cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BMI Is an Independent Preoperative Predictor of Intraoperative Transfusion and Postoperative Chest-Tube Output.

Background An increasing obese population in the United States focuses attention on perioperative management of obese and overweight patients. Objective We sought to determine if obesity, determined by body mass index (BMI), was a preoperative indicator of bleeding in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery as measured by intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusion frequency and 24-hour chest-tube output amount. Methods A retrospective chart review examined 290 consecutive patients undergoing single-surgeon off-pump or on-pump CABG surgery between November 2003 and April 2009. Preoperative variables of age, gender, hematocrit, platelet count, and BMI, chest tube output during the immediate 24-hour postoperative period, and the type of procedure (on-pump vs. off-pump) were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the likelihood of intraoperative transfusion. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate 24-hour chest-tube output. Results Preoperative variables that significantly increased the likelihood of intraoperative transfusions were older age and low hematocrit; a significant decrease in likelihood was found with male gender, overweight BMI, and off-pump procedures. Preoperative variables that significantly increased 24-hour chest-tube output were low hematocrit, high hematocrit, and low platelets while a significant decrease in output was seen with overweight BMI and obese BMI. Conclusion Overweight and obese BMI are significant independent predictors of decreased intraoperative transfusion and decreased postoperative blood loss.
SU-GG-T-416: Validation of a Varian BrachyVision Calculation Model for a GammaMed Plus HDR Source and Evaluating Heterogeneity Effects for Four Clinical Cases Using EGSnrc Monte Carlo User Code

Purpose: Varian BrachyVision (BV) treatment planning system uses TG43 parameters derived from Monte Carlo modeling. Dose perturbation effects due to the presence of heterogeneities have been examined previously to verify Plato TPS using various MC codes. The purpose of this work was 1) to obtain an independent verification of the calculation model used by the BV treatment planning system for a GammaMed Plus source using EGSnrc Monte Carlo code, 2) to evaluate the heterogeneity effects for a sample of clinical cases planned for GammaMed Plus HDR cylinder and MammoSite. Method and Materials: Dose profiles and point dose calculations for three MammoSite cases with varying distance to the skin and lung, and a vaginal cylinder case were compared to MC simulations using EGSnrc dosxyznrc user code which allows for a 3D arbitrary geometry as well as to perform calculations using full planning CT data. In a previous work which used an EGSnrc dosrznrc code researchers performed 2D calculations due to cylindrical geometry constraints for that code. Results: Our Monte Carlo and BV calculations were in a good agreement for a test case of uniform medium. Dose reduction was observed inside the balloon due to the presence of higher‐Z contrast media and on the side of the tissue at the tissue ‐ air bubble interface and tissue‐lung interface. Dose in the lung was also elevated. These heterogeneity air perturbation effects however seem slightly more pronounced: 17.1% for BV vs previously reported 3.6% for the Plato system. Conclusion: These preliminary results demonstrate excellent agreement with the BrachyVision model in a uniform medium, but show rather pronounced dose perturbation effects in heterogeneous media. More investigation is needed to understand the higher scale of the heterogeneity perturbation effects.
Site of action for β-endorphin-induced changes in plasma luteinizing hormone and prolactin in the ovariectomized rat

Abstract A number of sites have been hypothesized as loci at which opioid substances act to alter the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) (1–8). The aim of the present study was to determine the site(s) at which the opioid peptide β-endorphin (β-END) acts to influence plasma LH and PRL levels in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat. β-END, administered into the third ventricle of conscious OVX rats fitted with jugular catheters, significantly decreased plasma LH in doses ⩾ 50 ng and increased PRL levels at all doses administered (10, 50, 100 and 250 ng) in a dose dependent fashion. To identify possible central nervous system sites of action, 250 ng β-END was unilaterally infused into various brain sites. Plasma LH was significantly decreased and plasma PRL significantly increased by infusions into the ventromedial hypothalamic area, the anterior hypothalamic area, and the preoptic-septal area. There was no significant effect of β-END infusions into the lateral hypothalamic area, amygdala, midbrain central gray, or caudate nucleus. When hemipituitaries of OVX rats were incubated in vitro with β-END (10−7M to 10−5M), there was no suppression of basal or LHRH-induced LH release, nor was there any alteration of basal PRL release. It is concluded that β-END acts at a medial hypothalamic and/or preoptic-septal site and not the pituitary, to alter secretion of LH and PRL.
JOB SATISFACTION AMONG QUASI-MILITARY EMPLOYEES

In this study, Smith, el al.'s validated Job Descriptive Index (10) was selected as the instrument best suited to the evaluation of job satisfaction in the employee milieu studied.? The index was administered to 99 public employees and 8 of their immediate supervisors, all of whom were assigned to one of the employer's 11 work sites. The respondents were 82% of the 120 employees and 68% of the 12 supervisors at that loca- tion; both groups were represented by different unions. The type of work made the command relationships quasi-military in nature: these are civilian employees who have certain characteristics of the military. They musc obey orders, although they mag grieve later if the order was an alleged violation of their collective bargaining contract. They may carry weapons and wear uniforms. The locale was northeastern United States. Confidentiality was required for the data to be collected.
Response routing in selcuk networks and lashley's dilemma

Given a large net of modules of limited logic and memory in which connectivity is primarily to near neighbors with one-way channels, the question is asked of how responses to a generally broadcast request can be routed to the site of the request. A routing procedure which does not require site information is proposed. The procedure is based on the Selcuk Principle which maintains that in properly constructed networks routing can be achieved with each module remembering only on which input channels the request had first arrived. The procedure is successfully applied to a neural network model proposed by Eccles and to one advanced by Burns. The strongest requirement of the proposed procedure is that there be switching among output channels and this appears consistent with the findings of Chun, Raymond & Lettvin (1970) that there is selective invasion of axonal arborization. Since the Selcuk Network scheme achieves response routing on the basis of strictly local information, pursuant to the broadcast of a general message, it has applicability to content-based addressing and to computer-to-computer communication nets. It also constitutes an approach to pattern recognition whereby the image on the “retina” is transformed into a time spectrum of responses, the analysis of which yields information on angle, size, curvature, and position of the edges.
Measurement and computation of starting torque pulsations of salient pole synchronous motors

Five basic methods of synchronous motor torque measurement are described. The first method is the traditional mechanical measurement using an accelerator; the second method involves an electrical technique using search coils as flux sensors; the remaining techniques employ either terminal voltage and current or input power and speed. Measurements of instantaneous electromagnetic torques of a medium-size 25 HP salient pole synchronous motor using these methods are compared with simulation results obtained from a full-order model as well as with a quasi-linear algebraic approximation. It is shown that torque measurement using search coils in the stator windings gives the best correlation with the simulation results, followed by a modified terminal measurement based on terminal voltage and current. The accelerometer method give the poorest results in that it is unable to capture the low-frequency components of the electromagnetic torques. It is also demonstrated by simulation that the approximate method for calculation of pulsating torques based on a quasi-linear model of the motor gives an estimate comparable to that of the full-order model, particularly for large machines. >
A logical explanation for quarks

We construct a quantum logic which generates the usual quark states. It follows from this model that quarks can combine only in quark-antiquark pairs and quark (and antiquark) triples. The ground meson and baryon states are also generated and gluons are discussed.
Transpulmonary Pyruvate kinetics

Shuttling of intermediary metabolites, such as pyruvate, contributes to the dynamic energy and biosynthetic needs of tissues. Tracer kinetic studies offer a powerful tool to measure the metabolism of substrates like pyruvate that are simultaneously taken up from and released into the circulation by organs. However, we understood that during each circulatory passage, the entire cardiac output transits the pulmonary circulation. Therefore, we examined the transpulmonary pyruvate kinetics in an anesthetized rat model during an unstimulated (Con), lactate clamp (LC), and epinephrine infusion (Epi) conditions using a primed-continuous infusion of [U-¹³C]pyruvate. Compared with Con and Epi stimulation, LC significantly increased mixed central venous ([v]) and arterial ([a]) pyruvate concentrations (P < 0.05). We hypothesized that the lungs, specifically the pulmonary capillary beds are sites of simultaneous production and removal of pyruvate and contributes significantly to whole body carbohydrate intermediary metabolism. Transpulmonary net pyruvate balances were positive during all three conditions, indicating net pyruvate uptake. Net balance was significantly greater during epinephrine stimulation compared with the unstimulated control (P < 0.05). Tracer-measured pyruvate fractional extraction averaged 42.8 ± 5.8% for all three conditions and was significantly higher during epinephrine stimulation (P < 0.05) than during either Con or LC conditions, that did not differ from each other. Pyruvate total release (tracer measured uptake - net balance) was significantly higher during epinephrine stimulation (400 ± 100 μg/min) vs. Con (30 ± 20 μg/min) (P < 0.05). These data are interpreted to mean that significant pyruvate extraction occurs during circulatory transport across lung parenchyma. The extent of pulmonary parenchymal pyruvate extraction predicts high expression of monocarboxylate (lactate/pyruvate) transporters (MCTs) in the tissue. Western blot analysis of whole lung homogenates detected three isoforms, MCT1, MCT2, and MCT4. We conclude that a major site of circulating pyruvate extraction resides with the lungs and that during times of elevated circulating lactate, pyruvate, or epinephrine stimulation, pyruvate extraction is increased.
Mental health in low-income countries.

The gains made in life expectancy and against infant mortality in low-income nations are being accompanied by increases in mental-health-related problems.
Interpretation of large intestinal mucosal biopsy specimens

The development of flexible endoscopes has led to a great increase in the examination and mucosal biopsy evaluation of all portions of the large intestine and rectum. Examinations are now performed not only for the determination of diagnosis but also for the monitoring of the course of a wide variety of conditions and for the early detection of complications. This review concentrates on the uses and interpretations of such biopsies in a large number of inflammatory conditions, with special emphasis on the correlations with clinical and functional features. Illustrated are examples of infections, idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), vascular disorders, motor and mechanical conditions, toxic and physical reactions, and other inflammatory conditions. Mucosal biopsy specimens also are obtained to identify dysplasia and to evaluate mass lesions, and these subjects are well covered in other articles within this symposium. In patients with chronic disorders multiple examinations are now expected to follow the course of the disease and to detect and correct any complications at an early stage. The exact reasons for the endoscopy and relevant clinical data are essential for the optimal analysis of these mucosal biopsy specimens.
Delayed Granuloma Following Bronchography

A case is presented in which the patient had a small amount of residual localized contrast material (iodized oil and sulfanilamide [Visciodol]) from a bronchogram. Seven months later he developed a transient pneumonia around the contrast material, which then cleared. More than two years later, at the same site, a slow growing, well defined, granuloma which contained residual contrast medium appeared, and was ultimately resected. Poor drainage and local chemical irritation are thought to be the most likely causes of this series of unusual events.
Efficient Broadband Raman Generation in Diamond Driven by Multi-Frequency Femtosecond Pulses

We demonstrate efficient generation of multiple spatially-separated and frequency-shifted anti-Stokes and Stokes sidebands due to strong near-resonant excitation of Raman transition by crossing two- or three-color femtosecond laser pulses into diamond.
Direct Measurements of Multiple Adhesive Alignments and Unbinding Trajectories between Cadherin Extracellular Domains

Direct measurements of the interactions between antiparallel, oriented monolayers of the complete extracellular region of C-cadherin demonstrate that, rather than binding in a single unique orientation, the cadherins adhere in three distinct alignments. The strongest adhesion is observed when the opposing extracellular fragments are completely interdigitated. A second adhesive alignment forms when the interdigitated proteins separate by 70 +/- 10 A. A third complex forms at a bilayer separation commensurate with the approximate overlap of cadherin extracellular domains 1 and 2 (CEC1-2). The locations of the energy minima are independent of both the surface density of bound cadherin and the stiffness of the force transducer. Using surface element integration, we show that two flat surfaces that interact through an oscillatory potential will exhibit discrete minima at the same locations in the force profile measured between hemicylinders covered with identical materials. The measured interaction profiles, therefore, reflect the relative separations at which the antiparallel proteins adhere, and are unaffected by the curvature of the underlying substrate. The successive formation and rupture of multiple protein contacts during detachment can explain the observed sluggish unbinding of cadherin monolayers. Velocity-distance profiles, obtained by quantitative video analysis of the unbinding trajectory, exhibit three velocity regimes, the transitions between which coincide with the positions of the adhesive minima. These findings suggest that cadherins undergo multiple stage unbinding, which may function to impede adhesive failure under force.
Inhibition of mitochondrial oxidation and uncoupling of phosphorylation by antispermatogenic bis-dichloroacetamides

Abstract Antispermatogenic bis-dichloroacetamides affect both electron transport and the energy conservation system in heart mitochondria and submitochondrial particles. Oxidation of NADH or pyridine nucleotide-linked substrates is inhibited at a site prior to coenzyme Q but after the primary dehydrogenase, similar to rotenone and amytal inhibition and as with these latter inhibitors the oxidation of succinate is essentially unaffected at similar concentrations of drug. In this respect the dichloroacetamides also resemble antabuse (tetraethylthiuram disulfide), but unlike the inhibition due to antabuse, the effects of the dichloroacetamides are not prevented by mercaptoethanol. Structure-activity studies suggest the importance of a substantial degree of lipid solubility and an unhindered dichloroacetamide group for activity. Activity in intact mitochondria appears in both succinate and pyridine nucleotidelinked substrate supported systems. N , N ′-bis(dichloroacetyl)-1,12-dodecanediamine was synthesized and is the most active member of this group of compounds found thus far. This compound results in a marked decrease in phosphorylation coupled to oxidation, as well as a release from ADP-limited respiration and an increase in the Mg 2+ -stimulated ATPase activity. Dinitrophenol-stimulated ATPase activity is inhibited at low concentrations of drug, but rises somewhat at higher concentrations. The most dramatic changes in each of these parameters occur at quite similar concentrations of N , N ′bis(dichloroacetyl)-1,12-dodecanediamine, i.e. about 5 μM. The implications of these results and their relationship with other pharmacological properties of these drugs are discussed.
Dark-ray and dark-floor craters on Ganymede, and the provenance of large impactors in the Jovian system

The dark-floor and dark-ray craters on the icy Jovian satellite, Ganymede, may derive their visual characteristics from impactor contamination. It is presently hypothesized that the rays darken as a result of the near-surface concentration of impactor material; this could occur, first, due to magnetic sputtering while the rays are bright, and subsequently, once a critical albedo is reached, due to thermal sublimation into discrete icy and nonicy patches. Voyager visible spectra of dark rays indicate that most large-ray systems are 'redder' than grooved or cratered terrains, and are among the 'reddest' units on Ganymede. More than half of the recent impactors on Ganymede may have been reddish D-type asteroids or comets, accounting for the albedos and colors of dark terrains on both Ganymede and Callisto.
Evolving paradigm in treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma of the digit from ray resection to wide local excision and flap coverage.

Background Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine neoplasm that typically presents on the head and neck. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the digits is rare, and thus limited treatment options have been presented.
Surface morphology of siloxane block copolymer crystals: (Tetramethyl-p-silphenylenejsiloxane—dimethylsiloxane

Abstract The metal decoration technique was applied to solution grown crystals and cast thin films of (tetramethyl-p-silphenylene) siloxane and dimethylsiloxane (DMS) block copolymers in order to elucidate their surface textures as a function of copolymer composition. Electron diffraction and microscopy studies were used. Metal-free zones are observed at surface steps of single crystals, and decorating particles occasionally form spiral growths in the inner regions of crystals. However, the decorating particles form regular patterns, particularly on the copolymer crystal surfaces. In the case of solution-cast thin films, deposition of metallic particles occurs along lamellar crystal edges or where a fibrillar morphology occurs. The nucleation density of metallic particles depends on the copolymer composition and increases with increasing crystallinity of the samples. Probable models are suggested to account for this surface texture. The propensity for screw-dislocations crystal growths on the crystal surf...
Functional constituents of a local serotonergic system, intrinsic to the human coronary artery smooth muscle cells

Human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis and coronary artery diseases (CAD). Serotonin is a mediator known to produce vascular smooth muscle cell mitogenesis and contribute to coronary atherosclerosis. We hypothesize that the HCASMC possesses certain functional constituents of the serotonergic system such as: tryptophan hydroxylase and serotonin transporter. Our aim was to examine the presence of functional tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1) and serotonin transporter (SERT) in HCASMCs. The mRNA transcripts by qPCR and protein expression by Western blot of TPH1 and SERT were examined. The specificity and accuracy of the primers were verified using DNA gel electrophoresis and sequencing of qPCR products. The functionality of SERT was examined using a fluorescence dye-based serotonin transporter assay. The enzymatic activity of TPH was evaluated using UPLC. The HCASMCs expressed both mRNA transcripts and protein of SERT and TPH. The qPCR showed a single melt curve peak for both transcripts and in sequence analysis the amplicons were aligned with the respective genes. SERT and TPH enzymatic activity was present in the HCASMCs. Taken together, both TPH and SERT are functionally expressed in HCASMCs. These findings are novel and represent an initial step in examining the clinical relevance of the serotonergic system in HCASMCs and its role in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis and CAD.
Segmental distribution of bithorax complex proteins during Drosophila development

The Ubx and bxd transcription units comprise a single functional domain in the bithorax complex of Drosophila melanogaster. The segmental distributions and nuclear localization of proteins encoded by the Ubx unit have been determined by immunofluorescence staining with antibodies raised against a fusion protein containing Ubx coding sequences. Wild-type and mutant distributions are consistent with a model in which the protein-coding functions of the domain derive from the Ubx unit and are regulated by the bxd unit.
Memristor: Part II–DC, Transient, and RF Analysis

The dc and RF circuit performance of memristor circuits, including transient behavior, is developed by considering current contributions arising from different conduction mechanisms, namely, filament-assisted and bulk tunneling currents and currents flowing through low and high conductivity filaments. The dc circuit model explains the observed I-V hysteresis and most importantly allows scaling and optimization. A transient circuit model of memristive system is developed, based upon the dynamics, incorporating underlying electrochemistry that suggests SET and RESET transitions for a 50-nm TiO2-based memristor take approximately 120 ps to stabilize. A faster READ/WRITE operation would require appropriate conditioning circuitry. RF analysis suggests for a maximum allowable frequency of 7.5 GHz beyond which memristors can no longer be used as RRAM. These values can be pushed to higher limits by increasing the device cross-sectional area or choosing lower permittivity materials. The developed model allows its incorporation in commercial circuit simulators. The derived model is validated by incorporating it in Chua's chaotic circuit.
3D fast spatial filtering method

Spatial image filtering is a method by which an image can be enhanced. The method involves computing correlation of a mask and input image to produce desired image. This requires a number of computations consisting of addition and division operations. Such operations are repeated multiple times for common areas of overlapping masks as we shift the mask over consecutive pixels. As a result, there is a significant number of redundant operations that slows down the spatial filtering process. In this paper, we propose a new method to eliminate redundant operations and we apply it to volumetric MRI images using mean filter. We analyse the complexity of the proposed method and compare its processing speed to that of the conventional implementation of the mean filter. Our method shows up to one order of magnitude improvement in processing speed over the conventional method especially on 3D images with large filter masks.
v-Src-Induced Transformation Is Inhibited by Okadaic Acid

The tumor promoter okadaic acid is a potent inhibitor of the serine/threonine protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. Addition of okadaic acid to v-Src-transformed BALB/c 3T3 cells reverted them to a flat morphology, increased fibronectin levels in the extracellular matrix, reduced saturation density, and inhibited the formation of colonies in soft agar. The ability of v-Src-transformed cells to proliferate in low serum was also inhibited by okadaic acid. These data implicate serine/threonine phosphatases in v-Src-induced transformation.
Legal vs. Normative CSR: Differential Impact on Analyst Dispersion, Stock Return Volatility, Cost of Capital, and Firm Value

This study examines how the sell-side analysts interpret firms’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Specifically, we examine the differential impact of overall, legal, and normative CSR on the analysts’ earnings forecast dispersion, stock return volatility, cost of equity capital, and firm value. Employing a sample of U.S. public firms during 1993–2009, we find that overall CSR intensities reduce analyst dispersion of earnings forecast, volatility of stock return and cost of capital (COC), and increase firm value. However, its impact is reduced for firms with better accounting and disclosure quality. When we disaggregate CSR into legal and normative CSR, we find that legal (normative) CSR decreases (increases) analysts’ dispersion, stock return volatility, and COC, while legal (normative) CSR increases (decreases) firm value. The sell-side analysts tend to have less (greater) information asymmetry regarding the net benefits of pursuing CSR that is (not) required by laws. We find, however, that the benefit of having normative CSR realized in 1 year lag such that analyst dispersion, stock return volatility, COC decrease, respectively, and firm value increases. Furthermore, we find that the benefit of normative CSR is offset for firms with higher accounting and disclosure quality.
Flexible infrared waveguides for high-power transmission

This paper gives a comparison of theory with experimental results for the transmission of flexible infrared waveguides fabricated from commercially available aluminum sheet. From this analysis, design equations are generated, which may be used to predict the losses of FIT waveguides in useful geometries.
Sumpner's principle: A discussion

Sumpner's principle interrelates mean room surface illuminance and its direct and indirect components, and offers a flexible approach to estimating illuminances. Designers may identify parameters of interest and generate expressions for their calculation, and this is illustrated by examining illuminance as it affects room surface appearance and object appearance. Procedures are given for estimating average illuminances of selected object surfaces and room planes, including that of the horizontal working plane.
Toward the development of realistic rescheduling methods in real batch shops

Abstract Rescheduling in near real-time is a problem faced by real batch shop managers. Due to the short lead time, the complexity, the volume of information and lack of planning tools, shop foremen are forced to resolve the problem with little more than intuition and experience. Although much research has been done on the problem of scheduling Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMSs) the results are not applicable to the general batch shop. We delineate the problem of FMS scheduling as a class distinct from the general batch shop scheduling problem and identify reasons for this lack of suitability.
Facial motor nuclei cell loss with intratemporal facial nerve crush injuries in rats.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Injuries of cranial nerves that are distal to but near the motor nucleus might result in retrograde motoneuron cell death. The hypothesis of this article is that an intratemporal crush injury of the facial nerve in rats can cause facial motor nuclei cell death. Study Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled animal study. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: intratemporal sham, intratemporal crush injury, extratemporal crush injury, and extratemporal sham. The intratemporal (n = 9) and extratemporal crush injury (n = 4) groups underwent a 60-second crush of the nerve at the facial nerve tympanic segment or main facial nerve trunk distal to the stylomastoid foramen, respectively. The intratemporal sham group (n = 4) underwent identical exposure to the intratemporal crush without subsequent injury. Both sham groups and the extratemporal crush group were sacrificed at 4 weeks. The intratemporal crush group was subdivided into 4- (n = 4) and 8-week (n = 5) postinjury groups. Brain sections were stained with thionin and facial motor nuclei were counted under magnification. The contralateral uninjured facial motor nucleus was used to compare motor nucleus cell survival. Results: Intratemporal crush injury resulted in increased cell loss at 4 (89.43% ± 8.57% standard error of mean) and 8 weeks (85.78% ± 3.15%) after injury compared to sham injury (119.09% ± 13.35%) (P .05). Conclusions: A rat intratemporal crush injury resulted in approximately 15% facial motor nuclei cell loss compared to an intratemporal sham injury. An extratemporal crush injury did not lead to any significant facial motor nuclei cell loss. This might have future translational implications in humans with intratemporal facial nerve injuries. Laryngoscope, 2010
Correction: Phase behaviour and complex coacervation of aqueous polypeptide solutions

Correction for ‘Phase behaviour and complex coacervation of aqueous polypeptide solutions’ by Dimitrios Priftis et al., Soft Matter, 2012, 8, 9396–9405.
Distributed Architecture for Large Scale Image-Based Search

In recent years, some computer vision algorithms such as SIFT (scale invariant feature transform) have been employed in image similarity match to perform image-based search applications. However, with the increasing scale of image databases, centralized image retrieval system no longer provide adequate prompt search. In this paper, we design a scalable distributed architecture, which is analog to Web search engine, for efficient large-scale image retrieval. In our distributed architecture, images are partitioned to multiple servers and an index is built. Administrated by a controlling server, each distributed server matches query image in its own image sub-collection in parallel and returns the intermediate search results, a list of images similar to query image, to the controlling server for further re-ranking and merging. An evaluation of the results shows that our distributed architecture removes the limitation of a centralized image retrieval system. By performing reasonable indexing, merging and ranking strategies, the precision level of search is near to that performed on standalone retrieval systems indexing all images.
The Impact of Pain Management on Quality of Life

Although its inclusion in medical research is relatively recent and its interpretation is often variable, quality of life is increasingly being recognized as one of the most important parameters to be measured in the evaluation of medical therapies, including those for pain management. Pain, when it is not effectively treated and relieved, has a detrimental effect on all aspects of quality of life. This negative impact has been found to span every age and every type and source of pain in which it has been studied. Effective analgesic therapy has been shown to improve quality of life by relieving pain. Opioid analgesics, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors (or coxibs), and several adjuvant analgesics for neuropathic pain have been demonstrated to significantly improve quality-of-life scores in patients with pain. Coxibs provide effective, well-tolerated analgesia without some of the issues faced with opioids-benefits that should translate into improved quality of life. Recent studies have demonstrated that the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib significantly improves quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis and chronic, lower back pain. Quality-of-life measurements, especially symptom distress scales, can also be used as sensitive means of differentiating one agent from another in the same class. In future pharmacotherapeutic research, quality of life should be included as an outcome domain as are the traditionally measured variables of efficacy and safety. In particular, future studies of coxibs should include symptom distress scores as important quality-of-life measurements, to identify meaningful differences between this new class of analgesics and nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Life without the vein of Galen: Clinical and radiographic sequelae.

A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the pineal region, particularly venous drainage, is critical for gaining open surgical access to the pineal gland. The adverse sequelae after intraoperative venous occlusion are assumed to be catastrophic but have been scarcely reported. We report a case of pineocytoma in which the vein of Galen was ligated without postoperative adverse sequelae. Pineal region anatomy with emphasis on deep veins was reviewed in large anatomical studies. There are tremendous anatomical variations in the vein of Galen and its tributaries. Several confounding factors can be encountered during surgery and may lead to accidental sacrifice of the vein of Galen. Survival after focal occlusion of a major deep vein depends on the development of collateral circulation as shown in our case report. Venous drainage remains the cornerstone in the surgical planning of the pineal region. Anatomical variations and venous collaterals undoubtedly contributed to the mixed reports of adverse sequelae after venous sacrifice. Vein of Galen ligation may be survivable but consequences cannot be predicted without a thorough pre-ligationassessment of regional venous collateral drainage. Thorough understanding of the venous anatomy, meticulous planning of the surgical approach and avoidance of the occlusion of the vein of Galen and its major tributaries are key factors to successful pineal region surgery. Clin. Anat. 24:776–785, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A longitudinal test of price effects on brand choice behavior

Abstract The introduction and withdrawal of marketing variable inputs at various intervals of time and the subsequent observation of their impact on buyer behavior provide an invaluable aid as to how certain promotional changes work. Results of the present longitudinal experiment using a consumer panel of 133 households provide further evidence that for artificial brands, penetration and repeat buying can be influenced significantly by the introduction and retraction of a substantial price reduction. Yet, the effects on penetration are consistently greater than the effects on repeat buying. After-effects appear negligible. These results generally confirm prior research findings.
Factors Influencing the Microbial Quality of Cold-Smoked Salmon Strips

Microbiological changes during smoking and drying salmon strips using Alaska Native subsistence processing methods were determined. Chum salmon strips handled with or without gloves were brined, smoked and dried at ambient temperatures in two smokers (manual and automated). Waterphase salt increased from 2% to 12% and water activity decreased from 0.98 to 0.85 during smoking and drying. Aerobic plate counts increased from 10 3 /g to 10 7 /g while coliform counts increased to 10 5 /g in strips from the manual smoker as a result of airborne contamination. Strips handled without gloves contained 10 5 Staphylococcus aureus/g. Sanitary handling and air quality control will enhance seafood safety while maintaining product quality attributes.
Utilizing Ecological Perception to Support Precision Lunar Landing

In this paper, we introduce the motivation for and design of and integrated flight instrument display component for use during vertical landing and hover operations of a future Lunar lander to support the vision to return to the Moon. A description of the human-system interface design approach to include a cognitive task analysis is outlined. The results of the analysis and the design of the resultant precision landing aid are discussed. The proposed integrated flight instrument display component, the Vertical Altitude and Velocity Indicator (VAVI), which leverages ecological perception through emergent features, is described in detail as well as the motivation and the rationale behind its design. The applicability of the precision landing aid to the aviation domain for use in V/STOL aircraft and rotorcraft is also discussed.
Picture memory: how the action schema affects retention.

Abstract When an action scene is viewed, an action schema guides the formation of an episodic representation. Within episodic memory, items of high relevance to the theme of the action schema are represented in a prototypical form closely connected to the action theme. In contrast, items of low relevance are represented in detail but their representation is unconnected to that of the action. The action schema is used as a retrieval framework for both recalling and recognizing whether or not an item was depicted in a scene (i.e., item presence), but is not used for recognition of figurative detail (i.e., item appearance). Four experiments confirmed these hypotheses. Children, aged 7- and 9-years, and adults organized pictured scenes around themes from action schemata. The appearance of high relevant items was recognized poorly, while their presence was recalled well. Memory for the presence of high relevant items surpassed that for low relevant items even when recognition of item names was assessed. Conversely, the appearance of low relevant items was recognized accurately, but memory for their presence was difficult to retrieve.
Effect of environmental hypothermia on dorsal aortic blood flow in the chick embryo, stages 18 to 24.

Effect of Environmental Hypothermia on Dorsal Aortic Blood Flow in the Chick Embryo, Stages 18 to 24
The Concept of Consciousness

Considered here is the last one of the six basic concepts of consciousness that The Oxford English Dictionary identifies in its several entries under consciousness. The referent of the sixth concept, which I call “consciousness6”, is rightly understood to be a certain general operating mode of the mind. Any psychological account of consciousness6 must distinguish this operating mode from (a) the “particular consciousness or awarenesses”, i.e., the specific thoughts, feelings, perceptions, intentions, and the like (including William James's succession of total states of consciousness), that occur while the mind is so operating, and from (b) the other, alternative, general operating modes of the mind: such as those that are sometimes in force in place of consciousness6, when one is awake.
A single-tube multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for detection and differentiation of vesicular stomatitis Indiana 1 and New Jersey viruses in insects.

A multiplex single-tube reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been de- veloped for the detection and differentiation of vesicular stomatitis viruses (VSV), Indiana 1 and New Jersey, from insect samples. Using this assay, detection of either or both viruses in as little as 20 fg of total RNA from tissue culture was achieved, along with detection of vesicular stomatitis (VS) RNA from macerates containing 2 infected mosquitoes in pools of 10-30 noninfected mosquitoes. Vesicular stomatitis virus was detected by RT-PCR in all culture-positive samples, and detection as low as 4 plaque forming units per milliliter was achieved. Comparison between RT-PCR and tissue culture revealed that RT-PCR was able to detect VSV in a volume of insect macerate averaging almost 100 times less than that required for detection by tissue culture. The reported RT-PCR is a potential valuable tool for rapid and sensitive detection and differentiation of VS in insects because intense work associated with viral isolation, the cytotoxicity of insect extracts, and separate virus identification steps can be avoided. Potential application to detection and differentiation of VSV serotypes from vertebrate hosts is addressed.
Making Aggregation Work in Uncertain and Probabilistic Databases

We describe how aggregation is handled in the Trio system for uncertain and probabilistic data. Because “exact” aggregation in uncertain databases can produce exponentially sized results, we provide three alternatives: a low bound on the aggregate value, a high bound on the value, and the expected value. These variants return a single result instead of a set of possible results, and they are generally efficient to compute for both full-table and grouped aggregation queries. We provide formal definitions and semantics and a description of our open source implementation for single-table aggregation queries. We study the performance and scalability of our algorithms through experiments over a large synthetic data set. We also provide some preliminary results on aggregations over joins.
A microsatellite analysis of five Colonial Spanish horse populations of the southeastern United States.

Summary The domestic horse (Equus caballus) was re-introduced to the Americas by Spanish explorers. Although horses from other parts of Europe were subsequently introduced, some New World populations maintain characteristics ascribed to their Spanish heritage. The southeastern United States has a history of Spanish invasion and settlement, and this influence on local feral horse populations includes two feral-recaptured breeds: the Florida Cracker and the Marsh Tacky, both of which are classified as Colonial Spanish horses. The feral Banker horses found on islands off the coast of North Carolina, which include, among others, the Shackleford Banks, the Corolla and the Ocracoke, are also Colonial Spanish horses. Herein we analyse 15 microsatellite loci from 532 feral and 2583 domestic horses in order to compare the genetic variation of these five Colonial Spanish Horse populations to 40 modern horse breeds. We find that the Corolla horse has very low heterozygosity and that both the Corolla and Ocracoke populations have a low mean number of alleles. We also find that the Florida Cracker population has a heterozygosity deficit. In addition, we find evidence of similarity of the Shackleford Banks, Marsh Tacky and Florida Cracker populations to New World Iberian horse breeds, while the origins of the other two populations are less clear.
Embedded systems design for low energy consumption

This tutorial covers the circuit fundamentals of CMOS circuits which contribute to the consumption of energy in portable products, as well as guidelines for the design of systems in order to reduce energy consumption and prolong battery life. Circuit fundamentals will include a definition of terms, basic circuit elements, laws of operation, and basic circuit theory applying energy consumption. We will then present three major principles of energy reduction: reducing number of transitions, reducing the amount of switched capacitance, and reducing the operating voltage. Several guidelines that can be applied during the system design process which utilize the three major principles.
Novel Blocking Human IgG Directed against the Pentapeptide Repeat Motifs of Neisseria meningitidis Lip/H.8 and Laz Lipoproteins

Ab-initiated, complement-dependent killing contributes to host defenses against invasive meningococcal disease. Sera from nonimmunized individuals vary widely in their bactericidal activity against group B meningococci. We show that IgG isolated from select individuals can block killing of group B meningococci by human sera that are otherwise bactericidal. This IgG also reduced the bactericidal efficacy of Abs directed against the group B meningococcal protein vaccine candidates factor H-binding protein currently undergoing clinical trials and Neisserial surface protein A. Immunoblots revealed that the blocking IgG was directed against a meningococcal Ag called H.8. Killing of meningococci in reactions containing bactericidal mAbs and human blocking Abs was restored when binding of blocking Ab to meningococci was inhibited using either synthetic peptides corresponding to H.8 or a nonblocking mAb against H.8. Furthermore, genetic deletion of H.8 from target organisms abrogated blocking. The Fc region of the blocking IgG was required for blocking because F(ab')(2) fragments were ineffective. Blocking required IgG glycosylation because deglycosylation with peptide:N-glycanase eliminated blocking. C4b deposition mediated by an anti-factor H-binding protein mAb was reduced by intact blocking IgG, but not by peptide:N-glycanase-treated blocking IgG, suggesting that blocking resulted from inhibition of classical pathway of complement. In conclusion, we have identified H.8 as a meningococcal target for novel blocking Abs in human serum. Such blocking Abs may reduce the efficacy of select antigroup B meningococcal protein vaccines. We also propose that outer membrane vesicle-containing meningococcal vaccines may be more efficacious if purged of subversive immunogens such as H.8.
Realization of nonlinear real-time optimization based controllers on self-contained transfemoral prosthesis

Lower-limb prosthesis provide a prime example of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) that interact with humans in a safety critical fashion, and therefore require the synergistic development of sensing, algorithms and controllers. With a view towards better understanding CPSs of this form, this paper presents a methodology for successfully translating nonlinear real-time optimization based controllers from bipedal robots to a novel custom built self-contained powered transfemoral prosthesis: AMPRO. To achieve this goal, we begin by collecting reference human locomotion data via Inertial measurement Units (IMUs). This data forms the basis for an optimization problem that generates virtual constraints, i.e., parametrized trajectories, for the prosthesis that provably yields walking in simulation. Leveraging methods that have proven successful in generating stable robotic locomotion, control Lyapunov function (CLF) based Quadratic Programs (QPs) are utilized to optimally track the resulting desired trajectories. The parameterization of the trajectories is determined through a combination of on-board sensing on the prosthesis together with IMU data, thereby coupling the actions of the user with the controller. Finally, impedance control is integrated into the QP yielding an optimization based control law that displays remarkable tracking and robustness, outperforming traditional PD and impedance control strategies. This is demonstrated experimentally on AMPRO through the implementation of the holistic sensing, algorithm and control framework, with the end result being stable and human-like walking.
ARACHIS HYPOGAEA. SEEDLING GROWTH RATE

Virginia bunch peanut seedlings, germinated and grown under favorable conditions, showed no growth lag up to the appearance of flowers. Appearance of expanded leaves, stem length, root length and dry weights of roots and shoots, shown as functions of age, describe curves which represent a period of rapid and relatively uniform growth. These curves show only an early fraction of the entire growth process of the shoot of the plant. Root elongation proceeds very rapidly, gaining decidedly over the hypocotyl in the early days of germination. Secondary roots do not appear before the fifth day but within 10 days are numerous and in that time may reach 166 mm. in length. The hypocotyl undergoes a loss in dry weight parallelling in time a similar loss in the cotyledons. The hypocotyl later makes gains in dry weight as its secondary growth is initiated. Relatively low temperatures, even for a few days, may produce a slight lag in growth of the shoot. Thrips attacking plants during the pre-flowering period may also retard shoot growth. Young seedling leaves may be seriously injured by insects. Applied repeatedly, 5 per cent DDT dust gave excellent control