cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis associated Seizures (P3.345)

Objective: To study retrospectively, the significance of lesional location in patients with Multiple Sclerosis associated Seizures. Background: Up to 3–4 % of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients experience seizures during their disease course. This represents a much higher percentage than the prevalence of seizures in the general population. There is limited evidence regarding the mechanism, pathophysiology and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) parameters associated with MS related seizures. Design/Methods: 30 MS patients with subsequent seizures followed at Wayne State Neurology Clinic were included in this retrospective study. MRI scans completed after the first seizure and evaluated by a neuroradiologist were further analyzed. The lesions were categorized based on their location in cortical, subcortical and brainstem areas. Brainstem lesions were sub-categorized into midbrain, pons and medulla. Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to test the associations and odd’s ratio was calculated to measure the strength of associations. Results: 30 MS patients (relapsing remitting, n=20; secondary progressive, n=7; primary progressive, n=3) with mean age 54 years (SD=12 years) had subsequent seizures (time line= 1 to 28 years). Preliminary analysis showed that the presence of pontine demyelinating lesions have significant association with seizures (p=0.0024) among those MS patients with brainstem lesions. The odd’s ratio for this association was 16.5. However, the association was not significant for lesions located in midbrain and medulla. Furthermore, all patients had widespread distribution of cortical and subcortical lesions. Conclusions: MS related seizures are associated with pontine demyelinating lesions. Very few reports in the human and animal literature have described the role of the brainstem in epileptogenicity. The higher odd’s ratio for pontine lesions in MS patients with seizures suggests that these lesions may play a role in the modulation of epileptogenicity in this population. Larger prospective studies with serial neuroimaging can further evaluate their epileptogenic potential. Disclosure: Dr. Yarraguntla has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sriwastava has nothing to disclose. Dr. Marawar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Basha has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zutshi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bernitsas has nothing to disclose.
The SEC and Corporate Financial Disclosure: A View from the Press

Robert MUns focuses on the major issues during the recent "era of corporate disclosure." While observing that the SEC's corporate financial mandates have served well in providing for thefree flow of timely, accurate and useful information, the author argues that some of the same problems resurface regularly to hamper disclosure. Mints applauds the SEC's deference to the private sector in formulating accounting guidelines and he hopes for continued cooperation between the Commission and the financial press in furthering the goals of the disclosure syste"n For those who cover the world of corporate finance and accounting in the business press, the words "Securities and Exchange Commission" immediately trigger the response "disclosure." In undertaking my assignment for this discussion paper, I took a nostalgic return trip through more than fifteen years of clippings from stories I had written for Business Week. While my stint at the magazine does not come close to spanning the history of this noted governmental agency and touches only a small part of its mandate, it does encompass what has undoubtedly been one of the SEC's most active, turbulent, and interesting periods - the years centering on the decade of the 1970s, which could be rightly termed "the new era of corporate financial disclosure." What follows are some observations on the key issues that were singled out for interpretation to our readers during a period that began with the booming go-go-stock days on Wall Street, coupled with a binge of litigation against accountants, and unwound in a roller coaster economic setting amid successive throes of inflation, stagflation, recession, and recovery. And just in case life got a little dull, there always were those around who continued to press for new interpretations of the age-old issue: Who should devise the rules for corporate financial accountability and how? Taken together, my two main observations from my journey into the past are a paradox. In reviewing a decade and a half of problems, pronouncements, and assorted crises, I am struck by how far we have come in -financial reporting. In the 1960s, a financial journalist who really did his or her job had
Numerical Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations

Several numerical methods for solving systems of ordinary differential equations are presented, including multistep methods and single step methods. Particular emphasis is given to the application of these methods to problems in dynamical astronomy.
Interactions of a glutamate-aspartate binding protein with the glutamate transport system of Escherichia coli.

Abstract Escherichia coli cells cultured with succinate as the carbon source display apparent K-m values for the uptake of L-glutamate of 10 muM in the absence of added sodium ion and 0.7 muM in the presence of an optimal level of sodium ion (15 to 50 mM). The glutamate transport system of the succinate cultured cells is noncompetitively inhibited by L-aspartate. A protein which binds glutamate and aspartate with K-D values of 0.7 and 1.2 muM, respectively, is released from the succinate cultured cells by osmotic shock or with the formation of spheroplasts during the preparation of membrane vesicles. The membrane vesicles of succinate cultured cells do not retain the whole cell capacity for L-glutamate uptake, but do retain much of the whole cell capacity for L-aspartate uptake. Culture of E. coli cells with glucose as carbon source causes a 2- to 3-fold repression of glutamate-aspartate binding protein but does not affect the velocity component of glutamate transport. As shown by other workers, the glutamate transport system of glucose cultured cells displays a sodium affected K-m value (FRANK, L., AND HOPKINS, I. (1969) J. Bacteriol. 100, 329-336) and is noncompetitively inhibited by L-aspartate (HALPERN, Y. S., AND EVEN-SHOSHAN, A. (1967) J. Bacteriol. 93, 1009-1016). Membrane vesicles prepared from glucose cultured cells retain the whole cell capacity for the uptake of glutamate (LOMBARDI, J. F., AND KABACK, H. R. (1972) J. Biol. Chem. 247, 7844-7857). The glutamate transport system of E. coli strain W appears to be conditionally dependent on the presence of the osmotic shock-releasable glutamate-aspartate binding protein. The results are interpreted to suggest that the binding protein-ligand complex acts as a substrate which is competitive with unbound substrate(s) for a sodium affected translocation process; the organization and specificity of which are dependent on the carbon source of the culture.
Yes to Nondiscrimination, No to New Forms of Criminal Liability: A Reply to Professors Collins, Leib, and Markel

Bruce, Dick, and Alfred live together in a mansion that sits atop a certain well-known cave (not Mammoth). Dick’s parents died in a circus accident some years ago. Bruce was appointed Dick’s guardian, but no legal adoption occurred. Although he is Bruce’s employee, Alfred enjoys an extremely close relationship with both Bruce and Dick, who have shared with him their most closely guarded personal secrets. The three have risked their lives for one another on many occasions. In short, they have a relationship of intimacy and mutual support that is far richer – and has proven far more durable – than that which is found in most families. Yet, if the three actually did form a traditional family unit – husband, wife, and biological child – then their relationship would be quite different in the eyes of the law. They would become subject to an elaborate new set of legal duties and prohibitions – many of them criminally enforceable – in their interactions with one another and with others in the world beyond Wayne Manor. Why, ask Collins, Leib, and Markel, should this be so? The Bruce-DickAlfred relationship is functionally, if not formally, familial. It is a locus of child-rearing, intimacy, and caregiving. If we can imagine a sexual relationship between Bruce and Alfred, then it becomes even harder to draw functional distinctions between what happens in Wayne Manor and what happens in, say, the Cleaver household. Collins, Leib, and Markel invite us to question – and, as far as possible, eliminate – legal distinctions between relationships where functional distinctions do not exist.1 If we follow their lead and attempt to close the gap between the criminal liabilities faced by the members of formal families (the Cleaver household) and functional families (the Wayne household), we might head in either of two different directions. We could reduce the special criminal liabilities imposed by virtue of formal family status, or we could create new criminal liabilities based on the existence of relationships that are functionally familial. In
What do markets do?: Efficiency tests of the 18th-century London stock market☆

Abstract The implementation of a test of the efficiency of market operation in a historical context raises a number of issues, ranging from the broadly philosophical to the narrowly technical. Here attention is centered on the 18th-century London market for joint stock shares, which possesses a number of attributes advantageous for a discussion of the present value theory of asset prices and variance bound tests of Shiller, LeRoy, and Porter. Empirical results reveal that the market did not behave in a manner suggested by neoclassical theory. A historical explanation of this result (i.e., one which allows for the existence of hysteresis) is contrasted with the neoclassical search for atemporal natural laws.
Capital punishment in two judicial circuits in Georgia: A description of the key actors and the decision-making process.

This article describes the process of decision making in caital cases in the overwhelmingly White justice system in two Georgia judicial circuits under Georgia's post-Furman death penalty statute. The study is intended to complement the statistical analyses done by other researchers in this area, by linking the behavior of various actors in the process over time to the incentives and sanctions of the system. The study shows how the system works to produce racial disparities and discrimination. Possible explanations for racial disparities and discrimination are examined.
Reduction of Campylobacter jejuni in a Simulated Chicken Digestive Tract by Lactobacilli Cultures

Studies were conducted to investigate the impact of a selected lactobacilli mixed culture on Campylobacter jejuni in simulated chicken digestive tract models. Veronal buffer solutions corresponding to the pH of successive segments of the chicken digestive tract were prepared. The lactobacilli mixtures were prepared by mixing four fresh lactobacilli cultures, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermenentum, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Lactobacillus brevis. The C. jejuni and lactobacilli mixture were mixed with sterile poultry feed, and the previously prepared veronal buffer solutions were then added separately. The mixture was incubated at 41.1 degrees C for various lengths of time with periodic agitation. The feed passage time for five segments of the digestive tract were adopted: crop (pH 4.5), 30 min; proventriculus (pH 4.4), 15 min; gizzard (pH 2.6), 90 min; small intestine (pH 6.2), 90 min; and large intestine (pH 6.3), 15 min. The Campylobacter and lactobacilli were enumerated. An antagonistic effect on C. jejuni by the tested lactobacilli spp. was found in individual sections and the complete simulated digestive tract models. In the simulated complete chicken digestion system, no C. jejuni were found during the final incubation period when a lactobacilli mixture was present. The results of this in vitro study indicate the potential value of future in vivo studies.
FLEX 8000 programmable logic devices

The FLEX 8000 family of PLDs offers the predictability and high performance of EPLDs and the register-count and in-circuit reconfigurability of FPGAs. The FastTrack interconnect provides a continuous routing resource that offers speed and predictability. The FLEX 8000 family currently offers the greatest density, register count, and pin count of any available PLD or FPGA in the market.
The Investment Value of Contrarian Buy-Side Recommendations

We examine a comprehensive set of investment recommendations paired with analyst-specific information from over 1,000 buy-side analysts (predominantly analysts from hedge funds) from the private website SumZero.com. Recommendations from these analysts generate significant returns when the reports are posted to the website. Returns are the most dramatic for contrarian recommendations (i.e., those issued contrary to the sell-side consensus), particularly for buy recommendations. Furthermore, the returns to both buy and sell recommendations drift in the direction of the recommendation. We also explore institutional ownership changes and document a wealth transfer between the broader institutional market and buy-side firms in the sample. Collectively, the evidence suggests buy-side recommendations have investment value. The results also document the importance of new technologies in disseminating information to market participants.
The nutrition transition in South Korea

Background: An accelerating shift from infectious to noncommunicable diseases and concurrent shifts in diet, activity, and body composition are universal trends but are especially apparent in middle- and lower-income countries. A unique nutrition transition has occurred in South Korea, a country that modernized earlier than most Asian countries did. Objective: The purpose of this analysis was to describe the South Korean nutrition transition, focusing on specific features that other countries might follow to retain the healthful elements of their traditional diets. Design: We used secondary data on economics, dietary intake, anthropometry, and causes of death, including a series of comparable nationally representative dietary surveys (the National Nutrition Survey). Results: The structure of South Korea's economy, along with the country's dietary and disease patterns, began an accelerated shift in the 1970s. Major dietary changes included a large increase in the consumption of animal food products and a fall in total cereal intake. Uniquely, the amount and rate of increase in fat intake have remained low in South Korea. South Korea also has a relatively low prevalence of obesity compared with other Asian countries with similar or much lower incomes. Conclusions: The nutrition transition in South Korea is unique. National efforts to retain elements of the traditional diet are thought to have shaped this transition in South Korea in the midst of rapid economic growth and the introduction of Western culture.
Duality survives time dependence

Abstract Spacetime duality is explicitly demonstrated for a class of time-dependent exact solutions of bosonic string theory.
Pituitary and Serum FSH and LH Levels after Massive and Selective Depletion of the Germinal Epithelium in the Rat Testis

The effects of single and double injections of Busulfan on pituitary and serum LH and FSH were studied in male rats. Two injections of Busulfan produced extensive tubular damage without evidence of concomitant Leydig cell failure. This treatment distinctly elevated LH and FSH in the pituitary and serum. A single injection of Busulfan suspended new spermatogenesis for 5 weeks so that, at various times, the tubules were selectively depleted of spermatogonia, spermatocytes or young spermatids. The depletion of young spermatids correlated with slight but significant elevations of serum LH and FSH. These findings suggest that immature spermatids and in a lesser degree perhaps also primary spermatocytes, may be involved in the feedback regulation of LH and FSH secretion. (Endocrinology 92: 48, 1973)
A stabilized 3-D co-rotational formulation for geometrically nonlinear analysis of multi-layered composite shells

This paper presents a continuum-based shear-deformable finite element formulation for geometrically nonlinear analysis of thick layered composite shells. The proposed variational formulation is based on an assumed strain method. From a kinematical viewpoint displacements and rotations are assumed finite while strains are infinitesimal. The model is then cast in a co-rotational framework which is derived consistently from the updated Lagrangian method. Close relationship between the co-rotational procedure and the underlying updated Lagrangian procedure is presented to highlight the efficiency of the method for application to composite shell analysis. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and the range of applicability of the proposed formulation.
Synthetic Studies of Tamandarin B Side Chain Analogues

The syntheses of three tamandarin B analogues are described. The goal of these studies was to prepare material to determine their relative therapeutic index and to gain an oversight as to their potential for clinical applications.
Single-species infections of Echinostoma caproni cercariae in pulmonate snails and concurrent infections of E. caproni and Echinostoma trivolvis cercariae in Biomphalaria glabrata

Single-species infections of Echinostoma caproni cercariae in various pulmonate snails showed that a higher percentage of cercariae encysted successfully in Biomphalaria glabrata than in other snail species and that the percentage encystment was significantly greater in B. glabrata than in either Helisoma trivolvis or Lymnaea elodes. There were significant differences in cyst diameter, thickness of outer and inner cysts, and diameter of excretory concretions between E. caproni and Echinostoma trivolvis metacercariae. These morphological differences helped to distinguish each species of cyst in concurrent cercarial infections of E. caproni and E. trivolvis in B. glabrata. Moreover, in concurrent infections E. trivolvis localised only in the saccular kidney, whereas E. caproni occurred in both the saccular kidney and the pericardium.
Brain metastases. Histology, multiplicity, surgery, and survival.

BACKGROUND With the advent of new therapies for metastatic carcinoma to the brain, patterns of intracranial disease and factors influencing survival become important considerations when examining potential treatment options. METHODS The records of 729 patients with metastases to the brain treated during the period between 1973 to 1993 were reviewed. RESULTS Primary tumor histologic type in order of descending frequency included nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), breast carcinoma, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal carcinoma, uterine/vulvar carcinoma, and unknown primary carcinoma. There were 384 patients (53%) with a single brain metastasis, which was encountered most commonly in patients with prostate carcinoma and least often in patients with SCLC. Multiple metastases were present in 345 patients (47%). The median duration from diagnosis to presentation with a brain metastasis was 12 months, ranging from 3 months for patients with NSCLC to 53 months for patients with breast carcinoma. The median duration from presentation with brain metastases to death was 4 months, ranging from 3 months for patients with SCLC to 13 months for patients with prostate carcinoma. Median survival from presentation with brain metastases to death was 5 months for patients with single lesions and 3 months for patients with multifocal disease (P = 0.0001). Median survival for patients with a single lesion was 11 months with surgery and 3 months without surgery (P = 0.0001). Surgery did not significantly influence survival in patients with multiple metastases. CONCLUSIONS Dissemination of systemic carcinoma to the brain continues to carry a poor prognosis. Knowledge of the metastatic patterns and limited survival associated with specific tumor types may be useful for guiding future therapeutic intervention. Cancer 1996;1781-8.
Racial Integration in Residential Neighborhoods: Toward More Precise Measures and Analysis

Stable racial integration of residential neighborhoods has been studied using measures of physical distance, social distance, and type of neighborhood organization. All three concepts describe different dimensions of stable integration, but they are seldom com bined. When these concepts are interrelated, attainment of stable racial integration can be seen as a process, and a clearer continuum of interracial neighborhood types can be distinguished. This paper develops new measures of physical, social, and organizational integration which should allow more accurate analysis of the process by which neighbor hoods attain and maintain stable racial integration. These measures can aid social scientists and community planners m distinguishing those factors that predispose orfacilitate stable integration in a society where most institutional arrangements predispose segregated living.
Multistate Gaussian Model for Electrostatic Solvation Free Energies

We develop and test a multistate Gaussian model for the distribution of electrostatic solvation energies of a solute in liquid water. The multistate Gaussian model depends on the discovery of simple indicators of structural substates that individually display Gaussian fluctuations of electrostatic interactions. The probability distribution of electrostatic interactions is then modeled as a superposition of Gaussian distributions of electrostatic interactions of the substates. We find that the number of hydrogen bonds to the solute is a suitable substate indicator that eliminates the chief failures of single Gaussian models for the distribution of electrostatic interactions and of quadratic models of the electrostatic contribution to the excess chemical potential. These results should improve calculations of ionic chemical processes in water, i.e., acid−base chemistry, in particular those involving organic acids such as proteins and nucleic acids. The multistate Gaussian approach provides a specific and ef...
Computing variational bounds for flow through random aggregates of spheres

Known formulas for variational bounds on Darcy's constant for slow flow through porous media depend on two-point and three-point spatial correlation functions. Certain bounds due to Prager and Doi depending only a two-point correlation functions have been calculated for the first time for random aggregates of spheres with packing fractions (η) up to η = 0.64. Three radial distribution functions for hard spheres were tested for η up to 0.49: (1) the uniform distribution or “well-stirred approximation,” (2) the Percus-Yevick approximation, and (3) the semi-empirical distribution of Verlet and Weis. The empirical radial distribution functions of Bennett and Finney were used for packing fractions near the random-close-packing limit (ηRCP ∼ 0.64). An accurate multidimensional Monte Carlo integration method (VEGAS) developed by Lepage was used to compute the required two-point correlation functions. The results show that Doi's bounds are preferred for η 0.10. The “upper bounds” computed using the well-stirred approximation actually become negative (which is physically impossible) as η increases, indicating the very limited value of this approximation. The other two choices of radial distribution function give reasonable results for η up to 0.49. However, these bounds do not decrease with η as fast as expected for large η. It is concluded that variational bounds dependent on three-point correlation functions are required to obtain more accurate bounds on Darcy's constant for large η.
In Situ Block Copolymer Formation during Solid-State Shear Pulverization: An Explanation for Blend Compatibilization via Interpolymer Radical Reactions

Interpolymer radical coupling reaction leading to block copolymer formation has been demonstrated for the first time in the solid state and in the absence of diffusion using solid-state shear pulverization. Radical coupling is often referred to as a diffusion-controlled reaction as it lacks an activation barrier to reaction. However, pulverization can lead both to intimate mixing, creating large interfacial area between blend components, and to chain scission, yielding polymer radicals and accommodating interpolymer coupling in the solid state. Fluorescence-detection gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to detect interpolymer reaction in high-molecular-weight (MW) polystyrene (PS)/pyrene-labeled PS and high-MW poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/pyrene-labeled PS blends. The latter system was chosen as PMMA/PS blend compatibilization was recently achieved via pulverization; this compatibilization was hypothesized to originate from in situ block copolymer formation via interpolymer radical coupling. P...
Intrinsic Perspectives, Object Feature Binding, and Visual Consciousness

Van der Velde and I agree on two fundamental issues surrounding the vision-related binding problem and recent solutions that have been offered: (1) that tagging theories, such as neuronal synchrony, fail to account for object feature binding in visual consciousness; and (2) that feedforward— feedback processes in the visual cortical hierarchy play a role in generating a feature-unified object of visual consciousness. Van der Velde develops and discusses an important objection to tagging theories that could help to strengthen my critique of neuronal synchrony (and other tagging theories), and then argues that the cognitive subject makes no explanatory contribution to the unity of an object's features in visual consciousness. These issues are discussed in turn. By contrast, van Leeuwen takes a more critical approach to my article. A two-fold response to van Leeuwen is offered: first, the root of his perplexity is uncovered and then some specific objections that he poses to my critique of neuronal synchrony,...
Simplified method for estimating volume of distribution at steady state

Current methods for measuring the volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) require extrapolation of the plasma concentration curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0-∞). A new method for measuring Vdss is described. This method saves time since it requires following the plasma concentration curve only until a steady state is reached. The Vdss of sulfamethizole was measured simultaneously by the new method (2 hr) and by established methods (7 hr) in six dogs. There was no significant difference between the results obtained by the two methods.
ACART: an API Compliance and Analysis Report Tool for discovering reference design traceability

The compliance of individual software modules with standard API specifications is critical to create a maintainable and portable software system over the long-term. Even minor shortfalls in API compliance can result in the need for extensive software maintenance. We present an API Compliance and Analysis Report Tool (ACART) that measures and visualizes the degree of compliance of software with an IDL-based specification. A discrete optimization method for finding maximal mapping between a reference API and sourcecode is presented. The optimization technique uses lexical and structural similarity metrics to find a mapping that minimizes the distance between the reference IDL specification and the specification derived from the sourcecode. A prototype is developed to verify and demonstrate the validity of the approach.
Circles which kiss: A note on osculatory packing

Abstract This paper provides a light introduction to simple graphics techniques for visualizing a large class of shapes generated by osculatory packing of circles and spheres.
Matrix metalloproteinases and their expression in mammary gland

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that play a key role in both normal and pathological processes involving tissue remodeling events. The expression of these proteolytic enzymes is highly regulated by a balance between extracel- lular matrix (ECM) deposition and its degradation, and is controlled by growth factors, cytokines, hormones, as well as interactions with the ECM macromolecules. Furthermore, the activity of the MMPs is regulated by their natural endogenous inhibitors, which are members of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) family. In the normal mammary gland, MMPs are expressed during ductal development, lobulo-alveolar development in pregnancy and involution after lactation. Under pathological conditions, such as tumorigenesis, the dysregulated expres- sion of MMPs play a role in tumor initiation, progression and malignant conversion as well as facilitating invasion and metastasis of malignant cells through degradation of the ECM and basement membranes.
The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support: Analyses of Internal Reliability, Measurement Invariance, and Correlates Across Gender

In this study, we examined estimates of internal consistency reliability, measurement invariance, and differential correlates of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS; Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, & Farley, 1988) in samples of undergraduate men (n = 270) and women (n = 340). The MSPSS is designed to assess 3 sources of perceived social support: family, friends, and significant others. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 24 years (M age = 19.60, SD = 1.4 years). First, composite scale reliability and coefficient omega methods provided adequate estimates of internal consistency reliability for the original MSPSS total and subscale scores. Second, results of multiple-groups invariance confirmatory factor analysis provided support for configural and metric invariance. Partial measurement invariance was attained for scalar and strict measurement invariance across men and women. Additionally, given the high correlations among the first-order factors, we conducted multiple-groups bifactor ...
Characterization and distribution of trace organic contaminants in sediment from Masan Bay, Korea. 2: In vitro gene expression assays

Extracts of sediment collected from Masan Bay, Korea were fractionated using Florisil columns. Fractions were screened for their ability to induce estrogen- and dioxinlike gene expression in vitro ...
La1.85Sr1.15Cu2−xCoxO6+δ intergrowth oxides as cathodes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract The effect of the substitution of Co for Cu in the intergrowth oxide La 1.85 Sr 1.15 Cu 2− x Co x O 6+ δ on the crystal chemistry, thermal and electrical properties, and catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been investigated to determine its viability as a cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The larger size and preference for higher oxygen-coordination number of the La 3+ /Sr 2+ ions allow intercalation of excess oxygen between the two CuO 2 layers, and vacancies are introduced into the O(1) sites of the CuO 2 planes. The La 1.85 Sr 1.15 Cu 2− x Co x O 6+ δ oxides show thermal expansion coefficients (TEC) of ∼15 × 10 −6 °C −1 that are compatible with that of the Gd 0.2 Ce 0.8 O 1.9 (GDC) electrolyte in SOFC. Fuel cell data collected with electrolyte-supported and anode-supported single cells reveal that the La 1.85 Sr 1.15 Cu 2− x Co x O 6+ δ + GDC (50:50 vol.%) composite cathodes exhibit lower polarization resistance compared to the pure La 1.85 Sr 1.15 Cu 2− x Co x O 6+ δ cathodes due to the extended triple phase boundary (TPB) where the ORR occurs. Among the various cathode compositions investigated in this study, the La 1.85 Sr 1.15 Cu 1.8 Co 0.2 O 6.26 + GDC composite was found to be optimal with the lowest polarization loss.
The PedsQL Brain Tumor Module: initial reliability and validity.

Background Brain tumors (BT) are second only to acute lymphoblastic leukemia as the most prevalent form of pediatric cancer, with BT 5-year survival rates approaching 70%. With increased survival, quality of life has emerged as an essential health outcome. This investigation examines the internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) Brain Tumor Module. Methods The PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales, PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and PedsQL™ Brain Tumor Module were administered to 99 families. The average age of the 56 boys and 43 girls was 9.76 years (range = 2–18 years). The sample included children with tumors located in the posterior fossa/brainstem (N = 62, 62.6%), supratentorial (N = 15, 15.2%), and midline (N = 22, 22.2%). Children were on treatment (N = 46, 46.5%), off treatment 12 months/long-term survivor (N = 34, 34.3%). Treatment included radiation (N = 61, 61.6%), surgery (N = 83, 83.8%), chemotherapy (N = 87, 87.9%), and bone marrow transplant (N = 5, 5.1%). Results Internal consistency reliability was demonstrated for the 24-item PedsQL™ Brain Tumor Module (average α = 0.78–0.92, parent proxy-report, n = 99; average α = 0.76–0.87, child self-report, n = 51). Construct validity for the PedsQL™ Brain Tumor Module was supported through an analysis of the intercorrelations with the Generic Core Scales and Fatigue Scale. Conclusions The findings provide support for the measurement properties of the PedsQL™ Brain Tumor Module. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:287–293. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Acquired hemophilia presenting as profound hematuria: evaluation, diagnosis, and management of elusive cause of bleeding in the emergency department setting.

Abstract Background There are numerous causes of bleeding that may present to the Emergency Department (ED). Although rare, acquired hemophilia is a potentially life-threatening bleeding disorder, with reported mortality rates ranging from 6% to 8% among patients who received proper diagnosis and treatment. Approximately two thirds of patients with this condition will present with major bleeding, the magnitude of which may necessitate urgent evaluation and care. Objectives The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management of acquired hemophilia for the emergency physician. Case Report A case report of a patient who presented to the ED with gross hematuria secondary to undiagnosed acquired hemophilia is described to facilitate a review of the laboratory evaluation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of acquired hemophilia. Conclusion Patients with acquired hemophilia–related bleeding may present to the ED for care, given the often serious nature of their bleeding. Delayed diagnosis may postpone the initiation of targeted, effective treatments for achieving hemostasis, with potentially catastrophic consequences, particularly in patients who require emergent invasive procedures. Recognition of the potential for an underlying bleeding disorder and subsequent consultation with a hematologist are critical first steps in effectively identifying and managing a patient with acquired hemophilia who presents with bleeding.
Electrochemical determination of arsenite using a gold nanoparticle modified glassy carbon electrode and flow analysis.

A flow analysis electrochemical system has been developed, characterized, and optimized for the determination of arsenite (As(III)). Sensitivity was significantly improved by the electrochemical deposition of gold nanoparticles on a dual glassy carbon electrode, which was inserted into a cross-flow thin-layer electrochemical cell. The electrochemical system was linear up to 15 ppb with a detection limit of 0.25 ppb. Gold deposition was evident from cyclic voltammetry measurements, whereas atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the size and distribution of deposited gold nanoparticles. The size and density of the nanoparticles were related to the gold salt concentration, deposition time, and potential as well as the electrode position. The response to arsenite was directly related to the frequency, increment, and amplitude of the square wave voltammetry as well as the deposition time and potential. Estimated reproducibility was ±1.1% at 95% confidence interval for 40 repeated ana...
Exteroceptive stimulation of the reproductive system of the female ring dove (Streptopelia risoria) by the mate and by the colony milieu

Abstract Female ring doves were exposed for 7 days to stimulation (through a glass partition) from intact or castrate males, either with or without ambient sounds from the breeding colony. Intact males induced more ovarian development than did castrate males, and more ovarian development was induced with sounds from the colony milieu than without, whether the female was with the intact or with the castrate male. It is concluded that, in the normal colony situation, stimuli from the mate and those from the surrounding colony environment combine in inducing ovarian development in female doves.
The multiscale veto model: a two-stage analog network for edge detection and image reconstruction

This article presents the theory behind a model for a two-stage analog network for edge detection and image reconstruction to be implemented in analog VLSI. Edges are detected in the first stage using the multiscale veto rule, which states that an edge exists only if it can pass a threshold test for each of a set of smoothing filters of decreasing bandwidth. The image is reconstructed in the second stage from the brightness values at the pixels between which edges occur. The effect of the multiscale veto rule is that noise is removed with the efficiency of the narrowest-band smoothing filter, while edges are well-localized to feature boundaries without having to identify maxima in the magnitude of the gradient. Unlike previous analog models for edge detection and reconstruction, there are no problems of local minima, and for any given set of parameters, there is a unique solution. The reconstructed images appear natural and are very similar visually to the originals.
Acquisition Footprint Suppression Via the Truncated SVD Technique

An acquisition footprint is noise in 3D seismic data that should be removed. The standard truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD) is a well known technique used for signal enhancement that has been adapted to attenuate the acquisition footprint. Using this algorithm in a repeated and multi-directional manner provides a new method for dealing with this type of noise. In this paper, it is shown that the new methodology is not only capable of removing random noise, but it is actually a very powerful tool for suppressing artifacts caused by acquisition footprint.
Preparation of Straw Superabsorbent Composite Material by Microwave Method

By microwave method, a superabsorbent function composite material was prepared by grafting sodium acrylate onto straw flour using potassium persalfate (K2S2O8) and N, N'-methylene bis acrylamide as an initiator and crosslinker, respectively. The effect of various preparation conditions on its water absorbency was investigated. When the straw flour content was 6%, the acrylic acid content was 20.0g, the amount of initiator was 0.4%, the neutralization degree of monomer was 80%, the reaction temperature was 70°C and the amount of crosslinker was 0.05%, the materials absorbency was 1360 times in distilled water and 152 times in 0.9% salt-water at ambient temperature. It had also high water retention. The analyses of SEM indicate that sodium acrylate is grafted on the polysaccharides of straw flour.
Exercise and the Aging Brain

Abstract The clinical landmarks of an aging motor system closely resemble diseases of the extrapyramidal system, notably the basal ganglia. Similarly, mechanisms that appear to be related to one of these diseases, Parkinson's disease, also seem to be related to motor system aging. The nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, impaired in both Parkinson's disease and in aging, has been shown to be substantially involved in movement initiation. This involvement has been shown by analyzing nigrostriatal dopamine in fast vs slow responding animals, and by manipulating the dopaminergic system by pharmacological methods. Exercise may postpone the deterioration in response speed that is generally observed in the aged motor system, by maintaining the nigrostriatal dopamine system. This mechanism is suggested by differences in neurotransmitter function seen in exercise rats compared to sedentary rats, and in studies of dopamine metabolites obtained from exercised humans. These mechanisms suggest that an excellent physica...
EVIDENCE FOR PSEUDOCONTACT NMR SHIFTS IN U(IV) COMPOUNDS.

Abstract Both theory and experiment indicate that the pseudocontact effect must significantly affect the NMR spectra of U(IV) compounds.
Heat transfer in water spouted beds

Heat transfer from a column wall to water spouted sand beds was studied in a 9 in. diam. steel column. The heat transfer rate to water flowing through a spouted bed was lower than when the column was empty. The presence of a bed suppressed convection currents, causing a large temperature gradient from the wall to the centre of the bed, and consequently a lowered heat transfer rate. At the same water flow rate, the spouted bed gave a lower rate than a fixed bed, because a large fraction of the water bypassed the wall region and flowed up the spout.
The history of ocean resources: modeling cod biomass using historical records

Managing the remnants of the ocean's resources is a critical issue worldwide, but evidence for what constitutes a healthy fish population remains controversial. Here, we use historical sources to understand ecosystem trends and establish a biomass estimate for a key marine species prior to the industrialization of fishing. Declining trajectories have been described for predatory fishes and complex coral reef systems globally, but few numerical estimates of past abundance exist. We combined historical research methods and population modeling to estimate the biomass of cod on Canada's Scotian Shelf in 1852. Mid 19th-century New England fishing logs offer geographically specific daily catch records, describing fleet activity on fishing grounds with negligible incentive to falsify records. Combined with ancillary fishery documents, these logs provide a solid, reliable basis for stock assessment. Based on these data we estimate a biomass for cod of 1.26 × 106 mt in 1852 – compared with less than 5 × 104 mt of ...
Abnormal breathing patterns during sleep in diabetes

Nineteen diabetic patients, 12 type I (insulin-dependent) and 7 type II (late-onset, non-insulin-dependent), underwent nocturnal polygraphic monitoring after a daytime medical evaluation that included tests of vagal responses and, in 6 patients, pulmonary function and hypercapnic and hypoxic responses. Five lean type I patients had abnormal sleep-related breathing patterns with central or obstructive sleep apnea and brief breathing irregularities during stages 3 to 4 non-rapid-eye-movement sleep, compared with only 1 overweight type II diabetic with moderate obstructive sleep apnea. There was no correlation between daytime ventilatory study findings and abnormal breathing patterns during sleep, but there was a clear relationship between neuropathy and sleep-related breathing abnormalities in type I insulin-dependent diabetics.
Calculation of the net and parasitic capacitances of diffused junctions

Junction capacitance measured at two reverse voltages is sufficient to calculate the parasitic and the net junction capacitances of a transistor or diode. Use of a nomograph further simplifies the calculation.
Strategies for Managing Fibromyalgia

The presentation of fibromyalgia is heterogeneous, and the treatment approach should be individualized for each patient, depending on the severity of the patient's pain, the presence of other symptoms or comorbidities, and the degree of functional impairment. The management of fibromyalgia includes the identification and treatment of all pain sources that may be present in addition to fibromyalgia, such as peripheral pain generators (e.g., comorbid osteoarthritis or neuropathic pain) or visceral pain (e.g., comorbid irritable bowel syndrome). It is also important to address other symptoms or disorders that commonly occur in patients with fibromyalgia, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, stiffness, and mood or anxiety disorders. Finally, the treatment should strive to improve the patient's function and global health status. In most cases, the management of fibromyalgia involves both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments. This report provides an in-depth review of randomized, controlled trials for pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to fibromyalgia therapy.
Trinuclear gold(I) triazolates: a new class of wide-band phosphors and sensors.

A new cyclic gold(I) triazolate trimer, [Au(3,5-i-Pr2Tz)]3 (1), exhibits fully overlapping aurophilically bonded dimer-of-trimer units that lead to multiple phosphorescence bands in both the solid ...
Prognostication during physician-family discussions about limiting life support in intensive care units.

Objective:Prognostic information is important to the family members of incapacitated, critically ill patients, yet little is known about what prognostic information physicians provide. Our objectives were to determine the types of prognostic information provided to families of critically ill patient
Singular perturbation analysis of linear systems with scalar quantized control

Abstract The effect of a scalar quantized control input on an otherwise linear, singularly perturbed control system is analyzed. The cases of open loop and closed loop control are studied. Analytical techniques are derived that allow the decoupling of such systems into fast and slow subsystems for analysis and design. The results of a numerical example are given to demonstrate these techniques.
Neurophysiologic basis of functional neuroimaging: animal studies.

Summary:Functional neuroimaging adds metabolic or biochemical information to that obtained with anatomic imaging, allowing localization of a neural function. Positron emission tomography and single photon emission tomography make use of radioactive tracers tagged to a molecule which can indicate glu
Evaluation of hepatic storage of sulfobromopthalein in rats and dogs

Abstract Sulfobromophthalein (BSP) is stored in the liver during its passage from plasma to bile. The soluble hepatic anion-binding protein, ligandin, may be responsible for BSP storage since BSP binds to this protein. Studies were undertaken in rats and dogs to determine whether the amount of ligandin in the liver is a major determinant of storage. Ligandin content in dog liver was found to be 0.252 mg BSP bound/kg body wt which was about one-half that in rat liver (0.504 mg BSP bound/kg body wt). Relative to plasma, BSP accumulation in liver tissue (or storage of BSP) following single bolus injection of BSP was about 5 times greater in rats than in dogs. Lack of correlation between BSP accumulation and ligandin content suggests that intracellular storage of this anion is not solely determined by its binding to ligandin. Differences in the carrier-mediated transport processes on either/ or both sinusoidal and canalicular sides of the hepatocyte may be responsible for this affect.