cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered quinpirole-induced local cerebral glucose utilization in anterior cortical regions in rats after sensitization to quinpirole.

Dopaminergic psychostimulants produce behavioral responses of greater magnitude with repeated, intermittent administration, than a single, acute dose, a phenomenon known as “sensitization.” Most studies of sensitization have focused on the “motive circuit”; however, some additional anterior cortical regions also appear to be affected. In this study, alterations in regional neuronal activity in anterior cortical brain areas produced by quinpirole, a D2/D3 agonist, were assessed on the basis of local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) using the [14C]-2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) method. Adult, male Long-Evans rats (180–200 g, n = 7–9/group) were subjected to ten injections of quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) administered every third day; controls and drug-naive rats received saline. Locomotor activity was quantitated after injections one and ten to confirm sensitization. The 2-DG procedure was initiated 60 min after an 11th injection in freely moving rats. LCGU was determined in 11 anterior cortical brain regions by quantitative autoradiography. In drug-naive rats, quinpirole decreased LCGU in the cingulate cortex-area 3 (−16%) and infralimbic cortex (−16%). In sensitized rats, quinpirole decreased LCGU in the cingulate cortex-area 1 (−19%), frontal cortex-area 3 (−19%), lateral orbital cortex (−18%), medial/ventral orbital cortex (−17%), and parietal cortex (−17%) as well as in the cingulate cortex-area 3 (−19%) and infralimbic cortex (−20%); (all P < 0.05 v. control). This suggests that decreased neuronal activity in the cingulate cortex-area 1, frontal cortex-area 3, lateral orbital cortex, medial/ventral orbital cortex, and parietal cortex, in addition to altered activity in the motive circuit, may underlie the augmented behavioral response to quinpirole in sensitized animals.
Amplitude of evoked potentials as a function of slow presenting rates of repetitive auditory stimulation

Abstract Relationships between amplitude of auditory evoked potentials and rate of presenting bursts of pure tones for relatively slow presenting rates were investigated using unanesthetized cats with chronically implanted electrodes. Centrally, at the auditory cortex, amplitude increased as rate decreased, a relationship which failed to become asymptotic even at the slowest rate used, one stimulus per 10 sec. Peripherally, at the cochlear nucleus, no relationship between amplitude and rate was observed. These relationships were unrelated to stimulus frequency. That is, two frequencies presented in an alternating sequence yielded amplitudes equivalent to those for stimuli at a single frequency presented at the same overall rate.
Cell culture model for acetaminophen-induced hepatocyte death in vivo

Overdose of the popular, and relatively safe, analgesic acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP, paracetamol) can produce a fatal centrilobular liver injury. APAP-induced cell death was investigated in a differentiated, transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha)-overexpressing, hepatocyte cell line and found to occur at concentrations, and over time frames, relevant to clinical overdose situations. Coordinated multiorganellar collapse was evident during APAP-induced cytotoxicity with widespread, yet selective, protein degradation events in vitro. Cellular proteasomal activity was inhibited with APAP treatment but not with the comparatively nonhepatotoxic APAP regioisomer, N-acetyl-m-aminophenol (AMAP). Low concentrations of the proteasome-directed inhibitor MG132 (N-carbobenzoxyl-Leu-Leu-Leucinal) increased chromatin condensation and cellular stress responses preferentially in AMAP-treated cultures, suggesting a contribution of the proteasome in APAP- but not AMAP-mediated cell death. APAP-specific alterations to mitochondria were observed morphologically with evidence of mitochondrial proliferation in vitro. Biochemical alterations to cellular proteolytic events were also found in vivo, including APAP- or AMAP-mediated inhibition of caspase-3 processing. These results indicate that, although retaining some attributes of apoptosis, both APAP- and AMAP-mediated cell death have additional distinctive features consistent with longer term necrosis.
The Impact of Regulatory Focus on Adolescents' Response to Antismoking Advertising Campaigns

Abstract The authors demonstrate that antismoking advertisements are the most persuasive when the viewers' regulatory focus, the message's regulatory focus, and the message frame function synergistically. In two experiments, 1000 adolescents saw either antismoking advertising about smoking's social consequences or control advertising in a television show. The authors find that for promotion-focused adolescents, a promotion-focused positively framed antismoking message is the most effective at persuading them not to smoke; for prevention-focused adolescents, a prevention-focused negatively framed antismoking message is the most effective. The enhanced ad effectiveness is mediated by message accessibility and diagnosticity.
The prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease—a practical approach for the fetal sonographer

With the widespread use of diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate the human fetus, it is now possible to diagnose a number of anomalies of varying organ systems. Although most anomalies of the central nervous, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and skeletal systems are recognizable at birth, serious ones involving the cardiovascular system are often silent until the neonate demonstrates signs of cardiovascular compromise. Because an ever increasing number of fetuses are routinely scanned during pregnancy, it becomes imperative to incorporate a simple, logical approach to screen for cardiovascular disease during each fetal examination. The approach outlined in this paper would suggest that one method is the routine examination of the four-chamber view. Although there are a number of fetal and maternal risk factors which predispose to congenital heart disease, we have diagnosed a number of anomalies simply on the basis of the "screening" four-chamber examination in the "low-risk" fetus. For this reason, an attempt to examine the four-chamber view of the fetal heart should be done during each routine fetal examination. If an abnormality is noted, then a Level II, or consultative echocardiographic examination should be carried out. If a fetus at risk for congenital heart disease is being examined, a complete examination of the cardiovascular system (Levels I and II) should be performed. If the above approaches are integrated into obstetrical scanning, in the not too distant future it will be commonplace to diagnose cardiovascular anomalies prior to birth and thus provide the best care during the transition from the intrauterine to the extrauterine environment for the potentially cardiovascularly compromised neonate. The experience gained in our laboratory during the past 5 years strongly suggests that what is "today's research will become tomorrow's clinical tool."
Filter tuning system using fuzzy logic

The authors describe an expert system approach for tuning filters using fuzzy logic. The proposed system adjusts the filter components in order to meet the given window specifications. The system is described and experimental results are presented for a lowpass filter implemented with OTAs.
Evaluation of Intestinal Staples for End-to-end Anastomosis of the Small Intestine in the Horse

Segments of jejunum that had been subjected to ischemia 1 month previously were resected en bloc in six horses. Everted end-to-end anastomoses were performed by application of double rows of stainless steel staples. The anastomotic sites were examined at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 8 months postoperatively. All but one of the horses experienced colic at some point after the second postoperative week. At 3 weeks, there was extensive adhesion and stricture formation associated with the anastomoses. With increasing time postoperatively, there were progressively less severe adhesions and strictures. At 6 and 8 months, there was separation of the muscularis with noticeable thinning at the anastomotic site.
Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in California 1991 to 2001: Does Hospital Volume Affect Outcomes?

Abstract This study reports the relationship between hospital surgical volume and outcomes after total knee arthroplasty. Discharge data from 1991 to 2001 were obtained from California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development and linked to California death records. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to examine the association between hospital volume and complications. The models were adjusted for patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance type, Charlson comorbidity index, hospital type and size, year of surgery, and whether patients underwent bilateral procedures. A total of 222684 primary total knee arthroplasties were identified during the study period. Patients treated at low volume hospitals had a higher likelihood in the 90 days after discharge of death (rate 0.55% vs 0.49%, odds ratio [OR] 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.98, P = .004), and readmission for infection (1.13% vs 0.65%, OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.21-2.12, P = .001), pulmonary embolism (0.48% vs 0.39%, OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07-1.97, P = .016), and thrombophlebitis (0.49% vs 0.28%, OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.47-3.05, P ≤ .001). This study confirms the relationship of lower hospital volumes to a higher OR for complications after total knee arthroplasty.
A Real-Data Numerical Study of the Development of Precipitation along the Edge of an Elevated Mixed Layer

Abstract An 18-h numerical simulation of the weather associated with the severe-storm outbreak in the region of the Texas-Oklahoma panhandles, during the AVE-SESAME IV study period (9–10 May 1979), was performed using the Pennsylvania State University/National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU/NCAR) mesoscale model. This simulation and the related sensitivity tests provided the four-dimensional data sets that were used to reach a better understanding of the processes that were involved in this case in the development of severe convection along the edge of the elevated mixed layer (EML). The sensitivity studies were performed to isolate the contributions of differential surface forcing, latent heating and the low-level moisture gradient to the development of the underrunning, its intensification, and the heavy rainfall. These studies showed that the differential surface heating at the edge of the EML is the most important single factor responsible for initiating the underrunning, and therefore the preci...
Detecting initial orthostatic hypotension: a novel approach

Our purpose, by modification of standard bedside tilt-testing, was to search for lesser known but important initial orthostatic hypotension (IOH), occurring transiently within the first 30 seconds of standing, heretofore only detectable with sophisticated continuous photoplethysmographic monitoring systems, not readily available in most medical facilities. In screened outpatients over 60 years of age, supine blood pressure (BP) parameters were recorded. To achieve readiness for immediate BP after standing, the cuff was re-inflated prior to standing, rather than after. Immediate, 1-, and 3-minute standing BPs were recorded. One hundred fifteen patients were studied (mean age, 71.1 years; 50.5% male). Eighteen (15.6%) had OH, of whom 14 (12.1%) had classical OH, and four (3.5%) had IOH. Early standing BP detection time was 20.1 ± 5.3 seconds. Immediate transient physiologic systolic BP decline was detected in non-OH (-8.8 ± 9.9 mm Hg; P < .0001). In contrast to classical OH (with lesser but persistent orthostatic BP decrements), IOH patients had immediate mean orthostatic systolic/diastolic BP change of -32.8 (±13.8) mm Hg/-14.0 (±8.5) mm Hg (P < .02), with recovery back to baseline by 1 minute. Two of the four IOH patients had pre-syncopal symptoms. For the first time, using standard inflation-deflation BP equipment, immediate transient standing physiologic BP decrement and IOH were demonstrated. This preliminary study confirms proof of principle that manual BP cuff inflation prior to standing may be useful and practical in diagnosing IOH, and may stimulate direct comparative studies with continuous monitoring systems.
On the critical failure mode transition depth for rock cutting

Abstract It has been established that, in rock cutting as well as in indentation, there exist two failure modes. In the case of rock cutting, when the depth of cut is shallow the rock fails in ductile mode, and as the depth of cut increases the failure shifts to brittle mode. The critical depth, at which the failure mode transition sharpens, is proportional to some material characteristic length. This study explored the means by which this critical transition depth could be obtained. Considering the depth of cut as a measure of size and treating rock cutting to be similar in geometry, this study first demonstrated that Bažant's simple size effect equation for quasibrittle material fit rock-cutting data very well. This led to a further exploration of a characteristic length measure that has been widely used in concrete fracture research. With the aid of finite element analysis and few test data points, the critical depth was expressed in terms of the rock characteristic length. Aided by empirical relationships, the critical depth was also shown to be a function of rock uniaxial compressive strength.
A Germanium N-P-N Alloy Junction Transistor

This paper describes a germanium n-p-n alloy junction transistor which is the counterpart to the germanium p-n-p junction transistor previously described. The importance of this new device arises from a fundamental difference between the two types. In the p-n-p transistor the active charge carriers are positive "holes"; in the n-p-n transistor the active charge carriers are negative electrons. Because these devices operate from power sources of opposite polarity, the two types may be advantageously combined in special circuits to eliminate components and fulfill unusual requirements. Because the electron mobility is more than twice that of holes, one of the factors affecting high-frequency response is more favorable for the n-p-n transistor than for its p-n-p counterpart. This n-p-n junction transistor is made by fusing a binary leadantimony alloy into each of the two opposite faces of a thin wafer of p-type single-crystal germanium. Since this alloy is ductile, the electrodes may be made relatively large if desired, as there is less danger of introducing differential expansion strains. The techniques and processes of assembly are similar to those employed for p-n-p junction transistors by the alloy process. However, a difference arises from the more uniform penetration afforded by the binary alloy. This leads to more planar junctions and permits better control of junction spacing. Distribution curves on a typical lot of 100 units are given; best power gain was 45 db, "alpha" 0.997 and 1-kc noise factor, 3 db. High "alpha" is maintained as the collector current is increased.
Semiclassical approximation for electron impact excitation of hydrogenic ions

The threshold behavior of the electron impact excitation cross sections for hydrogenic ions is investigated using the semiclassical approximation with the hyperbolic orbit for the projectile path, rather than the straight line path. The symmetric approximation is applied to modify the ordinary hyperbolic orbit. The modification factor due to the hyperbolic orbit approximation produces the correct energy dependence of the cross section near the excitation threshold. This result is very similar to that of the quantum mechanical case. The semiclassical enhancement factor due to this simple modification corresponds to the Coulomb focusing factor in the Born-Bethe approximation. In the high-energy limit, the semiclassical cross sections approach the Born-Bethe cross sections, with a finite cutoff in the momentum transfer for dipole transitions.
Erratum: Stationary probability distribution near stable limit cycles far from Hopf bifurcation points

We obtain analytic results for the stationary probability distribution in the vicinity of a stable limit cycle for Markov systems described by a Fokker-Planck equation or a birth-death master equation. The results apply best for ranges of parameters removed from Hopf bifurcation points. As a by-product, we demonstrate that there holds a Liouville-like theorem for the stationary probability distribution: the product of the velocity along the limit cycle times the area of the cross section of the probability distribution transverse to the cycle is a constant. A numerical simulation of a chemical model system with a limit cycle shows good agreement with the analytic results.
Diffusion tensor metrics, T2 relaxation, and volumetry of the naturally aging human caudate nuclei in healthy young and middle-aged adults: Possible implications for the neurobiology of human brain aging and disease

In this study of a cohort of 33 young and middle-age adults (19–59 years) we report simultaneous measurements of normal age-related changes in the caudate nuclei volume, diffusion tensor metrics, and T2 relaxation time. Both the absolute caudate volume and its ratio relative to the total intracranial volume decreased rapidly with age in both men and women (r = −0.55; P 0.05). Our preliminary findings warrant further studies on the older and aging adults and indicate that caudate diffusion tensor imaging-derived metrics can be used as surrogates in modeling the neuronal substrates of gray matter atrophy. Magn Reson Med, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Transferable development rights markets

Abstract Several legislative proposals utilizing the concept of transferable development rights have been advanced in recent years. A chief claim made by their proponents is that the concept enables the same kind of constructive land market intervention as direct land-use controls but without an inequitable distribution of development gains. The validity of this claim is established for certain circumstances in this paper and two specific cases where the concept may be useful are described.
Laboratory studies of plutonium in marine systems

Abstract The chemistry of plutonium in natural waters is among the most complex of any element. Much of this complexity is due to the fact that Pu can exist in up to four oxidation states (III, IV, V, VI) at one time under conditions encountered in the marine environment. The chemical properties of Pu in these different oxidation states differ dramatically. Our examination of thermodynamic and environmental data indicates that speciation of Pu in natural waters is primarily governed by kinetic factors, and that interactions with organic compounds, such as humates, are important. Pu is primarily removed from oceanic waters by adsorption on particle surfaces. Adsorption processes are also governed by reaction kinetics. A major aspect of the adsorption chemistry of Pu on metal oxide surfaces is their ability to promote redox reactions which change the oxidation state of the adsorbed Pu.
Binding of TFIIIA to derivatives of 5S RNA containing sequence substitutions or deletions defines a minimal TFIIIA binding site

The repetitive zinc finger domain of transcription factor IIIA binds 5S DNA and 5S RNA with similar affinity. Site directed mutagenesis of the Xenopus borealis somatic 5S RNA gene has been used to produce a series of derivatives of 5S RNA containing local sequence substitutions or sequence deletions. Gel mobility shift analyses of the binding of TFIIIA to these altered 5S RNAs revealed that all three of the helical stems of the 5S RNA secondary structure are required for binding. TFIIIA was observed to bind with normal affinity to RNAs lacking 12 nucleotides at either the loop c or loop e/helix V regions of 5S RNA, as well as to a double mutant containing both deletions. The secondary structure of the resulting 96-nucleotide RNA, studied using structure-specific ribonucleases, was found to resemble the central portion of 5S RNA.
Acute and sub-chronic functional neurotoxicity of methylphenidate on neural networks in vitro.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is the drug of choice in the treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. Although a popular drug, concentration-dependent electrophysiological alteration or impairment (functional toxicity) and reversibility, have not been quantified. This study used spontaneously active neuronal networks growing on microelectrode arrays (MEA) to investigate functional neurotoxicity of MPH by assessing its acute and sub-chronic electrophysiologic effects on auditory cortex networks (ACN) and frontal cortex networks (FCN) at concentrations that reflect clinical doses and overdoses. Acute exposure to 1–300 µM MPH induced concentration-dependent inhibition of spontaneous activity with spike rate IC50 values (concentration inducing 50% inhibition) of 112.9 ± 18.6 and 108.0 ± 18.9 µM for ACNs and FCNs respectively. Sub-chronic exposure to 1 mM MPH for 24 h blocked all activity followed by partial spontaneous recovery after 15 h. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemistry analysis indicated positive staining of neurons, confirming the presence of catecholaminergic neurons in cultured cortex networks.
Comparative Study of Cellulases Associated with Adventitious Root Initiation, Apical Buds, and Leaf, Flower, and Pod Abscission Zones in Soybean

Cellulase activity was measured in soybean (Glycine max) leaf abscission zones, flower abscission zones, pod abscission zones, apical buds, and adventitious rooting hypocotyls. Immunoprecipitation data showed that a cellulase immunologically similar to the bean abscission cellulase (isoelectric point 9.5) is present in soybean leaf, flower, and pod abscission zones, but is not present in soybean apical buds or rooting hypocotyls. cDNA and genomic clones for two different soybean genes were identified and show sequence similarity with the bean abscission cellulase clone pBAC10. The cDNA clone pSAC1, isolated from a soybean abscission cDNA library, hybridized to transcripts in soybean leaf, flower, and pod abscission zones. Although ethylene has been shown to play a role in the increase in cellulase activity associated with both abscission and adventitious root initiation, no signal was seen for hybridization of the soybean abscission cellulase clone, pSAC1, to RNA from soybean adventitious rooting hypocotyls. In addition, no soybean abscission cellulase transcripts were detected in apical buds. Transcripts for a second soybean cellulase gene (SC2) were not detected in any of the tissues surveyed.
The ethylene–receptor family from Arabidopsis: structure and function

The gaseous hormone ethylene regulates many aspects of plant growth and development. Ethylene is perceived by a family of high-affinity receptors typified by the ETR1 protein from Arabidopsis. The ETR1 gene codes for a protein which contains a hydrophobic N-terminal domain that binds ethylene and a C-terminal domain that is related in sequence to histidine kinase-response regulator two-component signal transducers found in bacteria. A structural model for the ethylene-binding domain is presented in which a Cu(I) ion is coordinated within membrane-spanning alpha-helices of the hydrophobic domain. It is proposed that binding of ethylene to the transition metal would induce a conformational change in the sensor domain that would be propagated to the cytoplasmic transmitter domain of the protein. A total of four additional genes that are related in sequence to ETR1 have been identified in Arabidopsis. Specific missense mutations in any one of the five genes leads to ethylene insensitivity in planta. Models for signal transduction that can account for the genetic dominance of these mutations are discussed.
Personality disorders in cocaine dependence

To assess the relationship between cocaine dependence and personality disorders, we administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Disorders (SCID-II) to 50 patients who were hospitalized for cocaine dependence. We modified the SCID-II so that patients were asked to indicate whether personality traits (if present) occurred during periods of drug use, abstinence, or both. Thirty-seven patients (74%) received at least one axis II diagnosis; 69% of these diagnoses were present both during periods of drug use and abstinence. Only one patient received a diagnosis during periods of drug use alone. These findings suggest that personality disorder diagnoses in cocaine-dependent patients remain relatively stable regardless of current drug use patterns. These data support clinicians' addressing these maladaptive personality traits as part of treatment for cocaine dependence.
Influence of Turbulence Parameters, Reynolds Number, and Body Shape on Stagnation-Region Heat Transfer

The purpose of the present work was threefold: (1) to determine if a free-stream turbulence length scale existed that would cause the greatest augmentation in stagnation-region heat transfer over laminar levels; (2) to investigate the effect of velocity gradient on stagnation-region heat transfer augmentation by free-stream turbulence; and (3) to develop a prediction tool for stagnation heat transfer in the presence of free-stream turbulence. Heat transfer was measured in the stagnation region of four models with elliptical leading edges that had ratios of major to minor axes of 1:1, 1.5:1, 2.25:1, and 3:1. Five turbulence-generating grids were fabricated; four were square mesh, biplane grids made from square bars. The fifth grid was an array of fine parallel wires that were perpendicular to the model spanwise direction. Heat transfer data were taken at Reynolds numbers ranging from 37 000 to 228 000. Turbulence intensities were in the range of 1.1 to 15.9% while the ratio of integral length scale to leading-edge diameter ranged from 0.05 to 0.30. Stagnation-point velocity gradient was varied by nearly 50%. Stagnation-region heat transfer augmentation was found to increase with decreasing length scale but no optimum length scale was found. Heat transfer augmentation due to turbulence was found to be unaffected by the velocity gradient near the leading edge. A correlation was developed that fit heat transfer data for the square-bar grids to within +/- 4%.
Polarized ir spectra of single crystals of propanoic acid

Abstract Single Crystals of propanoic acid were grown in a diamond-window Cell under high pressure at room temperature. Polarized ir Spectra of the Single Crystals were investigated and assignments of the Bands were Made taking the Crystal Structure into Consideration. Mid- and far-IR Spectra of the acid and Some deuterated acids in various physical States were also investigated and all of the observed Bands were interpreted in terms of a hydrogen-bonded Cyclic dimer. The only exception was the vapor at about 100° which Showed a Spectrum for Monomeric acid without hydrogen Bonds. A rough Normal-coordinate Calculation was Carried out for the out-of-plane vibrations of the dimers.
The high mobility group protein 1 enhances binding of the estrogen receptor DNA binding domain to the estrogen response element

We have examined the ability of the high-mobility group protein 1 (HMG1) to alter binding of the estrogen receptor DNA-binding domain (DBD) to the estrogen response element (ERE). HMG1 dramatically enhanced binding of purified, bacterially expressed DBD to the consensus vitellogenin A2 ERE in a dose-dependent manner. The ability of HMG1 to stabilize the DBD-ERE complex resulted in part from a decrease in the dissociation rate of the DBD from the ERE. Antibody supershift experiments demonstrated that HMG1 was also capable of forming a ternary complex with the ERE-bound DBD in the presence of HMG1-specific antibody. HMG1 did not substantially affect DBD-ERE contacts as assessed by methylation interference assays, nor did it alter the ability of the DBD to induce distortion in ERE-containing DNA fragments. Because HMG1 dramatically enhanced estrogen receptor DBD binding to the ERE, and the DBD is the most highly conserved region among the nuclear receptor superfamily members, HMG1 may function to enhance binding of other nuclear receptors to their respective response elements and act in concert with coactivator proteins to regulate expression of hormone-responsive genes.
The Effects of Facial Close-Ups and Viewers' Sex on Empathy and Intentions to Help People in Need

This study examines the interaction effects of camera perspectives used to portray a victim of a social problem and the sex of audience members on empathy and intentions to help people sharing the victim's problem. As predicted, the study found interaction effects for camera perspectives and viewers' sex on empathy and care for the victim group. The findings corroborate not only the role played by empathy in inducing care for people in need but also the parallels between one's real and mediated experiences. Most importantly, the findings contribute to our understanding of how media portrayals of human suffering can increase empathy for those in need.
Strained and Relaxed SiGe for High-Mobility MOSFETs

In this talk, the authors first review the earlier results on high-mobility, biaxially strained Si, SiGe, and Ge channels grown on relaxed Si1-xGex/Si(001) buffers. Next, they discuss their experiments with SiGe growth on Si(110) and (111), with a particular emphasis on the unique dislocation morphologies that emerge. The author will also show that the growth kinetics and dislocation behavior on (110) and (111) have significance for SiGe source/drain technology
Remote Sensed Mountain Forest FVC and Its Seasonal Variability Analysis

Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) is an important indicator of mountain ecosystem status. A study on seasonal changes of FVC can be beneficial for regional eco-environment security. Remote sensing has been demonstrated to be one of the most powerful and feasible tools for investigation of mountain vegetation. However, topographic and atmospheric effects can produce enormous errors in the quantitative retrieval of forest parameters, such as FVC, from satellite images of mountain areas. Moreover, the most commonly used analysis approach of FVC seasonal fluctuations is based on per-pixel regardless of its spatial context, which results in pixel-based FVC values not feasible to landscape and ecosystem applications. In order to solve these problems, we proposed a new method that incorporated use of a revised physically-based (RPB) model to correct both atmospheric and terrain-caused illumination effects on Landsat images, an improved VI-based technique for estimating FVC, and an adaptive mean shift approach for object-based FVC segmentation. An array of metrics for segmented FVC analyses, including a variety of area metrics, patch metrics, shape metrics and diversity metrics, was generated. Based on the multitemporal segmented FVC values and landscape metrics, remote sensing of seasonal variability of FVC was carried out over the Beijing mountain area, China. The experimental results indicate that (a) the mean value of RPB-NDVI in all seasons was increased about 10% compared to that of atmospheric correction-NDVI; (b) a good consistency was shown between ground based FVC observations and FVC estimated through remote sensing technology (R2 = 0.8527, RMSE = 0.0851); and (c) seasonal change of landscape characteristics existed and the landscape diversity reached its maximum in May and June in the study area.
Infrared Microsampling by Diffuse Reflectance Fourier Transform Spectrometry

It is shown that diffuse reflectance techniques enable increased sensitivity to be obtained for infrared microsampling compared with the use of KBr micropellets. When nonabsorbing matrices, such as KCl, are used, detection limits of less than 10 ng of samples are observed. Samples absorbed on graphitized substrates, which have a fairly strong general absorption but few intense absorption bands, may also be studied but at somewhat reduced sensitivity. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectrometry does not appear to be particularly useful for studying adsorbates on silica gel, which is not only a strong infrared absorber but also has a surface which is so active that small changes in the surface structure can change the spectrum significantly. Extraction of sample spots from thin layer chromatography plates followed by deposition onto KCl yields much better results than in situ measurements.
Application of color Doppler flow mapping to calculate orifice area of St Jude mitral valve.

BACKGROUND: The effective orifice area (EOA) of a prosthetic valve is superior to transvalvular gradients as a measure of valve function, but measurement of mitral prosthesis EOA has not been reliable. METHODS AND RESULTS: In vitro flow across St Jude valves was calculated by hemispheric proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) and segment-of-spheroid (SOS) methods. For steady and pulsatile conditions, PISA and SOS flows correlated with true flow, but SOS and not PISA underestimated flow. These principles were then used intraoperatively to calculate cardiac output and EOA of newly implanted St Jude mitral valves in 36 patients. Cardiac output by PISA agreed closely with thermodilution (r=0.91, Delta=-0.05+/-0.55 L/min), but SOS underestimated it (r=0.82, Delta=-1.33+/-0.73 L/min). Doppler EOAs correlated with Gorlin equation estimates (r=0.75 for PISA and r=0.68 for SOS, P<0.001) but were smaller than corresponding in vitro EOA estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal flow convergence methods can calculate forward flow and estimate EOA of St Jude mitral valves, which may improve noninvasive assessment of prosthetic mitral valve obstruction.
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia Late After Myocardial Infarction

Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a promising method for controlling ventricular tachycardia (VT) due to prior myocardial infarction. Limitations of mapping and ablation techniques have largely restricted its use to selected patients who have hemodynamically tolerated sustained monomorphic VT that allows catheter mapping. Multiple monomorphologies of VT, which are usually present, often complicate the ablation procedure and interpretation of ablation effects. Ablation is generally restricted to experienced centers and is usually reserved for patients who have failed other therapies. Despite these difficulties, successful ablation can be life-saving in patients with incessant VT and can markedly improve quality of life with frequent shocks from implantable defibrillators.
A New Route To Stabilize the Smectic C Phase in a Series of Laterally Attached Side-Chain Liquid Crystalline Polynorbornenes with a One-Carbon Spacer

A series of polynorbornenes (PNBEs) with 1,4-bis[((3'-fluoro-4'-n-alkoxyphenyl)ethynyl]-benzene mesogens (n = 9-12) laterally attached to the polymer backbone through a one-carbon spacer were previously synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization of the corresponding norbornene-based monomers. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) experiments demonstrate that the mesogens organize into the tilted layer structure of a smectic C (S C ) phase at room temperature, and polarized light microscopy demonstrates that the highest temperature ordered phase is a nematic (N) phase. Upon heating above room temperature, the tilt angle of the S C phase of all of the PNBEs (n = 9-12) continuously decreases, especially at temperatures above 70 °C for the PNBEs (n = 9-11) and 60 °C for the PNBE (n = 12). However, the S C phase of the PNBEs (n = 9-11) transforms to a N phase before the tilt angle reaches zero. That is, the S A phase is never actually achieved in the PNBEs (n = 9-11), although the decrease in the tilt angles corresponds to a broad endotherm in the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments in the same temperature region. This speculation is proven by the stable S A phase of PNBE (n = 12) observed by WAXD at temperatures above 83 °C. The transition between the S C and S A phases is not a first-order transition according to DSC measurements and is instead a second-order transition based on the gradual decrease to 0° in the tilt angle, which serves as an order parameter.
Low AUA symptom score independently predicts positive prostate needle biopsy: results from a racially diverse series of 411 patients.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the prebiopsy parameters, including the American Urological Association symptom score (AUASS), that may be predictive of positive biopsy. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy of the prostate represents the reference standard in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Methods A total of 411 consecutive men undergoing TRUS biopsy were prospectively evaluated. The indications for biopsy were abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) findings and/or an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. A single surgeon (C.R.P.) examined all the men. DRE and TRUS were each given a level of suspicion between 1 (low suspicion—smooth DRE, homogeneous TRUS) and 5 (high suspicion—hard DRE, hypoechoic lesion). A level of suspicion of 3 or greater was considered abnormal. The prebiopsy parameters examined included PSA level, age, race, biopsy history, prostate volume, TRUS-detected lesion, and AUASS. Results Of 411 men, 62% were African American and 38% were white. The mean PSA level was 11.6 ng/mL. The mean patient age was 65.3 years. Overall, 39% of men had abnormal DRE and 32% abnormal TRUS findings. The mean AUASS was 9.3. The positive biopsy rate was 40.8%. Univariate analysis demonstrated that age, PSA level, prostate volume, abnormal DRE findings, TRUS-detected lesion, and AUASS (less than 7, low) were all predictive of a positive biopsy ( P P = 0.38). Detailed analysis of the AUASS in the 411 men indicated that 41% had low symptom scores (less than 7), 32% had moderate scores (8 to 19), and 27% had severe scores (20 to 35). In the group of men with low symptom scores (n = 169), univariate analysis demonstrated that age, PSA level, prostate volume, and abnormal TRUS findings were all statistically significant predictors of positive biopsy ( P P Conclusions In this prospective study, the independent predictors of positive TRUS biopsy included age, PSA level, prostate volume, abnormal DRE findings, and low AUASS. A low AUASS may be an important variable to consider when counseling patients before biopsy and when designing patient algorithms for prostate biopsy.
Patterns of macroinvertebrate abundance in inland saline wetlands: a trophic analysis

We used stable isotopes and gut-content analysis to compare trophic relations of macroinvertebrates between two types of saline wetlands in the Laramie Basin, Wyoming, USA. Amphipods (Hyallela azteca), chironomid larvae, and predatory insects (mainly Zygopteran larvae) occurred in both wetland types. However, in oligosaline wetlands (0.5–5‰ total dissolved solids) amphipods were dominant, whereas in mesosaline wetlands (5–18‰) amphipods were scarce and chironomid larvae and predatory insects were much more abundant. Salinity alone seemed inadequate to explain these differences, so we examined trophic interactions to address three main questions: (1) why are predatory insects more abundant in mesosaline wetlands, (2) why are chironomid larvae less abundant in oligosaline wetlands, and (3) why are amphipods uncommon in mesosaline wetlands? Zygopteran larvae ate mainly chironomid larvae and zooplankton, and did not eat amphipods; chironomid larvae were an average 93 dry mass of zygopteran intake. Guts of amphipods contained no animal parts and little vascular plant tissue, but rather mainly amorphous detritus. Chironomid larvae ate amorphous detritus as well as diatoms. There is potential for competition between amphipods and chironomids, but the nature of amorphous detritus in these wetlands needs further study. Because amphipods appear unavailable as prey for predatory insects, top-down impacts on chironomid larvae may be greater in oligosaline than in mesosaline wetlands. Our results suggest that (1) predatory zygopteran larvae and hemipterans are more abundant in mesosaline wetlands due to more abundant chironomid prey, (2) chironomids are less common in oligosaline wetlands because of both competition with amphipods and greater per capita consumption by predatory insects, and (3) amphipods are scarce in mesosaline wetlands because, lacking a resting stage and mode of direct dispersal, they do not cope well with extremes created by hydrologic instability in mesosaline wetlands. These mechanisms may apply to wetlands in other regions where similar patterns of invertebrate community structure have been reported.
Media echoes: Systemic effects of news coverage

This paper examines the effect of massive media coverage on a judicial system by analyzing 3,453 felony cases tried over a 10-year period. The cases span five years preceding and five years following two heavily covered daycare child abuse trials in Miami, Florida. Significant case-processing shifts provide evidence of coverage “echo” effects, which have been hypothesized to exist in the literature but have not been established empirically. High-profile case publicity echoes are thought to reverberate through judicial systems and to condition them to process similarly charged but nonpublicized cases differently than they would have been processed otherwise. Because they affect nonpublicized low-profile cases, news media echoes expand the effects of news coverage on the judicial system far beyond single high-profile cases. Although a significant echo is found in this study, it does not extend to all possible processing effects. The need to empirically study other media echoes in other jurisdictions is indi...
Hormone by Reserpine and Potentiation of Synthetic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-Induced Release of Luteinizing Hormone by Estrogen in the Ovariectomized Ewe

These experiments tested the effectsof reserpine on estrogen-induced LH release andthe effects of estrogen on gonadotropin-releasinghormone-induced LH release in ovariectomizedewes. Injection of 50, 200, or 500 μ,g of estradiolbenzoate (EB) into progesterone-treated ewes, orof 50 μg of EB into non-treated ewes induced a largesurge in serum LH levels approximately 15 h later.Injection of 5 mg/ewe of reserpine 6 h prior to theEB, blocked the LH surge. Reserpine reduced,but did not block the release of LH induced by injectionof 20 μg or 40 μg of synthetic gonadotropinreleasinghormone (GnRH). Injection of gradeddoses (5, 10, or 20 μg) of GnRH into progesteronetreatedewes that had been treated with reserpine,induced increases in serum LH levels that wereproportional to the logarithm of the dose. In thefinal series of experiments both progesteronetreatedand non-treated ewes were injected withreserpine and then with either EB or oil. Fifteenhours after receiving EB or oil they were injectedwith either GnRH or th...
Constraining parity violation in gravity with measurements of neutron-star moments of inertia

Neutron stars are sensitive laboratories for testing general relativity, especially when considering deviations where velocities are relativistic and gravitational fields are strong. One such deviation is described by dynamical, Chern-Simons modified gravity, where the Einstein-Hilbert action is modified through the addition of the gravitational parity-violating Pontryagin density coupled to a field. This four-dimensional effective theory arises naturally both in perturbative and nonperturbative string theory, loop quantum gravity, and generic effective field theory expansions. We calculate here Chern-Simons modifications to the properties and gravitational fields of slowly spinning neutron stars. We find that the Chern-Simons correction affects only the gravitomagnetic sector of the metric to leading order, thus introducing modifications to the moment-of-inertia but not to the mass-radius relation. We show that an observational determination of the moment-of-inertia to an accuracy of 10%, as is expected from near-future observations of the double pulsar, will place a constraint on the Chern-Simons coupling constant of {xi}{sup 1/4} < or approx. 5 km, which is at least three-orders of magnitude stronger than the previous strongest bound.
Electrophysiological evidence for locus coeruleus norepinephrine autoreceptor subsensitivity following subchronic administration of d-amphetamine

Abstract The effect produced by subchronic administration of d -amphetamine ( d -AMP) on the sensitivity of norepinephrine (NE) autoreceptors in the rat locus coeruleus (LC) was studied by means of single unit recording and microiontophoretic techniques. Twice daily i.p. administration of 5 mg/kg d -AMP for one week markedly reduced the ability of i.v. d -AMP and microiontophoretic application of clonidine to suppress the firing of LC NE neurons, suggesting strongly that NE autoreceptors became subsensitive. In addition, the firing pattern of NE neurons became ‘disorganized’ following subchronic AMP treatment.
Parameter Estimation in Linear Models with Heteroscedastic Variances Subject to Order Restrictions

Estimation of parameters in linear fixed and mixed effects models, under order restrictions on the error variances, is considered in this article. For simplicity of exposition, we shall assume that the error variances are subject to simple order restriction. Similar methodology can be developed for other forms of order restrictions as well.
Ototoxicity: understanding oxidative mechanisms.

tice and research.Through understanding the underlying mechanisms of ototoxic hearing loss, we have the very real possibility of developing new drugs in the near future that either do not have ototoxicity as a side effect or work specifically to prevent ototoxicity as a side effect of other drugs. The mechanisms of ototoxic damage and protection can be complex but some general concepts apply. In virtually all scientific journals and even in the popular press, we read about “oxidative damage” and “oxidative stress” as a factor in many degenerative processes. Although oxidative processes are part of normal metabolic activity, they also play a major role in many disease processes and in aging. Oxidative damage is also a common factor in cisplatin-induced, aminoglycoside-induced, and noise-induced hearing loss. Therefore audiologists and others working in hearing loss prevention should have a working knowledge of oxidative mechanisms. The following is a list of terms and concepts that may be helpful in reading the articles on ototoxicity in this issue of JAAA.
Surfing the biomarker tsunami at JACC: heart failure.

Although heart failure (HF) remains a fundamentally clinical diagnosis, substantial advances in the understanding of the underlying biology and pathophysiology of this syndrome has led to a greater interest in objective means to quantify its presence, severity, and potential future progression.