cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-Dipole Behaviour During an Upper Miocene Geomagnetic Polarity Transition in Oregon

Summary The palaeomagnetism of a section of 71 successive lavas from southeastern Oregon is presented. A geomagnetic polarity change from reversed to normal polarity which took place during the extrusion of the section 15 million years ago has allowed a palaeomagnetic examination of the non-dipole field during a period of diminished dipole intensity. During the polarity transition, there existed an apparent easterlydrifting non-dipole component. Together with an independent determination of the palaeo-intensity on one lava (Coe 1967) and other recently presented data (Goldstein et al. 1968) an application of Irving & Ward's(1964) geomagnetic field model to the data suggests a maximum dipole intensity as low as two per cent of the present value for a period of not less than 100 years during the transition, outside of which the data are consistent with some present-day ratios of non-dipole to dipole field intensity. A very short period of diminished relative dipole intensity occurred during the final stages of the polarity change, when the virtual geomagnetic pole returned to very low latitudes, without any polarity change actually occurring. Because of a great similarity with an independently presented result, it is suggested that this ‘rebound effect’ may reflect a fundamental aspect of the mechanism of at least some polarity changes. Comparison with estimates of the duration of some more recent geomagnetic polarity transitions suggests that the section may have accumulated in less than 50000 years. The lavas of normal polarity, which comprise most of the section, do not show any preferred association with lower or higher oxidation states.
Predicting Biochemical Recurrence Following Salvage Radiotherapy: Applying Lessons Learned from Primary Radiotherapy

Prostate cancer has been singled out as a litmus test for US health care reform with a lack of consensus regarding optimal treatment strategies [1]. Up to 21–37% of men experience biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy [2]. Radiotherapy after prostatectomy improves prostate cancer–specific survival [3] and significantly decreases overall mortality when used in the adjuvant [4] or salvage setting in selected men with high-risk disease [5]. In the current issue, Briganti et al. provide a novel tool to predict BCR following early salvage radiotherapy (eSRT) after radical prostatectomy (RP) [6]. Prior studies have assessed risk factors for BCR following post-RP adjuvant RT and identified men most likely to benefit from early radiotherapy [4,7]. The current study provides a nomogram to identifymen at greater risk for BCR following eSRT. It has been suggested that self-referral patternsmay lead to increased utilization and costs of medical care [8,9]. With regard to primary RT for prostate cancer, consultation with radiation oncologists and regional variation has a significant impact on the utilization of RT treatment options [10]. The magnitude of RT utilization is significantly increased with the integration of urology and radiation oncology practices into prostate cancer center groups [10]. Furthermore, companies that sell turnkey intensity-modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) programs to US urology practices market the potential for increased IMRT revenue to replace lost earnings from androgen-deprivation therapy, for which reimbursement decreased sharply as part of the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act [10,11].
The combustion of Orimulsion and its generation of air pollutants

Abstract Orimulsion, a bitumen-in-water emulsified fuel produced in Venezuela, has shown increased use throughout the world as a replacement for heavy fuel oil and, more frequently during the past several years, coal. Orimulsion has relatively high levels of sulfur, nickel, and vanadium compared to many fuel oils and coals, and has been the subject of much debate regarding the environmental impacts of its use. From a combustion perspective, Orimulsion behaves similarly to a heavy fuel oil. Reported experience shows that Orimulsion ignites easily in boilers, results in stable flames, and is compatible with existing ignition and flame detection systems. Results reported to date indicate that air emissions from the combustion of Orimulsion can depend upon plant-specific design and operational parameters, similar to air emissions from other fossil fuels. Standard NO x control technologies such as LNBs and SCR have been shown to provide emissions reductions similar to those achieved when using heavy fuel oil, and Orimulsion has been used as a reburning fuel for NO x reductions. Conventional wet limestone FGD scrubbers have been successfully applied to Orimulsion-fired units, and ESPs have been used to achieve PM emissions reductions of 90–97% over uncontrolled levels. HAP emissions do not appear to be significantly different than those from other fossil fuels and are primarily dependent upon the content of the trace elements in the fuel. Differences between Orimulsion and other fossil fuels from an air pollution control perspective include an increased flue gas volumetric flow rate when compared to heavy fuel oil that can impact ESP performance in retrofit situations, a less dense fly ash that could lead to potential handling problems, and SO 3 emissions as a result of high fuel sulfur and vanadium contents. Emerging issues such as the role of transition metals in health effects mechanisms associated with exposure to PM 2.5 may increase the importance of controlling transition metal emissions including vanadium from Orimulsion and other fossil fuels.
Mitral regurgitation recovery and atrial reverse remodeling following pulmonary vein isolation procedure in patients with atrial fibrillation: a clinical observation proof-of-concept cardiac MRI study.

Reverse remodeling of the left atrium (LA) following successful pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been well documented. However, mitral regurgitation (MR) recovery after successful PVI has never been demonstrated systematically. The objective of our study was to retrospectively analyze the effectiveness of PVI in patients with AF on recovery of MR using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Prior to PVI, patients underwent a clinically indicated CMR imaging. Post-PVI (6 ± 2 months), patients underwent a follow-up MRI and were classified into two groups—responders (R) and non-responders (NR) to PVI—as assessed by cessation of AF at the end of the prespecified 6-month (14-day “P” sensitive event monitor defined) follow-up period. Furthermore, CMR was used to evaluate the severity of MR (0 to 4+) and to relate changes in MR to LA volumes as well as mitral apparatus geometry. Patients who had mild and higher MR (2+) on baseline CMR and had a post-PVI CMR were selected for final analysis. Out of the consecutive 122 patients with AF who underwent PVI, 74 patients that had mitral regurgitation on initial CMR were included in the study. Of these74 patients with AF with MR, 52 (70 %) were classified as R and 22 (30 %) were classified as NR. Baseline demographics were similar between the groups. In the subgroup with mild to severe MR, pre vs. post in the R group MR severity significantly improved (mean = 2.3, median = 2.0 vs. mean = 1.0, median = 1.0, p < 0.0001) and was matched by favorable reverse remodeling of the mitral apparatus geometry (annulus = 35 ± 4 vs. 33 ± 3 mm, p < 0.002; tenting area = 175 ± 56 vs.137 ± 37 mm2, p < 0.003; tenting height = 8 ± 2 vs.7 ± 2 mm, p < 0.02; and tenting angle = 129 ± 10° vs. 131 ± 11°, p = 0.1). However, in the NR subgroup, MR failed to improve (mean = 2.2, median = 2.0 vs. mean = 1.5, median = 1.0, p = NS) and paralleled general failure of mitral geometry reverse remodeling (annulus = 35 ± 4 vs. 35 ± 4 mm, p = 0.2; tenting area = 153 ± 39 vs. 152 ± 34 mm2, p = NS; tenting height = 7 ± 1 vs. 7.0 ± 2, p = 0.1; and tenting angle = 131 ± 11° vs. 133 ± 10°, p = NS). In those with lesser degrees of MR, favorable remodeling was predicated on responder status to PVI. Similarly, other cardiac dimensions pre- to post-PVI favorably improved in the R group, but not in the NR group. In those with durable maintenance of normal sinus rhythm (NSR), cardiac reverse remodeling demonstrated by 3D CMR occurs and is matched by marked improvements in MR and mitral apparatus, likely contributing to continued maintenance of NSR.
INTERDEPENDENCE OF RED CELL HEXOKINASE, INORGANIC PHOSPHORUS(Pi)AND 2, 3-DIPHOSPHOCLYCERATE(2, 3-DPG)IN THE DEVELOPING FETAL LAMB

Previous studies have demonstrated that 2, 3-DPG inhibits red cell hexokinase activity in vitro and that the concentration of red cell 2, 3-DPG may be influenced by serum Pi in vivo. Since the developing fetal lamb exhibits wide variation in its red cell 2, 3-DPG content, hexokinase activity and serum Pi were studied in 7 lambs that were followed sequentially from birth until 8 weeks of life. The mean 2, 3-DPG concentration on day 1 of life was 4389±994 mumoles/ml RBC. There was a significant increase(p<0.005) in 2, 3-DPG from day 4 of iife(mean:8249±1754) through days 10-11 (mean:7577±1670). By day 17 of life the mean 2, 3-DPG concentration decreased to 4242±1832 mμmoles/ml RBC, and thereafter fell rapidly; by day 45 of life, 2, 3-DPG was not detected. No measurable 2, 3-DPG was found in 6 adult sheep. Red cell hexokinase activity appeared to be modulated by changes in the 2, 3-DPG content: Hexokinase was 1.18±0.33 units/gm hemoglobin on day 1, fell to 0.94±0.05 by days 10-11, and increased to 1.16±0.13 on day 17. From days 1 through 60 of life, changes in red cell 2, 3-DPG content correlated directly with the serum Pi(r = 0.82; p<0.001). These data demonstrate an in vivo confirmation of inhibition of red cell hexokinase activity by 2, 3-DPG and the regulation of red cell 2, 3-DPG concentration by serum Pi in the developing fetal lamb.
In vitro studies of phospholipid synthesis in experimental atherosclerosis. Possible role of myo-intimal cells.

Using in vitro techniques and labeled linoleic acid and glucose, alterations in phospholipid synthesis in the aorta were correlated with electron microscopic studies at various intervals of time after feeding rabbits cholesterol. After 4 to 8 weeks of feeding, more phospholipid precursors were incorporated into the phospholipids of atherosclerotic blood vessels than of normal vessels. Concomitant with the metabolic alterations, the following ultrastructural changes occur. Smooth muscle cells of the plaque (myo-intimal cells) evolve into highly vacuolated cells containing a profusion of cytoplasmic organelles. The increase in membranous organelles suggests that the increase in phospholipid synthesis may be the result of a cellular requirement for increased intracytoplasmic structural phospholipid.
Minimally-Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

Minimally-invasive surgery is increasingly being utilised in patients with isolated valve disease who do not require concomitant coronary bypass. Minimally-invasive valve surgery has been performed at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School since July 1996 and has now been used in over 273 mitral valve operations, primarily valve repairs. The incisions used have evolved; we used a right para-sternal approach at first and have now changed to a lower mini-sternotomy. The operative techniques employed through this incision are identical to those used in a complete sternotomy. Operative mortality in our mitral valve series is zero. There have been five re-operations. The length of hospital stay and amount of blood utilised are both less than with a complete sternotomy. Most importantly, the patients' return to normality after complete recovery was quicker by approximately 2 weeks versus the conventional sternotomy. Minimally-invasive mitral valve surgery is a technique that can be utilised re...
Dynamical Groups and the Bethe-Salpeter Equation

We have considered a class of equations whose solutions are the $n$-dimensional spherical harmonics. We have proven that the set of solutions can be accomodated into a single irreducible representation of the Lie algebra ${B}_{\frac{(n+1)}{2}}$ for $n$ odd, or ${D}_{\frac{(n+2)}{2}}$ for $n$ even, and also into a single irreducible representation of the group $\mathrm{SO}(n, 2)$. Examples of such equations are the Schr\"odinger equation for the H atom as well as its $(n\ensuremath{-}1)$-dimensional analog, the Schr\"odinger equation with $O(4)$-invariant potentials, as well as their $(n\ensuremath{-}1)$-dimensional analogs; and the Schr\"odinger equation of an $n$-dimensional rigid rotator. In the previous $(n\ensuremath{-}1)$-dimensional cases and in the case of the $n$-dimensional rotator, the solutions can be accomodated into a single irreducible representation of the algebra ${B}_{\frac{(n+1)}{2}}$ for $n$ odd, or ${D}_{\frac{(n+2)}{2}}$ form $n$ even, and the group $\mathrm{SO}(n, 2)$ is the dynamical group of the equation. In the cases of the H atom and $O(4)$-symmetric potentials, we have the algebra ${D}_{3}$ and the group SO(4,2). The class also includes the Bethe-Salpeter (BS) equation for two scalar quarks interacting via the exchange of a scalar boson of zero mass to form a bound state of zero mass, in which case we have---after the Wick rotation---the algebra ${B}_{3}$ and the dynamical group SO(5,2). When the mass of the bound state is different from zero, the SO(5,2) representation splits into $\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\bigoplus}\mathrm{SO}(4, 2)$. The BS equation is transformed to an infinite-component wave equation in the case that the mass of the bound state is zero and in the case that the mass is different from zero. In the first case the known eigenvalue spectrum is obtained. In the second case perturbation theory is applied, and the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues to first and second order in perturbation theory, respectively, are given. Finally, in an Appendix, the H atom and the BS equation representations are written in the canonical basis.
Frontal Hyperconnectivity Related to Discounting and Reversal Learning in Cocaine Subjects

Background Functional neuroimaging studies suggest that chronic cocaine use is associated with frontal lobe abnormalities. Functional connectivity (FC) alterations of cocaine-dependent individuals (CD), however, are not yet clear. This is the first study to our knowledge that examines resting FC of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in CD. Because ACC is known to integrate inputs from different brain regions to regulate behavior, we hypothesized that CD will have connectivity abnormalities in ACC networks. In addition, we hypothesized that abnormalities would be associated with poor performance in delayed discounting and reversal learning tasks. Methods Resting functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected to look for FC differences between 27 CD (5 women, age: M = 39.73, SD = 6.14 years) and 24 control subjects (5 women, age: M = 39.76, SD = 7.09 years). Participants were assessed with delayed discounting and reversal learning tasks. With seed-based FC measures, we examined FC in CD and control subjects within five ACC connectivity networks with seeds in subgenual, caudal, dorsal, rostral, and perigenual ACC. Results The CD showed increased FC within the perigenual ACC network in left middle frontal gyrus, ACC, and middle temporal gyrus when compared with control subjects. The FC abnormalities were significantly positively correlated with task performance in delayed discounting and reversal learning tasks in CD. Conclusions The present study shows that participants with chronic cocaine-dependency have hyperconnectivity within an ACC network known to be involved in social processing and “mentalizing.” In addition, FC abnormalities found in CD were associated with difficulties with delay rewards and slower adaptive learning.
Letter by Tomaselli and Holmes Regarding Article, “2011 ASA/ACCF/AHA/AANN/AANS/ACR/CNS/SAIP/SCAI/SIR/SNIS/SVM/SVS Guideline on the Management of Patients With Extracranial Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease”

To the Editor: On January 25, 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) convened a meeting of the Medicare Evidence Development …
Liquid crystal phases of self-assembled amphiphilic aggregates

Long-range order in solutions of reversibly self-assembling molecules results from interactions among the asymmetric aggregates. Even for electrically neutral species, repulsions between the aggregates become significant at high concentrations. At the very least, the excluded volume of asymmetric aggregates creates formidable packing constraints which are relieved by orientational and positional alignment. Aggregate growth thus promotes long-range order, and long-range order facilitates growth. Nematic phases occur if aggregate growth is strong enough to induce orientational ordering at concentrations lower than those that induce positional ordering. The symmetry of the positionally ordered phases reflects aggregate morphology: the polydispersity of aggregates that grow in one (two) dimension(s) to form rod-like (plate-like) particles suppresses the smectic (columnar) phase in favour of the columnar (smectic) phase. Because plate-like aggregates pack more easily than rod-like aggregates, increasing concentration induces a rearrangement from rod-like to plate-like aggregates, and a transition from columnar to smectic ordering, in solutions of molecules, such as surfactants, capable of forming both types of aggregates. In mixtures of aggregating and non-aggregating species, the difficulty of packing spherically shaped particles among elongated particles results in dramatic demixing such that a very concentrated solution of very large, highly aligned aggregates coexists with a relatively dilute solution depleted of the aggregating species.
Modeling hot-carrier effects in polysilicon emitter bipolar transistors

In self-aligned polysilicon emitter transistors a large electric field existing at the periphery of the emitter-base junction under reverse bias can create hot-carrier-induced degradation. The degradation of polysilicon emitter transistor gain under DC stress conditions can be modelled by Delta I/sub B/ varies as I/sub R//sup m+n/t/sup n/ where n approximately=0.5 and m approximately=0.5. The more complex relationships of Delta beta (I/sub C/, I/sub R/, t) and beta (I/sub C/, I/sub R/, t) result naturally from the simple Delta I/sub B/ model. Using these relationships the device lifetime can be extrapolated over a wide range of reverse stress currents for a given technology. >
Univac on election night

A discussion of UNIVAC's role in predicting the national election results is presented which includes the development of a mathematical theory as well as the actual setup of the problem on the machine.
Synaptic actions of cutaneous Aδ and C fibers on primate hindlimb α-motoneurons

Abstract Postsynaptic potentials evoked in hindlimb α-motoneurons by stimulation of a cutaneous nerve (sural) with finely graded stimulus strengths were analyzed in the primate, monitoring the spinal cord potentials and afferent nerve volleys in the sural nerve. It was observed that activities in Aαβ, Aδ and C fibers of the cutaneous nerve elicited characteristic excitatory and/or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs and/or IPSPs) with different latencies and durations in extensor and flexor motoneurons. Volleys in Aδ fibers of the cutaneous nerve produced EPSPs in 57% of flexor and 31% of extensor motoneurons tested, whereas IPSPs were produced by Aδ volleys in 41% of flexor and 62% of extensor motoneurons. EPSPs with longer latencies and longer durations were evoked by cutaneous C fiber volleys in 55% of flexor and 34% of extensor motoneurons, whereas IPSPs due to C volleys were recorded in 9% of flexor and 14% of extensor motoneurons. Aαβ and Aδ volleys caused motoneurons to fire in several instances, and some motoneurons discharged repetitively during the depolarizations evoked by activities in C fibers of the nerve. Central latency for transmission in interneuronal chains in the spinal cord was estimated from the onset of the cord potential (N3 wave) to the onset of the postsynaptic potential evoked by Aδ volleys. Ranges of central latencies of the EPSPs and IPSPs evoked by Aδ volleys were 2.0–7.0 ms and 3.5–8.5 ms, respectively. It is postulated that there may be at least two interneurons interposed in the excitatory reflex pathway from Aδ afferent fibers to motoneurons and the Aδ inhibitory pathway may involve longer interneuronal chains. In a few motoneurons, however, sural volleys with strengths sufficient to activate Aδ fibers produced EPSPs with a central latency of about 1 ms, suggesting activation of a disynaptic segmental pathway with one interposed interneuron. Stimulation of the sural nerve with strengths sufficient to activate cutaneous C fibers produced slow negative cord dorsum potentials with long latencies. It is proposed that primate motoneurons, which show characteristic postsynaptic potentials evoked by cutaneous Aδ and C fiber volleys, may provide a suitable model for analyzing the role of high threshold cutaneous afferent fibers not only in the flexor withdrawal reflex but also in motor control functions.
DESTRUCTION OF INTERFERENCE BY ENTANGLEMENT

For the “two-slit experiment”, determination of the slit traversed destroys interference. In our explicit quantum calculation such decoherence arises from entanglement, rather than from the uncertainty principle or phase randomization. Slit determination causes no transverse momentum transfer. We also show how some significant interactions (e.g., reflection) do not lead to entanglement.
Botulinum Toxin Type B in the Spastic Arm: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Preliminary Study

Abstract Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of 2 doses of botulinum toxin type B (rimabotulinumtoxinB, BoNT/B) in spastic upper limb muscles. Design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up. Setting Tertiary care center. Participants Referred sample of adult hemiparetic patients (N=24) with disabling elbow flexor overactivity after stroke or traumatic brain injury. Interventions Injection of 10,000U of rimabotulinumtoxinB (fixed 2500U dose into elbow flexors; n=8), 15,000U (5000U into elbow flexors; n=8), or placebo (n=8) into overactive upper limb muscles selected as per investigator's discretion. Main Outcome Measures At 1 month postinjection, active range of elbow extension (goniometry; primary outcome); active upper limb function (Modified Frenchay Scale [MFS]); subjective global self-assessment (GSA) of arm pain, stiffness, and function; rapid alternating elbow flexion-extension movement frequency over the maximal range; elbow flexor spasticity grade and angle (Tardieu), and tone (Ashworth). Results No adverse effects were associated with either BoNT/B dose. Both doses improved active elbow extension versus placebo (+8.3°; 95% confidence interval, 1.1°–15.5°; analysis of covariance, P =.028). The high dose of BoNT/B also improved subject-perceived stiffness ( P =.005) and the composite pain, stiffness, and function GSA ( P =.017), effects that persisted 3 months from injection. No MFS change was demonstrated, although subjects with a baseline MFS Conclusions In this short-term study, BoNT/B up to 15,000U into spastic upper limb muscles, including the elbow flexors, was well tolerated and improved active elbow extension and subject-perceived stiffness.
The Potential Application of Mitochondrial Medicine in Toxicologic Poisoning.

The advancement of biomolecular techniques has continued to advance in the area of mitochondrial medicine. This has allowed clinicians and researchers to more effectively study the bioenergetics of the mitochondria in various disease states. One potential technique in mitochondrial medicine is the generation of cytoplasmic hybrids. A cytoplasmic hybrid or cybrid are created by introducing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of interest into cells depleted of mtDNA. A cybrid is therefore a hybrid cell that mixes the nuclear genome from one cell with the mitochondrial genes from another cell. Cybrids are currently utilized in mitochondrial research to demonstrate mitochondrial involvement in a wide range of diseases that include diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and inherited diseases. At this time the use of cybrids to study toxicologic poisoning is limited and offers a potential avenue of research in this area.
Structure and Dynamics of Cholesterol-Containing Polyunsaturated Lipid Membranes Studied by Neutron Diffraction and NMR

A direct and quantitative analysis of the internal structure and dynamics of a polyunsaturated lipid bilayer composed of 1-stearoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:0-22:6n3-PC) containing 29 mol% cholesterol was carried out by neutron diffraction, 2H-NMR and 13C-MAS NMR. Scattering length distribution functions of cholesterol segments as well as of the sn-1 and sn-2 hydrocarbon chains of 18:0-22:6n3-PC were obtained by conducting experiments with specifically deuterated cholesterol and lipids. Cholesterol orients parallel to the phospholipids, with the A-ring near the lipid glycerol and the terminal methyl groups 3 A away from the bilayer center. Previously, we reported that the density of polyunsaturated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n3) chains was higher near the lipid–water interface. Addition of cholesterol partially redistributes DHA density from near the lipid–water interface to the center of the hydrocarbon region. Cholesterol raises chain-order parameters of both stearic acid and DHA chains. The fractional order increase for stearic acid methylene carbons C8–C18 is larger, reflecting the redistribution of DHA chain density toward the bilayer center. The correlation times of DHA chain isomerization are short and mostly unperturbed by the presence of cholesterol. The uneven distribution of saturated and polyunsaturated chain densities and the cholesterol-induced balancing of chain distributions may have important implications for the function and integrity of membrane receptors, such as rhodopsin.
REGIONAL THEORY AND REGIONAL MODELS

The ideas outlined in this paper are tentative and only partially developed. They have arisen very much as a response to the deficiencies in existing regional models. Whether this particular structure can lead to added order and power in such models remains to be demonstrated. But with increasing demands for analysis at a regional level, a substantial theoretical basis for regional models is manifestly needed.
Transportation Asset Management Systems and Climate Change: Adaptive Systems Management Approach

Climate change and its likely impacts on transportation infrastructure are becoming concerns to many transportation agencies. This paper describes how an asset management system can be used as a decision-making framework for incorporating such concerns into a transportation agency's management approach. Types of climate and weather changes as they might affect transportation systems are identified. A typical asset management system is used as a framework for discussing where climate change considerations could be incorporated into the system. Risk appraisal is identified as one of the key components of a climate change-oriented asset management system, and an example is provided of such an application. Some international examples are provided of where climate change has been incorporated into asset management systems. The paper concludes that, given that most state and large local transportation agencies have some form of an asset management system, it is the most convenient and targeted approach to incor...
Clinical Applications of the Organic Dye Laser

Clinical research utilizing the yellow, orange and red wavelengths of the dye laser (Rhodamine 6G and MD-631) indicates that the liquid organic dye laser may have considerable applications in ocular photodynamic and photocoagulation therapy. The effectiveness of the dye laser as a photodynamic (photoradiation) and photocoagulation source is due to the large numbers of wavelengths of relatively high output power that can be produced in the visible spectrum. Therefore, a target tissue can be selectively destroyed with minimal laser energy necessarily transmitted through the refractive media. The dye laser, as a photoradiation or photocoagulation system, should prove valuable in the therapy of ocular disease.
Partners in Transitioning to Tech: Supporting Students Who Follow Nontraditional Paths to Engineering Degrees

The Partners in Transitioning to Tech (PITT) program in Georgia Tech's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) supports students from underrepresented groups who follow nontraditional paths to an ECE degree, specifically through the dual-degree program. The PITT program addresses issues that arise as students join the engineering program mid-stream by using a variety of strategies, including peer partnerships, mentoring and tutoring from program-specific graduate teaching assistants, group seminars featuring distinguished alumni who have taken nontraditional educational paths, and exposure to research opportunities. The PITT program has been extremely successful in its first year. The retention rate of the students in the PITT program is 100% (contrast with a 58% retention rate in Spring 2004) and the average cumulative GPA, 2.43, is an improvement over the Spring 2004 average cumulative GPA of 2.03. This program encourages student success among underrepresented groups and ultimately contributes to the institutional benefit of a diverse student population.
Independent Research by Early Investigators: An Underutilized Option

I am a clinical investigator, a psychiatric epidemiologist who has spent a career collecting my own data with colleagues and analyzing those data. My colleagues and I have been awarded a series of large grants and contracts for these data collection efforts over decades, however, I believe I may be a dinosaur. Why? I have been fortunate enough to develop my own hypotheses that drive the studies on which I have worked, to select the instruments for obtaining data, and to be the “first at the trough” when we initiate data analysis. Conversely, few beginning clinical investigators will have such a privilege in the forseeable future. Despite clinicians’ excellent credentials and training in design and analysis, the funding for original large studies, either clinical or in the community, will be extremely sparse—even serendipitous. How can these early investigators survive a bleak funding environment in the future?
Examination of stimulation mechanism and strength-interval curve in cardiac tissue

Understanding the basic mechanisms of excitability through the cardiac cycle is critical to both the development of new implantable cardiac stimulators and improvement of the pacing protocol. Although numerous works have examined excitability in different phases of the cardiac cycle, no systematic experimental research has been conducted to elucidate the correlation among the virtual electrode polarization pattern, stimulation mechanism, and excitability under unipolar cathodal and anodal stimulation. We used a high-resolution imaging system to study the spatial and temporal stimulation patterns in 20 Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts. The potential-sensitive dye di-4-ANEPPS was utilized to record the electrical activity using epifluorescence. We delivered S1-S2 unipolar point stimuli with durations of 2-20 ms. The anodal S-I curves displayed a more complex shape in comparison with the cathodal curves. The descent from refractoriness for anodal stimulation was extremely steep, and a local minimum was clearly observed. The subsequent ascending limb had either a dome-shaped maximum or was flattened, appearing as a plateau. The cathodal S-I curves were smoother, closer to a hyperbolic shape. The transition of the stimulation mechanism from break to make always coincided with the final descending phase of both anodal and cathodal S-I curves. The transition is attributed to the bidomain properties of cardiac tissue. The effective refractory period was longer when negative stimuli were delivered than for positive stimulation. Our spatial and temporal analyses of the stimulation patterns near refractoriness show always an excitation mechanism mediated by damped wave propagation after S2 termination.
Primordial germ cells and gastrointestinal stromal tumors respond distinctly to a cKit overactivating allele

KitL, via its receptor cKit, supports primordial germ cell (PGC) growth, survival, migration and reprogramming to pluripotent embryonic germ cells (EGCs). However, the signaling downstream of KitL and its regulation in PGCs remain unclear. A constitutively activating mutation, cKit(V558Δ), causes gain-of-function phenotypes in mast cells and intestines, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) when heterozygous. Unexpectedly, we find that PGC growth is not significantly affected in cKit(V558Δ) heterozygotes, whereas in homozygotes, increased apoptosis and inefficient migration lead to the depletion of PGCs. Through genetic studies, we reveal that this oncogenic cKit allele exhibits loss-of-function behavior in PGCs distinct from that in GIST development. Examination of downstream signaling in GISTs from cKit(V558Δ/+) mice confirmed hyperphosphorylation of AKT and ERK, but both remain unperturbed in cKit(V558Δ/+) PGCs and EGCs. In contrast, we find reduced activation of ERK1/2 and JNK1 in cKit(V558Δ) homozygous PGCs and EGCs. Inhibiting JNK, though not ERK1/2, increased apoptosis of wild-type PGCs, but did not further affect the already elevated apoptosis of cKit(V558Δ)(/V558Δ) PGCs. These results demonstrate a cell-context-dependent response to the cKit(V558Δ) mutation. We propose that AKT overload protection and JNK-mediated survival comprise PGC-specific mechanisms for regulating cKit signaling.
Management of regorafenib-related toxicities: a review

Regorafenib (Stivarga, BAY 73-4506; Bayer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany) is an oral multikinase inhibitor that targets the angiogenic tumor microenvironment and oncogenic kinases including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), VEGFR1, VEGFR3, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), RAF, KIT, RET and BRAF. Its antiangiogenic effect is greater than that of its related drug, sorafenib. Regorafenib has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in patients who have failed treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin and irinotecan based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF therapy and, if KRAS wild type, an anti-EGFR therapy. The FDA based this approval on data from the CORRECT trial, which showed the efficacy of regorafenib compared with placebo. The most common grade 3-4 adverse reactions with the drug are hand foot skin reactions (HFSR), diarrhea, hypertension and fatigue. This review discusses the efficacy data, and the incidence and management of regorafenib's toxicities.
Help-Seeking Behaviors among Chinese Americans with Depressive Symptoms

An exploratory survey indicated that the depression prevalence among Chinese Americans is 17.4 percent. Of 516 respondents, 34.9 percent preferred seeking advice from friends or relatives, followed by 30.2 percent not showing any preference when facing a mental health problem. Logistic regression results pointed to three contributing factors: anxiety problems, acculturation concerns, and domestic violence. Learning from these factors, the authors conducted additional analyses to connect depressive symptoms with demographics to explain the underutilization of mental health services. Significant results showed that male Chinese Americans were more likely than female Chinese Americans to seek help from physicians but less likely to seek help from friends. Those who were not employed were more likely than those who were employed to think that a family problem would take care of itself or to seek help from herbalists, from physicians, or from friends. Implications for social work practice are discussed and address risk factors and multicultural considerations.
Min-min times in peer-to-peer file sharing networks

Peer-to-peer (P2P) file distribution is a scalable way to disseminate content to a wide audience. This paper presents an algorithm by which download times are sequentially minimized; that is, the first peer's download time is minimized, and subsequent peers' times are minimized conditional on their predecessors' times being minimized. This objective gives robustness to the file distribution in the case that the network may be partitioned. It is also an important step towards the natural objective of minimizing the average download time, which is made challenging by the combinatorial structure of the problem. This optimality result not only provides fundamental insight to scheduling in such P2P systems, but also can serve as a benchmark to evaluate practical algorithms and illustrate the scalability of P2P networks.
Remote-sensing issues for intelligent underwater systems

For certain applications an autonomous underwater system may benefit from a perception of its environment in terms of magnetics, gravity, chemical signature, or other sensing modalities. An introduction is presented for researchers unfamiliar with issues in underwater remote sensing. Application areas include machine perception for intelligent underwater systems, large-scale seafloor mapping, survey, and environmental characterization. >
Tunable Magnetic Properties in Metal Ceramic Composite Thin Films

We have developed a novel thin film processing method based upon pulsed laser deposition to process nanocrystalline magnetic materials with accurate size and interface control. Using this method, single domain nanocrystalline Fe and Ni particles in 5-10 nm size range embedded in amorphous as well as crystalline alumina have been produced. Magnetization measurements of these layered thin films as function of field and temperature were carried out using a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer. Hysteresis below blocking temperature have been found to be consistent with the Stoner-Wohlfarth type behavior. The size of Fe and Ni nanodots measured using transmission electron microscopy and calculated using magnetic data are in excellent agreement with each other.
A Feedback-Based Dynamic Tolling Algorithm for High-Occupancy Toll Lane Operations:

Dramatically increasing travel demands and insufficient traffic facilities have induced severe traffic congestion. High-occupancy toll (HOT) lane operation has been proposed as one of the most applicable and acceptable countermeasures against freeway congestion. With balanced pricing and vehicle occupancy constraints, HOT lane operations can realize the optimal traffic allocation and enhance overall infrastructure efficiency. However, few previous studies have concentrated on optimal tolling strategies. Two major problems with inferior tolling strategies degrade HOT lane system performance. First, an undersensitive tolling algorithm is incapable of handling the hysteretic properties of traffic systems and may cause severe response delays. Second, oversensitive characteristics of imperfect tolling strategies may cause unfavorable flow fluctuations in HOT and general-purpose lanes that disrupt traffic operations. A new feedback-based tolling algorithm to optimize HOT lane operations addresses these problems...
Endothelial cell injury in vitro is associated with increased secretion of an Mr 43,000 glycoprotein ligand.

A novel, serum albumin-binding glycoprotein of molecular weight (mw) 43,000 (43K protein) was initially purified from the culture medium of bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells (Sage, H., Johnson, C., and Bornstein, P., J. Biol. Chem. 259:3993–4007, 1984). Its secretion by normal mesenchymal cells and by transformed cells of both ectodermal and endodermal origin suggested a general role in cellular function. To examine the effect of sublethal injury in vitro on the biosynthesis of 43K protein, BAE cells were exposed to endotoxin. At concentrations which produced minimal cell detachment and lysis, the cells secreted 70–100% more protein compared to control cultures, and the relative increase in 43K protein over total protein was approximately three-fold. A second type of cellular injury, manifested by rapid cellular proliferation and migration in response to sparse plating density (a condition that we have termed ‘culture shock’), was also accompanied by a significant increase in the secretion of 43K protein. Pulse-chase studies revealed that the initial product secreted within 1.5 h was of Mr 38,000, and that between 6 and 21 h this molecule was converted to the final form of Mr 43,000. The 43K protein was not associated with RNA or glycosaminoglycan, but appeared to be linked to complex oligosaccharides containing peripheral sialosyl residues. Treatment with tunicamycin produced lower mw forms that displayed reduced affinity for albumin. By immunologic criteria, peptide mapping, and amino acid analysis, the 43K protein was shown to be structurally distinct from several proteins of Mr 40,000–50,000 associated with endothelium or with serum, including tissue factor, a plasminogen anti-activator, and several apolipoproteins. In addition, the 43K protein was not present in the extracellular matrices of endothelial, fibroblastic, or smooth muscle cells, nor was it found in plasma, serum, platelet releasate, or alveolar lavage fluids. These studies identify a unique Mr 43,000 glycoprotein that is associated with cellular stress or injury in vitro. As a secreted but nonmatrix macromolecule, this protein may be part of a ‘survival kit’ used by the endothelium to cope with cellular injury.
DEN-ng: achieving business-driven network management

Existing network management architectures suffer from a set of architectural and integration problems. Policy-based management was targeted to solve most of these problems, but its promises have not yet been fully realized. This paper presents a new approach to building network management solutions that is based on a new version of the DEN information model, called DEN-ng. DEN-ng is being designed to solve these problems by providing facilities to translate the business rules and procedures of an organization to the policies that configure and control its networks. Accordingly, the case is made for policy to become more than "just" a means for executing a change in a configuration file. Rather, it should be used to tie together configuration changes with how the changes should be done using a workflow system. This holistically binds business rules to the construction and deployment of configuration changes and their management.
Feasibility analyses for paired approach procedures for closely spaced parallel runways

In current air traffic operations in the U.S., closely spaced parallel runways (CSPRs) separated by less than 2500 feet (ft) can be used to conduct simultaneous parallel operations using visual separation. Once below visual approach minima, such dual runway operations are no longer possible. To address this loss of throughput, several concepts are currently under consideration. This paper discusses a “paired approach” concept which enables use of CSPRs down to Category I and II approach minima. The paper documents Monte Carlo analyses on the feasibility and trade-offs of paired approach procedure variants with and without an escape maneuver. It concludes that both procedure variations require echelon staggering for most airports with runway centerline (RCL) separations below 2500 ft and provides window parameters required for an acceptable Target Level of Safety (TLS). It shows that a value of up to 4000 ft for this echelon spacing is adequate for most CSPRs for an adverse wind threshold of 10 knots; the specific value depending on the concept variation and geometry. Other findings include the ability to achieve abeam positioning with an escape procedure for several runway configurations. Many procedural combinations examined are capable of pairing 95% to 100% of aircraft. Additionally, this paper presents an analysis of wake encounter risk during blunders. The analysis results suggest the non-escape procedure variant has a high probability of wake vortex encounter during blunder. On the other hand, the escape procedure variant with a delay in breakout of 8 seconds or less appears to provide protection from wake encounters even during a blunder. Preliminary considerations for surveillance requirements are presented, including optional 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (1090ES) Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) messages and fields that may support the escape procedure variation.
Vitamin D Regulation of Cell Cycle and Differentiation in Myeloid Cells

The fat-soluble vitamin D3 metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3], is a major regulator of mineral homeostasis and bone formation remodeling (Feldman et al. 1997). Perhaps surprisingly, this ligand can also elicit potent growth inhibitory and differentiation effects on a variety of cell types, including myeloid cells. 1,25(OH)2D3 transduces its signal directly through a regulable, DNA-binding transcription factor, the vitamin D3 receptor (VDR), which is a member of a large superfamily collectively known as nuclear hormone receptors. Thus, vitamin D3-inducible effects on cell growth and differentiation are initiated through the direct activation or repression of target genes by VDR. The identities of such genes, however, have remained elusive until recently.
Why Climate Law Must Be Federal: The Clash between Commerce Clause Jurisprudence and State Greenhouse Gas Trading Systems

Absent Federal legislation or leadership on regulatory responses to greenhouse gas (“GHG”)-based climate problems, the states have sought, either on their own or through regional agreements, to restrict the amount of GHG released by the electric power plants within their states. These systems are subject to “leakage,” the ability of power providers to receive electricity from an “extra-regional” and hence unregulated source. While practical considerations may limit the immediate impact of leakage, in the long term, state-based systems perversely provide competitive advantages to unrestricted GHG-emitting power sources that do not have the burden of compliance. One logical avenue to address leakage would be to directly or indirectly ban or penalize the purchase of power from other sources. Prohibiting these solutions is the combination of the Supreme Court’s dormant commerce clause analyses that prevents states from discriminating against identical goods based on origin. Most relevant and troubling is the West-Lynn Creamery case, which shows the Court’s willingness to find unconstitutional purpose among several disparate statutory schemes if, in combination, their effect is to penalize an out-of-state supplier of identical goods. This Article reviews this line of reasoning and posits that this limitation is the ultimate rationale for a Federal response to GHG-based climate legislation.
A Large-Spored Variety of Hypoxylon Uniapiculatum

(1975). A Large-Spored Variety of Hypoxylon Uniapiculatum. Mycologia: Vol. 67, No. 5, pp. 1061-1065.