cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nerve sprouting in muscle is induced and guided by processes extended by schwann cells

Partial denervation or paralysis with botulinum toxin, manipulations that induce sprouting of nerve terminals in muscle, also induced terminal Schwann cells to extend processes. These processes were associated with every nerve sprout and in some cases were longer than the sprouts that appeared to be growing along them. Following partial denervation, more than 70% of the nerve sprouts that grew to innervate nearby denervated endplates were associated with Schwann cell processes that had extended from the denervated endplates, i.e., in the direction opposite to nerve growth. Implantation of Schwann cells into an innervated muscle induced sprouting upon contact of an axon or nerve terminal by Schwann cell processes. These observations show that Schwann cells induce and guide axonal sprouting in muscle.
Active Transport of Bile Acids Decreases Mucin 2 in Neonatal Ileum: Implications for Development of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal emergency of premature infants, but its etiology remains unclear. We have previously shown that mucin 2 (Muc2) positive goblet cells are significantly decreased in NEC. We have also shown that ileal bile acids (BAs) are significantly increased during the development of this disease. Because BAs can affect mucins, we hypothesized that elevated ileal BAs contribute to decreased Muc2 in experimental NEC. The role of Muc2 in NEC was evaluated in Winnie +/+ mice, a strain that produces aberrant Muc2. Muc2 and trefoil factor 3 (Tff3) were assessed in neonatal rats subjected to the NEC protocol when bile acids were removed, and in ileal explants from newborn and older rats cultured with and without BAs. Further, the role of active transport of BAs was determined using neonatal rats given the apical sodium dependent bile acid transporter (Asbt) inhibitor SC-435 and in neonatal Asbt knockout mice subjected to the NEC protocol. Mice with aberrant Muc2 had significantly greater incidence and severity of NEC. Using both in vivo and ex vivo techniques, we determined that BAs decrease Muc2 positive cells in neonatal but not older ileum. However, Tff3 positive cells are not decreased by BAs. In addition, active transport of BAs is required for BAs to decrease Muc2 in immature ileum. These data show that functional Muc2 plays a critical role in the prevention of NEC and BAs can potentiate the decreased Muc2 in disease development. Further, BAs have a more profound effect on Muc2 in immature versus older ileum, which may explain at least in part why NEC occurs almost exclusively in premature infants.
Evolution of Photoevaporating Protoplanetary Disks

We explore the physics of protoplanetary disk evolution in the presence of a photoevaporative wind. We construct analytical models that demonstrate the effects of disk wind loss and apply these models to the dispersal of disks around T Tauri stars. In particular, by calculating and analyzing the Green's function that characterizes the effects of the wind on the disk structure, we can understand the competing effects of viscous accretion and disk mass loss. In agreement with published disk evolutionary simulations, we find that inner disk holes can develop if the ionizing luminosity responsible for the photoevaporative wind is maintained at sufficiently high levels and that if the source of photoionizing photons is dominated by the star-disk boundary layer, the photoevaporative mass-loss rate decreases to a much smaller value. We derive analytical estimates for the mass-loss rates and disk dispersal times in these two regimes. In general, photoevaporative wind loss is inefficient in T Tauri systems. In all disk wind models considered, the photoevaporative wind is able to remove only a mass comparable to the mass of Jupiter.
Cognitive Control of Drug Craving Inhibits Brain Reward Regions in Cocaine Abusers

Loss of control over drug taking is considered a hallmark of addiction and is critical in relapse. Dysfunction of frontal brain regions involved with inhibitory control may underlie this behavior. We evaluated whether addicted subjects when instructed to purposefully control their craving responses to drug-conditioned stimuli can inhibit limbic brain regions implicated in drug craving. We used PET and 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-d-glucose to measure brain glucose metabolism (marker of brain function) in 24 cocaine abusers who watched a cocaine-cue video and compared brain activation with and without instructions to cognitively inhibit craving. A third scan was obtained at baseline (without video). Statistical parametric mapping was used for analysis and corroborated with regions of interest. The cocaine-cue video increased craving during the no-inhibition condition (pre 3+/-3, post 6+/-3; p<0.001) but not when subjects were instructed to inhibit craving (pre 3+/-2, post 3+/-3). Comparisons with baseline showed visual activation for both cocaine-cue conditions and limbic inhibition (accumbens, orbitofrontal, insula, cingulate) when subjects purposefully inhibited craving (p<0.001). Comparison between cocaine-cue conditions showed lower metabolism with cognitive inhibition in right orbitofrontal cortex and right accumbens (p<0.005), which was associated with right inferior frontal activation (r=-0.62, p<0.005). Decreases in metabolism in brain regions that process the predictive (nucleus accumbens) and motivational value (orbitofrontal cortex) of drug-conditioned stimuli were elicited by instruction to inhibit cue-induced craving. This suggests that cocaine abusers may retain some ability to inhibit craving and that strengthening fronto-accumbal regulation may be therapeutically beneficial in addiction.
Colorimetric analysis of surface reactive amino groups on poly(lactic acid-co-lysine):poly(lactic acid) blends

Abstract The quantification of functional amino (NH 2 ) groups on poly(lactic acid- co -lysine):(poly( l -lactic acid (PLAL:PLA) blends was performed using a colorimetric assay based on the reaction of sulphosuccinimidyl-4-O-(4,4′-dimethoxytrityl)-butyrate (sulpho-SDTB) with primary amino groups. The colorimetric assay was used to assess the available reactive sites for coupling of biologically active species to PLAL. Blends were created that contained from 10 to 70 wt% poly(lactic acid- co -lysine). Bulk lysine contents within the blends were determined by amino acid analysis and ranged from 9.1 μmol g −1 to 52.9 μmol g −1 for blends created using PLA of 100 000g mol −1 molecular weight. Surface amino group concentrations on the same set of blends ranged from 0.23 to 1.45 nmol cm −2 . Similar surface amino groups concentrations were measured on blends using 50 000, 200 000 and 300 000g mol −1 poly(lactic acid). Non-specific interactions of the colorimetric assay reagents with the PLAL-containing blends were measured on blends prepared from e-amino protected PLAL and 100 000g mol −1 PLA. The presence of amino groups within the top 50 A was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Response to Revolution: The United States and the Cuban Revolution, 1959-1961

The Cuban Revolution was a catalyst in shaping American foreign policy over the past generation. Welch's study is the first detailed evaluation of U.S. policy toward Cuba in the early years of the Castro regime and the first effort to analyze public sentiment during that crucial period. Our response to Cuba was a mirror of our Cold War assumptions and frustrations--and of our apprehensions concerning revolutionary movements abroad.
Rigorous information-theoretic derivation of quantum-statistical thermodynamics. II

Part I of the present work outlined the rigorous application of information theory to a quantum mechanical system in a thermodynamic equilibrium state. The general formula developed there for the best-guess density operator\(\hat \rho\) was indeterminate because it involved in an essential way an unspecified prior probability distribution over the continuumDH of strong equilibrium density operators. In Part II mathematical evaluation of\(\hat \rho\) is completed after an epistemological analysis which leads first to the discretization ofDH and then to the adoption of a suitable indifference axiom to delimit the set of admissible prior distributions. Finally, quantal formulas for information-theoretic and thermodynamic entropies are contrasted, and the entire work is summarized.
Synthesis and selected properties of a reduced single-cubane cluster containing the [MoFe3,S4]2+ (S = 2) core

Preparation de (Et 4 N) 3 [MoFe 3 S 4 (S-p-C 6 H 4 Cl) 3 (al 2 cat)(EtCN)](al 2 cat=diallyl-3,6catecholate). Spectre RMN de 1 H
Functional Expression and Cellular Localization of a Mouse Epidermal Lipoxygenase

Three distinct murine lipoxygenase genes have been functionally characterized: 5-lipoxygenase (Chen, X.-S., Naumann, T. A., Kurre, U., Jenkins, N. A., Copeland, N. G., and Funk, C. D. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 17993-17999), platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase and leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase (Chen, X.-S., Kurre, U., Jenkins, N. A., Copeland, N. G., and Funk, C. D. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 13979-13987). Here, we describe the cloning and functional characterization of a fourth lipoxygenase gene in mice. Using a polymerase chain reaction-based approach together with partial sequence information from a genomic clone, we isolated a novel lipoxygenase cDNA from the RNA of 3-6-day-old mouse epidermis. The open reading frame predicts a 662-amino acid lipoxygenase that displays 60% identity with both murine 12-lipoxygenase isozymes and 40% identity to 5-lipoxygenase; the sequence is identical to a genomic sequence reported recently (van Dijk, K. W., Steketee, K., Havekes, L., Frants, R., and Hofker, M. (1995) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1259, 4-8). A full-length clone was expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and homogenates from disrupted cells produced 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and minor amounts of 15-HETE from arachidonic acid. Chiral phase analysis indicated that the 12-HETE is exclusively the 12S enantiomer. In situ hybridization revealed highly specific expression of epidermal lipoxygenase in differentiated keratinocytes of the epidermis and in restricted regions of the root sheath and bulb of hair follicles. High expression was also detected in conjunctiva of the eyelid and in cells of Meibomian and preputial (sebaceous) glands. A 2.4-kilobase mRNA was detected in mouse epidermis by Northern blot analysis and its abundance was not affected by phorbol ester treatment. The epidermal lipoxygenase gene (Aloxe) resides on mouse chromosome 11 closely linked with the two 12-lipoxygenase genes (Alox12p and Alox12l).
Applications of machine learning and rule induction

Machine learning is the study of computational methods for improving performance by mechanizing the acquisition of knowledge from experience. Expert performance requires much domain-specific knowledge, and knowledge engineering has produced hundreds of AI expert systems that are now used regularly in industry. Machine learning aims to provide increasing levels of automation in the knowledge engineering process, replacing much time-consuming human activity with automatic techniques that improve accuracy or efficiency by discovering and exploiting regularities in training data. The ultimate test of machine learning is its ability to produce systems that are used regularly in industry, education, and elsewhere.
Electron-acceptor properties of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins.

The chemical and biological properties of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-~-dioxin (TCDD, Structure I) are becoming well-documented. TCDD is virtually insoluble in water and most organic solvents (CRU~iETT et al., 1973), has a high affinity for cytosol protein (POLAND and GLOVER, 1976), binds tightly to soil (HELLING 1970)~ is rapidly photoreduced (CROSBY et al., 1971), and is exceptionally toxic (SCHWETZ et al., 1973), teratogenic (NEUBERT et al., 1973), and mutagenic (HUSSAIN et al., 1972), intercalating between base pairs in DNA (HUSSAIN et al., 1972). The binding characteristics suggest that complexation may be important in the unusual properties of TCDD; charge-transfer would seem the most reasonable, as TCDD has six electronegative atoms available to stabilize added charge.
Dependence of the Ionospheric F Region on the Solar Cycle

THE general increase of ionospheric critical frequencies with sunspot number is well known, but the corresponding changes in ionospheric structure are not obvious from the critical frequency data alone and have not been extensively discussed in the literature. It is therefore interesting and instructive to examine a sample of ionospheric electron density distributions from different latitudes, seasons, and phases of the solar cycle.
MR of enhancing nerve roots in the unoperated lumbosacral spine.

PURPOSE To evaluate prospectively the unoperated lumbosacral spine by gadolinium-enhanced MR for evidence of clinically correlative abnormal enhancement of nerve roots. METHODS Two hundred patients were prospectively studied with intravenous gadolinium- (0.1 mmol/kg) enhanced MR. Evidence was sought of intrathecal enhancement of lumbosacral nerve root(s), and the correlation of this enhancement with the clinical syndrome was evaluated. RESULTS Ten patients demonstrated abnormally enhancing lumbosacral nerve root(s) (5%). Of these, seven (70%) were associated with focally protruding disk pathology. The three (30%) remaining patients had isolated enhancement of multiple nerve roots in the absence of significant associated anatomic pathology. Overall, the correlation of radicular enhancement with the presenting clinical syndrome was excellent. CONCLUSION A breakdown in the blood-nerve barrier as observed on gadolinium-enhanced MR serves as a marker for nerve root pathology in the unoperated lumbosacral spine, which may have clinical relevance in certain clinical situations.
FISH Diagnosis of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Abstract The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is the most common microdeletion syndrome. Although once thought to be separate disorders, cardiac anomalies, abnormal face, thymic hypoplasia, cleft palate, hypocalcemia, and chromosome 22 deletions (CATCH 22); DiGeorge syndrome; velocardiofacial syndrome; and conotruncal anomaly face syndrome are now known to be part of the same 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Diagnosis of this syndrome is extremely challenging because of wide variability in phenotypic presentations. When the deletion is suspected, genetic testing is typically ordered. Conventional karyotyping is only capable of detecting a small percentage of chromosome deletions. However, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is capable of detecting many deletions and microdeletions. This article discusses the pathophysiology and presentation of chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. The use of FISH as a diagnostic tool is also described, including the FISH process, its use, and its accuracy and reliability in the diagnosis of chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in the fetus and/or newborn.
The Effect of Book Genre in the Repeated Readings of Mothers and their Children with Language Impairment: A Pilot Investigation.

This pilot investigation compared the language use of mothers and their four children with language impairment during in-home readings of two storybook genres. Mother-child dyads repeatedly read tw...
Does solitary incubation enhance egg water uptake and offspring quality in a lizard that produces single-egg clutches?

Many organisms invariably produce one offspring per reproductive bout, but experimental tests of adaptive explanations for this reproductive pattern are rare. To address this issue, we studied a lizard (Anolis sagrei) that produces one egg at a time to test the hypothesis that solitary incubation (due to single-egg clutches) eliminates competition with adjacent eggs for moisture and thus enhances offspring quality via increased egg water uptake during development. Our findings suggest that solitary incubation does not affect rates of moisture uptake by eggs or offspring size. However, egg moisture uptake and offspring size were negatively affected when eggs were adjacent to an egg that died during development. Depending on rates of infertile eggs or embryo mortality in the field, single-egg clutches may improve developmental environments and enhance offspring fitness. These results highlight the importance of considering the role of plastic embryonic responses during development in explaining reproductive patterns. J. Exp. Zool. 315:149–155, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ribosomal protein synthesis during and after amino acid starvation in relaxed and stringent bacteria

Abstract The production of ribosomal protein during amino acid starvation and during the recovery from amino acid starvation has been investigated in RCrel and RCstr strains of Escherichia coli. Within 15 seconds of restoration of the required amino acid to a previously starved RCrel strain, the proportion of total protein synthesis devoted to ribosomal protein is twice as high as during exponential growth. During the subsequent recovery, this proportion falls with a half-life of six to eight minutes to the value characteristic of exponential growth. This initial rise in proportion of protein synthesized pertains to all, or most, of the species of ribosomal protein. During recovery of an amino acid-starved RCstr strain, however, the proportion of protein synthesis devoted to ribosomal protein is only slightly higher than during exponential growth. During starvation for a required amino acid, there proceeds a residual protein synthesis at a rate about 5% of that of exponential growth, in both RCrel and RCstr strains. In a starved RCstr strain the proportion of that protein synthesis devoted to ribosomal protein is less than half as great as the corresponding proportion during exponential growth. By contrast, in a starved RCrel strain, the proportion of that protein synthesis devoted to ribosomal protein is more than twice as great as the corresponding proportion during exponential growth. It is to be noted, however, that the starved RCrel strain does not produce the individual species of ribosomal protein in the same relative amounts as during exponential growth, but instead produces a few protein species at a very high relative rate. The state of the rel locus therefore affects not only the synthesis of ribosomal RNA under amino acid starvation, but also the synthesis of ribosomal protein.
WEDM-Adaptive Control with a Multiple Input Model for Indentification of Workpiece Height

Abstract The variation in power density during wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) results in reduced productivity and wire rupture. This paper presents a WEDM adaptive control system that optimizes on-line the sparking frequency by estimating the workpiece height with a new multiple input model. This model describes the dynamic and stochastic relationships between average gap feedback voltage and spark frequency and machine table feed rate. Extensive experiments have been carried out to verify the new model. The proposed system correctly identifies the workpiece height and avoids the sudden rise in the estimated height found in existing system.
Fate of petroleum hydrocarbons in sewage sludge after land disposal.

With many sewage treatment plants achieving better removal of pollutants, the problem of disposing of the resulting sewage sludge is becoming one of the most important considerations to be faced in the management of total environment. In fact, sludge processing and disposal account for the largest single share on the total operation cost of the municipal wastewater treatment plant. Almost every major city in the world is now facing the difficult problem of sludge disposal.
Off-Fault Secondary Failure Induced by a Dynamic Slip Pulse

We develop a 2D slip-weakening description of a self-healing slip pulse that propagates dynamically in a steady-state configuration. The model is used to estimate patterns of off-fault secondary failure induced by the rupture, and also to infer fracture energies G for large earthquakes. This extends an analysis for a semi-infinite rupture (Poliakov et al. , 2002) to the case of a finite slipping zone length L of the pulse. The dynamic stress drop, when divided by the drop from peak to residual strength, determines the ratio of L to the slip-weakening zone length R . Predicted off-fault damage is controlled by that scaled stress drop, static and dynamic friction coefficients, rupture velocity, principal prestress orientation, and poroelastic Skempton coefficient. All damage zone lengths can be scaled by ![Graphic][1] , which is proportional G /(strength drop)2 and is the value of R in the low-rupture-velocity, low-stress-drop, limit. In contrast to the Poliakov et al. (2002) case R / L = 0, the region that supports Coulomb failure reaches a maximum size on the order of ![Graphic][2] when mode II rupture speed approaches the Rayleigh speed. Analysis of slip pulses documented by Heaton (1990) leads to estimates of G , each with a factor-of-two model uncertainty, from 0.1 to 9 MJ/m2 (including the factor), averaging 2–4 MJ/m2; G tends to increase with the amount of slip in the event. In most cases, secondary faulting should extend, at high rupture speeds, to distances from the principal fault surface on the order of 1 to 2 ![Graphic][3] ≈ 1–80 m for a 100-MPa strength drop; that distance should vary with depth, being larger near the surface. We also discuss gouge and damage processes. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [3]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif
Optimal dynamic voltage scaling for wireless sensor nodes with real-time constraints

Sensors are increasingly embedded in manufacturing systems and wirelessly networked to monitor and manage operations ranging from process and inventory control to tracking equipment and even post-manufacturing product monitoring. In building such sensor networks, a critical issue is the limited and hard to replenish energy in the devices involved. Dynamic voltage scaling is a technique that controls the operating voltage of a processor to provide desired performance while conserving energy and prolonging the overall network's lifetime. We consider such power-limited devices processing time-critical tasks which are non-preemptive, aperiodic and have uncertain arrival times. We treat voltage scaling as a dynamic optimization problem whose objective is to minimize energy consumption subject to hard or soft real-time execution constraints. In the case of hard constraints, we build on prior work (which engages a voltage scaling controller at task completion times) by developing an intra-task controller that acts at all arrival times of incoming tasks. We show that this optimization problem can be decomposed into two simpler ones whose solution leads to an algorithm that does not actually require solving any nonlinear programming problems. In the case of soft constraints, this decomposition must be partly relaxed, but it still leads to a scalable (linear in the number of tasks) algorithm. Simulation results are provided to illustrate performance improvements in systems with intra-task controllers compared to uncontrolled systems or those using inter-task control.
Positron annihilation at the Galactic center

The efficiency of production of positrons by gamma-gamma interaction under conditions which may occur in the Galactic center. Their annihilation line and three-photon annihilation continuum contribute to the emitted radiation. If a geometrical model is assumed, it will be possible to determine the parameters of the gamma-ray source region. By comparing the computed spectra to observations, a rough estimate is made using extant data.
Biatrial electrograms during coarse atrial fibrillation and flutter-fibrillation

Right and left atrial electrograms were recorded in 57 patients who demonstrated coarse atrial fibrillation or flutter-fibrillation on the scalar electrocardiogram. Atrial electrograms in coarse atrial fibrillation most often showed biatrial fibrillation with periodic slowing and regularity, while dissimilar interatrial or right intra-atrial rhythms were noted less frequently. Flutter-fibrillation on the scalar ECG required the presence of rapid regular tachysystole (flutter) somewhere in the atria and was usually associated with dissimilar interatrial or right intra-atrial rhythms, dissimilar atrial flutter rates, or fast or fragmented flutter. Coarse atrial fibrillation and flutter-fibrillation may be secondary to a variety of atrial electrical events.
Intelligent Document Gateway - A Service System Analysis

In today's fast paced world, it is necessary to process business documents expediently, accurately, and diligently. In other words, processing has to be fast, errors must be prevented (or caught and corrected quickly), and documents cannot be lost or misplaced. The failure to meet these criteria, depending on the type and purpose of the documents, can have serious business, legal, or safety consequences. In this paper, we evaluated a B2B order placement service system that allows clients to place orders for products and services over a network. We describe the order placement service before and after deploying the Intelligent Document Gateway (IDG), a document-centric business process automation technology from IBM Research. Using service science perspective and service systems frameworks, we provide an analysis of how IDG improved the value proposition for both the service providers and service clients.
Inhalant abuse among American Indian, Mexican American, and non-Latino white adolescents

The abuse of volatile solvents, or inhalants, is an enduring problem among adolescents although a number of factors obscure the nature and extent of this drug using behavior. The data presented here indicate that a number of social and perceptual correlates of inhalant use operate similarly across Mexican American, American Indian and non-Latino white adolescents. Peer factors appear to dominate, although they are somewhat less important for Mexican American and Indian youth. Increased perception of harm reduces inhalant use for all groups. Of particular significance in the findings here are the continued increase of inhalant use among females compared to males and the strong pattern of decreases in inhalant use among American Indian adolescents over the last decade. A number of implications for increased effectiveness of prevention are discussed.
Software-induced variance in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis image analysis.

Experimental variability in 2-DE is well documented, but little attention has been paid to variability arising from postexperimental quantitative analyses using various 2-DE software packages. The performance of two 2-DE analysis software programs, Phoretix 2D Expression v2004 (Expression) and PDQuest 7.2 (PDQuest), was evaluated in this study. All available background subtraction and smoothing algorithms were tested using both data generated from one single 2-DE gel image, thus excluding experimental variance, and with authentic sets of replicate gels (n = 5). A slight shift of the image boundaries (the "cropping area") caused both programs to induce variance in protein spot quantification of otherwise identical gel images. The resulting variance for PDQuest (CV m e a n = 8%) was approximately twice that for Expression (CV m e a n = 4%). In authentic sets of replicate 2-DE gels (n = 5), the experimental variance confounded the software-induced variance to some extent. However, Expression still outperformed PDQuest, which exhibited software-induced variance as high as 25% of the total observed variance. Surprisingly, the complete omission of background subtraction algorithms resulted in the least amount of software-based variance. These data indicate that 2-DE gel analysis software constitutes a significant source of the variance observed in quantitative proteomics, and that the use of background subtraction algorithms can further increase the variance.
Sealing of type III endoleaks with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer in a canine model

Purpose To test ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) as a sealing agent for persistent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endograft leaks. Materials and Methods Twelve dogs underwent creation of AAAs with a Palmaz P4014 stent. A 10-mm × 5-cm Wallgraft endoprosthesis with a 4-mm-diameter hole cut into its side was deployed within the AAA. One week later, computed tomography (CT) and angiography were performed and the aneurysm sac was catheterized through the 4-mm hole. Then, EVOH was injected into the sac and lumbar arteries. Four weeks thereafter, all surviving animals underwent repeat CT scanning and angiography and were then euthanized. The AAA underwent gross and microscopic study. Results Three dogs died from aortic rupture within 24 hours of AAA creation and the remaining nine dogs survived to receive EVOH. All nine dogs had persistent flow into the sac and lumbar arteries at the time of EVOH delivery. Seven dogs survived to the end of the experiment, and all aneurysm sacs and lumbar arteries remained occluded on angiography and CT. Histologic examination revealed EVOH and thrombus admixed, with thrombus in varying stages of organization filling the aneurysm sac and lumbar arteries. Conclusions Embolization of type III endoleaks with EVOH proved to be feasible in a canine model. Further work is warranted to determine its therapeutic utility.
The mechanics of harmonic gas pressurization and failure of lava domes

Summary Solutions are developed for the harmonic interior pressurization of idealized hemispherical lava domes to determine the evolution of instability with time. Integrated gas pressure distributions are evaluated to determine uplift on inclined planes of potential detachment that traverse the dome, and to evaluate the limit-equilibrium stability of blocks isolated by these planes. Average pressure distributions show an initial transient rise to peak dynamic gas pressures that corresponds to a harmonic steady state. Progress towards potential instability mirrors this rise, and oscillates with the harmonic steady state. The timing of pressurization of the dome lavas is modulated by a diffusive time. The magnitude of this pressurization is modulated by dome geometry and the magnitude and non-dimensional frequency of the interior inflation. Two distinct pressurization behaviours are apparent: the first, at high relative inflation frequencies, is where the dynamic steady state corresponds to static pressurization at the mean interior pressure; and the second, at low relative inflation frequencies, is where the dynamic state synchronously responds to the oscillating interior-pressure boundary condition, and peak uplift is proportional to the mean pressure plus the maximum harmonic overpressure. These two conditions are separated by a frequency shift, or change in fluid diffusivity, of only two orders of magnitude, and are significant because the destabilizing uplift force may increase by a factor of two, where all other parameters, except excitation frequency or diffusivity, remain fixed. These results are applied to stability evaluations of the lava dome at the Soufriere Hills volcano, to examine failure mechanisms potentially consistent with the observed delay in collapse. Linear models incorporating time-invariant strength and transport parameters are only able to represent collapse for interior gas pressures at the upper limit of observed magnitudes. Conversely, behaviours incorporating fatigue-weakening, or hysteretic permeability enhancement, of the dome rocks are able to approach failure for modest pressurization magnitudes, to match observed delays in collapse and potentially to explain why some domes collapse explosively whereas others do not.
Contamination dose from photoneutron processes in bodily tissues during therapeutic radiation delivery

Dose to the total body from induced radiation resulting from primary exposure to radiotherapeutic beams is not detailed in routine treatment planning though this information is potentially important for better estimates of health risks including secondary cancers. This information can also allow better management of patient treatment logistics, suggesting better timing, sequencing, and conduct of treatment. Monte Carlo simulations capable of taking into account all interactions contributing to the dose to the total body, including neutron scattering and induced radioactivity, provide the most versatile and accurate tool for investigating these effects. MCNPX code version 2.2.6 with full IAEA library of photoneutron cross sections is particularly suited to trace not only photoneutrons but also protons and heavy ion particles that result from photoneutron interactions. Specifically, the MCNPX code is applied here to the problem of dose calculations in traditional (non-IMRT) photon beam therapy. Points of calculation are located in the head, where the primary irradiation has been directed, but also in the superior portion of the torso of the ORNL Mathematical Human Phantom. We calculated dose contributions from neutrons, protons, deutrons, tritons and He-3 that are produced at the time of photoneutron interactions in the body and that would not have been accounted for by conventional radiationoncologydosimetry.
Blood urea nitrogen to creatinine concentration in gastrointestinal bleeding: a reappraisal.

BACKGROUND The blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio (BUN/CREAT) is believed to reliably discriminate upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) from lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). However, studies evaluating subsets of bleeders in whom this ratio may have real diagnostic utility are lacking. METHODS Over a 50-month period, all patients evaluated for UGIB and LGIB by our gastroenterology consultative service had demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings recorded on admission. Endoscopic evaluation was performed in most patients for diagnosis. RESULTS A total of 790 patients with UGIB and 162 with LGIB were studied. Peptic ulcer disease (57%) and esophageal varices (10%) were the most common causes of UGIB, whereas diverticulosis was etiologic in 54% of LGIB episodes. The mean (+/- SD) BUN/CREAT ratio was significantly higher in UGIB than LGIB (22.5 +/- 11.5 vs 15.9 +/- 8.2; p = 0.0001). When comparing UGIB patients without hematemesis or diagnostic nasogastric aspirate to patients with LGIB, significant differences were found for patients with melena (20.1 +/- 8.4 vs 15.9; p = 0.001) but not hematochezia (18.6 +/- 9.1 vs 15.9; p = 0.12), and overlap was great. Using a ratio of < or = 33, the sensitivity and specificity for LGIB was 96 and 17%, respectively. There was a significant correlation of transfusion requirements and admission hematocrit to this ratio, whereas admission vital signs were not found to correlate significantly. CONCLUSIONS Although the BUN/CREAT ratio is higher in UGIB compared with LGIB, the degree of overlap, especially in patients without hematemesis, suggests this value to have poor discriminatory ability. The degree of elevation correlates best with transfusion requirements rather than admission vital signs.
Aminolevulinic acid (ALA): photodynamic detection and potential therapeutic applications

Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a heme precursor that may have potential applications for photodynamic detection and photodynamic therapy-based treatment of solid tumors in a variety of malignancies. ALA may have a role in other applications in surgical oncology based on its ability to discriminate neoplastic tissue from adjacent normal tissue. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the published studies of ALA in noncutaneous solid malignancies.
Importance of Teacher Transition Competencies as Rated by Special Educators.

A critical factor in the implementation of transition programming is adequately prepared personnel. The purpose of this study was to identify specific competencies perceived necessary by practitioners preparing students for transition. A questionnaire was developed to analyze the perceived importance of 30 transition-related teacher competencies. Special educators who were involved in transition-related activities were asked to complete a questionnaire in which they rated the importance of the teacher competencies. A total of 74 completed surveys (83 percent) was returned from special educators in Pennsylvania. Results suggest that all competencies were identified by the majority of respondents (58 percent) as important. Competencies related to teaching money management skills (97 percent) and involving parent (96 percent) received the highest ratings. Special educators reported receiving the most training related to the competencies they considered most important. The need for and directions of future re...
Linear sequential pattern classification (Corresp.)

A nonparametric sequential pattern classifier called a linear sequential classifier (LSC) is presented. The pattern components are measured sequentially and the decisions either to measure the next component or to stop and classify the pattern are made using linear functions derived from sample patterns based on the least mean-square error criterion. The required linear functions are computed using an adaption of Greville's recursive algorithm for computing the generalized inverse of a matrix. A recursive algorithm for computing the least mean-square error is given and is used to determine the order in which the pattern components are measured. Under the assumption of two equiprobable classes that are normally distributed with equal covariance matrices, it is shown that the LSC is equivalent to Wald's sequential probability ratio test. Computer-simulated experiments indicate that the LSC is more effective than existing nonparametric sequential classifiers.
LOCAL ATOMIC STRUCTURE IN TRANSITION METAL/METALLOID GLASSES: Ni-P

Metallic alloy glasses are often obtained in systems characterized by strong chemical bonding between atoms of different species within the material. A prominent example of this class of solids is the transition metal/metalloid (TM/M) alloy glass, which is easily produced either by electrodeposition or by liquid quenching and is very stable at room temperature. The compositional range of the TM/M glasses usually lies near deep eutectics in the equilibrium phase diagram of the alloy system where the liquid phase is most stable compared to the solid phases.
An Endochronic Model for Concrete with Intrinsic Time

Recently, the development of general constitutive models has become a subject of interest within the context of finite element analysis of reinforced concrete structures. Generally, the incremental plasticity theory and flow rules are used as the basis for such developments.
Balsam Woolly Adelgid (Homoptera: Adelgidae) Effects on Wood and Bark Structure of Fraser Fir and Silver Fir

Response of Fraser fir, Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poiret, to the balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges piceae (Ratzeburg), was evaluated by studying wood cores and bark samples taken from six sites near Mount Rogers, VA, and five sites in the Black Mountains of North Carolina surrounding Mount Mitchell. For comparison, samples were also collected from silver fir, Abies alba Miller, at four sites in the Black Forest of Germany. Average A. piceae densities were higher on trees at Mount Rogers than on Mount Mitchell trees. Proportions of trees producing abnormal wood in response to low or moderate A. piceae densities was greater for Mount Mitchell trees than for trees at Mount Rogers. Results from Mount Rogers support observations made for other fir species that A. piceae infestation induces outer bark formation, leading to tree recovery. Outer bark formation in trees from the Black Mountains and the Black Forest of Germany was not correlated with A. piceae density. There was indirect evidence that the outer bark measured in Mount Mitchell trees was incompletely formed, with an indistinct boundary layer between living and nonliving bark layers.
Field Test Research on Temperature Detection of Overhead Transmission Line Based on BOTDR Distributed Fiber Sensing Technology

To monitor the temperature state of the long distance overhead line in real time,we developed an integrated distributed optical fiber sensing system based on the Brillouin optical time domain reflectometer(BOTDR) distributed fiber sensing technology. In the laboratory environment, the system has a maximum sensing distance of 30 km, a temperature resolution of ±2 ℃, and a temperature measurement range from-60 ℃ to 90 ℃, while the spatial resolution is 10 m. We used the system to conduct the temperature field test for the optical power ground wire(OPGW) of 110 k V lines in 19 hours and compared the test results of 15.4 km location with the results of fiber Bragg grating(FBG) sensor. The results show that, this system can detect the distributed temperature of OPGW cable in the site environment, and the results are basically in agreement with the local temperature variation trend. In the place of 15.4 km, the monitoring result is consistent with the temperature profile of the FBG sensors, and the biggest difference is 1.8 ℃. Affected by the fiber production process and splices loss, the segmentation phenomenon appears on the Brillouin scattering spectra and the maximum sensing distance of field test is only 16 km. These test results can provide references for further application the distributed Brillouin scattering fiber optic sensing system in electric power engineering.
Research on Surface Roughness Control of Blade Machining

The main factors influencing surface roughness of blade in NC machining were analyzed.The calculation formulas of the steplength of cutting stroke and the scallop height were deduced.The influences of some cutting parameters on surface roughness were analyzed.The research work has guiding significance in application.
Orthoterminal correction of coexisting d-transposition of the great arteries, subpulmonary stenosis, and a complete form of atrioventricular canal.

This report outlines orthoterminal correction in an 8-year-old boy with coexisting d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA), subpulmonary stenosis, and a complete form of atrioventricular canal (CAVC). The repair consisted of covering the tricuspid valve and atrial part of the atrioventricular canal with a Dacron patch and inserting a valve-containing conduit between the then isolated right atrium and the pulmonary artery to create a venous outlet. The patient’s exercise tolerance has improved remarkably. The arterial oxygen saturation has risen from 86 to 90 per cent. A plea is made to expand the indications for orthoterminal correction to patients in whom the severity of the heart malformation precludes application of well-established methods of surgical repair.
Harmonious Compositions: Korolenko's Siberian Stories

Vladimir Galaktionovich Korolenko (1853-1921) turned his personal experiences as a political prisoner in Siberia into short stories that champion the talents of Siberia's ordinary people. These stories of Siberia have been noted by critics for their techniques of composition. His contemporaries like A. P. Chekhov and V. M. Garshin praise his craftsmanship and skill to compose aesthetically appealing short stories.' Leighton shows how Korolenko, in order to reveal and document facts about different human beings, utilizes various literary devices such as particularized narration (skaz), allegory, contrast, parallel, and lyrical description.2 According to him, each story is like an "elegant, polished, graceful and harmonious composition" where the various literary devices are used "instinctively" (201). But I think that Korolenko organizes nature description, surroundings, atmosphere, and action of the narrative to complement the choice of heroes deliberately to create the harmony that Lunacharskii discusses (6-8). My essay indeed takes off from Lunacharskii's abstract observations and shows that Korolenko deftly employs narrative techniques and achieves a harmony between the narrator and character and their relationship to nature. Korolenko's Siberian stories form a homogeneous group of sixteen stories written in two cycles. The first one, made up of "The Strange One" (1880), "Iashka" (1880), "The Murderer" (1882), "Makar's Dream" (1883), "Sokolinets" (1885), "The Prison" (1886), "Fedor Bespriiutnyi" (1886), "The Circassian" (1888), was written during and immediately after Korolenko's exile. The other cycle, which consists of "Temptation" (1891), "At-Davan" (1892), "Marusia's Settlement" (1899), "Lights" (1900), "The Last Ray" (1900), "The Frost" (1900-1901), "The Coachmen, Lords" (1900), "The Feudal Lords" (1904), was written later in life after a lapse of a decade or more since his exile to Siberia. Clearly, Siberia as a theme continues to occupy Korolenko throughout his writing career; even in the 1890s he goes back to his notes and memories to reconstruct a few more pieces about it. It is only after he exhausts the stories of Siberia in 1904-the year that his last story of Siberia ("The Feudal Lords") was written-that he turns to writing his memoirs, A History of My Contemporary (1905-1921). After 1905 there is a sharp decline in the number of stories that Korolenko
Chemical admixtures dose optimization in pervious concrete paste selection – A statistical approach

Abstract Making good-quality portland cement pervious concrete (PCPC) requires utilization of chemical admixtures. Several types of admixtures, including superplasticizers (SPs), viscosity modifying admixtures (VMA), and set-retarding admixtures (RE) are commonly used in PCPC. These chemical admixtures significantly influence the flowability, film-forming ability and film-drying time (setting time) of the paste component. Consequently, the workability of the PCPC mixtures is greatly affected by the type and amount of chemical admixture added. This paper shows how the Box–Behnken (BBD) response surface design can be used to characterize the individual and combined effects of SP, VMA and RE on pervious concrete paste. The paste properties evaluated include flowability, film-forming ability and film-drying time. Using the BBD technique, ranges of admixture combinations were studied with a reasonable amount of data points. Finally, mathematical equations (models) and response surfaces were developed. The models and the response surfaces could be used to select admixture doses for different type of PCPC mixtures. Therefore, this method is highly recommended for situations where concrete producers are required to create PCPC mixtures, which have variable mixture composition and material properties.
Evidence-Based Counterterrorism Policy

As we approach the tenth anniversary of the terror attacks on September 11th, one fact is clear among the many unknowns about terrorism: there has been an exponential increase in spending on counterterrorism measures. For the United States, this increase in spending is not just reflected in federal homeland security measures or military efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, but also among private individuals, corporations, and public entities at the municipal, county, regional, and state levels. Most recently, the killing of Osama Bin Laden by the United States has led to a renewed increase in resource allocation at home by local law enforcement agencies (van Natta, 2011). In the scientific fields, there has also been more funding for a variety of academic and technological research and development related to terrorism and counterterrorism.