cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The importance of tumor palpability and transrectal ultrasonographic appearance in the contemporary clinical staging of prostate cancer.

Abstract Background An accurate assessment of the clinical stage of prostate cancer is important to determine the most appropriate treatments for patients. Most centers rely on digital rectal examination, given conflicting results in the literature regarding the role of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). Objective Since ultrasound technologies as well as physician experience have improved, the contemporary impact of TRUS on the clinical staging of prostate cancer was assessed. Design, Setting, and Participants In 2002, a standardized form to evaluate TRUS findings in order to rank the clinical suspicion of extracapsular extension (ECE) was used for all prostate cancer patients evaluated at UCSF. Preoperative clinical findings were compared with pathological staging as assessed by analysis of radical prostatectomy specimens from 2002 to 2007 ( n = 620). Results Mean patient age was 58 ± 6.6 years with a mean PSA of 7.0 ± 4.5; 157/620 (25.3%) had pathologic ECE. Evidence of ECE by TRUS was associated with higher pathologic stage ( P P = 0.0006). Overall, TRUS had a 31% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 58% positive predictive value, and 80% negative predictive value with an area under the curve of 0.77 for the detection of ECE. TRUS alone was significantly more accurate in predicting ECE than commonly used nomograms or tables ( P Conclusions In the current era, TRUS provides an accurate method to assess a cancer stage.
Lineage differentiation of canine lymphoma/leukemias and aberrant expression of CD molecules

Multiparameter flow cytometry analysis and specific cluster differentiation (CD) molecules were used to determine the expression profiles of B- and T-cell antigens on lymph node preparations from 59 dogs with generalized or multisystemic lymphoma. Lymph node samples from 11 healthy dogs were labeled to validate the specificity of antibodies and to formulate guidelines for interpretation of the results obtained from lymphoma samples. In normal lymph nodes, T-lymphocytes expressing CD3, CD4, or CD8 beta represented 59+/-11%, 43+/-8%, or 16+/-5% of the total cells, whereas B-lymphocytes expressing either CD21 or surface IgM (IgM) represented 37+/-9% or 14+/-5%, respectively. Small lymphocytes could be distinguished from large lymphocytes by forward light scatter. Of the patient samples 29 different breeds were represented with Golden and Labrador retriever being the most common. The lymphoma samples segregated into three groups based on CD antigen expression. Thirty cases predominantly expressed one or more combinations of CD79a, IgM, and CD21 representing a B-cell lineage. Three B-cell cases also expressed the stem cell antigen, CD34. Sixteen cases expressed one or more combinations of CD3, CD4, and CD8 consistent with a T-cell lineage and CD3+CD4+CD8--phenotype was the most common. Thirteen cases showed a mixed expression profile for T- and B-cell antigens and in three cases CD14 was highly expressed. Clinical response was poorest for T-cell lymphomas. Leukemic states occurred in all three phenotypes; but mixed cell cases had the greatest proportion. Dual immunofluorescence staining confirmed co-expression of T-cell (CD3) and B-cell antigens (CD79a or CD21) on neoplastic lymphocytes of six mixed cell cases. In one mixed cell case, dual immunostaining identified lymphocyte populations that stained mutually exclusive for CD79a and CD3. Six mixed cell lymphomas tested by PCR showed clonality for rearranged antigen receptor. Four cases that were CD79a+CD3+ had TCRgamma chain gene rearrangements, whereas two cases that were CD3+CD8+CD21+ had Ig heavy chain rearrangement. One case expressing multiple CD molecules (CD3+CD8+CD21+CD14+) was PCR negative for both Ig and TCRgamma gene rearrangement and could not be classified into a B- or T-cell lineage. We show for the first time co-expression of B- and T-cell markers on lymphoma cells that had specific T- or B-cell gene rearrangements. These findings suggest that aberrant CD molecule expression is not an uncommon finding in canine lymphomas and is a useful diagnostic marker for malignancy.
Aldosterone production and insulin resistance in healthy adults.

Context: Aldosterone production is associated with insulin resistance in obese and hypertensive subjects. However, its effect on insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects is not clear. Objective: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that increased aldosterone production is associated with lower insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects. Design: This is an analysis of data previously collected during studies conducted as part of the International Hypertensive Pathotype Consortium. Participants and Interventions: Eighty-four subjects free of any medical or psychiatric illness were included in this study. They were studied after 7 d of a standardized high-sodium diet confirmed by 24-h urine sodium above 200 mEq. Insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was calculated after a 75-g oral glucose load with glucose and insulin measurements at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min. Serum aldosterone levels were measured after 45 min of angiotensin II (3 ng/kg/min) infusion. Results: There were significant negative correlations between ISI and age, body mass index (BMI), diastolic blood pressure, and angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone level (P < 0.01). On multivariate regression analysis, stimulated aldosterone level was an independent predictor of ISI after adjusting for age, BMI, and diastolic blood pressure. Stimulated aldosterone level predicted 8% of the variance in ISI (P = 0.003) with age, BMI, and diastolic blood pressure together predicting 23% of the variance in ISI. Thus, the final regression model predicted 31% of the variance in ISI (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Aldosterone production is associated with insulin resistance in normotensive healthy subjects independent of traditional risk factors.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment in 30 Patients Suffering from Chronic Face and Head Pain

This study evaluated the efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion pulsed radiofrequency (SPG-PRF) treatment in patients suffering from chronic head and face pain. Thirty patients were observed from 4 to 52 months after PRF treatment. The primary efficacy measures were the reduction in oral medication use, including opioids, time-to-next-treatment modality for presenting symptoms, duration of pain relief, and the presence of residual symptoms. Secondary objectives included the evaluation of adverse effects and complications. All data were derived from patient charts, phone conversations, and clinical follow-up visits. Fourteen percent of respondents reported no pain relief, 21% had complete pain relief, and 65% of the patients reported mild to moderate pain relief from SPG-PRF treatment. Sixty-five percent of the respondents reported mild to moderate reduction in oral opioids. None of the patients developed significant infection, bleeding, hematoma formation, dysesthesia, or numbness of palate, maxilla, or posterior pharynx. A large-scale study of SPG-PRF for the treatment of face and head pain has not been previously reported. Our results suggest that a prospective, randomized, controlled trial study to confirm efficacy and safety of this novel treatment for chronic head and face pain is justified.
An empirical comparison of random numbers acquired by computer-generation and from the rand tables.

Abstract The use of Monte Carlo and other statistical procedures that depend on randomization of the observed data has been inhibited by uncertainty about the validity of random numbers generated by a computer. In the empirical test performed here, computer-generated numbers appeared to be just as “random” as those available in the Rand tables that are a conventional standard source of random numbers.
Nitric oxide formation by inverse diffusion flames in staged-air burners

Abstract Chemiluminescent measurements of NO and NO x in the exhaust of a laboratory staged-air burner were made to investigate furnace emissions. Emissions throughout the transition from primary fuel-rich to overall fuel-lean conditions were mapped for a range of secondary-air jet parameters. This allows quantification of the NO x emissions through the rich-to-lean transition and also their sensitivity to secondary-air injection parameters. Mixing of the secondary air with the primary products was identified as a key parameter in NO x reduction. In all cases the NO x emissions were observed approximately to plateau when turbulent mixing was established in the combustor. The NO x emissions at the most lean stoichiometry ( φ 0 = 0.5) were equivalent, within the measurement uncertainty, for all combustor geometries investigated.
IEEE Communications Society Committee on social implications of technology

The field of communications is obviously a very broad one and we can?t expect to cover it in its entirety. I would therefore suggest we narrow down on a few very specific areas of communications with substantial social implications that are either in the imminent growth category or near future status. Examples might include domestic communications satellites, videophone, two-way cable and the wired city concept, computer communication and data. networks, etc. What are the implications to the broad public of the introduction of these and other communication systems and facilities? Will they lead to reduced communication costs, to a better informed citizenry, to better educational opportunities, to improved communications between individuals and/or businesses, etc.? Are there possible deleterious effects that must be kept in mind?-the privacy question, increased homogeneity of an already highly homogeneous society, too much "stay at home" activity, the possible inability of humans to cope with faster and faster rates of transmission of more and more information (as suggested by some social scientists), etc.? If we can get some kind of discussion going of a very specific nature, we may be able to come up with position papers for publication in the Transactions, Newsletter, and other journals, organize sessions and panel discussions at appropriate conferences and meetings, get local sections to sponsor meetings, set up joint meetings with social scientists interested in the social implications of communicatiorls, interact with the broad public in very specific ways, interact with universities, etc.
New Methods in Coagulation

Recent advances in the elucidation of the molecular biochemistry of the coagulation proteins have provided the foundation for the development of synthetic substrates. These substrates are oligopeptide with either a chromophore or fluorophore group attached to the C-terminal end. They may be used in the laboratory to assay for a number of the serine proteases involved in either coagulation or fibrinolysis. Also, by suitably modifying the assay system, the various inhibitors can be quantitated. These substrates promise to revolutionize the coagulation laboratory allowing for more precise quantitation of trace enzymes and also improved standardization and precision of coagulation assays. In addition to these substrates, the introduction of a number of immunologic procedures into the diagnostic laboratory have been of major importance in elucidating the heterogeneity of hereditary coagulation defects. By correlating the immunologic assays, coagulation assays and clinical picture, a number of subgroups of hereditary deficiencies have been identified. Also, the immunologic assays have provided a means for identifying the carrier state of hemophilia A and have significantly contributed to the improved diagnosis of von Willebrand's disease. The use of ristocetin cofactor assays, when used in conjunction with the Factor VIII antigens, have enable the laboratory to more accurately diagnose the majority of patients with von Willebrand's disease. Ristocetin cofactor may be assayed utilizing either formalin fixed or washed platelets and recently a snake venom has been introduced to assay for this particular aspect of the Factor VIII complex. Platelet specific proteins (i.e., platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin) may be assayed utilizing either radioimmunoassays or in the case of platelet factor 4 modified coagulation assays. These proteins provide evidence of in vivo platelet activation and hopefully may, in the future, be correlated with platelet kinetics.
Defiant Diplomat George Platt Waller: American Consul in Nazi‐Occupied Luxembourg, 1939–1941. Edited by Willard Allen Fletcher and Joan Tucker Fletcher. (Newark, DE: University of Delaware Press, 2012. Pp. xxxii, 201. $80.00.)

If George Platt Waller had published this eloquent memoir when he finished writing it in 1943, it might have become a gripping Hollywood film about the gallant citizens of Luxembourg suffering and ...
Downwind sound propagation in an atmospheric boundary layer

A theoretical analysis is given for an acoustic monopole in an atmospheric boundary layer. The analysis is based on the Obukhov quasipotential function (which defines both acoustic pressure and velocity) and assumes an isothermal atmosphere, an exponential boundary-layer flow profile, and a ground impedance function. It is shown that acoustic waves in the boundary layer can be represented by plane waves with variable amplitude. The wave amplitudes are given by the generalized hypergeometric function oFj. The present work is an extension of previous work by Wenzel, who studied surface waves associated with a ground plane without flow, and by Chunchuzov, who identified a discrete mode spectrum in an exponential boundary layer over a hard surface. It is shown that downwind propagation of low-frequency sound can be represented by these discrete modes, which spread as cylindrical waves. The downwind attenuation of the fundamental mode is proportional to frequency squared, wind speed, boundary-layer displacement thickness, and the real part of the ground admittance. The analysis is supported by acoustic data from a wind turbine at Medicine Bow, Wyoming.
Solution of the Neumann pressure problem in general orthogonal coordinates using the multigrid technique

The multigrid (MG) technique has been advanced for use with Neumann boundary-value problems in clustered curvilinear orthogonal coordinates. This comprises an important step in the analysis of incompressible flow using the velocity-pressure formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations. The finite-difference representation of the problem and the formulation of the restriction and coarse-grid correction operators are examined in detail. Maintaining consistency between these and the integral constraint associated with the Neumann problem is found to be critical for the success of the MG technique. The influence of the smoothing operator is examined by employing Gauss-Seidel, alternating-direction implicit, and strongly implicit techniques. The MG procedure enhances the efficiency of fine-grid solutions of the Neumann problem by a factor of 3 to 14, depending on the type of smoothing operator employed and the values of the problem parameters.
Cytopathological interpretation and medical consultation.

DURING the years since the introduction of the Papanicolaou classification, there has evolved increased understanding of cervical and vaginal neoplasia. This classification did not reflect an equivalent tissue diagnosis that could be unequivocally interpreted by the attending clinician, and it did not reflect the now-accepted noncancerous cervical and vaginal changes. It was time for the development of new terminology and classifications of cervical and vaginal cytology that would reflect clearly current knowledge of the histological changes as related to cytological findings. Furthermore, there was the clamor about the need for evaluation and regulation of laboratories providing interpretation of the smears. Obviously, without a standard, clearly understood terminology, there would be no acceptable way to evaluate the interpretation of the cytological smears on a nationwide basis. To this end, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists wholeheartly participated, along with 10 other groups, in the Workshop on the Terminology for Cervical
CO2 sorbents for a sorption-enhanced water–gas-shift process in IGCC plants: A thermodynamic analysis and process simulation study

Abstract A sorption-enhanced water–gas-shift reaction process (SEWGS) combines the WGS reaction and CO 2 removal into a single process step in an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant. In the SEWGS, a solid sorbent is employed to capture the CO 2 generated by the WGS reaction. A key technical issue for the SEWGS is to identify and develop sorbents that can capture CO 2 under high pressure and high temperature syngas conditions and minimize or even eliminate the need for WGS catalysts. We present the results from a thermodynamic analysis and process simulation study that aimed to identify sorbents and optimal temperature windows to maximize the thermal efficiency of an IGCC + SEWGS plant. The results from the thermodynamic analysis identified two metal oxides, one silicate, three zirconates, and one titanate sorbents that are suitable for the SEWGS application. The results from the process simulation study revealed that the overall thermal efficiency of a 1187 MW th (thermal input) IGCC + SEWGS plant gasifying an Illinois coal, and using the seven sorbents selected from the thermodynamic analysis, was between 0.5 and 2.4 percentage points greater than that of a reference IGCC + Selexol plant.
The polycyclic sleep-wake cycle in the cat: Effects produced by sensorimotor rhythm conditioning

Abstract In the present study, criteria were formulated to define the polycyclic sleep-wake cycle of the naive laboratory cat. Analysis of electrographic data from cats prepared for chronic 24-hr observations revealed a mean cycle duration of 104 min. An average cycle contained a 26-min wakefulness and a 79-min sleep episode with an average of 2.6 REM sleep epochs per sleep episode. Traditional measures of sleep-wakefulness percentages, sleep cycle duration, and the active sleep/total sleep ratio were not different from those reported in previous studies. Cats trained to produce a high-amplitude slow-wave EEG pattern, the sensorimotor rhythm, for food reward and observed during 24-hr recording sessions had shorter sleep-wake cycles. The wakefulness episode was extended to 35 min and the sleep episode was shortened to 58 min to produce a 93 min cycle. There was an average of 2.3 REM sleep epochs per sleep episode. Alert behavior increased and drowsiness, quiet sleep, and active sleep decreased in amounts over the 24-hr observation period. The active sleep/total sleep ratio and the mean sleep cycle length did not change. These results indicate that the polycyclic sleep-wake cycle is a definable rhythm of the cat's sleep-wake pattern. This measurement of the cycle and its subcomponent features affords a means of determining how changes in percentages of sleep and wakefulness affect the dynamics of sleepwake pattern organization. These analyses complement the traditional measures of percent sleep and wakefulness and the sleep cycle length in experimental studies of sleep.
Joint Distributed Space-Time Block Coding with Distributed Turbo Product Code (DSTBC-DTPC)

We propose new joint distributed Space-Time Block Code (STBC)-Distributed Turbo Product Code (DTPC) by generating the vertical parity on the relay and transmitting it to the destination using STBC on the source and relay. We tested our proposed system in a fast fading environment on the three channels connecting the three nodes in the cooperative network. Results show an overall gain that can reach 3.5dB over the non-cooperative system at 10^{-5} Bit Error Rate (BER).
Two-level model for inner-shell excitation: Effect of translation factors

An analytic model is derived for long-range coupling in inner-shell excitation processes of ion-atom collisions using a two-state wave function with Bates and McCarroll translation factors. The result we derive for the sharing ratio reduces to the Demkov result in the low-velocity limit. At higher velocities, we predict a sharing ratio which drops below the Demkov curve. As the velocity increases, a maximum is reached and the sharing ratio then decreases with further increase in velocity. Numerical calculations using translation factors in a molecular orbital basis have shown such a falloff. The effect has been previously attributed to phasing between interaction regions due to a multistate configuration. We show that the effect is due to the inclusion of translation factors. The modification we derive to the analytic model of Demkov resolves discrepancies with the experimental data which were previously attributed to fluorescence yield problems. In addition, we find that without making adiabatic assumptions in treating the solutions of the equations of motion, we can recover the exact Born result in the high-velocity limit.
Positional Isotope Exchange Analysis of the Mycobacterium smegmatis Cysteine Ligase (MshC)

MshC catalyzes the ATP-dependent condensation of GlcN-Ins and cysteine to form Cys-GlcN-Ins, which is an intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway of mycothiol, i.e., 1-d-myo-inosityl-2-(N-acetyl-l-cysteinyl)amido-2-deoxy-α-d-glucopyranoside (MSH or AcCys-GlcN-Ins). MSH is produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, members of the Actinomycetes family, to maintain an intracellular reducing environment and protect against oxidative and antibiotic induced stress. The biosynthesis of MSH is essential for cell growth, and therefore, the MSH biosynthetic enzymes present potential targets for inhibitor design. The formation of kinetically competent adenylated intermediates was suggested by the observation of positional isotope exchange (PIX) reaction using [βγ-18O6]-ATP in the presence of cysteine. The PIX rate depends on the presence of cysteine and increases with concentrations of cysteine. The loss of PIX activity upon the addition of small concentrations of pyrophosphatase suggests that the PPi is free to dissoc...
Medication timing for the elderly: The impact of biorhythms on effectiveness

The concept of chronopharmacology has significant implications for drug delivery systems. Age and illness put the elderly at greater risk for adverse drug effects, and nurses caring for the elderly have a challenging opportunity to measurably improve the quality of their care by applying chronotherapeutic concepts. Pharmacologic chronotherapy is a developing science that holds much hope for increasing the effectiveness of drug therapy and for reducing the incidence of toxic drug reactions. Nurses who are aware of the principles on which chronotherapy is based are in a unique position to improve the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for all clients. However, appropriate timing of medications is especially important among elderly clients whose physiological processes are altered or changed by age and chronic illness. In this article, the basis of chronotherapy is discussed, and several therapeutic applications are identified.
Effect of somatomedin and growth hormone on bone collagen synthesis in vitro.

Abstract Although pituitary hormones, particularly growth hormone (GH), are known to influence skeletal growth, there is no evidence for a direct effect of GH or GH-dependent factors (somatomedins) on bone as opposed to cartilage. We have examined the effects of GH, a somatomedin (Sm) preparation, and serum from intact and hypophysectomized rats on bone collagen synthesis in cultures of 21-day fetal rat calvaria. Collagen synthesis and non-collagen protein synthesis were measured by the incorporation of 3H-proline into collagenase-digestible (CDP) and noncollagen protein (NCP). Bovine and rat GH caused a small inhibition in the incorporation of labeled proline into CDP which was not dose related. Sm in doses of 18–540 mU/ml increased the incorporation of proline into CDP up to three-fold after 24 hr in culture. Sm also had a smaller and more variable stimulatory effect on the labeling of NCP. The effects of Sm were maximal after 3 hr of treatment and were maintained for 96 hr. Sm (60 mU/ml) and insulin (10−8 M) had effects of similar magnitude and were not additive. The addition of 10% serum from hypophysectomized rats stimulated the labeling of both CDP and NCP, but serum from rats with intact pituitaries had a greater effect. Treatment of hypophysectomized rats with thyroxine, corticosterone, and GH. did not increase the bone collagen synthesis stimulating activity of the serum, although GH treatment did increase serum Sm activity by a pig cartilage assay. The results indicate that GH dose not stimulate bone collagen synthesis directly. However, they suggest that the pituitary gland either releases or stimulates the production of factors which stimulate bone collagen synthesis. Sm may be such a factor, but sulfation activity and bone collagen synthesis stimulating activity may be dissociable.
Operational analysis for the drug detection problem

New techniques and sensors to identify the molecular, chemical, or elemental structures unique to drugs are being developed under several national programs. However, the challenge faced by U.S. drug enforcement and Customs officials goes far beyond the simple technical capability to detect an illegal drug. Entry points into the U.S. include ports, border crossings, and airports where cargo ships, vehicles, and aircraft move huge volumes of freight. Current technology and personnel are able to physically inspect only a small fraction of the entering cargo containers. The complexities of how to best utilize new technology to aid the detection process and yet not adversely affect the processing of vehicles and time-sensitive cargo is the challenge faced by these officials. This paper describes an ARPA sponsored initiative to develop a simple, yet useful, method for examining the operational consequences of utilizing various procedures and technologies in combination to achieve an `acceptable' level of detection probability. Since Customs entry points into the U.S. vary from huge seaports to a one lane highway checkpoint between the U.S. and Canadian or Mexico border, no one system can possibly be right for all points. This approach can examine alternative concepts for using different techniques/systems for different types of entry points. Operational measures reported include the average time to process vehicles and containers, the average and maximum numbers in the system at any time, and the utilization of inspection teams. The method is implemented via a PC-based simulation written in GPSS-PC language. Input to the simulation model is (1) the individual detection probabilities and false positive rates for each detection technology or procedure, (2) the inspection time for each procedure, (3) the system configuration, and (4) the physical distance between inspection stations. The model offers on- line graphics to examine effects as the model runs.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Simulations of Microlens Arrays Formed by Pattern-Photopolymerization-Induced Phase Separation of Liquid Crystal/Monomer Mixtures

Simulations are presented for microlens arrays prepared via photopolymerization-induced phase separation in liquid crystal/monomer mixtures based on four-wave mixing, viz., interference of two hori...
Rural Preparedness for Traffic Control in Agricultural Emergencies

This paper explores the extent to which rural areas are prepared to handle the traffic control required for a large-scale quarantine related to an agricultural emergency. On the basis of a literature review and interviews with law enforcement, agriculture, transportation, and emergency response officials in several rural counties around the country, the current level of state and local preparedness for an agricultural emergency such as a foreign animal disease is explored. The gaps in such preparedness at both the state and local levels, related primarily to traffic control, are the next focus. Remedial recommendations follow and encompass constraints, such as the limited resources of rural counties and the division of responsibility among federal, state, and local officials. Finally, a set of tools for planning and implementing traffic control in an agricultural emergency is provided for local responders. These tools include a table of roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in each of the three phase...
Seed bank composition of a northeastern U. S. tussock swamp

A seedling and sporeling emergence assay was conducted on 50 soil cores taken from withinCarex stricta tussocks (intra-tussock) and from paired, adjacentinter-tussock areas in the Hawkins Conservation Area, South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA, to test the hypothesis that local heterogeneity in water levels alters seed bank composition and subsequent seedling emergence patterns. Soil cores were sliced into 2.5-cm-thick sections and split into flooded and drawn-down treatments. Germination of buried seeds and spores was assessed in these treatments under greenhouse conditions for 6 months. Eighteen species emerged from both treatments combined: 17 frominter-tussock samples and 12 fromintra-tussock samples. Pooled across sample depths and watering treatments, more species of grasses, forbs (exclusive ofImpatiens capensis), and woody plants germinated fromintra-tussock samples, while more pteridophytes germinated from theinter-tussock samples. Emergence of pteridophytes, grasses, and forbs was associated significantly with sample depth. More pteridophytes germinated from samples close to the swamp surface, while grasses and forbs were most abundant in samples 10–20 cm below the surface. In the drawn-down treatment, pteridophyte and forb seedlings were more plentiful frominter-tussock samples. In contrast, more forb seedlings emerged fromintra-tussock samples in the flooded treatment. This variation in forb emergence seems to reflect differences in species composition within and between tussocks. Twenty-two species occurred in the standing vegetation of the study area, but only nine of these also occurred in the seed bank. The composition of standing vegetation atop and between tussocks did not differ significantly. Grasses, which dominated the seed bank, were absent from standing vegetation. Grasses clearly represent a persistent population of seeds in the seed bank, while forbs are more transient within the seed bank. The depth-stratified species composition of the seed bank also suggests patterns of temporal succession in the aboveground vegetation of this New England tussock swamp.
Proactive natural language search engine: tapping into structured data on the web

In this era of "big data", a key challenge facing the database community is to help average users tap into the huge amounts of structured data on the Web. To address this challenge, we propose a novel proactive template-based engine for searching structured data on the Web using natural language. Departing from conventional search engines, the proposed engine organizes questions it can answer using templates and figures out ahead of time which sources can answer which templates and how. Then, at query time, the engine can simply match queries with the templates and retrieve answers using the pre-compiled evaluation plans. While attractive, building such an engine requires innovations in template creation, query evaluation, and system evolution. In this paper, we propose novel techniques to address these challenges.
Intra‐Hospital Transfer: Effects on Chronically Ill Psychogeriatric Patients

Since the Vermont State Hospital was approaching a major transition period, it was decided to study systematically the effects of intra-unit and inter-unit transfer on its psychogeriatric patients. Ten patients were assessed by means of four standardized measures in the intra-unit study, specifically investigating the effects of integrating wards previously devoted either to chronic or to acute psychiatric illness. Twenty-five patients from a specialized geriatric unit were evaluated, by separate investigators, with respect to changes occuring as a result of their transfer to regional mixed units. The critical incident log, the problem classification form, and the clinical global impression showed some changes, for which there were several possible explanations. None of the changes was as dramatic as predicted by staff members holding divergent views prior to the study. The optimists predicted a "blossoming" of the psychogeriatric patients in the mixed, regional units, whereas the pessimists prophesied dire consequences. The group of patients studied was not completely homogeneous with respect to the effect to transfer. Clinical assessment after transfer could be relied on to detect improvement in some of these psychogeriatric patients and deterioration in others. Some understanding of the complexity of the multifactor determinants of change developed along with increased cooperation among the investigators and the nursing staff. A middle ground of mutual respect for fresh ideas and an appreciation for years of experience was reached.
Nanocomposite route to the stabilization of porous ϑ-alumina

Stabilization of ϑ-alumina phase by silica was studied in nanocomposite (diphasic) alumina-silica gels by XRD and BET surface areas measurements. Five wt.% of silica (22 nm particles) increased the crystallization temperature of ϑ to α-alumina by about 100°C from boehmite (10 nm particles) derived alumina. Stabilization of ϑ-alumina was caused by the formation of intimate contact (Al-O-Si) between components by diffusion of silica into the defect alumina structure.
Cyclic AMP formation in rat spinal cord tissue slices

Abstract The regulation of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) formation in rat spinal cord tissue slices was studied. Significant stimulation of accumulation of cyclic AMP was produced by various amines (norepinephrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, dopamine, serotonin and phenylephrine) and adenosine. Histamine, cholinomimetics, and various excitatory and inhibitory amino acids were without effect, as well as prostaglandin E 1 and F 1α The norepinephrine response was blocked partially by either alpha or beta receptor antagonists and blocked completely by combined incubation with the two antagonists. Alpha and beta agonist-induced increases in cyclic AMP were blocked completely by the respective adrenergic antagonists. Potentiation of the norepinephrine response by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor RO 20-1724 suggests that cyclic AMP formation in the spinal cord is linked to adrenergic receptor activation and this system may play a role in the regulation of neuronal function in spinal cord.
Lack of Equivalence between central and mixed venous oxygen saturation.

Study objective: We compared paired samples of central venous O 2 saturation (Scv o 2 ) and mixed venous O 2 saturation (Sv o 2 ) to test the hypothesis that Scv o 2 is equivalent to Sv o 2 . We also compared O 2 consumption (V o 2 ) computed with Scv o 2 (V o 2 cv) to that computed with Sv o 2 (V o 2 v). Design: Prospective, sequential, observational study. Setting: Combined medical-surgical ICU. Patients: Fifty-three individuals > 18 years of age of either sex who required a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) to guide fluid therapy. Subjects were identified as postsurgical (32 patients) or medical (21 patients) according to their ICU admission diagnosis. Interventions: A PAC was inserted through the internal jugular or subclavian veins. Care was taken to place the PAC proximal port approximately 3 cm above the tricuspid valve. Blood samples were drawn from the proximal and distal ports in random order. An arterial blood sample also was drawn. Measurements: Cardiac output in triplicate, systemic pressure, and central pressure. We analyzed blood samples for hemoglobin concentration and O 2 saturation (S o 2 ). Data were compared by correlation analysis and by the method of Bland and Altman. Results: Sv o 2 was consistently lower than Scv o 2 (p o 2 and Sv o 2 were present within each subgroup (p o 2 resulted in V o 2 v values that were higher than the V o 2 cv values for all patients in the study (mean V o 2 v, 236.7 ≤ 103.4 mL/min; mean V o 2 cv, 191.1 ≤ 84.0 mL/min; p Conclusions: Measurements of Scv o 2 and Sv o 2 were not equivalent in this sample of critically ill patients. Moreover, substituting Scv o 2 for Sv o 2 in the calculation of V o 2 produced unacceptably large errors. The decrease in S o 2 between Scv o 2 to Sv o 2 may result from the mixing of atrial and coronary sinus blood. As such, this difference may be a marker of myocardial O 2 consumption.
The effect of sample size on the assessment of stuttering severity.

The relationships between the length of the speech sample and the resulting disfluency data in 20 stuttering children who exhibited a wide range of disfluency levels were investigated. Specifically...
Inhibition of spontaneous activity of spinal dorsal horn neurons in the intact cat is naloxone-insensitive.

Abstract Low-threshold neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord of physiologically intact, awake, drug-free cats demonstrate minimal rates of spontaneous activity. Studies in acute animals suggest that the lack of spontaneous activity is due to descending inhibitory control mechanisms. The present study suggests that the inhibition of spontaneous activity is naloxone-insensitive. Intravenously administered naloxone in doses of up to 0.4 mg/kg failed to have any effect on the spontaneous activity of the 34 low-threshold neurons recorded from the dorsal horn of the spinal cord of physiologically intact, awake animals. Stimulus-evoked activity was also not significantly influenced by the doses of naloxone used in this study. These results confirm data previously obtained by others using acute preparations. This confirmation is important is that it demonstrates that, for this system, differences between acute and chronic preparations do not appear to alter neuronal sensitivity to specific drug manipulations. They also verify that, for this system, acute experiments accurately reflect conditions that exist in the intact animal.
Regulatory aspects of mycotoxins in soybean and soybean products

More than 50 countries have enacted or proposed regulations for the control of aflatoxins in foods and/or feeds, and at least 15 of these countries also have regulations for permitted levels of contamination by other mycotoxins. Since 1965, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has used action levels to control aflatoxins in its compliance programs. Cooperative programs with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state agencies, and industry also have been used to keep exposure to aflatoxins as low as practical. Soybeans support the growth of many mold species, which can produce toxins such as aflatoxins, trichothecenes (such as T-2), and cytochalasins. The natural occurrence of these toxins in soybeans has not been a problem. Limited surveys of soybeans and soy-based infant formulas have not revealed significant contamination. The sequence of events that leads to consideration of a mycotoxin for control programs and other regulatory activity includes determination of a toxic response, isolation and identification of the toxin, development of a sampling plan and method of analysis, and determination of incidence and levels of contamination of the susceptible commodity. The quality of soybeans can vary widely, depending on environmental, agronomic, and storage conditions. products susceptible to contamination from improper storage are subject to regulatory action on a case-by-case basis. The government-industry cooperative programs have been successful in limiting human exposure to aflatoxins.
Effects of Ca++ mobilization on expression of androgen‐regulated genes: Interference with androgen receptor‐mediated transactivation by AP‐1 proteins

BACKGROUND The adult prostate is maintained through an equilibrium between cell growth and death rates. Androgen deprivation induces an increase in intracellular Ca++, AP-1 gene expression of androgen-inducible genes. METHODS Northern blot analysis, band-shift assays, and transient cotransfection assays were used to study the effects of Ca++ mobilizer A23187 on gene expression in human prostate cancer cells. RESULTS A23187 repressed androgen-upregulated mRNAs for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and hKLK2, and rapidly induced mRNA levels for c-fos and c-jun. AP-1 protein-DNA binding activities were elevated after A23187 treatments. Androgen receptor (AR)-mediated induction of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter was repressed by AP-1 proteins. CONCLUSIONS The repression of AR-mediated induction of PSA and hKLK2 genes by Ca++ mobilizers is due to the interference of AR transactivation activity by AP-1 proteins. Prostate 33:264–270, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multivariate receptor modeling by N-dimensional edge detection

The mathematical details of the Unmix multivariate receptor model for air quality data are given. Primary among these is an algorithm to find edges (more correctly hyperplanes) in sets of points in N-dimensional space. An example with simulated data is given.
Duke Ellington's America. By Harvey G. Cohen. (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2011. Pp. xii, 688. $22.50.)

Duke Ellington was a singular presence in the history of twentieth‐century American music. Although associated most closely with jazz (a term he himself never embraced), his work as both composer a...
An Ethics of Authenticity in the Client-Designer Relationship

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the value for design ethics with regard to the existentialist concept of authenticity by looking specifically at the relationship between client and designer. It shows that while this concept is valuable for design ethics it entails important issues for authentic relationship and ethical deliberation in design practice. Three models of interaction drawn from bioethics are used to analyse existentialist authenticity and its implications for the client-designer relationship and for the ethical decision-making process in design practice. Hence, a revised and more suitable conceptualization of authenticity is proposed, in which the client and the designer are able to interact on the ground of reciprocal recognition and valuation of individual subjectivity. Finally, the paper asserts that considering design practice and education through this conceptualization of authenticity can contribute to improve ethical deliberation and involvement between client and designer in design practice.
The fast Fourier transform by polynomial evaluation

A description, leading to a program, for Fast Fourier Transform is given by means of the relationship to polynomial evaluation.
Inter‐monsoonal changes in the T‐S properties of the near‐surface waters of the Northern Arabian Sea

The Arabian Sea experiences extremes in atmospheric forcing that lead to the greatest seasonal variability in any ocean. During 1995, 6 cruises were carried out within the northern Arabian Sea. The data collected represent the first consistent dataset covering an entire monsoonal cycle. Ocean soundings of temperature and salinity from these cruises are used to characterize variability of water masses in the surface layers associated with monsoonal forcing. This paper documents the role of advection versus local water mass modification on seasonal extremes in T-S in near-surface waters of the Arabian Sea. Seasonal changes are associated with seasonal heating, advection of waters from the Oman upwelling zone, varying of mixed-layer depth due to Ekman pumping in the central basin and mixing of high-salinity waters from Persian Gulf.
Individual differences in preschoolers' physiological and verbal responses to videotaped angry interactions

Individual differences in selection of intensity of angry interactions and physiological and self-reported responses to interadult anger were examined in preschoolers (N=34). Children watched two videotaped angry interactions between adults, while their heart rates and skin conductance responses and levels were monitored; then they were interviewed. Before the second argument, children were given the perceived choice of watching an intense or mild angry exchange. Individual differences in responding to the angry interactions were found. Both (a) children with relatively higher externalizing behavior problems and (b) boys who chose to watch intense anger had lower tonic heart rates; 80% of boys with externalizing problems chose to watch intense anger. Further, children who chose to watch intense anger (a) exhibited lower declines in heart rates upon the presentation of the argument, (b) perceived the actors as more angry, and (c) reported lower amounts of distress during the argument than those who chose mild anger.
Dopaminergic Modulation of Synaptic Transmission in Cortex and Striatum

Among the many neuromodulators used by the mammalian brain to regulate circuit function and plasticity, dopamine (DA) stands out as one of the most behaviorally powerful. Perturbations of DA signaling are implicated in the pathogenesis or exploited in the treatment of many neuropsychiatric diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), addiction, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and Tourette's syndrome. Although the precise mechanisms employed by DA to exert its control over behavior are not fully understood, DA is known to regulate many electrical and biochemical aspects of neuronal function including excitability, synaptic transmission, integration and plasticity, protein trafficking, and gene transcription. In this Review, we discuss the actions of DA on ionic and synaptic signaling in neurons of the prefrontal cortex and striatum, brain areas in which dopaminergic dysfunction is thought to be central to disease.
Cholesterol from Degenerating Nerve Myelin Becomes Associated with Lipoproteins Containing Apolipoprotein E

: Apolipoprotein E is synthesized and secreted by rat sciatic nerve consequent to several types of injury. It has been proposed that endoneurial apolipoprotein E, in analogy to its role in systemic cholesterol transport, is involved in the salvage and reutilization of myelin cholesterol during degeneration and regeneration. To test this hypothesis, nerve lipids were prelabeled via intraneural injection of [3H]acetate. Four weeks later the nerves were crushed. From 1 to 12 weeks later, crushed nerves were examined for extracellular lipoprotein-bound cholesterol label. By 2 weeks after injury, 10% of the endoneurial lipid label was in a soluble form that was releasable into incubation medium. This released fraction was enriched in labeled cholesterol, and its labeled lipid composition was constant, in contrast to the changing distribution of label in the nerve with time after injury. On a KBr gradient, the released lipid label cofractionated with the released apolipoprotein E at densities similar to that of lipoproteins. These data indicate that at least some myelin cholesterol in injured nerve becomes associated with apolipoprotein E-containing lipoproteins and thus is available for reutilization via the hypothesized model.
Mesenteric panniculitis presenting as an acute abdomen

We describe a case of mesenteric panniculitis in a 20-year-old man with acute lymphocytic leukemia who presented with an acute abdomen.
Sensitivity of Current Pulse Burn-Out Testing to the Geometry of Defects in Aluminum Metallization

Current pulses, with power levels sufficient to burn out metal stripes in the 30 ns to 1000 ns pulse time range, were found to overcome lateral heat losses and permit the detection of metallization step coverage defects for the several cases of practical interest investigated. In the most extreme case, a sharp groove about 400 A wide, extending to within 650 A of the bottom of 9000 A thick aluminum metallization, was easily detected by pulse testing.