technique for synchronous fault simulation of sequential circuits utilizing surrogate fault propagation and backward fault collection is introduced, and its implementation is evaluated. Fault effects which reconverge over time are simulated as exceptions. Evidence which shows SFSSE (synchronous fault simulation by surrogate with exceptions) to be superior to existing approaches is presented. As in deductive and concurrent simulation, execution time drops dramatically as the majority of faults are detected. SFSSE incorporates features of both deductive and parallel fault simulations while avoiding the drawbacks of each of these techniques. In contrast to deductive simulation, fault lists are processed only at primary outputs and memory elements. This is critical with respect to both execution time and storage requirements. >