cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of a suboptimal multisample decision rule against known signals with additive unknown-mean amplitude-bounded random interference

The robust single-sample randomized decision rule for known signals in independent, unknown-mean, amplitude-bounded, additive noise ([1], [2]) is extended to a two-stage suboptimal multisample decision rule for independent finite sample size (M) measurement sequence (x1,.... .,xM). The first stage is the robust single-sample decision rule of [2] using N random thresholds; The second stage is essentially the M-sample sign detector. Performance is evaluated both analytically and via simulations in terms of the probability-of-error Pe. Comparisons are made with the sign detector for a variety of noise models. The optimum second-stage threshold ?0 = (M+2)/2, and Pe is shown to improve rapidly with increasing M and decreasing N.
Dscam and Sidekick proteins direct lamina-specific synaptic connections in vertebrate retina

Downs syndrome cell adhesion molecules (Dscams) are adhesion molecules of the immunoglolulin superfamily. Drosophila Dscams have been implicated in the organization of neural connectivity, but little is known about the functions of the closely related molecules in vertebrates. Masahito Yamagata and Joshua Sanes now demonstrate a role for Dscam and DscamL in patterning of lamina-specific connections in the chick retina. Two other adhesion molecules, called Sidekick-1 and Sidekick-2, act in a similar way. These molecules are widely distributed in the nervous system and may be part of an 'adhesive code' that patterns neural connections in the brain. Further evidence for the importance of Dscams in vertebrate neural patterning comes from Fuerst et al., who identify a role for DSCAM in establishing neural circuits in the retina of mice. The computing power of the brain depends on its components, nerve cells, being wired to each other in very specific patterns. Some of the molecules involved in this specificity have been identified, and it is demonstrated that nerve cells miss-wire when these molecules are missing or, conversely, when they are present in the wrong place. Synaptic circuits in the retina transform visual input gathered by photoreceptors into messages that retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) send to the brain. Processes of retinal interneurons (amacrine and bipolar cells) form synapses on dendrites of RGCs in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). The IPL is divided into at least 10 parallel sublaminae; subsets of interneurons and RGCs arborize and form synapses in just one or a few of them1,2,3. These lamina-specific circuits determine the visual features to which RGC subtypes respond3,4,5. Here we show that four closely related immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) adhesion molecules—Dscam (Down’s syndrome cell adhesion molecule), DscamL (refs 6–9), Sidekick-1 and Sidekick-2 (ref. 10)—are expressed in chick by non-overlapping subsets of interneurons and RGCs that form synapses in distinct IPL sublaminae. Moreover, each protein is concentrated within the appropriate sublaminae and each mediates homophilic adhesion. Loss- and gain-of-function studies in vivo indicate that these IgSF members participate in determining the IPL sublaminae in which synaptic partners arborize and connect. Thus, vertebrate Dscams, like Drosophila Dscams11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19, play roles in neural connectivity. Together, our results on Dscams and Sidekicks suggest the existence of an IgSF code for laminar specificity in retina and, by implication, in other parts of the central nervous system.
The value of the Coca pulse-acceleration method in food allergy

Abstract Fifty-two allergic patients were subjected to the Coca pulse acceleration method for determining specific food sensitivities. The entire testing procedure was carried out under what we considered ideal conditions, and, to insure accuracy, all pulse readings were taken by one of the investigators. Complete testing of all commonly eaten foods was done in 19 out of 52 patients and the effects of removing pulse accelerators from their diet evaluated. Of 13 asthmatics who completed the studies, 6 improved by removal of pulse-accelerating foods, 4 failed to benefit, and 3 showed no evidence of abnormal pulse increase after food ingestion. In 3 patients with chronic urticaria, one improved after elimination of the pulse-accelerating foods, one was unimproved, and the third patient had no pulse-accelerating foods. One of 2 patients with migraine was benefited and one patient with chronic allergic rhinitis failed to improve. The results of our studies would seem to verify the validity of Coca's claim that, in certain patients, foods can act as pulse-accelerators and that such an effect probably is on an allergic basis. Clinical application of the method is beset with certain drawbacks which greatly limit its usefulness in clinical practice. Its value as a method of diagnosis in food allergy will have to be determined by further investigation and clinical application.
Radiation damage to the brain: Neuropsychiatric aspects

Although radiation necrosis of the brain is a recognized complication of irradiation of the central nervous system, the psychiatric aspects of this phenomenon are less well defined. Two cases of radiation necrosis in which psychiatric symptoms were a prominent part of the clinical picture are presented. Factors that determine the evolution and clinical presentation of radiation necrosis are reviewed. In particular, the role of the consultation psychiatrist in the diagnosis and management of such patients is discussed.
Improved dose localization with dual energy photon irradiation in treatment of lateralized intracranial malignancies

Abstract Dual energy photon irradiation (6 MV and 20 MV) was compared to conventional treatment planning with 6 MV photons in a lateralized intracranial malignancy. Dose volume analysis was performed of both the tumor plus a 2 cm margin (target volume, TV) and normal tissues (NT). Parallel opposed treatment using weightings of 1:1, 1.5: 1, and 2:1 were compared for 6 MV photons alone or in combination with 20 MV photons. Uniform treatment of the TV was accomplished within the 60 Gy isodose. Significant differences were observed, however, in NT volumes receiving ≥60 Gy and 45-59 Gy. Dual photon energy reduced treatment of NT volumes to ≥60 Gy by 13% (177 cm 3 vs 204 cm 3 in 2:1 weighting) to 70% (147 cm 3 vs 498 cm 3 in 1:1 weighting) for comparable plans. Dose optimization was also performed for both 6 MV alone or in combination with 20 MV photons. Usual approaches to achieve dose lateralization with conventional isocentric techniques were applied including parallel opposed 6 MV photons ipsilaterally weighted 3.4:1 (POP), and a 110° arc rotational field used to limit treatment to the eye (ARC). Dual energy photon optimized plans included a three beam parallel opposed plan (TOP) and a mixed photon ipsilateral (IPSI) approach. The technique using parallel opposed 20 MV photons and ipsilateral 6 MV photons (TOP) used beam weightings of 1.1 (contralateral 20 MVX): 1.6 (ipsilateral 6 MVX): 1 (ipsilateral 20 MVX) to achieve dose optimization. The ipsilateral approach with 6 MVX and 20 MVX (IPSI) used beam weightings of 1:1.4, respectively. All optimized plans demonstrated a 41% (120 cm 3 ; POP) to 53% (95 cm 3 ; TOP) improvement over parallel opposed 6 MV photons weighted 2:1 (204 cm 3 ) in NT volume receiving ≥60 Gy. Comparison of optimized treatment showed the IPSI plan to be superior, treating 12% of NT volume to ≥60 Gy and 38% to 45–59 Gy; the 6 MV POP plan resulted in NT volumes of 15% and 51%, respectively, for those dose levels. Dual photon energy irradiation of lateralized intracranial malignancies allows reduction of dose to normal tissue volumes while achieving excellent coverage of the target volume. Treatment planning should be performed in all lateralized intracranial lesions to achieve dose optimization exploiting depth dose characteristics.
Parity violating asymmetries in polarized electron scattering

We discuss parity violating asymmetries between the scattering of right and left-handed electrons on a variety of targets. Implications for gauge theories from recent SLAC results on deep-inelastic electron-deuterium and electron-proton scattering are examined. A derivation of the asymmetry for electron-electron scattering is given, its advantages are pointed out, and the feasibility of such a measurement is discussed. Other proposed or contemplated asymmetry experiments are reviewed and the necessity of including the Collins-Wilczek-Zee hadronic axial isoscalar current contribution in asymmetry predictions is noted.
Early inhibition of MMP activity in ischemic rat brain promotes expression of tight junction proteins and angiogenesis during recovery

In cerebral ischemia, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have a dual role by acutely disrupting tight junction proteins (TJPs) in the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and chronically promoting angiogenesis. Since TJP remodeling of the neurovascular unit (NVU) is important in recovery and early inhibition of MMPs is neuroprotective, we hypothesized that short-term MMP inhibition would reduce infarct size and promote angiogenesis after ischemia. Adult spontaneously hypertensive rats had a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion with reperfusion. At the onset of ischemia, they received a single dose of the MMP inhibitor, GM6001. They were studied at multiple times up to 4 weeks with immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We observed newly formed vessels in peri-infarct regions at 3 weeks after reperfusion. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI showed BBB opening in new vessels. Along with the new vessels, pericytes expressed zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and MMP-3, astrocytes expressed ZO-1, occludin, and MMP-2, while endothelial cells expressed claudin-5. The GM6001, which reduced tissue loss at 3 to 4 weeks, significantly increased new vessel formation with expression of TJPs and MMPs. Our results show that pericytes and astrocytes act spatiotemporally, contributing to extraendothelial TJP formation, and that MMPs are involved in BBB restoration during recovery. Early MMP inhibition benefits neurovascular remodeling after stroke.
Waves on an electron beam in vacuo and in a plasma

The problems of wave propagation on a cylindrical electron beam in vacuum and in a plasma background are examined in an exact treatment, i.e., from Maxwell's equations, including relativistic effects. It is shown that certain ambiguous features of the more usual nonrelativistic quasistatic analysis are thereby resolved.
Workshop - information policy and the college professor

College professors routinely are required to work in four entirely different environments - in the office or classroom, at home, on a mobile device, and on a public computer in a library or Internet cafe. Each of these settings impose unique requirements for the management of information. This three-hour workshop provides the college professor with an overview of the challenges to proper management of information that are inherent in the nature of the profession. This workshop examines the legal, policy, and technological considerations necessary for properly observing requirements for fair use of copyrighted material, privacy of educational records, and information security.
Pressure measurements in chemically reacting powder mixtures with the Bauer piezoelectric polymer gauge

The response of highly porous powder compacts and powder mixtures to high pressure shock compression loading is of considerable interest for synthesis and processing of metals, ceramics and superhard materials. This technical note reports the first successful use of the Bauer piezoelectric polymer stress-rate gauge for measurements of shock wave velocity and stress-wave profiles in porous powder compacts. A powder mixture of 5Ti+3Si shows strong chemical reaction at a pressure of 2.5 GPa, while a powder mixture of 3Ni+Al shows no evidence for reaction at 4.7 GPa. A measurement of compaction of a powder compact of rutile at 5.5 GPa shows that it is not compacted to the solid density state. Although pressure increases due to chemical reaction products in condensed phases are modest and difficult to detect, shock wave velocities provide a sensitive measure of the existence of chemical reaction. The increase in shock speed can be described in terms of constant pressure processes which are descriptive of “ballotechnic” reactions, i.e. shock-induced reactions in heterogeneous material mixtures.
Automatic image acquisition, calibration and montage assembly for biological X-ray microscopy.

Summary We describe a system for the automatic acquisition and processing of digital images in a high-resolution X-ray microscope, including the formation of large-field highresolution image montages. A computer-controlled sample positioning stage provides approximate coordinates for each high-resolution subimage. Individual subimages are corrected to compensate for time-varying, non-uniform illumination and CCD-related artefacts. They are then automatically assembled into a montage. The montage assembly algorithm is designed to use the overlap between each subimage and multiple neighbours to improve the performance of the registration step and the fidelity of the result. This is accomplished by explicit use of recorded stage positions, optimized ordering of subimage insertion, and registration of subimages to the developing montage. Using this procedure registration errors are below the resolution limit of the microscope (43 nm). The image produced is a seamless, large-field montage at full resolution, assembled automatically without human intervention. Beyond this, it is also an accurate X-ray transmission map that allows the quantitative measurement of anatomical and chemical features of the sample. Applying these tools to a biological problem, we have conducted the largest X-ray microscopical study to date.
DC activity in the depth of an experimental epiletic focus

Abstract Experimental seizure foci were created in the cortex of cats by the topical application of penicillin. Glass micro-pipettes were used to record the DC field in the depth of the cortex underneath the focus. Vertically oriented dipoles of differing structure were found. In the area of intense surface negative ictal shifts, the maximum negativity was found in layer V of the cortex. No reversal of sign was found within the depths of the cortex. This was interpreted to mean that nearly the entire neuron was depolarized with the source of current flow located in the axons and/or the finest arborizations of the dendrites. In the periphery of the focus, where positive shifts can be recorded from the surface, the shifts reverse sign in the upper 300–500 μ of the cortex, and the maximum negativity also was located in layer V.
Superconducting impurity terms in the Ginzburg-Landau equations and supercurrent:A microscopic theory

Finding the correct way to include small defects in the Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory of superconductivity requires a microscopic analysis. In the presence of a single impurity, we compute terms which must be added to the GL free energy, supercurrent, and the GL differential equation for the order parameter. Our calculation is very general, covering any {bold {cflx k}}-dependent order parameter {Delta}({bold {cflx k}}) which transforms according to a one-dimensional irreducible representation of the crystalline point group. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Brain isozyme of glycogen phosphorylase: immunohistologicall localization within the central nervous system

An antibody specific for the predicted carboxyterminal sequence of the human brain isozyme of glycogen phosphorylase (alpha-1,4-D-glucan:orthophosphate D-glucosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.1) was generated to verify the carboxyterminal amino acid sequence of this protein. The isozyme-specific antibody was used to examine the localization of this protein in primate and non-primate brain. The highest levels of the brain isozyme in cerebrum and cerebellum were found in fibrous astrocytes, many with glial processes that appear to terminate upon blood vessels.
A configuration independent error model of machine tools: Hyperpatch model and metrology pallet

Abstract A machine tool error model based on a three-dimensional hyperpatch error map was developed to describe the machine tool error field over a workspace. The error map was generated by a set of measurement points without using a detailed relationship among joints and linkages of a machine tool. The modeling is based on the motion that an ideal workspace is distorted to an actual workspace through a prescribed parametric representation. The concept was implemented on a three-axis CNC machining center. A metrology pallet was designed to serve as a reference coordinate frame of the workspace. A touch trigger probe was used to collect the required data. Experimental results show that this error model is capable of modelling the warm machine tool distortion behavior. The proposed model is based on the observed phenomena rather than the structural configuration of machine tools. Therefore, the advantage of this approach is that only a few measurements are required to construct the prediction model for a variety of machine tool configurations and for working environments.
Effectiveness of Specificity in Recruitment Advertising

The specificity ofjob descriptions and the specificity of applicant qualifications contained in fictitious recruitment advertisements were manipulated in this study to determine their effect on the probability of response. The subjects were two groups of senior-level engineering students who were designated as either qualified or unqualified (based on their cumulative grade point averages) for the jobs described in the ads. Questionnaires were used to gather data on the participants' evaluation (on a 7-point scale) of each ad in terms of the likelihood of their responding to it and its relative ranking. A repeated measures analysis of variance and summation of individual ranks were used to examine the data. Results indicated that specificity of applicant qualifications had a significant negative effect on probability of response for unqualified individuals.
Novel intravascular defibrillator: Defibrillation thresholds of intravascular cardioverter-defibrillator compared to conventional implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in a canine model

Background An intravascular, percutaneously placed implantable defibrillator (InnerPulse percutaneous intravascular cardioverter-defibrillator [PICD]) with a right ventricular (RV) single-coil lead and titanium electrodes in the superior vena cava (SVC) and the inferior vena cava (IVC) has been developed. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare defibrillation thresholds (DFTs) of the PICD to those of a conventional implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in canines. Methods Eight Bluetick hounds were randomized to initial placement of either a PICD or a conventional ICD. For PICD DFTs, a single-coil RV defibrillator lead was placed in the RV apex, and the device was positioned in the venous vasculature with electrodes in the SVC and IVC. With the conventional ICD, an RV lead was placed in the RV apex and an SVC coil was appropriately positioned. The ICD active can (AC) was implanted in a subcutaneous pocket formed in the left anterior chest wall and connected to the lead system. DFT was determined by a three-reversal, step up-down method to estimate the 80% success level. Two configurations were tested for the conventional ICD (#1: RV to SVC+AC; #2: RV to AC). A single configuration (RV to SVC+IVC) was evaluated for the PICD. Results Mean PICD DFT was 14.8 ± 1.53 (SE) J. Conventional #1 configuration demonstrated mean DFT of 20.2 ± 2.45 J and #2 of 27.5 ± 1.95 J. The PICD had a significantly lower DFT than the better conventional ICD configuration (#1; mean difference 5.4 ± 2.1 J, P Conclusion The new intravascular defibrillator had a significantly lower DFT than the conventional ICD in this canine model.
The Role of Geography of Self in “Filling In” Brand Personality Traits: Consumer Inference of Unobservable Attributes

While prior research has suggested that brand personality traits can be communicated to consumers via advertising, the question of whether consumers can infer traits that go beyond directly observable traits has not been addressed. Prior research has established that self-generated inferences going beyond direct advertising claims are of significant managerial concern because they can have an even stronger impact on consumers’ brand evaluations than information that is directly communicated. This research investigates whether and how consumers infer unobservable brand traits through advertisements. Specifically, it theorizes that a psychological process—egocentric pattern projection—determines consumers’ inferences about how two brand personality traits are linked on the basis of the extent to which these traits are aligned within the self (i.e., geography of self). Furthermore, the study contributes to the advertising literature by examining and testing the notion that consumers exposed to an advertiseme...
Polarization-resolved Imaging using Elliptical Silicon Nanowire Photodetectors

We fabricate photodetectors comprising silicon nanowires with elliptical cross sections, and show that their spectral responsivities depend on the incident light’s polarization state. We perform polarization-resolved imaging using these photodetectors.
Effects of environmental factors and body size on rates of oxygen consumption in Archaeomysis grebnitzkii and Neomysis awatschensis (Crustacea: Mysidae)

The rates of oxygen consumption in relation to oxygen tension, temperature, salinity and body size were determined for Archaeomysis grebnitzkii Czerniavsky and Neomysis awatschensis (Brandt). Oxygen uptake was regulated by both species down to an oxygen tension of about 50 mm Hg (30% of saturation value); below this level, it was related to the oxygen tension in the medium. Oxygen tension below 20 mm Hg was lethal. A statistically significant interaction was noted for the effects of species, temperature, and salinity. In general, oxygen-uptake rate decreased with decreasing salinity in both species. The effect of size is expressed as a power function of body weight. The regression coefficients of oxygen consumption on body weight, 0.70 for A. grebnitzkii and 0.62 for N. awatschensis, were found to be significantly different from each other.
High-density NiSi nanocrystals embedded in Al2O3/SiO2 double-barrier for robust retention of nonvolatile memory

Abstract NiSi nanocrystals of high density and good uniformity were synthesized by vapor–solid–solid growth in a gas source molecular beam epitaxy system using Si2H6 as Si precursor and Ni as catalyst. A metal–oxide–semiconductor memory device with NiSi nanocrystal–Al2O3/SiO2 double-barrier structure was fabricated. Large memory window and excellent retention at both room temperature and high temperature of 85 °C were demonstrated.
Theoretical study and pathways for nanoparticle capture during solidification of metal melt

Nanocomposites can provide exciting physical, chemical, and mechanical properties for numerous applications. The solidification processing method has great potential for economical fabrication of bulk nanocomposites, especially for those with crystalline materials as the matrix, such as metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs). However, it is extremely difficult to effectively capture nanoparticles (less than 100 nm) into the solidification fronts during solidification. It is thus very important to initiate a theoretical study to examine the physics that governs the interactions between nanoparticles and the solidification front, and to provide enabling pathways for effective nanoparticle capture during solidification. The aim of this paper is to establish a theoretical framework for the fundamental understanding of nanoparticle capture during solidification of metal melt in order to obtain bulk MMNCs. A thermodynamically favorable condition is set as the starting point for further theoretical analysis of the three-party model system, namely a nanoparticle-metal-melt-solidification front. Three key interaction potentials, the interfacial energy at short range (0.2-0.4 nm), the van der Waals potential (especially at a longer range beyond 0.4 nm and up to ∼10 nm) and the Brownian potential, were studied. Three possible pathways for nanoparticle capture were thus devised: viscous capture, Brownian capture and spontaneous capture. Spontaneous capture is proposed as the most favorable for nanoparticle capture during solidification of metal melt. The theoretical model of nanoparticle capture from this study will serve as a powerful tool for future experimental studies to realize exciting functionalities offered by bulk MMNCs.
Structure of the Pomeron

At $t = 0$, the Pomeron-pole-plus-cuts series is shown to be a simple power series in the variable $\ensuremath{\upsilon} = \frac{{(\frac{s}{i{s}_{0}})}^{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{0}\ensuremath{-}1}}{\mathrm{ln}(\frac{s}{i{s}_{0}})}$, where ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{0}$ is the pole intercept. If ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{0}g1$, the series moves outside its circle of convergence as $s\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$. Appropriate analytic continuation allows the series to saturate the Froissart bound. For $7.5\ensuremath{\lesssim}\sqrt{s}\ensuremath{\lesssim}53$ GeV, $\ensuremath{\upsilon}$ is almost constant, explaining the near-constancy of total cross sections. Excellent fits are obtained to the data for any function of $\ensuremath{\upsilon}$ with the right value and slope. These fits indicate that the dominant contributions come from the $\mathrm{PP}$ and $\mathrm{PPP}$ cuts rather than the pole term. An extension to $t\ensuremath{\ne}0$ yields an intriguing relation between the impact-parameter amplitude and the energy dependence of the forward amplitude.
Inverted papilloma: An endoscopic approach

Limited exposure with intranasal excision, high recurrence rates, and the 10% association with squamous cell carcinoma have been the arguments against endoscopic management of inverted papilloma. However, recurrence rates after medial maxillectomy, either through lateral rhinotomy or via a midface degloving range between 2% (Laryngoscope 104:582–605, 1994) to 30% (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 109:71–76, 1993). Improvements in our understanding of the pathogenesis and behavior of inverted papilloma have also fueled controversy over the necessity for open medial maxillectomy. For example, it is thought that recurrence of inverted papilloma is not only related to adequacy of resection, but to tumor biology, host susceptibility to new tumor formation, and operative seeding. This understanding along with technological advancements have stimulated renewed interest in minimally invasive treatment of inverted papilloma. Improvements in illumination, magnification, and angles of view, which an endoscope offers, are remarkable and are to be distinguished from technology used in traditional intranasal approaches. Enhancements in imaging techniques for the paranasal sinuses have helped refine surgical planning. Developments in surgical instrumentation, such as through cutting punches, soft tissue shavers, lasers, drills, and image guided surgery have improved our ability to expose and safely resect the locus of mucosal involvement. In this article, we describe our endoscopic evaluation, management, and postoperative surveillance of inverted papilloma. We review our results for the treatment of previously untreated and recurrent inverted papilloma involving the medial maxilla, ethmoid, sphenoid and the frontal recess. Our 6% recurrence rate of previously untreated inverted papilloma is consistent with results from open medial maxillectomy. Our early experience suggests that critics of an endoscopic approach have wrongly equated this approach with other intranasal approaches for management of inverted papilloma.
Determination of 6-benzylthioinosine in mouse and human plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract This paper described the development and validation of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the quantitative determination of 6-benzylthioinosine (6BT), a novel myeloid leukemia differentiation-inducing agent, in mouse and human plasma. In this method, 2-amino-6-benzylthioinosine (2A6BT) was used as internal standard and ethyl acetate was used as organic solvent for the extraction of 6BT and internal standard from plasma samples. The extracted samples were separated on YMC ODS-AQ® column (2.0 mm × 50 mm), and the eluates from the column were monitored by the positive-electrospray-ionization tandem mass spectrometer (ESI+-MS/MS). Quantification of 6BT by internal calibration with 2A6BT was carried out using multiple-reaction-monitoring (MRM) mode. This method had a linear calibration range of 3.00–1.00 × 103 ng/mL with correlation coefficients of 1.00 and 0.999 in mouse and human plasma. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 3.00 ng/mL in either mouse or human plasma. The method had recovery of 6BT of 82–87% from mouse plasma and 90–98% from human plasma. Both accuracy (as percent error) and precision (as coefficient of variation) of the method were ≤±15% within the calibration range. This method had been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of 6BT in male C57 mice with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection at the dose of 1 mg 6BT per kilogram mouse.
Monosomy, trisomy, fragile sites, and rearrangements of chromosome no. 1 in a mentally retarded male with multiple congenital anomalies.

A 17-year-old male was referred for evaluation because of short stature and severe mental retardation. Major clinical findings included microphthalmia, micrognathia, low-set ears, a prominent beaked nose, clubbing of digits, and premature greying of hair. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a 45,XY, -1/46,XY/47,XY,+1 mosaicism in lymphocyte cultures, a 45,XY, -1/46,XY mosaicism in skin fibroblasts, and fra(lp) sites in 2% of the metaphases from lymphocyte, fibroblast and bone marrow cultures. Post-zygotic non-disjunction causing this mosaicism is believed to be responsible for the patient's phenotype.
Programming of offspring sex ratios by maternal stress in humans: assessment of physiological mechanisms using a comparative approach

Sex ratio adjustment has become a hot topic in ecology and evolutionary biology, as documentations of sex ratio skews are numerous, and include examples in diverse animal species. Over the past several decades, scientists have repeatedly debated whether human sex ratios also significantly deviate toward one sex or the other based on environmental or social conditions. An increasing number of studies supports the idea that exposure to stressful conditions can influence the sexes of offspring produced by humans, a majority of which document significantly fewer males after exposure to adverse conditions such as severe life events, economic disruption, or natural disasters. From a comparative standpoint, these findings are similar to studies in non-human mammals and other vertebrate species showing a bias toward females during times of stress. However, the mechanisms by which stress-related biases in the offspring sex ratio may occur remain elusive, and the involvement of glucocorticoids indicating a true influence of stress itself remains unstudied. Here, I review the evidence that stressful events induce sex ratio adjustment in humans. Additionally, I discuss the possibility for glucocorticoid mediation of sex ratio adjustment and the potential reproductive stages during which stress-induced sex ratio adjustment may occur in humans and other mammals.
Barriers to Adoption of Family Planning among Women in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

The objectives of this survey were to identify women’s level of KAP toward FP; identify possible barriers to using FP; determine pregnancy spacing pattern; and ascertain the level of FP promotion by health workers. This was a 2-weeks cross-sectional survey at all maternity units in Butembo of post-partum women. 572 women were interviewed. FP knowledge was high (76%), perception good (80%). Majority used traditional methods (65%), mostly Calendar method (72%). Barriers to using modern FP included lack of knowledge, fear of side effects, religious considerations and husband opposition. Unmet need for spacing and limiting was high (21 & 31%).For majority (56%), pregnancy spacing met WHO’s Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancy recommendations. Promotion of FP was poor (42%). Training of health workers, advocating modern contraception, improving FP services in all public health facilities and promoting FP on each contact of women is highly recommended in this city (Afr J Reprod Health 2011; 15[1]: 69-77).
Harvest control rules for the Western horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) stock given paucity of fishery-independent data

Roel, B. A., and De Oliveira, J. A. A. 2007. Harvest control rules for the Western horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) stock given paucity of fishery-independent data. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 661-670.The Western horse mackerel stock, widely distributed in EU waters, is characterized by spasmodic recruitment. Currently, the strength of a year class cannot be confirmed before it is fully recruited to the fishery and has reached the age of 5 years. The only fishery-independent information available is an estimate of egg abundance made every third year. The state of the stock is considered uncertain, and there is no agreed management plan. Following EU requests, a set of harvest control rules (HCRs) that allows for the increased proportion of juvenile fish taken by the fishery in recent years was tested by simulation. The proposed HCRs are based either on the results of a full assessment (Constant-proportion strategy) or simply on the egg estimate used as an indicator of stock status (Slope strategy). Biological risk is compared for scenarios where: (i) uncertainty regarding stock dynamics and in the relationship between egg data and spawning-stock biomass is high (current situation); (ii) variable fractions of the total allowable catch (TAC) are taken in the areas occupied by juveniles and adults; and (iii) there is an implementation error. Results suggest that taking a larger portion of the TAC in the area occupied by juveniles increases the risk of impaired recruitment. Comparison of the Constant-proportion and Slope strategies suggests that the former is more conservative, if the assessment is unbiased or if bias is low. Given the paucity of fishery-independent data, a strategy resulting in an approximately constant catch may be appropriate for this stock.
Significance of Different Modes of Rhizolith Preservation to Interpreting Paleoenvironmental and Paleohydrologic Settings: Examples from Paleogene Paleosols, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, U.S.A.

Abstract Different modes of preservation of root traces (rhizoliths) provide information on soil-moisture regimes in alluvial paleosols in the Paleogene Fort Union and Willwood formations of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, U.S.A. This paper links different styles of rhizolith preservation to paleosols whose other pedogenic attributes provide information on ancient soil drainage. Consequently, the paleodrainage significance of different rhizolith preservation patterns is established more confidently. Rhizoliths consisting of elongate gray mottles (rhizohaloes) with red rims are common in relatively well-drained red paleosols. The gray zones are depleted of iron (Fe) whereas the color of the rims indicates hematite accumulation. These features are typical of surface-water gley processes that caused Fe and manganese (Mn) to move from the root channel outward to the soil matrix. Calcareous rhizocretions—either calcareous, tubular concretions or micro-accumulations of carbonate within gray rhizotubules—are also common in moderately well-drained red paleosols. More poorly drained purple paleosols also have rhizoliths consisting of Fe depletion zones; however, the rhizohaloes are surrounded by yellow-brown (goethite) rims rather than red hematitic rims. In many paleosols, the red and yellow-brown accumulation rims were partly removed by continued depletion, producing abundant irregular-shaped mottles. The nature of the rhizohalo and the color of the Fe-oxide rim provide information about the intensity of gleying that a paleosol underwent. The poorly drained paleosols also show rhizoliths preserved as goethite accumulations contained within gray depletion zones, indicating movement of reduced Fe from the matrix towards the root channel, probably as a result of groundwater-gley processes. The goethite accumulations are intermingled locally with lignite, representing preservation of the root organic material. Some rhizoliths are preserved as tube-shaped concentrations of small (0.1–0.2 mm diameter) black spheres whose color indicates a mix of Mn and Fe oxides. These are most common in paleosols with low-chroma (gray) matrix colors, indicating very poor drainage. The very poorly drained paleosols also show rhizoliths preserved in jarosite, which is an oxidation product of pyrite. Careful observational and geochemical analysis of rhizoliths, which are common in continental deposits, can help produce a clearer and more thorough interpretation of ancient drainage conditions. Information about degree of ancient soil wetness or moisture is important for understanding past climatic conditions and for reconstructing terrestrial paleolandscapes.
China financial research: A review and synthesis

Abstract We review the financial research on China as a transitional economy over the past 15 years or so. This review sheds light on several important issues that are pertinent for an emerging financial market—how regulation can affect the prices of different financial assets; how and why markets are segmented; corporate governance effects between major and minor shareholders in an emerging market; the importance of a bank-based financial system; interactions between the financial market and the goods market; how market participants can complete the market; and how an emerging financial market emulates established markets and evolves over time. Many unexplored financial issues remain unexplored, and more research is warranted into, what theories are at work, and what are missing.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ON A GALVANIZING TRAIL

▪ Abstract This article encompasses my perception of, and experience in, an exciting segment of the trace element era in nutrition research: the role of zinc in the nutrition of animals and humans. Zinc has been a major player on the stage of trace element research, and it has left a trail that has galvanized the attention of many researchers, including myself. It is ubiquitous in biological systems, and it plays a multitude of physiologic and biochemical functions. A brief historical overview is followed by a discussion of the contributions the work done in my laboratory has made toward understanding the physiological and biochemical functions of zinc. The effort of 40 years has led to the belief that one of zinc's major roles, and perhaps its first limiting role, is to preserve plasma-membrane function as regards ion channels and signal transduction. Although substantial knowledge has been gained relating to the importance of zinc in nutrition, much remains to be discovered.
Spectral Reflectance and Atmospheric Energetics in Cirrus-like Clouds. Part II: Applications of a Fourier-Riccati Approach to Radiative Transfer

Abstract One of the major sources of uncertainty in climate studies is the detection of cirrus clouds and characterization of their radiative properties. Combinations of water vapor absorption channels (e.g., 1.38 µm), ice-water absorption channels (e.g., 1.64 µm), and atmospheric window channels (e.g., 11 µm) in the imager, together with a lidar profiler on future EOS platforms, will contribute to enhancing our understanding of cirrus clouds. The aforementioned spectral channels are used in this study to explore the effects exerted by uncertainties in cloud microphysical properties (e.g., particle size distribution) and cloud morphology on the apparent radiative properties, such as spectral reflectance and heating and cooling rate profiles. As in Part I of our previous study, which establishes the foundations of the Fourier-Riccati method of radiative transfer in inhomogeneous media, cloud extinction and scattering functions are characterized by simple spatial variations with measured and hypothesized mi...
A multithreaded message-passing system for high performance distributed computing applications

NYNET (ATM wide area network testbed in New York state) Communication System (NCS) is a multithreaded message passing system developed at Syracase University that provides high performance and flexible communication services over asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) based high performance distributed computing (HPDC) environments. NCS capitalizes on thread based programming model to overlap computations and communications, and develop a dynamic message passing environment with separate data and control paths. This leads to a flexible and adaptive message passing environment that can support multiple flow control, error control, and multicasting algorithms. We provide an overview of the NCS architecture and present how NCS point to point communication services are implemented. We also analyze the overhead incurred by using multithreading and compare the performance of NCS point to point communication primitives with those of other message passing systems such as p4, PVM, and MPI. Benchmarking results indicate that NCS shows comparable performance to other systems for small message sizes but outperforms other systems for large message sizes.
The Necessity of Personhood as Embodied Being

The ontology presupposed in discursive psychology takes persons to be originating centres of activity. Since they are ontologically elementary they have no internal psychological complexity. As with the elementary charges and poles that ground the ontology of physics, they are specified wholly in terms of their dispositions and powers. A second important feature of the social constructionist strain in discursive psychology is the thesis that cognitive processes are properties of discourses, and hence have their primary mode of being in interpersonal symbolic interactions. Persons are singularities and each has its unique attributes. Singularity of personhood is tied up with singularity of embodiment, deeply involved in the human sense of self. In a similar manner the discursive thesis that emotion displays are embodied expressions of judgements also brings the fact of embodiment to the centre of psychological theory. These considerations dispose of the greater part of Fisher's (1995) criticisms of the dis...
Pathogenesis of Polyarteritis Nodosa in Hypertensive Rats

The pathogenesis of the vascular lesions of polyarteritis nodosa found in young rats with experimental renal hypertension is described. The panarteritic lesion was a product of the combination of renal injury and feeding sodium chloride. It began with a fibrinoid necrosis of the intima and media which was followed by an extensive inflammatory reaction with subsequent fibrosis of all layers of the vessel wall.
Intrusion Detection Force: an infrastructure for Internet-scale intrusion detection

Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are usually deployed within the confines of an organization. There is usually no exchange of information between an IDS in one organization with those in other organizations. The effectiveness of IDSs at detecting present-day sophisticated attacks would increase significantly if there are inter-organizational communication and sharing of information among IDSs. We envision a global Internet-scale defense infrastructure, which we call the Intrusion Detection Force (IDF), that would protect organizations and defend the Internet as a whole. The paper provides a blueprint of the IDF, where we discuss the requirements to deploy such an infrastructure, and describe its architecture and design in terms of its basic building blocks and major components. We also describe a few at:applications of the IDF architecture, and provide a small experimental prototype that we are currently extending as part of our vision to implement the full IDF infrastructure.
Correlates of vascular structure and function measures in asymptomatic young adults: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Abstract Background Adverse changes in arterial structure and function, independent predictors of cardiovascular (CV) disease morbidity and mortality, are known to be associated with CV risk factors, especially in middle-aged and older adults. Although non-invasive studies in this regard are beginning to emerge in a younger age population, information is lacking on the correlates of measures of vascular structure and function obtained simultaneously by different non-invasive methods. Methods In 518 black and white subjects (72% white, 44% male) aged 27–43 years, vascular structure and function were measured in terms of (1) carotid artery intima–media thickness (IMT), (2) aorta–femoral pulse wave velocity (af-PWV), and (3) pulsatile arterial function in terms of large (C1) and small (C2) artery compliances. Results Blacks versus whites and males versus females had higher carotid IMT; blacks versus whites higher af-PWV; and blacks versus whites and females versus males lower C1 and C2. In a multivariate regression model, significant predictors in the order of entry into the model were systolic blood pressure, male gender, age, cigarette smoking, and LDL cholesterol for carotid IMT ( R 2 =0.189); systolic blood pressure, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), cigarette smoking, and age for af-PWV ( R 2 =0.200); systolic blood pressure, female gender, and HOMA-IR for C1 ( R 2 =0.258); and systolic blood pressure, female gender, age, diastolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking, triglycerides, and black race for C2 ( R 2 =0.394). Conclusion In asymptomatic young adults, CV risk factors influence adversely measures of both structure and function of the vasculature to varying degrees, with small artery compliance showing maximum variance. As part of preventive cardiology, assessment of structure/function measures of the vasculature by simple non-invasive methods may be helpful in identifying early vascular damage in a high-risk young population group.
Microfluidic magnetophoretic separations of immunomagnetically labeled rare mammalian cells.

Immunomagnetic isolation and magnetophoresis in microfluidics have emerged as viable techniques for the separation, fractionation, and enrichment of rare cells. Here we present the development and characterization of a microfluidic system that incorporates an angled permanent magnet for the lateral magnetophoresis of superparamagnetic beads and labeled cell–bead complexes. A numerical model, based on the relevant transport processes, is developed as a design tool for the demonstration and prediction of magnetophoretic displacement. We employ a dimensionless magnetophoresis parameter to efficiently investigate the design space, gain insight into the physics of the system, and compare results across the vast spectrum of magnetophoretic microfluidic systems. The numerical model and theoretical analysis are experimentally validated by the lateral magnetophoretic deflection of superparamagnetic beads and magnetically labeled breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells in a microfluidic device that incorporates a permanent magnet angled relative to the flow. Through the dimensionless magnetophoresis parameter, the transition between regimes of magnetophoretic action, from hydrodynamically dominated (magnetic deflection) to magnetically dominated (magnetic capture), is experimentally identified. This powerful tool and theoretical framework enables efficient device and experiment design of biologically relevant systems, taking into account their inherent variability and labeling distributions. This analysis identifies the necessary beads, magnet configuration (orientation), magnet type (permanent, ferromagnetic, electromagnet), flow rate, channel geometry, and buffer to achieve the desired level of magnetophoretic deflection or capture.