cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vehicle Restrictions in Four Latin American Cities: Is Congestion Pricing Possible?

Abstract An exploratory study of the prospects for congestion pricing in four Latin American metropolitan areas where traffic bans currently exist—Santiago de Chile, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, and Bogota—is presented. Through a historical analysis of the implementation process and experience of the traffic bans, along with a snowball‐sampled survey of transportation experts in each city, three factors are found to be the most important to ensure favourable prospects for implementing congestion pricing in these cities: (1) widespread public information regarding the environmental and health risks of traffic congestion and resulting air pollution; (2) implementation of complementary policies such as public transport enhancements and increased parking fees in congested areas; and (3) development of a knowledge culture among politicians and experts through discourse on alternative road pricing policies based on systematic analysis. Among other pertinent issues discussed, the work shows that the equity concerns f...
Controllable Axial Overmoding in an MDO

During a computational investigation of a magnetron utilizing a diffraction output, it was discovered that axial overmoding allowed more than one π mode to exist. Further investigation led to the identification of at least four distinct π modes, each with its own frequency and associated 2π/3 and 4π/3 modes, each accessible by appropriate choices of voltage and magnetic field. This result indicates that a discretely tunable GW class device is conceivable.
Graduate study in speech‐drama‐radio in the western states

By and large, the graduate students of today in speech‐drama‐radio are the leaders and teachers of tomorrow. Thus, the status of graduate study in speech today is an index to the future scope and stability of our profession. So let's consider a few significant questions! What is the extent of graduate study in speech in the western states? At what western schools can a prospective graduate student with a speech, drama, or radio major work toward the Master's degree? The Doctor's degree? What are some of the resemblances and differences among graduate practices and requirements at these various schools? Does this graduate activity appear to be increasing or decreasing?
Detection of imprinting and heterogeneous maternal effects on high blood pressure using Framingham Heart Study data

Both imprinting and maternal effects could lead to parent-of-origin patterns in complex traits of human disorders. Statistical methods that differentiate these two effects and identify them simultaneously by using family-based data from retrospective studies are available. The usual data structures include case-parents triads and nuclear families with multiple affected siblings. We develop a likelihood-based method to detect imprinting and maternal effects simultaneously using data from prospective studies. The proposed method utilizes both affected and unaffected siblings in nuclear families by modeling familial genotypes and offspring's disease status jointly. Maternal effect is usually modeled as a fixed effect under the assumption that maternal variant allele(s) has (have) identical effect on any offspring. However, recent studies report that different people may carry different amounts of substances encoded by the mother's variant allele(s) (called maternal microchimerism), which could result in heterogeneity of maternal effects. The proposed method incorporates the heterogeneity of maternal effects by adding a random component to the logit of the penetrance. Our method was applied to the Framingham Heart Study data in two steps to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may be associated with high blood pressure. In the first step, SNPs that affect susceptibility of high blood pressure through minor allele, genomic imprinting, or maternal effects were identified by using the proposed model without the random effect component. In the second step, we fitted the mixed effect model to the identified SNPs that have significant maternal effect to detect heterogeneity of the maternal effects.
Client Gender and Sex Role: Predictors of Counselors' Impressions and Expectations

Researchers of this study questioned: Are clients (male or female) with self-reported “masculine” versus “feminine” role orientations viewed more favorably by counselors? Which is more predictive of the counselor's impressions: the client's gender or his or her sex role orientation? Results suggested that highly masculine and highly feminine clients (regardless of gender) are perceived as more socially skilled and likely to experience a positive therapeutic outcome. Gender did not uniquely predict counselors' impressions. Highly feminine women clients, however, were viewed as more socially skilled than were highly feminine men. On average, clients were viewed as friendly and submissive.
Cavity-Opening Tensor Method and its Applications to Reflection and Transmission of Ultrasonic Wave by Defects

The reflection and transmission of ultrasonic waves by an array of planar defects are investigated using the cavity-opening tensor (COT) method, whereby each defect or flaw can be simulated as a three-dimensional tensor in terms of the displacement distribution over the surface of the defect. The closed-form expressions of reflection and transmission coefficients represented by one set of COTs are derived, and the interaction factors of COTs are computed using the boundary integral equation with the approximate integral only on the single defect surface. Moreover, the analytical expressions of scattered fields at a distance from the defects are given by the representation of COT As compared with the conventional numerical method, the COT method greatly simplifies the calculations, and also makes it possible to more efficiently characterize defects with more complicated distributions.
Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Corn as Whole Plant Silage and Grain Produced from a Glyphosate-Tolerant Hybrid (event NK603)

Sixteen multiparous Holstein cows averaging 74 d in milk were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square to compare the effects on animal performance of feeding whole plant silage and grain from a glyphosate-tolerant corn hybrid (event NK603), a nontransgenic control hybrid, and two commercial nontransgenic hybrids (DK647 and RX740). The grain and silage from the four corn hybrids were produced using the same procedures and under similar agronomic conditions at the University of Illinois. On a dry matter (DM) basis, diets contained 30% corn silage and 27.34% corn grain produced either from event NK603, a nontransgenic control, or commercial hybrids. Apart from the DM content of silages, the chemical composition of both grain and silage produced from the four corn hybrids were substantially equivalent. Feeding diets that contained event NK603 and DK647 hybrids tended to decrease DM intake (DMI) compared with the control nontransgenic and RX740. The intakes of crude protein (CP), acid and neutral detergent fiber, and nonfiber carbohydrates were not different for cows fed event NK603 and control diets. The RX740 diet resulted in the highest intakes of fiber and CP, whereas the DK647 diet resulted in the lowest intake of CP. These differences in nutrient intake arose from small variations in both the DMI and the chemical composition of feed ingredients and experimental diets. Production of milk and 3.5% fat-corrected milk; milk fat, CP, and true protein percentage and yield; milk urea N; milk total solids percentage and yield; and somatic cell count were not affected by treatments. These data indicate that the stable insertion of the gene that confers tolerance to glyphosate (event NK603) in the corn line used in this experiment does not affect its chemical composition and nutritional value for lactating dairy cows when compared with conventional corn.
Trying on and trying out: participatory action research as a tool for literacy and identity work in middle grades classrooms.

This article explores the role of collaborative, ethnographic, participatory action research (PAR) with eighth grade students as a set of possible literacy practices for involving students with issues connected to their lives, resources, language(s), and communities. Findings are based on a year of fieldwork conducted as part of shared inquiry into one public school community’s experiences with gentrification and meeting the complex needs of diverse learners. Findings bring to life the ways in which PAR facilitates the redefining of reading, writing, and research; the reconsideration of languages; the rethinking of literacy practices; and the repositioning of participants within and beyond given research endeavors.
Influence of dietary aluminum on cytokine production by mitogen-stimulated spleen cells from Swiss Webster mice.

AbstractSwiss Webster mice were exposed to excess dietary aluminum (Al) (1000 μg Al/g diet, Al as Al lactate) from conception to 6 months of age. Splenic lymphocytes (106 per culture) were incubated for 24 hrs with concanavalin A (5 μg/ml). Concentrations of interleukin-2, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-a, as measured in supernatants via ELISA with monoclonal antibodies, were depressed in spleen cells from aluminum treated mice relative to controls. Experiments using the flourescence activated cell sorter demonstrated a shift in T-cell populations from treated mice with a deficiency of CD4+ cells. These findings suggest a deficit in immune effector cell function after long term in vivo aluminum exposure.
SINGLE‐LAYER CONTINUOUS COLORECTAL ANASTOMOSIS

Since the first successdul resection of a colonic neoplasm was carried out in 1823, many attempts have been made to find the ideal technique for bowel anastomosis, in respect both of the surgical technique employed and the suture material used. We have finally adopted a single layer anastomosis with a continuous polypropylene suture. To our knowledge, no series of such anastomoses has so far been reported, and we now review our technique, first described by Allen in 1979, and our very satisfactory experiences following our adoption of it for virtually all colorectal anastomoses above the peritoneal reflection.
Towards the equation of state of dense asymmetric nuclear matter

Abstract Nuclear collisions provide the only means to compress nuclear matter to high density within a laboratory environment. Analysis of the motions of ejected matter now place significant constraints on the equation of state of symmetric matter. Additional constraints on the density dependence of the asymmetry term of the EOS are needed to understand extremely neutron-rich environments like neutron stars, where the asymmetry term plays a pivotal role. Collisions with rare isotope beams may provide the necessary constraints.
Cement-based controlled electrical resistivity materials

Low-cost controlled electrical resistivity materials based on Portland cement and exhibiting low values of the relative dielectric constant have been attained. The materials are cement paste containing short electrically-conducting fibers. With steel fibers (0.1 vol.%), the resistivity and relative dielectric constant (10 kHz) are 8 × 104 cm and 20, respectively. With carbon fibers (1.0 vol.%) and silica fume, these quantities are 8×102Ω-cm and 49, respectively.
Multiprocessor-Based Placement by Simulated Annealing

Simulated annealing methods have proven to be particularly successful in physical design applications, but often require burdensome, long run times. This paper studies the design and analysis of standard cell placement by annealing in a multiprocessor environment. Annealing is not static: we observe that the temperature parameter which controls hill-climbing in simulated annealing changes the behavior of an annealing algorithm as it runs, and strongly influences the choice of multiprocessor partitioning strategy. We introduce the idea of adaptive strategies that exhibit different speedups across different temperature ranges. Measured performance of parallel placement algorithms running on a multiprocessor demonstrate practical speedups consistent with our predictions.
Computer-controlled multiple-channel system for electrochemical experiments

Abstract A test system has been designed and constructed to allow the simultaneous and continuous cycling of 16 electrochemical cells, and the system can be readily expanded to accommodate 48 cells. It is configured with eight independent current-control units, each dedicated to two series-connected cells, and the cells can be driven by single charge and single discharge power supplies. The current controllers have a resolution and stability within 0.025% of full scale, and a response time constant of 1 ms. The charge and discharge profiles, including pulse charging and EPA power profile discharging, are implemented through the use of various computer algorithms.
Identification of G-proteins in rat parotid gland plasma membranes and granule membranes: presence of distinct components in granule membranes.

We have identified by immunoblotting and ADP-ribosylation by cholera toxin and pertussis toxin the presence of Mr 43 and 46 KDa Gsα, and 39 and 41 KDa Giα;.. subunits in rat parotid gland plasma membranes but not in granule membranes. A Mr 28 KDa polypeptide that served as substrate for ADP-ribosylation by both cholera toxin and pertussis toxin was present exclusively in granule membranes. Photoaffinity crosslinking of [α-32P]GTP showed the presence of high molecular weight GTP-binding proteins (Mr 160,100 KDa) in granule membranes. Six low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins (Mr 21–28 KDa) were differentially distributed in both plasma membranes and granule membranes. The present study identifies various GTP-binding proteins in rat parotid gland plasma membranes and granule membranes, and demonstrates the presence of distinct molecular weight GTP-binding proteins in granule membranes. These granule-associated GTP-binding proteins may be involved in secretory processes.
Sodium bicarbonate versus carbicarb in canine myocardial hypercarbic acidosis

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the in vivo effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) and Carbicarb infusion on regional contractile performance and acid-base status in the setting of hypercarbic acidosis. Animals (N = 9) were anesthetized and paralyzed using sodium pentothal, halothane, and pancuronium bromide, and mechanically ventilated with an air-O 2 mixture so that arterial Po 2 was ≥300 mm Hg. Following beta-adrenergic blockade, alveolar ventilation was gradually reduced over a 50-minute period to increase arterial Pco 2 to 60 to 80 mm Hg. Each of the following solutions was then infused in consecutive order directly into the left anterior descending artery coronary artery for 15 minutes: (1) 8.4% NaHCO 3 at 2 mL/min; (2) 5% sodium chloride at 2 mL/min, equivalent to NaHCO 3 in osmolality; (3) 6.3% Carbicarb at 0.5 mL/min, equivalent to NaHCO 3 in buffer capacity; and (4) 6.3% Carbicarb at 2 mL/min, equivalent to NaHCO 3 in volume. Regional stroke work analog (ultrasonic dimension transducers), interstitial myocardial pH (Khuri electrode), coronary blood flow (doppler flow probe), and hemodynamic/metabolic variables (heart rate, blood pressure, arterial and coronary venous blood gases) were measured at 1, 5, 10, and 15 minutes during each infusion and 10 minutes after the infusion was discontinued, ie, at 25 minutes. Animals were allowed to recover for 45 minutes between interventions. Values at each time point were compared with baseline for statistical significance. Small reductions in interstitial myocardial pH ( P P > .05) were observed within 1 minute of NaNCO 3 administration. Both parameters increased significantly from baseline levels thereafter, ie, interstitial myocardial pH at 5 minutes and stroke work at 15 minutes. Infusion of Carbicarb invariably was associated with an increase ( P P P 2 . Myocardial O 2 consumption decreased ( P 3 did not reach statistical significance. Our findings lend support to the hypothesis that intramyocardial pH determines myocardial function independent of CO 2 production by buffer therapy. While Carbicarb may restore intramyocardial pH and improve myocardial function more rapidly than NaHCO 3 , both buffers neutralize the effects of intracellular acidosis to a similar extent when they enter the myocardium. Our results do not support the argument that NaHCO 3 is detrimental to myocardial contractile function when spontaneous contractile function is present.
Progress in the development of MANIC: a monolithic nulling interferometer for characterizing extrasolar environments

We present progress in the development of the monolithic achromatic nulling interference coronagraph (MANIC), an optic designed for enabling direct detection and characterization of exoplanetary systems around nearby stars. MANIC is a fully symmetric implementation of a rotational shearing interferometer consisting of fused quartz prisms and a symmetric beamsplitter optically contacted in an arrangement that geometrically flips the fields in the TR and RT arms about orthogonal axes such that upon recombination, a centro-symmetric, theoretically achromatic null is produced. In addition to a small inner working angle (l 1λ/D), built-in alignment and stability are inherent benefits of the compact monolithic design, which make MANIC a competitive alternative to conventional discrete element nullers proposed for imaging exoplanetary environments. Following MANIC's initial fabrication, the path error between its TR and RT arms was measured. This measurement was used to fabricate compensator plates of varying thicknesses that were bonded to the optic to reduce dispersion imbalance, thereby improving broadband nulling performance. In performing this correction, initial OPD was reduced from 949 ± 44 nm to 63 ± 10 nm, which in the absence of any other asymmetries, corresponds to an increase in a 107 R-band (λc = 648 nm) nulling bandpass from monochromatic to 25%, or at the 106 level, from 5% to 50%. Current benchtop laser and polychromatic nulling strategies are described. The potential science return from using MANIC on a sub-orbital platform is discussed.
TISSUE CULTURES ON SOLID MEDIA.

WHEN tissue cultures of mouse tumours were routinely tested for mycoplasma by inoculation in Petri dishes containing Difco PPLO agar (7 parts), 25 per cent yeast extract (1 part) and horse serum (2 parts), a nodule of tumour cells 2 mm in diameter was seen on the agar surface of one dish examined after 14 days at 37° C. Several cell lines were then inoculated into this medium with substitution of foetal calf serum for horse serum and the addition of 100 µg/ml. each of penicillin and streptomycin.
Fundamental measurements of the friction of clean and oxygen-covered VC(100) with ultrahigh vacuum atomic force microscopy: evidence for electronic contributions to interfacial friction

Abstract Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been employed in an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) environment to measure the frictional properties of single-crystal vanadium carbide (VC) as a function of reaction with oxygen. The VC(100) surface, prepared by sputtering and annealing in vacuum, was found to be free of oxygen and to exhibit good crystallographic order with atomically flat terraces ∼100–200 A in width. The coefficient of friction between a silicon nitride probe tip and the clean VC surface was measured as 0.52±0.04. Chemical modification of this surface was accomplished by exposure to molecular oxygen which produced a saturation coverage of chemisorbed atomic oxygen. The coefficient of friction between the same silicon nitride tip and the “oxidized” VC surface in the wearless regime was measured as 0.32±0.05, representing a ∼40% reduction in friction. This reduction in friction is associated with a reduction in the density of metal d electrons nearest the Fermi level which occurs upon oxygen adsorption. These changes provide evidence for the contribution of an electronic mechanism of energy dissipation at the sliding interface of a solid–solid point contact.
Binding site for ethidium cation in the major groove of B-form DNA

Abstract Molecular modeling of the system composed of ethidium cation initially intercalated through the major and minor grooves of the B-DNA form of 5′GCATGC3′ into the central AT pairs, with the phenyl group oriented either toward or away from the helical axis, led upon energy minimization to intercalation complexes only when the phenyl group was initially oriented away from the helical axis. For the other two cases, energy minimization led to extrusion of the ethidium from the helix to form unanticipated outside-bound complexes stabilized by specific hydrogen bonds. It is suggested that outside-bound major groove complexes involving the GXXXG sequence may play important roles in the reaction mechanism of ethidium intercalation and in its action as a drug.
Fenitrothion-deltamethrin cross-resistance conferred by esterases in Guatemalan Anopheles albimanus

Abstract Biochemical tests and bioassays show elevated nonspecific esterase activity to cause fenitrothion-deltamethrin cross-resistance in Guatemalan Anopheles albimanus adults and larvae. Resistance to both insecticides was nearly abolished by a specific esterase inhibitor (DEF). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) revealed an intensely staining esterase zone in all resistant mosquitoes, but in none of the susceptibles. All individuals surviving exposure to each of the two insecticides possessed this esterase zone. Mosquitoes with elevated esterase activity in microplate assays were those possessing the intensely staining zone. Isoelectric focusing electrophoresis resolved the zone into a series of bands, with elevated activity in resistant individuals. Densitometric measurements of the esterase zone on PAGE minigels suggest that elevated levels of these esterases may be the product of an amplified gene. The electrofocusing gels, chromatofocusing, and high-performance liquid chromatography allow estimates of nondenatured molecular weight (60,000) and pI (4.6). The resistance esterase activity shows some characteristics of B-esterases.
The common-core filter as an electromagnetic interference-suppression device

Though everyone is daily made aware of the existence of electromagnetic interference (as when one drives an automobile near a faulty neon sign and hears a loud “buzz” on the car radio, or when one uses a television receiver while an electric mixer is running nearby and the interference from that appliance obliterates the picture) it is not the most frequently cited form of pollution. However, radio communication services are expanding at a rapid rate, receivers are becoming more sensitive, and we are moving toward more complex types of communication. Because of these factors and the accelerated growth in the use of electrical appliances both at home and in industry, there is an ever-increasing effort to control electromagnetic interference caused by electrical equipment. Some nations, in fact, have promulgated laws to control electromagnetic interference. As industry responds to the need, undoubtedly more and more electrical equipment will have built-in powerline filters and other noise-suppression devices to prevent interference. The problem, however, is not merely one of the cost of adding a powerline filter, but that the addition of a filter may also affect the safety and performance of a machine.
Health Fair Report of Asian Americans in Michigan

There is little information about Asian American health in Michigan. This highlights an urgent need to collect their health data to understand and help this fastest growing ethnic group live healthier lives and reduce health disparities. Data for about 300 individuals attending two major health fairs were collected to study older Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants. The analyses show that they have high prevalence rates of hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, even though their body mass index is relatively low. The report of these analyses is a starting point to understand the study groups. Such data can help health care providers give sound advice to their patients and allow those of us in public health to design proper health programs that may benefit them. But more data is needed to include major Asian ethnic groups and identify common health concerns among all Asian Americans.
Hepatotoxicity and lethality of halomethanes in Mongolian gerbils pretreated with chlordecone, phenobarbital or mirex

The hepatotoxic and lethal effects of CBrCl3, CCl4 and CHCl3 were investigated in gerbils with or without prior exposure to dietary chlordecone (CD), phenobarbital (PB) and mirex (MX) at 10, 225 and 10 ppm, respectively, for 15 days. Gerbils were quite sensitive to these halomethanes (48 h LD50: 20, 80 and 400 μl/kg, respectively). CD, known to potentiate hepatotoxic and lethal effects of halomethanes in rats, failed to potentiate the toxic effects of any of these three halomethanes in gerbils. PB and MX were also ineffective. Since stimulation of early hepatocellular regeneration has been shown to be responsible for the recovery from the toxicity of a low dose of CCl4, liver cell regeneration and tissue repair were studied in gerbils after CCl4 administration. The objectives of these studies were to investigate the possible reasons for the high sensitivity of gerbils to halomethane toxicity and to investigate the mechanism for their refractoriness to CD-potentiated halomethane toxicity. A low and a high dose of CCl4 (15 and 80 μl/kg, i.p. respectively) were used to study the time-course of liver injury in gerbils pretreated with or without CD. The low dose of CCl4 stimulated cellular regeneration as indicated by the increase of3H-thymidine (3H-T) incorporation in hepatic nuclear DNA. The cellular regeneration and tissue repair activities resulted in complete recovery from the limited liver injury in both CD-pretreated and control gerbils. In contrast to rats, however, the process of cell division in gerbils occurred much later, 2 days after CCl4 administration. Evidence from histomorphometric studies was consistent with serum enzyme and3H-T incorporation data. Significant increase in hepatocyte mitosis did not occur until 42 h after CCl4 administration. Hepatic injury assessed as hepatocellular necrosis and lipid accumulation was evident as early as 24 h after CCl4 injection and was maximal at 42 and 72 h after CCl4 in CD-pretreated and control gerbils, respectively. Administration of a high dose of CCl4 alone significantly impeded tissue repair. More than 65% of the hepatocytes were necrotic in both CD-pretreated and control gerbils 24 h after the administration of a LD50 dose of CCl4.3H-T incorporation did not increase up to 48 h after CCl4 in either group. These findings suggest that the absence of early stimulation of hepatocellular division and tissue repair might be responsible for the very high toxicity of a low dose of CCl4 in gerbils. Since there is no early tissue proliferative response in gerbils after CCl4 administration, CD+CCl4 interactive ablation of liver proliferative response cannot occur, making gerbils refractory to CD-potentiation of CCl4 toxicity.
Unsteady Temperature Distribution in Volume Reflectors

The development of unsteady temperature distributions in semitransparent scattering materials under the influence of arbitrary incident radiative flux with other than specified temperature boundary conditions is considered. Specifically, such a problem is considered for an approximate radiative transfer model which allows analytic solutions. The model represents the unsteady, one-dimensional, radiative heating of a weakly absorbing, semitransparent medium with specified conductive heat flux at one boundary. The radiation field is modeled using an approximation to the radiative heat flux obtained by solution of the Kubelka-Munk differential equations.
Tumor necrosis factor family ligand–receptor binding

Ligands and receptors of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily have pivotal roles in the development and function of the immune system. The growing pool of data on TNF from structural and biochemical studies suggests that the higher order clustering of TNF family ligands could play an essential role in signal transduction initiation for this superfamily. The identification of new structural modules of TNF family receptors, as well as interaction modes between ligands and receptors, greatly expands our knowledge of how TNF family ligands and receptors determine specificity among diverse family members and between two closely related family members.
Electronic structure and surface magnetism of fcc Co(001)

Abstract A full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) all-electron local spin density calculation of the electronic and magnetic properties of both five and nine layer fcc Co(001) ferromagnetic films is reported. The surface magnetic moment of 1.85μ B is 13% larger than that of the bulk value as a result of the narrowing of the 3d band at the surface. The effects of the surface is found to be short-ranged, with changes in charge and spin densities localized mostly to the surface layer. The sub-surface Co atom layers have magnetic moments equal to 1.64μ B , i.e., a value very close to that of bulk fcc Co, indicating a short range effect of the surface on the magnetism (i.e., one atomic layer screening length). A contact magnetic hyperfine field calculation indicates that the core electron contribution is, as usual, precisely proportional to the magnetic moment, while the valence electron contribution is rather sensitive to the atomic environment. The total energy results yield a surface energy for the fcc Co(001) surface equal to 4.1 J/m 2 .
The modified Delorme operation: its place in surgical treatment for massive rectal prolapse.

The modified Delorme operation represents an effective perineal approach for the treatment of massive rectal prolapse, giving low morbidity and mortality; it is especially suitable for the elderly, the infirm, and most poor-risk patients- and for the surgeon accustomed to an anorectal approach. Our modifications of the procedure include the following: operation in the prone-flexed position,in situ plication of the denuded muscular wall of the rectum above the levators, transrectal perineal repair, local infiltration of anesthetic with epinephrine, the use of polyglactin or polyglycolic suture, and preservation of the entire length of anal skin with a margin of rectal mucosa. Spincter plication where needed, together with excision of existing anal abnormalities and tailoring of the anal skin, improves the comfort, appearance, and ease of care in the area. In our series, 44 patients, women in a ratio of nearly ten to one, were operated on in a recent tenyear period. Ages ranged from 26 to 94 with an average age of 62 but predominance in the eighth decade. There have been no mortalities. Follow-up has been from two to ten years. Failure of surgery with recurrence of prolapse was found in three patients (7 per cent), and functional failure in one (2 per cent). Functional results were studied in 36 patients with satisfactory result in 35. Improved technique and criteria of patient selection has lowered the incidence of failure in the later years of study.
A systematic literature review of life expectancy prediction tools for patients with localized prostate cancer.

Purpose: We aimed to develop a clinical decision support tool for clinicians counseling patients with localized prostate cancer. The tool would provide estimates of patient life expectancy based on age, comorbidities and tumor characteristics. We reviewed the literature to find suitable prediction models.Materials and Methods: We searched the literature for prediction models for life expectancy. Models were evaluated in terms of whether they provided an estimate of risk, incorporated comorbidities, were clinically feasible and gave plausible estimates. Clinical feasibility was defined in terms of whether the model provided coefficients and could be used in the initial consultation for men across a wide age range without an undue burden of data gathering.Results: Models in the literature were characterized by the use of life years rather than a risk of death, questionable approaches to comorbidities, implausible estimates, questionable recommendations and poor clinical feasibility. We found tools that invo...
Determination of Xanthine Dehydrogenase mRNA by a Reverse Transcription-Coupled Competitive Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay: Regulation in Rat Endothelial Cells by Hypoxia and Hyperoxia

The enzyme system xanthine dehydrogenase (XD):xanthine oxidase, which generates the superoxide anion as a by-product of action on endogenous substrates, is believed to play a role in mediating pathophysiological changes through its contribution to total superoxide production. To aid with analysis of factors that regulate XD, we have developed a reverse transcription (RT)-coupled competitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay which enables XD mRNA to be determined from small amounts of cultured cells where constitutive XD levels are low. A homologous insertion mutant of wild-type XD cDNA was prepared and used as an internal standard to normalize intersample PCR efficiency differences. XD mRNA levels determined by RT-PCR also were normalized to tubulin mRNA to compensate for RT differences and loading effects among samples. We report that XD mRNA levels, determined by RT-PCR, were increased twofold in hypoxic (3% oxygen) rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells relative to normoxic controls (20% oxygen). Conversely, XD mRNA was decreased threefold within 24 h under hyperoxic (95% oxygen) conditions. These data support the hypothesis that XD is regulated by oxygen tension in the pulmonary vasculature.
Three-way aspect model (TWAPM) and co-training for image retrieval

The goal of this work is to investigate the applicability of two probabilistic approaches, namely Three-Way Aspect Model (TWAPM) and Co-training, to retrieve images represented by multiple feature types from large image collections. We test these approaches in a learning context via relevance feedback from user. Our experiments show that Co-training may be a better choice than TWAPM for a Web-based Image Retrieval System.
Osmotically Actuated Micropumps and Control Valves for Point-of-Care Applications

We present novel micropumps and valves actuated by osmotic flow for point-of-care (POC) applications. Although there has been significant progress in the development of microfluidic flowcontrol components, such as fluidic switches, diodes, and resonators, the flow needs to be ultimately supplied by bulky off-chip active components. These off-chip components cannot be easily miniaturized integrated micropumps that utilize electrostatic, piezoelectric, or electroosmotic actuation require high operational voltages, limiting their applications. Other novel approaches, such as magnetic actuation and liquid metal pumping, are also limited by their nonstandard processes and biocompatibility. In this paper, we report two active components, control valves and fluid pumps, actuated by osmotic mechanism, allowing completely stand-alone integrated microfluidic systems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to realize control valves by osmosis. The valve can maintain robust sealing up to 125 kPa of back pressure. The fabricated osmotic pump is capable of pumping at >30 $\mu $ L/min, which is higher than that of previous works by an order of magnitude. To demonstrate the feasibility of manipulating biofluids, white blood cells suspended in serum were driven and filtered by osmotic actuation. The experimental results verified the potential use of osmotic actuation for POC disposable microfluidics. [2014–0219]
Neuroligins Provide Molecular Links Between Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Autism

Autism is a common and heritable neuropsychiatric disorder that can be categorized into two types: syndromic and nonsyndromic, the former of which are associated with other neurological disorders or syndromes. Molecular and functional links between syndromic and nonsyndromic autism genes were lacking until studies aimed at understanding the role of trans-synaptic adhesion molecule neuroligin, which is associated with nonsyndromic autism, provided important connections. Here, we integrate data from these studies into a model of how neuroligin functions to control synaptic connectivity in the central nervous system and how neuroligin dysfunction may participate in the pathophysiology of autism. Understanding the complex functional interactions between neuroligins and other autism-associated proteins at the synapse is crucial to understand the pathology of autism. This understanding might bring us closer to development of therapeutic approaches for autism.
Activation of 5-HT1P receptors on submucosal afferents subsequently triggers VIP neurons and chloride secretion in the guinea-pig colon

The role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was investigated when mucosal stroking and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were used to activate neural reflexes that stimulate chloride secretion in the guinea pig colon. Muscle-stripped segments of colon containing intact submucosal ganglia without myenteric ganglia were set up in modified flux chambers in order to record short-circuit current (Isc). Mucosal stroking with a brush for 1 s or a pulse of 5-HT (injection of 15 μl of 100 μM 5-HT into 1.5 ml of mucosal solution) caused an increase in Isc that was reduced by the VIP antagonist, neurotensin6–11-VIP7–28, in a concentration-dependent manner. The Isc responses to mucosal stroking and a 5-HT pulse were reduced by 53% and 58%, respectively, by 2 μM neurotensin6–11-VIP7–28. The residual Isc response in the presence of neurotensin6–11-VIP7–28 was abolished by atropine. Blockade of 5-HT1P receptors on submucosal afferent neurons decreased Isc responses to stroking or a 5-HT pulse. The residual Isc response after 5-HT1P receptors were blocked was reduced by only 11–14% by neurotensin6–11-VIP7–28. In the presence of blockade of both 5-HT1P and VIP receptors, atropine abolished the Isc response to both stimuli. The observations suggest that the neural circuitry activated by stroking includes at least two independent pathways. One pathway contains VIP neurons which receive inputs directly or indirectly from 5-HT1P receptor-containing afferents. A second pathway involves muscarinic cholinergic transmission that is independent of 5-HT1P and VIP receptor activation.
The radiographic acromiohumeral interval is affected by arm and radiographic beam position.

The objective was to determine whether arm and radiographic beam positional changes affect the acromiohumeral interval (AHI) in radiographs of healthy shoulders. Controlling for participant’s height and position as well as radiographic beam height and angle, from 30 right shoulders of right-handed males without shoulder problems four antero-posterior (AP) radiographic views each were obtained in defined positions. Three independent, blinded physicians measured the AHI to the nearest millimeter in 120 randomized radiographs. Mean differences between measurements were calculated, along with a 95% confidence interval. Controlling for observer effect, there was a significant difference between AHI measurements on different views (p < 0.01). All pair-wise differences were statistically significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons (all p values < 0.01). Even in healthy shoulders, small changes in arm position and radiographic beam orientation affect the AHI in radiographs.
Hemostasis and obliteration of mandibular arteriovenous malformation through direct hydroxyapatite cement injection into the molar cavity

A mandibular arteriovenous malformation (AVM) presented with massive molar socket bleeding and was emergently treated by tooth extraction and partial resection of the surrounding alveolar bone. To achieve hemostasis, the resultant cavity was filled with hydroxyapatite bone cement. Not only was hemostasis and alveolar reconstruction achieved, but follow-up angiography demonstrated venous outlet occlusion and retrograde AVM thrombosis requiring no further treatment.
Negative binomial parameters and the two-mechanism model

There are some aspects of the multiplicity distribution of secondary charged particles at high energies that can be interpreted within the framework of the two-mechanism model using the general theory of stationary branching process. This approach describes multiparticle production data in pp(pp) collisions up to 1.8 TeV and yields new values for some of the parameters at higher energies.
Efferent connections of the parabrachial nucleus in the rat.

The efferent connections of the parabrachial nucleus have been analyzed in the rat using the anterograde autoradiographic method. Fibers originating from the lateral parabrachial nucleus (PBl) ascend in the periventricular system, the dorsal tegmental bundle and the central tegmental tract. The PBl projects to the dorsal raphe nucleus, the superior central raphe nucleus, and the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. It also innervates the intralaminar (centromedian, centrolateral, paracentral, parafascicular), the midline (paraventricular, reuniens), and the ventromedial basal (VMb) thalamic nuclei as well as much of the hypothalamus, including the dorsomedial, the ventromedial, the arcuate and the paraventricular nuclei, the lateral hypothalamic and the lateral preoptic areas. The PBl sends fibers via the ansa peduncularis into the amygdala, innervating the anterior, the central, the medial, the basomedial, and the posterior basolateral nuclei. In addition, it projects to the lateral part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Descending PBl fibers travel mainly through the ventrolateral medulla, passing through the region of the A1 and A5 catecholamine cell groups, the ventrolateral reticular formation and the region that contains parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. A small component travels in Probst's bundle to the ventral part of the nucleus of the solitary tract. Only a few PBl axons continue caudally into the lateral funiculus of the spinal cord, but these could not be followed beyond the first few cervical segments. The projections of the medial parabrachial nucleus (PBm) are similar to those of PBl, but two major differences have been noted. One difference is that the PBm provides a direct input to 4 regions of cerebral cortex: (1) the granular insular cortex; (2) the deep layers of the frontal cortex; (3) the septo-olfactory area; and (4) the infralimbic cortex. The other difference is that unlike the PBl, the PBm appears to provide almost no input to the medial hypothalamic nuclei (dorsomedial, ventromedial, arcuate nuclei) nor to the medial amygdaloid nucleus. The PBm projects heavily to the nucleus ambiguus and there was no evidence for an input to the nucleus of the solitary tract. The projections of the Kolliker-Fuse nucleus (KF) are distinct from those of either PBm or PBl. The KF projects via the central tegmental tract to the lateral hypothalamic area, the lateral preoptic area, and the central nucleus of the amygdala. The contralateral projection to the zona incerta, the lateral hypothalamic area, and the lateral preoptic areas is more prominent than the ipsilateral projections. Descending KF fibers travel mainly through the ventrolateral medullary reticular formation passing through regions which give rise to parasympathetic preganglionic fibers of the VIIth, IXth and Xth cranial nerves and the A1 and A5 catecholamine cell groups. In one experiment, fibers could be followed to the intermediolateral cell column of the upper thoracic spinal cord.
Pressure dependence of the RFSE resonance strength in gallium

Abstract We have measured radio frequency size effect resonances for electrons on a roughly ellipsoidal sheet of the Fermi surface of gallium, under hydrostatic pressures up to 3 kbar at temperatures in the range from 1.2 to 4.2 K. For T ⩾ 3.5 K the resonance strength is proportional to exp(-βT 3 ), with dlnβ/dP ≈ 5±1.5 x 10 -2 kbar -1 . Fractional changes in the Fermi momentum are found to be less than 10 -3 kbar -1 .
Religious leaders’ assessment and attribution of the causes of mental illness: an in-depth exploration of Vietnamese American Buddhist leaders

Among Asian Americans, particularly within immigrant communities, religious leaders are respected and sought out for support and guidance. There is a need to examine how religious leaders, especially within non-Christian faiths, identify persons and ascribe meaning and attributions to mental health concerns. The aim of this paper was to address this knowledge gap by exploring the perceptions of five Vietnamese American Buddhist leaders in regards to mental illness. Using qualitative analytic techniques we identified appearance, behaviours, and cognitive impairments that leaders interpreted as indicators of a mental health condition. Religious leaders cited messy and overly adorned outer appearance, aggressive and violent behaviours, and abnormal cognitive functioning as indicative of mental health problems. They attributed mental illness to a variety of causes: daily stressors, mind-body imbalance, karma, virtuous deeds, and spiritual possession. Findings inform strategies for faith-based initiatives and ...
Oculomotor function in chronic traumatic brain injury

ObjectiveTo characterize oculomotor function using visually guided saccade and antisaccade (AS) tasks in chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) and assess the relationship to neuropsychologic testing.BackgroundTBI causes dysfunction of prefrontal cortex, in part by disrupting cortical and subcortical
Parathyroid hormone assay: problems and opportunities

The assay of parathyroid hormone continues to remain problematic as a result of the presence in the circulation of a variety of parathyroid hormone (PTH) peptides derived from secretion and from peripheral metabolism. The detection of these PTH fragments to varying degrees leads to widely differing results in the various assays used, particularly in the setting of chronic kidney disease, where PTH fragments accumulate as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) falls. The differing results not only lead to problems in comparing values from various laboratories but also limit efforts to develop useful clinical practice guidelines. At the same time, research into the precise identification of the PTH fragments which contribute to the assay problems has uncovered a relatively new area of parathyroid research that has pointed to potential biologic activity of PTH peptides previously thought to be biologically inactive and which may act on a novel PTH receptor. These issues have brought new focus to the difficulties in standardization of PTH assays and have provoked efforts to provide standards to help in the characterization of PTH assays and to facilitate the development of clinical practice guidelines.
Further evidence of the influence of option expiration on the underlying common stock

Abstract Over the past decade there has been increasing research into the interaction among the securities options markets and other institutions. Of particular interest in the earliest research was the extent to which social efficiency is enhanced by the trading of puts and calls. Since it is now well established that market-spanning opportunities are more complete when options are available, recent research has been directed toward such issues as the informational efficiency of the options exchanges and the relationship between an option premium and the behavior of the underlying common stock. Of interest to us in this research is the latter issue. We find significant new evidence that in the final two days of trading prior to the expiration of an option series, the presence of options influences some underlying stock prices.