cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Datalink Design Trade-Offs For Electro-Optical Reconnaissance Systems

The design of the datalink for real-time electro-optical reconnaissance systems is a function of many system variables with many conflicting requirements. The datalink design must consider cost and frequency management issues. Sensor data rate has a particularly strong impact on a number of key design parameters. As the data rate increases, RF bandwidth increases forcing the datalink to operate at higher carrier frequencies. With a fixed RF bandwidth constraint, the higher rate decreases anti-jam processing margin, increases cost and generally increases system complexity. With data compression, the bandwidth can be decreased at the expense of an increasing sensitivity to datalink errors. In this paper, the sensitivity of the datalink design to a number of the most important design requirements is examined with particular attention paid to the datalink cost and frequency management issues.
Reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by wetland plants: Potential for in situ heavy metal detoxification

Reduction of heavy metals in situ by plants may be a useful detoxification mechanism for phytoremediation. Using X-ray spectroscopy, we show that Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), supplied with Cr(VI) in nutrient culture, accumulated nontoxic Cr(III) in root and shoot tissues. The reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) appeared to occur in the fine lateral roots. The Cr(III) was subsequently translocated to leaf tissues. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure of Cr in leaf and petiole differed when compared to Cr in roots. In roots, Cr(III) was hydrated by water, but in petiole and more so in leaf, a portion of the Cr(III) may be bound to oxalate ligands. This suggests that E. crassipes detoxified Cr(VI) upon root uptake and transported a portion of the detoxified Cr to leaf tissues. Cr-rich crystalline structures were observed on the leaf surface. The chemical species of Cr in other plants, collected from wetlands that contained Cr(VI)-contaminated wastewater, was also found to be Cr(III). We propose that...
The Philippines: counter-insurgency and peasant women

Aux Philippines, la repression est devenue la norme de la politique de l'Etat militariste. Dans certaines communautes villageoises du pays, particulierement pauvres, les femmes paysannes s'organisent politiquement et sont a l'origine d'activites locales et nationales de defense des libertes
Quantum dots: electrons in a new dimension

Quantum dots represent a new class of electronic structures where the electronic configuration and degree of confinement or coupling can be tuned at will. These artificial mesoscopic structures mimic many atomic effects with a tremendous degree of flexibility. We have studied the transition from isolated to coupled quantum dots in quantum-dot and lateral-surface-superlattice structures. Our maguetocajacitance measurements probe three distinct regimes: a superlattice regime; a tight-bindin.g regime; and an isolated-quantum-dots regime. In the presence of an external magnetic field we find that the coupling of the magnetic flux with the periodic potential depends on the strength of the potential modulation. In strongly-coupled quantum wires and quantum dots, the commensurability between the superlattice period and the cyclotron orbit is reflected in a modification of the envelope of the magnetocapacitance oscillations. In weakly-coupled quantum dots, a new structure is observed. Aperiodic oscillations in the density of states are related to fractal-like behavior in the energy dispersion relation first predicted by Ilofstadter. In completely isolated quantum wires or quantum dots, the canonical magnetocapacitance oscillations are recovered with a Zeeman bifurcation of the states produced by the interplay of magnetic and spatial quantization. We will present our experimental work in light of theoretical models and discuss the fundamental physical phenomena that dominate the the.rmodynamic properties of electrons in quantum dots.
Gesture for video content navigation

Abstract This article describes the use of gesture recognition techniques in computer vision as a natural interlace for video content navigation, and the design of a navigation andbrowsing system that caters to these natural means of computer-human interaction. For consumer applications, video content navigation presents two challenges: (1) howto parse and summarize multiple video streams in an intuitive and efficient manner, and (2) what type of interface will enhance the ease of use for video browsing andnavigation in a living room setting or an interactive environment. In this paper, we address the issues and propose the techniques that combine video content navigation with gestures, seamlessly and intuitively, in an integrated system. The current framework can incorporate speech recognition technology. We present a new type ofbrowser for browsing and navigating video content, as well as a gesture recognitioninterface for this browser. Keywords: Computer vision, pattern recognition, user interface, video content
Facile, chemoenzymatic synthesis of the potent antiviral compound, 2-acetonylinosine

A facile and efficient methodology for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of the antiviral compound, 2-acetonylinosine has been developed. The present synthetic strategy, which has generality, is a dramatic improvement on the methodologies currently available for the synthesis of functionalized purine nucleosides of therapeutic interest.
Suppression of in vitro lymphocyte and neutrophil responses by a low molecular weight suppressor active peptide from burn-patient sera.

Thermal injury produces profound pathophysiological changes in the severely burned patient. Primary among these is the modulation of immunity, leading to episodes of immunosuppression and thus increasing the risk of sepsis and possible death. We herein report the isolation of a low molecular weight suppressor active peptide (SAP) which appears to be responsible for many of the observed immunologic changes in burned patients. SAP suppressed T-lymphocyte blastogenesis in the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis (CTX)in vitro. Characterization of SAP revealed a complex structure comprised of (1) a peptide component rich in glycine, serine, and alanine; (2) a carbohydrate component containing sialic acid; and (3) a fatty acid component, tentatively identified as prostaglandin E. The immunosuppressive activity of SAP is dependent upon the presence of all three structural components. The molecular weight of SAP was estimated to be 3654 as determined by Amicon cell ultrafiltration and amino acid analysis. The isoelectric point of SAP was estimated by chromatofocusing and ion-exchange chromatography to be between 3.2 and 3.6. We hypothesize that the suppressor active peptide may be comprised of cellular or tissue components released into the circulation at the time of injury.
The Effect of a Lysine Deficiency on Growth Characteristics, Age at Sexual Maturity, and Reproductive Performance of Meat-Type Pullets

Abstract THE essentiality of the correct quantity and balance of the dietary indespensable amino acids for optimum growth and efficiency of feed utilization in the chick is well established. Occasionally, however, optimum performance is not the objective sought, and an amino acid deficiency might prove to be a useful tool. For many years research workers have studied means of slowing down growth rate and delaying sexual maturity in replacement pullets in an effort to improve livability, egg production, and initial egg size. Recent investigations have included work on the influence of light by Morris and Fox (1958a, b, 1960) and Lamoreux (1960); high dietary fiber levels by Couch et al. (1957); protein and energy intake by Harms and Waldroup (1962); and restriction of total feed intake by Singsen et al. (1954), Ringrose (1958), Thomas and Albritton (1960), Gowe et al. (1960), and Clark et al. (1962). The possibility of another approach to…
The reckoning: financial accountability and the rise and fall of nations

Jacob Soll is not an accountant turned historian, but a historian who has not turned accountant. For modern-day accountants educated as they are in the arcane language and rules of modern, decision...
Kinetics of Escherichia coli inactivation with ozone

Abstract The kinetics of Escherichia coli inactivation with ozone were investigated with semi-batch and continuous-flow tubular reactors in solutions buffered with phosphate at pH 6 and 8, temperatures ranging from 5 to 25°C, and in the presence (0.01 m ) and absence of radical scavenger tert-butanol. Ozone concentrations and contact times investigated ranged from 6 to 41 μg/l, and 1.8–33 s, respectively. Inactivation kinetics were found to be first-order with respect to both ozone concentration and active microorganism density. The overall second-order rate constant was 1301/(mg s) at 20°C, and the corresponding activation energy was 37,100 J/mol. Experimental results corresponding to tests performed at pH 6 and 8, and in the presence (0.01 m ) and absence of radical scavenger tert-butanol, confirmed that dissolved molecular ozone was primarily responsible for E. coli inactivation in the range of experimental conditions investigated.
Simple model for ablative stabilization

We present a simple analytic model for ablative stablization of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability. In this model the effect of ablation is to move the peak of the perturbations to the location of peak pressure. This mechanism enhances the density-gradient stabilization, which is effective at short wavelengths, and it also enhances the stabilization of long-wavelength perturbations due to finite shell thickness. We consider the following density profile: exponential blowoff plasma with a density gradient \ensuremath{\beta}, followed by a constant-density shell of thickness \ensuremath{\delta}t. For perturbations of arbitrary wave number k, we present an explicit expression for the growth rate \ensuremath{\gamma} as a function of k, \ensuremath{\beta}, and \ensuremath{\delta}t. We find that ``thick'' shells defined by \ensuremath{\beta} \ensuremath{\delta}t\ensuremath{\ge}1 have ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{2}$\ensuremath{\ge}0 for any k, while ``thin'' shells defined by \ensuremath{\beta} \ensuremath{\delta}t1 can have ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{2}$0 for small k, reflecting stability by proximity to the back side of the shell. We also present lasnex simulations that are in good agreement with our analytic formulas.
Suppression of spontaneous genome rearrangements in yeast DNA helicase mutants

Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants lacking two of the three DNA helicases Sgs1, Srs2, and Rrm3 exhibit slow growth that is suppressed by disrupting homologous recombination. Cells lacking Sgs1 and Rrm3 accumulate gross-chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs) that are suppressed by the DNA damage checkpoint and by homologous recombination-defective mutations. In contrast, rrm3, srs2, and srs2 rrm3 mutants have wild-type GCR rates. GCR types in helicase double mutants include telomere additions, translocations, and broken DNAs healed by a complex process of hairpin-mediated inversion. Spontaneous activation of the Rad53 checkpoint kinase in the rrm3 mutant depends on the Mec3/Rad24 DNA damage sensors and results from activation of the Mec1/Rad9-dependent DNA damage response rather than the Mrc1-dependent replication stress response. Moreover, helicase double mutants accumulate Rad51-dependent Ddc2 foci, indicating the presence of recombination intermediates that are sensed by checkpoints. These findings demonstrate that different nonreplicative helicases function at the interface between replication and repair to maintain genome integrity.
Modeling Poisson variables with positive spatial dependence

Abstract The Poisson auto-model is a natural vehicle for modeling data that consist of small counts and may exhibit dependence, frequently spatial dependence. Unfortunately, it is not possible to model positive dependence with a regular Poisson auto-model. We develop a model that allows positive dependencies in multivariate count data by specifying conditional distributions as Winsorized Poisson probability mass functions. This model may be used to incorporate either positive or negative dependencies among the variables.
OXIDATION OF SEVERAL LANTHANIDE ELEMENTS

Abstract The oxidation rates of cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, terbium, and holmium were measured at elevated temperatures. All elements oxidized according to the linear weight-gain law. All oxides formed were of the Me 2 O 3 type. The linear scaling rates and the activation energy were the same for all elements when measured at the same homologous temperature.
Percutaneous transgastric placement of jejunal feeding tubes with an ultrathin endoscope

Background: Placement of jejunal feeding tubes in patients with PEG tubes by conventional techniques is often difficult. This is a description of a simple method for placement of jejunal tubes by using an ultrathin endoscope. This method does not always require conscious sedation. Methods: An ultrathin endoscope is passed through a mature gastrostomy tract to the proximal jejunum. A guidewire passed through the endoscope and placed beyond the ligament of Treitz is then used under fluoroscopy to place a transgastric jejunal feeding tube. Observations: Sixteen jejunal feeding tube placements were performed in 13 patients over a period of 20 months. Six patients required conscious sedation. Jejunal tubes had feeding channels of 10 to 12F. There were no complications. Feedings began on the day of placement. Conclusions: Ultrathin endoscopes can be used to place jejunal feeding tubes by means of the transgastric route. The procedure is simple, quick, and safe. In some patients, the use of conscious sedation can be avoided.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF FEMALE STUDENTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRACTICES

This article addresses the problem of sexual harassment as it relates to the community college context. The authors discuss the incidence and types of sexual harassment that have been reported on campuses of institutions of higher education and conclude that the most prevalent form of sexual harassment involves male professors harassing female students. They discuss the unique characteristics of the female community college student, indicating that many of these students are new to the higher education experience and, as a consequence, may be particularly vulnerable and susceptible to sexual harassment. The authors also explore the transient nature of community college students and how this characteristic may affect the culture of community colleges. The legal basis and definition of sexual harassment are discussed along with the elements of effective community college sexual harassment policies and procedures. Examples of effective community college policies and procedures are presented. Finally, the lea...
Peripheral Nerve Strain: A Comparison of Strain Measuring Techniques

The main function of the nervous system is to serve the body’s control center and communications network. Each nerve consists of various elements that possess distinct anatomic and physiological properties which allow them to perform their intended roles and function as a unit. Studies have shown the endoneurium, perineurium and epineurium, comprising the successive layers of intraneural connective tissue surrounding nerve fibers, to exhibit different properties [1, 2]. It is therefore important to take this into consideration when investigating mechanical properties of nerves.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Quality of Life and Outcomes in African Americans with CKD

Low health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been associated with increased risk for hospitalization and death in ESRD. However, the relationship of HRQOL with outcomes in predialysis CKD is not well understood. We evaluated the association between HRQOL and renal and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in 1091 African Americans with hypertensive CKD enrolled in the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) trial and cohort studies. Outcomes included CKD progression (doubling of serum creatinine/ESRD), CV events/CV death, and a composite of CKD progression or death from any cause (CKD progression/death). We assessed HRQOL, including mental health composite (MHC) and physical health composite (PHC), using the Short Form-36 survey. Cox regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between outcomes and five-point decrements in MHC and PHC scores using measurements at baseline, at the most recent annual visit (time-varying), or averaged from baseline to the most recent visit (cumulative). During approximately 10 years of follow-up, lower mean PHC score was associated with increased risk of CV events/CV death and CKD progression/death across all analytic approaches, but only time-varying and cumulative decrements were associated with CKD progression. Similarly, lower mean MHC score was associated with increased risk of CV events/CV death regardless of analytic approach, while only time-varying and cumulative decrements in mean MHC score was associated with CKD progression and CKD progression or death. In conclusion, lower HRQOL is associated with a range of adverse outcomes in African Americans with hypertensive CKD.
Effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan on serum cortisol levels in major affective disorders. III. Effect of antidepressants and lithium carbonate.

• Serum cortisol levels were significantly increased following administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), 200 mg orally, to patients with affective disorders. A three-to five-week period of treatment with lithium carbonate or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor augmented the mean 5-HTP-induced increase in serum cortisol concentration in manic or depressed patients, respectively: tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) and second-generation antidepressant treatment diminished the mean serum cortisol response in patients with major depression. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that lithium carbonate may enhance serotonin (5-HT) receptor sensitivity, whereas TCA and second-generation antidepressants diminish 5-HT receptor sensitivity. The enhancement of the cortisol response to 5-HTP by MAO inhibitors may be due to decreased metabolism of 5-HT. It is important to assess the effect of thymoleptic drug treatment on various responses to biogenic amine precursors or agonists in patients rather than laboratory animals.
Outcomes after resection of cholangiocellular carcinoma.

Abstract Background Cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) is a rare primary liver malignancy that arises from intrahepatic bile duct canaliculi and presents as a liver mass. Our purpose is to report operative morbidity and mortality and to determine long-term survival after resection for CCC. Methods Retrospective review of 31 consecutive patients who underwent resection during a 20-year period. Results Thirty-day hospital mortality was 3%, and postoperative morbidity was 38%. Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival was 35%; mean survival was 37 months; absolute 5-year survival was 33%. Mean survival in stages I, II, IIIA, and IIIC were 57, 33, 26, and 14 months, respectively ( P = 0.03 comparing I to >I). Recurrence occurred in 18 patients; 89% were in the liver. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 >100 U/mL was found to be an indicator of poor prognosis ( P = 0.009). Conclusions Resection for CCC can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates and results in good survival and cure. Hepatic recurrence is common. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 may be useful in determining prognosis.
Transcription-coupled DNA repair in yeast transcription factor IIE (TFIIE) mutants

We examined the role of yeast transcription initiation factor IIE (TFIIE) in eukaryotic transcription-coupled repair (TCR), the preferential removal of DNA damage from the transcribed strands of genes over non-transcribed sequences. TFIIE can recruit the transcription initiation/repair factor TFIIH to the RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II) initiation complex to facilitate promoter clearance. Following exposure to UV radiation, the RNA pol II elongation complex is blocked at sites of UV-induced DNA damage, and may be recognized by nucleotide excision repair proteins, thus enabling TCR. The TFA1 gene encodes the large subunit of TFIIE. We determined how DNA repair is affected by TFA1 conditional mutations. In particular, we find proficient TCR in a heat-sensitive tfa1 mutant at the non-permissive temperature during which growth is inhibited and overall RNA pol II transcription is reported to be inhibited. We demonstrate that transcription of the RPB2 gene was reduced, but readily detectable, in the heat-sensitive tfa1 mutant at the non-permissive temperature and thereby prove that TCR does occur in an expressed gene in the absence of TFIIE in vivo. We demonstrate that TCR occurs even at low levels of transcription.
Colorectal manifestations of collagen vascular disease.

Abstract Background The collagen vascular diseases are a collection of conditions, which are thought to be secondary to pathologic alterations in the immune system. Deposition of immune complexes in blood vessel walls resulting in either ischemia or thrombosis is the most widely accepted pathologic mechanism. The lack of familiarity with this subgroup of disease can lead to unnecessary surgical intervention. Data sources A Medline search was performed of all the English-language literature. Further references were obtained through cross-referencing the bibliography cited in each work. Conclusion Clinical manifestations are varied and complications include constipation, fecal incontinence, pseudoobstruction, perforation, hemorrhage, and mesenteric ischemia. Colorectal manifestations typically follow dermal presentations. Management should be conservative especially for pseudo-obstructions. Surgical intervention increases morbidity and should be chosen when absolutely necessary. Because of the high incidence of colorectal malignancies in patients with dermatomyositis, aggressive screening should be performed.
A hybrid cache coherence protocol for a decoupled multi-channel optical network: SPEED DMON

This paper presents a low overhead, high performance cache coherence protocol and an interconnect architecture designed to exploit high bandwidth point-to-point and broadcast features of an optical multi-channel interconnect. SPEED DMON integrates the virtues of snoopy-based schemes and directory-based schemes into a robust hybrid architecture. Directory-assist is used exclusively for decoupled read traffic to eliminate unnecessary broadcasts while snoopy-assist is used exclusively for write and synchronization traffic to reduce directory overhead and synchronization complexities. The proposed scheme has the potential to reduce network latency by up to 85% as a result of its global independence between read and write operations, full concurrency in channel access, reduced link contention, and efficient broadcast of coherence and synchronization events.
New concepts in narrowband and wideband Weyl correspondence time-frequency techniques

We propose the new P/sub 0/-Weyl symbol to analyze system induced time shifts and scale changes on the input signal. This new Weyl symbol (WS) is useful in wideband signal analysis. We also propose new WS as tools for analyzing systems which produce dispersive frequency shifts on the signal. We obtain these generalized, frequency-shift covariant WS by warping conventional, narrowband WS. Using the new, generalized WS, we provide a formulation for the Weyl correspondence for linear systems with instantaneous frequency characteristics matched to user specified characteristics. We also propose a new interpretation of linear signal transformations as weighted superpositions of nonlinear frequency shifts on the signal. Application examples in signal analysis and detection demonstrate the advantages of our new results.
ANOMALIES IN SIMULATIONS OF NEAREST NEIGHBOR BALLISTIC DEPOSITION

Ballistic Deposition (BD) is a prototypical model for interface growth and for dynamic scaling behavior in non-equilibrium systems. BD is typically investigated with computer simulations where randomness is replaced by the use of deterministic Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs). In this study of BD, several results discrepant with the prevailing paradigm, were observed. First, the value of the roughness exponent, , obtained is below the value for a random walk (i.e., < 1 =2). The value =1 = 2 is predicted by the KPZ equation, and many models of growth obtain this exponent. Second, height fluctuations of the growing interface appear not to satisfy simple scaling. Third, a decrease in the surface roughness is observed in a conjectured steady state regime. Computer implementations of BD may be responsible for the discrepancies. A coupling between the BD algorithm and a PRNG algorithm is identied, and statistically discrepant results are obtained for an implementation with a dierent PRNG.
High-speed VLSI designs for Lempel-Ziv-based data compression

A class of hardware algorithms for implementing the Lempel-Ziv-based data compression technique is described. The Lempel-Ziv-based compression method is a powerful technique for lossless data compression that gives high compression efficiency for text as well as image data. The proposed hardware algorithms exploit the principles of pipelining and parallelism in order to obtain high speed and throughput. A prototype CMOS VLSI chip was designed and fabricated using 2- mu m CMOS technology implementing a systolic array of nine processors. The chip gives a compression rate of 13.3 MB/s operating at 40 MHz. Two hardware algorithms for the decompression process are also described. The data compression hardware can be integrated into real-time systems so that data can be compressed and decompressed on-the-fly. >
CO Oxidation and Toluene Hydrogenation by Pt/TiO2 Catalysts Prepared from Dendrimer Encapsulated Nanoparticle Precursors

Generation 4 hydroxyl terminated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) were examined as precursors for Pt/TiO2 catalysts. In this preparation method, the dendrimers were initially used to template and stabilize Pt nanoparticles in solution. DENs were then deposited onto titania, and activation conditions for dendrimer thermolysis were examined. The interactions between PAMAM dendrimers and the titania were found to differ from previous reports of dendrimer-support interactions with silica, alumina, and zirconia. In the case of titania, the amide bonds were found to shift 100 cm−1, indicating adsorption occurs primarily through amide–titania interactions. Infrared spectroscopy, CO oxidation catalysis, and toluene hydrogenation catalysis were used to evaluate protocols for removing the dendrimer. Thermal decomposition of the DENs in O2 or CO/O2 atmospheres led to the formation of surface isocyanates that were preferentially bound to the metal nanoparticles. CO oxidation catalysis was insensitive to the activation protocol used, and infrared spectroscopy of adsorbed CO showed only small differences in the basic surface properties of the resulting Pt catalysts. Toluene hydrogenation catalysis was more sensitive to different activation pretreatments. The most active hydrogenation catalysts resulted from short, low temperature (150 °C) hydrogen treatments while longer treatments at higher temperature (300 °C) resulted in slightly less active catalysts.
Evaluation of discontinuous Galerkin and spectral volume methods for scalar and system conservation laws on unstructured grids

SUMMARY The discontinuous Galerkin (DG) and spectral volume (SV) methods are two recently developed high- order methods for hyperbolic conservation laws capable of handling unstructured grids. In this paper, their overall performance in terms of eciency, accuracy and memory requirement is evaluated using a 2D scalar conservation laws and the 2D Euler equations. To measure their accuracy, problems with analytical solutions are used. Both methods are also used to solve problems with strong discontinuities to test their ability in discontinuity capturing. Both the DG and SV methods are capable of achieving their formal order of accuracy while the DG method has a lower error magnitude and takes more memory. They are also similar in eciency. The SV method appears to have a higher resolution for discontinuities because the data limiting can be done at the sub-element level. Copyright ? 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monte Carlo Simulations of Adsorption of Non-polar and Polar Molecules in Zeolite X

Abstract Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations have been performed for single-gas adsorption of Lennard-Jones molecules with point multipole moments in zeolite cavities of type X. Fluid-solid electrostatic interactions are taken into account. Adsorption isotherms, isosteric heats and structural properties have been calculated for Xe, CH4, CO2, C2H4 and i-C4H10 and compared with experiment. The results reveal the importance of adsorbate-adsorbate interactions for sorption in faujasite. The interaction of the quadrupole moment of CO2 with the electric field generated by the zeolite ions constitutes more than half of the total energy of adsorption. Density and energy distributions show that the cavity is either a relatively homogeneous surface or a highly heterogeneous one, depending on the molecular characteristics of the adsorbed gas and the type, position and charge of the zeolite cations.
Pulmonary and bronchial circulations: contributions to heat and water exchange in isolated lungs.

The relative contribution of the pulmonary and bronchial circulatory systems to heat and water exchange in normal lungs was evaluated in 20 isolated, in situ perfused dog lungs and in four patients...
RADIOTHERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF INTRACRANIAL EPENDYMOMA

Ependymomas comprise about 10% of all pediatric brain tumors. The most consistent prognostic factor for cure has been the extent of surgical resection. Radiation therapy is considered the standard adjuvant treatment, although there has been no randomized trial comparing surgery alone to surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. Craniospinal irradiation has been used in the past to treat these tumors; however, current data indicate that the most common pattern of failure is an isolated local relapse. Furthermore, prophylactic spinal irradiation has not been shown to prevent spinal dissemination. For this reason, most radiation oncologists currently employ localized radiotherapy fields. Available data indicate that doses greater than 45-50 Gy are needed and associated with better local control. Preliminary data using hyperfractionated radiotherapy doses of greater than 65 Gy indicate an improvement in progression-free survival for subtotally respected ependymoma. Chemotherapy can be used to delay institution of radiotherapy in children less than 3 years of age. The role of hemotherapy in older children needs to be further defined.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in Nervous System Aging

While oxidative stress is implicated in aging, the impact of oxidative stress on aging in the peripheral nervous system is not well understood. To determine a potential mechanism for age-related deficits in the peripheral nervous system, we examined both functional and morphological changes and utilized microarray technology to compare normal aging in wild-type mice to effects in copper/zinc superoxide dismutase-deficient (Sod1−/−) mice, a mouse model of increased oxidative stress. Sod1−/− mice exhibit a peripheral neuropathy phenotype with normal sensory nerve function and deficits in motor nerve function. Our data indicate that a decrease in the synthesis of cholesterol, which is vital to myelin formation, correlates with the structural deficits in axons, myelin, and the cell body of motor neurons in the Sod1+/+ mice at 30 months and the Sod1−/− mice at 20 months compared with mice at 2 months. Collectively, we have demonstrated that the functional and morphological changes within the peripheral nervous system in our model of increased oxidative stress are manifested earlier and resemble the deficits observed during normal aging.
Variable-Resolution Displays for Visual Communication and Simulation

The spatial resolution of the human visual system decreases as a function of angular distance from the direction of gaze. This fact can be exploited in various applications to increase image compression, to increase image processing speed, and to decrease access time for image data. This paper describes a multiresolution pyramid method for creating variable resolution displays in real time using general purpose computers. The location of the high resolution region(s) can be dynamically controlled by the user with a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or an eye tracker) or by an algorithm. Our method has a number of advantages: high computational speed and efficiency, smooth artifact-free variable resolution, and compatibility with other image processing software/hardware. Applications to video communications (MPEG) and graphic simulation are described.
An algebraic definition of simulation between programs

A simulation relation between programs is defined which is quasi-ordering. Mutual simulation is then an equivalence relation, and by dividing out by it we abstract from a program such details as how the sequencing is controlled and how data is represented. The equivalence classes are approxiamtions to the algorithms which are realized, or expressed, by their member programs. A technique is given and illustrated for proving simulation and equivalence of programs; there is an analogy with Floyd''s technique for proving correctness of programs. Finally, necessary and sufficient conditions for simulation are given.
Tungsten diselenide (WSe2) as a high capacity, low overpotential conversion electrode for sodium ion batteries

Tungsten diselenide (WSe2) is demonstrated as an efficient electrode for sodium ion batteries for the first time. A high reversible capacity above 200 mA h g−1 is observed at 20 mA g−1 rate, with over 250 mA h g−1 capacity measured in the first sodium extraction. Assessment of electrolyte and binder materials on performance was examined and an EC/DEC electrolyte with CMC binder emerges to yield the highest capacity and cycling retention. Comparison between WS2 and WSe2 distinguishes WSe2 to exhibit superior performance due to more efficient energetics bearing a small overpotential <0.30 V. Ex situ analysis and imaging after cycling confirms a sodium-mediated conversion reaction that yields isolated domains of W metal or NaxSe and reformation of WSe2 upon sodium extraction, enabling insight into the chemical storage pathway. This work highlights the promise of WSe2 compared to other conversion-based transition metal dichalcogenides as a practical material for sodium ion batteries.
Mechanism of internal anal sphincter smooth muscle relaxation by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate

We investigated the mechanism of the inhibitory action of phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), one of the typical protein kinase C (PKC) activators, in in vitro smooth muscle strips and in isolated smo...
Tyrosine’s Effects on Blood Pressure During Hypotension

Hemorrhagic shock is accompanied by an intense activation of the sympathetic nervous system, mediated, at least in part, by the release of sympathoadrenal catecholamines (1). Tyrosine is the amino acid precursor of these catecholamine neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine), and its administration increases both catecholamine synthesis and release when catecholamine-containing neurons fire frequently (2–4). For example, tyrosine increases catecholamine synthesis and release during cold stress (5), increases dopamine release ipsilateral to partial nigrostriatal lesions (6), and prevents reserpine-induced hyper-prolactinemia (7).
The Metropolis and the Backcountry: The Making of a Colonial Landscape on the South Carolina Frontier

The colonial settlement of South Carolina in the 18th century resulted in the emergence of two largely separate economies, the organization of which gave rise to distinctive frontier landscapes. The commercial rice economy of the Lowcountry was characterized by dispersed plantation production facilitated by riverine transportation. The urban functions of this largely rural landscape were centered on entrepot of Charleston, a city whose size and material wealth reflected the region’s commercial success. The Backcountry initially lacked access to the entrepot’s urban and export markets and its regional isolation fostered insular economic institutions dispersed among smaller nucleated settlements linked by overland routes. Commercial investment by Charleston interests eventually established the infrastructure of specialized production in the Backcountry and incorporated its resources in the larger export economy. The settlement system that emerged in the interior reflected these changes, but did not emulate the Lowcountry. Rather, it bore the imprint of the frontier landscape, components of which merely acquired new roles as regional nodes in South Carolina’s expanding economy, the focus of which remained the older entrepot that emerged as the South’s major port in the post-frontier period.
Strain induced esophageal growth in a novel rodent model.

Abstract Purpose Longitudinal esophageal strain has been shown to increase esophageal length but the contribution of tissue hyperplasia to this growth is unknown. We used a novel model of esophageal stretch to determine the cellular response to the strain stimulus. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent transection of the distal esophagus. The distal stump was ligated and stretched over a silicone tube. The proximal esophageal stump was anastomosed to the stomach to restore continuity. After two, four, or seven days, the silicone tube was removed and the esophageal segment was measured and compared to its initial length. Sham animals had only a thin piece of silicone tubing placed. Standardized histologic sections were evaluated for wall thickness. Immunofluorescence with DAPI, Ki-67, and Myogenin antibodies was used to assess nuclear density, proliferation indices, and myoblast differentiation indices. Results Experimental animals demonstrated a significant increase in esophageal length compared to sham controls at four and seven days with no difference at two days. There was significant lengthening between four and seven days among the experimental animals. There was no change in wall thickness between experimental and sham animals at any time point. Nuclear density was increased at all time points, although this only reached significance at day four. Proliferation indices were significantly increased relative to sham controls at all time points. Esophageal strain induced significantly increased myoblast differentiation. Conclusion In this novel rat model of esophageal strain, lengthening is associated with stable esophageal wall thickness, increased nuclear density, increased cellular proliferation, and increased myogenin expression. These data suggest that true tissue hyperplasia may contribute to the increased length seen after esophageal strain.
Effect of Annealing on the Characteristics of Silicon Implanted Nano/trap Crystal Memories

In this paper we are presenting the results of silicon nano-trap memory fabricated by implanting high dose silicon into gate oxide of thickness 30 nm. The gate oxide was grown by dry oxidation. Capacitance versus voltage characteristics of MOS (metal oxide silicon) structures with silicon implanted samples annealed in nitrogen environment at a temperature of 950 °C show a memory window depending on the applied DC bias voltage. A memory window of 3V was obtained for an applied bias voltage of ± 10V. Annealing of the MOS structures in a furnace at a temperature of 800 °C for 30 minutes in oxygen resulted in complete loss or collapse of the memory window. Annealing the samples rapid thermally in oxygen environment at 800 oC for 30 seconds, resulted in a memory window of about 2 Volts for an applied voltage of ± 14V.
Search Engines and Trademarks

Over the last couple of years, the words “playboy” and “playmate” have been at the center of a number of challenges over the use of trademarked terms in Internet search engines. In 1999, Playboy Enterprises filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against Netscape and Excite over the use of those terms in keying banner advertisements that appeared over their search results.This practice involves the identification of specific search terms that trigger related advertising banners. Internet advertisers pay a premium to search engine companies for such advertising. Their presumption is that the banner advertisement will relate to the searcher’s interest and will be more likely to result in a click-through by the searcher. Searchers entering “playboy” and “playmate” were provided not only their search results - which included links to Playboy Enterprises’ various Websites - but also banner advertising to other adult-oriented websites.Playboy sued on the grounds that the search engines’ use of their trademarks to provide links to competing Websites violated federal trademark law. In January 2004, a federal appellate court agreed with Playboy’s legal position and set the case for trial. Similar suits have followed.
Abstract 19609: Novel Wnt Signaling in Neonatal Heart During Perinatal Transition

Background: Fetal to neonatal transition of the mammalian heart is an elaborate process, during which the neonatal cardiomyocytes undergo complete maturation, differentiation, and irreversible exit from the cell cycle. However, the molecular mechanisms that control the chamber specific- growth of postnatal heart are understudied. In particular, the permanent arrest of cardiomyocytes cycling remains mysterious both in terms of the etiology and the mechanisms. Objectives: To determine factors of chamber specificity in neonatal heart during postnatal growth and maturation. Methods: Deep RNA-seq (2x92nt) was performed on male newborn mouse left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) at P0, P3 and P7. Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myoctes (NRVM), Wnt11-siRNA, and recombinant Wnt11 (rWnt11) were used to achieve Wnt11 Inhibition and gain of function respectively In Vitro. Wnt11-Antisense oligo nucleotide was used to achieve In Vivo inhibition of Wnt11. Anti-Phospho histone3 (Ph3) was used to assess proliferation. Results: Extensive transcriptome analysis and experimental validation revealed distinct, chamber specific- patterns of temporal regulation of cell cycle genes and Wnt signaling during maturation. Specifically, an RV specific- induction of cell cycle genes was found to reciprocally correlate with a robust LV specific- enrichment of the non-canonical-Wnt11 at P7. Functional studies revealed enhancement of NRVM maturation markers and down-regulation of cell cycle genes in response to Wnt11 gain of function. In contrast, Wnt11 inhibition induced NRVM proliferation markers and reduced the size and the fraction of bi-nucleated cells supporting a functional impact of wnt11. Furthermore, InVivo inhibition of Wnt11 at late gestation enhanced Ph3 and cell cycle markers at P0 suggesting cellular proliferation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest novel molecular basis for chamber-specific programming of proliferation and maturation in neonatal heart, including differential enrichment of cell cycle genes and novel Wnt11-mediated signaling. Further mechanistic studies to decipher putative roles of Wnt11 signaling in LV vs. RV programming during maturation in Vivo will likely pave the way to novel chamber-specific therapeutic targets.
Effect of Indol on Hematopoiesis in Dogs Fed Deficient Diets

Summary and ConclusionOrally administered indol is causative of anemia in dogs fed a diet which is causative of black tongue. The same amount of indol does not cause considerable anemia in dogs fed a normal diet. Liver extract is preventive and curative of the anemia.
Continuous endotoxin infusion suppresses rat spleen cell production of cytokines.

Endotoxin, i.e., lipopolysaccharides, was continuously infused into rats at a nonlethal dose by means of an implanted osmotic pump for up to 2 weeks. The pump was connected to the jugular vein by a polyethylene catheter. Administration of endotoxin via the pump compromised the ability of spleen cells to produce the lymphokines interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor after stimulation in vitro with endotoxin. In addition, the ability of the spleen cells to produce alpha/beta-interferon in response to endotoxin in vitro was also examined, as was the capability of the spleen cells to produce gamma-interferon following stimulation with concanavalin A. Suppression of the expected interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor production by spleen cells from rats continuously infused with endotoxin was observed. There was also a moderate effect on interferon production, but this was much less. These results provide further findings indicating the unresponsiveness of spleen cells to lipopolysaccharides, as well as to a nonspecific plant mitogen, following continuous infusion of endotoxin into rats via an implanted osmotic pump. Additional studies are needed to determine the mechanisms involved in such suppression.
Cytotype Regulation Facilitates Repression of Hybrid Dysgenesis by Naturally Occurring KP Elements in Drosophila melanogaster.

P elements inserted in the Telomere Associated Sequences (TAS) at the left end of the X chromosome are determiners of cytotype regulation of the entire P family of transposons. This regulation is mediated by Piwi-interacting (pi) RNAs derived from the telomeric P elements (TPs). Because these piRNAs are transmitted maternally, cytotype regulation is manifested as a maternal effect of the TPs. When a TP is combined with a transgenic P element inserted at another locus, this maternal effect is strengthened. However, when certain TPs are combined with transgenes that contain the small P element known as KP, stronger regulation arises from a zygotic effect of the KP element. This zygotic effect is observed with transgenic KP elements that are structurally intact, as well as with KP elements that are fused to an ancillary promoter from the hsp70 gene. Zygotic regulation by a KP element occurs only when a TP was present in the maternal germ line, and it is more pronounced when the TP was also present in the grand-maternal germ line. However, this regulation does not require zygotic expression of the TP. These observations can be explained if maternally transmitted piRNAs from TPs enable a polypeptide encoded by KP elements to repress P element transposition in zygotes that contain a KP element. In nature, repression by the KP polypeptide may therefore be facilitated by cytotype-mediating piRNAs.
Epidemic Analysis on Notifiable Infectious Disease in Sichuan,2010

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and incidence trend of notifiable infectious disease in Sichuan province in 2010.Method Data about reported incidence and death of notifiable infectious disease in Sichuan in 2010 was analyzed.Results Among 21 cities(prefectures),181 counties(districts,county-level cities),2 hi-tech zones and 1 science city in Sichuan,32 kinds of class A,B and C notifiable infectious disease were reported through the infectious disease network direct reporting system,totally 301 975 cases were reported(ranked national 7th),with 1 209 deaths.The annual reported incidence rate was 368.94/105(ranked national 26th),and annual reported case mortality rate was 1.48/105,with the case fatality rate 0.40%,which increased by 3.16%,36.57% and 32.41% compared with 2009,respectively.The incidence of class A and B infectious disease decreased,while of class C increased significantly.Conclusion The notifiable infectious diseases in Sichuan in 2010 were mainly in blood brone and sexually transmitted diseases and intestinal infectious diseases;and cases were mainly farmers,scattered children,students,kindergarten children.The notifiable infectious disease was mainly influenced by class C and new infectious diseases in recent years;class C infectious diseases should be paid more attention,with the monitoring strengthed.