cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound telemedicine system supporting compression of pre-scan-converted data

In this paper, we describe the implementation and performance of a system for compression of ultrasound sequences based on 2D and 3D subband coding of the pre-scan- converted data and scan conversion. The system is designed for encoding and decoding within ultrasound machines as well as decoding on an external computer. Performance of the encoding and decoding operations and the effect of compression on the quality of the ultrasound sequences are quantitatively evaluated.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fluoxetine Alters the Effects of Cocaine on Vigilance Task Performance of Rats

The potential modulating influence of fluoxetine (FLU) on the effects of cocaine (COC) on vigilance task performance was explored. Rats were trained in a discrete-trial task in which pressing one of two levers was reinforced by food, with the correct lever indicated by the position of a briefly illuminated light. Tests with FLU (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg) revealed no significant effects of FLU on mean choice accuracy, log choice reaction time, or number of omission trials; however, 10.0 mg/kg FLU did produce a small but reliable increase in mean log food retrieval latency. The effects of COC (1.25, 2.5 and 10.0 mg/kg) were then assessed following pretreatment with saline or FLU (2.5 and 10.0 mg/kg). COC increased mean choice accuracy, with maximal performance enhancement occurring with 2.5 mg/kg COC; mean log choice reaction time was decreased by all three doses of COC, although there was considerable within-subject variability at the 10.0 mg/kg dose of COC. Pretreatment with FLU reversed both of these performance-enhancing effects of COC in a dose-dependent fashion. Log food retrieval latency was not significantly affected by the lower doses of COC and was significantly increased by the 10.0 mg/kg dose of COC. FLU and COC appeared to interact in an additive fashion with this measure. The number of omission trials per session was significantly increased by 10.0 mg/kg COC--an effect that was not significantly altered by FLU pretreatment. These results support previous studies indicating that acute FLU exposure can reduce many of COC's properties that may contribute to COC's efficacy as a positive reinforcer.
Three-body correlations in the variational wave function of liquid 4 He

A product of two-body (${f}_{\mathrm{ij}}$) and three-body (${f}_{\mathrm{ijk}}$) correlation functions is used as a variational wave function for liquid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$. The ${f}_{\mathrm{ijk}}$ take into account the backflows produced by two particles recoiling from each other. The distribution functions, the energy, and its uncertainty are all calculated using the Lennard-Jones-deBoer-Michel potential, and diagrammatic hypernetted-chain summation methods. The calculated equilibrium energy of -6.72 (\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, is significantly lower than the -5.9\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K obtained with only a product of ${f}_{\mathrm{ij}}$, and agrees with the -6.84\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K estimated from a Monte Carlo integration of the many-body Schr\"odinger equation. The proposed wave function is simple enough to be useful in Fermi liquids.
An automated lung segmentation approach using bidirectional chain codes to improve nodule detection accuracy

Computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) has been widely investigated to improve radiologists? diagnostic accuracy in detecting and characterizing lung disease, as well as to assist with the processing of increasingly sizable volumes of imaging. Lung segmentation is a requisite preprocessing step for most CAD schemes. This paper proposes a parameter-free lung segmentation algorithm with the aim of improving lung nodule detection accuracy, focusing on juxtapleural nodules. A bidirectional chain coding method combined with a support vector machine (SVM) classifier is used to selectively smooth the lung border while minimizing the over-segmentation of adjacent regions. This automated method was tested on 233 computed tomography (CT) studies from the lung imaging database consortium (LIDC), representing 403 juxtapleural nodules. The approach obtained a 92.6% re-inclusion rate. Segmentation accuracy was further validated on 10 randomly selected CT series, finding a 0.3% average over-segmentation ratio and 2.4% under-segmentation rate when compared to manually segmented reference standards done by an expert. A novel lung segmentation algorithm is proposed, focusing on juxtapleural nodules.A bidirectional chain coding method is proposed to detect border inflection points.A support vector machine classifier is used to selectively smooth the lung border.The method is evaluated on 233 CT studies with 403 juxtapleural nodules.
Reductive elimination from arylpalladium cyanide complexes.

We report the isolation and characterization of arylpalladium cyanide complexes that undergo reductive elimination to form arylnitriles. The rates of reductive elimination from a series of arylpalladium cyanide complexes reveal that the electronic effects on the reductive elimination from arylpalladium cyanide complexes are distinct from those on reductive reductive eliminations from arylpalladium alkoxo, amido, thiolate, and enolate complexes. Arylpalladium cyanide complexes containing aryl ligands with electron-donating substituents undergo reductive elimination of aromatic nitriles faster than complexes containing aryl ligands with electron-withdrawing substituents. In addition, the transition state for the reductive elimination of the aromatic nitrile is much different from that for reductive eliminations that occur from most other arylpalladium complexes. Computational studies indicate that the reductive elimination of an arylnitrile from Pd(II) occurs through a transition state more closely related ...
An approach to assessment of endocrine disruption in the National Children's Study

In this article we consider the importance of assessing endocrine disruption in a large new cohort that has been proposed, the National Children's Study (NCS). We briefly review evidence that endocrine disruption is a potentially important hypothesis for human studies and weigh the need to assess endocrine disruption in the NCS. We note the salient features of earlier, similar cohort studies that serve as reference points for the design of the NCS. Finally, we discuss features of the NCS that would allow or enhance assessment of endocrine disruption, even if endocrine disruption were not a primary hypothesis motivating the study. At this time, the evidence supporting endocrine disruption in humans with background-level exposures is not strong. Thus, a compelling rationale for the NCS will probably need to be based on core hypotheses that focus on other issues. Nonetheless, if properly designed, the NCS could serve as an excellent resource for investigating future hypotheses regarding endocrine disruption.
Fatigue in an older population.

OBJECTIVES: Fatigue is a common symptom that has not been studied well in the older populations. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the epidemiology of fatigue symptoms in relation to demographic and medical characteristics of older patients in a long-term care setting. DESIGN: A cross-sectional interviewer-assisted survey. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: A total of 199 ambulatory older residents of a single residential care facility. MEASUREMENTS: Along with medical and demographic characteristics, the survey included mental status (Folstein), activities of daily living (Katz and Lawton), depression (Yesavage GDS), a 3-minute walk, a 7-item pain scale, and the modified Piper Fatigue Scale. RESULTS: One-hundred ninety-nine (65%) of 308 potential subjects completed the study (mean age 88 years, 82% female). Of these 199 subjects, 195 (98%) reported some fatigue symptoms (median duration 44 weeks). Significant (P < .0005) relationships were found between fatigue and GDS (r = 0.57), 3-minute walk (r = −0.29), Lawton IADLs (r = 0.31), pain (r = 0.36), and number of medications (r = 0.26). No significant relationships were found between fatigue and age, sex, Folstein score, or number of medical diagnoses. Multivariate regression analysis identified GDS, pain, number of medications and 3-minute walk as significant predictors of fatigue intensity (multiple R = 0.68, r2 = 0.46, P < .02). CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue is a symptom often found among older residents of a residential facility and has important implications for quality of life. Fatigue is poorly recognized and probably undertreated in older people. J Am Geriatr Soc 48: 426–430, 2000.
Mass isolation and culture of sea urchin micromeres.

A procedure is described for large-scale isolation of micromeres from 16-cell stage sea urchin embryos. One to two grams of >99% pure, viable micromeres (2.3 to 4.6 × 108 cells) are routinely isolated in a single preparation. In culture, these cells uniformly proceed through their normal development, in synchrony with micromeres in whole embryos, ultimately differentiating typical larval skeletal structures. The attributes of this procedure are: (a) the very early time of isolation of the cells, directly after the division that establishes the cell line; (b) the large yield of cells; (c) the purity of the preparation of cell; and (d) their synchronous development in culture through skeletogenesis. The procedure greatly aids in making sea urchin micromeres a favorable material for molecular analysis of development.
VICTORY IS NOT POSSIBLE: A REJOINDER TO THE STRATEGIC MYTHMAKERS

The current strategic planning for nuclear war is based on the assumptions that it is an effective way to deter the Soviet Union and that we can actually survive such a war. These are erroneous, for the Soviets are not likely to be any more deterred by our plans for nuclear war than they are by our current strategy. The illusion that “victory” is possible in a nuclear war overlooks the medical and other evidence about the extent of death, injury and disease that a nuclear war would bring. War should be conducted with a view of post-war benefit in mind, but a nuclear war would yield no benefits, regardless of the futile and even delirious efforts to make evacuation plans for major cities in the event of nuclear war.
Differential Effects of Apolipoprotein A-I–Mimetic Peptide on Evolving and Established Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Null Mice

Background— Apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and apoA-I–mimetic peptides showed promise to prevent atherosclerosis development. Using a bypassed vein graft model in apoE-null mice, we evaluated the effects of oral or intraperitoneal administration of an apoA-I–mimetic peptide on evolving atherosclerotic lesions in the vein graft and compared such effects on the established atherosclerotic lesions in aortic sinus in the same mice. Methods and Results— We used apoE-null mice in which a segment of inferior vena cava was grafted into the right carotid artery at 16 weeks of age. Native aortic atherosclerotic lesions (established atherosclerosis) and vein-graft atherosclerotic lesions (evolving atherosclerosis) were assessed 4 weeks after daily oral (0.3 mg/mL) or intraperitoneal (50 μg in 200 μL saline) administration of an apoA-I–mimetic peptide, D4F. Mice receiving saline or water without D4F served as controls. Both oral and intraperitoneal administration of D4F reduced vein-graft atherosclerotic (evolving lesions)...
Surgically induced astigmatism after photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis

Abstract Purpose: To compare the axis and magnitude of surgically induced astigmatism inphotorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Setting: Multicenter clinical trial. Methods: In this prospective, randomized trial, 220 eyes of 220 patients entered the study cohort; 105 randomized to PRK and 115 to LASIK. All patients received a single-pass, multizone excimer laser ablation as part of a PRK or LASIK procedure. Attempted corrections ranged from −6.00 to −15.00 diopters (D). The LASIK procedures were performed with nasal hinges. Absolute changes in astigmatism and axis and magnitude of surgically induced astigmatism were analyzed. Patients were followed for up to 6 months. Results: In the PRK group, the mean change in absolute astigmatism was +0.14,+0.16, and +0.32 D at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively; in the LASIK group, the mean change was −0.15, −0.08, and −0.03 D, respectively. At all time points, a greater proportion of PRK than LASIK eyes had an increase in absolute magnitude of astigmatism. In the PRK group, the axis of vectoral-induced astigmatism was significantly different from random at 3 and 6 months ( P = .01, P P = .04), and there was no preponderant direction of axis shift. Despite these findings, other analyses ,showed no statistically significant between-group differences in vectoral axis or magnitude of surgically induced astigmatism. Conclusions: Induced astigmatism was generally less and more random in axis in LASIK than in PRK; a general trend for induced with-the-rule astigmatism in PRK. was not seen in LASIK. Hypothetically, the lamellar corneal flap in LASIK may counteract the tendency toward steepening at 90 degrees seen in PRK by retracting toward the hinge, by masking underlying induced astigmatism in, the ablation zone, or by its mitigating influence on postoperative corneal healing.
The Wave Mechanics of an Atom with a Non-Coulomb Central Field. Part II. Some Results and Discussion

The methods of solution of the wave equation for a central field given in the previous paper are applied to various atoms. For the core electrons, the details of the interaction of the electrons in a single nk group are neglected, but an approximate correction is made for the fact that the distributed charge of an electron does not contribute to the field acting on itself (§2).For a given atom the object of the work is to find a field such that the solutions of the wave equation for the core electrons in this field (corrected as just mentioned for each core electron) give a distribution of charge which reproduces the field. This is called the self-consistent field, and the process of finding it is one of successive approximation (§ 3).Approximations to the self-consistent field have been found for He (§ 4), Rb+ (§ 5), Na+, Cl− (§ 9). For He the energy parameter for the solution of the wave equation for one electron in the self-consistent field of the nucleus and the other corresponds to an ionisation potential of 24·85 volts (observed 24·6 volts); this agreement suggests that for other atoms the values of the energy parameter in the self-consistent field (corrected for each core electron) will probably give good approximations to the X-ray terms (§4).The most extensive work has been carried out for Rb+. The distribution of charge given by the wave functions in the self-consistent field is compared with the distribution calculated by other methods (§ 6). The values of X-ray and optical terms calculated from the self-consistent field show satisfactory agreement with those observed (§ 7).The wave mechanical analogue of the case in which on the orbital model an internal and an external orbit of the same energy are possible is discussed (§ 8).
Force recovery and axonal regeneration of the sternomastoid muscle reinnervated with the end-to-end nerve anastomosis

Background End-to-end nerve anastomosis (EEA) is a commonly used nerve repair technique. However, this method generally results in poor functional recovery. This study was designed to determine the correlation of functional recovery to the extent of axonal reinnervation after EEA procedure in a rat model.
PROSTATE CANCER IN MEN USING TESTOSTERONE SUPPLEMENTATION

ABSTRACTPurpose: Although an association between testosterone supplementation and the development of prostate cancer is unproven, a recent increase in the use of this therapy has reopened the debate about its safety in men at risk for prostate cancer. To increase awareness of this risk, we report on a series of patients in whom clinically significant prostate cancer developed and was presumed to be related to exogenous testosterone use.Materials and Methods: The medical records of 6 urology practices were reviewed to identify men undergoing testosterone supplementation for sexual dysfunction or “rejuvenation ” who were found to have prostate cancer after initiation of exogenous testosterone supplementation. Cases were analyzed to determine clinical and pathological parameters characterizing the presentation of prostate cancer.Results: A total of 20 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer after initiation of testosterone therapy. Prostate cancer was detected within 2 years of testosterone initiation in 11 ...
Impact of Data Sampling on Stability of Feature Selection for Software Measurement Data

Software defect prediction can be considered a binary classification problem. Generally, practitioners utilize historical software data, including metric and fault data collected during the software development process, to build a classification model and then employ this model to predict new program modules as either fault-prone (fp) or not-fault-prone (nfp). Limited project resources can then be allocated according to the prediction results by (for example) assigning more reviews and testing to the modules predicted to be potentially defective. Two challenges often come with the modeling process: (1) high-dimensionality of software measurement data and (2) skewed or imbalanced distributions between the two types of modules (fp and nfp) in those datasets. To overcome these problems, extensive studies have been dedicated towards improving the quality of training data. The commonly used techniques are feature selection and data sampling. Usually, researchers focus on evaluating classification performance after the training data is modified. The present study assesses a feature selection technique from a different perspective. We are more interested in studying the stability of a feature selection method, especially in understanding the impact of data sampling techniques on the stability of feature selection when using the sampled data. Some interesting findings are found based on two case studies performed on datasets from two real-world software projects.
A prospective study of the association of cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolite levels with lethality of suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder.

Objectives: Bipolar disorder is a severe illness that is associated with suicidal behavior. A biological predictor of highly lethal suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder would be valuable. We hypothesized that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) monoamine metabolite levels are related to lethality of suicide attempts in bipolar patients and examined the relation between CSF 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels and maximum lethality of suicide attempts at baseline and during a 2-year follow up. Methods: Twenty-seven bipolar depressed patients participated in the study. Demographic and clinical parameters were examined and recorded. Lumbar punctures were performed and CSF 5-HIAA, HVA, and MHPG were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Following discharge, patients were evaluated after 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Each follow-up interview included an in-depth assessment of suicidal behavior during the intervening time period. Results: Six subjects made suicide attempts during the 2-year follow-up. Bipolar patients who attempted suicide during the follow-up period had higher aggression and hostility scale scores compared to bipolar subjects who did not make a suicide attempt during the follow-up period. CSF 5-HIAA, HVA, and MHPG levels were negatively correlated with the maximum lethality of suicide attempts during the 2-year follow-up period. Conclusions: Our finding is the first observation that CSF monoamine metabolite levels may be predictors of lethality of suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder. Further studies are necessary to answer the question whether CSF monoamine metabolite levels are clinically useful biochemical predictors of highly lethal suicide attempts or completed suicides.
Estrogen activates the high-density lipoprotein receptor gene via binding to estrogen response elements and interaction with sterol regulatory element binding protein-1A.

The effects of E2 on the high-density lipoprotein receptor (HDL-R) scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) gene were examined. Four putative estrogen response element half-site motifs (ERE1⁄2 )( 2176, 1726, 1622, and 1211, designated ERE1⁄2-1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively) were identified in the HDL-R SR-BI promoter. Transfection studies and mutation analysis demonstrated that E2 significantly increased HDL-R SR-BI promoter activity and that mutating ERE1⁄2-1, 2, and 4 resulted in a loss of E2 responsiveness. Both ER and ER formed specific complexes with ERE1⁄2-1, 2, and 4 but did not bind ERE1⁄2-3 in vitro. Interestingly, ERE1⁄2-3 was the motif shown not to be important for E2-activation of the HDL-R SR-BI promoter in the mutational analysis studies. The influence of SREBP-1a (sterol regulatory element binding protein-1a) on E2 regulation of the HDL-R SR-BI gene was also examined. SREBP-1a was able to bind directly to the ERE1⁄2 motifs and enhanced ER binding when both ER subtypes were present. ER and also bound to a sterol response element motif, but they did not enhance SREBP-1a binding. Cotransfection studies demonstrated that the presence of the three factors, ER, ER, and SREBP-1a, enhanced the overall luciferase activity produced from the HDL-R SR-BI promoter construct in the presence of only one of the factors. Interaction of SREBP-1a with both ERs was demonstrated using a mammalian twohybrid assay. The data confirmed that E2 through the ERs can positively regulate the HDL-R SR-BI through binding and activation of three ERE1⁄2 motifs and identified SREBP-1a as a potential coactivator of the E2-ER-dependent effects on the HDL-R SR-BI gene. (Endocrinology 143: 2155‐2168, 2002)
Activation of central muscarinic receptors inhibit Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase and ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport in synaptic membranes.

Abstract Preparations of lysed synaptosomes exhibit a high affinity Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase and ATP-dependent Ca2+ accumulation activity, with aKm forCa2+ ⋍ 0.5 μM, close to the cytosolic concentration of Ca2+. When these membrane suspensions were incubated with cholinergic agonists muscarine or oxotremorine (1–20 μM), both Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase and ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake were inhibited in a concentration-dependent fashion. Atropine alone (0.5–1.0 μM) had no effect on either enzyme or uptake activity, but significantly inhibited the actions of both muscarine and oxotremorine. No significant effects by cholinergic agonists or antagonists were seen on fast or slow phase voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels or Na+-Ca2+ exchange. These results suggest that activation of presynaptic muscarinic receptors produce inhibition of two processes required for the buffering of optimal free Ca2+ by the nerve terminal. Activation of presynaptic muscarinic receptors have been reported to reduce the release of ACh from nerve terminals. Alterations in intracellular free Ca2+ may contribute to a reduction in transmitter (ACh) release seen following activation of cholinergic receptors.
Disseminated Gonococcal Infections Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae with Unique Nutritional Requirements

Disseminated gonococcal infection occurs in 1%-3% of patients with gonorrhea in Seattle. Most strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae recovered from patients with disseminated gonococcal infection are susceptible to t0.015 ug of penicillin G/ml. Strains susceptible to <0.015 jtg/ml, whether isolated from patients with disseminated gonococcal infection or from those with uncomplicated infection, did not grow on chemically defined medium prepared with several lots of agar, whereas less susceptible isolates grew well. Use of methanol-extracted nontoxic agar permitted growth of the penicillin-susceptible strains and demonstrated that all of them required arginine, hypoxanthine, and uracil (Arg- Hyx- Ura-) for growth. These Arg- Hyx- Ura- strains accounted for 89% of the cases of disseminated gonococcal infection in Seattle, 38% of uncomplicated infections in Seattle, 18% of infections in Milwaukee, and none of 104 uncomplicated gonococcal infections acquired in the Philippines and Taiwan, where disseminated gonococcal infection is unusual. Regional variations in the prevalence of these Arg- Hyx- Ura- strains may correlate with regional variations in the incidence of disseminated gonococcal infection. The genetic, physiologic, and immunologic bases for concurrence of penicillin and agar susceptibility, Arg- Hyx- Ura- phenotype, and association with disseminated gonococcal infection remain undefined, as do host factors that determine whether or not disseminated gonococcal infection will result in patients infected by such strains.
Comparison of Virtual Reality Based Therapy With Customized Vestibular Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Vestibular Disorders

We examined outcomes in persons with vestibular disorders after receiving virtual reality based therapy (VRBT) or customized vestibular physical therapy (PT) as an intervention for habituation of dizziness symptoms. Twenty subjects with vestibular disorders received VRBT and 18 received PT. During the VRBT intervention, subjects walked on a treadmill within an immersive virtual grocery store environment, for six sessions approximately one week apart. The PT intervention consisted of gaze stabilization, standing balance and walking exercises individually tailored to each subject. Before, one week after, and at six months after the intervention, subjects completed self-report and balance performance measures. Before and after each VRBT session, subjects also reported symptoms of nausea, headache, dizziness, and visual blurring. In both groups, significant improvements were noted on the majority of self-report and performance measures one week after the intervention. Subjects maintained improvements on self report and performance measures at six months follow up. There were not between group differences. Nausea, headache, dizziness and visual blurring increased significantly during the VRBT sessions, but overall symptoms were reduced at the end of the six-week intervention. While this study did not find a difference in outcomes between PT and VRBT, the mechanism by which subjects with chronic dizziness demonstrated improvement in dizziness and balance function may be different.
Pre-arteriotomy guidewire access (PAGA): a crucial maneuver for securing inflow and/or outflow in patients with bulky iliofemoral occlusive disease undergoing combined (open/endovascular) procedures.

Abstract Purpose To present our technique of pre-arteriotomy guidewire access (PAGA). Summary Placement of a guidewire across inflow lesions before performing the arteriotomy during combined endovascular/open procedures while treating patients with complex iliofemoral occlusive disease is a crucial maneouvre. We routinely utilize this approach in patients in whom endarterectomy and/or patch angioplasty is planned as the central part of the revascularization procedure, or when we find an unsuspected severely diseased EIA in a patient undergoing leg revascularization.
A parabolic equation for penetrable rough surfaces: using the Foldy–Wouthuysen transformation to buffer density jumps

Abstract The goal of this effort is to design a parabolic equation (PE) that can be fully integrated into modern rough surface scattering theory. The Foldy–Wouthuysen transformation is used to design a PE that addresses this challenge. The paradigm employed is based on a non-relativistic theory of the quantum Lamb shift, in which a parabolic equation (the Schrodinger equation) was used to model a field near a rough surface (the world line of the hydrogen nucleus advected by vacuum fluctuations). With the acoustic field serving as the prototypical classical field, the PE derived using the Foldy–Wouthuysen transformation exploits higher-order boundary conditions to buffer density discontinuities in a manner precisely dictated by the formalism. This is significant because the techniques used in rough surface scattering theory ultimately rely on perturbation theory, conformal mappings, a local method of images, or some similar distortion of the range-independent problem. This type of distortion is not possible with techniques currently employed at a density jump, and so ad hoc rules have been used instead. The new PE allows interfaces where the density jumps (such as the ocean bottom) to be distorted into rough ones, and so it is fully compatible with rough surface scattering theory.
SEPP: Semantics-Based Management of Fast Data Streams

In the era of big data processing there is an emerging need for methodologies supporting the management of data-intensive application scenarios. Complex Event Processing is an integral part of many fast data application as an underlying technology for event correlation and pattern detection. Increased volume of event streams as well as the demand for more complex real-time analytics require for execution of processing pipelines among heterogeneous event processing engines. In this paper, we propose a semantic model for the management of fast data streams using the concept of Semantic Event Processing Pipelines (SEPP). We provide methodology, architecture and language for semantic discovery and binding of real-time processing services from arbitrary stream processing engines. Our approach aims to improve reusability of real-time processing services by providing high-level interfaces to stream processing implementations. By these means this work paves the way for an easier development and management of real-time big data applications.
Identification of a treatment-resistant, ketamine-sensitive genetic line in the chick anxiety-depression model.

Abstract The introduction of pharmacotherapies for treatment-resistant depression is hindered by translational challenges with existing preclinical screening models that fail to adequately model the clinical features of this syndrome. This research sought to screen antidepressants in two selected genetic lines previously identified as stress-vulnerable and -resilient in the chick anxiety-depression model. Separate groups of socially-raised 5–6 day-old Black Australorps (stress-vulnerable) and Production Reds (stress-resilient) were administered imipramine (0–20 mg/kg), fluoxetine (0–10 mg/kg), maprotiline (0–10 mg/kg) or ketamine 0–15 mg/kg) IP (1 ml/kg) and placed into isolation for 90 min. Distress vocalizations (DVoc) were recorded. Onset of behavioral despair and Dvoc rates during the depression-like phase (30–90 min) were calculated. Black Australorps entered behavioral despair approximately 25% faster than Productions Reds highlighting stress-vulnerability in this Black Australorp line. In the depression-like phase, Black Australorps were insensitive to imipramine and fluoxetine but sensitive to ketamine, a finding that parallels stress-vulnerable, treatment resistant depressive disorder. The chick anxiety-depression model using the Black Australorp line may prove useful in pre-clinical screening of novel antidepressant targets for use in treatment-resistant depression.
Triple therapy for adult Wilms tumor

Adult Wilms tumor is still considered a rarity. Approximately 170 adult Wilms tumors have been reported. The final diagnosis is usually established with surgery. There is no specific radiologic diagnosis of adult Wilms tumor. We report on a case of Wilms tumor in a twenty-two-year-old black man. The tumor was removed with radical nephrectomy and classified as Stage II. Radiation of the renal fossa (4,000 rad) and chemotherapy with actinomycin D and vincristine were administered after surgery. Six years after surgery the patient is disease free. A review of published cases of adult Wilms tumor is presented, and a plea is made for triple therapy.
LPA1-Induced Migration Requires Nonmuscle Myosin II Light Chain Phosphorylation in Breast Cancer Cells

The enhanced migration found in tumor cells is often caused by external stimuli and the sequential participation of cytoskeleton-related signaling molecules. However, until now, the molecular connection between the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor and nonmuscle myosin II (NM II) has not been analyzed in detail for LPA-induced migration. Here, we demonstrate that LPA induces migration by activating the LPA1 receptor which promotes phosphorylation of the 20 kDa NM II light chain through activation of Rho kinase (ROCK). We show that LPA-induced migration is insensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX) but does require the LPA1 receptor as determined by siRNA and receptor antagonists. LPA activates ROCK and also increases GTP-bound RhoA activity, concomitant with the enhanced membrane recruitment of RhoA. LPA-induced migration and invasion are attenuated by specific inhibitors including C3 cell-permeable transferase and Y-27632. We demonstrate that NM II plays an important role in LPA-induced migration and invasion by inhibiting its cellular function with blebbistatin and shRNA lentivirus directed against NM II-A or II-B. Inhibition or loss of either NM II-A or NM II-B in 4T1 cells results in a decrease in migration and invasion. Restoration of the expression of NM II-A or NM II-B also rescued LPA-induced migration. Taken together, these results suggest defined pathways for signaling through the LPA1 receptor to promote LPA-mediated NM II activation and subsequent cell migration in 4T1 breast cancer cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2881–2893, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Protein and Fiber Supplementation Effects on Extruded Cornmeal Snack Quality

Cornmeal snacks containing blends of soy protein isolate (SPI) with cotton linter cellulose (CEL) or soy cotyledon fiber (SF) were produced with a twin screw extruder. SPI increased expansion and reduced collet bulk density. Samples containing soy materials were darker than those containing 10% CEL or only cornmeal. CEL reduced expansion and increased residual moisture. The effects of SF were intermediate between those of SPI and CEL. Samples containing either type fiber had slight increases in nitrogen solubility and higher losses of available lysine after extrusion. A sensory evaluation panel found samples with 15% SPI and 10% either fiber were tan and soft, with a nutty or grain flavor.
Migration stability of α-tocopherol in irradiated UHMWPE

Abstract The oxidation resistance of irradiated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components used in total joint arthroplasty can be improved by adding α-tocopherol (vitamin E) through diffusion. To ensure long-term oxidative stability, a minimum α-tocopherol concentration needs to be maintained throughout these components. Migration of α-tocopherol out of the components is one mechanism that could compromise long-term oxidative stability. We hypothesized that α-tocopherol could elute out during standard implant fabrication steps such as cleaning as well as during in vivo use. We doped 85 kGy irradiated UHMWPE with α-tocopherol at 120 °C and homogenized at 120 °C. We determined the extent of elution of α-tocopherol or its effect on oxidative stability following cleaning in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and following 5 million cycles (MC) of simulated normal gait in bovine serum. There was no significant elution of α-tocopherol in repeated and prolonged cleaning in IPA as measured by average surface and bulk α-tocopherol concentrations. There was no change in the oxidative stability following 5 MC of hip simulator testing, indicating minimal elution during simulated normal gait.
Highly ordered thin films prepared with octabutoxy copper phthalocyanine complexes

Abstract Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of copper (II) 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octabutoxyphthalocyanine, nCuPc(OBu) 8 , (non-peripheral substitution) and copper (II) 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octabutoxyphthalocyanine, pCuPc(OBu) 8 , (peripheral substitution), were fabricated and characterized by optical spectroscopy and scanning probe microscopy. The LB films were transferred onto hydrophilic substrates by vertical dipping. Although they posses relatively short polar substituents both compounds form smooth, uniform, dense, and highly stable LB monolayers composed of linear arrays of cofacial oligomers. The long range discotic assemblies of LB and spun cast films of pCuPc(OBu) 8 and nCuPc(OBu) 8 posses physical and chemical properties favorable for molecular electronic device application.
Acousto-optically Q-switched, resonantly pumped, Er:YVO 4 laser

We report on the performance of an acousto-optically Q-switched Er:YVO4 laser resonantly pumped in the 4I15/2 → 4I13/2 transition. The laser output was π-polarized at 1603 nm. It operated with a 1-40 kHz pulse repetition rate (PRR) and delivered up to 1.15 W of average output power. A slope efficiency of 45% with respect to the absorbed pump power was demonstrated at the pulse repetition rates of 10 kHz and above. The best Q-switched operation with 470 μJ, 50 ns long pulses was achieved at the PRR of 1-2 kHz and pumping with a fiber-coupled laser diode. This Q-switched pulse energy is the highest reported for Er:YVO4 single crystal laser.
An organometallic sol–gel route to layered zinc phenylphosphonate and encapsulation studies with η6-(C6H6)Cr(CO)3

Abstract Phenylphosphonic acid reacts with diethylzinc in toluene/THF to give a white gel. The gel was dried in air at room temperature for 8 h to give the layered compound [ZnC6H5PO3]·H2O (1). This process represents a convenient non-aqueous organometallic sol–gel route to a layered metal phosphonate material. Zinc phenylphosphonate synthesized using the sol–gel method is identical to that prepared using the conventional aqueous precipitation technique as determined by IR spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction. η6-(C6H6)Cr(CO)3 can be incorporated into the gel during the condensation reaction.
New Aspects of the Preparation and Polymerization of Cl 3PNP(O)Cl 2

The DeJaeger synthesis of poly(dichlorophosphazene), (NPCl 2)n (1) from P-trichloro-N-(dichlorophosphoryl)monophosphazene, Cl 3P=NP(O)Cl 2 (2) represents an attractive alternative to the ring opening polymerization approach to 1. We have followed the Emsley reaction, i.e. PCl 5 and (NH4)2SO4, under a variety of conditions by 31P NMR spectroscopy. Alternative oxygen atom sources in place of (NH4)2SO4 were also explored. Model reactions to identify specific pathways potentially operating in the formation of 2 when combined with the NMR studies allow for identification of the most probable sequence of steps leading to 2. Conversion of 2 to 1 under different conditions was also examined. Molecular weight was monitored as a function of time by GPC with online direct detection of the diphenoxy derivative, [NP(OC6H5)2]n, of 1. The byproduct of the polymerization of 2 is POCl 3. After conversion of 2 to (RO)3PO, a one step process has been developed for conversion into (RO)3P=NSiMe3, another class of poly(phospha...
Changes in Quality of Life After Liver Transplantation Among Adults

Quality of life is an important factor to consider when assessing the value of liver transplantation. Using a large, prospective database of liver transplantation recipients from three clinical centers in the United States, we examined the quality of life of 346 adults before and 1 year after surgery. Five quality of life domains were evaluated (measures of disease, psychological distress and well-being, personal function, social/role function, and general health perception) with standardized questionnaires completed according to established protocol. The largest numbers of patients were distressed by fatigue and muscle weakness, both before transplantation and 1 year after surgery. Compared to baseline, recipients at follow-up noted fewer disease-related symptoms (P < .001) and lower levels of distress overall (P < .001). However, levels of distress due to excess appetite (P < .001), headaches (P = .02), and poor/blurred vision (P = .05) were more likely to increase than decrease. Although 57% to 64% of the recipients were distressed by each of the psychological conditions examined at follow-up, distress was more likely to decrease than increase (P < .001), and well-being was comparable to the general population. All measures of personal functioning improved significantly (P < .05). Fifty-eight percent of the patients prevented by their disease from going to work or school before transplantation were no longer so limited at follow-up. With the exception of marriage (P = .23), all facets of social/role functioning improved more often than worsened (P < .01). Perception of health improved remarkably, with 13.4 times as many recipients reporting improved health as reporting worse health (P < .001). We conclude that liver transplantation markedly improves the quality of life of patients with end-stage liver disease.
Simulation of kinetic effects in reactive distillation

Abstract This paper describes a simulation and modeling methodology for kinetically controlled, stage-wise reactive distillation columns, taking into account equimolar or non-equimolar reactions, side-reactions, effects of heat of reaction, non-constant latent heat effects, a distribution of liquid holdups on the reactive stages and hybrid sections in a column. A Damkohler number, which is the ratio of a characteristic liquid residence time to a characteristic reaction time, is introduced into the mathematical model. By changing the Damkohler number, the transition behavior from the nonreactive to the equilibrium reactive limits can be described. Combining the model type and the holdup distribution type on the reactive stages, four simulation strategies are studied: (1) non-heat effects model and constant molar holdup; (2) non-heat effects model and non-constant molar holdup; (3) heat effects model and constant molar holdup; (4) heat effects model and non-constant molar holdup. These strategies can be used to handle very diverse reactive distillation systems. The modeling tool capabilities are demonstrated with case studies for the metathesis of 2-pentene, MTBE synthesis and the hydration of ethylene oxide to ethylene glycol. For MTBE synthesis, the output multiplicities present at chemical reaction equilibrium disappear at lower extents of reaction (i.e. at lower residence times or Damkohler numbers).
Polyethylene glycol 3350 for constipation in children with dysfunctional elimination.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Children with daytime wetting often have constipation, and treatment of constipation helps children become dry. Polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax, Braintree Laboratories, Braintree, Massachusetts) is a nonaddictive, tasteless powder that can be mixed with any liquid for treatment of constipation.Materials and Methods: We review our use of polyethylene glycol 3350 in 35 girls and 11 boys with dysfunctional elimination. Noninvasive urodynamic studies and post-void residual measurement were performed before and during treatment.Results: A significant increase in frequency of bowel movements occurred while taking polyethylene glycol 3350 (p = 0.0001). Average final dose was 0.63 gm/kg. The only reported adverse effect was diarrhea (9 patients). Of the children 18 became dry, 26 had decreased wetting and 2 had no improvement. Voided volume increased (146 vs 210 ml, p <0.0001) and post-void residual decreased significantly (92 vs 48 ml, p <0.0001) while on polyethylene glycol 3350. Ten children...
Cost‐Effectiveness of a Low‐Carbohydrate Diet and a Standard Diet in Severe Obesity

Objective: Low-carbohydrate diets have become a popular alternative to standard diets for weight loss. Our aim was to compare the cost-effectiveness of these two diets. Research Methods and Procedures: The patient population included 129 severely obese subjects (BMI = 42.9) from a randomized trial; participants had a high prevalence of diabetes or metabolic syndrome. We compared within-trial costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) for the two study groups. We imputed missing values for QALYs. The CER was bootstrapped to derive 95% confidence intervals and to define acceptability cut-offs. We took a societal perspective for our analysis. Results: Total costs during the one year of the trial were $6742 ± 6675 and $6249 ± 5100 for the low-carbohydrate and standard groups, respectively (p = 0.78). Participants experienced 0.64 ± 0.02 and 0.61 ± 0.02 QALYs during the one year of the study, respectively (p = 0.17 for difference). The point estimate of the incremental CER was $−1225/QALY (i.e., the low-carbohydrate diet dominated the standard diet). However, in the bootstrap analysis, the wide spread of CERs caused the 95% confidence interval to be undefined. The probabilities that the low-carbohydrate diet was acceptable, using cut-offs of $50, 000/QALY, $100, 000/QALY, and $150, 000/QALY, were 72.4% 78.6%, and 79.8%, respectively. Discussion: The low-carbohydrate diet was not more cost-effective for weight loss than the standard diet in the patient population studied. Larger studies are needed to better assess the cost-effectiveness of dietary therapies for weight loss.
POLITICAL RISKS IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

This article analyses agricultural and food policies in the Middle East. The author finds that they are inescapably political. He attributes them primarily to governmental decisional styles that are impatient with incremental solutions yet wedded to minimal risk strategies.
Jonathan Edwards and H. Richard Niebuhr

Martin E. Marty, in his foreword to a volume on the thought of the late H. Richard Niebuhr, offered the comment, ‘I wonder whether since Jonathan Edwards there has been a systematic theologian of such organizing brilliance as H. Richard Niebuhr.’1 Marty's judgement that Niebuhr shares with Edwards a significant position in the American theological tradition is particularly suggestive when one is aware of Niebuhr's indebtedness to Edwards in his own constructive theological programme. One of the most precarious exercises in the writing of intellectual history is that of demonstrating the ‘influence’ of one thinker upon another. Unless there is an explicit citation or a confession of dependence upon the thought of a mentor in the writings of a theologian, the lines of influence are elusive and difficult to establish. It is therefore more prudent and manageable to speak of ‘similarities’ of thought or the ‘possibility’ of influence. Nevertheless the author of this study is convinced of the importance of Edwardsean influence on Niebuhr.
A segment-to-segment mortar contact method for quadratic elements and large deformations

Abstract This paper describes a new extension of mortar based, segment-to-segment algorithms for large deformation contact analysis, permitting their use when quadratic interpolations are used in the underlying finite element method. The work builds upon results previously described by Puso and Laursen [M.A. Puso, T.A. Laursen, A mortar segment-to-segment contact method for large deformation solid mechanics, Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg. 193 (2004) 601–629; M.A. Puso, T.A. Laursen, A mortar segment-to-segment frictional contact method for large deformations, Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg. 193 (2004) 601–629], where methods were developed for quasistatic and implicit dynamic analysis in the context of linear element interpolations. Here, we see that many algorithmic ideas from the linear case can be adopted for use with quadratic elements along with different alternative interpolations of the mortar (contact) multipliers. The result is a class of methods appropriate for use for either mesh tying, true large sliding simulation (frictionless or frictional) and readily admits mixing of element types. Several numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.