cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On-Line Scan Conversion and Multi-Dimensional Image Processing

There exists a problem with all real-time ultrasound imaging devices; that being how to store the images in a dynamic mode for later study. The most popular and cost efficient method is storage on video tape. The problem becomes one of converting the primary display from its particular random vector format to standard TV raster format — in effect, perform an actual-time scan conversion process. In the past, this has been done in one of two ways. The first is to present the original scan in a rectilinear mode equivalent to TV raster. This has several disadvantages in that it restricts the scan geometry and is useful only with a large linear array. Also, it requires that each line be written perpendicular to the array (no steering). While this scan geometry may be acceptable for imaging the peripheral vasculature and unobstructed organs such as those in the abdomen, it is not the most desirable for imaging more obscured organs such as those in the thorax where the viewing window is very small. Since the viewing window is so small, beam steering to increase the area of view is almost imperative. The second method used in converting the primary scan format to TV raster is optical coupling. In this technique, a TV camera is focussed on the primary display unit and the camera output recorded on video tape.
Design and Analysis of a Programmable Receiver Front End With Time-Interleaved Baseband Analog-FIR Filtering

This paper presents time interleaving as an approach to improve the performance of programmable receiver front ends based on filtering-by-aliasing. Using two parallel periodically time-varying paths, a sharp programmable filtering response is produced at RF, while achieving a good wideband $S_{11}$ . The implemented receiver achieved a filter stopband suppression of 70 dB with a transition band of only 4 $\times$ RF bandwidth, while $S_{11}$ is better than −10 dB throughout most of the receiver local oscillator range. Analysis for achieved $S_{11}$ and noise figure are shown, while detailing methods to improve filtering performance in the presence of important circuit parasitics. The effects of mismatches between time-interleaved paths are also analyzed and quantified.
Audio-Walks: Walking in Geography and Interactive Documentary Art

A growing part of the discussions on interdisciplinary approaches in geography focuses on integrating the arts into the methods of research on the one hand, and into the possible ways of displaying research and its findings, on the other hand. In this paper I share some observations regarding the epistemology and methodology of interdisciplinary approaches of geography and art, or what has been called the 'GeoHumanities' (Dear). More specifically, this paper summarises the exegesis of an audio-walk project called 'Blacksburg Walks' combining interactive documentary art and social sciences for the study of food systems in Blacksburg, VA, involving walking as research method and form of display. Observing how discourse and practice interweave in the walking approach's association to representations of 'sustainability' in this example, I call for epistemological vigilance (Bourdieu) in the GeoHumanities. The sustainability discourse carries modern dualisms of body/mind, nature/culture and reproduces the goal of dominating nature (Luke): a postmodern yearning for harmony between humanity and nature short-circuits a deeper process through technological thought (Marcuse). A problem we can also observe in urban planning's walkability discourse, where the notion of harmony (Harvey, Gunder) and technological habitus restrict the scope of walking. “Making the body explicit unsettles the production of geographical knowledge” (Longhurst, 1997); we need to take a closer look at the social construction of notions such as body, walking, nature, environment, space and the epistemology of embodied knowledge engaged in walking approaches. The exegesis leads me to suggest that the true power of the GeoHumanities involving art in general and walking in particular might lie in the analyses of the art/research process from which new theoretical construction can evolve.
Variation in peperite textures associated with differing host-sediment properties

Peperites formed by mixing of magma and wet sediment are well exposed along Punta China, Baja California, Mexico, where two sills intrude a section of lava flows, limestones, and volcaniclastic rocks. Irregular lobes and dikes extend from the sills several meters into host sediments, including highly comminuted flow top breccias (lithic lapilli tuff breccias) and shelly micrites, whereas intrusive contacts with lava flows are sharp and planar. Where one sill intruded both coarse-grained volcaniclastic rock and fine-grained limestone, textural differences between the hosts produced strikingly different styles of peperite. Blocky masses of the basaltic intrusions up to 1 m in size were dispersed for distances up to 3 m into host lithic lapilli tuff breccias; the blocks consequently underwent in situ fragmentation as they were rapidly quenched. The high degree of dispersion resulted from steam explosions as the magma enveloped pockets of water in the coarse-grained permeable host. Elutriation of fine-grained material from vertical pipes in tuff breccia above the lower sill provides evidence for meter-scale fluidization of the host. The contact zone between the basaltic magma and the shelly micrite host resembles a mixture of two viscous, immiscible fluids (fluidal peperite). Intrusion occurred behind a stable vapor film which entrained lime mud particles and carried them off “grain by grain” as magma advanced into the host. Thin-section-scale elutriation pipes formed. Microglobular peperite represents a “frozen” example of a fuel-coolant interaction (FCI) between basaltic magma and fluidized micrite host. The intimate intermixing of magma and host at the submillimeter level is attributed to fluid instabilities developed along the magma-vapor-host interface. Such intimate intermixing of magma and water-bearing fragmental debris is commonly a precursory step toward explosive hydrovolcanism.
Fabrication of surrogate glasses with tektite composition

Surrogate glasses were fabricated by the sol–gel process aiming to produce compositions similar to naturally occurring tektite. The volatile species in the xerogel samples were removed by heat treatments. All products were characterized by thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopic techniques. The elemental distribution in the surrogates was found to be more homogeneous than the one observed in natural materials. This work presents an alternative to generate target materials for the validation of techniques aimed to comminute samples in the nuclear forensics field, making the comparison between the pre and post-treatments more viable.
Beyond Visual Culture: Seven Statements of Support for Material Culture Studies in Art Education

This article explores and promotes the expanding field of material culture studies as a viable theoretical foundation and practical direction for art education. Challenging the current shifting stance of art education toward accepting a position of visual culture, the authors argue that rather than adopt a visual culture perspective, art education would be more readily served by embracing far-reaching holistic forms and practices that can be critically examined through the interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary methods associated with material culture studies. The persuasiveness of the authors' case is based on seven statements supporting a material culture studies orientation within art education.
P022 SHIFTING COST-DRIVERS OF HEALTH CARE EXPENDITURES IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Background Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are costly, chronic illnesses. Key cost-drivers of IBD health care expenditures include pharmaceuticals and unplanned care, but evolving treatment approaches have shifted these factors. We aimed to assess changes in cost of care, determine shifts in IBD cost-drivers, and examine differences by socioeconomic and insurance status over time. Methods The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a nationally representative database that collects data on health care utilization and expenditures from a nationally representative sample since 1998, was utilized. Adult subjects with IBD were identified by ICD-9 codes. To determine changes in per-patient costs or cost-drivers unique to IBD, a control population of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) subjects was generated and matched in 1:1 case to control. Total annual health care expenditures were obtained and categorized as outpatient, inpatient, emergency, or pharmacy related. Temporal cohorts from 1998 to 2015 were created to assess change over time. Per-patient expenditures were compared by disease state and temporal cohort using weighted generalized linear models. Results A total of 641 IBD subjects were identified and matched to 641 RA individuals. From 1998 to 2015, median total annual health care expenditures nearly doubled (adjusted estimate 2.20; 95% CI, 1.6-3.0) and were 36% higher in IBD compared with RA. In IBD, pharmacy expenses increased 7% to become the largest cost-driver (44% total expenditures). Concurrently, inpatient spending in IBD decreased by 40%. There were no significant differences in the rate of change of cost-drivers in IBD compared with RA. Conclusions Per-patient health care costs for chronic inflammatory conditions have nearly doubled over the last 20 years. Increases in pharmaceutical spending in IBD may be accompanied by reduction in inpatient care. Additional studies are needed to explore patient-, disease-, system-, and industry-level cost mitigation strategies.
Incisional infections associated with ventral midline celiotomy in horses.

Objective To review the veterinary literature regarding healing and complications associated with equine celiotomy including anatomy and physiology, risk factors for incisional infection and hernia, and treatment. Etiology Celiotomy is the most common approach to treat horses with surgical colic. Incision through the linea alba provides exposure to most of the abdomen for exploration, exteriorization, and correction of surgical lesions. Incisional apposition relies on suture strength during anesthetic recovery and for the first 30 days postoperatively. Factors associated with the patient, surgical lesion and procedures, anesthesia, and recovery put the horse at risk for surgical site infection. Infection is the most important risk factor for incisional hernia formation. Diagnosis A presumptive diagnosis of surgical site infection is made based on the presence of fever and incisional swelling, pain, and discharge. Ultrasonography can be used to identify areas of fluid accumulation prior to the appearance of incisional drainage. Definitive diagnosis is based on positive bacteriologic culture of the incisional discharge. Incisional hernia is diagnosed by palpation of the incision, usually 30-60 days after surgery. Ultrasound of the incision may aide in early diagnosis of incisional hernia if gaps along the incision in the linea alba are apparent. Therapy No objective data exist to assess the efficacy of specific therapies for surgical site infections following celiotomy. Principles of treatment include the establishment of drainage, bandaging, antimicrobial therapy based on culture and sensitivity, and extended rest in an attempt to avoid incisional hernia or dehiscence. Treatment for incisional hernia includes prolonged circumferential bandaging, open or minimally invasive hernia repair, or no treatment. Prognosis Incisional complications are associated with prolonged convalescence and diminished prognosis for return to athleticism. Limiting risk factors for surgical site infections, prompt treatment, and incisional support may optimize celiotomy healing and timely return to function. Horses compete in many disciplines with incisional hernias.
Transparent conductive oxides for integrated photonics and silicon photonics (Conference Presentation)

Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) have attracted significant research interests for integrated photonics and silicon photonics due to their dramatic change of optical permittivity, which can be dynamically controlled by the gate voltage. In addition, TCO materials can be easily integrated with silicon photonic devices by sputtering and regular lithography process, which demonstrates great potentials for large-scale integration. We report our recent research progress of hybrid silicon-TCO photonic devices using TCO gate/high-K insulator (HfO2)/Si waveguides, which achieves both outstanding energy efficiency and high modulation bandwidth. The strategy for future on-chip optical interconnect systems will also be discussed in this presentation.
Enhanced absorption of solar energy in a daylighting louver with Ni-water nanofluid

Abstract It is well known that addition of some nanoparticles (NPs) to a base fluid can enhance solar radiation absorption; however, its influence on simultaneous solar energy harvesting and daylighting is seldom studied. Water is nearly transparent to visible (VIS) light but highly absorbing of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR). It is necessary to examine the performance of water-based nanofluid in a glass louver for dual purpose – illumination and energy harvesting. First, we investigated the absorption and scattering efficiencies of NPs commonly used in solar energy research including Ni, SiO2, Fe2O3, Al2O3, TiO2 and ZnO; and found that Ni NPs are the most desirable because they have an excellent balance between UV and IR absorption and VIS transmission. Then the spectral coefficients of absorption and scaled isotropic scattering with different NP sizes and concentrations in Ni-water nanofluids were scrutinized. Results show that the higher the NP size or concentration is, the higher are the absorption and scaled isotropic scattering coefficients. A dilute 0.00004 vol% Ni-water nanofluid with particle diameter of 80 nm was found to absorb more solar energy and provide required daylighting. Under AM1.5 model, a glass louver filled with such a nanofluid can transmit 46.5% solar VIS for daylighting and harvest 65.7% of the total solar energy, which is a 25.9% increase as compared to pure water.
Preliminary results in the analysis of the immune response after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Cerebral vasospasm (VSP) is a common phenomenon after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and contributes to neurocognitive decline. The natural history of the pro-inflammatory immune response after aSAH has not been prospectively studied in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this pilot study, we aimed to identify specific immune mediators of VSP after aSAH. Peripheral blood (PB) and CSF samples from patients with aSAH were prospectively collected at different time-points after hemorrhage: days 0–1 (acute); days 2–4 (pre-VSP); days 5–9 (VSP) and days 10 + (post-VSP peak). Presence and severity of VSP was assessed with computed tomography angiography/perfusion imaging and clinical examination. Cytokine and immune mediators’ levels were quantified using ELISA. Innate and adaptive immune cells were characterized by flow cytometry, and cell counts at different time-points were compared with ANOVA. Confocal immunostaining was used to determine the presence of specific immune cell populations detected in flow cytometry. Thirteen patients/aneurysms were included. Five (38.5%) patients developed VSP after a mean of 6.8 days from hemorrhage. Flow cytometry demonstrated decreased numbers of CD45+ cells during the acute phase in PB of aSAH patients compared with healthy controls. In CSF of VSP patients, NK cells (CD3-CD161 +) were increased during the acute phase and progressively declined, whereas CD8+CD161+ lymphocytes significantly increased at days 5–9. Microglia cells (CD45dimCD11b +) increased over time after SAH. This increase was particularly significant in patients with VSP. Levels of VEGF and MMP-9 were consistently higher in VSP patients, with the highest difference occurring at the acute phase. Confocal immunostaining demonstrated the presence of CD8+CD161+ lymphocytes in the arterial wall of two unruptured intracranial aneurysms. In this preliminary study, human CSF showed active presence of innate and adaptive immune cells after aSAH. CD8+CD161+ lymphocytes may have an important role in the inflammatory response after aneurysmal rupture and were identified in the aneurysmal wall of unruptured brain aneurysms. Microglia activation occurs 6 + days after aSAH.
Abstract 17168: Myocardial Natriuretic Peptide Expression in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Introduction: Serum natriuretic peptides (NP) are reduced in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) compared to HFrEF; however, myocardial NP expression in HFpEF is unknown. We anal...
Modified equilibrium distributions for Cooper-Frye particlization

We introduce a positive-definite single-particle distribution that is suitable for describing the transition from a macroscopic hydrodynamic to a microscopic kinetic description during the late stages of heavy-ion collisions in the presence of moderately large viscous corrections. The modified equilibrium distribution function can be constructed with hydrodynamic input from either relativistic viscous fluid dynamics or anisotropic fluid dynamics. We test the modified equilibrium distribution's hydrodynamic output for a stationary hadron resonance gas subject to either shear stress, bulk pressure, or baryon diffusion current at a given freeze-out temperature and baryon chemical potential. While it does not reproduce all components of the net baryon current and energy-momentum tensor exactly, it significantly improves upon the customary linearized approximations for the nonequilibrium correction $\ensuremath{\delta}{f}_{n}$ which typically lead to unphysical negative distribution functions at large particle momenta. A comparison of particle spectra and ${p}_{T}$--differential elliptic flow coefficients from the Cooper--Frye formula computed with the modified equilibrium distribution and with linearized $\ensuremath{\delta}{f}_{n}$ corrections is presented, for two different $(2+1)$--dimensional hypersurfaces corresponding to central and noncentral $\mathrm{Pb}+\mathrm{Pb}$ collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
Rapid HPGe well detector gamma bioassay of 137Cs, 60Co, and 192Ir method.

Abstract CDC designed a rapid HPGe Bioassay Method for 137Cs, 60Co, and 192Ir that is suitable for a public health response to a radiological incident where people may ingest or inhale radionuclides. The method uses a short count time, small sample volume, and a large volume detector and well size. It measures a patient's urine sample collected post-incident. The levels of concern are directly related to the Clinical Decision Guide levels recommended in the National Council of Radiation Protection 161.
Postamputation Residual Limb Pain Severity and Prevalence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background:Individuals with an extremity amputation are predisposed to persistent pain that reduces their quality of life. Residual limb pain is defined as pain that is felt in the limb after amput...
Mouse-protective Properties of Bordetella pertussis Serotypes in Passive Tests

In a passive protection procedure in which the ed50 values of Bordetella pertussis antisera were determined, groups of mice were given graded intraperitoneal doses of serum, followed the next day by intracerebral challenge with 100,000 organisms. Antiserum produced with B. pertussis culture 5373, serotype 1.3, protected mice against challenge with culture 18-323, serotype 1.2.3, as effectively as did an antiserum produced with a serotype 1.2.3 culture. When two groups of mice similarly treated with pertussis immune serum were challenged with culture 353Z (serotype 1) and 18-323, respectively, much lower ed50 values were obtained with the animals challenged with 353Z. Passive protection tests with adsorbed antiserum gave equivocal results, suggesting that some of the adsorbing antigen remained in the serum and interfered with the tests. There was no evidence that serotype is related to protection.
The Ultrastructural Organization and Architecture of Basement Membranes

Basement membranes are ubiquitous complex, multicomponent structures having diverse functions. They are morphologically distinct and exhibit specific structural details including the lamina rara and lamina densa. In addition, the interstitial stroma abutting the lamina densa has a unique organization. While the composition of basement membranes is still incompletely known, several components have been identified, including collagen types IV and V, laminin and heparan sulphate proteoglycan. High resolution immunoelectron microscopic studies have allowed the development of various models of the organization and architecture of the basement membrane, suggesting specific localizations of the various collagen types and specific domains of the collagen molecules, laminin and other components. In addition, high resolution metal shadow casting techniques have allowed the development of molecular models of specific components of the basement membrane and methods of studying the domain structure and interactions of these components.
The Talmud as a Business Guide

Purpose: There is a great deal of interest in discovering the secrets of business success according to the Talmud. This interest is satisfied in the present paper by listing and explaining some principles, stories, and cases from the Talmud. Approach: The topic is approached in the manner of analysis of the Talmud as a business guide and as a set of stories and cases (part seven). Findings: Some of the Talmudic sages were indeed quite wealthy (introduction). This paper demonstrates that the Talmudic approach to becoming wealthy (part two) involves respecting hard work, leading an ethical life, being charitable, treating employees well, going beyond the strict requirements of the law, and caring for others (parts three to six). Implications: There are some indirect (conceptual) and some direct (in terms of principles and cases) implications of the Talmud as a business guide (as shown in part seven). Methodology: Conceptual approach with addition of some Talmud stories as case studies.
Extracellular matrix scaffold as a tubular graft for ascending aorta aneurysm repair.

Background Although extracellular xenograft repair has produced encouraging results when applied to cardiac, valvular, and specific aortic defects, its employment as a tube graft to replace the ascending aorta has not been reported. We describe a patient who underwent resection and replacement of an infected ascending aortic graft with an extracellular matrix conduit. The patient did well, but 14 months later developed a pseudoaneurysm from the staple line used to construct the extracellular matrix conduit. Methods The patient underwent a repeat sternotomy and removal of the graft. Because of the increased risk of graft failure, a homograft was felt to be more appropriate in this setting. Ultimately, we were unable to implant the homograft because it was too small for the aortic root; therefore we decided to construct a tubular graft from Cormatrix extracellular matrix (CorMatrix, Roswell, GA, USA). Fourteen months later, he presented with shortness of breath. Computed tomography scan revealed a 3.5 cm pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta. It appeared as if there was a disruption of the staple line in the extra cellular matrix graft. The plan was to replace it with a Dacron graft. Results The Cormatrix graft material was removed and sent for culture and histological analysis. A 28-mm Gel weave graft (Terumo Cardiovascular Systems, Ann Arbor, MI, USA) was implanted. The patient tolerated the procedure well with good hemodynamics. Conclusions Our experience suggests that the superior strength, handling characteristics, and resistance to infection make extra cellular matrix scaffold a possible alternative conduit to cryopreserved homografts. Applicability as an aortic conduit merits further investigation to better understand behavior of extra cellular matrix in this situation. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12583 (J Card Surg 2015;30:648–650)
Calculating Digital Counters

Deductive design characterizes a method where a system description is deduced from the functional specification of its behaviour applying formal transformations rules. Following this design methodology, we derive circuit descriptions for various combinational and sequential counters from a common functional specification using equational and inductive reasoning.
Enteric infection with an obligate intracellular parasite, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, in an experimental model.

Abstract Rabbits were intrarectally infected with 3 doses (5 x 10(3), 5 x 10(5), and 5 x 10(7] of an obligate intracellular parasite, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, with or without prior colonic lavages. Although chronic administration of enemas seems to interfere to some degree with the intestinal translocation of the parasite, systemic infection was observed in both manipulated and nonmanipulated animals. The animals responded with antibodies of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG isotypes, reflecting the route of infection. They also produced significant amounts of circulating immune complexes composed of IgA and IgG antibodies and E. cuniculi antigens. Lesions compatible with encephalitozoonosis were seen in the liver, kidney, lung, and brain. In all instances, nonmanipulated animals had more severe lesions than manipulated rabbits given the same dose of parasites. Levels of serum antibodies, circulating immune complexes, and histopathologic changes were associated with the infection dose. The presented data suggest that human microsporidiosis may also be transmitted via the rectal route. It is, therefore, of clinical relevance in view of several reports of microsporidian infections in patients with acquired immunodeficiency.
Crowd-Sourced Filmmaking: Despair is Your Friend

If the pilot of a 767 died, could you land the plane while the control tower talked you through it over the radio? I've always been fascinated (obsessed) by the idea of getting people to do complicated things, remotely, via instructions. And that's what I wanted to undertake when I made my new crowd-sourced film, Globe Trot . I got 54 filmmakers in 23 countries (representing all seven continents including Antarctica) to each contribute two seconds of precise footage that I edited together. 15 months of work, resulting in a 3-minute film . A second impetus for this project was experimentation I've been doing the last few years in what we could call "Hyper-Matchcutting"—films where every adjacent edit is perfectly aligned in position and continuity.
Heat flow from the Mid-Ocean Ridges and sea-floor spreading

Abstract Observations of heat flow, topographic elevation and topographic slope are examined in the light of the hypothesis of ridge formation by ocean-floor spreading. By normalizing the distance of observations from the ridge axis in terms of the spreading rate, a large amount of data from all parts of the ridge system can be used to derive the pattern of heat flow with greater confidence than here-to-fore obtained. This analysis shows that the shape of the normalized anomaly of high heat flow over the ridge is independent of spreading rate, however, the amplitude of this anomaly over the fast-spreading Pacific ridges (3–6 cm/year) is generally 0.5 μcal/cm2sec larger than that over the Atlantic and Indian Ocean Ridge which are spreading at a slower rate (1–2 cm/year). More than 60% of the heat lost over the ridges in excess of the adjacent basin heat loss takes place in a narrow zone near the axis, corresponding to the part of the ridge that has been created in the last 6 million years. There is also a nearly linear relation between spreading rate and ridge topographic slope. The normalized slope, however, decreases slightly with increasing spreading rate. Simple mechanical models of ocean-floor spreading such as a thick plate cooling as it moves away from the axis or a thin plate moving over a shallow, near isothermal zone do not adequately explain the pattern of heat flow and topographic slopes derived in this paper. A complex model such as a thin crustal layer moving over a broad stagnation zone could fit the observed data. However, more definitive geophysical data are required to determine the details of this type of model.
Are call light use and response time correlated with inpatient falls and inpatient dissatisfaction

Inpatients use call lights to seek nurses' assistance. Although implied in patient safety, no studies have analyzed data related to the use of or response time to call lights collected by existing tracking mechanisms monitoring nursing practice. This study used archived hospital data to determine the correlation of the call light use rate and the average call light response time with the fall rate, injurious fall rate, and patient satisfaction scores in acute inpatient care settings.
Acute effects of sldenafil ctrate (Viagra®) on intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma

Abstract PURPOSE: To assess the acute effects of sildenafil citrate (VIAGRA) on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma. DESIGN: This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, in which 15 patients received a single oral dose of sildenafil 100 mg or matching placebo on two separate occasions. METHODS: Fifteen subjects aged 63 ± 14 years (mean ± SD) with bilateral chronic open-angle glaucoma were administered a single oral dose of sildenafil 100 mg or matching placebo on two separate occasions at least 3 days apart. IOP was measured in both eyes by Goldmann ap-planation tonometry at baseline and then at 1–5 hours after dosing. Brachial artery systolic and diastolic blood pressures were determined by sphygmomanometry, and heart rate was also monitored at baseline and 1–5 hours after dosing. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, no statistically or clinically significant change in IOP was detected after a single dose of sildenafil 100 mg ( P = .20). Moreover, no significant change in mean systemic blood pressure ( P = .12) or heart rate ( P = .72) was detected after treatment with sildenafil. CONCLUSION: At the maximum therapeutic dose of 100 mg, sildenafil did not produce any significant acute change in IOP in men with chronic open-angle glaucoma. This information is of importance for patients with glaucoma receiving sildenafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction.
IN VIVO REGULATION OF THE PRIMARY RESPONSE OF CYTOLYTIC T CELLS TO HAPTEN‐ALTERED SELF ANTIGENS BY AN INDUCIBLE SUPPRESSOR T CELL *

Tc directed toward hapten-altered self antigens have been prevented from appearing in vivo inducing tolerance with hapten-derivatized syngeneic spleen cells. When the latter cells were coinjected intravenously with hapten-tolerized spleen cells one week before attempting sensitization for Tc, the hapten-specific Tc were not generated. Tolerance induced in this manner was adoptively transferable to untreated hosts using spleen cells of tolerized animals. The cell responsible for down regulating the CML response was identified as a theta antigen-bearing cell. Three additional methods have been described in which induction of Tc could be prevented by tolerance initiated through the use of hapten-derivatized syngeneic spleen cells. Common to all four methods is a two-week interval between the initial administration of tolerogen and the start of sensitization for Tc formation.
Patient-Controlled Analgesia for the Pediatric Patient

Pediatric patients benefit from patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), which eliminates the need for painful intramuscular injections of opioids and improves the child's sense of control. Age is often used inappropriately as a criterion for PCA use in children. Children must be carefully screened for their cognitive and physical ability to manage their pain using PCA. Family-controlled analgesia and nurse-controlled analgesia may be considered in select cases as alternatives to PCA in children with cognitive or physical disabilities. PCA dosage regimens must be individualized on the basis of age. Monitoring parameters must be age appropriate. Potential adverse effects of PCA therapy, including respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, and pruritus, can be prevented or controlled. Clinicians must become aware of age-related and developmental differences in the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and monitoring parameters for the pediatric patient. The safety and efficacy of PCA in pediatric patients has been established, and its role has increased beyond postoperative pain management.
Hermetic Encapsulation Technique Developed for the IBM Z-Server Multi-Chip Module

The large MCM developed to package the main processor unit used in the IBM z9 Server makes use of a novel sealing design that imparts many desirable characteristics to the module assembly process, performance and reliability. These packages consist of a large ceramic chip carrier encapsulated using a copper cooling cap and a metal sealing ring. The sealing technique not only provides the hermetic environment needed to protect the non-underfilled devices contained within the module, but also allows for easy rework of the assembly. The seal used can withstand the thermally induced stresses and strains driven by the thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between the carrier and the cap. Depending on the system requirements or application, it can do this and reliably maintain the level of hermeticity needed to protect the encapsulated devices over a thousand or more thermal cycles. In addition to this, the seal and module design must compensate for mechanical tolerances of the carrier and devices that affect the assembled condition of the module. In the z-Server module design these considerations, as well as thermal performance factors, are all taken into account. This paper will cover the various aspects of the module design, focusing on the novel application of the hermetic seal employed. The seal will be described and its design parameters will be discussed. Seal, component and module level qualification testing that is performed to insure that the assembly meets the package reliability requirements will be presented.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Effect of substrate temperature on the epitaxial growth of Au on TiO2(110)

Abstract We have studied the effects of substrate temperature on the epitaxial growth of Au on TiO 2 (1 1 0) surface by combined high resolution scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. The Au was evaporated under UHV conditions onto stoichiometric and unreconstructed (1×1) TiO 2 (1 1 0) surfaces. Two deposition conditions were used consisting of RT deposition followed by annealing at 775 K and direct deposition at 775 K. Two different epitaxial orientations have been observed for the two conditions. After room temperature deposition and annealing, the epitaxial orientation relationship is (1 1 1)Au//(1 1 0)TiO 2 with 〈1 1 0〉 Au//[0 0 1]TiO 2 . While for direct deposition at high temperature the epitaxial orientation relationship is (1 1 2)Au//(1 1 0)TiO 2 with 〈1 1 0〉 Au//(0 0 1)TiO 2 . For both orientations, two epitaxial variants are observed which are rotated from each other by 180° around the TiO 2 (1 1 0) surface normal. These two variants are in a twin orientation relationship. For the high temperature deposition, extensive (1 1 1) twinning of the Au islands is observed which are the boundaries separating two orientation variants.
Activation of sickle red blood cell adhesion via integrin-associated protein/CD47–induced signal transduction

Peripheral human red blood cells (RBCs) are not generally known to become activated and adhesive in response to cell signaling. We show, however, that soluble thrombospondin via integrin-associated protein (IAP; CD47) increases the adhesiveness of sickle RBCs (SS RBCs) by activating signal transduction in the SS RBC. This stimulated adhesion requires occupancy of IAP and shear stress and is mediated by the activation of large G proteins and tyrosine kinases. Reticulocyte-enriched RBCs derived from sickle-cell disease (SCD) patients are most responsive to IAP-induced activation. These studies therefore establish peripheral SS RBCs as signaling cells that respond to a novel synergy between IAP-induced signal transduction and shear stress, suggesting new therapeutic targets in SCD.
Angela carter's animal tales: Constructing the non‐human

(2000). Angela carter's animal tales: Constructing the non‐human. Lit: Literature Interpretation Theory: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 35-57.
The prolonged hematologic effects of a single injection of PEG-rHuMGDF in normal and thrombocytopenic mice

A single injection of > or =10 microg/kg PEG-rHuMGDF in mice causes a dose-dependent increase in circulating platelets beginning on day 3 and peaking on days 5-6. The mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width at doses > or =100 microg/kg initially increase in a dose-dependent fashion and later decrease. However, the mean platelet volume does not change when platelets are incubated with PEG-rHuMGDF in vitro. The number of marrow megakaryocytes increases in a dose-dependent fashion as early as day 1 and peaks on day 3. Marrow megakaryocyte colony-forming units (CFU-Meg) do not increase on days 1-3 at a dose of 100 microg/kg (a dose that increases platelet numbers two- to threefold and may be clinically relevant), but the relative frequency of high ploidy megakaryocytes and the proportion of large marrow megakaryocytes (29-50 microm in diameter) increases. After a dose of 1,000 microg/kg the percentage of megakaryocytes in mitosis peaks at 24-48 hours and the percentage of megakaryocytes incorporating BrdU is maximal at 48 hours, the relatively delayed peak of BrdU incorporation most likely representing endomitosis. The relative frequency of type II and III megakaryocytes peaks on days 3 and 4, respectively. Pharmacokinetic analysis of PEG-rHuMGDF shows peak serum concentrations at 2-4 hours and a terminal half-life of 11.4+/-2.5 hours. A single injection of PEG-rHuMGDF ameliorates carboplatin-induced megakaryocytopenia and thrombocytopenia in a dose-response dependent fashion. In conclusion, a single injection of PEG-rHuMGDF increases megakaryocyte and platelet production in normal and myelo-suppressed mice.
Lack of effect of amino acids on the growth retardation due to unheated soybeans

Abstract A mixture of essential amino acids included in the ration failed to prevent or reduce the chick growth retardation caused by feeding unheated soybeans. This finding is not in accord with the theory of growth retardation due to proteolytic inhibition.
Models, mechanisms and pathways of succession

The study of succession has been hampered by the lack of a general theory. This is illustrated by confusion over basic concepts and inadequacy of certain models. This review clarifies the basic ideas of pathway, mechanism, and model in succession. Second, in order to prevent inappropriate narrowness in successional studies, we analyze the mechanistic adequacy of the most widely cited models of succession, those of Connell and Slatyer. This analysis shows that models involving a single pathway or a dominant mechanism cannot be treated as alternative, testable hypotheses. Our review shows much more mechanistic richness than allowed by these widely cited models of succession. Classification of the mechanisms of specific replacement, called for by existing models, is problematic and less valuable than the search for the actual mechanisms of particular seres. For example, the “tolerance” mechanism of succession has at least two contrasting meanings and is unlikely to be disentangled from the “inhibition” mechanism in field experiments. However, the understanding of particular species replacements through experiment and knowledge of the conditions of a particular sere and species life histories is a reasonable and desirable goal. Finally, we suggest the need for a broad mechanistic concept of succession. Thus, based on classical causes of succession that have survived recent scrutiny, we erect a framework of successional mechanisms. This framework aims at comprehensiveness, and specific mechanisms are nested within more general causes. As a result of its breadth and hierarchical structure, the framework performs two important functions: First, it provides a context for studies at specific sites and, second, is a scheme for formulating general and testable hypotheses. The review of specific successional mechanisms and the general mechanistic framework can together guide future work on succession, and may foment the development of a broad theory.
Nitric oxide protects thymocytes from γ-irradiation-induced apoptosis in correlation with inhibition of p53 upregulation and mitochondrial damage

Abstract Apoptosis plays a crucial role in clonal deletion in the thymus, and NO has been shown to prevent apoptosis in some cell types. Therefore, we examined the effect of NO on γ-irradiation-induced thymocyte apoptosis. Treatment of 5 Gy γ-irradiated thymocytes with 1 mM SNAP reduced cell death from 78 to 49% after 8 h incubation (spontaneous cell death in medium control cells was 26%). Coincubation with ZVAD blocked both the spontaneous cell death and the cell death induced by SNAP or γ-irradiation. The γ-irradiation-induced increase in caspase 3 and 6 activities was inhibited in the presence of SNAP. The increase in cytosolic cytochrome c as well as the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential after γ-irradiation was inhibited in the presence of SNAP. SNAP treatment also decreased the p53 upregulation in γ-irradiated cells. In summary, we found that NO exerts a protective effect on mouse thymocyte apoptosis induced by γ-irradiation. The mechanism of this protective effect may involve inhibition of p53 upregulation and reduction in mitochondrial damage, with subsequent inhibition of downstream caspase activation.
Wavelength defragmentation algorithm for transparent multi-ring networks with multiple fibers per link

We propose a scalable and effective wavelength defragmentation algorithm that considers multiple fibers per link. The number of fibers is reduced by more than 14% in multi-ring-like networks based on numerical evaluation.
Demonstration Paper: Adaptive Ego-Motion Tracking Using Visual-Inertial Sensors for Wearable Blind Navigation

This paper presents an ego-motion tracking method using visual-inertial sensors to assist the visually impaired and blind (VIB) people to travel in unknown dynamic environments. We focus on the ego-motion tracking functionality to inform the wearers of their relative position with respect to the environment. A traveled trajectory is recovered by concatenating the transformation estimated from visual correspondences and instantaneous movements captured by inertial sensors. Therefore, we introduce an adaptive mechanism to judge the reliability of visual tracking by comparing the estimated rotation with the gyroscopic measurement. The measuring frequencies of visual and inertial sensors are different because of different physical sampling rates and the introduced adaptive mechanism. We adopt the multi-rate extended Kalman filter (EKF) to fuse the visual estimation and inertial measurement. In the experiment, we wear the navigation system to follow a path in an indoor environment, and the results show the effectiveness and precision of the proposed methods in ego-motion tracking.
A general solution for stochastic radiative transfer

The three-dimensional variability of clouds has an important impact on the transfer of radiation in the Earth's atmosphere, and thus the current practice in climate modeling of assuming clouds are horizontally homogeneous entails significant errors. A new method, based on the backward Monte Carlo technique, has been developed for computing the mean outgoing radiation field from any type of stochastic ensemble of cloud structure. The accuracy of the technique has been verified by comparison with many realizations of deterministic radiative transfer. The method illustrates how spatial variability should be defined, and should lead to improved representations of the radiative effects of clouds in climate models.
Direct Assay of δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase in Heme Biosynthesis for the Detection of Porphyrias by Tandem Mass Spectrometry

We report a new assay of human δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), an enzyme converting δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into porphobilinogen. The assay is developed for use in the clinical diagnosis of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase-deficient porphyria, a rare enzymatic deficiency of the heme biosynthetic pathway. The assay involves the incubation of erythrocyte lysate with the natural substrate, ALA, followed by quantitative in situ conversion of porphobilinogen to its butyramide, and liquid−liquid extraction into a mass spectrometer-friendly solvent. Quantitation of the butyrylated porphobilinogen is done by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, using a deuterium labeled internal standard. The assay stays well within the range wherein ALAD activity is linear with time. The Km of ALAD for ALA was measured as 333 μM, and the Vmax was 19.3 μM/h. Average enzyme activity among a random sample of 36 anonymous individuals was 277 μmol/L erythrocyte lysate/hour with a standard deviation of 90 μ...
Relationship Between Degenerative Joint Disease, Pain, and Bartonella spp. Seroreactivity in Domesticated Cats

Background Recently, a potential association was identified between Bartonella exposure and arthritides in mammalian species other than cats. Hypothesis/Objectives We hypothesized that Bartonella exposure is associated with more severe degenerative joint disease (DJD) and a greater burden of DJD-associated pain in client-owned cats. Animals Ninety-four client-owned cats (6 months to 20 years old), ranging from clinically unaffected to severely lame because of DJD. Methods Using physical examination and radiography, pain and radiographic scores were assigned to each part of the bony skeleton. Sera were tested for Bartonella henselae, B. koehlerae, and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (genotypes I, II, and III) antibodies using immunofluorescence antibody assays. Variables were categorized and logistic regression used to explore associations. Results Seropositivity to Bartonella was identified in 33 (35.1%) cats. After multivariate analysis controlling for age, total DJD score (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.26–0.97; P = .042), appendicular pain score (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17–0.65; P = .0011), and total pain score (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17–0.72; P = .0045) were significantly inversely associated with Bartonella seroreactivity status, indicating that cats with higher DJD and pain scores were less likely to be Bartonella seropositive. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Based upon this preliminary study, Bartonella spp. seropositivity was associated with decreased severity of DJD and decreased DJD-associated pain in cats. Additional studies are needed to verify these findings, and if verified, to explore potential mechanisms.