cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer Vision for Sight: Computer Vision Techniques to Assist Visually Impaired People to Navigate in an Indoor Environment

Abstract This chapter focuses on computer vision techniques to assist visually impaired people to navigate in an indoor environment. First, the problem is defined in terms of tasks, sensors, devices, and the performance requirements (real-time, accuracy, and robustness). Then, a recommended paradigm is proposed to build these systems for real-world applications, which include three important components: environment modeling, localization algorithms, and user interfaces. A broad review of the recent research achievements is provided in two categories: omnidirectional image-based and three-dimensional (3D) model-based approaches. As an example, an omnidirectional-vision-based indoor localization solution is described with algorithms and corresponding implementations in maximizing the use of the visual information surrounding a user. The system includes multiple components: floor plan parsing and path planning for scene modeling, deep learning for place recognition, image indexing for initial localization, 3D vision for position refinement, and portable user interfaces. Finally, we summarize the work and present some discussions for future work.
Armed conflict and maternal health care utilization: Evidence from the Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria.

Abstract Retention in maternal health care is essential to decreasing preventable mortality. By reducing access to care, armed conflicts such as the Boko Haram Insurgency (BHI), contribute to the high maternal mortality rates in Nigeria. While there is a rich literature describing the mechanisms through which conflict affects health care access, studies that estimate the impact of conflict on maternal health care use are sparse and report mixed findings. In this study, we examine the impact of the BHI on maternal care access in Nigeria. We spatially match 52,675 birth records from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) with attack locations in the Armed Conflict Location and Event Dataset (ACLED). We define BH conflict area as NDHS clusters with at least five attacks within 3000, 5000 and 10,000 m of BH activity during the study period and employ difference-in-differences methods to examine the effect of the BHI on antenatal care visits, delivery at the health center and delivery by a skilled professional. We find that the BHI reduced the probability of any antenatal care visits, delivery at a health center, and delivery by a skilled health professional. The negative effects of the BHI on maternal health care access extended beyond the Northeastern region, that is the current focus of humanitarian programs. Systematic efforts to identify and address the mechanisms underlying reductions in maternal health care use due to the BHI, and to target the affected populations, are essential to improving maternal health in Nigeria.
270) Increased Salience Network Connectivity following Spinal Manipulative Therapy is Associated with Reduced Pain in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

Chronic low back pain (cLBP) has been associated with maladaptive brain plasticity, and non-pharmacological therapies such as Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) have shown promise in reducing pain and modifying intrinsic brain physiology. However, more translational research is needed using clinical models. We investigated functional salience network (SLN) connectivity response to SMT, and linked response to cLBP pain reduction. Fifteen cLBP patients (8 female, 37.7 ± 9.7 (M± SD) years old), and 16 healthy controls (HC, 8 female, 38.2 ± 10.4 years old) were scanned with resting state fMRI before and after a single session of spinal manipulation and spinal mobilization (grades V and III of the Maitland Joint Mobilization Grading Scale) at separate visits. Patients rated clinical pain (0-100) pre- and post-therapy. Intrinsic SLN connectivity was assessed using dual regression probabilistic independent component analysis. Voxelwise analyses were cluster corrected for multiple comparison (z>2.3, p
Wound Identification and Physical Abuse

Abstract Injury in older persons challenges health-care providers (HCPs), particularly when the cause and manner of cutaneous manifestations are unknown. Consequently, HCPs order a barrage of tests to sort differential diagnoses that are dependent on known comorbidity. The following chapter helps the HCPs initiate a forensic lens to distinguish between intentional and unintentional injury, forming a basis for reporting in institutions where older persons seek care.
Ferroptosis in Cardiovascular Disease

Ferroptosis is a relatively newly discovered form of cell death, and although studies confirm its mechanisms in a variety of tissues and diseases, few studies confirm its mechanisms in the heart. The heart depends on iron for its constant energy demands and as a cofactor in many of its enzymes. These metabolic demands and the constant perfusion of blood through the heart also put it at risk of iron overload, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation—all of which are ideal conditions for triggering ferroptotic mechanisms.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts and their influence on tumor immunity and immunotherapy

Fibroblasts play an essential role in organogenesis and the integrity of tissue architecture and function. Growth in most solid tumors is dependent upon remodeling 'stroma', composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM), which plays a critical role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Recent studies have clearly established that the potent immunosuppressive activity of stroma is a major mechanism by which stroma can promote tumor progression and confer resistance to immune-based therapies. Herein, we review recent advances in identifying the stroma-dependent mechanisms that regulate cancer-associated inflammation and antitumor immunity, in particular, the interactions between fibroblasts and immune cells. We also review the potential mechanisms by which stroma can confer resistance to immune-based therapies for solid tumors and current advancements in stroma-targeted therapies.
Thrombectomy for Acute Occlusion in Intermediate-Sized Distal Arteries

The reproducible data from the major mechanical thrombectomy (MT) trials has demonstrated significant benefit of patients undergoing endovascular MT for large vessel occlusion in the internal carotid artery, M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), vertebral artery, and basilar artery. Subsequent studies have demonstrated similar clinical benefits of revascularization of occluded M2 segments of the MCA. There are only a few relatively small series that examine mechanical thrombectomy, either aspiration alone or in conjunction with a stent retriever for more distal arteries. This chapter reviews the limited data on MT for revascularization of the anterior cerebral artery, the M3 and M4 MCA segments, and the posterior cerebral arteries. It reviews techniques in dealing with revascularization of these intermediate-sized arteries. Case examples are presented of each of the major distal occlusion vascular territories.
Evaluation of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on photochemical pollution in urban areas

Background: The effect of confinement due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on air pollution has been investigated in several cities Indeed, the concentration of the main air pollutants have decreased significantly due to the decline in activities consuming fossil fuels However, it was found that the concentration of ozone (O-3) has increased in Nice, Rome, Valence, Barcelona, Turin, and Wuhan The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on photochemical pollution in Oran, Algeria Methods: In Oran, a port city in the north-west of Algeria, the level of tropospheric ozone pollution was measured automatically every 15 min for 10 days at the same location before and after the confinement period, using an electronic nose, called APOMOS (air pollution monitoring system) This electronic circuit is equipped with an electrochemical sensor (MQ131) as well as a temperature and humidity sensor Sampling was carried out in the central part of the Oran agglomeration from May to June 2020 The data related to the direction and intensity of the wind were processed to find a correlation between these parameters and the concentration of ozone in the studied area Results: The impact of confinement on the increase of the ozone pollution levels in Oran, was estimated to be 52% On the other hand, the statistical study of the pollution levels, the intensity and direction of the wind indicates that the important part of the downtown is involved in the generation of tropospheric ozone Conclusion: The confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Oran led to the reduction of the road traffic and pollutants emissions and the increase of ozone levels in urban area Thus, ozone was less degraded because there were low levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere of this city during the confinement period
When Does Crime Respond to Punishment?: Evidence from Drug-Free School Zones

Economic theory suggests that crime should respond to punishment severity. However, empirical evidence on this link is ambiguous. We propose one explanation for this discrepancy: Punishments deter crime but only when the probability of detection is moderate. Using increases in punishment severity in drug-free school zones along with changes in the probability of detection resulting from a community crime-monitoring program, we demonstrate that drug-related crime drops in blocks just within the drug-free school zones, where punishments are more severe, but only if the monitoring intensity--and hence the probability of detection--is at intermediate levels.
Locations of Theological Anthropology in Indonesia: A Postcolonial Literary Offer in Max Havelaar

Colonization takes over many dimensions of life, e.g., theology, economy, history, and the idea of humanity itself (anthropology). In Indonesia, colonization by the Dutch Empire has been determining the life of the Indonesian people since the eighteenth century. The twin gazes, namely of the European orientalists and of the colonized natives, have colluded to maintain certain ruptures in the mentality of the common Indonesian person, including how they treat other human beings. Such a malforming situation is obscured from historical analysis, given what history’s very construction owes to colonial influence. To retrace a more affirming and dignified history, I look elsewhere than the formal record and, by doing so, propose that such a decolonial task lies in availing contemporaneous literary works. In this essay, I present an analysis of the colonial-era novel Max Havelaar, wherein I parse the hidden historical archive offered both in and by the text. Through this analysis, I consider how such an alternative archive affects one’s theological imaginary and promotes the (re)construction of a theological anthropology that escapes the confinement of the white Western orientalist gaze.
An Island-Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Maximizing Schedule Reliability

The paper investigates the problem of scheduling multiple-variant (m-v) tasks on multiple processors with a view to maximize schedule reliability. Schedule reliability is understood as the probability that all tasks within schedule are executed without failures. It is proposed to manage complexity issues of the m-v tasks not at a single task level, but from the point of view of the whole set of tasks to be run under some time constraints. Because the problem is NP-hard, two evolutionary algorithms — an island based and a traditional population based algorithm to solve the problem have been proposed. The approach seems promising and the algorithms produce good to satisfactory solutions.
An International Common Law of Antitrust

There remains a broad conflict over the direction of future progress in international competition law. This conflict is exemplified by the very different tone and recommendation of expert commentators such as Judge Diane Wood and Eleanor Fox. This conflict is generally portrayed as a dichotomous choice between the position advocated by the European Union (EU) and its supporters in favor of a true international antitrust code, or at least an optional code enforced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) through its dispute resolution process, and the position of the United States in favor of a cautious approach emphasizing bilateral cooperation, slow harmonization, a search for consensus, as well as a preference for further study in lieu of action at this time. Both positions are well described in a variety of academic policy and official publications. The EU position has been articulated by such notables as Leon Britten, ErnstUlrich Petersmann, and Karol von Miert.The recent United States champions include Joel Klein, Charles Stark, Douglas Melamed among others. In this article I explore some of the serious objections that the United States has raised to the negotiation of an international set of antitrust rules and the delegation of their enforcement to the WTO. I will suggest some ways to take these objections into account, but still allow for progress, and a modest role for organizations like the WTO in promoting competition in global markets and resolving competition disputes, without having to create a full international antitrust code.
Abstract P1-16-01: Effect of margin width on local recurrence in invasive lobular carcinoma treated with multimodality therapy

Background: Recent consensus guideline on margins for breast conserving surgery recommends the use of no ink on tumor as the standard for an adequate margin. Current recommendation extends to invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), however the data in this subset is limited by small numbers. In the present analysis we sought to evaluate the influence of margin status on outcomes in ILC and mixed tumors. Methods: We performed retrospective cohort study and reviewed 809 eligible patients diagnosed with ILC (337 with pure ILC; 472 with mixed ILC) with Stage I –III treated at Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center (DFBWCC) between May 1997 and Dec 2007. Clinico-pathologic data was extracted following the Clinical Research Information Systems (CRIS) Database procedures and manually reviewed to confirm inclusion and details of margin status. Margin status was defined using the last ASCO/ASTRO/SSA consensus guidelines criteria. Analysis results were considered to be statistically significant when the two-tailed p-value was Results: Breast conservation was performed in 399 patients (49%). Margin status at the initial attempt for breast conservation was defined as follows: 180 (45%) negative, 64 (16%) positive, 71 (18%) ≤ 1mm margin, and 84 (21%) close margins (> 1 and With 72 months median follow-up, 12 ipsilateral breast cancers (3.1%), 5 other locoregional (1.2%) and 15 distant (3.8%) recurrences were observed after definitive breast conserving therapy. The incidence of locoregional recurrence (LRR) was 4.3% and similar for ILC and mixed ILC (p=0.76). In univariate analysis positive surgical margin was associated with LRR (HR=5.1, p= 0.03) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR=8.9, p≤ .001), but due to limited number of cases and events this could not be adjusted for other clinico-pathologic prognostic factors in a mulitvariate model. Close surgical margins, margins within 1mm and multifocality were not associated with increased LRR or worse DFS. Re-excision did not impact on DFS for patients with close margin (p= 0.57) and within 1 mm margin (p= 0.85). By contrast, significant improvement of DFS following re-excision was observed in patients with positive margin (p= 0.01). Conclusions: Following lumpectomy, local recurrence rates for ILC patients with close surgical margin and ≤ 1mm margin are low and equivalent to those in patients with negative margins. This study supports the validity of using no ink on tumor as the standard for an adequate margin for patients diagnosed with pure or mixed ILC treated with multimodality therapy. Citation Format: Yasuaki Sagara, William T Barry, Ines Vaz-Luis, Fatih Aydogan, Jane E Brock, Eric P Winer, Mehra Golshan, Otto Metzger-Filho. Effect of margin width on local recurrence in invasive lobular carcinoma treated with multimodality therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-16-01.
Dynamic Replica Placement for Scalable Content Delivery

In this paper, we propose the dissemination tree, a dynamic content distribution system built on top of a peer-to-peer location service. We present a replica placement protocol that builds the tree while meeting QoS and server capacity constraints. The number of replicas as well as the delay and bandwidth consumption for update propagation are significantly reduced. Simulation results show that the dissemination tree has close to the optimal number of replicas, good load distribution, small delay and bandwidth penalties for update multicast compared with the ideal case: static replica placement on IP multicast.
Caffeic acid-induced changes in plant-water relationships and photosynthesis in leafy spurge Euphorbia esula.

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), a native perennial weed introduced from Eurasia around the turn of the century, disrupts natural and agroecosystems across much of the Northern Great Plains. While leafy spurge displaces many native plant species, it has been demonstrated that small everlasting (Antennaria microphylla), a native perennial, is allelopathic to leafy spurge. Caffeic acid (CA), one of three compounds isolated from small everlasting, inhibits leafy spurge seed germination, root elongation, and callus culture growth. This study investigated the mechanism of this interference at the whole-plant level. Results indicate that inhibition of growth in leafy spurge after exposure to CA is primarily due to a disruption of plant–water relations. Leafy spurge cuttings were propagated in 0.5 strength Hoagland's nutrient solution for 30 days. For treatments, six plants were transferred into nutrient medium amended with either 0.1 or 0.25 mM CA for a period of 30 days. To determine the effect of pH, two additional groups of six plants were grown in nutrient medium adjusted with HCl corresponding to pH levels of plants treated with CA (pH 5.5–5.8 for 0.1 mM CA and pH 4.5–4.8 for 0.25 mM CA). By day 12 of the treatment period, plants treated with both levels of CA had significantly higher leaf diffusive resistances than control plants. Plants grown at the corresponding pH levels experienced higher diffusive resistances later in the treatment period (day 21). Transpiration was similarly affected with treated plants showing relatively higher transpiration rates compared to controls. Chlorophyll fluorescence was significantly lower than controls in all treated plants by end of the treatment period. The stable carbon isotope ratio (13C:12C) in these plants was higher than controls. These data show that a disruption of plant water relations is the primary mechanism of plant growth inhibition.
Measurement of cyclic 3',5'-denosine monophosphate by the activation of skeletal muscle protein kinase.

Abstract Cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate can be measured directly in crude tissue extracts by its stimulation of the rate of phosphorylation of casein catalyzed by skeletal muscle protein kinase. The reaction is carried out in the presence of tissue extract, which had been treated with and freed of trichloracetic acid, γ-32P-ATP-Mg2+, purified casein, and partly purified rabbit muscle protein kinase. The phosphorylated casein is isolated on filter paper discs. Cyclic AMP can be measured in 5 mg of tissue in the amount of 5 x 10-13 moles. Forty extracts can be assayed in 5 hours. Reproducibility of measurements made on heart, liver, skeletal muscle, and fat pad from several mammalian species varied ±5%. The validity of the assay is shown by measurements at various tissue dilutions, by the effect of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase treatment, by recovery of cyclic AMP added to tissue extracts, and by increases in tissue cyclic AMP concentrations in response to the administration of glucagon and catecholamines. Other nucleotides, including cyclic GMP, in concentrations similar to or larger than those found in the tissues we have investigated, do not interfere with the measurement of cyclic AMP. The procedure is also applicable to the measurement of adenyl cyclase activity without separation of the cyclic AMP produced.
Characterization of the cycle of iron-mediated electron transfer from Adriamycin to molecular oxygen.

The anticancer drug adriamycin binds iron and these complexes cycle to reduce molecular oxygen (Zweier, J. L. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 6056-6058). Optical absorption, EPR, and Mossbauer spectroscopic data are correlated with polarographic O2 consumption and chemical Fe2+ extraction measurements in order to characterize each step in this cycle. Fe3+ binds to adriamycin at physiologic pH forming a complex with an optical absorbance maximum at 600 nm. EPR signals at g = 4.2 and g = 2.01, and a doublet Mossbauer spectrum with isomer shift delta = 0.57 mm/s and quadrupole splitting delta EQ = 0.74 mm/s are observed indicating that the Fe3+ bound to adriamycin is high spin S = 5/2. Under anaerobic conditions the absorbance maximum at 600 nm decreases with an exponential decay constant = 0.77 h-1, and the EPR and Mossbauer spectra of Fe3+-adriamycin similarly decrease as the Fe3+ is reduced to EPR silent Fe2+. The Fe2+-adriamycin complex which is formed exhibits a Mossbauer spectrum with delta = 1.18 mm/s and delta EQ = 1.82 mm/s indicative of high spin Fe2+. As the EPR spectra of Fe3+-adriamycin decrease on reduction of the Fe3+ to Fe2+ a signal of the oxidized adriamycin free radical appears at g = 2.004 with line width of 8 G. On exposure to O2 the absorption maximum at 600 nm, the Fe3+ EPR, and the Fe3+ Mossbauer spectra all return. Polarographic measurements demonstrate that O2 is consumed and that H2O2 is formed. Addition of high affinity Fe2+ chelators block O2 consumption indicating that Fe2+ formation is essential for O2 reduction. This cycle of iron-mediated O2 reduction can explain the formation of the reactive reduced oxygen and adriamycin radicals which are thought to mediate the biological activity of adriamycin.
COMSTAR and CTS angle-of-arrival measurements

This brief note describes angle of arrival measurement made at Columbus, Ohio, USA, on 11.7 and 28.56 GHz earth-space paths. These measurements indicate that the short term deviation of the angle of arrival exceeds 0.1° for 0.01 percent of the time. Such a fluctuation would indicate that adverse effects may be expected for receiving apertures having diameters on the order of 1.000 λ or larger.
The influence of grain size, grain color, and suspended-sediment concentration on light attenuation: Why fine-grained terrestrial sediment is bad for coral reef ecosystems

Sediment has been shown to be a major stressor to coral reefs globally. Although many researchers have tested the impact of sedimentation on coral reef ecosystems in both the laboratory and the field and some have measured the impact of suspended sediment on the photosynthetic response of corals, there has yet to be a detailed investigation on how properties of the sediment itself can affect light availability for photosynthesis. We show that finer-grained and darker-colored sediment at higher suspended-sediment concentrations attenuates photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) significantly more than coarser, lighter-colored sediment at lower concentrations and provide PAR attenuation coefficients for various grain sizes, colors, and suspended-sediment concentrations that are needed for biophysical modeling. Because finer-grained sediment particles settle more slowly and are more susceptible to resuspension, they remain in the water column longer, thus causing greater net impact by reducing light essential for photosynthesis over a greater duration. This indicates that coral reef monitoring studies investigating sediment impacts should concentrate on measuring fine-grained lateritic and volcanic soils, as opposed to coarser-grained siliceous and carbonate sediment. Similarly, coastal restoration efforts and engineering solutions addressing long-term coral reef ecosystem health should focus on preferentially retaining those fine-grained soils rather than coarse silt and sand particles.
Collision-induced spectra and current astronomical research1

Collision-induced spectra are the spectra of complexes of two or more atoms or molecules in a “fly-by” collisional encounter. Collision-induced absorption (CIA) has been observed in many dense gases and gas mixtures, in most cases at infrared frequencies in the form of quasi continua, and also in liquids and solids. CIA spectra of several binary complexes have been computed using modern quantum chemical methods, combined with molecular scattering theory, which couples the collisional complex to the radiation field as usual in other spectroscopic work. Binary collisional systems, such as H2 interacting with another H2 molecule, or with a helium or hydrogen atom, are first candidates for such computational work, owing to their small number of electrons and the astrophysical interest in such systems. The computed CIA spectra are found to be in close agreement with existing laboratory measurements of such spectra. Laboratory measurements exist at a limited selection of temperatures around 300 K and lower, but...
Glycemic control and outcome of diabetic patients after successful percutaneous coronary revascularization

Abstract Objective Our purpose was to examine whether the outcome of diabetic patients after successful percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCR) is influenced by the degree of control of hyperglycemia at the time of revascularization. Background Diabetic patients have a worse outcome after PCR. Methods We examined whether the degree of glycemic control (HbA 1c levels) affected the occurrence of all-cause death and death/myocardial infarction among diabetic patients after successful PCR from October 1979 through December 1998. HbA 1c was analyzed both as a continuous and a categorical variable (good [HbA 1c 1c ≤10%, n=442], or poor [HbA 1c >10%, n=231] control). Results HbA 1c levels were determined at a median (25th, 75th interquartiles) of 3 (1, 10) days after the index procedure for patients with good control, 2 (1, 7) days for moderate control, and 2 (1, 6) days for poor control. Median follow-up after successful PCR was 3.2 (1.2, 6.1) years, 3.9 (1.7 ,6.3) years, and 4.7 (2.1, 7.1) years, respectively. HbA 1c as a continuous variable did not have an impact on either death (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.04 [0.98-1.10]) or death/myocardial infarction (1.02 [0.98-1.07]). As a categorical variable, patients with moderate and poor control had a similar hazard of death (0.99 [0.78-1.26] and 1.14 [0.86-1.52], respectively) and death/myocardial infarction (1.01 [0.82-1.24] and 1.12 [0.87-1.45], respectively) relative to those with good control. Conclusions The degree of glycemic control among diabetic patients at the time of their index intervention did not have an impact on long-term outcomes after successful PCR. (Am Heart J 2001;141:117-23.)
New approach to Reggeon quantum mechanics

A new method utilizing moment recursion relations is used to study Reggeon field theory in zero transverse dimensions. Accurate numerical results are given for energy levels and Green's functions for both positive and negative values of the intercept gap.
Myeloneuropathy due to nitrous oxide

Abstract A disabling neurological disorder is reported occurring in a burns patient as a result of excessive nitrous oxide inhalation as an inpatient. The clinical findings are similar to those reported previously in cases of nitrous oxide abuse. We recommend that the risk of neurotoxicity should be considered when nitrous oxide is used for analgesia in burns patients.
Caregiver Distress: What Nurses in Rural Settings Can Do to Help

Caregivers in rural settings experience unmet needs. Some family caregivers in rural areas, either willingly or grudgingly, take on the role of caregiving as one of many responsibilities. A review of the literature reveals that the burden of the added responsibility results in physiological and psychological caregiver distress. The authors suggest some strategies to meet caregiver needs and outline areas where research is needed.
Point counts from clustered populations : lessons from an experiment with Hawaiian crows

We designed an experiment to identify factors contributing most to error in counts of Hawaiian Crow or Alala (Corvus hawaiiensis) groups that are detected aurally. Seven observers failed to detect calling Alala on 197 of 361 3-min point counts on four transects extending from cages with captive Alala. A detection curve describing the relation between frequency of flock detection and distance typified the distribution expected in transect or point counts. Failure to detect calling Alala was affected most by distance, observer, and Alala calling frequency. The number of individual Alala calling was not important in detection rate. Estimates of the number of Alala calling (flock size) were biased and imprecise: average difference between number of Alala calling and number heard was 3.24 (?0.277). Distance, observer, number of Alala calling, and Alala calling frequency all contributed to errors in estimates of group size (P < 0.0001). Multiple regression suggested that number of Alala calling contributed most to errors. These results suggest that welldesigned point counts may be used to estimate the number of Alala flocks but cast doubt on attempts to estimate flock size when individuals are counted aurally.
Simplified flux prediction in direct-contact membrane distillation using a membrane structural parameter

Abstract A priori water flux prediction is desirable when conducting membrane distillation (MD) studies, however existing models are complicated with inconsistent mass transfer mechanism assumptions. To develop a simplified model that can be used to predict the relative magnitudes of water fluxes for a group of MD membranes, correlation analyses were performed between water flux and 28 structural parameters. Four parameters were found to be highly correlated with water flux: e/δ, e/τδ, 1/τδ, and Cm. Cm is a newly introduced structural parameter that contains non-coupled membrane properties but still carries the physical meaning of a relationship between δ (thickness) and e (porosity) and is determined by simple and reliable measurements using inexpensive analytical equipment. The correlation result between water flux and Cm suggests that Cm is a good structural parameter for MD flux prediction. The flux prediction errors for membranes with pore sizes from 0.1 to 0.9 μm were generally smaller for the model developed with Cm than for the dusty gas model. In addition to the new structural parameter and model, this study also makes available to the literature a detailed collection of MD membrane properties and their water flux values that will assist others in membrane selection, development, and application.
New computer developments around the world

It has been an interesting assignment to travel during the past 4 months through 20 countries to observe the developments in electronic computers and office automation. Ninety-five visits have turned up over 35 different computers and a host of electromechanical devices for data recording.
Intake fraction assessment of the air pollutant exposure implications of a shift toward distributed electricity generation

Abstract Small-scale, distributed electricity generation (DG) technologies have been promoted for their many benefits as compared to the traditional paradigm of large, centralized power plants. To evaluate the implications for human inhalation exposure resulting from a shift toward DG, we combined Gaussian plume modeling and a GIS-based inhalation exposure assessment of existing and hypothetical power-generation facilities in California. Twenty-five existing central stations (CSs) were analyzed and compared with hypothetical DG technologies deployed in the downtown areas of the 11 most populous cities in California. The intake fraction (iF) for primary pollutants was computed for populations living within 100 km of each source, using meteorological conditions typical of the long-term observational record and population, lifetime-average breathing rates. The iF (a dimensionless term representing the proportion of pollutant mass emitted by a source that is eventually inhaled) concisely expresses the source-to-intake relationship, is independent of the emissions characteristics of the plants assessed, and normalizes for the large scale differences between the two paradigms of electricity generation. The median iF for nonreactive primary pollutants emitted from the 25 CSs is 0.8 per million compared to 16 per million for the 11 DG units. The difference is partly attributable to the closer proximity of DG sources to densely populated areas as compared to typical CS facilities. In addition, the short stacks of DG sources emphasize near-source population exposure more than traditional CSs, and increase exposures during periods of low wind speed, low mixing height and stable atmospheric conditions. Strategies that could reduce the potential increase in air pollutant intake from DG include maximally utilizing waste heat in combined heat and power operations, increasing the release height of DG effluents and deploying DG technologies that do not emit air pollutants.
Role of O2(b) and I2 (A',A) in Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser Dissociation Process

Kinetic studies were carried out to explore the role of electronically excited iodine [I 2 (A', A)] in the dissociation of I 2 by singlet oxygen, and the possible role of I 2 + O 2 (b) energy transfer as the initiation step of the dissociation sequence. Flow-tube measurements that utilized a chemical singlet oxygen generator were used evaluate the contribution of the O 2 (b) +I 2 reaction. The rate of I 2 dissociation was examined under conditions where varying concentrations of CO 2 were used to quench O 2 (b). Pulsed laser pump-probe experiments were used to study the relaxation kinetics of I 2 (A'). Rate constant for quenching of I 2 (A') by Ar (2.7 x 10 -14 cm 3 /s), I 2 (4.8 x 10 -11 cm 3 /s), and CO 2 (8.5 x 10 -13 cm 3 /s) were measured. An I 2 dissociation model in which the electronically excited intermediate I 2 (A' or A) is populated by collisions with vibrationally excited O 2 (a) was found to be in good agreement with experiment.
Protection Against Oxidative Damage to CNS by α-Phenyl-tert-butyl Nitrone and Other Spin-Trapping Agents: A Novel Series of Nonlipid Free Radical Scavengers

Observations have been made in the last few years clearly indicating that ROS (reactive oxygen species which include oxygen free radicals, singlet oxygen, lipid hydroperoxides, and hydrogen peroxide) are etiologic agents in the mechanism of development of several pathologic conditions. Thus, recent research efforts have implicated ROS in the following: ischemia/reperfusion injury, arthritis, aging, carcinogenesis, hyperbaric oxygen toxicity, ionizing irradiation injury, ozone damage, damage caused by some xenobiotics, and the mechanism of action of some antitumor agents, etc. Progress has been made possible by new methodologies that more accurately quantitate the in vivo flux of oxygen free radicals. Two of these newer methodologies include salicylate trapping of hydroxyl free radical flux in vivo and the use of spin-trapping compounds to quantitate and characterize the free radicals being produced in vivo. Our laboratories have been active in the development and use of these new methodologies, and in the course of this work we have made the fascinating observation that certain spin-trapping agents are very effective in protecting brain from oxidative damage.
Optimal therapy of hepatitis C

The highest response rates to antiviral therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C have been achieved using the combination of peginterferon and ribavirin. Recently completed controlled trials have reported rates of sustained virological response (SVR) between 50% and 60% in patients treated with higher doses of peginterferon and ribavirin, which was 5% to 10% higher with standard doses of interferon alfa and ribavirin. The major determinant of outcome of therapy is hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype. With the combination of peginterferon and ribavirin, patients with genotype 1 achieve response rates of 40% to 45%, compared with rates approaching 80% with genotypes 2 or 3. Importantly, patients with HCV genotype 1 achieve higher rates of response with 48 weeks than with 24 weeks of therapy, whereas patients with genotypes 2 and 3 are adequately treated with a 24-week course. Furthermore, patients with genotypes 2 and 3 require only 800 mg of ribavirin daily to achieve optimal response rates, whereas 1,000 to 1,200 mg daily is needed for patients with genotype 1. Future studies should focus on optimizing the dose of peginterferon and ribavirin by patient characteristics, particularly on resolving the issue of weight-based dosing. For patients with good prognostic factors, a lower dose and shorter course of peginterferon may be adequate for full effect. Importantly, research is needed to show how treatment regimens can best be applied to other patient groups with hepatitis C, such as patients with acute hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus coinfection, renal disease, solid-organ transplant, neuropyschiatric disease, autoimmunity, and alcohol or substance abuse.
Resistin is expressed in pancreatic islets.

Abstract Resistin, a recently described adipocyte factor, is regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists. While resistin has been proposed to mediate insulin resistance in rodents, little is known about human resistin and its expression in pancreatic islets has not been tested. The goal of the present study was therefore to analyze whether resistin, like PPARγ, is expressed in islets. Human islets from seven donors were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR revealing resistin expression in all samples. Immunohistochemistry using a resistin-specific antibody on human pancreatic sections localized resistin protein to the islets. Mouse resistin was also detected in the Min6 beta cell line. Interestingly, we found a 4-fold increase in islet resistin expression in insulin resistant A-ZIP transgenic compared to wild-type mice. Our results demonstrate that resistin is expressed in islets and up-regulated in insulin resistance and thereby shed new light on the role of resistin in mice and humans.
Sorption of anions of iodine by iron oxides and kaolinite

Abstract The sorption of iodide, iodate, and periodate ions by kaolinite, hematite and pelagic red clay in buffer solutions and sea water was studied. Iodate ions (IO 3 − ) are strongly absorbed by hematite (Fe 2 O 3 ) at pH values up to 9. The reaction is rapid and reversible and apparently occurs by replacement of OH- ions on the surface. Periodate ions (IO 4 − ) are more strongly sorbed by Fe 2 0 3 than IO 3 − ions; iodide ions (I − ) appear to be less strongly sorbed. At pH 4, hematite-free, goethite-free kaolinite sorbs IO 3 − only slightly and I − not at all. IO 3 − is stable relative to I − in the presence of oxygen, and occurs in surface waters and in seawater. Small amounts of finely divided iron oxides, which are present in many types of sediments, may play a major role in the geochemistry of iodine by absorbing IO 3 − . For example, in one experiment pelagic red clay was found to be about as active as reagent Fe 2 O 3 in removing dissolved IO 3 − from seawater. This result suggests that pelagic red clay may be an appropriate host for disposal of radioactive iodine-129. Experiments on sorption of radioactive I − by sedimentary minerals are reported in the literature. In many of these experiments, some of the iodine is likely to have been in the IO 3 − or IO 4 − form, which would have been sorbed by iron oxide impurities. The results of sorption experiments with radioactive iodine are considered dubious unless the oxidation state and the mineralogical purity are established.
Social bacteria and asocial eukaryotes

The end of 2007 brought us draft genome sequences of two eukaryotic microorganisms, Babesia bovis and Malassezia globosa, as well as complete genomes of the ammonia-oxidizing archaeal chemoautotroph Nitrosopumilus maritimus, and several environmental bacteria (Table 1). In terms of genome size, this list covers both sides of the spectrum: the 245 kb genome of an obligate insect symbiont Sulcia muelleri is the second smallest microbial genome sequenced so far, whereas the 13 033 kb chromosome of the social myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum breaks the record as the largest bacterial genome – and the largest DNA molecule in the prokaryotic world.
Nonequilibrium transitions in thermotropic phases of eicosenoic acid methyl esters

Methyl esters ofcis-5-eicosenoic (5-EAME) andcis-11-eicosenoic (11-EAME) acids from the seed oil ofLimnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) exhibit a degree of thermotropic polymorphism unobserved with shorter and longer chainlength monoenic methyl esters. 5-EAME freezes at 264 K and melts at 266 K if cooled no lower than 215 K. 11-EAME freezes at 239 K and melts at 255 K if cooled at no lower than 240 K. Solids cooled to lower temperatures undergo phase transformation to highermelting polymorphs (274 K, 5-EAME; 262 K, 11-EAME), and samples often exhibit double melting endotherms. Quantities of each high-melting phase vary with time at temperatures below characteristic initiation temperatures. Highly temperature-sensitive phase conversions suggest low temperature nucleation, followed by crystal growth and conversion, as reheating allows molecular motion. Once formed, both high-melting phases melt with essentially the same melting entropy. Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses imply that differences exhibited by the isomeric esters derive from aliphatic configuration distal to the double bond.
Correlating Leaflet Design and Closing Dynamics With Turbulent Flows Near Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valves

Significant advances have been made in the field of heart valve replacement, especially in terms of anticoagulation therapy and valve design. Mechanical heart valves have been successfully implanted for decades to replace irreparable diseased or failing native valves. However, heart valve patients remain more susceptible to hemolysis and thrombosis [1]. In this experimental study, we focus on the closing dynamics of bileaflet mechanical heart valves to better understand the roles that valve design and environmental conditions have on the local fluid mechanics.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Commentary on ‘Antidepressants for the treatment of abdominal pain‐related functional gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents’

This is a commentary of Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Kaminski A, Kamper A, Thaler K, Chapman A, Gartlehner G. Antidepressants for the treatment of abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD008013. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008013.pub2 Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2012 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Valproic acid regulates catecholaminergic pathways by concentration-dependent threshold effects on TH mRNA synthesis and degradation

The spectrum of neurological conditions and psychiatric disorders affected by valproic acid (VPA) ranges from control of seizure and mood disorders to migraine, neuropathic pain, and even congenital malformations and autism. While widely used clinically, the mechanism(s) of action of VPA is not completely understood. Emerging evidence indicates that brain noradrenergic systems contribute to the symptoms of mood disorders and may involve regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. We previously showed that the structurally related short chain fatty acid sodium butyrate (SB) induces TH transcription and alters TH mRNA stability in PC12 cells. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the branched short chain fatty acid VPA could also regulate TH gene expression in vitro. Similar to SB, VPA induced TH transcription at all concentrations tested. VPA-stimulated transcription was significantly attenuated by introducing point mutations in either the canonical cAMP- or in the butyrate-response elements of the TH promoter; or by co-expression of dominant-negative forms of CREB. As with SB, increasing concentrations of VPA demonstrated opposing effects on TH mRNA and protein abundance: elevation of both at low (0.1 mM) but attenuation at concentrations higher than 0.5 mM. This concentration-dependence is consistent with a novel and previously unrecognized cellular/molecular drug regulatory step at the level of TH mRNA stability. Thus, the therapeutic efficacy of VPA might be related to its ability to regulate TH mRNA and protein levels, and thereby central catecholaminergic-dependent behavioral pathways.
Freight Trucking in a Sustainable Transportation System: Framework for Analysis:

A framework is presented for analysis of the long-term sustainability of freight trucking in the context of the intermodal freight transportation system. The role of the trucking industry among other transportation modes is described, including an explanation of transportation system sustainability. Topics include the present view of issues surrounding the trucking industry in a sustainable transportation system; views of students, academia, and industry on freight trucking in a sustainable transportation system; and a framework to use in analyzing the role of government and industry in moving toward sustainability. This framework brings into perspective the conditions of transportation system sustainability and freight trucking factors affecting it. The findings are based on data collected through a literature search, a set of focused discussions, and a survey of freight trucking company executives.
Observations on the surface flora of the skin and on the skin pH.

SUMMARY. —The skin surface flora of 204 individuals was investigated quantitatively at 6 sites, using the Sellotape stripping method. In 51 of these individuals the skin pH was also measured. There were significant differences between individuals in the number of bacteria recovered but not between sites. Significantly greater numbers of bacteria were recovered from females than from males. The skin pH readings showed small but significant differences between individuals and between sites, but no correlation could be demonstrated between pH and bacterial count.
Appreciating "Thirdspace": An Alternative Way of Viewing and Valuing Site-Specific Dance Performance.

AbstractSite-specific dance performance involves the presentation of choreography in connection with a site. The context of the site combined with a viewer’s personal history, beliefs, and identity impact the reading and appreciation of the performance. Although both stage and site dance performance valuing elicit multiple interpretations of artistic works, site-specific dance performance valuing presents additional complexity as viewers respond to choreographed movement, the site, and the reciprocal relationship between the choreography and site. Challenges might arise then in group and instructional settings to find common ground for analysis and discussion of site-specific dance performances. To address some of these challenges, the author advocates the use of a pedagogical model adapted from critical human geographer Edward W. Soja’s model of “Thirdspace.” A comprehensive way of thinking, experiencing, and talking about spaces, Thirdspace when applied to dance appreciation guides viewers through a hol...