cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic cluttering in adults.

Abstract Two patients with symptomatic cluttering due to acquired neurological disease are described. One patient suffered a brainstem infarct (stroke), and the other appeared to have a typical clinical picture of multiple sclerosis. Linguistic analysis of the two patients is provided along with a comparison of idiopathic cluttering of childhood. The implications of cluttering as an acquired speech disorder are discussed.
Acquisition, extinction, and reacquisition of a conditional discrimination to avoid shock by goldfish

Goldfish, trained in the shuttlebox to avoid shock, were tested for the acquisition and extinction of a color-matching or a color-oddity conditional discrimination choice response, and then tested for reacquisition. Extinction affected the accuracy of the choice response but not the number of trials with response (response strength). Half of all groups were extinguished with changed signal colors, and half had the same signal colors experienced in acquisition. All groups had the same signal colors in reacquisition that they had experienced in acquisition. Changed-signal oddity groups decremented slightly faster than same-signal oddity groups, providing some support for a generalization decrement interpretation, but same- and changed-signal matching groups did not differ. All groups extinguished on the choice response by the end of extinction. All matching groups, and all oddity groups, regardless of their respective signal colors in extinction, reacquired at the same rate, and faster than in acquisition. These results imply conceptual generalization of extinction effects. Matching-trained groups were found to be slightly superior to oddity-trained groups in both acquisition and reacquisition. Comparisons of these results to positive reinforcement conditional discrimination extinction work, including some procedural suggestions, are made.
Periodic Precipitation of the Particle Flux in the Auroral Zone

EVIDENCE of periodic and quasi-periodic precipitation of the particle flux in the auroral zone is often observed in the riometer absorption1, 5577 A photometer records, visual observation of pulsating aurora (also seen in the all-sky camera records) and other related geophysical phenomena. Further, the recent satellite observations have also shown periodic variation in the measured flux2. In this communication a possible mechanism for the periodic precipitation of the particle flux is proposed and its validity and limitations are discussed.
Cerebral lymphoma presenting as a nonenhancing lesion on computed tomographic/ magnetic resonance scan

Cerebral lymphoma is usually identified on computed tomographic/magnetic resonance scan as a homogeneously contrast-enhancing periventricular mass lesion. We present 10 patients with cerebral lymphoma who had nonenhancing tumor on computed tomographic (2 patients) or magnetic resonance scan (8 patients) either at the time of diagnosis or recurrence. The absence of enhancement caused diagnostic delay in all patients and suggests that tumor resides behind an intact blood-brain barrier, raising important therapeutic implications in the design of chemotherapeutic regimens.
Lactate dehydrogenase regulation in aged skeletal muscle: Regulation by anabolic steroids and functional overload.

Abstract Aging alters the skeletal muscle response to overload-induced growth. The onset of functional overload is characterized by increased myoblast proliferation and an altered muscle metabolic profile. The onset of functional overload is associated with increased energy demands that are met through the interconversion of lactate and pyruvate via the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Testosterone targets many of the processes activated at the onset of functional overload. However, the effect of aging on this metabolic plasticity at the onset of functional overload and how anabolic steroid administration modulates this response is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine if aging would alter overload-induced LDH activity and expression at the onset of functional overload and whether anabolic steroid administration would modulate this response. Five-month and 25-month male Fischer 344 x F 1 BRN were given nandrolone decanoate (ND) or sham injections for 14 days and then the plantaris was functionally overloaded (OV) for 3 days by synergist ablation. Aging reduced muscle LDH-A & LDH-B activity 70% (p
Psychological Size and Psychological Distance in Manager-Subordinate Relationships

Abstract The roles of status and affect in the working relationships in the United States among 125 lower level managers and the 35 middle level managers to whom they reported was examined by using the Grasha-Ichiyama Psychological Size and Distance Scale (GIPSDS). The GIPSDS uses a circle-drawing task to determine perceptions of interpersonal status (psychological size) and affect (psychological distance) and a 22-item status-affect rating scale to identify the specific psychological dimensions underlying the drawings. Boss-subordinate exchanges also were measured by using Graen et al.'S (1982) Leader-Member Exchange Scale (LMX). Subordinates drew circles that estimated their psychological size or personal status, as larger than the circles their bosses drew for them; the bosses, in turn, drew circles that estimated their personal status as larger than the circles that their subordinates drew for them. Lower level managers' ratings of their personal knowledge and expertise were the best predictor of thei...
Survival Analysis of Backward Recurrence Times

Abstract Many surveys include questions that attempt to measure the time of the most recent occurrence of some event, for example, last visit to a physician. Although it is tempting to apply survival (failure-time) methods to such data, the conditions under which such applications are appropriate have not been apparent. In this article it is shown that standard methods may be applied when the data arise from certain well-known stochastic processes. Special procedures may be necessary if the models include duration dependence, however. The methods are illustrated by the estimation of regression models for data on residential mobility.
A simple micromethod for leukocyte rosetting without cell purification.

Conventional methods for leukocyte rosetting suffer from 2 major drawbacks: the length of time required for leukocyte purification prior to rosetting, and the necessity for large volumes of blood from which to purify the leukocytes. A simple method for leukocyte rosetting is described which uses small quantities (less than 100 μl) of heparinized whole blood, does not require prior leukocyte purification and can be completed within 1 h of blood drawing. Percentages of rosetting polymorphonuclear leukocytes in cell preparations obtained by standard purification methods showed a close correlation (P < 0.001) with percentages obtained by the method described. Additionally, the method described can potentially be applied to other non-neutrophil rosetting leukocytes in blood or body fluids.
A Prescription for Global Education in Health and Human Services

Study abroad might be associated primarily with humanities or business majors, but San Diego State University has mandated an international experience for all its health and human services students...
Transcription Factor AP-2γ Regulates Murine Adenosine Deaminase Gene Expression during Placental Development

Trophoblast cells are specialized extra-embryonic cells present only in eutherian mammals. They play a major role in the implantation and placentation processes. To understand better the molecular mechanisms that control the development and function of trophoblast cells, we sought to identify the transcription factors that regulate murine adenosine deaminase (ADA) gene expression in the placenta. Here we report a detailed characterization of a placenta-specific footprinting region (FP1) in the Adaplacental regulatory element. The sequence of FP1 was mapped by DNase I footprinting and was found to match a consensus AP-2 transcription factor-binding site. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that FP1 interacted with AP-2-like proteins. Further analysis using AP-2 antibody confirmed that AP-2 protein was indeed present in the placenta and bound to FP1. Mutation at the AP-2 site in FP1 abolished the ability of the Ada placental regulatory element to bind AP-2 proteins and failed to target chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene expression to placentas in transgenic mice, indicating that AP-2 is required for Ada expression in the placenta. In addition, RNase protection assays demonstrated that AP-2γ was the predominant AP-2 family member expressed in the placenta. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that AP-2γ expression was enriched in the trophoblast lineage throughout development, suggesting that AP-2γ may be critical for trophoblast development and differentiation.
The Candidate Cancer Gene Database: a database of cancer driver genes from forward genetic screens in mice

Identification of cancer driver gene mutations is crucial for advancing cancer therapeutics. Due to the overwhelming number of passenger mutations in the human tumor genome, it is difficult to pinpoint causative driver genes. Using transposon mutagenesis in mice many laboratories have conducted forward genetic screens and identified thousands of candidate driver genes that are highly relevant to human cancer. Unfortunately, this information is difficult to access and utilize because it is scattered across multiple publications using different mouse genome builds and strength metrics. To improve access to these findings and facilitate meta-analyses, we developed the Candidate Cancer Gene Database (CCGD, http://ccgd-starrlab.oit.umn.edu/). The CCGD is a manually curated database containing a unified description of all identified candidate driver genes and the genomic location of transposon common insertion sites (CISs) from all currently published transposon-based screens. To demonstrate relevance to human cancer, we performed a modified gene set enrichment analysis using KEGG pathways and show that human cancer pathways are highly enriched in the database. We also used hierarchical clustering to identify pathways enriched in blood cancers compared to solid cancers. The CCGD is a novel resource available to scientists interested in the identification of genetic drivers of cancer.
Impact Produced Stress Waves in Composites

The Nonhomogenized Dynamic Method of Cells (NHDMOC) is used to study the propagation of stress waves through laminates. The accuracy of the theory is tested by applying it to a plate-impact experiment and checking its ability to resolve a propagation shock wave front. The theory is then compared to Lagrangian hydrodynamic calculations, where it is found that the NHDMOC consistently requires less fine spatial and temporal grids, and less artificial viscosity to control numerical noise. The theory is then used to treat the impact of an epoxy-graphite bilaminate. When the viscoelastic properties of the epoxy are accounted for, the theory agrees well with the experiment.
Influence of Bystander Substituents on the Rates of 1,2-H and 1,2-Ph Shifts in Singlet and Triplet Carbenes

Substituent effects at the migration origin on the rate of rearrangement of several alkylchlorocarbenes have been studied at the B3LYP/6-311G**//B3LYP/6-31G* level. Methyl, halo, and phenyl groups ...
Electron-Deficient Group 4 Metal Complexes of Sulfur-Bridged Dialkoxide Ligands: Synthesis, Structure, and Polymerization Activity Studies

Coordination of the sulfur-bridged dialkoxide ligands {OCR2CH2SCH2CR2O}2- ({OSOR}2-, R = Me, p-tolyl) on titanium and zirconium centers has been studied. A variety of complexes having one or two ancillary {OSOMe}2- ligands, viz., M(OR)2{OSOMe} (M = Zr, OR = OtBu, 4; M = Ti, OR = OiPr, 5), M{OSOMe}2 (M = Zr, 6; Ti, 7), Zr(CH2Ph)2{OSOMe} (8), and MCl2{OSOMe}(THF)n (M = Zr, n = 0, 9; n = 1, 10; n = 2, 11; M = Ti, n = 0, 12; n = 2, 13), have been prepared in good yields by alcohol or alkane elimination from {OSOMe}H2 (1a) or by salt metathesis routes from alkali metal salts M{OSOMe} (M = K, 2a; M = Li, in situ-generated). Coordination of the p-tolyl-substituted ligand by these and other routes proved to be much more difficult, and only TiCl2{OSOtol} (14) was obtained. Crystallographic studies showed that dichloro complexes 11 and 13 and bis-ligand complex 7 adopt in the solid state mononuclear structures with no bonding interaction between the sulfur atom and metal centers. The crystal structure of 4 contains...
Hyperammonemia with complex urinary tract anomaly: a case report

Hyperammonemia has been reported rarely in the pediatric age group in systemically ill patients. All cases resulted from infections with urea splitting organisms, which are more common among patients who have undergone surgical procedures on the urinary tract. The authors report for the first time in the pediatric literature, one patient who presented with hyperammonemic encephalopathy that resulted from urinary tract infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium sp.
Singular perturbations in the quadratic family

In this paper, we study the dynamics of the family of complex maps given by , where c and λ are complex parameters such that c lies in the interior of a hyperbolic component of the Mandelbrot set but not at its center and λ is arbitrarily small. We prove that the Julia set of F λ consists of a countable collection of inverted copies of curves that are homeomorphic to the Julia set of F 0 and uncountably many point components that accumulate on each of these curves.
Assessing the Validity of Self-Reported Medication Adherence in Hepatitis C Treatment:

Objective:To assess the validity of self-reported medication adherence provided by individuals in treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with a regimen of peginterferon and ribavirin.Methods:Adherence was evaluated prospectively among 196 African American and 205 white subjects enrolled in Virahep-C (Viral Resistance to Antiviral Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis C), a treatment study for genotype 1 HCV infection. Adherence to the prescribed dose was measured by 2 methods: self-report questions administered during multiple clinic visits, using a touch screen computer; and recordings of bottle openings, using an electronic monitor placed inside the cap of prescription containers. Self-reported responses were compared with the electronic monitor data. Nonparametric tests were used to test the association between adherence measures at 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks of treatment.Results:The estimated proportion of participants who were adherent prior to a given visit ranged from 85% to 97% (ribavirin) and 97...
A management approach to hospitality and tourism education

Abstract Due to changes in ownership and customer demand, it is argued that a change of direction is needed in the traditional hotel school programme. It is envisaged that more specialization is required to meet an expected change in industry organization. Career paths are anticipated to follow these specializations in control, food and beverages, sales and rooms and by progress from small unit to company operation. A major consequence of this makes a more extensive study of travel and tourism essential since this is the context of major service industry operation.
Integrated Nature of Chromatophore Responses in the in Vitro Frog Skin Bioassay

A cytological analysis of the in vitro response of frog skin chromatophores to hormonal and pharmacological agents is presented. The significance of the diverse chromatophore responses to stimulation is discussed in light of interpretations that might erroneously be drawn from objective photometric measurements as in the frog skin bioassay. Melanophorestimulating hormone (MSH) disperses melanin granules within both dermal and epidermal melanophores; the previously dispersed reflecting platelets within iridophores become aggregated. Acetylcholine lightens MSH-darkened skin to a near pre-MSH level by reversing the action of MSH on all chromatophores. Melatonin and norepinephrine only weakly reverse the darkening action of MSH on frog skin as not all chromatophores respond to these agents. Melatonin causes melanin granule aggregation within only a small number of localized dermal melanophores and is without effect on iridophores. Norepinephrine, unlike melatonin, but like acetylcholine, redisperses the refle...
Modeling, Analysis, and Experimental Validation of a Bifurcation-Based Microsensor

The potential to detect very small amounts of added mass has driven research in chemical and biological sensors based on resonant micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems over the past two decades. While traditional resonant mass sensors utilize chemomechanically induced shifts in linear natural frequency for mass detection, alternate sensing approaches which exploit near-resonant nonlinear behaviors have garnered interest from the research community due to their potential to yield improved sensor metrics and to simplify final device implementations. This paper investigates the development of an amplitude-based mass sensing approach which utilizes the dynamic transitions that occur near a cyclic-fold/saddle-node bifurcation in the nonlinear frequency response of a piezoelectrically actuated microcantilever. Specifically, the work details the modeling, analysis, and experimental validation of this mass sensing technique. The experimental results presented here not only prove the feasibility of the proposed sensing approach but also allow for the direct evaluation of pertinent sensor metrics.
A new dual-band reflectarray configuration

This paper presents a new configuration for dual-band linearly polarized reflectarray. Simulated phase responses are given in the paper. The radiating elements at two frequency bands are printed at the same layer. No physical contacts between elements will occur as the sizes of the elements are changing. Top layer blocking effects of the dual-layer configuration are also eliminated. The proposed configuration should be a suitable candidate for the dual-band reflectarray.
Perception-oriented online news extraction

A novel online news extraction approach based on human perception is presented in this paper. The approach simulates how a human perceives and identifies online news content. It first detects news areas based on content function, space continuity, and formatting continuity of news information. It further identifies detailed news content based on the position, format, and semantic of detected news areas. Experiment results show that our approach achieves much better performance (in average more than 99% in terms of F1 Value) compared to previous approaches such as Tree Edit Distance and Visual Wrapper based approaches. Furthermore, our approach does not assume the existence of Web templates in the tested Web pages as required by Tree Edit Distance based approach, nor does it need training sets as required in Visual Wrapper based approach. The success of our approach demonstrates the strength of the perception-oriented Web information extraction methodology and represents a promising approach for automatic information extraction from sources with presentation design for humans.
Estrogen receptors in quail brain: a functional relationship to aromatase and aggressiveness.

Estradiol (E2) mediates many of the activational effects of testosterone (T) on masculine reproductive and aggressive behaviors. Using Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) as an animal model, together with a newly devised procedure for quantifying aggressiveness, we recently showed that aggression is E2 -dependent and that individual differences in behavioral intensity are correlated with aromatase in the hypothalamus/preoptic area (HPOA). In thisstudywe characterized estrogen receptors (ER) in quail brain and tested the hypothesis that aromatase in brain regulates T-induced behavioral responsiveness by regulating the quantity of E2 available for receptor binding. Based on standard binding assays and Sephadex LH-20 chromatography, quail brain ER was shown to be estrogen-specific, of high affinity (Kd = 0.88 nM), and of limited capacity with highest concentrations in limbic brain areas (Bmax 23-27fmoles/gm HPOA). In addition, this ER adhered to DNAcellulose under activating conditions. The quantitative relationship between aromatization, ER, and aggressiveness was tested in reproductively inactive (nonaggressive) males by treatment with T ± the aromatase inhibitor 4-hydroxyandrostenedione (OHA). After 5 days, T markedly stimulated aggressiveness, and elevated aromatase and nuclear (occupied) ER in HPOA. Simultaneous treatment with OHA blocked effects on aggressiveness and aromatase, and lowered nuclear ER, but increased cyrosolic (empty) ER. Total ER (nuclear plus cytosolic) was higher after T treatment whether or not OHA was administered, suggesting that androgen per se induces ER in quail HPOA. Taken together, these data provide good evidence that aromatization is a rate-limiting determinant of ER occupancy and that T serves not only as a substrate for aroma tase but also up-regulates the enzyme and total ER abundance in the HPOA, a behaviorally important area.
Evaluation of tumor microenvironment in an animal model using a nanoparticle contrast agent in computed tomography imaging.

Rationale and Objectives Non-invasive longitudinal imaging of tumor vasculature could provide new insights into the development of solid tumors, facilitating efficient delivery of therapeutics. In this study, we report three-dimensional imaging and characterization of tumor vascular architecture using a nanoparticle contrast agent and high-resolution computed tomography (CT) imaging. Materials and Methods Five Balb/c mice implanted with 4T1/Luc syngeneic breast tumors cells were used for the study. The nanoparticle contrast agent was systemically administered and longitudinal CT imaging was performed pre-contrast and at serial time points post-contrast, for up to 7 days for studying the characteristics of tumor-associated blood vessels. Gene expression of tumor angiogenic biomarkers was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Early-phase imaging demonstrated the presence of co-opted and newly developed tumor vessels. The co-opted vessels demonstrated wall-permeability and “leakiness” characteristics evident by an increase in extravascular nanoparticle-based signal enhancement visible well beyond the margins of tumor. Diameters of tumor-associated vessels were larger than the contralateral normal vessels. Delayed-phase imaging also demonstrated significant accumulation of nanoparticle contrast agent both within and in areas surrounding the tumor. A heterogeneous pattern of signal enhancement was observed both within and among individual tumors. Gene-expression profiling demonstrated significant variability in several angiogenic biomarkers both within and among individual tumors. Conclusions The nanoparticle contrast agent and high-resolution CT imaging facilitated visualization of co-opted and newly developed tumors vessels as well as imaging of nanoparticle accumulation within tumors. The use of this agent could provide novel insights into tumor vascular biology and could have implications on the monitoring of tumor status.
State-Building and Nation-Building in the “Third Germany”: Saxony after the Congress of Vienna

In a recent article on state-building in the “Third Germany” during the Rheinbund years, Hans Schmitt noted the “degrees of variation” that were to be found in the tempo, structure, and results of government reform programs among the German states. This variety stemmed not only from the uneven penetration of French influence, but also from the different historical conditions and levels of political development pertaining in each state. Schmitt concluded part of his analysis by pointing out that this variety which so characterized state-building between 1806 and 1813 continued after the fall of Napoleon and the unravelling of the Rheinbund. The multiplicity of state-building programs and agendas in Germany during the Restoration era confirms this assertion. For the monarchs of states such as Bavaria, Wurttemberg, Baden, and Nassau, the end of the French Imperium was an opportunity—under the new auspices of the German Confederation—to continue the integration of new territories and subjects via bureaucratic centralization and experimentation with constitutional models.
Three new MHC haplotypes in broiler breeder chickens

Six distinct serotypes of the chicken B blood group system (which encodes the major histocompatibility complex) were identified in a commercial broiler breeder line (Line C). The B serotypes were compared by B-G restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, allele-specific PCR typing test for B-LBII family genes and nucleotide sequence analysis of expressed B-F and B-LBII family genes. The results indicated the existence of seven distinct B haplotypes. Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated that three of the Line C haplotypes encode new B-F and B-LB alleles.
An experimentally robust technique for halo measurement using the IPM at the Fermilab Booster

We propose a model-independent quantity, L/G, to characterize non-Gaussian tails in beam profiles observed with the Fermilab Booster Ion Profile Monitor. This quantity can be considered a measure of beam halo in the Booster. We use beam dynamics and detector simulations to demonstrate that L/G is superior to kurtosis as an experimental measurement of beam halo when realistic beam shapes, detector effects and uncertainties are taken into account. We include the rationale and method of calculation for L/G in addition to results of the experimental studies in the Booster where we show that L/G is a useful halo discriminator.
The obstacles to marketing thinking

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the pivotal guiding role of “marketing thinking” in an organization, to identify the obstacles to marketing thinking, explaining how they hinder its implementation, and offering strategies to minimize those negative effects, and thereby, to enable improved marketing thinking and enhanced performance.Design/methodology/approach – Relevant literature is synthesized, to derive a definition of marketing thinking before a conceptual framework is developed, on the basis of which to discuss the potential obstacles.Findings – In viewing marketing thinking as type of questioning, potential obstacles are found to be: what is “familiar” typical questioning practices, and a “static” orientation. Identification and examination of the source and impact of each obstacle can in turn allow for enhanced understanding of both the detrimental effects and the potential benefits of effective counter‐action.Research limitations/implications – Three types of obstacles to marketing thinking a...
Effects of Posture on Newborn Crying.

Abstract Acoustic properties of the cries of 14 infants were evaluated at both 2 and 4 weeks of age when the infants were lying in a supine position and when they were sitting upright in a car seat. In the upright position, infants’ breathing was more rapid and showed less individual variability. The fundamental frequency of their cries increased in the upright position, but this increase was likely attributable to increased arousal or distress, not to posture per se. There were no differences in acoustic measures related to vocal tract shape in the supine versus upright positions. Across age, there was a decline in fundamental frequency. Individual difference stability of most acoustic measures was moderate to high. The importance of postural effects on the acoustic features of cries was discussed.
DURABILITY TESTS ON SOME AGGREGATES FOR CONCRETE

The study examines the durability of Minnekahta limestone and Sioux quartzite used for concrete aggregates in South Dakota due to freezing and thawing. Vacuum saturated and dry specimens of these rocks are subjected to 100 cycles of freezing and thawing with a temperature range of 0 to 40°F. (-l8 to 4.4°C.) The saturated specimens show an increase in absorption, decrease in tensile strength and decrease in modulus of elasticity after 100 cycles of freezing and thawing. No consistent variation in Poisson's ratio and compressive strength are observed due to 100 cycles of freezing and thawing. Reasonable agreement between the increased absorption and the increased permanent volume change based on the measured change in length due to freezing and thawing is obtained. A relative durability rating for these rocks indicates that both these rocks are good for concrete aggregates. Smaller size quartzite and larger size limestone are better from the standpoint of resistance of concrete to freezing and thawing.
Rescuing the Literary in Black Studies

Maulana Karenga ends the “Creative Production” chapter in Introduction to Black Studieswith a justifiable, negative critique of literature's modern lapse into types of detachment and personal gratification that are antithetical to the Black studies enterprise. Scholars have embraced this negative critique of the possibilities of literature to contribute to the problem-solving activities of the discipline. Karenga's critique is required study for the discipline as he issues a call for discourse “to provoke and expand the discussion, not to close or avoid it.” This essay is a response, provoked by Karenga, that evaluates axiological and epistemological variables of the academy, the discipline of Black studies, and African culture that support the rescue of the literary in Black studies.
Preparation of (S)-tert-ButylPHOX

(L)-tert-Leucine (S)-tert-Leucinol Sodium borohydride 2-Bromobenzoyl chloride Methanesulfonyl chloride Copper iodide Diphenylphosphine N,N-Dimethylethylenediamine Cesium carbonate (S)-tert-ButylPHOX Keywords: butylphox; preparation improvements; mesylate displacement; organometallic transformations; chiral p/n ligand; phox derivatives; waste disposal; safety
Magnesiumkomplexe mit η2‐Pyrazolatoliganden

Trotz der geringen Grose des Magnesiumions enthalt jeder der Komplexe 1–3 η2-artig gebundene Pyrazolatoliganden. Diese Komplexe gewahren einen neuen Einblick in das Design fluchtiger Komplexe der Metalle der 2. Hauptgruppe fur den Einsatz in Verfahren zur chemischen Dampfabscheidung.
New results on unequal error protection using LDPC codes

In this letter, we propose a new scheme to construct low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes that are suitable for unequal error protection (UEP). We derive UEP density evolution (UDE) formulas for the proposed ensemble over the binary erasure channel (BEC). Using the UDE formulas, high performance UEP codes can be found. Simulation results depict an improvement in the bit error rate of more important bits in comparison with previous results on UEP-LDPC codes.
Sunlight-Activated Propidium Monoazide Pretreatment for Differentiation of Viable and Dead Bacteria by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods have been developed and increasingly used for rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens in water samples to better protect public health. A propidium monoazide (PMA) pretreatment can help to differentiate between viable and dead cells, but the photoactivation of PMA normally requires the use of an energy-consuming halogen light, which is not suitable for off-the-grid applications. Herein, we investigate sunlight as an alternative light source. Our results suggest that sunlight can successfully activate PMA, and the sunlight-activated PMA pretreatment can effectively reduce the amplification of DNA derived from dead cells in PCR assays. Potentially, a sunlight-activated PMA pretreatment unit can be integrated into a lab-on-a-chip PCR device for off-the-grid microbial detection and quantification.
Semisimple Compact Groups

A Lie algebra is semisimple if it has no Abelian ideals. A compact Lie group is semisimple if its Lie algebra is semisimple. For example, SU(n) and O(n) are semisimple, but U(n) is not, since the scalar matrices in u(n) form an Abelian ideal. More generally, we define a Lie group to be semisimple if its Lie algebra is semisimple and it has a faithful finite-dimensional complex representation. (This criterion excludes groups such as the universal cover of SL(2, ℝ), all of whose finite-dimensional complex representations factor through SL(2, ℝ) and are hence not faithful; see Exercise 13.1.)
Effect of isostatic pressing on phase formation in BaO.Al2O3.2SiO2 glass

The objective of the work was to study the effects of cold isostatic pressing (CIP) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on celsian formation in the BaO.Al 2 O 3 .2SiO2 (BAS) glass
Measuring tumor perfusion in control and treated murine tumors: correlation of microbubble contrast-enhanced sonography to dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of dynamic microbubble contrast-enhanced sonography (MCES), in comparison with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), to quantitatively characterize tumor perfusion in implanted murine tumors before and after treatment with a variety of regimens. Methods. Seventeen mice with Lewis lung carcinoma implants were categorized to control, radiation therapy alone, antiangiogenic chemotherapy alone, and combined chemoradiation. On day 0 of each treatment regimen, MCES and DCE-MRI of each tumor were performed. On day 5 of treatment, dynamic FDG-PET, MCES, and DCE-MRI were performed. Results. Microbubble contrast-enhanced sonography showed that intratumoral perfusion, blood volume, and blood velocity were highest in the untreated control group and successively lower in each of the treatment groups: radiation therapy alone resulted in a two-thirds reduction of perfusion; antiangiogenic chemotherapy resulted in a relatively larger reduction; and combined chemoradiotherapy resulted in the largest reduction. Microbubble contrast-enhanced sonography revealed longitudinal decreases in tumor perfusion, blood volume, and microvascular velocity over the 5-day course of chemoradiotherapy (all P <.01); conversely, these values rose significantly for the untreated control tumors (P <.01). Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI showed a smaller and statistically insignificant average decrease in relative tumor perfusion for treated tumors. Dynamic PET revealed delayed uptake of FDG in the tumors that underwent chemoradiotherapy. Conclusions. Microbubble contrast-enhanced sonography is an effective tool in the noninvasive, quantitative, longitudinal characterization of neovascularization in murine tumor models and is correlative with DCE-MRI and FDG-PET. Microbubble contrast-enhanced sonography has considerable potential in the clinical assessment of tumor neovascularization and in the assessment of the response to treatment.
Drilling fluid technology for formation protection in Zanazor oilfield.

Reservoirs in Zanazor oilfield which is located in the west of Kazakstan are carbonate rock reservoirs, leading limestone and a few dolomite, of Carboniferous system with some microfracture, and secondary corrosion pore is the main reservoir space. The porosity and permeability are relatively high. Other characteristics such as lower pore pressure and water sensitivity are identified. The reservoirs are fragility and easily damaged by drilling fluid. According to these characteristics of reservoirs and the factor analysis of damage, drilling fluid and relevant technology, as well as reservoir protecting technology including amphoteric polyer drilling fluid and shielded temporary plugging technology were employed. Field used in 100 wells showed that amphoteric polymer drilling fluid and shielded temporary plugging technology have satisfied the requirements of protecting to pore type reservoirs and narrow crack type reservoirs. By using them, ROP was increased and drilling period was shorted, while reservoir damages were reduced. Other good effects were also achieved that individual well average oil output and oil extraction index were increased respectively 46.3% and 64.7%.
U.S. Dental Hygiene Faculty Perceptions of Learner Outcomes in Distance Education Courses

The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions of full-time, entry-level dental hygiene educators regarding the ability to achieve interaction in their distance education courses and the impact of interaction on learning outcomes. The specific interactions explored were student-instructor, student-content, and student-student. A survey was developed, pilot tested, revised, and mailed to 287 educators across the United States, generating an overall response rate of 22.3 percent. The majority of respondents perceived interaction to be achievable in their distance courses, to increase through technology, and to positively influence learning outcomes. Nearly 90 percent reported student-instructor interaction as achievable, 95.3 percent reported student-content interaction as achievable, and 79.7 percent reported student-student interaction as achievable. Learning outcomes were defined in this study as the student's achievement of course objectives and competencies at course completion. Approximately 81 percent of the respondents reported a positive influence from student-instructor interaction, 79.7 percent from student-content interaction, and 70.3 percent from student-student interaction. This study also examined which modalities were perceived as being most influential in achieving interaction. The results demonstrated a prevalence of discussion board posting in an environment in which numerous Web 2.0 tools are available and respondents were not as positive about their ability to achieve student-student interaction in the distance learning environment. The authors conclude that faculty development is critical in achieving quality outcomes in dental hygiene distance education courses.
Criminology and the narrative turn

This paper situates narrative criminology within criminology and the academy at large. Narrative criminologists ask how narratives, particularly narratives of the self, influence criminal and other...
Anomalies and symmetry fractionalization in reflection-symmetric topological order

One of the central ideas regarding anomalies in topological phases of matter is that they imply the existence of higher-dimensional physics, with an anomaly in a D-dimensional theory typically being canceled by a bulk (D+1)-dimensional symmetry-protected topological phase (SPT). We demonstrate that for some topological phases with reflection symmetry, anomalies may actually be canceled by a D-dimensional SPT, provided that it comes embedded in an otherwise trivial (D+1)-dimensional bulk. We illustrate this for the example of ${\mathbb{Z}}_{N}$ topological order enriched with reflection symmetry in (2+1)D, and along the way establish a classification of anomalous reflection symmetry fractionalization patterns. In particular, we show that anomalies occur if and only if both electric and magnetic quasiparticle excitations possess nontrivial fractional reflection quantum numbers.
Blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction and target organ injury

The architectural changes in the kidney, heart and vessels that occur in hypertension are often maladaptive and can eventually contribute to end-organ disease, such as renal failure, heart failure and coronary artery disease. The endogenous vasodilatory and antithrombotic agent nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized in the endothelium by a constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NO inhibits growth-related responses to injury in vascular cells; the effects of NO are antagonistic to those of angiotensin II. We studied the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and cardiorenal injury in hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats which are a paradigm of salt-sensitive hypertension in humans. DS rats given high dietary salt (4% NaCl) developed hypertension, which was associated with impaired endothelium-dependent relaxations (EDRs) in aortic rings and mesenteric vessels. They also demonstrated left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), glomerular injury, and increased urinary protein excretion and depressed NOS activity in the aorta. Treatment with the angiotensin-converting enzyme perindopril did not affect systolic blood pressure (SBP) but modestly improved EDR as well as proteinuria and glomerular histology. The diuretic indapamide reduced SBP and normalized EDR and LVH but did not provide complete renal protection. The fixed combination of perindopril and indapamide normalized SBP, EDR, LVH and proteinuria and prevented glomerular injury. NOS activity in aortas was also normalized by this fixed combination. These studies suggest that the specific fixed combination of these two antihypertensive agents not only increased effectiveness in reducing blood pressure, but also maximized end-organ protection.
Aseptic Meningitis with Craniopharyngioma Resection: Consideration after Endoscopic Surgery

Objectives While bacterial meningitis is a concerning complication after endoscopic skull base surgery, the diagnosis can be made without consideration for aseptic meningitis. This article aims to (1) present a patient with recurrent craniopharyngioma and multiple postoperative episodes of aseptic meningitis and (2) discuss the diagnosis and management of aseptic meningitis. Design Case report and literature review. Results A 65-year-old female patient with a symptomatic craniopharyngioma underwent transsphenoidal resection. She returned postoperatively with symptoms concerning for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and bacterial meningitis. Lumbar puncture demonstrated mildly elevated leukocytes with normal glucose levels. Cultures were sterile and she was discharged on antibiotics. She returned 18 days postoperatively with altered mental status and fever. Again, negative CSF cultures suggested aseptic meningitis. Radiological and intraoperative findings were now concerning for widespread cerebrovascular vasospasm due to leaked craniopharyngioma fluids. In the following months, her craniopharyngioma recurred and required multiple surgical resections. Days after her last operation, she returned with mental status changes and a sterile CSF culture. She was diagnosed with recurrent aseptic meningitis and antibiotics were discontinued. The patient experienced near complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusions Consideration of aseptic meningitis following craniopharyngioma resection is critical to avoid unnecessary surgical re-exploration and prolonged courses of antibiotics.
Avocado extracts induce apoptosis via reactive oxygen in malignant human oral cells.

A99 Diets rich in fruits and vegetables has been associated with reduced risks for many types of cancers. Avocado (Persea americana) is a widely consumed fruit containing many cancer preventing nutrients, vitamins and phytochemicals. Additionally, the avocado is sodium, cholesterol and sugar free, and low in calories and fats making it a part of a healthy diet. In this study, aqueous and organic extracts were prepared from freshly peeled California Hass avocados and tested for growth inhibition and apoptosis in a malignant human oral cell line (CA). Among the five fractions tested, extract F001 (ethanol) exhibited the strongest growth inhibiting effect (IC50 = 14.1 μg/ml) after a three day treatment, whereas F003 (aqueous) extract was not effective up to 200 μg/ml. Further studies showed that the F001 extract induced apoptosis as indicated by flow cytometry, and Western blotting. Treatment of CA cells with 30 μg/ml of the F001 extract resulted in marked cleavage of PARP and activation of caspases 3, 8 and 9 after 12 hr incubation. Z-VAD-fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor completely abolished F001 induced cleavage of PARP and activation of caspases. Over-expression of ΔFADD partially attenuated F001 induced apoptosis indicating the FAS/FADD pathway may participate in avocado extract F001 induced apoptosis. Flow cytometry revealed that the F001 extract induced a significant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within 3 hr of treatment. The addition of N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) markedly reduced the levels of the ROS produced by the treatment of cells with the F001 extract. Coinciding with the reduced levels of ROS, Western blot analysis showed that NAC completely abolished F001 induced apoptosis. Our data demonstrates that avocado extracts have potent inhibitory effect on the proliferation and selective killing of human oral malignant cells. This inhibition appears to be mediated via ROS induced apoptosis. The further identification and characterization of the active components in avocados and their molecular targets in premalignant and malignant cells should help to better establish the nutritional components responsible for food-based chemopreventive activity.
Abstract 302: Smooth Muscle Cell Mineralocorticoid Receptors Directly Mediate Aldosterone-induced Remodeling After Vascular Injury Via Type 1 Vegf Receptors

Background and Significance Endothelial damage initiates vascular remodeling with smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and vascular fibrosis. Excessive remodeling, as in restenosis after vascular procedures or atherosclerosis, limits blood flow to distal tissues. In animals, aldosterone (aldo) infusion enhances remodeling which is reversed by aldo antagonists, implicating the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). We previously showed that MR is expressed in SMC and that aldo induces the type 1 VEGF receptor (VEGFR1) in injured vessels. Hypothesis and Results We hypothesize that aldo promotes pathological vascular remodeling by directly activating MR in SMC and promoting SMC proliferation via VEGFR1 signaling. We show in vivo that aldo does not affect re-endothelialization after injury supporting our focus on SMC. To test this hypothesis we measured aldo-induced remodeling after wire carotid injury in mice with inducible SMC-specific deletion of MR (SMC-MR-KO). The 80% increase in SMC proliferation with aldo in control littermates is completely prevented in SMC-MR-KO mice (p in vitro producing a dose dependent proliferative response (1,5,10 and100nM aldo, 9%±2, 17%±3, 21%±6, and 25%±7 vs control, respectively, p in vivo and VEGFR1 blockade significantly reduces aldo-induced SMC proliferation after injury (46%±4 decrease vs aldo+IgG, p Conclusions These data support that SMC MR directly mediates aldo-induced vascular remodeling independent blood pressure. The mechanism involves VEGFR1 that is induced on SMC in the area of injury. This study supports exploring VEGFR1-blocking drugs to prevent pathological vascular remodeling induced by aldo in humans.
High-energy (>70 keV) x-ray conversion efficiency measurement on the ARC laser at the National Ignition Facility

The Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) laser system at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is designed to ultimately provide eight beamlets with a pulse duration adjustable from 1 to 30 ps, and energies up to 1.5 kJ per beamlet. Currently, four beamlets have been commissioned. In the first set of 6 commissioning target experiments, the individual beamlets were fired onto gold foil targets with energy up to 1 kJ per beamlet at 20–30 ps pulse length. The x-ray energy distribution and pulse duration were measured, yielding energy conversion efficiencies of 4–9 × 10−4 for x-rays with energies greater than 70 keV. With greater than 3 J of such x-rays, ARC provides a high-precision x-ray backlighting capability for upcoming inertial confinement fusion and high-energy-density physics experiments on NIF.