cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural study of the naupliar eye of the ostracodeVargula graminicola (Crustacea, Ostracoda)

Ostracodes, like other crustaceans, have a simple naupliar eye that is built upon a theme of three eye cups surrounded by a layer of screening pigments. The single naupliar eye of the ostracodeVargula graminicola is situated medially on the dorsal-anterior side of the body and has three fused eye cups, two dorso-lateral and one ventral. Each eye cup has the following components: (1) pigment cells between the eye cups, (2) tapetal cells, (3) retinular cells with (4) microvillar rhabdomeres, and (5) axons extending into the protocerebrum. Typically two retinular cells contribute lateral microvilli to each rhabdom. The two dorso-lateral eye cups have about 40 retinular cells (20 rhabdoms) and the ventral eye cup has about 30 retinular cells (15 rhabdoms). Typical of myodocopid naupliar eyes (as reported from light microscopic studies), no lens cells or cuticular lenses were observed. The presence of tapetal cells identifies theVargula eye as a maxillopod-ostracode type crustacean naupliar eye. It is unlikely that the naupliar eye ofV. graminicola functions in image formation, rather it probably functions in the mediation of simple taxis towards and away from light.
Emergency department observation of heart failure is safe and cost-effective

Supported by a grant from the Emergency Medicine Foundation. Study objectives: We determine whether emergency department (ED)–based observation unit treatment of patients with heart failure can reduce inpatient admissions, hospital bed-hours, and costs without adversely affecting outcomes. Methods: Two groups of risk-matched patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure were compared: (1) patients admitted before the availability of our observation unit; and (2) patients admitted to the observation unit after it was opened. Patients were enrolled if they satisfied Framingham criteria modified to include variables available in the ED. Patients believed to be at high risk or with new-onset heart failure were excluded. Outcomes were readmissions or repeated ED visits for heart failure and death. We compared crude estimates of bed-hours and charges between the groups. Results: Sixty-four patients were enrolled, 36 admitted patients and 28 observation unit patients. Use of the observation unit avoided admission in more than 78.6% of cases; 22 observation unit patients who would have been admitted in the absence of an observation unit were not. No patients died within 30 days; 10 were readmitted. There was no difference in event rates between admitted patients (6 events, 16.7%) and observation unit patients (4 events, 14.3%; difference 2.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −16.9 to 19.9). Time from triage to discharge was significantly shorter for observation unit patients (median 25.7 hours, range 9.5 to 108.6) compared with admitted patients (median 58.5 hours, range 11.5 to 173.0); the mean number of bed-hours saved through observation unit use was 43.2 hours (95% CI 26 to 60.4 hours). Total charges were lower for observation unit patients (median $4,203, range $2,518 to $17,485) compared with admitted patients (median $7,824, range $3,730 to $34,604). The mean cost difference was $3,753 (95% CI $830 to $6,676), with the great majority of this difference accounted for by inpatient charges. Conclusion: This pilot trial suggests that our subset of admitted heart failure patients may be safely and cost-effectively treated in an ED-based observation unit.
Genetic manipulation of reovirus--a model for modification of disease.

VIRAL agents are usually thought of as infectious units that cause acute illness. Recently, however, it has become clear that certain types of viruses are associated with delayed and persistent illness. This relation is best documented for a variety of progressive Central-nervous-system illnesses, including Kuru,1 Creutzfeld–Jakob disease,2 subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)3 and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.4 In all these conditions a viral etiology has Abbreviations Used dsRNA: double-stranded RNA mRNA: messenger RNA PFU: plaque-forming unit SSPE: subacute sclerosing panencephalitis ssRNA: single-stranded RNA been strongly indicated. Of particular interest is the isolation of a measles-like virus from the brains of patients with . . .
Suppression of Hepatic Glucose Production by Human Neutrophil α-Defensins through a Signaling Pathway Distinct from Insulin

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that human neutrophil α-defensins (HNPs) inhibit hepatic glucose production through a signaling pathway distinct from insulin. The effect of HNP-1 on fasting blood glucose levels and the expression of hepatic gluconeogenic genes was first examined. Using hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, we determined the effect of HNP-1 on endogenous glucose production, hepatic expression of key gluconeogenic genes and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. In isolated primary hepatocytes, we studied the effect of HNP-1 and -2 on glucose production, expression of gluconeogenic genes, and phosphorylation of Akt, c-Src, and FoxO1. Our results show that HNP-1 reduced blood glucose levels of both normal mice and Zucker diabetic fatty rats predominantly through suppression of hepatic glucose production. HNPs inhibited glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in isolated hepatocytes. HNPs also suppressed expression of key gluconeogenic genes including phosphoenoylpyruvate carboxyl kinase and glucose-6-phosphatase. To investigate the mechanism, we found that HNPs stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and FoxO1 without activating IRS1. Nevertheless, HNPs activated c-Src. Blockade of c-Src activity with either a chemical inhibitor PP2 or an alternative inhibitor CSK prevented the inhibitory effect of HNPs on gluconeogenesis. Together, our results support the hypothesis that HNPs can suppress hepatic glucose production through an intracellular mechanism distinct from the classical insulin signaling pathway.
Analytical bond-order potential for the Cd-Zn-Te ternary system

CdTe/CdSe core/shell structured quantum dots do not suffer from the defects typically seen in lattice-mismatched films and can therefore lead to improved solid-state lighting devices as compared to the multilayered structures (e.g., InxGa1–xN/GaN). To achieve these devices, however, the quantum dots must be optimized with respect to the structural details at an atomistic level. Molecular dynamics simulations are effective for exploring nano structures at a resolution unattainable by experimental techniques. To enable accurate molecular dynamics simulations of CdTe/CdSe core/shell structures, we have developed a full Cd–Te–Se ternary bond-order potential based on the analytical formalisms derived from quantum mechanical theories by Pettifor et al. A variety of elemental and compound configurations (with coordination varying from 1 to 12) including small clusters, bulk lattices, defects, and surfaces are explicitly considered during potential parametrization. More importantly, enormous iterations are perfor...
Hydrogen atom abstraction by radical cations. The reactions of 9-substituted acridine radical cations with cyclohexa-1,4-diene

9-Substituted acridine radical cations undergo facile hydrogen atom abstraction reactions with cyclohexa-1,4-diene in dichloromethane–Bu4NPF6 (0.2 M). The kinetics of the reaction were studied by derivative cyclic voltammetry and observed to conform to the EC mechanism (charge transfer followed by irreversible first-order reaction). The products of the reactions are the protonated acridine substrate and dimer–substrate adducts of cyclohexa-1,4-diene. A comparison is made between the reactions of 9-phenylacridine and 9-phenylanthracene radical cations. The former undergoes rapid hydrogen atom abstractions, while the latter slowly dimerizes in the absence of nucleophiles. It is suggested that localization of the odd electron in a p-orbital on nitrogen imparts the hydrogen abstraction activity of the radical cation. Since there are no free p-orbitals on the carbon atoms of the aromatic rings in arene radical cations the hydrogen atom abstraction reaction pathway is not observed.
MULTICOMPONENT NON-ISOTHERMAL ADSORPTION DYNAMICS

The present state of the theoretical basis of adsorption dynamics of multicomponent mixture with account for thermal effects accompanying adsorption is presented. Theoretical models for the non-isothermal kinetics and dynamics of adsorption in multicomponent mixtures are analyzed. A classification of these models is given, and model equations accounting for all major qualitative physicochemical features of heat and mass transfer through interfaces and in the intergranular space of porous media are presented. The following topics are considered: (1) Considerable role of thermal effects in the adsorption and desorption processes; (2) Considerable interaction of mixture components due to the non-linear nature of the adsorption isotherms of the mixture; (3) Considerable dependence of heat and mass transfer coefficients on concentration of mixture component and temperature; (4) Considerable effect of the mutual diffusion of the mixture component; (5) The role of the thermal diffusion effect (the Soret effect) and the diffusion-thermal effect (the Dufour effect) on heat and mass transfer when local concentration and temperature gradient inside the porous grains of the adsorbents are significant. The effect of slow heat and mass kinetics on the nature of distribution of concentration and temperature in the adsorber is considered. The qualitative differences between the equilibrium theory and non-equilibrium theory of multicomponent non-isothermal adsorption dynamics are shown. The coherent (steady) and incoherent (transient) patterns of concentration and thermal waves in the adsorber are analysed. The conditions of existence of the frontal patterns of mixture separation are found, and simple formulae estimating major parameters of frontal behavior in adsorption separation of mixture, which take into account of all basic qualitative features of interphase heat and mass transfer outlined in items (1) trough (5) above, are given
Gallbladder Dyskinesia: Fact or Fiction?

Gallbladder dyskinesia is a functional (motility) disorder of the gallbladder resulting in episodic abdominal pain that, in carefully selected cases, resolves with cholecystectomy. It is a diagnosis of exclusion: several functional and organic disorders have to be excluded, and confounding factors addressed, before a diagnosis of gallbladder dyskinesia can be entertained. The combination of high clinical suspicion and an abnormally low gallbladder ejection fraction on cholecystokinin stimulated-cholescintigraphy predict benefit from removing the gallbladder.
Progress in periodic poling of ferroelectrics: real-time visualization of domain formation in periodically poled lithium niobate

We present digital photograph images demonstrating real-time visualization of domain formation in periodically-poled lithium niobate (PPLN). This in-situ, non-destructive technique provides important visual information concerning the global quality and dynamics of domain patterning during the fabrication of PPLN.
A prospective, randomized clinical trial to compare the effect of hyperbaric to normobaric hyperoxia on cerebral metabolism, intracranial pressure, and oxygen toxicity in severe traumatic brain injury.

Object Oxygen delivered in supraphysiological amounts is currently under investigation as a therapy for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Hyperoxia can be delivered to the brain under normobaric as well as hyperbaric conditions. In this study the authors directly compare hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) and normobaric hyperoxia (NBH) treatment effects. Methods Sixty-nine patients who had sustained severe TBIs (mean Glasgow Coma Scale Score 5.8) were prospectively randomized to 1 of 3 groups within 24 hours of injury: 1) HBO2, 60 minutes of HBO2 at 1.5 ATA; 2) NBH, 3 hours of 100% fraction of inspired oxygen at 1 ATA; and 3) control, standard care. Treatments occurred once every 24 hours for 3 consecutive days. Brain tissue PO2, microdialysis, and intracranial pressure were continuously monitored. Cerebral blood flow (CBF), arteriovenous differences in oxygen, cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), CSF lactate and F2-isoprostane concentrations, and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid interleukin (IL)–8 an...
High resolution geophysical investigations for sedimentological and hydrological environments of Gulf Coast barrier islands

Barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico are affected by hurricanes, oil spills, and changing sedimentation patterns. Barrier island environments influence effective remediation of contamination, future development, and environmental management. Barrierisland unconfined aquifer systems are susceptible to storm flooding, changes in sea level, coastal erosion, and contamination events. These aquifers supply water for those living on the islands and wildlife. Barrier islands are vulnerable to pollution by anthropogenic incidents (e.g., the Deep Water Horizon event, barge spills in the Intercoastal Waterway, and pipeline ruptures) and natural events (e.g., changing salinities in the landward lagoons caused precipitation, evaporation, and river discharge). Barrier islands respond by: 1) changing erosional and depositional patterns; 2) damage/destruction from increased storm vulnerability; 3) salt-water intrusion; and 4) drowning of wetlands. The extent, magnitude, and response rate depend upon and create heterogeneity in hydraulic conductivity and porosity the internal architecture of the aquifer systems. Barrier island stratigraphy varies rapidly in both cross island and beach parallel directions. The Gulf coast islands are only a few thousand years old with only 10 20 m thickness above the Pleistocene Beaumont Formation. Both the Holocene and Pleistocene hydrostratigraphy need to be defined. The 3-D geometry of barrier island depositional systems and their property impacts the, understanding of sea-level change and pollution events. Most current models neglect heterogeneity by assuming over-simplified parameter distributions that cannot capture the dynamics of aquifer flow and solute transport.
Treatment of Experimentally Induced Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Diarrhea with Trimethoprim, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, or Placebo

In a double-blind study of the treatment of disease caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), diarrhea was induced in volunteers with a trimethoprim (TMP)- and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ)-susceptible strain of E. coli that produces both heat-stable and heat-labile toxin. Ill volunteers were then treated with TMP, TMPSMZ, or placebo. Volunteers treated with both TMP alone and the TMP-SMZ combination showed a substantial decrease in the duration and severity of the illness, as compared with the placebo-treated controls. TMP-resistant (MIC, 3.1-12.5 ig/ml) ETEC were isolated from stool cultures of five of 10 TMP-treated volunteers and none of 10 TMP-SMZ-treated volunteers after 48 hr of therapy, and in two volunteers the appearance of resistant organisms was associated with a clinical relapse. These data suggest that the TMP-SMZ combination should be evaluated in field trials to determine its usefulness as an adjunct to replacement of fluid and electrolytes in the therapy of ETEC diarrhea.
Accuracy of urea removal estimated by kinetic models

Accuracy of urea removal estimated by kinetic models. The most accurate method for assessing the dialysis dose delivered during high efficiency/flux hemodialysis has not been established. Most current indices of dialysis dose are based on blood-side urea measurements, and thus estimate urea removal. Unfortunately, these methods may lead to inappropriately short dialysis during high flux or high efficiency dialysis, perhaps because of inaccuracies in estimating the amount of urea removal. It is unknown whether these clearance-based approaches can accurately predict either absolute or fractional net urea removal, the latter being equivalent to the solute removal index (SRI). Therefore, we compared the urea removal calculated by five blood-side kinetic methods: (1) urea reduction ration, (2) 1-pool, (3) 2-pool models, and the (4) Smye and (5) Daugirdas formulae. These were compared with the gold standard measurement by direct dialysate quantification. Eight stable patients receiving high-flux hemodialysis were studied over four sessions each. BUN was measured at 0, 45 minutes, 90 minutes, end dialysis, one hour after dialysis (equilibrium value), and 48 hours later. Total body water was determined from the dialysate urea removal; the urea generation rate was calculated using one hour post-dialysis and 48-hour BUN values. Both the total body water and urea generation rate were provided to the 1- and 2-pool models to optimize accuracy. The urea reduction ratio overestimated SRI. The 1-pool model overestimated both absolute urea removal and SRI in 28 of 32 sessions. The 2-pool model slightly underestimated both absolute urea removal and SRI. In contrast, the Smye and Daugirdas formulas accurately estimated SRI. We conclude that: (1) The 1-pool model consistently overestimates urea removal, which leads to inappropriately short dialysis times. (2) The 2-pool model, provided with an accurate TBW, slightly underestimates urea removal. (3) The Smye and Daugirdas methods accurately predict SRI and are sufficiently accurate to quantify dialysis dose and adequacy. Because the Smye and Daugirdas methods are operationally and mathematically simpler than 1- or 2-pool kinetic modeling, we propose that they be tested in a randomized controlled trial of dialysis adequacy during high efficiency or high flux hemodialysis.
Towards ultrahigh sensitivity analysis of 41Ca

An atom trap trace analysis system based on the technique of laser manipulation of neutral atoms is being developed to count individual 41Ca atoms present in natural samples with an isotopic abundance of 10−15. Trapping of all stable calcium isotopes has been demonstrated and single-atom counting has been realized. For the most abundant isotope, 40Ca (97% isotopic abundance), a magneto-optical trap loading rate of 2×1010 atoms/s has been reached at the overall capture efficiency of 1×10−4. System improvements could increase the efficiency by at least an order of magnitude.
A survey of online e-banking retail initiatives

Customer demand is forcing banks to provide their services online. There are two successful paths they can take: to grow, or to specialize in providing localized services and information.
A Hicksian Model of Labour Turnover and Local Wage Determination

Employers have a variety of reasons for attempting to stabilize turnover in their labour force. For example, specific skill requirements, the added costs of training inherent in hiring new workers, and the absolute demand for labour may stimulate firms to minimize labour turnover. One way of reducing turnover is for the individual firm to raise its wage rates. However, depending upon the relative tightness of the local labour market (reflected in the rates of hiring and unemployment), this could result in widespread wage competition amongst employers and general increases in the aggregate local wage rate. The significance of quits, hires, and unemployment are explored, in an attempt to explain differential urban wage inflation in the United States. Emphasis is placed on Hicks's model of labour turnover which emphasizes the firm's management of its labour needs. This model is analysed in a time-series framework over the period 1970–1979; a decade of rapid inflation and general stagnation in the United States.
Effect of Ring-Size Variation within Dibenzocrown Ether Resins upon Ion-Pair Sorption of Alkali-Metal Cations from Aqueous and Aqueous Methanol Solutions

Abstract A batch analysis method has been developed for evaluation of metal salt sorption by crown ether polymers. Selectivity in competitive alkali-metal chloride sorption by a series of formaldehyde condensation polymers of dibenzocrown ethers is influenced by the relationship between the crown ether cavity size and metal ion diameter, as well as the degree of hydration of the metal salt. Effective and selective sorption of KCl from the other alkali-metal chlorides was obtained with a dibenzo-18-crown-6 resin. Excellent sorption selectivity for the monovalent metal chlorides was noted for competitive ion-pair sorption of NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2 by this resin. This resin was examined as a stationary phase for selective column separation of KCl from alkali-metal chlorides and of KCl and NaCl from alkali-metal and alkaline-earth chloride mixtures in 80% methanol—20% water.
Natural Disruption of the Mouse Mast Cell Protease 7 Gene in the C57BL/6 Mouse

The C57BL/6 mouse differs from the BALB/c mouse in that its ear and skin mast cells and its progenitor bone marrow-derived mast cells (mBMMCs) do not express mouse mast cell protease (mMCP) 7. We now report that, as detected by nuclear run-on analysis, the mMCP-7 gene is transcribed in C57BL/6 mBMMCs at a rate comparable to that in BALB/c mBMMCs. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis and sequencing of the product revealed that the ears of C57BL/6 mice contain small amounts of a mMCP-7 transcript that possesses a 98-base pair deletion. The deletion begins at a normally quiescent cryptic splice site (G416TGAG), 98 base pairs upstream of the normal exon 2/intron 2 splice site (G514TGAG), and introduces a premature stop codon in the alternatively spliced transcript. Thus, even if translated, the mature protein would consist of only 18 amino acids as compared to 245 amino acids in normal mMCP-7. Sequence analysis of the mMCP-7 gene in the C57BL/6 mouse revealed that the cryptic splice site is activated due to a G514 → A point mutation at the first nucleotide of the normal exon 2/intron 2 splice site. This is the first report of a mutation of a gene that encodes a mast cell secretory granule constituent that leads to its loss of expression. Moreover, the mMCP-7 gene is the first found in any species that sequentially has undergone a splice site mutation to cause retention of an intron and then a second splice site mutation to cause activation of a cryptic splice site.
The Cohen test does not predict outcome in achalasia after pneumatic dilation

The Cohen test has been recommended to evaluate the efficacy of pneumatic dilation of the lower esophageal sphincter in patients with achalasia. It consists of ingestion of 8 ounces of heavy barium. Upright radiographs are performed 5minutes later to determine the height of the barium column in the esophagus in relation to the diaphragm. A column less than 1cm above the diaphragm is a negative test indicating successful dilation and the high probability of dysphagia resolution. A positive Cohen test, a column exceeding 1cm, is said to correlate with persistent symptoms and need for redilation. We evaluated this in a prospective manner for a 6-year period. Twenty-eight patients underwent standard technique pneumatic dilation at our institution. Achalasia was confirmed in all patients by way of upper endoscopy and manometry. A Cohen test was performed in all patients. Post-dilation symptoms and weight were analyzed at follow-up 6 weeks after dilation. Contrary to the original report, relief of dysphagia after dilation was not related to the results of the Cohen test ( p =0.77). A positive Cohen test was inversely correlated with both symptom duration (0.037) and lower esophageal sphincter pressure before dilation ( p =0.005). Weight gain after dilation was unrelated to Cohen test results ( p =0.67). We conclude that the Cohen test is not an accurate predictor of symptom relief after dilation and do not recommend its use to determine the end point of therapy in patients with achalasia.
Critical Theory and Critical Sociology: The Second Synthesis*

The syntheses of consensus and conflict theory which were developed during the sixties served as a healthy corrective for traditional functional theory but did not exhaust theoretical debate. The identification of such syntheses with empirico-analytic tradition (and dominant control systems) calls forth a second (critical) synthesis which is not complementary, but competing. Despite the fact that both are parallel in many respects, the two theoretical syntheses are differentiated on a number of levels: value assumptions, emphases, epistemology and the implications each possesses regarding the nature of sociological activity. Conflicting interpretations drawn from the two competing paradigms promise to define the fundamental issues within sociological theory during the seventies.
History of ultrasound in cardiology.

n keeping with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), I was asked to write a brief article on the history of ultrasound in cardiology. This is meant to be a commentary on cardiac ultrasound in the United States. It will emphasize early development and include key events and contributions in the field and also will indicate how the events have led to the current state of the art. Obviously, it is impossible to mention all the important contributors to this dynamic and important field in diagnostic medicine, and my omission of any of the many individuals who have so contributed does not minimize their efforts and contributions. It was not a conscious effort on my part but a constraint of the limit on editorial space. I do hope that this commentary represents a fair historical account of where we have been and hope to go.
Reduced early life growth and survival in a fish in direct response to increased carbon dioxide

Adult fish seem relatively resilient to increased carbon dioxide levels, but how early-life-stage fish fare remains less clear. In a study, the estuarine fish Menidia beryllina experienced severely reduced survival and growth rates in its early life stages under levels of ocean acidification expected later this century. This suggests that ocean acidification may affect fish populations, because small changes in early-life survival can generate large fluctuations in adult-fish abundance.
Thymosin-α1 modulates dendritic cell differentiation from human CD14+ monocytes

Abstract Introduction. Thymosin-α1 (Tα1) has established immunomodulatory effects on T cells, NK cells, and macrophages. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Tα1 on DC differentiation, activation, and functional maturation. Methods. CD14-positive monocytes were purified from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by MACS separator. Cells were treated with GM-CSF and IL-4 in the absence or presence of Tα1 and cell-surface markers were monitored using FACS analysis. Functional endocytosis of DCs was analyzed by antigen-uptake of FITC-conjugated Dextran beads. Ability of antigen presentation of matured DCs (mDCs) was monitored using an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction assay (MLR) by [ 3 H]-thymidine incorporation. Finally, the release of Th1 and Th2 polarizing cytokines by allogeneic T cells was analyzed by Bioplex cytokine assay. Results. Tα1 up regulated the iDC surface expression of CD11c lo and CD11b lo by 2- and 30-fold, respectively. iDC surface costimulatory molecules CD40, CD83, and CD86 were also up-regulated about 10% by Tα1 treatment. There was about 10% of reduced antigen uptake ability by Tα1-treated iDCs. During TNF-α-induced maturation, levels of MHC class II lo and CD4 lo markers were up regulated by 3-fold in the presence of Tα1. Furthermore, Tα1-treated mDCs increased allogeneic CD3 + T cell proliferation by 2-fold as compared with non-Tα1-treated mDCs. However, there were no significant differences in Th1 or Th2 types of cytokines production by allogeneic T cells stimulated by either Tα1-treated or nontreated mDCs. Conclusions. Tα1 significantly enhances the differentiation and maturation of CD14 + monocytes derived iDCs. Furthermore, Tα1 decreases iDCs to endocytose foreign antigens and increases mDCs capacity for antigen presentation and stimulation of allogeneic T cell proliferation. These results suggest that Tα1 exerts its immunomodulatory effects on the immune system via direct interaction with DCs.
On-Board Image Compression for the RAE Lunar Mission

The requirements, design, implementation, and flight performance of an on-board image compression system for the lunar orbiting Radio Astronomy Explorer-2 (RAE-2) spacecraft are described. The image to be compressed is a panoramic camera view of the long radio astronomy antenna booms used for gravity-gradient stabilization of the spacecraft. A compression ratio of 32 to 1 is obtained by a combination of scan line skipping and adaptive run-length coding. The compressed imagery data are convolutionally encoded for error protection. This image compression system occupies about 1000 cm2 and consumes 0.4 W.
Empirical Study of Perceived Innovation Attributes and Innovative Adoption Intention: A Mediating Effect of Attitude

Innovation attributes are not only the most important characteristics of the innovative products, but also have the major impact on the adoption speed. In this study, attitude is taken as the mediating variable, and the innovation attributes of product are defined according to the innovation diffusion theory and technology acceptance model, and the integration model of innovation attributes cognition and adoption intention is built as well. An empirical study takes 3G mobile phones as an example, and the model is tested by using 313 valid samples from six domestic cities. Studies showed that the innovation adoption behaviors are different between the individual consumers and organizational consumers, which will offer new explanations to the research of the individual innovation behaviors.
Multiple Pathways of Recombination Induced by Double-Strand Breaks in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been the principal organism used in experiments to examine genetic recombination in eukaryotes. Studies over the past decade have shown that meiotic recombination and probably most mitotic recombination arise from the repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs). There are multiple pathways by which such DSBs can be repaired, including several homologous recombination pathways and still other nonhomologous mechanisms. Our understanding has also been greatly enriched by the characterization of many proteins involved in recombination and by insights that link aspects of DNA repair to chromosome replication. New molecular models of DSB-induced gene conversion are presented. This review encompasses these different aspects of DSB-induced recombination in Saccharomyces and attempts to relate genetic, molecular biological, and biochemical studies of the processes of DNA repair and recombination.
Hull Structures as a System: Supporting Lifecycle Analysis

As modular weapon systems allow cost-effective upgrades of a vessel’s war-fighting capability, the degradation of the difficult-to-upgrade structure of the vessel may soon become one of the key drivers of vessel retirement and lifecycle maintenance costing. Existing structural design approaches are reviewed, along with recent developments in this field. It is argued that recent research has produced a number of ad hoc metrics for structural design, such as producability; however, to truly address the needs of future ship design teams it is necessary to integrate several such metrics in a systems-engineering view to evaluate how the structural system contributes to the overall capabilities and costs of a proposed vessel. Potential architectures for this approach are discussed, along with key shortcomings. A comparative example is given for structural fatigue of a strength deck under global bending loading, comparing the traditional design approach with a systems-oriented view.
System control structure of the IBM eServer z900

As computer systems become more complex, the use of embedded controllers for initializing and maintaining system operation is becoming increasingly prevalent. In the IBM eServer z900, a new control approach was introduced. This paper discusses why its introduction was necessary and outlines its associated, key technological and economic innovations. In particular, the following topics are addressed: service subsystem topology, hardware elements for performing system control, hardware abstraction, object-oriented framework for control, and internetworking of system control microprocessors.
Case report: “Popcorn” dystrophic ileal calcification in a patient with Crohn's disease

Small bowel calcification is a rare finding, often associated with chronic infection or small intestinal neoplasms. The authors report a patient who developed dystrophic ileal calcification in the setting of medically refractory Crohn's disease. The patient had longstanding, obstructive ileal Crohn's disease, treated with corticosteroids for a 10-year period. Diffuse terminal ileal calcification was evident on radiographic studies, including plain films as well as abdominal CT scan. The patient underwent successful resection of the diseased segment of small bowel and has done well over the ensuing 3-year period. Dystrophic calcification is a rare complication of long-standing chronic inflammation in Crohn's disease that may occur in the absence of adenocarcinoma or chronic infection.
Epidermal Growth Factor (Egf) Concentrations in Amniotic Fluid and Maternal Urine During Pregnancy

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was measured in amniotic fluid and maternal urine from women undergoing amniocentesis for genetic studies (15-22 weeks' gestation, n = 36) and lung maturational studies (35-39 weeks' gestation, n = 20). Amniotic fluid EGF concentrations (mean +/- SD) were higher near term (87 +/- 71 pM) than mid-gestation (35 +/- 8 pM) (p less than 0.0001). Urinary EGF concentrations were higher near mid-gestation (53.9 +/- 30.8 micrograms EGF/g creatinine) than near term (33.4 +/- 14.1 micrograms EGF/g creatinine) (p less than 0.006). There was no correlation between individual amniotic fluid and urinary EGF concentrations. The amniotic fluid EGF concentrations correlated with gestational age. However, there was no relationship between EGF concentrations and pulmonary maturity studies or placental weight from the pregnancies studied near term. We conclude that the concentration of EGF in amniotic fluid increases towards term. The lack of correlation between amniotic fluid and maternal urinary EGF concentrations suggests that there probably is a different source of EGF in the two compartments and that EGF does not cross the placenta to any great extent.
Decision Making Preferences of Canadian Newspaper Reporters, Editors and Publishers: A Research Note

This n ote compares preference of publishers, editors and reporters toward reporter decision-making. Reporters p refer more participation than executives. Results are also compared with American studies.
LONG-RANGE MOVEMENTS AND BREEDING DISPERSAL OF PRAIRIE FALCONS FROM SOUTHWEST IDAHO

Abstract From 1999–2003, we tracked movements of adult female Prairie Falcons (Falco mexicanus) using satellite telemetry to characterize long-range movement patterns and breeding dispersal. We radio marked 40 falcons from April–May on their nesting grounds in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in southwest Idaho. All falcons with functioning transmitters left the Snake River Canyon from late June through mid-July. Most headed northeast across the Continental Divide to summering areas in Montana, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Dakotas. Prairie Falcons stayed at their northern summer areas for 1–4 months before heading to the southern Great Plains or to southwest Idaho. The Great Plains was a key migration pathway. Important wintering areas included the Texas Panhandle and southwest Idaho. Most falcons completed their seasonal migrations within 2 weeks. Use of widely separated nesting, summering, and wintering areas appears to be a strategy to exploit seasonally abundant prey resource...
The Taming of Reconcile as a Biomedical Coreference Resolver

To participate in the Protein Coreference section of the BioNLP 2011 Shared Task, we use Reconcile, a coreference resolution engine, by replacing some pre-processing components and adding a new mention detector. We got some improvement from training two separate classifiers for detecting anaphora and antecedent mentions. Our system yielded the highest score in the task, F-score 34.05% in partial mention, protein links, and system recall mode. We witnessed that specialized mention detection is crucial for coreference resolution in the biomedical domain.
Post-Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Safety-A Review

Post-Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Safety-A Review Nuclear power plant (NPP) supplies large scale electrical power at competitive price as a base load to electrical grids. However, safety has been major concern due to potential release of radioactive material from an accident. Though historically the nuclear industry has good safety record there have been three major accidents, Three Mile accident, Chernobyl accident and recent Fukushima accident. The article summarizes the reactor safety technology and briefly reviews these three major accidents along with key lessons learned. In the light of Fukushima accident both industry and regulators are reassessing safety of NPP and have taken measures to address new safety challenges raised from the recent accident.
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of a [NiII(TCNE)(NCMe)2-δ][BF4] Magnet (Tc = 40 K)

The reaction of (NBu 4 )(TCNE) (TCNE = tetracyanoethylene) and [Ni(NCMe) 6 ][BF 4 ] 2 in CH 2 Cl 2 forms layered [Ni(TCNE)(MeCN) 2-δ ]-[BF 4 ], a magnet (T c = 40 K) with a ferromagnetic interaction within Ni.μ 4 -[TCNE] ·- layers, and a new general route to the preparation of [M(TCNE)(NCMe)2][anion] magnets has been identified.
Inhibition by aminopyrine of adrenocortical activation caused by pyrogenic reaction.

SummaryIntravenous administration of typhoid vaccine to human subjects produced adrenocortical activation, as measured by increases in levels of circulating 17-OH-corti-costeroids. Suppression of the pyrogenic effect of the vaccine by aminopyrine prevented adrenocortical response, without blocking certain other systemic reactions.
The coupled nonlinear dynamic characteristics of contained fluids inzero gravity

An analytical assumed mode model of a coupled fluidlspacecraft system is used to investigate the nonlinear forced response characteristics of these types of systems in low gravity environments. A brief outline of the theoretical model and solution procedures is presented. The forced response characteristics of Silicon oil and water contained in cylindrical tanks on-board a spacecraft with a one planar degree-offreedom are calculated and compared for earth and space conditions. The results indicate that, although the forced response characteristics are different between earth and space, the difference is not as significant as previous studies predicted. The results also show that the analytical method is very dependent on the set of modes assumed.
Genetically enhanced lysozyme evades a pathogen derived inhibitory protein.

The accelerating spread of drug-resistant bacteria is creating demand for novel antibiotics. Bactericidal enzymes, such as human lysozyme (hLYZ), are interesting drug candidates due to their inherent catalytic nature and lack of susceptibility to the resistance mechanisms typically directed toward chemotherapeutics. However, natural antibacterial enzymes have their own limitations. For example, hLYZ is susceptible to pathogen derived inhibitory proteins, such as Escherichia coli Ivy. Here, we describe proof of concept studies demonstrating that hLYZ can be effectively redesigned to evade this potent lysozyme inhibitor. Large combinatorial libraries of hLYZ were analyzed using an innovative screening platform based on microbial coculture in hydrogel microdroplets. Isolated hLYZ variants were orders of magnitude less susceptible to E. coli Ivy yet retained high catalytic proficiency and inherent antibacterial activity. Interestingly, the engineered escape variants showed a disadvantageous increase in suscep...
Mast cell degranulation in fixed preparations.

SummaryThe present study indicates that significant morphological changes in mast cell size, shape, and granule size can occur following conventional fixation, and that these fixed cells are also particularly prone to damage by mechanical manipulations inherent in standard histological techniques. In all cases where mast cell degranulation has been described, these factors deserve serious consideration to differentiate fact from artifact.
[Relative lack of pharmacologic action of 3-methoxy analogue of norepinephrine].

ConclusionsNormetanephrine is inert as regards those aspects of central nervous system activity which have been studied in cats, and is a relatively weak pressor agent in the dog. An intravenous dose of 5 mg was inactive with regard to circulatory and psychological effects in man. Although a more detailed study of this compound should be done, the findings presented strongly suggest that O-methylation at the 3 position is an effective means of inactivating norepinephrine. It will be of interest to investigate the enzymatic mechanisms involved in this unusual methylation process and to attempt to alter it in vitro and in vivo.
Polyorchidism: an unusual case.

AbstractAn unusual case of bilateral testicular duplication is reported. Of the 4 testicles 3 had normal spermatogenesis.
Social Self-Control Is a Statistically Nonredundant Correlate of Adolescent Substance Use

The social self-control scale (SSCS), which taps provocative behavior in social situations, was compared with five potentially overlapping measures (i.e., temperament-related impulsivity, psychomotor agitation-related self-control, perceived social competence, and rash action in response to negative and positive affectively charged states) as correlates of tobacco use and other drug use among a sample of 3,356 ninth-grade youth in Southern California high schools. While there was a lot of shared variance among the measures, the SSCS was incrementally associated with both categories of drug use over and above alternate constructs previously implicated in adolescent drug use. Hence, SSC may relate to adolescent drug use through an etiological pathway unique from other risk constructs. Given that youth who tend to alienate others through provocative social behavior are at risk for multiple drug use, prevention programming to modify low SSC may be warranted.
Immunophenotypic and diagnostic characterization of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma by advanced flow cytometric technology

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) often shows systemic symptoms related to immune dysregulation and cytokine production. Biopsy usually harbors few malignant cells in an abundant reactive background, which can be diagnostically challenging in cases with small biopsies. This study was performed to assess the value of flow cytometry (FC) and to determine the immunophenotypic alterations in 155 samples from 38 patients with AITL. FC detected an aberrant T-cell population in 97 of 155 samples that represented 0.5-90% of lymphocytes. Blood was involved in 11 of 16 patients. The most frequent immunophenotypic aberrancies included loss of CD3; altered T-cell receptor expression and aberrant CD10 expression. Altered CD3 expression was more frequently seen in peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM), whereas aberrant CD10 expression was more common in lymph node (LN). AITL cells often exhibit abnormal CD4+ immunophenotype with diminished or absent CD3 and variable CD10 expression. Multiparameter FC is an effective tool for supporting the diagnosis of AITL in any fluid and various tissue specimens types.
Valuation and Application of Real Option in Information System Investment

Option theory is applied to enterprise informational investment.This paper investigates an enterprise's best investment timing under various investment cycles, and establishes a model of real option decision-making.It is demonstrated that the best timing of enterprise implementing investment occurs earlier with shorter enterprise's valuation period.
The Management Mechanism of Harvard on Teachers

Harvard is the most famous university of researching type in America. It ranks the highest and enjoys the reputation for a long time, which owes a great deal to its mechanism on paying great attention to its teachers and keeping them most outstanding in their own fields. This essay studies and discusses such a mechanism so that it can be of great reference to the management mechanism of teachers in China. 
The treatment of cancer pain in children.

The child with cancer may experience pain of several causes: pain caused directly by the malignancy, treatment-related pain, procedural pain, and pain from an unrelated medical condition. Cancer-related pain most often arises from invasion of bone or bone marrow; however, invasion of the nervous system or other soft tissues also may result in pain. When definitive anticancer treatment is ineffective or unavailable, the correct use of analgesic drugs forms the mainstay of treatment for pain. Other modalities, including anesthetic and neurosurgical interventions and noninvasive techniques, also may be helpful.
Single Vaginal Ectolpic Ureter: A Case Report

Abstract The seventh case of a female subject with a single, unilateral ectopic ureter draining to the vagina is reported. The renal unit was located in the renal fossa, whereas in 3 of the 7 cases reported it was within the pelvis. Although ectopia with ureteral duplication is not an uncommon anomaly the single ectopic ureter in the female subject is the rarest form of ureteral ectopia. Use of phenazopyridine hydrochloric acid as an excretory marker was most helpful in locating the vaginal orifice.
Differentiability of imaginary spectra and determination of its bounds for multiple-delay LTI systems

Several new procedures are presented to assess the stability of linear time invariant (LTI) systems with multiple time delays. The skeleton of the methods is on a paradigm named the cluster treatment of characteristic roots (CTCR). For such systems, all the imaginary characteristic roots can be determined completely on a finite set of hypersurfaces, called kernel hypersurfaces (KH), in the delay domain. The entire KH is the mere prerequisite to implement CTCR. However, as the number of delays increases, it becomes computationally prohibitive to calculate the KH in the entire delay domain. Alternatively, we explore the 2-D cross-section of these KH in the space of any two of the delays. First we investigate the bounds of the imaginary spectra as a novelty here. For this, the proof of the differentiability of the crossing-frequency variations is provided. Another novelty of the paper appears at the declaration of the KH. For this we utilize the 3-D “Building Block” and “Spectral Delay Space” concepts. The effectiveness of these procedures is shown over an example case study.
Providing a Foundation for Wealth Creation and Development in Africa: The Role of the Rule of Law

This paper examines the struggle in Africa to alleviate and eventually eradicate poverty. It is argued that the most effective way for African countries to deal with poverty is to create wealth. Unfortunately, these countries have not been able to create the wealth that they need to confront poverty. This is due primarily to the fact that since independence, many African countries have not been able to undertake democratic institutional reforms to create and adopt institutional arrangements that guarantee and sustain the rule of law. Within legal systems in which the rule of law is accepted and respected, civil servants and political elites are adequately constrained and hence, cannot easily engage in growth-inhibiting behaviors such as corruption and rent seeking. In addition, these types of institutions enhance peaceful coexistence and provide an enabling environment for wealth creation. So they can effectively deal with poverty and improve the people’s living conditions, African countries must engage in reforms to provide themselves with institutional arrangements that guarantee the rule of law.