cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interacting at a distance: measuring the performance of laser pointers and other devices

It is difficult to interact with computer displays that are across the room. A popular approach is to use laser pointers tracked by a camera, but interaction techniques using laser pointers tend to be imprecise, error-prone, and slow. Although many previous papers discuss laser pointer interaction techniques, none seem to have performed user studies to help inform the design. This paper reports on two studies of laser pointer interactions that answer some of the questions related to interacting with objects using a laser pointer. The first experiment evaluates various parameters of laser pointers. For example, the time to acquire a target is about 1 second, and the jitter due to hand unsteadiness is about ±8 pixels, which can be reduced to about ±2 to ±4 pixels by filtering. We compared 7 different ways to hold various kinds of laser pointers, and found that a laser pointer built into a PalmOS device was the most stable. The second experiment compared 4 different ways to select objects on a large projected display. We found that tapping directly on a wall-size SmartBoard was the fastest and most accurate method, followed by a new interaction technique that copies the area of interest from the big screen to a handheld. Third in speed was the conventional mouse, and the laser pointer came in last, with a time almost twice as long as tapping on the SmartBoard
Optical image processing with liquid-crystal display for image intensifier/television systems

We have studied the effect of real‐time optical image processing (OIP) in an image intensifier/television (II–TV) radiographicimaging system by using a liquid‐crystal display (LCD) placed between the II and the TV camera. The LCD compresses the dynamic range of the transmitted image by modulating the spatial distribution of the light intensity of the image from the output phosphor of the II. The degree of dynamic‐range compression can be designed so that the dependence of the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the LCD–TV system on x‐ray intensity matches that of the quantum noise. We measured the physical properties of an LCD and evaluated its capability for OIP. Our experimental results demonstrate that it is feasible to use an LCD to compress the dynamic range and to improve the SNR of the image. The advantages of implementing OIP with an LCD in image acquisition systems in which a TV camera is used are discussed.
Instructionally Useful Assessment in the Social Studies.

This article explores instructionally useful assessment in the social studies. In the first section, the concept of usefulness is discussed as a function of the alignment between goals, instruction, and assessment. Next, three approaches to instructionally useful assessment are reported, followed by a case scenario suggesting how these disparate approaches may be combined to provide a system of assessment that informs instructional practices in the social studies. Finally, the need for treatment utility research to validate the use of these assessment tools is discussed.
Denervation and Extirpation of the Inferior Oblique: An Improved Weakening Procedure for Marked Overaction

Parks demonstrated that recession was more effective than myectomy at insertion or origin, or disinsertion for eliminating inferior oblique overaction. This study simultaneously compares an improved procedure, an extirpation of the inferior oblique that involves denervating it, to 14 mm recession in a prospective, consecutive series of 16 patients with symmetrical 4+ overaction of the inferior obliques; one technique (extirpation) performed on the right eye, and the other (14 mm recession) on the left. Mean duration of follow-up was 20.8 months (range 17 to 34 months). Extirpation resulted in 100% normal action, without residual overaction or underaction. Recession, however, resulted in 1+ to 3+ residual overaction in 12 cases (75%) and 4+ overaction requiring reoperation in two eyes (13%). It appears that extirpation of the inferior oblique is far superior to 14 mm recession for treatment of marked overaction of the inferior oblique.
Role of Reductants in the Enhanced Desorption and Transformation of Chloroaliphatic Compounds by Modified Fenton's Reactions

The mechanism for enhanced desorption of chloroaliphatic compounds from a silty loam soil by modified Fenton's reagent was investigated using a series of probe compounds of varying hydrophobicities. Hexachloroethane, which has negligible reactivity with hydroxyl radicals, was transformed more rapidly in modified Fenton's reactions (≥0.3 M hydrogen peroxide) than it was lost by gas-purge desorption, suggesting the existence of a non-hydroxyl radical mechanism. The addition of excess 2-propanol to scavenge hydroxyl radicals slowed, but did not stop, the desorption and degradation of hexachloroethane. In the presence of the reductant scavenger chloroform, hexachloroethane did not desorb and was not degraded, indicating that a reductive pathway in vigorous Fenton-like reactions is responsible for enhanced contaminant desorption. Fenton-like degradation of hexachloroethane yielded the reduced product pentachloroethane, confirming the presence of a reductive mechanism. In the presence of excess 2-propanol, tolu...
Trimethylamine and methylamine as growth substrates for rumen bacteria andMethanosarcina barkeri

Trimethylamine and methylamine were found to be used as methanogenic substrates byMethanosarcina barkeri or by bacteria found in low dilutions of rumen contents. When these substrates were used as the only added carbon and nitrogen source, up to 80% of the theoretical amount of methane production was obtained.Methanosarcina were enumerated from rumen contents at 105–106 bacteria/ml. Pure cultures of the various major rumen bacterial species, includingMethanobacterium ruminantium strain M1, were not able to utilize these substrates as energy and/or nitrogen sources. It is suggested that, in the rumen, trimethylamine and methylamine are primarily degraded byMethanosarcina, resulting in release of ammonia which then can be utilized by other rumen bacteria.
Plantar puncture wounds: a survey to determine the incidence of infection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of plantar puncture wound infections. METHODS: Ambulatory emergency patients were surveyed with regard to a previous history of plantar puncture wounds and any subsequent infections. RESULTS: 200 questionnaires were analysed. Forty four percent of respondents had previously sustained at least one plantar puncture wound. Of 156 wounds, 79 (50%) came to the attention of a physician. There were 10 infections, nine of which were seen by a physician. Counting only those wounds seen by a physician, the apparent infection rate in the study population is 11.4%. When all wounds are included, the infection rate is 6.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The infection rate of plantar puncture wounds is lower than most studies report because many wounds with a benign outcome never come to medical attention. Recommendations for treatment of fresh puncture wounds in the emergency department should be evaluated in light of this infection rate.
Wavelet multiresolution analysis of numerically simulated 3D radiative convection

A wavelet multiresolution analysis is performed on atmospheric fields simulated by a multilevel 3-dimensional atmospheric boundary layer model. Wavelet cospectra of the vertical wind and potential temperature are calculated and compared with radial Fourier cospectra. The former indicate most of the field variance to have horizontal scales roughly equal to the vertical scale, as should be the case for convectively driven turbulence. Fourier spectra exhibit a minus 3 power law, suggesting that the statistics may depend only on a quantity with units of time. Observations of time- and scale-dependent structures suggest certain physical mechanisms at work. The multiresolution analysis analogue of turbulent energy equations is formulated. This framework supports the proposed physical mechanisms.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Using clinical registries to improve the quality of neurosurgical care

Despite rising and unsustainable US health care costs, many stakeholders feel that the quality of medical services is limited and inconsistent. Value-based reforms are touted as the key to achieving health care system sustainability. Health care value is defined as quality delivered divided by cost incurred. Unfortunately, quality in health care is difficult to accurately define and methods to reliably assess and report health care quality are often lacking. Clinical registries have emerged as important mechanisms to define, measure, and promote health care quality. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of registries in neurosurgical quality improvement.
Structural, stability, magnetic, and toxicity studies of nanocrystalline iron oxide and cobalt ferrites for biomedical applications

Iron oxide and cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of 5–15 nm range have been synthesized by the co-precipitation method, and the magnetic MNPs are functionalized by 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane and citric acid. The crystalline quality of the MNPs was confirmed using X-ray diffraction, verifying the spinel structure. Spectroscopy study confirmed the presence of the corresponding functional groups on MNP surfaces and thermogravimetric analysis further confirmed functionalization. Coercivity and saturation magnetization exhibited superior superparamagnetic properties. Toxicity studies compared the dose dependent toxicity of both pure iron oxide and cobalt ferrite samples. The toxicity of surface functionalized MNPs showed the potential for use in biomedicine.
Concrescence associated with a dentigerous cyst

Abstract Although it is not uncommon for disturbances of development to affect the teeth, it is unusual to observe several disturbances around a single tooth. A case has been presented to illustrate the occurrence of several developmental disturbances involving a mandibular third molar. The disturbances included a supernumerary fourth molar mesial to the third molar. In addition, the root of the supernumerary tooth was attached to the mesial root of the third molar, producing an anomaly known as concrescence. Furthermore, a dentigerous cyst was found to be completely encircling the crown of the unerupted third molar.
Purification and characterization of myrosinase from horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) roots

Myrosinase (beta-thioglucoside glucohydrolase; EC 3.2.3.147) from horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) roots was purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulfate fractionation, Q-sepharose, and concanavalin A sepharose affinity chromatography. The purified protein migrated as a single band with a mass of about 65 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using LC-MS/MS, this band was identified as myrosinase. Western blot analysis, using the anti-myrosinase monoclonal antibody 3D7, showed a single band of about 65 kDa for horseradish crude extract and for the purified myrosinase. The native molecular mass of the purified myrosinase was estimated, using gel filtration, to be about 130 kDa. Based on these data, it appeared that myrosinase from horseradish root consists of two subunits of similar molecular mass of about 65 kDa. The enzyme exhibited high activity at broad pH (pH 5.0-8.0) and temperature (37 and 45 degrees C). The purified enzyme remained stable at 4 degrees C for more than 1 year. Using sinigrin as a substrate, the Km and Vmax values for the purified enzyme were estimated to be 0.128 mM and 0.624 micromol min(-1), respectively. The enzyme was strongly activated by 0.5 mM ascorbic acid and was able to breakdown intact glucosinolates in a crude extract of broccoli.
A study on bubble detachment and the impact of heated surface structure in subcooled nucleate boiling flows

Abstract This study examines the bubble detachment phenomena under subcooled nucleate boiling conditions, in order to obtain a better understanding of the bubble dynamics on horizontal flat heat exchangers. Refrigerant R134a is chosen as a simulant fluid due to its merits of having smaller surface tension, reduced latent heat, and lower boiling temperature than water. Experiments are run with varying experimental parameters, e.g. pressure, inlet subcooled level, flow rate, etc. Digital images are obtained at frame rates up to 4000 frames/s, showing the characteristics of bubble movements. Bubble departure and bubble lift-off, which are described as bubbles detaching from the original nucleation sites and bubbles detaching from the horizontal heated surface respectively, are both considered and measured. Results are compared against the model proposed by Klausner et al. for the prediction of bubble detachment sizes. While good overall agreement is shown, it is suggested that finite rather than zero bubble contact area should be assumed, which improves the model prediction at the pressure range of 300–500 kPa while playing no significant role at a lower pressure of 150 kPa where the model was originally benchmarked. The impact of heated surface structure is studied whose results provide support to the above assumption.
Phrasing in the speech and reading of the hearing impaired

The study reported here explored a partial explanation for the fourth-grade "bottleneck" in literacy advancement by hearing-impaired students. Speech samples from 21 deaf subjects were rated for degree of evident phrasal quality. Likewise, reading comprehension scores for each student were obtained under four reading conditions: reading in whole sentences, in phrases, in fragmented word groups, and in single words. Degree of rated speech phrasality was found to relate significantly and positively to correct recall answers to questions based upon silent reading of passages typed in meaningful word groups (but not when the passages were typed in whole sentences, fragmented word groups, or in single words). The results were taken to suggest that--whereas staccato-speaking deaf students may lack a sense of the phrase altogether--phrasal-speaking deaf youngsters fail to independently apply their phrase sense in the normal reading situation. Thus, both types of deaf youngsters have difficulty affecting the transition to phrase reading that is common for hearing students at or about the fourth-grade level. Finally, I argue that this phrase sense can be instilled in hearing-impaired students and that they can be trained to use it in reading.
Designing the Micro/370

The first System/370 microprocessor, the Micro/370 is a 32-bit processor that implements 102 System/370 instructions and supports the emulation of the rest of the instructions. The chip is 10 mmx 10 mm with 200,000 transistor sites, fabricated with a 2-micron polysilicon gate NMOS technology with two levels of aluminum. It is designed for 10 MHz clock at worst case and has been operated at 18 MHz with 3W power dissipation. Design tasks included maximizing the noise margin, minimizing noise, and being able to complete design changes in a short time. A mixed custom and standard-cell design approach was used in a hierarchical design and verification methodology.
Effects of relative band intensity on prediction of protein secondary structure from CD

Increasing the magnitude of a protein CD spectrum obviously increases the magnitude of each predicted secondary structure by the same amount. However, increasing the magnitude of the negative, long-wave-length portion of a protein CD spectrum usually has the opposite effect from increasing the positive, short-wave-length portion. Thus small distortions in the CD spectra of proteins at short wavelength can have a significant effect on the analysis for secondary structure. This measurement error and its effect on the analysis are systematically investigated for 16 proteins of known structure. The results demonstrate that a two-point calibration of a CD instrument is mandatory to avoid serious errors when estimating secondary structure from protein CD spectra.
Pacemaker-mediated endless loop tachycardia at rates below the upper rate limit.

Abstract Pacemaker-mediated tachycardias are a well-recognized complication of atrial synchronized dual chamber pacing systems.1 They result from the sensing of retrograde P waves or ectopic atrial activity by the atrial sensing circuit with consequent triggering of ventricular pacing. Most pacemaker-mediated tachycardias are initiated by ventricular ectopic beats with retrograde atrial activation. Other initiating mechanisms have been reported2,3 including tracking of a sinus P wave.4 When these arrhythmias are sustained by consistent retrograde atrial activity following each paced ventricular beat which then triggers the following beat, they have been termed “endless loop tachycardias.”5 This category of pacemaker-mediated tachycardia persists until either sensing of retrograde P waves ceases or ventriculoatrial conduction terminates. Endless loop tachycardias are generally maintained at the programmed upper rate limit of the pacemaker.2,6 We recently saw a patient with an endless loop tachycardia that had persisted for several days and was ended by magnet application. The tachycardia persisted despite an algorithm in the generator that stops atrial tracking after 15 responses at the upper rate limit. Because the pacemaker was normal, it was postulated that the tachycardia rate was below the upper rate limit. In such a tachycardia, the sum of the retrograde ventriculoatrial conduction time and the atrioventricular (AV) interval is greater than the cycle length of the programmed upper rate limit. We detail the interrelations between the ventriculoatrial conduction time and AV interval in several patients who manifested endless loop tachycardias below the programmed upper rate limit.
PARAMETRIC STUDY OF THE PRESSURE SWING ADSORPTION PROCESS FOR GAS SEPARATION: A CRITERION FOR PORE DIFFUSION LIMITATION

The performance for gas separation by pressure swing adsorption is determined by four dimensionless parameters, pore diffusion (Detc/a2 ); bed utilization (uctc/L); purge-to-feed ratio (γ): and feed composition (yA0 ). The unique dependence of the product purities on these parameters are shown for binary-mixture separation on activated carbon. The importance of pore diffusion in PSA separation for binary mixtures may be assessed by the threshold value of Detc/a2 = 43, above which pore diffusion is not important.
Schizophrenia in Popular Periodicals

To examine what the general public is learning about schizophrenia, all articles on schizophrenia listed in theReader's Guide to Periodical Literature for all even-numbered years between 1964 and 1992 were read and rated. Hallucinations and delusions were the most commonly mentioned symptoms in the articles reviewed, biochemical dysfunction and heredity the most noted causes, and drugs the most cited treatment. The average yearly number of articles was relatively small, however (9.1), and only a minority of those appeared in general circulation magazines. In addition, community support was seldom included in discussions of treatment and specific misconceptions about schizophrenia were rarely addressed.
Influences of annealing and hafnium concentration on the microstructures of sputter deposited β-NiAl coatings on superalloy substrates

Abstract This study was conducted to establish the influences of high hafnium concentrations and high temperature annealing on the microstructures of β–NiAl coatings. Binary NiAl and ternary NiAl-1.0 at.% Hf coatings were deposited onto CMSX-4 ® superalloy substrates via unbalanced DC magnetron sputtering. Investigations were conducted using scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and three-dimensional atom probe tomography in an effort to determine the influences of annealing on the coating microstructures and coating/substrate interdiffusion. All as-deposited coatings were found to consist of a B2 structured solid solution consistent with the Ni-rich β–NiAl. Post-deposition annealing at 1000 °C resulted in significant coating-substrate interdiffusion and in the formation of an interdiffusion zone, the extent/thickness of which decreased with the addition of Hf. Annealing additionally produced γ′–Ni 3 Al precipitates in the binary coatings and nanometer-sized Hf-rich precipitates in Hf-containing coatings. The majority of these precipitates were identified as the equilibrium Heusler (i.e., Ni 2 AlHf) phase; however, when Hf-containing specimens were annealed in a high carbon environment, significant concentrations of carbon were incorporated into the coatings. This sometimes resulted in the formation of HfC precipitates. The results have been analyzed and discussed relative to previous research on sputter deposited NiAl–Hf coatings.
A best-matching protocol for collaborative e-work and e-manufacturing

In collaborative e-work over largely distributed organisations it is often necessary to match sets of components or suppliers for better-quality assemblies, or for better-quality contracts. In such cases, the importance of efficiently and effectively sharing, matching and leveraging real-time information is demonstrated in e-work and e-manufacturing systems via a best-matching protocol (BMP). The developed BMP enables better and quicker matches for both geometrical (e.g. physical parts) and non-geometrical attributes (e.g. members in a supply network). Improvement is measured using the newly defined best-fit index. Four statistical distributions are applied to characterise part specifications of the physical components. The statistical analysis corroborates that the performance of BMP in yielding significantly better matches for geometrical specifications (within acceptable tolerance limits) is consistent across uniform and normal distributions. The economic value of a match (EVM) is also evaluated for different economic costs. The results of applying EVM indicate that organisations need to define policies for matching as it is not always economically desirable to match parts. A double-match that includes a best-matching process for non-geometrical attributes and prior matching results from the manufacturing scenario is also performed to identify suppliers that provide the best parts and costs combinations.
Application of petrographic image analysis to the characterization of fluid-flow pathways in a highly-cemented reservoir: Kane Field, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Abstract The Kane Field reservoir is a well-cemented Upper Devonian sandstone with an average porosity of 11%. The bulk of the pore space occurs as microporosity in authigenic clays. Despite this apparently poor quality, the reservoir produces oil under waterflood at commercial rates of up to 17 b d per well. The purpose of this paper is to explain this behavior in terms of the nature of the porous microstructure of the reservoir. Statistical analysis of digital image data from thin sections of the Kane reservoir demonstrates the existence of five pore types, two of which (Pore Types 4 and 5) are a product of feldspar dissolution. Correlation of the image-analysis results with data from mercury injection of core plugs shows that Pore Type 4 has sufficiently large throats for it to be controlling the permeability of the reservoir. However, modelling Pore Type 4 as a system with conventional intergranular throats gives predicted permeabilities that are an order of magnitude lower than measured values. A much better match is obtained by considering the throats as slots that transmit fluid in a fracture-like manner. Such a configuration allows Pore Type 4 to provide highly efficient flow circuits that occupy only a small proportion of the total porosity. These circuits are a product of both depositional and diagenetic processes: concentration of local aggregates of feldspar grains, and subsequent dissolution of those grains by corrosive pore fluids.
Personality traits of the enterprise IT application implementation champion

This study attempts to identify personality traits for selecting successful information technology system implementation champions. Given the prominent role champions play implementing such change initiatives, the ability to select champions would give organisations an advantage in such endeavours. Individuals, identified as early adopters involved with implementing an organisational technology system, are surveyed utilising an instrument that classifies personality style preferences based on multiple profiling methods. Although the data suggests a preference for the problem solver and/or the systematic thinker, caution is recommended prior to excluding other profile types. Findings do support certain attributes that may be common to successful implementation champions beyond being good team members and salespersons. This article contributes to the literature by examining these guidepost traits which can be identified using simplified contemporary practitioner profiling instruments that are both cost-effective and timely for leaders in organisations charged with selecting potential champions to optimise the implementation.
LaxSr1−xRuO3: A new perovskite series

The compound LaRuO3 was prepared for the first time. It appears to be metallic and antiferromagnetic. Solid solutions with ferromagnetic SrRuO3 of the type LaxSr1−xRuO3 exist for all values of x. All compounds have the orthorhombic GdFeO3-type perovskite structure. The ferromagnetism observed for SrRuO3 (x = 0) diminishes rapidly with increasing La content, and antiferromagnetism or parasitic ferromagnetism sets in at approximately 35% La. All compounds show Curie-Weiss behavior at fairly low temperatures. The properties of LaRhO3 are also discussed.
Practical considerations in the management of large multiinstitutional databases

Large multiinstitutional databases are excellent sources of information that provide clinically useful insight into the practice of cardiac surgery. Fully informed subscribers should be aware of the practical concerns associated with the management and interpretation of database results. During development of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database, three such areas have become particularly important: the database population, the database quality, and the significance of results. Appreciation of the real and philosophical problems associated with these issues will allow for greater appreciation of the intricacies of the database and will enhance the users' ability to interpret information gained from the database.
PTEN Upregulation May Explain the Development of Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes with High Dose Statins

Purpose Statins increase the incidence of new onset diabetes. Prolonged statin therapy upregulates PTEN expression. PTEN levels are also elevated in diabetic animals. Activation of protein kinase A by cAMP decreases PTEN expression. We assessed whether prolonged treatment with rosuvastatin (ROS) induces glucose intolerance by upregulating Phosphatase and Tensin Homologue on Chromosome 10 (PTEN) in mice receiving normal (ND) or Western Diet (WD) and whether concomitant treatment with cilostazol (CIL, a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor) attenuates the effects.
The neurofibromatoses: hereditary predisposition to multiple peripheral nerve tumors

Neurosurgeons must be aware of the neuro-fibromatoses because they frequently present with nervous system tumors. Such patients develop numerous peripheral nerve sheath tumors; fortunately, only a few of these tumors are symptomatic or malignant. The tumor burden in individual patients can be remarkable, however, producing significant morbidity and requiring extensive or repeated care by a skilled neurosurgeon. Because it is impossible to predict which of the deep neurofibromas will undergo malignant transformation, it behooves clinicians and patients to be aware of any change in symptoms or growth of tumors, because early resection of MPNST offers the only chance for cure. Neurosurgical professionals should be familiar with the diagnostic criteria of the neurofibromatoses, because the patient who presents with an initial neurofibroma or schwannoma immediately falls into a category in which those disorders must be ruled out. In this regard, a family history of nerve sheath tumors is revealing and should prompt referral for a clinical genetics evaluation. Cutaneous manifestations of NFI can confirm the diagnosis at initial presentation. Missing the initial presentation of a patient with NF2 can lead to marked morbidity, such as deafness,because surveillance for subsequent tumors was inadequate. Tumorigenesis in all neurofibromatoses involves loss of tumor suppressor genes. These disorders illustrate that the two-hit loss of tumor suppressor gene model, which applies best for NF2, is oversimplified. As with most cancers,a theory of multistep progressive acquisition of genetic changes that promote unregulated grow this emerging in schwannomatosis. In addition, the hyperpigmentation and learning disability of NF 1 highlight that loss of one copy of the gene is sufficient to cause nontumoral manifestations of the disorder. Genetic counseling and testing have an important role in the diagnosis of NFI and NF2 as well as in the management of all the neurofibromatoses.
Nutrition and somatomedin: nutritionally regulated release of somatomedins and somatomedin inhibitors from perfused livers in rats.

Circulating somatomedin activity reflects the presence of both somatomedins and somatomedin inhibitors, factors which antagonize the growth-promoting actions of somatomedins. Although both are regulated by nutrition, somatomedin inhibitors respond more rapidly than somatomedins to refeeding in fasted animals. To explore the role of the liver in such responses, release of somatomedin activity and somatomedin inhibitor activity was assessed during perfusion of livers from normal, fasted, and fasted-refed rats. Size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that liver perfusates contain both somatomedin and somatomedin inhibitor activity of apparent molecular weight (mol wt) comparable to that found in the circulation (∼7,000 and ∼30,000, respectively), as well as activity of apparently higher mol wt. In subsequent studies, reponses to nutrition were evaluated as fluctuations in bioactivity only of mol wt comparable to that found in the circulation. Release of both somatomedin and somatomedin inhibitor activity was progressive over at least two hours of recirculating perfusion. Perfusates of livers from normal fed rats had somatomedin activity (stimulation of cartilage SO4 uptake) 94 ± 19% above buffer (P < .01), which fell to undetectable levels after three days of fasting. With refeeding, perfusate somatomedin activity rose within three hours to ∼25% of levels in fed rats, but did not become significant until after 12 hours (29 ± 7%, P < .02). Perfusates of livers of fed rats also contained somatomedin inhibitor activity (42 ± 10% inhibition of cartilage stimulation by normal serum), which rose after three days of fasting to 114 ± 22% (P < .02). Perfusate inhibitor activity began to fall after three hours of refeeding, and at both six and 12 hours, was comparable to levels in liver perfusates from fed animals. When the livers of fasted rats were perfused with medium enriched in amino acids as well as glucose, there was a significant increase in release of somatomedin activity and a marginal decrease in release of somatomedin inhibitor activity. Although perfusate somatomedin and somatomedin inhibitor activity were correlated (r = −0.45, P < .04), discrepancy in temporal responses suggested noncoordinate regulation. Thus, although fasting produced both a rise in somatomedin inhibitor and a fall in somatomedin activity, refeeding was associated with complete normalization of perfusate somatomedin inhibitor activity over six to 12 hours, whereas perfusate somatomedin activity did not become statistically significant until after 12 hours, when levels were still ∼75% below values in normal fed animals. During nutritional repletion of fasted animals, changes in both somatomedin and somatomedin inhibitor activity in liver perfusates appeared to precede comparable changes in the circulation. In combination, these observations indicate that the liver may play a major role in metabolic homeostasis via nutrition-regulated delivery of both somatomedins and somatomedin inhibitors to the circulation.
Loading carbon nanotubes with viscous fluids and nanoparticles – a simpler approach

Carbon nanotubes have demonstrated exceptional properties enabling them to be considered for applications in drug delivery and other biologically important fields. The emphasis of the current drug delivery research with carbon nanotubes focuses on surface functionalization of the nanotubes and attachment of biomolecules, while leaving the inner void unmodified and mostly empty. Here, we report a simple, cost effective, and scalable method for filling and sealing carbon nanotubes with viscous solutions of biomaterials and nanoparticles (10 to 100 nm). The loading of nanotubes was achieved by optimal centrifugation in the presence of the viscous solution containing nanoparticles. This novel method was found to be effective for loading nanoparticles from 10 nm up to 40 nm in diameter, while increased sedimentation of particles larger than 40 nm resulted in reduced loading efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to analyze to confirm and image the loading of carbon nanotubes. This method could have immediate exciting applications in drug delivery especially for subcutaneous and slow release formulations.
Oxygen ordering, peroxide-ion formation, and polarization fluctuations in YBa2Cu3O7−δ

It is argued that (1) an internal electric field parallel to the c-axis confines the redox reactions associated with oxygen intercalation/disintercalation to the intercalation layer, (2) coulombic interactions between intercalated oxygen introduce oxide-ion ordering within/between b-axis chains as well as ordering onto the b-axis, (3) peroxide-ion formation occurs between copper-bridging oxygen in contact with one another if the oxidation exceeds 7−δ = 6.5, and (4) an overlap of partially filled σ∗ and π∗ bands introduces polarization fluctuations that enhance the superconducting transition temperature.
Pheochromocytoma and functional paraganglioma.

Purpose of reviewPheochromocytoma is a rare, but clinically important tumor of chromaffin cells. Advances in our understanding of the genetic alterations causing hereditary forms and the increasing sensitivity of biochemical assays allow for early identification of high risk individuals and families
Experimental and Computational Studies of the Structures and Energetics of Cyclooctatetraene and Its Derivatives

Conformational changes in cyclooctatetraene (COT) and its substituted derivatives have been the subject of considerable interest for several decades.1,2 Relatively little is known, however, about the thermochemical properties of COT and, in particular, its radical and anionic derivatives. We have employed the selected-ion flow tube (SIFT) technique, photoelectron spectroscopy (PES), and molecular orbital (MO) calculations for a comprehensive study of the structures and energetics of C8Hn and C8Hn (n) 6-8). We report the electron affinities, gas-phase acidities, and C-H bond dissociation energies for COT and the related radicals. In addition, we have observed unusual properties for the electronic structure and reactivity of the C8H7 anion, which is shown to have a novel π-electron configuration and which exhibits a rare example of collisioninduced isomerization leading to transannular bond formation. Electron affinities (EA) were determined from SIFT and PES measurements. The EA of COT was obtained from the forward and reverse reaction rate constants for the electron-transfer equilibrium (eq 1). The rate constants were measured separately
Monitoring Diabetic Wound Healing with a Dielectric Probe

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which an individual cannot produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin produced by the body. This results in high or low blood glucose levels, which can be fatal if not monitored and controlled. Complications of diabetes include nerve end damage, reduced peripheral blood flow, which can also lead to slow wound healing, ulcers and amputations. This work proposes the use of a dielectric probe to track the wound healing process of a diabetic subject. It is based on the principle that the microwave dielectric properties of tissues such as skin or muscle, provide information on their structure, composition and physiological state. We used an automatic network analyzer, together with a dielectric probe, to measure dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor of the skin of our subject over a one-month period. Data was collected between 100 MHz and 8.5 GHz frequency range. Results showed a proportional increase in dielectric constant and loss factor with increase in the wound-induced edema. This work enhances the development of an electromagnetic wound-monitoring technique and provides data for tissue engineering applications.
Upright CBCT: A novel imaging technique

Purpose: We present a method for acquiring and correcting upright images using the on board CBCT imager. An upright imaging technique would allow for the introduction of upright radiation therapy treatments, which would benefit a variety of patients including those with thoracic cancers whose lung volumes are increased in an upright position and those who experience substantial discomfort during supine treatment positions. Methods : To acquire upright CBCT images, the linac head was positioned at 0 degrees, the KV imager and detector arms extended to their lateral positions, and the couch placed at 270 degrees. The KV imager was programmed to begin taking continuous fluoroscopic projections as the couch rotated from 270 to 90 degrees. The FOV was extended by performing this procedure twice, once with the detector shifted 14.5 cm towards the gantry and once with it shifted 14.5 cm away from the gantry. The two resulting sets of images were stitched together prior to reconstruction. The imaging parameters were chosen to deliver the some dose as that delivered during a simulation CT. A simulation CT was deformably registered to an upright CBCT reconstruction in order to evaluate the possibility of correcting the HU values via mapping. Results: Both spatial linearity and high contrast resolution were maintained in upright CBCT when compared to a simulation CT. Low contrast resolution and HU linearity decreased. Streaking artifacts were caused by the limited 180 degree arc angle and a sharp point artifact in the center of the axial slices resulted at the site of the stitching. A method for correcting the HUs was shown to be robust against these artifacts. Conclusion : Upright CBCT could be of great benefit to many patients. This study demonstrates its feasibility and presents solutions to some of its first hurdles before clinical implementation. -------------------------- Cite this article as: Fave X, Yang J, Balter P, Court L. Upright CBCT: A novel imaging technique. Int J Cancer Ther Oncol 2014; 2(2):020221. DOI: 10.14319/ijcto.0202.21
Cooley anemia: high transfusion regimen and chelation therapy, results, and perspective.

A tranfusion regimen aimed an maintaining hemoglobin levels above 9.5 gm/dl from the time of early diagnosis has permitted eight with Cooley anemia to liver normal, active lives, without hypersplenism or cardiac dysfunction (three to 13 years of observation). Echocardiography, however, has revealed increased thickness of the left ventricular wall. The amount of iron excreted in urine per 24 hours in response to daily administration of deferoxamine-B (20 mg/kg) was related to the estimated proportionate daily accumulation of iron from that administered by intermittent transfusion of erythocyutes, calculated from the amount of transfused RBCs The percentage of the dauily accumulated iron that was excreted after im injection of deferoxamine amounted to less than 30% in children up to five years of age; thereafter, it increased to 50%. When the same dose of the drug was given overnight by iv or sc infusion, the 24-hour excretion of iron increased threefold in the youngest and twofold in the oldest children. These data lead to the projection that deferoxamine-B, at the dose of 20 mg/kg, if given daily by im injection, may significantly reduce the iron overload and, if given daily at this dose by overnight infusion, may permit these children to approach iron balance, despite their large transfusion requirements.
Therapy with factor IX concentrate resulting in DIC and thromboembolic phenomena.

The development of subclinical DIC in a patient with factor IX hemophilia receiving concentrate replacement therapy during surgery is discussed with respect to pertinent laboratory features, Subsequent thromboembolic phenomena are presented in the context of current literature. Of significance is the failure of heparin given with the factor IX concentrate to prevent DIC. The value of adequate laboratory monitoring during therapy is stressed.
Transformation to Rotating Coordinates, reply to Atwater

TREATMENT of the rotating disk in special relativity1 is open to question. If a ring made of a physical material, such as a circular wire, initially stationary, is made to rotate without changing its radius, the wire will stretch. In Atwater's example, the painted strips will remain of the same size. He apparently does not appreciate that a stress of tension is introduced into the disk. If the material were to crack under the stress, it would be possible for the painted strips to appear as he suggests2.
Specialized Runge-Kutta methods for index 2 differential-algebraic equations

We consider the numerical solution of systems of semi-explicit index 2 differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) by methods based on Runge-Kutta (RK) coefficients. For nonstiffly accurate RK coefficients, such as Gauss and Radau IA coefficients, the standard application of implicit RK methods is generally not superconvergent. To reestablish superconvergence projected RK methods and partitioned RK methods have been proposed. In this paper we propose a simple alternative which does not require any extra projection step and does not use any additional internal stage. Moreover, symmetry of Gauss methods is preserved. The main idea is to replace the satisfaction of the constraints at the internal stages in the standard definition by enforcing specific linear combinations of the constraints at the numerical solution and at the internal stages to vanish. We call these methods specialized Runge-Kutta methods for index 2 DAEs (SRK-DAE2).
Small saturating inductors for more compact switching power supplies

Other than by reducing power, extending battery life in portable microelectronics amounts to increasing power efficiency, which, when coupled with accuracy, translates to increasing filter inductance. The problem with higher inductances is that magnetic cores require more space to prevent the onset of saturation, so accuracy and efficiency (via their need for bulky inductors) hamper the miniaturization benefits gained from chip integration. This paper illustrates the time-domain and efficiency effects of inductor saturation in switched-inductor DC–DC converters and shows how they can accommodate saturation (with up to 65% reduction in inductance) with minimal impact on battery life and accuracy. Extending the useful range of an inductor in this fashion not only reduces the printed circuit board (PCB) area and volume to a fraction (e.g., 30–50%) of what an otherwise larger unsaturated inductor would require, but also helps bridge the integration gap that enables practical system-on-chip (SoC) implementations. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Edge diagnostics and transport in the TEXT tokamak

Abstract Particle and energy flux analysis in the edge region based on measured profiles are presented for one discharge condition of the Texas Experimental Tokamak (TEXT). The results are compared with measurements of fluctuation induced transport and with the predictions of two theoretical models for turbulence. Electrostatic turbulence can account for most of the total particle flux and the convected heat flux at the limiter. The scaling of the radial transport in the scrape-off layer can be accounted for by the fluctuations. In low density discharges the conducted heat flux cannot be attributed only to the measured fluctuations. For high density discharges, electrostatic fluctuations may be able to account for the conducted heat flux. The radial scaling of the particle flux from the resistivity gradient model agrees within a factor of three in the edge with the observed profile.
Trace metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn) and nutrients in coastal waters adjacent to San Francisco Bay, California

Samples collected in December 1990 and July 1991 show that dissolved Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn distributions in the Gulf of the Farallones are dominated by mixing of two end-members: (1) metal-enriched San Francisco Bay water and (2) offshore California Current water. The range of dissolved metal concentrations observed is 0.2–0.9 nmol kg−1 for Cd, 1–20 nmol kg−1 for Cu, 4–16 nmol kg−1 for Ni, and 0.2–20 nmol kg−1 for Zn. Effective concentrations in fresh water discharged into San Francisco Bay during 1990–1991 (estimated by extrapolation to zero salinity) are 740–860 μmol kg−1 for silicate, 21–44 μmol kg−1 for phosphate, 10–15 nmol kg−1 for Cd, 210–450 nmol kg−1 for Cu, 210–270 nmol kg−1 for Ni, and 190–390 nmol kg−1 for Zn. Comparison with effective trace metal and nutrient concentrations for freshwater discharge reported by Flegal et al. (1991) shows that input of these constituents to the northern reaches of San Francisco Bay accounts for only a fraction of the input to Gulf of the Farallones from the estuary system as a whole. The nutrient and trace metal composition of shelf water outside a 30-km radius from the mouth of the estuary closely resembles that of California Current water further offshore. In contrast to coastal waters elsewhere, there is little evidence of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn input by sediment diagenesis in continental shelf waters of California.
The relationship between individualistic, collectivistic, and transitional cultural value orientations and adolescents' autonomy and identity status

In an effort to validate the use of a Western model of adolescent development with Asian youth, 781 urban and rural Taiwanese high school students (56% female) completed questionnaires about their development. Adolescents were first divided into cultural value orientations (i.e. collectivistic, individualistic, or transitional) and compared geographically. There were statistically significant differences in cultural value orientations only for rural youth. Identity statuses and levels of cognitive autonomy were then compared according to cultural value orientations and gender. Adolescents who self-identified as collectivistic were significantly more likely to self-identify as achieved rather than diffused compared to transitional adolescents. Gender, more than cultural value identifications, significantly differentiated these youth in regard to issues of cognitive autonomy measured in this study (i.e. evaluative thinking, voicing opinions, making decisions, self-assessing, and comparative validation). Taken in whole, these findings support the use of a Western model of adolescent development for Taiwanese youth.