cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management and Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiovascular Surgery

Atrial arrhythmias occur frequently after cardiac surgery. This article discusses the incidence of postoperative atrial arrhythmia as well as its prognosis, potential mechanisms of pathogenesis, and management. Prophylactic therapy for postoperative atrial arrhythmia is recommended because of the frequency of occurrence and the ease with which therapies can often be implemented. Treatments with pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities are described. Management strategies for atrial arrhythmias that occur postoperatively, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures as well as anticoagulation recommendations, are discussed.
MLL—a gene of interest

The mixed lineage leukemia gene, MLL , has been a gene of interest to clinical and basic scientists alike for more than a decade. This gene, located in chromosome band 11q23, is frequently rearranged by translocations, and less often by inversions, in de novo acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and
Attribute Range and Response Range: Limits of Compatibility in Multiattribute Judgment

Previous research suggests that attributes may have greater effects on judgment when attribute scales and response scales are compatible. We examine a particular form of compatibility, similarity of ranges, and test between two theories of attribute range and response range effects. Two groups of subjects rated the overall class performance of students as described by two exam scores and an essay grade. An identical set of exam scores was presented in narrow and wide exam ranges. One group made performance ratings using a narrow response scale, and the other rated performance with a wide response scale. In both response range conditions, the effect of the common attribute levels was greater for the narrow exam range than for the wide exam range. This finding is inconsistent with a range-compatibility hypothesis which predicts that the effect of an attribute depends on the compatibility between attribute range and response range. Results are consistent with a range-frequency hypothesis in which the same attribute levels span a greater range of subjective values when presented in a narrow attribute range, regardless of the response scale.
Molecular Iodine Fluorescence Using a Green Helium−Neon Laser

Excitation of molecular iodine vapor with a green (543.4 nm) helium−neon laser produces a fluorescence spectrum that is well suited for the upper-level undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory. Application of standard evaluation techniques to the spectrum yields ground electronic-state molecular parameters in good agreement with literature values. The use of a green helium−neon laser provides advantages in data collection, data analysis, cost, and safety relative to other I2 excitation sources.
Relational maintenance behaviors in the sibling relationship

This study examined the use of relational maintenance behaviors (i.e., positivity, openness, assurances, networks, sharing tasks) in the sibling relationship, with a specific focus on the association with sibling liking. Participants were 257 individuals who reported on their relationship with a sibling. Results indicate that (a) the tasks relational maintenance behavior is used the most frequently and the openness relational maintenance behavior is used the least frequently; (b) the five relational maintenance behaviors are positively correlated with sibling liking; (c ) sibling liking is predicted by the positivity, networks, and tasks relational maintenance behaviors; and (d) female siblings use relational maintenance behaviors at a higher rate than male siblings.
Culture of rabbit zygotes into blastocysts in protein-free medium with one to twenty per cent oxygen

Embryos were collected from superovulated Dutch rabbits 19 h after injection of LH and insemination. The embryos were at the one-cell stage at that time and those judged to be normal by the absence of granular cytoplasm and regular shape were distributed randomly within donors into culture dishes containing 500 microliters of a macromolecule-free medium consisting of RPMI-1640 and low glucose Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, 1:1, without a cover of oil. In Expt 1, O2 concentrations of 5, 10 and 15%, with 5% CO2 plus 90, 85 and 80% N2, respectively, were tested. In Expt 2, O2 concentrations of 1, 5 and 20% were combined with 5% CO2 and the remaining gas was N2. After 84 h in culture at 39 degrees C, embryos were examined for stage of development and stained with Hoechst 33342 so that the number of cells could be counted. In Expt 1, the proportion of embryos reaching the hatching blastocyst stage after 84 h in culture in 5, 10 and 15% O2 was 48, 38 and 21%, (P < 0.01) and the cell number per embryo averaged 258, 226 and 188, respectively (P < 0.01). In Expt 2, the proportion of hatching embryos after 84 h in culture in 1, 5 and 20% O2 was 67, 72 and 29% (P < 0.01), respectively. Cell numbers in the 1 and 5% O2 concentrations were higher than in the 20% O2 concentration (P < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A brief history of the development of the near-field measurement technique at the Georgia Institute of Technology

The activity of the Georgia Institute of Technology in the development of the near-field measurement technique is reviewed. The work conducted during the years 1967-73 is given primary importance, and the major near-field developments in the 1973-80 time period are also described. >
Validation of a Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale for Use in STD/HIV Prevention Interventions

This study reports on the validation of a scale to assess adolescent girls' frequency of sexual communication with their parents. The Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS) was administered to 522 African American female adolescents ranging in age from 14 to 18. The PACS demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (across multiple administrations) and acceptable test-retest reliability over a 12-month follow-up period. Concurrently, scores on the PACS were correlated with frequency of sexual communication with partner, sexual communication self-efficacy (boyfriend), perceived parental knowledge, family support, depression, and condom use with steady male sex partners. Prospectively, baseline PACS scores were correlated with frequency of sexual communication with partner and condom use. The present investigation indicates that the PACS is a reliable and valid measure of frequency of sexual communication between female adolescents and their parents. Utility of the PACS for researchers and practitioners is discussed.
Seasonal history of the western tent caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) on bitterbrush and currant in central Oregon.

Seasonal history of the western tent caterpillar, Malacosoma californicum (Packard), as related to heat accumulation and host phenology, was investigated during an outbreak in central Oregon. Insects fed exclusively on antelope bitterbrush, Purshta tridentata , and squaw currant, Ribes cereum; they were univoltine and over wintered in the egg stage. Egg hatch began in late March at 50 degree-days (DD), just at the beginning of bud burst on the two hosts. Five instars were observed; colonies began dispersing in late May (300 DD) when bitterbrush was in full bloom, and when about 40% of the population was in the fifth stadium. Pupation began about 1 wk later at 400 DD. Moth flight peaked in early July at 800 DD. Despite heavy defoliation, no shrubs were killed or noticeably damaged. The outbreak collapsed throughout the region in the fourth generation, in the interval between colony dispersal and pupation. Symptoms of the collapse suggest that the outbreak crashed because of a rapid decline in population quality.
Spectral analysis of quantization noise in a single-loop sigma-delta modulator with DC input

An exact discrete-time analysis of the moments and spectra of the quantization noise of a discrete-time single-loop sigma-delta modulator with a DC input is presented. An exact difference equation for the discrete-time nonlinear system is used to evaluate the first- and second-order moments and power spectrum of the binary quantizer noise and the binary quantizer output for a single-loop sigma-delta encoder with a DC input. It is shown that the sample mean and power of the binary quantization noise are consistent with the common uniform distribution assumption, but that the autocorrelation and power spectrum are not consistent with the white noise assumption. The results are used to evaluate the overall sample average mean squared quantization error as a function of the decimation filter used. >
Preceramic Polymers as “Reagents” in the Preparation of Ceramics

Pyrolysis of preceramic polymer/metal powder composites resulted in formation of ceramic products containing the metal as well as element present in the polymer. Prepared in this manner were ceramics containing crystalline phases of metal silicides, metal carbides, metal nitrides, metal borides, and silicon carbide. The polymers used in this investigation included a polysilazane, a polycarbosilane, and decaborane (12)-diamine polymers, and the metals used included aluminum and a number of early transition metals.
Molecular remodeling in the failing human heart

Heart failure is a progressive and fatal disease process. Arrhythmias and progressive cardiac dysfunction account for most of the morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. In general, the physiologic mechanisms responsible for progressive myocyte dysfunction, remodeling, and arrhythmias involve signaling mechanisms that alter myocardial gene expression. These changes in gene expression are complex and involve contractile proteins, ion channels, Ca++ handling, apoptosis, cell metabolism, the extracellular matrix, signal transduction pathways, and growth factors.
Bursts of action potential waveforms relieve G-protein inhibition of recombinant P/Q-type Ca2+ channels in HEK 293 cells

1. A variety of neurotransmitters act through G-protein-coupled receptors to decrease synaptic transmission, largely by inhibiting the voltage-gated calcium channels that trigger neurotransmitter release. However, these presynaptic calcium channels are typically inaccessible to electrophysiological characterization. We have reconstituted a part of this inhibition using recombinant P/Q-type calcium channels and M2 acetylcholine receptors in HEK 293 cells. 2. One of the most interesting features of G-protein inhibition of calcium channels is that strong step depolarization transiently relieves the inhibition. We have found that short bursts of action potential voltage waveforms can also relieve the inhibition, increasing calcium current through G-protein-inhibited channels but not through uninhibited channels. 3. The extent of this relief increased linearly with the duration of the action potential waveforms. 4. This result provides the strongest evidence to date favouring the possibility that relief of G-protein inhibition can occur during high frequency trains of action potentials. This effect may constitute a novel form of short-term synaptic plasticity that is sensitive to action potential timing and duration.
World orange juice market: benefits of generic advertising.

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the generic advertising program of the Florida processed orange industry.Design/methodology/approach – A model of the world orange juice market is used to assess the presence and level of free riding by Brazilian orange growers on the Florida program.Findings – Recent legal challenges have caused the program to be fully funded by Florida orange growers. The results suggest that elimination of the promotion program would negatively impact grower revenue in both Florida and Sao Paulo and this provides evidence that there is considerable free riding by import suppliers to the US orange juice market.Originality/value – The paper uses a model of the world orange juice market to consider the effect of elimination of the Florida generic advertising program to promote orange juice consumption in the USA.
Analytically Unobservable Failure Events

Abstract Based on computational approximations, product designers routinely simplify algebraic expressions of complex transfer functions, which, in turn, simplify post‐design analysis. This practice is justified because both the simplified and actual transfer functions yield approximately equal average performance values. However, utilizing the design of a switching regulator circuit, it is shown that such simplified expressions underestimate output variation. The discrepancy between the actual and underestimated output variation spans an analytically unobservable failure event. Since the observable portion constitutes a partial characterization of product unreliability and quality problems, only a partial solution is possible at the design stage. This severely limits the effectiveness of concurrent product design, reliability, and quality assurance methodologies that are based on variation modeling and analysis.
Transformation of Tetrahymena thermophila by electroporation and parameters effecting cell survival

We have successfully transformed Tetrahymena thermophila by electroporation, a process of electrically introducing DNA. The DNA used for transformation contains a mutant ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) that confers resistance to paromomycin on the transformed cells. This mutant rDNA replicates more rapidly than the endogenous rDNA of the transformed cells so that the mutant rDNA becomes predominant within several generations. This mutant rDNA also carries a restriction polymorphism that readily distinguishes it from the endogenous rDNA of the transformed cells. Substantial nuclease activity is released from the cells during electroporation and must be neutralized in order for transformation to be effective. Cell survival is inversely proportional to the electrical energy dissipated (joules) in the medium. Electroporation is a convenient and effective means of introducing transforming DNA into T. thermophila.
Astrogliosis in culture: III. Effect of recombinant retrovirus expressing antisense glial fibrillary acidic protein RNA

Injury to the central nervous system (CNS) either from trauma or due to demyelinating/degenerating diseases results in a typical response of astrocytes, termed astrogliosis. This reaction is characterized by astrocyte proliferation, extensive hypertrophy of nuclei, cell body, and cytoplasmic processes and an increase in immunodetectable glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). GFAP accumulation may cause a physical barrier preventing the reestablishment of a functional environment. Our studies have aimed at modulating astrogliosis by inhibiting or delaying GFAP synthesis in damaged and reactive astrocytes. The present study investigates the use of a recombinant retrovirus expressing antisense GFAP RNA in controlling the response of mechanically injured astrocytes. A 650 bp fragment from the coding region of mouse GFAP cDNA was cloned in the antisense orientation under the control of long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter of Moloney murine leukemia virus. Increase in GFAP as detected by immunocytochemical staining in injured astrocytes was inhibited by treatment with retrovirus expressing antisense GFAP RNA. Also, astrocytes at the site of injury in these scratched cultures did not show cell body hypertrophy compared to control cultures. These observations demonstrate that the increase in GFAP at the site of injury can be inhibited using retroviral treatment and indicate the potential of retrovirus-mediated gene transfer in modulating scar formation in the CNS in vivo. These studies also shed light on the role of GFAP in maintaining the morphology of astrocytes.
Three Fundamental Theorems in Aristotle's Politics

One of the basic issues between Aristotle and Thomas Hobbes in political philosophy concerns the nature of the political community. Aristotle maintains that the political community, or the polis, is a natural entity like an animal or a man. ' For Hobbes, on the other hand, the political community is entirely a product of art. Now, I claim that Aristotle ought to agree with Hobbes, that according to Aristotle's own principles the political community is an artifact of the practical reason, not a product of nature, and that, consequently, there is a blunder at the very root of Aristotle's political philosophy. Consider, for example, Aristotle's idea that a statesman and a lawgiver is a sort of craftsman, the idea of the following passage from Politics VII:2
The effects of ethanol on a measure of conditioned fear in mice

The effects of ethanol on conditioned freezing, a species-specific defensive behavior used as an assay of fear, was examined in mice. In Experiment 1, ethanol, 1.2 g/kg, significantly increased freezing compared to a saline control when the mice were reexposed to a context in which they were previously shocked. Experiment 2, which administered ethanol or saline to no-shock control animals, demonstrated that the potentiated freezing produced by ethanol in Experiment 1 was specific to the interaction of ethanol and the stress response. These results suggest that both the qualitative and quantitative dimensions of the environmental stressor, as well as the dose of ethanol used, may be critical for determining ethanol's effect on a stress response.
Successive discrimination learning of children with and without perceptual-motor handicaps.

Children with (N = 30) and children without (N = 30) visual-motor handicaps, defined by the Bender-Gestalt test, were matched on IQ and MA and given a successive discrimination task involving 2 stimuli varying only on spatial orientation. The handicapped Ss learned at a significantly (p < .05) slower rate with no recall deficit 3 min. after acquisition. Their slower learning may have been produced by weaknesses in verbal mediation, raising the possibility that language contributes to their limited academic progress and thus also underlies the reported correlations between school achievement and perceptual-motor scores. Similar comments could be made about limited brief-memory storage and inadequate perception of spatial orientation, both of which may have also impeded their successive discrimination learning. Thus, the frequent tacit assumption of a simple cause and effect relationship between achievement and perceptual-motor development seems questionable.
Using Relational Topic Models to capture coupling among classes in object-oriented software systems

Coupling metrics capture the degree of interaction and relationships among source code elements in software systems. A vast majority of existing coupling metrics rely on structural information, which captures interactions such as usage relations between classes and methods or execute after associations. However, these metrics lack the ability to identify conceptual dependencies, which, for instance, specify underlying relationships encoded by developers in identifiers and comments of source code classes. We propose a new coupling metric for object-oriented software systems, namely Relational Topic based Coupling (RTC) of classes, which uses Relational Topic Models (RTM), generative probabilistic model, to capture latent topics in source code classes and relationships among them. A case study on thirteen open source software systems is performed to compare the new measure with existing structural and conceptual coupling metrics. The case study demonstrates that proposed metric not only captures new dimensions of coupling, which are not covered by the existing coupling metrics, but also can be used to effectively support impact analysis.
Simulation of vortex-line pinning by defects in the Y-Ba-Cu-O system

The temperature properties of a two-dimensional flux lattice are studied by Monte Carlo simulation, with particular attention to the effects of twin-boundaries. The parameters selected are appropriate for the YBa{sub 2}CU{sub 3}0{sub 7} high-temperature superconducting system. The intrinsic properties of the vortex state are investigated by monitoring system evolution at fixed temperature and applied magnetic field. By varying the temperature, the loss of type-II superconductivity via fluxoid lattice melting is also examined. The introduction of model defects induces the creation of metastable and glassy states which reduce overall hexane order but are found to enhance system resistance to flux-lattice melting.
Autonomic-somatic relationships in the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus): Effects of hippocampal lesions

Rabbits received sham, cortical control, or dorsal hippocampal lesions and were subjected to simple Pavlovian conditioning. Eyeblink (EB), electromyographic (EMG), and heart rate (HR) CRs were assessed. Shock thresholds, HR URs, and free-field activity were also measured in selected animals. The acquisition of the EB and EMG CRs was not impaired in hippocampal lesioned animals, although hippocampal lesioned animals revealed impaired extinction performance on these measures. The magnitude of the HR CR was enhanced in hippocampectomized animals relative to control animals. Free-field activity was also greater in hippocampal lesioned animals, but shock thresholds and HR URs were unaffected by hippocampectomy. These findings suggest that “orienting” mechanisms may be impaired in hippocampal lesioned animals, resulting in an enhanced visceromotor response to stimulation which, under certain conditions, may affect somatomotor behaviors.
Autonomous operation of novel elevators for robot navigation

Although robot navigation in indoor environments has achieved great success, robots are unable to fully navigate these spaces without the ability to operate elevators, including those which the robot has not seen before. In this paper, we focus on the key challenge of autonomous interaction with an unknown elevator button panel. A number of factors, such as lack of useful 3D features, variety of elevator panel designs, variation in lighting conditions, and small size of elevator buttons, render this goal quite difficult. To address the task of detecting, localizing, and labeling the buttons, we use state-of-the-art vision algorithms along with machine learning techniques to take advantage of contextual features. To verify our approach, we collected a dataset of 150 pictures of elevator panels from more than 60 distinct elevators, and performed extensive offline testing. On this very diverse dataset, our algorithm succeeded in correctly localizing and labeling 86.2% of the buttons. Using a mobile robot platform, we then validate our algorithms in experiments where, using only its on-board sensors, the robot autonomously interprets the panel and presses the appropriate button in elevators never seen before by the robot. In a total of 14 trials performed on 3 different elevators, our robot succeeded in localizing the requested button in all 14 trials and in pressing it correctly in 13 of the 14 trials.
Lithium-Ion Conductive Polymers as Prospective Membranes for Lithium−Seawater Batteries

Novel amphiphilic single-ion conductive polynorbornenes with pendent cyclotriphosphazenes have been studied as candidates for lithium-ion conductive membranes for lithium−seawater batteries. The cy...
Quantum trajectories from kinematic considerations

We present a method in which one can infer deterministic particle trajectories for quantum mechanics using just the time evolving probability density ρ = ψ*ψ and without assuming or solving any equations of motion. The approach utilizes the geometrical construction of centroidal Voronoi tessellations (CVT). In one dimension the CVT trajectories are shown to be identical to the particle trajectories of Bohm's quantum mechanics. Several two-dimensional numerical examples are given in which the resulting CVT trajectories are highly correlated with Bohm's trajectories. The method also allows the formation of trajectories for classical probability densities, for which the resulting trajectories are not, in general, the physically observed trajectories. Rather, they are hydrodynamic trajectories which kinematically depict the evolving density.
1369 POSTNATAL CLEARANCE OF TRANSPLACENTAL PHENCYCLIDINE TRANSMISSION IN THE HUMAN

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a street drug commonly abused by young adults. To date transplacental transmission of PCP has not been demonstrated in humans. A known chronic PCP abuser was followed during pregnancy. Hypertonicity and irritability were noted in the newborn at one hour of age, and with vertical nystagmus and poor feeding were observed intermittently until 8 days of age. Cord blood PCP level was 36ng/ml by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and became negative by 4 days of age. Urines were positive qualitatively by enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) to 8 days of age and quantitatively by gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detection (GC) and RIA for 10 days. GC was specific for PCP while RIA also detected metabolites. Urine PCP concentration was unrelated to urine pH (range 4.5-6.9). Colostrum and breast milk were negative for the first 3 days, but became positive immediately following a treadmill excercise test concurrent with a 12 fold increase in maternal serum PCP concentration. Transplacental transmission of PCP does occur and may result in identifiable symptoms of toxicity in the human neonate. Continued detectable renal clearance in the absence of detectable serum levels suggests that significant body stores of PCP result from intrauterine exposure. Although GC and RIA are more sensitive tests, EMIT appears to be an adequate screening test for intrauterine PCP intoxication.
Aneuploidy in germ cells: disruption of chromosome mover components

The task of the Workgroup on "Disruption of Chromosome Mover Components" was to establish what cellular structures are involved in chromosome segregation and how disruption of these could occur. Recent research on the mechanism of action of the cellular components that segregate chromosomes accurately during mitosis or meiosis has served to highlight the number of potential targets for disruption. The process of chromosome segregation represents an orchestrated chain of events centered on the activities of cellular motors, kinesins and dyneins. These motors are involved in arranging chromosomes at the metaphase plate, providing the spindle tension necessary for progression, and the actual segregation of the chromosomes to the poles. The Workgroup determined that there is a lack of information on the effects of chemical exposure to cell motors and other chromosome mover components, and that there is a clear need for further research. This article describes the discussions of the Workgroup and highlights areas of future research into chromosome movement, particularly in human meiotic and mitotic cells. The Workgroup emphasized that obtaining mechanistic data on the induction of aneuploidy will allow for extrapolation of the dose response curves for chemical exposures below the level of observation and for using aneuploidy data for quantitative risk assessment for adverse health effects.
Specialization and noncompetitive resource partitioning among sponge-eating dorid nudibranchs

Habitat and food resource partitioning ecologically isolate six species of Pacific Northwest dorid nudibranchs. Food resources along a gradient of sponge skeletal structure are partitioned between two exploitive guilds. The guilds are characterized by mutually exclusive predatory and digestive adaptations which allow efficient processing of sponges with poorly- or well-organized skeletons. Habitats along a depth gradient are partitioned within guilds. For a dorid species, feeding rates, extraction efficiencies and food quality are virtually identical for sponges with the appropriate extreme (either poorly- or well-organized) and intermediate skeletal organizations, but growth and reproductive rates supported by the former prey type are twice those supported by the latter prey type. Prey types with the appropriate extreme skeletal organization are thus optimal food and specialization to that food is expected. When two divergent specialist species co-occur, food resource partitioning is demonstrable but arises from self-stabilizing specializations to maximize net energy accumulation and not from competitive interactions. Habitat partitioning is viewed as arising from prey distributions and dorid physiological tolerances. This system represents an example of morphological and behavioral specializations giving rise to resource partitioning as opposed to competition giving rise to resource partitioning and subsequent morphological and behavioral specializations.
Differential expression of cellular prion protein in mouse brain as detected with multiple anti-PrP monoclonal antibodies

Abstract The normal cellular prion protein (PrP C ) plays an essential role in the development of prion diseases. Indirect evidence has suggested that different PrP C glycoforms may be expressed in different brain regions and perform distinct functions. However, due to a lack of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) that are specific for mouse PrP C , the expression of PrP C in the mouse brain has not been studied in great detail. We used Mabs specific for either the N-terminus or the C-terminus of the mouse PrP C to study its expression in the mouse brain by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Immunoblotting studies demonstrated that the expression of PrP C differed quantitatively as well as qualitatively in different regions of the brain. The anti-C-terminus Mabs reacted with all three molecular weight bands of PrP C ; the anti-N-terminus Mabs only reacted with the 39–42 kDa PrP C . The results from immunohistochemical staining revealed the spatial distribution of PrP C in the mouse brain, which were consistent with that from immunoblotting. Although expression of PrP C has been reported to be required for long-term survival of Purkinje cells, we were unable to detect PrP C in the Purkinje cell layer in the cerebellum with multiple anti-PrP Mabs. Our findings suggest that PrP C variants, i.e. various glycoforms and truncated forms, might be specifically expressed in different regions of mouse brain and might have different functions.
Non-linear gravity wave interactions

In earlier papers Phillips (1960) and Longuet-Higgins (1962) have investigated phase velocity effects and possible resonances associated with the interactions of gravity waves. In this note the problem is discussed from a different viewpoint which demonstrates more clearly the energy-sharing mechanism involved. Equations governing the time dependence of the resonant modes are obtained, rather than the initial growth rate as has been found previously.
Understanding Transit Scenes: A Survey on Human Behavior-Recognition Algorithms

Visual surveillance is an active research topic in image processing. Transit systems are actively seeking new or improved ways to use technology to deter and respond to accidents, crime, suspicious activities, terrorism, and vandalism. Human behavior-recognition algorithms can be used proactively for prevention of incidents or reactively for investigation after the fact. This paper describes the current state-of-the-art image-processing methods for automatic-behavior-recognition techniques, with focus on the surveillance of human activities in the context of transit applications. The main goal of this survey is to provide researchers in the field with a summary of progress achieved to date and to help identify areas where further research is needed. This paper provides a thorough description of the research on relevant human behavior-recognition methods for transit surveillance. Recognition methods include single person (e.g., loitering), multiple-person interactions (e.g., fighting and personal attacks), person-vehicle interactions (e.g., vehicle vandalism), and person-facility/location interactions (e.g., object left behind and trespassing). A list of relevant behavior-recognition papers is presented, including behaviors, data sets, implementation details, and results. In addition, algorithm's weaknesses, potential research directions, and contrast with commercial capabilities as advertised by manufacturers are discussed. This paper also provides a summary of literature surveys and developments of the core technologies (i.e., low-level processing techniques) used in visual surveillance systems, including motion detection, classification of moving objects, and tracking.
Modeling of Multiple Scattering Effects in Fraunhofer Diffraction Particle Size Analysis

A model for the direct problem of calculating the forward scattering signature of a multiple scattering medium is presented. The new formulation is optimized for integration into schemes for reconstructing the particle size distribution from laser diffraction (forward scattering) signatures obtained from optically thick media. The analysis is valid for media where the particle sizes and interparticle spacings are large (relative to the wavelength and the particle size, respectively) such that Fraunhofer diffraction theory adequately describes the properties of the forward scattered light from individual scattering events. The simulated performance of laser diffraction particle sizing instruments was then studied using predictions of the scattered light signatures which would be measured by laser diffraction instrument under multiple scattering conditions. The results were compared with experimental data and theoretical calculations based on other models.
The prevalence and meaning of eosinophilia in renal diseases on a nephrology consultation service

Background In recent years, we have come to understand that the eosinophil is more than the end point in clearance of parasitic infection or a maladaptive response to asthma and allergic reactions. Since eosinophilia has been reported to be common in renal diseases, we thought that an evaluation of the associations of eosinophilia on a renal consultation service would add some value to the understanding of their role in renal disease. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 1339 consecutive patients referred to the nephrology service after hospitalization who were evaluated for the relationship of the amount of serum eosinophils to their diagnosis, gender, age and the presence of autoimmune disease, cancer, infection, liver disease, pleural effusions, allergies and use of prednisone, beta-blockers or beta agonists, in addition to the total white blood count, urine protein, serum concentration creatinine and phosphorus levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results The presence of vascular disease correlated the most strongly with increased eosinophil count (partial correlation coefficient, r = 0.18, P = 0.006), followed by pleural effusions (r = 0.17, P = 0.001), while total white cell count (r = -0.18, P = 0.008) and administration of beta-blockers (r = -0.13, P = 0.047) demonstrated significant inverse correlations and the presence of autoimmune disease, cancer, allergies, proteinuria and serum phosphorus concentration demonstrated no significant correlation. Conclusion There are multiple associations with increased eosinophil counts in patients seen on a nephrology consultant service; however, their presence appears less often in association with allergies or uremia and more often with vascular disease.
Father Residence and Adolescent Problem Behavior: Are Youth Always Better Off in Two-Parent Families?:

This study uses data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine combinations of father residence and closeness which have received minimal examination but involve significant numbers of children. Our findings lead to a number of conclusions. First, adolescents who are close to their nonresident fathers report higher self-esteem, less delinquency, and fewer depressive symptoms than adolescents who live with a father with whom they are not close. Second, adolescents living with a father with whom they are not close have better grades, less violence and less substance use than those having a nonresident father who is not close. At the same time, however, not being close to a resident father is associated with lower self-esteem compared to having a nonresident father who is not close. Third, adolescents do best of all when they have close ties to resident fathers. A central conclusion of this study is that it is important to consider the quality of father-child relations among those who have a resident father when assessing the impact of nonresident fathers on their children.
Screening for memory disorders, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Dementia and its most common cause, Alzheimer’s disease, affect memory and occur predominantly in the elderly. Dementia has become increasingly prevalent in the world as health has improved and life expectancy has increased. However, the fields of clinical care have not responded adequately to develop diagnostic tools and treatments for this rapidly increasing group of conditions. While scientists search for cures for the numerous causes of dementia, improvement of diagnostic measures are needed now and should begin with screening elderly populations for memory difficulties and other cognitive problems. This review examines the history of cognitive screening tests, the numerous excellent tests that are currently available and ready for use, and directions and methods that will lead to progressively better evaluations.
Stroke prevention in diabetes and obesity

Stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, and is an economic burden. Diabetes and obesity are two important modifiable risk factors for stroke. Patients with diabetes have a higher incidence of stroke and a poorer prognosis after stroke. Risk-factor modification is the most important aspect of prevention of stroke in diabetes and obesity. This includes lifestyle modifications and different therapeutic modalities to control conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and arrhythmia. Recent landmark studies have shown the beneficial effects of statins in diabetic patients even with close to normal or normal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Obesity, which is a risk factor for diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia has been shown to be an independent risk factor for stroke. Increased leptin, dysregulation of adipocyte proteins, increased insulin resistance and C-reactive protein may be factors involved in the increased incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality directly related to obesity. Visceral fat is a much bigger health risk than subcutaneous fat. Lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapeutic agents have been used to manage obesity. In morbidly obese patients, surgical intervention seems to be the best method of treatment with a long-lasting favorable metabolic outcome. In the 21st Century, with the advanced medical knowledge and the therapeutic modalities available, it should be possible to reduce the incidence of stroke associated with diabetes and obesity.
The Alpha Stem Cell Clinic: A Model for Evaluating and Delivering Stem Cell-Based Therapies

Summary Cellular therapies require the careful preparation, expansion, characterization, and delivery of cells in a clinical environment. There are major challenges associated with the delivery of cell therapies and high costs that will limit the companies available to fully evaluate their merit in clinical trials, and will handicap their application at the present financial environment. Cells will be manufactured in good manufacturing practice or near-equivalent facilities with prerequisite safety practices in place, and cell delivery systems will be specialized and require well-trained medical and nursing staff, technicians or nurses trained to handle cells once delivered, patient counselors, as well as statisticians and database managers who will oversee the monitoring of patients in relatively long-term follow-up studies. The model proposed for Alpha Stem Cell Clinics will initially use the capacities and infrastructure that exist in the most advanced tertiary medical clinics for delivery of established bone marrow stem cell therapies. As the research evolves, they will incorporate improved procedures and cell preparations. This model enables commercialization of medical devices, reagents, and other products required for cell therapies. A carefully constructed cell therapy clinical infrastructure with the requisite scientific, technical, and medical expertise and operational efficiencies will have the capabilities to address three fundamental and critical functions: 1) fostering clinical trials; 2) evaluating and establishing safe and effective therapies, and 3) developing and maintaining the delivery of therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or other regulatory agencies.
Effects of Reduced Levels of Dietary Protein and Menhaden Fish Meal on Production, Dressout, and Biochemical Composition of Phase III Sunshine Bass Morone chrysops ♀× M. saxatilis ♂ Cultured in Earthen Ponds1

The responses of phase III sunshine bass Morone chrysops ♀× M. saxatilis ♂ to diets containing reduced levels of menhaden fish meal (30–10%, dry weight) and crude protein (40–36%, dry weight) were evaluated in two separate experiments. Reductions in fish meal were compensated by increase in dietary soybean meal, a meat and blood meal product, and additional amounts of a 1:1 catfish oil:menhaden oil mixture sprayed on as a top dressing. Fish were cultured in earthen ponds and fed commercially manufactured, extruded diets to apparent satiation. In Experiment 1, dietary crude protein was reduced from 40 to 36% and the menhaden fish meal ingredient was reduced from 30 to 15% (dry weight). The mean weight of fish stocked into each pond ranged from 144 to 188 g, the stocking density was 8641/ha, and the duration of the growout was 172 d. In Experiment 2, both dietary treatments contained 40% crude protein (dry weight) and either 30% or 10% menhaden fish meal. The mean weight of fish stocked into each pond ranged from 42 and 77 g, the stocking density was 8,500/ha, and the duration of the growout was 175 d. Simultaneous reductions in dietary menhaden fish meal and crude protein resulted in significant decreases in all production indices except survival and percent weight increase. Weights of filet, carcass, liver and intraperitoneal fat, expressed as a percent of total body weight, were not significantly different. A 66% reduction in dietary menhaden fish meal while the crude protein level was maintained at 40% did not significantly affect growth, production, and weights of filet, carcass, liver and intraperitoneal fat, expressed as a percent of total body weight, and represents a 6% decrease in the cost of feed. In both experiments, levels of protein, lipid, moisture, and ash of the whole body and the filet were not significantly different. Fatty acid composition of the filet and livers from fish fed the control and experimental diets in Experiment 2 were highly comparable. The comparable level of performance of fish fed diets believed to be deficient in HUFA suggests that the dietary levels reported to be required may not be totally applicable to diets formulated for pond culture.
Two-dimensional inside-out Eaton Lens: Design technique and TM-polarized wave properties

In this paper we perform a theoretical and numerical study of two-dimensional inside-out Eaton lenses under transverse-magnetic-polarized excitation. We present one example design and test its performance by utilizing full-wave Maxwell solvers. With the help of the WKB approximation, we further investigate the finite-wavelength effect analytically and demonstrate one necessary condition for perfect imaging at the level of wave optics, i.e. imaging with unlimited resolution, by the lens.
Facilitation of Maternal-Fetal Bonding in Pregnant Substance-Abusing Women Attending Outpatient Treatment

Prenatal alcohol and drug use is regarded as a critical public health problem. Most pregnant women report that they try to limit alcohol and drug use because of concern for the fetus. This concern indicates that bonding, the foundation of maternal caregiving, has begun to develop. This paper introduces the Interactional Model of Prenatal Maternal-Fetal Bonding. This model incorporates and overcomes limitations of two earlier models of maternal caregiving behavior: an object relations model, which focuses on the mother's internal working model of attachment but neglects environmental factors, and an ecological model, which incorporates a systems approach but fails to address intrapsychic processes. Case vignettes illustrate how interventions into three domains (1) the characteristics of the pregnancy, (2) the characteristics of the mother, and (3) the characteristics of the environment can increase the strength of the maternal-fetal bond, resulting in a decrease in alcohol and drug abuse during pregnancy
The Rodeo Cowboy: Cultural Icon, Athlete, or Entrepreneur?

North American rodeo, once considered a festival pastime engaged in by nomadic ranch hands, has evolved into a contemporary sport form. Given its cultural trappings and savvy business and marketing strategies, rodeo has experienced a rise in popularity. Furthermore, with other sport forms falling into fan disfavor due to the behavior of owners, coaches, and players, rodeo appears to offer a purer, less complex, competitive environment whereby competitors pit their skills against a myriad of unknowns for a financial purse. The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural milieu of the rodeo cowboy in an attempt to thoroughly examine and ultimately answer the question, Is the American rodeo cowboy a cultural icon, athlete, or entrepreneur? Ethnographic and archival research methods were employed in the collection and corroboration of data for this study. The findings suggest that the contemporary North American rodeo cowboy is a cultural icon, athlete, and entrepreneur.
Toward a mouse model of hind limb ischemia to test therapeutic angiogenesis

Introduction Several clinical trials are currently evaluating stem cell therapy for patients with critical limb ischemia that have no other surgical or endovascular options for revascularization. However, these trials are conducted with different protocols, including use of different stem cell populations and different injection protocols, providing little means to compare trials and guide therapy. Accordingly, we developed a murine model of severe ischemia to allow methodic testing of relevant clinical parameters. Methods High femoral artery ligation and total excision of the superficial femoral artery was performed on C57BL/6 mice. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from the bone marrow of donor mice, characterized using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and injected (5 × 105 to 2 × 106) into the semimembranosus (proximal) or gastrocnemius (distal) muscle. Vascular and functional outcomes were measured using invasive Doppler imaging, laser Doppler perfusion imaging, and the Tarlov and ischemia scores. Histologic analysis included quantification of muscle fiber area and number as well as capillary density. Results Blood flow and functional outcomes were improved in MNC-treated mice compared with controls over 28 days (flow: P Conclusions High femoral ligation with complete excision of the superficial femoral artery is a reliable model of severe hind limb ischemia in C57BL/6 mice that shows a response to MNC treatment for functional and vascular outcomes. A dose response to the injection of MNCs appears to be present, at least microscopically, suggesting that an optimal cell number for stem cell therapy exists and that preclinical testing needs to be performed to optimally guide human trials. Injection of MNCs proximal to the site of ischemia may provide different outcomes compared with distal injection and warrants additional study.