cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Explicating how parent-child communication increases Latino and European American early adolescents' intentions to intervene in a friend's substance Use.

This study used primary socialization theory and a focus theory of normative conduct to examine whether anti-substance-use norms mediated targeted parent–child communication against substance (alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana) use’s effects on Latino and European American early adolescents’ intentions to intervene in a friend’s substance use. Further, this study investigated whether familism interacted with targeted parent–child communication to predict anti-substance-use norms, and whether this mediated moderation model functioned differently for Latino and European American early adolescents. Self-reported longitudinal survey data were collected from 6th-8th grade students (N = 627), attending rural IL public schools. Multigroup mediated moderation analyses revealed that as Latino and European American early adolescents engaged in targeted mother–child communication against substance use, they were more likely to develop anti-substance-use parent injunctive norms, and in turn, more likely to report anti-substance-use personal norms. Thus, they were more likely to report that if their friend used substances, they would talk to their friend, seek help from others, and end the friendship. They were, however, less likely to ignore the friend’s substance use. Familism was not a significant moderator, and the hypothesized effects did not differ for Latino and European American early adolescents. The results suggest that parents of Latino and European American adolescents may discourage substance use by engaging in targeted parent–child communication, which may indirectly benefit their children’s friends, as well.
Effect of coal liquefaction conditions on the trace element content of the soluble non-volatile product

Abstract Analysis of 18 trace elements via inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry has been performed on ‘in-house’ coal-derived non-volatile products. Analyses were conducted in a pyridine matrix to determine the effect of various conversion parameters on metal content. Four subbituminous coals (Wyodak 1–4) and one bituminous coal (Indiana V) were employed in conjunction with both non-basic (tetralin) and basic (1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline) model process solvents. Trace metal data on solvent-refined coals as a function of feed coal, process solvent, reaction time, reaction temperature and extraction solvent are reported. Few trends in metal concentration are apparent on changing various liquefaction parameters. Metal concentrations are, however, approximately one to two orders of magnitude higher in pyridine soluble SRC relative to toluene soluble SRC. The majority of soluble metals, it is therefore suggested, are in the form of coordination complexes rather than true organometallics in SRC. Information regarding the effective molecular size of metal-containing species has been obtained via size exclusion chromatography with specific metal detection. Subtle changes are observed in the effective molecular size of metal-containing materials using different liquefaction parameters. For example, a greater fraction of each metal appears to be bonded to larger ‘sized’ molecules in pyridine soluble fractions than in toluene soluble fractions.
Exercise in the Elderly: Research and Clinical Practice

Exercise programs for elderly patients have received much attention recently for their potential role in preventing illness and injury, limiting functional loss and disability, and alleviating the course and symptoms of existing cardiac, pulmonary, and metabolic disorders. The basic components of an exercise training program include strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. This article reviews the main attributes of each, along with some of the most recent research defining their roles in health care. Where available, it discusses specific recommendations for prescribing exercise modalities. Finally, it presents suggestions for developing integrated exercise programs and enhancing patient compliance.
Host-parasite relationships of some Thelohania from mosquitoes (Nosematidae: Microsporidia)

Abstract Parasites of the genus Thelohania were studied in 16 species of mosquitoes in California and four basic types of host-parasite relationships have been observed: Type I. Sporogony takes place in males but not in females. Males die but females survive to transmit parasites transovarially. Infections are limited to oenocytes. This type of relationship has been observed in Culex tarsalis Coquillett and probably also occurs in C. erythrothorax Dyar, Aedes squamiger (Coquillett), A. cataphylla Dyar, A. hexodontus Dyar, A. ventrovittus Dyar, and A. increpitus Dyar. Type II. Sporogony takes place in both sexes but most individuals (75–85 percent) with progressive infections are males. Oenocytes and adipose tissue are invaded. This type has been observed in Aedes melanimon Dyar and Culex apicalis Adams. Type III. Sporogony occurs in both sexes and infections are usually fatal; some females may survive to transmit parasites transovarially. Adipose tissue is infected and oenocytes may also be invaded. This type has been observed in C. thriambus Dyar, A. dorsalis (Meigen), Culiseta incidens (Thomson), C. inornata (Williston), and C. particeps (Adams). Type IV. Sporogony occurs in both sexes, but areas of invasion are usually limited and do not interfere with larval development or adult survival. Infection is limited to adipose tissue. This type was observed only in C. apicalis infected with Thelohania benigna Kellen and Wills.
The periodic health examination provided to asymptomatic older women : an assessment using standardized patients

Objectives: To describe physical examination and cancer prevention services provided by primary care physicians in response to the request for a checkup by an asymptomatic 55-year-old woman seeking...
Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I in Normally and Abnormally Developing Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)*

Changes in levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) messenger RNA (mRNA) in tissues of normally and abnormally growing (stunted) juvenile coho salmon in seawater were studied. Profiles of hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels were compared with changes in growth and plasma concentrations of GH and insulin. In normally growing fish, IGF-I mRNA levels, as measured by solution hybridization-RNase protection assay, showed that hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels of yearling salmon were highest in May and June. Increased hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels followed increases in both plasma GH and insulin. Levels of hepatic IGF-I mRNA decreased in July, after a sharp decline in plasma GH in June, and remained low until the following spring. The growth rate for normal fish also decreased during fall and winter. After increases in plasma GH and insulin, which peaked in late February, hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels increased rapidly and reached a second peak in April. Increases in plasma GH and hepatic IGF-I mRNA observed in the second year were smaller and occurred earlier than in the first spring in seawater. Growth retardation (stunting) resulted from the premature transfer of cultured fish to seawater. Compared with normally growing fish, these stunted salmon had significantly higher levels of plasma GH but lower levels of plasma insulin. Hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels in stunted salmon were significantly lower, despite elevated plasma GH levels. These results indicate that hepatic levels of IGF-I mRNA in juvenile coho salmon increase in springtime, after an increase in plasma GH and insulin. These seasonal increases in GH and IGF-I precede the rapid growth period coinciding with the springtime increases in temperature and photoperiod and may therefore be associated with these environmental cues. The elevated plasma GH and reduced hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels observed in growth-retarded salmon suggested that stunted salmon may be GH resistant. Hepatic GH resistance and diminished IGF-I production may be the central endocrine defects leading to growth retardation in stunted salmon.
Interactive use of cerebral angiography and magnetoencephalography in arteriovenous malformations: Technical note

Objective To minimize the risks associated with treating cortical cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), we developed a technique combining functional imaging and cerebral angiography. The functional loci obtained by performing magnetoencephalography (MEG) are projected onto stereoscopic pairs of a stereotactically derived digital subtraction angiogram. The result is a simultaneous three-dimensional perspective of the angioarchitecture of an AVM and its relationship to the sensorimotor cortex. Methods Eight patients underwent multimodality brain imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging, functional mapping via MEG, and stereotactic angiography using a modified Compass fiducial system (Compass International, Rochester, MN). The coordinates derived by performing MEG were superimposed onto stereotactic, stereoscopic, angiographic pairs using custom-made distortion correction and coordinate transfer software. Results The magnetoencephalographic angiogram allowed simultaneous viewing of the angioarchitecture of the AVM nidus, the feeding vessels, and the draining veins and their relationship to the normal cerebral vasculature and functional cortex. This imaging technique was particularly valuable in identifying en passant vessels that supplied functional cortex and was used during the treatment of these lesions. Conclusion The techniques of MEG and cerebral angiography were combined to provide simultaneous viewing of both modalities in a three-dimensional perspective. This technique can aid in risk stratification in the management of patients with cerebral AVMs. In addition, this technique can facilitate the selective targeting of vessels, thus potentially reducing the risks associated with embolization of these formidable lesions.
Policy Entrepreneurs, Policy Opportunists, and Legislative Effectiveness:

Although there is a growing literature on policy entrepreneurs and policy enactment, there has been little systematic examination of legislative policy entrepreneurs and the effect of policy entrepreneurship on a legislator's standing. This article identifies policy entrepreneurs in each of three sessions of the North Carolina General Assembly and examines the effect of policy entrepreneurship on legislators' effectiveness as perceived by peers and close observers. It also defines and identifies a second category —policy opportunists — legislators who have not exhibited expertise and persistence necessary for policy entrepreneurship but who are associated with salient issues whose "policy window" has opened. Both policy entrepreneurs and policy opportunists benefit from increases in their standing, but policy entrepreneurs benefit more than their opportunistic peers. The importance of the issue cycle is illustrated in the changing cast of legislative policy entrepreneurs and policy opportunists over the t...
Molecular phenotyping of immune cells from young NOD mice reveals abnormal metabolic pathways in the early induction phase of autoimmune diabetes.

Islet leukocytic infiltration (insulitis) is first obvious at around 4 weeks of age in the NOD mouse – a model for human type 1 diabetes (T1D). The molecular events that lead to insulitis and initiate autoimmune diabetes are poorly understood. Since TID is caused by numerous genes, we hypothesized that multiple molecular pathways are altered and interact to initiate this disease. We evaluated the molecular phenotype (mRNA and protein expression) and molecular networks of ex vivo unfractionated spleen leukocytes from 2 and 4 week-old NOD mice in comparison to two control strains. Analysis of the global gene expression profiles and hierarchical clustering revealed that the majority (∼90%) of the differentially expressed genes in NOD mice were repressed. Furthermore, analysis using a modern suite of multiple bioinformatics approaches identified abnormal molecular pathways that can be divided broadly into 2 categories: metabolic pathways, which were predominant at 2 weeks, and immune response pathways, which were predominant at 4 weeks. Network analysis by Ingenuity pathway analysis identified key genes/molecules that may play a role in regulating these pathways. These included five that were common to both ages (TNF, HNF4A, IL15, Progesterone, and YWHAZ), and others that were unique to 2 weeks (e.g. MYC/MYCN, TGFB1, and IL2) and to 4 weeks (e.g. IFNG, beta-estradiol, p53, NFKB, AKT, PRKCA, IL12, and HLA-C). Based on the literature, genes that may play a role in regulating metabolic pathways at 2 weeks include Myc and HNF4A, and at 4 weeks, beta-estradiol, p53, Akt, HNF4A and AR. Our data suggest that abnormalities in regulation of metabolic pathways in the immune cells of young NOD mice lead to abnormalities in the immune response pathways and as such may play a role in the initiation of autoimmune diabetes. Thus, targeting metabolism may provide novel approaches to preventing and/or treating autoimmune diabetes.
The importance of national culture in operations management research

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to test the validity of national culture as an explanatory construct for international operations management decision‐making.Design/methodology/approach – National culture is multi‐dimensional thereby allowing for much finer grained comparisons than are possible when examining differences based purely on geography or the level of industrialization. This proposition is examined from the theoretical standpoint then empirically investigated using an existing database.Findings – This article finds that national culture significantly explains international operations management behaviors among similar manufacturing plants in the same industry located in different cultures.Originality/value – This study represents a first attempt at using national culture to explain differences of operations decision‐making.
Strichartz estimates and local smoothing estimates for asymptotically flat Schrödinger equations

Abstract In this article we study global-in-time Strichartz estimates for the Schrodinger evolution corresponding to long-range perturbations of the Euclidean Laplacian. This is a natural continuation of a recent article [D. Tataru, Parametrices and dispersive estimates for Schrodinger operators with variable coefficients, Amer. J. Math. 130 (2008) 571–634] of the third author, where it is proved that local smoothing estimates imply Strichartz estimates. By [D. Tataru, Parametrices and dispersive estimates for Schrodinger operators with variable coefficients, Amer. J. Math. 130 (2008) 571–634] the local smoothing estimates are known to hold for small perturbations of the Laplacian. Here we consider the case of large perturbations in three increasingly favorable scenarios: (i) without non-trapping assumptions we prove estimates outside a compact set modulo a lower order spatially localized error term, (ii) with non-trapping assumptions we prove global estimates modulo a lower order spatially localized error term, and (iii) for time independent operators with no resonance or eigenvalue at the bottom of the spectrum we prove global estimates for the projection onto the continuous spectrum.
Efficient synthesis of 2-aminoindane-2-carboxylic acid via dialkylation of nucleophilic glycine equivalent.

An efficient, easy to scale-up method for preparing 2-aminoindane-2-carboxylic acid via two-step alkylation of a Ni(II)-complex of glycine Schiff base with 2-[N-(α-picolyl)amino]benzophenone (PAAP) (2b) with o-dibromoxylylene (3) is reported. The first step, monoalkylation of 2b with 3, conducted under phase-transfer conditions, gave the corresponding complex 6 in excellent chemical yield (97.2%). Without any purification the intermediate 6 was cyclized under homogeneous conditions (DMF, NaO-t-Bu) to give the product 7 in high chemical yield (93.1%). Decomposition of prepared 7 afforded the target amino acid 2-aminoindane-2-carboxylic acid (1) in 97.9% yield, along with recovery of ligand 8, which was converted back to the starting glycine complex 2b. Operationally convenient experimental procedures, mild reaction conditions, as well as high chemical and volume yields render the method practical for preparing amino acid 1 and its analogues.
Occurence of free CuO in YBa2Cu3O6+δ and its effect on melting and solidification

Abstract An endothermic reaction is frequently observed in samples of YBa2Cu3O6+δ (123) at temperatures of about 940°C in air or 965°C in O2. The origin of this endotherm was examined by differential thermal analysis, microstructural analysis, and by a critical review of the pertinent literature. It is concluded that this endothermic reaction is caused by the presence of free CuO in 123 samples. Potential sources of free CuO in 123 are considered, and the effect of free CuO on the melting and solidification of 123 is discussed.
Multi-Target Detection using Total Correlation for Noise Radar Systems

Target detection is one of the important functions of radar systems. In this paper, we present a detection method using total correlation (TC) based on information theory for noise radar systems which enables the detection of multiple targets at intermediate and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regimes. The proposed method utilizes the largest eigenvalue of the sample covariance matrix to extract information from the transmitted signal replica, and outperforms the conventional TC detector when reflected signals have intermediate or low SNR values. Additionally, in order to avoid ambiguous target occurrence, we propose an adaptive threshold to guarantee the detection performance with the same receiving antenna elements for a given false alarm probability. The threshold is computed from the largest and smallest eigenvalue distributions based on random matrix theory. Simulations show that the proposed detection method can be used for a wide range of SNR environments, and the threshold provides definitive target detection.
Specific method for the determination of ozone in the atmosphere.

Abstract A simple, sensitive and specific method for the determination of ozone in the atmosphere is described. Reactions of ozone with several 1-alkenes were studied at room temperature (25°). Eugenol(4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol), when reacted with ozone, was found to produce relatively large amounts of formaldehyde compared to other 1-alkenes tested. The method described was compared with alkaline iodide method for the determination of various concentrations of ozone in the range 0.05–2.0 p.p.m. Hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, sulfur dioxide and various reducing agents commonly present in the air, do not interfere. Formaldehyde when present in the air, must be determined simultaneously and the concentration of formaldehyde subtracted from that of the ozone. Any formaldehyde monitoring equipment can be easily adapted for the determination of ozone.
Modeling of microfracture-induced wear and wear transition in sliding of polycrystalline alumina ceramics

Abstract An equation has been proposed to describe sliding wear caused by microfracture in polycrystalline alumina ceramics. The wear equation has been simplified, and grain size dependence for dry sliding wear data by Wu et al. has been shown to agree with this equation. For lubricated sliding in a ball-on-flat configuration, modification of the equation is necessary. A concept of equivalent “real” contact area for lubricated contacts is introduced to account for the different stresses at the interface as the contact conditions change before and after a wear transition. Microfracture occurs when superimposed stress exceeds a critical threshold. The decrease in surface conformity due to surface roughening and trapping of pulled-out grains can significantly increase the magnitude of the contact stresses, which leads to high wear rates. We incorporate the contact geometry effects into the microfracture wear equation. This new wear equation provides a self-consistent data fitting of load dependent wear transition in lubricated sliding of alumina observed by Cho et al. The implications of this model are discussed.
Alteration in the cavity size adjacent to the active site of RB69 DNA polymerase changes its conformational dynamics

Internal cavities are a common feature of many proteins, often having profound effects on the dynamics of their interactions with substrate and binding partners. RB69 DNA polymerase (pol) has a hydrophobic cavity right below the nucleotide binding pocket at the tip of highly conserved L415 side chain. Replacement of this residue with Gly or Met in other B family pols resulted in higher mutation rates. When similar substitutions for L415 were introduced into RB69pol, only L415A and L415G had dramatic effects on pre-steady-state kinetic parameters, reducing base selectivity by several hundred fold. On the other hand, the L415M variant behaved like the wild-type. Using a novel tCo-tCnitro Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assay, we were able to show that the partition of the primer terminus between pol and exonuclease (exo) domains was compromised with the L415A and L415G mutants, but not with the L415M variant. These results could be rationalized by changes in their structures as determined by high resolution X-ray crystallography.
Effect of varying differentiator frequency response on recorded peak dP/dt.

Dogs were used to study the effects of varying the differentiator cutoff frequency on the recorded peak first derivative of left ventricular pressure with respect to time (dP/dt), using high-precision solid-state pressure transducers and recording equipment. In canine hearts with a basic periodicity of 1 to 3 Hz, the differentiator frequency response required to record an accurate peak dP/dt is found to be influenced by the value of peak dP/dt. At peak dP/dt ranging from 1500 to 9000 mm Hg/sec (200 and 1200 kPa/sec), a differentiator cutoff frequency of at least 90 Hz was required to record accurately peak dP/dt.
On groups that are isomorphic to a proper subgroup

(1999). On Groups That are Isomorphic to a Proper Subgroup. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 72, No. 5, pp. 388-391.
Efficacy of MRI in classifying proximal focal femoral deficiency

To evaluate the efficacy of MRI in classifying PFFD and to compare MRI to radiographic classification of PFFD. Radiographic and MRI classification of the cases was performed utilizing the Amstutz classification system. Retrospective evaluation of radiographs and MRI exams in nine hips of eight patients with proximal focal femoral deficiency was performed by two radiologists. The cases were classified by radiographs as Amstutz 1: n=3, Amstutz 3: n=3, Amstutz 4: n=1 and Amstutz 5: n=2. The classifications based on MRI were Amstutz 1: n=6, Amstutz 2: n=1, Amstutz 3: n=0, Amstutz 4: n=2 and Amstutz 5: n=0. Three hips demonstrated complete agreement. There were six discordant hips. In two of the discordant cases, follow-up radiographs of 6 months or greater intervals were available and helped to confirm MRI findings. Errors in radiographic evaluation consisted of overestimating the degree of deficiency. MRI is more accurate than radiographic evaluation for the classification of PFFD, particularly early on, prior to the ossification of cartilaginous components in the femurs. Since radiographic evaluation tends to overestimate the degree of deficiency, MRI is a more definitive modality for evaluation of PFFD.
Building 1x NIL templates: challenges and requirements

Recent interest and inclusion to the ITRS roadmap for the investigation of NIL (Nano Imprint Lithography) has brought back to life 1X mask making. Not only does NIL require 1X pattering, it also requires physical contact with the patterning media, which, for obvious reasons, raises defectivity concerns. NIL is capable of reproducing features in the 50-10nm range, and possibly below, creating extensive manufacturing challenges for NIL tooling. KLA-Tencor has partnered with Molecular Imprints Inc. of Austin, Texas to study the eventual implementation and commercialization of NIL, especially as it pertains to the IC segment of the market. Photronics Labs Inc. is also involved in the NIL effort by developing and understanding the issues required for successfully producing commercially available tooling for this new lithography technique. Much of this work supported by NIST project #00-00-5853.
Micro-mechanical switch array for meso-scale actuation

Abstract Traditional micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) actuators have limited stroke and force characteristics. This paper describes the development of a hybrid actuation solution, which utilizes a micro-machined actuator array to provide switching of the mechanical motion of a larger meso-scale piezo-electric actuator. One motivating application of this technology is the development of a tactile display, where discrete mechanical actuators apply vibratory excitation at discrete locations on the skin. Specifically, this paper describes the development, fabrication, and characterization of a 4 × 5 micro-actuator array of individual vibrating pixels for fingertip tactile communication. The individual pixels are turned on and off by pairs of microscopic thermal actuators, while the main vibration is generated by a vibrating piezo-electric plate. The fabrication sequence and actuation performance of the array are also presented.
Choice, changeover, and travel.

Since foraging in nature can be viewed as instrumental behavior, choice between sources of food, known as “patches,” can be viewed as choice between instrumental response alternatives. Whereas the travel required to change alternatives deters changeover in nature, the changeover delay (COD) usually deters changeover in the laboratory. In this experiment, pigeons were exposed to laboratory choice situations, concurrent variable-interval schedules, that were standard except for the introduction of a travel requirement for changeover. As the travel requirement increased, rate of changeover decreased and preference for a favored alternative strengthened. When the travel requirement was small, the relations between choice and relative reinforcement revealed the usual tendencies toward matching and undermatching. When the travel requirement was large, strong overmatching occurred. These results, together with those from experiments in which changeover was deterred by punishment or a fixed-ratio requirement, deviate from the matching law, even when a correction is made for cost of changeover. If one accepted an argument that the COD is analogous to travel, the results suggest that the norm in choice relations would be overmatching. This overmatching, however, might only be the sign of an underlying strategy approximating optimization.
Persistence times of populations with large random fluctuations.

Abstract The growth of populations which undergo large random fluctuations can be modelled with stochastic differential equations involving Poisson processes. The problem of determining the persistence time is that of finding the time of first passage to some small critical population size. We consider in detail a simple model of logistic growth with additive Poisson disasters of fixed magnitude. The expectation and variability of the persistence time are obtained as solutions of singular differential-difference equations. The dependence of the persistence time of a colonizing species on the parameters of the model is discussed. The model may also be viewed as random harvesting with fixed quotas and a comparison is made between the mean extinction time and those for deterministic models.
Banditry and the Subversion of State Authority in China: The Capital Region During the Middle Ming Period (1450-1525)

Highway banditry in Ming China's Capital Region during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries owed much to the strong state presence radiating outward from Beijing. The essay opens with a survey of general patterns of banditry in the Capital Region. It then analyzes the social, political, economic, military, ethnic, and geographic features that contributed the region's distinctive forms of violence. It concludes with a preliminary comparison of Capital Region banditry and coastal piracy.
Rectification and recognition of text in 3-D scenes

Real-world text on street signs, nameplates, etc. often lies in an oblique plane and hence cannot be recognized by traditional OCR systems due to perspective distortion. Furthermore, such text often comprises only one or two lines, preventing the use of existing perspective rectification methods that were primarily designed for images of document pages. We propose an approach that reliably rectifies and subsequently recognizes individual lines of text. Our system, which includes novel algorithms for extraction of text from real-world scenery, perspective rectification, and binarization, has been rigorously tested on still imagery as well as on MPEG-2 video clips in real time.
Process control of a laboratory combustor using artificial neural networks

Abstract Active process control of nitric oxide (NO) emissions from a two-stage combustor burning ethylene (doped with ammonia) in air is demonstrated using two clusters of feed-forward multi-layer-perceptron neural networks. Steady-state experimental data are used for static back-propagation network training. The first cluster consists of two neural networks. The first network identifies the amount of ammonia in the feed. Based on that value and the NO set point, the second network adjusts the first-stage fuel equivalence ratio φ 1 . The second cluster also consists of two neural networks. It is the process emulator and serves as a Smith time-delay compensator. A visual basic interface control program accepts incoming concentration and flow rate data signals, accesses the neural networks, and outputs feedback control signals to selected electronic valves. Closed-loop results are compared to the open-loop results. The neural network-based controller successfully brought NO emissions into control after a step disturbance in the feed composition stream (ammonia dopant). The neural network-based controller shows a superior performance over the conventional proportional–integral-derivative controller.
Dural prostate adenocarcinoma metastasis with subdural hematoma mimicking the appearance of an epidural hematoma

Prostatic adenocarcinoma presenting as metastatic disease to the nervous system is a rare pathologic entity and has infrequently been reported over the last several years. Furthermore, although its presentation as chronic subdural hematomas has been repeatedly reported previously in the literature, to our knowledge there is no report of its appearance mimicking an epidural hematoma on noncontrast head CT. Here we describe the clinical presentation, evaluation and surgical intervention of a patient with a dural prostate carcinoma metastasis with chronic subdural hematoma mimicking an epidural hematoma.
Dynamics of leukocytes and cytokines during experimentally induced Streptococcus uberis mastitis.

Streptococcus uberis causes a significant proportion of clinical and subclinical intramammary infections (IMI) in lactating and non-lactating dairy cows. In spite of this, its pathogenesis is incompletely understood. A study was conducted to determine leukocyte and cytokine dynamics during experimentally induced S. uberis mastitis. Five Jersey and five Holstein cows were challenged via intramammary inoculation of S. uberis into two uninfected mammary glands. Sixteen of 20 challenged mammary glands developed clinical mastitis with peak clinical signs observed at 144 h. The number of S. uberis in milk increased (P<0.05) 48 h after challenge, in spite of an increase in milk somatic cells that began at 18 h (P<0.001) and remained elevated throughout the study. Increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in milk were detected 66 h after challenge (P<0.05). Peak TNF-α and IL-8 concentrations occurred 120 h after challenge and preceded peak clinical signs. Experimental S. uberis IMI induced local production of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of S. uberis mastitis. Other mediators may be involved in initial leukocyte recruitment to the mammary gland, since increases in milk somatic cells occurred earlier than cytokine production.
Computing global virtual time in shared-memory multiprocessors

Global virtual time (GVT) is used in the Time Warp synchronization mechanism to perform irrevocable operations such as I/O and to reclaim storage. Most existing algorithms for computing GVT assume a message-passing programming model. Here, GVT computation is examined in the context of a shared-memory model. We observe that computation of GVT is much simpler in shared-memory multiprocessors because these machines normally guarantee that no two processors will observe a set of memory operations as occurring in different orders. Exploiting this fact, we propose an efficient, asynchronous, shared-memory GVT algorithm and prove its correctness. This algorithm does not require message acknowledgments, special GVT messages, or FIFO delivery of messages, and requires only a minimal number of shared variables and data structures. The algorithm only requires one round of interprocessor communication to compute GVT, in contrast to many message-based algorithms that require two. An efficient implementatin is described that eliminates the need for a processor to explicitly compute a local minimum for time warp systems using a lowest-timestamp-first scheduling policy in each processor.In addition, we propose a new mechanism called on-the-fly fossil collection that enables efficient storage reclamation for simulations containing large numbers, e.g., hundreds of thousand or even millions of simulator objects. On-the-fly fossil collection can be used in time warp systems executing on either shared-memory or message-based machines. Performance measurements of the GVT algorithm and the on-the-fly fossil collection mechanism on a Kendall Square Research KSR-2 machine demonstrate that these techniques enable frequent GVT and fossil collections, e.g., every millisecond, without incurring a significant performance penalty
Nonlinear relationships between parameters of simplified diffusion-based model for service life design of concrete structures exposed to chlorides

Abstract This paper presents an approach toward performance-based durability design of concrete structures based on a simplified diffusion-based model, which overcomes some of the limitations of the current prescriptive rules of existing design standards. Numerical nonlinear relationships and relative sensitivities between the four parameters that govern the time to corrosion initiation of reinforced concrete structures are determined, including chloride diffusion coefficient, chloride threshold value of reinforcement, concrete cover and surface chloride exposure condition. To achieve a specified design life, it is found that in aggressive chloride-laden environments: (i) increasing the minimum concrete cover is more effective than selecting a corrosion-resistant steel; (ii) it is necessary to use both high-performance concrete and corrosion-resistant steel; (iii) a relative decrease in the concrete cover has to be compensated by a much greater increase in the corrosion resistance of steel; and (iv) the variations in chloride diffusion coefficient have a large impact on required concrete cover and chloride threshold value, especially in increasingly aggressive environments. These relationships can be used to identify the most relevant parameters and serve as a guide for service life-based design for durable concrete structures.
Boomburbs: the rise of America's accidental cities

Boomburbs: the rise of America's accidental cities, by Robert E. Lang and Jennifer B. LeFurgy, Washington, DC, Brookings Institution Press, 2007, 212 pp., US$22.95 (paperback), ISBN-10 0815703031, ...
Risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration: A logical approach to treatment

Appropriate management of the diabetic foot in a multidisciplinary setting requires knowledge of the risk factors leading to ulceration and limb loss. This article will review the most common risk factors for ulceration and present a validated, treatment-based method to appropriately communicate both the status of the diabetic wound and, more important, the patient's location on a spectrum of risk for amputation.
Involvement of cholinergic neuronal systems in intravenous cocaine self-administration

Recent studies suggest the participation of cholinergic neurons in the brain processes underlying reinforcement. The involvement of cholinergic neurons in cocaine self-administration has been recently demonstrated in studies using muscarinic and nicotinic agonists and antagonists, microdialysis, assessment of choline acetyltransferase activity and acetylcholine (ACh) turnover rates. The present experiment was initiated to identify subsets of cholinergic neurons involved in the brain processes that underlie cocaine self-administration by lesioning discrete populations with a selective neurotoxin. Rats were trained to self-administer cocaine and the cholinergic neurotoxin 192-IgG-saporin or vehicle was then bilaterally administered into the posterior nucleus accumbens (NAcc)-ventral pallidum (VP). The 192-IgG-saporin induced lesions resulted in a pattern of drug-intake consistent with either a shift in the dose intake relationship to the left or downward compared to sham-treated controls. A second experiment used a self-administration threshold procedure that demonstrated this lesion shifted the dose intake relationship to the left compared to the sham-vehicle treated rats. The magnitude and extent of the lesion was assessed by measuring the expression of p75 (the target for 192-IgG-saporin) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the NAcc, VP, caudate nucleus-putamen (CP) and vertical limb of the medial septal nucleus-diagonal band (MS-DB) of these rats using real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Significant reductions in gene expression for p75 (a selective marker for basal forebrain cholinergic neurons) and ChAT were seen in the MS-DB and VP while only small decreases were seen in the NAcc and CP of the 192-IgG-saporin treated rats. These data indicate that the overall influence of cholinergic neurons in the MS-DB and VP are inhibitory to the processes underlying cocaine self-administration and suggest that agonists directed toward subclasses of cholinergic receptors may have efficacy as pharmacotherapeutic adjuncts for the treatment of cocaine abuse.
Role of Ceruloplasmin in Macrophage Iron Efflux during Hypoxia

The reticuloendothelial system has a central role in erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis. An important function of reticuloendothelial macrophages is phagocytosis of senescent red blood cells. The iron liberated from heme is recycled for delivery to erythrocyte precursors for a new round of hemoglobin synthesis. The molecular mechanism by which recycled iron is released from macrophages remains unresolved. We have investigated the mechanism of macrophage iron efflux, focusing on the role of ceruloplasmin (Cp), a copper protein with a potent ferroxidase activity that converts Fe2+ to Fe3+ in the presence of molecular oxygen. As shown by others, Cp markedly increased iron binding to apotransferrin at acidic pH; however, the physiological significance of this finding is uncertain because little stimulation was observed at neutral pH. Introduction of a hypoxic atmosphere resulted in marked Cp-stimulated binding of iron to apotransferrin at physiological pH. The role of Cp in cellular iron release was examined in U937 monocytic cells induced to differentiate to the macrophage lineage. Cp added at its normal plasma concentration increased the rate of 55Fe release from U937 cells by about 250%. The stimulation was absolutely dependent on the presence of apotransferrin and hypoxia. Cp-stimulated iron release was confirmed in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Stimulation of iron release required an intracellular "labile iron pool" that was rapidly depleted in the presence of Cp and apotransferrin. Ferroxidase-mediated loading of iron into apotransferrin was critical for iron release because ferroxidase-deficient Cp was inactive and because holotransferrin could not substitute for apotransferrin. The extracellular iron concentration was critical as shown by inhibition of iron release by exogenous free iron, and marked enhancement of release by an iron chelator. Together these data show that Cp stimulates iron release from macrophages under hypoxic conditions by a ferroxidase-dependent mechanism, possibly involving generation of a negative iron gradient.
Reproductive emergencies in camelids

Emergencies in theriogenology practice go beyond just saving the life of the patient, but also preserving its reproductive abilities. Camelid emergency medicine is a relatively new field. This paper discusses the most common reproductive emergencies, their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in male and female camelids. The conclusions drawn are based primarily on clinical observations by the authors over the last 25 years. Special consideration is given to peculiarities of the species, particularly in the choice of obstetrical manipulations and therapies.
Mobile satcom antenna developments and experimental results of land- and aeronautical-mobile field trials

This paper discusses several mobile satcom antenna systems that the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed and demonstrated during the last ten years for land -and aeronautical mobile digital audio/data/video satellite communication.
Corotating shock accelerated particles guided by wavy spiral magnetic fields in the solar wind at high heliographic latitudes

We propose the persistent presence of randomly fluctuating, large-amplitude, long-timescale wavy spiral magnetic fields in the solar wind at all heliographic latitudes. These Alfvenic fluctuations can be generated by gradual evolution of solar coronal holes or by interplanetary Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities occurring around the two conical interfaces at ∼±30° where strong wind shears appear quasi-periodically during the solar minimum. Using this scenario, we offer interpretations for several recent high-latitude observations of quasi-periodic (i.e., ∼26.6 days) energetic particle and cosmic ray modulations from Energetic Particle Composition instrument and Cosmic Ray and Solar Particle Investigation sensor systems aboard Ulysses spacecraft.
Absolute half-cell potential: A simple direct measurement.

The concept of the absolute half-cell potential is discussed from a simple thermodynamic point of view and defined as -\ensuremath{\Delta}G/ne for the half-cell reaction, treating the electron like other individual chemical species. With the standard reference state of the electron taken as the free electron at rest at infinity, the absolute half-cell potential is simply the Fermi level of the electrons in the half-cell lead wire. This potential can be simply measured with a Kelvin probe by determining the vacuum potential level over the electrolyte relative to the Fermi level of the half-cell lead. Since the probe cannot determine potentials absolutely, it must be calibrated using a material whose work function is known. Using this procedure we obtain for the standard hydrogen half-cell, ${E}_{\mathrm{abs}(\mathrm{SHE})=4.456\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.025}$ eV, assuming our Hg as used in calibration has a work function of 4.495 eV.
Linear Response of Nearly Free Electrons. II. Extreme Anomalous Skin Effect in Layer Lattices

On the basis of the linear response function, calculated in paper I, the transverse conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\mathbf{q},\ensuremath{\omega})$ for electrons in a layer lattice is derived and applied to evaluate the surface impedance $Z(0)$. If the Fermi surface lies completely inside the first Brillouin zone, we find only a very small correction to the free-electron result. If the Fermi surface intersects the boundary, we again obtain approximately the free-electron expression for Fourier coefficients ${V}_{1}$ of the lattice smaller than 0.1 eV, and a different function, with a slightly different power of the frequency and a sensitive dependence on ${V}_{1}$, if ${V}_{1}$ is larger than 0.1 eV. $\ensuremath{\omega}$ is assumed to be of the order of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ eV.
Algorithm and architecture co-design of Mixture of Gaussian (MoG) background subtraction for embedded vision

Embedded vision is a rapidly growing and challenging market that demands high computation with low power consumption. Carefully crafted heterogeneous platforms have the possibility to deliver the required computation within the power budget. However, to achieve efficient realizations, vision algorithms and architectures have to be developed and tuned in conjunction. This article describes the algorithm / architecture co-design opportunities of a Mixture of Gaussian (MoG) implementation for realizing background subtraction. Particularly challenging is the memory bandwidth required for storing the background model (Gaussian parameters). Through joint algorithm tuning and system-level exploration, we develop a compression of Gaussian parameters which allows navigating the bandwidth/quality trade-off. We identify an efficient solution point in which the compression reduces the required memory bandwidth by 63% with limited loss in quality. Subsequently, we propose a HW-based architecture for MoG that includes sufficient flexibility to adjust to scene complexity.
The ACCOMPLISH Trial: will first-line hypertension therapy change?

ACCOMPLISH Avoiding Cardiovascular Events Through Combination Therapy in Patients Living with Systolic Hypertension ALLHAT Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial ASCOT Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial CAMELOT Comparison of Amlodipine Versus Enalapril to Limit Occurrences of Thrombosis HOPE Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation LIFE Losartan Intervention for Endpoint Reduction in Hypertension
Release of LHRH is linearly related to the time integral of presynaptic Ca+ elevation above a threshold level in bullfrog sympathetic ganglia

Abstract To study the Ca + dependency of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) release in the bullfrog sympathetic ganglia, a method was developed to fill the preganglionic nerve terminal boutons with membrane-impermeant fura-2. We found that as stimulation frequency increased from 0.5 to 40 Hz, the peak [Ca 2+ ] i ([Ca 2+ ] p ) and the rate of rise in [Ca 2+ ] i increased, the decay of [Ca 2+ ] i transients followed up to three exponentials, and release of LHRH was linearly related to ƒ([Ca 2+ ] i - [Ca 2+ ] t )dt. The threshold level of [Ca 2+ ] i for LHRH release for a given set of boutons on a C cell, [Ca 2+ ] t , was estimated by the [Ca 2+ ] p evoked by 0.5 Hz stimulation that does not induce LHRH release.