cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary glutamate: interactions with the enteric nervous system.

Methods Pharmacological analysis of actions of receptor agonists and antagonists in concert with immunohistochemical localization of glutamate transporters and receptors was used. Analysis focused on intracellularly-recorded electrical and synaptic behavior of ENS neurons, on stimulation of mucosal secretion by secretomotor neurons in the submucosal plexus and on muscle con- tractile behavior mediated by musculomotor neurons in the myenteric plexus. Results Immunoreactivity for glutamate was expressed in ENS neurons. ENS neurons expressed immunoreactivity for the EAAC-1 gluta- mate transporter. Neither L-glutamate nor glutamatergic receptor agonists had excitatory actions on ENS neurons. Metabotropic glutamatergic receptor agonists did not directly stimulate neurogenic mucosal chloride secretion. Neither L-gluta- mate nor the metabotropic glutamatergic receptor agonist, aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD), changed the mean amplitude of spontaneously occurring contractions in circular or longitudinal strips of intestinal wall from either guinea pig or human small intestinal preparations.
Compositional variations in the undercooled Pb--Sn eutectic solidified at various acceleration levels

Ingots of Pb-61.9 Sn were undercooled and solidified under increasing gravity levels in order to investigate the effects of segregation. The onset of convective flow subsequent to the nucleation of lead is demonstrated. It is shown that when material system in the molten state contains constituents of varying densities, the combination of gravitational forces on the nucleating species and the amount of undercooling of the melt will determine the resultant segregation.
Communicating Information to Patients: The Use of Cartoon Illustrations to Improve Comprehension of Instructions

Objective: To evaluate the effect of cartoon illustrations on patient comprehension of and compliance with ED release instructions. Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled study of consecutive patients who presented to the ED of a community teaching hospital with lacerations necessitating wound repair during a three-month study period. At ED release, the patients were randomly assigned to receive wound care instructions with or without cartoon illustrations. Three days later, the patients were followed up by telephone. A blinded investigator asked a series of questions designed to test the patient's recall of, understanding of, and compliance with wound care instructions. Results: A total of 234 patients were successfully contacted by telephone; 105 (45%) had been given ED release instructions with cartoons, 129 (55%), without cartoons. There was no significant difference in age, gender, level of education, or satisfaction with the ED visit between the two groups. The patients given cartoon instructions were more likely to have read the instructions (98% vs 79%, p < 0. 001), were more likely to answer all wound care questions correctly (46% vs 6%, p < 0. 001), and were more compliant with daily wound care (77% vs 54%, p < 0. 01). Subset analysis of those patients who had less than a high school education (n = 57) demonstrated even larger differences between the two treatment groups in terms of comprehension of and compliance with ED release instructions. Conclusion: Cartoon illustrations are an effective strategy for conveying information and may improve patient compliance with ED release instructions.
Sociopragmatic analysis of Korean requests: pedagogical settings

Abstract The purpose of this investigation is to identify and describe sociopragmatic features of American KFL learners in the Korean communicative act of request. For this study, 50 female KFL learners were asked to respond in Korean to 12 different situations in which they carry out the speech act of request. Their Korean performances were compared to those of 50 female Korean native speakers in order to identify deviations and problems which the American KFL learners were confronted with when trying to acquire this particular communicative function. Fifty female American English native speakers also participated in order to provide baseline intra-cultural data as a possible source of the learners’ deviant realization behaviors from target norms. The data, collected from a Discourse Completion Task (DCT), were analyzed descriptively in terms of sociopragmatic aspects. In the analysis, 17 semantic formulae for request supportive move (RSM) in Korean were developed, and five semantic formulae for request head act (RHA) in Korean were established. On the whole, the request supportive move formulae usage patterns of the respective groups support a stereotypical description of Koreans as being more hierarchical, collectivistic, roundabout, and formalistic in comparison to Americans. In addition, the semantic formulae usage patterns of the KFL learners were consistent with those of the American English native speakers, indicative of an L1 transfer effect. Moreover, the request behaviors of the KFL learners were more verbose and varied in forms than those of the Korean native speakers.
Noncontact detection of homemade explosive constituents via photodissociation followed by laser-induced fluorescence.

Noncontact detection of the homemade explosive constituents urea nitrate, nitromethane and ammonium nitrate is achieved using photodissociation followed by laser-induced fluorescence (PD-LIF). Our technique utilizes a single ultraviolet laser pulse (~7 ns) to vaporize and photodissociate the condensed-phase materials, and then to detect the resulting vibrationally-excited NO fragments via laser-induced fluorescence. PD-LIF excitation and emission spectra indicate the creation of NO in vibrationally-excited states with significant rotational energy, useful for low-background detection of the parent compound. The results for homemade explosives are compared to one another and 2,6-dinitrotoluene, a component present in many military explosives.
RhoGDI signaling provides targets for cancer therapy

Rho GDP-Dissociation Inhibitors (RhoGDIs) are important regulators of the Rho family of small GTPases. The expression of RhoGDIs is altered in a variety of cancers and they have been shown to mediate several processes during tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Using examples of RhoGDI-mediated signaling and expression patterns in endothelial cells as well as pancreatic, breast, and bladder cancer, the multitude of potential cancer therapeutic targets presented by a better understanding of their function is illustrated. Several novel therapeutic strategies are proposed for intervening in RhoGDI signaling, and potential complications arising from their implementation are discussed.
SU-E-T-355: A Novel Ophthalmic Applicator Design for Brachytherapy for Conjunctival Melanoma

Purpose: To design and construct a novel ophthalmic brachytherapy applicator for the treatment of conjunctival melanoma using I‐125 radioactive seed sources to overcome the dosimetric limitations of the commonly used standard Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) plaques. Methods: A commercially available polymethylmethacrylate conformer (Gulden Ophtalmics, Elkins Park, PA) was employed to hold a total of 12 low dose I‐125 seeds (model IAI‐125A, IsoAid, LLC, Port Richey, FL) distributed along the periphery of the conformer. Three dimensional dose distribution was calculated using the Plaque Simulator software (EyePhysics, LLC, Los Alamitos, CA) to optimize seed distribution pattern. The AAPM TG‐43 dose calculation formulism was utilized within the software. Results: The seed distribution pattern was designed in a way that dose would be delivered to the conjunctival tissue,while limiting the dose to the cornea and lens. Once the design was finalized, each slot for the seed was fabricated using a 6‐axis computer numerical control (CNC) machine available at our institution. The slots were milled into the convex side of the conformer to minimize any patient discomfort and to protect the cornea from direct contact with the seeds. Conclusion: The difficulty of treating conjunctival melanomas with COMS eyeplaques due to its unique anatomical distribution called for a custom design brachytherapy applicator. The applicator designed in the current study can effectively deliver radiation dose to affected area while minimizing the dose to the centrally located unaffected tissues.
A comparison of porcine orthotopic liver transplantation using a venous-venous bypass with and without a nonpulsatile perfusion pump.

Liver transplantation is now recognized as a therapeutic option for those with end-stage liver disease that have not had success with conventional forms of medical therapy. Researchers in the field have utilized various animal models including dogs, pigs, rats, and primates for scientific investigation [ 1121. Experience has shown that the swine is particularly suitable for liver transplantation studies due to immunologic, vascular, and hepatobiliary similarities to humans [7, 13151. Operative mortality continues to be a limiting factor, however, because of splanchic congestion which occurs during the anhepatic phase leading to intestinal distension, ischemia, and hemodynamic instability. Efforts to relieve venous congestion after recipient hepatectomy have included the use of various passive external shunts from the portal to systemic venous systems [7-9, 131. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the hemodynamic consequences of a passive veno-venous bypass in porcine liver transplantation as well as to compare it to a pump assisted venous-venous bypass during the anhepatic phase of porcine liver transplantation.
Engendering inequality: Processes of sex-segregation on wall street

Women's numbers in high-paying, male-dominated occupations have risen in the past three decades, but they disproportionately hold lower-paying jobs within those occupations. A cohort sample of Wall Street securities professionals shows how sex segregation occurs over time, as men's and women's different experiences lead them to change functions, to change firms, or to leave the securities industry. While seemingly similar processes impinge on the careers of everyone in this exceptionally high-paid occupation, family constraints and gender discrimination produce differential results for similarly qualified men and women. Over time men disproportionately gain the very highest paying Wall Street jobs.
Quantum mechanics: State secrets squeezed

Squeezed states push the limits of quantum measurement precision, but observing them is never straightforward. In spin-1 Bose–Einstein condensates, an elegant algebra reveals squeezed states that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Memorial hospital experience with pelvic exenteration and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the vagina

Abstract The Memorial Hospital experience with pelvic exenteration as the primary method of treatment for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the vagina is presented. The outcome of five patients treated by this method is compared with that previously obtained by combined hysterectomy and vaginectomy. The effect that staging and combination therapy may have on the future outcome of this disease is discussed. Finally, the present program of management is outlined.
Complex alloy powders produced by different atomization techniques: relationship between heat flow and structure

Pre-alloyed powders of Managing 300, IN-100, and MAR-M-509 alloys made by different atomization techniques are compared with respect to chemistry, size, morphology and microstructure. Depending on the process employed and on the size and morphology of the powders produced, measured oxygen contents and secondary dendrite arm spacings vary from 40 ppm to 2000 ppm and 2 to 12μm, respectively. For the Maraging 300 alloy the relationshipd=39.8e −0.30 between secondary dendrite arm spacing,d, and local average cooling rate,e, is established. A simple heat flow analysis is presented which permits calculation of heat-transfer coefficients and solidification times of powders using this relationship. For example, a heat-transfer coefficienth=3.9 × 10−3 cal cm−2 sec−1 ° C−1 is calculated during solidification of steam atomized coarse powders of Maraging 300 alloy.
Depressed outpatients' life contexts, amount of treatment, and treatment outcome.

This paper examines the influence of life context factors and the amount of treatment on treatment outcome after 1 year among 265 unipolar depressed outpatients. Preintake medical conditions, family conflict, and lack of family support predicted poorer treatment outcome. Moreover, patients' family c
The Intersection of Teaching and Advising

Lately I have been thinking about excellence in teaching and advising.. This was spurred by my attendance at the University of Georgia’s (UGA) annual induction dinner and ceremony for faculty invited to membership in the UGATeaching Academy. The Academy is part of a national network of teaching academies that provide a structure, support, and forum for the scholarship of teaching and learning. I do not know how successful other academies have been, but the UGA Academy, founded in 1999, is active and growing. Our mission remains to “promote and celebrate excellence in teaching and to foster learning through inquiry.” (See http://www.uga.edu/teachingacademy/about.htm.) Throughout the year, the Teaching Academy sponsors events to highlight the importance of teaching. In 2007–08, we sponsored lunch-and-learn brown bags on “teaching and learning in the large classroom” and “teaching with writing.” Plus, we held two campuswide workshops. Our signature event is the annual Academic Affairs Faculty Symposium, an off-campus retreat of faculty and administrators. The 2008 topic was “Enhancing Faculty Impact through Engagement and Renewal,” with Vanderbilt University Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos as the keynote speaker. Teaching Academy members also extend the impact of the academy through involvement in multiple faculty development efforts on campus such as the Lilly Teaching Fellows program, departmental teaching effectiveness committees, a senior teaching fellows program, a peer consultation team, and the emeriti scholars program. The Center for Teaching and Learning coordinates some of these programs while others are independent or departmental (http://www.ctl.uga.edu/faculty/fac_dev_programs/programs.htm). Additionally, Teaching Academy members regularly provide assistance to the Provost by serving on teaching awards committees or by responding to issues raised by students (e.g., in the last academic year students requested that all teaching evaluations be posted online each semester). We can quickly poll our membership for input on these and other issues and be responsive to both students and the administration. Innov High Educ (2009) 33:281–283 DOI 10.1007/s10755-008-9091-y
Transport of pinocytic vesicles in the eye of a snail, Helix aspersa.

The heads of small adult snails, Helix aspersa, were injected with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for one to five hours before extirpating the eyes and preparing them cytochemically for electron microscopy. There was internalization of tracer by pinocytic vesicles (pinosomes) at the bases of types-I and -II sensory cells, ganglion cells and, in lesser amounts, by pigmented supportive cells. Vesicles and vacuoles filled with HRP were transported in two directions: lensward as far distad as the ends of the cells (retrograde) and brainward down the optic nerve (anterograde). We believe that the numerous reacted vacuoles in the cell somata are formed by fusion of vesicles, tubules and C-shaped organelles filled with tracer; we present evidence that they become secondary lysosomes. Sensory cell type II possesses more HRP-reacted vacuoles distally than the other retinal cells. Other vesicles are also described. There was no uptake of tracer by the distal ends of the retinal cells following injection of HRP into the hemolymph. The swelling of the optic nerve, immediately behind the eye, contains more HRP-filled pinosomes and vacuoles than does the nerve below the dilatation. The significance of endocytosis and transport of pinosomes within the eye and down the optic nerve is discussed.
Persistent free radicals in the smoke of common household materials: Biological and clinical implications

We have detected free radicals in the gas-phase smoke resulting from the combustion of several household materials. Materials were pyrolyzed by rapid heating in a quartz ignition tube in a flowing air stream. The filtered smoke was bubbled into a dodecane solution of α-phenyl- N -t-butylnitrone (PBN), and the resulting nitroxide radicals were detected by electron spin resonance. Cellulosic materials (birch plywood, cellulose, 1R1 research cigarette tobacco, and yellow pine) and dried exterior paint produce about the same yield of trapped radicals. The smoke from polyethylene and rubber produce approximately 2-fold more radicals than the smoke from the cellulosic materials. Nylon smoke yields about 10-fold less radicals than the cellulosic materials. The smokes from polyvinyl chloride and polytetraflouroethylene do not produce detectable spin adducts of PBN by this method. Where radicals were trapped, oxygen-centered spin adducts predominated; lesser amounts of carbon-centered spin adducts and an oxidation product of PBN were observed. Different oxygen-centered radicals were detected from different materials, as judged from the variation observed in the hyperfine splitting constants of the principal spin adducts. When cellulose smoke is dissolved in solution, radicals continue to be produced for at least 20 min, suggesting the production of a metastable species in the gas phase that decomposes to form radicals in solution.
Crystal Structure and Evolution of a Transfer RNA Splicing Enzyme

The splicing of transfer RNA precursors is similar in Eucarya and Archaea. In both kingdoms an endonuclease recognizes the splice sites and releases the intron, but the mechanism of splice site recognition is different in each kingdom. The crystal structure of the endonuclease from the archaeon Methanococcus jannaschii was determined to a resolution of 2.3 angstroms. The structure indicates that the cleavage reaction is similar to that of ribonuclease A and the arrangement of the active sites is conserved between the archaeal and eucaryal enzymes. These results suggest an evolutionary pathway for splice site recognition.
Sublimation as a Method of Matrix Application for Mass Spectrometric Imaging

Common organic matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) matrices, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, were found to undergo sublimation without decomposition under conditions of reduced pressure and elevated temperature. This solid to vapor-phase transition was exploited to apply MALDI matrix onto tissue samples over a broad surface in a solvent-free application for mass spectrometric imaging. Sublimation of matrix produced an even layer of small crystals across the sample plate. The deposition was readily controlled with time, temperature, and pressure settings and was highly reproducible from one sample to the next. Mass spectrometric images acquired from phospholipid standards robotically spotted onto a MALDI plate yielded a more intense, even signal with fewer sodium adducts when matrix was applied by sublimation relative to samples where matrix was deposited by an electrospray technique. MALDI matrix could be readily applied to tissue sections on glass slides and stainless steel MALDI plate inserts as long as good thermal contact was made with the condenser of the sublimation device. Sections of mouse brain were coated with matrix applied by sublimation and were imaged using a Q-q-TOF mass spectrometer to yield mass spectral images of very high quality. Image quality is likely enhanced by several features of this technique including the microcrystalline morphology of the deposited matrix, increased purity of deposited matrix, and evenness of deposition. This inexpensive method was reproducible and eliminated the potential for spreading of analytes arising from solvent deposition during matrix application.
Long reach cantilevers for sub-cellular force measurements.

Maneuverable, high aspect ratio poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) fibers are fabricated for use as cellular force probes that can interface with individual pseudopod adhesive contact sites without forming unintentional secondary contacts to the cell. The straight fibers have lengths between 5 and 40 μm and spring constants in the 0.07–23.2 nN μm−1 range. The spring constants of these fibers were measured directly using an atomic force microscope (AFM). These AFM measurements corroborate determinations based on the transverse vibrational resonance frequencies of the fibers, which is a more convenient method. These fibers are employed to characterize the time dependent forces exerted at adhesive contacts between apical pseudopods of highly migratory D. discoideum cells and the PEDOT fibers, finding an average terminal force of 3.1 ± 2.7 nN and lifetime of 23.4 ± 18.5 s to be associated with these contacts.
Turbulence avoidance: An alternate explanation of turbulence-enhanced ingestion rates in the field

Field observations supporting the hypothesis that wind-driven mixed-layer turbulence enhances the prey ingestion by larval fish tend not to have the resolving power to distinguish an alternative hypothesis: that the fish larvae and their prey avoid the turbulence by swimming or sinking downward to the calmer waters, thereby enhancing their concentrations and increasing encounter rates of predator and prey. Here, evidence is supplied supporting the notion of the turbulence-avoidance hypothesis, and some rough calculations are made to estimate the conditions under which it might apply, how large its effect might be, and the types of organisms that might benefit from it. It is suggested that the turbulence-avoidance behavior could lead to significant increases in predator and prey concentrations below the mixed layer only hours after the onset of wind-driven mixing. Larger larval and juvenile fish are expected to benefit the most from such a behavior because they are stronger swimmers and eat larger prey, which might also exhibit the turbulence-avoidance behavior.
Hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia in linear sebaceous nevus syndrome: A variant of tumor-induced osteomalacia

A severe form of vitamin D-resistant rickets is associated with the linear sebaceous nevus syndrome. We investigated the pathophysiology underlying defective bone mineralization in two individuals and examined the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH) 2 D, calcitriol) therapy on the clinical and biochemical abnormalities. Both patients had fasting hypophosphatemia, markedly diminished TmP/GFR, and elevated alkaline phosphase activity in the presence of normocalcemia. Before treatment with calcitriol, serum 1,25(OH) 2 D concentrations were reduced but serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were normal. Administration of calcitriol increased serum 1,25(OH) 2 D concentrations and led to an increase in TmP/GFR and serum phosphorus levels and to a decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity. However, the renal tubular maximum for reabsorption of inorganic phosphate, normalized according to glomerular filtration rate, and serum phosphorus levels remained abnormally low even in the patient who also received phosphate supplementation. Bone histomorphologic studies in the adult patient showed extreme osteomalacia, which partially improved with calcitriol. These data demonstrate that the putative skin lesion-derived factor results in both a renal tubular defect in phosphate reabsorption and in 1,25-(OH) 2 D deficiency. The vitamin D-resistant rickets of linear sebaceous nevus syndrome is a variant of tumor-induced osteomalacia.
Endogenous stimulant of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase activity in human amniotic fluid.

Abstract In this study we describe the discovery and characterization of a substance in human amniotic fluid that stimulates prostaglandin biosynthesis by a microsome-enriched preparation of bovine seminal vesicles. The stimulatory activity is not retained substantially upon anisotropic ultrafiltration through a filter with a molecular weight exclusion limit of 500. Stimulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis by this substance is time- and concentration-dependent; maximal stimulation of approx. 200% being observed within 20 min of commencing incubation with 1 mi-equivalent of stimulant fraction. Stimulatory activity is demonstrable both in the presence of reduced glutathione (1.3 mM) and l -tryptophan (20 mM), either separately or combined, and in the presence of exogenous arachidonic acid (5–120 μM). In the absence of added cofactors, the stimulatory substance increases the rates of biosynthesis of prostaglandin E 2 and prostaglandin F 2α to equal extents. The amount of stimulatory substance added to incubations is correlated positively with increased oxygen consumption during incubations. The stimulatory substance is stable to heating at 100°C for 10 min but is inactivated substantially (to less than 20% of original activity) by treatment with pronase. It is concluded that human amniotic fluid contains a substance of relatively low molecular weight, which is proteinaceous in character, that stimulates prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase activity.
The Resonance Process and the Intensity Anomaly in Muonic 127I

It has been known for some time that the intensity ratio between the (2p3/2-Is1/2) and (2p1/2-Is1/2) muonic X-rays for 127I is anomalously smaller than the theoretical value 1.95. Several theorists(1),(2),(3) have suggested that this may be explained by nuclear resonance excitation. We have observed the muonic N, M, L and K X-rays from 127I, and have calculated a theoretical spectrum within the framework of a resonance process. The resonance is between the 2p fine structure splitting and the nuclear ground and the first excited states. A satisfactory fit to the experimental data has been obtained. From this fit we have determined the M1 and E2 hfs constants for the is and 2p states, and have obtained a quantitative interpretation of the observed intensity ratios.
A reconsideration of the mechanism for the aromatic version of radical nucleophile displacement reactions

Abstract A review of the literature and new experimental data indicate that aromatic radical anions containing leaving groups react with nucleophiles by a bimolecular displacement process.
Birds and insects as radar targets: A review

A review of radar cross-section measurements of birds and insects is presented. A brief discussion of some possible theoretical models is also given and comparisons made with the measurements. The comparisons suggest that most targets are, at present, better modeled by a prolate spheroid having a length-to-width ratio between 3 and 10 than by the often used equivalent weight water sphere. In addition, many targets observed with linear horizontal polarization have maximum cross sections much better estimated by a resonant half-wave dipole than by a water sphere. Also considered are birds and insects in the aggregate as a local radar "clutter" source. Order-of-magnitude estimates are given for many reasonable target number densities. These estimates are then used to predict X-band volume reflectivities. Other topics that are of interest to the radar engineer are discussed, including the doppler bandwidth due to the internal motions of a single bird, the radar cross-section probability densities of single birds and insects, the variability of the functional form of the probability density functions, and the Fourier spectra of single birds and insects.
A Case of IgA Nephropathy With an Unusual Response to Corticosteroid and Immunosuppressive Therapy

We report a case of IgA nephropathy that presented with nephrotic syndrome without hematuria. Renal biopsy revealed typical features of IgA nephropathy on light microscopy, immunofluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy. A dramatic response occurred on corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy, characterized by clearance of proteinuria and a fall of serum IgA level to normal. The absence of hematuria and a response to therapy are distinctly unusual features of IgA nephropathy. This case represents a variant of IgA nephropathy associated with a nephrotic syndrome that resembles nephrotic syndrome with minimal change lesion in its responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapy.
Integrated real-time and run-to-run control of etch depth in reactive ion etching

Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) is a common process step in semiconductor manufacturing, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our goal is to reduce the variance of etch characteristics by integrating real-time and run-to-run control of plasma and process variables. The run to run controller suggests plasma variable set-points based on the wafer characteristics of the previous run. The real-time controller maintains the suggested plasma variables by manipulating the process inputs during the etch. We have demonstrated the integrated control architecture for rejecting oxygen and loading disturbances in an Applied 8300 Hexode Reactor during a polysilicon etch.
Wheat Alcohol Dehydrogenase Isozymes PURIFICATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND GENE EXPRESSION

Evidence in support of the hypothesis of gene expression and subunit association suggested earlier for Triticum alcohol dehydrogenase has been obtained through purification and partial characterization of the enzyme from tetraploid wheat. Three isozymes of alcohol dehydrogenase were separated and purified to apparent homogeneity using streptomycin sulfate precipitation, gel filtration chromatography, and anion exchange chromatography. The isozymes are dimers with the same molecular weight (116,000 ± 2,000), but significantly different isoelectric pH values. The Michaelis constants for NAD+ and ethanol are 0.1 millimolar and 12 millimolar, respectively. The substrate specificity of the three alcohol dehydrogenase isozymes was investigated.
Quality-adjusted survival following treatment of malignant pleural effusions with indwelling pleural catheters.

Background Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are a frequent cause of dyspnea in patients with cancer. Although indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) have been used since 1997, there are no studies of quality-adjusted survival following IPC placement. Methods With a standardized algorithm, this prospective observational cohort study of patients with MPE treated with IPCs assessed global health-related quality of life using the SF-6D to calculate utilities. Quality-adjusted life days (QALDs) were calculated by integrating utilities over time. Results A total of 266 patients were enrolled. Median quality-adjusted survival was 95.1 QALDs. Dyspnea improved significantly following IPC placement (P Conclusions IPC placement has significant beneficial effects in selected patient populations. The determinants of quality-adjusted survival in patients with MPE are complex. Although dyspnea is one of them, receiving treatment after IPC placement is also important. Future research should use patient-centered outcomes in addition to time-to-event analysis. Trial registry ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01117740; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov
Compact current-mode loser-take-all circuit

A CMOS circuit is presented that takes an array of analogue input currents and generates an array of binary output voltages in which the output corresponding to the minimum input current is high and all other outputs are low. This loser-take-all circuit also encodes the minimum current as a voltage that is distributed to all elements through a global wire. Because transistors operate in the subthreshold regime, a single compact cell implemented with as few as two transistors per cell dissipates power in the microwatt range. A three-cell loser-take-all circuit was fabricated using a MOSIS 2 µm p-well process, and experimental data are presented.
Mortality and neurologic morbidity after repair of traumatic aortic disruption

Background. Traumatic disruption of the thoracic aorta frequently results in death before operative repair. The determinants of mortality after repair, however, are uncertain. In addition, intraoperative strategies for reducing the incidence of spinal cord injury remain controversial. Methods. The records of 45 consecutive patients undergoing repair of traumatic disruption of the thoracic aorta at a single institution during a 9-year period were reviewed in a retrospective fashion. Patient age ranged from 15 to 81 years (mean age, 33.9 years). Twenty-two patients (49%) had multiple associated injuries, and 8 (18%) had isolated aortic injuries. Nine patients (20%) experienced preoperative hypotension (systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mm Hg). Repair was performed with partial bypass in 22 patients, a heparinized shunt in 2, and no distal perfusion (clamp and sew technique) in 21. Results. Nine patients (20%) died after operation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of preoperative and intraoperative variables identified advancing age and preoperative hypotension as independent predictors of operative death. The presence of associated injuries was not an independent predictor of operative death. All 4 patients with injuries proximal to the aortic isthmus died. Ten patients were excluded from analysis of spinal cord injury either because of preoperative neurologic deficit or because of death before postoperative evaluation. Six (17%) of the remaining 35 patients had development of paraplegia: 5 of the 15 patients having the clamp and sew technique, 1 of the 2 patients with a shunt, and 0 of the 18 patients with bypass ( p p Conclusions. Advancing age, preoperative hypotension, and perhaps injury location are important determinants of death after repair of traumatic disruption of the thoracic aorta. Adjunctive perfusion with partial bypass should be used during repair to reduce the incidence of spinal cord injury.
An argument against foundationalism

The purpose of this paper is to present what I believe is a new argument against foundationalism. I take foundationalism to be a philosophical theory committed to two main claims. The first is that there are some incorrigible statements. The second is that some of these incorrigible statements constitute part of the foundation of knowledge of the external world. The usual way of attacking foundationalism is to argue that there are no incorrigible statements. This argument involves needless complications. For there may be incorrigible statements and yet foundationalism could still be mistaken. The foundationalist needs for his purposes only incorrigible statements that could serve as part of the foundation of knowledge of the external world. Thus the issues of whether some statements in logic, or the cogito, or some statements describing only the contents of one's own mind are incorrigible need not be decided. For even if they were incorrigible, they would not serve as part of the required foundation. I shall concentrate therefore only on statements which are supposedly both incorrigible and capable of constituting part of the foundation. Consider the following necessary conditions of foundationalism:
Overweight/Obesity and Risk of Seasonal Asthma Exacerbations

Background Obesity is associated with an increased risk for asthma exacerbations, but whether this risk is related to the season of exacerbation is not known. Objective To determine the relationship of increased body mass index (BMI) to the season of asthma exacerbation. Methods Study subjects were adult (aged 18-65 years) and children (aged 5-17 years) health plan members with persistent asthma in 2008 for whom a BMI measurement was available. BMI categories were normal ( Results The cohort included 17,316 adults and 10,700 children. There was a significant (P Conclusion Higher BMI values increased the risk for asthma exacerbations in adults and children with persistent asthma, particularly for fall-winter exacerbations in adults. Potential mechanisms for these findings, including vitamin D status, viral infections, and corticosteroid responsiveness, merit further study.
Identification of a toluene-degrading bacterium from a soil sample through H(2)(18)O DNA stable isotope probing.

DNA stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP) with H218O was used to identify a toluene-degrading bacterium in soil amended with 48 ppm toluene. After quantification of toluene degradation rates in soil, DNA was extracted from soil incubated with H218O, H216O, H216O and 48 ppm toluene, or H218O and 48 ppm toluene. A single DNA band formed along a cesium chloride gradient after isopycnic centrifugation of extracts from soils incubated with H216O. With extracts from soils to which only H218O was added, two distinct DNA bands formed, while three bands formed when DNA extracted from soil incubated with both H218O and toluene was analyzed. We suggest that this third band formed because toluene does not contain any oxygen atoms and toluene-degrading organisms had to transfer oxygen atoms from H218O into metabolic intermediates to form nucleic acids de novo. We extracted the third DNA band and amplified a large fraction of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Direct sequencing of the PCR product obtained from the labeled DNA, as well as cloned 16S rRNA amplicons, identified a known toluene degrader, Rhodococcus jostii RHA1. A toluene-degrading bacterial strain was subsequently isolated from soil and shown to be Rhodococcus jostii RHA1. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the abundance of the 16S rRNA gene of Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 increased in soil after toluene exposure but not in soils from which toluene was withheld. This study indicates that H218O DNA-SIP can be a useful method for identifying pollutant-degrading bacteria in soil.
Assessing Factors Associated With Listing a Historic Resource in the National Register of Historic Places

Previous research reveals various economic and social impacts in the community from listing historic resources in the National Register of Historic Places; however, information on underlying commun...
Comparison of fusion by morphological pyramid and by high pass filtering

Image fusion is the process of combining information from two or more images of a scene into single composite image that is more informative and more suitable for visual perception or computer processing. Given the same set of the input images, different images may be created depending on the specific application and what is considered relevant information. High resolution panchromatic (Pan) images provide better spatial quality compared to multispectral (MS) images. However MS images provide better spectral quality compared to Pan image. Objectif recognition and extraction of urban features require methods to integrate complementary data sets such as PAN and MS. Many pixel- based image fusion techniques have been developed to combine the spatial and spectral characteristics of Pan and MS images in synthesized MS images.
MAP-based post processing of video sequences using 3-D Huber-Markov random field model

The block DCT (BDCT) is by far one of the most popular transforms used in image and video coding. However, it introduces a noticeable blocking artifact at low data rates. A great deal of work has been done to remove the artifact with information extracted from the spatial and frequency domains. In this paper we address the video sequence restoration problem as a 3D Huber-Markov random field model and derive the temporal extension to traditional maximum a posteriori (MAP)-based methods. Two schemes, we call temporal MAP (TMAP) and motion compensated TMAP (MC-TMAP) respectively, are presented. We test our methods on MPEG-2 compressed sequences and evaluate their performances with traditional MAP restoration. Experimental results confirm that our schemes can significantly improve the visual quality of the reconstructed sequences.
Regional brain activity and strenuous exercise: Predicting affective responses using EEG asymmetry

Previous research using the model proposed by Davidson has shown that resting frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) asymmetry can predict affective responses to aerobic exercise at moderate intensities. Specifically, greater relative left frontal activity has been shown to predict positive affect (i.e., energy) following exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if resting frontal EEG asymmetry would predict affective responses following strenuous exercise. Thirty participants (13 women, 17 men) completed a maximal graded exercise test on a treadmill. EEG was recorded prior to exercise. Affect was measured by the Activation Deactivation Adjective Check List prior to the graded exercise test, immediately following, 10 and 20-min following exercise. Greater relative left frontal activity predicted tiredness and calmness during recovery from exercise, but not tension or energy. Tiredness and calmness following exercise covaried, suggesting that tiredness following exercise might not have been linked with displeasure. These findings offer further support for the link between EEG asymmetry and affective responses to exercise.
Reduced Viral Replication Capacity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Subtype C Caused by Cytotoxic-T-Lymphocyte Escape Mutations in HLA-B57 Epitopes of Capsid Protein

Cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte (CTL) escape mutations in human immunodeficiency viruses encode amino acid substitutions in positions that disrupt CTL targeting, thereby increasing virus survival and conferring a relative fitness benefit. However, it is now clear that CTL escape mutations can also confer a fitness cost, and there is increasing evidence to suggest that in some cases, e.g., escape from HLA-B*57/B*5801-restricted responses, the costs to the escape virus may affect the clinical course of infection. To quantify the magnitude of the costs of HLA-B*57/B*5801 escape, a highly sensitive dual-infection assay that uses synonymous nucleotide sequence tags to quantify viral relative replication capacity (RRC) was developed. We then asked whether such CTL escape mutations had an impact equivalent to that seen for a benchmark mutation, the M184V antiretroviral drug resistance mutation of reverse transcriptase (RRC(V184) = 0.86). To answer the question, the RRCs were quantified for escape mutations in three immunodominant HLA-B*57/B*5801 epitopes in capsid: A146P in IW9 (RRC(P146) = 0.91), A163G in KF11 (RRC(G163) = 0.89), and T242N in TW10 (RRC(N242) = 0.86). Individually, the impact of the escape mutations on RRC was comparable to that of M184V, while coexpression of the mutations resulted in substantial further reductions, with the maximum impact observed for the triple mutant (RRC(P146-G163-N242) = 0.62). By comparison to M184V, the magnitude of the reductions in RRC caused by the escape mutations, particularly when coexpressed, suggests that the costs of escape are sufficient to affect in vivo viral dynamics and may thus play a role in the protective effect associated with HLA-B*57/B*5801.
Test results on a thermo-syphon concept to high-power cool desktop computers and servers

This paper reports measured thermal performance of two prototype thermo-syphon devices designed to cool desktop computers and servers. The prototype was designed to reject 100 W with 35 K CPU-to-air temperature difference using an 80 mm 3350 rpm fan for air flow. One prototype is aluminum and uses R-134A, while the other is copper and uses water. The working fluid boils at the CPU and is condensed in tubes of an air-cooled heat exchanger, based on automotive technology. The frontal areas of the heat exchangers are 97 /spl times/ 70 mm (aluminum) and 54 /spl times/ 70 mm (copper). The thermo-syphon device uses high-performance heat transfer technology, consisting of louvre fins (air-cooled unit), and a sintered boiling surface. The experimental results of the aluminum/R-134A prototype are in good agreement with the previously published predicted thermal resistance. The performance of the prototype systems are believed to provide the highest performance of any published air-cooled heat rejection system.
Neuroprotection by Hypoxic Preconditioning Involves Oxidative Stress-Mediated Expression of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor and Erythropoietin

Background and Purpose— Hypoxic preconditioning is an endogenous protection against subsequent lethal hypoxia, but the mechanism involved is not understood. Hypoxia is followed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induces hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and its downstream factor erythropoietin (Epo), which is associated with neuroprotection. We hypothesized that these endogenous processes may contribute to hypoxic preconditioning. Methods— We used a mouse neuronal culture model, with 2 hours of hypoxia as preconditioning followed by 15 hours of hypoxic insult, and examined the expression of HIF-1α, Epo, and their downstream proteins by Western blotting. Copper/zinc–superoxide dismutase (SOD1) transgenic (Tg) mice were used to detect the effect of ROS. Cell survival and apoptosis were detected by mitogen-activated protein 2 quantification, apoptotic-related DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 fragmentation. Antisense Epo was used to block endogenously produced Epo. Results— Hypoxic preconditioning was protective in wild-type (Wt) neurons but not in neurons obtained from SOD1 Tg mice. In Wt neurons, HIF-1α and Epo expression showed a greater increase after hypoxia compared with Tg neurons and reached a higher level with preconditioned hypoxia, followed by pJak2, pStat5, and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) expression. Antisense Epo decreased these downstream proteins and the neuroprotection of hypoxic preconditioning. Conclusions— Hypoxic preconditioning induces ROS, which may downregulate the threshold for production of HIF-1α and Epo expression during subsequent lethal hypoxia, thus exerting neuroprotection through the Jak2–Stat5 and NF-κB pathways.
Mentor Among the Redwoods

The author recalls his own 14 year long encounter with Professor Gordon Globus, who has created and honed a uniquely existential theory of dissipative thermofield neurodynamics. Evolution of the author’s ideas about quantum aspects of the brain’s mental function is linked to the influence of Professor Globus as an inspiring role model and supportive mentor.
Remarriage, Stepparenting, and Household Labor

Using data from a nationally representative sample, this research investigated husbands' contributions to household labor in four types of families: first-married couples with biological children, remarried couples with biological children only, remarried couples with stepchildren only, and remarried couples with biological and stepchildren. Absolute and relative contributions to total household labor did not differ significantly across family types, but husbands in remarried families contributed significantly more to the five housework tasks of cooking, meal cleanup, shopping, laundry, and housecleaning. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that the influence of family type on the sharing of gender-typed housework is significant after controlling for the impact of relative resources, ideology, time availability, and household work load. The authors suggest that the “incomplete institutionalization” of remarriage may contribute to a weakening of the gender-based segregation of household labor.