cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intravascular Molecular Imaging: Near-Infrared Fluorescence as a New Frontier.

Despite exciting advances in structural intravascular imaging [intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT)] that have enabled partial assessment of atheroma burden and high-risk features associated with acute coronary syndromes, structural-based imaging modalities alone do not comprehensively phenotype the complex pathobiology of atherosclerosis. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) is an emerging molecular intravascular imaging modality that allows for in vivo visualization of pathobiological and cellular processes at atheroma plaque level, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal endothelial permeability. Established intravascular NIRF imaging targets include macrophages, cathepsin protease activity, oxidized low-density lipoprotein and abnormal endothelial permeability. Structural and molecular intravascular imaging provide complementary information about plaque microstructure and biology. For this reason, integrated hybrid catheters that combine NIRF-IVUS or NIRF-OCT have been developed to allow co-registration of morphological and molecular processes with a single pullback, as performed for standalone IVUS or OCT. NIRF imaging is approaching application in clinical practice. This will be accelerated by the use of FDA-approved indocyanine green (ICG), which illuminates lipid- and macrophage-rich zones of permeable atheroma. The ability to comprehensively phenotype coronary pathobiology in patients will enable a deeper understanding of plaque pathobiology, improve local and patient-based risk prediction, and usher in a new era of personalized therapy.
The Rise of Automated Investment Advice: Can Robo-Advisers Rescue the Retail Market?

Different types of financial advisers serve the massive and widely dispersed retail investment market. In a market riddled with conflicts of interests, many advisers exploit retail customers by pitching suboptimal products, leading to lower investment returns and lower overall growth — but also to greater profits for the financial advisers collecting kickback-style commissions. New financial technology firms, commonly known as Robo-Advisers, may disrupt this market and these exploitative practices. Still, these potentially disruptive automated investment advice firms face significant regulatory risks.
Factor market competition including energy input in the US economy

This paper examines factor market competition in the US economy with quarterly 1973–2013 data for fixed capital assets, labour force, and energy Btu input. The translog production function is estim...
Horrors of the Great Banal

The iPhone 62 has just been released. Political gridlock and the governmentally approved process of locking immigrant children in cages continue ad infinitum. Public schools resort to primarily rem...
Fear of intimacy and hoarding symptoms: The mediating role of object attachment

Abstract Overview: Hoarding Disorder (HD) is characterized by extreme attachment to one's possessions. Despite a number of studies showing that this attachment may partially be driven by interpersonal dysfunction, few have identified specific factors underlying these interpersonal issues and object attachment (OA) within HD. To address this, we investigated Fear of Intimacy (FOI) which has not been researched in its relation to HD. We predicted that FOI would positively correlate with OA and hoarding symptoms, and FOI would have a significant indirect effect on hoarding symptoms via OA. Method Participants (N = 116) with elevated scores on the Saving Inventory–Revised were recruited to complete a battery of measures. Results Controlling for depression, anxiety, and stress FOI and OA were positively correlated with hoarding symptoms and each other, with mixed results depending on the hoarding measure used. The indirect effect of FOI on hoarding symptoms through OA was significant. Discussion This is the first study to establish FOI as a related factor of HD and show that this relationship might be partially accounted for by OA. These findings provide initial support for a theoretical understanding of HD whereby FOIFOI may predict or maintain the disorder partly due to its relationship with OOA.
Accounting for Ocean and Seabed Variability in Oceanic Waveguide Parameter Estimation

Abstract : The long-term objective of this work is to develop methods for rapid assessment of seabed variability combined with detailed localized geoacoustic inversions to characterize the bottom for shallow-water environments. Consideration is given to spatial and temporal variability of water column properties common to shallow-water environments and their impact on inversion results. Advances made in the work will contribute to development of unified ocean/ seabed/ acoustic models and improved prediction capabilities for USW tactical decision aids. The objective of this research is to expand our understanding of propagation in shallow waters by incorporating high-resolution measurements of both the acoustic field and the ocean environment. The immediate goals of the proposed work are to address research issues relating to parameter estimation derived from acoustic field measurements in shallow water. Parameters of interest include seabed properties (sound speed, density, attenuation) and morphology along with source location. Issues to be addressed include: parameter estimation for geospatially varying bathymetry and sediments; the impact of water column variability on geoacoustic inversion; and the effects of Doppler shift in a waveguide on acoustic measurements and inversion. A particular goal is a comparison of inversion results based on modal eigenvalue estimates and modal dispersion obtained using different co-located data sets.
Incorporation of Precursors into Ribonucleic Acid, Protein, Glycoprotein, and Lipoprotein of Avian Myeloblastosis Virions

Freshly explanted leukemic myeloblasts produce avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) at a constant rate without any obvious cytopathic effect; therefore, subviral components are continually synthesized at a steady rate. The incorporation of various radioactive precursors into virions was monitored by determination of radioactivity in purified virus after density equilibrium sedimentation in preformed sucrose gradients. The kinetics of incorporation of (3)H-uridine have shown that there is an average time interval of 3 to 4 hr (half-life) between the time viral ribo-nucleic acid (RNA) is synthesized and the time it is released as a mature virus particle; this represents the average time interval spent by AMV-RNA in an intracellular pool. Studies with (14)C-phenylalanine have revealed that some protein synthesis takes place at or near the cell surface immediately prior to maturation and release of virus. (14)C-glucosamine also appears to be incorporated into the outer viral envelope shortly before maturation. On the other hand, there is an average lag of about 16 to 20 hr before (14)C-ethanolamine incorporated into intracellular lipoprotein appears in free virions; this probably reflects the kinetics of replacement of cellular surface membrane. Actinomycin D inhibits AMV-RNA within 30 min but permits the maturation of AMV to continue for at least 2 hr. AMV released in the presence of actinomycin D contains AMV-RNA synthesized before the addition of the drug.
Magnetic structure of Dy3+ in hexagonal multiferroic DyMnO3

Element specific x-ray resonant magnetic scattering (XRMS) investigations were undertaken to determine the magnetic structure of the multiferroic compound, hexagonal DyMnO{sub 3}. In the temperature range from 68 K down to 8 K the Dy{sup 3+} moments are aligned and antiferromagnetically correlated in the c direction according to the magnetic representation {Lambda}{sub 3}. The temperature dependence of the observed intensity can be modeled assuming the splitting of ground-state doublet crystal-field levels of Dy{sup 3+} by the exchange field of Mn{sup 3+}. XRMS together with magnetization measurements indicate that the magnetic representation is {Lambda}{sub 2}below 8 K.
Modeling distributed denial of service attack in advanced metering infrastructure

Imminent attacks on critical infrastructure can disrupt operations. It also interrupts information availability. One way through cyberspace is to harness the distributed computing power and flood on targeted systems with massive information as a consequence of denial in service. This paper discusses the distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, a potential cyberthreat in AMI communication network. A typical DDoS includes two stages: (1) agents recruitment stage and (2) actual attack stage. In this paper, various models of malware installation and flooding attack on AMI devices are introduced and potential impacts are studied. Some particular attack scenario is simulated using NS3. We also discussed the potential defense technologies.
Ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block revisited: single shot versus double shot technique for hernia repair in children

Background: We attempted to determine the efficacy of a one plane ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block with a single shot and double shot techniques. Methods: In a randomized single blind study, 90 children, aged 2–12 years, received a single shot (SS) or a double shot (DS) technique for ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric (IG–IH) nerve block for inguinal hernia repair. In the SS group, 0.25 ml·kg–1 of 0.25% bupivacaine was given one fingerbreadth medial to the anterior superior iliac spine under the external oblique aponeurosis. In the DS group, one-third of the total dose of bupivacaine was given as for the SS group. The remaining two-thirds was deposited 0.5 cm above and lateral to the mid-inguinal point deep to the external oblique aponeurosis. Results: The success rates of both techniques were similar, at 72%, although the presence of local anaesthetic in the inguinal canal was significantly higher with the DS technique. The incidence of femoral nerve block was 4.5% with the SS and 9% with the DS technique (P > 0.05). Parental satisfaction with postoperative pain relief was high, at 94%. Conclusions: The DS technique, while technically more difficult, does not improve the success rate of the IG–IH nerve block compared with the SS technique.
Cartesian space dynamic model of serial-parallel structure and its application to dual-arm self-reconfiguration

A Cartesian space forward and inverse dynamic model of the serial-parallel or bracing structure of a dual redundant arm system is formulated and applied to dual-arm system reconfiguration based on a dynamic performance measure. The model allows in-depth analysis of dynamic interactions between local arms, including the inertial coupling between the lower and the upper arms as well as the reduced inertial effect on the upper arm. The model allows the dynamic manipulability of the dual-arm bracing structure to be defined as the capability for generating Cartesian accelerations within joint torque limits, in terms of the dynamic manipulabilities of individual arms. This makes it possible to analyze the effect of dual-arm self-reconfiguration based on dextrous bracing due to relocation of the bracing point, as well as on locking and releasing some of the joints, on its dynamic manipulability. It is shown that the dual-arm dextrous bracing structure can provide a continuously but widely varying range of dynamic performance. >
The logic of complex predicates

In the literature, there are two major proposals for resolving the syntax-semantics mismatch characterizing complex predicates. The ‘verb-raising’ approach resolves the mismatch via syntactic movement (or its analog), whereas the ‘argument-sharing’ approach does so by positing merged argument structures for complex predicates at the syntax-semantics interface. Focusing on two types of complex predicates in Japanese—syntactic compound verbs and the so-called -te form complex predicate—I discuss some novel empirical data posing challenges to both approaches in addition to the set of well-known observations from the literature illustrating the tension between the two strategies. The paper then argues for a synthesis of these two approaches within a variant of categorial grammar, taking advantage of the logical perspective on the syntax-semantics interface characteristic of certain recent variants of categorial grammar. The proposed analysis integrates the analytic insights of the two previous approaches seamlessly, and has both theoretical and empirical advantages over the two: theoretically, it clarifies the deeper connection between the theory-neutral analytic intuitions guiding the two approaches; empirically, it provides straightforward solutions for both the old and new empirical problems, enabling a previously unattained unified treatment of complex predicates that has a wider empirical coverage than its competitors.
POPULATION CHANGE: AN INDICATOR OF FREEWAY IMPACT

By means of historical (census) data and study versus control areas comparison, the impacts of two Chicago freeways are analzyed. Population change is found to be a sensitive indicator of impact, but the effect is modified by the character of the community. Population change is apparently related to distance from the freeway. The spatial pattern of change agrees with the predictions of "Accessibility Acceptance Theory." The results also suggest that effects on population change diminish over time until equilibrium is reached. /Author/
CHRONIC PROSTATITIS: CHARLOTTESVILLE TO SEATTLE

ABSTRACTPurpose: Since few men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) have culturable bacteria by traditional approaches, we used sensitive molecular methods to determine presence of fastidious microorganisms.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 135 men with CP/CPPS by standardized clinical evaluation, and by lower tract localization cultures and chamber counts of expressed prostatic secretions of leukocytes. We excluded from study patients with bacteriuria, bacterial prostatitis, urethritis or positive urethral cultures. Prostate biopsy was obtained using a double-needle technique to limit contamination. We chose molecular approaches because previous studies had used culture antigen detection in urine, urethral swabs and expressed prostatic secretions. However, interpretation of such studies is complicated because urogenital samples often acquire bacteria while passing through the urethra. We used specific and broad-spectrum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.Results: Only 10 ...
An image processing/stereological analysis system for transmission electron microscopy

This study examines the feasibility of combining computer image digitization, image enhancement, and point counting stereological techniques to quantify video images from transmission electron microscopes (TEM). The essential hardware consists of an IBM PC/AT, a Matrox imaging board, a digitizing tablet, a high resolution black and white monitor, and a portable mass storage device. In addition a video camera must be mounted to the TEM. The software is written in three modules which have numerous routines for image acquisition, enhancement, and quantification. Quantification is achieved by selecting an electronic lattice and superimposing it on the cell image. A cursor is moved on the lattice (via the digitizing tablet) and the points are entered into a spreadsheet. One of the major limitations of the system was the reduced resolution inherent in the current hardware. However, sampling experiments showed that one could compensate for the reduced resolution by increasing the magnification of the digitized images, and the stereological values from digitized images compared favorably to those from electron micrographs. Furthermore, the system proved advantageous by eliminating the usual darkroom work, and in enhancing low contrast tissue. In spite of several hardware limitations, the concept of quantifying computer digitized TEM images appears promising.
Minimally invasive tubular access for posterior cervical foraminotomy with three-dimensional microscopic visualization and localization with anterior/posterior imaging.

Abstract Background context Posterior cervical foraminotomy allows decompression of the nerve root with preservation of motion. A previously described endoscopic technique utilizes minimally invasive muscle splitting with routine outpatient discharge. Purpose The approach allows a modified tubular retraction system to be used with three-dimensional visualization and anterior/posterior fluoroscopic imaging, thus allowing easy visualization even in large patients. This approach also allows safe docking of the retractor system on the lateral mass, thus avoiding the cervical spinal canal during exposure. Study design Prone position is utilized, with localization and docking of instrumentation accomplished with anterior/posterior fluoroscopy. Surgery is performed with microscope-facilitated, three-dimensional visualization. Methods Patients were placed in the prone position. Spinal needle localization was used for initial localization followed by a stab wound and placement of a 14-mm tube using sequentially enlarging dilators. Frequent use of anterior/posterior fluoroscopy avoided inadvertent medial placement of the instruments in the canal. A standard neurocapable operating microscope was used with 10X magnification and 400-mm focal length. Results A new minimally invasive posterior cervical approach was performed on 222 patients without dural penetration. Conclusions Posterior foraminal cervical surgery with three-dimensional access and localization with anterior/posterior fluoroscopic imaging allows safe, reproducible docking on the cervical spine with subsequent exploration of the foramen and routine outpatient discharge. Complications related to difficulty with lateral localization in the lower cervical spine, and with inadvertent entry into the cervical spinal canal with possible catastrophic result are thus avoided.
Cell-based therapy for stroke

Current treatments for stroke, such as the use of thrombolytic agents, are often limited by a narrow therapeutic time window. However, the regeneration of the brain after damage is still active days even weeks after stroke occurs, which might provide a second window for treatment. Cell-based therapy can be categorized into two strategies. One is transplantation of exogenous cells into the injured brain to replace the lost cells or support the remaining cells. The other strategy is to enhance the proliferation, differentiation, migration of endogenous stem or progenitor cells. Recent development in adult stem cell research and advancement in the induction of pluripotent stem cells from somatic adult cells provide a tremendous opportunity for transplantation therapy. Understanding the mechanisms and regulations involved in the endogenous neurogenesis will also help develop novel therapeutic interventions to promote neurogenesis and functional recovery in stroke. This review describes up-to-date progresses in cell-based therapy for the treatment of stroke.
Spatial and temporal structure within moisture measurements of a stormwater control system

Summary This study develops novel geostatistical methods to investigate the spatial relationship between individual soil moisture sensors placed within native soil and #57 crushed stone aggregate subbase. The subbase sensors are beneath a 0.06 ha (0.15 acre) pervious concrete parking lot in Cincinnati, OH, USA. The parking lot treats runon from a 0.198 ha (0.49 acre) asphalt area. A geostatistical characterization of moisture (measured as permittivity) in the subbase beneath pervious concrete indicates that significant spatial correlation is either not present or only present at very short distances (
Critically timed ethanol exposure reduces GABAAR function on septal neurons developing in vivo but not in vitro.

Abstract Six-day ‘binge’ ethanol intoxication postnatal days (PD) 4–9 delays up-regulation of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) in developing rat septal neurons [Dev. Brain Res. 130 (2001) 25]. This distortion occurs during synaptogenesis and could contribute to cognitive dysfunction in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Here, we asked two questions concerning requirements for vulnerability to GABAAR blunting by ethanol. First, we asked whether receptor blunting required PD 4–9 ethanol exposure in rat pups and found that just a brief 2-day exposure (PD 8–9) was as effective as all 6 days. However, 2-day exposure on PD 4–5 was ineffective, showing that ‘binge’ timing was important. We also asked whether ‘binge’ exposure directly inhibited intrinsic processes of septal neurons and could blunt GABAARs on cells maturing outside the brain. Embryonic septal neurons grown in serum-free dispersed culture developed extensive dendritic arborizations, spontaneous synaptic activity and robust whole-cell GABAAR function, but surprisingly, did not show developmental up-regulation of GABAARs like septal neurons maturing in vivo [Brain Res. 810 (1998) 100]. Furthermore, age-matched 6-day ‘binge’ ethanol exposure did not blunt GABAAR function in septal neurons in vitro. These results suggest developmental mechanisms driving up-regulation of GABAAR function in septal neurons in vivo briefly becomes vulnerable to ethanol insult in early postnatal life. While septal neurons express comparable functional GABAARs whether maturing in vivo or in vitro, vulnerability to ethanol-induced receptor blunting requires elements of an intact brain environment not replicated in culture.
Virus removal by biogenic cerium.

The rare earth element cerium has been known to exert antifungal and antibacterial properties in the oxidation states +III and +IV. This study reports on an innovative strategy for virus removal in...
Usefulness of onset of the pulmonary wedge V wave in predicting mitral regurgitation.

Abstract Various characteristics of the pulmonary wedge pressure V wave have been related to the degree of mitral regurgitation (MR). None has been found to correlate satisfactorily. In 1957, Connolly and Wood 1 suggested that the time of the onset of the V wave, in relation to electrical systole, was earlier in patients with MR compared to normal subjects. The present study is the first to correlate the onset of the V wave with angiographically determined MR in patients with a wide variety of cardiovascular disorders. In addition, we sought to determine what factors may influence the time of onset of the V wave.
Prison Conditions at the Extreme Legal and Political Issues in the Closing of West Virginia's Prisons for Men and Women

This article examines the prison conditions in West Virginia leading to the closing of both the Women's Prison and the Penitentiary. It focuses on the Crain v. Bordenkircher case surrounding conditions at the Penitentiary, tracing the struggle over prison conditions from the inmate lawsuit of 1981 to the opening of a new penitentiary in the mid-1990s. Theoretical issues surrounding judicial intervention are also examined.
Ellipsoidal corrections for geoid undulation computations using gravity anomalies in a cap

Ellipsoidal correction terms have been derived for geoid undulation computations when the Stokes equation using gravity anomalies in a cap is combined with potential coefficient information. The correction terms are long wavelength and depend on the cap size in which its gravity anomalies are given. Using the regular Stokes equation, the maximum correction for a cap size of 20 deg is -33 cm, which reduces to -27 cm when the Stokes function is modified by subtracting the value of the Stokes function at the cap radius. Ellipsoidal correction terms were also derived for the well-known Marsh/Chang geoids. When no gravity was used, the correction could reach 101 cm, while for a cap size of 20 deg the maximum correction was -45 cm. Global correction maps are given for a number of different cases. For work requiring accurate geoid computations these correction terms should be applied.
Comments on the electrostatic minimum potential (V(min)) as a measure of the electron-donating power of PZ(3).

In a recent publication, Suresh and Koga suggested that the molecular electrostatic potential minimum (Vmin) could be used as a quantitative measure of the “σ donating power” of substituted phosphorus(III) ligands. In support of this assertion, they showed linear correlations between a number of physicochemical properties and Vmin. Our examination of the analyses of the sets of experimental data used to support this assertion shows unequivocally that the variations in the properties cannot be described by a single parameter. Therefore, the utility of Vmin as a measure of the “σ donating power” of substituted phosphorus(III) ligands remains unsubstantiated.
UNIVERSALITY IN RANDOM-WALK MODELS WITH BIRTH AND DEATH

Models of random walks are considered in which walkers are born at one site and die at all other sites. Steady-state distributions of walkers exhibit dimensionally dependent critical behavior as a function of the birth rate. Exact analytical results for a hyperspherical lattice yield a second-order phase transition with a nontrivial critical exponent for all positive dimensions {ital D}{ne}2, 4. Numerical studies of hypercubic and fractal lattices indicate that these exact results are universal. This work elucidates the adsorption transition of polymers at curved interfaces. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital The} {ital American} {ital Physical} {ital Society}.
Halothane-dependent lipid peroxidation in human liver microsomes is catalyzed by cytochrome P4502A6 (CYP2A6).

Background Halothane is extensively (approximately 50%) metabolized in humans and undergoes both oxidative and reductive cytochrome P450-catalyzed hepatic biotransformation. Halothane is reduced under low oxygen tensions by CYP2A6 and CYP3A4 in human liver microsome to an unstable free radical, and then to the volatile metabolites chlorodifluoroethene (CDE) and chlorotrifluoroethane (CTE). The free radical is also thought to initiate lipid peroxidation. Halothane-dependent lipid peroxidation has been shown in animals in vitro and in vivo but has not been evaluated in humans. This investigation tested the hypothesis that halothane causes lipid peroxidation in human liver microsomes, identified P450 isoforms responsible for halothane-dependent lipid peroxidation, and tested the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation is prevented by inhibiting halothane reduction. Methods Halothane metabolism was determined using human liver microsomes or cDNA-expressed P450. Lipid peroxidation was quantified by malondialdehyde (MDA) formation using high-pressure liquid chromatography-ultraviolet analysis of the thiobarbituric acid-MDA adduct. CTE and CDE were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results Halothane caused MDA formation in human liver microsomes at rates much lower than in rat liver microsomes. Human liver microsomal MDA production exhibited biphasic enzyme kinetics, similar to CDE and CTE production. MDA production was inhibited by the CYP2A6 inhibitor methoxsalen but not by the CYP3A4 inhibitor troleandomycin. Halothane-dependent MDA production was catalyzed by cDNA-expressed CYP2A6 but not CYP3A4 or P450 reductase alone. CYP2A6-catalyzed MDA production was inhibited by methoxsalen or anti-CYP2A6 antibody. Conclusions Halothane causes lipid peroxidation in human liver microsomes, which is catalyzed by CYP2A6, and inhibition of halothane reduction prevents halothane-dependent lipid peroxidation in vitro.
Time-critical distributed contact for 6-DoF haptic rendering of adaptively sampled reduced deformable models

Real-time evaluation of distributed contact forces for rigid or deformable 3D objects is important for providing multi-sensory feedback in emerging real-time applications, such as 6-DoF haptic force-feedback rendering. Unfortunately, at very high temporal rates (1 kHz for haptics), there is often insufficient time to resolve distributed contact between geometrically complex objects.In this paper, we present a spatially and temporally adaptive sample-based approach to approximate contact forces under hard real-time constraints. The approach is CPU based, and supports contact between a rigid and a reduced deformable model with complex geometry. Penalty-based contact forces are efficiently resolved using a multi-resolution point-based representation for one object, and a signed-distance field for the other. Hard realtime approximation of distributed contact forces uses multi-level progressive point-contact sampling, and exploits temporal coherence, graceful degradation and other optimizations. We present several examples of 6-DoF haptic rendering of geometrically complex rigid and deformable objects in distributed contact at real-time kilohertz rates.
15 Sequelae of Traumatic and Pathologic Changes: The Orthodontist’s Viewpoint

To apply orthodontic therapy rationally, the anatomic and physiologic deviations from normal growth and function which result from traumatic or pathologic experiences must be understood. A differentiation must be made between functional and structural dental malocclusions. Treatment of malocclusions resulting from traumatic or pathologic injuries to condylar growth centers or hyperplasia of these centers should be instituted after facial growth has been completed or at least after the pubertal growth period. To achieve the maximum result, the efforts of the orthodontist, the general practitioner, and the oral surgeon must be coordinated.
In vivo demonstration of maturational changes of the chronotropic response to α-adrenergic stimulation

ABSTRACT: In vitro studies suggest that neonates and adults may have different cardiac chronotropic responses to α-adrenergic stimulation. To investigate these differences in vivo, three groups of dogs were studied. Group I = 12 puppies, ages 3–7 days; group II = 12 puppies ages 8–15 days, and group III = seven adult dogs. Heart rate and blood pressure determinations were made in the control setting and then after combined β-adrenergic and parasympathetic blockade (propranolol 0.6 mg/kg and bilateral vagotomies). Alpha-stimulation was then achieved with phenylephrine given in doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 10.0 μg/kg/min. A second, high dose of propranolol (1.0 mg/kg intravenously) was administered after the highest phenylephrine infusion dosage to assure complete β-blockade. Finally, α-blockade was achieved with phentolamine (groups I and II: 0.5 mg intravenously; group III: 5.0 mg intravenously). An α-mediated positive chronotropic effect was observed in 42 and 100% of subjects in groups I and II, respectively, but never observed in the adults. Whereas α-blockade with phentolamine resulted in a large decrease in heart rate of all puppies (groups I and II), it had no effect on adults. Blood pressure responses were similar in all three groups. Thus, there are important maturational changes in the chronotropic response to α-adrenergic stimulation and blockade demonstrable in the intact neonatal canine.
The density and temperature dependence of the viscosity and thermal conductivity of dense simple fluids

Abstract This paper discusses the experimental information on the transport properties of dense simple fluids with emphasis on the compressed and saturated liquid states. Similarities and differences in the wide range density and temperature dependencies of the viscosity and thermal conductivity coefficients are summarized. The excess transport properties of argon, helium, hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide are graphically compared in the same reduced density and temperature ranges.
Cytotoxic gene therapy for human breast cancer in vitro.

Background Transcription factor PDX-1 is expressed by human pancreatic and breast cancers. Although cytotoxicity of PDX-1-directed RIP-TK/GCV gene therapy to pancreatic cancer cells has been demonstrated, the efficacy of this treatment in breast cancer cells is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of PDX-1 and its effect on RIP activation in two human breast cancer cell lines, AU565 and T47D. We also investigated the efficacy of RIP-TK/GCV gene therapy and examined whether exogenous PDX-1 to would enhance its cytotoxic effect. Materials and methods RT-PCR was used to determine PDX-1 expression. Gene constructs RSVLacZ and RIPLacZ were used for transient transfection and LacZ expression was determined using reporter assays. T47D cells were also transfected with adenoviral vectors. Cells were transfected with RIP-TK and the suboptimal level of GCV was determined for each cell line. Following GCV treatment, cytotoxicity was measured using MTS assays. The effect of exogenous PDX-1 on LacZ expression and RIP-TK cytotoxicity was determined. Results PDX-1 mRNA was expressed in human breast cancer cells and activated the RIP. Exogenous PDX-1 enhanced LacZ expression in AU565 cells but not in T47D cells. Adenoviral transfection was more efficient in T47D cells than non-viral transfection. RIP-TK treatment was cytotoxic to AU565 and T47D cells and this effect was enhanced by exogenous PDX-1 with both transfection methods. Conclusions RIP-TK/GCV therapy is cytotoxic to human breast cancer cells and exogenous PDX-1 enhances cytotoxicity. In vivo studies are necessary to determine the tumor specificity and efficacy of this treatment.
Establishing continuity of self-memory boxes in dementia facilities for older adults: Their use and usefulness

Spatial and detailed design aspects of dementia care centers deserve attention because they contribute to the overall experience of vulnerable individuals who need more support from the designed environment. This study examined the use and usefulness of memory boxes (wall-mounted display cases) at the entrances to resident rooms in dementia care facilities. Environmental walk-throughs, photodocumentation, memory box inventory, and staff interviews in three residential care facilities confirmed that memory boxes were beneficial in creating identity, assisting in orientation and wayfinding, and encouraging reminiscence. An additional use that emerged from this study was their usefulness as a tool for staff.
Priority-based selective H.264 SVC streaming over erroneous converged networks

This paper provides a detailed description and discussion of new optimal H.264 scalable video coding (SVC) transmission method over multi-path networks that have variable packet loss rates (PLR). The proposed method has three steps: (1) using flexible macroblock ordering (FMO), it prioritizes SVC layers and slice groups (SG) according to their affect on video quality; (2) it measures current channel status and predicts future bandwidths (BW); and (3) it allocates SVC layers and SGs to the prioritized channels by PLR. Experiments show that the proposed selective streaming method can improve video quality as much as 3.4 dB in peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and has better error resilience than traditional streaming methods.
The Meaning of “Early” Diagnosis in a New Era of Cystic Fibrosis Care

In 1970, a great pioneer clinical researcher in cystic fibrosis (CF), Dr Harry Shwachman, identified a very significant survival advantage for patients with CF who were given their diagnosis before 3 months of age if they were well enough to avoid initial hospitalization.1 His article in Pediatrics was provocative and uniquely impressive at the time, because he showed dramatically better outcomes in the early-diagnosis group without even publishing statistical analyses. Accordingly, Shwachman asserted that “early” diagnosis meant that patients with CF would be identified by 3 months of age. On the other hand, he recognized that this would be impossible without newborn screening. I remember vividly sitting next to Harry in 1975 at a National Academy of Sciences workshop on CF diagnosis2 while he argued forcefully for newborn screening as the method of identifying potential patients with CF for confirmatory sweat tests, rather than the traditional method of reacting to signs/symptoms of the disease. Now, 3 decades later, Sims et al3 (in this issue of Pediatrics ) have redefined the meaning of … Address correspondence to Philip M. Farrell, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, 610 Walnut St, Madison, WI 53726. E-mail: pmfarrell{at}wisc.edu
Selection Instensity for Milk Production in Iowa Holstein Bull Dams

Abstract The intensity with which young bulls are selected on the basis of their dams’ estimated breeding value for milk production was investigated. Dairy Herd Improvement Association production records for seven years and information on the disposal of 1,113 male calves born in a single calving season were used. Of these calves, 106 died or were lost for other reasons, 713 were sold for beef, 254 were sold to other dairy herds, and 40 were kept for use in the herds where they were born. The dams of the last two groups averaged .35 standard deviation above the mean of all 1,113 dams in their estimated breeding value. This corresponds to saving the replacement bulls at random from the highest ranking 80% of all registered cows. Selection between rather than within herds primarily accounts for the low selection intensity.
Germline transformation used to define key features of heat-shock response elements

The heat-shock consensus element (HSE), CTNGAANNTTCNAG, is found in multiple copies upstream of all heat-shock genes. Here, the sequence requirements for heat-shock induction are tested by Drosophila germline transformation with an hsp70-lacZ gene fused to a pair of synthetic HSEs. Certain single-base substitutions in either HSE cause a dramatic reduction (forty-fold) in expression. Surprisingly, variations in sequences immediately flanking the HSEs also reduced levels of induction. One such variant that contains two perfect 14-base pair HSEs, which are correctly spaced relative to each other and the TATA box, retained only 7% of wild type-induced expression. These and additional analyses indicate that the heat-shock regulatory element includes sequences beyond the 14-base pair HSE and may be better described as a dimer of a 10-base pair sequence, NTTCNNGAAN.
Structural Damage Localization Using Element Signature Recognition

In damage detection algorithms the use of mode-force error arising from reduced analytical system matrices precludes the possibility of stiffness damage localization for those elements residing entirely outside the analysis set. Subsequently, any indication of mode-force error arising from damage appears as a force imbalance in each reduced degree of freedom due to the erroneous load paths introduced in the reduction process. The result is a smearing of the otherwise localized nature of the error thereby altering the interpretation of perturbation matrix-based damage detection results. To address this issue this work seeks to reconcile the inherent dimensional mismatch between finite element models and incomplete measured modal data by use of a subspace recognition procedure based on the problem of subset selection. The spatial characteristics of the reduced dynamic residual are assumed to represent a characteristic signature of a damaged element or set of elements where a signature is defined as the significant vector basis spanning the reduced residual matrix as defined by a singular value decomposition process. Stiffness damage is thereby localized by a measure of the subspace intersection dimension of the experimentally measured signature with analytically regenerated candidate elemental signatures. The analytically regenerated signatures arise from a mapping of elemental stiffness matrix sets via the transformation procedure used in the reduction process and the measured modal matrix. Multiple signatures are identified after an orthogonalization of the original target signature with respect to the most consistent signature in the previous iteration. For damage localization to be possible each mapping must project a nonnull and unique signature in the analysis set residual. This work is evaluated on damage simulations of a 155 mm aeroshell and the NASA Langley Research Center eight-bay experimental test bed.
Dynamic tiled map services: supporting query-based visualization of large-scale raster geospatial data

Query based visual explorations of raster geospatial data plays an important role in stimulating scientific hypothesis and subsequently seeking casual relationships. While it is desirable to enable visual explorations of large-scale raster geospatial data in a Web environment, improving the end-to-end performance between query backend and the client applications remains a challenging technical issue. Techniques for providing tiled map services that are adopted by major commercial Internet maps APIs have been successful in handling static geospatial data. Motivated by the practical needs of supporting query-based visual explorations in a Web environment, we have proposed a dynamic tiled map services approach that integrates and extends existing Web-based standards and best practices in serving tiled images for static raster geospatial data. The approach includes quadtree-based indexing and query processing at the server side and a middleware to efficiently convert quadrants of dynamic query results into tiled images. A prototype system has been developed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. Experimental results have showed that the prototype system achieves an end-to-end performance in the order of sub-second for 1024*1024 pixels display area consisting of multiple tiles.
A seismic experiment at the axis of the East Pacific Rise

Abstract Data from a seismic-refraction experiment on the East Pacific Rise at the mouth of the Gulf of California indicate that the axial valley in this area is underlain by low-velocity material (possibly a magma chamber) and, in addition, that the crust thickens rapidly away from the axis. The crust apparently thickens very rapidly with age by at least 2 km within 200,000 years. Inversion of P and S travel times on crust adjacent to the axis gives a model in which the crustal velocity changes gradationally with depth and has a Poisson's ratio of 0.28 in the lower crust. As part of an IPOD site survey, ocean-bottom seismometers (OBS) were placed in a sediment pond 12 km east of the East Pacific Rise at the mouth of the Gulf of California. A bottom-shot experiment suggests that P-wave velocity of the sediment is about 1.5 km/sec. Using reflection profiles and P—S conversions we can infer a shear-wave velocity and sediment thickness of 0.14 km/sec and 140 m, respectively. The P-wave velocities for the upper crust beneath the site increase rapidly from 4.6 km/sec to the 6.9 km/sec observed for the lower crust. The Poisson's ratio for the lower crust is about 0.28.
The effect of insulating coatings on exploding wire plasma formation

Substantial increases are reported in the expansion rates of exploding, dense wire cores under conditions simulating the prepulse phase of wire array z-pinch experiments [R. B. Spielman et al., Phys. Plasmas 5, 2105 (1998)] using wires with insulating coatings. The insulation apparently allows additional wire heating by delaying the formation of plasma around the wires. Once plasma is formed it terminates significant current flow in the residual wire cores. This effect is demonstrated for 25-μm diameter W and 25-μm diameter Ag wires.
Biologic classification as an alternative to anatomic staging for clinically localized prostate cancer: a proposal based on patients treated with external beam radiotherapy

Objectives. The prognostic significance of clinical stage in patients with prostate cancer who are treated with external beam radiotherapy is unclear. This study evaluates multiple pretreatment factors, including clinical stage, to determine which are the best prognostic factors, and develops a classification system based on these factors. Methods. All 249 evaluable patients with clinically localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated with definitive conformal external beam radiotherapy without androgen deprivation at our institution between 1989 and 1993 were analyzed. Clinical stage, serum PSA level, Gleason score, race, and history of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were evaluated for their ability to predict biochemical disease-free survival (BDFS). Factors predictive of BDFS were then used to construct a classification system. The classification system was then analyzed for its ability to predict BDFS, distant metastases, local recurrence, and clinical disease free survival in univariate and multivariate analyses. Median follow-up was 27 months. Results. Gleason score and PSA predicted BDFS in multivariate analysis (both P <0.0001), whereas clinical stage, race, and history of a TURP did not. These two biologic factors were combined into a four-level classification system. This classification system was analyzed together with Gleason score and PSA and was found to be the only predictor of BDFS on multivariate analysis (P <0.0001). In addition, this classification system was the only predictor of distant metastases in multivariate analysis (P <0.0001). Conclusions. The classification system derived herein based on the biologic factors of Gleason score and serum PSA levels is the sole predictor of distant metastases and biochemical recurrence for patients treated with definitive conformal external beam radiotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer. This classification system may be useful when comparing competing therapies and stratifying patients in clinical trials, but requires validation from other institutions and other therapies prior to its widespread use.
A context-aware data mining process model based framework for supporting evaluation of data mining results

The knowledge discovery via data mining process (KDDM) is a multiple phase that aims to at a minimum semi-automatically extract new knowledge from existing datasets. For many data mining tasks, the evaluation phase is a challenging one for various reasons. Given this challenge several studies have presented techniques that could be used for the semi-automated evaluation of data mining results. When taken together, these studies suggest the possibility of a common multi-criteria evaluation framework. The use of such a multi-criteria evaluation framework, however, requires that relevant objectives, measures and preference function be identified. This implies that the context of the DM problem is particularly important for the evaluation phase of the KDDM process. Our framework utilizes and integrates a pair of established tightly coupled techniques (i.e. Value Focused Thinking (VFT) and the Goal-Question-Metric (GQM) methods) as well as established techniques from multi-criteria decision analysis in order to explicate and utilize context information in order to facilitate semi-automated evaluation.
Deletions in the fifth alpha helix of HIV-1 matrix block virus release

Abstract The matrix (MA) protein of HIV-1 is the N-terminal component of the Gag structural protein and is critical for the early and late stages of viral replication. MA contains five α-helices (α1–α5). Deletions in the N-terminus of α5 as small as three amino acids impaired virus release. Electron microscopy of one deletion mutant (MA∆96-120) showed that its particles were tethered to the surface of cells by membranous stalks. Immunoblots indicated all mutants were processed completely, but mutants with large deletions had alternative processing intermediates. Consistent with the EM data, MA∆96-120 retained membrane association and multimerization capability. Co-expression of this mutant inhibited wild type particle release. Alanine scanning mutation in this region did not affect virus release, although the progeny virions were poorly infectious. Combined, these data demonstrate that structural ablation of the α5 of MA inhibits virus release.
A Polarographic Study of β-Haloethylamine adrenergic Blocking Agents *

A polarographic procedure is described for measuring the relative rate of cyclization of the β-haloethyl group of Dibenamine-like compounds to the ethyleneimonium form. This method is based on the rapid reaction of thiosulfate with ethyleneimonium ions. The thiosulfate reaction product of several compounds has been found to be polarographically reducible and with Dibenzyline and Dibenamine the heights of the polarographic waves were found to be proportional to various concentrations of the reducible species. The polarographic waves appear to be irreversible and a two electron reduction has been postulated.