cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internet video transmission via receiver-based congestion control mechanism (RCCM) and H.263+ frame rate control

A feedback-based Internet video transmission scheme based on the ITU-T H.263+ is presented. The proposed system is capable of continually adjusting the stream size to avoid the congestion in response to network condition changes. It consists of several major components such as TCP-friendly end- to-end congestion control with available bandwidth estimation, encoding frame rate control and transmission buffer smoothing at the server. These components are designed to meet the low computational complexity requirement so that the whole system can operate in real time. Among these, video-aware congestion control, which is called the receiver-based congestion control mechanism (RCCM), and the variable frame rate H.263+ encoding are the two key features. Through a seamless integration of these feature components, it is demonstrated that network adaptivity is enhanced to mitigate the packet loss and the bandwidth fluctuation, resulting in a smoother video experience at the receiver.
Composition and structure of the Co-Al interface for thin Co films deposited on Al(001) and Al(110) surfaces at room temperature

Abstract High-energy ion backscattering and channeling, combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) were used to characterize the interface thickness and composition for thin Co films deposited on Al(0 0 1) and Al(1 1 0) surfaces at room temperature. For the Al(0 0 1) surface, measurements of the backscattered ion yields from Al and Co show that substrate Al atoms are continuously displaced for Co coverages up to 3 ML (monolayer, ML), at which point Co metal begins to cover the mixed interface. Based on XPS intensity analysis, we conclude that a CoAl-like phase forms at the interface. A very diffuse LEED pattern with high background was observed after a deposition of 7.6 ML of Co. For the Al(1 1 0) surface, intermixing of Co and Al atoms was observed up to 5 ML of Co deposition, where Co metal begins to cover the interface. No LEED pattern was observed for any Co coverage exceeding 0.2 ML on the Al(1 1 0) surface. The interface thickness is about 10 A for both surfaces.
Measurement of the hot electron mean free path and the momentum relaxation rate in GaN

We present a method for measuring the mean free path and extracting the momentum relaxation time of hot electrons in GaN using the hot electron transistor (HET). In this device, electrons are injected over a high energy emitter barrier into the base where they experience quasi-ballistic transport well above the conduction band edge. After traversing the base, high energy electrons either surmount the base-collector barrier and become collector current or reflect off the barrier and become base current. We fabricate HETs with various base thicknesses and measure the common emitter transfer ratio (α) for each device. The mean free path is extracted by fitting α to a decaying exponential as a function of base width and the relaxation time is computed using a suitable injection velocity. For devices with an injection energy of ∼1 eV, we measure a hot electron mean free path of 14 nm and calculate a momentum relaxation time of 16 fs. These values are in agreement with theoretical calculations where longitudinal optical phonon scattering is the dominant momentum relaxation mechanism.
Content protection for games

In this paper we review the state of the art in content protection for video games by describing the capabilities and shortcomings of currently deployed solutions. In an attempt to address some of the open issues, we present two novel approaches. The first approach uses branch-based software watermarking to discourage and detect piracy through a registration-based system. In the second approach, based on the parallels between games and premium audio and video content, we propose the use of current physical-media copy-protection technologies for gaming content. In particular, we focus on broadcast encryption technology. The use of an open, standard-based architecture enables the development of a more restrictive protection system for games. Finally, we demonstrate how the proposed protection mechanisms can be applied to video-game copy protection through five scenarios.
The indirect action of ions upon amino acid transport system L in the S37 cell

Abstract The uptake into S37 ascites cells of an L-system specific analog, 2-amino-bicyclo-(3,2,1)-octanecarboxylic acid (ABOCA), wasinconsistently inhibited by deletion of sodium ion from the incubation medium. We note that there have been conflicting reports from various other laboratories as to the effect of sodium ion on the transport of L-system specific analogs. The uptake of labeled exo-2-aminobicyclo-(2.2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH) wasalso diminished by the removal of sodium from the medium. The Km values for these substrates were increased and νmax values decreased as the sodium ion concentration was decreased or abolished. Transport behavior was also found to be affected by varying the medium potassium ion concentration with valinomycin present. The sodium effect was abolished by preincubation with cyanide and deoxyglucose. The results suggest an indirect effect of sodium ion upon transport system L: system L is energetically supported by a membrane potential.
Proof That Unsuccessful Speculators Confer Less Benefit to Society Than Their Losses

It is well known that successful speculation can be a boon to society, whether or not the successful speculator is ruled to be the legitimate appropriator of his profits. It is also understood that unsuccessful speculation can naturally impose losses on the unsuccessful speculator himself. Little, however, is known about the effect of the unsuccessful speculator on the rest of society: one view is that the others gain what he loses, so that in a sense he is their benefactor and only his own enemy; a more plausible view is that his loss must in some sense exceed the gain splashed on others. Nothing seems to have been proved in a rigorous way in this matter.Here, the problem is subjected to mathematical analysis. It is shown that others do definitely gain from an act of unsuccessful speculation, thus providing rigorous proof of what has long been surmised. But it is also shown that their gain is necessarily less, in an objective sense, than the loss to the speculator himself. Indeed, in the model of unnecessary positive carryover of grain into the future, the gain to the nonspeculators is proved to be actually of a second-order of smallness of infinitesimals compared to the speculator's loss.
Facial injections of pruritogens and algogens excite partly overlapping populations of primary and second-order trigeminal neurons in mice.

Intradermal cheek injection of pruitogens or algogens differentially elicits hindlimb scratching or forelimb wiping, suggesting that these behaviors distinguish between itch and pain. We studied whether pruritogens and algogens excite separate or overlapping populations of primary afferent and second-order trigeminal neurons in mice. Calcium imaging of primary sensory trigeminal ganglion (TG) cells showed that 15.4% responded to histamine, 5.8% to the protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 agonist, 13.4% to allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), and 36.7% to capsaicin. AITC and/or capsaicin activated the vast majority of histamine- and PAR-2 agonist–sensitive TG cells. A chemical search strategy identified second-order neurons in trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) responsive to histamine, the PAR-2 agonist, or AITC. A minority of histamine or PAR-2 agonist–responsive Vc neurons responded to the other pruritogen, whereas a large majority of puritogen-responsive Vc neurons responded to capsaicin and/or AITC. A minority of AITC-responsive Vc neurons responded to pruritogens, whereas most responded to capsaicin. These data indicate that most primary and higher-order trigeminal sensory neurons are activated by both pruritic and algesic stimuli, although a minority exhibit selectivity. The results are discussed in terms of population codes for itch and pain that result in distinct behavioral responses of hindlimb scratching and forelimb wiping that are mediated at lumbar and cervical segmental levels, respectively.
Analysis of the pentafluorobenzoyl derivative of phenylethylamine utilizing negative ion chemical ionization and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

A negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) mass spectrometric procedure has been developed to measure phenylethylamine in human urine as the pentafluorobenzoyl derivative. The aromatic amine was isolated from alkaline urine by hexane and ethyl acetate extraction followed by a back-extraction into diluted acid. The acid extract was lyophilized and the residue derivatized with (2,3,4,5,6)-pentafluorobenzoyl chloride. Quantification was achieved by comparing the peak areas of the [M HF]− ion to a ratio of internal and external standards. The phenylethylamine levels excreted by normal subjects and patients with phenylketonuria were found to be consistent with previous reports.
A review of organic electrochromic fabric devices

Electrochromic fabric devices represent a further extension to the plethora of available literature on conductive fabrics. This article contains a brief overview of electrochromic devices, electrochromic polymers, conductive materials, conductive fabrics, and electrochromic fabric devices. A tabulated list of the perceived colour of a number of electrochromic polymers that is contained herein is designed to serve as an aide to colour mixing studies. The challenges of optimisation and commercialisatiion of electrochromic fabric devices and their mitigating factors are conjectured, along with some future potential applications for electrochromic fabric device technologies.
A focussing DIRC with avalanche photodiodes

Abstract We report on recent developments of an optical focussing system for a Detection of Internally Reflected Cherenkov light. We attempt to optimize the Cherenkov ring image to match the size constraints of a new generation of micro-avalanche photodiodes.
NMR structural studies of the myristoylated N‐terminus of ADP ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6)

Arf proteins are guanine nucleotide binding proteins that are implicated in endocytotic pathways and vesicle trafficking. The two widely studied isoforms of Arf proteins (Arf1 and Arf6) have different cellular functions and localizations but similar structures. Arf proteins have an N-terminal helix with a covalently bound myristoyl group. Except structural models, there are no three dimensional structures of the myristoylated N-terminal peptide or the intact myristoylated Arf proteins. However, understanding the role of both the myristoyl group and the N-terminal helix based on the details of their molecular structures is of great interest. In the solution structure of myristoylated N-terminal peptide of Arf6 described here, the myristoyl group folds toward the N-terminus to interact with the hydrophobic residues in particular, the phenyl ring. Also, the structure of the dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelle-bound of the peptide together with paramagnetic studies showed that the myristoyl group is inserted into the micelle while residues V4-G10 interact with the surface of the micelle. The structural differences between the unbound and micelle-bound myristoylated N-terminal peptide of Arf6 involves the myristoyl group and the side chains of the hydrophobic residues.
Stable transformation of maize after gene transfer by electroporation

The graminaceous monocots, including the economically important cereals, seem to be refractory to infection by Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a natural gene transfer system that has been successfully exploited for transferring foreign genes into higher plants. Therefore, direct transfer techniques that are potentially applicable to all plant species have been developed using a few dicot and monocot species as model systems. One of these techniques, electroporation, uses electrical pulses of high field strength to permeabilize cell membranes reversibly so as to facilitate the transfer of DNA into cells. Electroporation-mediated gene transfer has resulted in stably transformed animal cells and transient gene expression in monocot and dicot plant cells. Here we report that electroporation-mediated DNA transfer of a chimaeric gene encoding neomycin phosphotransferase results in stably transformed maize cells that are resistant to kanamycin.
Sediment transport on the Palos Verdes shelf over seasonal to decadal time scales

Abstract We combine direct observations, longer-term wave data, and model calculations to characterize resuspension and transport of fine-grained, effluent-affected sediment on the Palos Verdes shelf. Near-bed waves, currents, and suspended sediment concentrations were monitored during the winter of 1992–93 with a bottom tripod and current-meter mooring at a 63-m-deep site. Wave conditions that winter were moderate (∼2 year recurrence interval), and mean current was alongshelf to the northwest; currents were not significantly correlated with wave conditions. Seven wave events during the winter (December–March) produced near-bed wave orbital velocities at the study site in excess of 14 cm s −1 , the observed threshold for significant resuspension. Three of these events occurred during the bottom tripod deployment and are characterized by the highest persistent suspended sediment concentrations in the tripod record. Suspended sediment flux was alongshelf to the northwest for 5 of the 6 wave events for which current data were available; one event occurred during low southeast currents. Measured suspended sediment concentration and grain size generally agree with values that were calculated using a shelf sediment transport model with no adjustment of parameters from values determined for two muddy sites on the northern California shelf. We extend our seasonal observations to a period of almost 2 decades by applying the observed thresholds for wave-driven resuspension to near-bed wave conditions calculated from NDBC Buoy 46025 surface wave data. An average of 10 resuspension events per year, with an average duration of 1.6 days, were identified at a water depth of 60 m; the number of events dropped to 3 per year at 90 m, beyond the shelf break. For the majority of these events, calculated net suspended sediment flux is toward the northwest (alongshelf) at an average rate of 140 kg m −1 h −1 ; about a third of the events have net southeastward flux at an average rate of 30 kg m −1 h −1 . The calculated thickness of the resuspended surface layer of the bed was less than 1 cm for all events at 60 m.
Recoil properties of Ta isotopes produced in the interaction of high-energy protons with Bi and U

Thick-target thick-catcher recoil properties were determined for neutron-deficient Ta isotopes produced in the interaction of 0.45- and 11.5-GeV protons with Bi and U. The production mechanism was shown to be a binary mass division process at 0.45 GeV. At 11.5 GeV, either a high-excitation-energy ("deep") spallation process or a fission process from light nuclei is a possible mechanism. The half-life of $^{179}\mathrm{Ta}$, measured on two samples over a period of two years, was determined to be 588 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 10 days.
Sodium transport in human erythrocytes— Absence of an effect of prostaglandin E1

Abstract In contrast to a previous report (1) in which prostaglandin E1 was reported to produce a significant decrease in the extracellular sodium concentration when human erythrocytes were incubated in plasma, we have demonstrated that prostaglandin E1 has no significant effect on either sodium outflux or sodium influx in human erythrocytes in vitro .
Identification of Genomic Predictors of Atrioventricular Conduction: Using Electronic Medical Records as a Tool for Genome Science

Background—Recent genome-wide association studies in which selected community populations are used have identified genomic signals in SCN10A influencing PR duration. The extent to which this can be demonstrated in cohorts derived from electronic medical records is unknown. Methods and Results—We performed a genome-wide association study on 2334 European American patients with normal ECGs without evidence of prior heart disease from the Vanderbilt DNA databank, BioVU, which accrues subjects from routine patient care. Subjects were identified by combinations of natural language processing, laboratory queries, and billing code queries of deidentified medical record data. Subjects were 58% female, of mean (±SD) age 54±15 years, and had mean PR intervals of 158±18 ms. Genotyping was performed with the use of the Illumina Human660W-Quad platform. Our results identify 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs6800541, rs6795970, rs6798015, rs7430477) linked to SCN10A associated with PR interval (P=5.73×10−7 to 1.78×1...
Radiometric calibration of the Scripps Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera

As part of the Triana mission, the Scripps Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (Scripps-EPIC) will view the full sunlit side of Earth from the Lagrange-1 point. The National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, in collaboration with the contractor, Lockheed-Martin, planned the radiometric calibration of Scripps-EPIC. The measurements for this radiometric calibration were selected based upon the optical characteristics of Scripps-EPIC, the measurement equation relating signal to spectral radiance, and the available optical sources and calibrated radiometers. The guiding principle for the calibration was to perform separate, controlled measurements for each parameter in the measurement equation, namely dark signal, linearity, exposure time, and spectral radiance responsivity.
Consistent properties of composite formation under a binary relation

The object of this paper is to characterize binary relations by their consistent composite formation properties. Systems composed of a binary relation between lattices are studied. A group of dual and inverse operators are defined on such systems. Twelve containment properties of a binary relation in a system are then defined and a thirteenth property is defined for the special case of Boolean algebras. All consistent combinations of the binary values of the properties are determined by the use of reduction theorems and by the construction of example systems. There are 147 consistent combinations of property values. Diagrams of a minimum set of forty representative example systems are displayed. Examples for all 147 cases can be generated from the representative systems by the group of system transformations.
Prehospital cardiac arrest--a critical analysis of factors affecting survival.

Abstract During a 10-year period, 5631 cardiac arrests were treated in our paramedic system. In all, 4216 resuscitations were attempted, of which 533 (12.6%) resulted in saves, defined as hospital discharges. Patients presenting with an initial rhythm of coarse ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia were found to have significantly increased save rates in comparison to those presenting with an initial arrest rhythm of asystole/fine ventricular fibrillation or electromechanical dissociation ( P ⩽ 0.01). When controlling for witnessed arrest, 303 of 1905 (15.9%) of all witnessed arrests were saves vs. 230 of 2311 (10%) of unwitnessed arrests ( P ⩽ 0.01). Witnessed bystander/first responder external cardiac compression- cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECC-CPR) was found not to influence save rate. One hundred eighty-one of 1248 bystander/first responder witnessed arrests (14.5%) who had external ECC-CPR initiated before paramedic advanced life support arrival were saves, compared with 38 of 252 (15.1%) who had no ECC-CPR initiated until paramedic arrival; this was not statistically significant. Advanced life support response times in saved patients with witnessed cardiac arrests were analyzed. Ninety-five percent of all saves had a response time of less than 10 min. We conclude that, when evaluating the effectiveness of CPR, the variables of witnessing of arrest, presenting arrest rhythm, and respective response times must be controlled or analyzed.
Optimal coverage for incompletely reliable insurance

Abstract Optimal actuarially fair coverage of insurance subject to default risk can be less or more than full, depending upon the relation between the recovery rate under default and a positive trigger level that is independent of the insured's risk preference.
Mucinous Breast Carcinoma: Occult Multifocality/Multicentricity in a Favorable Disease.

Purpose: Mucinous carcinoma is a distinctive tumor that reportedly has a very favorable prognosis. Accordingly, investigators have recommended that patients be treated with minimal effective therapy rather than maximum tolerated treatment. However, previous reports have been limited by small sample sizes and very short follow-up intervals. We have previously reported outcomes for a mature data set with long term follow-up and now perform the current analysis to emphasize comprehensive multidisciplinary management in an era of minimal effective therapy for so-called favorable disease.Methods and Materials: We retrospectively reviewed charts for 264 patients with a pure mucinous carcinoma diagnosis at our institution from 1965-2005. Multidisciplinary management is emphasized for all patients at our institution including this patient cohort. All pathology was centrally reviewed. Overall survival, DM-free survival, and local-regional control were compared using Kaplan Meier method and log rank statistics.Results: Median age was 57 years (range 25-89). Median follow-up was 168 months. 86% of patients were stage T2 or less. Patients who were lymph node negative compared with 1-3 LN+, or 4 or more LN+ were 80%, 15%, and 5% respectively. 44% received BCT while the remainder underwent mastectomy. 51% of all patients received XRT. No patient in this cohort received partial breast irradiation. 10% of patients had an initial multicentric/multifocal presentation. However, a detailed pathology review revealed a 38% multifocal/multicentric disease rate after surgical resection. The occult tumors were not initially detected by mammography or ultrasonography.5, 10, and 15 year OS, DMFS, and LRC rates for all patients were: 95%/88%/83%; 97%/95%/92%; and 97%/94%/85% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in OS, DMFS, or LRC based upon surgical management by mastectomy in comparison with BCT. Likewise, there was no statistically significant improvement in OS or DMFS with utilization of whole breast XRT. There was, however, a trend for improved LRC in patients who received XRT (p=0.06) in comparison with patients who underwent mastectomy or BCT without XRT.Conclusions: This large series of patients diagnosed with pure mucinous breast carcinoma demonstrates potentially favorable prognosis. However, this is the first known report of an association with significant occult multicentricity/multifocality. In an era of minimal effective cancer therapy which includes no additional treatment post resection in favorable histology, and partial breast XRT in favorable histology, multidisciplinary management inclusive of pathology and diagnostic imaging is recommended. Current treatment guidelines should reflect that before omitting whole breast XRT, patients should have pathologic and radiologic intraoperative correlation and MRI should be a consideration in efforts to identify potential occult disease. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 4117.
Acute functional deterioration in a child with cerebral palsy

We describe a case of acute functional deterioration in a 13-year-old girl with severe spastic diplegia (GMFCS III) and a new diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). She presented with acute deterioration in mobility and motor function over 1 month, which was associated with dysarthria, dysphagia and behavioural change. Her mother had noticed subtle functional deterioration over the 2 months prior to this. Her physiotherapist who was concerned about her acute functional deterioration referred her for emergency review. Neurological imaging revealed a diffuse pontine lesion consistent with DIPG. She was subsequently referred to oncology. She deteriorated further, clinically, over the next few days and following discussion with the team; her family opted for palliative treatment, given the poor prognosis associated with DIPG.
Spatial characterization of the thermal-induced phase transformation throughout as-deposited additive manufactured NiTi bulk builds

Transformation temperatures in NiTi shape memory alloys fabricated by laser based directed energy deposition with substrate heating were measured via differential scanning calorimetry. Elementally blended Ni and Ti powders produced Ni-poor (Ti53.1Ni46.9 at.%) and Ni-rich (Ni52.4Ti47.6 at.%) builds. Build volumes approaching three times the largest to date were fabricated, and specimens were extracted at selected locations to spatially resolve temperatures. Measurements were equivalent throughout as-deposited builds, and the dependence on Ni concentration corresponded to observations for conventionally processed alloys.
The iq controversy: A reply to Layzer

The publication of David Layzer’s ‘Science or superstition?’ in the previous issue of this journal brings to 120 the total number of articles and books provoked by my article in the Harvard education review (Jensen, 1969a). A bibliography of these items appears in my recent book Genetics and education (Jensen, 1972~) the Preface to which also provides a chronicle of my involvement in ‘the IQ controversy’. This book, together with my more recently published Educability and group differences (Jensen, 1973) actually give my detailed answers to practically all of the questions, criticisms, and issues raised in Layzer’s article. I therefore urge readers who wish to gain a greater understanding of these matters, and of my own position concerning their educational implications, to delve into these books and see for themselves just what I am saying completely and in context. This is important because it is a common feature of so many of the criticisms of my position that they have had to misrepresent it and distort it, at times in ridiculous ways, in order to criticize it with the appearance of discrediting my main arguments. In this, Layzer’s critique is no exception. Whatever the acumen that Layzer, as a physical scientist, might be able to bring to bear in this field if he were not so politically or ideologically involved, his article makes it all too obvious that he is very one-sided in the exercise of his critical judgment. In discussing the rationale and findings of studies which point to the strong involvement of genetic factors in the distribution of mental ability, Layzer assumes the posture of an extreme methodological blue-nose. Yet he shows total suspension of his critical powers when dealing with studies which he perceives (at times wrongly) as lending support to his ‘environmentalist’ and ‘anti-hereditarian’ attitudes. I am not arguing with Layzer’s political and social egalitarianism. But, I am saying that genetic equality of human abilities is an altogether untenable belief in view of the evidence we already possess, as untenable as the geocentric theory in astronomy or the doctrine of special creation in biology. I find nothing in Layzer’s article that contradicts my main conclusions regarding the inheritance of mental
The morphology and wear of the lingual notch in macaques and langurs

Although interspecific differences in the relative development of molar occlusal features have been documented for most primate species, wear-related changes in these features are only beginning to be understood. In the present study, the notch between the metaconid and entoconid of M2 was examined in a skeletal sample of Macaca fascicularis, presbytis cristatus, and Presbytis rubicunda from the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University. Photogrammetric analyses yielded X, Y, and Z coordinates that were used to compute three angular measurements and two length measurements at the lingual notch. Statistical analyses of measurements from unworn dentitions indicated that the mesial slope of the entoconid is steeper than the distal slope of the metaconid in all three species. In addition, interspecific comparisons demonstrated that P. cristatus has the steepest lingual notch bordered by the largest molar shearing crests, while P. rubicunda and M. fascicularis have molar shearing crests of similar size, with P. rubicunda merely having higher cusps that are closer together than those of M. fascicularis. Finally, P. cristatus shows a smaller decrease in lingual cusp relief with wear than M. fascicularis, while P. cristatus and P. rubicunda probably show similar decreases in lingual cusp relief with wear. The differences in wear-related changes in lingual cusp relief between M. fascicularis and P. cristatus may well be related to the frugivorous/folivorous dietary differences between these species.
Agreement between ultrasound and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in assessing percentage body fat in college-aged adults

Summary Background The BodyMetrix® BX-2000 Ultrasound device (ULTRA) shows prowess in being an effective alternative to the expense and technicality of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). However, this technique has not been investigated using a seven-site methodology. Subject/Objective To employ a cross-over design to investigate the agreement between ULTRA using a seven-site methodology and DXA in assessing body fat (%BF) in a normal-weight sample of college-age men and women. Methods: Subjects (n = 84, BMI = 23·6 ± 3·6 kg m−², age = 23·0 ± 4·7 years) participated in this study with %BF measurements following the manufacturer's specifications. Results Significant differences were observed between methods with ULTRA less than DXA (difference = 4·4 ± 0·8%, t-statistic = 7·27, P<0·001) with no difference between men and women. Conclusion The current study showed that ULTRA using a seven-site methodology did not agree with DXA in measuring %BF. Thus, this investigational ULTRA methodology might not be appropriate in estimating %BF in this population.
Crystal pulling using acrt

Abstract A method is formulated to apply the “Accelerated Crucible (and Crystal) Rotation Technique” to the Czochralski method in order to produce crystals of improved homogeneity. The pulling velocity has to be adjusted to the change of the surface of the melt, which is caused by the variation of centrifugal forces during periodic acceleration and deceleration of the crucible. An analytic expression is derived connecting the angular velocity of the crucible with the change in shape of the liquid surface. This is verified by simulation experiments. The simple technical realization of automatic level (and diameter) control of the pulled crystal is indicated, and the maximum size of the growing crystal (which is limited by stresses acting on the seed crystal) is estimated.
Conservative treatment of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of prostatic urethra with intravesical BCG

We reviewed 125 male patients treated with a six-week course of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for superficial transitional cell cancer (TCC) of the bladder that was associated with mucosal involvement of the prostatic urethra in 15 cases. In 13 of these cases, there was a sustained complete response in both the bladder and the prostate. Among the other 110 patients, in 14 TCC developed in the prostate from one to fifty-three (mean 15) months after completion of BCG. Six of these 14 had had complete response in the bladder. Recurrent TCC in the prostate was seen in only 4 percent and 6 percent of patients who had prostatic urethritis on cystoscopy and prostatic granulomas on biopsy, respectively. In contrast, recurrence was observed in 14 percent of those without urethritis and in 44 percent of those without granulomas. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) prior to BCG did not appear to influence tumor recurrence in the prostate. However, after BCG, 3 patients with recurrent TCC in the prostate had complete local response after TURP alone. Further, prostatic urethritis (73%) and prostatic granulomas (60%) were more frequent among patients who had TURP prior to BCG than in those without TURP (33% and 27%, respectively). Superficial TCC of the bladder associated with mucosal involvement of the prostatic urethra can be treated successfully with intravesical BCG. In addition, our results suggest that intravesical BCG has a prophylactic effect on tumor recurrence in the prostate, and that TURP may have an important role by removing present disease and by facilitating the development of an effective biologic response to BCG in the prostate. TCC in the prostate is a significant cause of relapse, and frequent surveillance of the prostatic urethra should be performed in conservatively treated patients with superficial bladder cancer.
Principles of sound right-of-way vegetation management

Right-of-ways occupy a vast acreage of our landscape where vegetation management is necessary. On these areas indiscriminate use of chemical weed killers is widespread even with sound ecological techniques readily available. The application of sound management would not only benefit the utility with reduced costs on a long-range basis but also result in high conservation values to the nation.
Heme oxygenase-1: A provenance for cytoprotective pathways in the kidney and other tissues

Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the degradation of heme, converting heme to biliverdin, during which iron is released and carbon monoxide (CO) is emitted; biliverdin is subsequently converted to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. At least two isozymes possess HO activity: HO-1 represents the isozyme induced by diverse stressors, including ischemia, nephrotoxins, cytokines, endotoxin, oxidants, and vasoactive substances; HO-2 is the constitutive, glucocorticoid-inducible isozyme. HO-1 is upregulated in the kidney in assorted conditions and diseases. Interest in HO is driven by the capacity of this system to protect the kidney against injury, a capacity likely reflecting, at least in part, the cytoprotective properties of its products: in relatively low concentrations, CO exerts vasorelaxant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects while bile pigments are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory metabolites. This article reviews the HO system and the extent to which it influences the function of the healthy kidney; it summarizes conditions and stimuli that elicit HO-1 in the kidney; and it explores the significance of renal expression of HO-1 as induced by ischemia, nephrotoxins, nephritides, transplantation, angiotensin II, and experimental diabetes. This review also points out the tissue specificity of the HO system, and the capacity of HO-1 to induce renal injury in certain settings. Studies of HO in other tissues are discussed insofar as they aid in elucidating the physiologic and pathophysiologic significance of the HO system in the kidney.
Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator administration in community hospitals facilitated by telestroke service.

BACKGROUND Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Despite the proven benefits of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA), only a small percentage of patients who have had a stroke (3.4%-5.2%) receive this US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy. OBJECTIVE To prospectively assess the impact of a telestroke network on the rate of IV-tPA administration in patients with acute ischemic stroke in community hospitals. METHODS Thomas Jefferson University Hospital has developed a telestroke system providing acute stroke care in 28 community hospitals within the region (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware). Telemedicine consultations are delivered through Remote Presence robotic technology. RESULTS A total of 1643 telemedicine stroke consultations were provided between January 2011 and June 2012. The mean interval from consultation request to telemedicine response was 12.0 minutes. The overall rate of IV-tPA use was 14% among all stroke consultations. A total of 237 patients (14.4%) were determined to be eligible for intravenous thrombolysis. Of those, 97% received IV-tPA. Most hospitals (82%) within the telemedicine program reported an increase in IV-tPA use (mean increase, 55%). The proportion of patients transferred to a primary stroke center after teleconsultation decreased from 44% in the first 2 quarters of 2011 to 19% in the first 2 quarters of 2012 (P < .001). CONCLUSION Implementing a telestroke system facilitates high rates of intravenous thrombolysis in patients who have had a stroke in community hospitals within a relatively short time frame. These results are higher than the national average rate (3.4%-5.2%) and support the implementation of telestroke networks for wider access to stroke expertise in underserved regions.
Understanding challenges in non-visual interaction with travel sites: An exploratory field study with blind users

Millions of blind people cannot use travel sites effectively due to the significant access and usability barriers. Literature recognizes that travel sites lack accessibility and usability, but does not clarify the nature of interaction challenges blind users face. We conducted an exploratory field study with blind participants to examine where, how and why challenges arose in searching for flights on the Orbitz travel site. We employed verbal protocol analysis to generate an in-depth, contextually-situated and experiential understanding of participants’ interaction challenges. Results establish the feasibility and utility of our approach for an accurate evaluation of accessibility and usability of travel sites for blind users.
Ethanol enhancement of cocaine-induced hepatotoxicity.

Abstract Ethanol administration (4.3% ethanol in a liquid diet for 5 days) to adult male mice produced a peak blood ethanol concentration of 180 mg/100 ml and resulted in a significant increase in hepatic cytochrome P-450 levels. Ethanol treatment significantly reduced cocaine-induced acute lethality from 67 to 23 per cent. However, ethanol treatment resulted in a potentiation of a latent (1–7 day) cocaine-induced toxicity characterized by hepatic dysfunction, as monitored by serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) activity, and a profound centrilobular necrosis. The minimum dose of cocaine that caused elevations of SGPT activity was 20 mg/kg, i.p.; maximum elevations of SGPT activity were produced by a dose of 40 mg/kg, i.p. The peak elevations of SGPT activity were seen between 24 and 30 hr following adminstration of cocaine. Frank hepatic necrosis was seen following administration of 30 mg/kg of cocaine. Ethanol potentiation of cocaine-induced hepatoxicity was dependent on induction of the hepatic cytochrome P-450 mixed function oxidase enzyme system. The intralobular location of the cocaine-induced hepatic necrosis was also dependent upon the inducing agent used. Ethanol potentiated the cocaine-induced delayed toxicity presumably by enhancing its biotransformation to a chemically reactive intermediate metabolite that produced the hepatic centrilobular necrosis.
Long-term effects of dopamine-depleting brain lesions on spontaneous activity of type II striatal neurons: Relation to behavioral recovery

The long-term effects of dopamine (DA)-depleting brain lesions on behavior and spontaneuos activity of Type II striatal neurons were measured in rats after intraventricular injection of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Spontaneous firing rates were increased relative to control values when recorded 4–8 days or 4–6 weeks postlesion in animals displaying aphagaia, adipsia and akinesia. In contrast, spontaneous activity was not increased when recorded 4–6 weeks after the lesion in animals that had recovered from behavioral deficits. Other animals that had recovered from the effects of an earlier 6-OHDA treatment were given either a second injection of 6-OHDA or a systemic injection of haloperidol, a DA receptor antagonist. In both groups, discharge rates were elevated relative to control levels in association with a reinstatement of behavioral deficits. These results demonstrate that behavioral recovery after large DA-depleting brain lesions is associated with a return of spontaneous activity of striatal neurons to normal levels, and suggest that both behavioral and electrophysiological measures are dependent on the functioning of residual elements of the DA system.
On candidates selection for hysteresis thresholds in edge detection

Manual determination of hysteresis thresholds is time-consuming. Several methods approach the problem of unsupervised determination of edge detector parameters, but they require human intervention to establish the initial range of values in which to detect the best parameter value and the result depends on the range of values initially used. In this paper, a method is proposed to determine candidates to hysteresis thresholds in an unsupervised manner. The method provides a criterion to reduce in a significant way the number of initial values to be considered as threshold candidates. The proposed method can be applied to any feature image provided by an edge detector upon which hysteresis must be implemented.
Biochemical characterization of netrin-synergizing activity

The netrin-1 protein elicits spinal commissural axon outgrowth and turning in vitro and has been shown to be required for commissural axon guidance in vivo in the developing spinal cord. Biochemical observations made during the purification of netrin-1 suggest that this ligand and its receptor, DCC, may not function alone in directing commissural axon guidance. Recombinant netrin-1 protein is approximately 10 times more active in eliciting axon outgrowth from embryonic day (E) 13 rat dorsal spinal cord explants than from E11 rat dorsal spinal cord explants (Serafini, T., Kennedy, T. E., Galko, M. J., Mirzayan, C., Jessell, T. M., and Tessier-Lavigne, M. (1994) Cell 78, 409-424) even though the starting material for the netrin purification, a high salt extract of E10 chicken brain membranes, is equally active on E13 and E11 explants. We previously reported an activity termed netrin-synergizing activity (NSA) that can potentiate the outgrowth-promoting activity of netrin-1 on E11 explants (Serafini et al.). Here we report a biochemical characterization of NSA in netrin-depleted high salt extracts of E10 chicken brain membranes. We provide evidence that NSA is composed of a denaturation-resistant basic protein(s) in the 25-35-kDa size range. We also provide evidence that the activity may be heterogeneous, splitting into three species that may be distinct or related. The results reported here should facilitate purification of this activity from a more abundant source or identification of the activity based on similarity to known proteins that share its distinctive biochemical properties.
STM and XPS investigation of molecular electronics bonded to substrates

The interest in organic based molecular electronics has spurred new attempts to control electronic properties of single molecules. We are approaching this goal by looking at two systems: conductivity of thiol-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and phenylene ethynylene oligomers deposited on Au surfaces, and viabil ity of covalently tethering molecules to Si substrates. In both cases, the molecules have extended conjugated π-systems. In this report, we will present results of scanning tunneling microscope investigation of oligo (phenylene ethynylene) (OPE) inserted between molecules of monolayers of dodecanethiol self assembled on Au(111)/mica substrates, and XPS results of phenylacetylene and 1 -bromo-2-ethynylbenzene attached to Si (111) substrates. The investigated OPE are both unsubstituted and substituted with a single -NO 2 group on the central ring [4,4'-(diethynylphenyl)-2'-nitro-1-benzenethiolate] inserted in the defects of dodecanethiol SAMs. The conductivity of those systems attached to Au varies as a function of time. Our results show no particular dependence of this variable conductivity on substitution and structure of the monolayer. In addition, preliminary experiments have been performed attaching phenylacetylene and l-bromo-2-ethynylenebenzene to variously doped hydrogen terminated Si(111) surfaces in-situ using UV photon assisted propagation reactions. The object is to determine how the conductivity through the molecules depends upon the relative alignment of the substrate conduction and valence bands and the molecular bonding and antibonding levels.
Difficulties in Evaluating Coronary Artery Lesions

L'evaluation peut etre amelioree par l'angiographie des arteres epicardiques ainsi que par l'echocardiographie epicardiaque
Archaeological manioc (Manihot) from Coastal Peru

Preserved remains of manioc(Manihot) from 6 archaeological sites in the Casma Valley of Peru are illustrated and described. The combined collections from these sites total 197 pieces of root, 32 bark fragments, 22 pieces of stem, 4 capsules, and 2 leaf twigs. Based on radiocarbon assays, the specimens range in age from 1800 B.C. to A.D. 1532. This collection of sweet manioc is unique for its age, number, and wealth of different plant parts. A theory on the place of origin and time of domestication of these ancient cultivars is given in the conclusions of this paper.
Xanthine oxidase inhibitors improve energetics and function after infarction in failing mouse hearts

After myocardial infarction, ventricular geometry and function, as well as energy metabolism, change markedly. In nonischemic heart failure, inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO) improves mechanoener...
Microsporogenesis in Manihot esculenta

Microsporogenesis was investigated in selected cultivars of Manihot esculenta being cultivated at the Instituto Interamericano de Ciencias Agricolas in Turrialba, Costa Rica. The course of microsporogenesis was found to be “normal” in these cultivars and various stages of the process were recorded.
Dopamine receptor occupancy in vivo: Measurement using N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1, 2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ)

Abstract N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1, 2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) inactivates a variety of monoamine neurotransmitter receptors. In this report, protection against EEDQ-induced inactivation of D-1 and D-2 DA receptors by DA antagonists and agonists was used to obtain a measure of occupancy of these receptors in vivo by such drugs. Rats were pretreated with drugs and then given EEDQ (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Twenty-four hours after the EEDQ injections, the animals were decapitated and the number of receptors remaining was measured using conventional receptor binding assays. The D-1 antagonist SCH 23390 potently protected D-1 sites from EEDQ-induced inactivation in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, No-756, another D-1 antagonist, selectively protected D-1 sites from inactivation. Conversely, haloperidol, a relatively selective D-2 antagonist, protected D-2 sites from inactivation. Likewise, a number of antipsychotic DA antagonists also protected D-2 sites from inactivation. Clozapine, fluperlapine, and (+) butaclamol were effective at protecting both D-1 sites and D-2 sites. In addition, the D-1 agonist SKF 38393 protected D-1 sites from EEDQ-induced inactivation, whereas the D-2 agonist quinpirole protected D-2 sites. (−) Apomorphine, a mixed D-1/D-2 agonist, protected both sites. Thus, this type of method provides a a simple means of evaluating the occupation of DA receptors by DA antagonists and agonists in vivo .