cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust GRAPPA Reconstruction and Its Evaluation With the Perceptual Difference Model

IN PARALLEL IMAGING, k-space data are acquired simultaneously from multiple coils to improve spatial resolution or temporal sampling (1,2). One can speed data acquisition by acquiring only a fraction of the k-space lines. With advanced parallel imaging reconstruction techniques (1–5), alias-free images can be reconstructed from incomplete k-space data. The generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA) (3) is one such reconstruction algorithm. It is a technique that reconstructs the data in the frequency domain. The coil coefficients, or coil weights in Ref. (3) (hereafter called “coil coefficients” to avoid possible confusion with the “weights” in robust fitting) contain the coil sensitivity information. The basic idea in GRAPPA is to first calculate the coil coefficients by solving the linear equations constructed from the acquired ACS (auto calibration signal) lines, and then use these coil coefficients to reconstruct the missing k-space lines. Using a least-squares method to solve the overdetermined linear equations, GRAPPA considers every data point in the calibration region equally in the matrix inversion. The innovation in this study consists of applying robust estimation techniques that discount outliers in the estimation of coil coefficients. With improved estimation of coil coefficients the quality of the reconstructed image can be much improved. We implemented and tested a slow, iterative robust estimation technique as well as a fast ad hoc technique. In this and other MR reconstruction studies one can quickly generate thousands of images with only a few independent variables and test image datasets. Our laboratory has developed a perceptual difference model (PDM) suitable for objective, quantitative evaluation of image quality (6–9). In the next section we review regular GRAPPA and describe the Robust GRAPPA techniques. We then describe results of computer experiments where we have evaluated the new reconstruction algorithms with PDM as a function of total reduction factor, outlier ratio, center filling options, noise, and datasets. The Fast and Slow methods are compared to regular GRAPPA. The PDM methodology, including a comparison to human observers, is presented in the Appendix.
A closer examination of the relationship between children's weight status and the food and physical activity environment

Abstract Objectives Conflicting findings on associations between food and physical activity (PA) environments and children's weight status demand attention in order to inform effective interventions. We assess relationships between the food and PA environments in inner-city neighborhoods and children's weight status and address sources of conflicting results of prior research. Methods Weight status of children ages 3–18 was assessed using parent-measured heights and weights. Data were collected from 702 children living in four low-income cities in New Jersey between 2009 and 2010. Proximity of a child's residence to a variety of food and PA outlets was measured in multiple ways using geo-coded data. Multivariate analyses assessed the association between measures of proximity and weight status. Results Significant associations were observed between children's weight status and proximity to convenience stores in the 1/4 mile radius (OR = 1.9) and with presence of a large park in the 1/2 mile radius (OR = 0.41). No associations were observed for other types of food and PA outlets. Conclusions Specific aspects of the food and PA environments are predictors of overweight and obese status among children, but the relationships and their detection are dependent upon aspects of the geospatial landscape of each community.
Reconfiguring a hypercube in the presence of faults

We consider the computational power of a hypercube containing a potentially large number of randomly located faulty components. In particular, we describe algorithms for embedding an N/2-node hypercube in an N-node hypercube with faulty processors. Provided that the processors of the N-node hypercube are faulty with probability p N/2-node hypercube are mapped to functioning cells at distance 3 or less apart in the N-node hypercube. The algorithm is deterministic, easy to implement and runs in O(log N) steps using only local control. We also describe ways to produce embeddings which allow for low delay simulations, as well as ways to use a faulty hypercube to efficiently simulate a completely functioning hypercube of the same size.
A comparative study of L-glutamate decarboxylase from mouse brain and bovine heart with purified preparations.

— L-Glutamate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.15) (GAD), the enzyme responsible for the formation of GABA, has been purified to homogeneity from mouse brain (Wu et at., 1973) and antibodies specific for neuronal GAD have been obtained (SAITO et al., 1974a). The present report describes the purification of GAD from bovine heart more than 2000-fold over the homogenate by initial solubilization with Triton X-100. subsequent fractionation with ammonium sulfate, column chromatography on DEAE cellulose, calcium phosphate gel, and DEAE-Sephadex, and gel filtration. At least two forms of GAD have been observed in bovine heart preparations; one of them appears as a high molecular weight form (Peak I, MW 360,000) and the other one as a low molecular weight form (Peak II, MW 105,000). Cysteine sulfinic acid and cysteic acid, both precursors of taurine, had no effect on the purified heart enzyme or on neuronal GAD at 10 mM, suggesting that cysteine sulfinic acid and cysteic acid probably are not substrates for any species of GAD described above. The heart enzyme and neuronal GAD differ in several respects. First, they are different immunochemically as judged by the lack of cross reactivity between the purified heart enzyme and the antibody against purified neuronal GAD. Second, they are different biochemically. 5,5′-Dithiobis[2-nitrobenzoic acid] (DTNB). one of the most potent inhibitors of neuronal GAD [Ki= 1.0 × 10−8M] inhibits the heart enzyme only to a small extent at 1 mM. On the other hand, pyruvic acid, which inhibits the heart enzyme to an extent of 90% at 10 mM, only inhibits the neuronal enzyme slightly. Third, they are different in their substrate specificity. The neuronal enzyme can catalyze α-decarboxylation of both L-glutamate and L-aspartate while the heart enzyme can use only L-glutamate as substrate. Moreover, an unidentified product probably derived from L-glutamate is obtained in the reaction mixture of the heart enzyme but is not observed with the brain enzyme, suggesting that the heart enzyme may catalyze a reaction converting L-glutamate to products other than GABA. It is therefore concluded that heart GAD and neuronal GAD are two different entities. Work is in progress to determine whether the heart enzyme is related to the glial enzyme. Should the antibody against the heart enzyme cross-react with the glial enzyme, the role of the glial enzyme in GABA function can then be studied by immunochemical and immunocytochemical methods.
Learning and memory depend on fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 functioning in hippocampus.

Background Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling controls self-renewal of neural stem cells during embryonic telencephalic development. FGF receptor 2 (FGFR2) has a significant role in the production of cortical neurons during embryogenesis, but its role in the hippocampus during development and in adulthood has not been described. Methods Here we dissociate the role of FGFR2 in the hippocampus during development and during adulthood with the use of embryonic knockout and inducible knockout mice. Results Embryonic knockout of FGFR2 causes a reduction of hippocampal volume and impairment in adult spatial memory in mice. Spatial reference memory, as assessed by performance on the water maze probe trial, was correlated with reduced hippocampal parvalbumin+ cells, whereas short-term learning was correlated with reduction in immature neurons in the dentate gyrus. Furthermore, short-term learning and newly generated neurons in the dentate gyrus were deficient even when FGFR2 was lacking only in adulthood. Conclusions Taken together, these findings support a dual role for FGFR2 in hippocampal short-term learning and long-term reference memory, which appear to depend on the abundance of two separate cellular components, parvalbumin interneurons and newly generated granule cells in the hippocampus.
24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Administration Increases Incidence of Parturient Paresis

Fifty percent (7/14) of aged cows treated with 4 mg 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 intramuscularly precalving developed parturient paresis shortly after calving compared with 7% (1/14) of controls. Injection of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 increased concentrations in blood plasma 15 times that in control cows. Blood plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations were elevated in all groups on day of calving but were not different. Injection of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 did not alter the typical plasma profile for calcium, phosphorus, or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D of paretic or nonparetic cows around parturition. Although injection of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was associated with an increased incidence of parturient paresis, the mechanism remains unknown.
Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2Ab is active on Anopheles mosquitoes: single D block exchanges reveal critical residues involved in activity

Cry2Aa exhibits dual activity to Lepidoptera and Diptera. Cry2Ab differs in amino acid sequence from Cry2Aa by 13% and has shown significant lepidopteran activity, but no mosquitocidal activity. Previous studies implicate 23 Cry2Aa specificity-conferring residues of domain II, which differ in Cry2Ab. Nine residues are putatively involved in conferring Cry2Aa dipteran specificity. To explore Cry2Ab dipteran toxicity, site-directed mutagenesis was employed to exchange Cry2Ab residues with Cry2Aa D (dipteran) block residues. Cry2Ab wild type demonstrated high toxicity (LC(50) of 540 ng mL(-1)) to Anopheles gambiae, but not to Aedes or Culex, within a 24-h time period. Cry2Ab should be reclassified as a dual active Cry toxin. Cry2Ab mutagenesis revealed critical residues for Cry2Ab protein function, as well as enhanced activity against the malarial mosquito, An. gambiae.
Identification by nucleotide sequence analysis of a goat pseudoglobin gene

We have recently prepared a recombinant library of goat genomic DNA and have isolated clones containing th known goat globin genes. These include the alpha, gamma, beta C and beta A genes. In addition to these, another beta-like sequence has been observed. In this communication we report the complete nucleotide sequence of this gene, excluding a portion of the large intervening sequence. Several features suggest that this is a non-functional or pseudoglobin gene. The alterations include a frameshift mutation, substitution of the heme-binding histidines, a mutated termination codon, a change in the GT/AG excision sequence of the 5' end of the first intervening sequence, an AT rich sequence in the 3' untranslated region, and a mutated Hogness-Goldberg box. We conclude that this gene cannot function in the synthesis of globin.
Myc protein is differentially sensitive to quinidine in tumor versus immortalized breast epithelial cell lines

Quinidine regulates growth and differentiation in human breast tumor cells, but the immortalized mammary epithelial MCF-10A cell line is insensitive to quinidine. We found that a morphologically similar differentiation response was evoked by quinidine and c-myc antisense oligonucleotides in MCF-7 cells and this prompted us to investigate the actions of quinidine on c-myc gene expression. Myc protein levels were suppressed in human breast tumor cell lines, but not in MCF-10A cells, an observation that supports the hypothesis that suppression of c-myc gene expression is involved in the preferential growth and differentiation response of breast tumor cells to quinidine. Quinidine reduced c-myc mRNA levels in MCF-7 cells. Acute induction of c-myc mRNA by estradiol, as well as the c-myc response to sub-cultivation in fresh serum and H-ras driven elevations in c-myc mRNA were depressed by 50–60% in the presence of quinidine. Quinidine decreased c-myc promoter activity in MCF-7 cells in a transient reporter gene assay and a 168 bp region of human c-myc promoter (−100 to +68 with respect to the P1 promoter) was sufficient to confer responsiveness to quinidine. Quinidine is a potential lead compound for developing pharmacological agents to regulate Myc. In addition, the study of quinidine-regulated events is a promising approach to unravel differentiation control pathways that become disrupted in breast cancer. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A model for implementing an object-oriented design without language extensions

This paper proposes a means of implementing an object-oriented design in programming languages that do not directly support the object-oriented paradigm, without requiring language extensions. The model supports information hiding, dynamic binding, polymorphism and single inheritance through a typeless, dynamic approach similar to that of Smalltalk. Effecient dynamic method binding is achieved through direct lookup method tables constructed using an incremental graph-colouring algorithm. The methodology can be applied to any language that supports data and procedure pointers and dynamic memory allocation.
Absorption of gravitational waves by an excited vacuum space-time

Abstract We discuss modifications of Einstein's equations generated by vacuum fluctuations of the gravitational field. A special case of excitation is shown to be responsible by absorption of gravitational waves.
High pressure solid electrolyte redox experiments: Application to silver iodide

Abstract To investigate the chemical effects of electron transfer in ionic materials at high pressures and to explore the feasibility of performing redox reactions at high pressures, we performed a series of electrochemical investigations of the solid electrolyte silver iodide (AgI) at pressures up to 10 GPa and at room temperature in a hydrothermal diamond anvil cell. A controlled-voltage power supply connecting two electrodes in the sample chamber forced the dissociation of AgI into component elements. Experiments were performed under non-hydrostatic conditions as well as under quasi-hydrostatic conditions. The progression of the reactions was measured by image processing of movie files generated during the reactions. The rate of the dissociation reaction increased as a function of voltage, and decreased as a function of pressure. Potential applications of these experiments include methods to investigate the effect of pressure on electrochemical processes, point defect creation and transport behavior, redox reactions under pressure, transport and reactions in the deep Earth, and innovative technological potential, such as producing miniature electronic devices at high pressures.
The stability and activity of salivary amylase.

Several factors influencing salivary amylase activity have been investigated and the results of the study are reported.
Caught in the middle: Information technology policy in Australia

Abstract Australia's treatment of information technology (IT) has vacillated between two policy directions: laissez faire, market directed strategy on the one hand, and strong government interventionist, plan directed strategy on the other. The resultant policy mix is more a collection of individual initiatives than a coherent strategy. It produces conflict between initiatives aimed at developing indigenous information industries and those improving the productivity and competitiveness of all industry by encouraging the wider application of IT. Unlike its East Asian neighbors, Australia does not have a powerful, independent economic planning agency capable of creating and implementing industrial and technology policy. Policies must be developed through the give and take of a democratic political process, a process that can lead to fragmented, uncoordinated policies based on bureaucratic inertia, the demands of special interest groups, and short‐term political considerations, rather than long‐term strategi...
Response to “comments on interrelationships between sensitivity and selectivity measures for spectroscopic analysis” by K. Faber et al.

Abstract A recent Tutorial [J.H. Kalivas, P.M. Lang, Chemom. Intell. Lab. Syst. 32 (1996) 135–149] discussed interrelationships between several sensitivity and selectivity measures set out in the literature with respect to the Beer-Lambert law. Recommendations by Kalivas and Lang were given for what they believed best captured local, i.e., analyte specific, sensitivity and selectivity information. In particular, the multivariate sensitivity measure proposed by Bergmann et al. [G. Bergmann, B. von Oepen, P. Zinn, Anal. Chem. 59 (1987) 2522–2526] was discerned as most suitable. Faber et al. [K. Faber, A. Lorber, B.R. Kowalski, Chemom. Intell. Lab. Syst., preceding article] give a different opinion on what they believe to be a better suited definition of sensitivity, namely, Lorber's definition [A. Lorber, A. Harel, Z. Goldbart, I.B. Brenner, Anal. Chem. 59 (1987) 1260–1266]. Unfortunately, Faber et al. do not accurately express our line of reasoning in support of the sensitivity definition proposed by Bergmann et al. Additionally, Faber et al. discuss specific calibration requirements for computation of Lorber's sensitivity measure and state that conditions presented in the article of Kalivas and Lang are incorrect. This paper considers ideologies for sensitivity measures for the Beer-Lambert law, addresses comments by Faber et al. regarding our reasoning for adoption of sensitivity as proposed by Bergmann et al., and further discusses computational conditions for Lorber's sensitivity. Some brief comments are given regarding N th-order sensitivity.
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) origin of DNA replication oriS influences origin-dependent DNA replication and flanking gene transcription

The VZV genome has two origins of DNA replication (oriS), each of which consists of an AT-rich sequence and three origin binding protein (OBP) sites called Box A, C and B. In these experiments, the mutation in the core sequence CGC of the Box A and C not only inhibited DNA replication but also inhibited both ORF62 and ORF63 expression in reporter gene assays. In contrast the Box B mutation did not influence DNA replication or flanking gene transcription. These results suggest that efficient DNA replication enhances ORF62 and ORF63 transcription. Recombinant viruses carrying these mutations in both sites and one with a deletion of the whole oriS were constructed. Surprisingly, the recombinant virus lacking both copies of oriS retained the capacity to replicate in melanoma and HELF cells suggesting that VZV has another origin of DNA replication.
Voltage Noise in Limulus Visual Cells

Intracellular recordings from Limulus eccentric cells suggest that the generator potential arises from the superposition of numerous discrete fluctuations in membrane conductance. If this is so, a relation between frequency response to flickering light and noise characteristics under steady light may be predicted. This prediction is verified experimentally. If a discrete fluctuation model is assumed, the data indicate that increased light has two major effects: (i) the discrete events are strongly light-adapted to smaller size, and (ii) the time course of each event becomes briefer.
Buyer–seller relationships and selling effectiveness: the moderating influence of buyer expertise and product competitive position

Abstract A field experiment using computer-interactive interviews tested the effects of buyer–seller relationships on selling effectiveness in the context of an individual purchase decision. Within interviews, organizational buyers responded to simulated sales calls from copier salespeople. Results show that when these buyers are in a relational exchange with a seller (as opposed to a discrete exchange), they evaluate that seller's product more highly and are more likely to consider and choose the seller's product for purchase. The relationship's positive effects on product evaluation and consideration are stronger for novice buyers than for expert buyers. While expert buyers seem less likely than novices to alter their product judgments and decisions because of a relationship, salespeople may still experience a relational advantage with experts as long as these sellers recommend products with strong competitive positions. Results support the importance of the buyer–seller relationship to selling effectiveness and reveal that some of the positive effects of a relationship are contingent on both the buyer's expertise and the product that is represented.
Conformational analysis of dirithromycin and epi-dirithromycin

Abstract The solution conformations of dirithromycin (3) and epi-dirithromycin (4) were determined by NMR spectroscopy and molecular mechanics calculations. Dirithromycin exists in a “folded-in” conformation which is similar to its crystalline conformation, while epi-dirithromycin exists in a ”folded out” conformation which is similar to the crystalline conformation of erythromycin A hydroiodide dihydrate. Included is a discussion of the kinetically versus thermodynamically controlled formation of the remote aminal stereocenter.
QCD EVOLUTION AND RESUMMATION FOR TRANSVERSE MOMENTUM DISTRIBUTION

We review the relation between the QCD perturbative resummation and evolution. Particularly we emphasize briefly the idea on how to use the evolution equation to resum the important double logarithms appeared in the perturbative QCD expansion when the process involves two distinctive scales Q1 ≫ Q2. We present the resummation formalism for the single transverse spin asymmetry for both semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering and Drell-Yan production processes.
VCAM-1 on activated endothelium interacts with the leukocyte integrin VLA-4 at a site distinct from the VLA-4/Fibronectin binding site

Cytokine-activated human endothelial cells express vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), which binds lymphocytes. We now identify the integrin VLA-4 as a receptor for VCAM-1 because VLA-4 surface expression on K-562 cells (following transfection of the VLA alpha 4 subunit cDNA) resulted in specific cell adhesion to VCAM-1, and anti-VLA-4 antibodies completely inhibited VCAM-1-dependent cell-cell attachment. In addition, VLA-4 expression allowed K-562 cells to attach to the heparin II binding region (FN-40) of fibronectin. However, VLA-4/VCAM-1 and VLA-4/FN-40 interactions are readily distinguishable: only the former was inhibited by the anti-VLA-4 monoclonal antibody HP1/3, and only the latter was inhibited by soluble FN-40. The VCAM-1/VLA-4 ligand-receptor pair may play a major role in the recruitment of mononuclear leukocytes to inflammatory sites in vivo.
Advancing a Program of Research within a Nursing Faculty Role

Doctoral students and new faculty members often seek advice from more senior faculty on how to advance their program of research. Students may ask whether they should choose the manuscript option for their dissertation or whether they should seek a postdoctoral fellowship. New faculty members wonder whether they should pursue a career development award and whether they need a mentor as they strive to advance their research while carrying out teaching, service, and practice responsibilities. In this article, we describe literature on the impact of selected aspects of pre- and postdoctoral training and faculty strategies on scholarly productivity in the faculty role. We also combine our experiences at a school of nursing within a research-intensive university to suggest strategies for success. Noting the scarcity of research that evaluates the effect of these strategies, we are actively engaged in collecting data on their relationship to the scholarly productivity of students and faculty members within our own institution.
Flavor structure of the nucleon from future parity-violating electron scattering experiments

Abstract The measurement of parity-violation asymmetries in electron scattering provides a means of extracting the weak neutral current of the target, i.e. that current to which the Z 0 couples. Because of the relation of the weak and electromagnetic currents, and because of the close relation between the proton and the neutron, such measurements could provide the basis for examining the flavor structure of the nucleon and the nucleus.
Sympathoadrenal-dependent sexually dimorphic effect of nonhabituating stress on in vivo neutrophil recruitment in the rat

Since stress both activates the sympathoadrenal axis and profoundly affects inflammation and inflammatory diseases, many of which are sexually dimorphic, we tested whether the effect of stress on neutrophil recruitment, a primary component of the acute inflammatory response, is sexually dimorphic. The effect of intermittent sound (over 4 days), a nonhabituating stress, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced recruitment of neutrophils was evaluated in vivo in the rat air pouch model. At 24 h following the last stress exposure, LPS-induced neutrophil recruitment was enhanced in male rats, but not in females. When gonadectomized prepubertally and tested as adults, stress significantly inhibited the magnitude of LPS-induced neutrophil recruitment in males, while it still had no effect in gonadectomized females. In males, following adrenal denervation, the increase in LPS-induced neutrophil recruitment produced by stress was prevented. Since these data suggest that the effect of stress is dependent on the sympathoadrenal axis, we tested the hypothesis that catecholamines mediate the stress effects. In male rats, the effect of stress on LPS-induced neutrophil recruitment was significantly attenuated by continuous administration of the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, propranolol (4 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), during sound stress exposure, and administration of isoproterenol (10 nmoles, i.v.) significantly increased neutrophil recruitment in males, an effect that was qualitatively and quantitatively similar to the effect of stress. Propranolol significantly increased neutrophil recruitment in nonstressed female rats, but did not significantly affect neutrophil recruitment in stressed females. These findings indicate a marked male sex hormone-dependent sexual dimorphism in the sympathoadrenal-dependent effect of stress on neutrophil migration, a primary component of the inflammatory response, and suggest that the sympathoadrenal axis contributes to this effect via release of epinephrine.
Rhabdomyolysis and secondary renal failure in critically ill surgical patients.

Abstract Background Rhabdomyolysis accounts for up to 28% of the causes of posttraumatic acute renal failure requiring dialysis. Clinically significant rhabdomyolysis is poorly characterized biochemically and difficult to diagnose. Methods A retrospective review of all surgical, trauma, burn, and pediatric surgical patients admitted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA, from January 1995, through April 2002 was performed. Patients were screened for serum creatinine, base deficit, serum creatine kinase (CK) ≥1,000, presence of myoglobinuria, or if they had a clinical diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis by an attending surgeon. Results The sequential addition of admission laboratory values for serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL (positive predictive value [PPV] = 33%), base deficit ≤−4 (PPV = 52%), serum CK level ≥5,000 U/L (PPV = 80%), and myoglobinuria increases the ability to predict which patients will develop dialysis-requiring acute renal failure after an episode of rhabdomyolysis. Patients with maximum CK ≥5,000 are also at increased risk for persistent renal insufficiency (Cr ≥2.0 mg/dL). Conclusions An algorithm for testing at-risk surgical patients was developed and may aid in the early diagnosis of clinically significant rhabdomyolysis.
Internalism and Internal Values in Sport

(2000). Internalism and Internal Values in Sport. Journal of the Philosophy of Sport: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 1-16.
Entropy – disrupting Ansoff's five levels of environmental turbulence

Purpose – The paper aims to examine Igor Ansoff's research on environmental turbulence and to extend the paradigm.Design/methodology/approach – Ansoff's contribution was examined and applied to a variety of situations. The scale as designed did not capture certain strategic surprises.Findings – The increasingly discontinuous environment requires a modified scaling of depicting changes in the environment.Research limitations/implications – This study highlights the need for researchers to extend theories and premises due to environmental discontinuities.Practical implications – A new assessment tool to measure turbulence and discontinuity is provided.Originality/value – The paper makes a contribution to the understanding of discontinuity in the environment.
Synchronized DMT (SDMT) for very high-speed digital subscriber line (VDSL) transmission

This paper describes synchronized discrete multi-tone (SDMT), a flexible, low-complexity time-division duplexed implementation of DMT. It is shown that SDMT provides the key desirable features to enable very high-speed digital subscriber line (VDSL) transmission and is therefore an ideal solution for VDSL. Simulation results quantify the achievable performance of an SDMT VDSL system.
A Statewide Analysis of Student Web Portfolios in New York Colleges and Universities

This survey research project investigated the existence of Web portfolios on academic Web sites in New York State. The goal of this project was to promote Web portfolios and the main objective was to provide interpretation of the current level of student Web portfolio usage and activity within all New York colleges and universities. Major findings were that there is a low quantity of Web portfolios in relation to overall student enrollment, thus providing impetus to study a new phenomenon, lack of Web portfolios. The study yielded data providing a breakdown of where and how many Web portfolios were found. This study provides a basis for further research by scholars into Web portfolios within academic settings.
Intravenous Magnesium in Experimental Stent Thrombosis in Swine

We investigated the effects of magnesium on acute platelet-dependent stent thrombosis in an ex vivo porcine arteriovenous shunt model of high-shear blood flow. Control nitinol stents were expanded to 2 mm in diameter in a tubular perfusion chamber interposed in the shunt and exposed to flowing arterial blood at a shear rate of 2100 s(-1) for 20 minutes (n=156 perfusion runs in 10 swine). Animals were treated with intravenous heparin or MgSO(4) alone (2 g bolus over 20 minutes, followed by 2 g/h infusion) and combined heparin plus MgSO(4) in random fashion. Effects on thrombus weight (TW), platelet aggregation, bleeding time, activated clotting time, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate were quantified. Data points in the magnesium-treated animals were examined within 20 minutes after bolus (Mg-early) and >40 minutes after bolus (Mg-late). Stent TW (20+/-3 mg, pretreatment) was reduced by 42+/-21%, 47+/-19%, 48+/-16%, 67+/-12%, and 86+/-8% in the groups treated with Mg-early alone, Mg-late alone, heparin alone, heparin+Mg-early, and heparin+Mg-late, respectively (all P<0.001 versus pretreatment, P<0.001 for heparin+Mg-early and Mg-late versus heparin or magnesium alone, and P<0.05 for heparin+Mg-late versus heparin+Mg-early, ANOVA). Magnesium had no significant effect on platelet aggregation, activated clotting time, or bleeding time. There were no significant effects on heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure. The serum magnesium level was inversely correlated with TW (r=-0.70, P=0.002). In conclusion, treatment with intravenous MgSO(4) produced a time-dependent inhibition of acute stent thrombosis under high-shear flow conditions without any hemostatic or significant hemodynamic complications. Thus, magnesium may be an effective agent for preventing stent thrombosis.
Drug-induced agranulocytosis.

An unexpected precipitous fall in peripheral leucocyte count may occur during treatment of certain sensitised individuals with drugs usually well tolerated by most people. Three basic mechanisms for drug sensitivity have been found. One is characterised by sudden destruction of large numbers of leucocytes in peripheral blood by antibodies elicited in response to drug sensitivity. A prototype for this type of reaction is aminopyrine. A second mechanism involves the production of a lupus-like syndrome followed by leucopenia in response to sensitisation to drugs such as procainamide. A third type involves development of agranulocytosis following a latent period during which a sensitive patient is treated with large amounts of chlorpromazine. This type of reaction is associated with production of bone marrow insufficiency in a patient who is believed to have a limited proliferative potential of bone marrow cells, which limit compensatory bone marrow response during treatment with a drug (e.g. chlorpromazine) that has limited bone marrow toxicity.
The Abelson tyrosine kinase regulates Notch endocytosis and signaling to maintain neuronal cell fate in Drosophila photoreceptors

The development of a functional organ requires coordinated programs of cell fate specification, terminal differentiation and morphogenesis. Whereas signaling mechanisms that specify individual cell fates are well documented, little is known about the pathways and molecules that maintain these fates stably as normal development proceeds or how their dysregulation may contribute to altered cell states in diseases such as cancer. In Drosophila, the tyrosine kinase Abelson (Abl) interfaces with multiple signaling pathways to direct epithelial and neuronal morphogenesis during embryonic and retinal development. Here we show that Abl is required for photoreceptor cell fate maintenance, as Abl mutant photoreceptors lose neuronal markers during late pupal stages but do not re-enter a proliferative state or undergo apoptosis. Failure to maintain the differentiated state correlates with impaired trafficking of the Notch receptor and ectopic Notch signaling, and can be suppressed by reducing the genetic dose of Notch or of its downstream transcriptional effector Suppressor of Hairless. Together, these data reveal a novel mechanism for maintaining the terminally differentiated state of Drosophila photoreceptors and suggest that neuronal fates in the fly retina retain plasticity late into development. Given the general evolutionary conservation of developmental signaling mechanisms, Abl-mediated regulation of Notch could be broadly relevant to cell fate maintenance and reprogramming during normal development, regeneration and oncogenic transformation.
Optimum corner reflectors design

A general class of corner reflectors with high aperture efficiency referred to as self-illuminating corner reflectors, is introduced whose coherent interaction with their surrounding terrain is minimized and their total surface area is two-thirds of that of a trihedral corner reflector having the same maximum RCS. Analysis based on geometrical optics and a new numerical solution based on near-field physical optics for the RCS of two simple self-illuminating corner reflectors are presented and compared with backscatter measurements. Also the panel geometry for an optimum corner reflector which has the shortest edge length among polygonal self-illuminating corner reflectors is obtained. High aperture efficiency is achieved at the expense of azimuth and elevation beamwidth. It is shown that the 1-dB RCS beamwidths of the optimal corner reflectors, both in azimuth and elevation directions, are about 16/spl deg/, which is sufficient for most practical applications. RCS measurements of corner reflectors in the presence of a ground plane show that the RCS of self-illuminating corner reflectors are less affected by the coherent ground interaction.
Anxiety and pain as predictors of distress during a myelography procedure

Abstract Seventy patients were interviewed 24 hours preceding and 24 hours following a myelography procedure. Patient data included history and description of the pain problem, demographic information and mood scales. The second interview also included patients' recollection of their level of distress, pain, anxiety and related states during the myelography procedure. A regression analysis revealed that the best predictors of distress during myelography were the pain and anxiety experienced by patients during the procedure. These two variables together accounted for 64% of the variance in reported distress and each contributed unique variance to distress. Other correlates of distress, pain and anxiety were also presented.
Dexamethasone reduces rat tracheal goblet cell hyperplasia produced by human neutrophil products.

An experimental model leading to goblet cell hyperplasia was developed in order to examine the possible preventive effects of glucocorticosteroids. Human peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated and either freeze-thaw lysed or activated with serum opsonized zymosan. Supernatants from these neutrophil preparations were then instilled transorally into the tracheas of male Sprague-Dawley rats. After 7-35 days, the rats were sacrificed; the lower tracheas were excised, fixed in formalin, and stained with periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue; and the goblet cells and total epithelial cells were counted. Supernatants from both lysed neutrophils and zymosan-activated neutrophils stimulated a 50% and 42% (respectively) increase in goblet cells after 3 weeks as compared to controls. Purified human neutrophil or porcine pancreatic elastase also caused goblet cell hyperplasia, while sham challenge, challenge with buffer, or challenge with lysates of human mononuclear cells failed to affect goblet cell number. The ...
Intermittent Detonation as a Thrust-Producing Mechanism

The feasibility of a reaction device operating on intermittent gaseous detonation waves is considered. The results of a simplified theoretical analysis are presented and discussed. Preliminary experiments were conducted to determine the impulse derived from a single detonation wave and to investigate some of the more influential parameters: These tests were effected by suspending the detonation tube as a pendulum. A cyclic detonation tube was designed and operated utilizing hydrogen-air mixtures. Measurements of thrust, fuel flow, air flow, and temperatures were obtained over a range of operating conditions. Specific impulses of over 2100 sec were realized, which was in good agreement with the predicted performance.
Self-report of alcohol use for pain in a multi-ethnic community sample.

Abstract This study examined the occurrence of alcohol use to manage pain in community-dwelling adults with tooth pain, jaw joint/face pain, and arthritis. Race/ethnicity, sex, and age were examined to determine their associations with alcohol use for pain. Community-dwelling adults from South Florida with tooth pain (n = 1,767), jaw joint/face pain (n = 1,199), or arthritis pain (n = 1,355) completed a structured telephone interview. Logistic regression models indicted that, similar to population rates, nonHispanic whites and males were the most likely to use alcohol to manage pain. In addition, alcohol use for pain was highest in younger adults. Individuals who self-managed oral pain with alcohol were more likely to use prescription and over-the-counter pain medications, but this association was not found for arthritis. Additional characteristics of individuals who self-medicated regardless of pain condition included greater pain frequency, depression, and higher levels of education. Being married was protective against the use of alcohol to manage pain symptoms. Use of alcohol for pain should be assessed during treatment evaluation so that physicians and other health care providers are aware of their patient's concomitant use of alcohol and pain medication, assess for psychosocial impairment, and make the appropriate referrals and adjustment to treatment. Perspective Self-medication of pain with alcohol is most common among younger nonHispanic white males and associated with pain frequency, depression, and use of pain medications. Alcohol use for pain needs to be assessed so that health care providers can make appropriate referrals and adjustments to treatment.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy After Localized Breast Cancer: Clinical Outcome of 319 Women Followed Prospectively

PURPOSE: To determine whether estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) alters the development of new or recurrent breast cancer in women previously treated for localized breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Potential participants (n = 319) in a trial of ERT after breast cancer were observed prospectively for at least 2 years whether they enrolled onto the randomized trial or not. Of 319 women, 39 were given estrogen and 280 were not given hormones. Tumor size, number of lymph nodes, estrogen receptors, menopausal status at diagnosis, and disease-free interval at the initiation of the observation period were comparable for the trial participants (n = 62) versus nonparticipants (n = 257) and for women on ERT (n = 39) versus controls (n = 280). Cancer events were ascertained for both groups. RESULTS: Patient and disease characteristics were comparable for the trial participants versus nonparticipants, as well as for the women on ERT versus the controls. One patient in the ERT group developed a new lobular estrogen...
Airway responses in Brown Norway rats following inhalation sensitization and challenge with trimellitic anhydride.

Trimellitic anhydride (TMA) is a cause of asthma in man. Dosedependent TMA-specific IgE, histopathology, and airway responses after sensitization by inhalation were examined in the Brown Norway rat. Rats were exposed to 0.04, 0.4, 4, or 40 mg/m 3 TMA aerosol for 10 min, once a week, over 10 weeks. All lower exposures were, subsequently, rechallenged to 40 mg/m 3 TMA aerosol. All rats received a sham exposure 1 week prior to the first TMA exposure. Following the sham exposure and weekly after each TMA exposure, TMA-specific IgE and both early-phase airway response (EAR) and late-phase airway response (LAR) were measured using enhanced pause (Penh). All rats sensitized by 40 mg/m 3 TMA developed specific IgE, EAR, and LAR to one or more of the challenges to 40 mg/m 3 TMA. TMA of 4 mg/m 3 induced a much lower, but stable, specific IgE response. EAR and LAR were observed only after a 40 mg/m 3 TMA rechallenge in this group, but it was much larger than that observed in the 40 mg/m 3
Electromagnetic Scattering from Perfect Electric Conductors Using an Augmented Time-Domain Integral-Equation Technique

A stabilization technique that overcomes the low-frequency instabilities encountered in current time-domain integral-equation implementations for electromagnetic-scattering problems is proposed. The approach augments the tangential-field integral equations with additional equations that impose the boundary condition on normal fields. The implementation uses the higher-order vector bases of Graglia et al. and bandlimited interpolation functions (BLIFs) to affect the spatial and temporal discretization of the integral equations, respectively. An extrapolation technique has been implemented to overcome the noncausality introduced by the BLIFs into the system. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 26–31, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20713
Accelerated partial breast irradiation using the strut-adjusted volume implant single-entry hybrid catheter in brachytherapy for breast cancer in the setting of breast augmentation

PURPOSE: Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) has gained popularity as an alternative to adjuvant whole breast irradiation; however, owing to limitations of delivery devices for brachyther- apy, APBI has not been a suitable option for all the patients. This report evaluates APBI using the strut-adjusted volume implant (SAVI) single-entry catheter to deliver brachytherapy for breast cancer in the setting of an augmented breast. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The patient previously had placed bilateral subpectoral saline implants; stereotactic core biopsy revealed estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-positive ductal carcinoma in situ of intermediate nuclear grade. The patient underwent needle-localized segmental mastectomy of her left breast; pathologic specimen revealed no residual malignancy. An SAVI 8-1 device was placed within the segmental resection cavity. Treatment consisted of 3.4 Gy delivered twice a day for 5 days for a total dose of 34 Gy. Treatments were delivered with a high-dose-rate 192 Ir remote afterloader. RESULTS: Conformance of the device to the lumpectomy cavity was excellent at 99.2%. Dosi- metric values of percentage of the planning target volume for evaluation receiving 90% of the prescribed dose, percentage of the planning target volume for evaluation receiving 95% of the prescribed dose, volume receiving 150% of the prescribed dose, and volume receiving 200% of the prescribed dose were 97.1%, 94.6%, 22.7 cc, and 11.6 cc, respectively. Maximum skin dose was 115% of the prescribed dose. The patient tolerated treatment well with excellent cosmetic results, and limited acute and late toxicity at 8 weeks and 6 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Breast augmentation should not be an exclusion criterion for the option of APBI. The SAVI single-entry catheter is another option to successfully complete APBI using brachytherapy for breast cancer in the setting of an augmented breast. 2011 American Brachy-
Entrainment and Detrainment in Numerically Simulated Cumulus Congestus Clouds. Part III: Parcel Analysis

Abstract This paper is the third in a three-part series in which a three-dimensional numerical cloud model is used to simulate cumulus congestus clouds. The authors conduct a detailed parcel trajectory and conserved variable analysis of the modeled clouds, with the principal goal of understanding the mechanisms associated with entrainment and detrainment. At any point in their lifetime each of the modeled clouds contains multiple thermals that become detached from the boundary layer as they ascend. Undilute regions of subcloud air occur within the simulated clouds at all levels up to the cloud top. In the upper portion of the clouds, such air is found within small (compared with the overall width of the cloud) thermals that are continually eroding yet vigorously ascending. Such thermals are responsible for most of the entrainment and detrainment. Environmental air entrained by ascending thermals is shed in the wake of the thermal, which contains dilute cloud-base air moving at low velocities. There is no ...
The grammar of the tic in Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome.

Psychodynamic theorists would predict that the verbal tics characterizing Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome should exhibit primitive syntax but complex semantics, while neurological considerations lead to an opposite expectation. A phrase structure grammar describing the tics and finite state grammars describing both the tics and the strings of tics observed in a patient suffering from the disease are presented. Zero- and one-limited grammars fail to describe adequately both tics and tic strings. However, a two-limited finite state grammar is presented which successfully generates the tics. Tics seem to vary in form independently of lexical environment.