cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Aroclor 1254 and cadmium on reproductive endocrine function and ovarian growth in atlantic croaker

The effects of a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture (Aroclor 1254) and cadmium on the reproductive endocrine function in female Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) were investigated. Fish were fed Aroclor 1254 in the diet (0·5 mg/100 g body wt/day) for 17 days or exposed to 1 mg cadmium/liter seawater (30% S) for 40 days during the period of ovarian recrudescence. Both Cd and the PCB disrupted reproduction, but they exerted opposite effects on reproductive endocrine function and ovarian growth. PCB treatment impaired ovarian growth which was accompanied by a significant decline in vitellogenesis as assessed by a decrease in plasma estradiol levels. In addition there was a decrease in spontaneous secretion of gonadotropin (GTH) in vitro by pituitaries from PCB-treated fish. In contrast, exposure to Cd accelerated ovarian growth and elevated plasma estradiol concentrations, suggesting a stimulation of vitellogenesis. In addition there was a marked increase in the spontaneous secretion of GTH from pituitaries of Cd-exposed fish in vitro. The results show that chemicals can disrupt reproductive processes in teleosts both by inhibiting and stimulating the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal-liver axis.
Partial purification of a pramipexole-induced trophic activity directed at dopamine neurons in ventral mesencephalic cultures.

We previously demonstrated that media conditioned by exposure to ventral mesencephalic (VM) cultures in the presence of pramipexole (PPX) and other drugs with dopamine (DA) D3 properties, increased the growth and survival of DA neurons in recipient VM cultures. This trophic activity was heat-labile and not present in parietal cortex cultures or cultures pretreated with the DA neuron toxin MPP+. In an effort to begin to identify the protein(s) responsible for this trophic effect, we compared the conditioned media from normal VM cultures, VM cultures incubated with PPX, and VM cultures pretreated with MPP+ and treated with PPX. Neutralization studies using anti-GDNF and anti-BDNF failed to reduce the conditioned media transfer effect, and Millipore Ultrafree centrifugation studies placed the mol.wt. of the activity around 30 kDa. SDS separation revealed three potential bands of interest. A 35-kDa band was present in normal cultures, increased in PPX-incubated cultures, and absent in MPP+-pretreated/PPX-incubated cultures. This conforms to the effect the protein concentrates used to produce these gels had on the growth of DA neurons in VM cultures. Since VM cultures grown in neural basal media, which inhibits the growth of glia, still responded to PPX in a dose-dependent fashion, the trophic activity may be a DA autotrophic factor. However, the gels also revealed two bands at approximately 31 and 55 kDa that were reduced by exposure to PPX and present in MPP+-pretreated cultures. The possibility that these are neuroinhibitory factors that are also regulated by PPX therefore cannot be ruled out.
Leukocyte proliferation mediated by protein kinase C in the marine teleost fish, Sciaenops ocellatus.

Abstract A major route of signal transduction in mammalian lymphocytes is the phosphatidyl inositol (PI) pathway. As previously demonstrated in the channel catfish, and confirmed in the present work with the red drum, modulators of the PI pathway such as phorbol ester and calcium ionophore acted synergistically to stimulate proliferation of teleost peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL). Red drum PBL also proliferated strongly in response to phorbol ester alone, at doses which were not mitogenic for catfish PBL. Cell depletion studies suggested that macrophage-derived cytokines probably played a role in supporting the mitogenic response to phorbol ester alone. Dose titration studies with a panel of kinase inhibitors suggested that mitogenic and synergistic doses of phorbol ester primarily targeted an enzyme activity similar to protein kinase C (PKC). However, in the same inhibitor studies, the target enzyme was insensitive to staurosporine, suggesting the involvement of an unusual form of PKC. Similary, cell proliferation stimulated by phorbol ester was suppressed, but not eliminated by a calcium channel blocker Verapamil. Thus, while the synergistic action of phorbol ester and calcium ionophore appeared to be mediated by a PI pathway, these studies have suggested that PKC isoforms and membrane ion pumps unique to the lower vertebrates may participate in regulation of the cell cycle.
Prevalence and Correlates of Smoking and Cessation-Related Behavior among Survivors of Ten Cancers: Findings from a Nationwide Survey Nine Years after Diagnosis

Background: Smoking is detrimental to recovery and survival from cancer, but many cancer survivors continue to smoke. Information is lacking on smoking patterns of survivors many years after diagnosis and correlates of smoking status and patterns, likelihood of quitting, and intentions to quit. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted among survivors of 10 cancers recruited by stratified random sampling from cancer registries in a nationwide, longitudinal, quality-of-life study ( n = 2,938). Results: Approximately 9 years after diagnosis, 9.3% of all survivors were current (past 30-day) smokers. Smoking prevalence was highest among survivors of bladder (17.2%), lung (14.9%), and ovarian (11.6%) cancers. Most current smokers (83%) smoked daily, averaging 14.7 cigarettes per day (cpd). Forty percent of daily smokers smoked more than 15 cpd. Nondaily smokers smoked a mean of 10.9 days in the last 30 days and averaged 5.7 cpd on smoking days. Current smoking was associated with younger age, lower education and income, and greater alcohol consumption. Quitting after diagnosis was associated with having a smoking-related cancer. Roughly, a third of current smokers intended to quit, 40% within the next month. The odds of intending to quit were lower if survivors were married, older, or smoked more. Conclusions: This population-based study indicated that smoking can persist long after initial diagnosis and at high levels and identified characteristics associated with quitting and intentions to quit. Impact: Findings can be used to identify survivors most at risk for continued smoking and to inform tailoring of cessation treatments for survivors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(9); 1783–92. ©2014 AACR . This article is featured in Highlights of This Issue, [p. 1705][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/23/1705?iss=9
Trauma and Catholicism in Carmen Laforet's Work

AbstractRepressed trauma and psychological fragmentation denote a significant pattern in Carmen Laforet's novels, in which violence 'that threatens the integrity of the body and compromises the sense of mastery that aggregates around western notions of harmonious selfhood' (Henke, 2000: xii) produces 'shattered subjects' (Henke, 2000: xii), such as the protagonists of Nada, El piano, and La mujer nueva (first published in 1945, 1952, and 1955 respectively). But, in contrast with Andrea, who is not allowed to work through her own trauma in the space of the novel, both Rosa and Paulina experience a religious 'revelation': the 'turning point' or catharsis that helps them process their own injuries, understand their own repressed subjectivity in the context of their concrete circumstances, and regain an enabling sense of communion with themselves and the world that surrounds them. In the first section of this paper I discuss the version of Catholicism that the texts by Laforet insinuate. Then I will show how ...
Reply: Does dominant pedunculopontine nucleus exist? Probably not

Sir, We are pleased to continue the discussion with regards to our recent manuscript detailing altered structural connectivity of the locomotor network within the right hemisphere of individuals with Parkinson’s disease who experience freezing of gait (Fling et al. , 2013). Our previous work has asserted the possibility of right hemisphere pathology as a principal neural component underlying freezing of gait, with an emphasis placed on disrupted communication between locomotor centres in the brainstem and cerebellum with medial areas of the frontal and prefrontal cortices (Fling et al. , 2013, 2014 a ). In their letter to the editor, Hall and colleagues (2014) provide data demonstrating that freezing of gait is evident in Parkinson's disease regardless of which side of the body is more affected. The authors report no difference in the proportion of subjects ( n = …
Childhood passive smoke exposure is associated with adult head and neck cancer

Abstract Introduction : Passive smoke is carcinogenic but its association with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is uncertain. Methods : We conducted a case-control study of childhood passive smoke exposure (CPSE) and HNSCC in 858 cases and 806 frequency-matched controls using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with logistic regression controlling for adult smoking in the total study population, and in never-smokers only (184 cases and 415 controls). CPSE was also studied in oropharyngeal separately from other HNSCC using polytomous logistic regression. Results : CPSE was associated with HNSCC (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01–1.63) after controlling for adult smoking and other factors. This association was similar in magnitude, although not statistically significant, among subjects who never smoked as adults (OR, 1.19, 95% CI, 0.80–1.76). CPSE was associated more strongly with oropharyngeal cancer (a HNSCC subtype commonly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection) than with HNSCC at non-oropharyngeal sites (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.01–4.06, N =52 cases vs. OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.68–1.60, N =132 cases; P -for-heterogeneity=0.08). Conclusions : Data from this large US-based case control study suggest a role for CPSE in HNSCC etiology.
An Unusual Rash in a Middle-Aged Man

A 46-year-old Caucasian male with a history of poorly controlled type II diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertriglyceridemia presented with painless, non-pruritic bumps on his bilateral arms and knees for two weeks. Four weeks previously, the patient had been started on mirtazapine for post-traumatic stress disorder. He denied any past or family history of such rashes. On examination, his skin was remarkable for grouped pink to yellow, well-defined papules on the extensor surfaces of his elbows and knees (Fig. 1). The patient’s laboratory tests showed hyperglycemia (400 mg/dl) and severe hypertriglyceridemia (>3000 mg/dl). Based on his examination and laboratory findings, a diagnosis of eruptive xanthomas in the setting of severe hypertriglyceridemia was made. Figure 1 Yellowish-pink, well-defined papular skin eruption seen on the extensor surfaces of the elbows (a, b) and knees (c), consistent with eruptive xanthomas. A closer view of the eruptive xanthomas on the extensor surfaces (d, e). Eruptive xanthomas are characterized by the sudden eruption of yellow-red papules in pressure-bearing areas such as the extensor surfaces, buttocks and knees.1 They are usually associated with hypertriglyceridemia and chylomicronemia due to genetic or acquired disorders. Type II DM and use of antipsychotic agents, as seen in our patient, have been associated with increased incidence of xanthomas.2,3 Our patient was managed with adequate glycemic control by initiation of insulin therapy and gemfibrozil as well as discontinuation of the offending antipsychotic agent.
Minimization of Coolant Mass Flow Rate in Internally Cooled Gas Turbine Blades

This paper presents a coupled aerodynamic and thermal study of computer-automated design and optimization of internally cooled turbine blades. The turbine blade, thermal barrier coating, coolant passages and struts were developed from a set of design variables, including β-splines for the coolant wall thickness distribution. The turbine inlet temperature, mass flow rate, and coolant wall roughness were also incorporated into the design variable set. The maximum temperature in the metal blade was enforced with equality or inequality constraint functions. Because the coolant flow rate was a design variable, this function could not be explicitly minimized. Instead, three different thermal objective functions were studied: uniform temperature, heat flux extremum, and minimum coolant ejection temperature. Results have shown that it is possible to increase or maintain high turbine inlet temperatures while decreasing the turbine blade coolant requirements. A new constrained hybrid optimization algorithm was developed and used to modify the turbine blade designs until an optimum design was found. This evolutionary optimization package incorporated four popular algorithms (steepest descent, genetic, simplex, and simulated annealing) with automatic switching among them. A computational heat conduction analysis, using the boundary element method (BEM), was iteratively coupled to an unstructured finite volume Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes CFD analysis for turbulent hot gas flow. A quasi-one-dimensional system with heat addition and friction was iteratively coupled to the BEM heat conduction via heat flux for the simulation of the airflow in the serpentine coolant passages. This quasi-one-dimensional system yielded correlations for the heat convection coefficients on the coolant passage walls. The coolant passage pressure loss was one of the quantities arising from the quasi-one-dimensional analysis.© 1999 ASME
Quantum Computing: An Introduction

With recent news about a quantum computer, it is clear that quantum computing is cresting the horizon of the mainstream. It may be a distant horizon, but quantum computing is increasingly becoming not just a trope of science fiction but also a near future reality. Moreover, once the mechanisms of quantum computing have been ironed out, it has the potential to revolutionize the world of computing.
Accuracy of Leukocyte Count in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

Abstract [Snyder BK, Hayden SR: Accuracy of leukocyte count in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Ann Emerg Med May 1999;33:565-574.]
The effect of 2-mercaptoethanol (ME) and EDTA on the sub-species structure of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase (LADH) in 8 M urea.

Abstract While incubation of LADH in 8 M urea gives rise primarily to sub-units of molecular weight 40,000, addition of ME and EDTA yields sub-species of molecular weights between 36,000 and 20,000 as determined by time-lapse ultracentrifugation and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-electrophoresis.
Electron density distributions calculated for the nickel sulfides millerite, vaesite, and heazlewoodite and nickel metal: a case for the importance of ni-ni bond paths for electron transport.

Bond paths and the bond critical point properties (the electron density (ρ) and the Hessian of ρ at the bond critical points (bcp's)) have been calculated for the bonded interactions comprising the...
Key Reliability Issues for SiC Power MOSFETs

Even with the successful introduction of SiC power MOSFETs into the commercial market place, several key reliability issues have not been fully resolved. The main two issues are the stability of the device threshold voltage, VT, and the reliability of the gate oxide. This work focuses on the VT stability issue, which has been investigated by a number of different research groups in recent years [1-12].
Phenomenological classification of depressive disorders

Empirical cluster analysis methods have been the basis for development of a phenomenological classification of depressive disorders. Verbal descriptions of the distinguishing features of anxious, hostile, agitated, and retarded subtypes of depression are provided to facilitate development of clinical classification concepts. A review of some of the validity data is presented.
Cation self-diffusion in strontium oxide (SrO)

Abstract Cation self-diffusion studies were carried out in SrO in the temperature range 1200°≤T≤1600°C and in the oxygen partial pressure range 2×10−5atm≤pO2≤1 atm. The isotope 85Sr was used and Gruzin's residual activity method was employed. The bulk diffusion coefficients obtained from these data for specimens annealed in argon (PO2=2×10−5 atm) could be represented by the following equations D S r / S r O ( 1450 − 1600 ° C ) = ( 2 ⋅ 52 − 2 ⋅ 16 + 15 ⋅ 18 ) × 10 2 exp ⁡ [ − ( 4 ⋅ 61 ± 0 ⋅ 066 e V ) / k T ] c m 2 / sec ⁡ . D S r / S r O ( 1200 − 1400 ° C ) = ( 4 ⋅ 48 − 3 ⋅ 22 + 11 ⋅ 42 ) × 10 − 4 exp ⁡ [ − ( 2 ⋅ 76 ± 0 ⋅ 038 e V ) / k T ] c m 2 / sec ⁡ . No appreciable dependence of D on pO2 was observed below 1400°C. At higher temperatures an influence was observed and at 1500°C D ∞ p O 2 1 / 6 ⋅ 23 It is postulated that cation diffusion occurs by a vacancy mechanism. The concentration of vacancies is (i) impurity controlled below 1450°C and (ii) controlled by oxygen partial pressure above 1450°C. From the low temperature data an enthalpy of migration of 2·76 eV was obtained. Combining this value with high temperature data, the formation enthalpy of a doubly ionized cation vacancy was calculated to be 2.96 eV.
A 10-Hz rhythm reflects the organization of a brainstem network that specifically governs sympathetic nerve discharge

Coherence analysis revealed that the 10-Hz rhythm in sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) was not correlated to that either in inferior olivary activity of decerebrate cats or in neocortical spindles of urethane-anesthetized cats. Also the discharges of some ventrolateral medullary and raphe neurons contained a 10-Hz rhythm that was not correlated to that in SND. These data support the hypothesis that a 10-Hz rhythm reflects the organization of a brainstem network that specifically governs sympathetic outflow.
Phenytoin, tetrodotoxin, and acetylcholine release

To determine if phenytoin reduces depolarization-linked acetylcholine release from synaptosomes solely by interacting with Na+, the effect of phenytoin (100 to 200 microM) and/or tetrodotoxin (1 microM) on ACh release was assayed in synaptosomes depolarized with either KCl 56 mM or veratridine 10 microM. Phenytoin reduced release in both depolarizing solutions. In KCl the effect of phenytoin was greater at 200 microM than 100 microM but with veratridine, phenytoin 200 microM was not more effective than 100 microM. Tetrodotoxin failed to affect release induced by KCl but the effect of tetrodotoxin and phenytoin on veratridine-stimulated release was much greater than that with phenytoin alone 100 microM. In conclusion, the inhibition of acetylcholine release by phenytoin must be independent of any effect of the drug on Na conductance.
Male victims of sexual assault.

Objective. —To compare the demographics, physical findings, and assault characteristics of incarcerated, sexually assaulted men with those of nonincarcerated, sexually assaulted men. Design. —Case series of 99 adult male victims of sexual assault evaluated over a 3-year period. Setting. —Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center, a nonhospital-based clinic that serves as the primary resource for sexually assaulted victims in the Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee, area. Participants. —All adult male victims of sexual assault evaluated at the Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center during the study period were included in the study. Ninety-nine victims were studied, including 80 incarcerated men and 19 men from the community. Results. —The victims of sexual assault in the community group were older than the victims in the incarcerated group. Apart from the age difference and weapon use, there were no statistically significant differences between the incarcerated and nonincarcerated victims. Conclusions. —The similarities between the two groups suggest that sexual assault of men may not be unique to prisons, and all men are potential victims. Further studies are required to better understand these crimes and to develop education and prevention programs. ( JAMA . 1992;267:3064-3066)
Utilization of fluidized bed material as a calcium and sulfur source for apples

Abstract Fluidized bed material (FBM), a dry, high Ca, alkaline waste product which results from combining coal and limestone, was used as a Ca or S source or lime substitute in an established apple orchard (Malus domestica Borkh., cv. ‘York Imperial') over a four year period. Treatment comparisons were made between FBM applied at one or two times (1x or 2x) the soil lime requirement and CaCO, applied at the lime requirement (lx). Additionally, FBM lx was compared to a combination treatment consisting of CaCO3 plus gypsum to apply similar amounts of Ca and S. All treatments were also compared to an untreated control. No significant treatment comparisons were noted on leaf Ca levels however leaf Mg significantly decreased when FBM applied at the 1x or 2x level compared to CaCO3 1x. When FBM was compared with CaCO. plus gypsum there was a significant decrease in leaf Ca with FBM but no difference in leaf Mg. These effects were probably due to either a solubility difference between nutrients or to actual amo...
A Dynamic Coupling Model for Sum Frequency Chiral Response from Liquids Composed of Molecules with a Chiral Side Chain and an Achiral Chromophore

A theoretical formulation for optically active sum frequency generation (OA-SFG) from isotropic chiral solutions was proposed for molecules with a chiral side chain and an intrinsically achiral chromophore. Adapting an electron correlation model first proposed by Hohn and Weigang for linear optical activity, we presented a dynamic coupling model for OA-SFG near the electronic resonance of the achiral chromophore. As a demonstration, we used this model to explain the observed OA-SFG spectra of a series of amino acids near the electronic resonance of the intrinsically achiral carboxyl group. Our model shows that the nonlinear chiroptical response comes about by the through-space correlative electronic interactions between the chiral side chain and the achiral chromophore, and its magnitude is determined by the position and orientation of the bonds that make up the chiral side chain. Using the bond polarizability values in the literature and the conformations of amino acids obtained from calculation, we were able to reproduce the relative OA-SFG strength from a series of amino acids.
Epidemiology and outcomes in patients with severe sepsis admitted to the hospital wards.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to detail the trajectory and outcomes of patients with severe sepsis admitted from the emergency department to a non–intensive care unit (ICU) setting and identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes. Material and methods This was a single-center retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary, academic hospital in the United States between 2005 and 2009. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of ICU transfer within 48 hours of admission and/or 28-day mortality. Results Of 1853 patients admitted with severe sepsis, 841 (45%) were admitted to a non-ICU setting, the rate increased over time ( P P P P = .04) and high (≥ 4 mmol/L) initial serum lactate levels ( P = .005) were associated with the primary outcome. Conclusions Patients presenting to the emergency department with severe sepsis were frequently admitted to a non-ICU setting, and the rate increased over time. Of 8 patients admitted to the hospital ward, one was transferred to the ICU within 48 hours and/or died within 28 days of admission. Factors present at admission were identified that were associated with adverse outcomes.
Ray-tracing analysis of capillary concentrators for macromolecular crystallography.

The use of capillary concentrators as X-ray condensers specifically for macromolecular X-ray diffraction experiments using synchrotron radiation is evaluated. Monocapillary and polycapillary designs are assessed by ray-tracing analysis to evaluate how effectively these capillary concentrators can increase the X-ray intensity onto a 50 µm crystal.
Ultrastructural localization of acid phosphatase in starved Tokophrya infusionum.

SYNOPSIS. Young organisms of Tokophrya infusionum starved for several hr, are best suited for a study of the fine structure of this organism including the distribution of its organelles. Acid phosphatase was localized by a combined electron microscopy and cytochemical approach using modified Gomori methods. The enzyme was found in small dense bodies, spheroid vesicles, missile-like bodies, rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, residue and autophagic vacuoles. The small dense bodies are thought to be primary lysosomes since electron micrographs show a) a continuity between the membrane of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and that of the dense bodies and b) a connection between the contents of both structures when the dense bodies form from the endoplasmic reticulum.
ALOHA with Multipacket Messages and ARQ-Type Retransmission Protocols--Throughput Analysis

The throughput of slotted ALOHA systems with multipacket message transmissions is evaluated. The conventional strategy of retransmitting the entire message when collisions occur results in a reduction in throughput when compared with the single packet case. However, it is proved analytically that the use of ARQ-type retransmission protocols can provide significant performance improvement. In particular, it is shown that a simple go-back- N (GBN) protocol can offer a modest throughput increase, while a selective reject (SREJ) strategy provides exactly the same throughput as a single packet slotted ALOHA system, irrespective of message length statistics. These results motivate a new scheme (referred to as unslotted selective reject (SREJ) ALOHA) for increasing the throughput of unsynchronized random access channels. It is demonstrated that unslotted SREJ ALOHA with optimized parameters can achieve typical maximum throughputs (after accounting for all overheads) at least 25-40 percent higher than conventional pure ALOHA.
Hedgehogs: la dolce vita. Workshop on Hedgehog-Gli Signaling in Cancer and Stem Cells.

This European Molecular Biology Organization workshop on Hedgehog‐Gli Signaling in Cancer and Stem Cells took place between 30 September and 4 October 2006 in Rome, Italy, and was organized by A. Gulino, H. Hahn, A. Ruiz i Altaba, R. Toftgard, F. Watt, P. Therond and I. Guerrero. ![][1] During a wonderfully seasonal autumn, researchers from around the world gathered in Rome, the soul of Italy, for an EMBO workshop on Hedgehog (Hh) signalling in cancer and stem cells. The focus of this workshop was timely, as this area of research is responsible for the exponential growth—and increased research diversity—in the Hh field. Hh was first identified in a screen for genes required for Drosophila embryonic patterning (Nusslein‐Volhard & Wieschaus, 1980). Subsequent isolation of the affected hh gene and its encoded protein revealed a unique signalling molecule with related orthologues in vertebrates (Ingham & McMahon, 2001). Since its original description, the Hh pathway has received increasing attention, not only because of its involvement as a crucial regulator of embryonic organogenesis but also as an oncogenic pathway that has been implicated in several human tumours (Beachy et al , 2004; Pasca di Magliano & Hebrok, 2003; Robbins et al , 2005; Ruiz i Altaba et al , 2002). Despite extensive studies addressing the regulation and function of the pathway in different organs, the exact mechanisms by which Hh signals are transmitted and how they elicit diverse activities in a cell‐specific manner remain obscure. Here, we review some of the recent advances in the Hh field that were discussed at this workshop and highlight some of the questions that remain. Hh is translated into an approximately 47 kDa protein, which subsequently undergoes an intramolecular cleavage reaction that produces two discrete smaller proteins (Singh et al , 2006; Ingham & McMahon, 2001). The amino‐terminal product … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Filtering postures: local enforcement for global policies

When packet filtering is used as a security mechanism, different routers may need to cooperate to enforce the desired security policy. It is difficult to ensure that they will do so correctly. We introduce a simple language for expressing global network access control policies of a kind that filtering routers are capable of enforcing. We then introduce an algorithm that, given the network topology, will compute a set of filters for the individual routers; these filters are guaranteed to enforce the policy correctly. Since these filters may not provide optimal service, a human must sometimes alter them. A second algorithm compares a resulting set of filters to the global network access control policy to determine all policy violations, or to report that none exist. A prototype implementation demonstrates that the algorithms are efficient enough to give quick answers to questions of realistic scale.
Polypharmacy and Perioperative Medications in the Elderly

Polypharmacy is a significant and complex problem affecting more than 40% of the geriatric population. Accurate medication histories may be difficult to obtain, but must include over-the-counter remedies as well as prescription. Physiologic changes occur with aging that predispose elderly patients to adverse drug events. At a minimum, medications with significant anticholinergic properties should be recognized and avoided in the perioperative period.
An exact closed-form formula for d-dimensional quadtree decomposition of arbitrary hyperrectangles

In this paper, we solve the classic problem of computing the average number of decomposed quadtree blocks (quadrants, nodes, or pieces) in quadtree decomposition for an arbitrary hyperrectangle aligned with the axes. We derive a closed-form formula for general cases. The previously known state-of-the-art solution provided a closed-form solution for special cases and utilized these formulas to derive linearly interpolated formulas for general cases individually. However, there is no exact and uniform closed-form formula that fits all cases. Contrary to the top-down counting approach used by most prior solutions, we employ a bottom-up enumeration approach to transform the problem into one that involves the Cartesian product of d multisets of successive 2's powers. Classic combinatorial enumeration techniques are applied to obtain an exact and uniform closed-form formula. The result is of theoretical interest since it is the first exact closed-form formula for arbitrary cases. Practically, it is nice to have a uniform formula for estimating the average number since a simple program can be conveniently constructed taking side lengths as inputs
Parity of match play: an LPGA replication.

Summary This study investigated whether the slight advantage of higher seeded players to win in match play on the men's Professional Golfers' Association Tour generalizes to the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour. Analysis showed no significant advantage for the higher seeded player in match play. The highly restricted range of skill of tour players makes it mainly a matter of chance who will win any match-play event or who will have the better or worse scores on any given day.
Europeans and their money: Explaining public support for the common European currency

Using public opinion surveys conducted in the member states of the European Union, this paper seeks to provide a systematic understanding of public support for the EMU project and European-level monetary policy authority. We develop models of support for EU monetary policy that incorporate a utilitarian component and elements of multilevel governance that is emerging within the EU.These models are tested at the aggregate level of survey respondents. The results show that variations in attitudes to the common currency are driven by collectively-based considerations of the costs and benefits associated with the common currency project as well as the interaction of European-level politics and the domestic politics of the member states.
The role of resources and pathogens in mediating the mating system of Kalmia latifolia

We examined the influence of the leaf spot pathogen Cercospora kalmiae on reproductive success in self-fertilized vs. outcrossed progeny in the mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia). To explore the interaction between disease incidence and mating system within natural populations of K. latifolia, we ascertained the correlation between disease intensity and two measures of plant reproductive success (proportional fruit set and seedling survival) and partitioned the correlation by pollination treatment (i.e., naturally pollinated, hand pollinated with outcrossed pollen, or self-pollinated). For outcrossed flowers, neither the number of fruits produced nor the performance of seedlings from these fruits was affected by the intensity of disease damage. However, for selfed flowers, both the number of fruits and the performance of seedlings were negatively correlated with disease damage on the maternal parent. Consequently, fungal infection on a maternal plant was associated with an increased proportion of outcrossed progeny produced by the host plant. Motivated by the observed correlation between disease and selfing, we performed a manipulative field experiment to examine the mechanism by which disease could influence the fitness consequences of different mating strategies. We hypothesized that intense C. kalmiae infection reduced K. latifolia resources by reducing photosynthetic leaf area and, consequently, enhanced abortion of self-fertilized fruits more than outcrossed fruits. We found that artificial leaf damage reduced outcrossed fruit set by 17% compared to controls. However, artificial leaf damage reduced selfed fruit set by 31% compared to controls. Similarly, artificial damage did not significantly affect infructescence abortion in outcrossed pollinations. However, for self-pollinated inflorescences, those subtended by damaged leaves experienced a 44% increase in infructescence abortion compared to controls. We conclude that resource limitation, here by leaf damage, can lower the production of self-fertilized seeds relative to outcrossed seeds, thus modifying a plant’s mating system.
Making computers 'people-literate'.

Abstract Before too long, operating your computer may be as simple as giving it a handwritten note or speaking out loud what you want it to do
Projection model snakes for tracking using a Monte Carlo approach

We propose a method that uses projection models in conjunction with a sequential Monte Carlo approach to track rigid targets. We specifically address the problems associated with tracking objects in scenarios characterized by cluttered images and high variability in target scale. The projection model snake is introduced in order to track a target boundary over a variety of scales by geometrically transforming the boundary to account for three-dimensional relative motion between the target and camera. The complete solution is a potent synergism of the projection model snake and a sequential Monte Carlo method. The projection model Monte Carlo method randomly generates the parameters of target motion and pose from empirically derived distributions. The resultant "particles" are then weighted according to a likelihood determined by the integration of the mean gradient magnitude around the target contour, yielding the expected target path and pose. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach for tracking dynamic targets in sequences with noise, clutter, occlusion, and scale variability.
Automated extraction of building geometric features from raw LiDAR data

In recent years, with new services expected, such as navigation systems, location based services, and augmented reality, the need for automatically, efficient 3D building reconstruction systems becomes more urgent than ever. As a new spatial information technology, airborne LiDAR is widely used for the acquisition of 3D objects on the earth. The automatic reconstruction of 3D buildings from airborne LiDAR data has been a topic of research for decades. However the lack of 3D building reconstruction methods is still the bottleneck for the further development of airborne LiDAR. Since the 3D geometry feature is extremely important for many applications such as urban planning, car navigation, or environment monitoring etc., this paper introduces an automated method for implementing building geometric features extraction from raw LiDAR data in details. The outlines of 3D buildings are generated by using discrete curvature analysis according to the building geometry features. In the experiment, 3D building models are automatically reconstructed by using a model-driven approach according to their geometry features derived from raw LiDAR data.
HIV risk behaviors of Latin American and Caribbean men who have sex with men in Miami, Florida, USA.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to describe the sexual practices, drug use behaviors, psychosocial factors, and predictors of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in a sample of Hispanic men who have sex with men (MSM) born in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries who currently reside in Miami-Dade County, Florida. METHODS: Hispanic MSM (N = 566) recruited from community and Internet venues completed a computer-assisted self-interview assessing sociodemographic factors, drug use, sexual behaviors, and psychosocial factors. We focused on the 470 men who were born in LAC countries, including Puerto Rico. We first examined separately, by country of origin, the sexual practices, drug use behaviors, and psychosocial factors of the sample. We then collapsed the groups and examined the factors associated with UAI in the previous 6 months for the entire sample of Hispanic MSM from LAC countries. RESULTS: In the previous 6 months, 44% of the sample engaged in UAI, and 41% used club drugs. At the multivariate level, psychological distress, higher number of sexual partners, club drug use, HIV-positive status at the time of immigration, and greater orientation to American culture were significantly associated with UAI in the previous 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Many MSM born in LAC countries engage in HIV-related risk behaviors in the AIDS epicenter of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Culturally appropriate interventions should address these risk behaviors in this underserved population.
Risk factors for nursing home placement in older adults with and without dementia.

Objective: The authors explored the effect of predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics on risk of nursing home placement (NHP) in participants with and without dementia. Method: Participant...
Muscle Changes in Aging Understanding Sarcopenia

Muscle physiology in the aging athlete is complex. Sarcopenia, the age-related decrease in lean muscle mass, can alter activity level and affect quality of life. This review addresses the microscopic and macroscopic changes in muscle with age, recognizes contributing factors including nutrition and changes in hormone levels, and identifies potential pharmacologic agents in clinical trial that may aid in the battle of this complex, costly, and disabling problem. Level of Evidence: Level 5.
The morning after: novel hormonal approaches to postcoital interception.

Approaches to postcoital interception are discussed. High dose estrogen only regimens have an overall failure rate of .7%. The mechanism of action is speculated to include luteolysis and disordered endometrial development. Although several preparations have comparable potency if administered within 72 hours diethylstilbestrol (DES) has received wide attention. As with other estrogen regimens the main deficiency of DES relates to the need to consume high doses of estrogen with its attendant potential risks and side effects. Combination regimens under which women are treated with 2 doses of 2 tablets each containing 1 mg dl-norgestrel and 100 mcg ethinyl estradiol (EE) are being investigated. Experience with 1300 treatment cycles indicated a failure rate of 1.6%. Advantages include a reduction in the duration of therapy 12 hours versus 5 days; fewer tablets consumed and a 125-fold reduction in consumed estrogen. Research is continuing on lower doses and nonoral administration. Progesterone receptor antagonists may be ideally suited for luteolytic interception and are being investigated. Administration of 50 mg of R2323 on days 15 to 17 over 2000 treatment cycles has shown a failure rate of 5%. Agonistic analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone is being studied as a potential luteolytic interceptor. In a recent study single or double subcutaneous administration between days 5-8 after the luteinizing hormone peak resulted in luteolysis in 96% of the treatment cycles.
Fractures of the capitate.

Twelve patients with fracture of the capitate are presented. The literature is reviewed and ninety-one fractures of the capitate, alone or in association with other injuries, are discussed. The anatomical relationships, mechanism of injury, type of fracture, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these injuries are discussed on the basis of the collective experience. It is concluded that this injury has been diagnosed and reported with undeserved rarity and that a higher index of suspicion would lead to the recognition and treatment of more of these fractures.
Metal-catalyzed nitrogen-atom transfer methods for the oxidation of aliphatic C-H bonds.

For more than a century, chemists have endeavored to discover and develop reaction processes that enable the selective oxidation of hydrocarbons. In the 1970s, Abramovitch and Yamada described the synthesis and electrophilic reactivity of sulfonyliminoiodinanes (RSO2N═IPh), demonstrating the utility of this new class of reagents to function as nitrene equivalents. Subsequent investigations by Breslow, Mansuy, and Muller would show such oxidants to be competent for alkene and saturated hydrocarbon functionalization when combined with transition metal salts or metal complexes, namely those of Mn, Fe, and Rh. Here, we trace our own studies to develop N-atom transfer technologies for C–H and π-bond oxidation. This Account discusses advances in both intra- and intermolecular amination processes mediated by dirhodium and diruthenium complexes, as well as the mechanistic foundations of catalyst reactivity and arrest. Explicit reference is given to questions that remain unanswered and to problem areas that are ri...
Populations of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Its Host, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), on Resistant and Susceptible Soybean Cultivars

The populations of a predaceous mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, and its prey, the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, were examined on a resistant and a susceptible soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, cultivar in the laboratory. Both predation and the resistant soybean cultivar reduced the phytophagous mite population, with the predation effect being the more pronounced. There was no indication of interaction of predation by P. persimilis and soybean cultivar on T. urticae mortality. When adequate prey were available, there was no indication of antibiosis on the predator population from feeding on prey reared on resistant plants. However, the P. persimilis population was reduced at the lowest prey density examined from lack of prey and subsequent cannibalism.
An Epizootic of Serratia Marcescens (Enterobacteriaceae) in Periplaneta Fuliginosa (Blattaria) and A Suggested Method for Control

Although Serratia marcescens Bizio has been isolated from a number of cockroaches (Roth & Willis 1960), Periplaneta fuliginosa (Serville) is not among those listed. Therefore it seemed deserving of special attention to report a mild epizootic of this organism which appeared in our laboratory colony. When dead insects from this colony were ground in a mortar for culturing, the body fluids were observed to be definitely orange-red and an organism which produced orange-red colonies on nutrient agar at room temperature was isolated. Subsequent study of the morphological and cultural characteristics indicated that the pathogen was S. marcescens .
Seasonal and Spatial Mortality Patterns of Apanteles melanoscelus Due to Predators and Gypsy Moth Hyperparasites

Over a 3-yr period, diapausing larvae within cocoons of Apanteles melanoscelus (Ratzeburg), a gypsy moth ( Lymantria dispar (L.)) larval parasite, were placed in various microhabitats in trees, left for one wk, retrieved, and mortality assessed by examining cocoons for evidence of predation and holding intact cocoons for emergence of hyperparasites. At least 13 species of hyperparasites were recovered in the study, and cocoon predators were prevalent in 2 of the years. Each species of hyperparasite had a particular seasonal trend in abundance. Each also had a particular distribution with respect to location where cocoons were attacked within a tree. Data suggest that visible cocoon predation, which was substantial, was probably caused by vertebrates—possibly birds or small mammals.
Modified Low Density Polyethylene by Nano-fills as Insulating Material of DC Cable(I)

When HVDC cable is loaded in service,temperature gradient across the cable thickness will lead to field distortion greatly at the outer surface of insulation.In this paper,we adopted a special kind of nano particle as fillers to prepare pure low density polyethylene(LDPE) and three kinds of nanocomposite with filler fraction of 1%,3%,and 5%,respectively.The surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) to prove that nano fillers were dispersed evenly.Space charge accumulation and electrical field distribution under temperature gradient were measured by the pulsed electro-acoustic(PEA) method,and the volume resistivity and DC breakdown strength of the LDPE nanocomposite were measured under different temperatures.The results show that addition of the nano fillers can effectively reduce the space charge accumulation and field distortion under temperature gradient in LDPE,and improve the DC breakdown strength.Furthermore,the volume resistivity of the LDPE nanocomposite increases at first and then decreases as temperature increasing.
Hydrolytic and nonhydrolytic interactions in the ATP regulation of CFTR Cl- conductance.

Previously, we showed in the native sweat duct that, in the presence of 0.1-0.5 mM ATP, nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue adenosine 5'-adenylylimidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) can activate cystic fibrosis tra...