cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A study of certain characteristics of the EM algorithm for image reconstruction in positron emission tomography

The authors studied certain characteristics of the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for image reconstruction in positron emission tomography (PET). They have attempted to speed up the algorithm by performing some time-consuming computation only once, at the initiation stage. They have studied the resulting memory size, disk space, and CPU requirements versus the number of pixels in the reconstructed image and the number of gamma -ray detectors in the tomograph. The convergence and image quality have been studied as a function of the number of iterations performed. Preliminary results are presented. >
ORC4 surrounds extruded chromatin in female meiosis.

Six proteins, ORC1-6, make up the origin recognition complex (ORC) that initiates licensing of DNA replication origins. We have previously reported that subunit ORC2 is localized between the separating maternal chromosomes at anaphase II just after fertilization and is present in zygotic pronuclei at G1. Here, we found that ORC1, 3, and 5 all localize between the chromosomes at anaphase II, but could not be detected in zygotic G1. ORC6 localized to the periphery of the nucleoli at all zygotic stages. We identified an unexpected potential role for ORC4 in polar body formation. We found that in both female meiotic divisions, ORC4 surrounds the set of chromosomes, as a sphere-like structure, that will eventually be discarded in the polar bodies, but not the chromosomes that segregate into the oocyte. None of the other five ORC proteins are involved in this structure. In Zygotic G1, ORC4 surrounds the nuclei of the polar bodies, but was not detectable in the pronuclei. When the zygote entered mitosis ORC4 was only detected in the polar body. However, ORC4 appeared on both sets of separating chromosomes at telophase. At this point, the ORC4 that was in the polar body also migrated into the nuclei, suggesting that ORC4 or an associated protein is modified during the first embryonic cell cycle to allow it to bind DNA. Our results suggest that ORC4 may help identify the chromosomes that are destined to be expelled in the polar body, and may play a role in polar body extrusion. extrusion. ORC4 surrounds the chromatin that will be extruded in the polar body in both female meiotic divisions, then makes a transition from the cytoplasm to the chromosomes at zygotic anaphase, suggesting multiple roles for this replication licensing protein.
Do we detect the galactic feedback material in X-ray observations of nearby galaxies? – a case study of NGC 5866

One of the major sources of X-ray emitting hot gas around galaxies is the feedback from supernovae (SNe), but most of this metal-enriched feedback material is often not directly detected in X-ray observations. This missing galactic feedback problem is extremely prominent in early-type galaxy bulges where there is little cool gas to make the SNe ejecta radiate at lower temperature beyond the X-ray domain. We herein present a deep Suzaku observation of an S0 galaxy NGC5866, which is relatively rich in molecular gas as an S0 galaxy and shows significant evidence of cool-hot gas interaction. By jointly analyzing the Suzaku and an archival Chandra data, we measure the Fe/O abundance ratio to be $7.63_{-5.52}^{+7.28}$ relative to solar values. This abundance ratio is much higher than those of spiral galaxies, and even among the highest ones of S0 and elliptical galaxies. NGC5866 also simultaneously has the highest Fe/O abundance ratio and molecular gas mass among a small sample of gas-poor early-type galaxies. An estimation of the Fe budget indicates that NGC5866 could preserve a larger than usual fraction, but far from the total amount of Fe injected by Type Ia SNe. We also find that the hot gas temperature increases from inner to outer halos, with the inner halo has a temperature of ~0.25keV, clearly lower than that expected from Type Ia SNe heating. This low temperature could be most naturally explained by additional cooling processes related to the cool-hot gas interaction as being indicated by the existence of many extraplanar dusty filaments. Our results indicate that the large cool gas content and the presence of cool-hot gas interaction in the inner region of NGC5866 have significantly reduced the specific energy of the SN ejecta and so the velocity of galactic outflow. The galaxy could thus preserve a considerable fraction of metal-enriched feedback material from being blown out.
Regeneration of dorsal root axons is related to specific non-neuronal cells lining NGF-treated intraspinal nitrocellulose implants.

Abstract The regeneration of sensory axons from severed dorsal roots can be enhanced by the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated nitrocellulose strips implanted into an intraspinal lesion cavity. Rather than being directly apposed to the transplant, most regenerating axons are separated from the nitrocellulose by several layers of non-neuronal cells, suggesting that these cells may have a role in the promotion of axonal regrowth. The cellular layers associated with untreated nitrocellulose strips or NGF-treated implants were examined in this study to determine if there were differences in their arrangement or orientation along the implant which might explain some of the possible effects of substrate-bound NGF on axonal regrowth. Into a hemisection lesion cativy created in the adult rat lumbar spinal cord NGF-treated or untreated strips of nitrocellulose were placed vertically, with intact pieces of fetal spinal cord (FSC) tissue transplanted along each side. The distal ends of cut dorsal rootlets were apposed to the fetal tissue. Immunocytochemical and electron microscopic examination 30–60 days post-transplantation revealed a distinct layering of cell types along the NGF-treated strips. Closest to the nitrocellulose was a single layer of macrophages, followed by a separate layer of fibroblasts with dense collagen bundles, then a layer of astroglial cells, before reaching the neuropil of the fetal spinal cord tissue. A thickened basal lamina formed between the fibroblast and astrocytic cell layers and bundles of regenerated sensory axons extended along the interface between these two layers. In contrast, non-neuronal cells along untreated nitrocellulose strips were not as well organized, with an intermixing of fibroblasts and astroglial cells and only scattered macrophage-like cells. Axons rarely were found in conjunction with this mixed population of cells and, overall, fewer regenerated axons extended into transplants with untreated nitrocellulose. The results demonstrate consistent differences in the composition and organization of non-neuronal cells adjacent to NGF-treated nitrocellulose implants, compared to untreated implants. This suggests that the presence of bound NGF influences the recruitment of various cells from the surrounding transplant tissue as well as from the previously injured dorsal rootlets. The capacity for NGF to promote the regeneration of sensory axons may be an indirect effect that is mediated or potentiated by the non-neuronal cell population that gathers in response to the presence of bound NGF.
Planning for Cruise Ship Resilience: An Approach to Managing Cruise Ship Impacts in Haines, Alaska

Resilience theory has management implications useful when planning for cruise ship tourism. In small coastal communities, cruise ships often provide welcomed economic incentives that can bolster a waning economy. However, in some coastal communities, the magnitude and intensity of passenger visits can reduce social resilience and induce an economic regime shift that leads to rapid socioeconomic reorganization. The implications of such a regime shift are a loss of economic diversity, reduced social resilience, and a loss of social capital. Planning for cruise ship resilience increases the likelihood of successful coping strategies and addresses the socioecological changes inherent to a cruise ship destination. Both Holling's adaptive cycle and the four principals for building resilience established by Berkes and Seixas are fundamental to a successful management plan.
The Relationship between Underinvestment, Overinvestment and CEO's Compensation

This research separates out the incentive and entrenchment effects of executive pay and uses it to test if the agency cost is that of underinvestment or overinvestment. I find that investments increase with dollar value of stock and options owned by the CEO but decrease with percentage of shares owned by the CEO. These results are robust to alternate measures of investments such as RD while increases in percentage of stocks owned by the CEO increases entrenchment. These results are robust to endogeniety and a battery of relevant tests. This research concludes that, for the average firm, the agency cost is that of underinvestment, while the concerns about overinvestment are overstated.
Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy of Carbon Black Filled Rubber: Concentration Limits for Samples and Background

Infrared spectroscopy studies of the cure chemistry, state of cure, and surface bloom on rubber materials have always been limited by the presence of carbon black in samples. One of the modern methods for recording infrared spectra of solid samples is photoacoustic detection Fourier transform spectroscopy. It has been demonstrated in the past that surface-segregated species can be identified with this technique, but the results are complicated by the presence of carbon black, which limits the optical depth. As for the study of bulk chemistry, photoacoustic detection does not require that the sample be infrared transparent, and the method can be used with samples containing as much as a 15 wt % carbon. At loadings higher than 30 wt %, the material becomes a total absorber and can be used to record an instrument background spectrum.
Bulimia and binge eating in adolescent females: a comparison

Abstract The present study compared the following four groups on characteristics commonly associated with eating disorders: (a) bulimics ( n = 17) who met the DSM-III criteria for bulimia; (b) severe bingers ( n = 16) who binged frequently and experienced negative emotions associated with the binging but did not meet the DSM-III criteria for bulimia; (c) mild bingers ( n = 16), who only reported engaging in binge eating; and (d) normals ( n = 17), who neither binged, fasted, or purged. A one-way MANOVA comparing the four groups was significant. Post-hoc univariate ANOVAs indicated the bulimics and severe bingers experienced significantly more maladaptive eating attitudes, greater stress, greater depression, and greater discrepancies between their current and ideal weight than mild bingers and normals. Bulimics experienced significantly lower self-esteem than the mild bingers and normals and all three eating disordered groups reported significantly more frequent alcohol use than the normals. Theoretical and diagnostic implications of these findings are discussed.
“Logical hylomorphism” and Aristotle's koinoi topoi

The mirage of “logical hylomorphism” in Aristotle's theory of topical reasoning and argumentation has been pervasive in treatments of the distinction Aristotle makes in the Rhetoric between common topics and particular topics. Consideration of the nature of dialectical and rhetorical invention and of the evidence in Aristotle for a truly formal conception of koinos topos suggests that it is an error to allow the opposition of form and matter to dictate the exposition of the relationship between particular and common topics.
Background and applications of electron beam test techniques

Abstract The use of electron beams for contactless testing of electrical functions and electrical integrity of different active devices in VLSI - chips - has been demonstrated over the past years. This method of testing electronic networks is based on an electron probe which is moved from point to point in the network and a current of secondary electrons emitted in response to the impingement of the probe is converted to a signal indicating the presence of a voltage or varying potential at the different points. Voltage contrast, electron beam induced current, dual potential approach, stroboscopic techniques and other methods have been developed and are used to detect different functional failures in devices. Very little attention in most of the applications has been paid to the electron optical environment, mostly SEM's were upgraded or converted to do the job of a “voltage contrast” machine. This by no means will satisfy all requirements and new thoughts will have to be given to aspects such as: low voltage electron guns, two lens systems, different means of detection, signal processing and storage are a few of them. Besides the VLSI application, the contactless testing of three dimensional conductor networks of a 10 cm × 10 cm × .8 cm multilayer ceramic poses a different and new application. The mechanism of electron-solid interaction, the secondary electron generation, the energy distribution, the secondary electron yield, are important parameters to understand for any electron beam test technique. According to the secondary electron yield curve in Figure 1, floating samples can be charged positively or negatively with respect to ground, depending on the primary electron energy. The surface potential of a sample in turn determines the impact energy of the primary electrons and also energy of the secondaries that leave the surface. These two effects generate different voltage contrasts to be used in electron beam testing. The test method for packages uses multiple electron beams to both generate and detect voltage differences between the surface terminations of conductors in order to identify opens and short in the package networks.
Dermabrasive surgery state of the art

Abstract Except for refinements in equipment and instrumentation, the technique for dermabrasion essentially is unchanged from that described by Kurtin when he introduced the use of the wire brush in 1953. 1 Dermabrasive end pieces, usually a diamond fraise or the wire brush, rotating at high speeds from power-drive instruments, are surgically directed across skin that has been frozen to hardness with cryogenic spray. Both plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists with a plastic-surgery orientation have joined dermatologic surgeons in acknowledging the superior efficacy of this procedure as the profession's most versatile modality to resurface and recontour the skin successfully. From the early 1960s to the mid-1970s, dermabrasion was an innocent victim of unwarranted bad press. Most physicians and nearly all health insurance companies relegated its practicality to "cosmetic" enhancement of acne scars. Few training programs taught the procedure, and many physicians who attempted to perform it were inadequately prepared.
Disturbance propagation by bark beetles as an episodic landscape phenomenon

Landscapes are the resultant of ecological processes and events operating on many different space-time scales. Large scale disturbance is recognized as a major influence on landscape patterns, but the impact of small scale events is often overlooked. We develop an hierarchical framework to relate lightning and bark beetle population dynamics to the southern pine forest landscape using the concepts of disturbance propagation and amplification. The low level lightning disturbance can be propagated to the landscape level when weather and forest stand structure facilitate bark beetle epidemics. We identify epidemics as biotically-driven episodes that alter landscape structure. The concept of the landscape as the spatial dimension of these episodes is represented in a conceptual model linking insect-host and landscape mosaic interactions.
Complications of intestinal augmentation and substitution cystoplasty

The content of these papers has been heavily weighted towards reconstructions performed utilizing segments of stomach. This was not done to place a value judgment on this type of reconstruction, rather it helps establish an awareness of: (1) potentially serious metabolic and gastrointestinal complications not previously reported in children and (2) particularly frequent symptomatic disturbances collectively included in the hematuria-dysuria syndrome. Recognition of problems specifically associated with a certain type of intestinal segment, as well as complications generally accompanying any form of intestinal reconstruction, will hopefully provide pediatric urologists and nephrologists with a better understanding of the issues that must be addressed in using these newer surgical techniques and focus attention on the specific indications and contraindications for incorporating intestinal segments into the urinary tract. Although long-term follow-up information still remains sparse, it appears that regular surveillance programs are required and both pediatric nephrologists and urologists need to be part of these programs.
PLANT MECHANISMS AND MYCORRHIZAL SYMBIOSES TO INCREASE PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE EFFICIENCY

The tendency of phosphorus (P) to undergo adsorption and precipitation reactions in soil makes it one of the most immobile of the essential plant nutrients. As a result, the concentration of available P in soil solution is usually very low even though the total P content of soils is generally high. Consequently, P is second only to N in limiting crop productivity. In areas of the world such as the North America and Europe in which P fertilizers are applied liberally to agricultural fields, the loss of this nutrient through its transport in particulate and soluble forms from agricultural fields to lakes and rivers is of concern due to accelerated eutrophication. The need to provide crops with adequate P combined with the desire to minimize the adverse effect of P on the environment will require strategies to reduce P inputs and to maximize the efficiency of P uptake mechanisms in plants. Recent advances in molecular biology offer opportunities to manipulate plants to increase uptake efficiencies of P. Inte...
A simple and realistic model of supersymmetry breaking

We present a simple and realistic model of supersymmetry breaking. In addition to the minimal supersymmetric standard model, we only introduce a hidden sector gauge group SU(5) and three fields X, F and \bar{F}. Supersymmetry is broken at a local minimum of the potential, and its effects are transmitted to the supersymmetric standard model sector through both standard model gauge loops and local operators suppressed by the cutoff scale, which is taken to be the unification scale. The form of the local operators is controlled by a U(1) symmetry. The generated supersymmetry breaking and mu parameters are comparable in size, and no flavor or CP violating terms arise. The spectrum of the first two generation superparticles is that of minimal gauge mediation with the number of messengers N_mess = 5 and the messenger scale 1011 GeV< M_mess< 1013 GeV. The spectrum of the Higgs bosons and third generation superparticles, however, can deviate from it. The lightest supersymmetric particle is the gravitino with a mass of order (1-10) GeV.
Distribution of microfilariae in Guatemalans with onchocerciasis.

Abstract Ten Simulium ochraceum were allowed to feed at 10 different sites on 12 Guatemalans with onchocerciasis, and skin snips were taken from six of these sites. Numbers of microfilariae (mff) ingested by the flies and mff emerging from skin snips were highly correlated and showed that concentrations were greatest on the torso and decreased peripherally. S. ochraceum ingested the number of mff present in 1·0 mg or under 1·5 mm 2 of skin. Numbers of mff in skin snips from the head, shoulder and upper arm correlated with over-all levels of infection but were frequently negative in subjects with light infections. Two or more skin snips were best able to detect and quantify infections.
On dynamic irreversibilites

Abstract Industrial energy systems experience time-dependent temperature variations in a heat-transfer apparatus. These variations introduce dynamic irreversibilities in the thermodynamic cycles. To account for these, a modified and discretely reversible sample cycle is introduced and described. Simple examples are used to illustrate aplication of the cycle to thermal efficiency analysis.
Electronic structure and disorder in NaxCoO2 and SrRh2O4

We discuss the electronic structure of Na x CoO 2 from the point of view of first principles electronic structure calculations. The band structure contains low spin Co ions, with average charge 5 + x leading to a nearly full Co t 2g manifold. The bands corresponding to this manifold are narrow and separated from the O 2p bands and from the eg bands, which are also narrow. There are two main sheets of Fermi surface, a large section derived from a g symmetry states and small hole pockets. We find significant effects due to Na disorder on these small sections, with the result that they should be localized. This is discussed in relation to recent photoemission experiments. For comparison, we present a virtual crystal band structure of beta-SrRh 2 O 4 . Like Na x CoO 2 it shows a large crystal field gap between narrow t 2g and eg manifolds, but because of its stoichiometry is a semiconductor rather than a high carrier density metal.
ECG Quality Assessment Based on Image Processing Techniques

This work is motivated by the Physionet/Computing in Cardiology Challenge 2011, “Improving the quality of ECGs collected using mobile phones”. The advancement of cell phone technology makes it possible to collect, analyze, and transmit vital physiological signals in real time, promising to a new era of tele-health care. However, noises and artifacts can lead to false readings and thus misdiagnosis. Unlike common methods based on time series analysis techniques, we analyze the quality of the 12-lead ECG using image processing techniques. Various image patterns are used as features to distinguish between low- and high-quality signals. When tested on a data set from the Physionet Challenge 2011, the analyses yield up to 94.36% accuracy. The work here provides an interesting alternative for ECG quality evaluation. The technique will have particular use for ECGs scanned from paper recordings.© 2012 ASME
Magnetically tuned surface-acoustic-wave phase shifter

A novel technique for achieving variable phase shift in surface-acoustic-wave devices is demonstrated. By depositing a thin film of magnetostrictive material onto the surface of a conventional surface-acoustic-wave delay line, the wave velocity can be varied by adjusting an externally applied magnetic field. Experimental results are presented for a nickel film on a lithium-niobate substrate, and several possible applications are mentioned.
Altered NGF regulation may link a genetic predisposition for hypertension with hyperactive voiding.

AbstractPurpose: Hyperactive voiding and elevated smooth muscle NGF output are traits of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Elevated target-derived NGF is associated with hypertension and hyperactive voiding in SHRs. In the present study, we tested for possible genetic links between hypertension, hyperactive voiding and augmented bladder smooth muscle cell (BSMC) NGF secretion.Materials and Methods: We crossed SHRs with WKYs to produce a gene segregating F2 population. We measured F2 mean arterial blood pressure (BP) and six-hour voiding frequency. BSMCs were cultured from ‘Low BP F2s’ (95 +/− 2) and ‘High BP F2’ (141 +/− 3 mm. Hg) and conditioned medium tested for NGF with a two-site ELISA. The NGF regulators isoproterenol, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate were tested in F2 BSMC cultures.Results: A positive correlation (r = 0.75) between blood pressure and voiding frequency existed in this F2 population. As BP rose voiding frequency increased and volume per...
Financial distress, reorganization, and organizational efficiency

Abstract This paper examines financial distress and its effect on organizational efficiency. Imperfect information and conflicts of interest among the firm's claimholders influence the outcome of financial distress. Methods for resolving distress and controlling conflicts of interest are discussed. New evidence on financial restructuring and distress costs is presented along with evidence on the organizational restructuring that accompanies financial distress. The evidence demonstrates that financial distress has benefits as well as costs, and that financial and ownership structure affect the net costs.
Safety index approach to predicting the storage life of rocket motors

= covariance matrix = Constants for temperature frequency response function D = damage factor Et, EQO = moduli for Maxwell elements, rest modulus, psi EJ = modulus of the j th layer, psi E(T, co), E'(T, co)E"(T, co) = moduli: complex, storage, and loss Fx (.) = probability function of variable ;c fx (.) = density function of variable x G = performance function j = index for j th layer kj = thermal diffusivity of the y'th layer L(t) = reliability to time t Pfk = probability of failure at the &th day Pf (t) = progressive probability of failure to time t R = mean strength RQ, n = mean strength parameters r, YJ = radial coordinate, outer radius of the y th layer Sr (r, co), S0 (r, co) = stress frequency response functions, radial and tangential, psi/F° S0 (r,t) = tangential stress, psi T, r/, Tm = temperature, stress-free temperature, and mean temperature fj = temperature frequency response function of the yth layer = time = vector of random variables = value of the random variable */ at the failure point t [x] xf
Resolution of three structural states of spin-labeled myosin in contracting muscle.

We have used electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to detect ATP- and calcium-induced changes in the structure of spin-labeled myosin heads in glycerinated rabbit psoas muscle fibers in key physiological states. The probe was a nitroxide iodoacetamide derivative attached selectively to myosin SH1 (Cys 707), the conventional EPR spectra of which have been shown to resolve several conformational states of the myosin ATPase cycle, on the basis of nanosecond rotational motion within the protein. Spectra were acquired in rigor and during the steady-state phases of relaxation and isometric contraction. Spectral components corresponding to specific conformational states and biochemical intermediates were detected and assigned by reference to EPR spectra of trapped kinetic intermediates. In the absence of ATP, all of the myosin heads were rigidly attached to the thin filament, and only a single conformation was detected, in which there was no sub-microsecond probe motion. In relaxation, the EPR spectrum resolved two conformations of the myosin head that are distinct from rigor. These structural states were virtually identical to those observed previously for isolated myosin and were assigned to the populations of the M*.ATP and M**.ADP.Pi states. During isometric contraction, the EPR spectrum resolves the same two conformations observed in relaxation, plus a small fraction (20–30%) of heads in the oriented actin-bound conformation that is observed in rigor. This rigor-like component is a calcium-dependent, actin-bound state that may represent force-generating cross-bridges. As the spin label is located near the nucleotide-binding pocket in a region proposed to be pivotal for large-scale force-generating structural changes in myosin, we propose that the observed spectroscopic changes indicate directly the key steps in energy transduction in the molecular motor of contracting muscle.
Prediction and accelerated laboratory discovery of previously unknown 18-electron ABX compounds

Chemists and material scientists have often focused on the properties of previously reported compounds, but neglect numerous unreported but chemically plausible compounds that could have interesting properties. For example, the 18-valence electron ABX family of compounds features examples of topological insulators, thermoelectrics and piezoelectrics, but only 83 out of 483 of these possible compounds have been made. Using first-principles thermodynamics we examined the theoretical stability of the 400 unreported members and predict that 54 should be stable. Of those previously unreported 'missing' materials now predicted to be stable, 15 were grown in this study; X-ray studies agreed with the predicted crystal structure in all 15 cases. Among the predicted and characterized properties of the missing compounds are potential transparent conductors, thermoelectric materials and topological semimetals. This integrated process-prediction of functionality in unreported compounds followed by laboratory synthesis and characterization-could be a route to the systematic discovery of hitherto missing, realizable functional materials.
Recurrent Hodgkin's Disease Manifesting Roentgenographically as a Pleural Mass

Two cases of pleural-based Hodgkin's disease without antecedent or coincedent mediastinal adenopathy or parenchymal involvement are presented. This entity has not previously been reported. The occurrence of a pleural-based density in a patient with known Hodgkin's disease even without mediastinal or parenchymal involvement should lead to the suspicion of Hodgkin's disease. If pathologic documentation is required, this can be easily achieved by needle biopsy. This pleural form of the disease appears to respond completely to chemotherapy.
Expression and functional properties of genetically engineered ricin B chain lacking galactose-binding activity.

Abstract Ricin is a potent plant toxin consisting of two disulfide-bonded subunits. The A chain of ricin is an N -glycosidase which inactivates 28 S RNA and inhibits protein synthesis. The B chain is a galactose-specific lectin with two galactose-binding sites. The genes encoding preproricin and its A and B chains have been cloned and expressed. In addition, X-ray crystallographic studies have identified the galactose-contract residues in both the high- and low-affinity galactose-binding sites of the B chain. In this study, the high-affinity galactose-contact residue of the B chain was changed from Asn-255 to Ala-255 by oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. The resulting mutant was sequenced to confirm the presence of a single mutation and was expressed in Cos-M6 cells. Both wild-type and mutant recombinant B chain could be immunoprecipitated with a heterologous anti-B chain antibody and both could form A-B heterodimers. However, as compared to the wild-type, the mutant B chain lacked more than 99% of its lectin activity and cytotoxicity as an A-B dimer. In conclusion, altering the contact residue of the high-affinity galactose-binding site of ricin B chain from Asn-255 to Ala-255 abrogates more than 99% of its lectin activity and the cytotoxicity of the A-B heterodimer to ricin-sensitive cells.
Ultrasound classification of solitary renal cysts in children.

Summary Introduction Solitary renal cysts are typically incidentally found in children who have undergone renal ultrasound (US). The main concern is a cystic tumor. There is no US-based grading system for children to guide management. Objective To evaluate a US-based, modified Bosniak grading system in order to differentiate between simple (grade I or II) and complex (grade II or IV) renal cysts and guide management in children. Study design This was a retrospective (2003–2011) study of 212 children (114 females), age range one day to 17 years (mean 8.4 years), with solitary renal cysts diagnosed by US. Two radiologists, who were independent and blinded to clinical information, graded the cysts using the modified Bosniak classification system. In children with more than one year of follow-up US, the change (>10%) in cyst diameter was evaluated. Inter-observer variability (Kappa) was calculated. Results Radiologists one and two saw simple renal cysts in 96.2–96.6% (204−205/212) of the children. Ten children had complex renal cysts, as rated by either of the radiologists. There was good inter-observer agreement (kappa = 0.65) for simple versus complex cysts. In 20.2% (18/89) of the children, the cysts increased in size. A definitive diagnosis was obtained in 8.5% (18/212) of the children. A cystic tumor (multilocular cystic nephroma) was found in one child (Figure) with a complex cyst (graded III by both radiologists). Discussion The use of a modified Bosniak classification system to grade renal cysts was found to have good inter-observer variability (kappa = 0.65) in differentiating between simple and complex renal cysts. Using this classification, few ( There were limitations inherent in the retrospective nature of the study and because only one child had a cystic tumor. Conclusion The modified Bosniak classification system demonstrated good inter-observer agreement, and identified the single tumor as a complex cyst. The vast majority of solitary renal cysts in children are simple and if asymptomatic, they require no other imaging evaluation. Complex renal cysts are uncommon and should be evaluated with a pre-intravenous and postintravenous contrast CT scan to exclude a tumor. Download : Download high-res image (121KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure . Longitudinal color doppler US of a complex (grade III by both radiologists) left renal cyst in a 7.2 year-old boy. The child presented with gross hematuria. Ultrasound shows a septated cystic mass with vascularity of the septations (arrowheads) and cyst wall (arrow). Radical nephrectomy was performed with pathologic diagnosis of multiloculated cystic nephroma.
Morphological status of the shoot systems of Psilotaceae

This paper evaluates the morphological bases for Bierhorst’s recent proposals of the systematic alliance of Psilotaceae with leptosporangiate ferns. In particular it examines the evidence which Bierhorst cites in support of the homology of the frond ofStromatopteris monilijormis with the aerial shoots ofPsilotum andTmesipteris. By a reevaluation of the data it is shown that these shoot components are not homologous but are at best analogous structures. Bierhorst’s proposals of morphological correspondence seem to have been based on the assumption that shoots of both Psilotaceae and Stromatopteridaceae are at a primitive level of evolution, intermediate between an ancestral telomic form and the more organographically differentiated higher ferns and seed plants. However, a clear histogenetic and morphogenetic distinction between leaves and buds in ferns and Psilotaceae as well as the occurrence of the same type of correlative integration of shoot components in both groups indicates that neither is morphologically very primitive. While the lack of structural correspondence between elements of one phase of the plant’s morphology does not necessarily negate Bierhorst’s general taxonomic conclusions, the fundamental nature of the differences in shoot morphology make it doubtful that the Psilotaceae should be associated with the Filicales.
“The Rock I Cling To”: Religious Engagement in the Lives of Life-Sentenced Women

A growing body of research—much of which has focused on male inmates—suggests that religion ameliorates many pains and problems of imprisonment. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects ...
Tissue interactions in the induction of anterior pituitary: role of the ventral diencephalon, mesenchyme, and notochord.

Abstract Rathke's pouch, the epithelial primordium of the anterior pituitary, differentiates in close topographical and functional association with the ventral diencephalon. It is still not known whether the ventral diencephalon acts as the initial inducer of pituitary development. The roles of the adjacent mesenchyme and notochord, two other tissues located in close proximity to Rathke's pouch, in this process are even less clear. In this report we describe an in vitro experimental system that reproduces the earliest steps of anterior pituitary development. We provide evidence that the ventral diencephalon from 2- to 4-day-old chick embryos is able to function as an inducer of pituitary development and can convert early chick embryonic head ectoderm, which is not involved normally in pituitary development, into typical anterior pituitary tissue. This induction is contact-dependent. In our experimental system, there is a requirement for the supporting action of mesenchyme, which is independent of the mesenchyme source. Transplantation of the notochord into the lateral head region of a six-somite chick embryo induces an epithelial invagination, suggesting that the notochord induces the outpouching of the roof of the stomodeal ectoderm that results in formation of Rathke's pouch and causes the close contact between this ectoderm and the ventral diencephalon. Finally, we demonstrate that the ventral diencephalon from e9.5–e11.5 mouse embryos is also an efficient inducer of anterior pituitary differentiation in chick embryonic lateral head ectoderm, suggesting that the mechanism of anterior pituitary induction is conserved between mammals and birds, using the same, or similar, signaling pathways.
Grain boundary energy vs. misorientation in Inconel® 600 alloy as measured by thermal groove and OIM analysis correlation

Abstract Samples of Inconel® 600 foil were annealed to form a bamboo structure with grain boundary grooves. Grain boundary misorientation was measured using OIM and groove root angle was measured by AFM. Analysis of the data showed a misorientation vs. grain boundary plot that agrees with literature trends for FCC materials.
A Eureka Moment [AP-S Turnstile]

The author talks about his firsthand experience with magnetic-levitation technology and its application to density measurement.
Training parents in groups as behavior modifiers of their mentally retarded children

Abstract Natural and foster parents' groups were taught a number of principles of behavior modification and how to apply them to their retarded children. Group leaders used programmed booklets, modelling and behavior rehearsal, lecturing and discussion, weekly assignments and positive reinforcement. As weekly assignments, the parents read a programmed text, counted and charted their children's behavior, and intervened with reinforcement, extinction, time outs, modelling, cueing, and rehearsal procedures. Following completion of training in eleven groups, 27 of the 33 families entering the program successfully modified 55 of the 58 behaviors for which plans were initiated.
Malignant duodenocolic fistulas: A case report and review of the literature

A case of primary malignant duodenocolic fistula is presented. Colonic carcinoma is the most common etiology of this entity. Clinical features include diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and feculent vomiting. Review of the literature indicates that the treatment of choice is a right hemicolectomy with a pancreaticoduodenectomy or segmental duodenectomy if the disease is localized. Forty-six percent of patients undergoing this procedure have been reported to be alive more than 2.5 years later. If the disease is disseminated, the best palliative procedure appears to be a right hemicolectomy with a partial duodenectomy. The early morbidity and mortality associated with this latter procedure have been attributed most often to dehiscence of the duodenal closure.
An inequality involving permanents of certain direct products

Abstract Let A denote a decomposable symmetric complex valued n-linear function on Cm. We prove ‖A·A‖ 2 ⩾2 n 2n n −1 ‖A⊗A‖ 2 , where · denotes the symmetric product and ⊗ the tensor product. As a consequence we have per M M M M ⩾2 n [per(M)] 2 , where M is a positive semidefinite Hermitian matrix and per denotes the permanent function. A sufficient condition for equality in the matrix inequality is that M is a nonnegative diagonal matrix.
Community-acquired bacteremias from tunneled central intravenous lines: Results from studies of a single vendor

Abstract Tunneled central intravenous catheters are a common method for rendering prolonged outpatient intravenous therapy. Their safety, however, has not been well studied. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of bacteremias associated with tunneled central intravenous catheters managed by a single home health care vendor during a 1-year period. All catheters were inserted in the operating room under sterile conditions. To calculate total line days, the dates of catheter insertion and removal were obtained from either the hospital operating room or the home health care agency. Catheter care was conducted according to written protocols. Total line days were calculated. Community-acquired bacteremia (defined as bacteremia occurring more than 6 days after the patients' discharge from the hospital) was determined from records available in the infection control department. Sixty-eight patients received intravenous therapy from the vendor during the 1-year study period. Total line days were 5548 (median 52 days/patient). Eleven episodes of bacteremia occurred in five patients, providing an incidence density rate of 2.0 infections/ 1000 catheter days. The most frequent bacteria encountered were Staphylococcus epiderrnidis (five), Klebsiella pneumoniae (two), and Acinetobacter calcouceticus var anitratus (two). Median time to bacteremia was 103 days. Two patients, both younger than 4 years, accounted for seven of the infections; both had short-bowel syndrome On the basis of historical comparisons, outpatient intravenous therapy appears to be associated with a lower risk of bacteremia than in-hospital therapy. These data can provide quality improvement information and may be a means for comparing home infusion therapy vendors.
Contrasting adult male roles in different species of nonhuman primates.

Several social positions are described for adult male monkeys relative to adult females. Six species have been studied in captive conditions. While differences in individual species patterns exist, a common role feature for most males is defense of the females. However, preliminary observations reveal an exception to this rule in one species. The data suggest that consideration of defensive rather than hunting behavior of human males might be a more profitable approach to understanding behavioral changes in prehuman and early human societies.
Understanding Biologic Stress for Study Design and Interpretation of Results

This review deals with a few factors which are important for the understanding of biologic stress in study design and for the interpretation of results obtained. Having an interesting new animal model of an old, stress-related disease, it is appropriate to review some basic facts and learn more, under controlled experimental conditions about the possible association of stress and ulcerative colitis. One of the weak points in proving the causal association of stress with ulcerative colitis is that most of the clinical data are descriptive, inferential, and often anecdotal. The new model of spontaneous ulcerative colitis in the cotton-top marmoset might thus provide new means to investigate the often controversial association of inflammatory bowel disease and stress. As it would have been untenable to approach this problem without a good understanding of the clinical features of ulcerative colitis in general, the same demands have to be placed on mastering the basic concepts of biologic stress. HISTORICAL REVIEW
Intuitive explanation of the phase anomaly of focused light beams

An intuitive argument is presented for the phase anomaly, that is, the 180° phase shift of a light wave in passing through a focus. The treatment is based on the geometrical properties of Gaussian light beams, and suggests a new viewpoint for understanding the origin of the phase shift. Generalizing the argument by including higher-order modes of the light field allows the case of a spherical wave to be treated.
Anisotropic Yield Locus Evolution During Cold Pilgering of Titanium Alloy Tubing

The cold pilger metal forming technique is known to produce round titanium alloy tubing with mechanical properties that may be significantly anisotropic. These mechanical properties are of interest to both the manufacturers and consumers for defining initial manufacturing limitations and defining the final product design limitations. This study focuses on experimentally characterizing the yield locus development of Ti-3Al-2.5V seamless tubing during cold pilgering and a subsequent thermal stress relieving process. The materials are experimentally characterized using a biaxial testing apparatus, which subjects the specimen tubes to combined axial load and internal pressure. The Hill yield criterion is subsequently fit to the experimental results producing continuous yield loci. Each specimen is also experimentally characterized using X-ray diffraction to gain insight into the material textures that accompany the macroscopic properties. All work is focused on one particular pilger pass at two different production rates. A second experimental variable is introduced to the study by using two significantly different input materials, as characterized by X-ray diffraction. This study also investigates the nature of the plastic deformation of the tubing developed during cold pilgering via finite element analysis and discusses the relationship between the finite element predictions and the mechanical anisotropy.
Activation and function of cyclin T–Cdk9 (positive transcription elongation factor-b) in cardiac muscle-cell hypertrophy

Hypertrophic growth is a risk factor for mortality in heart diseases. Mechanisms are lacking for this global increase in RNA and protein per cell, which underlies hypertrophy. Hypertrophic signals cause phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain, required for transcript elongation. RNA polymerase II kinases include cyclin-dependent kinases-7 (Cdk7) and Cdk9, components of two basal transcription factors. We report activation of Cdk7 and -9 in hypertrophy triggered by signaling proteins (Galphaq, calcineurin) or chronic mechanical stress. Only Cdk9 was activated by acute load or, in culture, by endothelin. A preferential role for Cdk9 was shown in RNA polymerase II phosphorylation and growth induced by endothelin, using pharmacological and dominant-negative inhibitors. All four hypertrophic signals dissociated 7SK small nuclear RNA, an endogenous inhibitor, from cyclin T-Cdk9. Cdk9 was limiting for cardiac growth, shown by suppressing its inhibitor (7SK) in culture and preventing downregulation of its activator (cyclin T1) in mouse myocardium.Note: In the AOP version of this article, the numbering of the author affiliations was incorrect. This has now been fixed, and the affiliations appear correctly online and in print.
Growth and Electrochemical Characterization of Carbon Nanospike Thin Film Electrodes

We report the growth of a nanospiked, carbon thin film electrode by an inexpensive, non-catalytic plasma enhanced CVD process on Si substrates. The electron transfer kinetics for various redox probes of these carbon nanospikes (CNS) were determined and compared with glassy carbon and CNS exposed to oxygen plasma or a high temperature ammonia soak. The results indicate that CNS can be used as a practical alternative to GC for various electroanalysis applications. These electrodes also exhibited activity and stability toward the oxygen reduction reaction, suggesting there potential use as electrocatalyst supports. Finally, the ability to deposit conformal thin films of CNS on a 3-D architecture for use as an electrode was demonstrated. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 License (CC BY-NC-ND, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is not changed in any way and is properly cited. For permission for commercial reuse, please email: oa@electrochem.org. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0891409jes] All rights reserved.
SBML Editor’s Report: Principles for Package Development

In the last six months, the SBML Editors have developed several principles to guide the development of SBML Level 3 packages. An update on what those principles are, and some controversies that have arisen as a result.