cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An examination of the electroretinogram of the pigeon in response to stimuli of different intensity and wavelength and following intense chromatic adaptation.

Abstract The photopic electroretinogram from cone-populated eyes contains a series of small wavelets found in both the on - and off-responses . Studies of these wavelets in the human ERG have indicated that the amplitude of individual peaks can be modified by varying spectral stimulation. These results, when considered together with observations of subjective color phenomena, suggest the hypothesis that the wavelet peaks are composed of a series of b -wavelets, arising from mechanisms associated with different classes of cones and distinguished from one another by different response latencies. Experiments on the visual system of the pigeon have confirmed that the wavelets originate in the retina, but measurements of their amplitudes and latencies do not support the b -wavelet hypothesis. Some features of the data, however, fit more closely the hypothesis that the wavelets are the results of a retinal oscillation.
Two-fermion bound state in a Bose-Einstein condensate

A nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation is derived for the dynamics of a beam of ultracold fermionic atoms traversing a Bose-Einstein condensate. The condensate phonon modes are shown to provide a nonlinear medium for the fermionic atoms. A two-fermion bound state is predicted to arise, and the signature of the bound state in a nonlinear atom optics experiment is discussed.
Scanning-tunneling-microscopy studies of disilane adsorption and pyrolytic growth on Si(100)-(2x1).

Scanning tunneling microscopy has been employed to study the adsorption of disilane (${\mathrm{Si}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{6}$) and pyrolytic growth on Si(100)-(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) at various temperatures. Room-temperature exposures result in a random distribution of dissociation fragments on the surface. Formation of anisotropic monohydride islands and denuded zones as well as island coarsening is observed at higher temperatures. The results are strikingly similar to those reported for growth by molecular-beam epitaxy using pure Si, even though different surface reactions are involved in these two growth processes.
Generic MSFA mosaicking and demosaicking for multispectral cameras

In this paper, we investigate the potential application of the multispectral filter array (MSFA) techniques in multispectral imaging for reasons like low cost, exact registration, and strong robustness. In both human and many animal visual systems, different types of photoreceptors are organized into mosaic patterns. This behavior has been emulated in the industry to develop the so-called color filter array (CFA) in the manufacture of digital color cameras. In this way, only one color component is measured at each pixel, and the sensed image is a mosaic of different color bands. We extend this idea to multispectral imaging by developing generic mosaicking and demosaicking algorithms. The binary tree-driven MSFA design process guarantees that the pixel distributions of different spectral bands are uniform and highly correlated. These spatial features facilitate the design of the generic demosaicking algorithm based on the same binary tree, which considers three interrelated issues: band selection, pixel selection and interpolation. We evaluate the reconstructed images from two aspects: better reconstruction and better target classification. The experimental results demonstrate that the mosaicking and demosaicking process preserves the image quality effectively, which further supports that the MSFA technique is a feasible solution for multispectral cameras.
Schwinger variational principle for electron-molecule scattering: Application to electron-hydrogen scattering

The authors report the first application of the Schwinger variational principle to electron-molecule scattering. Results for electron-H2 scattering in the static-exchange approximation show that the Schwinger method can provide accurate solutions of the scattering problem with small discrete basis sets. The Schwinger variational expression is found to converge far more quickly with respect to the size of the basis than any other algebraic expansion technique considered to date. Results are also presented for hybrid trial scattering wave functions containing both continuum and discrete basis functions.
Lipophilic antifolates as agents against opportunistic infections. 1. Agents superior to trimetrexate and piritrexim against Toxoplasma gondii and Pneumocystis carinii in in vitro evaluations.

2,4-Diaminopteridines (21 compounds) and 2,4-diamino-5-methyl-5-deazapteridines (34 compounds) along with three 2,4-diamino-5-unsubstituted-5-deazapteridines and four 2,4-diaminoquinazolines, each with an aryl group attached to the 6-position of the heterocyclic moiety through a two-atom bridge (either CH 2 NH, CH 2 N(CH 3 ), CH 2 S, or CH 2 CH 2 ), were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of the growth of Toxoplasma gondii in culture and as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase enzymes from T. gondii, Pneumocystis carinii, and rat liver. Exceptionally high levels of combined potency and selectivity as growth inhibitors of T. gondii and as inhibitors of the microbial enzymes relative to the mammalian enzyme were found among the 5-methyl-5-deazapteridines but not for the other heterocyclic types. Thirty of the 34 5-methyl-5-deaza compounds gave growth inhibition IC 50 values lower than that of pyrimethamine (0.4 μM) with 14 compounds below 0.1 μM, values that compare favorably with those for piritrexim and trimetrexate (both near 0.02 μM). As inhibitors of T. gondii DHFR, all but three of the 34 5-methyl-5-deaza compounds gave IC 50 values in the order of magnitude with those of piritrexim (0.017 μM) and trimetrexate (0.010 μM), and 17 compounds of this group gave IC 50 values versus P. carinii DHFR similarly comparable with those of piritrexim (0.031 μM) and trimetrexate (0.042 μM). Thirteen of these congeners gave both T. gondii growth inhibition and DHFR inhibition IC 50 values of 0.10 μM or less, thus indicating facile penetration of the cell membrane. Eleven of these inhibitors of both T. gondii growth and DHFR have selectivity ratios (IC 50 rat liver divided by IC 50 T. gondii) of 5 or greater for the parasite DHFR. The highest selectivity ratio of nearly 100 belongs to the 5-methyl-5-deaza compound whose 6-substituent is CH2CH2C6H3(OCH3)2-2,5. This compound is over 10 3 -fold more selective for T. gondii DHFR than bridge homologue piritrexim (selectivity ratio 0.088), a compound now in clinical trials. The candidate with CH 2 NHC 6 H 3 (CH 3 ) 2 -2,5 in the 6-position gave the highest P. carinii DHFR selectivity ratio of 4.0, which is about 60-fold more selective than trimetrexate (0.071) and 80-fold more selective than piritrexim (0.048) toward this enzyme. The 10 best compounds with respect to potency and selectivity includes six compounds bearing 2,5-disubstituted phenyl groups in the side chain (with little, if any, difference in effects of methyl, methoxy, or ethoxy), two side chains bearing 1-naphthyl groups, and two with 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-naphthyl groups. Bridge groups represented in the 10 choice compounds are CH 2 NH, CH 2 N(CH 3 ), CH 2 CH 2 , and CH 2 S. The high levels of both potency and selectivity among these agents suggest that in vivo studies now underway may lead to agents that could replace trimetrexate and piritrexim in treatment of toxoplasmosis and P. carinii pneumonia.
Bridging Dimensions: Demultiplexing Ultrahigh-Density Nanowire Circuits

A demultiplexer is an electronic circuit designed to separate two or more combined signals. We report on a demultiplexer architecture for bridging from the submicrometer dimensions of lithographic patterning to the nanometer-scale dimensions that can be achieved through nanofabrication methods for the selective addressing of ultrahigh-density nanowire circuits. Order log2(N) large wires are required to address N nanowires, and the demultiplexer architecture is tolerant of low-precision manufacturing. This concept is experimentally demonstrated on submicrometer wires and on an array of 150 silicon nanowires patterned at nanowire widths of 13 nanometers and a pitch of 34 nanometers.
Comparison of the roles of Ostracods and Cladocerans in regulating community structure and metabolism in freshwater microcosms

Laboratory microcosms were used to compare the effects of the littoral ostracod Cypridopsis vidua and the planktonic cladoceran Daphnia magna on community structure and metabolism. Filter-feeding by cladocerans, both in the presence and absence of ostracods, greatly reduced the abundance of planktonic algae when D. magna reached peak density around day 50; rotifers and euglenids were then limited to flocculent matter on the container bottom. Both net production and community respiration rates decreased as community composition changed. Microcosms containing ostracods as the only microcrustacean showed little reduction in total algal numbers but the otherwise dominant alga, Scenedesmus spp., was replaced by Ankistrodesmus spp. when peak ostracod density was reached around day 100. Rotifers were completely eliminated but euglenids were able to coexist with ostracods. Ostracods impacted community metabolism less than cladocerans, but depressed respiration slightly more than net production.
Changes in the wetlands of hunting creek fairfax county, Virginia

Abstract : Aerial Photography dating from 1937 to 1978 was used to show loss and alteration of freshwater tidal wetland habitat associated with Hunting Creek, Fairfax County, Virginia. In 1937 there were more than 36 ha of viable tidal marsh and swamp bordered by farmland in the study area. There is now a straight stream channel bordered by high-rise apartment buildings and an interstate highway in the study area, with only limited wetlands remaining. By analyzing sequential aerial photography it is possible to show loss of specific wetlands during separate periods of time, using quick, inexpensive techniques. The method not only provides a data base to determine prior change, but also may be used to assist in the prediction of future change. (Author)
ON GRAPHS HAVING DOMINATION NUMBER HALF THEIR ORDER

In this paper we present a characterization of connected graphs of order 2n with domination numbern. Using this class of graphs, we determine an infinite class of graphs with the property that the domination number of the product of any two is precisely the product of the domination numbers.
Genome-wide association studies in Sjögren's syndrome: What do the genes tell us about disease pathogenesis?

The pathogenesis of Sjogren's syndrome (SS) likely involves complex interactions between genes and the environment. While the candidate gene approach has been previously used to identify several genes associated with SS, two recent large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have implicated many more loci as genetic risk factors. Of particular relevance, was the significant association of SS with additional immune-related genes including IL12A, BLK, and CXCR5. GWAS has also uncovered other loci and suggestive gene associations in SS, but none are related to genes encoding salivary or lacrimal components, secretion machinery and neuronal proteins involved in innervations of the glands, respectively. In this review, we discuss these genetic findings with particular attention paid to the genes identified, the strength of associations, and how the SS-associated genes compare to what has been discovered previously in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We also summarize the potential impact of these associated gene products on NFκB and immune pathways and describe how this new information might be integrated further for identifying clinical subsets and understanding the pathogenesis of SS.
Solid-State NMR Characterization of 13 C- and 15 N-Labeled Phthalimides as Model Compounds for Studying Polyimides

Abstract 15N CSA spectra were acquired for four isotopically labeled bisphthalimide compounds. The15N CSA tensor elements (δ11, δ22, and δ33) for the labeled derivatives were determined from CSA lineshape analysis. In addition, the CSA spectrum for the15N,13C-labeledN-methylphthalimide was obtained. From CSA lineshape analysis, it was determined that δ33lies approximately along the N–C bond axis, with δ22assumed to be approximately perpendicular to the imide plane. The angles α and β were found to be 90° and 7°, respectively. The dipolar coupling constant for the13C–15N bond was 883 Hz, corresponding to a bond length of 1.51 A.
New att mutants of phage λ

Abstract Phage λ inserts its chromosome into that of its host Escherichia coli by recombination at specific attachment sites (atts). New deletion and point mutants affecting att were isolated. The point mutants map as if they are in a region common to the atts and could not be distinguished from att mutants described earlier ( Shulman and Gottesman, 1973 ). Effects of the mutations on the physiology of insertion and excision are presented.
Meyer-Vietoris type formula for determinants of elliptic differential operators

Abstract For a closed codimension one submanifold Γ of a compact manifold M, let MΓ be the manifold with boundary obtained by cutting M along Γ. Let A be an elliptic differential operator on M and B and C be two complementary boundary conditions on Γ. If (A, B) is an elliptic boundary valued problem on MΓ, then one defines an elliptic pseudodifferential operator R of Neumann type on Γ and prove the following factorization formula for the ζ-regularized determinants: Det A Det (A, B) = K Det R , with K a local quantity depending only on the jets of the symbols of A, B and C along Γ. The particular case when M has dimension 2, A is the Laplace-Beltrami operator, and B resp. C is the Dirichlet resp. Neumann boundary condition is considered.
On the possible interelations of the reactivity of soluble succinate dehydrogenase with ferricyanide, reconstitution activity, and the hipip iron sulfur center

Abstract It was recently reported (Vinogradov et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 65 , 1264–1269, (1975)) that fresh preparations of succinate dehydrogenase, extracted anaerobically in presence of succinate, contain a reaction site for ferricyanide which had not been previously recognized. This site has a low Km for ferricyanide (∼200μM); it is very unstable to air and is not seen either in preparations extracted without succinate or in membrane-bound forms of the enzyme, presumably because in the latter the site is inaccessible to ferricyanide. This type of ferricyanide reduction is thus distinct from that conventionally measured using high concentrations of ferricyanide (Km ∼3mM). The lability of the “low Km site” for ferricyanide is reminiscent of the lability of reconstitution ability and the Hipip iron sulfur center of the soluble enzyme. This note presents evidence that the labile ferricyanide site and the reconstitution activity may both hinge on the integrity of the same component. It is shown that both activities decay at identical rates at three pH values on exposure of the enzyme to O2 at 0°. The possibility is considered that the site involves the Hipip center. Concurrently with the disappearance of these activities, some 50–55% of the phenazine methosulfate reductase activity also disappears. The question whether this loss suggests different reaction sites for this dye in fresh and O2 modified preparations is discussed in terms of current knowledge of the rate-limiting step in catalysis by succinate dehydrogenase.
Computerized assessment instruments: their promise and problems

This article examines a number of issues that must be considered when using a variety of computer environments and software to assess client problems and to evaluate progress in treatment. Since there is a rapidly growing interest in and useof computer technology for client assessment using standardized instruments, it is important to examine the performance and the potential that is provided by such technology. This article examines present and future possibilities, performace standards, and the strengths and weaknesses of computer-based assessments. In concluding the article, guidelines are offered for practitioners to consider when selecting various approaches to the use of computer-based assessments are provided access to systems which they may obtain at no cost in order to gain familiarity with such applications.
Evaluation of the channelized Hotelling observer for signal detection in 2D tomographic imaging

Signal detection by the channelized Hotelling (ch-Hotelling) observer is studied for tomographic application by employing a small, tractable 2D model of a computed tomography (CT) system. The primary goal of this manuscript is to develop a practical method for evaluating the ch-Hotelling observer that can generalize to larger 3D cone-beam CT systems. The use of the ch-Hotelling observer for evaluating tomographic image reconstruction algorithms is also demonstrated. For a realistic model for CT, the ch-Hotelling observer can be a good approximation to the ideal observer. The ch-Hotelling observer is applied to both the projection data and the reconstructed images. The difference in signal-to-noise ratio for signal detection in both of these domains provides a metric for evaluating the image reconstruction algorithm.
Secondary stem lengthening in palms: Response to commentary by Tomlinson and Quinn1

In this response, we address the criticisms put forth by Tomlinson and Quinn (American Journal of Botany 100: 461-464) about our original publication on secondary stem lengthening in Iriartea deltoidea palms (American Journal of Botany 99: 607-613) and find areas on which we may agree. We address our figure of a typical palm vascular bundle; the location, timing, and species where secondary lengthening would likely occur; and our measurement of internodes in various palms as well as our choice of individuals. Our original observations were a novel finding in the field of palm biology, and we invite more research and investigation on this subject.
Studies of Size Effects on Carbon Nanotubes' Mechanical Properties by Using Different Potential Functions

We use molecular mechanics calculations to study size effects on mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes. Both single‐walled nanotubes (SWNTs) and multi‐walled nanotubes (MWNTs) are considered. T...
The effect of 8 M urea on fluorescence and activity properties of aspartate aminotransferase.

Summary 1. Treatment of aspartate aminotransferase ( L -aspartate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.1) with 8 M urea at 25° for 30 min, followed by dialysis against 0.05 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.8), produced enzyme species which have fluorescence, sedimentation and activity properties similar to those of the native enzyme. 2. Irreversible denaturation of the enzyme by 8 M urea at 60°, indicated by total loss of activity, results in enhancement of the cofactor fluorescence yield and in a shift of the protein fluorescence emission maximum. 3. These results indicate that changes in the fluorescence properties of the protein and the coenzyme are useful indicators of irreversible changes in the protein conformation.
C1-2: The Division of Research Comprehensive Clinical Research Unit Pre-Award Process and Budgeting for Clinical Trials.

Background/AimsLaunched in 2008, the Comprehensive Clinical Research Unit (CCRU) is charged with providing Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) research investigators pre-award services including industry and non-industry sponsored clinical trial budgeting and proposal preparation. The CCRU provides first-line communication for the Principal Investigator (PI) for feasibility review of study protocols, clinical trial budgets and clinical trial and sponsored research agreements. The purpose of this presentation is two-fold: (1) describe CCRU’s comprehensive pre-award services and (2) describe the process and tools employed by the CCRU for developing and negotiating clinical trial budgets.MethodsThe CCRU has implemented a pre-award service model in which the CCRU reviews and conducts a comprehensive feasibility assessment of proposed clinical trials, designs a clinical trial budget, directly negotiates the budget with the sponsor, and concludes the budget process by approving (or rejecting) the budget and budget terms. The CCRU Lead Financial Analyst spearheads the budget development and negotiation, and works in tandem with the Revenue group for billing coverage analysis. Post-award functions and Clinical Trial Agreement (CTA) approval are under the auspices of KFRI’s Grants and Contracts office. The CCRU employs a budget template, the Site Assessment Survey (SAS) which provides line-item delineations of pass-through costs, per-subject procedures costs, invoiceable charges, staff salaries, and overhead cost. Time and effort analysis, and standard versus research care determinations are performed with PI participation. Procedures costs are based on the most current KPNC Master Fee Schedule.ResultsThe pre-award program offers KPNC investigators a directed and streamlined approach to clinical trial budgeting and other clinical trials operations functions, and helps consolidate clinical research administration overall. The overall pre-award process has yielded more transparent and defensible budgets, conducted in a highly collaborative fashion, with input from the PI, the CCRU management team, Revenue group, and KFRI Grants and Contracts.ConclusionsThe CCRU pre-award program provides high quality and timely clinical trial pre-award service that includes study feasibility analysis, Medicare Coverage Analysis, study budget development, and compliance, thus enhancing KPNC clinical research capabilities. The pre-award program is critical to the sustainability and growth of the KPNC research enterprise.
Magnetic behavior of R2Co14B hydrides (R = La, Pr, Sm, Gd, Tb and Y)☆

Abstract The structure and magnetic properties of R2Co14B sysstems(R = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb and Y) and their hydrides were studied by means of bulk magnetometry. All R2Co14B hydrides presently studied occur in the tetragonal Nd2Fe14B-type crystal structure. The composition-temperature isotherms measured fro selected Gd- and Nd- containing systems exhibit some indication of a platuau pressure at higher hydrogen concentrations. Hydrogenation expands the unit volume, Vc, by 1.5 to 3.0%, depending on the nature of R and the content of hydrogen. It was found that introduction of hydrogen into the lattice decreases Ms of the Co sublittice. This is attributed to the effect of electron charge transfer from Hto Co-3d sublittice. Hydrogennation significantly decreases the anistropy fields, HA, and the spin-reorientation transition temperatur, TSR, for Prand Tb-based intermetallics. The results indicates that the hydrogen makes the compounds magnetically softer, which is attributed to the influence of hydrogen on both the 3d and R sublittices. Two types of spin-reorientation transition for the Nd2Co14B system were observed. Hydrogenaration reduces both the low transition temperature, TSR1, and the high transition temperature, TSR2, which is explained using the Boltich-Wallace mechanism.
An integrative model of shared decision making in medical encounters

Abstract Objective Given the fluidity with which the term shared decision making (SDM) is used in teaching, assessment and research, we conducted a focused and systematic review of articles that specifically address SDM to determine the range of conceptual definitions. Methods In April 2005, we ran a Pubmed (Medline) search to identify articles published through 31 December 2003 with the words shared decision making in the title or abstract. The search yielded 681 citations, 342 of which were about SDM in the context of physician–patient encounters and published in English. We read and reviewed the full text of all 342 articles, and got any non-redundant references to SDM, which yielded an additional 76 articles. Results Of the 418 articles examined, 161 (38.5%) had a conceptual definition of SDM. We identified 31 separate concepts used to explicate SDM, but only “patient values/preferences” (67.1%) and “options” (50.9%) appeared in more than half the 161 definitions. Relatively few articles explicitly recognized and integrated previous work. Conclusion Our review reveals that there is no shared definition of SDM. We propose a definition that integrates the extant literature base and outlines essential elements that must be present for patients and providers to engage in the process of SDM. Practice implications The integrative definition of SDM is intended to provide a useful foundation for describing and operationalizing SDM in further research.
Development and validation of vertical scanning interferometry as a novel method for acquiring chondrocyte geometry

Chondrocytes are sensitive to changes in shape which depend on the type of substrate, mechanical factors, or biochemical stimuli. Shape changes can cause metabolic and phenotypic alterations. Cell geometry is also important for mechanical models, determination of mechanical properties, and the study of cell attachment and spreading. In this study, a novel method called vertical scanning interferometry (VSI) was developed to allow rapid and straightforward determination of the height, diameter, surface area, volume, and curvature of single chondrocytes. The dimensions of single chondrocytes at 4 and 18 h were obtained and validated. Differences in the heights of zonal chondrocytes were found to be statistically significant. This method was also used to capture the geometry of a cell dehydrating as it was exposed to air. VSI has advantages over confocal microscopy and atomic force microscopy in terms of speed, ease of use, field of view, and precision. VSI quickly obtains and graphically represents the three-dimensional geometry of chondrocytes in a simple format. These methods could be expanded to image many types of cells on various biomaterials to assess biocompatibility and attachment and cell spreading characteristics.
Heat (Mass) Transfer in a Diagonally Oriented Rotating Two-Pass Channel With Rib-Roughened Walls

Naphthalene sublimation experiments have been conducted to examine the effects of channel orientation, rotational Coriolis force, ad a sharp turn, on the local heat (mass) transfer distributions in a two-pass square channel with rib-roughened walls, rotating about a perpendicular axis. The test channel was oriented so that the direction of rotation was perpendicular or at a 45 deg angle to the leading and trailing walls. In the two straight passes of the test channel, there were parallel 90 or 60 deg ribs on the leading and trailing walls. The test channel modeled serpentine cooling passages in modern gas turbine blades. The results showed that the heat (mass) transfer was very low on the leading wall of the first pass when the channel was oriented with the rotating direction normal to the leading and trailing walls. There were regions of very low heat (mass) transfer on both the leading and trailing walls in the turn, especially on the trailing wall in the turn when the channel with transverse ribs was oriented diagonally. For the given diagonal channel orientation, rotational Coriolis forces caused the leading and trailing wall heat (mass) transfer to be high near the outer edges of the walls inmore » the channel with transverse ribs; rotation-induced secondary flows dominated near wall rib-induced secondary flows in the channel with angled ribs, since the heat (mass) transfer was generally higher near the outer edges of the walls than near the inner edges in the first and second straight passes.« less
Fast kinetic measurements and on-line dilution by flow injection cytometry†

An improved flow injection cytometry (FIC) system suitable for fast cellular kinetic measurements and on-line dilution is described. The instrument allows for measurements from 1.2 s (± 0.05 s) after the initiation of mixing, up to any time thereafter. Crucial factors in determining fast kinetic measurements, such as the displacement volume for sample introduction, rate of transport to cytometric interrogation point, and the mixing speed are evaluated and discussed. By varying the volume aspirated, this instrument can facilitate the dilution of cells and/or reagent over a range of one order of magnitude. The fast kinetic and on-line dilution capabilities were demonstrated by on-line staining of DNA in trout erythrocytes with 4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). The utility of the instrument for measurement of enzyme kinetics was illustrated using human lymphocytes, measuring the glutathione S-transferase (GST) catalyzed reaction between monochlorobimane (MCB) and glutathione (GSH). © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Swirling Base Injection for Supersonic Combustion Ramjets

Experimental evaluation of the swirling base injection proposed by Swithenbank and Chigier (1969) for application in supersonic combustion ramjets or scramjets. This concept of accelerated mixing in supersonic streams through swirl was tested, but the results indicate that swirl does not produce any enhancement of mixing.
Alzheimer memory training: Quizzes beat repetition, especially with more impaired:

The present experiment was an attempt to replicate and discover the active agent in a memory/training intervention that had highly significant results with two early stage Alzheimer patients' and subsequently has been used successfully with a total of 12 additional patients.2 Two training methods were incorporated into one tape recorded intervention in an alternating treatments design: one method presented the information twice; the other presented the information once and immediately asked questions about it. Subjects were five mildly to severely impaired male Alzheimer patients and one man with an undiagnosed amnestic disorder. A shortened (quiz only) format was used with the severely impaired subject. To-be-learned information was randomly assigned to the two presentation formats. Taped sessions were presented three times daily for three days. Five of the six subjects learned much of the information presented (55 percent-86 percent) with both methods combined Retention of information learned at one and...
Steroidogenic Factor 1 Regulates Expression of the Cannabinoid Receptor 1 in the Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus

The nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) plays essential roles in the development and function of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH). Considerable evidence links the VMH and SF-1 with the regulation of energy homeostasis. Here, we demonstrate that SF-1 colocalizes in VMH neurons with the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and that a specific CB1R agonist modulates electrical activity of SF-1 neurons in hypothalamic slice preparations. We further show that SF-1 directly regulates CB1R gene expression via a SF-1-responsive element at −101 in its 5′-flanking region. Finally, we show that knockout mice with selective inactivation of SF-1 in the brain have decreased expression of CB1R in the region of the VMH and exhibit a blunted response to systemically administered CB1R agonists. These studies suggest that SF-1 directly regulates the expression of CB1R, which has been implicated in the regulation of energy homeostasis and anxiety-like behavior.
An Edge Pedestal Model

An edge pedestal model is proposed in which the density and temperature gradient scale lengths and the density and temperature widths in the edge pedestal are determined by the physics of: 1) the local transport and atomic physics processes and the particle and heat fluxes flowing through the pedestal; 2) MHD pressure gradient constraints; 3) neutral particle penetration into the plasma edge pedestal; and 4) MHD pedestal β-limit constraints.
An overview of IPA Braille : An updated tactile representation of the International Phonetic Alphabet

This article provides an overview of IPA Braille, revised and updated by Englebretson (2008) under the auspices of the International Council on English Braille (ICEB). After a brief introduction to braille as a writing system and a review of the disparate braille notations formerly used for phonetics, the author discusses the need for a single, up-to-date, linguistically-informed braille notation for the IPA. The author then outlines the rationale and procedures used in developing IPA Braille, and presents an appendix of the complete charts showing the braille equivalents for all symbols of the current IPA (revised to 2005). This article is relevant to phoneticians interested in applications of the IPA, linguists interested in writing systems, instructors who may have blind students enrolled in phonetics and linguistics courses, and especially to blind students and professionals needing access to a complete, updated braille IPA notation. The publication of the full braille charts in JIPA ensures that IPA Braille is available to the wider community of phoneticians and linguists, who typically do not have access to the literature from specialized braille publishing houses.
Enlarged pulmonary artery is predicted by vascular injury biomarkers and is associated with WTC-Lung Injury in exposed fire fighters: a case–control study

Objectives We hypothesise that there is an association between an elevated pulmonary artery/aorta (PA/A) and World Trade Center-Lung Injury (WTC-LI). We assessed if serum vascular disease biomarkers were predictive of an elevated PA/A. Design Retrospective case-cohort analysis of thoracic CT scans of WTC-exposed firefighters who were symptomatic between 9/12/2001 and 3/10/2008. Quantification of vascular-associated biomarkers from serum collected within 200 days of exposure. Setting Urban tertiary care centre and occupational healthcare centre. Participants Male never-smoking firefighters with accurate pre-9/11 forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ) ≥75%, serum sampled ≤200 days of exposure was the baseline cohort (n=801). A subcohort (n=97) with available CT scans and serum biomarkers was identified. WTC-LI was defined as FEV 1 ≤77% at the subspecialty pulmonary evaluation (n=34) and compared with controls (n=63) to determine the associated PA/A ratio. The subcohort was restratified based on PA/A≥0.92 (n=38) and PA/A Outcome measures The primary outcome of this study was to identify a PA/A ratio in a cohort of individuals exposed to WTC dust that was associated with WTC-LI. The secondary outcome was to identify serum biomarkers predictive of the PA/A ratio using logistic regression. Results PA/A≥0.92 was associated with WTC-LI, OR of 4.02 (95% CI 1.21 to 13.41; p=0.023) when adjusted for exposure, body mass index and age at CT. Elevated macrophage derived chemokine and soluble endothelial selectin were predictive of PA/A≥0.92, (OR, 95% CI 2.08, 1.05 to 4.11, p=0.036; 1.33, 1.06 to 1.68, p=0.016, respectively), while the increased total plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 was predictive of not having PA/A≥0.92 (OR 0.88, 0.79 to 0.98; p=0.024). Conclusions Elevated PA/A was associated with WTC-LI. Development of an elevated PA/A was predicted by biomarkers of vascular disease found in serum drawn within 6 months of WTC exposure. Increased PA/A is a potentially useful non-invasive biomarker of WTC-LI and warrants further study.
Levofloxacin: a therapeutic review

This therapeutic review discusses the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, in vitro activity, drug interactions, and adverse effects of levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Particular emphasis is placed on the clinical efficacy of levofloxacin and its place in therapy. Compared with ciprofloxacin and the earlier quinolone agents, levofloxacin has an improved pharmacokinetic profile that allows convenient once-daily dosing in either an oral or parenteral formulation. Levofloxacin has enhanced activity against gram-positive aerobic organisms, including penicillin-resistant pneumococci. In published comparative trials involving commonly used treatment regimens, levofloxacin had equivalent if not greater activity in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute bacterial sinusitis, acute pyelonephritis, and complicated urinary tract infection. Levofloxacin is well tolerated and induces minimal adverse drug reactions. Based on the above attributes, it may be reasonable to include levofloxacin on the hospital formulary in place of older quinolones. More recently released quinolones such as trovafloxacin exhibit similar advantages; however, until direct comparative trials between levofloxacin and these newer agents are conducted, it is difficult to advocate one agent over another. Regardless of which quinolone is the primary agent on the formulary, it is imperative that this class of antimicrobial drugs be used with discretion to minimize the development of resistance.
MULTIPLE SOLITON SOLUTIONS FOR THREE SYSTEMS OF BROER–KAUP–KUPERSHMIDT EQUATIONS DESCRIBING NONLINEAR AND DISPERSIVE LONG GRAVITY WAVES

Three systems of Broer–Kaup–Kupershmidt (BKK) equations, that describe nonlinear and dispersive long gravity waves, are investigated. The simplified form of the Hirota's bilinear method is employed for a reliable treatment of these three systems. Multiple soliton solutions are formally derived for each system.
Researching the Revolution: Prospects and Possibilities for the Journal of Information Systems

A summary of the recent published research suggests that the “top” academic accounting journals ignore systems and technology research topics. Fortuitously, the core focus of the Journal of Information Systems is exactly the set of accounting‐related systems and technology issues (e.g., system controls, financial implications of technology) that are underexplored in both the MIS and accounting research literatures. Accounting systems and technology research, and the Journal of Information Systems, have an optimistic future. Developing accounting systems and technology research demands that researchers both value and promote excellence while simultaneously encouraging diversity.
Iminoether Complexes of the Type, fac‐[Re(CO)3L{HNC(CH3)OCH3}]BF4 (L = Bipyridine or a Substituted Bipyridine): Synthesis and Properties

The methyl acetimidate (an iminoether) complexes, fac-[Re(CO)3L{HNC(CH3)OCH3}]BF4 [where L = 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy), 4,4′-Me2bipy, 5,5′-Me2bipy, or 6,6′-Me2bipy], were formed when fac-[Re(CO)3(CH3CN)3]BF4 in acetonitrile/methanol was treated with 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) or the dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridines (4,4′-Me2bipy, 5,5′-Me2bipy, or 6,6′-Me2bipy). Structural analysis of the four fac-[Re(CO)3L{HNC(CH3)OCH3}]BF4 complexes revealed that all of the complexes crystallize with the iminoether ligand in the Z configuration and that distortions in L that involved the two pyridyl rings are minor except for 6,6′-Me2bipy, which is highly distorted. This distortion of the 6,6′-Me2bipy ligand is reflected in the NMR-spectroscopic data. Upon complex formation, the methyl group signal in the 13C NMR spectrum shifted downfield significantly for 6,6′-Me2bipy, but this did not occur in the 13C NMR spectrum of the 5,5′-Me2bipy complex. The reaction times for forming the respective fac-[Re(CO)3L{HNC(CH3)OCH3}]BF4 complexes for these two ligands were comparable, which indicated that the differences in the distortion of L and the methyl substituent position have little influence on the ease of iminoether formation. However, a higher steric bulk of the alcohol (methanol, ethanol, and2-propanol) decreases the ease of fac-[Re(CO)3(5,5′-Me2bipy){HNC(CH3)OR}]BF4 formation. Isopropanol did not form the iminoether complex after two days of heating the reaction mixture at reflux. The low reactivity of the alcohols tested versus the amines that were tested previously suggests that selective bioconjugation to the fac-{99mTc(CO)3}+ core through an amidine linkage is feasible for biomolecules that have both amine and hydroxy groups. Finally, a comparison of the C≡N bond lengths that were obtained for the fac-[Re(CO)3(CH3CN)3]BF4/PF6 complexes with those values obtained for other rhenium acetonitrile complexes revealed that there is no significant difference between the C≡N bond lengths and that there is no correlation to the acetonitrile reactivity. It is possible that the fac-{Re(CO)3}+ core stabilizes the transition state for amine or alcohol addition.
Measuring health-related quality of life outcomes in bladder cancer patients using the Bladder Cancer Index (BCI).

BACKGROUND. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been adequately measured in bladder cancer. A recently developed reliable and disease-specific quality of life instrument (Bladder Cancer Index, BCI) was used to measure urinary, sexual, and bowel function and bother domains in patients with bladder cancer managed with several different interventions, including cystectomy and endoscopic-based procedures. METHODS. Patients with bladder cancer were identified from a prospective bladder cancer outcomes database and contacted as part of an Institutional Review Board-approved study to assess treatment impact on HRQOL. HRQOL was measured using the BCI across stratified treatment groups. Bivariate and multivariable analyses adjusted for age, gender, income, education, relationship status, and follow-up time were performed to compare urinary, bowel, and sexual domains between treatment groups. RESULTS. In all, 315 bladder cancer patients treated at the University of Michigan completed the BCI in 2004. Significant differences were seen in mean BCI function and bother scores between cystectomy and native bladder treatment groups. In addition, urinary function scores were significantly lower among cystectomy patients treated with continent neobladder compared with those treated with ileal conduit (all pairwise P <.05). CONCLUSIONS. The BCI is responsive to functional and bother differences in patients with bladder cancer treated with different surgical approaches. Significant differences between therapy groups in each of the urinary, bowel, and sexual domains exist. Among patients treated with orthotopic continent urinary diversion, functional impairments related to urinary incontinence and lack of urinary control account for the low observed urinary function scores. Cancer 2007;109:1756–62. � 2007 American Cancer Society.
Contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the heart: overview of the literature.

The use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for cardiac diagnosis is expanding, aided by the administration of paramagnetic contrast agents for a growing number of clinical applications. This overview of the literature considers the principles and applications of cardiac MR imaging with an emphasis on the use of contrast media. Clinical applications of contrast material–enhanced MR imaging include the detection and characterization of intracardiac masses, thrombi, myocarditis, and sarcoidosis. Suspected myocardial ischemia and infarction, respectively, are diagnosed by using dynamic first-pass and delayed contrast enhancement. Promising new developments include blood pool contrast media, labeling of myocardial precursor cells, and contrast-enhanced imaging at very high fields. © RSNA, 2004
Integrated basin management: Water and food policy options for Turkey

Abstract This paper presents a basin scale analysis of the Nilufer River Basin of Turkey, where agricultural, urban, and environmental users compete for scarce water in an environment where climate change and food security present large and growing challenges. It presents results of a basin scale dynamic nonlinear programming model that addresses economic efficiency, climate change, and food security. Its approach can be applied to other water-stressed regions operating in environments of economic and hydrologic constraints on water use. Basin scale modeling approach provides a general framework for formulating water management policies, consistent with the principles underlying the European Union Water Framework Directive.
Low-complexity Channel-Aware Scheduling for multichannel wireless local area networks

In multi-channel wireless networks, effective scheduling algorithms are indispensable for fully harvesting the benefit of multiple channels. Since scheduling decisions need to be made quickly under time-varying wireless channels and traffic dynamics, low-complexity algorithms are especially appealing. In this paper, we study the problem of scheduling in multichannel wireless local area networks. We present a new class of polling service-based channel-aware scheduling algorithms, termed Channel-Aware Scheduling with Exhaustive Service and Hamiltonian Walk (CESH). The three proposed scheduling schemes are shown to have significantly reduced computational complexity, but achieve comparable delay performance as Maximum Weight Matching scheduling, the well-known optimal scheme, under various traffic patterns via simulation studies. The proposed schemes provide practical and effective solutions to the scheduling in multi-channel wireless networks.
Progress in discovery and evaluation of treatments to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Background: Recent improvements in the survival of extremely preterm infants have been accompanied by evolution in the pathogenesis and histopathology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Although oxygen and barotrauma-induced injury remain important contributing factors, pulmonary developmental arrest appears to play an equally important causal role in prolonged respiratory illness, especially among the most immature surviving preterm newborns. To date, clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a substantial benefit of a single treatment or preventive strategy for BPD. Objectives: To evaluate the current evidence in favor of treatments that might prevent BPD. Methods: Review of clinical studies of preventive treatment strategies for BPD. Results: High frequency oscillatory ventilation, permissive hypercapnea, and inhaled nitric oxide might offer benefit to infants at risk of BPD. These and other potential preventive therapies for BPD, such as superoxide dismutase, inositol, and α1-proteinase inhibitor, deserve further study. Conclusions: Although some current treatments offer promise, no preventive therapy for BPD has proven safe and effective, except for intramuscular vitamin A. Additional studies of respiratory technologies, management strategies, and protective molecules are needed.
The neural correlates of persuasion: A common network across cultures and media

Persuasion is at the root of countless social exchanges in which one person or group is motivated to have another share its beliefs, desires, or behavioral intentions. Here, we report the first three functional magnetic resonance imaging studies to investigate the neurocognitive networks associated with feeling persuaded by an argument. In the first two studies, American and Korean participants, respectively, were exposed to a number of text-based persuasive messages. In both Study 1 and Study 2, feeling persuaded was associated with increased activity in posterior superior temporal sulcus bilaterally, temporal pole bilaterally, and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. The findings suggest a discrete set of underlying mechanisms in the moment that the persuasion process occurs, and are strengthened by the fact that the results replicated across two diverse linguistic and cultural groups. Additionally, a third study using region-of-interest analyses demonstrated that neural activity in this network was also associated with persuasion when a sample of American participants viewed video-based messages. In sum, across three studies, including two different cultural groups and two types of media, persuasion was associated with a consistent network of regions in the brain. Activity in this network has been associated with social cognition and mentalizing and is consistent with models of persuasion that emphasize the importance of social cognitive processing in determining the efficacy of persuasive communication.