cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Frontal Cortical Acetylcholine Release by Benzodiazepine Receptor Ligands: Age-Dependent Effects and Behavioral Correlates

The previous optimism about the efficacy of cholinomimetics for the treatment of age- and dementia-associated syndromes was based on the assumption that a neurotransmitter replacement strategy, similar to the successful treatment of the dopaminergic deficiency in Parkinson’s disease, would attenuate the behavioral consequences of loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. This “cholinergic hypothesis’’ (e.g., Bartus et al., 1985) was derived mainly from correlative neuropathological evidence (Whitehouse et al., 1981; Bowen et al., 1976; Palmer et al., 1987; Procter et al., 1988), and from animal studies that used basal forebrain lesions as a neurological model or muscarinic blockade as a pharmacological model (Hagan and Morris, 1988) for the behavioral consequences of cholinergic cell loss (Smith, 1988). However, it has more recently become evident that: (1) in the absence of a specific cholinotoxin, the basal forebrain model is invalid in terms of revealing the consequences of disruption to the basal forebrain cholinergic system (Robbins et al., 1989a; Salter and Dudchenko, 1991); (2) muscarinic antagonism produces behavioral deficits that model only some of the symptoms of dementia but spare major aspects such as the failure to retrieve information from remote memory (e.g., Beatty et al., 1986); and (3) traditional cholinomimetic drugs do not appear to exhibit clinically useful effects (for review see Sarter et al., 1991a). Reviewing this literature, Fibiger (1991) concluded that the contribution of the cholinergic system to the cognitive decline in dementia is unsettled, and that “programs aimed at developing cholinergic pharmacotherapies for the cognitive deficits in AD are based more on faith than on established facts” (p. 223). Fibiger, as well as others (e.g., Whalley, 1989) predicts that successful therapies will become obvious only after we learn more about etiological processes.
A Comparison of Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure and Cancer Referred to Palliative Care

Importance Growing evidence shows that palliative care (PC) improves treatment outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF), but few large-scale studies have prospectively evaluated the processes and outcomes associated with PC consultation for such patients in the real world. Objective To characterize processes and outcomes of PC consultations for hospitalized patients with HF compared with patients with cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study of inpatient encounters at community and academic hospitals in the Palliative Care Quality Network enrolled participants between 2013 and 2017. Of a total of 135 197 patients, 57 272 adults with a primary diagnosis of HF or cancer receiving PC consultation were enrolled. Data analysis was performed from April 2018 to December 2019. Exposures Primary diagnosis of HF or cancer. Main Outcomes and Measures Symptom improvement and changes in care planning documentation after PC consultation. Results At the time of consultation, patients with HF were older (mean age, 75.3 years [95% CI, 75.0-75.5 years] vs 65.2 years [95% CI, 65.0-65.3 years];P Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that PC referral comes late for patients with HF and is used primarily to discuss care planning. Practitioners caring for patients with HF should consider involving PC experts earlier for symptom management.
Cohomology with twisted one-dimensional coefficients for congruence subgroups of SL4(Z) and Galois representations

Abstract We extend the computations in [2] , [3] , [4] to find the cohomology in degree five of a congruence subgroup of SL 4 ( Z ) with coefficients in a field twisted by a nebentype character, along with the action of the Hecke algebra on the cohomology. This is the top cuspidal degree. For each Hecke eigenclass we find, we produce the unique Galois representation that appears to be attached to it. The computations require serious modifications to our previous algorithms. Nontrivial coefficients add a layer of complication to our data structures. New possibilities must be taken into account in the Galois Finder, the code that finds the Galois representations. We have improved the Galois Finder to report when the attached Galois representation is uniquely determined by our data.
AGA Rapid Recommendations for Gastrointestinal Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abbreviations used in this paper AGAAmerican Gastroenterological AssociationCDCCenters for Disease Control and PreventionCIconfidence intervalCOVID-19coronavirus disease 2019GIgastrointestinalGRADEGrading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and EvaluationMERS-CoVMiddle East respiratory syndrome–related coronavirusORodds ratioPAPRpowered air-purifying respiratorPPEpersonal protective equipmentRRrisk ratioSARS-CoV-2severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2WHOWorld Health Organization
Please stop helping me!: Well-intentioned “dark” actors present others as less socially desirable to audiences

Abstract Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism are dark-personality constructs that relate to propensities to harm others. Accounts of these propensities tend to highlight malevolence or pathological deficits, but innocent cognitive mechanisms may also be relevant. In that regard, we tested the novel idea that well-intentioned people higher in dark-personality constructs are prone to present others' identities in a less socially desirable way. Participants imagined various scenarios that entailed helping someone shape his/her public identity and then rated the extent they would cultivate socially (un)desirable characteristics in the target, how beneficial these characteristics would be to the target, and how much they attempted to help the target. Generally, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism predicted enhanced cultivation of socially undesirable characteristics in targets. These effects corresponded with rating socially undesirable characteristics as more beneficial and could not be attributed to trying to be unhelpful. Hence, what can appear as a propensity amongst dark actors to harm others' good character can arise during well-intentioned behavior to help others make a “good” impression.
Dendritic spine density is increased on nucleus accumbens D2 neurons after chronic social defeat

Stress alters the structure and function of brain reward circuitry and is an important risk factor for developing depression. In the nucleus accumbens (NAc), structural and physiological plasticity of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) have been linked to increased stress-related and depression-like behaviors. NAc MSNs have opposing roles in driving stress-related behaviors that is dependent on their dopamine receptor expression. After chronic social defeat stress, NAc MSNs exhibit increased dendritic spine density. However, it remains unclear if the dendritic spine plasticity is MSN subtype specific. Here we use viral labeling to characterize dendritic spine morphology specifically in dopamine D2 receptor expressing MSNs (D2-MSNs). After chronic social defeat, D2-MSNs exhibit increased spine density that is correlated with enhanced social avoidance behavior. Together, our data indicate dendritic spine plasticity is MSN subtype specific, improving our understanding of structural plasticity after chronic stress.
Poesía de puertas para adentro: una reconstrucción de la resistencia

This article attempts a concise tribute to literature, which has accompanied human beings since the beginning of time, transforming life into something much richer, more consistent and everlasting. The energy of poetry merges with historical circumstances and makes the solidarity word emerge in difficult moments, such as the global coronavirus pandemic, which has forced the conversion of faceto- face cultural acts into glimpses manufactured indoors to be projected into the world. Poets do not stop but continue to spread their word as a common support in the face of adversity.
Relationship between cognitive flexibility and subsequent course of mood symptoms and suicidal ideation in young adults with childhood-onset bipolar disorder

Neurocognitive deficits, such as cognitive flexibility impairments, are common in bipolar disorder (BD) and predict poor academic, occupational, and functional outcomes. However, the association between neurocognition and illness trajectory is not well understood, especially across developmental transitions. This study examined cognitive flexibility and subsequent mood symptom and suicidal ideation (SI) course in young adults with childhood-onset BD-I (with distinct mood episodes) vs. BD-not otherwise specified (BD-NOS) vs. typically-developing controls (TDCs). Sample included 93 young adults (ages 18–30) with prospectively verified childhood-onset DSM-IV BD-I (n = 34) or BD-NOS (n = 15) and TDCs (n = 44). Participants completed cross-sectional neuropsychological tasks and clinical measures. Then participants with BD completed longitudinal assessments of mood symptoms and SI at 6-month intervals (M = 39.18 ± 16.57 months of follow-up data). Analyses included ANOVAs, independent-samples t tests, chi-square analyses, and multiple linear regressions. Participants with BD-I had significant deficits in cognitive flexibility and executive functioning vs. BD-NOS and TDCs, and impaired spatial working memory vs. TDCs only. Two significant BD subtype-by-cognitive flexibility interactions revealed that cognitive flexibility deficits were associated with subsequent percentage of time depressed and with SI in BD-I but not BD-NOS, regardless of other neurocognitive factors (full-scale IQ, executive functioning, spatial working memory) and clinical factors (current and prior mood and SI symptoms, age of BD onset, global functioning, psychiatric medications, comorbidity). Thus, cognitive flexibility may be an important etiological brain/behavior mechanism, prognostic indicator, and intervention target for childhood-onset BD-I, as this deficit appears to endure into young adulthood and is associated with worse prognosis for subsequent depression and SI.
Seizure Detection Devices: Five New Things

ABSTRACT: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review seizure detection devices, their mechanisms of action, efficacy and reflecting upon potential improvements for future devices. Recent Findings: There are five main categories of seizure detection devices (SDDsliadre@hotmail.com), these include electroencephalogram (EEG), heart rate detection (HR), electrodermal activity (EDA), motion detection and electromyography (EMG). These devices can be used in combination or in isolation to detect seizures. These devices are high in their sensitivity for convulsive seizures, but low in specificity because of a tendency to detect artifact. Overall, they perform poorly identifying non-convulsive seizures. Summary: Seizure detection devices are currently most useful in detecting convulsive seizures and thereby might help against sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), though they have a high false positive rate. These devices are much less adept at detecting more clinically subtle seizures.
Public Space in the Digital Era

This book investigates the ways in which the production of public space in contemporary urban contexts is affected by the suffusion of urban life with digital technologies. A “social production of technology” approach is taken to frame the digitally-mediated city as a communal social and cultural project. Drawing on concepts from Arendt and Habermas, and acknowledging the multivalent and shifting nature of public space and the heterogeneity of the urban actors who form it, the “agency” of these different actors in appropriating digital technologies takes center stage. The chapter concludes with an outline of the content and exposition of the book.
Gasdermin D mediates inflammation-induced defects in reverse cholesterol transport and promotes atherosclerosis

Abstract Activation of inflammasomes, such as Nlrp3 and Aim2, can exacerbate atherosclerosis in mice and humans. Gasdermin D (GsdmD) serves as a final executor of inflammasome activity, by generating membrane pores for the release of mature Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β). Inflammation dampens reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and promotes atherogenesis, while anti-IL-1β antibodies were shown to reduce cardiovascular disease in humans. Though Nlrp3/AIM2 and IL-1β nexus is an emerging atherogenic pathway, the direct role of GsdmD in atherosclerosis is not yet fully clear. Here, we used in-vivo Nlrp3 inflammasome activation to show that the GsdmD-/- mice release ~80% less IL-1β vs WT mice. The GsdmD-/- macrophages were more resistant to Nlrp3 inflammasome mediated reduction in cholesterol efflux, showing ~26% decrease vs. ~60% reduction in WT macrophages. GsdmD expression in macrophages exacerbated foam cell formation in an IL-1β dependent fashion. The GsdmD-/- mice were resistant to Nlrp3 inflammasome mediated defect in RCT, with ~32% reduction in plasma RCT vs. ~ 57% reduction in WT mice, ~ 17% reduction in RCT to liver vs. 42% in WT mice, and ~ 37% decrease in RCT to feces vs. ~ 61% in WT mice. The LDLr anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASO) induced hyperlipidemic mouse model showed the role of GsdmD in promoting atherosclerosis. The GsdmD-/- mice exhibit ~42% decreased atherosclerotic lesion area in females and ~33% decreased lesion area in males vs. WT mice. The atherosclerotic plaque-bearing sections stained positive for the cleaved N-terminal fragment of GsdmD, indicating cleavage of GsdmD in atherosclerotic plaques. Our data show that GsdmD mediates inflammation-induced defects in RCT and promotes atherosclerosis. Summary GsdmD mediates inflammation-induced defects in RCT and promotes atherosclerosis.
Incidence of Refeeding Syndrome in Pediatric Inpatients at the US-Mexico Border

Objectives Refeeding syndrome is a life-threatening, physiological process that occurs when patients with severe malnutrition are too rapidly rehabilitated, leading to the development of electrolyte abnormalities. Hypophosphatemia, a hallmark of the disease, has most commonly been studied, because it is recognized to result in cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, cardiac failure, respiratory failure, rhabdomyolysis, coma, and even death. Although many studies have found caloric intake to be a main causal factor in refeeding syndrome, few have explored other factors, such as geographic location. Border cities, such as El Paso, Texas, have a unique, diverse population. The purpose of this study was to establish the incidence of refeeding syndrome concentrated within a border city. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review that focused on the incidence of refeeding syndrome in pediatric patients with eating disorders, ages 10 to 19 years, admitted to El Paso Children's Hospital, the only tertiary teaching hospital in the area, associated with Texas Tech University Health Science Center, located along the US-Mexico border, in El Paso, Texas. Results Twenty-six subjects with a diagnosis of eating disorder were admitted to El Paso Children's Hospital for treatment between 2012 and 2019. Five subjects developed refeeding syndrome, recognized in our study as hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, during their treatment. Conclusions Among hospitalized adolescents admitted to El Paso Children's Hospital, 19% developed refeeding syndrome. This incidence was higher in our population than had been previously reported. Further research is needed to better establish a protocol for the treatment of patients with eating disorders.
Splenic Artery Transposition for Liver Transplantation: An Underutilized Technique?

Background Successful liver transplantation is dependent on restoration of hepatic arterial (HA) flow. Although uncommon, some native recipient HAs are not suitable or inadequate for anastomosis, thereby necessitating extra-anatomic HA reconstruction. Splenic artery transposition (SAT) is 1 method of HA reconstruction, in which the recipient splenic artery is transposed to reestablish perfusion of the donor liver. Due to the rarity of the technique, literature describing outcomes is limited. In the current report, we describe 3 patients (2 adults, 1 pediatric) who underwent complex upper abdominal surgery before whole-organ deceased donor liver transplantation with SAT. Methods The demographic and patient care information was collected prospectively and subsequently reviewed retrospectively. Given the de-identified nature of the data included, this study was exempt from approval from an ethics board. Results Recipient splenic arteries were dissected from their origin at the celiac trunk, for approximately 3-5 cm to ensure a gentle anterior-cranial curve toward the right upper quadrant, allowing anastomosis to the donor celiac trunk in an end-to-end fashion. Postoperatively, all 3 patients had rapid normalization of liver function tests and brisk HA flow demonstrated by Doppler ultrasound. Longer-term follow-up, ranging from 1 to 3 years, reveals continued patency of the reconstructed HAs and liver function tests within normal limits. Conclusions Our experience points to SAT as a safe and effective technique for extra-anatomic HA reconstruction.
Stable DNA Loops in Vivo and in Vitro: Roles in Gene Regulation at a Distance and in Biophysical Characterization of DNA

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the quantitative information available regarding action-at-a-distance in a variety of systems (primarily prokaryotic), in which the formation of stable DNA loops has been proposed as the mechanism of the effect. Primarily, this chapter focuses on the use of quantitative studies of the length dependence of action-at-a-distance to investigate the physical properties of DNA in vivo. In addition, it discusses the biophysical basis of two mechanisms proposed to explain regulatory effects of DNA looping: local concentration (direct) effects and topological (indirect) effects. In principle, “action-at-a-distance’’ may be either a “through-space” or a “through-bond’’ effect, in the jargon of two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Formation of stable DNA loops (DNA looping), the subject of this review, is a “through space” effect, involving two regions of DNA distant along the contour of the molecule, and one or more proteins that contact these two regions simultaneously via bending and/or curvature of the intervening DNA sequence. Possible “through-bond’’ (along the DNA contour) thermodynamic models for action at a distance have also been considered, including the long-range effects of the changes in DNA secondary structure, induced by changes in supercoiling, as well as long-range cooperativity of protein binding and/or DNA structure.
T Cells Express α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunits That Require a Functional TCR and Leukocyte-Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase for Nicotine-Induced Ca2+ Response

Acute and chronic effects of nicotine on the immune system are usually opposite; acute treatment stimulates while chronic nicotine suppresses immune and inflammatory responses. Nicotine acutely raises intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) in T cells, but the mechanism of this response is unclear. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are present on neuronal and non-neuronal cells, but while in neurons, nAChRs are cation channels that participate in neurotransmission; their structure and function in nonexcitable cells are not well-defined. In this communication, we present evidence that T cells express alpha7-nAChRs that are critical in increasing [Ca(2+)](i) in response to nicotine. Cloning and sequencing of the receptor from human T cells showed a full-length transcript essentially identical to the neuronal alpha7-nAChR subunit (>99.6% homology). These receptors are up-regulated and tyrosine phosphorylated by treatment with nicotine, anti-TCR Abs, or Con A. Furthermore, knockdown of the alpha7-nAChR subunit mRNA by RNA interference reduced the nicotine-induced Ca(2+) response, but unlike the neuronal receptor, alpha-bungarotoxin and methyllycaconitine not only failed to block, but also actually raised [Ca(2+)](i) in T cells. The nicotine-induced release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores in T cells did not require extracellular Ca(2+), but, similar to the TCR-mediated Ca(2+) response, required activation of protein tyrosine kinases, a functional TCR/CD3 complex, and leukocyte-specific tyrosine kinase. Moreover, CD3zeta and alpha7-nAChR co-immunoprecipitated with anti-CD3zeta or anti-alpha7-nAChR Abs. These results suggest that in T cells, alpha7-nAChR, despite its close sequence homology with neuronal alpha7-nAChR, fails to form a ligand-gated Ca(2+) channel, and that the nicotine-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](i) in T cells requires functional TCR/CD3 and leukocyte-specific tyrosine kinase.
Social dynamics of free and open source team communications

This paper furthers inquiry into the social structure of free and open source software (FLOSS) teams by undertaking social network analysis across time. Contrary to expectations, we confirmed earlier findings of a wide distribution of centralizations even when examining the networks over time. The paper also provides empirical evidence that while change at the center of FLOSS projects is relatively uncommon, participation across the project communities is highly skewed, with many participants appearing for only one period. Surprisingly, large project teams are not more likely to undergo change at their centers.
Class of compact spectrum coded signals over multipath fading channel

The author presents a trellis code coupled with a class of continuous phase modulation (CPM) signals over a multipath fading channel. Receiver structures for coherent, differentially coherent, and noncoherent detection are presented. Simulation results for the systems under consideration are shown. It is concluded that the differentially coherent system, though inferior in performance to the coherent system, offers the most feasible receiver structure for the trellis-coded CPM over a Rician fading channel. >
New Data on Egyptian Construction Methods in the Khufu I Vessel (c.2566 BC) from the Paul Lipke Collection

A review of the Lipke collection raises new questions concerning Egyptian boatbuilding methods for the Khufu I vessel, including the shaping of planking, the purpose, fitting, and spacing of cross-grain mortise-and-tenon joints and the crafting and securing of hook-scarfs in girders. New data supports the author's contention that the construction of this vessel was abruptly terminated, but contradicts his suggestion that the central girder had no hook-scarf—it does, but it is unique. Furthermore, detailed plans show how the hood-ends, sleeves, and papyriform decorations were crafted and joined. A planking-plan with scale does not always agree with published data. © 2010 The Author
Realtime convolution and morphology on VLSI-based mesh: a systolic approach

An outline is presented of a modular design of an enhanced mesh network for image processing and vision applications. Algorithms for implementing convolution and morphology on this network are studied with time analysis. In contrast with earlier work in this area, in which it is assumed that the image data is readily loaded into the system, the global broadcasting is addressed in this study. The authors exploit the common operations among correlation, convolution, and morphology to design a special-purpose VLSI mesh that is capable of performing template mapping, filtering, dilation and erosion at a very high speed for real-time applications such as robotics or autonomous vehicles. >
Costos y beneficios de la integracion centroamericana

Este articulo resena los beneficios y los costos de la integracion economica centroamericana. El aumento del crecimiento economico, la industrializacion basada en el comercio intraindustrial y la mayor competencia en un mercado ampliado a una escala subregional representan significativos beneficios para los paises centroamericanos. Sin embargo, los beneficios estan concentrados principalmente en los paises de mayor desarrollo relativo. Los costos provienen de los flujos monetarios entre paises por el arbitraje de monedas, por el fenomeno de sustitucion de monedas, y por los altos costos de transaccion asociados a la inconvertibilidad cambiaria. La eliminacion de estas costos tendria otros en terminos de merma de la autonomia nacional en la conduccion de las politicas ma-croeconomicas. a raiz de la coordinacion y seguimiento multilaterales. El articulo concluye con un llamado a establecer esquemas de coordinacion que vayan mas alla de las politicas macroeconomicas, para abarcar una agenda regional de transformacion estructural y orientar el esfuerzo regional hacia una armonizacion de politicas que elimine disparidades y vuelva a los paises centroamericanos mas integrables entre si y con la economia internacional.
The Statistical Significance of Data from Superposed Epoch Analyses

Superposed epoch analysis is a widely used technique to determine whether a given type of event influences a physical process which is either intrinsically random or whose measurements are perturbed by random noise. The technique is statistical, and so questions arise as to the statistical significance of the results of such an analysis. We discuss such questions, not so much in their generality but in the context of a recent application [5,6,1] of the technique to the case where the events in question are sector boundary crossings and the physical process is whatever is measured by the vorticity area index (VAI) of Olson, Roberts, and Gerety [3].
Possible broad impacts of long work hours

The paper summarizes research linking long work hours to a wide range of risks to workers, families, employers, and the community. The risks are theorized to stem from less time to recover from work, longer exposure to workplace hazards, and less time to attend to non-work responsibilities. Risks to workers include sleep deprivation, poor recovery from work, decrements in neuro-cognitive and physiological functioning, illnesses, adverse reproductive outcomes, and injuries. Risks to families include delayed marriages and child bearing, and obesity in children. Risks to employers include reduced productivity and increases in workers errors. Mistakes by fatigued workers have broad reaching impacts to the community: medical errors, automobile crashes with other drivers on the road, and industrial disasters that damage the environment.
Transformation of the quadrate (incus) through the transition from non-mammalian cynodonts to mammals

ABSTRACT The quadrate (incus) bone underwent important evolutionary transformations through the cynodont-mammal transition. The following character transformations played crucial roles in modifying the cynodont quadrate into the mammalian incus: 1) progressively greater rotation of the dorsal plate relative to the trochlea; 2) the contact facet of the dorsal plate becomes concave; 3) development of a constricted neck between the dorsal plate and the trochlea; 4) simplification of the quadrate-cranium joint, resulting in better mobility of the joint; and 5) introduction of a stapedial process (crus longum). The dorsal plate rotation, the concave contact facet, the constricted neck, the mobile joint of the quadrate and the cranium are also present in some advanced non-mammalian cynodonts. Broad phylogenetic distributions of these features suggest that the major features of the incus of early mammals, as represented by Morganucodon, originated much earlier in phylogenetic history among non-mammalian cynodont...
Whisper forecasts of earnings per share: Is anyone still listening?

Abstract Whisper numbers—unofficial forecasts of earnings per share—were widely reported alongside analyst forecasts and actual earnings in the late 1990s. Bagnoli et al. (1999) showed that whispers appeared to be more accurate than analyst earnings forecasts for a small sample of high-tech firms. We extend their study and investigate whether the superior accuracy of whisper numbers extends to a broader sample, whether whispers have incremental information vis-a-vis analyst forecasts and whether the market rationally uses the information available in whispers. We find that analyst forecasts are more accurate than whispers; however, whisper forecasts contain value-relevant information incremental to analyst forecasts. We also find that the incremental information in whispers is fully incorporated into share price. Lastly we find that whispers are common for firms with lower forecast accuracy, and also that the presence of whispers improves the information environment of firms. Our findings imply that while analyst forecasts are the more accurate expectation of earnings, whispers play a complementary role in providing information about the firm. To the extent that managers convey information to the market in the form of whispers, this study shows that the private information is captured in the share price.
Design and Implementation of PACS at Georgetown University Hospital

During the preparation and planning phase of the PACS project at Georgetown University Hospital it was realized that PACS requires truly the state of the art technology in data communication, image processing and man machine interfacing. It was also realized that un-like many other technology intensive devices used in radiology, PACS cannot be seen as an independent system that will provide well defined services. PACS will be the backbone of the department operation in clinical, educational and managerial functions. It will indeed be the nerve center of the radiologic services affecting every aspect of the department. PACS will have to be designed to perform in a cost-effective manner to widely varying needs within the radiology departments. The integration of ever changing complex technology that will impact every aspect of a radiology service is not a trivial matter. This transition period going from current manual film based PACS to Digital PACS can be long, expansive and disruptive unless careful planning preceeds the implementation. PACS is still an emerging technology at its infancy. Performance monitoring and evaluation of diversified functions have to be also established so that improvement to the system can be efficiently implemented. Thus the evaluation criteria should be also established as early as possible.
Transport mechanics in systems of orientable particles. III. Arbitrary particles

Abstract A general theory of orientable particles developed in a prior pair of papers for axially symmetric particles is extended to particles of arbitrary shape. Applications of the general theory to the sedimentation of Brownian particles in gravitational and ultracentrifugal fields are presented.
Electrophysiological recordings from spontaneously contracting reaggregates of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from chick embryos

Single cells were trypsin-dispersed from blood vessels (great vessels near the heart and mesenteric vessels) of 10–20 day chick embryos, and induced to reaggregate into small spheres (0.1–0.5 mm ∅) either by gyration or by plating on cellophane. Many reaggregates contracted spontaneously or in response to electrical stimulation during culture periods of up to 6 weeks. When the spherical reaggregates were allowed to adhere to a glass substrate, cells emigrated from the spheres to form aprons of monolayered cells which continued to contract. Thick and thin myofilaments (mean diameters of 146 and 65 A, respectively) were observable in a large fraction of cells studied in electron micrographs. Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells were identified in the reaggregates by recording resting potentials of −40 to −60 mV, and by action potential generation. The action potentials were preceded by pacemaker potentials, had slow rates of rise (<20 V/sec), and were insensitive to tetrodotoxin (TTX). Although the action potentials depend on an inward slow current, D-600 did not block the action potentials of the VSM cells. Reaggregates of atrial cells, produced at the same time for comparison, had larger resting potentials (up to −80 mV), less automaticity, fast rates of rise (mean of about 85 V/sec), and complete TTX sensitivity, thus indicating dependence on fast Na+ channels. These findings indicate that identifiable VSM cells can be successfully maintained in primary culture for several weeks, and these cells retain electrical and contractile properties similar to those of smooth muscle cells in intact adult blood vessels. This preparation provides a convenient system for electrophysiological and pharmacological studies of VSM cells.
Radium and radon tracers in aquatic systems

Fourth International Ra-Rn Workshop;Narragansett, Rhode Island, 3–8 June 2012 Radium (Ra) and radon (Rn) are widely recognized as important geochemical tracers in the estimation of dispersion in aquatic environments, submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to the coastal ocean, water mass residence times, and air-sea and water- sediment exchange. More than 50 scientists, including graduate students and early- career scientists from 10 countries, recently participated in a workshop on Ra and Rn in Narragansett, R. I. The workshop was hosted by the University of Rhode Island and sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation Chemical Oceanography Program, ORTEC, Eichrom, and Durridge Company. The workshop provided a forum for presentations and open discussions regarding the latest developments and new directions in the application and measurement of isotopes 223Ra, 224Ra, 226Ra, 228Ra, and 222Rn, as well as models used in the application of these tracers to a range of environmental problems.
Teaching and Learning with Telecommunications: Instructional Discourse in a Hybrid Russian Class

Where learner discourse has been the focus of much recent research on asynchonous online instruction, the specific forms of instructional discourse used by online educators has yet to be examined. ...
A condom skill scale: Assessing condom skills among female drug users

Use of latex condoms is a primary form of sexual risk reduction, and consequently many intervention programs have focused efforts on increasing condom use among high-risk populations. Use alone, however, will not fully protect the individual if condoms are not used correctly. The objective of this study was to describe the development and properties of a scale measuring demonstrated condom use skill using a sample of 261 drug-using women. Guttman's coefficient of reproducibility and Jackson's Plus Percentage Ratio (PPR) were used to determine the scalability of the Condom Skill Scale (CSS). Analysis of scale scores revealed high levels of condom skill among the population, although there was reduced performance for three items. Preliminary analysis suggests that the CSS is a potentially valid and reliable instrument, and may have application as a tool assessing condom skill level.
Physiological effects of dieting and bingeing in rats.

Abstract Female rats were assigned to dietary conditions as follows for 3.5 months: 1) Low-fat control (LFC); 2) Moderately high-fat control (HFC); 3) Alternation between restricted access to a low-fat diet and ad lib access to a very high fat diet (RA); 4) Unrestricted access to the same diets as RA (URA). Results indicate that: 1) HFC consumed the same energy as LFC, but showed a tendency to become heavier and fatter through greater food efficiency. 2) URA and LFC did not differ in body weight, food intake, body composition or energy efficiency. 3) Intake of the very high fat diet declined over time in the RA. 4) RA ate less total calories, weight gained due to FFM gained. Results provide no evidence that dieting and bingeing promote obesity or increased preference for dietary fat, and suggest that dietary restriction has greater impact on energy balance and body composition than does alternation of diet composition.
The fountain of youth, unicorns and ‘plain’ English

Investigates the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) use of ‘plain’ English in its numerous published standards. Gives both the humorous — ‘Alice’ Adventures in Wonderland’ — and the staid — Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission — as examples of what is and is not plain English. Concludes that customers will reward a business that communicates well.
Evaluation of some factors affecting the agreement between the Proview Eye Pressure Monitor and the Goldmann applanation tonometer measurements.

Background: Our aim was to examine whether training level and ocular factors could account for part of the difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) measured using the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and Proview Eye Pressure Monitor (PPT). Methods: One hundred and nineteen individuals (238 eyes) were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 35.8 years (range 21 to 79). All study participants obtained IOP measurements using the PPT after hearing instructions on how to perform PPT. Glaucoma patients obtained additional IOP measurements using PPT after viewing an instructional video and after 30 days of home use. IOP was also measured using the GAT at each experimental session. Results: The difference in IOP measured by the GAT and the PPT was 0.55 ± 3.38 mmHg, 0.17 ± 3.79 mmHg and -1.30 ± 3.79 mmHg for myopic, emmetropic and hypermetropic groups, respectively, which were statistically significant (ANCOVA; p = 0.014). The difference in IOP between GAT and PPT was not significantly different for measurements obtained after verbal instructions, instructional video or after 30 days of home use (Repeated-ANCOVA; p = 0.30). The overall agreement between the GAT and the PPT was poor. Intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.575, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of agreement was -6.93 to +6.73 mmHg. Conclusion: There was a small systematic difference in IOP measured by the GAT and PPT when comparing the different refraction groups; however, this level of difference between the groups is unlikely to be of clinical significance. The level of training in using the PPT did not influence its measurements. The limits of agreement between the PPT and the GAT were wide and long-term use of PPT did not improve its agreement.
Reduction of Iron-Oxide-Carbon Composites: Part II. Rates of Reduction of Composite Pellets in a Rotary Hearth Furnace Simulator

A new ironmaking concept is being proposed that involves the combination of a rotary hearth furnace (RHF) with an iron-bath smelter. The RHF makes use of iron-oxide-carbon composite pellets as the charge material and the final product is direct-reduced iron (DRI) in the solid or molten state. This part of the research includes the development of a reactor that simulated the heat transfer in an RHF. The external heat-transport and high heating rates were simulated by means of infrared (IR) emitting lamps. The reaction rates were measured by analyzing the off-gas and computing both the amount of CO and CO2 generated and the degree of reduction. The reduction times were found to be comparable to the residence times observed in industrial RHFs. Both artificial ferric oxide (PAH) and naturally occurring hematite and taconite ores were used as the sources of iron oxide. Coal char and devolatilized wood charcoal were the reductants. Wood charcoal appeared to be a faster reductant than coal char. However, in the PAH-containing pellets, the reverse was found to be true because of heat-transfer limitations. For the same type of reductant, hematite-containing pellets were observed to reduce faster than taconite-containing pellets because of the development of internal porosity due to cracking and fissure formation during the Fe2O3-to-Fe3O4 transition. This is, however, absent during the reduction of taconite, which is primarily Fe3O4. The PAH-wood-charcoal pellets were found to undergo a significant amount of swelling at low-temperature conditions, which impeded the external heat transport to the lower layers. If the average degree of reduction targeted in an RHF is reduced from 95 to approximately 70 pct by coupling the RHF with a bath smelter, the productivity of the RHF can be enhanced 1.5 to 2 times. The use of a two- or three-layer bed was found to be superior to that of a single layer, for higher productivities.
Characterizing individual, population and community effects of sublethal levels of aquatic toxicants: an experimental case study using Daphnia

SUMMARY. 1. The relationship between toxicant-induced changes in the feeding behaviour of the cladoceran, Daphnia catawba (Coker), and subsequent effects at population and community levels were experimentally addressed. 2. We adapted a method for measuring the thoracic appendage beat rate of individuals (termed the TAR and positively correlated with daphnid feeding rate) after exposure to toxicant at known levels, for use as a behavioural bioassay for low levels of aquatic toxicants. The TAR declined significantly with an increase in both sublethal and lethal levels of the surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). 3. We also measured population level effects (i.e. rates of reproduction, survival, and R0), and found that reductions in these values occurred at the same concentrations as the effects on individual behaviour. 4. In most cases, the changes in feeding behaviour occurred more rapidly (≤30h) than changes in population parameters (days to weeks). 5. We conclude that toxicant-induced changes in individual feeding behaviour can provide a quicker estimate of effects on individuals and of potential community effects (i.e. effects on their prey populations) than measurements of population parameters. In addition, due to its sensitivity at low levels of toxicants, the behavioural bioassay may be particularly helpful in identifying effects of sublethal levels of aquatic pollutants.
After the fire: benefits of reduced ground cover for vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops)

Here we describe changes in ranging behavior and other activities of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) after a wildfire eliminated grass cover in a large area near the study group's home range. Soon after the fire, the vervets ranged farther away from tall trees that provide refuge from mammalian predators, and moved into the burned area where they had never been observed to go before the fire occurred. Visibility at vervet eye-level was 10 times farther in the burned area than in unburned areas. They traveled faster, and adult females spent more time feeding and less time scanning bipedally in the burned area than in the unburned area. The burned area's greater visibility may have lowered the animals' perceived risk of predation there, and may have provided them with an unusual opportunity to eat acacia ants. Am. J. Primatol. 71:252–260, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Predictors of serum dioxin, furan, and PCB concentrations among women from Chapaevsk, Russia.

Dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent and bioaccumulative toxic chemicals that are ubiquitous in the environment. We assessed predictors of their serum concentrations among women living in a Russian town contaminated by past industrial activity. Blood samples from 446 mothers aged 23−52 years were collected between 2003−2005 as part of the Russian Children’s Study. Serum dioxin, furan, and PCB concentrations were quantified using high-resolution gas chromatography−mass spectrometry. Potential determinants of exposure were collected through interviews. Multivariate linear regression models were used to identify predictors of serum concentrations and toxic equivalencies (TEQs). The median total PCB concentrations and total TEQs were 260 ng/g lipid and 25 pg TEQ/g lipid, respectively. In multivariate analyses, both total PCB concentrations and total TEQs increased significantly with age, residential proximity to a local chemical plant, duration of local farming, and consumption...
Linking of Lagrangian particle methods to standard finite element methods for high velocity impact computations

Abstract Lagrangian particle methods, such as smooth particle hydrodynamics, have been developed recently to include the effect of strength, and these techniques have been successfully applied to high velocity impact problems. These methods allow for variable nodal connectivity and can handle severe distortions in a manner comparable with Eulerian codes. The particle methods generally require more computer time than do standard finite element techniques, and are not accurate under some conditions. As a result, there are some advantages associated with linking the particle methods to standard finite elements. If the particle portion of the grid is restricted to those regions that are severely distorted, then the required computer time is reduced and the accuracy may be increased in the standard finite element grid. This paper describes and demonstrates techniques that include attachment, sliding and automatic generation of particles, which are linked to a standard finite element grid. Computed results show good agreement with test data.
Kallidin and bradykinin metabolism by isolated cerebral microvessels.

Abstract Although kinins have been reported to affect cerebral vascular tone and permeability, their actions are not potentiated by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. To investigate cerebral vascular kinin metabolism, porcine cerebral microvessels were isolated by differential sieving and centrifugation and characterized by microscopic examination and marker enzyme enrichment. Purified microvessels contained a membrane-bound carboxypeptidase which hydrolyzed the C-terminal Phe-Arg bond of both kallidin and bradykinin. Hydrolysis was optimal at pH 7.0, was activated more than 300% by 0.1 mM CoCl2, and was inhibited by o-phenanthroline and the carboxypeptidase N (EC 3.4.17.3) inhibitor DL -2-mercaptomethyl-3-guanidino-ethylthiopropanoic acid (MERGETPA) ( IC 50 = 2 μM). Conversely, inhibitors of angiotensin I converting enzyme (captopril), neutral endopeptidase (phosphoramidon), post proline cleaving enzyme (Z-Pro-prolinal), dipeptidyl(amino)peptidase IV (diprotin A) and aminopeptidase M (amastatin) had no effect. When the rates of C-terminal hydrolysis of kallidin by detergent-solubilized cerebral microvasculature were determined over a range of substrate concentrations (16.6 to 250 μM), the Km and Vmax values obtained were 26.0 ± 3.0 μM and 14.7 ± 1.3 nmol/min/ml (N = 4) respectively. These data suggest that a cerebral microvascular carboxypeptidase may play a role in vivo in modulating the effects of kinins on cerebral blood flow and permeability and in preventing circulating kinins from crossing the blood-brain barrier.
A satellite image set for the evolution of image transforms for defense applications

In recent years, wavelets have been widely applied instate-of-the-art image processing algorithms, providing efficient compression while maintaining superior image quality. However, wavelet performance may not be sufficient when extreme compression ratios are required. Defense applications often require robust transforms simultaneously minimizing bandwidth requirements and image resolution loss. Image processing algorithms take advantage of quantization to provide substantial lossy compression ratios at the expense of resolution. Recent research demonstrates that genetic algorithms (GAs) evolve filters out performing standard discrete wavelet transforms in conditions subject to high quantization error. Evolved filters must be trained using images appropriate to their intended application. We present a set offifty satellite images used to evolve image transforms appropriate for satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) reconnaissance applications. We identify the best training and test images. Image transforms evolved using appropriate training images reduce the mean squared error (MSE) by an average of greater than 15% across the entire image set under conditions subject to high quantization error.
The trace anomaly and low energy phenomenological implications of wormholes

Abstract In Coleman's wormhole scenario it is the trace anomaly on S4 that controls the behavior of fundamental coupling constants, particle masses, mixing angles, etc. We indicate how low energy phenomenology may be derivable from very general properties of wormhole physics and calculable β-functions, etc.