cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does intraoperative CT navigation increase the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in pediatric spinal deformity surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE Although pediatric spinal deformity correction using pedicle screws has a very low rate of complications, the long-term consequences of screw malposition is unknown. CT navigation has been proposed to improve screw accuracy. The aim of this study was to determine whether intraoperative navigation during pedicle screw placement in pediatric scoliosis makes screw placement more accurate. We also examined radiation exposure, operative time blood loss and complications with and without the use of CT navigation in pediatric spinal deformity surgery. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted. After screening, 13 articles were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed to be used for the review. A random effects meta-analysis using REML methodology was employed to compare outcomes of screw accuracy, estimated blood loss, radiation exposure, and surgical duration. RESULTS Screws placed with CT navigation surgery were three times as likely to be deemed "acceptable" compared with screws placed with freehand and 2D fluoroscopy assistance, twice as likely to be "perfect", and only 1/3 as likely to be potentially unsafe (all p value < 0.01). EBL was not significantly different between groups; however, operative time was roughly thirty minutes longer on average. Random effects analysis showed no significant difference in effective dose radiation while using CT navigation (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION This systematic review of the literature demonstrates that intraoperative navigation results in more accurate pedicle screw placement compared to non-navigated techniques. We found that blood loss was similar in navigated and non-navigated surgery. Operative time was found to be approximately a half hour longer on average in navigated compared to non-navigated surgery. Effective radiation dose trended higher in navigated cases compared to non-navigated cases but did not reach statistical significance.
ELECTRONS AS GUIDED WAVES IN LABORATORY STRUCTURES: STRENGTHS AND PROBLEMS

Analogies between the Schrodinger equation and classical wave motion are deeply imbedded in the development of quantum mechanics. This is illustrated through the long history of the WKB approximation. We review the diversity and respective validity of expressions which relate the conductance of a sample to its transmissive behavior. The literature frequently alludes to supposed derivations of these results from linear response theory. We emphasize the difficulties faced by such derivations, and stress the relationship of electron reservoirs to radiative black bodies. The diversity of possible voltage probes is also emphasized.
Early treatment outcomes in dry eye patients treated with intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy

• Patient selection: IRB approval was obtained for a chart review. Specific guidelines for selecting ideal IPL candidates have not been established. In our referral practice at Mayo Clinic Arizona, patients were selected based on the severity of their MGD, ability to tolerate the pain of lid margin expression, and willingness to withstand cost of treatments ($500/ treatment). Patients underwent Fitzpatrick skin typing to classify their skin response to sun exposure by degree of burning and tanning. For laser safety reasons, Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, and III (pale white to cream white) were included, and types IV, V, and VI (moderate brown to black) were excluded. RESULTS RESULTS
Standardized extracts modified allergens--allergoids.

Historical Review Conventional immunotherapy of human allergic disorders as introduced by Freeman and Noon: involves injection with gradually increasing doses of extracts of the materials to which the individual is sensitive. Since then, immunotherapy has been widely used and its efficacy and specificity was proved in several controlled clinical studies where appropriate patients and appropriate antigens were used. 2-4 The extent of symptomatic relief was improved by increasing the total dosage of antigen administered and was usually accompanied by an increase in specific IgG-blocking antibody levels in the serum 5 and changes in other immunologic parameters. 6 However, the high antigen doses required are often difficult to achieve, particularly in highly sensitive individuals, due to associated general anaphylactic reactions. Thus, one usually accomplishes only partial relief with the risk of general allergic reactions along the way. Different approaches have been undertaken to improve immunotherapy, either by modifying the antigens or the method of administration to the patient. A seemingly rational approach to improving immunotherapy would be to use an antigen that has been modified in order to reduce or abolish its native allergenic reactivity while largely retaining its native capacity to produce blocking antibodies that are able to cross-react with and neutralize the native allergen. In the production of vaccines, formaldehyde has long been used to convert bacterial and other proteinaceous toxins into virtually nontoxic toxoid derivatives, capable of immunizing protectively against the corresponding native toxins. 7's In 1935, Carter 9 claimed to have "detoxified" pollen extracts in a similar manner, but presented no experimental data. Stull et al, 1~ probably followed a similar methodology to that of Carter, treated crude aqueous ragweed and timothy grass pollen extracts with dilute formalin, but were unable to produce satisfactory derivates. They concluded that the best immunogens were "fresh extracts," ie, extracts containing antigens that were as close as
Impact of weight loss on ankle-brachial index and interartery blood pressures.

Objective To assess whether weight loss improves markers of peripheral artery disease and vascular stenosis. Methods The Action for Health in Diabetes randomized clinical trial compared intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for weight loss to a control condition of diabetes support and education (DSE) in overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes. Annual ankle and brachial blood pressures over four years were used to compute ankle-brachial indices (ABIs) and to assess interartery blood pressure differences in 5018 participants. Results ILI, compared to DSE, produced 7.8% (Year 1) to 3.6% (Year 4) greater weight losses. These did not affect prevalence of low ( 1.40) ABI (7.52% in DSE versus 7.59% in ILI: P = 0.90), but produced smaller mean (SE) maximum interartery systolic blood pressure differences among ankle sites [19.7 (0.2) mmHg for ILI versus 20.6 (0.2) mmHg for DSE (P < 0.001)] and between arms [5.8 (0.1) mmHg for ILI versus 6.1 (0.1) mmHg for DSE (P = 0.01)]. Conclusions Four years of intensive behavioral weight loss intervention did not significantly alter prevalence of abnormal ABI, however, it did reduce differences in systolic blood pressures among arterial sites.
Negotiating Islam, Civil Society, and Secularism: The Justice and Development Party in Turkey

What political, economic, and social roles does religion play in officially secular democracies? This paper tackles this question by exploring the relationship between the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey and Islamist-oriented civil society associations. Using results from interviews with party officials and civil society representatives conducted in Turkey, we argue that by channeling religious interests through non-state actors, the AKP is able to remain an officially secular party. At the same time, the party can meet the interests of Turkish citizens who would like to see a larger role for religion in public life. In focusing on democratic Turkey, this study questions scholarship that posits a fundamental incompatibility between Islam and democracy and instead argues that scholars should pay greater attention to the unofficial sources of pro-religious politics to evaluate the successes and failures of democratic reform in majority Muslim countries. In Turkey in particular, state restrictions on the politicization of religion require religious interests to be channeled through unofficial mechanisms in order to be represented in public life and policies.
A Computerized Ultrasonic Scanning Bridge for Defect Imaging: Composite Materials

A computerized ultrasonic scanning bridge has been developed for the scanning and imaging of defects in structures. The raster scaning pattern can be implemented with any pair of the six available axes. The digitized ultrasonic signal can be imaged using a Peritek Graphic system. Details of the ultrasonic scanning bridge and imaging system will be reviewed.
Benzodiazepine receptor agonists cause drug-specific and state-specific alterations in EEG power and acetylcholine release in rat pontine reticular formation.

INSOMNIA IS THE MOST COMMON SLEEP DISORDER AND HAS A DIRECT IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE.1–3 BENZODIAZEPINE (BDZ) AND non-benzodiazepine (NBDZ) hypnotics are commonly used to treat insomnia. These hypnotics have specific binding sites on the ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor complex, and they decrease neuronal excitability by enhancing the inhibitory effect of endogenous GABA.4 Different BDZ and NBDZ hypnotics show different affinities for various GABAA receptor subtypes. Although these hypnotics improve total sleep time,2,3,5–7 some of these drugs are associated with risk for tolerance and dependence and can cause next-day drowsiness, impaired memory, or rebound insomnia.8–10 Despite widespread use, the mechanisms by which BDZ and NBDZ hypnotics alter chemical neurotransmission in brain regions regulating sleep remain poorly understood. Cholinergic transmission in the pontine reticular formation (PRF) contributes to the generation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and to activation11 of the cortical electroencephalogram (EEG), which is characteristic of both wakefulness and REM sleep.12,13 Acetylcholine (ACh) release in the PRF is greater during REM sleep than during non-REM (NREM) sleep and wakefulness.14 Enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission in the PRF increases REM sleep in cat,15 rat,16–19 and mouse.20–22 GABAergic transmission in the PRF inhibits REM sleep23–25 and ACh release,26 but no previous in vivo studies have characterized the effects of BDZ and NBDZ hypnotics on ACh release in the PRF. The present study had 2 goals. The first was to test the hypothesis that microdialysis delivery to the PRF of the BDZ diazepam and the NBDZ hypnotics zolpidem and eszopiclone differentially alters ACh release and EEG delta power. The second goal was to test the hypothesis that intravenous (IV) administration of eszopiclone alters ACh release in the PRF, sleep, and EEG delta power. Portions of these data have been presented as abstracts.27,28
42 The Effect of Displaced Atoms and Ionizing Radiation on the Oxidation of Graphite

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of lattice defects, produced by exposure to neutrons in a reactor, on a gassolid reaction. The graphite-oxygen reaction on irradiated and unirradiated samples has been studied over the 250–450° temperature range The irradiated samples were exposed to about 4 × 1020 neutrons/cm.2 in the reactor prior to oxidation. This exposure, which produces about 2% displaced atoms at room temperature, increased the oxidation rate relative to an unirradiated sample by about a factor of 6. The oxidation rate of untreated samples in the presence of gamma-rays alone (200,000 r./hr.) was hardly altered, although a significant increase was observed at the higher intensity of 610,000 r./hr. (at 300°). The reaction rate of a sample previously irradiated in the reactor and oxidized in the presence of gamma-rays (200,000 r./hr.) at 300° was higher by an additional factor of about 3, i. e., a factor of about 18 relative to unirradiated specimens. It is concluded that displaced atoms exert a large influence on the rate of this heterogeneous gas-solid reaction. When, in addition, ionizing radiation is present during the reaction the rate is further increased, probably because of the ionization of oxygen molecules.
Genetic dissection of host resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis: the sst1 locus and the Ipr1 gene.

Genetic variation of the host significantly contributes to dramatic differences in the outcomes of natural infection with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in humans, as well as in experimental animal models. Host resistance to tuberculosis is a complex multifactorial genetic trait in which many genetic polymorphisms contribute to the phenotype, while their individual contributions are influenced by gene–gene and gene–environment interactions. The most epidemiologically significant form of tuberculosis infection in humans is pulmonary tuberculosis. Factors that predispose immunocompetent individuals to this outcome, however, are largely unknown. Using an experimental mouse model of infection with virulent MTB for the genetic analysis of host resistance to this pathogen, we have identified several tuberculosis susceptibility loci in otherwise immunocompetent mice. The sst1 locus has been mapped to mouse chromosome 1 and shown to be especially important for control of pulmonary tuberculosis. Rampant progression of tuberculosis infection in the lungs of the sst1-susceptible mouse was associated with the development of necrotic lung lesions, which was prevented by the sst1-resistant allele. Using a positional cloning approach, we have identified a novel host resistance gene, Ipr1, which is encoded within the sst1 locus and mediates innate immunity to the intracellular bacterial pathogens MTB and Listeria monocytogenes. The sst1 locus and the Ipr1 gene participate in control of intracellular multiplication of virulent MTB and have an effect on the infected macrophages’ mechanism of cell death. The Ipr1 is an interferon-inducible nuclear protein that dynamically associates with other nuclear proteins in macrophages primed with interferons or infected with MTB. Several of the Ipr1-interacting proteins are known to participate in regulation of transcription, RNA processing, and apoptosis. Further biochemical analysis of the Ipr1-mediated pathway will help delineate a mechanism of innate immunity that is especially important for control of tuberculosis progression in the lungs.
Prenatal Therapy of Large Placental Chorioangiomas: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Objective To review techniques and outcomes of different prenatal treatments for large placental chorioangiomas. Study Design Presentation of a case of laparoscopic-assisted laser coagulation and a systematic review of the literature for articles related to intervention for placental chorioangioma. Results A total of 37 cases of definitive (n = 23) and supportive therapy (n = 14) were evaluated, including one case treated in our center. Approximately 35% of the patients had a spontaneous preterm delivery in definitive treatment group versus 36% in the supportive group. The infant survival rates were 65 and 71% in the two groups, respectively. We further compared the two types of laser ablation (fetoscopic [n = 10] and interstitial [n = 4]). Approximately 30% of the patients in the fetoscopic and 25% in interstitial group, had a spontaneous preterm delivery. Survival rates were 60 and 100% in fetoscopic and interstitial groups, respectively. Conclusion Laser ablation and embolization of chorioangiomas via minimally invasive approach may prevent or reverse fetal hydrops due to high cardiac states. However, further studies are needed to refine the appropriate selection criteria that will justify the risk of this invasive in utero therapy for chorioangiomas.
Nonword repetition and phoneme elision skills in school‐age children who do and do not stutter

Nonword repetition and phoneme elision represent the combined influence of several speech and language processes. In the present study we investigated nonword repetition and phoneme elision performance in schoolage children who stutter (CWS) and children who do not stutter (CNS). Participants were 14 CWS (mean = 11.7 years, SD = 2.1 years) and age- and sex-matched CNS (mean = 11.8 years, SD = 2.0 years). Each talker group was further subdivided into two age groups: younger (N = 7; 8‐11.5 years) and older (N = 7; 11.6‐15 years). Repeated-measures analyses were conducted on the accuracy and response time (in seconds) data. In nonword repetition, the CWS showed a trend for lower per cent of correct phonemes at the two-syllable level compared with the CNS. In phoneme elision, the younger CWS showed a significantly lower accuracy rate than the older CWS at the two- and three-syllable nonword lengths, while similar differences were not evident between the younger versus older CNS at any of the nonword lengths. No accuracy difference in phoneme elision was noted between the two talker groups. Group differences in speech initiation times were also not evident in either of the tasks. Findings from nonword repetition offer tentative support for difficulties experienced by school-age CWS in phonemic encoding/working memory abilities. Findings from the phoneme elision task suggest a complex pattern of age-dependent performance by the CWS. Comparison of response accuracy and speech initiation times in both the tasks failed to show speed‐accuracy trade-off strategies in either of the groups.
Input shaping control for suppression of boom vibrations

This paper shows that motion induced boom vibrations can be effectively suppressed by an input shaping control scheme. As typical heavy equipments such as excavators use pressurized hydraulic fluid; an operator control unit; and a boom cylinder coupled to the boom arm. The vibratory motion of boom manipulator systems provides a negative influence in operational efficiency as well as on the operator's health. However, the boom vibratory motion is difficult to suppress using conventional feedback controllers due to hydraulic circuit time delay. This paper describes an input shaping controller that monitors the hydraulic pressure profile of the boom cylinder to sense boom vibrations. The input shaping controller generates a command input to help cancel out the boom vibrations.
Fairness Conceptualizations and Comparable Worth

What degree of equality or inequality between work and wages is fair? This paper examines wage-setting policies as different conceptualizations of fairness. Focusing particularly on comparable worth as an alternative to existing wage-setting policies, it demonstrates how social psychological approaches to justice contribute to the understanding of these policies. More specifically, it analyzes the contributions of research on distributive justice and procedural justice to understanding the determination of job worth and the dynamics of implementing comparable worth policy. The discussion illuminates theoretical issues regarding the nature of the relationship between individual deservingness, social fairness, and social power. Finally, suggestions are offered for future research that links policy with basic theoretical problems.
The Effect of Authority and Option Frames on Resource Allocation Decisions: Using Prospect Theory to Predict Choices and Expressed Justifications and Advocate Creative Solutions

Changing conditions often require authority figures to develop options for reallocating resources. Based on Prospect Theory, this study predicted that individuals exposed to gain frames or in authority roles would prefer risk-averse options and construct messages expressing desire to avoid risks, whereas those exposed to loss frames or in less powerful roles would prefer risk-taking options and express a desire to take risks. In this experiment, gain frames and being authority figures increased preferences for budget-cutting options with risk-averse options, whereas loss frames and limited authority increased preferences for risk-taking options and the likelihood that individuals advocated creative solutions.
Who is an artist? New data for an old question

Abstract Employment in the arts and creative industries is high and growing, yet scholars have not achieved consensus on who should be included in these professions. In this study, we explore the “professional artist” as the outcome of an identity process, rendering it the dependent rather than the independent variable. In their responses to the 2010 Strategic National Arts Alumni Project survey (N = 13,581)—to our knowledge, the largest survey ever undertaken of individuals who have pursued arts degrees in the United States—substantial numbers of respondents gave seemingly contradictory answers to questions asking about their artistic labor. These individuals indicated that they simultaneously had been and had never been professional artists, placing them in what we have termed the “dissonance group.” An examination of these responses reveals meaningful differences and patterns in the interpretation of this social category. We find significant correlation between membership in this group and various markers of cultural capital and social integration into artistic communities. A qualitative analysis of survey comments reveals unique forms of dissonance over artistic membership within teaching and design careers.
Linear quadratic regulators with eigenvalue placement in a vertical strip

A computational method is presented for finding the linear quadratic regulator such that the optimal closed-loop system has eigenvalues lying within a vertical strip in the complex plane. The proposed method is suitable for the two-stage optimal design of two-time scale systems.
Surgical Technique: A Percutaneous Method of Subcutaneous Fixation for the Anterior Pelvic Ring: The Pelvic Bridge

Background Management of pelvic ring injuries using minimally invasive techniques may be desirable if reduction and stability can be achieved. We present a new technique, the anterior pelvic bridge, which is a percutaneous method of fixing the anterior pelvis through limited incisions over the iliac crest(s) and pubic symphysis.
Nanoimprint lithography: Review of aspects and applications

Nanoimprint lithography is a relatively new area of study in nanotechnology. Higher resolution patterning can be achieved with nanoimprint lithography than with light diffraction or beam scattering in photoresists. Nanoimprint lithography is a generic term for nano-scale pattern transfer using embossing techniques. These techniques introduce new problems such as: nano-scale alignment, nanovoids and adhesion to the mold. The pattern is typically created in a mold using e-beam writing in photoresist on a substrate and dry etching to transfer the pattern to the mold. A low wattage dry etching process is preferred as to create as smooth a surface as possible to reduce the likelihood of polymers adhering to the mold surface. These molds are generally very durable and can be used repeatedly. Once the mold is created, an antisticking coating is often applied to prevent photoresist adhesion. There have been a variety of parameters used to emboss the patterns in photoresists using elevated temperature, room temperature, single and multiple layers of photoresists to name a few. This article reviews some of the current methods of creating nano-scale geometries and will include some areas of application. It will also discuss examples of achieved resolutions and the difficulties in producing them.
Does glucagon play a role in the insulin resistance of patients with adult non-ketotic diabetes?

Using a constant intravenous infusion technique we have measured in vivo insulin resistance in 17 normal subjects, five patients with chemical diabetes, and 13 non-ketotic diabetic patients with fasting hyperglycaemia (FBS>120 mg/ 100 ml). All of the diabetic patients were non-obese. The results demonstrated that the diabetic patients were insulin resistant compared to normals and that the degree of insulin resistance was greater the more severe the diabetes. No differences in plasma glucagon levels were found among the different groups during the infusion studies. These results demonstrate that non-obese, non-ketotic diabetic patients are insulin resistant and that abnormalities in plasma glucagon concentrations do not account for this insulin resistance.
ASDTIC: A feedback control innovation

The ASDTIC (analog signal to discrete time interval converter) control subsystem provides precise output control of high performance aerospace power supplies. The key to ASDTIC operation is that it stably controls output by sensing output energy change as well as output magnitude. The ASDTIC control subsystem and control module were developed to improve power supply performance during static and dynamic input voltage and output load variations, to reduce output voltage or current regulation due to component variations or aging, to maintain a stable feedback control with variations in the loop gain or loop time constants, and to standardize the feedback control subsystem for power conditioning equipment.
Headache medication-use among primary care headache patients in a health maintenance organization.

Objective. Medication-use among headache patients 2 and 5 years after a primary care headache visit is assessed, and the pattern of medication-use compared before and after the introduction of subc...
Two Luminescent Coordination Polymers with a Triple-Helix Structure: HgX2(C31H24N2)·CH2Cl2(X = Cl and Br)

The two new luminescent coordination polymers HgCl2(C31H24N2)·CH2Cl2 (1) and HgBr2(C31H24N2)·CH2Cl2 (2) feature helical zigzag chains intertwined in bundles of three. The luminescent properties of the isostructural compounds are due to the fluorene-based ligand 9,9-bis-ethyl-2,7-di-(4-pyridyl)ethynylfluorene and are red-shifted relative to those of the free ligand.
Religion and medical psychology

The costly process of depersonalization underlies all living from which the individual must withhold his feeling of personal identity. Only my recognition of my self as creator of new selfness in my every experience continuously provides my self-consciousness (self-insight) the immediate recognition of my own intact autonomous wholeness.
Two-dimensional numerical simulation of a wave with a current past a circular cylinder. Part 1: Inline flow

Abstract This study considered a 2D numerical simulation with LES modeling of a sinusoidal oscillatory flow inline with an imposed uniform flow using primitive variables. The study is performed by a customized code particularly built for this simulation. This code allows an easy implementation to a customized combination of different boundary conditions and discretization schemes. The code is verified against well-recognized studies of a similar type to validate the calculated results. It is found that the drag and inertia coefficients of the wavy flow are reduced with the increased strength of the imposed uniform flow. A strong chaotic behavior was observed in the flow field structures. This behavior has a significant unpredictable influence on the resulting inline and transverse forces through the flow field pattern within the vicinity of the cylinder surface. This influence sometimes causes the exerted forces to increase when compared to the purely wavy flow. Based on this study, it is highly recommended not to uncouple wavy flows from uniform flows to simultaneously capture the combined interactions of such flow scenarios.
Effective Utilization of Hypercubes in the Presence of Faults

To effectively utilize a faulty hypercube, it is often necessary to reconfigure the hypercube in such a way as to retain as many fault-free nodes as possible. This inspires us to identify maximalincomplete subcubesin a faulty hypercube, as the subcube so reconfigured is often much larger than any complete subcube obtainable and is likely to retain performance better. An efficient algorithm is first presented to find incomplete subcubes in a faulty hypercube. Three applications are then implemented on both an incomplete system and a complete one to measure their actual performance differences. Each application is mapped onto incomplete hypercubes, following the techniques developed for complete hypercubes (possibly with some modifications). Among the three applications,Gaussian eliminationtakes exactly the same mapping scheme on an incomplete system as on a complete one, whileFFTrequires some efforts to adapt it to the incomplete topology. The measured results of the three applications indicate that reconfiguring a faulty hypercube into an incomplete subcube is beneficial in practice.
Aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in Entamoeba histolytica.

Abstract Respiration by Entamoeba histolylica is confirmed. A doubling of the rate of oxygen uptake was observed upon the addition of d -glucose to cells in which the glycogen reserve had been partially depleted. In cells metabolizing endogenous substrates the rate of oxygen uptake was not influenced by sodium cyanide or sodium succinate. It was slightly depressed when d -mannose was the added sugar. The end products, CO2, ethanol, and acetate accounted for essentially all of the glucose carbon utilized in both aerobic and anaerobic experiments. The radioactivity from uniformly labelled 14C-glucose was found in these products. Three times as much ethanol as acetate was produced in the anaerobic experiments and in the aerobic experiments this ratio was approximately reversed.
EDUCATION FOR THE ELDERLY: TRENDS AND PROBLEMS IN THE 1980s

The 1980s will see a trend toward lifelong education and a resulting shift in educational emphasis to educating older people. As part of this trend, more people will reach retirement in good health and with high educational levels. Therefore the elderly will become a more notable group of educational consumers in the decade to come. This paper identifies four groups of elderly educational consumers based on their interests and needs. Each group is delineated, and problems inherent in meeting their needs are discussed.
Trochlear-oculomotor nerve interactions in Xenopus laevis tadpoles: a temporal study.

When the trochlear nerve (NIV), which innervates the superior oblique muscle (SOM), is crushed or cut at stages 48-49 in Xenopus tadpoles, fibers from the oculomotor nerve (NIII) sprout and invade the SOM. The maximal percentage of specimens having at least one oculomotor nerve fiber on the SOM on a given day increased from 9.1% following a single crushing of NIV to 84.2% following three successive severings of NIV and the average number of silver-impregnated NIII fibers per specimen increased from 0.23 +/- 0.16 (mean +/- S.E.M.) in the single-crush experiment to 7.35 +/- 1.33 in the triple-cut experiment. This increase directly reflects the delay in the return of NIV. As NIV returns to the SOM, a portion of the inappropriate innervation is lost; while another portion appears to be stable and is in evidence 90 days after a single sectioning of NIV. The more rapidly NIV returns to the SOM, the more complete is the displacement of the NIII fibers. This suggests that the association between NIII and the SOM changes with time so that easy displacement of the inappropriate innervation is likely only when the reinnervation by the appropriate nerve fibers is rapid.
Evaluation of objective functions for estimation of kinetic parameters

There is growing interest in quantitatively analyzing in vivo image data, as this facilitates objective comparisons and measurement of effect. In this regard, people increasingly turn to pharmacokinetic models and estimation of parameters of such models. In this work several parameter estimation methodologies were compared within the context of the most common pharmacokinetic model used in positron emission tomography imaging to describe glucose metabolism and receptor-ligand interactions at tracer concentrations. Simulated data were generated with 1000 realizations at each of 5 different noise levels. Estimates of the kinetic parameters were made for each realization using seven iterative, nonlinear estimation methodologies: ordinary least squares (OLS), weighted least squares (WLS), penalized weighted least squares (PWLS), iteratively reweighted least squares (IRLS), and variations of extended least squares (ELS0, ELS1, ELS3). Additionally, generalized linear least squares (GLLS) was also used. With relatively noise-free data, the iterative nonlinear estimation methods generally produced low-bias, high-precision parameter estimates, whereas with GLLS the bias was more prominent. Greater distinction between the estimation methods was seen at the higher, more realistic noise levels, with ELS and IRLS methods generally achieving better precision than the other methods. At the high noise levels WLS, GLLS, and PWLS yielded parameter estimates with large bias (>200%) for some kinetic parameters. In general, there are more favorable estimator methodologies than the frequently employed WLS. Methods that determine values of weights based on model output--IRLS, ELS0, ELS1 and ELS3--generally perform better than methods that determine values of weights based directly on the experimental data.
A Nonlinear State Feedback Controller for Induction Motors

In this article, a novel approach to nonlinear control of induction motors is presented. The proposed approach is used to design controllers for the rotor flux amplitude and the motor speed. The underlying design objective is to endow the closed loop system with high performance dynamics for high speed ranges while keeping the required stator voltage within the inverter ceiling limits. A comparative study between the performances of the proposed controller and field oriented control is carried out. The methods are compared in terms of their ability to handle loads on the motor shaft, their speed tracking capability and their sensitivity to operating condition variations. To estimate the rotor flux, an open loop observer is developed.
TH-E-L100J-07: Comparison of Mammographic Percent Density and Volumetric Percent Density Determined From Ultrasound Tomography Images

Purpose: Previous ultrasoundtomography work conducted by our group showed a direct correlation between measuredsound speed and physical density in vitro, and increased in vivosound speed with increasing mammographic density, a known risk factor for breast cancer. Building on these empirical results, we investigated the use of volumetric ultrasound percent density (USPD) for breast density estimation. Method and Materials: A breast phantom comprised of fat inclusions embedded in fibroglandular tissue was scanned four times with both ultrasoundtomography and CT. The coronal transmission tomograms and corresponding CTimages were analyzed using a semi‐automatic segmentation routine. Next, a cohort of ∼100 patients was imaged encompassing the entire breast volume (50–75 tomograms/patient). USPD was determined by segmenting high sound speed areas from each slice using a k‐means clustering routine, integrating these results over the entire breast, and dividing by total breast area. USPD was evaluated using two mammographic density measures: (1) qualitative, as determined by a radiologist's visual assessment using BI‐RADS Criteria and (2) quantitative, via digitization and semi‐automatic segmentation of craniocaudal and medio‐lateral oblique mammograms.Results: The integrated areas of the phantom's fat inclusions were compared using both transmission ultrasound and CT for four repeated scans. The average variability for inclusion segmentation was ∼2% and ∼10%, respectively, and a close correlation was observed in the integrated areas between the two modalities. A strong positive association between BI‐RADS category and USPD was demonstrated. Furthermore, comparing USPD to calculated mammographic density yielded moderate to strong positive associations (Pearson r = 0.76–0.84) for MLO and CC views, respectively. Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that utilizing USPD as an analogue to mammographic breast density is feasible. USPD has the potential to provide a non‐ionizing, whole‐breast analysis of breast density, which may better elucidate the relationship between breast density and breast cancer risk.
Male permissiveness in a unisexual–bisexual mating complex promotes maintenance of a vertebrate unisexual sperm-dependent species

Unisexual–bisexual mating complexes are found when an all female sperm-dependent (gynogenetic or hybridogenetic) species relies on heterospecific males for reproduction. Mistakes in species recognition or discrimination on the part of the males are fundamental for the persistence of unisexual–bisexual mating systems, but should be selected against because mating with heterospecific females does not lead to fitness benefits for the males. Here, we focused on the Poecilia latipinna–P. formosa–P. mexicana mating complex, where P. formosa is a gynogenetic species of hybrid origin and P. latipinna and P. mexicana are its parent species and sexual hosts (sperm donors). We examined male mating permissiveness (the propensity to express recognition errors) by presenting males of both sperm donor species with conspecific and heterospecific females in a no choice design. Whereas in prior studies males generally discriminated between heterospecific and conspecific females, we found no evidence for a greater conspecific recognition vs. recognition of P. formosa in males of either sperm donor species. This permissive behavior by males could be explained by the close relatedness between P. latipinna and P. mexicana to P. formosa.
Toxicological Effects of Poisonous Gases and Treatment

化学兵器は第一次世界大戦中に誕生し盛んに使われたが,その後大規模にはあまり使われなかった。しかし最近その有用性が再認識され,この古い兵器が再び脚光を浴びるようになった。化学兵器は原料もたやすく手に入り,製造も簡単なため,貧乏国の核爆弾といわれる。オウム真理教のサリンテロ行為で,化学兵器は戦場のみならず,これからは公衆に対してテロリズムに使われる可能性がますます強くなった。本文は化学兵器の生体に対する毒作用と治療が目的であるが,限られた誌面ですべての化学兵器について述べることは不可能なので,神経ガスに重点を置き,他のガスの作用は比較的簡略に述べた。多くの種類の化学兵器があるが,実際に兵器として採用されている数は比較的少ない。アメリカ軍を例にとっても実際に化学兵器として採用され,貯蔵されているのはサリン,タブン,VX,マスタードガス,ルイサイトの5種類のみである。神経ガスは神経伝達に必要なアセチルコリンエステラーゼの作用を阻害する。それに対する薬はいろいろあるが,どの薬もすべての神経ガスに一様に効くわけではない。薬の効果は神経ガスによって異なる。オキシム系の薬(例えばPAM)とアトロピンとの併用は,単独で使うより治療効果が大とみなされている。ジアゼパムは痙攣を防ぐのに効果があり,三者併用はさらによいといわれている。他の毒ガス,例えばマスタードガス,ホスゲン等には特効薬はなく,対症治療が主な方法である。既存の毒ガスのみならず,新しい型の毒ガスにも注意し,その治療法についても検討すべきである。
Why is cytoskeletal contraction required for cardiac fusion before but not after looping begins

Cytoskeletal contraction is crucial to numerous morphogenetic processes, but its role in early heart development is poorly understood. Studies in chick embryos have shown that inhibiting myosin-II-based contraction prior to Hamburger-Hamilton (HH) stage 10 (33 h incubation) impedes fusion of the mesodermal heart fields that create the primitive heart tube (HT), as well as the ensuing process of cardiac looping. If contraction is inhibited at or after looping begins at HH10, however, fusion and looping proceed relatively normally. To explore the mechanisms behind this seemingly fundamental change in behavior, we measured spatiotemporal distributions of tissue stiffness, stress, and strain around the anterior intestinal portal (AIP), the opening to the foregut where contraction and cardiac fusion occur. The results indicate that stiffness and tangential tension decreased bilaterally along the AIP with distance from the embryonic midline. The gradients in stiffness and tension, as well as strain rate, increased to peaks at HH9 (30 h) and decreased afterward. Exposure to the myosin II inhibitor blebbistatin reduced these effects, suggesting that they are mainly generated by active cytoskeletal contraction, and finite-element modeling indicates that the measured mechanical gradients are consistent with a relatively uniform contraction of the endodermal layer in conjunction with constraints imposed by the attached mesoderm. Taken together, our results suggest that, before HH10, endodermal contraction pulls the bilateral heart fields toward the midline where they fuse to create the HT. By HH10, however, the fusion process is far enough along to enable apposing cardiac progenitor cells to keep 'zipping' together during looping without the need for continued high contractile forces. These findings should shed new light on a perplexing question in early heart development.
Formation and structure of Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite

When amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) was transformed to crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) in a series of aqueous slurry concentrations ranging from low to high, the higher slurry concentrations produced more Ca-deficient HA as measured by Ca/P ratio and heat-produced pyrophosphate. We feel that the excess solution phosphate produced in the higher slurry transformations results in lower Ca/P ratio HA. It has been suggested that an ACP is the precursor to bone apatite. Regulation of the in vivo ACP slurry concentration could then control the stoichiometry and, therefore, the metabolic activity of bone apatite. X-ray radial distribution function (RDF) analyses showed that CO3(2-) substitution in HA creates far greater structural distortions than do Ca deficiencies. The latter, however, do produce small, but observable, structural distortions when compared to stoichiometric HA. It now seems clear that the RDF of bone apatite can be modeled by a synthetic, Ca-deficient, CO3(2-)-containing HA.
Induction of phospholipid-binding antibodies in mice and rabbits by immunization with human β2 glycoprotein 1 or anticardiolipin antibodies alone

Anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies are autoantibodies present in high concentrations in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a disorder of recurrent thrombosis and pregnancy loss. What induces aCL antibodies is uncertain, but a recent report suggested that immunization of mice with beta 2 glycoprotein 1 (beta 2 GP1) in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) resulted in aCL antibody production in the recipient mice. Since this observation might explain how autoantibodies might be induced by poor immunogens, such as phospholipids, we decided to explore the question further. In our first series of experiments, we found that aCL antibodies were induced in mice by beta 2GP1 mixed with adjuvants that did not contain lipids (Adju-Prime or aluminium hydroxide). This excluded the possibility that antibody induction occurred because beta 2GP1 formed complexes with lipids in FCA. We also found that aCL antibodies always appeared before anti-beta 2GP1 antibodies, excluding the possibility that aCL antibodies were directed to beta 2GP1 or were induced by formation of anti-idiotypic antibodies (to anti-beta 2GP1). In experiments, we found that immunization of mice with human IgG antibodies from patients with the APS (IgG-APS), also induced aCL antibodies. Immunization with pure bovine serum albumin (BSA) did not induce aCL antibodies. We propose that aCL antibodies are induced by proteins with high avidity for phospholipids. These proteins may be bound to phospholipids when introduced, or may bind circulating phospholipids, so transforming phospholipid molecules into immunogens. Similar mechanisms might explain autoantibody induction to other poor immunogens.
Male Armaments and Reproductive Behavior in "Nutcracker" Camel Crickets (Rhaphidophoridae, Pristoceuthophilus)

Males of many species possess striking weaponry used in intrasexual competition for access to females. Until recently, there were no known cases of male weaponry being used against females in sexual coercion. However, in the camel cricket, Pristoceuthophilus marmoratus, males use modified hind legs to fight with each other and also to trap females and force them to copulate. To determine whether hind leg armaments serve similar fighting and mating functions in morphologically similar congeners, we performed a comparative survey of armament use in intra- and inter-sexual interactions in four additional species of Pristoceuthophilus (P. arizonae and three undescribed species: P. ‘Huachuca summer,’ P. ‘Madera’ and P. ‘Mt. Pinos’). Intrasexual leg fighting occurred in all species for which trials were performed, and hints of sexual coercion occurred in two species (P. ‘Huachuca summer’ and P. ‘Mt. Pinos’), suggesting additional cases of a uniquely dual-purpose armament. These findings suggest an evolutionary exaptation of hind leg armaments in this genus, wherein an intrasexual fighting weapon took on a secondary function of sexual coercion.
Ischemia caused by inverse coupling between neuronal activation and cerebral blood flow in rats

Abstract Cortical spreading depression (CSD) typically leads to cortical spreading hyperemia followed by cortical spreading oligemia in rats. This physiological response can be experimentally inverted so that the neuronal activation leads to ischemia [cortical spreading ischemia (CSI)]. It has been proposed that CSI may be related to clinical conditions such as migraine-induced stroke and delayed ischemic neurological deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The underlying change of the vascular reactivity to CSD is achieved by superfusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) containing an elevated K + concentration together with an NO-lowering agent. The NO-lowering agent may either be an NO-scavenger such as oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) or an NO synthase (NOS)-inhibitor such as N -nitro- l -arginine ( l -NNA). In the present study, we compared the potency of oxy-Hb and l -NNA to induce CSI. CSI was significantly longer in the presence of oxy-Hb. This may either be due to scavenging of blood-derived NO by oxy-Hb or NO-independent vasoconstrictive properties of oxy-Hb.
Discussion:Population genetics

Introduction d'articles realises par R.A. Fisher, Sewall Wright et J.B.S. Helolane presentant des modeles mathematiques de genetique des populations
Primary prevention of gynecologic cancers

A shift from treatment to prevention of the three major gynecologic cancers is overdue. The traditional approach to cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers has been secondary or tertiary prevention--early detection and treatment or mitigation of damage, respectively. We reviewed the literature on these cancers to identify strategies for primary prevention. Cervical cancer behaves as a sexually transmitted disease. As with other such diseases, barrier and spermicidal contraceptives lower the risk of cervical cancer; the risk reduction approximates 50%. Combination oral contraceptives help prevent both endometrial and epithelial ovarian cancers. The risk of endometrial cancer among former oral contraceptive users is reduced by about 50% and that of ovarian cancer by about 30% to 60%. Weight control confers strong protection against endometrial cancer. Breast-feeding and tubal sterilization also appear to protect against ovarian cancer. Although women have a range of practical, effective measures available to reduce their risk of these cancers, few are aware of them. Without this information, women cannot make fully informed decisions about their health.
A strategy to improve reference tracking of distributed energy resources

With the proliferation of the concept of the smart grid, the power system operates closer to its operational limits. This problem is exacerbated in a small scale power system, such as a microgrid, in which resources such as spare generation are limited. Therefore, it is important that control strategies are in place that ensure effective mitigation of disturbances in a timely manner. In this paper, a distributed control strategy is proposed that aims to damp the transients of a power system variable using local measurements. The proposed strategy adaptively temporarily adjusts the set point of a power system apparatus to design its trajectory. Depending on the availability of a model and prediction capability, the proposed strategy can be implemented as set point automatic adjustment (SPAA) or set point automatic adjustment with correction enabled (SPAACE). The performance of this strategy under several test scenarios is evaluated. It is seen that the proposed strategy is effective in mitigating oscillations.