cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TECHNICAL BASIS OF THE GAS CENTRIFUGE

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the technical basis of the gas centrifuge. The performance of the gas centrifuge is based primarily upon the equations of diffusion and hydrodynamics that govern the phenomena occurring in the device. The two parameters obtained from the separative analysis are the separation factor α and the separative power δU of a single centrifuge. These two properties are related to the design features of the centrifuge, the physicochemical properties of the process gas such as uranium hexafloride, the flow pattern, and controllable variables such as the throughput and the cut. However, at higher peripheral speeds, the separation factor becomes significantly larger than unity. The separative properties of the centrifuge depend upon two fluid mechanical characteristics of the device: (1) the flow pattern efficiency E and (2) the internal circulation parameter m . Both of these parameters depend upon double integrals of the axial velocity profile. A major theoretical obstacle is encountered in the hydrodynamic analysis of centrifuges operating at high peripheral speeds.
On lung nerves and neurogenic injury

Information accumulated in recent years has begun to unveil a previously unsuspected complexity in the innervation of the lungs. We know now that the conducting airways receive a highly redundant supply of vagal motor and sensory fibers; that many of these fibers cross over from the contralateral side of the brain to reach distant portions of the lung, thereby assuring the symmetry and simultaneity of the bronchomotor responses; and that, perhaps in recognition of the different functions and properties of proximal and distal airways, vagal motor fibers have a distinctive segmental distribution. Both sensory and motor neurons serve as the input and output elements of a complex brain stem neuronal network, which integrates the regulation of airway smooth muscle tone into the control of ventilation. This network has a local counterpart in the airway walls, where a heterogeneous population of intrinsic neurons may act not only as a relay for cholinergic stimuli, but also as a local mechanism of inflammatory modulation. The interruption of the nerve supply to the lungs (for instance after lung transplantation) abolishes the integration of bronchomotor and ventilatory activities, and, by increasing airway deformation, may initiate fibroproliferative responses in the airway walls. In addition, the destruction of vagal motor and sensory fibers leaves behind a surviving population of denervated intrinsic neurons, which may act as a disregulated mechanism of inflammatory amplification.
Evaluation of pulmonary blood supply by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pulmonary atresia

Abstract Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging defines the blood pool without the need for contrast medium. Consequently, it may be useful for defining the pulmonary circulation in patients with pulmonary atresia, in whom opacification of these vessels can be problematic. Ten patients with pulmonary atresia were evaluated by gated NMR imaging. The morphology of the right ventricular outflow tract, the size and the course of the central pulmonary vessels and the source of the collateral supply to the lung were assessed. Central pulmonary arteries were identified and measured in 9 of the 10 patients. One patient had no detectable central pulmonary arteries. Angiography confirmed the NMR findings in all but two patients, in whom NMR scanning visualized a main pulmonary artery that was not seen on angiography. Collateral arteries arising from the aorta or the arch vessels, as well as intracardiac malformations and aortic arch anomalies, were identified in all 10 patients. In six patients with palliative surgery, NMR imaging correctly demonstrated all patent shunts. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging appears to be an effective noninvasive technique for evaluating patients with pulmonary atresia. However, tomographic thickness and spatial resolution are still limiting factors for this technique in infants.
Rayleigh instability of charged droplets in the presence of counterions

The classical instability of a charged spherical droplet is reconsidered in the presence of counterions. An ensemble of such droplets is studied within a simplified cell model. Screening of the electric field by the counterions is found to increase the equilibrium droplet size. Furthermore, if the ions can enter the droplet, a first-order phase transition occurs upon increasing Bjerrum length, surface tension or droplet density, leading to a phase separation. Simple scaling properties of the free energy give the shape of the phase boundary and show the system to be scale-invariant there. Pearl-necklace structures of hydrophobic polyelectrolytes are discussed as an application.
Meaning of quadratic structure functions

Quadratic structure functions are sometimes used to describe the phase of partially coherent waves. The physical significance of such structure functions, that they describe a tilted but unwarped phase, limits their applicability to propagation calculations. Calculation of processes in which the principal effects are due to phase-front tilting may be simplified by recognizing that fact.
Method to Determine the Effect of the Frontal Plane Tibiofemoral Knee Angle on the Varus-Valgus Moment at the Knee During Stance and Gait

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of articular cartilage that affects millions of people [1]. Local biomechanical factors may severely affect initiation and progression of OA due to changes in loading conditions at the cartilage. The frontal plane tibiofemoral alignment effects the varus/valgus moment which could increase the overall loading at the knee. Biomechanical studies have reported that the varus moment is a key determinant in the load distribution at the knee [2, 3] and has been linked to OA progression [4, 5]. A normal knee will have a tibiofemoral angle approximately 7° valgus [6]. Deviation from this angle leads to a knee joint with a varus or valgus condition. In this investigation, a motion analysis procedure was developed to determine the affect of the frontal plane tibiofemoral angle on the force and moment reactions at the knee. The results of these methods could be utilized in a subject specific finite element model to determine the stress and strain at the knee cartilage and to suggest measures to prevent OA.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Viral complement regulatory proteins

The inactivation of complement provides cells and tissues critical protection from complement-mediated attack and decreases the associated recruitment of other inflammatory mediators. In an attempt to evade the host immune response, viruses have evolved two mechanisms to acquire complement regulatory proteins. They can directly seize the host cell complement regulators onto their outer envelope and/or they can produce their own proteins which are either secreted into the neighboring intercellular space or expressed as membrane-bound proteins on the infected host cell. The following review will concentrate on the viral homologues of the mammalian complement regulatory proteins, specifically those containing complement control protein (CCP) repeats.
Lesions of the target vessel during minimally invasive myocardial revascularization

Background. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting has recently been introduced into cardiac surgery. In this report we discuss the incidence of surgically induced distal target vessel stenosis in patients who undergo the minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting procedure, which represents a major drawback of the procedure in our experience. Methods. Doppler evaluation of mammary artery flow was performed postoperatively in all 55 patients who underwent minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution. Angiography was performed in the first 35 consecutive patients for control purposes and in 2 patients who complained of angina recurrence. Results. In 32 of the first 35 consecutive patients, the anastomosis was found to be functioning normally and the distal left anterior descending artery was normal; in the remaining 3 patients we found mammary artery occlusion, anastomotic stenosis, and stenosis of the anastomosis and the distal left anterior descending artery in 1 patient each. A distal left anterior descending artery stenosis was found in the only 2 patients who underwent late angiography. Conclusions. Surgically induced distal target vessel stenosis represents a major drawback of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting in our experience. Further improvement in the means of achieving coronary artery occlusion, as well as in anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, is mandatory before minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting can be confidently accepted into clinical practice.
Use of hypnosis following training in a psychiatry residency and psychology internship program: a brief communication.

Abstract Despite growing numbers of internships and residencies offering training in hypnotherapy, no systematic attempt has been made to assess hypnotherapy beliefs and use among former trainees in these settings. This study investigated posttraining hypnotherapy use and effectiveness beliefs in a sample of 77 former psychiatry residents and psychology interns. Over 50% of the study sample had sought additional hypnotherapy training beyond the standard lectures and seminars, and almost 30% had attended external hypnotherapy workshops or presentations. Beliefs in hypnotherapy effectiveness were high, but use of hypnotherapy in clinical practice was very low. Former residents and interns who had received supervised training with patients, who had attended hypnosis workshops, and who had a colleague using hypnotherapy were more likely to use hypnotherapy following training.
Modulation of sucrose response thresholds in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.): influence of genotype, feeding, and foraging experience.

The perception of sugar is important to honey bees for making foraging decisions. We measured bees' perception by determining what concentration of sucrose touched to the antennae elicited the proboscis extension response (response threshold). A low response threshold (extension at low concentration) suggests a high perceptual value of sucrose, and vice versa. Perception of sucrose solutions differed between two artificially selected genotypic strains and was modulated by the bees' recent feeding experiences. Bees offered 10%, 30%, or 50% sucrose solutions in small cages overnight, and in large flight-cages or free-flying in the field for several days, had subsequent response thresholds positively correlated to the concentration offered. Empty bees, whether they were nectar, water or pollen foragers, dancers or non-dancers, had a significantly lower threshold than loaded bees. Crop volume affected response thresholds directly and independently of sucrose concentration. We interpret these findings as multiple mechanisms that operate in different time scales, modulating perception of sucrose. Changes occurred in the time scale of evolutionary processes as demonstrated by genotypic differences. Changes with foraging experience occur in hours or minutes while effects of crop filling are instantaneous.
Process, assembly and electromigration characteristics of glass interposer for 3D integration

Glass interposer is proposed as a superior alternative to organic and silicon-based interposers for 3DIC packaging in the near future. Because glass is an excellent dielectric material and could be fabricated with large size, it provides several attractive advantages such as excellent electrical isolation, better RF performance, better feasibility with CTE and most importantly low cost solution. In this paper, we investigated the EM performance of Cu RDL line with glass substrate. Three different physical properties of glass materials were used for studying the EM performance of Cu RDL line. The used testing conditions are under 150~170 °C and 300~500mA. The glass type material with best performance was applied for glass interposer process integration and assembly investigation. Therefore, a wafer-level 300mm glass interposer scheme with topside RDLs, Cu TGVs, bottom side RDLs, Cu/Sn micro-bump and PBO passivation has been successfully developed and demonstrated in the study. The chip stack modules with glass interposer were assembled to evaluate their electrical characteristics. Pre-conditioning test was performed on the chip stacking module with the glass interposer to assess the reliability of the heterogeneous 3D integration scheme. All the results indicate that the glass interposer with polymer passivation can be successfully integrated with lower cost processes and assembly has been successfully developed and demonstrated in the study.
Foregone harvests and neoliberal policies: Creating opportunities for rural, small-scale, community-based fisheries in southern Alaskan coastal villages

Abstract Neoliberal policies of effort limitation and privatization have reduced commercial salmon and other fishing opportunities available to the coastal, predominantly Alaska Native, villages of southern Alaska. However, there are a variety of circumstances, including the manner in which the current commercial fishery is prosecuted, that lead to surpluses of unharvested salmon, and potentially other species, available in certain areas. This paper will define the concept of “foregone harvests”, discuss the environmental and managerial conditions that lead to “foregone harvests” and describe the possibilities such conditions create for the development of small-scale, local and community-based fisheries. Case studies of possible Huna Tlingit (Hoonah) and Kaigani Haida (Hydaburg) salmon fisheries will be presented. Alternative arrangements of salmon fisheries and institutions in southeast Alaska are presented through case studies of the villages of Yakutat and Metlakatla. These examples demonstrate how such fisheries could be built on local and traditional knowledge, as well as currently used subsistence technologies resulting in new economic opportunities compatible with local cultural patterns and interests and buttressing local identities and commitments.
Effects of cAMP simulate a late stage of LTP in hippocampal CA1 neurons

Hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is thought to serve as an elementary mechanism for the establishment of certain forms of explicit memory in the mammalian brain. As is the case with behavioral memory, LTP in the CA1 region has stages: a short-term early potentiation lasting 1 to 3 hours, which is independent of protein synthesis, precedes a later, longer lasting stage (L-LTP), which requires protein synthesis. Inhibitors of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA) blocked L-LTP, and analogs of cAMP induced a potentiation that blocked naturally induced L-LTP. The action of the cAMP analog was blocked by inhibitors of protein synthesis. Thus, activation of PKA may be a component of the mechanism that generates L-LTP.
Disruption of gap junctions reduces biomarkers of decidualization and angiogenesis and increases inflammatory mediators in human endometrial stromal cell cultures.

Context Uterine decidualization is critical to embryonic implantation and sustained pregnancy.
Type A Influenza Virus Surveillance in Free-Flying, Nonmigratory Ducks Residing on the Eastern Shore of Maryland

Virus surveillance in free-flying, nonmigratory ducks living on the eastern shore of Maryland indicated that influenza A viruses were introduced into the area or that the prevalence of endemic infections increased between July 15 and August 27, 1998. Cloacal swabs collected between May 28 and July 15, 1998, were negative for influenza A virus recovery (0/233), whereas 13.9% (29/209) of swabs collected between August 27 and September 2, 1998, were positive for influenza A virus recovery. Five hemagglutinin subtypes (H2, H3, H6, H9, and H12), six neuraminidase subtypes (N1, N2, N4, N5, N6, and N8), and nine HA-NA combinations were identified among 29 influenza A isolates. Interestingly, 18 of the 29 isolates initially appeared to contain two or more HA and/or NA subtypes. The free-flying, nonmigratory ducks served as excellent sentinels for the early detection of type A influenza viruses in the southern half of the Atlantic Migratory Waterfowl Flyway during the earliest phase of the yearly southern migration.
Neural activity associated with self, other, and object-based counterfactual thinking

Abstract Previous research has shown that autobiographical episodic counterfactual thinking—i.e., mental simulations about alternative ways in which one's life experiences could have occurred—engages the brain's default network (DN). However, it remains unknown whether or not the DN is also engaged during impersonal counterfactual thoughts, specifically those involving other people or objects. The current study compares brain activity during counterfactual simulations involving the self, others and objects. In addition, counterfactual thoughts involving others were manipulated in terms of similarity and familiarity with the simulated characters. The results indicate greater involvement of DN during person-based (i.e., self and other) as opposed to object-based counterfactual simulations. However, the involvement of different regions of the DN during other-based counterfactual simulations was modulated by how close and/or similar the simulated character was perceived to be by the participant. Simulations involving unfamiliar characters preferentially recruited dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. Simulations involving unfamiliar similar characters, characters with whom participants identified personality traits, recruited lateral temporal gyrus. Finally, our results also revealed differential coupling of right hippocampus with lateral prefrontal and temporal cortex during counterfactual simulations involving familiar similar others, but with left transverse temporal gyrus and medial frontal and inferior temporal gyri during counterfactual simulations involving either oneself or unfamiliar dissimilar others. These results suggest that different brain mechanisms are involved in the simulation of personal and impersonal counterfactual thoughts, and that the extent to which regions associated with autobiographical memory are recruited during the simulation of counterfactuals involving others depends on the perceived similarity and familiarity with the simulated individuals.
A semi-empirical canonical variational transition state theory model for association reactions without potential energy barriers

A simple semi-empirical model is found to explain numerous trends observed in canonical variational transition state theory calculations for association reactions. The trends include the relationship of canonical transition state structures to potential energy surface properties, temperature, and rotational angular momentum. The model gives near quantitative results for H + CH3→CH4 association.
P14-12. Safety and tolerability of VRC DNA and rAd5 HIV-1 vaccine delivery by intramuscular, subcutaneous and intradermal administration in healthy adults

Methods 60 subjects (18–50 yrs) were randomized to 6 schedules. Group 1 (n = 30) received 3 DNA prime vaccinations (Wks 0,4,8) and Group 2 (n = 30) received a recombinant adenoviral vector (rAd5) prime vaccination (Wk 0). Both groups received rAd5 booster at Wk 24. Subjects were equally randomized to receive prime injections by IM, SC and ID routes. DNA dosage was 4 mg for IM and SC; 0.4 mg for ID injections. rAd5 dosage was 1010 PU by all routes. Half of the subjects in each group had pre-existing Ad5 neutralizing antibody.
Bladder cancer: Defining intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

The pathology of intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is less well-defined than both high-risk and low-risk presentations of this disease. Recently reported guidelines seek to aid clinicians in classification of intermediate-risk patients, and also provide treatment recommendations for this subgroup.
A serum test for cystic fibrosis using monoclonal antibody 19-9.

Abstract Monoclonal antibody 19-9 detects a sialosylated Le a antigen with the following sugar sequence: NeuNAcα2-3Galβ1-3[Fucα1-4]GlcNAcβ1-3Gal… This antigen is detected as a mucin in the sera of many patients with gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancer. Elevated levels of sialosylated Le a antigen are also detected in serum from 14 of 16 patients with cystic fibrosis (87%). One of the two negative patients belongs to the Le(a−b−) blood group and so is unable to synthesize the sialosylated Le a antigen. The high percentage of cystic fibrosis patients with elevated sialosylated Le a antigen suggests that the 19-9 antibody may be useful for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Antibodies to other sialosylated carbohydrates in mucins may also be useful for detection of cystic fibrosis and may allow diagnosis of patients belonging to the Le(a−b−) blood group.
The neutralist, the fly and the selectionist

Abstract The neutralist–selectionist debate was a staple of molecular evolution and population genetic discourse in the 1970s and 1980s. It waned thereafter, without resolution, as it has taken time to understand what DNA data can reveal about the subject. Recent developments using DNA data from Drosophila melanogaster show that natural selection is pervasive to an extent that is surprising to some former neutralists. It is now known that natural selection acts on synonymous variation, and that linkage effects between selected sites are shaping patterns of variation over large pieces of the genome.
Advances in myocardial contrast echocardiography and the role of adenosine stress

Abstract Advances in contrast echocardiography hold promise for the routine assessment of myocardial perfusion. Continued progress may ultimately position myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) as an imaging modality that can provide comprehensive cardiac assessment—anatomic, physiologic, and pathophysiologic. Vasodilator stress with adenosine can play an important role in conjunction with MCE, particularly as it relates to the noninvasive evaluation of myocardial perfusion and coronary blood flow reserve. Adenosine pharmacologic stress testing may provide improved test performance through perfusion detection when compared with traditional use of dobutamine assessments of regional wall motion abnormalities.
Acyclic Forms of [1-13C]Aldohexoses in Aqueous Solution: Quantitation by 13C NMR and Deuterium Isotope Effects on Tautomeric Equilibria

High-resolution 13C NMR spectra (150 MHz) have been obtained on the complete series of d-aldohexoses (d-allose 1, d-altrose 2, d-galactose 3, d-glucose 4, d-gulose 5, d-idose 6, d-mannose 7, d-talose 8) selectively labeled with 13C at C1 in order to detect and quantify the percentages of acyclic forms, and to measure and/or confirm percentages of furanoses and pyranoses, in aqueous solution. Aldehyde and hydrate signals were detected for all aldohexoses, and percentages of these forms at 30 °C ranged from 0.006 to 0.7% (hydrate) and 0.0032 to 0.09% (aldehyde). Aldehyde percentages are largest for the altro, ido, and talo configurations, ranging from 0.01 to 0.09%; the ido configuration yielded the most hydrate (0.74%). Hydrate/aldehyde ratios vary with aldohexose configuration, ranging from 1.5 to 13, with gluco exhibiting the smallest ratio and gulo the largest. 2H Equilibrium isotope effects (EIEs) on aldohexose anomerization were measured in d-galactose 3 and d-talose 8 selectively 13C- and 2H-labeled ...
Perfectionism, stress, and social (dis)connection : A short-term study of hopelessness, depression, and academic adjustment among honors students

This study tested models of perfectionism predicting psychological distress and academic adjustment and moderators and mediators of those associations in 2 successive cohorts of high-achieving university honors students (N = 499). Participants completed measures early and late in the semester. Adaptive (high standards) and maladaptive (self-critical perceptions of inadequacy in meeting performance expectations) dimensions of perfectionism were found to be significantly associated, in generally expected directions, with concurrent and prospective perceived stress, social connectedness, depression, hopelessness, and perceived academic adjustment. However, some perfectionism effects were reduced when earlier psychological distress and adjustment were controlled in analyses predicting later distress and adjustment. Several effects were moderated and at least partially mediated by perceived stress and social connection. The results suggest several counseling implications for high-achieving, perfectionistic students.
Long-Distance Power Transmission

MANY STUDIES have been made recently to determine the performance characteristics of long-distance transmission systems. This particular analysis considered straightaway transmission systems of 600 miles in length, a distance which is representative of transmission now under study and in actual development.1,3 The system characteristics and requirements for economic transmission outlined here may be used to guide the future development of long-distance as well as moderate-distance transmission systems.
Radionuclide-based insights into the pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease: beyond diagnosis.

This review article discusses the historical origin of cardiac radionuclide-based methods, the physiologic background that justifies their existence, as well as the basic pathophysiologic concepts of coronary artery disease and their connection with the technologic design and application of these methods. Most importantly, this review discusses the important insights that these methods have provided to the understanding of the mechanisms of ischemia, risk stratification, and both treatment choice and treatment efficacy in ischemic heart disease. Nuclear cardiology originated as an attempt to provide complementary physiologic information to the anatomic information provided by coronary angiography. To comprehend the design and applications of nuclear cardiology methods, one must have a basic understanding of coronary artery disease as an inflammatory process that may manifest as acute or chronic states. Basic concepts on myocyte metabolic pathways, coronary blood flow, ischemic cascade, ventricular remodeling, and ejection fraction become critical for this purpose. Insights into risk stratification may permit patient-tailored therapy approaches. Insights into prognosis have made nuclear cardiology a robust tool for outcome predictions, with an exceptionally high negative predictive value. Evaluation of prognosis in special patient populations such as diabetics has originated important pathophysiologic concepts. Most insights into phenomena such as myocardial hibernation, myocardial stunning, and viability have been generated by nuclear cardiology techniques. Finally, new applications of radionuclide-based methods such as molecular identification of “vulnerable” atherosclerotic plaques, “ischemic memory” using fatty acid imaging, and myocardial innervation imaging provide new avenues for insightful research.
Comparison of haplotyping methods using families and unrelated individuals on simulated rheumatoid arthritis data

In this report, we compared haplotyping approaches using families and unrelated individuals on the simulated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) data in Problem 3 from Genetic Analysis Workshop (GAW) 15. To investigate these two approaches, we picked two representative programs: PedPhase and fastPHASE, respectively, for each approach. PedPhase is a rule-based method focusing on the haplotyping constraints within each pedigree and solving them using integer linear programming. fastPHASE is a statistical method based on the clustering property of haplotypes in a population over short regions. It is believed that with family information, one can obtain more accurate phasing results with considerably more cost for genotyping additional family members. Our results indicate that, though only relying on the constraints within each family (with four members) individually, PedPhase has better phasing accuracy than fastPHASE, even when the total numbers of genotyped individuals are the same. But for missing genotype imputation, fastPHASE performs better than PedPhase by taking population information into consideration. The relative influence of family constraints and population information on haplotyping accuracy as shown in this report provides some empirical bases on assessing the trade-off of genotyping family data under different settings.
The Politics of Backwardness in Continental Europe, 1780–1945

Between the late eighteenth century and 1945, the economic and political differentiation of the European continent has followed a neatly regressive geographical pattern. The origin of this pattern goes back to the agricultural revolutions of the early modern age, and to the diffusion of agricultural technology along the Northwest-Southeast axis. It was subsequently reproduced by both market and political forces operating within the context of material aspirations, themselves the product of the economic revolutions of the Northwest. The experience suggests a potential model for peripheral societies in the Third World, though the relevance of the historical analogy may be limited by currently unfolding changes in the nature of technology and in the terms of exchange between core and peripheral regions in the contemporary world.
The Growing Reluctance to Borrow at the Discount Window: An Empirical Investigation

Federal Reserve Regulation A imposes formal guidelines on borrowing from the discount window and ensures that the facility is used for appropriate purposes. In a way, this regulation imposes a nonprice mechanism that compels depository institutions to be more prudent in exercising their borrowing privileges. In the 1980s, however, banks became increasingly more reluctant to borrow adjustment credit from the discount window. This behavior is puzzling because discount window guidelines have not changed. This paper investigates the reasons behind the weakened demand for borrowed reserves. Our empirical findings suggest that the growing reluctance to borrow stems from the deteriorating financial position of banks during this period. In particular, banks avoided the discount window because they feared that market participants might have interpreted their visits as a signal of serious funding difficulties.
Cost-effectiveness of colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy was first recommended as a primary screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the 1997 Guidelines of the MultiSociety-GI1 which provided a menu of CRC screening options. This recommendation was based on the ability to use colonoscopy to see and remove the precursor lesion within the same colonoscopic examination across the entire colon and rectum. Clinical evidence for using colonoscopy as a screening tool1 was based on three lines of evidence: 1) the mortality reduction achieved by colonoscopies performed for positive fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) in randomized controlled trials of the Hemoccult II guaiac based fecal occult blood test; 2-4 2) the mortality reduction of rigid sigmoidoscopy in case control studies5-6, and 3) the reduction in colorectal cancer incidence in the National Polyp Study with colonoscopic polypectomy.7 Colonoscopy is now recommended as one of the primary colorectal cancer screening tests by 1.) the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF),8 2.) the combined organizations of the American Cancer Society, US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer representing multiple gastroenterology societies, and the American College of Radiology 9 (referred to as the Multi-Societies) and 3.) the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).10 Each organization presents colonoscopy as one option for CRC screening, with the American College of Gastroenterology citing colonoscopy as the primary CRC screening test.10 In this chapter we compare the recommendations for CRC screening tests by the different organizations. In addition we review a cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) of these strategies that we have done for a report to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 11 and a recent analysis of the different strategies relative to computed tomographic colonography (CTC).12 This review of the cost-effectiveness results of the different strategies provides further context to understand what are risks and benefits of the recommended strategies in practice.
The contribution of multitemporal SAR data in assessing hydrological parameters

The sensitivity of radar backscattering to the principal hydrological parameters, such as vegetation biomass, soil moisture, and surface roughness, is discussed. Results obtained by using multifrequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data measured by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar, Spaceborne Imaging Radar-C, and European Remote Sensing 1/2 sensors are summarized. The sensitivity of L- and C-bands to spatial variations of plant and soil parameters is masked by the presence of surface roughness, which in turn affects the radar signal. However, from the observation of data collected at different dates and averaged over a relatively wide area that includes several fields, the correlation to soil moisture and vegetation biomass is found to be significant, since the effects of spatial variations are smoothed. On the other hand, the sensitivity to surface roughness becomes appreciable when multitemporal data are averaged in time, thus reducing the effects of temporal moisture variations.
Key roles for GRB2-associated-binding protein 1, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, cyclooxygenase 2, prostaglandin E2 and transforming growth factor alpha in linoleic acid-induced upregulation of lung and breast cancer cell growth

The distribution of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake in Western diets is disproportionate, containing an overabundance of the omega-6 PUFA, linoleic acid (LA; C18:2). Increased enrichment with LA has been shown to contribute to the enhancement of tumorigenesis in several cancer models. Previous work has indicated that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) may play a key role in LA-induced tumorigenesis. However, the modes by which LA affects carcinogenesis have not been fully elucidated. In this study, a mechanism for LA-induced upregulation of cancer cell growth is defined. LA treatment enhanced cellular proliferation in BT-474 human breast ductal carcinoma and A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Enrichment of LA increased cyclooxygenase (COX) activity and led to increases in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), followed by increases in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) levels, which are all key elements involved in the enhancement of cancer cell growth. Further investigation revealed that LA supplementation in both BT-474 breast and A549 lung cancer cell lines greatly increased the association between the scaffolding protein GRB2-associated-binding protein 1 (Gab1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), although Gab1 protein levels were significantly decreased. These LA-induced changes were associated with increases in activated Akt (pAkt), a downstream signaling component in the PI3K pathway. Treatment with inhibitors of EGFR, PI3K and Gab1-specific siRNAs reversed the upregulation of pAkt, as well as the observed increases in cell proliferation by LA in both cell lines. A549 xenograft assessment in athymic nude mice fed high levels of LA exhibited similar increases in EGFR-Gab1 association and increased levels of pAkt, while mice fed with high levels of the omega-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6), demonstrated an opposite response. The involvement of Gab1 in LA-induced tumorigenesis was further defined utilizing murine cell lines that express high levels of Gab1. Significant increases in cell proliferation were observed with the addition of increasing concentrations of LA. However, no changes in cell proliferation were detected in the murine paired cell lines expressing little or no Gab1 protein, establishing Gab1 as major target in LA-induced enhancement of tumorigenesis.
Therapeutic treatment of canine osteoarthritis with glycosaminoglycan polysulfuric acid ester

The prophylactic effect of glycosaminoglycan polysulfuric acid ester (GAGPS) on cartilage lesions was studied using the Pond-Nuki model of canine osteoarthritis. Starting 2 days after anterior cruciate transection, GAGPS or saline was administered intraarticularly twice weekly for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, gross and histologic medial femoral condylar lesions had developed to a lesser degree in GAGPS-treated dogs than in saline-treated dogs. The uronic acid and hydroxyproline levels in cartilage were significantly higher in the GAGPS-treated dogs than in the saline-treated dogs. Levels of active and latent collagenase in the cartilage of GAGPS-treated dogs were lower than in the cartilage of saline-treated dogs. With GAGPS treatment, swelling of the cartilage, an indicator of collagen network integrity, remained near control levels. Although increased synthesis of proteoglycan and collagen may account for some of these results, we propose that one mechanism of action of GAGPS is its ability to decrease collagen degradation, either by decreasing the synthesis of collagenase or by directly inhibiting the production of collagenase in cartilage.
Development and implementation of a maintenance operations concept

Considering its future maintenance needs, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is sponsoring the development of an operations concept. The goal of this effort is to describe the human role in facilities maintenance. Instead of relying on narrative scenario descriptions, the approach relies largely on diagrams similar to those used for structured analysis. The approach and its potential benefits are outlined. A four-phase plan will take the concept from development through operational transition to integration. The focus here is on the developmental first phase of this plan, which includes graphic techniques for representing the operations concept and ways of automating these techniques. While the examples pertain to FAA facilities maintenance, the techniques also apply to human operations in other working environments. >
Brief Report: Acceptance of Behavioral Interventions for Children With Cancer: Perceptions of Parents, Nurses, and Community Controls

Objective: To examine the treatment acceptability of behavioral interventions targeting noncompliance in children with cancer, in medical versus general situations. Methods: Participants included 40 parents of children on active medical treatment for cancer, 42 pediatric oncology nurses, and 34 parents of medically healthy children. After reading a clinical vignette, participants rated the acceptability of five behavioral interventions via the Treatment Evaluation Inventory-Short Form. Results: Positive reinforcement, response cost, and reprimand generally were perceived as moderately acceptable. Overcorrection was perceived as unacceptable by all groups. Compared with nurses and parents of medically well children, parents of children with cancer provided significantly lower acceptability ratings for response cost and time-out, two of the punitive strategies studied. Conclusions: Results suggest that clinicians should assess the acceptability of specific treatments prior to intervening. Methods for enhancing acceptability should be explored in future research.
A new species of Dasineura Rondani (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in flower galls of Camassia (Asparagaceae; Agavoideae) in the Pacific Northwest, USA

A new species, Dasineura camassiae Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is described, illustrated and compared to some of its congeners from related hosts and western North America. The new species causes flower galls on Camassia (Agavoideae; Asparagaceae) in the Pacific Northwest. Its current known distribution is Oregon and Washington, USA. Larvae develop in spring in flowers of Camassia spp., causing the young ovaries to enlarge prematurely and eventually abort, without forming seeds or mature fruit. Full-grown larvae crawl out of the gall in rapid succession and drop to the soil where they pupate; they remain there until spring of the following year when the adults emerge and lay eggs. The galls they induce in camas lily buds represent the first known association of the cosmopolitan genus Dasineura with the group of plants that includes Agave and its relatives.
Multi-Objective Evolutionary Programming for Economic Emission Dispatch problem

This paper describes a new multi-objective evolutionary programming (MOEP) method to solve the combined economic emission dispatch (CEED) and economic emission dispatch (EED) problems. The CEED is a bi-objective optimization problem that considers two objectives such as fuel cost and NOx emission. It is converted into a single objective optimization problem using weighted sum method. The EED is a three-objective optimization problem that considers the fuel cost, NOx and SO2 emissions as objectives. Non-dominated solution ranking is employed as selection mechanism in the proposed MOEP for the CEED and EED problems. The developed algorithm is tested for a three-unit and a six-unit systems, and six and 30 bus systems. The results demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed approach to generate well-distributed Pareto optimal solutions of the multi-objective problems in a single run.
What should medical practitioners know about the role of alternative medicines in cardiovascular disease management

Alternative medications as a term call up many different meanings, significance, and perceptions to various medical practitioners. Some are good; others are bad. A wide range of alternative medications with relevance or connection to cardiovascular (CV) disease have been considered. While many are worthless, others have definite benefit, and at least one, chelation therapy, is associated with definite harm, significant risk, no benefit, and enrichment of the practitioners who prescribe it. The issues concerning alternative therapies will likely never be studied with randomized clinical trials due to the lack of a profit motive on the part of pharmaceutical companies—only rarely do other institutions, such as the National Institutes of Health, support medicinal studies. Basic knowledge of alternative therapies is essential for the CV specialist and other practicing physicians and other practitioners, since at least a few of their patients will take these medications regardless of medical advice. The result is that a number of these alternative medications will then interact with conventional CV medications, many times unfavorably.
Big and thin; two Diola-Fogny meta-linguistic terms'

The Diola-Fogny of S6n6gal, West Africa, socially intuit with the meta-linguistic terms 'big' and 'thin' the tense/lax vowel contrast that is basic to their phonology. The two terms are primarily used to identify speech variation among individuals and groups. Examination revealed that speakers who made relatively greater use of vowel harmony were characterized as 'big' in contrast to others who were thought of as 'thin' speakers. The 'big'/'thin' distinction provides the Fogny with one means by which they place the speech of an individual. In addition, this meta-linguistic device either is used to express indirectly the social place of an alter vis-a2vis an ego in terms of simple sameness or difference, or, when more than two people are involved, in terms of some form of segmentary opposition. (S6n6gal, meta-linguistics, social interaction, phonology.)
Fractal dimension estimation of fractional Brownian motion

Fractal dimension provides an objective means for quantifying the fractal property of an object and comparing objects observed in the natural world. One of the most useful mathematical models for the random fractals found in nature has been fractional Brownian motion. Two algorithms are used to simulate fractional Brownian motion. An important characteristic of fractals useful for their description and classification is their fractal dimension. Several methods are developed to estimate fractal dimension: the variance method, the spectral method, and the morphological method. These methods are used for simulated samples of fractional Brownian motion, and their performances are compared. It is found that the performance of these fractal dimension estimation methods is usually related to what kind of fractals are to be estimated and the range in which the fractal dimension falls. >
Short chain fatty acids and their receptors: new metabolic targets

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with aliphatic tails of different lengths, where short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) typically refer to carboxylic acids with aliphatic tails less than 6 carbons. In humans, SCFAs are derived in large part from fermentation of carbohydrates and proteins in the colon. By this process, the host is able to salvage energy from foods that cannot be processed normally in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract. In humans, SCFAs are a minor nutrient source, especially for people on Western diets. Intriguingly, recent studies, as highlighted here, have described multiple beneficial roles of SCFAs in the regulation of metabolism. Further interest in SCFAs has emerged due to the association of gut flora composition with obesity and other metabolic states. The recent identification of receptors specifically activated by SCFAs has further increased interest in this area. These receptors, free fatty acid receptor-2 and -3 (FFAR2 and FFAR3), are expressed not only in the gut epithelium where SCFAs are produced, but also at multiple other sites considered to be metabolically important, such as adipose tissue and pancreatic islets. Because of these relatively recent findings, studies examining the role of these receptors, FFAR2 and FFAR3, and their ligands, SCFAs, in metabolism are emerging. This review provides a critical analysis of SCFAs, their recently identified receptors, and their connection to metabolism.
Multipath Aided Rapid Acquisition Techniques for Spread Spectrum Signals

Spread-spectrum systems with large transmission bandwidth present significant challenges from the standpoint of achieving acquisition before the communication commences. This paper investigates a rapid acquisition procedure that exploits multipath to aid the synchronization. In particular, we consider a randomized search strategy and derive the corresponding mean acquisition time (MAT). We show that the MAT of the randomized search is at most twice the MAT of the optimal serial search. Using our results, we compare various search techniques in a multipath fading channel.