cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy Logic Control of a Fluidized Bed Combustor

Fuzzy logic is applied to the control of a fluidized bed combustor. Steps in formulating the fuzzy controller are outlined. The controlled system is simulated by using a detailed model of a fluidized bed combustor that is based on the two-phase theory of fluidization. Simulated responses resemble those for the system under human control.
Shortest Common Superstrings for Strings of Random Letters

Given a finite collection of strings of letters from a fixed alphabet, it is of interest, in the contexts of data compression and DNA sequencing, to find the length of the shortest string which contains each of the given strings as a consecutive substring. In order to analyze the average behavior of the optimal superstring length, substrings with a specified collection of lengths are considered with the letters selected independently at random. An asymptotic expression, as the collection of lengths becomes large, is obtained for the savings from compression, that is, the difference between the uncompressed (concatenated) length and the optimal superstring length.
Development of streptococcal L-form colonies.

The development and architecture of L-form agar colonies produced from protoplasts and L-phase bodies were studied by both light and scanning electron microscopy. Agar blocks containing L-phase microcolonies of group A Streptococcus strains ADA and GL8 and group D Streptococcus strain F24 as well as longitudinal sections of mature colonies were used as samples. Initially, granules of about 0.5 μm in diameter were produced by multiple condensation and fragmentation of protoplasts and large bodies. Surface growth by granules ensued and infiltration into agar occurred only after 10 to 11 hr of incubation at 37 C. Club-shaped granules were noted and division seemed to take place by simple fission. The configuration of large bodies and granules in mature colonies suggested budding as another means of replication. Acellular spaces inside the colonies appeared to have been formed by lysis of large bodies or by the envelopment of space by the extending growth of minute granules. Whereas no significant strain variation was noted in colonies of less than 24 hr of incubation, fully mature colonies were differentiated on uniform media. Images
Evaluation of diversity measures for binary classifier ensembles

Diversity is an important consideration in classifier ensembles, it can be potentially expolited in order to obtain a higher classification accuracy. There is no widely accepted formal definition of diversity in classifier ensembles, thus making an objective evaluation of diversity measures difficult. We propose a set of properties and a linear program based framework for the analysis of diversity measures for ensembles of binary classifiers. Although we regard the question of what exactly defines diversity in a classifier ensemble as open, we show that the framework can be used effectively to evaluate diversity measures. We explore whether there is a useful relationship between the selected diversity measures and the ensemble accuracy. Our results cast doubt on the usefulness of diversity measures in designing a classifier ensemble, although the motivation for enforcing diversity in a classifier ensemble is justified.
Regulation of AMPA receptor channels and synaptic plasticity by cofilin phosphatase Slingshot in cortical neurons

Cofilin, the major actin depolymerizing factor, modulates actin dynamics that contribute to spine morphology, synaptic transmission and plasticity. Much evidence implicates the cofilin inactivation kinase LIMK in synaptic function, but little is known about the cofilin activation phosphatase Slingshot in this regard. In this study, we found that suppressing endogenous Slingshot with small RNA interference or function-blocking antibody led to a dramatic reduction of AMPA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in cortical neurons. Perturbation of Slingshot function also diminished the ability to express synaptic plasticity. Inactivating cofilin or disturbing actin dynamics reduced AMPAR-EPSCs in a Slingshot-dependent manner. Moreover, surface GluR 1 and synaptic GluR2/3 clusters were reduced by Slingshot knockdown. Our data suggest that Slingshot plays a pivotal role in AMPAR trafficking and synaptic transmission by controlling actin cytoskeleton via cofilin activation.
Quadratic Optimization for Fixed Order Linear Controllers via Covariance Control

There are only two main theories for the design of fixed order controllers: optimal LQG with fixed order and covariance control. Covariance control theory provides the class of all stabilizing controllers of fixed order. By parameterizing the set of all stabilizing fixed order controlers as covariance controllers, the free parameters in the covariance controller can be optimized. Hence, it is quite natural to ask how such controllers relate to the established literature on optimal fixed order controllers. This paper shows these relationships. Physical meaning (in terms of the controller covariance and correlation between plant and controller covariance) is given to the projection matrix of the optimal fixed order LQG controller. The optimal covariance controller guarantees stability. The connection is also shown between covariance control and the existing theories of optimal control of full order (LQG). Because the covariance controller allows feedforward control, the quadratic cost (for the case of full order controllers) is always equal or smaller than the standard LQG cost.
David Hume and the probability of miracles

L'A. mesure le poids de l'evidence du temoignage sur la credibilite des miracles a travers la lecture de la section 10 de la «Recherche sur l'entendement humain» de Hume. Examinant la comparaison etablie par Hume entre la probabilite de l'erreur et la probabilite des miracles, l'A. souleve deux questions: 1) celle de savoir ce que c'est que d'evaluer une probabilite, 2) celle de savoir comment fonder dans l'experience un jugement raisonnable sur cette probabilite. Analysant la strategie rationnelle pour la conduite de notre vie cognitive developpee par Hume, l'A. montre qu'un empirisme radical ne peut fournir la base d'une probabilite faible en faveur des miracles qui se produisent dans l'histoire du monde
A Fundamental Problem in Computer and Communication

Partitioned Optical Passive Stars (POPS) network has been proposedrecently as a desirable model of parallel computing. Many papers have been published that address fundamental problems on these networks. Packet routing is onesuch important problem. We present a randomized algorithm in this paper thatperforms better than the best prior algorithms. We also present a randomized algorithm for selection on the POPS network.
Extraction of Stearate Salts from Plastic Materials Used in Pharmaceutical Applications

Plastic materials are widely used in medical items such as solution containers, infusion sets, transfer tubing, devices, processing equipment and systems, filters, and the like. Components in medical items can leach out of such items when they are contacted by a therapeutic product or product-related solution. Stearic acid and stearate salts are commonly present in medical and food packaging, either as plastic additives, processing aids, or contaminants, and their leaching from plastics is well documented. With a pKa in the range of 5.1 to 5.6 and limited aqueous solubility (log Po/w greater than 8), the leaching of stearic acid (and its related metal salts) into pharmaceutical products is expected to be strongly dependent on the product9s pH and polarity. In order to establish and understand the leaching behavior of stearate-containing materials, three compounds (stearic acid, calcium stearate, and zinc stearate) and four polymeric materials containing these compounds were contacted with aqueous buffers in the pH range of 2.5 to 11. The leached levels of calcium, zinc, stearate, palmitate, and total organic carbon (TOC) were measured in the resulting solutions and are reported. For materials containing only stearic acid or salts themselves, the extraction of these entities is pH-dependent. At low pH, the cation counter-ions of the stearate salts are extracted from the plastic materials by a process that can loosely be termed ion exchange. At intermediate pH, little or no extraction of the stearates occurs. At high pH, the stearates are extracted from the materials to a very limited extent due to the solubility of the acid and/or salts in the extraction medium.
Solving very large EM problems (10/sup 9/ DoFs or greater) using the MPI-CBFDTD method

We describe a novel FDTD approach, called CBFDTD, which is based on the characteristic basis function method (CBFM) and a serial/parallel approach. The method is useful for solving electromagnetic problems that are difficult to handle via a direct application of the FDTD algorithm because of their large size. Like the CBMOM technique (Parakash, V. and Mittra, R., Microwave and Optical Technology Letters, vol.36, no.2, p.95-100, 2003), CBFDTD is based on dividing a large structure into relatively small sub-regions, and evaluating the characteristic functions that are localized in each of these sub-regions. The excitation of the sub-regions can either be direct sources that yield primary bases, or be derived from the adjacent regions through interfaces that generate secondary bases. We briefly describe the technique and present some results that validate the approach. The advantage of using the CBFDTD approach is that it can handle very large problems - involving 10/sup 9/, or even larger, numbers of unknowns - that are well beyond the scope of direct methods.
Registration of LP1―2581, LP1―2163H, LP3―1159, and LP640―1304 Low-Phytate Spring Barley Germplasm Lines

The Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Dep. of Agriculture (USDA-ARS) has developed and released four low-phytate spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) germplasm lines: LP1-2581 (Reg. No. GP-196, PI 658245), LP1-2163H (Reg. No. GP-199, PI 658248), LP3-1159 (Reg. No. GP-198, PI 658247), and LP640-1304 (Reg. No. GP-197, PI 658246). The low phytate trait derives from sodium azide-induced mutations. In these lines, phytate—the primary form of phosphorus in grain—is significantly reduced, and inorganic phosphorus is increased. Total phosphorus is unchanged or reduced slightly. Phytate cannot be digested by monogastric animals and is an effective chelator of nutritionally important minerals. Low-phytate barley has been associated with increased phosphorus and mineral nutrition and reduced phosphorus excretion when fed to monogastric animals. Each of these lines represents a unique combination of genetic background and a low-phytate allele. Each mutant allele represents a mutation at a different locus. These lines may be useful for the production of future low-phytate cultivars or for genetic and biochemical studies.
Better Outcomes from More Rationality

Mechanism design enables a social planner to obtain a desired outcome by leveraging the players' rationality and their beliefs. It is thus a fundamental, yet unproven, intuition that the higher the level of rationality of the players, the better the set of obtainable outcomes.In this paper we prove this fundamental intuition for players with possibilistic beliefs, the traditional model of epistemic game theory. Specifically,We define a sequence of monotonically increasing revenue benchmarks for single-good auctions, G0 k+1, and (2) prove that no such mechanism can guarantee revenue even close to Gk when at least two players are at most level-k rational.
On-Line Detection in Slab Gel Electrophoresis Using Thermal Lens Spectrophotometry

Thermal lens spectrophotometry was used to detect hemoglobin and cytochrome c within an acrylamide gel matrix both during electrophoresis and in static experiments in which each protein was incorporated in the matrix during polymerization. For cytochrome c, the detection limit was 0.02 mg/mL for static experiments (approximately 0.5 ng in the laser beam volume), while a detection limit of 180 mg (5 ng in the beam volume) was found for electrophoresis runs.
SPECTRAL CHANGES IN CHLOROPLASTS DURING AGING

The spectral properties of photosynthetic and accessory pigments of chloroplasts can change significantly over the course of an experiment which may last a couple of hours. As chloroplasts age at room temperature, there are decreases in absorbance at 708, 678, 510, 484, 465 and 432 nm. Chlorophylls absorbing at long wavelength (708 nm) and carotenoids (510 nm) are most sensitive to the aging process. The decrease in absorbance at 510 nm could indicate that aging results in a decrease in electrical potential across the thylakoid membrane.
Simple Scalable Video Compression Using 3-D Subband Coding

Three-dimensional (3-D) subband coding as a video compression system is particularly well suited for use where inexpensive, simple encoders are needed. Program production or teleconferencing are good examples. Since the system uses octave-width bands, it is inherently scalable. Real-time programmable hardware has been built to process video at various bit rates using this technique, and the results of these tests are discussed.
Can Peace Be Marketed? a Preliminary Analysis of Israelis and Palestinians

This study integrates elements of marketing theory, framing research and consumer choice theory to examine the prospects for marketing peace to Israelis and Palestinians. Results of tests of the impact of dimensional and presentational framing and an individual's initial pcacc orientation on support for a settlement are reported. The analyses reveal strong peace dimension effects and moderate presentation and orientation effects on support for a peace accord. Notably, security-related information expressed in terms of in-group safety was most likely to encourage support for a settlement among both Palestinian and Israeli participants. Corroborating the findings of Geva and Mintz (1997), Astorino-Courtois (1996), and Geva, Astorino-Courtois and Mintz (1996), the results provide further indication of the feasibility of framing peace-related communications and marketing these in order to encourage domestic support for an internationally-negotiated accord.
Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus growth rates and contributions to production in the Arabian Sea during the 1995 Southwest and Northeast Monsoons

Abstract We investigated the growth rates of Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus spp. and their relative contributions to carbon production at five stations in the Arabian Sea during the late Southwest and early Northeast Monsoon seasons in 1995. Estimates of Prochlorococcus growth rates were based on diel cell cycle analysis. Accurate determination of the duration of the cell cycle terminal event, e.g., t S+G2 was not possible for Synechococcus because of its highly variable cell cycle patterns (e.g., imperfect phasing, multiple DNA-replication peaks, and dark-arrested division). Consequently, growth and mortality rates of Synechococcus were estimated from diel variations in population abundance. The assumptions of this approach were validated by observations that Synechococcus cell division occurred only during the daytime as well as good agreement between growth rate estimates for Prochlorococcus compared to cell cycle analyses. Prochlorococcus growth rates were typically less than 1 doubling per day, although higher rates occurred in the surface waters at an offshore site (Stn. N7) during the SW Monsoon and at a coastal station (S2) during the NE Monsoon. For Synechococcus , maximum growth rates >2 d -1 were observed at mesotrophic (nitrate concentration 0.1–3 μm) onshore stations during both seasons. Synechococcus spp. grew much faster than Prochlorococcus in the upper water column at almost every station during both seasons, but the depth range of its maximum growth rate was shallower and its growth and abundance decreased sharply in deeper waters. In addition, growth rates of Synechococcus increased with nutrient availability whereas Prochlorococcus growth rates did not vary dramatically with nutrients. Although there was no significant difference in Synechococcus growth rates between the late SW and early NE Monsoon seasons, the estimated carbon production and relative contribution to primary production were greater during the early NE Monsoon due to the larger biomass of Synechococcus and lower total primary production. Maximum Prochlorococcus production was found only in the most oligotrophic regions, and Prochlorococcus was not a major contributor of primary production for the most part of the Arabian Sea during the SW and NE Monsoons. Overall, Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus were inversely related in terms of their relative contributions to primary production.
Gastrointestinal sites of absorption and endogenous secretion of calcium and phosphorus in dairy calves.

An indicator method using Ce144 to determine calcium and phosphorus absorption and secretion in dairy calves has been described. Definite secretions of phosphorus into the rumen and abomasum and absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the abomasum have been demonstrated. The points of calcium absorption are not always associated with phosphorus secretion. Appreciable secretions of calcium and phosphorus in the lower tract are not present or they are balanced by an equal absorption. There was no difference noted with age as to the metabolism of calcium; however, a significant difference was found in phosphorus metabolism with age.
Relationship Quality in Gay and Lesbian Cohabiting Couples: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study

This study examined changes in relationship quality over a 1-year period in 74 gay and 45 lesbian couples. It also identified predictors of relationship quality over the 1-year period. Relationship quality was operationally defined as relationship satisfaction, love for partner and liking of partner. Generally, greater relationship quality was reported by lesbian couples than by gay couples, and by couples living together 11 or more years than by couples living together less long. Relationship quality decreased over the 1-year period, particularly for gay couples ending the first year of their relationship. For both gay and lesbian couples, positive relationship quality at the 1-year follow-up was significantly related to Time 1 variables from personal, psychological, interpersonal and social/cultural contexts. With controls for Time 1 demographic variables and Time 1 relationship quality, Time 2 positive relationship quality was predicted by other Time 1 variables but only for gay couples. These predicto...
Polydipsia in the Dog—Symposium: 2 Polydipsia and its Relationship to Pyometra*

Abstract— —A generalised hormonal imbalance in adult bitches produces a hyperplasia of the endo-metrium and would seem to lower its resistance to secondary bacterial invaders. A variety of organisms, including E. coli, invade the endometrium and set up an inflammatory reaction with the formation of pus, i.e. pyometra. The clinical signs of pyometra include a polydipsia which is secondary to excessive fluid loss through the kidney. The histological examination of the kidneys from these cases of pyometra show extensive lesions. The capillary tuft and basement membrane of the glomerulus are thickened by a PAS-positive material. Similar, though less severe changes are seen in the renal tubules. All these lesions are said to be reversible following ovaro-hysterectomy. Some doubts are raised as to the specificity of these kidney changes. Resume— —Un desequilibre hormonal generalise provoque chez la chienne adulte une hyperplasie de l'endometre et semble reduire la resistance de celui-ci aux agressions bacteriennes secondaires. Divers microbes, dont le colibacille, envahissent l'endometre, pour y provoquer une reaction inflam-rnatoire pyogene, c'est-a-dire la pyometrie. Les manifestations cliniques de la pyometrie comprennent notamment la polydipsie, effet d'une deperdition hydrique excessive par la voie renale. L'examen histologique du rein permet de constater, dans ces cas de pyometrie, d'importantes lesions renales. Le floculus capillaire et las basale du glomerule sont epaissis par une substance positive a la coloration hematoxyline-acide periodique-Schiff. Les tubes urinaires presentent des alterations comparables, quoique moins marquees. L'ensemble de ces lesions serait reversibie a la suite de l'hystero-ovariectomie. La specificite de ces alterations renales est douteuse a certains egards. Suivant une certaine hypothese, la polyurie serait imputable a l'absorption de toxines d'origine uterine. Zusammenfassung— —Eine generalisierte hormonale Unausgeglichenheit bei erwachsenen Hun-dinnen erzeugt eine Hyperplasie des Endometriums und scheint dessen Widerstandsfahigkeit gegen sekundaren Bakterienbefall herabzusetzen. Verschiedene Organismen einschliesslich E. coli konnen das Endometrium befallen und eine Entzundung mit Eiterbildung, d.h. Pyometra, hervorrufen. Zu den klinischen Zeichen von Pyometra gehort eine sekundare Polydipsie nach ubermassigem Flussigkeitsverlust durch die Nieren. Die histologische Untersuchung der Nieren in diesen Fallen von Pyometra zeigt ausgedehnte Lasionen. Die Kapillarschicht und die Basalmembrane des Glomerulus sind durch ein PAS-positives Material verdickt. Ahnliche, doch weniger schwere Veranderungen sind an den Nierenkanalchen zu beobachten. Nach Ovariohysterectomie sollen alle diese Lasionen reversibel sein. Hinsichtlich der Spezifischkeit dieser Nierenveranderungen sind einiga Zweifel angemeldet worden. Es wurde auf die Moglichkeit hingewiesen, dass die Polyurie auf die Absorption von Toxinen aus dem Uterus zuruckzufuhren sein kann. It has been suggested that the polyuria is due to the absorption of toxins from the uterus.
Visual loss secondary to acquired immunodeficiency virus-related progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy demonstrating clinical improvement with highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Abstract Background Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating brain disease caused by the JC papovavirus. This disease afflicts the immunocompromised, particularly those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). PML progresses rapidly, causing a variety of visual and neurologic complications. Case report A 49-year-old HIV-positive man presented with reduced vision, a bilateral left hemianopsia, left-sided motor dysfunction, and mild dementia. Confirmation of the presence of the JC virus in the cerebrospinal fluid and characteristic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging changes led to the diagnosis of PML. No treatment was initiated other than continuation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The patient was re-examined 8 months later and found to have significant resolution of his visual and neurological symptoms. Conclusion PML often results in devastating and deadly neurologic deterioration in HIV-positive patients. Although treatment options are limited, HAART can lead to clinical improvement of symptoms and prolong survival time.
The effect of CO2 on the viscosity of silicate liquids at high pressure

The effect of carbon dioxide on the viscosity of silicate liquids has been measured at high pressure and temperature using the falling-sphere method. Our measurements for the viscosity of volatile-free NaAlSi3O8 liquid at 1400/dgC at 15–25 kbar are significantly lower than those determined previously by Kushiro (1978). CO2 reduces the viscosity of NaAlSi3O8 liquid at high pressure by a factor of two, probably as a result of the depolymerization of the liquid on solution of CO2. Based on previous data for the solubility mechanisms of CO2 in NaAlSi3O8 liquid, it may be inferred that CO2 dissolves in the liquid, at least in part, as the CO32− ion complexing with Na+, producing some non-tetrahedral Al3+. CO2 probably decreases the viscosity of all fully polymerized silicate liquids provided that at least some of the CO2 dissolves as the CO32− ion. The magnitude of the viscosity reduction of NaAlSi3O8 liquid by CO2 is comparable to that of both H2O and F on a molar basis. In contrast, CO2 appears to have little effect on the viscosity of sodium melilite liquid, possibly because CO2 plays two contrasting structural roles in this relatively depolymerized composition: as a depolymerizing agent analogous to that in albite by complexing with alkali or alkaline earth cations and expelling Al3+ from tetrahedral coordination and as a polymerizer by forming new bridging oxygens and linking aluminosilicate anionic units in the liquid. Because of the low solubility of CO2 and because CO2 is probably a minor volatile constituent in silicic magmas, it will have a minor influence, compared to H2O and F, on the modification of the physical properties of these magmas. Despite the relatively high solubility of CO2 in basic magmas, it may be predicted that the viscosity of these magmas will not be greatly affected by the addition of CO2.
Elevated adult neurogenesis in brain subventricular zone following in vivo manganese exposure: roles of copper and DMT1.

The brain subventricular zone (SVZ) is a source of neural precursor cells; these cells travel along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) to destination areas in the process of adult neurogenesis. Recent x-ray fluorescence (XRF) studies reveal an extensive accumulation of copper (Cu) in the SVZ. Earlier human and animal studies also suggest an altered Cu homeostasis after manganese (Mn) exposure. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that Mn exposure by acting on the divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) altered Cu levels in SVZ and RMS, thereby affecting adult neurogenesis. Adult rats received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 6 mg Mn/kg as MnCl2 once daily for 4 weeks with concomitant injections of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) for 5 days in the last week. In control rats, Cu levels were significantly higher in the SVZ than other brain regions examined. Mn exposure significantly reduced Cu concentrations in the SVZ (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical data showed that in vivo Mn exposure significantly increased numbers of BrdU(þ) cells, which were accompanied with increased GFAP(þ) astrocytic stem cells and DCX(þ) neuroblasts in SVZ and RMS. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot confirmed the increased expression of DMT1 in SVZ following in vivo Mn exposure, which contributed to Mn accumulation in the neurogenesis pathway. Taken together, these results indicate a clear disruptive effect of Mn on adult neurogenesis; the effect appears due partly to Mn induction of DMT1 and its interference with cellular Cu regulation in SVZ and RMS. The future research directions based on these observations are also discussed.
Existence Theorems for Periodic Non-relativistic Maxwell–Chern–Simons Solitons

Abstract We study the system of elliptic equations[formula]defined over a doubly-periodic domain in R 2 , where the coefficients are specifically given by the physical model. This system arises in a self-dual non-relativistic Maxwell–Chern–Simons theory coupled with a neutral scalar field in (2+1)-dimensional spacetime and the solutions represent multivortices known as condensates. Our existence results reveal that the number of vortices confined in a periodic cell domain can be arbitrary and that the Chern–Simons coupling parameter imposes no restriction to the existence of solutions.
Effective Communication During an Influenza Pandemic: The Value of Using a Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication Framework:

During a crisis, an open and empathetic style of communication that engenders the public's trust is the most effective when officials are attempting to galvanize the population to take a positive action or refrain from a harmful act. Although trust is imperative in a crisis, public suspicions of scientific experts and government are increasing for a variety of reasons, including access to more sources of conflicting information, a reduction in the use of scientific reasoning in decision making, and political infighting. Trust and credibility--which are demonstrated through empathy and caring, competence and expertise, honesty and openness, and dedication and commitment--are essential elements of persuasive communication.
Spatiotemporal pattern recognition using hidden Markov models

A spatio-temporal method for identifying objects contained in an image sequence is presented. The Hidden Markov Model (HMM) technique is used as the classification algorithm, making classification decisions based on a spatio-temporal sequence of observed object features. A five class problem is considered. Classification accuracies of 100% and 99.7% are obtained for sequences of images generated over two separate regions of viewing positions. HMMs trained on image sequences of the objects moving in opposite directions showed a 98.1% successful classification rate by class and direction of movement. The HMM technique proved robust to image corruption with additive correlated noise and had a higher accuracy than a single look nearest neighbor method. A real image sequence of one of the objects used was successfully recognized with the HMMs trained on synthetic data. This study shows the temporal changes that observed feature vectors undergo due to object motion hold information that can yield superior classification accuracy when compared to single frame techniques.
Further Observations on Cerebral or Retinal Ischemia in Patients With Right-Left Intracardiac Shunts

• Between October 1983 and November 1986, 20 patients suspected of having a paradoxical cerebral or retinal embolism were identified. Cerebral infarction was the most common presentation. Six patients had a patent foramen ovale demonstrated by cardiac catheterization or surgery. Three patients had a newly discovered atrial septal defect, and one had an atrial septal defect that had previously been treated surgically. Results of the cardiac physical examination, chest roentgenography, and electrocardiography were unremarkable in 12 patients. Eighteen patients had a right-to-left shunt demonstrated by contrast echocardiography. Nine of these patients underwent cardiac catheterization; seven had abnormal catheterization study results: four had a patent foramen ovale and three had an atrial septal defect. Sixteen patients received medical therapy only while four underwent surgery. All patients survived the initial insult. There were no deaths or ischemic recurrences on follow-up ranging from one month to three years. We believe that contrast echocardiography can provide important diagnostic information, even in situations in which cardiac involvement is not suspected. Additional studies are needed before the optimal treatment of presumptive paradoxical cerebral embolism can be determined.
Proteolytic processing and compartmentalization of the primary translation products of mammalian apolipoprotein mRNAs

The steps involved in the initial assembly of apolipoproteins and lipids into supramolecular arrays (nascent lipoprotein particles) are largely unknown. Examination of the proteolytic processing and compartmentalization of the primary translation products of apolipoprotein mRNAs represents one approach to deciphering the molecular details of lipoprotein assembly. The structures of the primary translation products of seven mammalian apolipoprotein mRNAs has been determined in the past several years. The organization of apolipoprotein signal peptides is typical of eukaryotic prepeptides, although an unusual degree of sequence conservation is present among the signal segments of apo AI, AIV, and E. For those apolipoprotein sequences studied in detail, SRP-dependent cotranslational translocation and proteolytic processing appears to be highly efficient and results in sequestration of the processed protein within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However the mechanism by which these lipid-binding proteins avoid arrest during their translocation through the lipid bilayer of the ER membrane remains obscure. The two principal human HDL apolipoproteins undergo novel extracellular post-translational proteolytic processing, which results in removal of nonhomologous propeptides. The proteases responsible for proapo AI and AII processing appear to be different. The processing of these proapolipoproteins provides a potential series of steps for regulating the ordered assembly of HDL constituents.
Deposition of suspensions in the entrance region of a vertical channel

Abstract The deposition of aerosols with gravity in a vertical channel from the inlet to a distance of 50 channel widths was investigated numerically for developing, fully developed, and uniform laminar flows. The relative importance of sedimetation as compared to Brownian diffusion was determined by the parameter σ = vgh/D where vg is the settling velocity, h is half the channel width and D the particle diffusivity. A finite difference solution was found for the concentration distribution whereby various values of σ are presented for the penetration over the axial distance.
Skin test anergy in advanced heart failure secondary to either ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Skin tests to recall antigens are performed as indicators of clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF). A diminution in the response to recall antigens, termed "anergy," is regarded as an indication of poorer clinical prognosis, although little analysis has been done to support that conclusion. Patients with advanced HF (n=222) in New York Heart Association classes III and IV, with complete datasets for all of the variables, were studied. The sample was 77% men, mean age 52+/-12 years, and left ventricular ejection fraction, 21+/-7. Patients with ischemic (n=113) and idiopathic (n=109) disease were analyzed separately. The relation of anergy to 1-year mortality and selected hemodynamic factors, blood chemistries, medications, and nutritional status markers was analyzed. Anergy was present in 45% (47% idiopathic and 42% ischemic) of patients. Anergy was related to 1-year mortality (univariate p=0.038) in patients with ischemic, but not idiopathic, HF. Anergic patients with ischemic HF had shorter survival times (p=0.035). Lower cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides were predictors (p <0.001) of mortality in idiopathic HF. In ischemic HF, lower cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides were univariate predictors (p <0.001, p=0.004, and p=0.005, respectively) of skin test anergy, but not mortality. Thus, there were distinct differences in clinical correlates of skin test anergy in patients with idiopathic and ischemic HF. This study supports evaluation of anergy to skin tests as one of the markers of mortality in patients with ischemic HF.
Behavioral effects of synthetic cannabinoids marketed as “spice”

negative urines, reduction in opioid craving, improvement inmental health functional quality of life, and no new safety concerns. Financial support: Funded by Alkermes, Inc. Drs. Gastfriend, Memisoglu and Silverman are employees of Alkermes, Inc. Dr. Earley is a paid consultant to Alkermes. Injectable extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol®) was developed with support from National Institute onDrugAbuseGrant R43DA013531 andNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Grant N43AA001002.
Ob/Gyn residents as primary care providers: implementing a new curriculum for diagnosing and treating depression and anxiety

Abstract The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) guidelines on resident work hours were created in 2002 in an effort to improve patient care. However, these changes may have a negative impact on resident education. Finding time to adequately prepare Ob/Gyn residents in core curriculum topics has become a challenge. Primary care topics such as behavioral medicine often become a lesser priority, yet Ob/Gyn physicians are expected to be competent in diagnosing and treating mental illness. Depression affects as many as 30% of all pregnant or postpartum women. When we evaluated the screening practices of a southeastern North Carolina residency program, we found that only 8% of prenatal patients were screened for symptoms of depression at their first visit and only 23% were screened at their postpartum visit. Education, screening, and treatment practices need to be addressed to ensure thorough management of Ob/Gyn patients. This paper suggests ways to do so.
Les pronoms clitiques sujets en picard: une analyse au confluent de la phonologie, de la morphologie et de la syntaxe

Cet article examine les clitiques sujets du picard. Comme le francais familier, le picard ‘redouble’ les sujets lexicaux a l'aide d'une copie pronominale, ce qui souleve la possibilite que les pronoms sujets soient devenus des marques affixales d'accord verbal. Les tests morphophonologiques et morphosyntaxiques auxquels nous soumettons les clitiques sujets revelent que s'ils sont devenus de veritables marques d'accord, leur comportement n'est pas tout a fait celui d'affixes lexicaux. Nous proposons donc qu'ils sont generes sous Agr dans la structure syntaxique et qu'ils se cliticisent au verbe en forme phonologique pour former un Groupe Clitique tel que propose par Hayes 1989.
Carcinomas of ovary and lung with clear cell features : Can immunohistochemistry help in differential diagnosis?

Metastatic lung carcinomas with clear cell morphology can be confused with primary ovarian clear cell carcinomas. We performed immunohistochemical stains in 14 cases of non-small cell lung carcinomas with clear cell features and 14 cases of ovarian clear cell carcinomas using a panel of markers, including thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Wilms tumor gene 1, octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT-4), cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor. Among non-small cell lung carcinomas with clear cell features, 87.5% of adenocarcinomas (or 50% overall frequency in lung carcinomas) were positive for TTF-1, whereas none of the ovarian clear cell carcinomas were positive (P = 0.002). All 14 ovarian clear cell carcinomas stained for CA-125 as compared with 1 non-small cell lung carcinoma (P < 0.001). On the other hand, 85% of non-small cell lung carcinomas stained for CEA, whereas none of the ovarian clear cell carcinomas did (P < 0.001). Interestingly, 4 ovarian clear cell carcinomas (28%) showed positive staining for the germ cell marker OCT-4. Either lung or ovarian carcinomas stained for Wilms tumor gene 1, estrogen receptor, or progesterone receptor very infrequently; and the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. Our results suggest that an immunohistochemical panel consisting of TTF-1, CEA, CA-125, and OCT-4 is helpful in distinguishing most pulmonary and ovarian carcinomas with clear cell features.
Effect of rapid temperature change on resting routine metabolic rates of two benthic elasmobranchs

In this study, flow-through respirometry was used to test the effect of acute temperature change on resting routine metabolic rates of two benthic elasmobranchs, Atlantic stingrays, Dasyatis sabina (n = 7) and whitespotted bamboo sharks, Chiloscyllium plagiosum (n = 7) kept under fluctuating temperature regime of 24–27 and 23–25°C, respectively. Atlantic stingrays and whitespotted bamboo sharks showed a temperature sensitivity (Q10) of 2.10 (21–31°C) and 2.08 (20–28°C), respectively. Not surprisingly, oxygen consumption (MO2) increased in both species as temperature was raised. Acute increases in oxygen uptake may be useful during activities such as foraging, and some elasmobranchs may alter physiological processes by taking advantage of thermal variability in the environment. However, further investigation of different physiological processes is needed to better understand how temperature variation may affect behavioural choices of fishes.
Do medical students "turn on?

Abstract Almost half (47%) of a 1969 national medical student sample used drugs for non-medical pruposes. Marihuana which was used by four out of ten students was the most common drug, however, amphetamines, LSD, mescaline, opium, cocaine, and heroin were also used. Attitudes of medical students toward drug use were heavily influenced by their own drug experiences.
Subcostal LVAD Exchange Is Associated with Shorter Recovery and Improved Long Term Survival Than Full Sternotomy Approach

Purpose Although the quality and durability of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) have been improved recently, device failure remains to be a serious issue with increased waiting time for bridge to transplant and improved survival in destination therapy. LVAD exchange can be done by full sternotomy for a radical revision or by a less-invasive subcostal approach. Either results of LVAD exchange or surgical techniques, however, are not well investigated. Methods and Materials Among 176 consecutive patients who had LVAD implantation between January 2008 and June 2012, total 16 patients underwent 17 pump exchanges. Eight had subcostal (SC group, n=8) approach and the rest had full sternotomy (FS group, n=9). Mortality, hospital stay, operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time and amount of perioperative blood transfusion were analyzed. All data were prospectively collected for STS and institutional databases. Results Total 13 HeartMate II, 2 HVAD and 2 VentraAssist were used for pump exchange. Fourteen had pump failure due to thrombus and 3 had driveline failure. Post-operative 30-day mortality was 25% (3 FS, 1 SC) and 1-year mortality was 50% (5 FS, 3 SC) in the entire group. One year mortality in the SC group was significantly lower (33% vs. 63%, p Conclusions LVAD failure remains a devastating complication. Any pump exchange resulted in high mortality both in short and mid-term. SC approach provides a decreased OR time and a shorter recovery as well as improved one-year survival compared to the FS group. A better pre-operative optimization, earlier and less invasive surgical approach may help us achieve a better result in LVAD exchange.
Topiramate in Chronic Lumbar Radicular Pain

Abstract Chronic lumbar radicular pain is the most common neuropathic pain syndrome. This was a double-blind, randomized, 2-period crossover trial of topiramate (50 to 400 mg) and diphenhydramine (6.25 to 50 mg) as active placebo to assess the efficacy of topiramate. Each period consisted of a 4-week escalation, a 2-week maintenance at the highest tolerated dose, and a 2-week taper. Main outcome was the mean daily leg pain score on a 0 to 10 scale during the maintenance period. Global pain relief was assessed on a 6-level category scale. In the 29 of 42 patients who completed the study, topiramate reduced leg pain by a mean of 19% ( P = .065). Global pain relief scores were significantly better on topiramate ( P Perspective The anticonvulsant topiramate might reduce chronic lumbar nerve root pain through effects such as blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels and AMPA/kainite glutamate receptors, modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels, and gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist-like effects.
Characterization of NIST standard reference materials by next generation sequencing

Abstract The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers certified Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for laboratories which perform DNA-based human identity testing. Developed by the Applied Genetics Group at NIST, forensic DNA SRMs are well characterized for relevant markers such as autosomal and Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence. Characterization of the SRMs has been performed by capillary gel electrophoresis fragment-based genotyping analysis and/or Sanger type sequencing. New technologies, commonly referred to as next generation sequencing (NGS), now offer an opportunity to validate the certified DNA-based reference materials using an orthogonal method and thereby increase the confidence in the certified values of the materials. The increased sensitivity of NGS will facilitate expansion of the information content of NIST SRMs through the characterization of new features which are beyond the ability of fragment-based analysis or Sanger sequencing to detect. This work will also lead to the availability of Certified Reference Materials for laboratories wishing to implement and validate NGS technology in the field of forensics.
Blood Collection from the American Horseshoe Crab, Limulus Polyphemus

The horseshoe crab has the best-characterized immune system of any long-lived invertebrate. The study of immunity in horseshoe crabs has been facilitated by the ease in collecting large volumes of blood and from the simplicity of the blood. Horseshoe crabs show only a single cell type in the general circulation, the granular amebocyte. The plasma has the salt content of sea water and only three abundant proteins, hemocyanin, the respiratory protein, the C-reactive proteins, which function in the cytolytic destruction of foreign cells, including bacterial cells, and alpha2-macroglobulin, which inhibits the proteases of invading pathogens. Blood is collected by direct cardiac puncture under conditions that minimize contamination by lipopolysaccharide (a.k.a., endotoxin, LPS), a product of the Gram-negative bacteria. A large animal can yield 200 - 400 mL of blood. For the study of the plasma, blood cells are immediately removed from the plasma by centrifugation and the plasma can then be fractionated into its constituent proteins. The blood cells are conveniently studied microscopically by collecting small volumes of blood into LPS-free isotonic saline (0.5 M NaCl) under conditions that permit direct microscopic examination by placing one of more LPS-free coverglasses on the culture dish surface, then mounting those coverglasses in simple observation chambers following cell attachment. A second preparation for direct observation is to collect 3 - 5 mL of blood in a LPS-free embryo dish and then explanting fragments of aggregated amebocytes to a chamber that sandwiches the tissue between a slide and a coverglass. In this preparation, the motile amebocytes migrate onto the coverglass surface, where they can readily be observed. The blood clotting system involves aggregation of amebocytes and the formation of an extracellular clot of a protein, coagulin, which is released from the secretory granules of the blood cells. Biochemical analysis of washed blood cells requires that aggregation and degranulation does not occur, which can be accomplished by collecting blood into 0.1 volumes of 2% Tween-20, 0.5 M LPS-free NaCl, followed by centrifugation of the cells and washing with 0.5 M NaCl.
Colloquial German: The Complete Course for Beginners. 3rd ed. by HATHERALL, DIETLINDE, & GLYN HATHERALL.

The article reviews the book "Colloquial German: The Complete Course for Beginners," by Glyn Hatherall and Dietlinde Hatherall.