cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive optical array receivers for detection of surface acoustic waves

Adaptive interferometric detection systems based on two-wave mixing in photorefractive crystals have been configured as distributed optical receivers. The spatial distribution of the detection laser power on the sample surface is controlled by use of phase gratings and amplitude masks. The responses of point, line, array, and chirped optical receivers to propagating surface acoustic waves (SAW's) are discussed theoretically and demonstrated experimentally. It is shown that by use of different object beam footprints it is possible to configure adaptive holographic SAW receivers that are either broadband or narrow band and that are preferentially sensitive to SAW's propagating in given directions. The receivers also allow for the distribution of laser power over the sample, eliminating the excessive heating or surface damage that can occur in some materials when high power, point-focused, detection lasers are used.
Somatotopic organization of hindlimb skin sensory inputs to the dorsal horn of hatchling chicks (Gallus g. domesticus)

The somatotopic organization of skin sensory nerve projections to the lumbosacral dorsal horn of hatchling chickens was determined with the aid of transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) processed with tetramethylbenzidine histochemistry, A total of eight hindlimb nerves were studied, five of which were purely cutaneous. When combined, the innervation fields of these nerves covered most of the hindlimb surface, allowing a nearly complete somatotopic map of the hindlimb to be generated. This report describes a novel pattern of cutaneous nerve projections to the dorsal horn. Unlike other vertebrates, cutaneous nerves of chickens formed two separate, somatotopically organized projections across the mediolateral axis of the dorsal horn; when serially reconstructed and superimposed, these projections produced two nonoverlapping somatotopic maps of the skin surface lying side by side. Each of these separate maps was nearly identical to the other in overall topology. These two separate maps appear to represent distinct modalities of sensory information, as projections composing the medial map were preferentially labeled by choleragenoid-HRP, whereas those composing the lateral map were preferentially labeled by wheat germ agglutinin-HRP. In mammals, these HRP ligands selectively label the central projections of myelinated and unmyelinated cutaneous afferents, respectively. The present study, therefore, strongly supports the cytoarchitectonic findings of Brinkman and Martin (Brain Res. 56:43–62, ′73) that lamina III lies medial, rather than ventral, to lamina II in the chicken dorsal horn. Further, the present studies also suggest that laminae II and III of chickens are homologous to the homonymous laminae in the dorsal horn of mammals.
Palladium and rhodium complexes containing 1,3-bis(oxazolinyl)propyl (Probox) ligands: Macrocycles and pincer compounds

Abstract New chiral 1,3-bis(4 R -phenyl-2-oxazolinyl)propane ( Probox Ph ) and achiral 1,3-bis(4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolinyl)propane ( Probox Me2 ) ligands have been prepared by Cd(OAc) 2 -catalyzed condensation reactions. These ligands, and the known isopropyl derivative Probox i Pr , react with [PdCl 2 (NCPh) 2 ] and [RhCl(η 2 -C 8 H 14 ) 2 ] 2 to form 16-membered bimetallic macrocycles. Additionally, Probox Me2 and RhCl 3 react to form a new monoanionic NCN-type pincer complex (κ 3 - N , C , N -Probox Me2 )RhCl 2 . The structures of new palladium and rhodium macrocycles with the Probox ligands are confirmed by X-ray crystallography, and natural abundance 15 N 2D NMR experiments prove oxazoline coordination to the metal centers in solution. Addition of a weakly donating water ligand to (κ 3 - N , C , N -Probox Me2 )RhCl 2 gives a six-coordinate compound with a mer -Probox configuration, whereas PMe 3 coordination provides a single fac coordinated Probox isomer.
Alternative seed defence mechanisms in a palo verde (Fabaceae) hybrid zone: effects on bruchid beetle abundance

. 1 We asked three questions about the patterns of relative abundance of insect herbivores across host plant taxa at a palo verde hybrid zone. (1) What is the morphological structure of the hybrid zone and does this suggest a certain pattern of introgression? (2) How are putative parental seed defence mechanisms expressed in hybrid plants? (3) Do ovipositing females prefer host plant taxa on which their offspring have best survivorship? 2 Morphologically, hybrids were either intermediate or tended to resemble one parental species. Previous studies have suggested that unidirectional introgression results in loss of parental defence mechanisms against herbivores. Hybrid plants in general lacked seed coat resistance and early pod abscission which are known to act as plant defence mechanisms against bruchid beetles in the parental palo verde trees. 3 All other sources of bruchid mortality that we examined did not vary across parental and hybrid taxa, with the possible exception of egg parasitism which occurred at a lower frequency on one parental palo verde species. 4 Thus, survivorship of bruchid offspring should be greater on hybrid palo verdes. 5 Patterns of egg densities suggested that females may prefer hybrid hosts in some years but not others. An oviposition choice experiment conducted in the field, however, showed bruchids have no preference for hybrids over one of the parental species. 6 These results suggest that some insect herbivores may have higher densities on hybrid host plants because they are less resistant.
Theory and Practice of Histological Techniques, 6th Edition

Theory and Practice of Histological Techniques, 6th Edition John D. Bancroft, Marilyn Gamble, editors Churchill Livingstone Elsevier Philadelphia, PA. Copyright © 2008 725 pages, $219.00, Hardcover This comprehensive text on histological methods is a well-organized, concise yet thorough reference designed for students of histology but suitable for a wide range of technicians and scientists in clinical and experimental settings. The authors focus on preserving methodology of older, more basic techniques while introducing increasing numbers of newer, technologically advanced, sometimes experimental techniques. Histochemical and other staining techniques are outlined in sufficient but succinct detail, with …
A novel mutation in β integrin reveals an integrin-mediated interaction between the extracellular matrix and cki-1/p27KIP1.

The cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction plays an essential role in maintaining tissue shapes and regulates cell behaviors such as cell adhesion, differentiation and proliferation. The mechanism by which the ECM influences the cell cycle in vivo is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that the β integrin PAT-3 regulates the localization and expression of CKI-1, a C. elegans homologue of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p27KIP1. In nematodes expressing wild type PAT-3, CKI-1::GFP localizes primarily to nucleoli in hypodermal cells, whereas in animals expressing mutant pat-3 with a defective splice junction, CKI-1::GFP appears clumped and disorganized in nucleoplasm. RNAi analysis links cell adhesion genes to the regulation of CKI-1. RNAi of unc-52/perlecan, ina-1/α integrin, pat-4/ILK, and unc-97/PINCH resulted in abnormal CKI-1::GFP localization. Additional RNAi experiments revealed that the SCF E3 ubiquitin-ligase complex genes, skpt-1/SKP2, cul-1/CUL1 and lin-23/F-box, are required for the proper localization and expression of CKI-1, suggesting that integrin signaling and SCF E3 ligase work together to regulate the cellular distribution of CKI-1. These data also suggest that integrin plays a major role in maintaining proper CKI-1/p27KIP1 levels in the cell. Perturbed integrin signaling may lead to the inhibition of SCF ligase activity, mislocalization and elevation of CKI-1/p27KIP1. These results suggest that adhesion signaling is crucial for cell cycle regulation in vivo.
Mass minimization of radiating trapezoidal fins with negligible base cylinder interaction

Abstract An optimization procedure is presented for achieving maximum dissipation from a longitudinal fin system of trapezoidal profile with mutual irradiation. The fins are conceived to be arranged symmetrically around a small base cylinder of uniform temperature. The governing equation for the temperature field along the fin is formulated in terms of finite summation and differences. The resulting set of simultaneous, non-linear, algebraic equations was solved by iteration using the Newton-Raphson method. A new dimensionless parameter is proposed to characterize the total dissipating capacity of a fin system with mutual irradiation. Its use has advantage over the conventional fin effectiveness in design application. Trapezoidal fins, including triangular and rectangular profiles, were investigated for a wide range of emissivities and incident space radiation. Optimum fin number and their proportions were determined and charts of dissipation capacity were presented. This analysis also leads to an expression suitable for comparing performance of fin systems fabricated of materials of different conductivity and density. For a fixed total mass of the fin material, the maximum dissipation varies as the 1 3 power of the quantity k ρ , other factors remain unaltered.
SU-FF-T-146: Determination of Site Specific Couch Tolerance Tables Using Analysis of Treatment Histories

Purpose: Record and verify (R&V) systems allow for a planned couch position and tolerance limit to serve as check for patient setup. This limit can server as a warning to operators that the setup may be in error. Operators will learn to ignore a tolerance that is set too tight. Too loose and it defeats the purpose of the tolerance. We investigate the use of statistical analysis of couch coordinates from treatment records to determine what planned position and tolerance should be used. Methods and Materials:Treatment histories from the R&V system for four combinations of treatments and immobilization: prostate, head and neck, breast and thorax were used. These records were used to determine the variation from a planned couch value using different strategies. The first was to use the position of the couch on the first treatment for n days, then change the average position over the n treatments. The second was to use the cumulative average of the n‐1 fractions for the nth fraction. The variation was calculated as the RMS value of the difference from the planned and treatment positions. The RMS value was used to set the tolerance limits for the difference of the treatment value to the planned value. Results: In all treatment sites the vertical position of the couch showed the least variation in daily setup. Different treatment sites show a wide variation in RMS value consistent with the quality of the immobilization. Averaging over several fractions showed no significant advantage over other methods. Conclusion: The variation in the couch is large enough to defeat any advantage sought by averaging over several fractions to determine the planned couch position. Significant variation in the RMS values of the couch coordinates indicate that different sites need different tolerance tables to best represent the variation of setup.
Partition of ketone bodies into cholesterol and fatty acids in vivo in different brain regions of developing rats.

The proportions of labeled ketone bodies and glucose incorporated into cholesterol and fatty acids in different regions of the brain in developing rats were compared. In cerebrums of 15- and 18-day-old rats, the ratios of dpm cholesterol/dpm fatty acids incorporated from [3-14C] acetoacetate and [3-14C] β-hydroxybutyrate ranged from 0.4 to 0.7, or 50 to 100% higher than values obtained with [U-14C] glucose. Much higher ratios were obtained with younger animals: from 1 to 12 days of life, the values ranged from 1.0 to 1.3 with [3-14C] β-hydroxybutyrate as substrate, and, from 1 to 5 days, with [3-14C] acetoacetate, they were 1.0 or greater. During the first 12 days of life, the ratios resulting from administration of [U-14C] glucose were 0.4–0.7. Clearly, a greater proportion of acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate was incorporated into cholesterol during the first week of life than the remaining suckling period. Like cerebrum, other brain regions (i.e., cerebellum, midbrain, brain stem and thalamus) yielded higher ratios of dpm cholesterol/dpm fatty acids from [3-14C] β-hydroxybutyrate during the first 12 days of life than on day 17. Brain stem was the most active region for lipid synthesis, and had the highest dpm cholesterol/dpm fatty acid ratio. Since active synthesis of cholesterol from ketone bodies during the early postnatal period coincides with a period of rapid brain growth, the results indicate that ketone bodies are more important early in the suckling period as sources of cholesterol for brain growth.
Immigration and the natural rate of unemployment in Australia

Abstract This paper presents an indirect test of the proposition that a decrease in the rate of immigration into Australia during the early 1960s lowered the efficiency with which unemployed persons and unfilled job vacancies were matched, and increased labor turnover, thereby increasing the “natural” rate of unemployment. A theoretical model of employment growth is used to derive an expression for the steady-state relationship between unemployment and vacancies. Estimates of the model are obtained for the period 1955 i –1973 ii during which distinctly different immigration levels occurred. The empirical results are not consistent with the contention that a decrease in immigration caused the relationship between unemployment and job vacancies in Australia to shift outward. Therefore, the evidence suggests that the unemployment rate associated with a given level of labor demand was not significantly increased by the reduction in immigration to Australia.
The opsonic activity of stored blood

Experiments were performed to measure the stability of opsonins during storage of whole blood collected in CPD solution and stored at 4 C. Three units were collected, and aliquots removed and recalcified on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Reconstituted serum was immediately frozen and stored at -70 C. The ability to opsonize Escherichia coli 075 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa immunotype 1, both of which require activation and utilization of the alternative pathway of complement for opsonization, were performed simultaneously for each organism and for each unit. Results showed that there was a slight but insignificant reduction in opsonic strength during storage for up to 28 days. The results indicate that standard collection and storage conditions using CPD as the anticoagulant retains functional activity of the alternative pathway. C3 measured by radial immunodiffusion using antisera against the B antigenic determinant showed that C3 had not been converted during storage.
Effects of risperidone on locomotor activity and spatial memory in rats with hippocampal damage.

Abstract Hippocampal damage produces spatial memory impairment and hyperactivity in animals, while reductions in hippocampal size have been associated with memory deficits in humans. There are no known treatments for the behavioral changes specifically related to reduced hippocampal size. The purpose of this study was to determine if risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic drug that has shown cognitive-enhancing properties in animals and humans, could alleviate the behavioral disturbances produced by hippocampal damage in rats. Young adult male Sprague–Dawley rats received either sham stereotaxic surgery or direct stereotaxic infusions of N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) into the dorsal hippocampus to produce hippocampal damage. One week later, animals in each group received daily subcutaneous injections of either saline or risperidone (0.2 mg/kg) until the end of the experiment. Three weeks after surgery, locomotor activity was tested in all animals. During the fourth and fifth post-surgical weeks, animals were tested in a discrete-trial, delayed rewarded alternation memory paradigm. Risperidone reversed lesion-induced hyperactivity; however it also decreased activity in the sham control rats. In the delayed alternation task, there were significant drug and lesion effects irrespective of the day of testing, but there was no drug × lesion interaction. Hippocampal lesions impaired performance in the delayed alternation task in saline and risperidone-treated rats. However, risperidone modestly improved performance in lesioned and sham controls in comparison to saline-treated lesioned and sham controls. Risperidone also slowed choice time in the alternation task. These data indicate that risperidone does not specifically correct the neurobiological consequences of hippocampal damage, but that animals with hippocampal damage nonetheless maintain a significant degree of sensitivity to the beneficial effects of risperidone.
Re: Kreiss et al.: pneumatosis intestinalis complicating C. difficile pseudomembranous colitis

Re: Kreiss et al. : pneumatosis intestinalis complicating C. difficile pseudomembranous colitis
Synthesis and evaluation of N-alkyl-9-aminoacridines with antibacterial activity

Abstract A series of 9-alkylaminoacridines were synthesized and evaluated for activity against two strains of methicillin-resistant and one strain of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Results are presented that show a clear structure activity relationship between the N-alkyl chain length and antibacterial activity with peak MIC99 values of 2–3 μM for alkyl chains ranging from 10 to 14 carbons in length. Although prior work has linked the function of acridine-based compounds to intercalation and topoisomerase inhibition, the present results show that 9-alkylaminoacridines likely function as amphiphilic membrane-active disruptors potentially in a similar manner as quaternary ammonium antimicrobials.
Root resorption potentials of granulation tissue from bone and flap connective tissue.

The present study was designed to examine the early phases of healing following root implantation in an attempt to compare the potentials of granulation tissue from bone and flap connective tissues to induce root resorption. Three adult beagle dogs with advanced periodontal disease were used and teeth 1P1, 2P2, 4P4, 1M1, and 3I3 were extracted to provide implantation sites. Eight weeks later, the root canals of the remaining premolars were filled with guttapercha. Using a flap procedure, the exposed root surfaces were thoroughly planed and the crowns were resected. The roots were then extracted and implanted in grooves prepared in edentulous areas with half the circumference of the root lying in the osseous groove and the other half of the root lying in contact with connective tissue of the mucoperiosteal flap. On one side of the mouth, the planed root surfaces were conditioned with citric acid for 3 minutes before implantation. Histologic sections cut in the transverse axis of the roots were evaluated at 2 wk (non-acid treated) and 3 wk (acid-treated) after implantation. Extensive root resorption and ankylosis were seen on the bone side of the acid-treated (3 wk) and non-acid treated (2 wk) roots. On the flap connective tissue side, connective tissue fibers were seen lying parallel to the root surface and resorption, when present, was minimal and usually confined to that part of the root close to the margins of the groove in bone. The results suggest that root resorption primarily originates from granulation tissue derived from bone. The potential of the flap connective tissue to induce root resorption is either less or delayed compared to the connective tissue derived from bone.
Denoising one-dimensional signals with curvelets and contourlets

Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs) and Discrete Wavelet Transformations (DWTs) have been routinely used as methods of denoising signals. DWT limitations include the inability to detect contours, curves and directional information of multi-dimensional signals. In the past decade, two new approaches have surfaced: curvelets, developed by Candes; and contourlets, developed by Do et al. The typical applications of contourlets and curvelets include two-dimensional image data denoising. We explore the use of curvelets and contourlets to the one-dimensional (1D) denoising problem. Working with seismic data, we introduce various types of data noise and the wavelet, curvelet, and contourlet transforms are applied to each signal. We tested multiple decomposition levels and different thresholding values. The benchmark for determining the effectiveness of each transform is the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) between the original signal and the denoised signal. The proposed denoising methods demonstrate contourlets and curvelets as a viable alternative to the DWT and FFT during signal processing. The initial results indicate that the contourlet and curvelet methods yield a higher PSNR and lower error than the DWT and FFT for 1D data.
ToF-SIMS Study of Polymer Nanocomposites.

Films of deuterated polystyrene (dPS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends, as well as dPS and PMMA and poly(ethylene-co-propylene) (PEP) blends have been spin-cast from toluene solution and annealed at temperatures above their glass transition temperatures for up to 72 hours. Surface topography of the cast and annealed films was measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was used to study microphase segregation of the polymer films. A series of two-dimensional (2D) images of the films were acquired during sample sputtering. A reconstruction of the sample three-dimensional (3D) structure from 2D data was performed. Spatial distributions of H, D, C, O, and higher mass fragments revealed microphases with dimensions on the order of a few microns. We describe the method that corrects height distortion to 3D SIMS images. After sputtering, AFM is used to produce a topographic image of the area analyzed by SIMS. The surface height variation array from SIMS data was compared with that observed by AFM. A limitation of the correction method is discussed.
Economic multipliers for Georgia industries

As noted in Chapter 2, the Georgia Economic Model can be treated as a multi­plier model to trace the effects of changes in demand on economic activity in the state. After explaining the multiplier concept in simple graphic terms and outlining the mathematics of the multiplier system, this chapter presents em­ployment, household-income, and government-income multipliers for Georgia and explores the contributions of Georgia industries to income and output.
Hue discrimination in peripheral vision under conditions of dark and light adaptation

Rod interference is a possible factor contributing to the elevation of chromatic threshold in peripheral vision. It was found that light adaptation lowered peripheral chromatic thresholds. This result was interpreted as being due to the lowering of rod sensitivity. It was also found that light in the photochromatic interval appeared blue, indicating that rods may add a blue component to peripheral color vision.
Capacity and Coding for T Active Users Out of M on the Collision Channel

The problem of designing codes for M users that permit any T < M users to transmit at the same time is investigated for the collision channel. Twelve communication problems are considered that vary according to the degree of synchronization among users, the receiver's knowledge of the active users, and the desired reliability of the code. For each problem, the T-of-M user capacity region is determined and constructive coding schemes that approach any rate in this region are presented. Applications to random access communications are discussed.
The attenuation effect in timing: counteracting dual-task interference with time-judgment skill training.

A basic finding in the time-perception literature is an interference effect in dual-task conditions involving concurrent timing and distractor tasks. Dual-task conditions typically cause time judgments to become less accurate than single-task conditions in which subjects judge time alone. Previous research (Brown, 1998 Psychological Research 61 71-81; Brown and Bennett, 2002 Psychological Research 66 80-89) has shown that practice on the distractor task reduces interference, a phenomenon called the attenuation effect. The present research was designed to determine whether practice on the time-judgment task would produce a similar result. In experiment 1, subjects reproduced 6-14 s intervals in a series of practice trials. Some subjects received feedback regarding the accuracy of each response and others received no feedback. Subsequent testing under dual-task (timing + digit memory) conditions showed that feedback training reduced interference. In experiment 2, the practice trials included both single-task and dual-task conditions. Later tests showed that feedback training eliminated the interference effect. The results highlight the role of attentional resources, the transfer of skills, and compensatory decision processes in time-judgment skill training. Language: en
RELIABILITY OF A PROOF LOADED FIBER-COMPOSITE PLATE UNDER RANDOMLY ORIENTED LOADS

This paper presents a probabilistic approach for the evaluation of reliability of a proof loaded laminated composite plate under randomly oriented loads. The uncertainty in the direction of loading is modeled as a turncated Gaussian distribution. The Weibull "Weakest Link" concept which incorporates stress and size erects together with the principal stress failure criterion are used to calculate failure probabilities of the laminae. The laminate is then considered to have failed if failure in any lamina occurs. Numerical illustration is applied to an angle ply laminated plate containing a circular hole. The analysis shows the effects of various parameters, such as safcty factor, level of proof load, and degree of uncertainty in the loading direction on the reliability of the plate.
Toxicity of Ochratoxin A and Vanadium to Growing Chicks

Abstract The effects of ochratoxin A (OA) and vanadium (V), singly and in combination, were determined in male Leghorn chicks from 1 to 28 days of age. The chicks were fed a control diet containing the following additives: A) none; B) 2.5 mg OA/kg; C) 50 mg V/kg; D) 2.5 mg OA plus 50 mg V/kg. These data show that body weight gains were significantly reduced by OA and V singly, and a toxicity-enhancing synergism exists between OA and V, which caused a further reduction in performance. The OA-V combination caused a significant increase in the relative weights of the liver, kidney, gizzard, and proventriculus and a significant decrease in the relative weights of the bursa of Fabricius. This decrease in bursal weight was due to atrophy of lymphoid follicles as indicated by the increase in the histologic lesion score. Uric acid in serum was increased, and albumin, calcium, and phosphorus were decreased in the OA-V combination group. There were also small but significant changes in the hematological parameters measured. Distribution of OA to the liver and kidney was not altered, nor was the distribution of V to the liver, kidney, or muscle tissue. Histologic lesions in kidneys were mild but were more prevalent in chicks in the OA-V combination group.
The surface activity of polymers in cosolvated systems determined from computational simulation

Abstract The present body of literature fails to adequately address the need for simulation metrics which determine the surface activity of target species in single or multi-solvent systems. Within this work a new property determinable by computational molecular dynamics simulation is detailed. That is the surface parameter, which is an indicator of the placement of a molecule with respect to the interface. Simulations were carried out on polyalkanes in alcohol co-solvated systems to verify systematically that the OPLS-AA force fields can accurately describe the solvation of low molecular weight polyalkanes with increased alcohol content. This parameter and the associated code are helpful in identifying quickly if a molecule is surface active, especially in mixed solvent systems. The code for the determination of this property is written in FORTRAN, a widespread and readily available package on most supercomputing systems where GROMACS is deployed.
Evaluation of serological pseudorabies tests for the detection of antibodies during early infection.

Six enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, a latex agglutination test, and the standard microti- tration serum virus neutralization test were compared for their ability to detect antibodies against pseudorabies virus (PRV) during the early stages of infection. Thirty-five pigs were infected intranasally with 10 5 -10
The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST)

The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, GLAST, is a mission to measure the cosmic gamma-ray flux in the energy range 20 MeV to more than 300 GeV, with supporting measurements for gamma-ray bursts from 8 keV to 30 MeV. The very large field of view will make it possible to observe 20% of the sky at any instant, and the entire sky on a timescale of a few hours. With its upcoming launch, GLAST will open a new and important window on a wide variety of phenomena, including black holes and active galactic nuclei; the optical-UV extragalactic background light, gamma-ray bursts; the origin of cosmic rays and supernova remnants; and searches for hypothetical new phenomena such as supersymmetric dark matter annihilations and Lorentz invariance violation. In addition to the science opportunities, this talk includes a description of the instruments, the opportunities for guest investigators, and the mission status.
Performance of Young Adult Cannabis Users on Neurocognitive Measures of Impulsive Behavior and their Relationship to Symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorders

Recent studies suggest that abstinent cannabis users show deficits on neurocognitive laboratory tasks of impulsive behavior. But results are mixed, and less is known on the performance of non-treatment-seeking, young adult cannabis users. Importantly, relationships between performance on measures of impulsive behavior and symptoms of cannabis addiction remain relatively unexplored. We compared young adult current cannabis users (CU, n = 65) and nonusing controls (NU, n = 65) on several laboratory measures of impulsive behavior, as well as on a measure of episodic memory commonly impacted by cannabis use. The CU group performed more poorly than the NU group on the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised Total Immediate Recall and Delayed Recall. No significant differences were observed on the measures of impulsive behavior (i.e., Iowa Gambling Task, IGT; Go-Stop Task; Monetary Choice Questionnaire; Balloon Analogue Risk Task). We examined relationships between neurocognitive performance and symptoms of cannabis use disorder symptoms (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition, DSM-IV CUD) among the CU group, which revealed that poorer IGT performance was associated with more symptoms of DSM-IV CUD. Our results show poorer memory performance among young adult cannabis users than among healthy controls, but no differences on measures of impulsive behavior. However, performance on a specific type of impulsive behavior (i.e., poorer decision making) was associated with more cannabis use disorder symptoms. These results provide preliminary evidence to suggest that decision-making deficits may be more strongly associated with problems experienced from cannabis use, rather than solely being a consequence of cannabis use, per se.
Designing an object-oriented structure for crop models

Abstract Object-oriented design (OOD) and programming (OOP) offer many advantages for developing modular crop models. The model structure is well-defined, reuse of code is facilitated through inheritance, and data can be hidden (encapsulated) inside objects that correspond to physical components of the real system, e.g. roots, stems, leaves, or soil layers. However, OOD is best suited to describing the relationship between freely interacting objects, and it has so far been used almost exclusively for modeling simple, discrete and sequential actions. Plant models are not like the automatic teller machine software that is often used in examples of OOD. Plant organs, i.e. objects on the plant, do not wait passively for input from other organs, but they all grow in response to their environment and interact with each other simultaneously and continuously. Also, our ignorance of the processes controlling plant growth forces us to use devices like the limiting factor model to handle these interactions. Many plant models therefore calculate potential growth, limitations imposed by various factors, and then actual growth. In short, there are procedural elements in plant models that do not easily fit an OOD. However, some OOP languages like C + + allow mixed designs to be implemented, so we have developed a mixed, but mostly object-oriented structure that (1) contains the components familiar in extant procedural designs; (2) can be used for modeling at several levels of complexity; and (3) can be used to model any plant. The mixed procedural/object-oriented design has been implemented in C + + as a shell using dummy algorithms, and its operation verified. The problems and advantages are discussed.
Methyl Selenocysteine: Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics in Men

The recently published report of the SELECT evaluation of selenium and vitamin E provided strong evidence that selenium 200mcg/day in the form of selenomethionine does not protect selenium-replete men against prostate or any other cancer. This appears to refute the result of the much smaller Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial of selenium. Since SELECT did not test the NPC agent, is possible that the difference between the two trials stems partly from the use of different agents: selenomethionine in SELECT, selenized yeast in the NPC trial. One of the organic selenium forms suspected of having strong chemopreventive effects, and which may have been present in the NPC agent, is methyl selenocysteine. This study characterizes the single-dose pharmacokinetics of methyl selenocysteine.
Assessment of adhesion formation to intra-abdominal polypropylene mesh and polytetrafluoroethylene mesh.

Background. The development of intra-abdominal adhesions, bowel obstruction, and enterocutaneous fistulas are potentially severe complications related to the intraperitoneal placement of prosthetic biomaterials. The purpose of this study was to determine the natural history of adhesion formation to polypropylene mesh and two types of polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh when placed intraperitoneally in a rabbit model that simulates laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Materials and methods. Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were used for this study. A 10-cm midline incision was performed for intra-abdominal access and a 2 cm x2c mpiece of mesh (n 60) was sewn to an intact peritoneum on each side of the midline. Two types of ePTFE mesh (Dual Mesh and modified Dual Mesh, W.L. Gore & Assoc., Flagstaff, AZ) and polypropylene mesh were compared. The rate of adhesion formation was evaluated by direct visualization using microlaparoscopy (2-mm endoscope/trocar) at 7 days, 3 weeks, 9 weeks, and 16 weeks after mesh implantation. Adhesions to the prosthetic mesh were scored for extent (%) using the Modified Diamond Scale (0 0%, 1 50%). At necropsy the mesh was excised en bloc with the anterior abdominal wall for histological evaluation of mesothelial layer growth. Results. The mean adhesion score for the polypropylene mesh was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than Dual Mesh at 9 weeks and 16 weeks and modified Dual Mesh at 7 days, 9 weeks, and 16 weeks. Fifty-five percent (n 11) of the polypropylene mesh had adhesions to small intestine or omentum at necropsy compared to 30% (n 6) of the Dual Mesh and 20% (n 4) of the modified Dual Mesh. There was a significantly greater percentage (P < 0.003) of ePTFE mesh mesothelialized at explant (modified Dual Mesh 44.2%; Dual Mesh 55.8%) compared to the polypropylene mesh (12.9%). Conclusions. Serial microlaparoscopic evaluation of intraperitoneally implanted polypropylene mesh and ePTFE mesh in a rabbit model revealed a progression of adhesions to polypropylene mesh over a 16 week period. The pore size of mesh is critical in the development and maintenance of abdominal adhesions and tissue ingrowth. The macroporous polypropylene mesh promoted adhesion formation, while the microporous nature of the visceral side of the ePTFE served
Ventricular peritoneal shunt malfunction after operative correction of scoliosis: report of three cases.

Abstract Background context Two of the most common disease processes associated with hydrocephalus in children are spina bifida and intraventricular hemorrhage of prematurity, both of which are known to be also associated with spinal deformity in later childhood. The occurrence of shunt malfunction after mechanical injury or stress to the hardware has been well documented. Newer techniques in the treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis, including anterior release with segmental fixation, have resulted in more powerful corrections of these large spinal deformities. A new potential cause of shunt malfunction is the aggressive correction of scoliosis. Purpose To report patients with neuromuscular curves averaging 100° who were subsequently recognized to have perioperative shunt malfunction. Study design Three case studies from a university hospital setting were included. Patient sample All three children were young adolescents and had-long term shunts. Two of the children had spina bifida and a third had cerebral palsy. All children underwent anterior release of their scoliosis with posterior segmental instrumentation, with unit rods and sublaminar wires. All had significant correction of their scoliosis. Outcome measures Malfunctioning of the ventriculoperitoneal shunts were recorded. Methods Chart reviews of three cases were analyzed. Results Two children had shunt malfunctions within a month of their surgery, and one child had intraoperative recognition and externalization of the shunt. Conclusions Older children undergoing repair of neuromuscular scoliosis are often preadolescents or adolescents who have the same indwelling shunt systems originally implanted in early infancy. The shunt may be brittle and calcified, and the peritoneal catheter may be short. The correction of scoliosis often results in an almost instantaneous growth of a few inches. Because of the potential difficulty in recognizing shunt malfunction in the perioperative period, consideration should be given for elective revision of the peritoneal catheter in children at risk.
Predictive factors of success following radio-frequency stylet (RFS) ablation of incompetent perforating veins (IPV)

Objective To evaluate potential predictive factors associated with success or failure of incompetent perforating veins (IPVs) treated with radio-frequency stylet (RFS). Methods Over the last 12 months in this observational study, 38 consecutive patients with various degrees of venous insufficiency and IPVs underwent 48 office-based radio-frequency ablation procedures (1 - C 3; 7 - C 4; 10 - C 5; 30 - C 6) in 44 limbs. There were 21 females and 17 males with a mean age of 67 ± 17 years (38-93 years) who had a total of 93 IPVs (40 calf; 53 ankle). Eighteen patients (47%) had ipsilateral great saphenous vein (GSV) radio-frequency closures performed prior to current procedure. The venous flow pattern was classified by spectral waveform analysis as "normal" (spontaneous with respiratory phasicity) in 33 patients and "pulsatile" (with bidirectional cardiac phasicity) in five patients. Follow-up duplex scans were performed from 3 to 7 days postprocedure. Statistical analyses were performed for determining correlation between the various factors such as, age, pulsatile flow, CEAP class, prior GSV ablation, vein diameter, reflux, and patency. Results The mean number of ablated IPVs was 1.94 ± 0.38 ranging from 1-3. Immediate success rate was 88% (82 cases, 32 patients). IPVs had a duplex measured mean diameter of 3.8 ± 1.1 mm (2-6.6 mm). Eleven IPVs remained patent in six patients. There was no significant difference between the patent and the obliterated IPV groups concerning age ( P = 0.75), prior GSV ablation ( P = .19), IPV diameter ( P = .08) and CEAP classification. Conversely, four of the five procedures (80%) performed in patients with "pulsatile" venous flow failed, while only two of the remaining 43 procedures (4.7%) in patients with "normal" venous flow failed ( P Conclusion These data show that a pulsatile venous flow pattern is a significant predictor of failure following RFS for IPVs.
Genome-Wide Study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Outer Membrane Protein Immunogenicity Using Self-Assembling Protein Microarrays

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for potentially life-threatening infections in individuals with compromised defense mechanisms and those with cystic fibrosis. P. aeruginosa infection is notable for the appearance of a humoral response to some known antigens, such as flagellin C, elastase, alkaline protease, and others. Although a number of immunogenic proteins are known, no effective vaccine has been approved yet. Here, we report a comprehensive study of all 262 outer membrane and exported P. aeruginosa PAO1 proteins by a modified protein microarray methodology called the nucleic acid-programmable protein array. From this study, it was possible to identify 12 proteins that trigger an adaptive immune response in cystic fibrosis and acutely infected patients, providing valuable information about which bacterial proteins are actually recognized by the immune system in vivo during the natural course of infection. The differential detections of these proteins in patients and controls proved to be statistically significant (P < 0.01). The study provides a list of potential candidates for the improvement of serological diagnostics and the development of vaccines.
On Sylvester's criterion for positive-semidefinite matrices

The error contained in several engineering texts on systems theory regarding Sylvester's criterion for positive-semidefinite matrices is brought to the fore.
Morphometric and Isozyme Analysis of the Genus Hosta (Liliaceae) in Korea

The hostas native to Korea have never been carefully reviewed taxonomically and their patterns of variability are not well understood. For morphological and electrophoretic studies, samples of rootstocks were taken from 45 Korean Hosta populations and from two populations of H. tsushimensis N. Fujita on Tsushima Island, Japan. For morphometric analysis, ten plants from each of twenty populations were grown and observed under greenhouse conditions. Fifty-one floral and vegetative characters were examined on each plant and the data were analyzed using principal components and cluster analysis. Six Korean species can be recognized: H. yingeri S. B. Jones (Taehuksan, Sohuksan, and Hong islands); H. capitata (Koidz.) Nakai (southern Korea); H. clausa Nakai (central and northern Korea); H. minor (Baker) Nakai (southeastern Korea including Wan and Kojae islands); H. venusta F. Maekawa (Cheju Island); and H. jonesii M. Chung (southern islands). Morphological features contributing to recognition of the natural groups were: ridges on the scape; the width of inner and outer floral lobes; bracts pappillous at apex; length and color of the bracts; length of inflorescences; the withering condition of the bracts; scabrous nerves on the lower leaf surface; and size of the leaves. Isozyme analyses indicate a recent origin of H. venusta from H. minor. Although hostas are easily hybridized, natural hybridization seems to be rare in Korea. The morphological and isozyme studies identified no hybrids and the species are well characterized by their distribution patterns, phenology, and habitats.
Nanoporous polymeric structures: Fabrication and applications in biosensing and drug delivery

In this paper, we demonstrate the utilization of an interferometrically created nanoporous polymeric structure as a platform for biosensing and drug delivery applications. Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized nanoporous polymeric gratings was fabricated by combining holographic interference patterning and APTES-functionalization of pre-polymer syrup. The successful detection of multiple biomolecules indicates that the biofunctionalized nanoporous polymeric gratings can act as biosensing platforms which are label-free, inexpensive, and applicable as high-throughput assays. In addition, high-porosity nanoporous polymer thin films were fabricated and used as drug carrier. Our results proved the possibility of using the nanoporous polymer thin films in drug delivery applications.
Endothelial Cell Heterogeneity and Organ — Specificity

Endothelial cell (EC) biology and physiology play a prominent role in studying angiogenesis, i.e. the establishment of new blood vessels from existing ones. According to current perceptions, major features of the angiogenic cascade involve mainly EC-related phenomena such as dissolution of the subendothelial basement membrane, migration of the EC, and formation of a new vessel lumen by establishing tight interendothelial cell contacts. Angiogenesis in vivo occurs primarily at the level of the microvasculature (capillaries, arterioles, venules) and yet most in vitro models have convincingly employed EC isolated from large vessels. Such seemingly discordant approaches raise the question whether EC derived from different vascular beds can be used interchangeably to study common “vascular” phenomena. Over the past few years a large body of experimental findings has been accumulated to the effect that “an EC is not an endothelial cell is not an endothelial cell”1. Rather, EC phenotypic and functional diversity is differentially regulated by a plethora of microenvironmental and/or hemodynamic cues.
The Need for Improving Intercultural Collaborative Activities with Structured Institutional Systems of Support.

Evaluation of an international, grant-funded program must communicate the program’s value to a variety of stakeholders: the funder, the agency operating the program and its community, and the citizens of the country where the program is implemented. An intercultural research team can achieve that goal only through a thought-out strategy. This article summarizes the challenges that intercultural teams of researchers faced as they crisscrossed a host country while evaluating a teaching and learning materials program. It concludes with three recommendations for effective collaboration: (1) Research coordinators must use rigor in selecting researchers and research assistants. (2) Researchers must receive in-depth and extensive training in both intercultural collaboration and evaluation skills. (3) Institutions involved in intercultural collaborative projects should have an intentional structure for ensuring that orientation curricula are aligned or adjusted to project objectives and that logistical arrangements are coordinated through an intercultural response mechanism.
State of the Art in Pancreas Transplantation

Pancreas transplants have been performed in diabetic patients since 1966 [1]. The earliest cases showed that a successful graft could establish a euglycemic, insulin-independent state that could be sustained for many years, if not indefinitely [2, 3]. This state is achieved, however, at the expense of chronic immunosuppression, and the need to provide antirejection therapy has limited its application to recipients whose complications of diabetes are more serious than the potential side effects of the immunosuppressive drugs, or to patients who are already committed to immunosup-pression because of a previous or a simultaneous kidney transplant. Most pancreas transplant recipients have been in the latter category, but application to nonuremic, nonkidney transplant recipients has increased in recent years, particularly at the University of Minnesota [4].