cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of small real-time IBM computer systems

In parallel with the development of data processing applications for computers, effort was directed to other areas in which computers might provide benefits for the user. One early effort was the application of computers tot he monitoring and control of industrial processes such as those used in oil refinery units, steel plants, and paper machines. Over time, these early efforts were generalized to a broader class of applications in which the computer was connected directly into an external process which placed time response requirements on the computer system. These systems have become known as real-time systems. In this paper, the evolution of IBM small real-time systems is traced from the late 1950s to the present. Emphasis is placed on a few features and requirements which characterize these systems.
Identification of Retinoid-Modulated Proteins in Squamous Carcinoma Cells Using High-Throughput Immunoblotting

Retinoids have shown clinical efficacy in cancer chemoprevention and therapy presumably by modulating the growth, differentiation, and apoptosis of normal, premalignant, and malignant cells. To better understand the mechanisms by which retinoids exert their effects, we used a high-throughput Western blotting method (Becton-Dickinson PowerBlot) to evaluate changes in the levels of cellular signaling proteins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells treated with the cytostatic all-trans-retinoic acid or with the proapoptotic retinoids 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid or N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide. Treatments of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells with these retinoids for 24 h resulted in increased levels of 14, 22, and 22 proteins and decreased levels of 5, 10, and 7 proteins, respectively. The changes in the levels of the following proteins were confirmed by conventional western immunoblotting: all-trans-retinoic acid increased ELF3, topoisomerase II alpha, RB2/p130, RIG-G, and EMAPII and decreased MEF2D and cathepsin L. N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)retinamide up-regulated ELF3, c-Jun, Rb2/p130, JAK1, p67phox, Grb2, O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, and Ercc-1. 6-[3-(1-Adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid increased Rb2/p130, c-Jun, Sp1, Sin, and tomosyn and decreased cathepsin L, Mre11, and topoisomerase II alpha. Some of these proteins were also modulated by these retinoids in other human cancer cell lines. A subset of the proteins were modulated similarly by the different retinoids, whereas changes in other proteins were unique for each retinoid. These results suggest that the mechanisms by which these retinoids modulate proteins are distinct but may overlap. Some of the retinoid-modulated proteins identified in this study may be novel candidates for mediating different responses to retinoids.
Perinatal mortality and morbidity rates among singleton, twin, and triplet gestations.

Objective: To determine rates of perinatal mortality and morbidity from 24 to 43 weeks gestation among singletons, twins, and triplets.Methods: Successfully linked data from 1992 Californian maternal and infant discharge records as well as birth and death certificates from acute care civilian hospitals were examined for perinatal mortality and morbidity. Perinatal mortality was defined as the sum of all stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Deliveries from 24 to 43 weeks gestation among singleton, twin, and triplet pregnancies were collected as separate data sets. Perinatal mortality was identified using birth certificate death indicators excluding deaths caused by congenital anomalies. Neonatal deaths were identified from death indicators found in the death certificates. For the purpose of this study, perinatal morbidities were identified by ICD-9 codes and limited to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Perinatal mortality and morbidity rates were expressed as a percent of live births stratified by gestational age. Perinatal mortality data were expressed in log scale and perinatal morbidity rates were statistically compared.Results: There were 571,390 total births in California of which 527,677 (92%) were singleton, 12,535 (2%) were twin, and 367 (0.06%) were triplet gestations. Across gestation, the rate of RDS between triplets and twins was comparable (6.6% vs 6.8%). However, the rates of IVH and NEC were significantly greater in triplets than in twins (20% vs 8%, P <.0001, and 25% vs 9%, P <.0001, respectively). The perinatal mortality rates are shown below.Conclusions: Perinatal mortality rates were comparable among singleton, twin, and triplet gestations delivered between 24 and 30 weeks gestation. Unlike singletons and twins, the triplet perinatal mortality rate did not fall between 31 and 36 weeks gestation and remained at 2.6%. Twin perinatal mortality rate was equivalent to singletons until 36 weeks gestation. IVH and NEC were significantly greater among triplets regardless of gestational age. These data suggest that antepartum fetal surveillance of triplet pregnancies should start as early as 30 weeks gestation while testing for twin pregnancies can begin at 36 weeks gestation.
Biological consequences of fatty acid oxygenase reaction mechanisms

Abstract Fatty acid oxygenases catalyze the insertion of molecular oxygen into polyunsaturated fatty acids. The enzymic reactions that have been studied in detail exhibit a continuous requirement for a hydroperoxide activator and appear to proceed by a free radical chain reaction. The self-limiting nature of fatty acid oxygenase-catalyzed reactions appears to be due to enzyme self-inactivation during the reaction rather than to product inhibition. Thus “suicide” substrates are potential regulators of overall enzyme activity, although linoleate is a much weaker inactivator than the highly unsaturated fatty acids. Inhibition by added glutathione peroxidase has demonstrated the need for hydroperoxide activator in the cyclooxygenase reaction catalyzed by prostaglandin H synthase and the lipoxygenase reactions catalyzed by lung, leukocyte, and soybean enzyme preparations. The regulation of cellular hydroperoxide levels may influence the formation of prostaglandins and other autacoids by fatty acid oxygenases.
Parental behavior and attitudes of their parents reported by young adults from intact and stepparent families and relationships between perceived parenting and personality

Abstract This study compares the perceptions of mothers and fathers by their children in intact families and stepparent families and the relationships between these descriptions of parenting and personality traits of the children. Subjects were college students: 133 from intact families, 87 from families with a stepfather and 19 from stepmother families. Descriptions of parenting by their children were obtained by a short form of the EMBU yielding three scores: Love, Punishment–Rejection and Control. Personality traits were measured by the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQ-R) and the Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ). Stepmothers were rated lower on Mother Love and stepfathers were rated lower on Father Love than mothers and fathers in intact families. Mothers in stepfather families were rated higher in Punishment–Rejection and fathers in stepmother families were rated lower in Father Love than mothers and fathers in intact families. Despite their differences in perceptions of parents there were no differences in personality traits between children from the three types of families. Correlations between descriptions of parents and personality traits in the intact families for both sexes were mostly between Father Love (lack of) and Punishment–Rejection and Neuroticism in both the EPQ and ZKPQ. Father Punishment also correlated with Neuroticism in the stepfather families.
PRK-induced anisometropia in the rabbit as a model of myopia.

· Background: Current animal models of myopia, such as the chick and the tree shrew, have characteristics that limit their applicability to human myopia and/or their use among researchers. The purpose of this study was to establish a rabbit model of myopia based on photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)-induced anisometropia. · Methods: A group of five pigmented rabbits was treated with a monocular –5 D PRK at 5 weeks of age. At 10 weeks of age, two of the eyes were retreated with a second –5 D PRK procedure to compensate for partial regression of the refractive effect. A second group of six pigmented rabbits was treated with a monocular –6 D PRK at 10 weeks of age. Longitudinal measurements of corneal curvature, refraction, and axial length were performed until the rabbits were 13 and 21 weeks of age in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The rabbits in each group were from the same litter. · Results: Keratometry and retinoscopy measurements confirmed the refractive effect of the PRK procedures. At the final measurement point in group 1, the PRK-treated eyes were significantly longer than the untreated eyes (16.01±0.45 mm vs 15.45±0.56 mm). In group 2, the PRK-treated eyes were significantly longer by 0.19 mm and 0.20 mm at ages 19 and 21 weeks, respectively. · Conclusions: PRK-induced anisometropia is an effective technique to induce hyperopic error compensation in the rabbit as a model of myopic development. The technique is effective if the PRK procedure is performed at either 5 or 10 weeks of age. However, after PRK at 5 weeks of age, partial retreatment may be necessary due to regression of the PRK effect.
The Role of Evidence-Based Medicine in Clinical Practice Policy

On March 23, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was signed into law, introducing important and vast changes in access to the U.S. health-care system1. Designed to address the presumed unsustainable growth in federal spending, with an unfunded liability for Medicare alone of $23.8 billion in 2012 and estimated depletion of the Medicare trust fund by 2026, the legislation introduced various policy initiatives in an attempt to “bend the cost curve” by slowing the increase in annual health-care expenditures2. PPACA assumes that there is currently widespread provision of health-care services that are not based on evidence, that do not improve health and outcomes, and that, if not mitigated, will increase health-care costs and reduce quality. The legislation proffers timely provision of appropriate evidence-based care that is expected not only to improve quality but also to decrease overall spending. PPACA also promotes physician adoption of information technology such as electronic health records. The act also assumes that physicians, hospitals, and insurance companies will be able to create new care-delivery mechanisms and find ways to equitably distribute global payment (e.g., bundled payments, accountable care organizations, etc.). These assumptions are based on a proliferation of published literature regarding the evidence basis of medicine delivered in the United States. …
A Simulated MS/MS Library for Spectrum-to-spectrum Searching in Large Scale Identification of Proteins

Identifying peptides from mass spectrometric fragmentation data (MS/MS spectra) using search strategies that map protein sequences to spectra is computationally expensive. An alternative strategy uses direct spectrum-to-spectrum matching against a reference library of previously observed MS/MS that has the advantage of evaluating matches using fragment ion intensities and other ion types than the simple set normally used. However, this approach is limited by the small sizes of the available peptide MS/MS libraries and the inability to evaluate the rate of false assignments. In this study, we observed good performance of simulated spectra generated by the kinetic model implemented in MassAnalyzer (Zhang, Z. (2004) Prediction of low-energy collision-induced dissociation spectra of peptides. Anal. Chem. 76, 3908–3922; Zhang, Z. (2005) Prediction of low-energy collision-induced dissociation spectra of peptides with three or more charges. Anal. Chem. 77, 6364–6373) as a substitute for the reference libraries used by the spectrum-to-spectrum search programs X!Hunter and BiblioSpec and similar results in comparison with the spectrum-to-sequence program Mascot. We also demonstrate the use of simulated spectra for searching against decoy sequences to estimate false discovery rates. Although we found lower score discrimination with spectrum-to-spectrum searches than with Mascot, particularly for higher charge forms, comparable peptide assignments with low false discovery rate were achieved by examining consensus between X!Hunter and Mascot, filtering results by mass accuracy, and ignoring score thresholds. Protein identification results are comparable to those achieved when evaluating consensus between Sequest and Mascot. Run times with large scale data sets using X!Hunter with the simulated spectral library are 7 times faster than Mascot and 80 times faster than Sequest with the human International Protein Index (IPI) database. We conclude that simulated spectral libraries greatly expand the search space available for spectrum-to-spectrum searching while enabling principled analyses and that the approach can be used in consensus strategies for large scale studies while reducing search times.
Heliothis virescens : Attraction of males to blends of (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol formate and (Z)-9-tetradecenal

In field trapping experiments, 16∶1 and 32∶1 blends of (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol formate (Z-9-TDF) and (Z)-9-tetradecenal (Z-9-TDAL) caught as manyHeliothis virescens (F.) as 3 virgin females and virelure, the synthetic pheromone of this species [a 16∶1 mixture of (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z-11-HDAL) and (Z)-9-tetradecenal]. Z-9-TDF and (Z)-7-dodecen-1-ol formate (Z-7-DDF) are structurally similar to Z-11-HDAL and Z-9-TDAL, respectively. The sensory input elicited by Z-9-TDF appears to substitute for the sensory input of Z-1 1-HDAL. In contrast, Z-7-DDF had no significant effect on catches of maleH. virescens when used alone, in combination with either Z-11-HDAL or Z-9-TDF as a bait in traps, or as a disruptant of pheromone communication via permeation of the atmosphere. Furthermore, Z-9-TDF may be a more stable and economical attractant forH, virescens males than is Z-1 1-HDAL.
Natural Convection Cooling of Vertical Rectangular Channels in Air Considering Radiation and Wall Conduction

Temperature distributions on the surfaces of vertical channels formed by parallel plates heated uniformly and symmetrically and cooled by conduction, radiation, and natural convection in air are determined numerically and experimentally. Effects of wall separation, thickness, thermal conductivity, and emissivity on the wall temperature distribution are determined. Both cases of controlled and uncontrolled channel edge leading and exit edge temperatures are examined. Optimum channel widths and correlations for the maximum wall temperature rise are offered for both the controlled and uncontrolled edge temperature conditions.
Characterization of Ti–6Al–4V open cellular foams fabricated by additive manufacturing using electron beam melting

Abstract Ti–6Al–4V open cellular foams were fabricated by additive manufacturing using electron beam melting (EBM). Foam models were developed from CT-scans of aluminum open cellular foams and embedded in CAD for EBM. These foams were fabricated with solid cell structures as well as hollow cell structures and exhibit tailorable stiffness and strength. The strength in proportion to the measured microindentation hardness is as much as 40% higher for hollow cell (wall) structures in contrast to solid, fully dense EBM fabricated components. Plots of relative stiffness versus relative density were in good agreement with the Gibson–Ashby model for open cellular foam materials. Stiffness or Young's modulus values measured using a resonant frequency-damping analysis technique were found to vary inversely with porosity especially for solid cell wall, open cellular structure foams. These foams exhibit the potential for novel biomedical, aeronautics, and automotive applications.
Supersonic axisymmetric flow over boattails containing a centered propulsive jet

The influence of underexpanded jets on a supersonic afterbody flowfield is investigated using computational techniques. The thin-shear-layer formulation of the compressible, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations is solved using a time-dependent, implicit numerical algorithm. Solutions are obtained for supersonic flow over an axisymmetric conical afterbody containing a centered propulsive jet where the freestream Mach number is 2.0 and the jet exit Mach number is 2.5. Exhaust-jet static pressures are considered in the range of 2 to 9 times the freestream static pressure and with nozzle-exit half-angles from 15 to 43 deg. Comparisons are made with experimental results for base pressure, separation distance, afterbody pressure distribution, and flowfield structure. Although good quantitative agreement with experimental separation distance and base pressure level is not observed, the parametric trends induced by exhaust-jet pressure level and nozzle-exit angle are well predicted, as well as the flowfield details in the vicinity of the afterbody and in the exhaust plume.
Fructose-1-phosphate-6-sulfate as an alternative substrate for aldolase and fructose-1,6-diphosphatase.

Abstract Fructose-1-phosphate-6-sulfate was prepared by direct sulfurylation of fructose, and selective phosphorylation of the 6-sulfuryl isomer by phosphofructokinase. The ketose derivative was used as a substrate for aldolase and fructose-1,6-diphosphatase. Kinetic studies with aldolase showed that the alternative substrate binds one third as well as fructose-1,6-P2 yet 900 fold greater than fructose-1-P. The Vm was intermediate between the two ketose phosphates. From kinetic studies with skeletal muscle fructose-1,6-diphosphatase at pH 7.5 a Km of 8 μM and a Vm approximately 6% that for fructose-1,6-P2 was obtained.
Primary epithelioid angiosarcoma of the adrenal gland.

Abstract Primary angiosarcomas of the adrenal gland are exceptionally rare vascular tumors. We report a case of a 63-year-old man with an epithelioid angiosarcoma of the left adrenal gland. Visualized on computed tomography as a nonhomogeneous round mass, the tumor measured 3 cm in diameter. Histology showed a vascular tumor composed of epithelioid cells with vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli that lined irregular vascular spaces and also formed solid areas and showed pleomorphism and rare mitotic activity. Immunohistochemical stain confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma. We report our findings and review previously described literature cases of this rare entity. Ann Diagn Pathol 5:300-303, 2001.
Resolving Power, Signal-Induced Background, Noise, And Detective Quantum Efficiency Of Image Intensifier Photographs

This paper summarizes some of the tests of 11 image intensifiers evaluated at a test facility developed at the Optical Sciences Center and the Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona. The present work is mostly a continuation of research reported earlier (Refs. 1 and 2). A more detailed discussion of both the present and earlier work is near completion and should soon be available (Ref. 3).© (1974) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Atorvastatin Therapy is Associated with Greater and Faster Cerebral Hemodynamic Response

Hypercholesterolemia in midlife increases the risk of subsequent cognitive decline, neurovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and statin use is associated with reduced prevalence of these outcomes. While statins improve vasoreactivity in peripheral arteries and large cerebral arteries, little is known about the effects of statins on cerebral hemodynamic responses and cognition in healthy asymptomatic adults. At the final visit of a 4-month randomized, controlled, double-blind study comparing atorvastatin 40 mg daily to placebo, 16 asymptomatic middle-aged adults (15 had useable data) underwent blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), arterial spin labeling (ASL) quantitative cerebral blood flow (qCBF), dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) and structural imagings of the brain. Using a memory recognition task requiring discrimination of previously viewed (PV) and novel (NV) human faces, fMRI was used to elicit activation from brain regions known to be vulnerable to changes associated with AD. The BOLD signal amplitude (PV > NV) and latency to each stimulus were tested on a voxel basis between the atorvastatin (n=8) and placebo (n=7) groups. Persons randomized to atorvastatin not only showed significantly greater BOLD amplitude in the right angular gyrus, left superior parietal lobule, right middle temporal and superior sulcus than the placebo group, but also decreased hemodynamic response latencies in the right middle frontal gyrus, left precentral gyrus, left cuneus and right posterior middle frontal gyrus. However, neither the resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) measured with ASL nor the mean transit time (MTT) of cerebral perfusion calculated from DSC showed differences in these regions in either group. The drug related BOLD differences during memory recognition suggest that atorvastatin may have improved cerebral small vessel vasoreactivity, possibly through an effect on endothelial function. Furthermore, these results suggest that the effect of atorvastatin on the task-induced BOLD signal may not be a simple consequence of baseline flow change.
Spreadsheet Solution of Partial Differential Equations

This paper points out that a spreadsheet program on a home or personal computer permits the solution of partial differential equations in two independent variables with considerably less effort than conventional programming languages. The computational molecule approach is identified as a natural approach for using spreadsheets to solve elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic partial differential equations in rectangular, skew, and curvilinear coordinate systems. The technique is relatively independent of the type of spreadsheet or host computer employed, although the spreadsheet must allow forward or circular references for iteration. Each of the examples in the paper was run on a home computer with 48K RAM.
Gene-function studies in systemic lupus erythematosus

The aetiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is complex and is known to involve both genetic and environmental factors. In a small number of patients, single-gene defects can lead to the development of SLE. Such genes include those encoding early components of the complement cascade and the 3'-5' DNA exonuclease TREX1. In addition, genome-wide association studies have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms that confer some susceptibility to SLE. In this Review, we discuss selected examples of genes whose products have distinctly altered function in SLE and contribute to the pathogenic process. Specifically, we focus on the genes encoding integrin αM (ITGAM), IgG Fc receptors, sialic acid O-acetyl esterase (SIAE), the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase PP2A (PPP2CA) and signalling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family members. Moreover, we highlight the changes in epigenetic signatures that occur in SLE. Such epigenetic modifications, which are abundantly present and might alter gene expression in the presence or absence of susceptibility variants, should be carefully considered when deconstructing the contribution of individual genes to the complex pathogenesis of SLE.
Fast precomputed VQ with optimal bit allocation for lossless compression of ultraspectral sounder data

The compression of three-dimensional ultraspectral sounder data is a challenging task given its unprecedented size. We develop a fast precomputed vector quantization (FPVQ) scheme with optimal bit allocation for lossless compression of ultraspectral sounder data. The scheme consists of linear prediction, bit-depth partitioning, vector quantization, and optimal bit allocation. Linear prediction serves as a whitening tool to make the prediction residuals of each channel close to a Gaussian distribution, and then these residuals are partitioned based on bit depths. Each partition is further divided into several sub-partitions with various 2/sup k/ channels for vector quantization. Only the codebooks with 2/sup m/ codewords for 2/sup k/-dimensional normalized Gaussian distributions are precomputed. A new algorithm is developed for optimal bit allocation among subpartitions. Unlike previous algorithms that may yield a sub-optimal solution, the proposed algorithm guarantees to find the minimum of the cost function under the constraint of a given total bit rate. Numerical experiments upon the NASA AIRS data show that the FPVQ scheme gives high compression ratios for lossless compression of ultraspectral sounder data.
Dependence of microwave sea returns on wind-friction velocity under varied atmospheric stability conditions

Microwave sea returns under varied atmospheric conditions and sea states were measured by W.C. Keller et al. (1985). The author has examined quantitative variations of these returns with the wind-friction velocity, incorporating modifications of the atmospheric stability, and has also compared features of sea returns and wind-stress coefficients varying with the stability length. Implications for the inception of fine sea-surface structures by wind and their probable saturation and corrections of stability effects of the wind-stress coefficient are discussed. It is shown that trends based on radar returns at low and high winds can be resolved only with simultaneous measurements of fine sea-surface structures. >
An N-ary view integration method using conceptual dependencies

The purpose of this paper is to describe a methodology that can integrate n database views simultaneously. The methodology consists of transforming a database view into an intermediate representation, based on the conceptual dependency theory. The conceptual representations corresponding to the views are then combined to form a "global" representation, which is subsequently converted back to a data model that represents the global, integrated schema. Our methodology makes use of the semantic content of a database view in the integration process, unlike other view integration methodologies proposed in the literature. We show, by examples, how this approach can eliminate multiple restructuring of constituent views in the integration process. >
An adaptive direct-sequence spread-spectrum receiver for burst type interference

The hybrid system is an extension of the state-space system model which allows for random and abrupt changes in the model parameters. In this paper we use the hybrid system to model burst type interference in a direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DS/SS) communication system. The resulting optimum receiver is easily derived but too computationally complex to be practical. Two suboptimal but more practical receivers are presented. In an example, the hybrid system is used to model pulsed narrowband interference. The performance of each suboptimal receiver is evaluated using computer simulations. >
Laboratory Forum: The Use of Gene Transfer Technology to Study the Pathophysiology of Erectile Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Introduction The past 25 years of basic science research on erectile physiology has been devoted to investigating the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction. Research has led to a better understanding of the biochemical factors and intracellular mechanisms responsible for corporal smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, as well as the influence of endothelial-derived relaxing factors. Aim In this essay, we propose the use of gene transfer technology to study mechanisms of disease involved in penile vascular dysfunction. Methods The development of methods to deliver therapeutic genes to the penis has kindled a keen interest in treating ED with gene- and cell-based therapies. Results Gene therapy has delineated putative mechanisms of disease in animal models of erectile dysfunction. Conclusion Investigation of animal models using gene therapy may ultimately lead to mechanism-based therapies for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Bivalacqua TJ, and Strong TD. The use of gene transfer technology to study the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction.
Chest computed tomography imaging for blunt pediatric trauma: not worth the radiation risk.

Abstract Introduction A child's risk of developing cancer from radiation exposure associated with computed tomography (CT) imaging is estimated to be as high as 1/500. Chest CT (CCT), often as part of a “pan-scan,” is increasingly performed after blunt trauma in children. We hypothesized that routine CCT for the initial evaluation of blunt injured children does not add clinically useful information beyond chest radiograph (CXR) and rarely changes management. Methods Pediatric ( Results Fifty-seven of 174 children (33%) undergoing CT imaging had a CCT; 55 (97%) of these had a CXR. Pathology was identified in significantly fewer CXRs compared with CCTs (51% versus 83%, P Conclusions Clinically useful information found on CCT had good correlation to information obtained from CXR and did not change patient management, however, did add significantly to the radiation exposure of initial imaging. We recommend selective use of CCT, particularly in the presence of an abnormal mediastinal silhouette on CXR after a significant deceleration injury.
Hydrology: An Introduction

Water in its different forms has always been a source of wonder, curiosity and practical concern for humans everywhere. Hydrology: An Introduction presents a coherent introduction to the fundamental principles of hydrology, based on the course that Wilfried Brutsaert has taught at Cornell University for the last thirty years. Hydrologic phenomena are dealt with at spatial and temporal scales at which they occur in nature. The physics and mathematics necessary to describe these phenomena are introduced and developed, and readers will require a working knowledge of calculus and basic fluid mechanics. The book will be invaluable as a textbook for entry-level courses in hydrology directed at advanced seniors and graduate students in physical science and engineering. In addition, the book will be more broadly of interest to professional scientists and engineers in hydrology, environmental science, meteorology, agronomy, geology, climatology, oceanology, glaciology and other earth sciences.
Using the web to interactively learn to find objects

In order for robots to intelligently perform tasks with humans, they must be able to access a broad set of background knowledge about the environments in which they operate. Unlike other approaches, which tend to manually define the knowledge of the robot, our approach enables robots to actively query the World Wide Web (WWW) to learn background knowledge about the physical environment. We show that our approach is able to search the Web to infer the probability that an object, such as a "coffee," can be found in a location, such as a "kitchen." Our approach, called ObjectEval, is able to dynamically instantiate a utility function using this probability, enabling robots to find arbitrary objects in indoor environments. Our experimental results show that the interactive version of ObjectEval visits 28% fewer locations than the version trained offline and 71% fewer locations than a baseline approach which uses no background knowledge.
Empirical study of 3D video source coding for autostereoscopic displays

The recent commercial availability of autostereoscopic displays has led to a rise in interest in 3D video. The need to store and transmit 3D video has created some interesting challenges. 3D video contains both color and depth information, and should be treated differently from 2D video for optimal results. This paper explores ideas for efficient 3D video source coding, tests these ideas in a human subject test with 27 subjects, and analyzes and discusses the results. It is concluded that for the specific display and codec used, 3D video file sizes can be reduced to about one-quarter of their original sizes without significant degradation in quality.
Effects of psyllium on glucose and serum lipid responses in men with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.

Background: Water-soluble dietary fibers decrease postprandial glucose concentrations and decrease serum cholesterol concentrations. This study examined the effects of administering psyllium to men with type 2 diabetes. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of psyllium husk fiber used adjunctively to a traditional diet for diabetes in the treatment of men with type 2 diabetes and mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia. Design: After a 2-wk dietary stabilization phase, 34 men with type 2 diabetes and mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia were randomly assigned to receive 5.1 g psyllium or cellulose placebo twice daily for 8 wk. Serum lipid and glycemic indexes were evaluated biweekly on an outpatient basis and at weeks 0 and 8 in a metabolic ward. Results: In the metabolic ward, the psyllium group showed significant improvements in glucose and lipid values compared with the placebo group. Serum total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were 8.9% (P < 0.05) and 13.0% (P = 0.07) lower, respectively, in the psyllium than in the placebo group. All-day and postlunch postprandial glucose concentrations were 11.0% (P < 0.05) and 19.2% (P < 0.01) lower in the psyllium than in the placebo group. Both products were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events related to treatment reported in either group. Conclusion: The addition of psyllium to a traditional diet for persons with diabetes is safe, is well tolerated, and improves glycemic and lipid control in men with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.
Re-engineering of Pedagogical Scenarios Using the Data Combination Language and Usage Tracking Language

The tracks analysis concerning students' actions logged by Technology Enhanced Learning systems can help teacher to improve their pedagogical scenarios making them relevant to students. Besides, sharing and reusing teachers' know-how and experience in the session analysis of learning systems also facilitate their scenario enhancement. In this paper, we present our proposal for obtaining these goals. We first describe the calculation method of pedagogical indicators from the tracks collected using the Usage Tracking Language and Data Combination Language. Then, we present our developed tool which allows executing these indicators. We also present results which validate our proposal with the tracks from the real learning environment. Our approach can be used to support engineering and re-engineering of pedagogical scenarios in Technology Enhanced Learning systems.
English Expletive Constructions Are Not Infected

Sobin (1997) proposes an analysis of several “prestige” constructions of English under which they result from grammatical viruses. Counter to his claim, I argue that plural agreement in expletive constructions introduced by there results not from a virus but from the grammar of English, because it lacks signature properties of viruses. I show that the flat agreement seen in expletive constructions with conjoined associates can be explained as a processing effect. I then argue that singular agreement with plural associates represents a second alternative allowed within the grammar.
Reproductive Strategy of Trissolcus euschisti (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) under Conditions of Partially Used Host Resources

Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 82(2): 172-176 (l989) ABSTRACT Trissolcus euschisti (Ashmead), a scelionid parasitoid of stink bug eggs, did not alter its sex ratio in response to chemical traces left by previously ovipositing wasps as had been predicted by published local mate competition models. Female T. euschistt gen­ erally oviposited male offspring early in an ovipositional sequence. Consequently, stink bug egg masses that have been parasitized by more than one female should produce a higher male/total wasp sex ratio than those parasitized by single females as suggested by Waage (1982) for certain other scelionid parasitoids. Thus, the apparently adaptive outcome of higher sex ratios when more than one foundress oviposits in a patch may be the same as that predicted by local mate competition theory but does not involve local mate competition because of a relatively fixed pattern of sex allocation. Female T. euschistt rejected heavily parasitized egg masses more frequently than they rejected host egg masses of a similar size that were only lightly parasitized.
Therapeutic Strategies Based on Pharmacological Modulation of p53 Pathway

p53 plays a dual role in cancer treatment being, on one hand, a major cancer preventive factor, which can kill or sensitize tumors to radio- and chemotherapy and, on the other hand, a determinant of cancer treatment side effects by inducing apoptosis in normal tissues during cancer therapy. This dualism defines two major therapeutic applications targeting p53: p53 activation to reduce viability of tumor cells and p53 inhibition to increase the viability of normal cells thereby reducing treatment side effects. Prospective new anticancer agents are being developed that recover p53 function in tumor cells by disrupting its interactions with natural inhibitors, such as MDM2 or E6, or restore wild-type conformation of mutant p53. In parallel, p53 inhibitory strategy is being developed to protect normal tissues from chemo- and radiotherapy and to treat other pathologies associated with stress-mediated activation of p53.
My child at mealtime: A visually enhanced self-assessment of feeding styles for low-income parents of preschoolers

The importance of caregiver feeding styles on children's dietary outcomes is well documented. However, the instruments used to assess feeding style are limited by high literacy demands, making selfassessment with low-income audiences challenging. The purpose of the current study is to report on the development of My Child at Mealtime (MCMT), a self-assessment tool with reduced literacy demands, designed to measure feeding styles with parents of preschool-aged children. Cognitive interviews were conducted with 44 Head Start parents of 2-5 year old children to develop question wording and identify appropriate visuals. The resulting tool was administered to 119 ethnically diverse, low-income parents of 2-5 year old children. Factor analysis resulted in a two-factor structure that reflects responsiveness and demandingness in a manner consistent with existing assessment tools. Results indicate the final visually enhanced MCMT self-assessment tool provides a measure of parenting style consistent with existing measures, while reducing the literacy demand.
Impact of Reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate and Proteinuria on Overall Survival of Patients with Renal Cancer.

Purpose: Although it is commonly staged according to glomerular filtration rate, an international work group recommended classifying chronic kidney disease by cause, glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria. Data on nonsurgical patients with chronic kidney disease indicate proteinuria to be an independent predictor of renal function decrease and mortality. We evaluated whether preoperative proteinuria impacted survival in patients undergoing nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: An institutional registry was queried for information regarding preoperative creatinine/glomerular filtration rate and urinalysis in 900 patients, including 362 and 538 treated with partial and radical nephrectomy, respectively. Patients were grouped according to glomerular filtration rate level (G1 to G5), proteinuria level (A1 to A3) and chronic kidney disease risk classification (low to very high). Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses of overall survival were performed.Results: The preoperative glomerular filtratio...
Is Growth ‘Theory’ Necessary?

We ask scholars for useful knowledge. In its simplest illustrations, this comes in two broad ways. First, we can be told something entirely new. “Heat Potassium Chlorate. It will let off a colorless, odorless gas, which will cause a flame to burn brightly. This is Oxygen.” Or we can have our current knowledge greatly sharpened. Thus, we all know that apples fall to the ground but the physicist tells us that “It falls at 32 feet per second.” To restate the obvious, scholars are useful when they add to our current stock of knowledge—a point that obviously requires relating scholarly knowledge with that which we otherwise believe. If the scholar wants us to accept a framework, we have the right to impose some requirements. The framework must be firm about its first principles, those which it is most confident about, and these first principles must explain the significant parts of the data; this significant explanation should go beyond that which an educated reader could get without the ‘theory’ and the ‘theory’ must not contain so many loopholes as to be a labeling device for our ignorance. What is called growth theory is a strange jumble of concepts that illuminate nothing that cannot be better studied without it. Often, it simply obfuscates.
Selumetinib for the treatment of melanoma

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway plays a critical role in the development of malignant melanoma and is an important therapeutic target. Selumetinib is a selective oral MEK1/2 inhibitor that has been evaluated in metastatic cutaneous and uveal melanoma. It is also currently undergoing further evaluation in clinical trials for other solid tumors including thyroid cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and neurofibromatosis type 1.Areas covered: This article summarizes the pharmacology of selumetinib, as well as data from pre-clinical and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of selumetinib for the treatment of cutaneous and uveal melanoma. The potential future role of selumetinib in combination with other targeted agents and in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy is also discussed.Expert Opinion: In order to improve the efficacy of selumetinib and to advance its use in the clinic for melanoma, further studies should focus on optimizing the dosing schedule...
Mental Health Services to the Courts

In 1917, John Rathbone Oliver was a young psychiatrist at the Henry Phipps Psychiatric clinic of Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Hospital.1 A few blocks away was a small police court. Occasionally, the magistrate of the court would drop by the clinic to discuss cases that he referred to the clinic for diagnoses. Striking up a friendship with the magistrate, Oliver began visiting the court, frequently sitting beside the magistrate on the bench as cases were being heard by the court.
Pulsed Shock Tube Actuators for Noise Reduction In High Speed Applications

This paper describes recent developments in using multiple miniature shock tube actuators for high speed flow control applications. The effect of pulsed shock tube actuators in a jet-cavity flow interaction is the focus of this paper. The sound pressure level spectra show a reduction of about 20 dB in the cavity tone amplitude in a M=0.6 flow when the actuator is turned on. The unsteady pressure time histories at the exit of the pulsed actuator characterize the on-off behavior of the actuator. The mean velocity profile measurements indicate the presence of a wake in the flow when the actuators are pulsing. Results from the phase averaged measurements in the plane along the flow direction are also presented and studied in detail. The results of this paper demonstrate that miniature shock tube actuators have potential for use in high speed flow control applications.
Role of mitochondrial uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) in higher brain functions, neuronal plasticity and network oscillation

Abstract Background/Purpose Major psychiatric illnesses, affecting 36% of the world's population, are profound disorders of thought, mood and behavior associated with underlying impairments in synaptic plasticity and cellular resilience. Mitochondria support energy demanding processes like neural transmission and synaptogenesis and are thus points of broadening interest in the energetics underlying the neurobiology of mental illness. These experiments interrogated the importance of mitochondrial flexibility in behavior, synaptic and cortical activity in a mouse model. Methods We studied mice with ablated uncoupling protein-2 expression (UCP2 KO) and analyzed cellular, circuit and behavioral attributes of higher brain regions. Results We found that mitochondrial impairment induced by UCP2 ablation produces an anxiety prone, cognitively impaired behavioral phenotype. Further, NMDA receptor blockade in the UCP2 KO mouse model resulted in changes in synaptic plasticity, brain oscillatory and sensory gating activities. Conclusions We conclude that disruptions in mitochondrial function may play a critical role in pathophysiology of mental illness. Specifically, we have shown that NMDA driven behavioral, synaptic, and brain oscillatory functions are impaired in UCP2 knockout mice.
Towards an African-centered Sociological Approach to Africana Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersexed Identities and Performances: The Kemetic Model of the Cosmological Interactive Self

This essay seeks to contribute to the development of an African-centered sociological approach to examine Africana lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersexed identities and performa...
Design and development of portable vibration measurement meters based on PDA

To solve the shortcomings of traditional vibration measurement and analysis meters,based on the LabVIEW virtual instrument technology,the CF-6004 Compact Flash data acquisition card of NI company was used to develop a new PDA-based vibration measurement meter.With the new meter,the functions of vibration signal acquisition,saving,waveform display,spectrum analysis,and dynamic balance analysis can be realized.The structure and design of the meter were recommended.
An enlightenment science? Surgery and the Royal Society.

Au XVIII e siecle, la chirurgie est decrite comme une science en Angleterre, et l'A. explique les raisons pour lesquelles les chirurgiens de la Royal Society de Londres definissent ainsi leur exercice comme une science
Lovastatin induces synthesis of cholesterol, which acts as a secretagogue of biliary phospholipids in rats

The effects of treatment with lovastatin (LS), a hypocholesterolemic drug, on hepatic metabolism of cholesterol (CH) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were studied in rats. Hepatic synthesis of CH was increased, as previously reported by our laboratory. Total plasma CH was increased, and biliary secretion of CH was raised fourfold, but biliary secretion of bile salts was not affected. Because CH is practically insoluble in an aqueous milieu, we tested the hypothesis that excessive CH is solubilized and secreted into bile as cholesterol-phospholipid (CH-PL) vesicles. The effects of LS-induced increase in CH synthesis on hepatic metabolism of PC after 7 days of oral LS treatment (17.5 mg/day) were studied. Our results showed accelerated synthesis of PC and increased biliary secretion of newly formed PC into bile, as evidenced by the following. 1) Phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.15) activity, the rate limiting enzyme in the synthesis of PC, increased 2.5-fold in the hepatic microsomes of the hepatocytes. 2) After intravenous administration of [14C]choline, a precursor of PC, [14C]PC increased significantly in bile. 3) Biliary output of PC increased twofold. 4) Quasi-elastic light scattering measurements of bile showed a 3.5-fold increase in intensity of the CH-PL vesicles, indicating higher concentrations of CH-PL vesicles, but there was no change in the intensity of the micelles. These observations support the hypothesis that PC synthesis was enhanced as a transport mechanism for secretion of the excessive amounts of cholesterol from the hepatocytes into bile as CH-PC vesicles.