cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The functional architecture of human visual motion perception

Abstract A powerful paradigm (the pedestal-plus-test display) is combined with several subsidiary paradigms (interocular presentation, stimulus superpositions with varying phases, and attentional manipulations) to determine the functional architecture of visual motion perception: i.e. the nature of the various mechanisms of motion perception and their relations to each other. Three systems are isolated: a first-order system that uses a primitive motion energy computation to extract motion from moving luminance modulations; a second-order system that uses motion energy to extract motion from moving texture-contrast modulations; and a third-order system that tracks features. Pedestal displays exclude feature-tracking; and thereby yield pure measures of the first- and second-order systems which are found to be exclusively monocular. Interocular displays exclude the first- and second-order systems and thereby to yield pure measures of feature-tracking. Results: both first- and second-order systems are fast (with temporal frequency cutoff at 12 Hz) and sensitive. Feature tracking operates interocularly almost as well as monocularly. It is slower (cutoff frequency is 3 Hz) and it requires much more stimulus contrast than the first- and second-order systems. Feature tracking is both bottom-up (it computes motion from luminance modulation, texture-contrast modulation, depth modulation, motion modulation, flicker modulation, and from other types of stimuli) and top-down—e.g. attentional instructions can determine the direction of perceived motion.
Ultracentrifugal isolation of serum chylomicron-containing fractions with quantitation by infrared spectrometry and NCH elemental analysis

An ultracentrifugal method for isolating chylomicron-containing fractions from serum by flotation, using either standard Spinco swinging-bucket rotors or a specially fabricated swinging-bucket rotor, is described. Lower limits of the Sf rates of the chylomicron fractions are evaluated using a computer technique to define lipoprotein flotation over a nonlinear NaCl density gradient. The latter is prepared by a special overlayering technique.
On temporary layoffs and job search theory

Abstract This note explores some properties of job search models in which layoff status to a particular job may be considered as a job offer which is conditional on having been employed at that job.
Construction of the center-of-mass free space for the SU(3) no-core shell model

Abstract We address the removal of states with center-of-mass excitation from the SU ( 3 ) no-core shell model [ SU ( 3 ) -NCSM] space, i.e., construction of the nonspurious subspace. A procedure is formulated based on solution of the null-space problem for the center-of-mass harmonic oscillator lowering operator B ˜ c . m . ( 01 ) , operating at the level of SU ( 3 ) irreducible representations. Isolation of the center-of-mass free subspace for the SU ( 3 ) -NCSM provides the foundation for exact removal of center-of-mass dynamics in the proposed Sp ( 3 , R ) symplectic no-core shell model. We outline the construction process for the matrix representation of B ˜ c . m . ( 01 ) , present the algorithm for obtaining the nonspurious space, and examine the dimensions obtained for center-of-mass free SU ( 3 ) subspaces in representative light nuclei.
Relations of Goal Orientations and Expectations on Multidimensional State Anxiety

This study examined the relationships among task and ego orientation, expectations for success, and multidimensional state anxiety in a competitive sport situation. Subjects (N = 107) enrolled in a tennis skills class were gender- and ability-matched and asked to play an eight game pro-set. One week prior to the match goal orientations were assessed. Immediately prior to competition multidimensional state anxiety and performance expectations were measured. Multiple regression analyses predicting multidimensional state anxiety revealed that somatic and cognitive state anxiety were only predicted by performance expectations. Also, lower ego orientation and positive match expectations were predictive of state self-confidence. Results are interpreted in light of goal perspective theory.
Teaching Budget Tools

Thornburgh, R., P. Gainer, and C. Walker. 2000. World Bank: Concerning Mechanisms to Address Problems of Fraud and Corruption. Report to Shengman Zhang, Managing Director and Chairman of the Oversight Committee on Fraud and Corruption, January 21 (revised), internal document. [Cited in Marquette 2003, 96-97] United Nations (UN). 2004. A Global Agenda: Issues before the 59th General Assembly of the United Nations. New York: Berman Press.
On p-rationalizability and approximate common certainty of rationality

Abstract This paper shows that common p-belief of rationality implies p-rationalizability for games with compact strategy sets. We also establish the Bayesian foundation for the perfect p-rationalizability for finite games. The p-rationalizability is then used to analyze the robustness of rationalizable sets. For any game with compact strategy sets, we show that the rationalizable set is robust, i.e., the strategies characterized by common p-belief of rationality are close to the rationalizable set when p → 1 .
Growth and characterization of vertically aligned centimeter long CNT arrays

Abstract Record-long (21.7 mm) vertically aligned MWNT arrays were synthesized using water-assisted thermal CVD process. The catalyst lifetime was maintained for 790 min at optimized experimental condition. The growth of the centimeter long CNT was observed by real time photography at different growth conditions. The growth length increased linearly with increasing growth time followed by a sudden growth end. The ratio of ethylene and H 2 concentration as well as the water and ethylene concentration was studied and optimized which led to prolong catalyst lifetime. Transmission electron microscope images confirmed that most CNTs were double wall and the number of wall distribution was uniform along different height position. Raman spectra showed that the I D / I G ratio remained constant at the 3 studied positions along the CNT. TGA demonstrated negligible impurity incorporation in the CNT array.
Copper Nanoparticle Synthesis in Compressed Liquid and Supercritical Fluid Reverse Micelle Systems

Synthesis of copper nanoparticles within sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) reverse micelles was performed by implementing compressed liquid and supercritical fluid (SCF) alkanes as the bulk solvent of the microemulsion system. In this reverse micelle reaction media, the role of the anionic surfactant AOT is twofold. Initially, the AOT creates a thermodynamically stable microemulsion system consisting of water and metal ions encased within an AOT surfactant reverse micelle and dispersed within a bulk oil phase. The AOT surfactant also acts as a stabilizing ligand where the surfactant tails sterically stabilize the synthesized copper particles in solution. Our previous experimental and modeling studies have shown that the strength of the solvent interactions between the bulk liquid organic solvent and the surfactant tails affects the particle growth rate and the mean copper nanoparticle size synthesized within the microemulsion system. The thermophysical properties of compressed liquids and SCFs ...
The active learning framework

The Active Learning Framework (ALF) creates a technologically and educationally sophisticated learning environment in which nurse practitioners, medical students and other health professional students can participate in virtual patient encounters anytime, anywhere. Learners are presented with web-based case studies and engage in open-ended, interactive learning activities that are orchestrated by intelligent agent technology. Formative evaluation is provided. ALF has been tested for usability and learner satisfaction by 13 medical students, with generally very positive results.
An efficient heuristic procedure for the uncapacitated warehouse location problem

This paper introduces an efficient heuristic procedure for a special class of mixed integer programming problems called the uncapacitated warehouse (plant) location problem. This procedure is derived from the branching decision rules proposed for the branch and bound algorithm by the author in an earlier paper. It can be viewed as tracing a single path of the branch and bound tree (from the initial node to the terminal node), the path being determined by the particular branching decision rule used. Unlike branch and bound the computational efficiency of this procedure is substantially less than linearly related to the number of potential warehouse locations (integer variables) in the problem. Its computational efficiency is tested on problems found in the literature.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: predisposing factors and the role of nutrition

More than 20% of Americans have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and this is, by far, the leading cause of abnormal liver enzymes in the United States. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more serious form of NAFLD, can proceed to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. These liver diseases represent the hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome, and this spectrum of liver disease represents a major health problem both in the United States and worldwide. Hepatic steatosis is closely linked to nutrition, including obesity, possibly high-fructose corn syrup consumption and consumption of certain types of fats. There are a variety of second insults or "hits" that appear to transform simple steatosis into NASH, with some of these second hits including certain proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and possibly industrial toxins. In certain underdeveloped countries, it appears likely that industrial toxins play a role in NASH, and there is increasing interest in the potential interaction of industrial toxins and nutrients. Moreover, optimal therapy for NAFLD appears to include lifestyle modification with exercise, diet and weight loss. Certain nutrients may also be of benefit. Important areas for future research are the effect(s) of nutritional supplements on NAFLD/NASH and the effects of industrial toxins.
Surface Stiffness of Patient-Specific Arterial Segments With Varying Plaque Compositions

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), resulting from the accumulation of plaque, causes obstruction of blood flow in the large arteries in the arm and leg. In the United States, approximately 8.4 million people over the age of 40 have PAD [1]. If not treated, PAD can cause ischemic ulcerations and gangrene, which could eventually lead to amputation. Approximately, 25% of patients with PAD have worsening limb symptoms over 5 years, 7% requiring revascularization, and 4% requiring amputation [2].Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Is laparoscopic approach to lumbar spine fusion worthwhile

Abstract Background: Laparoscopic lumbar spine fusion has been recently described. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this procedure for single- and multiple-level degenerative disc disease. Methods: Twenty-four consecutive laparoscopic interbody lumbar fusions were evaluated prospectively (18 single-level were compared with 6 multiple-level procedures). Results of the laparoscopic multiple-level procedures were further compared with 12 open multiple-level operations. Results: Twenty procedures were completed laparoscopically. The conversions were related to iliac vein lacerations (3 cases) and a mesenteric tear. Single-level cases had lower morbidity (22% versus 83%), shorter hospital stay (2 versus 10 days), and higher fusion rate (88% versus 50%) than multiple-level procedures. Overall results in the latter group were worse than in the matched open group. Conclusions: Laparoscopic single-level fusion (L5-S1) is safe and carries the benefits of minimal access surgery. Morbidity after multiple level approach is high, and this procedure cannot be advocated at this time.
A GRAPHICAL CHART FOR DETERMINING EXCESS AIR IN THE COMBUSTION OF PRODUCER GAS1

This paper presents a mathematical analysis of the combustion of the principal components of producer gas. Formulae are obtained for determining the theoretically right proportions of air to gas for any analysis of producer gas and the theoretical volume of waste gases which should result from this combustion. In addition, a formula is determined by which the percentage of excess air can be obtained when the analysis of the gas and the percentage of CO2 in the products of combustion are known. These formulae are presented in a chart form which eliminates the necessity for mathematical calculations.
Estimating the value of beach recreation from property values: An exploration with comparisons to nourishment costs

Abstract This paper explores how the economic value of recreation at local public beaches can be estimated from nearby property values. The negative effect of distance from the nearest public beach on coastal property values was used to reveal recreational value. Estimates of recreational value were also compared to the costs of beach nourishment that were calculated from a simulation of beach erosion caused, in part, by increases in relative sea-level. Although a complete benefit-cost analysis was not feasible, the results suggest that potential losses of recreational value by local users alone could establish the efficiency of beach nourishment projects.
Knowledge based simulation techniques for manufacturing

The art and science of simulating complex manufacturing systems is rapidly changing. A great deal of attention is being devoted to the possibilities of bringing artificial intelligence (AI) and expert systems (ES) technology into simulation methodology. Such systems will hopefully allow models to be quickly developed, validated and run with as much of the necessary expertise as possible built into the software. This paper addresses: (a) the motivation and need for developing such systems, (b) the nature of such systems, (c) the potential benefits of this technology over existing approaches and (d) the current state-of-the-art as it applies to simulation.
Purification and coat protein gene sequence of a Montana RMV-like isolate of barley yellow dwarf virus

A Montana barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) isolate, BYDV-RMV-MT, is serologically identical to the New York RMV type isolate (RMV-NY) but differs in aphid transmission phenotype. A purification procedure for BYDV-RMV-MT was developed and cDNAs encompassing the entire coat protein gene and a portion of the putative polymerase gene of both RMV-MT and RMV-NY were cloned and sequenced. Diameters of RMV-MT virions averaged 24.7 nm. Average virus yield was 4.2 mg/kg plant tissue. There was 81% sequence identity between the clones of MT and NY RMV isolates at the nucleotide level. At the amino acid level the polymerase genes were 91% identical to each other and 74% homologous with that of beet western yellow virus. The coat protein amino acid sequences of the two RMV isolates were only 81% identical and, compared to other sequenced luteoviruses, both were most similar to cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus.
Permeability and durability effects of cellulose polymer variation in polymer inclusion membranes

This report describes the preparation of a series of new cellulose-based polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) and compares their properties to those made with cellulose triacetate (CTA). The cellulose derivatives considered in this study include cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) containing both high and low butyryl content, and cellulose tributyrate (CTB). PIMs were prepared containing bis-tert-butylcyclohexano-18-crown-6 as a metal cation carrier. Differences in ion permeability based on polymer type were investigated by monitoring K+ flux. Flux of K+ diminished with increasing size of the polymer side chains. The resistance of varying PIMs to hydrolysis under acidic and alkaline conditions was determined. It was found that the length of polymer alkyl chain is proportional to PIM durability under pH conditions favoring hydrolytic cleavage of the polymer β-glucosidic linkages.
Relevance of Iron Deposition in Deep Gray Matter Brain Structures to Cognitive and Motor Performance in Healthy Elderly Men and Women: Exploratory Findings.

Iron deposition increases in normal aging, has its greatest presence in structures of the extrapyramidal system, and may contribute to functional decline. MR imaging provides a method for indexing iron deposition in brain structures because of iron’s ferromagnetic properties, which interact with the MRI environment to cause signal intensity attenuation that is quantifiable by comparing images collected at 1.5 and 3.0 T. We tested functional correlates of an MR-based iron index in 10 healthy, elderly individuals previously reported to have a higher iron burden in the putamen and lower in the thalamus than young individuals. Lower scores on the Dementia Rating Scale and longer reaction times on a two-choice attention test correlated with higher iron estimates in the caudate nucleus and putamen; poorer Mini-Mental State Examination and Digit Symbol scores correlated with lower iron estimates in the thalamus. Further analyses based on multiple regression, which considered regional FDRI estimates and volume measures as predictors of performance, identified iron but not the sampled volume as the unique predictor in each case. These exploratory correlations suggest a substrate of performance degradation in aging and have implications for regional signal darkening in an array of MR-based imaging protocols.
Catalytic currents of albumin at the hanging mercury drop electrode

Abstract Bovine serum albumin (BSA), as well as completely reduced BSA denoted by P (SH)35, are adsorbed on the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) from alkaline buffer solutions. When time is allowed, a monolayer is adsorbed from very dilute (10−9 M) BSA solutions in ammoniacal and borate buffers. With a monolayer of adsorbed protein the voltammograms at the HMDE are then identical in a given ammoniacal or borax buffer containing cobalt(III) or (II) and different BSA concentrations. Voltammograms of P (SH)35 are virtually identical with those of native BSA. At the HMDE the second Brdicka current is proportional to concentration of cobalt(III) or (II) and the first current nearly so. Incompletely or completely adsorbed BSA or P (SH)35 is not desorbed on keeping the HMDE for one hour in ammonia buffers. An incomplete layer of adsorbed BSA or P (SH)35 is relatively rapidly desorbed at −1.6 V (vs. SCE) and a complete film at −1.65 V, some desorption occurring at −1.6 V. Upon desorption, the second Brdicka current decreases faster than the first one; this is particularly striking in 1 M ammonia buffer. The rate of desorption is increased by calcium chloride, but the rate of adsorption is not, or only slightly, increased in the presence of calcium. Incomplete adsorption occurs at −1.60 V (vs. SCE) and no adsorption at −1.65 V. Indications are obtained that “presodium currents” yield a slight plateau at −1.67 to −1.70 V, the plateau currents being attributed to adsorbed BSA, while unadsorbed BSA yields catalytic currents without a plateau, the currents merging with the residual one of the buffer. Calcium chloride greatly increases the presodium currents. From many kinetic data obtained at the dropping mercury electrode (DME) and from results at the HMDE it is concluded that, depending on the BSA concentration, Brdicka currents at the DME are partly of a kinetic and partly of a surface adsorption nature and partly diffusion-controlled. Adsorption equilibrium is not attained at the DME at 25° at concentrations of BSA smaller than 10−6 M.
Broadening the Perspective of Mainstream Composition Studies: Some Thoughts from the Disciplinary Margins.

In this article we (a) argue that mainstream composition studies is at present too narrow in its scope and limited in its perspective and (b) offer some thoughts, from our unique interdisciplinary position, that we feel could help mainstream composition professionals improve this situation. In our article, we first provide evidence that we feel suggests an unfortunate pattern of neglect in mainstream composition studies of writing in English as a second language (ESL) and writing in languages other than English. We then introduce a number of concepts from second language studies (primarily from second language acquisition and second language writing instruction) that we believe could help mainstream composition studies address its limitations; develop a more global and inclusive understanding of writing; and thus avoid being seen as a monolinguistic, monocultural, and ethnocentric enterprise.
LOOKAROUND: a spherical VR environment

AbstractThe BE Systems is developing a unique technology of augmented 360 degrees situational visualization for displaying fused multimedia (audio, video and etc.) in a virtual hemisphere. It isa software tool exploiting spherical visualization, spherical memory, and situational visualization of any angle in the visual sphere or hemisphere. Applications range from entertainment, medicine, military, to education.Keywords: Spherical vision, spherical VR, situational visualization. Introduction Situational visualization is a critical requirement for modem VR (Virtual Reality) environments.The requirement is so crucial that the computational overhead becomes significant to hardwareand software engineering of VR. The objective of "LOOKAROUND" is to demonstrate theintegration of different techniques, which provide the user with a full, on-demand view of theVR environment. Furthermore, the user is augmented with information about each object, basedon data obtained from on- and off- platform imaging and non-imaging sensors. All sensory dataare fused and presented in a visualization implementation, which would minimize the impact onthe user' s movement, visibility, and performance.This paper will focus on the appropriate visualization models. It is a novel concept to model theuser's environment as a spherical or hemispherical space, in which a central moving coordinatesystem is maintained at the user's platform (e.g., a car or a spacecraft). This visualization system
Blood coagulation and autologous blood transfusion in cardiac surgery

Abstract Study Objective: To review the basic pathophysiology of altered coagulation associated with cardiopulmonary bypass and autologous blood transfusion in cardiac surgery. Design: Review of rational use of heparin, mechanisms and treatment of coagulation disorders, and autologous blood transfusion. Setting: Cardiac surgery in community and academic hospitals. Patients: Adult cardiac surgical patients. Main Results: Heparin is most commonly used for anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass. Although activated clotting time is widely used to assess heparin-induced anticoagulation, the minimum time to prevent clotting during cardiopulmonary bypass remains unclear. Activated clotting time is affected by many factors other than heparin, such as antithrombin III, blood temperature, platelet count, and age. The rational use of activated clotting time still must be defined. The frequency of abnormal bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass is significant. Although inadequate surgical hemostasis is the most frequent cause of bleeding, altered coagulation often is present. A decreased number of functional platelets is one of the important causes of bleeding diathesis. Platelet dysfunction is induced by perioperative medication such as aspirin. Cardiopulmonary bypass decreases functional platelets by degranulation, fragmentation, and loss of fibrinogen receptors. Medications such as prostacyclin and iloprost may be useful to protect these platelets. Desmopressin increases factor VIII:C and von Willebrand's factor, leading to a decrease in bleeding time. Desmopressin may be useful to decrease blood loss in repeat cardiac operations, complex cardiac surgery, and abnormal postoperative bleeding. Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting immediately after streptokinase infusion also are at risk for abnormal bleeding. Transfusion of fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate may be necessary. Autologous blood transfusion is cost-effective and the safest way to avoid or decrease homologous blood transfusion. Predonation, intraoperative salvage, and postoperative salvage are encouraged. Erthroprotein may be useful in increasing the amount of predonation red cells. Conclusions: Coagulation disorders in cardiac surgery are caused by many factors, such as heparin, platelet dysfunction, and fibronolysis. Rational use of blood component therapy and medications such as heparin, protamine, and desmorpessin are mandatory. Autologous blood transfusions is very useful in decreasing or obviating the use of homologous blood transfusion.
FOURNIER'S GANGRENE: AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION FOR RECTAL CARCINOMA

We report a case of a large perforated adenocarcinoma of the rectum manifesting as an ischiorectal abscess progressing to Fournier's gangrene in an insulin-dependent diabetic man. Recognition and management of this rare syndrome in the setting of a common disease is discussed.
Formaldehyde and Other Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions in Four FEMA Temporary Housing Units

Indoor concentrations of 33 volatile organic chemicals were measured in four unoccupied temporary housing units (THUs) belonging to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). The highest level contaminants in the THUs include formaldehyde, acetic acid, and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TXIB) with median concentrations of 440, 425, and 36 ppb, respectively. A number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were higher than published concentrations in other dwellings, but whole THU emission factors for most chemicals were either lower than or similar to values reported for newly constructed homes. However, several chemicals exceeded previously measured new building emission rates by over a factor of 5. Materials were collected from the THUs, and emission factors were determined using small chambers to identify the potential source of indoor contaminants. The individual materials were grouped by material type, and emissions were used to derive exposure concentrations for comparison to reference values. Using material loading factors and ventilation rates that are relevant to the trailers, all of the material types we tested had at least two chemicals (formaldehyde and nonanal) with derived concentrations in excess of chronic reference exposure levels or odor thresholds. The extensive use of composite wood products, sealants, and vinyl coverings, combined with the low air exchange rates relative to material surface areas, may explain the high concentrations of some VOCs and formaldehyde.
Synthesis and Physical Characterization of Novel Heme-Based Model Systems for Photoinitiated Electron Transfer. 1. Complexation of a RuProHis Bifunctional Peptide and Microperoxidase-11 †

This paper describes the synthesis and initial physical characterization of a new type of model system for the investigation of photoinitiated electron transfer (ET) in proteins and polypeptides. This system is based upon a derivative of a heme-containing digestion product of cytochrome c, microperoxidase-11 (MP-11). The vacant axial position of the five-coordinate heme of MP-11 is coordinated to the terminal histidine of a dipeptide having a photoactive ruthenium tris(bipyridine) moiety at its other end (RuProHis). Photoexcitation of the ruthenium group results in rapid (kET > 10 7 s -1 ), reversible ET to the ferric heme. The equilibrium properties of MP-11 and the MP-11/Ru(peptide) complex were characterized with optical absorption, luminescence, and resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopies. Molecular modeling was also employed to examine the structure and energetics of the equilibrium species. Clear evidence for reversible photoinduced ET was observed in time-resolved luminescence and transient resonance Raman studies of the MP-11/RuProHis samples.
Gene-Diet Interactions and Their Impact on Colorectal Cancer Risk

A number of studies have evaluated the role of gene-diet interaction in the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC). Historically, these studies focused on established dietary risk factors and genes involved in their metabolism. However, results from these candidate gene studies were inconsistent, possibly due to multiple testing and publication bias. In recent years, genome-wide association studies have identified a number of CRC susceptibility loci, and subsequent meta-analyses have observed limited evidence that diet may modify the risk associated with these susceptibility loci. Statistical techniques have been recently developed to evaluate the presence of interaction across the entire genome; results from these genome-wide studies have demonstrated limited evidence of interaction and have failed to replicate results from candidate gene studies and those using established susceptibility loci. However, larger sample sizes are likely needed to elucidate modest or weak interaction in genome-wide studies of gene-diet interaction.
Dark Opening of Stomates of Vicia faba in CO2-free Air EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON STOMATAL APERTURE AND POTASSIUM ACCUMULATION

Leaf epidermal strips of Vicia faba were floated on 10 millimolar KCl at temperatures of 10 to 45 C for several time periods in the dark. For the duration of the experiment, a jet of water-saturated, CO2-free air was passed over the strips. The width of the stomatal aperture was measured microscopically and the potassium content was estimated and expressed as the percentage of area of the guard cell pair stained with cobaltinitrite. Stomatal opening in the dark occurred at temperatures above 35 C. The high temperature aperture reduction previously observed at 45 C in the light was not observed in the dark. Potassium accumulation occurred at all temperatures except 10 C, with a maximum at 45 C, which appeared functionally different from that seen previously in the light.
Intracranial Stenosis: Impact of Randomized Trials on Treatment Preferences of US Neurologists and Neurointerventionists

Background and Purpose: Medical and endovascular treatment options for stroke prevention in patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis have evolved over the past several decades, but the impact of 2 major multicenter randomized stroke prevention trials on physician practices has not been studied. We sought to determine changes in US physician treatment choices for patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) following 2 NIH-funded clinical trials that studied medical therapies (antithrombotic agents and risk factor control) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS). Methods: Anonymous surveys on treatment practices in patients with ICAS were sent to physicians at 3 time points: before publication of the NIH-funded Warfarin-Aspirin Symptomatic Intracranial Disease (WASID) trial (pre-WASID survey, 2004), 1 year after WASID publication (post-WASID survey, 2006) and 1 year after the publication of the NIH-funded Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial (post-SAMMPRIS survey, 2012). Neurologists were invited to participate in the pre-WASID survey (n = 525). Neurologists and neurointerventionists were invited to participate in the post-WASID (n = 598) and post-SAMMPRIS (n = 2,080) surveys. The 3 surveys were conducted using web-based survey tools delivered by E-mail, and a fax-based response form delivered by E-mail and conventional mail. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test. Results: Before WASID, there was equipoise between warfarin and aspirin for stroke prevention in patients with ICAS. The number of respondents who recommended antiplatelet treatment for ICAS increased across all 3 surveys for both anterior circulation (pre-WASID = 44%, post-WASID = 85%, post-SAMMPRIS = 94%) and posterior circulation (pre-WASID = 36%, post-WASID = 74%, post-SAMMPRIS = 83%). The antiplatelet agent most commonly recommended after WASID was aspirin, but after SAMMPRIS it was the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel. The percentage of neurologists who recommended PTAS in >25% of ICAS patients increased slightly from pre-WASID (8%) to post-WASID surveys (12%), but then decreased again after SAMMPRIS (6%). The percentage of neurointerventionists who recommended PTAS in >25% of ICAS patients decreased from post-WASID (49%) to post-SAMMPRIS surveys (17%). Conclusions: The surveyed US physicians' recommended treatments for ICAS differed over the 3 survey periods, reflecting the results of the 2 NIH-funded clinical trials of ICAS and suggesting that these clinical trials changed practice in the USA.
Equilibrium shapes of semicoherent inclusions

The equilibrium shapes of stress free inclusions with a small mismatch and possibly a small rotation from the matrix phase are studied. The model used includes both bond-breaking and elastic contributions to the interface energy. The unrotated shape contains only facets. Rotated inclusions sometimes contain smoothly curved parts as well. Interface phase diagrams are used to characterize the stable phase behavior of flat interfaces of fixed orientation.
Glucose activates prenyltransferases in pancreatic islet β-cells

A growing body of evidence implicates small G-proteins [e.g., Cdc42 and Rac1] in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion [GSIS] in the islet beta-cell. These signaling proteins undergo post-translational modifications [e.g., prenylation] at their C-terminal cysteine residue and appear to be essential for the transport and fusion of insulin-containing secretory granules with the plasma membrane and the exocytotic secretion of insulin. However, potential regulation of the prenylating enzymes by physiological insulin secretogues [e.g., glucose] has not been investigated thus far. Herein, we report immunological localization, sub-cellular distribution and regulation of farnesyltransferases [FTases] and geranylgeranyltransferase [GGTase] by glucose in insulin-secreting INS 832/13 beta-cells and normal rat islets. Our findings suggest that an insulinotropic concentration of glucose [20mM] markedly stimulated the expression of the alpha-subunits of FTase/GGTase-1, but not the beta-subunits of FTase or GGTase-1 without significantly affecting the predominantly cytosolic distribution of these holoenzymes in INS 832/13 cells and rodent islets. Under these conditions, glucose significantly stimulated [2.5- to 4.0-fold over basal] the activities of both FTase and GGTase-1 in both cell types. Together, these findings provide the first evidence to suggest that GSIS involves activation of the endogenous islet prenyltransferases by glucose, culminating in the activation of their respective G-protein substrates, which is necessary for cytoskeletal rearrangement, vesicular transport, fusion and secretion of insulin.
Regulation of Cytokine and Chemokine Expression by the Ribotoxic Stress Response Elicited by Shiga Toxin Type 1 in Human Macrophage-Like THP-1 Cells

Shiga toxins (Stxs) are cytotoxins produced by the enteric pathogens Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Stxs bind to a membrane glycolipid receptor, enter cells, and undergo retrograde transport to ultimately reach the cytosol, where the toxins exert their protein synthesis-inhibitory activity by depurination of a single adenine residue from the 28S rRNA component of eukaryotic ribosomes. The depurination reaction activates the ribotoxic stress response, leading to signaling via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways (Jun N-terminal protein kinase [JNK], p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK]) in human epithelial, endothelial, and myeloid cells. We previously showed that treatment of human macrophage-like THP-1 cells with Stxs resulted in increased cytokine and chemokine expression. In the present study, we show that individual inactivation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPKs using pharmacological inhibitors in the presence of Stx1 resulted in differential regulation of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and chemokines IL-8, growth-regulated protein-β, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and MIP-1β. THP-1 cells exposed to Stx1 upregulate the expression of select dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs), enzymes that dephosphorylate and inactivate MAPKs in mammalian cells. In this study, we confirmed DUSP1 protein production by THP-1 cells treated with Stx1. DUSP1 inhibition by triptolide showed that ERK and p38 phosphorylation is regulated by DUSP1, while JNK phosphorylation is not. Inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling blocked the ability of Stx1 to induce DUSP1 mRNA expression, suggesting that an autoregulatory signaling loop may be activated by Stxs. Thus, Stxs appear to be capable of eliciting signals which both activate and deactivate signaling for increased cytokine/chemokine production in human macrophage-like cells.
Effect of Pesticides on Adult Rove Beetle Atheta coriaria (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) Survival in Growing Medium

The rove beetle Atheta coriaria (Kraatz) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) is a natural enemy (biological control agent) commercially available for control of certain greenhouse insect pests, including fungus gnats, shore flies, and thrips. This study assessed the compatibility of pesticides (insecticides and fungicides) used in greenhouses with A. coriaria adults. Treatments were applied to 473-ml deli squat containers half-filled with a growing medium. We evaluated the effects of the pesticides when releases of A. coriaria adults were performed both before and after application of the designated pesticide solutions. All three of the neonicotinoid-based insecticides (clothianidin, dinotefuran, and thiamethoxam) were directly harmful to A. coriaria adults with < or = 3.2 adults recovered (out of 20) among all three treatments across all experiments. In addition, the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos at the low (0.25 fl oz/100 gal) and high (0.50 fl oz/100 gal) label rates; the plant-derived essential oil product (Indoor Pharm) containing soybean and rosemary oil; and the insecticide/miticide chlorfenpyr were directly harmful to A. coriaria adults with recovery rates -8.6 (out of 20) among all the treatments. The fungicides (azoxystrobin, fosetyl-aluminum, and mefenoxam) were not directly toxic to A. coriaria adults, with < or = 17.7 adults recovered (out of 20) across all experiments. The insecticides (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, flonicamid, Metarhizium anisopliae strain52, and spinosad) and insect growth regulator azadirachtin were also not directly toxic to A. coriaria adults. Furthermore, many of these same treatments did not inhibit the ability of adult A. coriaria to consume fungus gnat (Bradysia sp. nr. coprophila) larvae in a feeding behavior experiment. Although the neonicotinoid-based insecticides were directly harmful to adult A. coriaria, when adults were released 48, 72, or 96 h after application, survival increased dramatically over time. This study has quantitatively demonstrated that certain pesticides (both insecticides and fungicides) are compatible with and can be used along with A. coriaria in systems that use this natural enemy to manage fungus gnat larvae.
Photon echo relaxation in LaF3:Pr3+

Abstract We have observed deeply modulated photon echoes from Pr 3+ ions in LaF 3 reflecting nuclear hyperfine interactions in both the ground 3 H 4 and excited 3 P 0 states. We infer splittings of 0.75 MHz for the 3 P 0 state. Inhomogeneous broadening of the terminal levels is found to lead to echo modulation damping. A surprising concentration dependence of the photon echo relaxation rate is observed as well as a dramatically long-lived (3 min) stimulated photon echo.
Depositional history of artificial radionuclides in the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica

Abstract The annual fluxes of artificial radionuclides ( 238 Pu, 239+240 Pu, 241 Am, 137 Cs, 90 Sr and 3 H) from the atmosphere to the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica were determined from measurements in strata dated by 210 Pb. Recognizable sources include the U.S. tests (Mike-Ivy and Castle Hill) in the early 1950s, the U.S.S.R. tests of the early 1960s, the SNAP-9A burnup of 1964 and the French and Chinese tests in the late 1960s and 1970s. There are several problems still awaiting resolution: the differences in atmospheric chemistries of fission products and of transuranics produced in weapons tests and the anomalous fluxes of 238 Pu to the ice shelf which do not appear to reflect a one-year stratospheric residence. There is no evidence for a smearing of the fallout record as a consequence of diffusion of these radionuclides in the glacial column.
Density functional theory analysis of the reaction pathway for methane oxidation to acetic acid catalyzed by Pd2+ in sulfuric acid.

Density functional theory has been used to investigate the thermodynamics and activation barriers associated with the direct oxidation of methane to acetic acid catalyzed by Pd2+ cation in concentrated sulfuric acid. Pd2+ cations in such solutions are ligated by two bisulfate anions and by one or two molecules of sulfuric acid. Methane oxidation is initiated by the addition of CH4 across one of the Pd−O bonds of a bisulfate ligand to form Pd(HSO4)(CH3)(H2SO4)2. The latter species will react with CO to produce Pd(HSO4)(CH3CO)(H2SO4)2. The most likely path to the final products is found to be via oxidation of Pd(HSO4)(CH3)(H2SO4)2 and Pd(HSO4)(CH3CO)(H2SO4)2 to form Pd(η2-HSO4)(HSO4)2(CH3)(H2SO4) and Pd(η2-HSO4)(HSO4)2(CH3CO)(H2SO4), respectively. CH3HSO4 or CH3COHSO4 is then produced by reductive elimination from the latter two species, and CH3COOH is then formed by hydrolysis of CH3COHSO4. The loss of Pd2+ from solution to form Pd(0) or Pd-black is predicted to occur via reduction with CO. This process is...
Contrasting performance of donor-acceptor copolymer pairs in ternary blend solar cells and two-acceptor copolymers in binary blend solar cells.

Here two contrasting approaches to polymer–fullerene solar cells are compared. In the first approach, two distinct semi-random donor–acceptor copolymers are blended with phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) to form ternary blend solar cells. The two poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based polymers contain either the acceptor thienopyrroledione (TPD) or diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP). In the second approach, semi-random donor–acceptor copolymers containing both TPD and DPP acceptors in the same polymer backbone, termed two-acceptor polymers, are blended with PC61BM to give binary blend solar cells. The two approaches result in bulk heterojunction solar cells that have the same molecular active-layer components but differ in the manner in which these molecular components are mixed, either by physical mixing (ternary blend) or chemical “mixing” in the two-acceptor (binary blend) case. Optical properties and photon-to-electron conversion efficiencies of the binary and ternary blends were found to have similar featu...
Intramembrane-cleaving proteases.

In the past decade or so, membrane-embedded proteases that carry out hydrolysis on the transmembrane region of their substrates have been discovered. These I-CLiPs2 (1) somehow create an environment for water and the hydrophilic residues needed for catalysis and bend or unwind their helical substrates to make the amide bonds susceptible to hydrolysis. Despite the distinction of being membrane-embedded and cleaving TMDs, the residues essential for catalysis by these I-CLiPs are virtually the same as those found in aqueous proteases, clear examples of convergent evolution toward a common mechanism. Described herein are the different types of I-CLiPs and an update on their structural and mechanistic features and biological roles.
Digital adaptive control laws for the F-8

NASA is conducting a flight control research program in digital fly-by-wire technology using a modified F-8C aircraft. The first phase of this program used Apollo hardware to demonstrate the practicality of digital fly-by-wire in an actual test vehicle. For the second phase, conventional aircraft sensors and a large floating point digital computer are being utilized to test advanced control laws and redundancy concepts. As part of NASA's research in digital fly-by-wire technology, Honeywell developed digital adaptive flight control laws for flight test in the F-8C. Adaptation of the control laws was to be based on information sensed from conventional aircraft sensors excluding air data. The control laws were constrained to use only existing elevator, rudder, and ailerons as control effectors, each powered by existing actuators. Three adaptive control laws were successfully designed using maximum likelihood estimation, a Liapunov stable model tracker and a self-excited limit cycle concept. The maximum likelihood estimation design was selected as the most promising because of its capability to identify more than surface effectiveness parameters. The adaptive concepts, the control laws and comparisons of predicted performance are described.
Generation of nonthermal continuum radiation in the magnetosphere

Generation of electromagnetic continuum radiation from electrostatic fluctuations near the upper hybrid resonance frequency has been calculated by using cold plasma theory in an inhomogeneous plasma near the plasmapause. It is shown that both the polarization and the amplitude of electromagnetic radiation are in good quantitative agreement with spacecraft observations for nonthermal continuum radiation.
Multisensor fusion methodologies compared

The fusion of multi-sensor data is dependent upon a paradigm of evidence accumulation. Many methodologies presently exist to carry out this fusion process, but the advantages and problems involved with each are not well documented or quantified. A modeling tool has been developed for these processes. This tool allows a comparison of evidence accumulation algorithms such as Bayes Nets and a Fuzzy Set concept. The tool allows variation of the number of sets of evidence accumulated as well as the correlation between these sets. These sets are compared by using the same inputs which can be interpreted as either features, decisions, or evidence. The performance differences between the paradigms are measured. A baseline fusion process is developed which takes into account the full covariance matrix of the data, thus taking into account the correlation between the evidence sources. This problem is completely solved and compared to the solution of the methods which implicitly or explicitly make assumptions about the interrelationship of data sources, methods such as Bayes, Dempster-Shafer, and Fuzzy Sets. The results are given in parametric form which can be utilized to develop design decision tools for systems. This tool will allow comparisons of methods and measures of bounding errors using the paradigms based on assumptions. An outline is given as to the assumptions required for each of the methods and how these impact the type of data required. The results of a sensitivity analysis, which shows the significance of these results in evaluation methodologies, is discussed.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.