cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of depression outcomes in medical inpatients with chronic pulmonary disease.

Objective Baseline patient characteristics and depression treatments were examined as predictors of speed of depression remission in hospitalized medical patients with chronic pulmonary disease (CPD). Methods Consecutively admitted patients over age 50 years with CPD were screened for major and minor depression using the Structured Clinical Interview for Depression. Patients with minor depression were followed up over 12–24 weeks with the Longitudinal Interview Follow-up Evaluation. Course of depression and predictors of remission were examined. Results Seven hundred eleven depressed patients with CPD (410 with minor, 301 with major depression) were identified and assessed over time. Two-thirds with minor depression had remitted by 12 weeks compared with 26.9% with major depression at 12 weeks and 49.2% at 24 weeks. Predictors of faster remission for minor depression were black race, community hospital admission, less severe depression, less medical comorbidity, less severe CPD, more social support, and no antidepressant treatment. For major depression, less severe depression, no past antidepressant drug treatment, and less intense current antidepressant treatment predicted faster remission. Conclusions The course of depressive disorder after discharge in patients hospitalized with CPD can be predicted by characteristics during admission. Although patients with minor depression may be followed and treatment initiated only if depression persists, those with major depression need more aggressive treatment and psychiatric consultation if improvement does not occur.
Type I error and the number of iterations in Monte Carlo studies of robustness

A recent survey of simulation studies concluded that an overwhelming majority of papers do not report a rationale for the decision regarding the number of Monte Carlo iterations. A surprisingly large number of reports do not contain a justifiable definition of robustness and many studies are conducted with an insufficient number of iterations to achieve satisfactory statistical conclusion validity. The implication is that we do not follow our own advice regarding the management of Type I and Type II errors when conducting Monte Carlo experiments. This paper reports a straightforward application of a well-known procedure for the purpose of objectively determining the exact number of iterations necessary to confidently detect departures from robustness in Monte Carlo results. A table of the number of iterations necessary to detect departures from a series of nominal Type I error rates is included.
A Stimulus-Responsive Contrast Agent for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging

Complement activation by targeting ligands is an important issue that governs the fate of targeted colloidal contrast agents for molecular imaging. Here, we extend previous work on a stimulus-responsive microbubble construct, in which the ligand is normally buried by a polymeric overbrush and transiently revealed by ultrasound radiation force, to show reduced complement activation and focused adhesion to cells using a physiological peptide ligand. Attachment of C3/C3b in vitro and production of soluble C3a anaphylotoxin in vitro and in vivo decreased significantly for the buried-ligand architecture vs. the conventional exposed-ligand motif and no-ligand control. Additionally, the buried-ligand architecture prevented adhesion of Arg-Gly-Tyr (RGD)-bearing microbubbles to integrin-expressing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) when driven by buoyancy in a static chamber, but it did not affect adhesion efficiency when activated by ultrasound radiation force pulses. These results show, for the first time, the molecular mechanism for reduced immunogenicity for the buried-ligand architecture and feasibility of targeting with this motif using a physiological ligand-receptor pair.
Numerical Modeling and Simulation of Condensation Heat Transfer in a Bundle of Transport Membrane Tubes for Waste Heat and Water Recovery

In this paper, a numerical study has been carried out to investigate the heat and mass transfer with condensation in a transport membrane tube bundle, which is used for recovering both heat and water from combustion flue gas. The tube wall is made of a specially designed porous material that is able to extract condensate liquid from the flue gas. The flue gas investigated consists of one condensable water vapor (H2 O) and three noncondensable gases (CO2 , O2 , and N2 ). A simplified multi-species transport model was developed for the heat and mass transfer of flue gas. The condensation-evaporation process was simulated as a two-step chemical reaction. The RNG two-equation turbulence model was used for the turbulent flow. The numerical study was conducted within ranges of Reynolds number of 1.0×103 –7×104 based on hydraulic diameter of flue gas channel, and 6.4×100 –3.3×102 based on inner diameter of the water tube. Flue gas inlet temperature is within the range of 333.2–360.9 K, while the water inlet temperature is within the range of 293.9–316.7 K. Numerical results were compared with experimental data obtained in a parallel effort. It has been found that the developed multi-species transport model was able to predict the flue gas heat and mass transfer in the tube bundle with fairly good accuracy. The heat and mass depletion levels decrease with the increase of the flue gas Reynolds numbers. A new Nusselt number correlation was developed for flue gas convection in the tube bundle. Detailed results about temperature, mass fraction, enthalpy, and skin fraction factors are also presented and discussed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Leptin activation of Stat3 in the hypothalamus of wild–type and ob/ob mice but not db/db mice

Leptin, a hormone secreted by adipocytes, regulates the size of the adipose tissue mass through effects on satiety and energy metabolism. Leptin's precise sites of action are not known. The leptin receptor (Ob-R) is found in many tissues in several alternatively spliced forms raising the possibility that leptin exerts effects on many tissues including the hypothalamus. Ob-R is a member of the gp130 family of cytokine receptors which are known to stimulate gene transcription via activation of cytosolic STAT proteins. In order to identify the sites of leptin action in vivo, we assayed for activation of STAT proteins in mice treated with leptin. The STAT proteins bind to phosphotyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic domain of the ligand-activated receptor where they are phosphorylated. The activated STAT proteins dimerize and translocate to the nucleus where they bind DNA and activate transcription. The activation of STAT proteins in response to leptin was assayed in a variety of mouse tissues known to express Ob-R. Leptin injection activated Stat3 but no other STAT protein in the hypothalamus of ob/ob and wild-type mice but not db/db mice, mutants that lack an isoform of the leptin receptor. Leptin did not induce STAT activation in any of the other tissues tested. Activation of Stat3 by leptin was dose dependent and first observed after 15 minutes and maximal at 30 minutes. Our data indicate the hypothalamus is a direct target of leptin action and that this activation is critically dependent on the gp-130-like leptin receptor isoform missing in C57BLKS/J db/db mice. This is the first in vivo demonstration of leptin signal transduction.
Corona Energy Budget in AGN and GBHCs

Recent progress in observations and understanding of spectra of Seyfert Galaxies shows that X-rays are most likely produced by magnetic flares on the surface of the disk, similar to Solar X-ray emission. However, while the model reproduces the shape of the spectrum well, the question of the overall normalization of the X-ray component relative to the bolometric luminosity has not been previously considered. Here we show that, in gas-dominated accretion disks, the magnetic energy transport can indeed power the corona in a way consistent with observations, {\it if} magnetic field in the disk is mostly contained to strong magnetic flux tubes. However, in radiation dominated disks radiation diffusion makes the field weak/diffuse, and thus the magnetic energy transport is less efficient, i.e., in such disks the disk intrinsic emission should be the dominant component in the overall spectrum. We compare our findings to observations, and conclude that our theory can account for the often observed ``steeper when brighter'' behavior in AGN and the hard-soft spectral transitions in GBHCs.
Identification and cloning of a developmentally regulated Cryptosporidium parvum gene by differential mRNA display PCR

To identify Cryptosporidium parvum genes expressed during intracellular development, differential mRNA display was used to detect differences in gene expression between mock-infected and C. parvum-infected human epithelial cells. A reproducible band present only in C. parvum-infected cells, ddHC-23, was isolated and cloned. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that ddHC-23 represented a C. parvum gene. RT-PCR revealed that HC-23 mRNA levels decreased from 6 to 12h post-infection (pi), were maximally expressed at 24h pi, and returned to low levels at 48 and 72h pi. Northern blot analysis determined that the approx. 3.6kb transcript is expressed by sporozoites prior to invasion of epithelial cells. Screening of a C. parvum genomic library with ddHC-23 isolated a genomic subclone which contained a 2790bp ORF, uninterrupted by introns. Sequence analysis indicated that the encoded protein, which displayed no similarity to any sequences in the public databases, contained a high proportion of polar amino acids, with the most abundant being Asp (17.3%), Ser (15.8%) and Gly (8.1%). Numerous potential sites for posttranslational modification were present including: casein kinase II and protein kinase C phosphorylation sites, N-myristolation sites and N-glycosylation sites. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of differential mRNA display for identifying developmentally regulated C. parvum genes within the background of genes expressed by the host cell. 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
UV-FEL photoelectron emission microscopy of the dynamics of nanostructures on silicon surfaces

The combination of a wavelength tunable UV free electron laser and a high resolution photo-electron emission microscope offers unprecedented opportunities for in situ, real time imaging of the dynamics of processes on surfaces on a nanometer scale. This type of system is now in operation at the Duke University Free Electron Laser Laboratory. In this study we report real time observations of the dynamics of liquid Pt-Si islands on Si(100) surfaces. The dynamics of coalescence is observed. Moreover, a driving force for motion of the liquid micro-droplets is developed based on these observations. We also report studies of the dynamics of growth of nanometer scale TiSi2 islands on Si(111). Depending on the growth conditions, we observe ripening or coalescence processes where smaller islands evolve into larger islands. On the (111) surface a shape transition is observed in which the islands are initially circular and then develop into long wire shaped structures. The growth processes represent a competition between kinetic and energetic processes on the surfaces.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Destriping LANDSAT MSS images by histogram modification

Abstract Before images obtained by multisensor cameras can be used in image analysis, corrections must be introduced for the differences in the gain or transfer functions of the sensors. Methods are here presented for obtaining the required information directly from the statistics of the sensor outputs. The assumption is made that the probability distribution of scene radiances seen by each sensor is the same. Successful destriping of LANDSAT Multispectral Scanner (MSS) images is demonstrated. The technique applies to images obtained with any multisensor line-scan camera, however.
On a new stopping rule for stochastic approximation

A new stopping rule for the Robbins-Monro process, based on an F-statistic criterion is proposed and its asymptotic behavior established. On the basis of evidence obtained through experimental sampling, the procedure seems to work well over a wide variety of situations. A two-stage procedure, coupling the new rule with an earlier one proposed by Sielken [1973] is recommended for practical use.
Prayer and Subjective Well-Being: An Examination of Six Different Types of Prayer

Participants (N = 430) were recruited online and completed a measure of six prayer types (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, reception, and obligatory prayer). Measures of subjective well-being (self-esteem, optimism, meaning in life, satisfaction with life) were also administered. Three forms of prayer (adoration, thanksgiving, reception) had consistently positive relations with well-being measures, whereas the other three forms of prayer had negative or null relations with the well-being measures. The prayer types having positive effects appear to be less ego-focused, and more focused on God, whereas the negative types have an opposite nature. These results highlight the role of psychological meaning as a part of the process whereby prayer impacts psychological well-being.
Quantitative X-ray imaging of labelled molecules in tissues and cells.

Using cisplatin as a model system, we have been able to demonstrate the feasibility of studying the cellular and subcellular distribution of a labelled molecule containing a single atom of platinum per molecule in bone marrow. An X-ray imaging system consisting of a microcomputer, a 4pi system and a software package was interfaced with an electron microscope enabling the computer to control the beam movements as well as receive signals from the STEM and EDS X-ray detectors. X-ray imaging is useful for both tissue and samples in which the population of cells is not homogeneous. Imaging permits elemental distributions to be measured throughout the sample and not in just randomly selected areas as previously done in X-ray microanalysis. Images are created for not only the element labelling the molecule of interest but also other specified elements present. Three types of maps for imaging labelled molecules are compared and discussed. When the original (collected) data are mapped, the elements of interest are obscured by the continuum. The maps calculated using an internal standard give a concentration distribution on the basis of volume (mmol L−1 of packed cells). The maps calculated using the continuum normalization method according to Hall produces concentration distribution on the basis of mass (mmol kg−1 dry weight). By recalculating using the ‘Peak’ or ‘Hall’ method the continuum problem is removed yielding quantitative images of the intracellular distribution of labelled molecules present in low concentrations.
Polyoma-like virions in a human demyelinating disease.

Previous contributions of electron microscopy to the study of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy are outlined. The report of an additional case is the third in which minimal manifestations of the disease were found incidentally at autopsy. Preliminary ultrastructural observations are recorded. The possible importance of all these studies for human neuro-oncology is considered.
Disrupting the PIKE-A/Akt interaction inhibits glioblastoma cell survival, migration, invasion and colony formation

The cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) amplicon is frequently amplified in numerous human cancers including gliomas. PIKE-A, a proto-oncogene that is one of the important components of the CDK4 amplicon, binds to and enhances the kinase activity of Akt, thereby promoting cancer progression. To define the roles of the PIKE-A/Akt interaction in glioblastoma multiform (GBM) progression, we used biochemical protein/protein interaction (PPI) assays and live cell fluorescence-based protein complementation assays to search for small peptide antagonist from these proteins that were able to block their interaction. Here, we show that disruption of the interaction between PIKE-A and Akt by the small peptides significantly reduces glioblastoma cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion. Disruption of PIKE-A/Akt association potently suppressed GBM cell proliferation and sensitized the cells to two clinical drugs that are currently used to treat GBM. Interestingly, GBM cells containing the CDK4 amplicon were more responsive to the inhibition of the PIKE-A/Akt interaction than GBM cells lacking this amplicon. Taken together, our findings provide proof-of-principle that blocking a PPI that is essential for cancer progression provides a valuable strategy for therapeutic discovery.
Change in colony morphology influences the virulence as well as the biochemical properties of the Mycobacterium avium complex.

Factors that influence colony morphology are of crucial importance for drug development as well as for understanding the virulence of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) strains. The MAC 101 strain used in the present study grows as smooth transparent (SmT) colonies that tend to become opaque and pigmented when incubated for long periods of time. However, when MAC was passaged in animals, two types of colonies were recovered. The new rough transparent (RgT) colony morphology appeared more flat and transparent, having a central spot, irregular edges at times, and a dry, granular appearance like that of the rough mutants. In animal studies, the RgT bacilli multiplied at a much faster rate than that of the SmT bacilli, causing 60-80% mortality compared with the 10% mortality observed in mice infected with SmT. In vitro studies indicated that the SmT MAC did not grow and multiply as well in resident peritoneal macrophages as the RgT MAC did. The two morphotypes did not differ in their growth ratesin vitro but the RgT MAC failed to reduce dimethylthiazol-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), alamar blue and neutral red, suggesting that there might be significant changes in the cell wall or elsewhere causing changes in cellular permeability. These two morphotypes could serve as models for studying the biochemical markers or the identification of factors responsible for the virulence of the MAC.
Exploring Attribute Correspondences Across Heterogeneous Databases by Mutual Information

Identifying attribute correspondences across heterogeneous databases is a critical and time-consuming step in integrating the databases. Past research has applied correlation analysis techniques to explore correspondences between attributes. These techniques, however, are appropriate for numeric attributes that are linearly related. This paper proposes an information-theoretic approach to exploring correspondences between attributes in heterogeneous databases. The proposed approach is applicable to character attributes, as well as to numeric attributes, regardless whether or not they are linearly related. It overcomes some serious shortcomings of previous approaches based on correlation analysis and has much broader applicability. The proposed procedure samples both matching and nonmatching pairs of records from the databases under consideration, applies matching functions to compare pairs of attributes, and then uses the mutual information to measure the dependency between a matching function as applied to a pair of attributes and the class (i.e., matching or nonmatching) of a pair of records. A high mutual information index implies a potential attribute correspondence, which is presented to the analyst for further evaluation. The paper also presents some empirical results demonstrating the utility of the proposed approach.
Steering, rowing, drifting, or sinking? Changing patterns of governance

Contemporary governance has become increasingly complex, both in terms of the goals being pursued and the instruments being used to pursue those goals. This article provides a framework for understanding that complexity, based on the experiences of local governments in the Nordic region. The numerous local authorities and the numerous organizations involved in governance in this region provide a particularly important laboratory for understanding attempts to steer complex policy systems.
Accuracy of a hand-held surgical navigation system for tibial resection in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract Background Accuracy of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implant placement and overall limb are important goals of TKA technique. Methods The accuracy and ease of use of an accelerometer-based hand-held navigation system for tibial resection during TKA was examined in 90 patients. Preoperative goals for sagittal alignment, navigation system assembly time, resection time, and tourniquet time were evaluated. Coronal and sagittal alignment was measured postoperatively. Results The average coronal tibial component alignment was 0.43° valgus; 6.7% of patients had tibial coronal alignment outside of ± 3° varus/valgus. The difference between the intraoperative goal and radiographically measured posterior tibial slope was 0.5°. The average time to completion of the tibial cut was 4.6 minutes. Conclusion The accelerometer-based hand-held navigation system was accurate for tibial coronal and sagittal alignment during TKA, with no additional surgical time compared with conventional instrumentation.
Determination of stereotypes for lever control of object motions using computer generated graphics

Abstract Lever control stereotypes for translational and rotational motions in a cartesian coordinate system were examined. Two methods were used, one with drawings of cube motions on paper, the other with computer graphics. In the graphics version a lever actually controlled cube motions, allowing subjects to interact with control schemes before selecting a preferred one. Stereotypes found common to both methods were: push lever to move cube away, pull lever to bring cube nearer; and push lever to rotate the top of the cube away, pull lever to rotate the top nearer. A very strong push for up and pull for down stereotype was found in the paper test, but no stereotype for these cube motions was found in the graphics test. This is of particular interest because pull for up and push for down are the usual control schemes for heavy equipment. These differences may relate to subjects having the opportunity to interact with the control scheme. Smaller differences between methods were observed with translations ...
Influence of operating parameters on clay fouling of a RO membrane

Abstract Effect of operating parameters on permeate flux due to clay fouling on a reverse osmosis membrane in a laboratory scale plate and frame membrane module is discussed. Bentonite clay was used as the model foulant. No steady state conditions were observed even after 24 hrs of operation. The flux–time curves obtained could be generalized into three categories. In the short term, the application of higher pressure leads to higher initial permeate flux. However, this effect has a negative effect on the long term flux by the formation of a more dense and a less porous cake layer on the membrane. Particle concentration plays a more dominant role in flux reduction. The results show that an increase in particle concentration from 100 to 300 mg/l could lead to an increase in the flux decline between 15.9 to 47.7 percent. For the tested conditions, crossflow velocity did not have much of an impact on the permeate flux.
Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry; a promising tool for structural studies

Abstract Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FABMS) is a powerful new structural tool. Ionization is effected by bombarding a glycerol matrix with neon or argon atoms of 5–10 KeV energy. Positive and negative secondary ions are sputtered from the surface and can be detected for inorganic ion clusters to mass 25 800 and biologically important compounds to mass 5 700. FABMS is especially valuable in determining the sequence of amino acids in polypeptides.
Urocanic Acid Photochemistry and Photobiology

Urocanic acid (2-propenoic acid, 3-[ lH-imidazol-4(5)-yl], UA)? is one of the smallest molecules to have stimulated global interest among biologists, environmentalists, photochemists, photobiologists, medicinal chemists and immunologists. Its history can be traced back more than a century to when it was first found in the urine of dogs (1). Interest in the molecule remained dormant until the middle of the century but rekindled in the late 1940s when it was detected in animal skin and sweat. This led to the proposal that UA acts as a natural sunscreen, possibly as a specific photoprotecting agent for DNA because of the overlap of the UA and DNA absorption spectra (2). Since 1983 there has been an explosive growth in UA research, primarily as a consequence of the proposal by De Fabo and Noonan (3) that the cis photoisomer (cUA) of trans-UA (tUA) could be responsible for the phenomenon of photoimmunosuppression. In a recent literature survey we found that about 25 research papers have appeared every year over the last decade involving UA. Several comprehensive reviews of the molecule's photobiology, photochemistry and photophysics have appeared (4-
Planning and decision theory

Research on planning in AI can be separated into the two major areas: plan generation and plan representation. Most AI planners to date have been based on the STRIPS planning representation. This representation has a number of limitations. Much recent work in plan representation has addressed these limitations. It was shown that Decision Theory can be used to remove a number of the limitations. Furthermore, the decision theoretic framework provides a precise definition of rational behaviour. There remain open questions within decision theory regarding belief revision and causality. It should be noted that these problems are not artifacts of the representation. Rather they arise because the rich representation allows their formulation. Some work integrating AI and decision theoretic approaches to planning has been done but this remains a largely untouched research area.We see two main avenues for fruitful research. First, the straightforward decision theoretic formulation of planning is computationally impractical. Techniques need to be developed to do efficient decision theoretic planning. Work in AI plan generation has exploited information contained the structure of qualitative representations to guide efficient plan construction. These techniques should be applied to decision theoretic representations as well. Second, AI has developed many representations that allow useful structuring of knowledge about the world. Decision Theory has concentrated on representing beliefs and desires. Integration of AI and decision theoretic representations would yield powerful representation languages. Some of the benefits of such work can already be seen in the research combining temporal and decision theoretic representations.
The Scientific Basis for Lipotransfer: Is It the Ideal Filler?

A loss of volume results from a reduction in the subcutaneous fat, muscle atrophy, and changes in skeletal framework. Such loss of tissue volume compounded with tissue laxity leads to the aged appearance of the periorbital, perioral, cheek, and mandibular areas. Many facial plastic surgeons have sought to replace this volume with various injectable agents, both synthetic and autologous, in search for the ideal soft tissue filler. This article reviews the literature on lipotransfer and specifically the scientific basis underlying the approach.
Treatment of Experimental Canine Carotid Aneurysms with Platinum Coils

PURPOSE To evaluate and compare the deliverability, positioning, stability, and effectiveness of aneurysm occlusion and the incidence of parent-artery thrombosis of two different types of platinum coils, using a canine carotid aneurysm model. METHODS 29 experimental canine carotid aneurysms (19 lateral, 6 bifurcation, and 4 terminal) were constructed and treated with complex-shaped fibered platinum coils and simple curved nonfibered platinum Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs). RESULTS Fibered complex coils were stable, producing 38% complete aneurysm occlusion and 61% average reduction in aneurysm lumen size but resulting in 19% parent artery occlusions. GDC coils were stable, producing 31% complete aneurysm occlusion and 95% average reduction in aneurysm lumen size with no parent-artery occlusions. CONCLUSIONS GDC coils produced an average reduction in aneurysm lumen size of 95% without any associated parent-artery occlusions. There were no delayed migrations of GDC coils. The ability to remove, reposition, and detach a coil was the most significant feature of the GDC coil.
Screening versus diagnostic mammography

T he Case While undergoing a routine physical examination by her family physician. an asymptomatic 62-year-old woman was found to have a questionable lump with overlying dimpling of the skin in the upper outer aspect of her right breast. Determining that a mammogram was indicated, the family physician telephoned the radiology department of a nearby hospital to schedule the examination. The patient had never undergone mammography before. When the patient arrived at the hospital for the mammogram. she was asked to fill out a one-page questionnaire. According to her later te.stimony, the patient wrote on the questionnaire that her physician had felt a possible lump in her right breast and had questioned her about dimpling of the overlying skin on this breast. After taking the completed questionnaire from the patient, the radiology technologist obtained craniocaudad and mediolateral views of each breast. Later that day, a radiologist interpreted the study and issued a written report that stated, “No evidence of malignancy negative screening mammogram” (Figs. 1A and I B). The following day, the family physician telephoned the patient to inform her that her mammogram was “OK” and that there was “no cause for concern” regarding the questionable findings in her breast. Twelve months later, the patient returned to her family physician. The physician now palpated a discrete mass in the right breast and noted definite skin dimpling. The physician sent the patient to the radiology department of the same hospital for a follow-up mammogram. This time the radiologist interpreted the study as disclosing a “spiculated lesion in the right breast, suspicious for malignancy” (Figs. lC and ID). The family physician referred the patient to a surgeon, who promptly performed an open biopsy. Biopsy disclosed a 2.0 x 2.2 cm mass, microscopically diagnosed as infiltrating lobular carcinoma. Four of 20 lymph nodes were positive for tumor. The patient underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy and is currently free of apparent disease. Six months after her surgery, the patient filed a malpractice lawsuit against the radiologist, the family physician, and the hospital, claiming that their negligence resulted in a 1year delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer, thus precluding breast-conserving surgery and substantially diminishing the patient’s chance for cure without a mastectomy.
Interaction between transparency and structure from motion

It is well known that the human visual system can reconstruct depth from simple random-dot displays given binocular disparity or motion information. This fact has lent support to the notion that stereo and structure from motion systems rely on low-level primitives derived from image intensities. In contrast, the judgment of surface transparency is often considered to be a higher-level visual process that, in addition to pictorial cues, utilizes stereo and motion information to separate the transparent from the opaque parts. We describe a new illusion and present psychophysical results that question this sequential view by showing that depth from transparency and opacity can override the bias to see rigid motion. The brain's computation of transparency may involve a two-way interaction with the computation of structure from motion.
The Use of DNA Microarrays to Assess Clinical Samples: The Transition from Bedside to Bench to Bedside

The advent of gene array technology brings the ability to classify disease states to the molecular level by examining changes in all mRNAs expressed in cells or tissues. Comparing changes in gene expression patterns between normal and diseased cells and/or tissues has elucidated unique subsets of genes identifiable to a specific disease. Already, new subclassifications of specific cancers have been discovered, belying that genomic profiling can uniquely distinguish a specific disease state and tissue of origin. This technology bestows the ability to examine global changes occurring in a cell or tissue(s), thereby allowing the elucidation of alterations in dysregulated biological, biochemical, and molecular events leading to disease states such as diabetes, hypertension, infertility, obesity, osteoporosis, and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, genomic profiling will lead to new molecular targets for the development of drug therapeutics. Futuristically, one could envision personalized patient therapies based upon identification of specific aberrant signaling pathways that can be targeted for drug therapy.
Potpourri aspiration presenting as tension pneumothorax

Foreign body aspiration in children is a relatively common occurrence, with peanuts, seeds, or other food particles representing the most common items. Because radiological findings such as mediastinal shift, postobstructive emphysema, and pneumonia are notoriously inconsistent, diagnosis hinges on an accurate history, which may be correlated by physical examination and radiography. We present the case of a 2-year-old girl with delayed treatment of a bronchial foreign body who presented with tension pneumothorax before endoscopy. After chest tube removal, her pneumothorax recurred, thereby bringing about the question of bronchial erosion. Furthermore, an uncommonly reported aspirated object, household potpourri, was encountered.
COUPLING PARTICLE TO CONTINUUM REGIONS OF PARTICULATE MATERIALS

Following atomistic-continuum coupling methods for lattice-structured materials [1, 2], a method for coupling particle to continuum regions of particulate materials is presented. The particle region is modeled using particle mechanics and the discrete element method, whereas the continuum region is modeled using linear micropolar elasticity and the finite element method. The formulation for coupling particle and continuum degrees of freedom as well as partitioning kinetic and potential energies in the overlapping domain is presented. Details of the numerical implementation and numerical examples will follow in a forthcoming paper. The method is developed to model particulate materials at their physical length scale (particle size) in regions of large relative particle motion in a computationally tractable manner.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Unaccompanied hospitalized children: nurses' search for understanding.

Purpose: To explore the experiences and feelings of pediatric nurses who care for hospitalized children that are unaccompanied by their parents. Design and Methods: This phenomenological study cons...
Offline learning and the role of autogenous speech: new suggestions from birdsong research

Vocal learning in humans is isolated in evolution, nevertheless the comparative approach can help give insight into mechanisms of speech. Birdsong and speech learning share similar computational problems and may share similar neural mechanisms. In birds, there is a well-known sensory representation of the individual's own song. A similar representation is postulated for speech, and the implications are explored. Auditory responses to own song are observed in an anterior forebrain pathway that is implicated in song recognition. By analogy, speech perception may be referenced to an internal representation of own voice. This also predicts sex differences in speech perception. In awake birds, auditory responses are reduced or absent in motor pathways, which argues against a theory of perception by reference to production. Recent evidence demonstrates that auditory responses in birds are much stronger while animals sleep, and that during sleep there is replay of song motor patterns. If humans exhibit similar phenomena, then there should be circadian patterns in speech production, and possibly in speech perception. Humans should exhibit strong responses (e.g., ERP) to playback of speech during sleep when playback is matched to the perception of own speech. Sleep should be important for speech maintenance, and learning.
Viable Alternatives to the Status Quo: A Game-Theoretic and Laboratory Study of Four-Fifths Majority Rule

Collective decision making occurs within constraints associated with the option to maintain the status quo. If this default option is sufficiently attractive to participants and the rules imply that blocking coalitions can form, then these constraints delimit the decision problem's core solution—the most important solution concept in the theory of cooperative games. The results presented in this article demonstrate that these constraints have important effects on the outcomes of collective decisions, regardless of whether or not the problem has a core solution. In the laboratory situation, a five-person committee makes a separate decision under four-fifths majority rule about each in a series of six distinct choice problems. This design enables us to analyze the independent effects of variations in the status quo on the outcomes of collective-decision problems in which blocking coalitions are possible, controlling for whether or not the game has a core solution.
‘The Willing Captive of Home?’: The English Catholic Women's League, 1906–1920

Henry Cardinal Manning wrote in 1863 that he wanted English Catholics to be “downright, masculine, and decided Catholics—more Roman than Rome, and more ultramontane than the Pope himself.” Given this uncompromising call for militant, masculine Roman Catholicism in Protestant Victorian England, frequently cited by scholars, it may seem surprising that a laywomen's movement would have emerged in Great Britain. In 1906, however, a national Catholic Women's League (CWL), linked closely to Rome, to the English clergy, and to lay social action, emerged in step with the aggressive Catholicism outlined by Manning 40 years earlier. The Catholic Women's League was led by a coterie of noblewomen, middle-class professionals, and clergy, many of them former Anglicans. The founder, Margaret Fletcher (1862–1943), and the league's foremost members were converts; the spiritual advisor, Rev. Bernard Vaughan, was the son of a convert. A short list of the clergy affiliated with the CWL reveals an impressive Who's Who in the Catholic hierarchy and in social work in the early twentieth century: Francis Cardinal Bourne (Archbishop of Westminster from 1903 to 1935), Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson (a convert and well-known author), and influential Jesuits Bernard Vaughan, Charles Plater, Cyril Martindale, Joseph Keating, Leo O'Hea and Joseph Rickaby. The CWL was born from a joining of convert zeal and episcopal-clerical support to a tradition of lay initiative among English Catholics.
Seasonal Metabolic Acclimatization in Mountain Chickadees and Juniper Titmice

Abstract Mountain chickadees and juniper titmice from northern Utah were examined to determine metabolic and body‐composition characteristics associated with seasonal acclimatization. These species use behavioral adaptations and nocturnal hypothermia, which reduce energetic costs. These adjustments could reduce the need for extensive metabolic adjustments typically found in small passerines that overwinter in cold regions. In addition, these species live at higher altitudes, which may also decrease metabolic acclimatization found in birds. Winter birds tolerated colder test temperatures than summer birds. This improved cold tolerance was associated with an increase in maximal thermogenic capacity or summit metabolism (Msum). Winter Msum exceeded summer Msum by 26.1% in chickadees and 16.2% in titmice. Basal metabolic rates (BMR) were also significantly higher in winter birds compared with summer birds. Pectoralis wet muscle mass increased 33.3% in chickadees and 24.1% in titmice in winter and paralleled t...
A Self-Management Program for Adult Asthma: Part IV, Analysis of Context and Patient Behaviors

Patient behaviors performed in the self-management of asthma have been investigated by use of black box theory as a model for examining behavioral change. Consequently, the context within which patients learn and perform processes of self-management has been ignored. The purpose of the present study was to investigate contextual and behavioral elements that comprise the management of asthma attacks by a large number of adult patients. A total of 3442 reports of attack were obtained from 90 subjects, including 76 patients described in the article by Kotses and colleagues, 9 who dropped out of the study, and 5 who served as pilot subjects. The major focus of the analysis, however, was on the 63 subjects who submitted forms during two periods: intake/baseline and training/after training. Data included information about the episode (e.g., severity, duration, etc.), prior actions taken by patients (e.g., adherence to treatment regimens, collection of peak flow data, etc.), and the impact of contextual variable...
Molecular Imaging: Integration of Molecular Imaging into the Musculoskeletal Imaging Practice

Chronic musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis, malignancy, and chronic injury and/or inflammation, all of which may produce chronic musculoskeletal pain, often pose challenges for current clinical imaging methods. The ability to distinguish an acute flare from chronic changes in rheumatoid arthritis, to survey early articular cartilage breakdown, to distinguish sarcomatous recurrence from posttherapeutic inflammation, and to directly identify generators of chronic pain are a few examples of current diagnostic limitations. There is hope that a growing field known as molecular imaging will provide solutions to these diagnostic puzzles. These techniques aim to depict, noninvasively, specific abnormal cellular, molecular, and physiologic events associated with these and other diseases. For example, the presence and mobilization of specific cell populations can be monitored with molecular imaging. Cellular metabolism, stress, and apoptosis can also be followed. Furthermore, disease-specific molecules can be targeted, and particular gene-related events can be assayed in living subjects. Relatively recent molecular and cellular imaging protocols confirm important advances in imaging technology, engineering, chemistry, molecular biology, and genetics that have coalesced into a multidisciplinary and multimodality effort. Molecular probes are currently being developed not only for radionuclide-based techniques but also for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR spectroscopy, ultrasonography, and the emerging field of optical imaging. Furthermore, molecular imaging is facilitating the development of molecular therapies and gene therapy, because molecular imaging makes it possible to noninvasively track and monitor targeted molecular therapies. Implementation of molecular imaging procedures will be essential to a clinical imaging practice. With this in mind, the goal of the following discussion is to promote a better understanding of how such procedures may help address specific musculoskeletal issues, both now and in the years ahead.
Efficacy of Amitraz-Impregnated Collars on White-Tailed Deer (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in Reducing Free-Living Populations of Lone Star Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)

Over a 7 yr period, we monitored the effect of a commercially available, amitraz impregnated anti-tick collar in controlling free-living populations of lone star ticks, Amblyomma americanum (L.) when manually fitted around necks of white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann). Study animals in treatment and control groups were confined in 38.8 ha game-fenced and densely vegetated treatment plots in South Texas. Tick densities during years 1 and 7 served as untreated pre- and posttreatment comparisons and treatments occurred during years 2 through 5. Reductions in tick densities in the treatment plot were compared against tick densities in a control plot having similar vegetation and numbers of untreated deer. During years of treatment, indices of control pressure ranged from 18.2 to 82.6 for nymphs and 16.9–78.7 for adults, and efficacy, expressed as percentage control during the final year of treatment, was 77.2 and 85.0%, respectively, for nymphal and adult ticks. These data show that acaricidal collar treatments provide efficacies very similar to those achieved with the existing ivermectin-medicated bait and ‘4-Poster’ topical treatment technologies to control ticks feeding on wild white-tailed deer.
Simulation Analysis of Metal Flow during Extending Extrusion Semisolid AA2017 Alloy

Extending extrusion process of semisolid AA2017 alloy was achieved. Metal flow during the process was analyzed by the finite element simulation. It was shown that alloy flow velocity decreases gradually from the center part to the sides of the mould, sometimes a transitional turbulence region appears in the middle. A smaller declining angle θ and without step d is suggested in the design mould. Alloy flow velocity at the center of the forming region decreases linearly with increases of the extending ratio s1/s0.
Struktur und Reaktivität später Übergangsmetall‐ η3‐Benzylkomplexe

Die Koordination von Ubergangsmetallen an organische Einheiten kann zu Komplexen mit faszinierenden und unerwarteten Bindungsmustern fuhren. Untersuchungen von Benzylmetall-Komplexen haben die Moglichkeit einer η3-Koordination ergeben, die zu einem desaromatisierten Ring fuhrt. Als Zwischenstufen in Katalysezyklen bieten diese Komplexe zudem Einblicke in Reaktionsmechanismen. In diesem Aufsatz werden die Synthese und Charakterisierung dieser Komplexe mit spaten Ubergangsmetallen sowie die nachfolgende Entwicklung katalytischer Methoden zur Funktionalisierung der Benzylposition einschlieslich asymmetrischer Varianten besprochen.
A model for local/mobile radio communications with correct packet capture

The performance of a local/mobile radio communications system utilizing the slotted ALOHA multiple random access protocol is analyzed. The probability of correct packet capture is evaluated for a local/mobile packet radio system using ideal coherent binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) modulation. Both the near/far effect and the effect of Rayleigh fading on the probability of correct packet capture are taken into account, but the effect of thermal noise is neglected since the interference due to competing packets is dominant in practical systems. The probability of correct packet reception is evaluated for a system using spatial diversity. In addition, the effect on system performance of either convolutional coding with hard decision Viterbi decoding or binary linear block coding with hard decision decoding is evaluated. The pseudo-Bayesian algorithm that has been developed to stabilize a packet system based on the slotted ALOHA protocol at maximum channel throughput is found to be adaptable to the local mobile operating environment. For the system considered here, channel throughputs as high as 0.66 can be obtained. >