cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Q -learning approach to automated unmanned air vehicle (UAV) demining

This paper develops a Q -learning approach to Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) navigation, or path planning, for sensing applications in which an infrared (IR) sensor or camera is installed onboard the UAV for the purpose of detecting and classifying multiple, stationary ground targets. The problem can be considered as a geometric sensor-path planning problem, because the geometry and position of the sensor's field of view (FOV) determines what targets can be detected and classified at any given time. The advantage of this approach over existing path planning techniques is that the optimal guidance policy is learned via the Q -function, without explicit knowledge of the system models and environmental conditions. The approach is demonstrated through a demining application in which a UAV-based IR sensor is capable of determining the optimal altitude for properly detecting and classifying targets buried in a complex region of interest.
Treatment of multiple sclerosis with interferon β

Interferon β is a cytokine that modulates immune responsiveness. Treatment with recombinant interferon b, either subcutaneously or intramuscularly, favorably affects the natural history of multiple sclerosis. Attack frequency and attack severity are both reduced and the progression of accumulating disability is slowed. Magnetic resonance image scanning of treated patients reveals a lessening of accumulating permanent disease burden and an up to 80% reduction in newly active lesions, the majority subclinical, within the white matter of the brain. Many newly active lesions resolve spontaneously. The drug is well tolerated and safe. Systemic flu-like symptoms, transient in nature, commonly follow drug injection when treatment begins, but these usually lessen in frequency and severity over the first few weeks on drug. Red skin reactions are usual at sites of subcutaneous injection. Interferon b treatment is only partially effective. There is an unmet need to do better in the therapy of multiple sclerosis.
Life on the Water: A Historical-Cultural Model of African American Fishermen on the Georgia Coast (USA)

A challenge in fisheries research is development of a rigorous and reliable method for representing local fishing knowledge. One solution is to elicit knowledge initially in semistructured interviews and then to model information held in common among groups of fishermen. Content analysis of interviews using keywords, the terms by which fishermen talk about and organize their knowledge topically and thematically, allows for the identification of discourse content and for its hierarchical organization in the form of cultural models. Cultural model analysis shows how fishermen construct and organize the central components of their lives as fishers. Results of a case study are reported here, based on interviews conducted in 1999 with elderly African American fisherman on the coast of Georgia, focusing on the history of their participation in coastal fisheries. Keyword analysis showed that the basic cultural model of the African Americans was of life on the water, which contains a number of submodels that elaborate the content and meaning of life on the water. The cultural model shows that the way of life based on making a living from fishing has become increasingly difficult and may be nearing an end. The loss of means of livelihood raises ethical considerations about access to natural resources.
Phosphate starvation responses are mediated by sugar signaling in Arabidopsis

Phosphate (Pi) is one of the least available plant nutrients in soils. It is associated with dynamic changes in carbon fluxes and several crucial processes that regulate plant growth and development. Pi levels regulate the expression of large number of genes including those involved in photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. Herein we show that sugar is required for Pi starvation responses including changes in root architecture and expression of phosphate starvation induced (PSI) genes in Arabidopsis. Active photosynthesis or the supplementation of sugar in the medium was essential for the expression of PSI genes under Pi limiting conditions. Expression of these genes was not only induced by sucrose but also detected, albeit at reduced levels, with other metabolizable sugars. Non-metabolizable sugar analogs did not induce the expression of PSI genes. Although sugar input appears to be downstream of initial Pi sensing, it is absolutely required for the completion of the PSI signaling pathway. Altered expression of PSI genes in the hexokinase signaling mutant gin2 indicates that hexokinase-dependent signaling is involved in this process. The study provides evidence for requirement of sugars in PSI signaling and evokes a role for hexokinase in some components of Pi response mechanism.
Metastatic carcinoma of the male breast treated with bilateral adrenalectomy and chemotherapy

The literature concerning bilateral adrenalectomy as a palliative modality for metastatic male breast carcinoma following orchiectomy is reviewed. Including the present 2 subjects, a total of 17 patients have been reported. Of these 2, one failed to respond to bilateral orchiectomy but responded to bilateral adrenalectomy for 6 months and, when the disease was in relapse, he further responded to chemotherapy using fluorouracil and methotrexate combined with ThioTEPA, respectively. The other patient who failed with orchiectomy showed only symptomatic improvement for a short period following adrenalectomy. The literature indicates bilateral adrenalectomy is a worthwhile procedure even if prior orchiectomy has failed to render remission of the disease.
The Public Life of the Fetal Sonogram and the Work of the Sonographer

Fetal sonograms have been taken up outside the clinical setting in U.S. popular culture and media, in ways that may impinge upon, and that have also emerged out of, the work of the sonographer. As ...
Ternary VO2+-ligand-surface complexes on boehmite and noncrystalline aluminosilicates

Abstract Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the ligand environment of VO 2+ absorbed on boehmite and noncrystalline aluminosilicates. Boehmite possessed a relatively low capacity to chemisorb VO 2+ at discrete sites at low pH, a fact attributed to the chemical inactivity of the dominant (020) surfaces of the mineral. The chemisorbed cation is rigidly bound by one or two surface oxyanions. Chemisorption on allophane produced slightly different ESR parameters for VO 2+ , a possible consequence of the participation of silanol groups in the metal-surface bond. Evidence for ternary surface complexes was seen upon the addition of phosphate to the VO 2+ -surface complexes, with changes occurring in the ESR spectrum of bound VO 2+ . Oxalate also appeared to perturb the ligand environment of sorbed VO 2+ , but other anionic species had little or no effect. The experimental results point to the coadsorption of a vanadyl-phosphate complex, in which both the VO 2+ and the PO 4 3− are chemisorbed to surface Al atoms. The ESR spectra of VO 2+ in model phosphate compounds are used to establish the effect of PO 4 3− coordination with VO 2+ on the spectral parameters.
The Millennial Consumer in the Texts of Our Times: Evangelizing:

Two decades ago, (macro)marketing researchers awoke to the hedonic and experiential aspects of consumption—sometimes known as fantasies, feelings, and fun or the “three Fs.” More recent literature has further extended our view toward a broadened recognition of “four Es”—experience, entertainment, exhibitionism, and evangelizing. This essay presents the third in a three-installment series reviewing each of the four Es, namely, part 4 on evangelizing.
Continuous-time constrained distributed convex optimization

In this paper, we introduce a continuous-time distributed algorithm, which enables nodes in a static, undirected network to cooperatively solve a convex optimization problem, where the objective function is a sum of uniformly strictly convex functions observed locally by the nodes, and the feasible set is defined by inequality/equality constraints known to every node. The algorithm operates by forcing the node estimates of the unknown minimizer to achieve consensus, while satisfying Karush-Kuhn-Tucker-like conditions. By using a Lyapunov-like function defined by the Bregman divergence of the individual problem Lagrangian and analyzing its upper right-hand derivative, we show that our algorithm asymptotically drives all the estimates to the minimizer. The results of this paper generalize our earlier Zero-Gradient-Sum algorithms for problems without constraints, and relax the required assumption from strong convexity to uniform strict convexity.
By the Power of Her Word: Absence, Memory, and Speech in the Song of Songs and a Hindu Mystical Text

AbstractReligious pluralism today surely poses an ongoing theological challenge, requiring us to think through the significance of the many religions of the world for Christians. But facing the challenge is more urgently the work of the imagination. Even the best theological solutions fall short if they block or ignore the deeper, required work of interreligious learning that occurs in the careful study of the poetry, dramas, and other literary productions of the various traditions. Using as a guide Hans Urs von Balthasar’s great trilogy — aesthetics, dramatics, and theologic — this essay is an exercise in reading together the Biblical Song of Songs along with the medieval Hindu Holy Word of Mouth (Tiruvaymoli) with special attention of the scenes of absence, wherein the human lover waits for the divine beloved to return. From both we learn that in waiting, there is anguish, but in anguish arise powerful memories about, and speech evocative of, the beloved. Each text is read also with attention to medieval religious interpretations. Practicing this dynamic across religious boundaries is an imaginative interreligious exercise that first causes a crisis for theology — where is the beloved? who are those other lovers and beloveds? what to do with the flood of new images and scenes? — yet then a new source for a Christian theology that redeems and deepens Christian particularity after and through, not despite, interreligious learning.
Mechanical Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Filled Engineering Thermoplastic Composites

In this study, engineering thermoplastic composites were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)-filled nylon 6. MCC were added to nylon 6 using melt mixing to produce compounded pellets. The MCC-filled nylon 6 composites with varying concentrations of MCC (from 2.5 to 30 wt%) were prepared by injection molding. The tensile and flexural properties of the nylon 6 composites were increased significantly with the addition of MCC. The maximum strength and modulus of elasticity for the nylon 6 composites were achieved at a MCC weight fraction of 20 %. The Izod impact strength of composites decreased with the incorporation of MCC without any surface treatments and coupling agent. This observation is quite expected for filled polymer systems and has been commonly observed. There was a strong correlation between density and tensile (r = 0.94) and flexural modulus of elasticity (r = 0.9). MCC filled composites manufactured by injection method had highly uniform density distribution through their thickness. The higher mechanical results with lower density demonstrate that MCC can be used as a sufficient reinforcing material for low cost, eco-friendly composites in the automotive industry especially for under-the-hood applications (engine covers, intake manifolds and radiator end tanks) as well as in other applications such as the building and construction industries, packaging, consumer products etc.
Intelligent system applications to power systems

The authors describe how the use of intelligent systems (IS) is an opportunity to add new dimensions to the field of computer applications in power systems. A number of practical power system problems require logic reasoning, heuristic search, perception, and/or the ability to handle uncertainties; IS tools can be part of their solution. The authors describe how AI-related application areas, such as expert systems, fuzzy logic, neural networks and genetic algorithms, can all be applied in such intelligent systems.
Validity of Clinical Prediction Rules for Isolating Inpatients with Suspected Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE: Declining rates of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States has resulted in a low prevalence of the disease among patients placed on respiratory isolation. The purpose of this study is to systematically review decision rules to predict the patient’s risk for active pulmonary TB at the time of admission to the hospital.
Actual performance data analysis of overlay, focus, and dose control of an immersion scanner for double patterning

Double patterning requires extremely high accuracy in overlay and high uniformity in CD control. For the 32 nm half pitch, the CDU budget requires less than 2 nm overlay and less than 2 nm CD uniformity for the exposure tool. To meet these requirements, Nikon has developed the NSR-S620D. It includes a new encoder metrology system for precise stage position measurement. The encoder system provides better repeatability by using a short range optical path. For CD uniformity control, various factors such as focus control, stage control, and dose control affect the results. Focus uniformity is evaluated using the phase shift focus monitoring method. The function of "CDU Master" provides dose and focus correction across the exposure slit, along the scan direction, and across the wafer. Stage synchronization variability will also influence CD control. In this paper, we will show the actual results and analysis of the overall performance of S620D, including the exposed result of pitch splitting double patterning. S620D has sufficient performance for the 32 nm half pitch double patterning generation and shows potential for double patterning at the 22 nm half pitch node.
High-resolution three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography and three-dimensional spoiled gradient-recalled imaging in the evaluation of neurovascular compression in patients with trigeminal neuralgia: a double-blind pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the value of high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and gadolinium (Gad)-enhanced 3D spoiled gradient-recalled imaging in the visualization of neurovascular compression in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS Forty-eight patients with unilateral trigeminal neuralgia underwent high-resolution 3D TOF MR angiography. After administration of a contrast agent, a 3D spoiled gradient-recalled sequence (3D Gad) was run. Images were reviewed by a radiologist blinded to clinical details. All patients underwent microvascular decompression surgery. Microdissection of the trigeminal nerve and compressing vessels was videotaped during surgery and reviewed by surgeons uninvolved in patient care. Results from neuroradiological studies were then compared with findings on operative videotapes. RESULTS MR angiography in combination with 3D Gad imaging identified surgically verified neurovascular contact in 42 of 46 (91%) symptomatic nerves. The offending vessel (artery, vein) was correctly identified in 31 of 41 cases (sensitivity, 76%; specificity, 75%). Neurovascular compression was observed in 71% of asymptomatic nerves with a trend toward greater compression severity on the symptomatic nerve (P < 0.09). Agreement between the direction of neurovascular contact defined by 3D TOF MR angiography and 3D Gad and findings at surgery was good (kappa = 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-0.94). CONCLUSION Double-blind assessment of surgical and neuroradiological findings confirms that neurovascular compression can be visualized with good sensitivity in patients with trigeminal neuralgia by 3D TOF MR angiography in combination with Gad-enhanced 3D spoiled gradient-recalled sequences. Anatomic relationships defined by this method can be useful in predicting surgical findings.
C 14 -N 14 Mass Difference and Mass Excesses of Some Light Nuclides

Mass excesses of the nuclides ${\mathrm{H}}^{1}$, ${\mathrm{D}}^{2}$, ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$, ${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$, ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{18}$, and ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{40}$ were determined by measurement of 18 parent molecule ion doublets with the mass synchrometer. The ${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$-${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ difference, 156.44\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.29 kev, was obtained from measurements on the doublets [${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$${\mathrm{O}}^{18}$-${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$], [${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$${\mathrm{O}}^{18}$-${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$], [${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O], [${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$C${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$CO], and [${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$-${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$] and other doublets which give some of those above. This is in excellent agreement with the value of 156\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1 kev obtained from determination of the ${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$ beta end point. The consistency of these data supports the 1 kev upper limit for the neutrino rest mass derived from the ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$-${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ mass difference and the ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$ beta end point, and also supports the argument that mass synchrometer data are essentially free of systematic errors of the magnitude required to account for discrepancies between nuclear reaction and mass spectrographic mass excesses of ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}^{18}$. Mass excesses of the light nuclides determined were slightly higher than recently published mass synchrometer data, but agreement was generally within 1 \ensuremath{\mu}MU.
Time to rethink the NIH

A radical restructure is the only way to solve the systemic problems of the world's biggest funder of biomedical research, argues Michael M. Crow.
Electronic Absorption and Fluorescence Properties of 2,5-Diarylidene-Cyclopentanones

Spectroscopic properties for a series of 2,5-diarylidene-cyclopentanones are reported. Electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra have been measured for the all-E configurations of 2,5-dibenzylidene-cyclopentanone (1), 2,5-bis-(3-phenyl-allylidene)-cyclopentanone (2), and 2,5-bis-(5-phenyl-penta-2,4-dienylidene)-cyclopentanone (3). The absorption spectra have been assigned with the aid of INDO/S calculations. Molecular structures used for the INDO/S calculations were computed with the PM3 Hamiltonian. Agreement between absorption spectra obtained in cyclohexane at room temperature and the theoretical predictions is good. For 1, 2, and 3 the general features of the spectra are similar. The transition to S1 (weak) is assigned as n → π* (A2 ← A1), to S2 (strong) as π → π* (B2 ← A1), and to S3 (moderate) as π → π* (A1 ← A1). The energy gap between S1 and S2 is seen to decrease as the length of the polyene chain increases in going from 1 to 3. Fluorescence is not observed for 1 in any of the solvents studi...
The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist zatosetron decreases the number of spontaneously active A10 dopamine neurons.

Acute and chronic administration of low doses (e.g. 0.1, 0.3 mg/kg i.p.) of the selective 5-HT3 antagonist zatosetron decreased the number of spontaneously active A 10 dopamine cells but did not change the number of spontaneously active A9 dopamine cells; higher doses (1.0, 10 mg/kg) were less effective. The decrease in the number of spontaneously active A 10 dopamine cells following zatosetron administration was not reversed by the administration of apomorphine. These data indicate that zatosetron's effects on spontaneously active dopamine neurons: (1) differs from other 5-HT3 antagonists; (2) may not be mediated by depolarization inactivation; and, (3) may be predictive of an atypical antipsychotic action without delayed onset.
Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity in fetal and adult muscle of the rhesus monkey.

Abstract Total cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity of voluntary skeletal muscle of the rhesus monkey was highest in the 100-day fetal series, decreased near term, and was lowest in the adult series. Kinetic data indicated the existence of two cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase enzymes in both the fetal and adult muscle. The apparent Km values for the high-affinity phosphodiesterase were similar in the 100-day fetal and adult skeletal muscle, whereas those for the low-affinity enzyme were twofold higher in the fetal series. The Vmax of the high Km enzyme was tenfold higher in the fetal than in the adult series and the low Km Vmax was fourfold higher in the fetal series. Both caffeine and theophylline were competitive inhibitors of the low Km phosphodiesterase activity and noncompetitive inhibitors of the high Km enzyme. No difference was observed in the sensitivity of the fetal and adult enzyme preparations to the methylxanthines or to Ro20-1724.
Critical length for semi-oriented bootstrap percolation

Abstract We consider the behaviour of semi-oriented bootstrap percolation restricted to a finite square or torus. We prove that as the probability of initial occupancy p tends to zero, the side length required for a two-dimensional torus to have non-negligible chance of filling itself up is between for universal constants c and C . We show similar results for the side length required for a square to show significant clustering behaviour.
Laser action from two dipyrrinone dyes under flash-lamp pumping

Two quasi-aromatic compounds, namely, two dipyrrinone dyes (Xanthoglow and Kryptoglow), exhibited strong fluorescence. Therefore they were tested for laser action under flash-lamp pumping. These two dyes outperformed Coumarin 540A and exhibited a high degree of photostability when dissolved in 1,4-dioxane. However, in all other solvents used, considerable photodecomposition was observed.
Gradient instability for w<−1

Abstract We show that in single scalar field models of the dark energy with equations of state satisfying w ≡ p / ρ − 1 , the effective Lagrangian for fluctuations about the homogeneous background has a wrong sign spatial kinetic term. In most cases, spatial gradients are ruled out by microwave background observations. The sign of w + 1 is not connected to the sign of the time derivative kinetic term in the effective Lagrangian.
Plasma Phospholipid Transfer Protein: ADENOVIRUS-MEDIATED OVEREXPRESSION IN MICE LEADS TO DECREASED PLASMA HIGH DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (HDL) AND ENHANCED HEPATIC UPTAKE OF PHOSPHOLIPIDS AND CHOLESTERYL ESTERS FROM HDL *

In vitro studies have shown that plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) converts isolated human high density lipoprotein-3 (HDL3) into larger HDL particles and generates lipid-poor apoA-I containing nascent HDL. To evaluate the role of PLTP in vivo we generated recombinant adenovirus vectors containing either human PLTP cDNA (rPLTP.AdV) or the reporter luciferase cDNA as a control. After intravenous infusion of 4 x 10(7) plaque-forming units (low dose) and 4 x 10(8) plaque-forming units (high dose) of rPLTP.AdV into mice, PLTP activity in plasma increased from base-line levels of 8.4 +/- 0.2 to 108 +/- 17 and from 8.9 +/- 0.6 to 352 +/- 31 micromol/ml/h, respectively, on day 4 (both p < 0.001). Thus, both low and high doses of rPLTP.AdV led to pronounced overexpression of human PLTP in mice. On day 4 after treatment, mice treated with low and high doses of rPLTP.AdV showed decreased HDL cholesterol (-54% and -91%) and apoA-I (-64% and -98%) (all p < 0.05). Kinetic studies revealed that the fractional catabolic rates of HDL labeled with [3H]phosphatidylcholine, [14C]phosphatidylcholine ether, [3H]cholesteryl ether, and 125I-labeled mouse apoA-I were increased by 8.5-, 8.7-, 3.8-, and 2.8-fold, respectively, in mice treated with low dose rPLTP.AdV (all p < 0.001). After injection of labeled HDL, mice treated with rPLTP.AdV showed an increased accumulation of labeled PC ether (+304%) and cholesteryl ether (+92%) in the liver (both p < 0.05). Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of plasma 5 min after injection of HDL labeled with 125I-apoA-I demonstrated increased levels of newly generated pre-beta-HDL in mice overexpressing PLTP. In conclusion, HDL remodeling mediated by PLTP generates nascent, lipid-poor apoA-I in vivo and accelerates the hepatic uptake of HDL surface and core lipids in mice treated with rPLTP.AdV. Accelerated catabolism of HDL in mice overexpressing PLTP leads to low HDL levels. Our data indicate an important role for PLTP in modulating reverse cholesterol transport in vivo.
Description and Life History of Acarophenax mahunkai, n. sp. (Acari, Tarsonemina: Acarophenacidae), an Egg Parasite of the Lesser Mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

A new species of mite, Acarophenax mahunkai Steinkraus & Cross, n. sp., was discovered parasitizing eggs of the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), a serious cosmopolitan poultry pest. Acarophenax mahunkai is an obligate, apparently host-specific parasitoid that kills the egg upon which it feeds. Therefore, it may help control the lesser mealworm. The systematics and biology of A. mahunkai are presented here. In the laboratory, 51.0% of lesser mealworm egg masses were parasitized by one or more female mites. Male mites were not parasitic and had poor locomotory abilities. Significantly fewer lesser mealworm eggs hatched (23.9% egg hatch) in parasitized egg masses than in unparasitized egg masses (72.7%). Mite sex ratios were highly skewed, with means of 27.2 ± 3.9 female and 1.7 ± 0.2 male offspring produced per gravid mite. Physogastric female mites parasitizing lesser mealworm eggs gave birth to fertile adult females. The developmental time of the mites (3–5 d) was faster than that of lesser mealworm eggs (5–7 d).
SU-FF-I-118: Assessment of the Spatial Resolution of Digital Imaging Systems Using a Star Pattern

Purpose: To demonstrate a method of measuring the modulation transfer function(MTF) of digital imaging systems using the common star pattern test tool. The goal of this research is to develop a technique that brings precise and objective evaluation of spatial resolution to routine quality control in radiography and fluoroscopy.Method and Materials:Images of a 2‐degree star pattern were obtained on a variety of digital radiographicimaging systems, spanning a range of spatial resolution performance levels. One‐dimensional profiles from concentric circles around the center of the star were obtained from each star image. The circular profiles were unwrapped to produce a series of square waves, which were analyzed to produce the square wave response function (SWRF). Droege's method was used to compute the MTF from the SWRF. The MTF determined using the star pattern method was compared to published and quality control measurements of the MTF for several digital mammography and digital radiography systems. In implementing this method, important parameters that must be considered include the radial and angular sampling rates, the method for determining the zero‐frequency normalization and correction for beam nonuniformity. Results: The MTF computed from star pattern profile measurements closely matched the MTF obtained using other methods over the range of spatial frequencies between the Nyquist frequency and 1/3 of the Nyquist frequency. The star pattern MTF, which is a system measurement and includes the effects of detector and geometric unsharpness, was within 6–8% of reference values obtained from the scientific literature for two models digital mammography equipment. Conclusion:Images of a 2‐degree star pattern can produce estimates of the two‐dimensional system MTF. This method may offer a convenient means of assessing the spatial resolution of digital imaging systems for acceptance testing and quality control.
The free precession of slowly rotating neutron stars rigid-body motion in general relativity

On montre que dans les limites d'une rotation lente, la gravite en relativite generale ne produit aucun changement quelconque dans les equations de Euler classique du mouvement d'un corps rigide
Objective diagnosis of otitis media in early infancy by tympanometry and ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds

Otitis media in early infancy carries a high risk of recurrent otitis media and prolonged middle ear effusion. To fultill the need for objective diagnostic methods in this age group, we investigated susceptance tympanograms and ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds in infants younger than 5 months of age. Tympanometry and acoustic reflex thresholds were performed with an otoadmittance meter using a 660 Hz probe tone. Tympanograms were interpreted using quantitative measures. These findings were compared with independent otoscopic diagnoses in 67 ears with middle ear effusion and 69 ears that were effusion free. Diagnoses were confirmed by tympanocentesis when clinically indicated. There was excellent agreement among otoscopy, peak tympanogram susceptance, and ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds (kappa 0.82 to 0.86, agreement 91% to 93%). We conclude that susceptance tympanograms and ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds are accurate diagnostic tests for otitis media in infants younger than 5 months of age.
Internal Displacements and Effects of Manufacturing Errors in the Clemens Coupling

Displacements in the intermediate and output joints of a Clemens coupling constant-velocity universal joint are calculated using the Fischer-Paul dual-number version of the Uicker-Denavit-Hartenberg adaptation of the Newton-Raphson method. The character of the displacements in the intermediate joints is discussed and the deviation from constant-velocity performance induced by manufacturing-tolerance errors is examined.
Enzymatic therapeutic index of acyclovir : Viral versus human polymerase γ specificity

We have examined the kinetics of incorporation of acyclovir triphosphate by the herpes simplex virus-1 DNA polymerase holoenzyme (Pol-UL42) and the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase using transient kinetic methods. For each enzyme, we compared the kinetic parameters for acyclovir to those governing incorporation of dGTP. The favorable ground state dissociation constant (6 microM) and rate of polymerization (10 s(-1)) afford efficient incorporation of acyclovir triphosphate by the Pol-UL42 enzyme. A discrimination factor of approximately 50 favors dGTP over acyclovir triphosphate, mostly due to a faster maximum rate of dGTP incorporation. Once incorporated, acyclovir is removed with a half-life of approximately 1 h in the presence of a normal concentration of deoxynucleoside triphosphates, leading to a high toxicity index (16,000) toward viral replication. To assess the potential for toxicity toward the host we examined the incorporation and removal of acyclovir triphosphate by the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase. These results suggest moderate inhibition of mitochondrial DNA replication defining a toxicity index of 380. This value is much higher than the value of 1.5 determined for tenofovir, another acyclic nucleoside analog. The enzymatic therapeutic index is only 42 in favoring inhibition of the viral polymerase over polymerase gamma, whereas that for tenofovir is greater than 1,200. Mitochondrial toxicity is relatively low because acyclovir is activated only in infected cells by the promiscuous viral thymidine kinase and otherwise, mitochondrial toxicity would accumulate during long term treatment.
Pulmonary hypertension, sleep-disordered breathing, and beta blockers in heart failure patients

Heart failure patients with pulmonary hypertension have a worse prognosis than heart failure patients with normal pulmonary artery pressures. Heart failure is usually considered the cause of the pulmonary hypertension when the two conditions coincide. However, there is evidence that sleep-disordered breathing may be responsible for the pulmonary hypertension in these patients, and the worsened outcomes in heart failure patients with pulmonary hypertension may be due to sleep-disordered breathing. In addition, sleep-disordered breathing may provide an explanation for the beneficial effect of beta-adrenergic antagonists in heart failure patients.
Effects of cortisone and actinomycin-D upon pyrimidine nucleotide and RNA metabolism in rat liver.

Abstract The effects of cortisone and actinomycin-D on the incorporation in vivo of labeled orotic acid into acid-soluble nucleotides and RNA of rat liver were studied. It was found that more than half of the stimulatory effect of cortisone on isotope incorporation into RNA was a reflection of an increased specific radioactivity of the nucleotide precursors in the acid-soluble pool. The specific activity of the acid-soluble uridine nucleotides remained a constant fraction of the elevated total acid-soluble radioactivity after cortisone treatment suggesting that the hormone may have accelerated orotate transport into the liver. Analogously, but the opposite direction, the major portion of the actinomycin-D inhibition of orotate- 3 H incorporation into RNA was due to an actinomycin-D-mediated diminution in the specific activity of the acid-soluble pyrimidine nucleotide pool. Pretreatment of animals with actinomycin-D resulted in complete elimination of the cortisone enhancement of radioactive precursor incorporation into RNA, whereas the hormonally enhanced incorporation of 3 H-orotate into the acid-soluble fraction of liver was not inhibited suggesting that this latter consequence of hormone action was not dependent on transcriptional processes. Actinomycin-D, at levels that inhibit hormonal enzyme induction, did not markedly modify the hepatic uptake or subcellular distribution of 3 H-cortisone.
Concomitant lymphoma and metastatic carcinoma in a lymph node: Diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration biopsy in two cases

Concomitant lymphoma and metastatic carcinoma are an unusual occurrence in a lymph node. We report two patients in whom synchronous malignancies were diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). In one case, the FNAB diagnoses of both small lymphocytic lymphoma and metastatic breast carcinoma were the initial diagnoses. In the second case, metastatic poorly differentiated squamous carcinoma was an unexpected finding in a patient with a history of small lymphocytic lymphoma. The aspirates in both cases showed two distinct cell populations, one consisting of a dispersed population of small uniform lymphoid cells and the other comprising large atypical single cells and cohesive clusters of epithelial cells. In both cases, the cytologic diagnoses were supported by immunohistochemical and flow cytometric studies.
Seismic Response and Fragility of Deteriorated Reinforced Concrete Bridges

One of the greatest challenges in the United States today is overcoming the deterioration of an aging infrastructure system. In particular, the highway/bridge infrastructure system has traditionally been neglected of maintenance and repair. One of the most concerning degrading mechanisms in the bridge infrastructure is corrosion, and it is compounded by the fact that much of the older infrastructure is not consistent with current seismic code requirements. The research presented here determines the effects of corrosion on the seismic response of a typical reinforced concrete bridge designed according to recent standards, predominantly governed by flexural deformations, and based on realistic lifetime deteriorations in strength due to the reduction in cross-sectional area of the reinforcement and in stiffness due to concrete cover spalling. The findings of the research, given the noted modeling assumptions, are that the losses in strength and stiffness only marginally influence the seismic fragility of the selected bridge.
Advances in submacular surgery.

In the past several years, we have witnessed a surge of interest in submacular surgery. As the literature on evacuation of subretinal hemor­ rhage and excision of choroidal neovascular membranes continues to grow, an increasing number of retinal surgeons are considering whether to offer such procedures to their pa­ tients. This consideration is tempered by the reality that there are still more questions than answers regarding submacular surgical proce­ dures.
Comparison of individual and group contingencies in two special classes

Individual and group contingencies in controlling undesirable behaviors in two special classrooms were compared. An undesirable behavior was tabulated whenever a student disturbed a classmate or left his seat without permission. During group contingencies (GC), the numbers 25, 24,…, 0 were listed on the blackboard. Following each undesirable behavior, by any class member, the teacher crossed off the highest remaining number on the board. After each session, all students received the number of tokens which corresponded to the highest remaining number. During individual contingencies (IC), the teacher wrote each child's name of the board, with the numbers 25, 24,…, 0 below each name. Following an undesirable act, the teacher crossed off the highest number under the responsible child's name. After each session, every student received the number of tokens corresponding to the highest remaining number under his name. Tokens were exchangeable for a variety of reinforcements. Experimental conditions for Class I were: Baseline, IC, Baseline2, GC, and Baseline3. Class II received IC and GC in the opposite order. It was found that IC and GC were equally effective in controlling misbehavior. GC, the more convenient system, also produced more nontarget behavior incompatible with academic progress.
Roentgen treatment of severe asthma

Abstract Twenty-three patients were treated, their average age being forty-six years. The average duration of the asthma was seven years, and the average duration of the severe asthma was one and a half years. In five of 23 patients, 21.8 per cent (Cases 1, 2, 8, 10, and 15), marked and satisfactory relief lasting many months was obtained. In eight other patients, 35.0 per cent (Cases 6, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21, and 22), from 50 to 75 per cent relief lasting from three weeks to as long as two months was secured. The remaining 10 cases, 43.5 per cent, are classed as failures since less than 25 per cent relief was obtained or, as in two cases (7 and 11), while more relief was obtained, it was of very short duration. Roentgen therapy in some cases seems to be of definite benefit in interrupting the cycle of attacks, and the usual methods of treatment again become effective. In those obtaining relief the usual allergic factors must still be considered. Although the percentage of failures is high, it should be remembered that in this group roentgen therapy was used only when other measures had failed to relieve symptoms. We believe that our results with roentgen therapy in patients suffering with severe asthma warrant its consideration in the symptomatic treatment of such patients.
The anatomy of decision support during inpatient care provider order entry (CPOE): empirical observations from a decade of CPOE experience at Vanderbilt

The authors describe a pragmatic approach to the introduction of clinical decision support at the point of care, based on a decade of experience in developing and evolving Vanderbilt's inpatient "WizOrder" care provider order entry (CPOE) system. The inpatient care setting provides a unique opportunity to interject CPOE-based decision support features that restructure clinical workflows, deliver focused relevant educational materials, and influence how care is delivered to patients. From their empirical observations, the authors have developed a generic model for decision support within inpatient CPOE systems. They believe that the model's utility extends beyond Vanderbilt, because it is based on characteristics of end-user workflows and on decision support considerations that are common to a variety of inpatient settings and CPOE systems. The specific approach to implementing a given clinical decision support feature within a CPOE system should involve evaluation along three axes: what type of intervention to create (for which the authors describe 4 general categories); when to introduce the intervention into the user's workflow (for which the authors present 7 categories), and how disruptive, during use of the system, the intervention might be to end-users' workflows (for which the authors describe 6 categories). Framing decision support in this manner may help both developers and clinical end-users plan future alterations to their systems when needs for new decision support features arise.
Hypotension and Reduced Catecholamines in Neuropeptide Y Transgenic Rats

The neurons that control blood pressure express neuropeptide Y. Administered centrally, this neuropeptide reduces blood pressure and anxiety, together with lowering sympathetic outflow. The generation of neuropeptide Y transgenic rats overexpressing this peptide, under its natural promoter, has allowed us to examine the role of endogenous neuropeptide Y in the long-term control of blood pressure by the sympathetic nervous system. This study tested a hypothesis that endogenous neuropeptide Y acts to reduce blood pressure and catecholamine release. Blood pressure was measured by radiotelemetry in conscious male transgenic and nontransgenic littermates (control). Novel cage with cold water and forced swimming were used as stressors. Catecholamines were determined in 24-hour urine (baseline) and plasma (cold water stress) by a radioenzymatic assay. Blood pressures in baseline and during the stresses were significantly reduced in the transgenic rats. The lower blood pressure was associated with reduced catecholamines, lower decrease in pressure after autonomic ganglionic blockade, and increased longevity. Data obtained through the use of this transgenic rat model support and extend the evidence for the previously postulated sympatholytic and hypotensive effects of neuropeptide Y and provide novel evidence for an important physiological role of endogenous peptide in blood pressure regulation. As indicated by the increased longevity of these rats, in long-term regulation, these buffering actions of neuropeptide Y may have important cardiovascular protective effects against sympathetic hyperexcitation.
Evolution of gene expression and expression plasticity in long‐term experimental populations of Drosophila melanogaster maintained under constant and variable ethanol stress

Gene expression responds to the environment and can also evolve rapidly in response to altered selection regimes. Little is known, however, about the extent to which evolutionary adaptation to a particular type of stress involves changes in the within-generation ('plastic') responses of gene expression to the stress. We used microarrays to quantify gene expression plasticity in response to ethanol in laboratory populations of Drosophila melanogaster differing in their history of ethanol exposure. Two populations ('R' populations) were maintained on regular medium, two ('E') were maintained on medium supplemented with ethanol, and two ('M') were maintained in a mixed regime in which half of the population was reared on one medium type, and half on the other, each generation. After more than 300 generations, embryos from each population were collected and exposed to either ethanol or water as a control, and RNA was extracted from the larvae shortly after hatching. Nearly 2000 transcripts showed significant within-generation responses to ethanol exposure. Evolutionary history also affected gene expression: the E and M populations were largely indistinguishable in expression, but differed significantly in expression from the R populations for over 100 transcripts, the majority of which did not show plastic responses. Notably, in no case was the interaction between selection regime and ethanol exposure significant after controlling for multiple comparisons, indicating that adaptation to ethanol in the E and M populations did not involve substantial changes in gene expression plasticity. The results give evidence that expression plasticity evolves considerably more slowly than mean expression.
A Reconfigurable Load Balancing Architecture for Molecular Dynamics

This paper proposes a novel architecture supporting dynamic load balancing on an FPGA for a molecular dynamics algorithm. Load balancing is primarily achieved through the use of specialized processing units, referred to as FLEX units. FLEX units are able to switch between tasks required by a molecular dynamics algorithm as often as needed in order to cater to the nature of the input parameters. This architecture is capable of run-time performance analysis and dynamic resource allocation in order to maximize throughput. Results of a prototype of the architecture targeting an FPGA are presented.
The adrenocortical response to insulin coma. I. Effects of an entire course of insulin coma therapy on the urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-ketosteroids and on circulating eosinophils.

Adrenocortical function was measured before, during, and after a complete course of insulin coma therapy in a paranoid schizophrenic patient. During the weekdays on which insulin coma therapy was administered, a moderate increase in urinary corticostcroid excretion was consistently observed. On Saturdays and Sundays, when insulin was not given, urinary corticosteroid levels decreased. The 17-ketosteroid excretion did not parallel the corticosteroid excretion. Insulin coma therapy did not alter adrcnocortical responsiveness to intravenous ACTH. Following the completion of insulin coma therapy, both urinary corticosteroid and 17-ketosteroid excretions remained at lower levels than during the pre-insulin control period. This observation suggests that basal adrenocortical function may be depressed by a course of insulin coma therapy.
The moral magic of consent

We regularly wield powers that, upon close scrutiny, appear remarkably magical. By sheer exercise of will, we bring into existence things that have never existed before. With but a nod, we effect the disappearance of things that have long served as barriers to the actions of others. And, by mere resolve, we generate things that pose significant obstacles to others' exercise of liberty. What is the nature of these things that we create and destroy by our mere decision to do so? The answer: the rights and obligations of others. And by what seemingly magical means do we alter these rights and obligations? By making promises and issuing or revoking consent When we make promises, we generate obligations for ourselves, and when we give consent, we create rights for others. Since the rights and obligations that are affected by means of promising and consenting largely define the boundaries of permissible action, our exercise of these seemingly magical powers can significantly affect the lives and liberties of others.
Atherosclerotic aneurysm formation in a lower extremity saphenous vein graft

Saphenous vein is the most widely used conduit for arterial bypass procedures and aneurysms of the vein graft are rare. We report a true aneurysm of a reversed femoropopliteal saphenous vein graft implanted nine years earlier. Duplex ultrasonography identified an aneurysm of the saphenous vein graft and arteriography confirmed this finding. A consideration for endovascular coiling of the aneurysm was entertained, but no proximal "neck" on the aneurysm was present. The patient, therefore, underwent an uneventful resection of the aneurysm with end-to-end anastomosis. Histopathologic examination of the aneurysm demonstrated atherosclerotic degeneration with endothelial disruption, medial necrosis, and fibrous proliferation. The cause of a saphenous vein graft aneurysm is rare and unknown. The management of vein graft aneurysms, however, should be subject to the same criteria that apply to other aneurysms because once vein graft dilation occurs, it is followed by a rapid increase in size, which may lead to possible rupture.