cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Cholinergic and Vagal Noncholinergic Mechanisms Modulating Plasma Motilin-Like Immunoreactivity*

Basal concentrations of plasma motilin-like immunoreactivity (MLI) and responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia were measured in healthy subjects (n = 13) in diabetics with clinical evidence of autonomic neuropathy (AN; n = 7), in diabetics without AN (n = 9), and in five recently (6--12 months) vagotomized subjects. Mean basal MLI concentrations were similar in the healthy subjects (141 +/- 21.5 pg/ml) and diabetics without AN (124 +/- 22.4 pg/ml), but were significantly higher in diabetics with AN (349 +/- 71.5 pg/ml) and in vagotomized subjects (381 +/- 47.6 pg/ml). In both healthy subjects and diabetics without AN, the acute administration of insulin (0.1--0.2 U/kg) caused a fall in the mean MLI concentration, reaching a nadir within 20 min, returning to the basal concentration by 60 min, and rising above basal levels by 90 min. In diabetics with AN and vagotomized subjects, the fall in MLI persisted for 90 min. Intravenous atropine administered 15 min after the insulin injection in healthy subjects did not impair the return to basal. The responses were not related to the degree of hypoglycemia, the absolute or relative fall in blood glucose concentrations, or differences in blood glucose among healthy subjects, diabetics, or vagotomized subjects. It appears, therefore, that insulin lowers plasma MLI levels, which are restored to basal by a vagal noncholinergic mechanism. Furthermore, the vagus exerts a suppressive effect on basal MLI levels, and vagotomy and diabetic autovagotomy are associated with abnormal elevation of MLI levels. Since motilin is thought to be important in interdigestive intestinal motility, abnormalities in MLI secretion in diabetics with autonomic neuropathy may contribute to gastrointestinal stasis and erratic diabetic control.
Agenda‐setting functions of a media event: The case of “Amerika”

Abstract This study investigates the agenda‐setting effects of the ABC miniseries “Amerika.” Addressing various conceptual and methodological issues that have been raised by the research in agenda‐setting, the study focused on the possibility of a major media event setting different types of agendas for different audience members. The two‐wave panel study results indicate that viewers and nonviewers of “Amerika “ discussed the program in distinctly different ways. Viewers focused their discussions on program‐specific topics (e.g., believability/accuracy of the program contents), while nonviewers were more likely to discuss topics that were extraneous to the central concerns of the program (e. g., social and political impact of the program and issues of the international politics). A follow‐up multiple discriminant analysis, however, shows that exposure to the peripheral news reports about the program is a better predictor than exposure to the program itself in determining different discussion agendas supp...
Ferromagnetic resonance of exchange-coupled magnetic layers.

The ferromagnetic resonance-line shapes, fields, and intensities of exchange coupled magnetic multilayers are calculated as a function of exchange coupling and number of layers. We find that the number of magnetic excitations equals the number of layer pairs that make up the layered structure. The magnetic dispersion of these excitations is easily calculable from the theoretical formulation developed earlier. It is suggested that the multitude of ferromagnetic resonance lines in magnetic superlattices observed experimentally elsewhere may be explained in terms of an earlier calculation involving surface magnetic anisotropy fields only.
182 LONG-TERM RESULT OF AORTIC VALVOTOMY FOR ISOLATED CONGENITAL AORTIC VALVE STENOSIS IN CHILDREN

In this study we evaluated 77 patients (pt) operated upon over 1 year (y) of age who had isolated aortic valve stenosis (AS) and whose follow-up (FU) is at least 2y. There was no operative (op) death. Mean age at valvotomy was 10y (1-17y) and mean FU period was 9y (2-28y). In 50 pt who had postop (po) catheterization (cath), peak systolic pressure gradient between LV and AO (PSPG) decreased in all. In 5/50 PSPG was above 50 mgHg at initial po cath (persistent AS). Out of 15 pt who had two po cath,increased PSPG was demonstrated after apparently adequate initial relief of obstruction in 7 (recurrent AS). 20 pt (26%) required reoperation (reop) during this period at mean age of 18y (10-33y); 5 for persistent AS, 7 for recurrent AS and 8 for severe aortic insufficiency (AI). There was one op death and 2 late deaths. Most of pt who survived reop were in NYHA class I at FU. Of the 57 non-reop pt, 56 were asymptomatic. AI was present in 44 and was severe in 9 who may require valve replacement in future. In all of 32 non-reop pt who had po cath, PSPG was less than 50 mmHg. The reop group (Gp) had higher preop PSPG (75 vs 92mmHg), higher incidence of severe AI and had more symptoms of congestive heart failure after initial valvotomy than non-reop Gp. We conclude that majority of children improve following aortic valvotomy. However, by young adulthood,26% of pt require reop for recurrent or persistent AS and/or severe AI. Valvotomy in childhood did not prevent eventual valve replacement in these pt.
Human platelet factor 4 subunit association/dissociation thermodynamics and kinetics

Platelet factor 4 (PF4) monomers (7800 daltons) form dimers and tetramers in varying molar ratios under certain solution conditions [Mayo, K. H., & Chen, M. J. (1989) Biochemistry 28, 9469]. The presence of a simplified aromatic region (one Tyr and two His) and resolved monomer, dimer, and tetramer Y60 3,5 ring proton resonances makes study of PF4 aggregate association/dissociation thermodynamics and kinetics possible. PF4 protein subunit association/dissociation equilibrium thermodynamic parameters have been derived by 1H NMR (500MHz) resonance line-fitting analysis of steady-state Y60 3,5 ring proton resonance monomer-dimer-tetramer populations as a function of temperature from 10 to 40 degrees C. Below 10 degrees C and above 40 degrees C, resonance broadening and overlap severely impaired analysis. Enthalpic and entropic contributions to dimer association Gibb's free energy [-5.1 kcal/mol (30 degrees C)] are +2.5 +/- 1 kcal/mol and +26 +/- 7 eu, respectively, and for tetramer association Gibb's free energy [-5.7 kcal/mol (30 degrees C)], they are -7.5 +/- 1 kcal/mol and -7 +/- 3 eu, respectively. These thermodynamic parameters are consistent with low dielectric medium electrostatic/hydrophobic interactions governing dimer formation and hydrogen bonding governing tetramer formation. Association/dissociation kinetic parameters, i.e., steady-state jump rates, have been derived from exchange-induced line-width increases and from 1H NMR (500 MHz) saturation-transfer and spin-lattice (Tl) relaxation experiments. From dissociation jump rates and equilibrium constants, association rate constants were estimated. For dimer and tetramer equilibria at 30 degrees C, unimolecular dissociation rate constants are 35 +/- 10 s-1 for dimer dissociation and 6 +/- 2 s-1 for tetramer dissociation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Label-free low-cost disposable DNA hybridization detection systems using organic TFTs

We report an OTFT-based label-free DNA hybridization detection system integrating electrically-read DNA hybridization sensors and microfluidic delivery channels. We use DNA-doped OTFTs as electrically-read DNA sensors. By integrating with polymer microfluidics, for the first time, we demonstrate the technologies required to realize disposable, rapid turn-around tools for field-deployable genetic diagnosis.
Cystinosis: therapeutic implications of in vitro studies of cultured fibroblasts.

Cultured skin fibroblasts from patients with nephropathic cystine storage disease were grown in media with different cystine concentrations. The size of the intracellular cystine pool in these cells and, more strikingly, the rate of cystine influx into this pool were directly correlated with the extracellular cystine level. The results have implications for therapeutic approaches to cystinosis based on lowering the plasma cystine level. A scientific rationale for such therapy is proposed, but the degree of efficacy of treatment cannot be predicted from these in vitro studies.
Electroweak radiative corrections to parity-violating electroexcitation of the Δ

We analyze the degree to which parity-violating (PV) electroexcitation of the Δ(1232) resonance may be used to extract the weak neutral axial vector transition form factors. We find that the axial vector electroweak radiative corrections are large and theoretically uncertain, thereby modifying the nominal interpretation of the PV asymmetry in terms of the weak neutral form factors. We also show that, in contrast with the situation for elastic electron scattering, the axial N→Δ PV asymmetry does not vanish at the photon point as a consequence of a new term entering the radiative corrections. We argue that an experimental determination of these radiative corrections would be of interest for hadron structure theory, possibly shedding light on the violation of Hara’s theorem in weak, radiative hyperon decays.
Experimental chronic vaginal candidosis in rats.

In the past. the rat model of experimental vaginal candidosis has been used to study the efficacy of antifungal agents in eradicating acute vaginitis. In the present study, chronic vaginal candidosis was induced to study the natural history of the infection. Results indicate that chronic infection is readily achieved and is strictly dependent on oophorectomy and hormonal maintenance of pseudoestous. Histologic studies confirm that rats so infected and with long term vaginal carriage of Candida albicans have true chronic infection with extensive mycelial formation and superficial mucosal invasion.
Carrier Mobility Spectra of Spray Electrified Liquids

The mobility spectrum of spray electrified salt solutions has been investigated with an Erikson mobility tube under conditions of high resolving power. In general there are no charged carriers of mobility greater than 1.7 cm/sec. per volt/cm. At about this value the curves rise sharply, and then level out, approaching a broad maximum in the region between 0.05 and 0.10 cm/sec. per volt/cm, and then very gradually decrease toward zero. Superposed on this "background" striking peaks are observed, indicating groups of unique mobility. For the spraying of distilled water the most prominent peaks occur at mobilities of 1.5 for the negatives and 0.9 for the positives. Carriers of both signs are produced in about equal quantities. For bubbling the negative predominate in the ratio of 2.5 to one, and the prominent peaks occur at 1.5 and 0.3 for the negatives, and 0.9 and 0.4 for the positives. The introduction of salts to the water increases the electrification from spraying up to a concentration of about 1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ normal. At this value the electrification is about double that for distilled water, but at higher concentrations the electrification decreases so that for 0.2 normal it is only 10 percent of that for distilled water. The salt gives rise to very strong peaks at mobility 0.5. Investigations have also been made of the effects on the curves of age of the carriers and humidity of the air. It is concluded that the peaks represent stable groupings, the negative 1.5 group being due to a normal negative ion in moist air coming from an evaporated drop. The 0.5 peaks in the salt curve presumably come from carriers containing electrolytic ions. Probably all of the carriers are singly charged. It is impossible to calculate quantitatively the size of the small carriers in the faster groups from their mobility, but from the value of the potential difference of the double layer, and estimates on salt solutions, it is concluded that the separation of the double layer is 2.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ cm corresponding to an extra electronic charge for every 550,000 ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O molecules.
Efficiency of Advanced Ground Transportation Technologies

This paper presents thermodynamic analyses of ten different scenarios for using natural gas to power motor vehicles. Specifically, it presents a comparison between different types of automotive vehicles using fuels made from natural gas feedstock. In comparing the various fuel-vehicle options, a complete well-to-wheel fuel cycle is considered. This approach starts with the well at which the feedstock is first extracted from the ground and ends with the power finally delivered to the wheels of the vehicle. This all-inclusive comparison is essential in order to accurately and fairly compare the transportation options. This study indicates that at the present time hybrid-electric vehicles, particularly those using diesel components, can achieve the highest efficiency among available technologies using natural gas as the primary energy source. Hydrogen spark ignition, all-electric battery-powered, and methanol fuel cell vehicles rank lowest in well-to-wheel efficiency because of their poor fuel production efficiencies.
The prediction of helicopter tail rotor noise on the flight path

Experimental measurements on a model scale helicopter in a wind tunnel have shown that the levels radiated in the direction of flight are strongly dependent on the fuselage angle to the mean flow. Here a theoretical model is derived to explain these measurements using unsteady thickness noise as the principle source mechanism. The model includes the effect of fuselage wake turbulence which is convected through only the lower sector of the rotor disk. This causes spectral peaks which do not occur at blade passing frequencies, but rather at frequencies associated with convected flow inhomogeneities. The results are compared with measurements and show good agreement over a range of fuselage angles and mean flow speeds.
Zero-modulation encoding in magnetic recording

This paper deals with waveform encoding methods in which binary data are mapped into constrained binary sequences for shaping the frequency spectrum of corresponding waveforms. Short and long pulse widths in the waveform are limited by constraints on the minimum and maximum run-lengths of zeros in the coded sequences. These constraints reduce the intersymbol interference in magnetic recording and provide an adequate rate of transition for accurate clocking. Signal power at low frequencies is limited by means of a constraint on a parameter that corresponds to the maximum imbalance in the number of positive and negative pulses of the waveform. This constraint on the maximum accumulated dc charge also eliminates the zero-frequency component. Zero modulation is one such code thati s especially suitable form agnetic recording channels. The encoding and decoding algorithm is presented, A one-to-one correspondence between binary data and constrained sequences is established by creating data states that are isomorphic to the charge states having the same growth rate. Sequences with other values of run-length and charge constraint are examined as candidates for other codes with zero dc component.
No Doomsday Argument without Knowledge of Birth Rank: a Defense of Bostrom

The Doomsday Argument says we should increase our subjective probability that Doomsday will occur once we take into account how many humans have lived before us. One objection to this conclusion is that we should accept the Self-Indication Assumption (SIA): ’Given the fact that you exist, you should (other things equal) favor hypotheses according to which many observers exist over hypotheses on which few observers exist’. Nick Bostrom argues that we should not accept the SIA, because it can be used without knowledge of birth rank. Bradley Monton tries to construct a Doomsday Argument without knowledge of birth rank. I argue that Monton fails. The argument he constructs has implicit knowledge of birth rank and it is this knowledge that does the work. Furthermore, I argue that provided we don’t have certain specific information about the future, the Doomsday Argument requires knowledge of birth rank.
Dual-mode free volume model for diffusion of gas molecules in glassy polymers

The development of a new model for the diffusion of gas molecules in glassy polymers is presented which utilizes concepts from free volume theory and relies on a dual-mode interpretation of sorptive dilation in glassy polymers. Three assumptions are made in the development of the model. First, the free volume available for molecular transport processes is taken as constant below the glass transition temperature. Second, two populations of gas molecules are assumed to exist—one which contributes to the maintenance of an iso-free volume state upon sorptive dilation and one which does not contribute owing to sorption into regions of unrelaxed volume. Third, the former population is assumed to be mobile while the latter is not. The resulting model predicts, at constant temperature, a diffusion coefficient that is independent of solute volume fraction. This is in contrast to the widely used dual-mode sorption model with partial immobilization for gas transport in glassy polymers which leads to a diffusion coefficient that is dependent on solute mole fraction through the molar gas concentration. The new model is used to interpret gas transport data from permeation experiments for carbon dioxide, methane, and ethylene in three polycarbonates. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 35: 1737–1746, 1997
Parallel finite element simulation of mooring forces on floating objects

The coupling between the equations governing the free-surface flows, the six degrees of freedom non-linear rigid body dynamics, the linear elasticity equations for mesh-moving and the cables has resulted in a fluid-structure interaction technology capable of simulating mooring forces on floating objects. The finite element solution strategy is based on a combination approach derived from fixed-mesh and moving-mesh techniques. Here, the free-surface flow simulations are based on the Navier–Stokes equations written for two incompressible fluids where the impact of one fluid on the other one is extremely small. An interface function with two distinct values is used to locate the position of the free-surface. The stabilized finite element formulations are written and integrated in an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian domain. This allows us to handle the motion of the time dependent geometries. Forces and momentums exerted on the floating object by both water and hawsers are calculated and used to update the position of the floating object in time. In the mesh moving scheme, we assume that the computational domain is made of elastic materials. The linear elasticity equations are solved to obtain the displacements for each computational node. The non-linear rigid body dynamics equations are coupled with the governing equations of fluid flow and are solved simultaneously to update the position of the floating object. The numerical examples includes a 3D simulation of water waves impacting on a moored floating box and a model boat and simulation of floating object under water constrained with a cable. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moisture analysis of the A‐scale phase means during GATE

A moisture analysis, based on GATE A-scale phase means, is presented for western Africa (land) and the eastern Atlantic (water) area. Vertically-integrated moisture budget terms are calculated for the whole area, as well as for land, water and A/B ship array areas. Precipitation minus evaporation (P−Ē) is solved as the residual. Upward vertical motion, associated with organised convective disturbances and westward-propagating waves, causes the vertical advection term to dominate. Over land P−Ē decreases slightly from Phase I to Phase III, whereas over water it increases greatly during the same time span. When the evaporation rate of 3.8mmd−1 from the Phase III B-scale results of Thompson et al. (1979) is applied to our A/B scale results, it yields a precipitation rate of 10.8mmd−1. This compares favourably with the remotely-sensed estimates of 12.7mmd−1 for the B-scale array obtained by radar and 14.0mmd−1 for the A/B ship array derived from satellite observations. Furthermore, P−Ē in the GATE area is found to be considerably greater than the global estimate for approximately the same latitude band.
Methylene substitution reactions in a quadrupole ion trap selectivity of ethylene, ethylene oxide, and dimethyl ether reactive ions

To elucidate the selectivity of methylene substitution reactions of monosubstituted and disubstituted oxyaromatic compounds in a low pressure quadrupole ion trap environment, the relative abundances of covalently bound and loosely bound adducts formed by ion/molecule reactions with ethylene (ET), ethylene oxide (ETOX), and dimethyl ether (DME) were compared. Adduct ions of all three reagent gases were formed in both a conventional ion source and a quadrupole ion trap and characterized by collisionally activated dissociation. For DME and ET, the covalently bound adducts formed at (M + 45)+ and (M + 41)+, respectively, are direct precursors to the methylene substitution product ions at (M + 13)+. ETOX and ET do not demonstrate the same functional group selectivity for methylene substitution as previously observed for DME. This is attributed to differences in reaction exothermicities and competing reactions.
A Critical Assessment of the Clinical Efficacy and Cellular Response to Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound for Fracture Repair

Fracture repair continues to be widely investigated, both within the clinical realm and at the fundamental research level. Clinical application of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has shown great promise as an effective, minimally invasive treatment for accelerating fracture repair and has warranted further investigation into the cellular manifestation of applied ultrasound. Toward this end much has been learned about the response of osteoblasts to LIPUS stimulation. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of cellular response to LIPUS have revealed an increase in proliferation, protein synthesis, collagen synthesis, membrane permeability, integrin expression, and increased cytosolic calcium, to name a few, further clarifying its utility and overall impact on cellular behavior. Considerable effects of LIPUS on the cells of musculoskeletal soft tissue have been reported as well. The growing body of research in this area suggests that LIPUS may be a powerful tool in the development of novel approaches to musculoskeletal repair and regeneration. Regenerative engineering-based approaches to musculoskeletal healing and regeneration that incorporate polymeric scaffolds and stem cells may be combined with LIPUS to move beyond bone repair to large scale multicomponent tissue repair.
Spontaneous carotid-cavernous fistula with fibromuscular dysplasia

A young woman presented with a spontaneous carotid-cavernous fistula. She also had fibromuscular dysplasia of the extracranial cerebral arteries. The possible relationship of the two diseases brought up important questions concerning how to manage the patient. Treatment by obliteration of the carotid circulation on one side would be expected to increase blood flow on the other side. If the cavernous carotid artery on the second side was weakened by fibromuscular dysplasia, the increased flow might predispose to the formation of a second carotidcavernous fistula. We first attempted to avoid surgery. When progressive symptoms occurred, the cavernous sinus was obliterated with bronze wire, thus preventing venous shunting.
The Papers of the “101st Senator”: Clarence Mitchell Jr. and Civil Rights

(2002). The Papers of the “101st Senator”: Clarence Mitchell Jr. and Civil Rights. The Historian: Vol. 64, No. 3-4, pp. 623-641.
1257 OPTIMAL RATE OF NASOGASTRIC (NG) CARBOHYDRATE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE I GLYCOGEN STORAGE DISEASE (GSD I)

1257 OPTIMAL RATE OF NASOGASTRIC (NG) CARBOHYDRATE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE I GLYCOGEN STORAGE DISEASE (GSD I)
Continuation of clozapine during chemotherapy: a case report and review of literature.

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication that has been shown to bemore effective in the treatment of refractory schizophrenia and the reduction of suicidal behavior in individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder than other antipsychotics. Because of the 0.38% annual risk of agranulocytosis associated with clozapine use, prescription requires enrollment in a national registry with submission of complete blood count results before the medication is dispensed. Standard protocols require clozapine discontinuation or increased monitoring or both if absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) go below certain thresholds. Concerns about prolonged clozapine-induced neutropenia arise when patients require chemotherapy for the treatment of malignancy, which frequently induces a predictable but temporary period of neutropenia. We present the case of a patient being treated with clozapine who was diagnosed with lung cancer and who, in collaboration with his psychiatrist and oncologist, decided to continue clozapine during treatment with myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
Serial thallium-201 imaging after dipyridamole for coronary disease detection: Quantitative analysis using myocardial clearance

After dipyridamole, canine studies have demonstrated a slower rate of myocardial thallium-201 clearance from zones distal to a coronary artery stenosis compared to normal zones. To determine if criteria based on canine myocardial thallium-201 clearance rates could be applied clinically, 40 patients with and 26 patients without coronary artery disease (CAD) had serial thallium-201 images obtained for 2 to 5 hours after dipyridamole. Regions of interest were manually placed over six left ventricular segments in two projections for each of three imaging times. The myocardial thallium-201 clearance rate was calculated for each of the six segments and, using the clearance rate criterion found in canine studies, was considered abnormal if less than 6.5%/hr. Using this criterion alone, 22 of 26 patients (85%) without CAD had normal and 30 of 40 patients (75%) with CAD had abnormal myocardial thallium-201 clearance rates. A quantitative analysis of regional inhomogeneity in tracer distribution (normal was greater than or equal to 25% difference between segments) was negative in 24 of 26 patients (92%) without CAD and positive in 20 of 40 patients (50%) with CAD. When both clearance rate and regional inhomogeneity were considered, 21 of 26 patients (81%) without CAD had negative and 36 of 40 patients (90%) with CAD had positive results. Thus, post-dipyridamole myocardial clearance rate criteria derived from canine studies can be applied to clinical thallium imaging. Quantitative analysis of serial thallium-201 images after dipyridamole is optimized by using myocardial thallium-201 clearance rates. Such an approach is independent of regional inhomogeneities in tracer distribution.
Posttraumatic Growth as Experienced by Childhood Cancer Survivors and Their Families: A Narrative Synthesis of Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Confronting with a life-threatening illness may serve as an opportunity for self-renewal and spiritual and personal growth. Posttraumatic growth refers to the experience of positive change resulting from the struggle and/or cognitive engagement with the existential challenges of life events. The more stressful a life situation is, the more potential it provides for personal growth. This article is a report of a narrative synthesis of empirical research reporting the positive effects of cancer perceived by the childhood cancer survivors and their families. A total of 35 studies included 20 quantitative, 12 qualitative, and 3 mixed studies (involving 2087 childhood cancer survivors, 1115 parents, and 159 healthy siblings). They were published between 1975 and 2010 and conducted in 9 countries. Five themes were identified: (1) meaning-making, (2) appreciation of life, (3) self-awareness, (4) closeness and family togetherness, and (5) a desire to pay back society. The findings suggest that illness becomes our best teacher to get to know ourselves at a deeper level and the world in a new dimension with new meaning. Working through an illness brings out our best, teaching us what life is all about.
Diffusion in aqueous solutions of 1,2-dimethoxyethane: Comparison of molecular dynamics simulations and quasielastic neutron scattering

Abstract Neutron quasielastic scattering experiments and molecular dynamics simulations have been used to probe the diffusive dynamics of the water in aqueous solutions of 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME). This study focuses on the comparison of the simulation and scattering results, from a variety of perspectives. The conventional method of analyzing the quasielastic scattering is a model based fit of the scattering law, assuming a jump translational motion of the center-of-mass in combination with an independent model for the rotational diffusion of the proton on the surface of a sphere. The diffusion constants derived from such an analysis is contrasted with the predictions of the simulation model. At the next level, the simulation model is compared with the jump diffusion and rotational diffusion formalisms, followed by a direct comparison of the simulation and the scattering experiment at the level of the intermediate scattering function. From this approach, it is clear that the free rotation on the surface of a sphere model is adequate for the water rotational motion in the bulk and in dilute solutions of DME. However, for concentrated solutions of DME, the simulation results are inconsistent with this model and there is a signature of a low-frequency librational mode. For the translational model, the simulation and scattering experiments yield similar translational diffusion constants, although the jump diffusion model is inconsistent with the simulation results. The direct comparison of the intermediate scattering functions highlights the strong influence of the translational contribution to this function at longer times, which makes such a direct comparison a poor test of the rotational model. The general conclusion is that a detailed analysis at many levels of both the simulation and the scattering data is required to validate the analysis of the scattering data and the validity of the simulation model.
Analysis of electromagnetic field polarizations in multiantenna systems

This paper provides an analytical framework useful for assessing the use of all six electric and magnetic electromagnetic field polarizations for multiantenna communications systems. The approach uses a mapping between the induced signal currents and the received electromagnetic field in order to formulate a diversity interpretation of the six-polarization problem. Application of the framework to a simple, yet representative, channel model demonstrates that for full multipath elevation and azimuthal angle spread, six communication modes are theoretically possible. However, to implement the system requires more antenna design work since a straightforward implementation is found to reduce the potential number of modes to three.
Afterword to "neuronal metaphors": the obsessive self membrane.

Eve and Susan Leeman have discussed the basic neuronal metaphors of connectedness and plasticity that may be applied to interpersonal relatedness. The topic is rich. Many other cellular correspondences with the macroscopic personal world could be explored. For example, Dyall, Brown, and Johnson (2004) have described the cellular acquisition of mitochondria and plastids via ancient invasions by eubacteria through symbiosis more than a billion years ago. The symbionts lost their eubacterial identity and became oraganelles. Similarly, introjects of parental imagos and other interpersonal representations are also subtly transformed and used by a person. Analysis of obsessive interpersonal defense mechanisms quite rapidly turns to thoughts of barrier (boundary) breaching, and the obsessive concern with invasion and contamination of the self system brings to mind the metaphor of a membrane. If all of our selves could be construed as possessing a bounding membrane, the obsessive person’s membrane would seem to be more problematic. Perhaps the analogy might be the blood-brain barrier in comparison to the more easily penetrated capillaries of the body generally. According to recent research, the capillaries in the brain are “cemented together by junctions so tight that even ions have a hard time squeezing through” (Miller, 2002, p. 1116). The metaphor is timely. Transport across the blood-brain barrier is of increased interest as pharmaceutical researchers reconsider that their previous “small-molecule approach to CNS [central nervous system] drug development is fundamentally flawed” (p. 1116), and many more CNS drugs would be possible if larger molecules could pass. The metaphor can be applied further to the obsessive self barrier. Molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier “only if they are escorted by the choosy transport proteins or if they are small enough and lipid-friendly enough to pass through one side of the endothelial cells and out the other” (p. 1116). The “transport proteins in the endothelial membrane act like bouncers, ushering sugars, amino acids, and other important players into the brain and making sure any undesirables that manage to slip in are promptly shown the way back
Theoretical studies on the nature of uranyl–silicate, uranyl–phosphate and uranyl–arsenate interactions in the model H2UO2SiO4 · 3H2O, HUO2PO4 · 3H2O, and HUO2AsO4 · 3H2O molecules

Abstract Extensive ab initio calculations have been carried out on the structure and spectra of H 2 UO 2 SiO 4 · 3H 2 O, HUO 2 PO 4 · 3H 2 O, and HUO 2 AsO 4 · 3H 2 O. The calculated structures and vibrational spectra have been compared with the available experimental data. The nature of uranyl–anion (silicate, phosphate, and arsenate) bonding characteristics of these molecules is discussed.
Query-driven iterated neighborhood graph search for large scale indexing

In this paper, we address the approximate nearest neighbor (ANN) search problem over large scale visual descriptors. We investigate a simple but very effective approach, neighborhood graph search, which constructs a neighborhood graph to index the data points and conducts a local search, expanding neighborhoods with a best-first manner, for ANN search. Our empirical analysis shows that neighborhood expansion is very efficient, with O(1) cost, for a new NN candidate location, and has high chances to locate true NNs and hence it usually performs well. However, it often gets sub-optimal solutions since local search only checks the neighborhood of the current solution, or conducts exhaustive and continuous neighborhood expansions to find better solutions, which deteriorates the query efficiency. In this paper, we propose a query-driven iterated neighborhood graph search approach to improve the performance. We follow the iterated local search (ILS) strategy, widely-used in combinatorial optimization, to find a solution beyond a local optimum. We handle the key challenge in making neighborhood graph search adapt to ILS, Perturbation, which generates a new pivot to restart a local search. To this end, we present a criterion to check if the local search over a neighborhood graph arrives at the local solution. Moreover, we exploit the query and search history to design the perturbation scheme, resulting in a more effective search. The major benefit is avoiding unnecessary neighborhood expansions and hence more efficiently finding true NNs. Experimental results on large scale SIFT matching, similar image search, and shape retrieval with non-metric distance measures, show that our approach performs much better than previous state-of-the-art ANN search approaches.
Direct detection of endogenous hydroxyl radical production in cultured adult cardiomyocytes during anoxia and reoxygenation. Is the hydroxyl radical really the most damaging radical species

Isolated adult rat cardiac myocytes were subjected to anoxia and substrate deprivation for 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes and reoxygenation for 120 seconds. The supernatant and cell extract were analyzed for hydroxyl radicals (.OH) with high-performance liquid chromatography using salicylate as a trapping agent. The production of intracellular H2O2 as a possible precursor of .OH was also documented using the fluorescent probe dichlorofluorescein diacetate. The release of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation were used as cell injury markers. Trypan blue and horseradish peroxidase stains were used as markers for altered membrane permeability. Maximum formation of .OH was observed in myocytes subjected to 15 minutes of anoxia/reoxygenation (2.83 +/- 0.27 nmol/mg protein), at which time no injury was observed at light and ultramicroscopic levels. On the other hand, there was no correlation between the amount of .OH production and different parameters of cell injury in myocytes subjected to anoxia/reoxygenation longer than 15 minutes. Myocytes developed extensive blebbing, loss of cell membrane permeability, and ultrastructural damage. The enzyme leakage was minimal at 15 minutes (0.094 +/- 0.021 units/mg protein) and increased fivefold after 120 minutes (0.428 +/- 0.069 units/mg protein). Similarly, MDA increased from 0.78 +/- 0.14 nmol/mg protein at 15 minutes to 1.65 +/- 0.35 nmol/mg protein at 120 minutes. Incubation with 1 mM deferoxamine reduced the .OH production at all anoxic intervals, most significantly at 15 minutes, but did not decrease LDH and MDA release or provide ultrastructural preservation. However, preincubation with 2.5 microM diphenylphenylenediamine markedly reduced both LDH and MDA release and offered prominent ultrastructural protection. These results suggest that 1) myocytes were able to generate .OH endogenously; 2) maximum .OH was produced at 15 minutes after anoxic reoxygenation without compromising cell viability; 3) prolongation of the anoxic period exacerbated cell damage without parallel increase in .OH generation; 4) there was no significant production of .OH after 15 minutes of anoxia/reoxygenation with or without treatment of deferoxamine, suggesting that prolonged anoxia/reoxygenation does not induce additional .OH formation and thus mediate cell injury; and 5) it is likely that the damage to myocytes in this system was still mediated by free radicals other than .OH, as indicated by the protection by diphenylphenylenediamine against the cellular injury.
Applications of High-Throughput RNA Interference Screens to Problems in Cell and Developmental Biology

RNA interference (RNAi) in tissue culture cells has emerged as an excellent methodology for identifying gene functions systematically and in an unbiased manner. Here, we describe how RNAi high-throughput screening (HTS) in Drosophila cells are currently being performed and emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of the approach. Further, to demonstrate the versatility of the technology, we provide examples of the various applications of the method to problems in signal transduction and cell and developmental biology. Finally, we discuss emerging technological advances that will extend RNAi-based screening methods.
An individual-based framework for the study of medical error

Background. In the late 1990s, medical error came into focus as a problem to be explicitly acknowledged and addressed. Research on this topic is amassing in the epidemiology of medical error and the system and human factors that contribute to error. In addition, however, an understanding of medical errors in terms of the underlying decision process is needed. Objective. To present an individual-based framework for the study of medical errors in the context of the decision maker. Results. A framework is developed in terms of four state spaces: the decision environment, problem, goal, and action spaces. The role of information uncertainty is discussed. The framework is purposefully simple to provide flexibility and options for research-specific extensions, but sufficient structure is imposed to guide understanding and investigation. Conclusion. Understanding medical error in terms of the proposed framework can guide research and subsequent interventions by illuminating where in the decision process such errors are generated.
Personhood and Neuroscience: Naturalizing or Nihilating?

Personhood is a foundational concept in ethics, yet defining criteria have been elusive. In this article we summarize attempts to define personhood in psychological and neurological terms and conclude that none manage to be both specific and non-arbitrary. We propose that this is because the concept does not correspond to any real category of objects in the world. Rather, it is the product of an evolved brain system that develops innately and projects itself automatically and irrepressibly onto the world whenever triggered by stimulus features such as a human-like face, body, or contingent patterns of behavior. We review the evidence for the existence of an autonomous person network in the brain and discuss its implications for the field of ethics and for the implicit morality of everyday behavior.
The Unmaking and Making of Self: Embodied Suffering and Mind–Body Healing in Brazilian Candomblé

Discontinuities in the experience of self are distressing especially when they are unexpected, unsanctioned, and resist attribution. Such discontinuities are often a product of psychosocial and physical suffer- ing. In this article I present a model of self that incorporates bodily experience as a fundamental building block and key source of discontinuity for a sense of self. Analysis of data from adherents of an African-derived spirit posses- sion religion in northeastern Brazil illustrate the ways in which embodied mechanisms, including psychophysiological processes, contribute to the construction, deconstruction, and repair of selves. With case studies from Candomble´, I reveal how subjects use cultural tools to contribute to transformations in both cognitive and bodily processes of incoherence, ameliorate distress, and create positive looping effects that allow selves to recohere. In developing this position I advance understanding of the dynamics of embodied forms of self-healing and contribute to the literatures on Candomblein particular and possession more generally. (embodiment, spirit possession, healing, self, Brazil)
Comparator-based measurement scheme for dark-count rates in single photon avalanche diodes

III-V single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) sensitivity at wavelengths > 1 /spl mu/m typically comes at the expense of higher dark-count rates and afterpulsing compared to silicon SPADs. Regarding the measurement of dark-count rates, conventional counters are limited by the deadtime required to quell afterpulsing effects; this led to the adoption of time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC). In this paper, a technique for measuring the dark-count rates encountered in III-V SPADs using only a comparator and an averaging oscilloscope is reported. A detailed explanation of the technique is presented along with a semianalytical proof, simulation results comparing the technique's validity in comparison to TCSPC, and example measurements.
Fabrication of planar, layered nanoparticles using tri-layer resist templates

A simple and universal pathway to produce free multilayer synthetic nanoparticles is developed based on lithography, vapor phase deposition and a tri-layer resist lift-off and release process. The fabrication method presented in this work is ideal for production of a broad range of nanoparticles, either free in solution or still attached to an intact release layer, with unique magnetic, optical, radioactive, electronic and catalytic properties. Multi-modal capabilities are implicit in the layered architecture. As an example, directly fabricated magnetic nanoparticles are evaluated to illustrate the structural integrity of thin internal multilayers and the nanoparticle stability in aggressive biological environments, which is highly desired for biomedical applications.
Review and Synthesize Completed Research Through Systematic Review

The evidence-based health care movement has generated new opportunity for scholars to generate synthesized sources of evidence. Systematic reviews are rigorous forms of synthesized evidence that scholars can conduct if they have requisite skills, time, and access to excellent library resources. Systematic reviews play an important role in synthesizing what is known and unknown about a particular health issue. Thus, they have a synergistic relationship with primary research. They can both inform clinical decisions when the evidence is adequate and identify gaps in knowledge to inform research priorities. Systematic reviews can be conducted of quantitative and qualitative evidence to answer many types of questions. They all share characteristics of rigor that arise from a priori protocol development, transparency, exhaustive searching, dual independent reviewers who critically appraise studies using standardized tools, rigor in synthesis, and peer review at multiple stages in the conduct and reporting of the systematic review.
Comparing young stellar populations across active regions in the M31 disc

I present preliminary BV resolved stellar photometry of the M31 disc measured from the data set of the NOAO/CTIO Local Group Survey. I have performed detailed analyses of the star-formation histories in and around three currently active regions in the M31 disc: OB 78, OB 102 and the north-east spiral arm. The results suggest that low Ha emission from OB 78 compared with other active regions is directly related to the details of the recent star formation histories of the regions. In addition, while every active region I analysed shows a recent increase in star formation activity, some active regions also contain overdensities of stars with ages < 100 Myr compared with adjacent regions. The adjacent regions show a relatively constant, low star formation rate over the past 100 Myr. There is no significant difference between the stellar populations on either side of the active regions. This symmetry provides no obvious signature of recent propagation of star formation near these currently active regions of the M31 disc.
An Abstraction Framework for Service Composition in Event-Driven SOA Systems

The three core problems that can be identified with any SOA based system are: (i) service discovery, (ii) service selection, and (iii) service composition. Most of the previous researches have considered these three problems separately. However, we argue that these three problems are intrinsically related and hence, cannot be treated separately. We propose a proactive event-driven model where user activities and services are treated as events. We then graphically model a SOA system into a network of activities called "Activity Network" (ANet). The nodes of such a network are the services and the edges their mutual causal dependency. We show how both functional as well as contextual information can be incorporated into the network and then justify why that is necessary for solving the three problems mentioned hereby. We then propose an abstraction technique that helps us to simplify the ANet and provide an architectural platform where the three problems can be solved in an efficient manner.