cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Methodology for Detecting Ice Sheet Surface Elevation Changes From Laser Altimetry Data

The integrated program Surface Elevation Reconstruction And Change detection (SERAC) was specifically designed and developed for detecting surface elevation and elevation changes from the Ice Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat). ICESat carried geoscience laser altimeter system (GLAS) with the primary goal of measuring elevation changes of the polar ice sheets to sufficient accuracy to assess their impact on global sea level. GLAS had three lasers that operated sequentially, with two to three campaigns per year. The footprint size was about 70 m and the point-to-point spacing between neighboring laser points reached 170 m. SERAC copes with different scenarios. Originally developed for calculating surface elevation changes of crossover areas, it was extended to along-track areas and the inclusion of non-ICESat laser data, such as Airborne Topographic Mapper (ATM), an airborne laser scanning system developed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility. The adjustment system of SERAC simultaneously computes the shape of surface patches containing laser points of the same time epoch, estimates surface elevation changes, and approximates the time series of elevation changes by a polynomial after removing the seasonal cycle. Results shown in the second part of the paper demonstrate the potential of SERAC for calculating detailed ice sheet elevation and volume change histories. Greenland Ice Sheet volume changes, calculated from a combined ICESat/ATM data set, show good agreement with previously published results and provide improved sampling in the rapidly thinning coastal regions of southern Greenland. Moreover, the polynomial approximation of the time series of surface elevation changes is taken to advantage in the last example of Northwest Greenland, illuminating the intricate thinning/thickening patterns that often vary considerably over short spatial scales.
Laser extraction of entrapped leads.

Parsonnet, V., et al.: Laser Extraction of Entrapped Leads. Removing entrapped pacing and defibrillator leads has been greatly simplified by making use of the excimer laser extractor. Sixty-two leads were successfully removed, although where appropriate, portions of the lead remained in place in 10 cases. There were two serious complications, one tear of the superior vena cava during an ICD extraction and one tear of the atrium during an atrial lead extraction. Both were controlled successfully through emergency sternotomy. Although extracting entrapped leads has been much simplified by making use of the laser extractor, the process is not free of serious complications. Those involved in explanting leads should be aware of the outcomes and be prepared for emergent management.
Reconstructing population exposures to environmental chemicals from biomarkers: Challenges and opportunities

A conceptual/computational framework for exposure reconstruction from biomarker data combined with auxiliary exposure-related data is presented, evaluated with example applications, and examined in the context of future needs and opportunities. This framework employs physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) modeling in conjunction with numerical “inversion” techniques. To quantify the value of different types of exposure data “accompanying” biomarker data, a study was conducted focusing on reconstructing exposures to chlorpyrifos, from measurements of its metabolite levels in urine. The study employed biomarker data as well as supporting exposure-related information from the National Human Exposure Assessment Survey (NHEXAS), Maryland, while the MENTOR-3P system (Modeling ENvironment for TOtal Risk with Physiologically based Pharmacokinetic modeling for Populations) was used for PBTK modeling. Recently proposed, simple numerical reconstruction methods were applied in this study, in conjunction with PBTK models. Two types of reconstructions were studied using (a) just the available biomarker and supporting exposure data and (b) synthetic data developed via augmenting available observations. Reconstruction using only available data resulted in a wide range of variation in estimated exposures. Reconstruction using synthetic data facilitated evaluation of numerical inversion methods and characterization of the value of additional information, such as study-specific data that can be collected in conjunction with the biomarker data. Although the NHEXAS data set provides a significant amount of supporting exposure-related information, especially when compared to national studies such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this information is still not adequate for detailed reconstruction of exposures under several conditions, as demonstrated here. The analysis presented here provides a starting point for introducing improved designs for future biomonitoring studies, from the perspective of exposure reconstruction; identifies specific limitations in existing exposure reconstruction methods that can be applied to population biomarker data; and suggests potential approaches for addressing exposure reconstruction from such data.
Effect of material heterogeneity on the evolution of internal deformation during nanoindentation

The effect of material heterogeneity on the indentation behaviour is studied numerically using the finite element method. The material system of concern is the aluminium (Al)/silicon carbide (SiC) multilayered thin films above the silicon (Si) substrate. The numerical model features the explicit composite structure indented by a conical diamond indenter within the axisymmetric simulation framework. Attention is devoted to the evolution of stress and deformation fields in the material during the indentation loading and unloading processes. It is found that the layered composite, consisting of materials with distinctly different mechanical properties, results in unique deformation patterns. Significant tensile stresses can be generated locally along certain directions, which offer a mechanistic rationale for the indentation-induced internal cracking observed experimentally. The unloading process also leads to an expansion of the tension-stressed area, as well as continued plastic flow in parts of the Al layers. The unloading response in this heterogeneous material is therefore much more complex than the conventional purely elastic recovery process in homogeneous materials.
Learning algorithms for online principal-agent problems (and selling goods online)

In a principal-agent problem, a principal seeks to motivate an agent to take a certain action beneficial to the principal, while spending as little as possible on the reward. This is complicated by the fact that the principal does not know the agent's utility function (or type). We study the online setting where at each round, the principal encounters a new agent, and the principal sets the rewards anew. At the end of each round, the principal only finds out the action that the agent took, but not his type. The principal must learn how to set the rewards optimally. We show that this setting generalizes the setting of selling a digital good online.We study and experimentally compare three main approaches to this problem. First, we show how to apply a standard bandit algorithm to this setting. Second, for the case where the distribution of agent types is fixed (but unknown to the principal), we introduce a new gradient ascent algorithm. Third, for the case where the distribution of agents' types is fixed, and the principal has a prior belief (distribution) over a limited class of type distributions, we study a Bayesian approach.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN THE EL PARAÍSO VALLEY: THE ROLE OF SECONDARY CENTERS IN THE MULTIETHNIC LANDSCAPE OF CLASSIC PERIOD COPAN

Investigations of Classic period (a.d. 400–900) settlement in the El Paraiso Valley, western Honduras, have identified a pattern of paired centers that suggests a previously unrecognized model of political organization in the Maya area. In the El Paraiso Valley, the largely contemporary, equally-sized, and proximate centers of El Cafetal and El Paraiso differ radically from one another in their spatial organization, construction techniques, architectural embellishment, use of open space, and portable material culture. Analysis of these differences suggests that El Cafetal was inhabited by an autochthonous population while El Paraiso was founded under the auspices of the Copan dynasty as an administrative outpost. We suggest that the juxtaposition of these two sites results from a regional strategy of sociopolitical integration implemented by Copan rulers that was adapted to the ethnically diverse regions along the edge of the Copan kingdom.
Tailoring arthritis therapy in the wake of the NSAID crisis.

Although the debate over the safety of NSAIDs continues, thousands of more circumscribed — and more urgent — debates take place every day in the offices of physicians. Dr. Nancy Olsen states that our patients need advice now, and their concerns cannot be deferred while we wait for the results of more research.
Ions at the Surface of a Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid

The orientation and interfacial location of both the cation and anion of the ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methyl sulfate and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate have been determined by sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The results indicate that both the cation and anion occupy the first layer at the gas−liquid interface. Further, the methyl groups of the cation and anion are directed away from the liquid phase into the gas phase.
“Vulnerability” in AIDS-affected states: Rethinking child rights, educational institutions, and development paradigms

Abstract The article interrogates current international development constructs of childhood, rights, vulnerability, and schooling in light of the daily experiences of two Malawian children affected by HIV/AIDS. It aims to better understand how development efforts targeted at these children function in practice, and suggests that current development discourses and frameworks may sometimes operate to make the lives of vulnerable children and communities harder and less secure. New frameworks for international HIV/AIDS development programming are needed that conceptualize the child and community as part of global educational, social, political, and economic systems that can fuel inequality as well as improve life experiences.
CUSTOMIZING PRODUCTS USING FUNCTIONAL COMPONENT MATRICES

Modern design methodologies have used Function Component Matrices in a variety of different ways in order to support various facets of an engineering design process. The mapping of functions to components can be used to model and capture the dependencies and relationships that exist. This process is accomplished by breaking down complicated functions into smaller, easier to understand functions. This decomposition allows engineers to get a better understanding for how a change in each component within a product will affect the overall operation of the product. Being able to recognize the impact of the propagation of a sub-function change will give designers a better understanding of the flexibility (or lack thereof) of choices they have when designing a product for customization. In turn they can be used to inform the consumer regarding the consequences their customization choices can have on the final product. This paper discusses how a Functional Component Matrix (FCM) can be used to assist in this process of product customization and understanding change propagation.
Observation of a possible pure electric quadrupole transition in solid Cs2NaSmCl6

Abstract A no-phonon transition has been observed in Cs2NaSmCl6 at 6355 cm−1. This transition is assigned, in octahedral symmetry, as E″u(6H 5 2 ) → E'u(6F 1 2 ) and is proposed to be of pure electric quadrupole origin. A comparison between the experimental and calculated intensity and the orientation-dependent intensity of an associated vibronic transition lend support to this assignment.
Improvement of Agrobacterium -mediated transformation frequency in multiple modern elite commercial maize ( Zea mays L.) inbreds by media modifications

The current study describes a robust, high-frequency Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol suitable for multiple recalcitrant modern elite commercial maize inbreds employing media modifications with glucose, cupric sulfate and a cytokinin, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). An optimal combination of these three key elements in the co-cultivation, resting, and selection media resulted in 4- to 14-fold improvements in transformation frequencies at the T0 plant level of 9.7, 31.9, 9.6 and 10.0 % for PH4CN, PH12BN, PHW0V and PH17R8, respectively. Transformation frequency in PH1CP1 was also improved at the T0 tissue level from 2.5 to 8.3 %. The addition of cupric sulfate and BAP in the co-cultivation medium improved transformation frequency in all inbreds except PH4CN. The use of cupric sulfate and BAP in combination with additional glucose in the selection medium was especially important, significantly improving the transformation frequency in 3 (PH4CN, PHW0V and PH1CP1) out of 5 inbreds by increasing the proliferation of high quality regenerable tissue. It was observed that the amount/ratio of these three components needed to be optimized for each inbred. The results in this study can be applied to optimize the tissue culture response and improve transformation frequency in other recalcitrant elite commercial maize inbreds.
Life and Death Decisions: Ceramide Generation and EGF Receptor Trafficking Are Modulated by Oxidative Stress

Reactive oxidants are associated with the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases and affect various cell functions, from proliferation to apoptosis. We have shown that oxidants exert growth control on airway epithelial cells by modulating upstream receptor function. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidative stress modulates ceramide levels to induce apoptosis in lung epithelium. Depletion of glutathione in lung epithelial cells results in ceramide accumulation, suggesting that ceramide elevation, coupled to oxidative stress, initiates apoptosis. While it is desirable to prevent cell death and tissue injury induced by oxidants in diseases such as asthma or acute respiratory distress syndrome, the opposite is sought in cancer. But oxidants may also activate growth factor receptors, enhancing cell proliferation and facilitating tumor promotion. Under oxidative stress, phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is abrogated at tyrosine 1,045, the docking site for the ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl, rendering EGFR unable to recruit c-Cbl and be ubiquitylated and degraded. We thus proposed that this deficiency, which confers prolonged receptor signaling at the plasma membrane, links oxidative stress, EGFR, and tumorigenesis. Decoding the molecular interactions between oxidative stress and ceramide pathways and characterizing ubiquitylation control of receptor desensitization should provide new strategies for intervention in diverse pulmonary diseases and in diagnosing and eradicating cancer.
Organometallic derivatives of N-phenylmaleimidetriazoles and quinonetriazoles

The syntheses, properties, and structures of Mn, Cr, Re, and W organometallic derivatives of N-phenyl-1,2,3-triazoles and quinone-1,2,3-triazoles are described. The X-ray structures of eleven compounds are described. 9, a = 11.588(2), b = 11.904(2), 14.179(2) A, α = 69.407(3)°, β = 70.879(3)°, γ = 78.627(3)°, P-1, R = 0.0739. 10, a = 7.643(1), 9.375(1), 13.077(2) A, α = 74.292(2)°, β = 74.763(2)°, γ = 71.694(2)°. P-1, R = 0.0415. 11, a = 14.325(4) A, b = 17.508(5) A, c = 15.465(5), β = 99.282(5)°, P2/n, R = 0.0610. 17, a = 7.679(2) A, b = 9.273(2) A, c = 13.084(3) A, α = 75.166(3)°, β = 74.651(3)°, γ = 71.613(3)°, P-1, R = 0.0428. 18, a = 5.757(1), 13.470(3), 23.056(4) A, P212121, R = 0.0697. 19, a = 8.118(1) A, b = 10.471(2), 15.027(2) A, α = 72.848(2)°, β = 82.237(2)°, γ = 71.829(2)°, P-1, R = 0.0597. 23, a = 7.993(1), 9.302(1) A. C = 13.318(2) A, α = 94.471(2)°, β = 105.269(2)°, γ = 109.523(2)°, P-1, R = 0.0271. 24, a = 7.583(4), 9.595(5), 13.030(6) A, α = 76.389(7)°, β = 74.883(7)°, γ = 71.102(7)°, P-1, R = 0.0502. 26, a = 32.757(5) A, b = 6.7083(9) A, c = 26.033(4) A, β = 128.895(5)°, C2/c, R = 0.0489. 31, a = 8.302(2), 8.347(2), 13.794(4) A, α = 85.749(4)°, β = 81.176(4)°, γ = 74.849(4)°, P-1, R = 0.0400. 32, a = 11.321(2) A, b = 12.110(2), 18.179(3) A, β = 103.951(3)°, P21/c, R = 0.0318.
Tolerability of recombinant-methionyl human neurotrophin-3 (r-metHuNT3) in healthy subjects.

This phase I, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluated the safety of single and multiple (daily for 7 days) subcutaneous administrations of recombinant–methionyl human neurotrophin-3 (r-metHuNT3) in healthy human volunteers at seven doses, ranging from 3 to 500 μg/kg/day. No serious or life-threatening adverse events occurred. The most frequently recorded adverse effects were mild injection-site pain, diarrhea, and elevation of liver function tests. No change in neurologic function was noted with these dosing regimens. We conclude that r-metHuNT3 is safe and well tolerated in the dosages used in this study. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 23: 189–192, 2000.
Dermatitis venenata due to chrysanthemums

Abstract A case of dermatitis venenata is reported due to chrysanthemums (pompons). The leaves were largely the irritating factors. By patch test the ether soluble fraction of the leaves gave positive reactions. The water soluble fraction containing most of the protein gave no reaction. Passive transfer was unsuccessful. Dermatitis venenata due to chrysanthemums is an example of marked skin sensitiveness, such as is observed in rhus and primrose dermatitis.
Responses of soil biota to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide

Increasing concentrations of atmospheric CO2 could have dramatic effects upon terrestrial ecosystems including changes in ecosystem structure, nutrient cycling rates, net primary production, C source-sink relationships and successional patterns. All of these potential changes will be constrained to some degree by below ground processes and mediated by responses of soil biota to indirect effects of CO2 enrichment. A review of our current state of knowledge regarding responses of soil biota is presented, covering responses of mycorrhizae, N-fixing bacteria and actinomycetes, soil microbiota, plant pathogens, and soil fauna. Emphasis will be placed on consequences to biota of increasing C input through the rhizosphere and resulting feedbacks to above ground systems. Rising CO2 may also result in altered nutrient concentrations of plant litter, potentially changing decomposition rates through indirect effects upon decomposer communities. Thus, this review will also cover current information on decomposition of litter produced at elevated CO2.
Human Tails and Associated Spinal Anomalies

Human tails have been described intermittently in the literature, typically as isolated cases with varying forms of malformation. Attempts have been made to differentiate "true" tails from "taillike" appearances. Unless identified, underlying occult spinal disorders, mass effect, and/or tethering of the spinal cord may lead to progressive neurologic damage. We report three patients with "tails" and the associated spinal anomalies.
A parallel algorithm for solving the Eikonal equation

A large variety of methods based on partial differential equations (PDE) use the interface propagation. For their flexibility these methods are being more and more applied to various problems ranging from physics, fluid mechanics to control theory and computer vision. The solution of the PDE-based interface evolution is in itself a complex iterative computational task involving a great number of iterations (unknown a priori). Therefore, these applications are very demanding on the hardware and their real-time implementation is still a challenging problem. An efficient implementation could be done by using a specific parallel architecture. This paper proposes an original, entirely parallel algorithm to solve the Eikonal equation. Which is the base of applications using a weighted distance function. This algorithm allows the parallel implementation of active contours methods or continuous watershed on a specific hardware.
Relating lab to life: Decrements in attention over time predict math productivity among children with ADHD

A child's ability to sustain attention over time (AOT) is critical in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet no prior work has examined the extent to which a child's decrement in AOT on laboratory tasks relates to clinically-relevant behavior. The goal of this study is to provide initial evidence for the criterion validity of laboratory assessments of AOT. A total of 20 children with ADHD (7-12 years of age) who were enrolled in a summer treatment program completed two lab attention tasks (a continuous performance task and a self-paced choice discrimination task) and math seatwork. Analyses focused on relations between attention task parameters and math productivity. Individual differences in overall attention (OA) measures (averaged across time) accounted for 23% of the variance in math productivity, supporting the criterion validity of lab measures of attention. The criterion validity was enhanced by consideration of changes in AOT. Performance on all laboratory attention measures deteriorated as time-on-task increased, and individual differences in the decrement in AOT accounted for 40% of the variance in math productivity. The only variable to uniquely predict math productivity was from the self-paced choice discrimination task. This study suggests that attention tasks in the lab do predict a clinically-relevant target behavior in children with ADHD, supporting their use as a means to study attention processes in a controlled environment. Furthermore, this prediction is improved when attention is examined as a function of time-on-task and when the attentional demands are consistent between lab and life contexts.
T helper cells, IL-2 and the generation of cytotoxic T-cell responses

CD8 T-cell immunity is thought to require helper activity derived from CD4 T cells. Nevertheless, under some circumstances, effective CD8-dependent T-cell responses occur in vivo without CD4 T-cell help. Several recent papers help to explain this paradox and lead to a refined view concerning the role of T helper cells and interleukin-2 receptor signaling in the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Void Avoidance in Three-Dimensional Mobile Underwater Sensor Networks

Mobile underwater sensor networks are usually featured with three-dimensional topology, high node mobility and long propagation delays. For such networks, geographic routing has been shown to be very suitable. However, routing voids pose great challenges on the greedy policy used in most geographic routing protocols. The problem is more severe for underwater sensor networks because of node mobility and three-dimensional topology. In this paper, we propose a void avoidance protocol, called Vector-Based Void Avoidance (VBVA), to address the routing void problem in mobile underwater sensor networks. VBVA adopts two mechanisms, vector-shift and back-pressure, to handle voids. Vector-shift mechanism is used to route data packets along the boundary of a void. Back-pressure mechanism routes data packets backward to bypass a concave void. VBVA handles the routing void problem on demand and thus does not need to know network topology and void information in advance. Therefore, it is very robust to cope with mobile voids in mobile networks. To the best of our knowledge, VBVA is the first void avoidance protocol to address the three-dimensional and mobile void problems in underwater sensor networks. Our simulation results show that VBVA works effectively and efficiently in mobile underwater sensor networks.
The General Concept of Antinomicity

Antinomicity is not necessarily dependent on negation; there is a more general conception of antinomicity based on the fundamental idea of opposition. To study this fact is indispensable to show first that truth and falsity are independent of assertion and negation. Then it can be seen that antinomies can be found everywhere, and that some single categories are in intrinsic opposition with themselves while others are opposed to one another in pairs. An antinomic ‘manifesto’ concludes the work.
Reliability Analysis of Carbon Dioxide Reduction Systems

Sabatier, Bosch, Advanced Carbon-formation Reactor System (ACRS), and carbon dioxide electrolysis are familiar candidate carbon dioxide reduction systems for long space missions that require recycling life support. This work compares their theoretical maximum reliability using traditional reliability analysis. The technology schematics are reviewed to develop the system components parts list. All the components are assumed to have a constant failure rate over time. These failure rates are estimated using historical reliability data for similar components. For a single string or non-redundant system, the overall system failure rate is simply the sum of the component failure rates. As expected, Sabatier has the lowest parts count and the lowest theoretical failure rate.
The effects of gravity on human walking: a new test of the dynamic similarity hypothesis using a predictive model

The dynamic similarity hypothesis (DSH) suggests that differences in animal locomotor biomechanics are due mostly to differences in size. According to the DSH, when the ratios of inertial to gravitational forces are equal between two animals that differ in size [e.g. at equal Froude numbers, where Froude = velocity2/(gravity × hip height)], their movements can be made similar by multiplying all time durations by one constant, all forces by a second constant and all linear distances by a third constant. The DSH has been generally supported by numerous comparative studies showing that as inertial forces differ (i.e. differences in the centripetal force acting on the animal due to variation in hip heights), animals walk with dynamic similarity. However, humans walking in simulated reduced gravity do not walk with dynamically similar kinematics. The simulated gravity experiments did not completely account for the effects of gravity on all body segments, and the importance of gravity in the DSH requires further examination. This study uses a kinematic model to predict the effects of gravity on human locomotion, taking into account both the effects of gravitational forces on the upper body and on the limbs. Results show that dynamic similarity is maintained in altered gravitational environments. Thus, the DSH does account for differences in the inertial forces governing locomotion (e.g. differences in hip height) as well as differences in the gravitational forces governing locomotion.
The effects of human personality on human-agent interactions

Currently more and more agents are involved in human routine activities and a mixed human-agent society is thus formed by the humans and the agents involved. The relationship between humans and agents in this mixed society is subtle and it is vital to explore the influence that agents bring into the society. In this paper, we try to investigate a few questions: will humans act differently towards a person and an agent? Do humans' personality types influence their decisions? To figure out these questions, we use the Keirsey Temperament Sorter-II (KTS-II), which is related to Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to test human subjects' personality types. Then the cake-cutting game and the ultimatum game are played by the human subjects and the agents. Though the ultimatum game was used in preceding works to study human behavior, only human subjects were used and KTS-II was not used. We expect that humans will treat a person and an agent differently and personality types will influence humans' decision.
The effect of cold storage on the inhibitory action of isoprenaline, phenylephrine and nicotine on the mechanical and membranal activities of guinea-pig taenia caecum.

Summary 1 The effects of prolonged cold storage on the mechanical and membranal responses to stimulation of α- and β-adrenoceptors by phenylephrine and isoprenaline, respectively, were studied on the guinea-pig taenia caecum. 2 Cold storage invariably caused a decrease in the resting membrane potential, and this effect was enhanced as the duration of treatment was prolonged. 3 After cold storage (18 days) the tissue potassium ion content (89·7 ± 1·7 mmol/kg wet wt.) was decreased to 30·5 ± 1·9 mmol/kg wet wt. whereas that for sodium (69·2 ± 1·4 mmol/kg wet wt.) increased to 134·0 ± 2·3 mmol/kg wet wt. 4 In the fresh preparations, phenylephrine (1 and 2 μm) caused a cessation of spontaneous action potentials, accompanied by hyperpolarization of the membrane and relaxation of the muscle. These effects were markedly diminished after 18 days of cold storage. Isoprenaline (1 and 2 μm) also blocked the action potentials and caused a concomitant muscle relaxation, but in most cases the hyperpolarization was not observed. After 14 days of cold storage these mechanical and membranal changes associated with isoprenaline treatment were not demonstrable in most preparations. 5 Nicotine (5 μm and 50 μm) produced a biphasic effect, cessation of the action potential, hyperpolarization and subsequent relaxation followed by a long lasting depolarization, an accelerated discharge of action potentials and an increase in muscle tension. After a few days of cold storage the hyperpolarization effect disappeared but the intensity of the long-lasting depolarization as well as the contractile effects were increased. After cold storage for more than 7 days, nicotine did not affect mechanical or electrical activity. 6 Dibutyryl 3′5′ cyclic AMP (1 μm to 500 μm) failed to affect the mechanical and electrical activities of taenia caecum. 7 Phenylephrine and isoprenaline had no effect on the high potassium-depolarized taenia. 8 These observations suggest that the electro-mechanical effect of an α-adrenoceptor stimulant on the guinea-pig taenia caecum is more resistant to cold treatment than that of a β-adrenoceptor stimulant. This inhibitory system of stimulation of both α- and β-receptors of guinea-pig taenia caecum may react by different mechanisms. The results also demonstrate that cold storage itself changes the membrane permeability to ions and the tissue ion content (Na+ and K+) of smooth muscle of guinea-pig taenia caecum.
Safety of verteporfin for treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes associated with age-related macular degeneration

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel treatment entity that exploits the photophysical properties of various photosensitive chemical entities which, upon light activation, results in targeted photooxidation and subsequent tissue destruction. The antiangiogenic properties of PDT have been adapted for treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes due to disease states such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Historically, PDT has been limited by a lack of suitable photosensitive dyes. However, agents such as verteporfin, a second-generation benzoporphyrin derivative, appear to be free from the extensive phototoxicity that limited the success of previous agents. Verteporfin has a high affinity for choroidal neovascular membranes, typically found with exudative AMD, and upon photoactivation results in targeted microvascular damage and thrombus formation with resultant vessel occlusion. Scrutiny of diagnostic indicators for verteporfin administration, including critical angiographic evaluation of lesion size and visual acuity, is essential to treatment success. Large lesions with relatively good visual acuity (20/50 or better) may be at particular risk for marked vision loss following verteporfin administration. Lesion composition also appears to influence visual outcome with verteporfin use. The safety of verteporfin is directly dependent upon the appropriate integration of dosage, infusion and light activation required for a suitable pharmacotherapeutic outcome. When used appropriately, and with adequate patient education regarding photosensitivity, the risk-benefit of verteporfin for the medical treatment of neovascular AMD is favourable.
Wireless traffic: The failure of CBR modeling

When new wireless technologies are deployed and subjected to real usage patterns, unforeseen performance problems inevitably seem to arise, to be fixed only in later generations. Why do these performance issues fail to appear in experimental settings before the technology is deployed? We believe that one of the major reasons behind the discrepancies found between experimental performance evaluations and real-world experience lies in the unrealistic workload patterns typically used in experiments. One of the significant contributions of this work is to rigorously demonstrate that common synthetic traffic models for wireless local-area networks induce drastically distorted performance metrics at every layer of the protocol stack. In order to show this, we present a testable definition of “sufficient realism” for traffic models, and develop the theoretical methodology necessary to interpret experimental results using this definition. Finally, we show by example that this distortion can completely invert the relative performance of protocols. The greater overall contribution of this paper, however, is the complete collection of ideas, techniques and analytical tools that will allow the development of more realistic synthetic traffic models in the future.
Analysis of Long-Term Endoscopic Surveillance During Follow-up After Variceal Sclerotherapy From a 13-Year Experience

Abstract PURPOSE: To evaluate the course of patients with bleeding esophageal varices treated with endoscopic sclerotherapy after obliterating varices and to determine the cost benefits of long-term endoscopic surveillance from a retrospective analysis of a 13-year experience. LOCATION: University-affiliated teaching hospital and county facility. METHODS: Patients whose varices were obliterated by endoscopic sclerotherapy were considered for the study if they had a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Sclerotherapy was initially performed weekly, increasing intervals to eventual yearly treatments. Varices were reobliterated if they reformed. Variables assessed were rebleeding, mortality, employment status, and cost based on allowable and reimbursed Medicare rates. RESULTS: Of 324 patients who achieved variceal obliteration, analysis included 104 eligible patients who were followed up for >12 months (41 ± 28). Varices reformed in 73 patients (71%), mostly in the first year after obliteration or reobliteration. Abstinent alcoholic patients were least likely to reform varices. Nineteen patients (18%) had 23 rebleeding episodes, and in 10 patients (10%) portalsystemic shunt was placed. Survival was 84% and bleeding-related mortality was 6%. Significantly more patients were employed while on the program compared with entry. The yearly cost of treating variceal reformers ($2,117) was significantly higher than variceal nonreformers ($1,735), but the overall cost of maintaining a patient on a chronic sclerotherapy program was relatively small. CONCLUSIONS: The low rebleeding, low mortality, and relatively low cost in patients managed long term by chronic sclerotherapy underscores the benefits of this treatment program.
The role of multiple microscopic mechanisms in cluster interface evolution

Abstract In this paper we discuss mesoscopic models describing pattern formation mechanisms for a prototypical model of surface processes that involves multiple microscopic mechanisms. We focus on a mean field partial differential equation, which contains qualitatively microscopic information on particle–particle interactions and multiple particle dynamics, and we rigorously derive the macroscopic cluster evolution laws and transport structure. We show that the motion by mean curvature is given by V = μ σ κ , where k is the mean curvature, σ is the surface tension and μ is an effective mobility that depends on the presence of the multiple mechanisms and speeds up the cluster evolution. This is in contrast with the Allen–Cahn equation where V = κ .
Collaboration and fairness in opportunistic spectrum access

The open spectrum approach to spectrum access can achieve near-optimal spectrum utilization by letting users sense and utilize available spectrum opportunistically. However, naive spectrum assignment can lead to significant interference. We propose a network controlled spectrum access scheme where users behave collaboratively to optimize spectrum allocation for the entire network. We develop a graph-theoretical model to characterize the spectrum access problem under a number of different optimization functions, and devise rules for users to utilize available spectrum while avoiding interference with their neighbors. Experimental results confirm that user collaboration yields significant benefits (as much as 50% improvement) in opportunistic spectrum access.
Active opioid use does not attenuate the humoral responses to inactivated influenza vaccine

Background Influenza vaccination is recommended for vulnerable individuals, including active drug users, to prevent influenza complications and decrease influenza spread. Recent studies suggest that opioids negatively regulate immune responses in experimental models, but the extent to which opioid use will affect the humoral responses to influenza vaccine in humans is unknown. This information is critical in maximizing vaccination efforts.
Pairwise Tests of Equal Forecast Accuracy

This essay reviews recent work regarding pairwise tests of equal forecast accuracy between nested and non-nested models. While some technical details are given, special emphasis is placed on the practical implementation of the tests.
Photosynthesis: A Dynamic Process

Algae are endowed with oxygenic photosynthesis, enabling conversion of solar energy into chemical energy. Production of biofuels from algae also depends on photosynthetic efficiency, and comprehension of the photosynthetic process is therefore essential, especially if production of cheap energy carriers is considered, and requires to maximize productivity for a sustainable system.
The effects and perceptions of trained peer feedback in L2 speaking: impact on revision and speaking quality

ABSTRACTThe present study examined the impact of trained peer feedback on Spanish as a second language (L2) in terms of language performance, nature of feedback, and perceptions of peer feedback in speaking tasks. Participants in the study included 17 intermediate L2 Spanish learners enrolled in a conversation course that incorporated peer feedback practices in a multiple draft-based approach to practice L2 speaking. Pre-intervention questionnaires, various drafts of learner speech samples, peers’ written feedback, and post-intervention questionnaires were administered and analyzed. Although significant differences were not found in language performance across multiple speaking drafts, learners reported a positive learning value from the speaking multi-draft approach, which encouraged them to listen to their peers’ speech samples and provide feedback. Moreover, the results show that learners provided affective types of feedback and ventured to contribute comments regarding language accuracy. The present s...
Growth and Characterization of Crystalline Silica Films on Pd(100)

Silica films grown on Pd(100) were characterized by Auger electron spectroscopy, low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). While no evidence of long-range order could be detected for films grown below 600 K, STM images of these films nevertheless revealed flat surfaces through which the step-terrace structure of the substrate could be seen. Annealing the films in 10–6 Torr of O2 above 975 K resulted in crystalline bilayers that produced hexagonal LEED patterns with a periodicity twice that of the substrate and with one of the overlayer close-packed directions paralleling Pd[011]. The extent of the crystalline domains was limited to typically five repeat units along two of the three close-packed directions of the film but was tens of repeat units long along the third. The lattice matching to the substrate expands the spacing in the bilayer on Pd(100) compared to bulk crystalline SiO2 and bilayers observed on other substrates; as a consequence, it is suggested that the...
Allies and Enemies: Pro-Kurdish Parties in Turkish Politics, 1990–94

Preventing the development of an ethnic Kurdish cultural and political movement has been a priority of the Turkish state since the Kurdish-led Shaykh Said Rebellion of 1925.' Nevertheless, beginning around 1959 this effort was steadily if slowly undermined, and events of the past ten years suggest that it has indeed failed. Not only have Kurdish activists gained some measure of international recognition for themselves and for the concept of Kurdish ethnic rights,2 but promoting the notion of specifically Kurdish cultural rights has almost become a standard litany for a wide array of Turkish civic and state actors, from Islamist political parties to business organizations, human-rights groups, prime ministers, and mainstream newspaper columnists. Although the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and its insurgency against Turkey have claimed a great deal of academic and popular attention, it is these diffuse but public re-considerations of minority rights taking place within legitimate Turkish institutions have contributed the most to the sense that past policies of coping with the “Kurdish reality” are ultimately unsustainable, and that it may be difficult, if not impossible, to return to the climate of earlier years, when discussions of ethnic difference were suppressed, limited to the private realm, or confined to the fringes of radical politics.
Crystal Engineering with ⋮C−H···N and C−H···N Hydrogen Bonds

Ethynylpyridines show straight and zigzag chain patterns formed by ⋮C−H···N hydrogen bonds; cross-stitching of zigzag chains by C−H···N hydrogen bonds leads to two-dimensional networks with predictable topology in 5-ethynylpyrimidine.
Deliberative Democracy between Theory and Practice

Deliberative democrats seek to link political choices more closely to the deliberations of common citizens, rather than consigning them to speak only in the desiccated language of checks on a ballot. Sober thinkers from Plato to today, however, have argued that if we want to make good decisions we cannot entrust them to the deliberations of common citizens. Critics argue that deliberative democracy is wildly unworkable in practice. Deliberative Democracy between Theory and Practice cuts across this debate by clarifying the structure of a deliberative democratic system, and goes on to re-evaluate the main empirical challenges to deliberative democracy in light of this new frame. It simultaneously reclaims the wider theory of deliberative democracy and meets the empirical critics squarely on terms that advance, rather than evade, the debate. Doing so has important implications for institutional design, the normative theory of democracy, and priorities for future research and practice.
Transforming Growth Factor Type β (TGF-β) and Adipogenesis in Pigs

The present study was performed on s.c. adipose tissue of fetal pigs at 35 to 110 d of gestation to examine the distribution of TGF-beta-positive cells, to localize TGF-beta immunoreactivity at the cellular level using electron microscopy (EM), and to determine the effect of TGF-beta on primary cultures of pig adipose tissue cells. Tissues for EM were fixed and embedded in LR white resin. Sections then were incubated with a polyclonal antibody specific for TGF-beta and TGF-beta was located using 20 nm colloidal gold conjugated second antibody. Tissues were fixed and embedded in paraffin for localization of TGF-beta at the light microscope (LM) level. Tissues were incubated with anti-TGF-beta followed by localization using biotinylated second antibody. Using LM, only a few cells stained positively for TGF-beta within developing blood vessels at 35 d. By 50 d, more TGF-beta-positive cells were associated with forming capillary networks. Between 70 d and 110 d, positively stained adipocytes usually were clustered around blood vessels. Cells surrounding hair follicles stained positive for TGF-beta between 90 to 110 d. Electron microscopy revealed TGF-beta labeling within fat cells. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells did not exhibit TGF-beta immunoreactivity. The addition of TGF-beta to primary cultures of s.c. adipose tissue cells from newborn pigs prevented lipid filling in fat cells. This effect was dose-dependent, with half-maximal inhibition occurring at 3 pM maximum inhibition occurred at 40 pM. These results indicate that TGF-beta may regulate angiogenic activity and lipid filling in s.c. adipose tissue of fetal pigs. Although TGF-beta was present in adipocytes and in cells associated with developing capillary networks, the physiological role of TGF-beta during early adipose tissue development is not known.
Vitamin E adequacy of vegetable oils.

The value of soybean, corn, and safflower oils in maintaining vitamin E nutriture was assessed.
Technology Based Strategies to Enhance the Therapeutic Ratio

The general purpose of technology is to enable the accomplishment of new objectives or make current objectives easier and more attainable. In radiation oncology, the ultimate objective is to maximize tumor control while minimizing normal tissue complication (i.e., optimizing the therapeutic ratio). Advances in modern technology have continued to push the envelope in terms of maximizing the therapeutic ratio for radiation oncology patients through a variety of means.
Advantages of Synthetic Noise and Machine Learning for Analyzing Radioecological Data Sets.

The ecological effects of accidental or malicious radioactive contamination are insufficiently understood because of the hazards and difficulties associated with conducting studies in radioactively-polluted areas. Data sets from severely contaminated locations can therefore be small. Moreover, many potentially important factors, such as soil concentrations of toxic chemicals, pH, and temperature, can be correlated with radiation levels and with each other. In such situations, commonly-used statistical techniques like generalized linear models (GLMs) may not be able to provide useful information about how radiation and/or these other variables affect the outcome (e.g. abundance of the studied organisms). Ensemble machine learning methods such as random forests offer powerful alternatives. We propose that analysis of small radioecological data sets by GLMs and/or machine learning can be made more informative by using the following techniques: (1) adding synthetic noise variables to provide benchmarks for distinguishing the performances of valuable predictors from irrelevant ones; (2) adding noise directly to the predictors and/or to the outcome to test the robustness of analysis results against random data fluctuations; (3) adding artificial effects to selected predictors to test the sensitivity of the analysis methods in detecting predictor effects; (4) running a selected machine learning method multiple times (with different random-number seeds) to test the robustness of the detected “signal”; (5) using several machine learning methods to test the “signal’s” sensitivity to differences in analysis techniques. Here, we applied these approaches to simulated data, and to two published examples of small radioecological data sets: (I) counts of fungal taxa in samples of soil contaminated by the Chernobyl nuclear power plan accident (Ukraine), and (II) bacterial abundance in soil samples under a ruptured nuclear waste storage tank (USA). We show that the proposed techniques were advantageous compared with the methodology used in the original publications where the data sets were presented. Specifically, our approach identified a negative effect of radioactive contamination in data set I, and suggested that in data set II stable chromium could have been a stronger limiting factor for bacterial abundance than the radionuclides 137Cs and 99Tc. This new information, which was extracted from these data sets using the proposed techniques, can potentially enhance the design of radioactive waste bioremediation.