cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radar, signal, and image processing techniques for through the wall imaging (Keynote Paper)

In this paper, we discuss some of the leading issues in through the wall radar imaging (TWRI) problems. We focus on the primary system challenges and deliverables, dealing only with the applications of statistical signal and array processing. Applications of antenna design and electromagnetic propagation are equally important, but they are both outside the scope of this paper. The material presented considers key desirable TWRI system properties and features and provides candidate solutions to achieve them. We focus on research performed at Villanova University and demonstrate some of our recent approaches to address system functionalities and requirements using analyses, computer simulations, and real-data. The paper does not attempt to cover all progress made in the field to date nor does it intend to compare the proposed techniques with alternative and competitive methods. It is written with the primary purpose of bringing to the reader many leading challenges and diverse issues worthy of considerations.
Dialysis catheter-related bacteremia: Treatment and prophylaxis

Catheter-related bacteremia is a major cause of morbidity among hemodialysis patients. This article reviews the medical literature regarding the treatment and prophylaxis of catheter-related bacteremia. Bacterial biofilm that forms in the catheter lumen is the source of catheter-related bacteremia. Treatment with systemic antibiotics alone fails to definitively eradicate the infection in most patients. Catheter-related bacteremia can be managed by either catheter removal with delayed placement of a new catheter or exchange of the infected catheter with a new catheter over a guidewire. More recent studies suggested that instillation of an antibiotic-anticoagulant lock into the catheter lumen, as an adjunct to systemic antibiotic therapy, can cure approximately two thirds of catheter-related bacteremias without requiring catheter replacement. The frequency of catheter-related bacteremia may be reduced by using tunneled, rather than nontunneled, dialysis catheters and strict aseptic technique. In addition, several pharmacological measures may be useful for prophylaxis against catheter-related bacteremia. These include application of an antimicrobial ointment (mupirocin or polysporin [Pfizer, New York, NY]) to the catheter exit site or instillation of an antimicrobial solution (gentamicin or taurolidine) into the catheter lumen. Subcutaneous dialysis devices do not reduce the frequency of catheter-related bacteremia unless an antimicrobial solution is instilled into the device. The development and widespread adoption of effective approaches to the treatment and prophylaxis of catheter-related bacteremia will dramatically reduce the morbidity and economic burden associated with this complication.
SINGING WITH SUPERFAST MUSCLES

![Figure][1] Throughout the animal kingdom, different muscles are specialized for different tasks. Among the most striking examples of extreme specialization are muscles that can contract and relax many times in the span of a single second. While a typical human limb muscle has a maximum
Psycho-social training for man in space.

Abstract In preparation for the international manned space station various international and national space agencies are already participating with the Russian MIR programme with short, medium, and long term presence on the MIR station. Although selection criteria for all crew include careful psychological screening, with some effort also regarding team build-up, this has proved insufficient; moreover, little or no effort is expended in the area of psycho-social- or team training. This paper propounds the authors’ thesis that, in addition to the steps already being taken, psycho-social training is essential for long-duration flight. A concrete proposal is made for such a training program, with an overview of how such a program will look like; examples of past applications are given.
Commentary on sentinel lymph node identification with technetium-99m tin colloid in non-small cell lung cancer.

See related article on page 486. S entinel node mapping techniques have been applied to the resection and treatment of nearly all solid tumors. The principle involves the injection of a lymphophylic tracer (either blue dye or a radioisotope) followed by visual or gamma counter measurements of individual lymph node stations to assess the first site of lymphatic drainage from a tumor. This sentinel nodal station should be the first site of lymphatic involvement if metastases have occurred. The technique has become standard of care in both breast cancer and melanoma. The primary utility in these tumors is avoidance of nontherapeutic axillary or groin lymph node dissections and their incumbent morbidities. The morbidity of a complete mediastinal node dissection for lung cancer is not excessive and the procedure may be therapeutic.1,2 An equally important potential role may be directing pathologic examination to specific sentinel nodes and applying more sensitive techniques on a limited amount of tissue to detect occult micrometastatic disease. Lymph node status is the single most important prognostic factor for localized potentially resectable non–small cell lung cancer.3 Recent studies suggest that the presence of nodal micrometastatic disease in lung cancer may garner the same poor prognosis as metastases evident by conventional techniques.4,5 Nonetheless, more than 40% of “histologically node negative” patients who have a complete resection have a relapse and die of their original cancers, usually within 2 years. This is at least in part due to inaccurately staged nodal disease. Sentinel node mapping in lung cancer is in the developmental phase. Numerous questions regarding technique, patient selection, and ultimate utility still remain unanswered. Initial studies by our group and others6-8 have demonstrated the feasibility of intraoperative injection of both blue dye and radioisotope for sentinel node mapping. The report by Nomori and colleagues9 in this issue of the Journal examines the sentinel node procedure by preoperative tumor injection with technetium Tc 99m tin colloid. The larger technetium tin colloid molecule required at least 6 hours to migrate to a sentinel node station as demonstrated by lymphoscintigraphy. This is compared to 10 to 15 minutes with the 20m filtered smaller technetium 99m sulfur colloid particle used in our intraoperative studies. The larger particle appears better suited for the preoperative injection performed the day before surgery. The current study details results in 46 patients after injection 1 day preoperatively with technetium tin colloid. Nomori and associates obtained accurate sentinel node readings in 40 of the 46 patients undergoing anatomic resection with mediastinal node dissection for NSCLC. No inaccurate sentinel nodes were found in the 14 patients with N1 or N2 disease.
Finite Element Analysis of Slow Wave Coplanar Waveguide with Localized Depletion Regions

A finite element field analysis program is developed to study the effect of localized finite conductivity region in the Schottky-contact CPW in the slow-wave application. Theoretical results obtained for the MIS (layered) CPW structure show good agreements with those in the existing literature. Our analysis indicates the new Schottky-contact slow-wave CPW structure under analysis is viable for low loss and wideband electronically tunable phase shifter application.
Solar UV-B and visible radiation in tropical forest gaps: measurements partitioning direct and diffuse radiation

Solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation penetrates plant canopies to a different degree than photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) because UV-B is diffused to a greater degree by the atmosphere. We measured both global (total) and diffuse solar radiation in canopy gaps of a semideciduous tropical forest in Panama. Measurements were simultaneously made in the UV-B and PAR wavebands. Compared to unobstructed measurements taken outside the forest, the sunlit portions of gaps were depleted in the proportion of UV-B relative to PAR, especially at midday. Shaded areas, in contrast, were always richer in UV-B relative to PAR, but the magnitude of the change varied greatly. Presumably this variation was due to the differences in the directional nature of diffuse solar UV-B radiation as compared to diffuse PAR. Measurements in the gaps showed substantial reductions in the proportion of radiation in the diffuse components of both the UV-B and PAR wavebands. However, because of the greater proportion of UV-B which is diffuse, it tended to predominate in shaded areas. Similar patterns were seen in measurements taken at temperate latitudes. Response of shade- and gap-dwelling plants to these high UV-B:PAR ratios has received little attention.
Specific absorption rate in rats exposed to 2,450-MHz microwaves under seven exposure conditions

Both positive and negative biological effects of microwaves on drug actions in rats exposed to 1-mW/cm2, 2,450-MHz microwaves have been reported by several investigators. We conducted dosimetry studies for seven different exposure conditions to determine whether these different results could be due to the rats having been exposed differently. They included anterior and posterior exposures in a circular waveguide, near field, far field with E- or H-field parallel to the long axis of the body and dorsal exposure in a miniature anechoic chamber with E- or H-field parallel to the long axis of the body. The average specific absorption rates (SARs) in the head, tail, and body of the exposed rats were measured by means of a calorimetry system. The local SARs at eight locations in the brain were determined by temperature measurement with Vitek probes. Intensive coupling of energy to the tail when it was exposed parallel to the E-field was shown by thermography. For the same average incident power density, the average SARs in the heads of rats were about two times higher in the circular waveguide than for other exposures. The local SARs in the brain varied for different exposure conditions. Statistical comparisons of SARs under the different exposure conditions are presented.
Metabolic engineering of a Lactobacillus plantarum double ldh knockout strain for enhanced ethanol production

Lactobacillus plantarum ferments glucose through the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway: the central metabolite pyruvate is converted into lactate via lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). By substituting LDH with pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) activity, pyruvate may be redirected toward ethanol production instead of lactic acid fermentation. A PDC gene from the Gram-positive bacterium Sarcina ventriculi (Spdc) was introduced into an LDH-deficient strain, L. plantarum TF103, in which both the ldhL and ldhD genes were inactivated. Four different fusion genes between Spdc and either the S. ventriculi promoter or three Lactococcus lactis promoters in pTRKH2 were introduced into TF103. PDC activity was detected in all four recombinant strains. The engineered strains were examined for production of ethanol and other metabolites in flask fermentations. The recombinant strains grew slightly faster than the parent TF103 and produced 90-130 mM ethanol. Although slightly more ethanol was observed, carbon flow was not significantly improved toward ethanol, suggesting that a further understanding of this organism's metabolism is necessary.
Frequency dependence in scotopic flicker sensitivity.

Abstract Sensitivity to rod-mediated (scotopic) flicker was parametrically studied in the parafoveal retina of human observers. Confirming prior studies, the present results show that sensitivity to scotopic flicker has many similarities to that at photopic levels. Specifically, our results show that the frequency response function for scotopic flicker is characterized by both low- and high-frequency cutoffs and that sensitivity to low frequencies is described by Weber's law. Overall, however, scotopic flicker sensitivity is characterized by higher increment thresholds and lower frequency tuning than photopic flicker. The influences of spatial factors and the prevailing level of illuminance on sensitivity is sufficiently different for relatively low ( 5 Hz) temporal frequencies to suggest that they may be mediated by different channels. This possibility is also suggested by selective adaptation experiments. These show that adaptation to flicker frequencies of 3, 5, and 7 Hz have a similar influence on sensitivity to subsequent flicker which is different from the influence on 1 Hz flicker adaptation. Results are compared with prior evidence for channeling within both the scotopic and photopic visual systems.
End stage renal transplant failure: Allograft appearances on CT

Abstract Introduction: Failed renal allografts often are left in situ in patients who revert to chronic dialysis therapy or who undergo retransplantation. These patients may be investigated with computed tomography (CT) imaging for allograft-related or other abdominopelvic disease. This study describes the appearances of failed renal transplants on CT. Methods: A retrospective study was made of the clinical records and CT findings on 25 studies in 14 patients, 5–156 months (average, 44 months) following allograft failure. CT studies were reviewed for allograft position, size, shape, attenuation value, calcification, cyst formation, related abdominopelvic findings and the presence of other allografts. Correlation was made with clinical findings in all patients and with pathological findings in six. Results: Global shrinkage was noted in eight failed allografts, all of which were asymptomatic. Enlargement of two failed allografts was due to symptomatic acute infarction of the allograft in one patient and subacute haemorrhagic infarction simulating a tumour mass in another. CT attenuation values in individual allografts varied markedly due to fatty replacement, hydronephrosis, haemorrhage or dense calcification. Both a failed longstanding and a functioning more recently placed renal allograft were present in seven patients, four of whom had acute complications related to the more recently transplanted kidney. Two of six calcified allografts were mistaken for opacified bowel on CT. Conclusion: A wide spectrum in size, shape and attenuation values may be detected in failed renal allografts by CT. These organs may be the site of acute disease despite their lack of physiological function or may be diagnostically confusing findings in patients with acute disease related to more recently transplanted organs.
Taxonomy and species-groups of the subgenus Crematogaster (Orthocrema) in the Malagasy region (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

The species-level taxonomy of the subgenus Crematogaster (Orthocrema) in the Malagasy region is evaluated with both morphological data from worker and queen ants, and genetic data from three nuclear markers (long wavelength rhodopsin, arginine kinase and carbamoylphosphate synthase). These two types of data support the existence of six Orthocrema species: Crematogaster madecassa Emery, Crematogaster rasoherinae Forel, Crematogaster telolafy sp. n., Crematogaster razana sp. n., Crematogaster volamena sp. n. and Crematogaster mpanjono sp. n.. Two new synonyms of Crematogaster rasoherinae Forel are recognized, Crematogaster rasoherinae brunneola Emery, syn. n. and Crematogaster voeltzkowi Forel, syn. n., as these were not supported as distinct taxa by the data. A neotype is designated for Crematogaster rasoherinae; lectotypes are designated for Crematogaster madecassa, Crematogaster rasoherinae brunneola and Crematogaster voeltzkowi. Species descriptions, images, distribution maps and identification keys based on worker and queen ants are given for all six species. A diagnosis of the subgenus Orthocrema in the Malagasy region is presented for both workers and queens. Within the Malagasy Orthocrema, three distinct phylogenetic lineages are suggested by molecular and morphological data. Newly defined monophyletic species-groups are thus the Crematogaster madecassa-group (Crematogaster madecassa, Crematogaster telolafy and Crematogaster razana) and the Crematogaster volamena-group (Crematogaster volamena and Crematogaster mpanjono); Crematogaster rasoherinae represents an isolated lineage in the Malagasy region and its closest relatives remain unclear. Other interesting biological findings are the presence of an intermediate caste between workers and queens in Crematogaster rasoherinae and Crematogaster madecassa, and unusually large workers in Crematogaster volamena resembling a major caste.
The Transcendental and the Psychological

This paper explores the emergence of the distinctions between the transcendental and the psychological and, correlatively, between phenomenology and psychology that emerge in The Idea of Phenomenology. It is argued that this first attempt to draw these distinctions reveals that the conception of transcendental phenomenology remains infected by elements of the earlier conception of descriptive psychology and that only later does Husserl move to a more adequate—but perhaps not yet fully purified—conception of the transcendental.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy used to detect endophyte-mediated accumulation of metals by tall fescue

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to determine the impact of endophyte (Neotyphodium sp.) infection on elemental composition of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Leaf material from endophyte-infected (E+) and endophyte-free (E−) tall fescue populations in established plots was examined. Leaf-tissue digestates were also tested for metals, by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry (MS). Seven of eleven metals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Zn) were measured by both techniques at concentrations great enough for a reliable comparison. Mg, Zn, and Cd, a toxic metal that can be present in forage, were readily detected by LIBS, even though Cd concentrations in the plants were below levels typically achieved using ICP MS detection. Implications of these results for research on forage analysis and phytoremediation are discussed.
Cross-cultural aspects of sleep in the elderly.

A sleep questionnaire (SQ) was administered to 850 adults, 50 years and older, drawn from urban areas in 7 countries (Australia, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Venezuela, United States). All were functioning adults in relatively good physical and mental health. The samples were equated on sex, age, and occupational level. Of the 8 scales on the SQ, 7 showed statistically significant differences between countries, and 3 between males and females. At the same time, substantial similarities were found and are discussed from a normative point of view.
Space-for-Time Substitution Works in Everglades Ecological Forecasting Models

Space-for-time substitution is often used in predictive models because long-term time-series data are not available. Critics of this method suggest factors other than the target driver may affect ecosystem response and could vary spatially, producing misleading results. Monitoring data from the Florida Everglades were used to test whether spatial data can be substituted for temporal data in forecasting models. Spatial models that predicted bluefin killifish (Lucania goodei) population response to a drying event performed comparably and sometimes better than temporal models. Models worked best when results were not extrapolated beyond the range of variation encompassed by the original dataset. These results were compared to other studies to determine whether ecosystem features influence whether space-for-time substitution is feasible. Taken in the context of other studies, these results suggest space-for-time substitution may work best in ecosystems with low beta-diversity, high connectivity between sites, and small lag in organismal response to the driver variable.
An efficient algorithm for finding kleene closure of regular expression matrices

An efficient algorithm for finding the Kleene closure of regular expressions matrices or fuzzy regular expression matrices is presented and illustrated by examples. Properties of Kleene closure are also investigated. The results may have useful applications in automata theory, pattern recognition, and pictorial information systems.
Role of KATP channels in protection against neuronal excitatory insults

ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels that are gated by intracellular ATP/ADP concentrations are a unique subtype of potassium channels and play an essential role in coupling intracellular metabolic events to electrical activity. Opening of K(ATP) channels during energy deficits in the CNS induces efflux of potassium ions and in turn hyperpolarizes neurons. Thus, activation of K(ATP) channels is thought to be able to counteract excitatory insults and protect against neuronal death. In this review, we bring together recent studies about what kinds of molecules are needed to build and regulate arrays of K(ATP) channel functions in the CNS neurons. We propose a model to explain how K(ATP) channel activation regulates glutamate release from the pre-synaptic terminals and how this regulation protects against ischemic neuronal injury and epilepsy.
Identification and Selection for Tuber Calcium, Internal Quality and Pitted Scab in Segregating ‘Atlantic’ x ‘Superior’ Reciprocal Tetraploid Populations

Developing chipping cultivars with improved tuber quality and disease resistance is a major interest for breeders and the potato industry. A popular chipping cultivar ‘Atlantic’, is desired for its high yield and gravity. However, this cultivar suffers from poor internal tuber quality and high scab susceptibility. On the contrary, cultivar ‘Superior’ is known to have excellent tuber internal quality and moderately scab resistance. In addition, this cultivar is known to have high tuber calcium as compared to ‘Atlantic’. The present study intended to generate populations that can be suitable for the genetic study of tuber calcium, internal quality, common scab, and other commercially important traits such as yield, specific gravity and chip quality at the tetraploid level. Two populations obtained by reciprocally crossing the cultivars ‘Atlantic’ and ‘Superior’ were evaluated during 2009 to 2012 at Hancock, Wisconsin. Significant genotype effects and moderately low to high broad-sense heritabilities were identified for all traits evaluated indicating that the observed phenotypic variation has an important genetic component. In addition, the parents differed significantly for all traits across trials, and most genotypes performed in between the two parents but some genotypes were more extreme than the parents. Furthermore, evidence of reciprocal effects was found for some traits. In addition to learning about the genetics of these important traits we were able to identify some genotypes that combined the commercially desired traits of the two cultivars.
Regulation of hem gene expression in Rhodobacter capsulatus by redox and photosystem regulators RegA, CrtJ, FnrL, and AerR

Biosynthetic pathways for heme and chlorophyll share common intermediates from 5-aminolevulinic acid through protoporphyrin IX. To obtain a better understanding of how photosynthetic organisms coordinate heme and chlorophyll biosynthesis, we have undertaken detailed analysis of the expression pattern of numerous heme biosynthesis genes in the purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus. β-Galactosidase reporter assays demonstrated that expression of hemA, hemB, hemC, hemE and hemZ genes is elevated under conditions that give rise to elevated bacteriochlorophyll synthesis. Heme gene expression is shown to be affected by mutations in previously identified transcriptional regulators RegA, FnrL, CrtJ, and AerR, which also control expression of genes involved in bacteriochlorophyll and carotenoid synthesis, and synthesis of the apoprotein subunits of the photosynthetic and electron transport apparatus. High-resolution primer extension analysis of hem mRNA reveals the presence of numerous putative RegA, FnrL and CrtJ binding sites in several hem promoter regions.
Amygdaloid and pontine projections to the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus

Amygdaloid and pontine projections to the feline ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (HVM) were studied with retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and anterograde transport of tritiated amino acids. Following injections of HRP into HVM, amygdaloid neurons were labeled in the ipsilateral cortical and medial nuclei and the ventral portion of the parvocellular part of the basal nucleus. In experiments in which HRP was injected into the tuberal hypothalamus following stria terminalis lesions, it was determined that amygdaloid neurons projecting to HVM by way of the stria terminalis were located in the cortical and medial nuclei while those projecting through another route, presumably the ventral amygdalofugal pathway, were found in the rostral part of the medial nucleus and the parvocellular basal nucleus. Following HRP injection into lateral hypothalamus at the level of HVM, labeled neurons were seen in the magnocellular basal nucleus. After preoptic injections, neurons containing the HRP reaction product were in cortical and medial nuclei and magnocellular and parvocellular parts of the basal nucleus. In addition to cells in the amygdala, rostral pontine neurons were labeled after HRP injections into HVM. The cells were located ipsilateral to the injection, mostly in the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, lateral and dorsolateral to the brachium conjunctivum. The pontine cells labeled following HVM injections of HRP were different from those labeled following lateral hypothalamic and preoptic region injections. The pontine projection to HVM was confirmed using axoplasmic transport autoradiography. A mixture of tritiated leucine and tritiated proline was injected into the lateral pontine region labeled after HRP injections into HVM. Labeled axons ascending in the medial forebrain bundle terminated throughout the rostro-caudal extent of HVM.
Functionality of magnesium stearate derived from bovine and vegetable sources: Dry granulated tablets

Magnesium stearate is a functional excipient used to ensure efficient ejection of tablets. This study compares the functionality of a vegetable and bovine grade of magnesium stearate. Tablets were prepared by direct compression and dry granulation of a model formulation. Physical and chemical tests were performed on bulk powders, granule intermediates, and finished tablets to provide a comprehensive comparison of the two grades of magnesium stearates. Raw material characterization of the two grades showed no difference in particle size, surface area, true density, and total moisture content. However, significant differences in fatty acid composition, surface tension, and zeta potential were detected. Tablet ejection force for the physical mixture formulations was variable, showing similar ejection force for the two grades of magnesium stearate at some concentrations and different ejection forces at other concentrations. The dry granulated formulation containing vegetable-based magnesium stearate showed a lower ejection force than the formulation containing bovine-based magnesium stearate. There was no difference between the dissolution profiles of the tablets containing the two grades of magnesium stearate prepared by both methods. The results indicated that magnesium stearate interchangeability with respect to lubricant efficiency depends upon the level in which it is used and the manufacturing method.
Political Science Theory for Public Health Practice.

Community health educators are well versed in the behavior sciences, including intervention theories. However, most public health professionals are not familiar with the policy theories related to political advocacy. Because health educators are engaging in policy advocacy more frequently, and as a result of the profession including policy advocacy as a core competency, a structured introduction of prevailing policy theories is appropriate. This article introduces the 4 most frequently used policy theories in political science.
Distributions of horizon-limited direct beam potential radiation in steep pastures

Agricultural production from steep terrain is frequently limited to pasture systems, where forage harvesting is done by grazing animals. Intercepted solar radiation determines the energy available for forage production. A model was developed for estimating potential direct beam radiation in areas with a wide range of aspects, landscape positions, and various shadow sources. The model was applied to a small, steep pasture watershed in central Appalachia to determine the spatial distribution of potential direct beam radiation. Effective horizon was an important parameter affecting the energy budget of the study watershed. A simple means for estimating global radiation from the modelled potential direct beam radiation, given atmospheric transmissivity and cloudiness, was presented. When the proportion of global radiation that was diffuse radiation was increased the effective horizon was less important and the spatial variability of modelled radiation decreased.
Vendor segmentation: An additional level of market segmentation

Abstract This article describes a new conceptual approach, called “vendor segmentation,” which will be useful to industrial marketers in making their vendor evaluation and selection procedures more customer oriented, and hence more profitable, than conventional procedures. A practical approach for doing vendor segmentation analysis is outlined as a stepwise procedure, and the potential benefits and limitations of using this approach are discussed.
Neutral stability in Josephson junction arrays with arbitrary lattice geometry

Abstract We consider DC-biased arrays of overdamped Josephson junctions with different lattice geometries, and demonstrate that, with suitable choice of bias currents, it is possible for the in-phase state of the array to exhibit so-called “neutral stability”. This extends the finding of Wiesenfeld et al. (J. Appl. Phys. 76 (1994) 3835) for two-dimensional rectangular lattices to arbitrary lattice types.
Alzheimer's β-amyloid peptides induce inflammatory cascade in human vascular cells: the roles of cytokines and CD40

Accumulating evidence suggests that beta-amyloid (Abeta)-induced inflammatory reactions may partially drive the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent data also implicate similar inflammatory processes in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). To evaluate the roles of Abeta in the inflammatory processes in vascular tissues, we have tested the ability of Abeta to trigger inflammatory responses in cultured human vascular cells. We found that stimulation with Abeta dose-dependently increased the expression of CD40, and secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in endothelial cells. Abeta also induced expression of IFN-gamma receptor (IFN-gammaR) both in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Characterization of the Abeta-induced inflammatory responses in the vascular cells showed that the ligation of CD40 further increased cytokine production and/or the expression of IFN-gammaR. Moreover, IL-1beta and IFN-gamma synergistically increased the Abeta-induced expression of CD40 and IFN-gammaR. We have recently found that Abeta induces expression of adhesion molecules, and that cytokine production and interaction of CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) further increase the Abeta-induced expression of adhesion molecules in these same cells. These results suggest that Abeta can function as an inflammatory stimulator to activate vascular cells and induces an auto-amplified inflammatory molecular cascade, through interactions among adhesion molecules, CD40-CD40L and cytokines. Additionally, Abeta1-42, the more pathologic form of Abeta, induces much stronger effects in endothelial cells than in smooth muscle cells, while the reverse is true for Abeta1-40. Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that the Abeta-induced inflammatory responses in vascular cells may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of CAA and AD.
Compliance and attitude scores of hypercholesterolemics on fat-modified and oat bran supplemented diets

Abstract This study measured dietary compliance and attitudes of 68 hypercholesterolemic men and women who were randomly assigned to one of the following diet regimens: (1) low fat, low cholesterol diet; (2) low fat, low cholesterol diet + 50 g/day oat bran; (3) 50 g/day oat bran supplemented diet; and (4) 42.5 g/day processed oat bran supplemented diet (ready-to-eat cereal with an increased β-glucan content). Attitudinal and compliance scores were the most positive for those on the processed oat bran, followed by those on fat-modified regimens, while subjects on the unprocessed bran scored their diet regimen the most negatively. Dietary compliance decreased significantly over the 12-week study period for the fat-modified groups, compared with the adherence to the bran-supplemented regimens for which compliance did not appreciably decline. The fat-modified lifestyle, however, was reported as much more likely to diffuse throughout the family than the use of oat supplements, despite encouragement and provision of additional bran earmarked for this purpose. These findings support past research that the addition of a food to the diet is met with less resistance than food restriction, if the added food is familiar, convenient and palatable.
The Role of Photospheric Magnetic Fields in the Variation of Solar Oscillation Eigenfrequencies

The frequencies of solar oscillations have been found to be higher at the peak of the solar cycle, their variation being consistent with that expected from a change in the solar structure confined to the Sun's outer layers. In this work, a technique is introduced for estimating the effect of the highly inhomogeneous photospheric magnetic field on solar oscillation eigenfrequencies, and its results are compared with the solar data. It is found that the observed steep rise in frequency shift at low frequency and the leveling of or decline at high frequency are well reproduced by the model. The correct order of magnitude for the frequency changes is also reproduced, at least at low frequency. The model implies a particular functional form for the variation of the frequency changes with order and degree, and it is suggested that future advances in observation and theory will therefore allow this model to be confirmed or refuted.
Facteurs de risque et caractéristiques cliniques du prolapsus rectal chez le sujet jeune

Resume Objectif Le prolapsus rectal est connu chez l’enfant et chez la personne âgee mais peu frequent chez l’adulte jeune de moins de 30 ans. L’objectif de ce travail etait d’identifier les facteurs de risque et les caracteristiques du prolapsus rectal dans cette population et de determiner les resultats du traitement chirurgical. Methodes Une base de donnees approuvee etait utilisee pour identifier les adultes âges de moins de 30 ans ayant eu un traitement chirurgical pour un prolapsus rectal entre le mois de septembre 1994 et de septembre 2012. Les donnees demographiques, les facteurs de risque, les comorbidites, les caracteristiques cliniques, les traitements chirurgicaux et les suivis etaient notes. Resultats Quarante-quatre patients (32 femmes) (âge moyen 23 ans) etaient identifies. Dix-huit patients (41 %) avaient une maladie chronique psychiatrique. Ce groupe de patients presentait une constipation comme plainte principale, a un taux plus eleve compare au groupe de patients sans maladie chronique psychiatrique (83 % vs. 50 %, p = 0,024). Treize patients (30 %) avaient eu une intervention pelvienne anterieure. Les symptomes les plus frequents etaient le prolapsus du rectum (n = 40, 91 %) et l’hematochezie (n = 24, 55 %). Les interventions chirurgicales etaient la rectopexie laparoscopique (n = 14, 32 %), la reconstruction par laparotomie (n = 14, 32 %) et la chirurgie perineale (n = 6, 14 %). Une rectopexie-resection etait realisee chez 21 patients (48 % ; 7 par laparotomie et 14 par cœlioscopie). Au terme du suivi moyen de 11 mois (extremes de 1 a 165 mois), six patients (14 %) presentaient une recidive. Conclusions Le traitement medical de la constipation chez les patients psychiatriques et une faiblesse possible du plancher pelvien chez les patients ayant eu une chirurgie pelvienne anterieure semblent etre des facteurs de risque de prolapsus rectal dans cette population.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) intron 1 polymorphism and clinical outcome in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract Background Epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR ) intron 1 has a polymorphic region of CA repeats that is believed to be associated with increased EGFR expression, tumor aggressiveness, and worse survival in cancer patients. Methods A large population of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients was investigated to evaluate this polymorphism as a potential prognostic marker of clinical outcome. Deoxyribonucleic acid obtained from 50 resected pancreatic adenocarcinomas and from 85 diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration procedures corresponding to patients with unresectable tumors was included. The correlation between CA repeat length and EGFR messenger ribonucleic acid levels was also examined. Results Analysis of the 135 patients revealed no correlation between EGFR intron 1 CA repeat length and tumor stage. There was no difference in overall patient survival when stratified by allele length. A correlation between EGFR intron 1 length and EGFR transcript and protein levels could not be established. Conclusions The length of the EGFR intron 1 CA repeats does not correlate with levels of EGFR expression and cannot be used as marker of clinical prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients.
Upper Carboniferous (Namurian) amphibian trackways from the Bluefield Formation, West Virginia, USA

Amphibian trackways from the Bluefield Formation (Namurian, lowermost Upper Carboniferous=uppermost Mississippian), here named Hylopus hamesi, are the oldest record of terrestrial vertebrates from the eastern United States. Based on the five‐toed manus and pes impressions and comparisons to Proterogyrinus scheelei, a younger Carboniferous (Mississippian) amphibian also from West Virginia, the trackways were probably made by a member of the Embolomeri (Order Anthracosauria, Amphibia). Trackway morphology indicates that the trackmaker was a relatively elongate amphibian having an average width of 5 to 6 cm and body length of 80 cm (head to tail). Variation in footprint morphology indicates that the trackmaker was capable of both subaerial and subaqueous movement, behavior patterns that have also been hypothesized for P. scheelei.
Discussion of "Analysis of a Large Database of GCL Internal Shear Strength Results" by Jorge G. Zornberg, John S. McCartney, and Robert H. Swan, Jr.

The discusser cites Chiu and Fox (2004) regarding a large published database containing analysis of internal and interface geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) shear strengths, including those of the discusser. One item found in this database conflicts with the authors' results ? the failure envelope. For hydrated needle-punched GCLs, the non-linear regression analysis produced a zero intercept instead of the permitted non-zero intercept. This contradicts the authors' test results. In shear-induced excess pore pressures, the discusser states that the hypothesis of the authors -- that pore water suction causes progressively larger shear strengths with increasing shear displacement rate (SDR) at low normal stresses -- is not borne out in the data from Fox et al. (1998). As for SDR effects at high normal stress conditions, the discusser notes that more research is needed.
Postoperative irradiation in malignant epithelial tumors of the parotid

From 1954 through 1979, 77 patients with malignant tumors of the parotid gland were referred from the Department of Head and Neck Surgery for postoperative irradiation. The analysis has been made by grouping the patients according to the estimated amount of disease left after the surgical procedure and by the histological types. There were no local failures in the low-grade tumors, and there were 6 in the 63 patients with high-grade tumors. With gross residual disease or potential residual disease the patients received slightly higher doses than those without. Although there were only 6 failures in the various histological types, there was perhaps a trend to more failures in the adenocarcinomas. There was no difference in the failure rates in patients having had a total resection of the facial nerve or partial resection or no resection. The preferred treatment has been a combination of 20 MeV photons and 18 MeV electrons. Five neck failures were essentially a result of lack of elective irradiation of the neck. Severe complications appeared only in the patients irradiated either for gross residual disease or excision of a recurrence with a high risk of widespread microscopic residual disease.
Therapeutic implications of conservative clergy views on sexuality: An empirical analysis

Abstract This research attempts to close the gap in the literature on clergy views of sexuality by surveying pastors of a large conservative evangelical denomination in a metropolitan southern California county (n=31) on moral attitudes, understandings of God's view of sexuality, and the role of the church regarding issues of sexuality. These pastors held quite conservative moral principles while also affirming sensuality within the context of a marital relationship. Pastors saw the role of the church as mainly to serve and influence the sexual practices of the people within the church but also affirmed the church's involvement in the influence of the local community. Religion and sexuality were entirely compatible concepts for these pastors. Therapeutic implications and suggestions are offered .
Differences in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Care and Treatment Among Subpopulations in the United States

Importance Early diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, prompt linkage to and sustained care, and antiretroviral therapy are associated with reduced individual morbidity, mortality, and transmission of the virus. However, levels of these indicators may differ among population groups with HIV. Disparities in care and treatment may contribute to the higher incidence rates among groups with higher prevalence of HIV. Objective To examine differences between groups of persons living with HIV by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and transmission category at essential steps in the continuum of care. Design and Setting We obtained data from the National HIV Surveillance System of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine the number of persons living with HIV who are aware and unaware of their infection using back-calculation models. We calculated the percentage of persons linked to care within 3 months of diagnosis on the basis of CD4 level and viral load test results. We estimated the percentages of persons retained in care, prescribed antiretroviral therapy, and with viral suppression using data from the Medical Monitoring Project, a surveillance system of persons receiving HIV care in select areas representative of all such persons in the United States. Participants All HIV-infected persons in the United States. Main Outcomes and Measures Percentage of persons living with HIV who are aware of their infection, linked to care, retained in care, receiving antiretroviral therapy, and achieving viral suppression. Results Of the estimated 1 148 200 persons living with HIV in 2009 in the United States, 81.9% had been diagnosed, 65.8% were linked to care, 36.7% were retained in care, 32.7% were prescribed antiretroviral therapy, and 25.3% had a suppressed viral load (≤200 copies/mL). Overall, 857 276 persons with HIV had not achieved viral suppression, including 74.8% of male, 79.0% of black, 73.9% of Hispanic/Latino, and 70.3% of white persons. The percentage of blacks in each step of the continuum was lower than that for whites, but these differences were not statistically significant. Among persons with HIV who were 13 to 24 years of age, only 40.5% had received a diagnosis and 30.6% were linked to care. Persons aged 25 to 34, 35 to 44, and 45 to 54 years were all significantly less likely to achieve viral suppression than were persons aged 55 to 64 years. Conclusions and Relevance Significant age disparities exist at each step of the continuum of care. Additional efforts are needed to ensure that all persons with HIV receive a diagnosis and optimal care to reduce morbidity, mortality, disparities in care and treatment, and ultimately HIV transmission. Ensuring that people stay in care and receive treatment will increase the proportion of HIV-infected individuals who achieve and maintain a suppressed viral load.
Conditional Gene Expression in the Mouse Inner Ear Using Cre- loxP

In recent years, there has been significant progress in the use of Cre-loxP technology for conditional gene expression in the inner ear. Here, we introduce the basic concepts of this powerful technology, emphasizing the differences between Cre and CreER. We describe the creation and Cre expression pattern of each Cre and CreER mouse line that has been reported to have expression in auditory and vestibular organs. We compare the Cre expression patterns between Atoh1-CreERTM and Atoh1-CreERT2 and report a new line, Fgfr3-iCreERT2, which displays inducible Cre activity in cochlear supporting cells. We also explain how results can vary when transgenic vs. knock-in Cre/CreER alleles are used to alter gene expression. We discuss practical issues that arise when using the Cre-loxP system, such as the use of proper controls, Cre efficiency, reporter expression efficiency, and Cre leakiness. Finally, we introduce other methods for conditional gene expression, including Flp recombinase and the tetracycline-inducible system, which can be combined with Cre-loxP mouse models to investigate conditional expression of more than one gene.
A boltzmann equation for phonons and electrons

A Boltzmann equation is derived for electron and phonon transport in bounded systems, which is more reliable than the relaxation time approximate version of the transport equation. The corresponding cros-sections have non-azimuthal symmetry. This requires basically new solution techniques which will also be discussed. Fur Elektronen- und Phononentransport in berandeten Systemen wird eine Boltzmanngleichung hergeleitet, die das Transportproblem zuverlassiger beschreibt als die mittels der Relaxationszeitmethode approximierte Transportgleichung. Die dabei auftretenden Wirkungsquerschnitte erfordern neue Losungstechniken, die ebenfalls diskutiert werden.
A role for jasmonates in climacteric fruit ripening

Jasmonates are a class of oxylipins that induce a wide variety of higher-plant responses. To determine if jasmonates play a role in the regulation of climacteric fruit ripening, the effects of exogenous jasmonates on ethylene biosynthesis and color, as well as the endogenous concentrations of jasmonates were determined during the onset of ripening of apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Golden Delicious) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Cobra) fruit. Transient (12 h) treatment of pre-climacteric fruit discs with exogenous jasmonates at low concentration (1 or 10 μM) promoted ethylene biosynthesis and color change in a concentration-dependent fashion. Activities of both 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase and ACC synthase were stimulated by jasmonate treatments in this concentration range. The endogenous concentration of jasmonates increased transiently prior to the climacteric increase in ethylene biosynthesis during the onset of ripening of both apple and tomato fruit. The onset of tomato fruit ripening was also preceded by an increase in the percentage of the cis-isomer of jasmonic acid. Inhibition of ethylene action by diazocyclopentadiene negated the jasmonate-induced stimulation of ethylene biosynthesis, indicating jasmonates act at least in part via ethylene action. These results suggest jasmonates may play a role together with ethylene in regulating the early steps of climacteric fruit ripening.