cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multimode optical imaging of small animals: Development and applications

ABSTRACT We present an optical system for small animal imaging that can combine various in vivo imaging modalities, including fluorescence (intensity and lifetime), spectral, and trans-illumination imaging. This system consists of light-tight box with ultrafast pulsed or cw laser light excitation, motorized translational and rotational stages, a telecentric lens for detection, and a cooled CCD camera that can be coupled to an ultrafast time-gated intensifier. All components are modular, making possible laser excitation at various wavelengths and pulse lengths, and signal detection in a variety of ways (multimode). Results of drug nanoconjugate carrier delivery studies in mice are presented. Conventional and spectrally-resolved fluorescence images reveal details of in vivo drug nanoconjugate carrier accumulation within the tumor region and several organs in real time. By multi-spectral image analysis of ex vivo specimens from the same mice, we were able to evaluate the extent and topology of drug nanoconjugate carrier distribution into specific organs and the tumor itself. Keywords : Multi-mode imaging system, bioluminescence imaging, fluorescence imaging, hyperspectral imaging and analysis, fluorescence lifetime imaging, trans-illu mination imaging, mouse model, nanoconstruct.
The economic consequences of reproductive health and family planning

We consider the evidence for the effect of access to reproductive health services on the achievement of Millennium Development Goals 1, 2, and 3, which aim to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, and promote gender equality and empower women. At the household level, controlled trials in Matlab, Bangladesh, and Navrongo, Ghana, have shown that increasing access to family planning services reduces fertility and improves birth spacing. In the Matlab study, findings from long-term follow-up showed that women's earnings, assets, and body-mass indexes, and children's schooling and body-mass indexes, substantially improved in areas with improved access to family planning services compared with outcomes in control areas. At the macroeconomic level, reductions in fertility enhance economic growth as a result of reduced youth dependency and an increased number of women participating in paid labour.
Spectral Line-by-Line Pulse Shaping of a Mode-Locked Laser and a Phase Modulated CW Laser

We demonstrate line-by-line pulse shaping control on both a mode-locked laser and a phase modulated CW laser. Independent manipulation of individual spectral lines leads to synthesis of user-specified ultrafast optical waveforms with unprecedented frequency resolution.
The role of leakge current on the memory window and memory retention in MFIS structure

Abstract Metal-Ferroelectric-Insulator-Semiconductor (MFIS) structure has been fabricated with Strontium Bismuth Tantalate (SBT) ferroelectric and Yttrium oxide as the buffer layer between ferroelectric and silicon. Capacitance versus voltage (C-V) analysis shows that memory window is found to be dependent on charge injection and charge retention in MFIS structure. Analysis of current versus voltage (I-V) characteristics show that the memory window and retention is strongly dependent on the leakage current in the MFIS structure.
Ground state of the electron gas by a stochastic method

An exact stochastic simulation of the Schroedinger equation for charged Bosons and Fermions was used to calculate the correlation energies, to locate the transitions to their respective crystal phases at zero temperature within 10%, and to establish the stability at intermediate densities of a ferromagnetic fluid of electrons.
Multifunctional silver coated E-33/ iron oxide water filters: Inhibition of biofilm growth and arsenic removal

Bayoxide® E33 (E-33) is a widely used commercial material for arsenic adsorption composed of a mixture of iron oxyhydroxide and oxides. Primarily used to remove arsenic from water, it is a non-magnetic, iron oxyhydroxide/oxide used in fixed bed pressure filters that generally lack multi-functionality. Like other adsorptive media, it is subject to surface fouling by precipitates, including iron and manganese, and biofilms that can create diffusion limitations. Modifying the surface of E-33 with silver nanoparticles to enhance the material properties could add multi-functionality and be beneficial, providing that the original arsenic adsorption properties are not compromised. Commercially available arsenic adsorption media (E-33) was combined to create core-shell composites, i.e. silver coated goethite (in magnetic and non magnetic forms), that is capable of removing arsenic, acting as an antibacterial, and has magnetic properties. Several green approaches were developed to prepare the silver coated goethite and it was tested for arsenic removal and antibacterial activity. Samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray florescence spectroscopy (XRF), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS).
Validating the positive impact of in-hospital lay care-partner support on patient survival in allogeneic BMT: a prospective study

This prospective study validates the finding from retrospective research that having an inpatient lay care-partner (CP) is associated with better survival following allogeneic BMT. Compared with patients without a CP (n=76), patients with a CP (n=88) have significantly better OS (P=0.017) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (P=0.020). Four-year and median survivals were 42% and 36 months among patients with CPs, compared with 26% and 10 months among those without CPs. Four-year survival and median RFS were 39% and 25 months among those with CPs, compared with 23% and 7 months among those without CPs. Further, better survival and RFS were associated with CP visit duration of >3 h per day (P=0.005 and P=0.007, respectively) and with CP frequency of visits >75% of inpatient days (P=0.004 and P=0.010, respectively). A CP support program should encourage not only presence of a CP but also duration and frequency of CP visits associated with better patient survival.
Fiduciariand Firm Liquidity Constraints: The Italian Experience with German-Style Universal Banking☆

This study presents new evidence on the influence of German-style relationship banking on investment patterns of Italian firms. Bank-affiliated firms were larger than independent firms but invested at lower rates. All firms, particularly newly public firms, demonstrate liquidity sensitivity of investment. Bank attachments apparently yielded no consistent amelioration of these effects. Further, the findings on performance offer little support for the idea that universal banks provide important screening services to investors. The results parallel the German experience and thus, formalized banking relationships appear to have made limited impact on firms' investments in the pre-World War I period.
Interference Effects in Gamma-Gamma Angular Correlations

The theory of the directional correlation of successive nuclear gamma-rays is extended to include transitions in which mixtures of multipoles are present. For such cases interference effects can radically modify the angular correlation from what is predicted in the usual theory assuming pure multipole transitions. Correlation functions are tabulated for all possible cascade emissions in which one of the transitions is a mixture of magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole and the other either dipole or quadrupole. It is shown that the experimental data on ${\mathrm{Sr}}^{88}$ which had previously seemed anomalous can be consistently interpreted with the mixture theory developed here, but the agreement with the observed angular correlation in ${\mathrm{Pd}}^{106}$ is not possible if the highest gamma-multipole order is assumed to be quadrupole.
Exploring Exemplary Elementary Teachers’ Conceptions and Implementation of Inquiry Science

This study was an exploration of the conceptions of inquiry science held by exemplary elementary teachers. The origins of these conceptions were explored in order to establish how best to improve elementary teachers’ understanding and implementation of inquiry science teaching. Four focus group sessions were held as well as classroom observations. Data were also collected through surveys and interviews. The six exemplary teachers in this study held ideas about inquiry as “finding things out” and all described themselves as having been children who explored and experimented with the world around them. The teachers provided information about successful classroom environments and attitudes that they use to achieve strong inquiry science learning. The teachers had a number of recommendations for helping other teachers become inquiry science teachers and suggestions for professional development for teachers are made based on these recommendations.
Member of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor family of transcription factors is differentially expressed by oligodendrocytes

Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that form a subfamily within the steroid hormone receptor group. Recent work has shown that one member of this group, PPARγ, plays a central role in adipocyte differentiation. As oligodendrocytes are major lipid-producing cells, we investigated whether members of the PPAR family were present in oligodendrocytes and whether known PPAR activators affect oligodendrocyte differentiation. Polymerase chain reaction and nuclease protection analyses demonstrated that the principal PPAR present in optic nerve and sciatic nerve is PPARδ, whereas adipose tissue expresses mainly PPARγ. In situ hybridization of primary glial cultures revealed PPARδ message in oligodendrocytes but not in astrocytes. PPARδ message was strongly expressed in immature oligodendrocytes, suggesting a role in oligodendrocyte differentiation. Glial cultures containing immature oligodendrocytes were treated with CP 68,722 and bromopalmitate, compounds known to activate PPARs in adipocytes. These agents increased the number of oligodendrocytes with membrane sheets three- to fourfold, accelerated the rate of formation of membrane sheets, and increased the size of the membrane sheets. The abundant expression of PPARδ in oligodendrocytes in vivo and in vitro suggests that this PPAR plays a critical role in oligodendrocyte development and that PPAR activators can be used to manipulate oligodendrocyte maturation in tissue culture. J. Neurosci. Res. 51:563–573, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Noise generation mechanisms in claw pole alternators

Abstract Noise of claw pole alternators, generated electromagnetically and structurally radiated, has been the subject of an extensive research program. The goal has been to identify and reduce noise radiation mechanisms in claw pole (Lundell) alternators used in automotive applications. Two approaches have been followed. In the first, electromagnetic sources of noise have been investigated by lumped parameter and magnetically equivalent circuit modeling and simulation, and by related experimentation. This is the subject of separate papers. The second, concurrent study reported here has investigated machine and mount responses to an electromagnetically generated torque ripple. Modeling and experimentation has led to the conclusion that there exists a high correlation between electromagnetic sources, torque ripple, and radiated noise. Experimentation also has led to the conclusion that noise characteristics of a given machine are substantially altered by modification of the mounting configuration. The work reported here involves modeling, simulation, and experiment to isolate machine dynamic characteristics and mounting geometries which contribute to strong coupling between torque ripple and machine/mount dynamic response. A low-order model of the alternator which includes shaft flexibility, gyroscopic effects, shaft bearing asymmetry, mounting lug geometry, and mounting structure dynamics has been created. The model provides a rapid simulation of dynamic response in the form of a transfer function between torque ripple and mounting forces. Generic studies of a simplified mounting structure coupled to the machine model are presented here. Acoustic testing of several machine configurations on a production mount has been carried out to investigate 36th order noise in three phase machines and 72nd order noise in six-phase machines. Electromagnetic modeling and dynamic response simulations suggest that the six-phase machine is inherently quieter. This is supported by experimental results. A test fixture for the measurement of torque ripple has been developed. Experimentation shows that the relative amplitudes of torque ripple in three- and six-phase machines correlates with relative noise levels. In addition, in torque ripple measurements, machine mounting characteristics are substantially altered and a predictably large reduction in radiated noise is realized.
The linkage of work achievement to self-esteem, career maturity, and college achievement☆

Abstract This study tested whether self-esteem and mature career attitudes related to one another and complemented one another in predicting academic and work achievement for 174 college students. Analysis showed both constructs related to achievement and supported the thesis that self-esteem facilitates development of mature career attitudes, which in turn promote academic and work achievement. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for theory and practice.
Melting of iron-magnesium-silicate perovskite

Iron-magnesium-silicate perovskite was melted in a laser-heated diamond anvil cell and monitored by thermal analysis. Two signals were identified at each pressure: a lower temperature signal and a higher temperature signal. The lower signal may correspond to the temperature where iron diffuses rapidly. The higher signal would then correspond to melting of magnesium-enriched silicate perovskite. Alternatively, the lower signal may be the solidus where (Fe.14Mg.86)SiO3 undergoes incongruent melting to an iron-magnesium-enriched solid plus a silica-enriched liquid. Then, the higher signal would be the liquidus. The slope for the melting curve (the higher signal) between 30GPa and 94GPa is slightly negative. Fitting to a straight line gives a value for the slope of −2.5 ± 0.6K/GPa. At 30GPa, the lower signal is ≈300K below the melting curve. They converge slightly at higher pressures and differ by ≈140K at 94GPa. Our melting curve is several hundred degrees (K) below previous estimates.
Frozen section evaluation of breast carcinoma sentinel lymph nodes: a retrospective review of 1,940 cases

Many sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNBs) are evaluated intraoperatively by frozen section, which may impact the need for further axillary dissection (AD). However, the need for AD in patients with small metastases has been recently called into question, meaning that frozen SLNB may be unnecessary. Furthermore, frozen section can compromise tissue for further study. At our institution, we grossly evaluate all SLNB and freeze half of the node. Here, we evaluate the frozen SLNB discrepancy rate using this method, focusing on cause of discrepancy and need for further surgery. We reviewed surgical pathology records for all breast cancer resections with frozen section of SLNB examined from 2003 to 2012. For cases with a frozen section discrepancy, we compiled clinicopathologic data. In total, 1,940 cases involved frozen section evaluation of SLNB. In 95 cases (4.9 % of total cases, 23.8 % of positive node cases), the SLNB was called negative on frozen but positive on final examination (false negatives). The majority of missed metastases are isolated tumor cells or micrometastases. A trend was observed toward fewer patients receiving completion AD after a discrepant frozen SLNB in the later years of the study. The protocol of freezing half of a SLNB is a reasonable method, with results similar to or better than other studies. The main adverse outcome is the need for separate AD; however, additional positive nodes are uncommon. The trend of fewer patients getting additional AD after a discrepant frozen SLNB suggests that clinicians may be using this information differently recently.
Analysis of larger than tetrameric poly(adenosine diphosphoribose) by a radioimmunoassay in nuclei separated in organic solvents

Abstract Antibodies were prepared against poly(adenosine diphosphoribose) of an average chain length of 40 adenosine diphosphoribose units by repeated injection of the polymer mixed with methylated albumin and adjuvants into rabbits. The antibody was present mainly in the 7 S fraction of the immunoglobulins. A membrane binding assay was developed, and its specificity determined for the detection of (adenosine diphosphoribose) n >;4 in organs. The method is suitable for the study of the variation of the polymer content of nuclei. The size recognition of the anti-poly(adenosine diphosphoribose) globulin fraction was the same for polymers composed of 4–40 adenosine diphosphoribose units, but smaller oligomers were not detectible. A quantitative extraction technique was developed and applied for radioimmunoassay of nuclear (adenosine diphosphoribose) n >4 . Organs were freeze-clamped, freeze dried, broken into subcellular fragments in a colloid mill, and the nuclear fraction was subsequently separated in organic solvents in order to preserve the polymer. Nicotinamide and nicotinic acid, when administered in vivo, augmented the (adenosine diphosphoribose) n >4 content of rat liver and heart. Tissues of infant pigeons contained larger quantities of (adenosine diphosphoribose) n >4 than tissues of adult rats.
A theoretical and experimental investigation of the stresses in a circular cylindrical shell with an oblique edge

Abstract The stresses in a circular cylindrical shell clamped along an oblique edge and subjected to internal pressure and to three mutually perpendicular moments and perpendicular forces applied at the free end were examined theoretically and experimentally. The theory was based on the assumption that the total stress state could be approximately determined as the sum of a membrane stress state, a pure bending stress state, both of which were determined by the membrane theory, and an edge effect. This approximation is valid only for a sufficiently thin shell. To investigate the applicability of the theory to a relatively thick shell with a large angle of inclination, an epoxy resin model, which had a radius-to-thickness ratio of 15 and was inclined at an angle of 45°, was instrumented with strain gages and tested with the same loadings that were analyzed theoretically. The theoretical and experimental stresses were then compared. The agreement between the theory and experimental results was reasonably good for the majority of the loadings even though the bounds of the theory were knowingly exceeded. For three of the loadings the predicted edge effect at one of the three circumferential locations examined was erroneous. The error actually was in the membrane theory, upon which the edge effect depended, and it was due to the shell of the experimental model being too thick for the membrane theory to be applicable. For a sufficiently thin shell, the theory would be expected to yield acceptable results for all seven loadings.
Factors limiting force during slow, shortening actions of the quadriceps femoris muscle group in vivo

Speed-torque relations of the quadriceps femors muscle group were determined using eight healthy subjects. Isometric or isovelocity, shortening muscle actions were performed at 15 speeds (0-6.28 rad s-1) and torque was measured 0.78 and 0.52 rad below horizontal. Unilateral actions were evoked by surface electrical stimulation or by maximal voluntary effort. Stimulation current evoked a torque equal to approx. 70% of maximal voluntary isometric and was held constant across speeds. For the voluntary or stimulation tests, torque decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing speed. This response in relative terms was greater (P < 0.05) for the stimulation than for the voluntary tests. The difference in the decline in relative torque for the simulation vs. voluntary tests was not influenced by the angle at which torque was measured, and thereby muscle length. Speed-torque data for the two stimulation tests fit a linearized plot of a hyperbolic relation for the higher tests speeds. When torque was measured at the greater joint angle (0.78 rad), and thereby longer muscle length, the equation was Po-P/V = Po 0.724-1.078 (P < 0.05, r2 = 0.95) for speeds greater than 0.70 rad s-1. For the shorter muscle length, the equation for data collected at speeds greater than 1.13 rad s-1 was Po-P/V = Po 0.467 + 4.61 (P < 0.05, r2 = 0.91). Inclusion of data for the next slower speed markedly compromised the 'fit' for either linear relation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Commercial Grape Juices Inhibit the in Vitro Oxidation of Human Low-Density Lipoproteins

This study was aimed at determining the antioxidant activity of commercial grape juices in inhibiting the copper-catalyzed oxidation of human low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in vitro and at relating this activity to the phenolic composition of the juices. This work also evaluated the effect of vitamin C on this antioxidant activity. When standardized to a total phenolic concentration of 10 μM gallic acid equivalents (GAE), samples of grape juices inhibited LDL oxidation from 62 to 75%. White grape juices inhibited LDL oxidation on the average by 72%, Concord purple grape juice by 67%, and grape juice blends (mixture of white and Concord grape juice) by 63%. Vitamin C had no significant effect on the antioxidant activity of the grape juices tested. The antioxidant activity of Concord juice samples was related to their anthocyanin levels, while that of the white grape juices was related to their levels of flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamates, as determined by HPLC. On the basis of the same total phenolic concentration, the antioxidant activity of grape juices toward LDL oxidation was comparable to that of several California red wine. However, based on their undiluted total phenolic concentration, the Concord and blends of grape juices had comparable activity to that of the red wines, while the white grape juices were less active.
Mid-crustal Cretaceous roots of Cordilleran metamorphic core complexes

Thermobarometry for Cretaceous to mid-Tertiary plutonism and deformation in the lower plate of Whipple and Santa Catalina metamorphic core complexes shows that both crystalline terranes originated in the middle crust. Moreover, they are characterized by a striking acceleration of tectonic decompression coincident with middle Tertiary, low-angle detachment faulting leading to erosional and tectonic unroofing by mid-Miocene time. Depth estimates for emplacement of five intrusive suites within the Whipple complex include (1) 33 ±4 km for the peraluminous, 89 Ma Whipple Wash plutonic suite; (2) 29 ±1 km for the 73 Ma Axtel quartz diorite; (3) 16 ±5 km for mylonitization and synkinematic plutonism at 26 Ma; (4) 6.2 ±1.9 km for the postkinematic, 19 Ma War Eagle gabbro-quartz diorite complex; and (5) 5.2 ±2.3 km for a 17 Ma postkinematic granodiorite. Decompression initially occurred at a low rate of 0.3 mm/yr from 89 to 26 Ma and increased to approximately 2 mm/yr during the late Oligocene to middle Miocene. Estimated depths for four pluton emplacement or deformational events in the Santa Catalina Mountains include (1) 21 ±1 km for the magmatic epidote-bearing, 68 Ma Leatherwood quartz diorite; (2) 15 ±3 km for the garnet, two-mica, 47 Ma Wilderness granite; (3) 9.3 ±1.9 km for post-Wilderness mylonitzation; and (4) 6.3 ±2.6 km for the 27 Ma Catalina monzogranite. Post-Laramide decompression, estimated at 0.3 mm/yr, accelerated to 1.3 mm/yr prior to the cessation of detachment faulting. Whereas most batholithic terranes of the North American Cordillera are representative of an upper crustal setting, core complexes provide, as a consequence of their tectonic evolution, a petrological and structural view into middle crustal processes.
Biomarkers in Substance Use Disorders

The prevention and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs), including addiction, would benefit from having better biomarkers for the classification of patients into categories that are reproducible and have predictive validity. Direct measurement of drugs or their metabolites in various body fluids constitutes a clinically valuable biomarker but one that can only be used to corroborate acute or relatively recent drug use. Thus, there is an urgent need for biomarkers that reflect chronic drug exposure as well as biomarkers that predict or correlate with disease trajectories and treatment responses. Advances in tools and technologies to investigate genetics, epigenetics and epitranscriptomics, and human brain function and neurochemistry (brain imaging tools including EEG) offer unprecedented opportunities for the development of such biomarkers. Progress in this area will not only enhance our ability to screen and treat patients with SUDs but also accelerate research on the neurobiological processes that underlie SUDs.
Organochlorines in harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) tissues from the northern Gulf of Alaska.

Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, heptachlor and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) were analyzed in the harbor seal ( Phoca vitulina ) tissues collected from the Gulf of Alaska during 2000–2001. ∑PCBs (16–728 ng/g lw) and ∑DDTs (14–368 ng/g lw) were the predominant pollutants followed by ∑HCHs (0.56–93 ng/g lw) and heptachlor (≤0.068–6.0 ng/g lw). Concentrations of the above organochlorines (OCs) in the liver, kidney and blubber tissues correlated with ages, sex, body weight and blubber thickness of the harbor seals. The OC concentrations were similar between the samples collected from two different regions – Prince William Sound, and Kodiak Island and Southern Alaska Peninsula. Mean levels of OCs in nursing female adults were much lower than those in male adults, which indicate that lactation transfer OCs from mother seals to newborns.
Incorporating Electronic Mail into the Business Communication Course

E-mail is the primary communication vehicle for the information superhighway. Unfortunately, e-mail education is focusing on the hardware and software issues without regard for the requisite commun...
Isolated multipole echoes for study of anisotropic moment collision kernels.

Isolated-multipole-moment photon-echo techniques for atomic collision studies are described and analyzed. The techniques employ three-pulse photon echoes observed in a polarization rotation configuration such that the echo intensity depends on the square of an isolated J=1 multipole moment for which the velocity-changing kernel is diagonal. This scheme is applied to resolve clearly classical and wave-mechanical features of $^{3}\mathrm{P}_{1}$ orientation kernels for $^{174}\mathrm{gas}$ scattering. The diagonality (in the sense to be described) of the one-dimensional kernels chosen for study is discussed physically and derived in detail.
The sustainability of our digital environments: the language of the upgrade path and e-waste

This article looks at the material consequences of our use of digital technologies that are becoming obsolete at an increasingly rapid pace. I argue that how we write about digital technologies has an effect on the technologies themselves and that scholars who study digital forms have a responsibility to take these material consequences into account.
New antiepileptic drugs. Overcoming the limitations of traditional therapy.

PREVIEWApproval of several antiepileptic drugs since 1993 has implications for primary care physicians who are treating epileptic patients. How do these new agents differ from standard therapy? What advantages do they offer? The authors of this article take a comprehensive look at five new agents—felbamate, fosphenytoin, gabapentin, lamotrigine, and topiramate.
The Transcription Factor Mesp1 Interacts with cAMP-responsive Element Binding Protein 1 (Creb1) and Coactivates Ets Variant 2 (Etv2) Gene Expression *

Background: Mesp1 and Etv2 are essential transcription factors in the regulation of mesodermal lineage development, but their relationship is unclear. Results: Mesp1 interacts physically with Creb1 and transcriptionally regulates Etv2 gene expression. Conclusion: Etv2 is a direct downstream target gene of Mesp1. Significance: This is the first report to identify Creb1 as a coactivator of Mesp1 to regulate gene expression. Mesoderm posterior 1 (Mesp1) is well recognized for its role in cardiac development, although it is expressed broadly in mesodermal lineages. We have previously demonstrated important roles for Mesp1 and Ets variant 2 (Etv2) during lineage specification, but their relationship has not been defined. This study reveals that Mesp1 binds to the proximal promoter and transactivates Etv2 gene expression via the CRE motif. We also demonstrate the protein-protein interaction between Mesp1 and cAMP-responsive element binding protein 1 (Creb1) in vitro and in vivo. Utilizing transgenesis, lineage tracing, flow cytometry, and immunostaining technologies, we define the lineage relationship between Mesp1- and Etv2-expressing cell populations. We observe that the majority of Etv2-EYFP+ cells are derived from Mesp1-Cre+ cells in both the embryo and yolk sac. Furthermore, we observe that the conditional deletion of Etv2, using a Mesp1-Cre transgenic strategy, results in vascular and hematopoietic defects similar to those observed in the global deletion of Etv2 and that it has embryonic lethality by embryonic day 9.5. In summary, our study supports the hypothesis that Mesp1 is a direct upstream transactivator of Etv2 during embryogenesis and that Creb1 is an important cofactor of Mesp1 in the transcriptional regulation of Etv2 gene expression.
Inferior vena cava variation compared to pulse contour analysis as predictors of fluid responsiveness: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Both occult hypoperfusion and volume overload are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Accurately predicting fluid responsiveness (FRes) allows for optimization of cardiac performance while avoiding fluid overload and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Objective: To simultaneously assess the ability to predict FRes using the stroke volume variation (SVV) obtained with the Vigileo/Flotrac monitor and inferior vena cava respiratory variation (ΔIVC) measured by standard echocardiography ([ECHO) during mechanical ventilation. Methods: We included medical intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing mechanical ventilation that required vasopressors, had worsening organ function, and that were well adapted to the ventilator. We excluded patients requiring escalating doses of vasopressors, hemodialysis, with ascites and patients with atrial fibrillation or a heart rate >120/min. Stroke volume index (SVI) and SVV were obtained from the Vigileo monitor whereas Δ...
Effects of in vitro corticosterone on chicken T‐ and B‐lymphocyte proliferation

Abstract 1. The effects of corticosterone and the time of its addition to cultures, on concanavalin A (Con‐A) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM)‐induced lymphocyte proliferation were studied. 2. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were isolated from Cornell K‐strain Single Comb White Leghorn immature male chickens and cultured with various concentrations of Con‐A or PWM. Corticosterone, in different concentrations, was added to the cultures either 2 h before or 2 h after the addition of the respective mitogen. 3. Addition of corticosterone 2 h before the mitogens caused a significant suppression of lymphocyte proliferation in response to both Con‐A and PWM stimulation. Also addition of corticosterone 2 h after the mitogens caused significant suppression of proliferation in response to both mitogens; however, the degree of suppression was not as great. 4. The results indicate that after early activation events are initiated by the mitogens, lymphocytes are less sensitive to the effects of corticosterone. Because le...
Photosensitive, Bubble-free, Bromate−1,4-Cyclohexanedione Oscillating Reactions. Illumination Control of Pattern Formation

We study the effect of visible light on chemical waves in thin layers of solution containing the bromate−1,4-cyclohexanedione bubble-free oscillating reaction with added Ru(bpy)32+, ferroin, or diphenylamine as the third initial reactant. The light sensitivity was found to be much stronger in the ferroin-catalyzed system than in the Ru(bpy)3-catalyzed one, contrary to observations in the analogous reactions with malonic acid as the reductant. The combination of photosensitivity and absence of bubbles makes these reactions convenient tools for studying waves and patterns in reaction−diffusion systems.
Internal Capital Markets and Investment: Do the Cash Flow Constraints Really Bind?

Lament (1997) claims to find evidence of credit market imperfections that distort financing and investment decisions of a sample of oil-dependent firms, as investment by nonoil units fell when oil cash flow dropped. However, a simple test reveals that few of these firms behaved in a fashion consistent with binding cashflow constraints. In addition, most were cash rich. The data provide strong evidence against the hypothesis that investment decisions by nonoil units were significantly affected by oil cash flow, or that credit market imperfections are an important factor for this set of firms.
The technique and efficacy of axillary catheter analgesia as an adjunct to distraction elbow arthroplasty: A prospective study.

A prospective study was done on 99 consecutive patients who underwent distraction elbow arthroplasty and postoperative continuous passive motion from 1986 to 1992. Postoperative axillary catheter infusion in 73 patients was compared with patient-controlled analgesia-opioid treatment in 26 patients. Group comparisons for analgesia, complications, time to initiation, and tolerance of postoperative continuous passive motion were made. The postoperative axillary catheter infusion group was more comfortable and had better postoperative continuous passive motion compliance than did the patient-controlled analgesia-opioid group. The postoperative axillary catheter infusion group had a 2.7% (2 of 73) incidence of respiratory toxicity. There was an 11.5% (3 of 26) incidence of respiratory depression in the patient-controlled analgesia-opioid group. Final arc range of motion was similar between postoperative axillary catheter infusion and patient-controlled analgesia-opioid groups. The data support the hypothesis that postoperative axillary catheter infusion provides better patient comfort and earlier postoperative continuous passive motion initiation, but they do not show additional improvement in the final arc of motion after distraction elbow arthroplasty as compared with a patient-controlled analgesia-opioid treatment group.
Human Rights and Human Dignity: An Analytic Critique of Non-Western Conceptions of Human Rights

It is regularly argued that human rights are not a Western discovery and that non-Western societies have long emphasized the protection of human rights. Such claims, however, are based on a confusion of human rights and human dignity. A concern for human dignity is central to non-Western cultural traditions, whereas human rights, in the sense in which Westerners understand that term—namely, rights (entitlements) held simply by virtue of being a human being—are quite foreign to, for example, Islamic, African, Chinese, and Indian approaches to human dignity. Human rights are but one way that has been devised to realize and to protect human dignity. Although the idea of human rights was first articulated in the West in modern times, it would appear to be an approach particularly suited to contemporary social, political, and economic conditions, and thus of widespread contemporary relevance both in the West and the Third World.
Assessment: Vestibular testing techniques in adults and children: Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology

Neurologists are frequently called upon to evaluate patients with vertigo and dizziness and, in some cases, to make sense of abnormal vestibular tests. Consequently, it is useful to have some familiarity with the methods used to test vestibular function. The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is a reflex that acts at short latency to generate eye movements that compensate for head rotations in order to preserve clear vision during locomotion. The VOR is the most accessible gauge of vestibular function. Evaluating the VOR requires application of a vestibular stimulus and measurement of the resulting eye movements. This report reviews the advantages and limitations of the methods of stimulating the vestibular system: caloric irrigation, rotational chair testing, and auto-rotational testing. Vestibular testing in children is given additional consideration because of the paucity of recent reviews on the topic. This report will not address eye movement recording techniques, the neurophysiology of the VOR, which is reviewed elsewhere,1,2⇓ or interpretation of nystagmus. This evidence-based assessment was developed from a review of published articles obtained through the MEDLINE database of the National Library of Medicine. Relevant publications were rated by the strength of evidence according to a scheme approved by the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (see Appendix 2). ### Bedside vestibular assessment. Not every dizzy patient needs quantitative vestibular testing. Clinical examination can provide some qualitative information about vestibular function ( table 1). Patients with dizziness should be examined for nystagmus in the supine and lateral head positions as well as following the Dix–Hallpike maneuver. Spontaneous and gaze-evoked nystagmus may help localize the lesion in a patient with a suspected vestibular disorder.2,3⇓ Peripheral vestibular nystagmus is often suppressed by visual fixation, but may be seen during funduscopic examination in the dark. Frenzel goggles have 10+ diopter lenses that prevent fixation, …
Topological structures in computer science

Topologies of finite spaces and spaces with countably many points are investigated. It is proven, using the theory of ordered topological spaces, that any topology in connected ordered spaces, with finitely many points or in spaces similar to the set of all integers, is an interval-alternating topology. Integer and digital lines, arcs, and curves are considered. Topology of N-dimensional digital spaces is described. A digital analog of the intermediate value theorem is proven. The equivalence of connectedness and pathconnectedness in digital and integer spaces is also proven. It is shown here how methods of continuous mathematics, for example, topological methods, can be applied to objects, that used to be investigated only by methods of discrete mathematics. The significance of methods and ideas in digital image and picture processing, robotic vision, computer tomography and system's sciences presented here is well known.
Distortion-Aware Query-by-Example for Environmental Sounds

There has been much recent progress in the technical infrastructure necessary to continuously characterize and archive all sounds that occur within a given space or human life. Efficient and intuitive access, however, remains a considerable challenge. In other domains, i.e., melody retrieval, query-by-example (QBE) has found considerable success in accessing music that matches a specific query. We propose an extension of the QBE paradigm to the broad class of natural and environmental sounds. These sounds occur frequently in continuous recordings, and are often difficult for humans to imitate. We utilize a probabilistic QBE scheme that is flexible in the presence of time, level, and scale distortions along with a clustering approach to efficiently organize and retrieve the archived audio. Experiments on a test database demonstrate accurate retrieval of archived sounds, whose relevance to example queries is determined by human users.
Rates and correlates of suicide attempts in first-admission psychotic patients

The relationship of attempted suicide to demographic characteristics, current and lifetime psychiatric diagnoses, clinical history, and current symptoms was assessed in a sample of 184 recently hospitalized psychotic patients. Forty-three patients (23%) had an attempt history, and 28 (15% of sample; 65% of attempters) made an attempt during the episode for which they were hospitalized. Demographic characteristics did not distinguish attempters from nonattempters. Variables significantly associated with having ever attempted suicide were current diagnosis of unipolar major depressive disorder but not bipolar; lifetime major depressive episode; a history characterized by a less acute onset, lower pre-admission psychosocial functioning, and episodes of physical violence; and a symptom picture characterized by greater depression, hopelessness, negative symptoms, hallucinations and less thought disorder. Those with a current attempt had significantly higher rates of lifetime history of major depression and less physical violence than those with past attempts only. The potential importance of the data for predicting future suicidal acts is discussed.
Use of Emergency Musculoskeletal Sonography in Diagnosis of an Open Fracture of the Hand

Sonography for diagnosis of musculoskeletal injury in emergency settings, often thought to be additive to radiography, can also be the definitive imaging study. Sonography has been cited for diagnostic use for many aspects of acute musculoskeletal injury, including tendon, nerve, soft tissue, and bone injury. 1-3 The literature to date has described sonography for fractures but very little for hand fractures. 3-5 We describe a traumatic injury for which sonography, with its bedside application and ability to maneuver in difficult physical settings, was uniquely able to make a definitive diagnosis.
A revised approach to patient selection for cardiac resynchronization treatment using multiple asynchrony parameters in Narrow- and Wide-QRS cardiomyopathy causes cardiac reverse remodelling: a single centre non-randomized prospective study †

Aims Conflicting data exists on the benefit of cardiac resynchronization treatment (CRT) in patients with narrow QRS (Narrow-QRS) cardiomyopathy (CMP). We determined the effect of CRT in patients with CMP and mechanical asynchrony based on a comprehensive assessment by multiple echocardiographic criteria. Methods and results Ninety patients, 65 ± 16 years, 32 with Narrow-QRS <120 ms and 58 with wide QRS ≥120 ms (Wide-QRS) CMP who met criteria for significant mechanical asynchrony by 15 criteria before CRT were studied. Responders were patients in whom end-systolic volume (ESV) reduced by ≥15% post-CRT. There was no difference in the response to CRT in the Narrow-QRS (ESV 132 ± 60 to 120 ± 60 mL, P = 0.02) or Wide-QRS (123 ± 54 to 102 ± 50 mL, P < 0.01) groups at 1 ± 2 month follow-up. A difference of ≥40% in time to peak contraction in a cardiac cycle on tissue velocity imaging between the earliest and the most delayed segment had the best area under curve for response to CRT, 0.71 (0.55–0.85), P = 0.02. Using logistic regression model, delay in mid-posterolateral segment of ≥20% in a cardiac cycle compared with remaining 10 segments was the only predictor of response to CRT in the overall study population. Conclusion In patients with CMP and mechanical asynchrony by multiple criteria, response to CRT in Narrow-QRS group is similar to those with Wide-QRS. Greater than or equal to 40% delay in systolic contraction between 12 left ventricular (LV) segments or ≥20% delay of posterolateral segment to other LV segments predicted CRT response.
Solar Radio Bursts at Low Frequencies

Properties of solar radio bursts observed by spacecraft at frequencies below several MHz are reviewed. In this frequency range most of the observed bursts are type III events (associated with particles) but several cases of type II emission (associated with shocks) have been reported. The analyses which lead to emission levels of type III solar bursts out to beyond 1 AU from the Sun also indicate that the low frequency radiation is observed at the harmonic of the emission region plasma frequency. Simultaneous particle and radio measurements imply that the bursts are generated near the leading edge of impulsive streams of solar electrons with energies extending from several hundred keV to several keV. Recent experiments measuring the direction of arrival of the radio emission allow the exciter particles to be tracked along the interplanetary magnetic field from regions near the Sun out to 1 AU.
Systematic Screenings to Prevent the Development of Learning and Behavior Problems: Considerations for Practitioners, Researchers, and Policy Makers

In this article, we discuss the importance of systematic screenings to monitor K—12 students’ behavioral and academic performance, with an emphasis on the need to identify and support students with...
Effects of mechanical strain on TFTs on spherical domes

In this paper, amorphous-silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated on a plastic substrate, which was then permanently deformed into a spherical dome shape after the device fabrication process. The TFTs were patterned in an island structure to prevent cracking in the device films during the substrate deformation. In the majority of the TFTs, the off-current and gate leakage current do not change substantially. Depending on the island structure, the electron mobility either increased or decreased after deformation. This change in mobility was correlated with the mechanical strain in the device islands determined by finite element modeling of the deformation process. Tensile strain caused slightly higher mobility in planar structures. In a mesa-type structure, silicon films on top of the pillars could be in compression after the dome deformation, leading to a slight decrease in mobility.
Looking at Large Networks: Coding vs. Queueing

Traditionally, network buffer resources have been used at routers to queue transient packets to prevent packet drops. In contrast, we propose a scheme for large multi-hop networks where intermediate routers have no buffers for queueing transient packets. In the proposed scheme, network storage resources (memory) are used only at source and destination nodes to encode/decode packets using random linear coding over time. Our scheme utilizes the observation that for large networks with many flows through each router, if packet loss occurs in a flow path, it will very likely occur only at only one link in the path. Unfortunately, the location of this congested link varies with time, hence, preventing static buffer allocation strategies from exploiting this observation. We propose network coding as a means of “sharing” memory across links along a flow path. We call this spatial buffer multiplexing – where buffering and coding implemented at the source compensates for packet loss at any downstream bufferless link. In this paper, we consider large spatial multi-hop networks with N nodes and Θ(N) flows, where the number of flows through each link scales as Ω(N) for some α ∈ (0, 1). Using many-sources large deviations analysis, we show that to obtain comparable packet drop probabilities (QoS), spatial buffer multiplexing provides an order-wise buffer gain of Ω(N) per node over traditional queueing.
Ornithine decarboxylase activity during formation of experimental epiretinal membranes

This study demonstrates in a rabbit model of epiretinal membrane formation that retinal-associated ODC activity increases during this pathological process. These changes in retinal-associated ODC activity most likely occur in relationship to the proliferative lesion itself, since the retina consists primarily of nonproliferative tissues. Further knowledge of intraocular polyamine metabolism during epiretinal membrane formation which can result in retinal detachment may lead to the development of an effective pharmacological treatment.