cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II-mediated signal transduction pathways

The renin-angiotensin system is one of the major cardiovascular systems that controls blood volume, peripheral vascular tone, and blood pressure. Recent studies indicate important roles for angiotensin II in inflammation, atherosclerosis, and congestive heart failure as well. It is gradually becoming clear that angiotensin II exerts effects on the cardiovascular system through several unique mechanisms, including the availability of two different angiotensin II receptors, recruitment of protein tyrosine kinase activity, and receptor tyrosine kinase transactivation. This review discusess the diverse mechanisms of angiotensin II-mediated signal transduction pathways and the various effects of angiotensin II on the cardiovascular system.
An Instrumental Variable Method for Continuous-Time Transfer Function Model Identification With Application to Controller Auto-Tuning

An instrumental variable algorithm is presented that estimates the coefficients of a continuous transfer function model directly from sampled data. The algorithm is based on instrumental variables extracted from an auxiliary model and input and output signal derivatives estimated by filtered difference equations. As a result, this method does not require any prior knowledge of the output noise. To ensure the validity of the filtered derivative estimates, a criterion based on the Nyquist frequency and the system bandwidth is established. Then the concept of asymptotic consistency is applied to the proposed instrumental variable algorithm to identify the conditions for convergence of the model parameter estimates. Specifically, the asymptotic consistency conditions impose a continuous and persistent exciting constraint on the input signal. This is analogous to the persistent excitation condition for identification of discrete models. The proposed instrumental variable algorithm is demonstrated within an auto-tuning algorithm for feedback controllers based on plant inversion. In this application, the algorithm is only suitable for lower-order transfer functions that are minimum-phase and stable. These types of systems are common in industrial applications for manufacturing and process control. Here, the algorithm is experimentally validated for automatic tuning of the idle speed controller on a 4.6L Ford V-8 spark ignition engine.
Relationship between obesity and race in predicting adverse pathologic variables in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives. To determine whether obesity is associated with more advanced prostate cancer (PCa) in radical prostatectomy patients and to explore the ethnic variability in body mass index (BMI) as a potential explanation for racial differences in PCa risk. Methods. A multi-institutional retrospective analysis of the clinical and pathologic parameters was performed on data from 860 patients with PCa undergoing radical prostatectomy between 1992 and 1998. Patient height and weight was used to calculate the BMI, which categorized patients into obese (BMI 30 kg/m2 or greater), overweight (BMI 25 to 30 kg/m2), and normal (BMI 25 kg/m2 or less) groups. Age, serum prostate-specific antigen level, pathologic stage, and Gleason score for each group were compared. The distribution of the BMI in each of four ethnic groups was also determined. Results. Of 860 patients, 171 (20%) were obese, 425 (49%) overweight, and 264 (31%) normal. The obese patients presented at a younger mean age (62 years, P = 0.001), had higher mean Gleason scores (6.7, P = 0.002), had a higher likelihood of Gleason score 7 or greater cancer (71%, P = 0.003), and had a lower chance of organ-confined cancer (46%, P = 0.050). The BMI was highest in blacks, followed by whites and Asians, and blacks had significantly higher grade cancers (P = 0.045). In multiple logistic regression analysis of the BMI and race, only BMI remained an independent predictor of Gleason grade. Conclusions. Obese patients with PCa present for radical prostatectomy at a younger age with higher grade and more pathologically advanced cancers. Blacks have higher grade cancers than other ethnic groups and, at the same time, have significantly higher BMIs. These findings suggest that obesity may in part account for the racial variability in PCa risk.
Block Wiener-based image registration for moving target indication

This paper develops a block Wiener-based image registration method to align consecutive frames in a video sequence. The main purpose of this registration technique is to serve as a processing step in a moving target indication (MTI) algorithm, where subsequent steps include frame-to-frame differencing and thresholding. Experiments show that the block Wiener-based approach is computationally efficient and effective in terms of facilitating a MTI. These experiments compare the block Wiener-based against traditional global parametric registration, pixel-based Wiener registration, block-based motion compensation, and state-of-the-art phase-based registration.
Support Collaboration by Teaching Fundamentals

This paper argues for teaching computer science to linguists through a general course at the introductory graduate level whose goal is to prepare students of all backgrounds for collaborative computational research, especially in the sciences. We describe our work over the past three years in creating a model course in the area, called Computational Thinking. What makes this course distinctive is its combined emphasis on the formulation and solution of computational problems, strategies for interdisciplinary communication, and critical thinking about computational explanations.
Spectral theory for a singular linear system of Hamiltonian differential equations

In 1910 Weyl [9] inaugurated the modern theory of singular self-adjoint differential operators, considering, in particular, second-order differential operators with real coefficients. Since then, his results have been generalized by various authors to the case of arbitrary even order self-adjoint differential equations with real coefficients. Also, in 1954 Coddington [2] treated the case of an arbitrary n-th order self-adjoint differential equation with complex coefficients, He obtained the Parseval equality and spectral expansion associated with the singular case directly, through the consideration of such a problem as a limiting case of corresponding self-adjoint two-point boundary-value problems on compact subintervals of the reals. Using the same general concept, Coddington and Levinson [3] derived a Green’s function, which in turn enabled them to obtain the spectral matrix for a singular problem involving a linear homogeneous n-th order differential operator, and then proceeded to derive the Parseval equality and spectral expansions. Recently Brauer [I] treated similar problems which involve a definitely self-adjoint vector differential operator, of the sort that has been treated by Reid [6] and others. He obtained the Green’s matrix and spectral matrix through the use of the spectral theorem and the theory of direct integrals. The main purpose of the present paper is to employ the general method
Diffusion of Technology: Frequency of Use for Younger and Older Adults.

When we think of technology-savvy consumers, older adults are typically not the first persons that come to mind. The common misconception is that older adults do not want to use or cannot use technology. But for an increasing number of older adults, this is not true (Pew Internet and American Life Project 2003). Older adults do use technologies similar to their younger counterparts, but perhaps at different usage rates. Previous research has identified that there may be subgroups of older adults, “Silver Surfers”, whose adoption patterns mimic younger adults (Pew Internet and American Life Project 2003). Much of the previous research on age-related differences in technology usage has only investigated usage broadly—from a “used” or “not used” standpoint. The present study investigated age-related differences in overall usage of technologies, as well as frequency of technology usage (i.e., never, occasional, or frequent). The data were gathered through a questionnaire from younger adults (N = 430) and older adults (N = 251) in three geographically separate and ethnically diverse areas of the United States. We found that younger adults use a greater breadth of technologies than older adults. However, age-related differences in usage and the frequency of use depend on the technology domain. This paper presents technology usage and frequency data to highlight age-related differences and similarities. The results provide insights into older and younger adults’ technology-use patterns, which in turn provide a basis for expectations about knowledge differences. Designers and trainers can benefit from understanding experience and knowledge differences.
Infrared studies of carbons. XII The formation of chars from a polycarbonate

Abstract Series of infrared spectra were recorded of chars produced by heating a pure bisphenol-A polycarbonate resin (PC) in vacua at successively increasing temperatures, up to 750°C. FT-IR photothermal beam deflection spectroscopy was used. PC, after remaining essentially intact over a wide range of temperatures, underwent massive and dramatic changes upon heating in a narrow temperature interval (440–490°C). Thermal branching and cross-linking occurred near 440°C with the formation of diaryl ether, ester and unsaturated hydrocarbonaceous bridges. Small, still discrete aromatic entities were formed on pyrolysis above 490°C. Fusion of the aromatic rings into larger polyaromatic structures, however, occurred to a significant extent only at 590°C, when the polymeric network collapsed completely; all aliphatic bridges were destroyed and the oxygen bridges were incorporated in the polyaromatic domains which were formed. The resulting char was similar to other intermediate temperature chars. The continuum of the carbon absorption extends throughout the spectral region at 750°C.
Optimization of Natural Convection in Open Vertical Ducts with Heated Cores

An = coefficients a = 1 b or normalized gap width between walls Bn = coefficients b = 1 a or ratio of size of inner cylinder to that of outer cylinder E = nondimensional total energy transport g = gravitational acceleration, m=s j = integer k = thermal conductivity, W=mK L = length scale, m n = integer or normal direction Q = nondimensional flow rate q = heat flux,W=m r = normalized radial coordinate T = temperature, K Ta = ambient temperature, K Ti = temperature of inner cylinder, K W = velocity scale, m=s w = normalized axial velocity w = axial velocity, m=s x = normalized Cartesian coordinate xj = collocation points y = normalized Cartesian coordinate = coefficient of thermal expansion, 1=K n = n 0:5 = kinematic viscosity, m=s
Variability in testis biopsy interpretation: implications for male infertility care in the era of intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Objective To determine whether center to center discrepancies in the ability to locate sperm in infertile testes with abnormal histology stems in part from inconsistencies in pathologists' readings of testis biopsies. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Academic male infertility practice. Patient(s) Consecutive series of azoospermic men referred with testis biopsy slides between 1998 and 2003. Intervention(s) Testis biopsy histologies on azoospermic patients referred for infertility care were re-reviewed by a single pathologist blinded to the original reading. Subsequent infertility care was guided by the findings from the second histologic reading. Main Outcome Measure(s) Agreement between the outside and in-house review of testis biopsy readings was assessed with the kappa statistic. Pregnancy outcomes that resulted from clinical decisions informed by the second histologic readings were also assessed. Result(s) Among 113 histologic specimens, re-review was complicated by fixation artifacts in 18 cases (16%) and insufficient biopsy sample size in 13 cases (12%). The kappa score for interobserver agreement in readings was 0.43 (95% CI 0.32–0.054). Mixed histology patterns in particular were underappreciated by outside pathologists (13% of cases on original reading, 36% of cases on review). In 27% of all cases, the differences in biopsy readings had a significant impact on clinical management. Conclusion(s) A correlation between independent testis histology readings in azoospermic men demonstrates frequent inconsistencies. These differences contribute to inaccurate phenotyping of male infertility and can significantly impact the direction of infertility care. These findings highlight the need for a standardized approach to testis histologic review.
Cell-like mappings of hilbert cube manifolds: solution of a handle problem

Abstract In this paper we give the hard technical details for the author's recent proof that any cell-like mapping between Hilbert cube manifolds is proper homotopic to a homeomorphism. A corollary of this result is that any cell-like mapping between finite CW-complexes is a simple homotopy equivalence.
OCCURRENCE OF INCLUSIONS OF BEET YELLOWS VIRUSES IN CHLOROPLASTS.

Abstract Some chloroplasts of sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) plants infected with either beet yellows virus or Western yellows virus were found to contain inclusions with a regular pattern. Two kinds of pattern were recognized, parallel-linear and cross hatched, and both occurred in the same section of a given inclusion.
Aimantation dans les champs forts et approche à la saturation absolue du néodyme et du dysprosium

On a mesure directement le moment magnetique du neodyme dans des champs atteignant 70 000 gauss et a la temperature de l'helium liquide. Le moment mesure a 1,3 °K et 70 000 gauss est egal a 1,5 magnetons de Bohr par atome de neodyme. Le moment absolu extrapole est peut-etre inferieur a 1,65 magnetons de Bohr par atome au lieu de 3,3 magnetons de Bohr calcules. Le moment remanent du neodyme (champ applique = 0) croit de 0,006 magneton de Bohr a 4,2 °K a 0,009 a 1,3 °K. On a mesure egalement le moment magnetique du dysprosium dans des champs atteignant 78 000 gauss et a plusieurs temperatures (140°, 80°, 4,2° et 1,3 °K). Le moment a saturation absolue est egal a 7,6 magnetons de Bohr par atome de dysprosium. Le moment remanent croit de 0,04 magneton de Bohr par atome a 140 °K jusqu'a 0,67 magneton de Bohr a 1,3°K. Ces moments sont mesures par une methode balistique en deplacant l'echantillon.
Channel selection of neutron-rich nuclei following fusion-evaporation reactions of light systems

Abstract Experimental results for the minor decay channels of fusion-evaporation in light projectile plus light target systems are presented. These new data were obtained during test campaigns to measure the opening of different decay channels. Experiments were designed to provide relative cross-section information on weakly populated channels for gamma-ray spectroscopy experiments in coincidence with charged-particles. The results are compared to publicly available fusion-evaporation codes. The data follow a simple estimate which is useful in predicting experimental conditions to make the fusion-evaporation reaction a viable nuclear structure tool to study weakly populated light neutron-rich nuclei.
High-speed avalanche photodiodes using III–V nanopillars monolithically grown on silicon

We demonstrate III–V avalanche photodiodes monolithically integrated onto silicon by CMOS-compatible growth. With bandwidth exceeding 3 GHz and gain as high as 28, nanopillar devices showcase the viability of bottom-up III–V nanomaterials for high-performance optoelectronics.
Simulations of ecosystem hydrological processes using a unified multi-scale model

Abstract This paper presents a unified multi-scale model (UMSM) that we developed to simulate hydrological processes in an ecosystem containing both surface water and groundwater. The UMSM approach modifies the Navier–Stokes equation by adding a Darcy force term to formulate a single set of equations to describe fluid momentum and uses a generalized equation to describe fluid mass balance. The advantage of the approach is that the single set of the equations can describe hydrological processes in both surface water and groundwater where different models are traditionally required to simulate fluid flow. This feature of the UMSM significantly facilitates modelling of hydrological processes in ecosystems, especially at locations where soil/sediment may be frequently inundated and drained in response to precipitation, regional hydrological and climate changes. In this paper, the UMSM was benchmarked using WASH123D, a model commonly used for simulating coupled surface water and groundwater flow. Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP) site at the Kissimmee, Florida, where active field monitoring and measurements are ongoing to understand hydrological and biogeochemical processes, was then used as an example to illustrate the UMSM modelling approach. The simulations results demonstrated that the DWP site is subject to the frequent changes in soil saturation, the geometry and volume of surface water bodies, and groundwater and surface water exchange. All the hydrological phenomena in surface water and groundwater components including inundation and draining, river bank flow, groundwater table change, soil saturation, hydrological interactions between groundwater and surface water, and the migration of surface water and groundwater interfaces can be simultaneously simulated using the UMSM. Overall, the UMSM offers a cross-scale approach that is particularly suitable to simulate coupled surface and ground water flow in ecosystems with strong surface water and groundwater interactions.
MYOCARDIAL INVOLVEMENT IN CHILDREN WITH ENTEROVIRAL ILLNESS

Although enteroviral (EV) infections have been associated with myocarditis, the potential for these agents to cause subclinical myocardial dysfunction (MD) has not been studied. From 7/1/83, until 10/31/83, we prospectively studied all hospitalized pts under 2 years of age whose illnesses were compatible with EV infection (22 pts) to determine if those pts had clinical, electrocardiographic,or echocardiographic evidence of MD. CSF, rectal swab, and NP swab specimens were cultured for virus, and CSF, blood and urine specimens were sent for bacterial culture. Electrocardiograms (EKG) and echocardiograms (EC) were obtained within 48 hours of admission. Five pts were culture positive for EV (2 with Echo 11, 1 with Echo 14, 1 with Coxsackie A9, and 1 untyped EV). Four of the 5 pts had EKG and EC as described above,and 2 of those 4 pts had EC evidence of MD:1 pt had subnormal left ventricular ejection fraction, and 1 pt had a pericardial effusion. Two additional pts had systemic bacterial infections, 1 of whom had EC changes. None of the 22 pts had clinical or EKG evidence of MD. Of the 15 pts with presumed EV infections whose viral and bacterial cultures were negative, 11 were studied with EKG and EC; 1 pt had decreased left venticular ejection fraction. These data demonstrate that subclinical MD is a frequent complication of EV illness, and that neither physical examination nor EKG is adequate for its detection.
Physical Authentication of Control Systems: Designing Watermarked Control Inputs to Detect Counterfeit Sensor Outputs

Cyberphysical systems (CPSs) refer to the embedding of widespread sensing, networking, computation, and control into physical spaces with the goal of making them safer, more efficient, and reliable. Driven by the miniaturization and integration of sensing, communication, and computation in cost-efficient devices, CPSs are bound to transform industries such as aerospace, transportation, built environments, energy, health care, and manufacturing, to name a few. This great opportunity, unfortunately, is matched by even greater challenges. Taming the complexity of design and analysis of these systems poses a fundamental problem as a new paradigm is needed to bridge various scientific domains, which, through the years, have developed significantly different formalisms and methodologies. In addition, while the use of dedicated communication networks has so far sheltered systems from the outside world, use of off-the-shelf networking and computing, combined with the unattended operation of a plethora of devices, provides several opportunities for malicious entities to inject attacks on CPSs. A wide variety of motivations exists for launching an attack on CPSs, ranging from economic reasons, such as obtaining a financial gain, all the way to terrorism, for instance, threatening an entire population by manipulating life-critical resources. Any attack on safety-critical CPSs may significantly hamper the economy and lead to the loss of human lives. While the threat of attacks on CPSs tends to be underplayed at times, the Stuxnet worm provided a clear example of the possible future to come. This malware, targeting a uranium enriching facility in Iran, managed to reach the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system controlling the centrifuges used in the enrichment process. Stuxnet modified the control system, increasing pressure in the centrifuges in a first version of the worm and spinning centrifuges in an erratic fashion in a second version. As a result, Stuxnet caused significant damage to the plant [1]. For details, see "The Stuxnet Attack."
Dutch international migration statistics, 1820-1880: an analysis of linked multinational nominal files.

International migration statistics in the nineteenth century are acknowledged to be deficient and biased, but there are few sourcecritical studies to determine the extent of underreporting and omissions. This article provides a critical analysis of the statistics of Dutch emigration to North America in the period 1835-1880, based on the method of nominal record-linkage of computer files derived from Netherlands emigration lists and U.S. ship passenger mani? fests. Published and unpublished official records in the Netherlands, U.S.A. and Canada are used to determine the extent of underreport? ing, the structural biases in the migration data and the "true" annual Dutch immigration rate to the United States. International migration statistics in the mid-nineteenth century are notoriously meager and haphazard.1 Brinley Thomas (1973:35), the acknowledged authority on transatlantic migration, has remarked that "the era of free international migration was nearly over before the countries concerned began to give serious attention to their statistical records ... It was not until migration itself became the object of national planning that this branch of statistics was developed for its own sake". The nations of the Atlantic community developed the modern system of recording migration statistics in the decade after the Napoleanic Wars, under the impact of the massive peasant migration to America. England in 1815 and the United States in 1820 first established comprehensive procedures to document the transatlantic population flow (Willcox, 1929:81; Hutchinson, 1958:970-971). Despite its administrative policy goals, the immigration figures com? piled by United States authorities in the nineteenth century are as 2The author wishes to thank Kent State University for a Faculty Research Fellowship in 1978 and James W. Savery of the University's Computer Services department for extensive computer programming assistance. Ira A. Glazier, Yda Saueressig, and Pieter R.D. Stokvis have read the manuscript and offered expert advice, for which I am grateful.
Navier-Stokes simulation of nozzle-afterbody flows with jets at off-design conditions

Three-dimensional Navier-Stokes simulations are made for the external flow, the jet-exhaust plume, and the internal nozzle flow of a nonaxisymmetric nozzle typical of those advocated for advanced fighter airplanes. Solutions are presented for free-stream Mach numbers of 0.80, 0.94, and 1.20 at an angle of attack of 0 deg and a Reynolds number of 20 x 10 to the 6th. Jet-total-pressure ratios ranging from 1.5 to 9.8, i.e., from below to above the design pressure ratio of 4.25, are investigated. The results are compared to wind-tunnel data. The calculations successfully predict many trends and features of the external and internal flow.
Spatial power combining using active microstrip patch antennas

Active antenna elements have been fabricated using Gunn diodes and microstrip patch antennas. The power outputs from two of these elements have been successfully combined in space. Frequency coherency was achieved by injection locking using either the spatial locking technique or the mutual coupling locking technique.
Meeting student needs at the reference desk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate student use of the reference desk at a residential college, so that academic libraries can better understand the role of in‐person assistance to meet the information needs of students.Design/methodology/approach – Survey respondents answered open‐ended questions related to ways they ask for help in the library; data were coded and analyzed for salient trends. Photo diary entries and interviews with smaller groups of students were also used to illuminate findings.Findings – Students express a need for the kind of help provided by the reference desk in terms of how students use and describe the desk. Usage patterns can also be predicted in terms of class year, gender, and major, indicating a way for the library to provide specific outreach to students who underutilize the reference desk.Research limitations/implications – The study investigates student use of the reference desk at a single institution. The unique characteristics of the institution might ...
Cavernous hemangioma of the skull

occur in bone, are more often found in the cranium and spine than in other parts of the skeleton. They are usualIy benign and may or may not cause symptoms. In the case of crania1 hemangiomas their growth is gradua1 and as they increase in size, headaches, vomiting and even conv&ions may be experienced. A definite diagnosis can be made from the characteristic “ sunray ” appearance seen in the roentgen ray films. Operative removal of the tumor, when possibIe, offers the best rest&s. The disease is rare. Since Toynbee’ first described an angioma of the skull in 1845, skuI1 in fifty-six cases of hemangioma of bone. Seven years Iater, Anspach3 was able to cohect twenty-one cases of hemangioma involving the skull and reported a case of his own. The most recent review of the Iiterature by Abbott,4 in 1941, reveals only twenty-six reported cases of angioma of the skuI1. He presents an additiona case and since his review, one more case has been recorded.5 These, together with the one we are presenting, bring the tota number of reported cases to twenty-nine. The foIIowing case of cavernous hemangioma of the right fronta bone, including
The role of DNA synthesis imaging in cancer in the era of targeted therapeutics

Non-specific targets such as DNA and microtubules have been the mainstay of cancer therapeutics and the most effective clinical agents until a decade ago. Advances in genetics, molecular and cellular biology over the past decade led to the development of a new generation of agents that are far more specific and effective. In contrast to progress seen with therapeutic agents, general monitoring targets such as proliferation imaging are just gaining momentum and targeted imaging is still in its infancy. In these paradoxical times, this review assesses the role of proliferation imaging in monitoring the efficacy of targeted therapeutics.
Fluctuations in alveolar CO2 and in base excess during the menstrual cycle1

Abstract End-tidal P cO 2 and base excess were measured on 10 healthy females throughout a total of 16 menstrual cycles. A corresponding decrease was observed in both variables during the luteal phase of the cycle. The curve for P cO 2 was essentially that reported by previous authors, the tension dropping from a mean value of 39.8 to 36.7, 10 days after ovulation. The parallel drop in BE lowered the variable from −O.5 to −2.6. The resulting arterial pH throughout the cycle was calculated to be between 7.38 and 7.40. Since no time lag could be observed between the change in P cO 2 and that of Dase ecess, the primary disturbance could be either a ventilatory or metabolic response to an increase in progesterone during the luteal phase. In either case, a considerable decrease in body CO 2 stores must result from these changes.
High resolution mapping of in situ hybridized biotinylated DNA to surface-spread Drosophila polytene chromosomes.

We describe a method of mapping genes or transcripts on polytene chromosomes by transmission electron microscopy. We present several applications which illustrate that, in favorable cases, the method has a resolution of ca. 10 kb, and that high resolution mapping of hybridization sites relative to bands and puffs can be achieved. We mapped sites of transcription for poly-(A) RNA and present evidence which shows that these sites are localized in some bands and puffs, but are also found in interbands.
Total Joint Arthroplasty: Should Patients Have Preoperative Dental Clearance?

Obtaining dental clearance prior to elective total joint arthroplasty is a common practice; however, little published data exist to justify this requirement. Dental clearance data for 365 elective total knee and total hip arthroplasty patients were gathered prospectively. Of these patients, 358 (average age of 62.4 years; 157 men and 201 women; 152 primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs), 16 revision TKA arthroplasties, one conversion TKA, 168 primary total hip (THAs) arthroplasties and 21 revision THA arthroplasties) proceeded to surgery and follow-up data were available for 355. A comparison group of 218 hip fracture patients (average age of 78.7 years; 52 men and 109 women; 137 THA and 81 hemiarthroplasties) with no preoperative dental clearance who were treated with hip arthroplasty was extracted retrospectively from an institutional database. Follow-up data were available for 161 of these patients. The incidence of dental pathology in the elective arthroplasty group was 8.8%. Early postoperative infection requiring surgical treatment occurred in six patients (1.7%) in the dental clearance elective arthroplasty group and in four patients (2.5%) in the hip fracture arthroplasty group. No statistical difference was found between the two groups. This suggests that the perceived need for routine preoperative dental screening for all hip and knee arthroplasty patients should be reassessed.
Distribution and metabolic fate in mammals of the potent convulsant and GABA antagonist t-butyl-bicyclophosphate and its methyl analog.

Abstract 32 P-Labeled preparations are used to compare the distribution and metabolic fate in mammals of the potent convulsant (mouse and rat ip LD50 ∼ 0.04 mg/kg) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist 4-t-butyl-1-oxo-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (t-butyl-bicyclophosphate) and its 1000-fold less toxic 4-methyl analog (methyl-bicyclophosphate). Intraperitoneally treated mice, rats, and rabbits rapidly eliminate the parent compounds and their metabolites from the body, mostly by urinary excretion, giving overall half-life values of 4 to 16 hr. Metabolism is primarily a hydrolytic process and is more rapid for the t-butyl than for the methyl derivative and in mice and rabbits than in rats. The peak brain concentration is reached within 1 hr after ip treatment of mice and is two- to threefold higher for the t-butyl than for the methyl derivative without significant localization in the cerebellum or other brain regions. The much higher toxicity of the t-butyl compound compared to its methyl analog is not attributable to differences in their localization or detoxification so it probably results from their differential potencies at the relevant neuroreceptor.
L∞-cohomology and metabolicity of negatively curved complexes

We prove the analog of de Rham's theorem for l∞-cohomology of the universal cover of a finite simplicial complex. A sufficient criterion is given for linearity of isoperimetric functions for filling cycles of any positive dimension over ℝ. This implies the linear higher dimensional isoperimetric inequalities for the fundamental groups of finite negatively curved complexes and of closed negatively curved manifolds. Also, these groups are ℝ-metabolic.
Enhanced modes of oxygen diffusion in silicon

Experiments have established two modes of enhanced oxygen diffusion in silicon, one involving only oxygen atoms and the other catalyzed by hydrogen. We report state-of-the-art first-principles calculations and determine migration pathways for a self-enhanced mode via oxygen dimers and for the H-enhanced mode via oxygen-hydrogen complexes. The concerted atomic motions are physically transparent and the corresponding reduced activation energies agree with experimental data.
Youth activity involvement, neighborhood adult support, individual decision making skills, and early adolescent delinquent behaviors: Testing a conceptual model

Abstract This study examines a cross-sectional structural equation model of participation in youth activities, neighborhood adult support, individual decision making skills, and delinquent behavior in urban middle school youths ( n = 2611). Results indicate extracurricular activity participation had both direct and indirect associations with delinquent behavior. Breadth, but not intensity, of activity participation had a positive association with neighborhood adult support and higher levels of adult support were associated with higher levels of youth decision making skills. Higher levels of decision making skills were, in turn, associated with lower levels of delinquent behavior. A direct positive association between intensity of activity participation and delinquent behavior was noted, after accounting for other effects in the model. The specificity model revealed that this association was mostly due to participation in neighborhood clubs (as opposed to sports, school clubs, church, helping/volunteer, or music, art, or drama). Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.
Recoil order chiral corrections to baryon octet axial vector currents and large N c QCD

We compute the chiral corrections to octet baryon axial vector currents through O(p3) in heavy baryon chiral perturbation theory, including both octet and decuplet baryon intermediate states. We include the latter in a consistent way by using the small scale expansion. We find that, in contrast to the situation at O(p2), there exist no cancellations between octet and decuplet contributions at O(p3). Consequently, the O(p3) corrections spoil the expected scaling behavior of the chiral expansion. We discuss this result in terms of the 1/Nc expansion. We also consider the implications for the determination of the strange quark contribution to the nucleon spin from polarized deep inelastic scattering data.
Management of Refractory Ascites

Ascites that does not respond or recurs after high-dose diuresis and sodium restriction should be considered refractory ascites. As cirrhosis advances, the escaping fluid overwhelms the lymphatic return. Decrease in renal plasma flow leads to increased sodium reabsorption at the proximal tubule leading to decreased responsiveness to loop diuretics and mineralocorticoid antagonists, which work distally. These complex hemodynamic alterations lead to refractory ascites. In refractory ascites, high-dose diuresis (400 mg of spironolactone and 160 mg of furosemide) and sodium restriction (<90 mmol/d) result in inadequate weight loss and sub optimal sodium excretion (<78 mmol/d). Further use of diuretics is limited by complications such as encephalopathy, azotemia, renal insufficiency, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia. Therapy for refractory ascites is limited. The available therapies are repeated large volume paracentesis (LVP), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, peritoneovenous shunts, investigational medical therapies, and liver transplantation. LVP with concomitant volume expanders is the initial treatment of choice. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic seems to be superior to LVP in reducing the need for repeated paracentesis and improves the quality of life. Several treatments that act at different steps in the pathogenesis of ascites are investigational, and some show promising results. Splanchnic and peripheral vasoconstrictors (Octreotide, Midodrine, and Terlipressin) increase effective arterial volume and decrease activation of the renin-angiotensin system with resultant increase in renal sodium excretion. Clonidine when given with spironolactone has been shown to cause rapid mobilization of ascites by significantly decreasing the sympathetic activity and renin-aldosterone levels. Natural aquaretics and synthetic V2 receptor antagonists (satavaptan) are being evaluated for mobilization of ascites by increasing the excretion of solute-free water. Liver transplantation remains the only definitive therapy for refractory ascites. Because refractory ascites is a poor prognostic sign, liver transplantation should be considered and incorporated early in the treatment plan.
9,9‘-Bis(fluorenylidene) and Tetra-n-heptylammonium Iodide for the Measurement of Ozone Concentrations in Organic Media

The two title compounds were shown to be useful reagents for determination of ozone and peroxides in organic media and at temperatures as low as −78 °C. 9,9‘-Bis(fluorenylidene) is a highly colored hydrocarbon whose quantitative disappearance upon reaction with ozone can be followed spectrophotometrically. Tetra-n-heptylammonium iodide, a nonhygroscopic organic-soluble iodide, reacts quantitatively with ozone and peroxidic materials yielding iodine, which can be measured by the usual methods. Reaction and measurement conditions for both systems were also studied.
Multi-scale stochastic optimization for Home Energy Management

The problem of scheduling and control of appliances for Home Energy Management (HEM) is considered. A multi-time scale and multi-stage stochastic optimization framework is proposed for the control of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit, the charging of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), and the scheduling of deferrable load such as washer/dryer operations. Formulated as a constrained stochastic optimization that incorporates thermal dynamics, temperature measurements, and the real time pricing signal, a model predictive control algorithm is proposed that minimizes customer's discomfort level subject to cost and peak power constraints.
The Frank Zappa Archive

Frank Zappa was an American composer, musician, bandleader, and filmmaker. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awar...
Liquid-to-crystal heterogeneous nucleation: bubble accelerated nucleation of pure supercooled water

Abstract Bubble formation in a single sample of pure water, held in the sample holder of our automated lag-time apparatus, is shown to lead to accelerated liquid-to-crystal heterogeneous nucleation. This phenomenon shifts the entire probability distribution for heterogeneous nucleation, together with the average lag-time 〈 τ 〉, to significantly warmer temperatures. In the linear supercooling experiment analyzed here, this is equivalent to reducing the average time to nucleation. Using a single assumption tested in previous work, the entire ‘nucleation curve’ is extracted from a single experiment.
A new technique of endoscopic esophageal biopsy using multipurpose biopsy tube in the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis.

A very easily performed new technique of simultaneous introduction of Rubin's multipurpose biopsy tube and gastrofiberscope in the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis is described. This technique will obviate the need of taking multiple biopsies and adds the advantage of direct observation of abnormal mucosa. As the biopsy is obtained under direct vision, there is no need of x-ray or manometric localization and one can avoid inadvertently biopsying a varix or a friable ulcer
Oxidation of annelated diarylamines: analysis of reaction pathways to nitroxide diradical and spirocyclic products.

Oxidation of diaryldiamine 2, a tetrahydrodiazapentacene derivative, provides diarylnitroxide diradical 1 accompanied by an intermediate nitroxide monoradical and a multitude of isolable diamagnetic products. DFT-computed tensors for EPR spectra and paramagnetic 1H NMR isotropic shifts for nitroxide diradical 1 show good agreement with the experimental EPR spectra in rigid matrices and paramagnetic 1H NMR spectra in solution, respectively. Examination of the diamagnetic products elucidates their formation via distinct pathways involving C–O bond-forming reactions, including Baeyer–Villiger-type oxidations. An unusual diiminoketone structure and two spirocyclic structures of the predominant diamagnetic products are confirmed by either X-ray crystallography or correlations between DFT-computed and experimental spectroscopic data such as 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR chemical shifts and electronic absorption spectra.
Gender-specific impairment on Morris water maze task after entorhinal cortex lesion

After unilateral entorhinal cortex lesion, deficits on a working spatial memory Morris water maze task were examined in male and female rats to determine if gender differences exist in response to hippocampal deafferentation. Brain-damaged males showed a persistent water maze deficit that persisted throughout the 10 days of testing. Brain-damaged females did not. The performance of the injured females was only slightly impaired relative to sham males and females, and was significantly better than males with EC damage. This lack of a water maze deficit in lesion females is hypothesized to be due either to gender differences in sprouting responses or to a more flexible use of multiple cues by females relative to males.
Imagerie du cancer du sein inflammatoire

Resume La mastite carcinomateuse est une forme grave de cancer du sein, dont le diagnostic est essentiellement clinique et histologique. La mammographie reste le premier examen a realiser, non seulement pour apporter des arguments en faveur de ce diagnostic mais egalement pour rechercher une lesion primitive intramammaire et evaluer l’extension locoregionale. L’etude du sein controlateral est essentielle, a la recherche d’une bilateralite. L’echographie apporte egalement des arguments en faveur d’une inflammation, mais apparait plus performante a la fois pour la detection des masses et pour l’analyse des aires ganglionnaires. La place de l’IRM est debattue, tant d’un point de vue diagnostique que pour le suivi sous traitement, et doit etre reservee a des cas selectionnes. Une evaluation radiologique initiale optimale permettra un suivi sous chimiotherapie neo-adjuvante.
Finite element analysis of interleaved DCB specimen

Abstract Compliances, strain energy release rates, and stress intensity factors for homogeneous and interleaved double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens for mode I fracture characterization are investigated with finite element analysis. Interleaving refers to a thin layer of ductile polymer film being placed at the midplane of the beam. It was found that the introduction of the interleaf film reduced significantly the stress intensity factor in mode I as compared to the homogeneous orthotropic specimen. Finite element results for a wide range of interleaf thicknesses revealed that the asymmetry ofabimaterial interfacial crack had negligible influence on the compliance, whereas it caused some local mixed mode (mode I/II) crack-tip loading. The mode II contribution increased with increasing interleaf thickness, but was relatively independent of the elastic properties of the interlayer.
A micro-contact and wear model for chemical-mechanical polishing of silicon wafers

Abstract A micro-contact and wear model for chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) of silicon wafers is presented in this paper. The model is developed on the basis of elastic–plastic micro-contact mechanics and abrasive wear theory. The synergetic effects of mechanical and chemical actions are formulated into the model. A close-form equation of material removal rate from the wafer surface is derived relating to the material, geometric, chemical and operating parameters in a CMP process. The model is evaluated by comparing the theoretical removal rates with those experimentally determined. Good agreement is obtained for both chemically active and inactive polishing processes. The model reveals some insights into the micro-contact and wear mechanisms of the CMP process. It suggests that the removal rate is sensitive to the particle concentration in the slurry, more sensitive to the applied load and operating speed and most sensitive to the surface hardness and slurry particle size. The model may be used to study the effects of different materials, geometry, slurry chemistry and operating conditions on CMP processes.
Epidermal manifestations of internal malignancy.

Paraneoplastic syndromes with cutaneous findings localized to the epidermis are discussed in this article. A paraneoplastic syndrome is a condition that arises in association with a malignancy elsewhere in the body but, in itself, is not cancerous. Generally, the onset and course of the disease will closely correlate with the malignancy, as described in Curth's original criteria for paraneoplastic syndromes, although this is not always the case. Subjects discussed include malignant acanthosis nigricans, the sign of Leser-Trelat, tripe palms, palmoplantar keratodermas, Bazex syndrome, and acquired ichthyosis.
The Wilms Tumor Suppressor WT1 Encodes a Transcriptional Activator of amphiregulin

WT1 encodes a zinc finger transcription factor implicated in kidney differentiation and tumorigenesis. In reporter assays, WT1 represses transcription from GC- and TC-rich promoters, but its physiological targets remain uncertain. We used hybridization to high-density oligonucleotide arrays to search for native genes whose expression is altered following inducible expression of WT1. The major target of WT1 was amphiregulin, a member of the epidermal growth factor family. The WT1(-KTS) isoform binds directly to the amphiregulin promoter, resulting in potent transcriptional activation. The in vivo expression profile of amphiregulin during fetal kidney development mirrors the highly specific pattern of WT1 itself, and recombinant Amphiregulin stimulates epithelial branching in organ cultures of embryonic mouse kidney. These observations suggest a model for WT1 as a transcriptional regulator during kidney differentiation.
Colonic lipomas and liposarcomas

Abstract Gastrointestinal lipomas are benign rare adipose tissue tumors, most frequently seen in the submucosal layer of the colon. They are often small and asymptomatic, although larger tumors may become symptomatic and pose a diagnostic challenge. Colonoscopy is reliable for the diagnosis of a typical lipoma, but the endoscopic appearances may be worrisome, especially when the lesion is atypical, ulcerated, or bleeding. CT and MRI may reveal the signal and uptake of adipose tissue but a confident diagnosis may not be possible. Histology may be not diagnostic due to the superficial nature of mucosal biopsies. Lipomas can be removed endoscopically, but an increased risk of perforation is associated with polypectomy of larger lesions (Shibata et al., 2008 26 ). Surgical intervention is the recommended modality for lipomas more than 4cm in size, lipomas with sessile appearance or involvement of the muscular layer or serosa, unclear preoperative diagnosis, symptomatic lesions, and failed endoscopic removal (Jiang et al., 2007 15 ). Segmental resection is the procedure of choice for suspicious lesions. Liposarcoma of the colon is extremely rare and requires the presence of lipoblasts. Only a few cases of primary liposarcoma of the colon have been reported in the literature. The collection of a larger number of cases is needed for the determination of guidelines for the management of this rare tumor.