cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface sensitivity of SiON integrated optical waveguides (IOWs) examined by IOW-attenuated total reflection spectrometry and IOW-Raman spectroscopy

Abstract A series of Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films doped with increasing amounts of lipophilic cyanine dye were deposited at the surface of SiON waveguides. Propagation losses of incoupled laser light were measured photometrically, and then modeled using an attenuated total reflection (ATR) version of the Beer-Lambert law. The SiON waveguides exhibit an experimentally measured surface sensitivity of approximately 0.033 cm −1 propagation loss per 10 12 dyes cm −2 and a detection limit of 8.4 × 10 11 dyes cm −2 . However, the experimental surface sensitivity was 0.4 times less than that predicted by ATR theory that did not account for scatter losses and dye aggregation in the LB film. The discrimination of small signals above background was demonstrated by collecting the integrated optical waveguide Raman spectrum of a submonolayer of avidin bound to the SiON waveguide surface through a biotin linker. This spectrum is believed to be the first spontaneous Raman spectrum reported for a protein film bound to a dielectric substrate.
Coalescence analysis through small-angle light scattering

Flow-induced coalescence in complex flow fields is studied using an in situ, real-time small-angle light scattering technique. Coalescence in a model polyisobutene–polydimethylsiloxane immiscible blend is triggered through step-downs in the flow rate, creating a transition from a breakup-controlled morphology to one controlled by coalescence. Inducing droplet breakup, by increasing the flow rate during the coalescence process, is a reliable probe of the structural changes occurring during the step-down. The coalescence rate, duration of the transient structure, and final droplet size depend strongly on the blend viscosity ratio. Coalescence occurs at extremely dilute droplet concentrations, and an inverse relationship between concentration and time to steady state is observed. Models, developed for simple shear flow, qualitatively describe the coalescence and breakup processes, indicating their potential for predicting these phenomena in processing flows.
Studies of aleochara tristis (coleoptera: staphylinidae), a natural enemy of the face fly.

In 1961 the staphylinid Aleochara tristis Gravenhorst was found for the first time parasitizing the face fly, Musca autumnalis De Geer, in France. Life-history studies were made of the beetle before its recent introduction into the United States. It is a multivoltine species and the adult may live 1 year or more. Under laboratory conditions (uncontrolled room temperature and humidity), the egg stage lasts 5–6 days, the larval stage from 6 to 14 days and the pupal stage an average of 21 days. The newly hatched larva enters a face fly puparium, develops within as a parasite of the pupa, and emerges as an adult. Occasionally the fly is able to escape parasitism by closing off the larval entrance hole before the larva has penetrated. Multiple larval attack overcomes this defense mechanism, and the fly succumbs. However, only one of the attacking beetle larvae completes its development. The adult beetle is predacious on larvae of several species of flies occurring in cow dung, but the larva appears to be more restricted in its host range. Initial tests also indicate that older puparia are more susceptible to larval attack than others. The adult beetle overwinters in the dung in the field. Since the farmers in France gather the dung for compost, the effectiveness of this beetle there may be greatly reduced by the annual depletion of the overwintering population.
Influence of viscous dissipation in a fluid between concentric rotating spheres

Abstract The steady motion of a viscous fluid contained between two concentric spheres which rotate about a common axis with different angular velocities is considered. A second-order method which was introduced previously by the authors to obtain numerical solutions of a class of Navier-Stokes problems coupled with a superimposed thermal field is successfully extended here to investigate the influence of the internal generation of heat by viscous dissipation on the thermal field. The resulting thermal field solutions are presented for various values of the Eckert number and the rotation ratio. It is shown that the inclusion of heat generation by viscous dissipation significantly alters the thermal field behavior, while the relative rates of rotation of the two spheres do not change the general character of the thermal field.
Bystander intervention in a mild need situation

This experiment tested the effects of sex of victim, sex of bystander, and the victim’s verbal or nonverbal request for help upon bystander intervention. Results showed no sex differences in helping among bystanders, and the overall rate of helping was low. However, a female victim who verbally requested help was helped significantly more than a female victim who nonverbally requested Help. This result did not occur for a male victim.
Electromagnetic energy, absorption, and Casimir forces. II. Inhomogeneous dielectric media

A general, exact formula is derived for the expectation value of the electromagnetic energy density of an inhomogeneous absorbing and dispersive dielectric medium in thermal equilibrium, assuming that the medium is well approximated as a continuum. From this formula we obtain the formal expression for the Casimir force density. Unlike most previous approaches to Casimir effects in which absorption is either ignored or admitted implicitly through the required analytic properties of the permittivity, we include dissipation explicitly via the coupling of each dipole oscillator of the medium to a reservoir of harmonic oscillators. We obtain the energy density and the Casimir force density as a consequence of the van der Waals interactions of the oscillators and also from Poynting's theorem.
Effects of Salinity on Freshwater Fishes in Coastal Plain Drainages in the Southeastern U.S.

Abstract This review focuses on the influence of salinity on freshwater fishes in coastal rivers and estuaries of the southeastern U.S. Influences of salinity on freshwater fish species can be explained partly through responses evidenced by behavior, physiology, growth, reproduction, and food habits during all aspects of life history. Factors influencing the rate of salinity change affect the community structure and dynamics of freshwater fishes in brackish environments. Our understanding of the relation between salinity and the life history of freshwater fishes is limited because little ecological research has been conducted in low‐salinity habitats that we consider an “interface”; between freshwater streams and the estuary proper. Much of the available data are descriptive in nature and describe best general patterns, but more specific studies are required to better determine the influence of salinity on freshwater fishes. Improved understanding of the influence of human‐induced changes on the productiv...
Invited Letter: Visual tracking: a very short research roadmap

A research roadmap to many of the best known, and most used, contributions to visual tracking is set out. The scope includes simple appearance models, active contours and spatiotemporal filtering, and briefly points to important further topics in tracking.
The Ideology and Biology of Gender Difference

Etude du probleme de l'(in)egalite des sexes dans le domaine de la sociobiologie et de la physiologie sexuelles, distinguant la capacite reproductive, la structure cerebrale et le comportement hormonal des hommes et des femmes, d'une part, et dans le domaine de la culture de la difference, operant une generalisation des caracteristiques des genres dans les processus de socialisation et dans la definition des roles professionnels
Current topic: The role of macrophages in the uterine response to pregnancy

Summary Immunohistological experiments have established patterns of distribution of macrophages in the pregnant uterus and some data have been accumulated on potential chemoattractants for these cells. The results of several lines of inquiry indicate that, as with macrophages in other tissues, these cells are multifunctional. Further experimentation is likely to be technically demanding because of indications that intricate hormone-prostaglandin-cytokine networks regulate uterine macrophage activities. The question of cytokine synthesis by uterine macrophages is particularly intriguing (Hunt, 1989a , Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 16, 1–17) and particularly difficult. These morphologically heterogenous cells are interspersed throughout the uterus with other types of cells that synthesize some of the same molecules, and the manipulations required for isolation could easily affect transient gene transcription (Taniguchi, 1988) . Thus, many experiments must be performed on intact tissues using immunohistology and in situ hybridization. Although these remarkable cells undoubtedly contribute to the required developmental events of pregnancy, uterine macrophages may have detrimental as well as beneficial effects, particularly in cases of infection. Activation by interferons and bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) disrupts normal synthetic patterns, and results in secretion of increased concentrations of bioactive proteins and lipids. Higher levels of IL-1 (Romero et al, 1989) , TNF-α (Casey et al, 1989) and IL-6 (Romero et al, 1990) , as well as increased levels of prostaglandins (Romero et al, 1987) , all products of activated macrophages, are associated with pregnancy termination due to infection. Some of these molecules could induce premature labour, and others might alter cellular functions. Recent experiments in our laboratory suggest although trophoblast cells bear LPS receptors, damage to these cells during gram negative bacterial infections is more likely to result from encounters with macrophage-derived molecules than from exposure to LPS Hunt, 1989a , Hunt, 1989b . Further experimentation in this area might lead to treatment regimens that would be effective in alleviating this major health problem.
A test of the hypothesis that cronbach's alpha or kuder-richardson coefficent twenty is the same for two tests

An approximate statistical test is derived for the hypothesis that the reliability coefficients (Cronbach's α) associated with two measurement procedures are equal. Control of Type I error is investigated by comparing empirical sampling distributions of the test statistic with the theoretical model derived for it. The effect of platykurtosis in the test-score distribution on the test statistic is also considered.
Even industrial-scale carbon removal would not fully undo modern warming

Unless the world embarks on a massive program to deliberately remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, with the scale of the carbon withdrawal industry ramping up to eventually mirror the size of the modern fossil fuel industry, the bulk of modern anthropogenic warming will persist for at least the next 10,000 years, previous studies have shown. New research by MacDougall shows that if widespread active carbon removal is initiated, temperatures could be brought nearly in line with preindustrial levels by the year 3000. However, to counterbalance the release of carbon dioxide and methane from former permafrost soils, from 115% to 181% of the carbon dioxide emitted since the dawn of the industrial era would need to be drawn out of the atmosphere. Regardless of how aggressively carbon is drawn out of the air, some changes, such as the melting of Greenland's glaciers, would not be fully reversed by the year 3000.
Legitimacy, Strategy, and Resources in the Survival of Community-Based Organizations

Organizations active in mobilizing low- and moderate-income communities make considerable efforts to combat inequalities and build voice for citizens, despite inherent challenges of obtaining resources, maintaining member interest, and retaining staff. How, then, do such groups remain viable—even thriving—organizations? Building upon research on organizational theory and social movements, we examine patterns of survival among a sample of community-based organizations (CBOs) between 1990 and 2004, thus providing the first systematic study of their long-term mortality processes. More specifically, we test how organizations' sociopolitical legitimacy and resources (and strategies for cultivating both) influence survival, finding that the legitimacy of organizations in low-income areas is a double-edged sword, as embeddedness in resource-deprived local environments confers both benefits and disadvantages. In particular, we find the strongest support for the notion that, beyond the considerable effects of externally obtained resources, CBOs also benefit considerably by engaging in even a small amount of grassroots fundraising. Further, although we find significant effects of extra-local legitimacy in the baseline models—through organizations' affiliation with national or regional organizing networks—we find evidence in additional analyses that the survival benefits of network affiliation are largely mediated by resources. We also find sizable but marginally significant effects of local legitimacy, and significant positive effects of organizational age and urban location. Overall, our findings suggest that although cultivating resources is the surest path to survival, organizations that build their legitimacy will be in a better position to compensate for structural resource deficits.
Reply to M.L. Friedlander et al

I am grateful for the comments of Friedlander et al about my recent Journal of Clinical Oncology editorial that accompanied the report by Colombo et al. Although I did not specifically address quality of life (QOL) in my editorial, I think that the comments by Friedlander et al reflectacompatible, complementaryviewof theoncologydrugcommercialization process. The term chronic, which I chose to use, is perhaps an AmericanversionoftheAustraliantermpalliativeandshouldnotconfuse the discussion. We all agree that the patient with platinum-resistant ovariancancerhasalifeexpectancyoflessthan12to18months.Mythemewas simply that patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (platinum-sensitive or -resistant) are incurable with today’s therapies, and the patupilone versus liposomal doxorubicin trial was cited as an example of our conundrum across clinical oncology practice today. Many of our patients share the same limited prognosis, regardless of their cancer type. In these settings (call them chronic or palliative), a patient’s goal is typically to enjoy a comfortable and highly functional life for as long as possible. It is essential that each of these components (comfort, function, quality of life) have a place in the commercialization pathway. The correspondence by Friedlander et al and my editorial both note that today’s development process seems excessively focused on duration of life. The drug approval process varies among nations, but reaching a prospective, binding agreement for a drug approval trial with a primary QOL end point has historically been quite difficult. This is a reflection of the fact that QOL can be slippery when reduced to practice, and the quantification of quality can be contentious. The relative value placed on competing adverse effects, such as diarrhea versus erythrodysesthesia in the trial by Colombo et al, would be one example. In advanced malignancy, QOL is also confounded by the impact of the disease itself on daily function and comfort. I agree with the Friedlander et al that a regulatory framework should be built around consistent, reliable QOL end points, and this will certainly benefit our patients. I applaud their enthusiasm and wish them every success in a difficult and complicated endeavor.
Short communication: Watershed Forest Management Information System (WFMIS)

Maintenance of a sustainable clean water supply is critical for our future. However, watershed degradation is a common phenomenon around the world that leads to poor water quality. In order to protect water resources, the Watershed Forest Management Information System (WFMIS), was developed as an extension of ArcGIS^(R) and is described in this paper. There are three submodels to address nonpoint source pollution mitigation, road system management, and silvicultural operations, respectively. The Watershed Management Priority Indices (WMPI) is a zoning approach to prioritize critical areas for conservation and restoration management. It meets the critical need to spatially differentiate land cover and site characteristics within a watershed to quantify their relative influence on overall water quality. The Forest Road Evaluation System (FRES) is a module to evaluate road networks in order to develop preventive management strategies. The Harvest Schedule Review System (HSRS) is a module to analyze and evaluate multi-year and multi-unit forest harvesting to assist in the reduction of impact on water yield and associated changes in water quality. The WFMIS utilizes commonly available spatial data and has user friendly interfaces to assist foresters and planners to manage watersheds in an environmentally healthy way. Application examples of each submodel are presented.
Chronic alcohol reduces calcium signaling elicited by glutamate receptor stimulation in developing cerebellar neurons.

Abstract The effect of chronic alcohol (33 mM ethanol) on Ca2+ signals elicited by glutamate receptor agonists (quisqualate and NMDA) was examined in developing cerebellar Purkinje and granule neurons in culture. The neurons were exposed to alcohol during the second week in culture, the main period of morphological and physiological development. The Ca2+ signals were measured with fura-2 based microscopic video imaging. Chronic exposure to alcohol during development significantly reduced the peak amplitude of the Ca2+ signals to quisqualate (1 μM; Quis) in both the somatic and dendrites regions of the Purkinje neurons. The dendrites region was affected to a greater extent than the somatic region. Granule neurons also showed a reduced somatic Ca2+ signal to Quis (dendrites not measured) in the alcohol-treated cultures, indicating that the effect was not limited to Purkinje neurons. In addition to the effects on in the response to Quis, the peak amplitude of the Ca2+ signals to NMDA (100 μM) was reduced by chronic alcohol exposure during development in both the cultured Purkinje and granule neurons. Resting Ca2+ levels were not consistently affected by alcohol treatment in either neuronal type. These results indicate that Ca2+ signaling linked to glutamate receptor activation is an important target of alcohol in the developing nervous system and could be a contributing factor in the altered CNS function and development observed in animal models of fetal alcohol syndrome.
Self-assessment of the Training of Vascular Fellows: Survey Results of 219 Vascular Fellows From 2004 Through 2007:

Introduction. In an attempt to identify the concerns of vascular fellows regarding their training in vascular surgery, we conducted a survey consisting of 22 questions at an annual national meeting from 2004 to 2007. Methods. The fellows were asked to assess various aspects of their training as excellent, satisfactory, or mixed. Results. 76% were satisfied with their endovascular experience during their fellowship while 82% were satisfied with their experience with open cases. The distribution of non-learning cases was felt to be excellent, satisfactory, or required some or much improvement in: 45%, 44%, 8%, and 2% respectively. However, only 61% felt that their vascular laboratory experience was excellent or satisfactory. Only 36% actually performed the vascular duplex exam, and only 49% felt that they would feel comfortable in managing a vascular laboratory. Conclusions. The results of this Survey suggest that several significant issues are reflected in the minds of vascular trainees.
Fluid dynamics of cell cytokinesis — Numerical analysis of intracellular flow during cell division☆

Abstract Intracellular flow of cytoplasmic fluid during cell cytokinesis is investigated. The intercellular bridge connecting two daughter cells is modeled as a cylindrical microchannel whose squeezing causes cytoplasmic flow inside the bridge itself and into the daughter cells. An equation from recent experimental measurements by Zhang and Robinson [W. Zhang, D.N. Robinson, Balance of actively generated contractile and resistive forces controls cytokinesis dynamics, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 102 (2005) 7186–7191.] that governs the dynamics of bridge thinning is implemented in this model. The purpose of this research is to compute intracellular flow induced by the bridge thinning process. Two different types of boundary conditions are compared at the membrane–cytoplasm interface; these are a no-slip condition and a no tangential stress condition. Pressure and flow velocity distributions in the daughter cells and the force exerted by this flow on the daughter cell nucleus are computed. It is established that the pressure difference between the daughter cell and the intercellular bridge increases as time progresses. It is also observed that a region of stagnation develops on the downstream side of the nucleus as the bridge thins.
The Kinematics of Bend-Induced Mixing in Micro-Conduits

The absence of turbulence and the difficulty associated with introducing moving components into microfluidic systems make the mixing problem in microdevices challenging. We studied steady, laminar, incompressible flow through a sequence of conduits with rectangular cross-sections aligned to form 90 o with each other. The feasibility of taking advantage of bend-induced vortices to stir the fluid and enhance the mixing process was evaluated theoretically and experimentally. Since at very low Reynolds numbers the bend-induced vortices decay rapidly, it was necessary to utilize a large number of bends to achieve the desired effects. Since it is not practical to directly simulate the flow through a large number of bends, we borrowed Jones et. al.'s (1989) idea of constructing a two-dimensional map to project fluid particles from a cross-section upstream of the bend to a cross- section downstream of the bend. This map was then applied repetitively to trace particle trajectories in various bend arrangements. Under certain conditions, chaotic advection was predicted. A prototype of a stirrer was fabricated with low temperature co-fired ceramic tapes.
Adrenocortical and nociceptive responses to opioid blockade in hypertension-prone men and women.

risk for hypertension. The endogenous opioid system may play a role in these response alterations. We compared adrenocortical and nociceptive responses to opioid blockade using naltrexone in hypertension-prone men and women. Methods: Ninety-nine participants completed two sessions during which a placebo or 50 mg naltrexone was administered using a double-blind, counterbalanced design. Participants rated their pain and completed the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) after three assessments of the nociceptive flexion reflex and after assessment of nociceptive pain threshold and tolerance. Saliva samples were obtained throughout the sessions. Results: Salivary cortisol levels increased after pain assessment after the ingestion of naltrexone, but not after placebo, with the low-risk group exhibiting an earlier peak of cortisol response. Participants reported greater pain ratings and higher MPQ scores in the naltrexone versus placebo condition, and these effects were more pronounced in women. Pain threshold and tolerance were higher among high-risk men relative to low-risk men. Conclusions: The results are consistent with the inhibitory effects of the endogenous opioids on cortisol response and suggest an altered response timeline among hypertension-prone individuals. The results demonstrate that hypoalgesia may be a marker of hypertension risk in men but not in women. Key words: cortisol, hypertension risk, pain, opioid blockade, naltrexone, gender. ACTH adrenocorticotropin; BP blood pressure; CPT cold pressor test; CRF corticotrophin-releasing factor; HPA hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis; MPQ McGill Pain Questionnaire; NFR nociceptive flexion reflex; EMG electromyographic activity.
The Relationship Between Previous Foreign Language Study and Personality Change in Youth Exchange Participants

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in personality occur in teenagers during one-month homestays in Japan. The sample consisted of 154 exchangees and 112 control group members who did not travel abroad. The California Psychological Inventory was administered to both groups prior to the exchange, again at its conclusion, and a third time four months later. Antecedent information was collected using a pre-exchange questionnaire. Analysis of covariance was used to determine if the pretest and posttest scores for the two groups were significantly different. Nonparametric tests were used to determine if certain overseas group antecedent subpopulations changed differently. The overseas group increased in flexibility and independence and became less conventional as compared to the control group. Travelers who had studied a foreign language for one or two semesters experienced no significant changes; those with no previous language study and those who had studied a language for three or four semesters changed significantly. Exchangees who were the first member of their family to travel abroad and those who personally paid a high percentage of their trip expenses also changed significantly.
Effect of gold sodium thiomalate on proliferation of human rheumatoid synovial cells and on collagen synthesis in tissue culture.

Abstract Synovial tissue obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were undergoing reconstructive joint surgery was used to obtain explant cultures of synovial cells. The experiments described were performed on growing monolayer cultures during the second to fifth passages. Synovial cells were exposed to gold sodium thiomalate (GST) in concentrations equivalent to levels attained in synovial tissues during chrysotherapy (3–50 μg/ml). After 5 days of exposure of cells to 10 or 50 μg/ml of GST, [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation into DNA was inhibited 94 or 99 per cent, respectively. After 10 days of exposure to 10 μg/ml of GST, cell number was decreased 50 per cent, although no change in cell number was found after a 5-day exposure to 100 μg/ml of GST. The total collagen content of the media was decreased in flasks of cells exposed to 50 μg/ml of GST for 15 days, which reflects the decrease in cell numbers observed at this concentration. However, after 15 days of exposure of synovial cells to 12 μg/ml of GST, incorporation of [ 14 C]proline into total collagen per cell increased 4-fold. This increase in [ 14 C]proline incorporation occurred predominantly in type I collagen. In these experiments, the percentage of type III collagen containing [ 14 C]proline and the amount found in media were suppressed 50 per cent by a fifteen day exposure to 3 μg/ml of GST. The ability of GST to increase the relative commitment of these cultures to make type I collagen is dose dependent in the range from 3 to 12 μg/ml. These data indicate that changes in cell proliferation and in the nature (genetic composition) of the extracellular matrix produced are direct effects of GST on the synovial cell in tissue culture and may represent one important mechanism of action of chrysotherapy in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Pain and chronic pancreatitis: Is it the plumbing or the wiring?

Our progress in understanding the biology of chronic pancreatitis has been slow, particularly with respect to the pathogenesis of pain, the cardinal symptom. Although traditional theories have focused on anatomic changes, with interstitial and ductal hypertension as the main inciting factors for pain generation, subsequent studies have not confirmed a correlation between ductal pressure and the severity of pain or its relief after ductal decompression. Empirical approaches directed at anatomic causes are at best of marginal value. Although these phenomena are clearly associated with the disease, they are not likely the root cause of the pain. Instead, they probably are inciting factors on a background of neuronal sensitization induced by damage to the perineurium and subsequent exposure of the nerves to mediators and products of inflammation. In this review, we discuss the inherent limitations in our current therapies and try to identify new targets and approaches for the future, such as TRPV1, nerve growth factor-TrkA signaling, and perhaps protease activator receptor-2.
The Dynamics of a Toroidal Magnetic Ring

Solving the nonlinear partial differential equations of magnetohydrodynamics numerically, we examine (1) the time development of a purely toroidal magnetic field (a magnetic ring) and (2) the interaction of a magnetic ring with a poloidal magnetic field. Axisymmetry and incompressibility are assumed. Parameters are chosen to correspond to photospheric conditions. In case (1), the magnetic ring contracts to the axis and then splits in two with one ring travelling up along the axis and the other down. In case (2), a large toroidal velocity field is generated which has opposite direction of flow above and below the magnetic ring. The magnetic and flow patterns of case (2) may persist with little change for a relatively long time. We conjecture that toroidal magnetic fields may be involved in the bright rings of sunspots or in the dynamics of spicules.
Collingwood's essay on metaphysics and the three conclusions to the idea of nature

A l'occasion de la recente reedition de l'«Essai sur la metaphysique» (1998) de R. G. Collingwood, l'A. retrace l'histoire d'un manuscrit intitule «Les principes de l'histoire» qui a ete utilise par Knox dans son edition de 1946, puis perdu dans les archives des Presses universitaires d'Oxford, avant d'etre redecouvert en 1995, avec deux autres manuscrits autographes qui proposent des variantes a la conclusion de «L'idee de nature». L'A. montre que le texte qui a d'abord ete publie en annexe de l'«Essai sur la metaphysique» est la conclusion cosmologique d'un cours sur la nature et l'esprit datant de 1934
Spinal Cord Injury Reduces the Efficacy of Pseudorabies Virus Labeling of Sympathetic Preganglionic Neurons

The retrograde transsynaptic tracer pseudorabies virus (PRV) is used as a marker for synaptic connectivity in the spinal cord. Using PRV, we sought to document putative synaptic plasticity below a high thoracic (T) spinal cord transection. This lesion has been linked to the development of a number of debilitating conditions, including autonomic dysreflexia. Two weeks after injury, complete T4-transected and/or T4-hemisected and sham rats were injected with PRV-expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP1) into the kidneys. We expected greater PRV labeling after injury because of the plasticity of spinal circuitry, but 96 hours post-PRV-EGFP inoculation, we found fewer EGFP+ cells in the thoracolumbar gray matter of T4-transected compared with sham rats (p < 0.01); Western blot analysis corroborated decreased EGFP protein levels (p < 0.01). Moreover, viral glycoproteins that are critical for cell adsorption and entry were also reduced in the thoracolumbar spinal cord of injured versus sham rats (p < 0.01). Pseudorabies virus labeling of sympathetic postganglionic neurons in the celiac ganglia innervating the kidneys was also significantly reduced in injured versus sham rats (p < 0.01). By contrast, the numbers and distribution of Fluoro-Gold-labeled (intraperitoneal injection) sympathetic preganglionic neurons throughout the sampled regions appeared similar in injured and sham rats. These results question whether spinal cord injury exclusively retards PRV expression and/or transport or whether this injury broadly affects host cell-viral interactions.
The adrenocortical response to brain injury: correlation with the severity of neurologic dysfunction, effects of intoxication, and patient outcome.

To test the hypothesis that cortisol levels reflect the extent of neurologic dysfunction and predict patient outcome, neurologic function and cortisol levels were determined in 120 traumatically brain injured patients who never received glucocorticoid treatment. Their mean age was 29 years and 78% were men. The impact of intoxication was examined in 59 patients who had ethanol levels measured. Ethanol was detectable in 40 patients and greater than or equal to 100 mg/dl in 31. There were significant correlations between the extent of neurologic dysfunction, determined by the Glasgow Coma Score and plasma cortisol concentrations 1 and 4 days postaccident. Cortisol levels were universally elevated on admission and approached normal 7 days later. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant effects of circulating ethanol levels on the association between cortisol concentrations and progressively worsening neurologic function, i.e., ethanol reduced the magnitude of the cortisol elevations in a dose dependent manner, abolishing this relationship at levels above 100 mg/dl. Analysis of the relationships between circulating cortisol levels and patient outcome provided a second method for ascertaining the association between injury severity and the magnitude of adrenocortical activation. Admission and day 1 cortisol concentrations were 25 to 40% lower in patients having good recoveries or moderate disabilities than those who remained severely disabled, persistently vegetative or died; serum cortisol values of less than 20 micrograms/dl one day after the accident were more likely to be associated with a good outcome than a poor one (55 vs. 25%, p less than 0.001). The worsening prognosis of patients having higher cortisol values is further reflected in the duration of acute hospitalization of these individuals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Language: en
Atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma of the extremity and trunk wall: importance of histological subtype with treatment recommendations.

This study defines the behavior and classification of atypical lipomatous tumors (ALT) and well-differentiated liposarcomas (WDLS) of the extremity and trunk. A total of 91 well-differentiated lipomatous tumors of the extremity and trunk were identified from a soft tissue tumor database between July 1982 and June 2001. A soft tissue pathologist, blinded to prior diagnosis and clinical outcome, reviewed histology. Those composed predominantly of mature adipose tissue with scattered atypical stromal cells and scant lipoblasts or fibrosis were ALTs. Tumors with lipoblast but -25% fibrosis were identified as sclerosing WDLS. Clinical factors were analyzed to assess effects on local recurrence-free survival (LRFS). Histological review identified 34 ALTs and 57 WDLSs. Of the WDLSs, 29 were lipoma-like and 28 were sclerosing. Five-year and 10-year LRFS were 100%±0% and 78%±9%, respectively. Factors evaluated were age, sex, tumor site, tumor size, histology, presentation status, margin status, and adjuvant radiotherapy. Positive resection margins and sclerosing histology were associated with reduced LRFS. Dedifferentiation was observed in three tumors (3%) Lipoma-like WDLSs and ALTs share similar histological features and favorable behavior. Margin-positive sclerosing WDLSs have a 10-year LRFS of only 17% and should undergo function-preserving re-excision when possible, or adjuvant radiotherapy.
Sarcoidosis of the upper respiratory tract in patients with nasal rim lesions: a pilot study.

Lupus pernio has been associated with sarcoidosis of the upper respiratory tract. The semantic differences in the use of the designation "lupus penio" are such that American dermatologists may not consider patients with nasal rim papules of sarcoidosis to have lupus pernio. During a 12-month period, we referred each new patient with sarcoidosis and nasal rim lesions for direct and indirect laryngoscopy. Three of our four patients had sarcoidosis of the upper respiratory tract. We recommend a large prospective study to assess the incidence of this disorder in patients with nasal rim lesions of sarcoidosis. Until such a study is undertaken, however, we believe that consideration should be given to otolaryngologic examination of these patients, regardless of their symptoms.
Circulating pathogen associated molecular pattern-binding proteins and high mobility group box protein 1 in nascent metabolic syndrome: Implications for cellular toll-like receptor activity

Abstract Objective The Metabolic Syndrome, (MetS) a global epidemic, is a state of low grade chronic inflammation and confers an increased risk for diabetes and CVD. We have previously reported increased activity of the pathogen recognition receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), TLR2 and TLR4 in MetS. We hypothesized that increased TLR activity in MetS is due in part to increased levels of circulating PAMP–binding proteins, soluble CD14 (sCD14), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and the damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP), High Mobility Group Box protein 1 (HMGB-1). Methods We measured sCD14, LBP and HMGB-1 in fasting plasma from nascent MetS ( n = 37) and healthy control subjects ( n = 32) by ELISA. We also investigated the effects of sCD14 and LBP on TLR4 activity in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Results Following adjustment for body mass index and waist circumference, sCD14, LBP and HMGB-1 levels remained significantly increased in MetS. Also their levels increased with increasing numbers of MetS risk factors. Only sCD14 correlated significantly with monocyte TLR4 protein and activity. None of these soluble biomarkers correlated with TLR2 protein. Both sCD14 and HMGB-1 correlated significantly with HOMA-IR. In LPS primed HAECs, sCD14 compared to LBP, resulted in a greater increase in both TLR4 abundance and inflammatory biomediators (NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α). Conclusion Thus, we make the novel observation that sCD14 reflects increased monocyte TLR4 protein and activity in nascent MetS and by contributing to increased cellular inflammation could explain, in part, the increased risk for diabetes and CVD.
NON-PREMIXED IGNITION BY VITIATED AIR IN COUNTERFLOW CONFIGURATIONS

ABSTRACT Ignition studies have been conducted in counterflow configurations in recent years by using heated air as the ignition source. In the present investigation, an alternative methodology has being advanced for studying ignition, by utilizing vitiated air that is produced from the oxidation of ultra-lean H2/air mixtures supplied from one burner. Non-premixed ignition is achieved by counter-flowing the hot vitiated air against a fuel-containing jet. The ultra-lean H2/air mixtures are oxidized on a catalyst positioned at the burner exit, allowing thus for the effective variation of the temperature of the hot gases, which are mainly composed by N2, excess O2, small amounts of H2O, and negligible amounts of radical species. Thus, the heat release of the H2 oxidation serves as the ignition source and eliminates the need of heating the air. This new methodology was tested for non-premixed ignition of H2 and H2-enriched CO. H2 and CO were studied first, given that the kinetics of these fuels, constitute the...
A Tight Lower Bound for the Complexity of Path-Planning for a Disc

Abstract Given two points in a planar room with polygonal boundary and polygonal obstacles (having a total of n corners), the problem of finding a shortest obstacle-avoiding path between them is known to require Ω(n log n) time. In this article it is shown that the problem of finding any obstacle-avoiding path for a disc in the room, or even deciding whether such a path exists, requires Ω(n log n) time. This bound is met by the published algorithms.
Evaluation and sensitivity testing of a coupled Landsat-MODIS downscaling method for land surface temperature and vegetation indices in semi-arid regions

The current study investigates a method to provide land surface parameters [i.e., land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] at a high spatial (∼30 and 60 m) and temporal (daily and 8-day) resolution by combining advantages from Landsat and moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellites. We adopt a previously developed subtraction method that merges the spatial detail of higher-resolution imagery (Landsat) with the temporal change observed in coarser or moderate-resolution imagery (MODIS). Applying the temporal difference between MODIS images observed at two different dates to a higher-resolution Landsat image allows prediction of a combined or fused image ( Landsat+MODIS ) at a future date. Evaluation of the resultant merged products is undertaken within the Southeastern Arizona region where data is available from a range of flux tower sites. The Landsat+ MODIS fused products capture the raw Landsat values and also reflect the MODIS temporal variation. The predicted Landsat +MODIS LST improves mean absolute error around 5°C at the more heterogeneous sites compared to the original satellite products. The fused Landsat+ b>MODIS NDVI product also shows good correlation to ground-based data and is relatively consistent except during the acute (monsoon) growing season. The sensitivity of the fused product relative to temporal gaps in Landsat data appears to be more affected by uncertainty associated with regional precipitation and green-up, than the length of the gap associated with Landsat viewing, suggesting the potential to use a minimal number of original Landsat images during relatively stable land surface and climate conditions. Our extensive validation yields insight on the ability of the proposed method to integrate multiscale platforms and the potential for reducing costs associated with high-resolution satellite systems (e.g., SPOT, QuickBird, IKONOS).
Evaluation of arthritis self-management courses led by laypersons and by professionals

We compared the relative effectiveness of 2 arthritis patient education interventions. One intervention was modeled after that developed by Lorig, whereas the other had similar content but used health professionals rather than laypersons as instructors. Both interventions resulted in an increase in patients' knowledge of arthritis and in their use of exercise compared with a control group that received no intervention. However, neither intervention was any more effective than nonintervention in lessening patients' pain, improving their functioning, enhancing social support systems, lessening their depression, or improving their health behaviors beyond that of exercise. No differences in outcome measures were found between groups led by professional instructors and those led by lay instructors.
Multi-Compartmental Transport of Anti-HIV Molecules into and through Mucosa

Sexual transmission of HIV derives from contact of virions with host cells, e.g. in the epithelium and lamina propria of the vagina. Current antiviral drugs (e.g. the reverse transcriptase inhibitor Tenofovir) show promise for topical mucosal prophylactic action against transmission (termed “microbicides”). They can be introduced by multiple delivery systems, e.g. gels and intravaginal rings. Their success (pharmacodynamics) depends upon adequate distribution in time and space (pharmacokinetics) vs. distribution of invading virions. We have created a family of mechanistic transport models of microbicide molecules, as they distribute from different vehicles into and through vaginal fluids and mucosal tissues, and interact with host cells and virions. We report here two new models that characterize transport of antiviral molecules from a vaginal gel or ring into and through the vaginal epithelium and lamina propria, with uptake within the latter into blood capillaries. The models contain systems of coupled convection-diffusion equations - one for each compartment. These are solved numerically (MatLab and Comsol for gels and rings, respectively). We have applied these models to transport of Tenofovir, and compared results with in vivo measurements of drug levels (vaginal fluid, tissue, bloodstream) in two human studies of a 1% Tenofovir gel (CONRAD; MTN-001). The models show good agreement in predicting the drop in Tenofovir concentrations (vaginal fluids; biopsy) during 24h after a single application of 4 mL of gel (CONRAD), and also the quasi-steady state values in vaginal tissue biopsies, obtained during continuous once-per-day application of 4 mL of gel (MTN-001). We illustrate use of the models to understand tradeoffs amongst the packaging of drug in delivery vehicles with different properties and volumes/geometries, in relation to the frequency of application needed to create and sustain prophylactic drug levels in target mucosal compartments (NIH U19 AI077289).
British mortality and the value of life, 1781-1931.

Summary How can we value human life? How should we weight longevity experience in assessing gains in the workers' standard of living since the Industrial Revolution began? What price did the British worker himself place on extended longevity and lower mortality risks? These questions have been at the heart of the standard of living debate at least since Adam Smith raised them in the Wealth of Nations. This paper applies Usher's willingness-to-pay model to British mortality experience between 1781 and 1931, experience which is now far better understood with the recent appearance of Wrigley and Schofield's The Population History of England. While the main body of the paper deals with the average economic gains associated with improvement in longevity, it also briefly discusses the far more difficult issue of class mortality experience and trends in inequality
New Horizons and the onset of the Pioneer anomaly

Abstract Analysis of the radio tracking data from the Pioneer 10/11 spacecraft at distances between about 20–70 AU from the Sun has indicated the presence of an unmodeled, small, constant, Doppler blue shift which can be interpreted as a constant acceleration of a P = ( 8.74 ± 1.33 ) × 10 −8 cm / s 2 directed approximately towards the Sun. In addition, there is early (roughly modeled) data from as close in as 5 AU which indicates there may have been an onset of the anomaly near Saturn. We observe that the data now arriving from the New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt could allow a relatively easy, direct experimental test of whether this onset is associated with distance from the Sun (being, for example, an effect of drag on dark matter). We strongly urge that this test be done.
Distributed cortical network for visual attention

The contribution of prefrontal and posterior association cortex to voluntary and involuntary visual attention was as sessed using electrophysiological techniques in patients with focal lesions in prefrontal (n = 11), temporal-parietal (n = 10), or lateral parietal cortex (n = 7). Subjects participated in a task requiring detection of designated target stimuli embedded in trains of repetitive stimuli. Infrequent and irrelevant novel visual stimuli were randomly interspersed with the target and background stimuli. Controls generated attention dependent N1 (170 msec) and N2 (243 msec) potentials maximal over extrastriate cortex. Anterior and posterior association cortex lesions reduced the amplitude of both the N1 and N2 potentials recorded over extrastriate cortex of the lesioned hemisphere. The pattern of results obtained reveals that an intrahemispheric network involving prefrontal and posterior association cortex modulates early visual processing in extrastriate regions. Voluntary target detection generated a parietal maximal P300 response (P3b) and irrelevant novel stimuli generated a more frontocentrally distributed P300 (P3a). Cortical lesions had differential effects on P3a and P3b potentials. The P3b was not significantly reduced in any cortical lesioned group. Conversely, the P3a was reduced by both prefrontal and posterior lesions with decrements most severe throughout the lesioned hemisphere. These data provide evidence that an association cortex network involving prefrontal and posterior regions is activated during orientation to novel events. The lack of a significant effect on the visual target P3b in patients with novelty P3a reductions supports the notion that different neural systems are engaged during voluntary vs involuntary atten-tion to visual stimuli.