cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Target Detection in a Structured Background Environment Using an Infeasibility Metric in an Invariant Space

This paper develops a hybrid target detector that incorporates structured backgrounds and physics based modeling together with a geometric infeasibility metric. More often than not, detection algorithms are usually applied to atmospherically compensated hyperspectral imagery. Rather than compensate the imagery, we take the opposite approach by using a physics based model to generate permutations of what the target might look like as seen by the sensor in radiance space. The development and status of such a method is presented as applied to the generation of target spaces. The generated target spaces are designed to fully encompass image target pixels while using a limited number of input model parameters. Background spaces are modeled using a linear subspace (structured) approach characterized by endmembers found by using the maximum distance method (MaxD). After augmenting the image data with the target space, 15 endmembers were found, which were not related to the target (i.e., background endmembers). A geometric infeasibility metric is developed which enables one to be more selective in rejecting false alarms. Preliminary results in the design of such a metric show that an orthogonal projection operator based on target space vectors can distinguish between target and background pixels. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with an operator that produces abundance-like values, we obtained separation between target, ackground, and anomalous pixels. This approach was applied to HYDICE image spectrometer data.
A decade of pharma discovery delivers new tools targeting trace amine-associated receptor 1.

A Decade of Pharma Discovery Delivers New Tools Targeting Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1
The impact of extended radiology attending coverage in a children's hospital.

Objective. In order to achieve more “timely” interpretation of radiologic examinations, a 3 to 11 p. m. attending radiologist slot was incorporated into the daily schedule utilizing existing staff. Our purpose was to assess the effectiveness of this practice by measuring report generation times. Material and methods. Using a radiology information system (DecRAD), the time between completion of the technical examination and dictation of the official report for general (plain film) studies was determined for a 2-month period and compared to similar periods 1 and 2 years prior to instituting extended hours. Emergency and portable (ICU) exams were similarly analyzed. Results. The number of examinations reported within 2 h of technical completion increased by 8.5 % (mean); reporting within 4 h increased by 20 %; reporting within 6 and 12 h of completion each increased by 24 %. Over 80 % of cases were dictated within 12 h after the change in practice occurred; whereas, it took up to 24 h in preceding years. Analysis of emergency and portable ICU exams showed similar trends, and the number of next day “call-backs” to the emergency department was significantly reduced. Conclusion. By extending attending coverage, more plain film examinations, especially emergency cases and ICU portables, were read and reported within a shorter time providing prompt communication with clinicians and more opportunity to influence management decisions.
Curvature properties of the positively curved Eschenburg spaces

Abstract Using a Cheeger construction, we enlarge the known one parameter family of metrics of positive curvature on the Eschenburg spaces to a simple explicit four parameter family. Then we show in a smaller class of metrics that all of the Eschenburg spaces of positive curvature have their pinching bounded above by 1/37. Since the Aloff–Wallach spaces are the homogeneous Eschenburg spaces and since Puttmann has calculated the pinching of W1,1=SU(3)/S11,1 in the U(2) biinvariant metric to be exactly 1/37 this upper bound is sharp. It is also shown that the only Eschenburg space with pinching exactly 1/37 is W1,1.
Synthesis of [12‐3H]‐(±)‐calanolide A

[12- 3 H]-(±)-Calanolide A (9) was synthesized in five steps from readily available phloroglucinol (1). Stereoselective Luche reduction of trans-ketone 8 with cerium(III) chloride and sodium borotritide in methanol gave 338 μCi of 9 with a specific activity of 63.0 mCi/mmol.
Trap-Related Photoconductivity in ZnO Epilayers

A strong photoconductive response is observed for ZnO epilayers in the presence of both above bandgap and below bandgap photoexcitation. Photoexcitation for energies larger than the bandgap results in a photoconductive response with fast and slow time constants on the order of nanoseconds and larger than milliseconds, respectively. The fast and slow time constants are attributed to minority carrier recombination and slow escape of holes from traps, respectively. Photoexcitation in the visible spectral region, below the bandgap energy, results in slow rise and fall time constants on the order of minutes and hours. A model for the photoconductive response based on rate equations is presented providing an accurate fit to measured photoconductivity data. The rate equation model suggests the presence of hole trap levels in the energy range of 0.6 eV to 1.0 eV relative to the valence bandedge. The passivation of the ZnO surface with SiO2 shows significantly reduced photoconductive transient decay time constants, suggesting a significant reduction of deep surface defects on the ZnO material.
Proposed international conventions for particle size-selective sampling.

Definitions are proposed for the inspirable (also called inhalable), thoracic and respirable fractions of airborne particles. Each definition is expressed as a sampling efficiency (S) which is a function of particle aerodynamic diameter (d) and specifies the fraction of the ambient concentration of airborne particles collected by an ideal sampler. For the inspirable fraction. SI(d) = 0.5 (1 + e-0.06d). For the thoracic fraction, ST(d) = SI(d)[1 - F(x)], where (formula; see text) F(x) is the cumulative probability function of a standardized normal random variable. For the respirable fraction, SR(d) = SI(d)[1 - F(x)], where gamma = 4.25 microns, sigma = 1.5. International harmonization will require resolution of the differences between the firmly established BMRC [Orenstein, A. J. (1960) Proceedings of the Pneumoconiosis Conference, Johannesburg, 1959, pp. 610-621. A.J. Churchill Ltd, London] and ACGIH [(1985) Particle size-selective sampling in the workplace. Report of the ACGIH Technical Committee on Air Sampling Procedures] definitions of the respirable fraction. The proposed definition differs approximately equally from the BMRC and ACGIH definitions and is at least as defensible when compared to available human data. Several standard-setting organizations are in the process of adopting particle size-selective sampling conventions. Much confusion will be avoided if all adopt the same specifications of the collection efficiencies of ideal samplers, such as those proposed here.
DoJa as part of i-mode Internet services

Article describes DoJa applications as part of Internet based applications. Comparisons with other realizations are cited. I-application interactions with Internet, variety of i-applications are described as well as application linking and Java application manager connection to Internet. Principles of DoJa applications as part of I-mode services are taken up. Further development of DoJa i-applications as part of Internet based applications is considered.
Natural daylengths regulate insect seasonality by two mechanisms.

FOR many animal species in temperate regions of the world, the photoperiod is the major environmental factor that reliably signals forthcoming seasonal changes. With the exception of studies dealing with several species of birds1,2, experiments generally have not shown what features of the natural photoperiod are used by animals to perceive calendar time. Not only have investigations of photoperiodicity usually used stationary photoperiods in the laboratory, but generally they have not taken into account the seasonal variations in the rate of change in the length of the day3; these changes are greatest at the time of the equinoxes and smallest at the time of the solstices. Our results demonstrate for the first time that insects have evolved at least two mechanisms based on seasonal changes in photoperiod to end diapause at the end of winter.
Relativistic corrections to binding energies of muonic molecules

First-order perturbation theory has been applied to calculate the relativistic corrections to the binding energies and the hyperfine splittings of muonic hydrogen molecular ions {ital xy}{mu} ({ital x},{ital y}={ital p},{ital d},{ital t}). The calculations include small-distance corrections to the potential due to the finite size of the nuclei and vacuum polarization. The numerical accuracy of the results is {approx}0.1 meV. The zeroth-order wave function employed was previously determined by Alexander and Monkhorst (Phys. Rev. A 38, 26 (1988)).
Relationships between muscle contributions to walking subtasks and functional walking status in persons with post-stroke hemiparesis.

Background Persons with post-stroke hemiparesis usually walk slowly and asymmetrically. Stroke severity and functional walking status are commonly predicted by post-stroke walking speed. The mechanisms that limit walking speed, and by extension functional walking status, need to be understood to improve post-stroke rehabilitation methods.
On the Perils of Glorifying the In‐group: Intergroup Violence, In‐group Glorification, and Moral Disengagement

The moral disengagement strategies that individuals use when appraising misdeeds committed by their in-groups (e.g., nations) are discussed, with a particular focus on the process of dehumanization of the victims. The glorification of the in-group is identified as a main determinant of the use of such strategies, which, in turn, affect behavioral intentions related to punishment of perpetrators and reparations to victims. It is further discussed whether such moral disengagement strategies are prompted by a need to prevent the emergence or diminish the impact of negative emotions (such as shame and guilt) that are likely to be experienced by the individuals because of their connection with the in-group. Possible policy implications of this analysis are suggested.
Coupled effects of ion beam chemistry and morphology on directed self-assembly of epitaxial semiconductor nanostructures

We study the coupled effects of ion beam chemistry and morphology on the assembly of templated epitaxial nanostructures. Using a focused ion beam (FIB) system equipped with a mass-selecting filter, we pattern Si substrates with local ion doses of Si, Ge and Ga to control subsequent GexSi1 − x epitaxial nanostructure assembly. This capability to employ different templating species allows us to study how different incorporated ion species in the near surface region affect the ability to localize nucleation during subsequent epitaxial growth. Our results indicate that FIB-directed self-assembly is a complex process, dependent on dose-induced morphology in addition to ion-specific chemical effects.
Long-Term Trends in Chesapeake Bay Seasonal Hypoxia, Stratification, and Nutrient Loading

A previously observed shift in the relationship between Chesapeake Bay hypoxia and nitrogen loading has pressing implications on the efficacy of nutrient management. Detailed temporal analyses of long-term hypoxia, nitrogen loads, and stratification were conducted to reveal different within-summer trends and understand more clearly the relative role of physical conditions. Evaluation of a 60-year record of hypoxic volumes demonstrated significant increases in early summer hypoxia, but a slight decrease in late summer hypoxia. The early summer hypoxia trend is related to an increase in Bay stratification strength during June from 1985 to 2009, while the late summer hypoxia trend matches the recently decreasing nitrogen loads. Additional results show how the duration of summertime hypoxia is significantly related to nitrogen loading, and how large-scale climatic forces may be responsible for the early summer increases. Thus, despite intra-summer differences in primary controls on hypoxia, continuing nutrient reduction remains critically important for achieving improvements in Bay water quality.
Congenital nasal masses: diagnosis and management.

One hundred and nine congenital nasal masses which presented to two children's hospitals over a 20 year period are reviewed. The diagnosis of the nasal mass is discussed with respect to age, mode of presentation, and site of the lesion, and a management protocol is advocated.
Engineered Interfaces for Adherent Diamond Coatings on Large Thermal-Expansion Coefficient Mismatched Substrates

Adhesion of thin or thick films on substrates is a critical issue in systems where the thermal-expansion coefficients of the coating and bulk material are significantly different from each other. The large mismatch of the expansion coefficients results in the generation of very high stresses in the coating that may lead to delamination, cracking, or other deleterious effects. A method to increase the adherence of diamond coatings on tungsten-carbide and stainless steel substrates is reported based on a substrate-modification process that creates a three-dimensional thermally and compositionally graded interface. Scratch and indentation tests on diamond-coated steel and tungsten-carbide samples did not exhibit film fracture at the interface and concomitant catastrophic propagation of interfacial cracks.
Testing Tic Suppression: Comparing the Effects of Dexmethylphenidate to No Medication in Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Tourette's Disorder

The aim of this study was to conduct a pilot study testing whether single-dose, immediate-release dexmethylphenidate (dMPH) can facilitate tic suppression in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Tourette's disorder (TD) or chronic tic disorders. The primary hypothesis is that dMPH will improve behaviorally reinforced tic suppression in a standard tic suppression paradigm (TSP).Ten children with ADHD and TD were given dMPH on one visit and no medication on another, using a random crossover design. On both days, following a baseline period, subjects were reinforced for suppressing tics using a standard TSP.Thirteen subjects were enrolled; 10 subjects (mean age 12.7 +/- 2.6; 90% male) completed all study procedures. Relative to the no-medication condition, tics were reduced when children were given a single dose of dMPH. Behavioral reinforcement of tic suppression resulted in lower rates of tics compared to baseline, but dMPH did not enhance this suppression.Preliminary results indicate replication of prior studies of behavioral tic suppression in youths with TD and without ADHD. In addition, our findings indicate tic reduction (and not tic exacerbation) with acute dMPH challenge in children and adolescents with ADHD and TD.
Comparative efficacy of nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system versus diltiazem when added to beta blockers in stable angina pectoris

Abstract To determine the relative efficacy of nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) and diltiazem, 20 patients with angina pectoris and coronary artery disease were studied in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized crossover trial. All patients were taking concomitant β blockers. Efficacy was assessed by symptoms, exercise treadmill testing, and ambulatory ST-segment monitoring at baseline and after 6 weeks on each medication. Mean daily dose was titrated to 119 ± 7 mg (nifedipine GITS) and 342 ± 59 mg (diltiazem). The addition of either nifedipine GITS or diltiazem resulted in a significant reduction in angina frequency, improvement in exercise treadmill duration (7 vs 7 and 8 minutes; baseline vs nifedipine GITS and diltiazem), time to angina onset (4 vs 7 and 7 minutes; baseline vs nifedipine GITS and diltiazem), and time to ST-segment depression (5 vs 6 and 7 minutes; baseline vs nifedipine GITS and diltiazem). There was no significant difference between nifedipine GITS and diltiazem with respect to the magnitude of improvement in anginal symptoms or exercise test parameters. Both nifedipine GITS and diltiazem reduced the overall frequency and duration of ischemic episodes on ambulatory monitoring, but this reduction was not statistically different. Thus, nifedipine GITS and diltiazem at maximally tolerated doses were equally effective at reducing angina and increasing exercise tolerance as β blockers alone.
Remembering Things Past: Reading History, Writing Memory, and the Poetics of Agency in Ernesto Cardenal

A pesar de la abundancia de atencion critica que ha recibido la practica de Ernesto Cardenal de citar el documento historico, hay escasa discusion sobre la concordancia de esta estrategia con la meta del poeta de utilizar la poesia para forjar tanto un individuo como una sociedad nuevos. Este ensayo ubica la poesia historica de Cardenal en el contexto de la devocion monastica para mostrar que el rehacer poetico que propone se basa en una practica de meditacion textual. El uso que Cardenal hace del archivo historico desestabiliza a la vez un discurso erigido como totalizante e inmutable, y proporciona a la conciencia individual la materia de la historia de modo que orienta al lector hacia una accion politica posibilitada por la misma poetizacion subversiva de la historia.
Commentary on ‘Why Compassion Counts!’: Compassion as a Generative Force

>> Twelve years ago, Peter Frost called upon us to consider why compassion counts. More than a decade later, we can see, feel, and understand why compassion counts both in the field of organizational studies and in our lives as scholars. As he was so many times during his career, Peter was prophetic in identifying and animating a core idea that is central to our field and to our lives. We approach this essay with three goals in mind, all focused on elaborating how compassion is a generative force. By generative, we mean that compassion as an idea opens up new vistas, expands resources, and creates new insights (Carlsen & Dutton, 2011). It is a force in the sense that it propels and motivates action. Given these definitions, we hope this essay achieves three goals. First, we aspire to celebrate the generative capacity of compassion by illustrating the wisdom and insight contained in compassion stories, and in particular in one of Peter’s compassion stories. Second, we invite reflection on the meaning of being a compassionate scholar through immersion in stories about Peter left by his colleagues after he died. Third, we discuss how compassion alters our focus, our work, and our imagination in organizational studies. Together, we hope all three angles on how compassion counts celebrate the contribution that Peter’s article is continuing to make in our field and in our lives.
Coastal Landforms: Crescentic and Rhythmic

Crescentic shoreline landforms are common along many sandy coasts. Some of these migrating rhythmic forms reflect interacting processes and systematic bar-and-trough configurations within the surf zone. The rate of migration along the coast is greater during the stormy winter season. These forms must be better understood for more efficient engineering and experimental design.
Harvey Leibenstein as a Pioneer of Our Time

True pioneers of the mind in any generation are a small minority. By pioneers we do not mean mere intellectual scouts who set out only to traverse new lands. Rather, true pioneers are both inventors and Schumpeterian innovators, people who both settle on and invest in new frontiers. But even among them there are divisions. Some are migrants like Daniel Boone (the legendary settler first of Kentucky and then of Missouri) of whom it was said that he 'moved on' as soon as he could see the smoke coming from a neighbour's chimney. However, some pioneers become permanent settlers, people who both open up virgin lands and cultivate them until they become fully-productive communities. There was more than a bit of both types in Harvey Leibenstein, whose productive career began as a graduate student: while writing (and publishing!) on the theory of demand, he developed a research programme for what later was recognised as experimental economics. From there he went to the research frontier of demographic economics, where he did pioneering work on the relationship between nutritional inputs and labour output as possibly the principal factor in economies overcoming the low-level equilibrium trap.1 Here in both cases he was more a pioneer of the first rather than the second type. Leibenstein's pioneering spirit of the second type shows up best in his work on X-efficiency analysis, where he both laid out a community blueprint and organized some early settling, with numerous articles, several books and doctoral dissertations. Unfortunately for that new community, already attracting immigrants from other productive areas, Leibenstein's career was cut short by an immobilising automobile accident in 1987 which left him nonproductive until his death in 1994. Thus, the economics profession and academia lost a leader, then at the very peak of his creativity. Such is our estimate, and in this essay we will try to put our case.
Inhibition of growth factor-induced DNA synthesis in astrocytes by ligands of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors.

Abstract The effect of diazepam and specific ligands of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) on growth factor-induced DNA synthesis in quiescent cultures of rat astrocytes has been examined. It was found that diazepam inhibited the ability of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to stimulate [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation; the IC 50 was approximately 5 μM. Ro5-4864, a specific agonist of PBRs, also blocked bFGF-induced DNA synthesis. PK11195, which in some cases functions as an antagonist of PBRs, did not prevent the effect of Ro5-4864 on bFGF-induced DNA synthesis; rather, addition of PK11195 also inhibited bFGF-induced DNA synthesis. In addition, diazepam reduced the stimulation of DNA synthesis caused by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), polypeptide growth factors coupled to receptor tyrosine kinases, as well as thrombin, an activator of G protein-coupled receptors. These data suggest that ligands of PBRs may limit astrocyte mitosis, a phenomenon that occurs following CNS injury.
Clinicopathological predictors of EGFR / KRAS mutational status in primary lung adenocarcinomas

Screening for EGFR and KRAS mutations in patients with lung adenocarcinomas can be used to predict the patient's response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but there is a lack of guidelines for testing in clinical practice. We analyzed the morphological and clinicopathological characteristics, including tumor stage, size, presence of scar, inflammatory response, angiolymphatic and pleural invasion, of 345 surgically treated primary lung adenocarcinomas with respect to their EGFR and KRAS mutational profile and EGFR FISH. EGFR and KRAS mutations were found in 33 (10%) and 78 (23%) of lung adenocarcinomas, respectively, whereas 226 (67%) cases were negative for both mutations. There was a large overlap in the analyzed clinicopathological characteristics among the three study groups. Statistically significant predictors for the presence of EGFR mutations included history of never smoking (OR 5.939; 95% Wald confidence limit 1.662–21.223, P=0.0149), mild lymphocytic host response (OR 4.724; 95% Wald confidence limit 1.33–1.776; P=0.0163), female gender (OR 2.571; 95% Wald confidence limit 1.015–6.511, P=0.0463) and absence of solid growth pattern. Statistically significant predictors for the presence of KRAS mutations included older age (OR 1.034; 95% Wald confidence limit 1.007–1.062, P=0.0132), history of smoking (OR 0.617, 95% Wald confidence limit 0.357–1.066, P=0.0412) and mucinous differentiation. EGFR FISH positivity as defined by the Colorado criteria was a significant predictor of EGFR mutations, with high polysomy as the strongest predictive criteria. Despite statistically significant differences among the study groups and because of the large overlap in the analyzed clinicopathological criteria, none of these could be implemented as the selection criteria for molecular testing in clinical practice. The cost-effectiveness of lung carcinoma mutational testing would be improved by initial determination of KRAS mutational status as negative predictor of the patient's response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, followed by EGFR mutational analysis, if necessary.
Results of a clinical phase I dose-escalation study of cytarabine in combination with fixed-dose vinorelbine, paclitaxel, etoposide and cisplatin for the treatment of relapsed/refractory lymphoma.

Management of relapsed lymphoma depends upon the variables of chemosensitive disease and successful stem cell mobilization. The microtubule specific agents, paclitaxel and vinorelbine, have efficacy in relapsed lymphoma and can enhance stem cell mobilization. We performed a phase I dose-escalation study of cytarabine combined with fixed doses of vinorelbine, paclitaxel, etoposide and cisplatin (VTEPA) for patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma. The regimen consisted of paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 on day 1; cisplatin 20 mg/m2 and etoposide 100 mg/m2 over 4 h on days 2 – 5. Cytarabine 2 g m/m2 over 4 h, in successive cohorts on 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days: cohort A day 5; cohort B days 4 – 5; and cohort C days 3 – 5. Sixteen patients (Hodgkin's disease, n = 6; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, n = 10) were enrolled. Fourteen of 16 patients (88%) had refractory and seven patients (44%) had primary refractory disease. Major toxicities included hematologic toxicity, mucositis and infectious complic...
Co-injection of air and steam for the prevention of the downward migration of DNAPLs during steam enhanced extraction: An experimental evaluation of optimum injection ratio predictions

When steam is injected into soil containing a dense volatile non-aqueous phase liquid contaminant, the DNAPL vaporized within the heated soil region condenses and accumulates ahead of the steam condensation front. If enough DNAPL accumulates, gravitational forces can overcome trapping forces allowing the liquid contaminant to flow downward. By injecting air with steam, a portion of the DNAPL vapor remains suspended in equilibrium with the air, decreasing liquid contaminant accumulation ahead of the steam condensation front, and thus reducing the possibility of downward migration. In a previous work, a theoretical model was developed to predict the optimum injection ratio of air to steam that would eliminate accumulation of DNAPL ahead of the temperature front and thus minimize the potential for downward migration. In this work, the theoretical model is summarized, and an experiment is presented in order to evaluate the optimum injection ratio prediction. In the experiment, a two-dimensional water saturated sand pack is contaminated with a known mass of TCE (DNAPL). The system is then remediated by co-injecting air and steam at the predicted optimum injection ratio, calculated based on the average contaminant soil concentration in the sand pack. Results for the co-injection of air and steam are compared to results for the injection of pure steam or pure air. Injection at the predicted optimum injection ratio for a volumetric average NAPL saturation, reduced accumulation of the contaminant ahead of the condensation front by over 90%, as compared to steam injection alone. This indicates that the optimum injection ratio prediction is a valuable tool for limiting the spreading of DNAPL during steam-enhanced extraction. Injection at the optimum injection ratio resulted in earlier recovery of contaminant than for steam injection alone. Co-injection of steam and air is also shown to result in much higher recovery rates than air injection alone.
Unregulated mitochondrial GSK3β activity results in NADH:Ubiquinone oxidoreductase deficiency

GSK3β is prominent for its role in apoptosis signaling and has been shown to be involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. The overall effects of GSK3β activity on cell fate are well-established, but the effects of mitochondrial GSK3β activity on mitochondrial function and cell fate are unknown. Here we selectively expressed constitutively active GSK3β within the mitochondria and found that this enhanced the apoptosis signaling activated by the PD-mimetic NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) inhibitors 1-methyl-4-phenylpyri-dinium ion (MPP+) and rotenone. Additionally, expression of GSK3β in the mitochondria itself caused a significant decrease in complex I activity and ATP production. Increased mitochondrial GSK3β activity also increased reactive oxygen species production and perturbed the mitochondrial morphology. Conversely, chemical inhibitors of GSK3β inhibited MPP+- and rotenone-induced apoptosis, and attenuated the mitochondrial GSK3β-mediated impairment in complex I. These results indicate that unregulated mitochondrial GSK3β activity can mimic some of the mitochondrial insufficiencies found in PD pathology.
Effects of caffeine on gastrointestinal myoelectric activity and colonic spike activity in dogs

Background: Caffeine is known to produce various effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Few studies have, however, investigated the effects of caffeine on gastrointestinal myoelectric activity under physiologic conditions. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of caffeine on colonic motility (spike activity) and gastric and jejunal slow waves in conscious dogs. Methods: The study was performed in eight healthy female hound dogs (15-20 kg) in which one pair of electrodes was implanted on the serosa of the stomach, one pair on the proximal jejunum, and another pair on the ascending colon. The protocol consisted of a 60-min recording as base line and a 90-min recording after intravenous injection of saline, a low dose of caffeine (125 mg), or a high dose of caffeine (250 mg). Results: In the colon there was a significant increase in the number of spike bursts per minute after the injection of both the low (6.69 ± 1.27 versus 8.22 ± 1.31, P < 0.05) and the high dose (4.38 ± 1.23 versus 6.92 ± 0.98, P < 0.05) of caffeine. The increase in the total energy of spikes per minute after the injection of the high dose of caffeine was significantly higher than that after the low dose of caffeine (41.2 ± 14.6 versus 133.4 ± 39.2, P < 0.05). The characteristics of the gastric and jejunal slow waves were, however, not affected by caffeine. Conclusion: Caffeine increases spike activity in the colon, and its effect may be dose-dependent. Gastric and jejunal slow waves are not affected by caffeine.
Homer's linguistic forebears

M. L. West has recently presented a magisterial account of the history of Greek epic in which Aeolic phases and other entities are assumed. His account is the more impressive because it combines linguistic features skilfully handled with an account of the thematic development of epic, and also specifies at what stages the various linguistic features entered the tradition. West assumes an Aeolic phase, or phases, of heroic epic composition, and accounts for the presence of Aeolic forms (162): ‘It has usually been inferred that they are just a residue left after Ionian poets had adapted an Aeolic poetic language into their own dialect as far as it would go. This is, I have no doubt, the correct interpretation.’ I think it is not.
Microscopic Simulation Model Calibration and Validation: Case Study of VISSIM Simulation Model for a Coordinated Actuated Signal System

Microscopic simulation models have been widely used in both transportation operations and management analyses because simulation is safer, less expensive, and faster than field implementation and testing. While these simulation models can be advantageous to engineers, the models must be calibrated and validated before they can be used to provide meaningful results. However, the transportation profession has not established any formal or consistent guidelines for the development and application of these models. In practice, simulation model-based analyses have often been conducted under default parameter values or bestguessed values. This is mainly due to either difficulties in field data collection or lack of a readily available procedure for simulation model calibration and validation. A procedure was proposed for microscopic simulation model calibration and validation and an example case study is presented with real-world traffic data from Route 50 on Lee Jackson Highway in Fairfax, Virginia. The propos...
Transcriptional diversity during monocyte to macrophage differentiation.

Monocytes recruited into tissues from peripheral blood differentiate into macrophages, which are critical in the pathogenesis of many diseases. There is limited data concerning the global changes in the expression of genes during monocyte to macrophage differentiation, and how the patterns of change identify the mechanism contributing to macrophage differentiation or function. Employing microarray technology, we examined the transcriptional profile of in vitro adherence-induced differentiation of primary human monocytes into macrophages. We found the significant up regulation of genes contributing to the functions of macrophages, including those regulating to immunity and defense; lipid, fatty acid and steroid metabolism; cell adhesion, carbohydrate metabolism; amino acid metabolism and endocytosis. In contrast, the vast majority of transcription factors affected were down regulated during monocyte to macrophage differentiation, suggesting that transcriptional repression may be important for the transition from monocytes to macrophages. However, a limited number of transcription factors were up regulated, among these was C/EBPα, which may contribute to differentiation by regulating down stream genes, which are a characteristic of differentiated macrophages. These observations suggest that examination of the transcriptional profile in monocytes and macrophages in patients may identify relevant therapeutic targets in diseases mediated by macrophages.
Routine placement of ureteral stents is unnecessary after ureteroscopy for urinary calculi

Objectives. To report a matched comparison of patients with and without stenting after ureteroscopy for calculi, including middle or proximal ureteral and renal calculi. The elimination of routine stenting after ureteroscopy would prevent stent pain, minimize the need for re-instrumentation, and reduce costs—as long as efficacy and safety are not diminished. Methods. Of 318 patients who underwent ureteroscopy, 81 (25%) did not have a ureteral stent placed. Of those, 51 were suitable for analysis and included patients with distal ureteral (n = 22), middle or proximal ureteral (n = 11), and renal calculi (n = 18). This cohort was matched to a stented group by stone size and location. Results. The preoperative characteristics of the groups were similar. A stone-free rate of 86% and 94% was achieved in the stented and nonstented groups, respectively (P = 0.32). Complications in the nonstented group were less frequent (flank pain in 3 and postoperative nausea in 1) than in the stented group (hospital visits for flank pain in 12, persistent nausea and vomiting in 1, sepsis in 1, perinephric hematoma in 1, and urinary retention in 1) (total of 4 versus 16, P = 0.025). Conclusions. Ureteroscopy for distal ureteral stones without ureteral stent placement has been previously described. Our experience expands to include the elimination of stent placement after ureteroscopy for middle or proximal ureteral (22%) and renal (35%) calculi. Our data suggest that after ureteroscopies with short operative times and minimal ureteral trauma, ureteral stents may not be necessary, even if proximal ureteral or renal ureteroscopy has been performed.
An Assessment of Patient Behavior Over Time---Periods: A Case Study of Managing Type 2 Diabetes Through Blood Glucose Readings and Insulin Doses

This paper focuses on assessing the behavior of a patient over time periods for managing type 2 Diabetes. In some cases, patients with type 2 diabetes not only behave differently from other patients, but the severity of a given health problem varies even for an individual patient. We focus on understanding how and when patients differ from other patients. In addition, we also look at the diversity that exists within an individual patient especially over time-periods throughout the day. Our aim is to identify such time intervals when a patient may need more targeted care. Thus, for type 2 Diabetes we identify which time-periods exhibit a mismatch in terms of the blood glucose readings and the insulin doses. For instance, if the blood glucose readings fluctuate and the insulin doses are fixed it may indicate a poor management of the insulin doses and therefore a poor management of Diabetes. Based on such findings a number of factors can be taken into consideration when drawing out a care plan for example diet, lifestyle, and type of treatment, among others. Our study uses a data mining approach, particularly clustering to study the measurements in blood glucose and doses of regular insulin for a selected number of patients. We look at their behavior on an overall days' basis, which we refer to as large-scale binning. Additionally, we study their behavior at specified time intervals throughout the day, which we refer to as small-scale binning. Our findings indicate that we are clearly able to see the trends in blood glucose readings as compared to the insulin doses for different patients indicating a well managed or a poorly managed plan.
Anal intercourse and knowledge of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome among minority-group female adolescents.

Adolescent minority group females experience of anal intercourse and knowledge about and attitudes toward AIDS have been investigated. A questionnaire survey was administered to 148 largely black and Hispanic female patients at an adolescent health center. 111 of the girls reported that they were sexually active. 28 girls (25.2%) acknowledged having had anal sex 19 of them within the preceding 3 months. Condoms were far less likely to be used during anal intercourse than during vaginal sex. Accurate knowledge about AIDS increased with age but there was no relationship between age and any change in sexual behavior to avoid the disease. What little changes in sexual behavior reported were however strongly linked to fear of contracting AIDS. The most effective means of HIV transmission from males to females is through anal intercourse. Given the high incidence of anal intercourse practice by black and Hispanic females their infrequent use of condoms during anal intercourse and a large and increasing HIV infection rate among black and Hispanic males it can be seen that adolescent minority group females are at increasing risk of heterosexual exposure to HIV infection. Lack of relationship between knowledge about AIDS and reduction of high-risk sexual behavior are discouraging to hopes of disease prevention through educational efforts.
Experimental study of laminar flow heat transfer with prescribed wall heat flux

Laminar-flow heat transfer in a cylindrical tube was studied experimentally in order to test a recent analytical method of predicting temperature profiles (1). The experimental equipment was designed to measure wall temperatures to better than 0.1°C. and to utilize small radial heat fluxes so as to minimize effects of natural convection. A series of experiments was carried out on five different types of prescribed wall heat flux with water flowing in a vertical tube. The measured wall temperatures in these experiments compared well with those predicted by the theoretical solution. Small deviations which did exist were explained in terms of experimental errors. The agreement found indicates that the analytical method may be safely used in the study of experimental data in such heat transfer and analogous mass transfer problems.
Photoinduced alignment of LC polymers by the combination of photo-orientation and thermotropic self-organization

The irradiation with linearly polarized light generates optical anisotropy in isotropic films of photochromic amorphous and liquid crystalline polymers due to photoorientation. The photochemically induced orientation of the photochromic side groups causes a co-operative orientation of the non-photochromic parts of the polymers such as the non-photochromic side groups. The orientational order photogenerated in the glassy state acts as an initializing force to align LC polymers by thermotropic self-organization on annealing above Tg. The combination of both ordering principles can result in a significant amplification of the light-induced in-plane anisotropy or, results alternatively in a homeotropic alignment of the side groups. The dependence of the photoorientation process and its thermal amplification on the liquid crystallinity, aggregation and the irradiation conditions is discussed.
Antibiotic Synergy and Antagonism Against Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella Species

Minimal inhibitory concentrations of kanamycin, gentamicin, amikacin, cephalothin, and chloramphenicol were determined in Trypticase soy broth for 70 clinical isolates of Klebsiella species. Gentamicin and amikacin were the most active on a weight basis. Chloramphenicol was more active than kanamycin, and cephalothin was the least active of all. Studies using a microtiter modification of the checkerboard technique were performed to evaluate the comparative activity of the three aminoglycosides in combination with either chloramphenicol or cephalothin. The cephalothin-aminoglycoside combinations demonstrated synergy in >80% of the isolates tested. No antagonism was noted. The chloramphenicol-aminoglycoside combinations showed antagonism in 35 to 45% of the isolates tested. The data suggest that the chloramphenicol-aminoglycoside combinations be used with caution when treating serious infections where Klebsiella is a potential pathogen.
Turnover of ribosomal RNA in the rat brain.

SUMMARY Ribosomal RNA from rat brain has been partially purified by sodium dodecyl-sulphate treatment of microsomes, and density gradient centrifugation. The apparent half-life of ribosomal RNA after labelling with a pyrimidine precursor was 6 days. Classes of ribosomal RNA with longer half-lives could not be excluded. There was evidence for re-utilization of the labelled precursors.
Characterization of Curaremimetic Neurotoxin Binding Sites on Membrane Fractions Derived from the Human Medulloblastoma Clonal Line, TE671

Studies were conducted on curaremimetic neurotoxin binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor present on membrane fractions derived from the human medulloblastoma clonal line, TE671. High-affinity binding sites (KD = 2 nM for 1-h incubation at 20 degrees C) and low-affinity binding sites (KD = 40 nM) for 125I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin are present in equal quantities (60 fmol/mg membrane protein). The kinetically determined dissociation constant for high-affinity binding of toxin is 0.56 nM (k1 = 6.3 X 10(-3) min-1 nM-1; k-1 = 3.5 X 10(-3) min-1) at 20 degrees C. Nicotine, d-tubocurarine, and acetylcholine are among the most effective inhibitors of high-affinity toxin binding. The quantity of toxin binding sites and their affinity for cholinergic agonists is sensitive to reduction, alkylation, and/or oxidation of membrane sulfhydryl residues. High-affinity toxin binding sites that have been subjected to reaction with the sulfhydryl reagent dithiothreitol are irreversibly blocked by the nicotinic receptor affinity reagent bromoacetylcholine. High-affinity toxin binding is inhibited in the presence of either of two polyclonal antisera or a monoclonal antibody raised against nicotinic acetylcholine receptors from fish electric tissue. Taken together, these results indicate that curaremimetic neurotoxin binding sites on membrane fractions of the TE671 cell line share some properties with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of peripheral origin and with toxin binding sites on other neuronal tissues.
The mechanism of the peripheral vascular resistance change during exposure of dogs to bromotrifluoromethane.

Abstract Thirtytwo male beagle dogs were used in 16 cross-circulation experiments wherein arterial blood from one dog (donor) was perfused at constant flow rate through a hind limb (HL) of another dog (recipient). The HL innervation remained intact. Exposure of the donor to 67–70% CBrF 3 was accompanied by a reversible decrease in the donor's mean arterial blood pressure. The HL perfusion pressure (and therefore vascular resistance in HL) was unaltered. Exposure of the recipient to 67–70% CBrF 3 was accompanied by a reversible decrease in the recipient mean arterial blood pressure and HL perfusion pressure. The HL perfusion pressure change was greatly attenuated by pretreatment of the HL with phenoxybenzamine and abolished by pretreatment of the recipient with hexamethonium. Nictitating membrane tension and vagal inhibition of the heart in response to electrical stimulation of the corresponding cut ends of the vagosympathetic trunks were measured in 5 dogs before, during and after exposure to 80% CBrF 3 . The CBrF 3 exposure was accompanied by a reversible decrease in both nictitating membrane tension and vagal inhibition of the heart. The mechanism of the decrease in mean arterial blood pressure during CBrF 3 exposure was concluded to be a decrease in vasomotor tone resulting from ganglionic blockade. No direct vascular smooth muscle effect of CBrF 3 was observed.
Dynamic state determination of a software-defined network via dual basis representation

To maximize the performance of a software-defined network, a network observer must develop a state that can be tracked and controlled. We propose a novel method that uses the entire eigenspace of the Laplacian matrix to determine the state of a SDN. Our approach exploits the double orthogonality of the Laplacian matrix in order to define the dual basis. Each basis uses the entire reachability space with the objective of fully describing the centrality of each node over time. The reachability space is defined by the dual basis once the null space has been removed. The definition of the dual basis allows the network controller to observe the network state to determine which areas are most utilized and least utilized. Once the state has been estimated, the controller may choose to correct the network state by rerouting flows or preventing additional flows.
Preparation of thin polymer films

Refined techniques and a simple apparatus for producing thin (300–1300 A.) polymer films on glass slides from appropriate polymer solutions are described. A film thickness reproducibility of ±25A. can be achieved without difficulty. The polymers investigated included Formvar 15/19E, Parlodion, VYDR blend B-7, and Cyanocel. Data are presented which show the effect on film thickness of a drain period for the glass slide just above the polymer solution, the residence time of the glass slide in the polymer solution, the nature of the solvent, the concentration of the polymer solution, the temperature, and the nature of the polymer. The results show that the reproducibility of polymer film thickness and the uniformity of the films is higher as the thickness of the film decreases (below about 1000 A.). Film casting conditions which favor a rapid departure of the solvent from the polymer film (such as elevated temperature, dilute solutions, and solvents of high volatility) yielded a high reproducibility in film thickness and an excellent film uniformity.