cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the CSA-ODF using Bayesian compressed sensing of multi-shell HARDI

Purpose Diffusion MRI provides important information about the brain white matter structures and has opened new avenues for neuroscience and translational research. However, acquisition time needed for advanced applications can still be a challenge in clinical settings. There is consequently a need to accelerate diffusion MRI acquisitions. Methods A multi-task Bayesian compressive sensing (MT-BCS) framework is proposed to directly estimate the constant solid angle orientation distribution function (CSA-ODF) from under-sampled (i.e., accelerated image acquisition) multi-shell high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) datasets, and accurately recover HARDI data at higher resolution in q-space. The proposed MT-BCS approach exploits the spatial redundancy of the data by modeling the statistical relationships within groups (clusters) of diffusion signal. This framework also provides uncertainty estimates of the computed CSA-ODF and diffusion signal, directly computed from the compressive measurements. Experiments validating the proposed framework are performed using realistic multi-shell synthetic images and in vivo multi-shell high angular resolution HARDI datasets. Results Results indicate a practical reduction in the number of required diffusion volumes (q-space samples) by at least a factor of four to estimate the CSA-ODF from multi-shell data. Conclusion This work presents, for the first time, a multi-task Bayesian compressive sensing approach to simultaneously estimate the full posterior of the CSA-ODF and diffusion-weighted volumes from multi-shell HARDI acquisitions. It demonstrates improvement of the quality of acquired datasets by means of CS de-noising, and accurate estimation of the CSA-ODF, as well as enables a reduction in the acquisition time by a factor of two to four, especially when “staggered” q-space sampling schemes are used. The proposed MT-BCS framework can naturally be combined with parallel MR imaging to further accelerate HARDI acquisitions. Magn Reson Med 72:1471–1485, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hardy spaces and a Walsh model for bilinear cone operators

The study of bilinear operators associated to a class of non-smooth symbols can be reduced to ther study of certain special bilinear cone operators to which a time frequency analysis using smooth wave-packets is performed. In this paper we prove that when smooth wave-packets are replaced by Walsh wave-packets the corresponding discrete Walsh model for the cone operators is not only LP-bounded, as Thiele has shown in his thesis for the Walsh model corresponding to the bilinear Hilbert transform, but actually improves regularity as it maps into a Hardy space. The same result is expected to hold for the special bilinear cone operators.
Occupancy of red‐naped sapsuckers in a coniferous forest: using LiDAR to understand effects of vegetation structure and disturbance

Red-naped sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) are functionally important because they create sapwells and cavities that other species use for food and nesting. Red-naped sapsucker ecology within aspen (Populus tremuloides) has been well studied, but relatively little is known about red-naped sapsuckers in conifer forests. We used light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data to examine occupancy patterns of red-naped sapsuckers in a conifer-dominated system. We surveyed for sapsuckers at 162 sites in northern Idaho, USA, during 2009 and 2010. We used occupancy models and an information-theoretic approach to model sapsucker occupancy as a function of four LiDAR-based metrics that characterized vegetation structure and tree harvest, and one non-LiDAR metric that characterized distance to major roads. We evaluated model support across a range of territory sizes using Akaike's information criterion. Top model support was highest at the 4-ha extent, which suggested that 4 ha was the most relevant scale describing sapsucker occupancy. Sapsuckers were positively associated with variation of canopy height and harvested area, and negatively associated with shrub and large tree density. These results suggest that harvest regimes and structural diversity of vegetation at moderate extents (e.g., 4 ha) largely influence occurrence of red-naped sapsuckers in conifer forests. Given the current and projected declines of aspen populations, it will be increasingly important to assess habitat relationships, as well as demographic characteristics, of aspen-associated species such as red-naped sapsuckers within conifer-dominated systems to meet future management and conservation goals.
The Value of Liability in Medical Malpractice

Prologue: In the debate over reforming the US. health care system, there are relatively few areas of agreement among the various parties with a stake in the U.S. system. One area that enjoys near-universal agreement, however, is the need to reform the nation s medical malpractice system. Even the scaled-back versions of health care reform that survived the legislative wrangling of the summer of 1994 contain some measure or measures to address medical malpractice and the skyrocketing costs associated with it. In this paper Michelle White, an economist on the faculty of the University of Michigan, attempts to quantify the potency of the incentive providers have to avoid delivering negligent medical care. According to her calculations, negligent medical care costs $l35,000 per malpractice claim that involves negligence, in medical care-related costs alone (that is, excluding legal costs). She concludes that even in our imperfect system, the system of determining and punishing negligence provides a powerful f...
On a theorem of accola

In these notes we generalize the following result due to R. Accola: Given a hyperelliptic Riemann surface S of genus g⩽2 and n a non-negative integer, there is a smooth n-sheeted covering , where R is a hyperelliptic Riemann surface. We show that the above result extends to the family of η-hyperelliptic Riemann surfaces as: Given a η-hyperelliptic Riemann surface S of genus g⩽2, a η-hyperelliptic involution τ:S→S and a non-negative integer n, there is a smooth n-sheeted covering , where R is a hyperelliptic Riemann surface for which τ lifts as a -hyperelliptic involution, and
Discriminative effects of ethylketazocine in the rat: stereospecificity and antagonism by naloxone.

Abstract Male F344 rats were trained to discriminate between saline and d, 1 -ethylketazocine (EKC) in a two-choice discrete-trial avoidance task and tested with the 1 - and d -isomers of EKC, cyclazocine, and SKF-10,047. The effectiveness of naloxone in antagonizing the discriminative effects of d, 1 -EKC was also determined. Each of the 1 -isomers tested produced dose-related stimulus control of behavior similar to that produced by d, 1 -EKC. 1 -EKC was the most potent isomer tested, being approximately twice as potent as d, 1 -EKC. In contrast, d -EKC was completely devoid of activity at 300-fold higher doses. 1 -Cyclazocine and 1 -SKF-10,047 were approximately 4-and 30-fold less potent, respectively, than d, 1 -EKC. Although both d -cyclazocine and d -SKF-10,047 produced some drug-appropriate responding, both compounds were less potent and less efficacious than their respective l -isomers and both were significantly less efficacious than d, 1 -EKC. Increasing doses of naloxone (0.1–1.0 mg/kg) produced parallel shifts to the right in the d, 1 -EKC dose-effect curve. These results suggest that the discriminative effects of EKC are mediated by a stereospecific naloxone-sensitive receptor.
The Power of Random Neighbors in Social Networks

The friendship paradox is a sociological phenomenon first discovered by Feld which states that individuals are likely to have fewer friends than their friends do, on average. This phenomenon has become common knowledge, has several interesting applications, and has also been observed in various data sets. In his seminal paper Feld provides an intuitive explanation by showing that in any graph the average degree of edges in the graph is an upper bound on the average degree of nodes. Despite the appeal of this argument, it does not prove the existence of the friendship paradox. In fact, it is easy to construct networks -- even with power law degree distributions -- where the ratio between the average degree of neighbors and the average degree of nodes is high, but all nodes have the exact same degree as their neighbors. Which models, then, explain the friendship paradox? In this paper we give a strong characterization that provides a formal understanding of the friendship paradox. We show that for any power law graph with exponential parameter in (1,3), when every edge is rewired with constant probability, the friendship paradox holds, i.e. there is an asymptotic gap between the average degree of the sample of polylogarithmic size and the average degree of a random set of its neighbors of equal size. To examine this characterization on real data, we performed several experiments on social network data sets that complement our theoretical analysis. We also discuss the applications of our result to influence maximization.
Detection of Cross-Reactive Antigens between Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary and Solanum Species by Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Cross-reactive antigens were detected in crude preparations and in purified preparations from mycelia of Phytophthora infestans Race 4. and Race 1.2.3.4.7. with antisera for potatoes cv. King Edward and cv. Pentland Dell by using an indirect ELISA technique. Results suggest that the fungal mycelia do not easily release cross-reactive antigens into synthetic media where they grow; that most of P. infestans cross-reactive antigens are thermolabile and that they can be concentrated by precipitation in the presence of 40 % saturated ammonium sulphate (SAS). The results also reveal an antigenic disparity when 40 % SAS from P. infestans Race 4. mycelial preparation was assayed with antisera for King Edward and Pentland Dell. The occurrence of cross-reactive antigens in P. infestans mycelium and their involvement in such interaction are discussed. Zusammenfassung Kreuzreaktive Antigene wurden in unbearbeiteten Praparaten und in gereinigten Praparaten aus Myzel von Phytophthora infestans Rasse 4. und 1.2.3.4.7. mit Antiseren fur Kartoffeln cv. King Edward und cv. Pentland Dell gefunden, indem eine indirekte ELISA-Technik benutzt wurde. Die Ergebnisse lassen vermuten, das die pilzlichen Myzelien die kreuzreaktiven Antigene nicht einfach in die synthetischen Medien, in denen sie wachsen, abgeben, das die meisten der P. infestans kreuzreaktiven Antigene thermostabil sind und das sie konzentriert werden konnen durch Prazipitation in 40 % gesattigtem Ammoniumsulfat (SAS). Die Ergebnisse zeigten auserdem eine Antigendisparitat, wenn 40 % SAS aus einem Myzelpraparat von P. infestans Rasse 4. mit Antiseren fur King Edward und Pentland Dell getestet wurde. Das Auftreten kreuzreaktiver Antigene im Myzel von P. infestans und ihre Rolle in solcher Interaktion wurde diskutiert.
Can the technique for Doppler estimate of pulmonary stenosis gradient be simplified

Although Doppler echocardiography has been demonstrated to accurately predict the pressure drop across the pulmonary valve in patients with pulmonary valve stenosis, prior reports have stressed the need to correct for beam-flow intercept angles, to use simultaneous imaging, and to utilize the subcostal approach. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of estimating the pressure drop in pulmonary stenosis patients by means of nonimaging Doppler applied without angle correction from precordial examination. Pressure drop estimated by Doppler was compared to that measured by strain gauge manometry at catheterization. Data for 39 patients (21 simultaneous measurements; 18 nonsimultaneous) were evaluated. Results for the entire group showed a good correlation (r = 0.94; SEE = 7.9 mm Hg). The correlation for simultaneous measurement improved somewhat (r = 0.95; SEE = 5.9), but the difference was not significant. Comparison of the slope and intercept of data of this study to those of prior studies, which advocated more complex methodology, indicated that results were essentially similar and that use of the additional steps did not confer a significantly improved result. We conclude that the simplified methodology utilized in this study provides accurate Doppler estimates of pressure gradient in patients with pulmonary stenosis.
INHIBITION OF GLYCOALKALOID FORMATION IN POTATO TUBERS BY THE SPROUT INHIBITOR, MALEIC HYDRAZIDE

In each of 2 yr potato plants were sprayed with the sprout inhibitor, maleic hydrazide (MH-30) 4 wk prior to harvest of the tubers and the tubers were analyzed for glycoalkaloid content after storage at 4.5°C for varying periods of time. Tubers from plants treated with MH were significantly lower in glycoalkaloid content than the controls. The Kennebec variety was higher than the Katahdin variety in glycoalkaloid content and the glycoalkaloid content increased with increased storage time.
Ground and space processing of single-crystalline organic thin films

Physical vapor transport (PVT) crystal growth experiments are being conducted with nonlinear optical organic materials in semi-closed ampoules which allow a vacuum to penetrate into the growth chamber, removing impurities and decomposition products from the growth interface. One material being grown is N,N-dimethyl-p-(2,2-dicyanovinyl) aniline (DCVA). Two samples of DCVA were flown in separate, seeded PVT chambers on Space Shuttle mission STS-59 in April 1994. The growth parameters were set to reproduce laboratory experiments that yielded small, bulk crystals. Surprisingly, however, the results from the STS experiment were, for both samples, the production of single-crystalline thin films. A second set of 8 PVT cells with DCVA was flown on STS-69 in September 1995. Several parameters were changed to study their influences on the film growth process and, in summary, the film growth process was found to be very robust. Films were obtained in all cases, albeit with varying quality. An evaluation of the flight- and ground-test data revealed a slower heat-up rate than was typical of the laboratory experiments. No background pressure measurements were made, but the temperature profile is an indication of a much higher background nitrogen pressure than the millitorr range used in the laboratory. A 4-year research grant has been obtained to study this film-growth phenomenon. Ground-based experiments are beginning to be carried out involving the varying of source and substrate temperatures, nitrogen background pressure, and the substrate material.
Tomography of the Solar Corona. II. Robust, Regularized, Positive Estimation of the Three-dimensional Electron Density Distribution from LASCO-C2 Polarized White-Light Images

Solar rotational tomography is used to determine the three-dimensional electron density distribution of the solar corona from 2.4 to 6.0 R☉. The robust, regularized, positive estimation method, described in a previous paper, is demonstrated on test cases and on LASCO-C2 data. Because the solar rotational pole is inclined to the plane of the ecliptic by about 7°, the tomographic inversion requires a full three-dimensional treatment instead of a series of two-dimensional inversions. The LASCO data are taken from the first Whole Sun Month, which was a period of low solar activity.
Development and application of a methodology to identify and rank the important factors affecting in-vehicle particulate matter.

Abstract The present study adopted a two-step approach in the development of a methodology to identify and rank the important factors affecting in-vehicle particulate matter (PM). Firstly, the important factors affecting the monitored vehicular PM were identified using regression trees, considering several factors (meteorology, time-related, indoor sources, on-road, and ventilation) that could impact the vehicular indoor air quality. Secondly, the analysis of variance was used as a complementary sensitivity analysis to the regression tree results to rank the significant factors affecting vehicular PM. In-vehicle PM concentrations and sub-micron particle numbers were mainly influenced by the monthly/seasonal changes. Visibility and ambient PM 2.5 additionally influenced the sub-micron particles. Furthermore, this study emphasized the variation of the monitored vehicular PM levels under different combinations of the ranked influential factors.
Response versus Chain Length of Alkanethiol-Capped Au Nanoparticle Chemiresistive Chemical Vapor Sensors

Au nanoparticles capped with a homologous series of straight chain alkanethiols (containing 4−11 carbons in length) have been investigated as chemiresistive organic vapor sensors. The series of alkanethiols was used to elucidate the mechanisms of vapor detection by such capped nanoparticle chemiresistive films and to highlight the molecular design principles that govern enhanced detection. The thiolated Au nanoparticle chemiresistors demonstrated rapid and reversible responses to a set of test vapors (n-hexane, n-heptane, n-octane, iso-octane, cyclohexane, toluene, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and 1-butanol) that possessed a variety of analyte physicochemical properties. The resistance sensitivity to nonpolar and aprotic polar vapors systematically increased as the chain length of the capping reagent increased. Decreases in the nanoparticle film resistances, which produced negative values of the differential resistance response, were observed upon exposure of the sensor films to alcohol vapors. The response signals became more negative with higher alcohol vapor concentrations, producing negative values of the sensor sensitivity. Sorption data measured on Au nanoparticle chemiresistor films using a quartz crystal microbalance allowed for the measurement of the partition coefficients of test vapors in the Au nanoparticle films. This measurement assumed that analyte sorption only occurred at the organic interface and not the surface of the Au core. Such an assumption produced partition coefficient values that were independent of the length of the ligand. Furthermore, the value of the partition coefficient was used to obtain the particle-to-particle interfacial effective dielectric constant of films upon exposure to analyte vapors. The values of the dielectric constant upon exposure to alcohol vapors suggested that the observed resistance response changes observed were not significantly influenced by this dielectric change, but rather were primarily influenced by morphological changes and by changes in the interparticle spacing.
Cholesterol efflux-mediated signal transduction in mammalian sperm: cholesterol release signals an increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during mouse sperm capacitation.

We previously demonstrated that mouse sperm capacitation is accompanied by a time-dependent increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation that is dependent on the presence of BSA, Ca2+, and NaHCO(3), all three of which are also required for this maturational event. We also demonstrated that activation of protein kinase A (PK-A) is upstream of this capacitation-associated increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. BSA is hypothesized to modulate capacitation through the removal of cholesterol from the sperm plasma membrane. In this report, we demonstrate that incubation of mouse sperm medium containing BSA results in a release of cholesterol from the sperm plasma membrane to the medium; release of this sterol does not occur in medium devoid of BSA. We next determined whether cholesterol release leads to changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Blocking the action of BSA by adding exogenous cholesterol-SO-(4) to the BSA-containing medium inhibits the increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation as well as capacitation. This inhibitory effect is overcome by (1) the addition of increasing concentrations of BSA at a given concentration of cholesterol-SO-(4) and (2) the addition of dibutyryl cAMP plus IBMX. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), another cholesterol binding protein, also supports the capacitation-associated increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation through a cAMP-dependent pathway, whereas proteins that do not interact with cholesterol have no effect. HDL also supports sperm capacitation, as assessed by fertilization in vitro. Finally, we previously demonstrated that HCO-(3) is necessary for the capacitation-associated increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation and demonstrate here, by examining the effectiveness of HCO-(3) or BSA addition to sperm on protein tyrosine phosphorylation, that the HCO-(3) effect is downstream of the site of BSA action. Taken together, these data demonstrate that cholesterol release is associated with the activation of a transmembrane signal transduction pathway involving PK-A and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, leading to functional maturation of the sperm.
Ethanol and psychotropic drug interaction during pregnancy and lactation.

Abstract Prolonged maternal ethanol consumption for 8 days during pregnancy or for five days immediately after birth resulted in 30–46 per cent inhibition in the rate of chlorpromazine metabolism by the rat fetal and neonatal livers respectively. A significant increase in hepatic NADH/NAD and UDPG/ UDPGA ratios was observed in suckling neonatal and maternal livers from the ethanol-fed group. Acute administration of ethanol with chlorpromazine led to about 60 per cent inhibition of the metabolism of chlorpromazine. This inhibitory effect of ethanol on the metabolism of chlorpromazine was largely abolished by preincubation of liver homogenates with pyrazole (2 mM). Lactate (10 mM) addition to liver homogenates resulted in a significant inhibition of chlorpromazine metabolism. It is suggested that maternal ethanol consumption during preganancy and lactation inhibits the hepatic metabolism of drugs such as chlorpromazine which require glucuronidation for their detoxification. This ethanol-mediated inhibition is largely exerted through the decrease in the NAD-dependent conversion of UDP-glucose (UDPG) to UDP-glucuronic acid, (UDPGA).
The initial stage of development of type IV radio bursts and the relation to expanding magnetic bottles

Using the observed data for wide-band type IV solar radio bursts, the onset time differences between the microwave and metric frequencies and the peak flux intensities of the metric component are analyzed as a function of the longitudinal position of the associated flares on the solar disk. It is shown that this time difference is dependent on the position of the associated flare and that the peak flux intensity reaches maximum when a flare occurs in the region 10 to 40 ° west of the central meridian of the solar disk. These results are explained by taking into account the eastward expansion of magnetic bottles which trap mildly relativistic electrons responsible for type IV bursts. Discussion is given on the relation between these magnetic bottles and shock waves which excite type II radio bursts.
Evaluation of Immunosuppressive Potential of Cryogenine Using Developing and Established Adjuvant Arthritis in Rats

Abstract Both developing (Days − 1–+12 relative to inoculation) and established (Days + 18–+29) stages of Mycobacterium butyricum adjuvant-induced polyarthritis in rats were treated orally with cryogenine (100 mg/kg/day), a prototype anti-inflammatory (phenylbutazone, 100 mg/kg/day), or a prototype immunosuppressive (cyclophosphamide, 6 mg/kg/day). During developing adjuvant arthritis, cryogenine and phenylbutazone significantly reduced the nonimmune-mediated inflammation in the inoculated hindpaw. Neither cryogenine nor phenylbutazone provided protection against the development of the delayed-onset, immune-mediated inflammation and the reduction in growth rate seen after Day + 12 in unmedicated rats. Cyclophosphamide failed to reduce the nonimmune-mediated inflammation, but it provided significant protection against both the delayed-onset, immune-mediated inflammation and the reduced growth rate. During established adjuvant arthritis, cryogenine and phenylbutazone were effective against the established inflammation, while cyclophosphamide was ineffective. These results confirm the known anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities of phenylbutazone and cyclophosphamide, respectively, and indicate that cryogenine lacks immunosuppressive capability at the effective anti-inflammatory dosage level used.
Statistics of Voids in Hierarchical Universes

As one alternative to the N-point galaxy correlation function statistics, the distribution of holes or the probability that a volume of given size and shape be empty of galaxies can be considered. The probability of voids resulting from a variety of hierarchical patterns of clustering is considered, and these are compared with the results of numerical simulations and with observations. A scaling relation required by the hierarchical pattern of higher order correlation functions is seen to be obeyed in the simulations, and the numerical results show a clear difference between neutrino models and cold-particle models; voids are more likely in neutrino universes. Observational data do not yet distinguish but are close to being able to distinguish between models.
A Method for Measuring Fluid Pressures in the Shoe-Floor-Fluid Interface: Application to Shoe Tread Evaluation.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS This study introduces a method for measuring fluid pressures in the shoe–floor interface. The novel method was then applied to shoes with varying tread depths. The rationale for this approach is that measuring fluid pressures can help to identify the reason for low friction and guide interventions for increasing slip resistance. High fluid pressures were observed in the absence of tread and the presence of high viscosity fluids. Fluid pressures were negligibly small when at least 1.5 mm of tread depth was present or when a low viscosity fluid was present. This study indicates that shoe tread is effective at channeling fluid out from the shoe–floor interface in the presence of highly viscous fluids. The presented methodology may be suitable for testing the performance of tread designs and establishing wear limits for shoe replacement.TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Fluid contaminants cause slipping accidents by reducing shoe–floor friction. Fluid pressures in the shoe–floor interfa...
Surgically affected sulfisoxazole pharmacokinetics in the morbidly obese.

Intestinal bypass surgery in 4 morbidly obese females (110-150 kg) had no permanent effect on the rate or amount of sulfisoxazole absorption. The loss of weight up to 44 per cent within an individual over a year's time had no significant effect on the apparent volumes of distribution or other pharmacokinetic parameters of sulfisoxazole and its N4- acetylsulfisoxazole metabolite. Dosing of this drug on a mgkg− 1 basis is contraindicated. Renal clearances of sulfisoxazole were reasonably constant within a study but those of the N4-acetylsulfisoxazole decreased with time. Integrated pharmacokinetic models were applied to plasma and urine data to estimate the metabolic clearance of sulfisoxazole and the apparent volume of distribution of the N4-acetylsulfisoxazole. Sulfisoxazole solution is absorbed readily by primarily a zero order process after a short lag period, indicative of rate-determining gastric emptying. The classical Bratton-Marshall assays were compared with an HPLC assay of both drug and metabolite. There was greater confidence in plasma levels of the metabolite from the HPLC method.
Renaturation of neurotoxin B-IV from the heteronemertine Cerebratulus lacteus

The heteronemertine Cerebratulus lacteus synthesizes a family of four structurally homologous, crustacean-selective polypeptide toxins (B-toxins) which affect action potential generation in nervous issue. The most abundant homolog, toxin B-IV, is completely inactivated by reduction of its four disulfide bands. Reduction is also accompanied by loss of secondary structure. Reoxidation of the reduced protein may be catalyzed by the oxidized forms of glutathione or dithiothreitol. Secondary structure and toxicity are recovered in parallel; the terminally reoxidized protein regains approximately 75% of both the neurotoxicity and the secondary structure of native B-IV.
Understanding enactivism: a study of affordances and constraints of engaging practicing teachers as digital game designers

This study is intended to deepen our understanding of enactivism, an emergent theoretical paradigm, through empirical exploration of teacher undertakings as digital game creators. Specifically, it explores the affordances and constraints, two important enactivism concepts, of practicing teachers’ experiences in designing and developing games for instructional purposes. This paper is guided by the following questions: what were the affordances perceived by the teachers in their design and building experience, and how did they enact to these affordances? What constraints presented challenges to teachers in the process? This is a case study focusing on capturing and interpreting teachers’ experiences and thinking resulting from game creation and sharing. Data are collected from practicing teachers who enrolled in a graduate course. A significant finding of this study is that the game design and building experience afforded opportunities for teachers to re-conceptualize pedagogy and teaching practice. Implications for design and limitations of the study are also discussed.
Are bioresorbable polylactate devices comparable to titanium devices for stabilizing Le Fort I advancement

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether skeletal and dental outcomes following Le Fort I surgery differed when stabilization was performed with polylactate bioresorbable devices or titanium devices. Fifty-seven patients with preoperative records and at least 1 year postoperative records were identified and grouped according to the stabilization method. All cephalometric X-rays were traced and digitized by a single operator. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the postsurgical change between the two stabilization methods. Twenty-seven patients received bioresorbable devices (group R), while 30 received titanium devices (group M). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to gender, race/ethnicity, age, or dental and skeletal movements during surgery. Subtle postsurgical differences were noted, but were not statistically significant. Stabilization of Le Fort I advancement with polylactate bioresorbable and titanium devices produced similar clinical outcomes at 1 year following surgery.
Atrial excitability and conduction in patients with interatrial conduction defects

Prolongation of P-wave duration is an accepted indicator of an interatrial conduction disturbance and may predispose patients to atrial arrhythmias. This study was performed to monitor electrophysiologic characteristics of the atria in patients with a prolonged P-wave duration. Atrial excitability and conduction times were compared in 7 patients with a P-wave duration of less than 115 ms (Group I), and 13 patients with a duration of greater than of equal to 115 ms (Group II). In contrast of the Group I patients, most of the 13 patients in Group II had atrial arrhythmias, including sinus nodal dysfunction (3 patients) and a history of atrial fibrillation or ectopic atrial tachycardia (6 patients). Electrophysiologic differences between the 2 groups included a higher late diastolic threshold in Group II (0.8 +/- 0.2 mA versus 1.3 +/- 0.2 mA; p less than 0.005), and a greater increase in intraatrial conduction time (5 +/- 10 ms versus 30 +/- 20 ms; p less than 0.005) and interatrial conduction time (5 +/- 15 ms versus 30 +/- 15 ms; p less than 0.05) of early premature responses. There were no differences between the 2 groups in refractory periods, shape of the strength interval curve, or conduction times of premature responses occurring late in diastole. These abnormalities in conduction time and excitability found in patients with a prolonged P-wave duration may predispose to the initiation of certain atrial tachyarrhythmias.
Tumor invasion and its local regulation.

Introduction The ability to invade normal tissue which ~ur­ rounds a primary tumor and to subsequently metastasize to distant sites are the distinguishing features of malignant neoplasms. I In order to invade and metastasize, tumor cells must overcome several structural barriers of host tissues. These barriers include parenchymal cells (i.e., epithelium, endothelium), basement membranes (continuous, lamrnellar extracellular matrices to which parenchymal cells are attached), and connective tissue matrices. Invasive tumors arising in epithelia (i.e., urinary bladder epithelium) first penetrate the epithelial basement membrane. Once carcinoma cells have entered and invaded the underlying connective tissue, they gain access to vascular and lymphatic channels (intravasation), Tumor cell entry into the circulation requires the penetration of vascular basement membrane and endothelium. If tumor cells survive passage within vessels, they localize at "fertile" sites, make their way out of the vessel (extravasation), penetrate the perivascular connective tissue, an~ proliferate to form a metastatic focus (Figure. 1).1:Tumor cell penetration of each of these barriers IS accomplished by altering the physical properties of constituent host tissues in such a way that they allow the migration of cancer cells to deeper zones and that they provide space to house continuously multiplying tumor cell populations. In contrast, the noninvasive cell populations of benign neoplasms are unable to induce such alterations, and some may even isolate themselves from host tissues by a solid connective tissue capsule. The effect of non-invasive cells on the host results only in compression and displacement of surrounding tissue, but these tumor
Direct observation of beamed Raman scattering.

Appropriately designed surface plasmon nanostructures enable the emission patterns of surface-enhanced Raman scattering to be modified to facilitate efficient collection, an effect sometimes termed “beamed Raman scattering”. Here, we demonstrate the direct and unambiguous observation of this phenomenon by separating the Raman emission pattern from the luminescent background using energy momentum spectroscopy. We observe beamed Raman scattering from two types of optical antennas: the first are Yagi–Uda optical antennas, and the second are optical dimer antennas formed above a plasmonic substrate consisting of a gold film integrated with a one-dimensional array of gold stripes. For both antenna types, the emission patterns from different Raman lines are simultaneously measured. For the second antenna type, the emission patterns show signatures stemming from the bandstructure of the plasmonic substrate.
Next Generation Multi-Service All-Optical Networking Platform Employing Optical Label Switching Technologies

This paper discusses next generation optical networking architecture, protocol, and systems technologies in support of packet, burst, and circuit - agile multi-services on a unified optical-label switching platform.
Hidden from Plain Sight: Residents' Domestic Violence Screening Attitudes and Reported Practices

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence (DV) is prevalent across all racial and socioeconomic classes in the United States. Little is known about whether physicians differentially screen based on a patient’s race or socioeconomic status (SES) or about resident physician screening attitudes and practices. OBJECTIVE: To assess the importance of patient race and SES and resident and clinical characteristics in resident physician DV screening practices. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS: One-hundred and sixty-seven of 309 (response rate: 54%) residents from 6 specialties at a large academic medical center responded to a randomly assigned online survey that included 1 of 4 clinical vignettes and questions on attitudes and practices regarding DV screening. MEASUREMENTS: We measured patient, resident, and clinical practice characteristics and used bivariate and multivariate methods to assess their association with the importance residents place on DV screening and if they would definitely screen for DV in the clinical vignette. RESULTS: Residents screened the African-American and the Caucasian woman (51% vs 57%,P=.40) and the woman of low SES and high SES (49% vs 58%.P=.26) at similar rates. Thirty-seven percent of residents incorrectly reported rates of DV are higher among African Americans than Caucasians, and 66% incorrectly reported rates are higher among women of lower than of higher SES. In multivariate analyses, residents who knew where to refer DV victims (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=3.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43 to 8.73) and whose mentors advised them to screen (AOR=3.46, 95% CI: 1.42 to 8.42) were more likely to screen for DV. CONCLUSION: Although residents have incorrect knowledge about the epidemiology of DV. they showed no racial or SES preferences in screening for DV. Improvement of mentoring and educating residents about referral resources may be promising strategies to increase resident DV screening.
Gamma-ray angular correlations in the decay of 131Ba

Abstract Gamma-ray angular correlations in the decay of 131Ba have been measured at high resolution using Ge(Li) detectors. Ambiguities from previous measurements have been resolved and several new cascades have been studied. The spin assignment of the 124 keV level of 131Cs was verified to be 1 2 . Multipole mixing ratios were deduced for several 131Cs γ-ray transitions.
Computer simulations indicate that electrical field effects contribute to the shape of the epileptiform field potential.

Abstract In the presence of convulsant drugs such as picrotoxin, neurons in the hippocampal-slice preparation generate synchronized depolarizing bursts. This synchrony occurs on a time scale of tens of milliseconds and is produced by excitatory synaptic interactions between neurons. The synaptic interactions themselves occur on a time scale of tens of milliseconds. The “epileptiform” local-field potential during such synchronized bursts is comb-shaped (“ringing”), whereas the field potential expected if action potentials in neighboring neurons were uncorrelated is noisy and not comb-shaped. This suggests that individual action potentials are locally synchronized on a time scale of 1 ms. We have previously shown, using computer simulations, that electrical interactions—mediated by currents flowing in the extracellular medium—can plausibly explain action-potential synchronization in experiments where chemical synapses are blocked. The present simulations demonstrate that electrical interactions can also account for action-potential synchronization—and thus the “ringing” shape of the field potential—during epileptiform bursts, where excitatory synapses are functional. The field potential is thus a modulating influence on, as well as a reflection of, underlying neuronal transmembrane events.
Protein trafficking abnormalities: a new mechanism in drug-induced long QT syndrome.

Drug induced long QT syndrome (LQTS) can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death, and has emerged as a worldwide problem. Most drugs that cause this are thought to directly block a specific cardiac ion channel (KCNH2 or hERG) that carries the rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium current, IKr. In this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, evidence is presented to support a new mechanism for causing drug induced LQTS. The drug pentamidine, at near therapeutic concentrations that do not cause direct KCNH2 channel block, disrupts normal KCNH2 channel protein processing and maturation to reduce its surface membrane expression. This indirect mechanism for reducing IKr is novel, and whether other drugs may cause similar protein trafficking abnormalities is largely unknown.
Organization Strategy and Structural Differences for Radical Versus Incremental Innovation

The purpose of this study was to test a model of the organizational innovation process that suggests that the strategy-structure causal sequence is differentiated by radical versus incremental innovation. That is, unique strategy and structure will be required for radical innovation, especially process adoption, while more traditional strategy and structure arrangements tend to support new product introduction and incremental process adoption. This differentiated theory is strongly supported by data from the food processing industry. Specifically, radical process and packaging adoption are significantly promoted by an aggressive technology policy and the concentration of technical specialists. Incremental process adoption and new product introduction tends to be promoted in large, complex, decentralized organizations that have market dominated growth strategies. Findings also suggest that more traditional structural arrangements might be used for radical change initiation if the general tendencies that occur in these dimensions as a result of increasing size can be delayed, briefly modified, or if the organization can be partitioned structurally for radical vs. incremental innovation. In particular, centralization of decision making appears to be necessary for radical process adoption along with the movement away from complexity toward more organizational generalists. This suggests that a greater support of top managers in the innovation process is necessary to initiate and sustain radical departures from the past for that organization.
Improved high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of 6-N,N,N-trimethyllysine in plasma and urine: biomedical application of chromatographic figures of merit and amine mobile phase modifiers.

Abstract An internally standarized method for the determination of 6-N,N,N-trimethyllysine in human plasma, human urine, rat plasma, rat urine and hydrolyzed rat urine is described. This methylated amino acid and the procedural internal standard 6-N,N,N-triethyllysine were isolated from the sample matrices using short ion-exchange columns and detected following high-performance liquid chromatography using a postcolumn reaction ( o -phthalic-dicarboxaldehyde—2-mercaptoethanol) and fluorometric detection. The reliable detection limit for 6-N,N,N-trimethyllysine was 0.2 nmol/ml in 200 μl of human plasma. The chromatographic separation exploits the unique properties of a novel tertiary amine mobile phase modifier, 3-(N,N-dimethylamino)-1,2-propanediol. The capacity factor and “Chromatographic Figures of Merit” (including peak asymmetry and relative system efficiency) were calculated for the chromatographic peak representing 6-N,N,N-trimethyllysine in over 2200 injections made while evaluating 900 biological specimens.
Left atrial thrombosis in pregnant women with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe pregnant patients with mitral stenosis who had intracardiac thrombosis in the absence of atrial fibrillation. Study design We reviewed the clinical course of 3 pregnant women with severe mitral stenosis and normal sinus rhythm who had clinically significant intracardiac thrombosis. Results The first patient was examined at 21 weeks of gestation with embolic stroke that was the result of left atrial thrombus. A second patient was found to have a large left atrial thrombus that prevented the performance of balloon valvuloplasty. The third patient had left atrial clot that partially occluded the mitral valve orifice and led to the development of pulmonary edema that resulted in an emergent cesarean delivery and anoxic brain injury in the newborn infant. Conclusion Pregnant patients with mitral stenosis in normal sinus rhythm can experience thromboembolic events that can be detrimental to both the mother and the fetus. Anticoagulation therefore should be strongly considered in this group.
Influence of adrenergic antagonists and apomorphine on prolactin release induced by serotonergic antagonists in the monkey.

Abstract The influence of adrenergic receptor blockers on the prolactin releasing effect of methysergide and cyproheptadine was examined in sexually mature female monkeys under ketamine anesthesia. Propranolol, a β-adrenergic blocker, at a dose of 1 mg/kg did not alter the prolactin releasing action of 0.1 mg/kg of methysergide but significantly potentiated (P
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Bone Mineral Density in Older Women: The Rancho Bernardo Study

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins and may help prevent bone loss, but no study has shown the differential association of type or dose of NSAID compound with bone mineral density (BMD). The purpose of this study was to determine the relation of NSAIDs by type and dose to BMD. Participants were 932 Caucasian, community-dwelling women aged 44-98 years from southern California. Data were collected from 1988 to 1991 through the use of standardized medical questionnaires. Medication use was validated by a nurse. BMD at the ultradistal and midshaft radii were measured using single-photon absorptiometry, and at the hip and lumbar spine using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Women (mean age, 72 years) were classified into 818 nonusers and 114 regular daily users of NSAIDs, of which 84 used propionic acid NSAIDs and the remainder used acetic acid NSAIDs. Occasional NSAID users were excluded. Women who used propionic acid NSAIDs, but not acetic acid NSAIDs, had higher BMD at all five sites and significantly higher BMD at the midshaft radius and lumbar spine. These differences remained after controlling for known covariates of osteoporosis. When women with self-reported osteoarthritis were excluded from the model, significantly higher BMD in propionic acid NSAID users was also observed at the femoral neck and total hip. Those who concurrently used estrogen and propionic acid NSAIDs had the highest BMD at all sites, suggesting an additive effect. We conclude that regular daily use of propionic acid NSAIDs, with or without simultaneous use of estrogen, may be helpful in preventing bone loss in older women. However, further research is needed to confirm these results before any clinical practice guidelines can be recommended due to the increased risk of serious complications associated with NSAID use.
A series of naphthalimide derivatives as intra and extracellular pH sensors

A series of new naphthalimide derivatives were synthesized and studied. Three of the materials (SM1, SM2, and SM3) possess methacrylate(s) moieties as pH sensor monomers, enabling these compounds to be polymerized with other monomers for thin film preparation for extracellular pH sensing. Herein, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-co-poly(acrylamide) (PHEMA-co-PAM) was chosen as the polymer matrix. Structure influences on pH responses and pK(a) values were studied. The film P3 composed of the sensing moiety SM3 has a pK(a) close to the usual biological environmental pH of approximately 7. It was used as an extracellular pH sensor to monitor pH change during the metabolism of prokaryotic Escherichia coli (E. coil). On the other hand, the three sensor monomers are new intracellular biomarkers to sense lysosomes of eukaryotic cells since (1) their pK(a) values are in a range of 5.9-6.8; (2) their emission intensities at acidic conditions (such as at pH 5) are much stronger than those at a neutral condition of pH 7; (3) lysosomes range in size from 0.1 to 1.2 mum in diameter with pH ranging from 4.5 to 5.0, which is much more acidic than the pH value of the cytoplasm (usually with a pH value of approximately 7.2); and (4) the acidity of lysosomes enables a protonation of the amino groups of the pH probes making the sensors emit brightly in acidic organelles by inhibiting the photo-induced electron transfer from the amino groups to the fluorophores. Lysosome sensing was demonstrated using live human brain glioblastoma U87MG cell line, human cervical cancer HeLa cell line, and human esophagus premalignant CP-A and CP-D cell lines by observations of small acidic spherical organelles (lysosomes) and significant colocalizations (82-95%) of the sensors with a commercially available lysosome-selective staining probe LysoTracker Red under confocal fluorescence microscopy.