cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of catheter ablation of mitral annular flutter in patients with prior mitral valve surgery

Background Mitral annular flutter (MAF) may occur after ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with prior mitral valve (MV) replacement or repair. Percutaneous catheter ablation may be challenging owing to the presence of surgical scar and a prosthetic MV. Objective We examined the feasibility of and outcome after mitral isthmus ablation in patients with prior MV surgery. Methods Twenty-one consecutive patients (18 males, age 61 ±10 years) with a history of MV surgery (nine replacement, 12 repair with annuloplasty ring) underwent catheter ablation of clinical (n = 17) or easily inducible (n = 4) MAF (group 1). Patients were matched for age, gender, and ejection fraction, with 21 patients undergoing MAF ablation without prior MV surgery (group 2). Irrigated ablation was delivered endocardially in a linear fashion from the MV to the left inferior and/or to the right superior pulmonary vein and, when required, epicardially inside the coronary sinus. Isolation of all pulmonary veins was also performed. Results There was no difference in termination of tachycardia during ablation (group 1 vs. group 2; 86% vs. 71%; P = .454), achieving mitral isthmus block (71% vs. 71%; P = 1.000), or need for epicardial ablation (43% vs. 62%; P = .354) between groups. No complications occurred in either group. After a mean follow-up of 7 ± 4 months, 15 (71%) patients in group 1 and 14 (67%) in group 2 had no recurrence of atrial arrhythmias. Conclusions Percutaneous mitral isthmus ablation is feasible and safe in patients with prior MV replacement or repair and has comparable outcomes to patients without prior MV surgery.
Improving topic model source code summarization

In this paper, we present an emerging source code summarization technique that uses topic modeling to select keywords and topics as summaries for source code. Our approach organizes the topics in source code into a hierarchy, with more general topics near the top of the hierarchy. In this way, we present the software's highest-level functionality first, before lower-level details. This is an advantage over previous approaches based on topic models, that only present groups of related keywords without a hierarchy. We conducted a preliminary user study that found our approach selects keywords and topics that the participants found to be accurate in a majority of cases.
On Mapping the World in a Mirror

Small, very convex mirrors create images of effectively the whole visual world around themselves. Aspects of the geometry of such images are explored by employing optical ray-tracing techniques in mapping information in the optic array onto a plane. Some applications are suggested for representing and simulating the whole visual field.
Outcomes of Retropubic Synthetic Midurethral Gynecare TVT Slings When Performed by Urogynecologists, Urologists, and General Gynecologists in a Private Community Hospital.

Objectives : To compare perioperative outcomes of a retropubic synthetic midurethral Gynecare TVT slings (Gynecare Worldwide, division of Ethicon Inc, NJ) performed by urogynecologists, urologists, and general gynecologists. Methods : This is a retrospective, cohort study of retropubic synthetic midurethral Gynecare TVT sling outcomes performed between 2001 and 2007 at a single institution. Other synthetic and nonsynthetic slings, or slings performed with concurrent surgeries were excluded. The primary outcomes were mean sling operating room (OR) time in minutes (min) and estimated blood loss in milliliters (mL). All variables were stratified by the surgeon's specialty: urogynecology (URO-GYN), urology (URO), and general gynecology (GYN). Results : Of 279 Gynecare TVT sling procedures, 126 were performed by URO-GYN, 30 by URO, and 123 by GYN. Mean sling OR time was 38.8 ± 8.5 minutes for URO-GYN, 42.6 ± 11.2 minutes for URO, and 39.8 ± 14.3 minutes for GYN, P = 0.30. Estimated blood loss was 56.6 ± 68.3 mL for URO-GYN, 69.7 ± 82.6 mL for URO, and 68.8 ± 73.4 mL for GYN, P = 0.37. The intraoperative complications (bladder, urethral perforations, and hemorrhage) were similar among the specialties. In the postoperative period, there was no difference in subsequent need for urethrolysis (cutting or removal of the sling), return to OR, and readmission to the hospital after the procedure among all 3 specialties. Conclusions : All 3 specialties (urogynecologist, urologists, and general gynecologists) had similar major perioperative outcomes in performing retropubic synthetic midurethral Gynecare TVT slings.
Inflation and bond‐stock characteristics of international security returns

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to explain the cross‐sectional variation in the relation between international security returns and expected inflation based on their sensitivities to world stock and bond factors.Design/methodology/approach – The paper shows regress inflation sensitivities of returns on country indexes and international mutual funds on their sensitivities to world stock and bond indexes.Findings – This paper shows the inflation sensitivity of a security is positively (negatively) related to its sensitivity to the world bond index (world stock index).Research limitations/implications – The paper shows that while the model is applicable to individual securities as well as portfolios, it is tested using portfolios only.Originality/value – The paper shows the results allow one to assess the inflation sensitivity of a security using its sensitivity to the bond and the stock market. The more bond‐like a security is, the higher its sensitivity to inflation.
Average phase difference theory and 1∶1 phase entrainment in interlimb coordination

The dynamics of coupled biological oscillators can be modeled by averaging the effects of coupling over each oscillatory cycle so that the coupling depends on the phase difference ? between the two oscillators and not on their specific states. Average phase difference theory claims that mode locking phenomena can be predicted by the average effects of the coupling influences. As a starting point for both empirical and theoretical investigations, Rand et al. (1988) have proposed d?/dt=Δ? -- K sin ?), with phase-locked solutions ?=arcsin(Δ? /K), where Δ? is the difference between the uncoupled frequencies and K is the coupling strength. Phase-locking was evaluated in three experiments using an interlimb coordination paradigm in which a person oscillates hand-held pendulums.Δ? was controlled through length differences in the left and right pendulums. The coupled frequency ?c was varied by a metronome, and scaled to the eigenfrequency ?v of the coupled system K was assumed to vary inversely with ?c. The results indicate that: (1) Δ? and K contribute multiplicatively to ? (2) ? =0 or ? = ? regardless of K when Δ?=0; (3) ? ? 0 or ? ? ? regardless of Δ? when K is large (relative to Δ?); (4) results (1) to (3) hold identically for both in phase and antiphase coordination. The results also indicate that the relevant frequency is ?c/?v rather than ?c. Discussion high-lighted the significance of confirming ?=arcsin(Δ?/K) for more general treatments of phase-locking, such as circle map dynamics, and for the 1?1 phase-entrainment which characterizes biological movement systems.
Diffusion of the Silicon Dimer on Si(001): New Possibilities at 450 K

We report on the discovery of a novel diffusion pathway for silicon dimers on the Si(001) surface. As a small molecule, the dimer's configuration can play a central role in its diffusion. Using scanning tunneling microscopy movies at temperatures near 450 K, we show, in real time, changes in the dimer's configuration during its diffusion. These changes in configuration provide a pathway for diffusion across the substrate dimer rows, unlike the well-known diffusion along the dimer rows. The important energies involved in dimer row crossing are measured.
Chemical Studies on Tumor Tissue: II. The Effect of Protein on the Swelling of Normal and Tumor Cells of Mice in Vitro

The osmotic behavior of cells of solid tissues of mammals has apparently not been studied. Free cells, like erythrocytes and other blood cells, have received considerable attention in this connection, but similar studies do not appear to have been reported for cells of parenchymatous tissues. In much of the work which has been done on water exchange in animal cells, eggs of various aquatic invertebrates were used as experimental material. Conclusions drawn from the osmotic behavior of such cells are not entirely applicable to mammalian cells, since the normal environmental fluid in one case contains protein and, in the other case, does not contain protein. Nor are results obtained with mammalian erythrocytes strictly applicable to cells of solid tissues for, as Lucke and McCutcheon (1932) stated in their review of the osmotic properties of the living cell, the mature mammalian erythrocyte “is a very unique kind of cell, if indeed it may be called a living cell at all, and because of its peculiar structure and function, its osmotic properties are perhaps more influenced by slight environmental changes than is the case with any other kind of cell. … Failure on the part of numerous investigators in the field of osmotic phenomena to take into account the peculiar properties of erythrocytes has led to an astonishing diversity of results, and, indeed, to the denial by some … that the cell is an osmotic system.” Some work has been done on fluid exchange in isolated tissues or parts of tissues. But, as these authors pointed out, “tissues contain intercellular structures which apparently possess properties different from those of the cells. In other words, the osmotic properties of tissues cannot justifiably be assumed to be identical with those of their component cells.”
Effect of daily exposure to 15 r gamma radiation on susceptibility of mice to experimental infection.

CF-1 female mice were exposed to approximately 15 r a day radiation for 9 to 15 weeks and challenged at intervals by intraperitoneal inoculation with graded doses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Comparison of LD/sub 50/ of irradiated and control mice in each challenge showed that between 9th and 15th weeks a slight but demonstrable increase in susceptibility to experimental infection had occurred. The increase caused by accumulation of 1350 r during 15 weeks exposure was, however, very much less than that resulting from a single acute exposure to 300 r x raniation. (auth)
P‐51: (Ne, He)‐Xe Gas Mixtures for Stable Discharge Characteristic in Color AC PDP

For color plasma display panel, discharge characteristic is one of the most important part. Proper gas mixture matched to the panel is needed for using effective energy recovery circuit and decreasing the power consumption. In this paper, we suggest new types of gas mixture; (Ne:He-7:3)-(∼10%Xe) to achieve good performance for driving waveform as the function of gas pressure, Xe mixing ratio, He to Ne mixture etc. As increasing Xe, He mixing ratio and gas pressure lead to the decreasing of delay time and increase the luminance efficiency.
The last word on a lost world

Fourteen years later, with the same editors but many new contributors, the second edition of The Dinosauria takes a fresh look at those perennial favourites. In spite of the popular appeal of its subject, this book should not be dismissed as the latest coffee-table volume on spectacular fossil vertebrates. Instead of antediluvian vistas, its pages are packed with specimen drawings, cladograms and faunal tables. This is a serious 30-chapter tome that provides a sound point of departure for further study, and a concise catalogue of morphological, systematic and stratigraphic data in its own right.
Correlates of Suicide Ideation and Attempts in Children and Adolescents With Eating Disorders

This is the first study determining correlates of suicide behavior in children with eating disorders using multiple sleep, psychological, and demographic variables. Mothers rated suicide ideation and attempts in 90 children ages 7–18 with bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa. Suicide ideation was more prevalent in children with bulimia nervosa (43%) than children with anorexia nervosa (20%). All children with bulimia nervosa who experienced ideation attempted suicide, whereas only 3% of children with anorexia nervosa attempted suicide. Correlates of ideation were externalizing behavior problems and sleep disturbances. Correlates of attempts were bulimia nervosa, self-induced vomiting, nightmares, and physical or sexual abuse. These problems should be assessed and targeted for intervention because of their association with suicide behavior.
Genotype × Seeding Rate Interaction among TSWV-Resistant, Runner-Type Peanut Cultivars1

Abstract Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) resistant, runner-type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars are the most important defense to control spotted wilt disease in southeast U.S. peanut production. The objective of this 3-yr (1999–01) study was to evaluate six TSWV-resistant, runner-type cultivars (Southern Runner, Florida MDR 98, C-99R, ViruGard, Georgia Green, and Georgia-OIR) at three different seeding rates (3, 5, and 7 seed/30.5 cm) in single conventional row patterns for possible genotype (GE) × seeding rate (SR) interaction at the Univ. of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station. The combined split-plot analyses of variance resulted in highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) GE × SR interaction, which indicates that not all six runner-type cultivars performed the same at each of these three seeding rates. A good example was the TSWV-resistant, runner-type peanut cultivar Georgia Green. It performed subpar at the below normal or lowest seeding rate; whereas at the highest seeding rate, Georgia Green a...
The Citizenship Project Part II: Impact of a Citizenship Intervention on Clinical and Community Outcomes for Persons with Mental Illness and Criminal Justice Involvement

This study assessed the effectiveness of an intervention based on a theoretical framework of citizenship on reducing psychiatric symptoms, alcohol use, and drug use, and increasing quality of life for persons with serious mental illness (SMI) and criminal justice involvement. One-hundred fourteen adults with SMI and a history of criminal justice involvement participated in a 2 × 3 longitudinal randomized controlled trial of a four-month citizenship intervention versus usual services. Linear mixed model analyses were used to assess the intervention's impact on quality of life, symptoms, and substance use. After controlling for baseline covariates, participants in the experimental condition reported significantly increased quality of life, greater satisfaction with and amount of activity, higher satisfaction with work, and reduced alcohol and drug use over time. However, individuals in the experimental condition also reported increased anxiety/depression and agitation at 6 months (but not 12 months) and significantly increased negative symptoms at 12 months. Findings suggest that community-oriented, citizenship interventions for persons with SMI and criminal justice histories may facilitate improved clinical and community outcomes in some domains, but some negative clinical findings suggest the need for post-intervention support for intervention participants. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
An algorithm and computer program for deconvolution in linear pharmacokinetics

The procedure of deconvolution to evaluate the rate and the extent of input from absorption data and data from intravenous administration is the most fundamental and least assumptive method of accurately evaluating drug absorption in linear pharmacokinetics. It is shown for linear systems that if the absorption response and the response from an intravenous infusion or bolus administration are both well approximated by a polyexponential function, then the rate of absorption can be expressed as a sum of exponentials. An algorithm and computer program are presented whereby the absorption function is uniquely defined from the model-independent parameters of the polyexponential expressions fitted to the absorption data and data from intravenous administration. Fitting a sum of exponentials to data has become a routine procedure in pharmacokinetics. The method presented therefore makes the previously complex task of deconvolution a simple procedure. The deconvolution approach is discussed in relation to conventional methods of evaluating drug absorption and appears to have some distinct advantages over these methods. The method is tested using simulated data and demonstrated using pentobarbital and cimetidine data from human subjects.
The Trend of Morality from Primary Malignant Tumors of Skin

There is an approximate balance between the rising incidence of the common types of skin tumors and improving recognition and treatment of them. As a result, the death rate from primary malignant tumors of the skin in white people in the U.S. is currently stable. In recent years the death rate in the elderly has fallen, while it has risen in the middle-aged and young. As a result, the mean age of death has declined and the loss of expected life from these tumors has increased. Currently, about two-thirds of the deaths are due to malignant melanoma.
Hemoglobin catabolism following a hemolytic transfusion reaction in a patient with sickle cell anemia.

A hemolytic transfusion reaction occurring in a patient with sickle cell anemia provided insight into the handling of massive amounts of hemoglobin in patients who lack haptoglobin. Despite the acute intravascular release of 33 gms of hemoglobin, the peak plasma hemochromogen was only 134 mg/100 ml and only 6 per cent of the hemoglobin load was recovered in the urine. In contrast, the serum bilirubin rose sharply to a peak of 30 mg/100 ml within three hours of hemolysis. The minimal hemoglobinuria, the relatively low peak level of plasma hemoglobin, and the marked and rapid elevation of serum bilirubin suggest an increased hemoglobin clearing capacity of the chronically stimulated reticuloendothelial system in patients with chronic severe hemolytic disease.
The regional equalization of health care and education in Syria since the Ba'thi revolution.

Virtually all underdeveloped countries suffer acute and sometimes debilitating geographical inequalities in the distribution of wealth and opportunity. These spatial inequities exist at all levels: between regions, between urban and rural areas, and between center and periphery. Some regional planners view such imbalances as essentially transitory and argue that with increasing economic development, wealth and opportunity will eventually spill over from growth centers and trickle down through the urban hierarchy to backward, less-developed areas.
Isolation of Toxoplasma gondii from the feces of naturally infected cats.

The feces of 1,023 stray or unwanted cats on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, were examined for oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii. Oocysts, proven to be Toxoplasma by inoculation of mice, were found in the feces of six cats. This is the first report of the isolation of Toxoplasma from feces of cats in their natural habitats. Antibody to Toxoplasma was found by the dye test in the sera of 20% of 522 of the cats tested. Of 202 cats that appeared to be sexually immature (under six months of age), only 7% had antibody, whereas of 320 judged to be older than six months, 29% had antibody.
Relationships between leaf area index and Landsat TM spectral vegetation indices across three temperate zone sites

Abstract Mapping and monitoring of leaf area index (LAI) is important for spatially distributed modeling of vegetation productivity, evapotranspiration, and surface energy balance. Global LAI surfaces will be an early product of the MODIS Land Science Team, and the requirements for LAI validation at selected sites have prompted interest in accurate LAI mapping at a more local scale. While spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) derived from satellite remote sensing have been used to map LAI, vegetation type, and related optical properties, and effects of Sun–surface–sensor geometry, background reflectance, and atmospheric quality can limit the strength and generality of empirical LAI–SVI relationships. In the interest of a preliminary assessment of the variability in LAI–SVI relationships across vegetation types, we compared Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper imagery from three temperate zone sites with on-site LAI measurements. The sites differed widely in location, vegetation physiognomy (grass, shrubs, hardwood forest, and conifer forest), and topographic complexity. Comparisons were made using three different red and near-infrared-based SVIs (NDVI, SR, SAVI). Several derivations of the SVIs were examined, including those based on raw digital numbers (DN), radiance, top of the atmosphere reflectance, and atmospherically corrected reflectance. For one of the sites, which had extreme topographic complexity, additional corrections were made for Sun–surface–sensor geometry. Across all sites, a strong general relationship was preserved, with SVIs increasing up to LAI values of 3 to 5. For all but the coniferous forest site, sensitivity of the SVIs was low at LAI values above 5. In coniferous forests, the SVIs decreased at the highest LAI values because of decreasing near-infrared reflectance associated with the complex canopy in these mature to old-growth stands. The cross-site LAI–SVI relationships based on atmospherically corrected imagery were stronger than those based on DN, radiance, or top of atmosphere reflectance. Topographic corrections at the conifer site altered the SVIs in some cases but had little effect on the LAI–SVI relationships. Significant effects of vegetation properties on SVIs, which were independent of LAI, were evident. The variability between and around the best fit LAI–SVI relationships for this dataset suggests that for local accuracy in development of LAI surfaces it will be desirable to stratify by land cover classes (e.g., physiognomic type and successional stage) and to vary the SVI.
Experimentally induced Fasciola hepatica infections in black-tailed deer.

The susceptibility of black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) to the common liver fluke (F. hepatica) was studied. Two deer and one sheep comprised each of three experimental groups. Animals in each group were inoculated individually with 250, 500, or 1000 F. hepatica metacercariae. One deer and one sheep given 1000 metacercariae died with lesions consistent with black disease 7 weeks after inoculation. At necropsy 6 or 15 weeks postinoculation, the mean percentage recovery of the inoculum was 38.9% from the deer and 51.9% from the sheep. Fluke eggs recovered from the deer were viable and metacercariae cultured from the eggs were fully infective for sheep. Pathologic changes associated with F. hepatica infection were more severe in the infected deer; consequently, the deer were less resistant to the lethal effects of the parasite than sheep. Considering the experimental results and the fact that naturally acquired common liver fluke infection has been reported infrequently from black-tailed de...
Role of estrogen in the acquisition of intravenously self-administered cocaine in female rats.

Abstract Previous work from this laboratory has revealed that female rats acquired cocaine self-administration at a faster rate than male rats and that a greater percentage of females acquired self-administration [Psychopharmacology 144 (1999) 77.]. It has been suggested that sex differences in stimulant self-administration may be related to ovarian hormones, particularly estrogen. To investigate this possibility, we compared four groups ( n =10) of female rats: ovariectomized (OVX) treated with either estradiol benzoate (EB) or vehicle (VEH), and sham-operated intact (SH) females treated with either the antiestrogen tamoxifen (TAM) or VEH. An autoshaping procedure was used to train rats to lever press for intravenous infusions of cocaine (0.2 mg/kg). The criterion for cocaine acquisition was a mean of 100 self-administered infusions over five consecutive 6-h sessions. Results revealed that 70% of the OVX+EB group and 80% of the SH+VEH group acquired self-administration, while only 30% of the OVX+VEH group and 50% of the SH+TAM group met the acquisition criterion. Rats that had estrogen chemically or surgically blocked exhibited significantly less responding for cocaine over the acquisition testing period, and fewer of these rats met the acquisition criterion compared to intact rats and to OVX rats with estrogen (EB) replacement. The percentages for females with estrogen (70% and 80%) vs. those without (OVX, 30%) were similar to those reported for intact females (70%) and males (30%) in the previous study [Psychopharmacology (2000)]. Taken together, these results suggest that estrogen is a key factor influencing drug-seeking behavior in female rats, and it may underlie sex differences in drug-reinforced responding.
The Least of These: Black Church Children's and Youth Outreach Efforts

This study examines Black Church efforts to attract and assist children and youth based on Faith Factor 2000 Project data for seven denominations. Bivariate and ordered logit results show denominational differences in the usage of dance, drama, and gospel rap music and the greater tendency for more prophetic churches to incorporate these expressions believed to attract the young. However, priestly rather than prophetic functions are relatively more likely to influence programmatic efforts to assist the young, but sometimes in counter-effective ways.
The impact of fear activation and anger on the efficacy of exposure treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder.

This paper explores the hypothesis that fear activation during exposure treatment promotes improvement. Twelve female assault victims diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) received treatment that included prolonged repeated reliving of the assault in imagination. Two measures of fear activation were used: facial fear expression coded from videotapes of the first reliving session and the client's highest reported distress score during the same session. The results indicated that clients who evidenced more severe PTSD prior to treatment displayed more intense facial fear expressions during the first reliving of the assault and benefitted more from treatment than did clients who had less severe PTSD and displayed less fear. In contrast, clients who reported more anger prior to treatment tended to display less fear expression during reliving of the trauma and benefitted less from treatment than less angry clients. The relationship of pretreatment PTSD and anger severity to improvement seems to be mediated by fear facial expression and were not simply a product of regression toward the mean of extreme pretreatment scores. The results are discussed within an emotional processing theory of fear.
Effects of severe dwarf mistletoe infection on the ectomycorrhizal community of a Pinus contorta stand in Yellowstone Park

Molecular methods were used to test the hypothesis that severe infection by dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium, a carbon-sink parasite) affects the ectomycorrhizal (EM) communities of its host, lodgepole pine. Results indicate significantly lower EM fungal species richness (2 ± 0.2 SE species per core in uninfected and 1 ± 0.2 species per core in infected blocks; P 0.1). Thus, dwarf mistletoe infection may select for EM fungal species that impose a lower carbon demand on the host, or that possess carbon-d...
Relationship-centered family planning services: role of the family counselor.

The purpose structure and functions of a typical family planning center within the United States is described and suggestions are made concerning ways of making programs within these centers more relationship centered and ways in which the family counselor can work with and within the family planning center. The primary purpose of family planning centers is to insure that "every child is a wanted child." The objective of the centers is to enable individual couples to plan and assure the number and timing of the children they want. A typical family planning center includes three primary services areas - medical educational and consultative. When a closer look is taken the medical/clinical services component dominates most family planning programs with education and consultation often viewed as ancillary services. It is now time for people associated with family planning services to become concerned about the quality of interpersonal relationships in general and the care and maintenance of marriages and families in particular. Explicit and implicit barriers against male participation in family planning need to be removed and the value of the clients interpersonal relationships should be fully appreciated. As a start males should be encouraged to attend the intake interview and questions should be directed toward them and their orientation in a family planning center would include dedicating at least one clinic session a month to couples. As family planning centers become more relationship-oriented family counselors will be an important resource. There are at least three separate ways in which family counselors could be directly involved in family planning services - as paid staff members; as consultants; and as referral sources.
Balloonborne measurements of polar stratospheric clouds and ozone at‐93° C in the Arctic in February 1990

Balloonborne measurements of ozone and particle size distributions at Kiruna, Sweden indicate that on 6 February 1990 a major cooling event occurred over northern Scandinavia, reaching temperatures as low as −93° C at 22 km. Both nitric acid trihydrate and water ice clouds formed in the 19 to 23 km region. The temperature of the appearance of the water ice clouds is consistent with about 5 ppmv of water vapor at 22 km, The particle size distributions suggest that a sizeable degree of denitrification had occurred in the 19 to 23 km region in this air mass. Although ozone levels may have been reduced by a small degree of chemical depletion, the ozone “minihole” of 165 DU observed by TOMS was probably an artifact caused by ice clouds at 22 km since two ozonesonde measurements on that day indicated total ozone values of about 285 DU.
The tissue mechanics of vertebrate body elongation and segmentation

England's King Richard III, whose skeleton was recently discovered lying ignobly beneath a parking lot, suffered from a lateral curvature of his spinal column called scoliosis. We now know that his scoliosis was not caused by 'imbalanced bodily humors', rather vertebral defects arise from defects in embryonic elongation and segmentation. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of post-gastrulation biomechanics of the posteriorly advancing tailbud and somite morphogenesis. These processes are beginning to be deciphered from the level of gene networks to a cross-scale physical model incorporating cellular mechanics, the extracellular matrix, and tissue fluidity.
Separation results for the stabilization of nonlinear systems using different high-gain observer designs

High-gain observers have been used in the design of output feedback controllers due to their ability to robustly estimate the unmeasured states while asymptotically attenuating disturbances. The available techniques for the design of high-gain observers can be classified into three groups: pole-placement algorithms, Riccati equation-based algorithms, and Lyapunov equation-based algorithms. In [1], we presented separation results for globally bounded stabilizing state feedback controllers when the high-gain observer is designed using pole-placement so as to create a closed-loop system with two-time-scale structure. In this paper, we show that the separation results of [1] hold for the other observer designs.
Reduced productivity in tretamine-treated adult populations of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Male and female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes of the feral strain PUGU were given orally 0.001, 0.025, 0.050, and 0.075% triethylenemelamine (tretamine or TEM). Productivity, or the average number of progeny surviving in a population over a 2-wk period, was used to assess mutagenic effects. The mean number of progeny decreased in all but 1 of the experimental populations. Populations in which the parental females were treated with TEM approximated a linear decrease in the total mean number of F1 progeny as dosage of TEM increased. Progeny derived from TEM-treated parental males showed a slight decrease in number in the 0.001% group and a significant decrease in the 0.025 and 0.075% populations. Doses of 0.050% TEM induced complete sterility in males.
Cavernous hemangiomas of the orbit (reply to the 2nd letter by Alan A. McNab)

(1997). Cavernous hemangiomas of the orbit (reply to the letter by Alan A. McNab) Orbit: Vol. 16, No. 4, pp. 269-270.
Evaluation of parallel injector configurations for Mach 2 combustion

An experimental study of wall-mounted parallel injector ramps has been conducted to explore techniques to enhance mixing in a scramjet combustor. Downstream parallel injection may be useful at high speeds to extract thrust from hydrogen that has been used to cool the engine and the airframe. The swept ramp fuel injector employed here should produce vortex shedding and local separation (like a rearward-facing step), which should enhance mixing. Perpendicular fuel injectors were added downstream of the swept ramps to determine if the vortical wake flow generated by the parallel injectors—with no fuel injection—is effective in enhancing the mixing of the transverse fuel jet. For performance comparisons, an unswept, but otherwise identical, parallel injector was also tested. The injector ramps were designed to yield a reflected shock wave from the duct top wall such that it passed just downstream of the barrel shock of the fuel injectors. The Mach number at the exit of the fuel injector was designed to be 1.7 to produce an underexpanded fuel flow under almost all operating conditions. Direct-connect tests were conducted with a vitiated heater over a total temperature range. Flow visualization tests with an unducted freejet configuration were conducted using shadowgraph and ultraviolet television camera systems for OH radical visualization. Three duct configurations were tested. Tests of the swept ramp with a 100-mm constant-area duct downstream of the injector block resulted in upstream interaction at almost any equivalence ratio. Increasing the duct expansion rate allowed the equivalence ratio to be increased beyond 1.5 with rapid mixing and combustion over a wide total temperature range. The unswept ramp design resulted in lower combustion efficiency and a sensitivity of efficiency to heater total temperature, or duct velocity.
Non-synaptic modulation of dorsal column conduction by endogenous GABA in neonatal rat spinal cord

Abstract GABA a receptor activation can modulate axonal conduction in the isolated dorsal column of the neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro. However, it is not known whether axonal conduction in the dorsal column can be modulated by endogenous GABA in the developing spinal cord. We consequently compared the effects of GABA, a GABA a agonist, and a GABA uptake inhibitor on axonal conduction in the dorsal column of hemisected neonatal (0- to 9-day-old) rat spinal cords in vitro. Extracellular compound action potentials evoked by supramaximal stimuli were recorded at two points with glass microelectrodes. GABA (10−4 to 10−3 M) reversibly decreased the compound action potential amplitude and the population conduction velocity. At 10−4 M, compound action potential amplitudes fell by45.0±6.5% of control while the conduction velocity slowed by11.8±4.3% (n=5). The GABA a receptor agonist, isoguvacine, mimicked the effects of GABA on the dorsal column compound action potential. In contrast, while GABA at 10−5 M decreased the amplitude by7.7±3.1%, it increased conduction velocity by9.7±1.3% (n=5). The GABA uptake inhibitor, nipecotic acid (10−3 M), consistently decreased the compound action potential amplitude by17.7±6.5% (n=6) but the conduction velocity slowed in four out of six preparations. In two instances, nipecotic acid decreased the amplitude and increased the conduction velocity. The effects of nipecotic acid on the dorsal column compound action potential were blocked in the presence of the GABA a antagonist bicuculline. Finally, nipecotic acid had no effect on the hemicord after an incubation with nipecotic acid to eliminate endogenous GABA in the hemicord. These results indicate that endogenous GABA can modulate axonal conduction of the dorsal column by activating GABA a receptors in the neonatal rat spinal cord. While the biological role of interaction of GABA and GABA a receptors in the dorsal column is not apparent, these results support the hypothesis that axonal conduction in long tracts of the spinal cord is subject to non-synaptic modulation through endogenous release of GABA.
Chloroplast biosystematics: Chloroplast DNA as a molecular probe

The classification of plants has traditionally been dependent upon the comparative analysis of morphological and biochemical data. In this paper the use of molecular probe analysis of chloroplast DNA (ctDNA) is used to expand the data base used in taxonomic studies. Chloroplast DNA size, homogeneity, the global arrangement of ctDNA structure, gene content, gene cluster array and gene sequence determination are discussed as useful criteria in the analysis of phylogenetic relationships.
Visual Development in the Human Fetus, Infant, and Young Child

The development of the visual system is the most studied of the sensory systems. The advances in technology have made it possible to study the neuroprocesses at the cellular and circuit level. The physical structure of the eye develops early in fetal life, whereas the neurocomponents and connections develop in later fetal and early neonatal life. The development of the visual system involves genetic coding, endogenous brain activity, exogenous visual stimulation after birth at term, and protected sleep cycles, particularly rapid eye movement sleep. Before birth at term, the fetus requires no outside visual stimulation or light. The critical element in development of the visual system before birth at term is protection of rapid eye movement sleep and sleep cycles. Sleep deprivation or disruption in utero and early months of neonatal life causes significant interference with visual development resulting in loss of the topographic relationships between the retina, the lateral geniculate nucleus, and the primary visual cortex in the infant.
Psychosomatic disease and the problem of causation

Abstract Despite its impressive rate of growth in the past few decades, an increasing amount if dissatisfaction with the area of psychosomatic medicine is reflected in recent literature. The discipline's failures relate to concepts of pathogenesis and therapeutic application of research findings. These failures are explained as a necessary consequence of the philosophical tenet of mind-body dualism which underlies medical theory. It is urged that advocates of psychosomatic medicine give the concept of “holism” meaning at the most fundamental level by establishing a rational basis for theory, or else forsake this line of research for others which yield causal relationships conducive to effective therapy.
Research Directions in Concentrated Suspensions

This article gives an overview of current directions in research in concentrated suspensions and identifies areas needing further research. The topics of the article are microstructure and flow, migration and ordering of suspended particles, two-phase flow, shear-induced microstructural changes, research needed for the entire span of Reynolds numbers, turbulence and potential flows of concentrated suspensions, and instabilities and heat transfer in concentrated suspensions.
Three Dimensional Perception For Robot Vision

1 By 1990, over 100,000 industrial robots will be operating in the United States. This dramatic increase in the use of industrial robots will require robot vision systems so that the machines can respond and adapt to their environment, i.e., be intelligent. These advances can lead to flexible manufacturing systems and to automated factories. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of machine vision techniques, with special emphasis on three dimensional perception and methods for non-contact measurement of the coordinates or surface normals of objects using stereo, shading, and projection techniques. These methods include two dimensional model matching, shape from shading, stereo, and single image stereo. Surface fitting methods are then considered which permit one to determine which mathematical model best fits a simple surface. These techniques for three dimensional measurement and recognition are essential for machine perception for intelligent robot applications.
Central Charges in the Canonical Realization of Asymptotic Symmetries: An Example from Three-Dimensional Gravity

It is shown that the global charges of a gauge theory may yield a nontrivial central extension of the asymptotic symmetry algebra already at the classical level. This is done by studying three dimensional gravity with a negative cosmological constant. The asymptotic symmetry group in that case is eitherR×SO(2) or the pseudo-conformal group in two dimensions, depending on the boundary conditions adopted at spatial infinity. In the latter situation, a nontrivial central charge appears in the algebra of the canonical generators, which turns out to be just the Virasoro central charge.
Global existence for a coupled system of Schrödinger equations with power-type nonlinearities

In this manuscript, we consider the Cauchy problem for a Schrodinger system with power-type nonlinearitiesi∂∂tuj+▵uj+∑k=1majk|uk|p|uj|p−2uj=0,uj(x,0)=ψj0(x),where uj:RN×R→C, ψj0:RN→C for j = 1, 2, …, m and ajk = akj are positive real numbers. Global existence for the Cauchy problem is established for a certain range of p. A sharp form of a vector-valued Gagliardo-Nirenberg inequality is deduced, which yields the minimal embedding constant for the inequality. Using this minimal embedding constant, global existence for small initial data is shown for the critical case p = 1 + 2/N. Finite-time blow-up, as well as stability of solutions in the critical case, is discussed.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is regarded as a risk factor for perioperative complications in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.
A Longitudinal Study of the Role of Reading Motivation in Primary Students' Reading Comprehension: Implications for a Less Simple View of Reading.

Although substantial research indicates motivation contributes significant variance to reading comprehension in upper elementary students, research with students in primary grades has focused, instead, on the relation of motivation to word reading. Assessment of reading motivation in 68 first and second graders indicated word and nonword reading were related to perceived competence in reading, whereas reading comprehension was significantly related to subjective value for reading. Motivation contributed significant, unique variance to reading comprehension concurrently and longitudinally (n = 31), beyond decoding ability, verbal ability, and reading-specific executive function. Findings have implications for theories of reading comprehension.
Kinetics of CO Oxidation Catalyzed by Supported Gold: A Tabular Summary of the Literature

The literature of CO oxidation catalyzed by supported gold is extensive, but reports of the kinetics of the reaction are incomplete and fragmented. This paper is a summary of such information presented in tables that state (1) how the catalysts were made, treated, and tested; (2) their physical properties, such as the average gold particle size; and (3) kinetics data, including turnover frequencies, reaction orders, and apparent activation energies.
Outcomes of pregnancies achieved by donor egg in vitro fertilization—A comparison with standard in vitro fertilization pregnancies

Objective Prior studies on donor egg in vitro fertilization (DE-IVF) outcomes have been limited by the lack of an appropriate control group. Here, we review the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies achieved by DE-IVF and compare these pregnancies with those of women who also needed similar assisted reproductive techniques, of similar socioeconomic status, and cared for by a small group of 8 physicians applying consistent diagnostic and treatment approaches. Study design A retrospective review of 50 consecutive pregnancies achieved by DE- IVF and 50 consecutive pregnancies achieved by standard IVF (STD-IVF) was performed. Comparisons were made for demographic and medical confounding factors and for outcome measures. Results The 2 groups were nearly identical for gravidity, parity, and multiple gestations but did vary in maternal age. Average age of patients receiving DE-IVF was 41.9(±5.1), whereas the STD-IVF averaged 37.7(±3.6) years (P Conclusion Nulliparous pregnancies achieved by DE-IVF are associated with an increased risk of PIH; however, excellent outcomes can still be expected.
Remarks on lexical knowledge

The abstractness of lexical knowledge, and its independence from the ‘words’ of a language, are generally underestimated. Abstract idioms demonstrate that the lexicon is the repository not only of fixed expressions, but of abstract language-particular phrase- and word-patterns as well. Paradigms are language-particular patternings dimensioned and structured in language-particular ways, with language-particular patterns of syncretism. The learning burden of these two abstract but learned features of lexical knowledge falls ouside of what current thinking about language learning would allow.
The human sucrase-isomaltase gene directs complex patterns of gene expression in transgenic mice

Sucrase-isomaltase (SI) is an enterocyte-specific gene that is expressed in complex developmental and spatial patterns. In this study, we examine the ability of regulatory elements within the human...
THE ROLE OF PREOPERATIVE EPOETIN ALFA IN MEN UNDERGOING RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY

Purpose:: The safety and effects on hematocrit of recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin alfa) were evaluated in men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy.Materials and Methods:: Between February 1, 1997 and November 2, 1998, 305 men with clinically localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy performed by a single surgeon (H. L.). Of these men 283 with a baseline hematocrit of less than 48% received 600 IU/kg. epoetin alfa 14 days (−14) and 7 days (−7) before radical retropubic prostatectomy. Hematocrit was measured at baseline on day −14, on day −7, just before anesthesia induction on day 0, immediately postoperatively and on the day of discharge home. The number of allogeneic units transfused, and all intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded.Results:: Mean hematocrit at baseline on day −14 and at induction on day 0 was 42.9% and 45.8%, respectively (p = 0.0001). The frequency of hematocrit decreasing, showing no change or increasing 0....
Strabismus surgery outcomes after scleral buckling procedures for retinal reattachment.

AbstractObjective: To investigate the outcomes of strabismus surgery in patients with a prior history of a scleral buckling procedure for retinal reattachment.Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 18 patients who underwent strabismus surgery following a scleral buckling procedure and investigated the effect of multiple variables on postoperative alignment after strabismus surgery including gender, age, surgeon, number of strabismus surgeries, adjustable suture use, previous pars plana vitrectomy, preoperative best-corrected visual acuity, and scleral buckle removal. Outcomes were considered successful if there was ≤10 prism diopters (PD) residual horizontal and/or ≤4 PD residual vertical deviations. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney test, and nominal logistic regression.Results: Success using our criteria of motor alignment was achieved in 6 of 18 eyes (33%). A higher rate of success was found in the scleral buckle removal group (success with buckle removal,...