cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occult nodal disease in patients with failed laryngeal preservation undergoing surgical salvage

Objectives/Hypothesis The primary objective was to determine the incidence of pathologically positive lymph nodes in clinically N0 larynx cancer patients undergoing salvage surgery following nonsurgical primary therapy. Secondary aims included assessment of the impact of laryngeal subsite and neck dissection on disease status and survival. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Methods Sixty-eight patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer and no evidence of neck disease who underwent salvage laryngectomy and neck dissection after undergoing failed primary radiotherapy or chemoradiation were examined. Main outcome measures included: standard demographics, primary, clinical, radiologic, and pathologic recurrent TNM stage, laryngeal subsite, nodal neck level, surgical intervention, margin status, disease status, survival, and imaging results. Results Fifty-three men and 15 women, aged 33 to 88 years (mean=62.7 years) with recurrent laryngeal cancer were included. Overall, 28.3% of patients had pathologic nodal disease, with supraglottic cancer showing the highest rate (60%, P=.02). Survival was not associated with laryngectomy type (P=.35). However, on multivariate analysis, laryngeal subsite was significantly predictive of survival with transglottic recurrences demonstrating decreased mean survival (20.7 months, P=.02), and supraglottic recurrences demonstrating prolonged mean survival (37.1 months, P=.03). Metabolic imaging (negative predictive value=0.86) proved more reliable than anatomic imaging (negative predictive value=0.71). Conclusions The incidence of pathologically positive lymph nodes in clinically negative patients with recurrent laryngeal carcinoma following nonsurgical therapy warrants standard selective neck dissection. Subsite of recurrence, specifically supraglottis and transglottis, correlates with pathologic neck node positivity and survival. Metabolic imaging proved more reliable than anatomic imaging in negative predictability for nodal disease. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 124:421–428, 2014
A circuit for coding interaural time differences in the chick brainstem

Third-order auditory neurons in the avian nucleus laminaris (NL) are the first to receive binaural input. In the chick, NL consists of a monolayer of neurons with polarized dendritic arbors oriented dorsally and ventrally. Afferents from second-order neurons in the ipsilateral nucleus magnocellularis (NM) innervate the dorsal dendrites of NL neurons, distributing processes of approximately equal length to NL neurons along an isofrequency band (roughly caudomedial to rostrolateral). Afferents from the contralateral NM innervate the ventral dendrites of NL neurons, distributing collateral branches sequentially as they proceed from caudomedial to rostrolateral along the isofrequency band of neurons. This innervation pattern could be the basis of a “delay line” circuit, as postulated in models of neural networks mediating sound localization. We examined this circuit by analyzing evoked field potentials using a brain slice preparation containing both NL and NM. The results were consistent with the previous anatomical findings. When the ipsilateral auditory nerve or ipsilateral NM was stimulated, there was no consistent variation in the latency of postsynaptic field potentials across the medial-to-lateral extent of NL. In contrast, when the contralateral NM or NM axons in the crossed dorsal cochlear tract were stimulated, a linear increase in the latency of postsynaptic potentials was observed from medial to lateral positions in NL. When stimulation amplitudes for both the ipsilateral and contralateral inputs were adjusted so as to produce little or no postsynaptic field potential, simultaneous bilateral stimulation evoked a pronounced response. Thus, NL neurons can act as “coincidence detectors.” The amplitude of the postsynaptic response was dependent on the relative timing of stimulation of the two inputs. The optimal time difference changed systematically across the medial-to-lateral extent of NL. This system of delay lines and coincidence detectors could provide a mechanism for converting interaural time differences into a “place map” within NL.
Working Zone Identification for Specialized Micro Transportation Systems Using GPS Tracks

The utilization of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies often requires modifications to vehicles and/or roadside infrastructure. However, in this paper, we investigate some special transportation cases, which we call Specialized Micro Transportation Systems (SMTS), and find the applications of information technologies for them promise great benefits with simple and quick-to-implement solutions. We focus on working zone identification for two cases from agriculture and road maintenance, respectively. An expert system was developed to recognize harvested area and generate up-to-date field boundaries, using GPS data collected for combine harvesters. Similar rules from the system were adapted for patching zone identification.
Pets as means rather than ends

Abstract Research relating to pets focuses almost exclusively on human–pet interactions or pet-specific behavior such as pet-food purchasing. Seldom has research used pet consumption as a context to study broader consumer–behavior topics. The influence of pet-related research is expandable by viewing pets as a path toward studying more general consumer-behavior questions.
Transmission of Spectral Efficient Super-Channels Using All-Optical OFDM and Digital Coherent Receiver Technologies

A 1.5 Tb/s super-channel is generated using all-optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and dual-polarization 16QAM modulation without guard interval. We investigated the effects of DSP oversampling and receiver bandwidth using experimental results and numerical simulations to evaluate our receiver design. The super-channel is transmitted over 1200 km of standard single-mode fiber on existing 100 GbE network using only 200 GHz of optical bandwidth and detected using digital coherent receiver, achieving a spectral efficiency of 7 bit/s/Hz the highest reported to date for all-optical OFDM techniques.
Documentary With Ephemeral Media: Curation Practices in Online Social Spaces:

New hardware such as mobile handheld devices and digital cameras; new online social venues such as social networking, microblogging, and online photo sharing sites; and new infrastructures such as ...
Influence of nucleon internal degrees of freedom on the strength of electric giant resonances at low energies

The influence of nucleon excitations to N* 's on the giant dipole (or other electric resonances) is estimated. The correction is found to be very small.
Dieting status and its relationship to weight, dietary intake, and physical activity changes over two years in a working population.

The present study prospectively examined changes in dietary intake, physical activity and weight associated with self-reported efforts to lose weight in a cohort of 3671 men and women sampled from the general population. Dieting efforts, dietary intake, physical activity and weight were measured at two points in time, 24 months apart. At baseline, current dieters reported consuming fewer dairy products, sweets, meat, soft drinks and fried potatoes (all p's < .0001), and engaging more frequently in high-intensity physical activity (p < .0001) than those not currently dieting. At follow-up, current dieters reported consuming fewer sweets (p < .0001) and fried potatoes (p < .0008), and engaging more frequently in moderate-intensity physical activity (p < .02) than those not currently dieting. Prospectively, those who initiated weight-loss diets showed the largest decrease in consumption of sweets (p < .0001), soft drinks (p < .0001), and fried potatoes (p < .01), and increase in frequency of high-intensity physical activity (p < .0001) and moderate-intensity physical activity (p < .007). Those initiating weight-loss diets were the only group to lose weight (1 lb.). Those dieting at baseline but not at follow-up gained the most weight (4 lbs.). Self-reports of current dieting correspond to reported changes in dietary intake and physical activity, and to measured changes in weight over the same time period. Individuals who report dieting to lose weight have healthier eating and exercise patterns than those who do not report dieting.
On rings and modules with DICC

Let us recall from [C, Definition l] that a module is said to be DICC if any chain of submodules indexed by the integers H stabilizes either to the right or to the left (or to both sides). A ring is DICC if it is so as a module. In Section 1 we present some further results on DICC rings to clarify the study initiated in [Cl, where, after establishing a series of properties, we proved in Theorem 2 that a non-Noetherian ring S with no prime ideal both minimal and maximal (in brief, min/max ideal) is DICC if and only if: S reduced is Noetherian, n, the nilradical of S, is nilpotent and has DCC, and for all x E S n, n/Sx n n has finite length. Such a result allowed us to establish with Theorem 3 that a DICC ring is a direct product of a ring such as described in Theorem 2 and an Artinian ring. Also, Condition 1 of Proposition 1.1 suggests the definition of almost-divisible module which provides a way of constructing DICC rings and a connection with Matlis’ duality. This is done in Theorems 1.3 and 1.6. Some of these results are needed in the study of DICC modules initiated and extensively carried out in Section 2. For example, to prove Theorem 2.8 we need the corresponding result for rings first. Also in proving Theorem 2.4 we are illuminated by a similar result established in [C, Theorem 21 for rings, i.e., an R-module M is DICC iff M contains a submodule N such that (a) M/N is Noetherian; (D) N has DCC; (y) for all XE MN, N/Rxn N has finite length. All rings considered in this paper are commutative with unit; n will denote the nilradical of the ring. If A4 is an R-module, then R @ M denotes the idealization of M in R. For a local (Noetherian) ring (R, m), R will denote the m-adic completion of R. All modules will be unitary. If M is an R-module, R local Noetherian, M” will denote its dual in the sense of
Side-scan sonar mapping and computer-aided interpretation in the Santa Barbara Channel, California

We have experimented with digital processing of side scan sonar data taken in a 14 sq-km area of continental shelf offshore Southern California. The data were FM tape recorded during the survey and digitized and processed later in the laboratory. The digital image processing included both image correction and image enhancement. Geometric corrections were applied to correct for image distortions due to variable ship position and speed and sonar slant range. Enhancements that were tried included contrast stretching, band-pass filtering, image restoration (inverse filtering), and various edge enhancements such as density slicing and standard deviation filters. Interpretive procedures were also attempted and included digital mosaicking, stereoscopic viewing, and falsecolor display. The most effective processing was geometric correction combined with contrast stretching. Mosaicking proved difficult due to imprecise navigation (±50 m), but was very effective in increasing the understanding of the geologic structure in the survey area.
Role of liver transplantation in the management of hepatoblastoma in the pediatric population

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common primary liver tumor in children and accounts for two-thirds of all malignant liver neoplasms in the pediatric population. For patients with advanced HB (unresectable or unresponsive to chemotherapy), combined treatment with chemotherapy and liver transplantation is an excellent option. The etiology of HB is mostly obscure because of its extreme rarity although some inherited syndromes and very low birth weight have been associated with it. The prognosis for children with HB has significantly improved in the past three decades thanks to advancements in chemotherapy, surgical resection and postoperative care. In 2002 a surgical staging system called pretreatment extent of disease (PRETEXT) was designed to allow a universal, multidisciplinary approach to patients with HB. Between one-third to two-thirds of patients initially present with unresectable tumors or distant metastases, but up to 85% of these tumors become operable after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with PRETEXT categories 1, 2, and some 3 are referred for neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection with the goal of complete tumor removal. Classic treatments regimens include a combination of cisplatin, fluorouracil, and vincristine or cisplatin and doxorubicin. Liver transplantation is the only treatment option for unresectable HB. In 2010 the pediatric end-stage liver disease, a pediatric-specific scoring system that determines a patient's ranking on the liver transplant list, began to award additional "exception" points for patients with HB. We analyzed the Standard Transplant Analysis and Research dataset to assess the impact of changes in exception point criteria for HB on outcomes after liver transplantation at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas. We found that patients who were listed for transplantation with current HB exception criteria experienced a shorter waitlist time but survival was similar between the two eras.
Concerning thin-layer electrophoresis of carbohydrates.

Abstract A method is described for the separation and eventual identification of a series of carbohydrates using their migration on thin-layer Silica Gel G plates as a result of externally applied electrical field (400 V). Borate buffer (pH 10.2) was utilized as the electrolyte. Attention is drawn to the parameters determining migration toward the cathode and M G values of examined compounds.
Thoracoscopic lobectomy for prenatally diagnosed lung lesions

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this report is to assess the technique and outcome of thoracoscopic lobectomy for asymptomatic prenatally diagnosed lung lesions. Methods: From June 1999 to March 2002, 14 consecutive asymptomatic patients with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation or pulmonary sequestration, ages 3 to 15 months, underwent postnatal thoracoscopic lobectomy. Single-lung ventilation and controlled pneumothorax with low pressure (4 torr) and low flow (1.0 L/min) were used in all. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 35 months. Results: All procedures were completed successfully using 3 ports. Rather than using stapling devices or clips, pulmonary vessels were sealed and the fissure completed (when necessary) with the Ligasure thermal energy device. Eleven lesions were on the left (10 lower lobe), and 3 were in the right lower lobe. The mean operating time was 110 minutes. The average hospital stay was 38 hours. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusions: This is the first report of a completely thoracoscopic technique for pulmonary lobectomy in small children. Thoracoscopic lobectomy is a relatively quick and safe procedure, and the cosmetic result is excellent. Early resection obviates the risk of infection in these lesions. J Pediatr Surg 38:553-555. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Enticing students to careers in gerontology: faculty and student perspectives.

Abstract Recognition of the increasing demand for gerontologically trained social work professionals prompted an investigation of the factors that attract undergraduate students to a career of working with older adults. Faculty (n = 10) and students (n = 10) from the disciplines of social work, nursing, consumer and family sciences, psychology, recreation, and business participated in focus groups addressing such topics as the inclusion of content on aging, influences on choice of major, perceptions of aging, and personal experience with older adults. Respondents perceived (a) limited course content on older adulthood, (b) existing course content focused on frailty and aging, (c) a pervasive lack of awareness of the aging of the population, and (d) the essential contribution of positive intergenerational contact from early childhood through the college years. The results suggest the need for increasing efforts to enhance awareness and to integrate comprehensive content on aging throughout the curriculum i...
Poggendorff and Müller-Lyer illusions: common effects.

Previous investigations have shown that the magnitude of the Muller-Lyer illusion is a function of the linear and angular dimensions of the figure. If the Muller-Lyer and Poggendorff illusions share a common basis, then the magnitude of the Poggendorff illusion should similarly be a function of the analogous configural dimensions. A study is reported in which changes were made in the dimensions of the Poggendorff figure that are analogous to the dimensions of the Muller-Lyer figure: the length of the parallel components (analogous to the wings of the Muller-Lyer figure); the length of the intertransversal extent (analogous to Muller-Lyer shaft length); and the angle formed between the parallel components and the intertransversal extent (analogous to the angle of wing attachment in the Muller-Lyer figure). The relationship between the magnitude of the illusion and the dimensions of the Poggendorff figure was found to be generally in line with previous findings relating to the Muller-Lyer illusion. Adaptation-level theory and the positive-context model accommodate the major findings of the present study.
A School-Based Suicide Risk Assessment Protocol

Suicide remains the third leading cause of death among young people in the United States. Considering that youth who contemplate suicide generally exhibit warning signs before engaging in lethal self-harm, school-based mental health professionals can play a vital role in identifying students who are at risk for suicidal behavior. Nevertheless, the assessment of vulnerable children and adolescents is a challenging undertaking, with many variables considered relevant to the determination of a student's suicide risk level. This article introduces school-based mental health professionals to the Student Suicide Risk Assessment Protocol, an evaluation tool developed by the author to aid in the determination of student suicide potential, assist with the selection of appropriate interventions, and allow for documentation of school personnel's actions taken to mitigate a student's suicide risk.
Differences in transformation of repair-deficient mutants of E. coli with BPDE- or chlorozotocin-modified plasmid DNA

Plasmid pBR322 was alkylated with either chlorozotocin or with r-7,t-8-dihydroxy-t-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo-[a]pyrene (BPDE) before it was transformed into various strains of Escherichia coli. Plasmid survival was determined as ability to convert the bacteria to tetracycline and ampicillin resistance. Increased levels of alkylation caused a decrease in transforming activity in all strains studied. This decrease did not seem to be a result of alkylation induced strand scission, but rather some other biochemical or conformational change induced by the alkylating event. In E. coli AB1157 transformation was decreased by 50% with 6 alkylations/plasmid molecule for BPDE and 8-9 alkylations for chlorozotocin. At these levels of alkylation the loss in supercoiled DNA due to strand scission was less than 5%. Alkylated pBR322 was also transformed into repair-deficient strains of E. coli. In strain JC2924 (recA6) the survival of both BPDE- and chlorozotocin-modified DNA was similar to survival in the repair proficient strain AB1157, which would indicate that postreplicational repair of BPDE- or chlorozotocin-modified plasmid DNA was not significant under these conditions. Chlorozotocin-modified pBR322 did not seem to be repaired by the bacterial uvr-endonucleases as determined by plasmid survival in strains AB1884 (uvrC34), AB1885 (uvrB5) and AB1886 (uvrA6). With BPDE-alkylated plasmid DNA the results were strikingly different. Strains AB1884 and AB1886 were more sensitive to BPDE modified DNA than the wild type strain AB1157. Strain AB1885 was similar to AB1157 in sensitivity to BPDE-alkylated plasmid. These findings suggest that bacterial uvr-endonucleases may be able to recognize and repair BPDE-alkylated pBR322. The role of the uvrB protein in repair of alkylated DNA needs to be further investigated.
Collaborative Policy Making and Administration: The Operational Demands of Local Economic Development:

Contemporary local economic development often requires that development professionals act as catalysts for orchestrating other governmental and nongovernmental actors in the pursuit of effective de...
effects Of A Novel Antioxidant During Resuscitation From Severe Blunt Chest Trauma

Previous work suggests that neutrophils (PMNs) and/or prostaglandins might mediate the progressive respiratory failure after severe pulmonary contusion. Since reactive oxygen metabolites are closely associated with both these factors, we examined the actions of a novel antioxidant after swine received a unilateral injury followed by 25% hemorrhage. An infusion (2mL/kg/h intravenously x 6 h) of either polynitroxylated 5% Dextran + Tempol (PND, n = 9), 5% Dextran (D, n = 6), or lactated Ringers (LR, n = 13) was begun 60 min post-injury to mimic 'pre-hospital resuscitation.' After 15 min, standard resuscitation was initiated (3x shed blood as LR in 30 min) plus further LR for 6 h to maintain hemodynamics. The total LR requirement was lower with PND (1,772+/-267 mL) versus D (3,040+/-689, P = 0.0563) or LR (4145+/-398, P = 0.0005). The ipsilateral bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) PMN count with PND (8+/-2 x 10(5)/mL), was not different from its baseline (P = 0.131), but the counts with D (16+/-3) and LR (17+/-4) were both higher than their baselines (P = 0.0184 and 0.0431). Similarly, BAL protein with PND (1,560+/-350 mg %) was not elevated from its baseline (P = 0.0721), but the values with D (2,560+/-498) and LR (2,474+/-899) were both higher than their baselines (P = 0.0169 and 0.0325). In the contralateral (uninjured) lung, the effects were similar, but the increases were less for PMNs (8+/-2 versus 10+/-2 or 14+/-4 x 10(5)/mL) and for protein (609 +/-153 versus 1,955+/-671 or 1486+/-357 mg %). Despite these significant BAL changes, there was no obvious improvement in cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Thus oxidants probably have some role in the pathogenic mechanism of progressive secondary injury after thoracic trauma, but further work is needed to determine the therapeutic potential of antioxidants because no clinical improvement was detected.
Alkylxanthines as research tools

(1) The methylxanthine caffeine has many pharmacological effects, most of which can be linked to blockade of adenosine receptors, inhibition of phosphodiesterases, and augmentation of calcium-dependent release of calcium from intracellular stores. (2) A variety of xanthines have been developed as potent and/or selective antagonists for adenosine receptors. (3) Several xanthines have been developed that are more potent and more selective inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase than caffeine or theophylline. (4) Caffeine remains the xanthine of choice for activation of intracellular calcium-sensitive calcium release channels although millimolar concentrations are required, which can have effects on other aspects of calcium regulation.
Controlling Movement Using Parametric Frame Space Interpolation

In this paper, we introduce a technique for controlling movement, parametric frame space interpolation, that extends the artistic expressiveness of parametric keyframe animation to a higher level of movement control. An animator using this technique defines a range of movements, a frame space, in terms of a set of reference (key) movements. The animator then generates movements that interpolate between these reference movements by specifying paths within the frame space. The resulting animation process can be used as a freestanding animation technique or as a tool for editing movements produced using other animation methods.
SU-E-T-364: 6X FFF and 10X FFF Portal Dosimetry Output Factor Verification: Application for SRS/SBRT

Purpose: To enhance portal dosimetry of high dose rate SRS/SBRT plan verifications with extensive imager measurement of output factors (OF). Methods: Electronic portal image dosimetry (EPID), implemented on the Varian Edge allows for acquisition of its two energies: 6X FFF and 10 FFF (1400 and 2400 MU/min, respectively) at source to imager distance (SID) =100cm without imager saturation. Square and rectangular aSi OF following EPID calibration were obtained. Data taken was similar to that obtained during beam commissioning (of almost all field sizes from 1×1 to 15×15 and 20×20 cm{sup 2}, [Trilogy] and [Edge], respectively) to construct a table using the OF tool for use in the Portal Dosimetry Prediction Algorithm (PDIP v11). The Trilogy 6x SRS 1000 MU/min EPID data were taken at 140 SID. The large number of OF were obtained for comparison to that obtained with diode detectors and ion chambers (cc13 for >3×3 field size). As Edge PDIP verification is currently ongoing, EPID measurements of three SRS/SBRT plans for the Trilogy were taken and compared to results obtained prior to these measurements. Results: The relative difference output factors of field sizes 2×2 and higher compared to commissioning data were (mean+/-SD, [range]): Edge 6X (−1.9+/−2.9%, [−5.9%,3.1%]), Edgemore » 10X (−0.7+/−1.2%, [− 3.3%,0.8%] and Trilogy (0.03+/−0.5%, [−1.4%,1.1%]) with EPID over predicting. The results for the 140 SID showed excellent agreement throughout except at the 1×1 to 1×15 and 15×1 field sizes where differences were: −10.6%, −6.0% and −5.8%. The differences were also most pronounced for the 1×1 at 100 SID. They were −7.4% and −11.5% for 6X and 10X, respectively. The Gamma (3%, 1mm) for three clinical plans improved by 8.7+/−1.8%. Conclusion: Results indicate that imager output factor measurements at any SID of high dose rate SRS/SBRT are quite reliable for portal dosimetry plan verification except for the smallest fields. This work was not funded by Varian Oncology Systems. Some authors have other work partly funded by Varian Oncology Systems.« less
Control of arthropod abundance, richness, and composition in a heterogeneous desert city

There is a demand for mechanistic studies to explore underlying drivers behind observed patterns of biodiversity in urban areas. We describe a two-year field experiment in which we manipulated bottom-up (resource availability) and top-down (bird predation) forces on arthropod communities associated with a native plant, Encelia farinosa, across three land-use types—urban, desert remnant, and outlying natural desert—in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Arizona, USA. We monitored the trophic structure, richness, and similarity of the arthropod communities on these manipulated plants over a two-year period. We predicted that (1) increased water resources increase plant productivity, (2) increased productivity increases arthropod abundances, and (3) in the urban habitat, top-down forces are greater than in other habitats and limit arthropod abundances. We also predicted that urban remnant habitats are more similar to urban habitats in terms of arthropod richness and composition. Strong interannual differences due to an unusual cold and dry winter in the first year suppressed plant growth in all but urban habitats, and arthropod abundances in all habitats were severely reduced. In the following year, arthropod abundances in desert and remnant habitats were higher than in urban habitats. Water had positive effects on plant growth and arthropod abundance, but these water effects emerged through complex interactions with habitat type and the presence/absence of cages used to reduce bird predation. Plants grew larger in urban habitats, and phenology also differed between urban and desert habitats. The results from caging suggest that bird predation may not be as important in cities as previously thought, and that arthropods may retard plant growth. As expected, desert communities are strongly bottom-up regulated, but contrary to predictions, we did not find evidence for strong top-down control in the city. Remnant habitats were intermediate between desert and urban habitats in terms of diversity, richness, evenness, arthropod composition and phenology, with urban habitats generally lowest in terms of diversity, richness, and evenness. Our study shows that control of biodiversity is strongly altered in urban areas, influenced by subtle shifts in top-down and bottom-up controls that are often superseded by climatic variations and habitat type.
Three-dimensional electromagnetic imaging of dielectric scatterers

Solutions to two-dimensional electromagnetic imaging problems have been investigated extensively in recent years. Three-dimensional imaging problems have not been as well researched due to the inherent complexity of the formulation. Moreover, most of the work on imaging has concentrated on targets embedded in free space. In this paper, a technique for three-dimensional imaging based on an iterative Born method is presented. Targets with higher dielectric contrast for which the linear Born approximation is not valid can be imaged by using multiple iterations with this method. The extension of the technique to image a target buried in an inhomogeneous background is achieved by evaluating numerically the dyadic Green's function. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the applicability of the imaging algorithm. The results for a simulation are compared against those obtained with the inverse source method, and the difference in the performance of the two techniques is discussed. The convergence of ...
The SNAP index does not correlate with the State Behavioral Scale in intubated and sedated children.

Summary Background Ensuring appropriate levels of sedation for critically ill children is integral to pediatric critical care. Traditionally, clinicians have used subjective scoring tools to assess sedation levels. The SNAP II uses dual frequency processed electroencephalography to evaluate brain activity and may provide an objective assessment of sedation levels. Objective This study attempts to find an objective method to monitor sedation in critically ill pediatric patients. We compared the SNAP II, a processed electroencephalography device, with the State Behavioral Scale (SBS), a subjective sedation scoring tool. We hypothesize that the SNAP II correlates with the SBS and has less observer bias. Methods This was an IRB approved prospective, observational study. Patients receiving intravenous sedation while being mechanically ventilated were enrolled after informed consent. After the SNAP II monitoring electrodes were attached, blinded bedside nurses assessed sedation levels using the SBS. SNAP indices were collected and compared with SBS scores to determine correlation. Results We compared 417 paired data points from 15 patients using Pearson's correlation and least squares means to determine correlation between the SBS and SNAP indices. No correlation was observed. Using covariance model patterning for repeated measures to adjust for covariates again showed no correlation. Conclusion The SNAP index does not correlate with SBS scores in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Its use cannot be recommended to measure levels of sedation in our population. Future research should continue to explore objective ways of measuring sedation in critically ill children.
SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of hepatic cytochrome P-450 from normal, 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital treated mice

Abstract 1. 1. Whole microsomes prepared from mouse liver were solubilized by pretreatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate and analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 2. 2. On the basis of their molecular weights, heme content, and inducibility by compounds known to enrich the microsomal cytochrome P-450 content, three discrete polypeptide species were identified as being cytochrome P-450-derived. Two of these were selectively induced by phenobarbital, one by 3-methylcholanthrene. 3. 3. A fourth protein of 48,000 molecular weight, present at high concentrations in untreated animals, was selectively decreased during increases in the specific activity of the cytochrome. Evidence is presented which suggests this may represent a form of apocytochrome P-450.
Presynaptic localization of phosphoprotein B-50

A major phosphoprotein of synaptic membranes, the phosphorylation of which is stimulated by Ca2+ and inhibited by ACTh, appears to be identical with protein B-50 described by Zwiers, Schotman and Gispen [40]. We have investigated its subsynaptic localization by means of a variety of subfractionation techniques and compared it with that of a number of other phosphoproteins found in synaptic membranes. It appears to be predominantly, if not exclusively, associated with presynaptic membranes of low bouyant density. This localization pattern is similar to, but somewhat more extreme than that exhibited by Protein I, as a brain specific phosphoprotein studied by Greengard and his collaborators [11].
Resolution of Coronary Ischemic Syndrome due to Dislodgement of Intraluminal Thrombus During Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization

Dislodgement of an intraluminal coronary thrombus occurred in a patient with unstable angina during diagnostic cardiac catheterization. The thrombus propagated into the systemic circulation without clinical manifestation of embolism. The procedure rendered the patient asymptomatic. The case illustrates the role of intraluminal coronary thrombus in unstable angina.
Rhizophlyctidales—a new order in Chytridiomycota

Rhizophlyctis rosea (Chytridiomycota) is an apparently ubiquitous, soil-inhabiting, cellulose-degrading chytrid that is the type for Rhizophlyctis. Previous studies have revealed multiple zoospore subtypes among morphologically indistinguishable isolates in the R. rosea complex sensu Barr. In this study we analysed zoospore ultrastructure and combined nu-rRNA gene sequences (partial LSU and complete ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of 49 isolates from globally distributed soil samples. Based on molecular monophyly and zoospore ultrastructure, this group of Rhizophlyctis rosea-like isolates is designated as a new order, the Rhizophlyctidales. Within the Rhizophlyctidales are four new families (Rhizophlyctidaceae, Sonoraphlyctidaceae, Arizonaphlyctidaceae, and Borealophlyctidaceae) and three new genera (Sonoraphlyctis, Arizonaphlyctis, and Borealophlyctis).
Genetic diversity of Poa annua in western Oregon grass seed crops

The genetic diversity of Poa annua L.populations collected from western Oregon grass-seed fields was surveyed using 18 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Markers from 1357 individual plants from 47 populations collected at three sampling dates (fall, winter, and spring) for 16 sites were used to measure genetic diversity within and among populations. Site histories varied from low to high herbicide selection pressure, and some sites were subdivided by 3 years of differing post-harvest residue management. Gene diversity statistics, simple frequency of haplotype occurrence, and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed the presence of significant variability in P. annua among sites, among collection dates within sites, and within collection dates. Nei gene-diversity statistics and population-differentiation parameters indicated that P. annua populations were highly diverse. Mean Nei gene diversity (h) for all 47 populations was 0.241 and total diversity (HT) was 0.245. A greater proportion of this diversity, however, was within (HS=0.209) rather than among (GST=0.146) populations. When populations were grouped by season of collection, within-group diversity was HS=0.241, while among-group diversity was GST=0.017. When populations were grouped by site, within-group diversity was HS=0.224, while among-group diversity was GST=0.087. The diversity among populations within season for fall, winter, and spring collections was GST=0.121, 0.142, and 0.133, respectively. Populations collected from fields with histories of high herbicide selection pressure showed low differentiation among collection dates, with GST as low as 0.016, whereas those collected from fields with low herbicide selection pressure showed greater differentiation among collection dates, with GST as high as 0.125. At high selection-pressure sites, populations were also lower in gene diversity (as low as h=0.155), while at low selection-pressure sites there was higher gene diversity (as high as h=0.286). The site to site variability was greater for the high selection-pressure sites (GST=0.107 or 69% of the total among-population variance), while the season of germination variability was greater at sites of low herbicide-selection pressure (GST=0.067, or 70% of the total among-population variance). High initial diversity coupled with a long-term re-supply of genotypes from the seed bank must have been factors in maintaining the genetic diversity of this weed despite the intensive use of herbicides. Knowledge of the genetic diversity of Willamette Valley P. annua should help in formulating more effective strategies for managing this weed.
Specific Inhibitors of both p38 and erk MAP Kinase Pathways Block iNOS and TNF Production in Murine Macrophages Stimulated with LPS and IFNγ • 174

Specific Inhibitors of both p38 and erk MAP Kinase Pathways Block iNOS and TNF Production in Murine Macrophages Stimulated with LPS and IFNγ • 174
On the stability criterion for fracture in dolos-armoured breakwaters

Abstract A new empirical stability criterion for dolos-armoured, rubble-mound breakwaters is proposed. This criterion is based on an analysis of the energy level at which dolos armour units fracture and break in a breakwater environment. The input information has been obtained from ten different prototype breakwaters. The present analysis indicates the ratio of the wave energy to size (mass) of the armour units at which dolos units break.
Histomorphology, oLH and hCG receptors, and testosterone secretion in vitro in Rambouillet rams from lines in which females had been selected for low or high reproductive rate.

The objective of this study was to determine whether gross or histomorphological components of the testes, capacity and dissociation constants (Kd) of testicular oLH and hCG receptors, and gonadotrophin-stimulated testosterone secretion in vitro differed among Rambouillet rams from lines selected for low or high female reproductive rate and from rams of a random-bred control line. Lines had been selected for approximately 20 years. Data were collected from 22-month-old rams during the late breeding season. Rams among lines did not differ (P > 0.05) in gross testicular characteristics or most histomorphological characteristics. However, the percentage volume of interstitial vascular tissue was greater (P 0.05) among lines. The Kd values for oLH and hCG receptors did not differ (P > 0.05) among lines; however, receptor sites per Leydig cell, capacities of testicular parenchyma to bind gonadotrophin and Kd values were higher (P < 0.05) for oLH than for hCG receptors. Total oLH- and hCG-stimulated testosterone secretion in vitro did not differ (P < 0.05) among lines. In conclusion, selection for or against reproductive rate in Rambouillet ewes has not altered gross or most histomorphometric characteristics of the testes of male offspring, with the exception that selection against reproductive rate increased the proportion of testicular volume occupied by vascular tissue within the interstitium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Drug facilitation of latent learning

Male and female rats of the S1 and S3 strains (descendants of the Tryon strains) were injected with either 1.0 mg/kg of 1757 I.S. (1-5-di-phenyl-3-7-diazadamatan-9-01) or a control solution immediately after each daily trial in a 6-unit alley U maze. One half of the rats received a food reward in the goal box and one half was not rewarded. The nonrewarded drug and control rats did not improve in performance. Both of the rewarded groups improved, and the 1757 I.S.-injected rats made significantly fewer errors than the controls. The drug injections were then discontinued and all rats were given 5 rewarded trials (one per day), each followed by a control injection. On the last 5 trials the mean errors of the rats previously given posttrial 1757 I.S. injections were significantly lower than those of the controls. Further, performance on the last 5 trials was not influenced by the reward condition on the first 5 trials. These results were interpreted as providing further support for the hypothesis that 1757 I.S. improves learning by enhancing memory storage processes.
Effects of large blood vessels on the transient propagation of ultrafast laser pulse in biological tissues

A typical vascular model is established to study the effects of large blood vessels on the transient laser propagation during optical imaging. A time-resolved Monte Carlo algorithm is developed to investigate transient light propagation in biological tissues with embedded tumors and blood vessels. The results indicate that inclusion of the vasculatures could significantly alter light propagation transients from those obtained from the tissue embedded with tumor only.
Further studies on effects of anabolic steroids on the course of murine muscular dystrophy.

SummaryAdministration of 7a-methyl-19-nortestosterone, 2α-methyl-5α-androstan-17β-ol-3-one, 2a,3a-episulfido-l 7β- (3-cyclopenta-nyd)propionoxy-5α-androstane and related anabolic steroids to dystrophic mice resulted in prolonged survival and increased ability to hang on a vertical screen. A lowering of the abnormally high potassium efflux and wet wt/dry fat-free muscle ratio characteristic of dystrophic muscle was found after treatment with these steroids. Slight but not statistically significant changes in the steady state levels of muscle potassium, sodium and chloride toward normal were observed. Treatment with these steroids did not alter the microscopic changes of dystrophic muscle.
Preliminary studies on NiAl/Nb2Be17 reaction and effectiveness of BeO as an interfacial reaction Barrier

Alloys based on the ordered B2 NiAl phase are being considered as potential high-temperature structural materials. One drawback for this material is its lack of high-temperature strength,[1] which can be overcome by reinforcing the alloy with high-strength fibers. Like any other composite system, a suitable reinforcement material must have a matching coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) with the matrix in addition to high-temperature strength and be chemically compatible with the matrix. Although there are many high-melting ceramic materials which are thermodynamicalry stable in the NiAl matrix, [2] the high CTE of NiAl,[3] 16 X 10−6 K−1 at 1200 K, makes it difficult to find a suitable ceramic reinforcement material with a matching CTE. Thus, there is a need to develop high CTE fibers for the NiAl matrix. One group of materials with matching CTE[3] to NiAl are the Be-rich intermetallic compounds called beryllides (CTEs in the range of 16 to 18 × 10−6 K−1 at 1200 K) of formula M2Be17, M2Be13, or M2Be12 (where M = Ta, Nb, Ti, Zr, Hf, or Y). Matching CTEs with the NiAl matrix along with their good high-temperature strength[4] and low densities[4] make Be-rich intermetallic compounds attractive as candidate reinforcement materials for the NiAl matrix.
Quantified outdoor micro-activity data for children aged 7–12-years old

Estimation of aggregate exposure and risk requires detailed information regarding dermal contact and mouthing activity. We analyzed micro-level activity time series (MLATS) of children aged 7-12 years to quantify these contact behaviors and evaluate differences by age and gender. In all, 18 children, aged 7-12 years, were videotaped while playing outdoors. Video footage was transcribed via Virtual Timing Device (VTD) software. We calculated the hand and mouth contact frequency, hourly duration and median duration of contact with 16 object categories. Median mouthing frequencies were 12.6 events/h and 2.6 events/h for hands and non-dietary objects, respectively. Median hourly mouthing duration was 0.4 min/h and 0.1 min/h with hands and objects. Median mouthing contact duration was 1 s and 1.5 s with hands and objects, respectively. The median object contact frequency for both the hands combined was 537.3 events/h with an hourly contact duration of 81.8 min/h and a median contact duration of 3 s. There were no significant differences in the mouthing activity between genders or age groups. Female children had longer and more frequent hand contacts with several surface types. Age was negatively correlated with hand contacts of floor and wood surfaces. Contact frequencies in this study are higher than current regulatory recommendations for this age group.
Theoretic analysis of finite automata for memory-based pattern matching

In the midst of vastly numbered and quickly growing internet security threats, Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) [2] becomes more important to network security every day. Vital to effective NIDS is a multi-pattern matching engine which requires deterministic performance and adaptability to new threats [3]. Memory-based Deterministic Finite Automata (DFA) are ideal for pattern matching but have severe memory requirements [1] that make them difficult to implement. Many previous heuristic techniques have been proposed to reduce memory requirements, however in this paper, we aim to effectively understand the basic relationship between DFA characteristics and memory, in order to create minimal memory DFA implementations. We show what DFA characteristics either cause or reduce memory requirements, as well as how to optimize DFA to exploit those characteristics. Specifically, we introduce the concepts of State Independence and State Irregularity, which are DFA characteristics that can reduce memory waste and allow for memory reuse. Furthermore, we introduce DFA normalization which optimizes DFA to fully exploit these characteristics. Altogether this work serves as a source for how to extract and utilize DFA characteristics to create minimal memory implementations.
Part II—Factors Associated with School Nurse Ratios: Key State Informants' Perceptions

This paper is the second of a two-part series examining factors influencing school nurse to pupil staffing ratios. The paper reports data from a qualitative study exploring the social and political factors that potentially influence ratios. Interviews were conducted with 30 key state informants from these states. Content analysis of the data identified common themes. Positive factors reported to influence ratios included: the approach taken to effect change, value placed upon school nurses, local support (from both educators and parents) and community buy-in, fear of litigation, and dynamic leadership. Barriers to improving ratios included: lack of funding and misunderstanding of the role of the school nurse. Philosophical beliefs and state geography were “swing” factors that influenced staffing positively or negatively. This study adds to our knowledge of the factors influencing staffing and highlights important social and political factors that school nurses can target to improve nurse to pupil ratios.