cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Detection of Active Internet Worms

An active Internet worm is malicious software that autonomously searches for and infects vulnerable hosts, copying itself from one host to another and spreading through the susceptible population. Most recent worms find vulnerable hosts by generating random IP addresses and then probing those addresses to see which are running the desired vulnerable services. Detection of such worms is a manual process in which security analysts must observe and analyze unusual network or host activity, and the worm might not be positively identified until it already has spread to most of the Internet. In this chapter, we present an automated system that can identify active scanning worms soon after they begin to spread, a necessary precursor to halting or slowing the spread of the worm. Our implemented system collects ICMP Destination Unreachable messages from instrumented routers, identifies message patterns that indicate malicious scanning activity, and then identifies scan patterns that indicate a propagating worm. We examine an epidemic model for worm propagation, describe our ICMP-based detection system, and present simulation results that illustrate its detection capabilities.
Analysis of Local Stresses and Strains in Ti-6A1-4V Widmanstätten α + β Microstructures

The application of continuum mechanics to the analysis of fracture in structural materials has been helpful in understanding macroscopic behavior in these materials. However, in many classes of structural material, among these titanium alloys, microstructure has been shown to have an effect on fracture even under circumstances of constant yield stress. In such instances, macroscopic continuum mechanics are of limited value since no microstructural scale variations in stress and strain are considered. In the present study we have used finite element analysis to calculate variations in local stress and strain distributions on a scale comparable to that of the microstructural features. This paper describes the methods used to make these calculations, illustrates some of the results for one microstructure, and suggests how these results influence our understanding of fracture in two phase microstructures such as those observed in a + β alloys.
Four-dimensional, multiphase, steady-state imaging with contrast enhancement (MUSIC) in the heart: a feasibility study in children.

Purpose To develop a technique for high resolution, four-dimensional (4D), multiphase, steady-state imaging with contrast enhancement (MUSIC) in children with complex congenital heart disease. Methods Eight pediatric patients underwent cardiovascular MRI with controlled mechanical ventilation after ferumoxytol administration. Breath-held contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) was performed during the first-pass and delayed phases of ferumoxytol, followed by a respiratory gated, 4D MUSIC acquisition during the steady state distribution phase of ferumoxytol. The subjective image quality and image sharpness were evaluated. Assessment of ventricular volumes based on 4D MUSIC was compared with those based on multislice 2D cardiac cine MRI. Results The 4D MUSIC technique provided cardiac-phase-resolved (65–95 ms temporal resolution) and higher spatial resolution (0.6–0.9 mm isotropic) images than previously achievable using first-pass CE-MRA or 2D cardiac cine. When compared with Ferumoxytol-based first-pass CE-MRA, the 4D MUSIC provided sharper images and better definition of the coronary arteries, aortic root, myocardium, and pulmonary trunk (P 0.95). Conclusion The 4D MUSIC technique may represent a new paradigm in MR evaluation of cardiovascular anatomy and function in children with complex congenital heart disease. Magn Reson Med 74:1042–1049, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Erythromycin in the treatment of diphtheria and diphtheria carrier state.

The treatment of acute diphtheria has not been drastically changed by the use of antibiotics. Antitoxin remains the primary form of therapy. However, the eradication of virulent diphtheria bacilli from the upper respiratory tract of patients with the active disease and of carriers is of considerable importance in the control of the disease. Streptomycin is effective in vitro and in infections produced experimentally but it has not been clinically evaluated in acute diphtheria or in the carrier state. Chlortetracycline, chloramphenicol, and oxytetracyline, although active against the causative organisms, have not had sufficient clinical trial to permit evaluation in the control of diphtheria and the carrier state. Penicillin eradicates C. diphtheriae from the nasopharynx in 75 per cent of patients within a period of 3 to 4 days. In this study erythromycin eradicated the C. diptheriae from the nose and throat in all of the cases in an average of 2 days in the active cases and in an average of 3 days in the carrier state. In the treatment of diphtheria erythromycin appears on the basis of the present and of previous studies to be the most promising antibiotic developed to date. Erythromycin is advocated as an adjunct to and not as a substitute for antitoxin in the treatment of acute diphtheria.
Optically-pumped ultraviolet microdisk laser on a silicon substrate

Ultraviolet microdisks lasers are fabricated on silicon substrates, with a thin layer of zinc oxide grown on top of silica disk. Under optical pumping, lasing occurs in the whispering gallery modes at room temperature.
Matrix density effects on the mechanical properties of SiC fiber-reinforced silicon nitride matrix properties

The room temperature mechanical properties were measured for SiC fiber reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride composites (SiC/RBSN) of different densities. The composites consisted of approx. 30 vol percent uniaxially aligned 142 micron diameter SiC fibers (Textron SCS-6) in a reaction-bonded Si3N4 matrix. The composite density was varied by changing the consolidation pressure during RBSN processing and by hot isostatically pressing the SiC/RBSN composites. Results indicate that as the consolidation pressure was increased from 27 to 138 MPa, the average pore size of the nitrided composites decreased from 0.04 to 0.02 microns and the composite density increased from 2.07 to 2.45 gm/cc. Nonetheless, these improvements resulted in only small increases in the first matrix cracking stress, primary elastic modulus, and ultimate tensile strength values of the composites. In contrast, HIP consolidation of SiC/RBSN resulted in a fully dense material whose first matrix cracking stress and elastic modulus were approx. 15 and 50 percent higher, respectively, and ultimate tensile strength values were approx. 40 percent lower than those for unHIPed SiC/RBSN composites. The modulus behavior for all specimens can be explained by simple rule-of-mixture theory. Also, the loss in ultimate strength for the HIPed composites appears to be related to a degradation in fiber strength at the HIP temperature. However, the density effect on matrix fracture strength was much less than would be expected based on typical monolithic Si3N4 behavior, suggesting that composite theory is indeed operating. Possible practical implications of these observations are discussed.
Voltammetric, potentiometric and amperometric studies with a rotated aluminum wire electrode: The R.Al.E. as indicator electrode in potentiometric and amperometric acid-base titrations

Abstract The effect of varying concentrations of fluoride on the potential of the R.AI.E. in acid buffer solutions is reported. In the pH range between 1 and 5.5 the potential becomes 30 mV more negative per unit increase in pH at fluoride concentrations between 10 -3 and 10 -4 M . At a given pH the potential becomes 100 mV more negative when the fluoride concentration is increased from 10 -4 to 10 -3 it. No depolarization occurs and no reproducible potentials can be measured in phosphate buffers of pH 6 to 8, even in the presence of 10 -3 M fluoride. This concentration of fluoride causes depolarization and establishment of reproducible potentials in veronal buffers of reproducible pH 6 to 8. At a pH greater than 9 fluoride has no effect on the electrode potential which now becomes determined by pH. In the presence of fluoride, oxygen shifts the electrode potential to less negative values (mixed potential). Examples of potentiometric and amperometric titrations of strong and weak acids are given with the R.AI.E. as indicator electrode.
Modeling Risk and Ambiguity-on-Nature in Normal-form Games.

We propose multi-player frameworks that mitigate decision-theoretical difficulties with the traditional normal-form game, where players are concerned with expected utility functions of their payoffs. We react to Allais's (1953) paradox by concerning players with potentially nonlinear functionals of the payoff distributions they encounter. To counter Ellsberg's (1961) paradox, we let players optimize on vectors of payoff distributions in which every component is a payoff distribution corresponding to one particular nature action. In the preference game we introduce, players merely express preferences over payoff-distribution vectors. Depending on ways in which players' mixed strategies are verified, there will emerge two equilibrium concepts, namely, the ex post and ex ante types. Conditions for equilibrium existence are identified; also, the unification of the two concepts at the traditional game is explained. When the preference relations lead to real-valued satisfaction functions, we have a satisfaction game. Two notable special cases are one coping with Gilboa and Schmeidler's (1989) ambiguity-averse worst-prior setup and another involving Artzner et al.'s (1999) coherent-risk measure with risk-averse tendencies. For both, searching for ex post equilibria boils down to solving sequences of simple nonlinear programs (NLPs).
3D FEM modeling of keeper effect on perpendicular recording

Abstract 3D FEM modeling of the effects of a soft magnetic underlayer (keeper) on performance of single pole recording head was carried out. Dependence of strength and gradient of the write field on keeper permeability, thickness, saturation magnetization, and head-keeper spacing was studied. The keeper noticeably enhances the strength and gradient of the perpendicular component of the write field and suppresses the longitudinal one. The perpendicular component of the field rapidly increases with the keeper permeability in a range up to 100 and changes marginally at higher values. The write field is sensitive to the keeper thickness with nearly as exponential dependence. The thin keeper could be saturated easily. The saturation of the keeper results in degradation of the writer performance. To prevent the saturation the thickness of the keeper should be matched to sectional area of the main write pole at air bearing surface. The write field depends mostly on saturation flux density B S of the pole material and marginally on the keeper B SK . Ni 45 Fe 55 alloy as the pole material can generate the write field in the double-layer media up to 12 kOe. The effect of head-keeper spacing on the writer performance is discussed.
Case report: treatment of catatonia in an adolescent male.

Catatonia is a life-threatening stuporous state that can be associated with various neurologic, medical, and psychiatric disorders (1). Although there have been several case reports of catatonia in children and adolescents, little is known about effective treatments for this syndrome. In 1997, Dhossche and Bouman (2,3) reviewed the literature and found 30 cases of childhood or adolescent catatonia. We found two additional cases of catatonia in adolescents, one treated successfully with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and lorazepam (4) and the other with zolpidem (5). Although olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, has been used to treat children and adolescents (6,7), to our knowledge there have been no reported cases using it in the treatment of catatonia. We report a case of a 16-year-old boy successfully treated for catatonia using lorazepam, valproic acid, and olanzapine; review the literature on the treatment of catatonia in adolescents; and discuss therapeutic issues. Case Report
Spatial Mismatch and Social Acceptability

Abstract Research on spatial mismatch has focused on its effects on job access, but not on the mechanisms through which the effects operate. We explore one such mechanism—namely, that blacks do not search for suburban jobs because they are not socially accepted in the suburbs. Using data from the Greater Atlanta Neighborhood Study, we find that a black person's perception of his or her acceptance in a job search area has a small, but statistically significant effect on the probability of searching for a job in that area. Limitations associated with our measure of social acceptance suggest that the results should be considered suggestive.
A Temporal Multifaceted Adaptation Approach to the Experiences of Employed Mothers

Scholars have been examining multiple facets of the experiences of employed mothers for decades. However, much of this scholarship has focused on the examination of specific variables that may have an influence on their lives. In this article I seek to review much of this research and explore it through the framework of a temporal multifaceted adaptation approach. This framework addresses the specific phases that comprise the professional or semiprofessional employed mother's adaptation to her home and work environments. Thus, this approach organizes employed mothers’ experiences in terms of the antecedent, process, and outcome phases of their adaptation to their lives as employed mothers. Organizing and examining the research in this way enables a more comprehensive understanding of how the experience of employed mothers evolves over time, as well as the factors that both hinder and help them as they adjust to challenges associated with their role.
Effects of catalysts doping on the thermal decomposition behavior of Zn(BH4)2

Abstract Transition metal complex borohydrides, Zn(BH4)2 have been synthesized by solid-state mechanochemical process. Various catalysts such as TiCl3, TiF3, nanoNi, nanoFe, Ti, nanoTi, and Zn were used to dope the borohydride in order to lower the decomposition temperature in the range of 50 – 100 ∘ C , without a significant reduction in the hydrogen content per total weight of the sample. In addition, the structural, bonding and thermal characteristics of undoped and catalysts doped Zn(BH4)2 were compared and analyzed to find out the optimum catalyst and dopant concentration. Among the different catalysts, 1.5 mol% of nanoNi obtained from Quantum Sphere Inc. was found to possess the optimum behavior in terms of fast kinetics and lowering the melting and decomposition temperature of Zn(BH4)2.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Promotes Keratan Sulfate Proteoglycan Expression by Keratocytes in Vitro

Keratocytes of the corneal stroma produce a specialized extracellular matrix responsible for corneal transparency. Corneal keratan sulfate proteoglycans (KSPG) are unique products of keratocytes that are down-regulated in corneal wounds and in vitro. This study used cultures of primary bovine keratocytes to define factors affecting KSPG expression in vitro. KSPG metabolically labeled with [(35)S]sulfate decreased during the initial 2-4 days of culture in quiescent cultures with low serum concentrations (0.1%). Addition of fetal bovine serum, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), transforming growth factor beta, or platelet derived growth factor all stimulated cell division, but only FGF-2 stimulated KSPG secretion. Combined with serum, FGF-2 also prevented serum-induced KSPG down-regulation. KSPG secretion was lost during serial subculture with or without FGF-2. Expression of KSPG core proteins (lumican, mimecan, and keratocan) was stimulated by FGF-2, and steady state mRNA pools for these proteins, particularly keratocan, were significantly increased by FGF-2 treatment. KSPG expression therefore is supported by exogenous FGF-2 and eliminated by subculture of the cells in presence of serum. FGF-2 stimulates KSPG core protein expression primarily through an increase in mRNA pools.
Blockade of hepatic α-adrenergic receptors and responses by chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine

There are many physiological processes in which the calcium-dependent regulator protein calmodulin seems to play an important role [l]. Indeed the protein has been proposed to be ‘a universal receptor of the Ca*+ signal’ in cells. According to this scheme, Ca*+ first binds to calmodulin causing a conformational change. The active conformer of calmodulin then binds to certain enzymes with resultant changes in conformation and activity [ 11. One experimental approach which has been used to show if calmodulin is involved in a particular metabolic process is to examine the effects of antipsychotic phenothiazine drugs such as chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine, which bind to calmodulin and prevent its activation by Ca*+ [2]. However,it has been known for a long time that these drugs also have local anesthetic (>lO-’ M), cholinergic blocking, and a-adrenergic blocking activities [3]. In particular, radioligand binding studies have shown that chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine displace [3H]epinephrine, [3H]norepinephrine, [3H]clonidine and [3H]WB-4101 from brain a-adrenergic receptors [4-61. Hence, studies of the inhibitory effects of these phenothiazines on the actions of ar-adrenergic agonists in tissues should not be interpreted as indicating the involvement of calmodulin in ol-adrenergic action without additional information such as that presented below. However, three examples of such interpretation have appeared [7-91. Another illustration of the need for caution in the use of pharmacological agents to elucidate hormone
Semimodularity in lattices of congruences

Abstract Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the lattice of congruences on a band, normal band, band of groups, or normal band of groups to be semimodular. Also sufficient conditions are given for a general lattice to be semimodular and for a lattice of congruences on any semigroup to be semimodular.
Serving American Indian students in tribal colleges: Lessons for mainstream colleges

This chapter discusses the ways in which tribal colleges have incorporated culturally relevant education models to serve American Indian students.
Clamorous Voices: Seven Jewish Children and Its Proliferating Publics

How can a play go viral? Following its 2009 premiere at London's Royal Court Theatre, Caryl Churchill's Seven Jewish Children—a politically provocative mini-drama staging the contested history of Israeli-Palestinian relations—did just that, spawning counter-plays and performative revisions that proliferated worldwide, in physical theatres and in the internet's intangible arena.
Expression of the Aspergillus fumigatus phytase gene in Pichia pastoris and characterization of the recombinant enzyme.

Aspergillus fumigatus phytase is a heat-stable enzyme of great potential. Our objective was to determine if a high level of functional expression of the A. fumigatus phytase gene could be produced in Pichia pastoris and how the recombinant phytase reacted to different substrates, heating conditions, and proteases. A 1.4-kb DNA fragment containing the coding region of the gene was inserted into the expression vector pPICZalphaA and expressed in P. pastoris as an active, extracellular phytase (r-Afp). The yield was 729 mg of purified protein per liter of culture, with a specific activity of 43 units/mg of protein. The enzyme r-Afp shared similar pH and temperature optima, molecular size, glycosylation extent, and specificity for p-nitrophenyl phosphate and sodium phytate to those of the same enzyme expressed in A. niger. Given 20 min of exposure to 65 to 90 degrees C, the enzyme retained 20 to 39% higher residual activity in 10 and 200 mM sodium acetate than that in sodium citrate. The enzyme seemed to be resistant to pepsin digestion, but was degraded by high levels of trypsin. In conclusion, P. pastoris is a potential host to express high levels of A. fumigatus phytase and the thermostability of the recombinant enzyme is modulated by the specificity of buffer used in the heat treatment.
On minors of non-binary matroids

No binary matroid has a minor isomorphic toU42, the “four-point line”, and Tutte showed that, conversely, every non-binary matroid has aU42 minor. However, more can be said about the element sets ofU42 minors and their distribution. Bixby characterized those elements which are inU42 minors; a matroidM has aU42 minor using elementx if and only if the connected component ofM containingx is non-binary. We give a similar (but more complicated) characterization for pairs of elements. In particular, we prove that for every two elements of a 3-connected non-binary matroid, there is aU42 minor using them both.
Children with no place to call home: Survival in the cars and on the streets

The author reports the results of a study about how 200 children between the ages of 6 and 12 understand and cope. with their homelessness. This study is theoretically framed and empirically grounded in the person-in-environment tradition of social work. Data collected through interviews with the children and questionnaires completed by their teachers were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. Statistically significant differences in psychosocial functioning in the classroom, personal meaning of homelessness, and coping with concept of self as homeless were found between the 65 children identified as academically successful and the 135 identified as demonstrating academic problems.
Optimal timing of liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis

In 1989, we reported on the efficacy of liver transplantation in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) by demonstrating that the actual patient survival following transplantation was significantly better than without transplantation as predicted by a mathematical survival model ("Mayo natural history model"). Our aim in this investigation was to determine an optimal time to perform liver transplantation in PBC. One hundred forty-three patients with PBC undergoing liver transplantation were followed prospectively. Disease severity was measured immediately before transplantation by a summary score ("risk score") used in the Mayo natural history model, namely age, bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time, and the presence or absence of edema. Proportional hazards analyses were performed assessing patient survival following transplantation. The influence of disease severity immediately pretransplantation on resource utilization for liver transplantation was assessed. Compared with our report in 1989, liver transplantation was performed at an earlier stage of disease (e.g., median risk score: 7.5 vs. 8.3; P < .01). Following transplantation, patient survival probabilities at 1, 2, and 5 years were 93%, 90%, and 88%, respectively. In the proportional hazards analysis, the risk of death following transplantation remained low until reaching a risk score of 7.8. In contrast, risk scores greater than 7.8 were associated with a progressively increased mortality. Resource utilization measured by the days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital and the requirement for intraoperative blood transfusions was significantly greater in recipients who had higher risk scores before transplantation. Our data suggest that an optimal timing for liver transplantation, as determined by patient survival and resource utilization, appears to be at a risk score around 7.8 in patients with PBC.
Application of finite-difference time domain to dye-sensitized solar cells: The effect of nanotube-array negative electrode dimensions on light absorption

Abstract We examine the light absorbing behavior of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) having cathodes (negative electrodes) comprised of highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays using the electromagnetic computational technique, finite-difference time domain (FDTD). The highly ordered nanotube arrays, grown using anodic oxidation of titanium foils or thin films, feature an open end with the other end fixed on a dense oxide layer (barrier layer). The numerical simulation model is comprised of nanotube arrays on a transparent conducting glass substrate under front-side illumination. In the FDTD analysis, a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) wave is incident onto a N719 dye-coated nanotube array initially passing through the barrier layer; light that emerges from the nanotubes is reflected by a perfectly conducting layer (perfect electric conductor—PEC) boundary that simulates the effect of the DSC platinum counter electrode. An observation plane placed between the electromagnetic source and DSC detects the intensity of both the incident wave and the wave returning back from the DSC structure. The absorbance and transmittance spectra are determined in the wavelength range 300–700 nm as a function of nanotube-array dimensions including length, pore size, barrier layer thickness, and surface roughness while keeping the wall thickness constant at 12 nm. The validity of the computational simulations is experimentally verified. A significant increase in the light absorption by the dye-coated nanotubes was observed for increasing nanotube length; smaller pore sizes, and increased surface roughness. Changes in the barrier layer thickness had a negligible effect on the absorbance spectrum. Our efforts demonstrate FDTD to be a broadly applicable technique capable of guiding design of an optimal DSC architecture.
A simple nc recognition algorithm for welsh-powell opposition graphs

The Welsh-Powell opposition graphs have been shown to be graphs for which a certain greedy heuristic results in an optimum colouring. We propose a new characterization for this class of graphs and exploit this result for the purpose of obtaining an efficient NC recognition algorithm.
Phase Matching of High-Order Harmonics in Hollow Waveguides

We investigate the phase matching of a high-harmonic generation by intense, 20 fs laser pulses in a gas-filled capillary waveguide. We identify several regimes in which the harmonic field can build up coherently: a balance of atomic and waveguide dispersions, noncollinear Cerenkov phase matching, and a balance of atomic and plasma dispersions. The role of atomic dispersion is examined by measuring and calculating the harmonic signal for several gases. We also predict and provide preliminary evidence for a regime where phase matching occurs only at specific fractional ionization levels, where the harmonic signal is sensitive to the absolute phase of the carrier wave.
Transient Natural Convection of Water Near Its Density Extremum in a Rectangular Cavity

Abstract An experimental and theoretical investigation of transient natural convective heat transfer to water near its maximum density in a rectangular cavity is reported. Different temperatures are imposed on the opposing vertical walls, and the effects of density inversion of water that has its maximum density at about 4°C are investigated. Initially, the fluid inside the test cell is at a uniform temperature, and then the temperature of one of the cold vertical walls is suddenly lowered and kept at 0°C. The hot wall is maintained at a constant temperature during the course of each experiment and is equal to the initial temperature of the water that varies from 8 to 20°C. Solutions of the governing equations are obtained numerically for all experiments discussed. Photographs of flow visualization and predictions of the flow patterns as well as a comparison of measured and calculated temperatures are presented. From the results obtained it is demonstrated that the density inversion of water has a great influence on the natural convection in the cavity, and the flow structure cannot be predicted using the classical natural convection models which employ the Boussinesq approximation.
Long-Pulse Spallation Source Neutronic Performance

Abstract There are potential gains of about a factor of seven in the time-average neutron brightness for a coupled liquid H2 moderator compared to a decoupled one, and a factor of around five for a H2O moderator. However, these gains come at the expense of putting “tails” on the neutron pulses. The particulars of the neutron pulses from a moderator (e.g., energy-dependent rise times, peak intensities, pulse widths, and decay constant(s) of the tails) are crucial parameters for designing instruments and estimating their performance at an LPSS. The spallation target system designer can alter moderator neutronic performance by: (a) the choice of target material and geometry; (b) proper selection of the moderator material and geometry; (c) varying the target—moderator geometry; (d) the choice of reflector material(s); (e) the presence/absence of decouplers and liners; and (f) the proton pulse width. A 1-MW Long-Pulse Spallation Source (LPSS) has world-class neutronic performance. We show that the calculated p...
Tumor of the tongue containing heterotopic brain tissue

A polypoid tumor containing astrocytic glia and ependyma was excised from the base of the tongue of a 3-month-old infant. Neuroid elements were identified immunocytochemically and by means of electron microscopy. We attribute this rare anomaly to displacement of brain tissue in early embryogenesis before closure of the palate.
Shielding effectiveness of ribbed slabs against gamma radiation: Part I. Experimental and theoretical studies

Abstract Theoretical and experimental studies have been carried out on the shielding capabilities of “ribbed slab” configurations upon which are incident broad, parallel beams of photons similar to those emitted from a cobalt-60 source. When consideration of such non-idealized aspects as divergence of the source beam is included, the theoretical predictions and experimental measurements check very well. Certain detailed conclusions about the behavior of gamma radiation which has penetrated ribbed slabs can be drawn.
Ultrastructural anf functional evidence for the survival of corticogeniculate neurons in kainic acid-lesioned lateral geniculate nucleus

Abstract After a kainic acid lesion in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of rat, retrograde axonal transport of fluorescent dyes is blocked in corticogeniculate but not in retinogeniculate neurons. This inhibition, however, can be reversed by electrical stimulation in the subcortical white matter (Woodward and Coull,Brain Research 454 (1988) 106–115). These observations suggest that retrograde axonal transport in corticogeniculate neurons is impulse-dependent and that neuronal activity in this pathway is reduced as a consequence of the lesions. To test this we examined retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and cytochrome oxidase activity in the cortex of lesioned animals. Unilateral kainic acid lesions in the geniculate inhibit the retrograde transport of HRP, but this inhibition is reversed by electrical stimulation of white matter. Moreover, histochemical staining for cytochrome oxidase activity is less intense over visual cortex on the lesioned side, implying that cortical activity in intrinsic and efferent pathways is reduced as a consequence of removal of geniculate afferents. Inasmuch as the retrograde transport of HRP is dependent upon impulse activity in neurons and is thought to be mediated by synaptic vesicle recycling, these results suggest that terminals of corticogeniculate fibers survive the kainic acid lesions in the geniculate and are capable of releasing synaptic vesicles. Ultrastructural examination of lesioned geniculates strongly supports this conclusion and reveals the presence of axon terminal profiles which are filled with small round synaptic vesicles and have membrane specializations reminiscent of synaptic contacts. These terminal profiles are presumed to be of retinal and cortical origin.
The Tropical Pacific Ocean—Back in the Driver's Seat?

Average temperatures at Earth's surface are now higher than they were in the mid-19th century, but the rate of warming has not been steady. A pause in surface warming in the mid-20th century coincided with increases in the atmospheric concentrations of sulfate aerosols, which are generally understood to cool the planet. Surface warming resumed in the 1970s, when strong pollution controls were implemented in developed countries. Thus, a balance of warming by greenhouse gases and cooling by aerosols may explain the variable rates of surface warming in the past century. A pause in global warming since 2000—a global warming “hiatus”—has opened up new questions about natural and human activity-driven (anthropogenic) effects on global mean trends in surface temperature. Recent studies point to the importance of the tropical Pacific in driving these changes.
Lung herniation into the neck associated with congenital absence of the sternocleidomastoid muscle

Abstract This is a case report and literature review involving congenital absence of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and simultaneous herniation of the left lung into the neck. The date there have been eight cases of absence of the SCM muscle, but no records of lung herniation alone or in combination with SCM muscle absence. Included is the management course taken to correct this patient's defect, CAT scans of the neck, fluroscopic imaging of the lung and neck, and photographic documentation of the defect.
Recurrent Retroperitoneal Sarcoma: Impact of Biology and Therapy on Outcomes

Background Local recurrence remains the major cause of death in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). There is no consensus regarding management of patients with recurrent RPS. Study Design We performed a retrospective review of patients with recurrent RPS managed at 2 tertiary care centers between 1983 and 2008. Presentation, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed. Results Seventy-eight patients were identified and analyzed. Sixteen patients (22%) presented with concurrent metastatic disease; survival in this subset of patients was poor (median 12 months). Forty-eight patients underwent resection of the first local recurrence of RPS. Palliation of tumor-related symptoms was achieved in 79% with operation. Survival was significantly better in patients having complete (p = 0.001) and incomplete resection (p = 0.02) compared with patients having biopsy only. Among patients with first local recurrence, high grade tumor (p = 0.0001) and no resection (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with reduced survival. On multivariate analysis, radiation therapy, multifocality, histologic subtype, and time to local recurrence did not significantly correlate with survival. Second and third local recurrences occurred at shorter intervals compared with first local recurrence and were less likely to be completely resectable. Patients undergoing resection of second and third local recurrences had survival similar to that in patients undergoing resection of first local recurrence. Conclusions Tumor biology (high grade) is a significant prognostic factor for patients with recurrent RPS. Resection should be considered in patients with first and subsequent local recurrences (even if multifocal) of RPS because it is associated with improved survival. Operation should also be considered for palliation of symptoms in patients in whom resection is not possible.
From magnetic field data, the flow of Earth's core

The outer core of the Earth is made of liquid metal, and its flow both affects and is affected by our planet's core magnetic field. It is impossible to directly measure the outer core of the Earth, the outer boundary of which is about 2900 kilometers below our feet. However, the turbulence of the core's liquid is so complex—including large-scale features and small-scale features—that it cannot be modeled as a simulation.
Delay Discounting of Real and Hypothetical Rewards III: Steady-State Assessments, Forced-Choice Trials, and All Real Rewards

Human research in delay discounting has omitted several procedures typical of animal studies: forced-choice trials, consequences following each response, and assessment of stable response patterns. The present study manipulated these procedures across two conditions in which real or hypothetical rewards were arranged. Six college students participated in daily sessions, in which steady-state discounting of hypothetical and real rewards was assessed. No systematic effects of repeated exposure to hypothetical rewards was detected when compared with first day assessments of discounting. Likewise, no systematic effect of reward type (real versus hypothetical) was detected. When combined with previous research failing to detect a difference between hypothetical and potentially real rewards, these findings suggest that assessing discounting of hypothetical rewards in single sessions is a practical and valid procedure in the study of delay discounting.
Combining Separable Monte Carlo With Importance Sampling for Improved Accuracy

Monte-Carlo (MC) methods are often used to carry out reliability based design of structures. Methods that improve the accuracy of MC simulation include Separable Monte Carlo (SMC), Markov Chain Monte-Carlo, and importance sampling. We explore the utility of combining SMC and importance sampling for improving accuracy. The accuracy of the estimates is compared for crude MC, SMC, importance sampling and combined method for a composite plate example and a tuned mass damper example. For these examples SMC and importance sampling reduced the error individually by factors of 2 to 5, and the combination reduced it further by about a factor of 2. The results were also compared with the first order reliability method (FORM). FORM was grossly inaccurate for the tuned mass-damper example which has a failure region bounded by safe regions on either side.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Genetics of Sleep and Sleep Disorders

Sleep remains one of the least understood phenomena in biology—even its role in synaptic plasticity remains debatable. Since sleep was recognized to be regulated genetically, intense research has launched on two fronts: the development of model organisms for deciphering the molecular mechanisms of sleep and attempts to identify genetic underpinnings of human sleep disorders. In this Review, we describe how unbiased, high-throughput screens in model organisms are uncovering sleep regulatory mechanisms and how pathways, such as the circadian clock network and specific neurotransmitter signals, have conserved effects on sleep from Drosophila to humans. At the same time, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have uncovered ∼14 loci increasing susceptibility to sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome. To conclude, we discuss how these different strategies will be critical to unambiguously defining the function of sleep.
Genetic variation in apolipoprotein H (β2-glycoprotein I) affects the occurrence of antiphospholipid antibodies and apolipoprotein H concentrations in systemic lupus erythematosus

Apolipoprotein H (apoH, protein; APOH, gene) is a required cofactor for the production of antiphospholipid antibodies (APA). In this study we have examined whether genetic variation in the APOH gen...
Evaluation of LY163443, 1-[2-hydroxy-3-propyl-4-{[4-(1H-tetrazol-5-ylmethyl)phenoxy]methyl}phenyl]ethanone, as a pharmacologic antagonist of leukotrienes D4 and E4

LY163443,1-[2-hydroxy-3-propyl-4-{[4-(1H-tetrazol-5-ylmethyl)-phenoxy]methyl}phenyl]ethanone, antagonized LTD4-induced contractions of guinea pig ileum, trachea, and lung parenchyma. Tracheal contractions to LTE4 were also inhibited by LY163443. The compound had minimal effect against ileal responses to LTC4 and parenchymal contractions to LTB4. Furthermore, LY163443.had little to no effect against contractions of isolated smooth muscles to histamine, bradykinin, PGF2α, carbachol, serotonin or U46619. LY163443, given by oral administration to guinea pigs, blocked LTD4-induced increases in total pulmonary impedance (TPI). Similar responses elicited by histamine or U46619 were unaffected. Increases in TPI in response to i.v. administration of LTC4 were antagonized by LY163443 given by the same route. Ovalbumin challenge also increased TPI in guinea pigs previously sensitized against this antigen. In such animals, pretreated with pyrilamine, propranolol, and indomethacin, oral administration of LY163443 blocked the increase in TPI caused by ovalbumin. Additionally, LTD4 given intradermally to guinea pigs caused a vascular leakage which was suppressed by prior oral administration of LY163443. Finally, LY163443 relaxed isolated guinea pig trachea previously contracted with LTD4, histamine, or carbachol. Relaxation of tissues contracted by these latter two agonists suggested some inherent airway smooth muscle relaxant properties of the molecule. This was further demonstrated by showing some bronchodilator activity in an in vivo setting. Thus, this pharmacologic profile indicates that LY163443, or a member of the same chemical family, warrants consideration as a possible therapeutic agent in the treatment of asthma and in diseases characterized by an overproduction of LTD4 and LTE4.
p‐version of the generalized FEM using mesh‐based handbooks with applications to multiscale problems

In this paper, we analyse the p-convergence of a new version of the generalized finite element method (generalized FEM or GFEM) which employs mesh-based handbook functions which are solutions of boundary value problems in domains extracted from vertex patches of the employed mesh and are pasted into the global approximation by the partition of unity method (PUM). We show that the p-version of our GFEM is capable of achieving very high accuracy for multiscale problems which may be impossible to solve using the standard FEM. We analyse the effect of the main factors affecting the accuracy of the method namely: (a) The data and the buffer included in the handbook domains, and (b) The accuracy of the numerical construction of the handbook functions. We illustrate the robustness of the method by employing as model problem the Laplacian in a domain with a large number of closely spaced voids. Similar robustness can be expected for problems of heat-conduction and elasticity set in domains with a large number of closely spaced voids, cracks, inclusions, etc. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolism of the steroid hormones; the conversion of isoandrosterone to androsterone.

The fact that the adrenal cortex contributes to the metabolic pool of androgens in the body and the 17-ketosteroids in the urine is well known. Hirschmann (1941) was able to isolate androsterone and etiocholanol-3(α)-one-17 from the urine of ovariectomized women in concentrations almost equivalent to that isolated from the urine of normal women. In Addison’s disease the urinary titer of androgens and 17-ketosteroids is significantly reduced. In patients with adrenal cortical hyperplasia or tumors, the concentration of androgens and 17-ketosteroids is increased. Although the evidence indicates that some of the androgens found in normal urine were derived from the adrenal cortical steroids, little is known of the mechanism of the conversion of these steroids to major androgen metabolites, such as androsterone and etiocholanol-3(α)- one-17. Of the three C-19 compounds which have been isolated from adrenal tissue, one, Δ4-androstenedione-3, 17, has been shown to yield androsterone and etiocholanol-3(α)-one-17...
Gender and Social Influence

This review article reveals that men are generally more influential than women, although the gender difference depends on several moderators. Relative to men, women are particularly less influential when using dominant forms of communication, whereas the male advantage in influence is reduced in domains that are traditionally associated with the female role and in group settings in which more than one woman or girl is present. Males in particular resist influence by women and girls more than females do, especially when influence agents employ highly competent styles of communication. Resistance to competent women can be reduced, however, when women temper their competence with displays of communality and warmth.
Quality manufacturing&#8212;Key to the future of automotive electronics

Quality and Reliability are the keys to successful application of electronics to the extremely demanding environment of the automobile. If we cannot consistently and in volume, build them to be reliable; we simply will not be able to achieve the glowing promise of future electronic applications now visualized. Reliability is built in by continuously stnvmg to tailor the product design to the capability of the manufacturing process. The author then compares this from a manufacturing standpoint of mechanical vs. electronic products. He then concludes that simply because a product or feature is advertlsed as being "electronic" (or solid state), does not rean the customer will drop everything and dash out to buy it; Bur when it is labeled "electronic," the customer errccts it to be inherently more reliable than the non-electronic item it replaces.
The rationale for incorporation of HIPAA compliant unique patient, surgeon, and hospital identifier fields in the STS database.

he Congenital Heart Institute of Florida (CHIF), All Children’s Hospital and Saint Josephs Children’s Hospital of Tampa, niversity of South Florida College of Medicine, Cardiac Surgical Associates, Saint Petersburg and Tampa, Florida; University of lorida, Gainesville and Jacksonville, Florida; Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington; University of Colorado enver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts; and Brody chool of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
Quantitative assessment of percent breast density: analog versus digital acquisition.

Breast density is a moderate risk factor for breast cancer based on quantitative measurement of percent breast density from film-screen mammograms. In this study, percent breast density was determined using computer-assisted interactive thresholding software from sixty consecutive mammograms of women undergoing digital screening mammography with a prior film-screen mammogram obtained within the last two years. Observations were made regarding discrepancies in density readings. Percent breast density was significantly lower for digital mammograms (mean 32.2%) compared to analog mammograms (mean 40.3%) (p 50% density). Differences in density readings between analog and digital mammography were largely observed to be due to better recognition of the skin line on digital mammograms resulting in inclusion of more subcutaneous fat. D...
COMPUTATIONAL SIMULATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURED SOLAR CELLS

Simulation methods are vital to the development of next-generation solar cells such as plasmonic, organic, nanophotonic, and semiconductor nanostructure solar cells. Simulations are predictive of material properties such that they may be used to rapidly screen new materials and understand the physical mechanisms of enhanced performance. They can be used to guide experiments or to help understand results obtained in experiments. In this paper, we review simulation methods for modeling the classical optical and electronic transport properties of nanostructured solar cells. We discuss different techniques for light trapping with an emphasis on silicon nanostructures and silicon thin films integrated with nanophotonics and plasmonics.
Stable ergodicity and Anosov flows

In this note we prove that if M is a 3-manifold and ϕt:M→M is a C2, volume-preserving Anosov flow, then the time-1 map ϕ1 is stably ergodic if and only if ϕt is not a suspension of an Anosov diffeomorphism.