cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serum magnesium concentrations and metabolic variables in polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective Hypomagnesemia is associated with diabetes mellitus type 2 and other components of the metabolic syndrome in older patients. Whether serum magnesium concentrations correlate with insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or other components of metabolic syndrome in younger women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is currently unknown. Design Cross-sectional analysis. Setting Academic medical center. Population 100 consecutive women with PCOS by the Rotterdam criteria and 20 age- and BMI-matched normal women. Methods Statistical analysis of the relationship between magnesium levels and a variety of physical, endocrine, and metabolic variables. The STROBE guidelines for a cross-sectional analysis were followed. Main outcome measurements Serum magnesium levels, insulin sensitivity indices, and glucose assessments. BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipids served as secondary endpoint measurements. Results No patient demonstrated hypomagnesemia. Magnesium levels did not differ between women with and those without insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, or hypertension. Magnesium levels were similar across PCOS phenotypes and WHO-defined BMI categories. Multiple regression analysis did not suggest that serum magnesium concentrations correlated with any physical, metabolic, or endocrine variable. Conclusions Magnesium levels do not correspond with age, BMI, waist circumference, insulin sensitivity, glycemic levels, blood pressure, or lipid levels in reproductive-age women with PCOS. Magnesium concentrations are similar across PCOS phenotypes and indistinguishable from women without PCOS.
Reply to El-Dib and Glass: Neuroplasticity in the auditory cortex in premature newborns exposed to recorded maternal sounds.

We appreciate the close reading and thoughtful comments El-Dib and Glass (1) give our report (2). In our study, 40 premature newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were randomly assigned to receive 3 h/d of auditory enrichment in the form of recorded maternal sounds (RMS; intervention group) or to receive standard care (control). The RMS included mother’s voice and heartbeat sounds similar to those heard in the womb. Results show that newborns in the intervention group had a significantly larger auditory cortex at 1 mo of age compared with controls, demonstrating structural brain plasticity in response to maternal auditory stimulation.
Scyllarus intrusion detection report correlator and analyzer

Scyllarus is technology developed in the Argus project, part of the DARPA Cyber Panel program. Scyllarus uses a dynamic evidence aggregator (DEA) to combine results from multiple intrusion detectors to reduce the false alarm rate and decrease the time required to detect an intrusion. This technology includes Bayesian estimation networks and a calculus based on qualitative probability. The DEA relies upon a knowledge base called the Intrusion Reference Model, containing information about the protected network, its configuration, installed intrusion detection systems (IDSs), and related security goals.
Constant weighted sums of iterates

We define and study when a polynomial mapping has a constant weighted sum of iterates, either locally or globally. We conjecture that a polynomial f in the complex plane has a constant weighted sum of iterates near a point z if and only if z is eventually mapped into a Siegel-disc of f. We prove that this conjecture holds generically, namely for those polynomials whose iterates have the maximal number of critical values. Important steps in the proofs rely on understanding the monodromy groups of the iterates of f. We also show that a polynomial automorphism of ℂ2 has a global constant weighted sum of iterates if and only if the map is conjugate to an elementary mapping. The definition of a constant weighted sum of iterates is motivated by an attempt to understand the polynomial automorphism groups in dimensions 3 and higher.
Relationship between plaque development and local hemodynamics in coronary arteries

The mechanisms of plaque development in coronary arteries are not yet completely understood. Vessel geometry influences the local hemodynamics within a vessel, and the resulting wall shear stress in turn influences plaque development. Previously, we showed in-vivo that plaque tends to accumulate more on the inner curvature of a vessel than on its outer curvature. While vessel curvature is preserved during plaque progression, the local wall shear stresses change with lumen narrowing. The aim of this study was to test how the hypothesis that locations of low wall shear stress coincide with circumferentially larger plaque accumulation depends on vascular remodeling with or without lumen narrowing. We have analyzed 39 in-vivo intravascular-ultrasound pullbacks, for which geometrically accurate 3-D models were obtained by fusion with x-ray angiography. Distorting subsegments (branches, calcifications, stents) were discarded, and the relative number of vessel locations was determined within a 10-40% area-stenosis range. This range corresponds to compensatory enlargement (outward or positive vessel remodeling), but not yet lumen narrowing, and these vessel segments were a focus of our study. For each segment, we determined the relative number of vessel locations for which circumferentially low wall shear stress coincided with larger plaque thickness and vice versa. The inverse association between wall shear stress and plaque thickness was significantly more pronounced ( p <0.005) in vessel cross sections exhibiting compensatory enlargement without luminal narrowing than when the full spectrum of vessel stenosis severity was considered. Thus, the hypothesis is supported more in subsegments with less developed disease.
Evidence that 17α,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one is a maturation-inducing steroid in spotted seatrout

Ovarian steroidogenesis during final oocyte maturation (FOM) in the spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) was investigated by incubating ovarian fragments with tritiated pregnenolone, followed by chromatographic separation of the radioactive products. The major tritiated steroid produced during FOM comigrated with 17α,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20β-dihydro-11-deoxycortisol, 20β-S) on HPLC and TLC. Only minor amounts of radioactive material coeluted with 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17α,20β-P), 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), estradiol-17β and testosterone standards in the HPLC system. Additional chromatography by TLC confirmed the presence of radioactive estradiol-17β and testosterone but not 17α,20β-P and DOC.
Nonlinear friction in the periodic stick-slip motion of coupled oscillators

We suggest that coupling-induced orbit hopping is one possible mechanism for stick-slip dynamics. This mechanism is dominant in the highly nonlinear regime. Our example is a one-dimensional array of nonlinearly coupled oscillators subject to a strong periodic potential. The nonlinear dynamics leads to a fundamentally different friction law, in particular when the driving force is barely larger than the minimal force needed to start motion. We find a dramatic increase in the friction coefficient of the array compared to that of a single uncoupled oscillator, even though the same constant force f is applied to each oscillator in the array. The sliding friction coefficient \ensuremath{\eta} is found to diverge as \ensuremath{\eta} \ensuremath{\propto} (\ensuremath{\kappa}-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\kappa}}}_{\mathrm{c}}$ ${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1\mathrm{/}2}$ , where ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\kappa}}}_{\mathrm{c}}$ is the critical value of the coupling constant \ensuremath{\kappa}. The coefficient \ensuremath{\eta} also grows linearly with the number of elements in the array N and shows dynamical transitions as the external force f applied to each of the oscillators is increased.
Modeling of InAs/GaSb tunnel junction

We simulate a type III InAs/GaSb broken gap junction to evaluate its potential as a tunnel junction. The unique properties of broken gap will enhance current transport between the subcells of a multijunction solar cell and reduce the overall series resistance. A drift diffusion simulator has been developed to study the current characteristics of novel heterostructures. The effect all the major recombination mechanisms such as Shockley - Read - Hall, Radiative, and Auger on the current are included. Also, we investigate the effect of degeneracy on the device by considering the effect of band gap narrowing. In our model we also add effects of thermionic emission and band to band tunneling. As solar cells operate at low voltages we have added a model for low field mobility which might be a limiting factor.
Inhibition of cellular proliferation using an inhibitor of aspartate transcarbamylase

There is a direct correlation between the activities of enzymes for pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis and the proliferative activities of a wide range of cell types. Experiments with isoproterenol-stimulated salivary glands of mice further show that cellular proliferation is dependent on de novo pyrimidine synthesis. Effective inhibition of the de novo pathway, therefore, should lead to an impairment of cellular proliferation. We have used a transition-state analogue of aspartate transcarbamylase (ATCase), phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate (PALA) to test the dependence of proliferating cells on an elevated de novo pyrimidine synthesis. PALA is a potent ATCase inhibitor, having a Ki of 10−8M for the enzyme from mouse spleen, and 10−10M for certain tumor cell lines. PALA effectively killed transformed hamster kidney cells when added to a concentration of 10−4M to culture medium. The specificity of action of PALA was indicated by the finding that uridine could completely remove the harmful effect of PALA by providing an alternative source of pyrimidine nucleotides. PALA is not metabolized to any significant extent, and is still effective 72 hours after a single injection of PALA (40 μg/g body wt). Preliminary experiments also show that PALA blocks isoproterenol-stimulated incorporation of thymidine into DNA of mouse salivary glands.
Oral glucose tolerance test and the preparatory diet

Abstract Objective: A 3-day diet containing at least 150 g carbohydrate per day has been used in many centers in preparation for the oral glucose tolerance test. The preparatory diet is thought to reduce false-positive diagnoses of gestational diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the necessity of a 3-day preparatory diet containing ≥150 g carbohydrate in otherwise healthy pregnant patients. Study Design: Twenty healthy obstetric patients with abnormal results on a 1-hour glucose challenge test (≥140 mg/dL) were enrolled in this prospective pilot study. Two oral glucose tolerance tests were administered. The first was with no dietary restrictions, and the second test was performed after a 3-day diet containing at least 150 g carbohydrate. Patients were given a 3-day dietary supplement, which contained 150 g carbohydrate per day. A food diary verified compliance with the diet and indicated other food intake. Results: There was no difference in the number of oral glucose tolerance tests with abnormal results, with or without the diet (5 in each group). Additionally, no significant difference was found in the mean glucose values in the diet versus no-diet groups. Conclusion: A preparatory diet does not significantly alter the results of an oral glucose tolerance test administered to healthy pregnant women. The diet unnecessarily delays the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:1052-4.)
Inhibition of Migration of Rat Peritoneal Exudate Cells by Ascites Tumour Fluid Fractions

FACTORS in the ascitic fluid of rats bearing a Walker 256 carcinosarcoma are capable of inhibiting the amoeboid motility of peritoneal exudate cells. This finding may be pertinent to evidence that a tumour interferes with the host's immunological mechanisms1.
A method for measuring the energy of alpha-particle beams in the region 5 to 30 MeV

Abstract A method for measuring the energy of alpha-particle beams is described. The alpha particles are passed through aluminum absorbers until their residual energy is comparable with that of known alpha-particles from a radio-active source. It is shown that the method permits an energy measurement with the precision of the knowledge of the range-energy relation for alpha-particles in aluminum.
Use of chromium mordanted neutral detergent residue as a predictor of fecal output to estimate intake in grazing high producing Holstein cows

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate use of chromium mordanted neutral detergent residue (Cr-NDr) and cobalt EDTA (Co-EDTA) as predictors of dry matter intake (DMI) in high producing grazing dairy cows. The first experiment was conducted with 10 lactating Holstein cows individually fed a total mixed ration (TMR) in confinement, and dosed with Cr-NDr and Co-EDTA twice daily at milking times for 12-days to validate the markers used for the second experiment. The Cr-NDr accounted for 96% of the variation ( r 2 ) in DMI, while Co-EDTA underpredicted DMI by 43% ( r 2 =0.65). The second experiment was conducted on a pasture-based dairy farm, to evaluate the use of Cr-NDr to predict DMI of grazing dairy cows. 15 and 14 high producing dairy cows in trial 1 and 2, respectively, were dosed twice a day at milking times with Cr-NDr for 12-days. Mean total DMI estimated from marker recoveries were unrealistically high (5.95 and 5.52% of body weight for trials 1 and 2, respectively). It was concluded that either diurnal variation in fecal excretion of the marker or a failure in the technique of collecting pasture samples that reflected the cows’ true grazing selection in order to determine pasture composition occurred.
A Web of Trust Oriented Information Flow Network

The evolution of electronic communities makes it common and easier for deceptive information to spread in today's connected world. Existing researches on information flow policy mainly concentrate on confidentiality of information. However, the information flow policy itself cannot prevent deceptive information from disseminating inside the information flow network. This research studies the mechanism of dissemination of deceptive information based on the information flow network and the web of trust. Moreover, we proposed two different models, namely push model and pull model, to illustrate the two-way deceptive information dissemination mechanism based on the web of trust. We also present the prerequisites for deceptive information to disseminate based on the subject and object trusts in these two models
Modeling and design of mobile surveillance networks using a mutational analysis approach

Networked surveillance systems provide an extended perception and distributed reasoning capability in monitored environments through the use of multiple networked sensors. The challenge for such large scale networked systems is to design an efficient modeling and analysis tool and devise stable control algorithms for accomplishing the surveillance task. Current feature (point) based visual servo and tracking techniques generally employed do not provide an optimal solution for the surveillance task. This paper presents a mutational analysis approach for shapes, and shape based control to model and design mechanisms for such active surveillance systems. The techniques of image based Hausdorff tracking and cooperative Hausdorff tracking are introduced. Finally, experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach for tracking targets over a large area.
RECONSIDERING THE MULTINOMIAL PROBIT MODEL

Recently developed computational methods have greatly reduced the difficulty of estimating multinomial probit models and may soon make multinomial probit a computationally feasible option in applied travel demand modeling. This paper discusses some of the benefits and costs that are associated with the use of multinomial probit in demand modeling. It is argued that although there are situations in which multinomial probit is essential for achieving a satisfactory model, most problems with existing demand models are unlikely to be mitigated by the use of multinomial probit.
Guanxi vs. relationship marketing: Exploring underlying differences

Abstract The present paper attempts to explore the underlying mechanism between Western relationship marketing and Chinese guanxi by examining the construct equivalence of the two concepts. First, it distinguishes guanxi from relationship marketing in terms of the personal and particularistic nature of the relation. Second, it differentiates trust from xinyong , its counterpart in Chinese, based on a comparison of their roles in relationship building and maintenance. Third, it discusses the unique meaning of renqing , which is proposed as an underlying mechanism that guides behavior norms in guanxi and a mediator between trust or xinyong and long-term orientation. Finally, it concludes by discussing the managerial implications for international marketers who wish to succeed in the Chinese business market and the importance of adapting Western relationship marketing principles to guanxi marketing.
Glass Formation, Phase Equilibria, and Thermodynamic Assessment of the Al-Ce-Co System Assisted by First-Principles Energy Calculations

This study investigates glass formation, phase equilibria, and thermodynamic descriptions of the Al-rich Al-Ce-Co ternary system using a novel approach that combines critical experiments, CALPHAD modeling, and first-principles (FP) calculations. The glass formation range (GFR) and a partial 500 °C isotherm are determined using a range of experimental techniques including melt spinning, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), X-ray diffraction, and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Three stable ternary phases are confirmed, namely, Al8CeCo2, Al4CeCo, and AlCeCo, while a metastable phase, Al5CeCo2, was discovered. The equilibrium and metastable phases identified by the present and earlier reported experiments, together with many hypothetical ternary compounds, are further studied by FP calculations. Based on new experimental data and FP calculations, the thermodynamics of the Al-rich Al-Co-Ce system is optimized using the CALPHAD method. Application to glass formation is discussed in light of present studies.
Lakes without Landsat? An alternative approach to remote lake monitoring with MODIS 250 m imagery

Abstract We evaluated use of MODIS 250 m imagery for remote lake monitoring in Maine. Despite limited spectral resolution (visible red and near infrared bands), the twice daily image capture has a potential advantage over conventionally used, often cloudy Landsat imagery (16 day interval) when short time windows are of interest. We analyzed 364 eligible (≥100 ha) Maine lakes during late summer (Aug–early Sep) 2000–2011. The red band was strongly correlated with natural log-transformed Secchi depth (SD), and the addition of ancillary lake and watershed variables explained some variability in ln(SD) (R2 = 0.68–0.85; 9 models). Weak spectral resolution and variable lake conditions limited accurate lake monitoring to relatively productive periods in late summer, as indicated by inconsistent, sometimes weak regressions during June and July when lakes were clearer and less stable (R2 = 0.19–0.74; 8 models). Additionally, SD estimates derived from 2 sets of concurrent MODIS and Landsat imagery generally did not ...
Dynamic hedging of single and multi-dimensional options with transaction costs: a generalized utility maximization approach

We propose a new methodology for discrete time dynamic hedging with transaction costs that has three key performance features. First, the methodology can accommodate the use of a wide range of objective functions, from the use of many types of utility functions to the more traditional objectives of hedging error minimization. Second, our methodology can significantly outperform traditional dynamic hedging methodologies across a range of objective functions. Third, our methodology can be applied to both single and multi-dimensional options while analytical methods typically can only be applied to single dimensional options.
Pulmonary Meningothelial-like Nodules: A Genotypic Comparison With Meningiomas

Background:Minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules (MPMNs) are incidental interstitial pulmonary nodules. They share histologic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical features with meningiomas (MGs).Design:Sixteen cases yielding 33 separate MPMNs and 10 cases of benign MG were studied. Immun
X-Ray Effects on Hemolysin Formation in Rabbits with the Spleen Shielded or Irradiated.

Jacobson et al (1950) were the first authors to study the protective effect on hemolysin production of lead-shielding the surgically exteriorized spleen of the rabbit receiving severe X radiation to the rest of the body. Later, Jacobson and Robson (1952) reported that the capacity to form hemolysins in rabbits receiving 800 r or 500 r X radiation with the spleen similarly shielded was retained when the shielded spleen was removed 24 hours after irradiation and the sheep red cell antigen was injected 48 hours after irradiation and 24 hours
Ability of a haloalkaliphilic bacterium isolated from Soap Lake, Washington to generate electricity at pH 11.0 and 7% salinity.

A variety of anaerobic bacteria have been shown to transfer electrons obtained from organic compound oxidation to the surface of electrodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to produce current. Initial enrichments for iron (III) reducing bacteria were set up with sediments from the haloalkaline environment of Soap Lake, Washington, in batch cultures and subsequent transfers resulted in a culture that grew optimally at 7.0% salinity and pH 11.0. The culture was used to inoculate the anode chamber of a MFC with formate as the electron source. Current densities up to 12.5 mA/m2 were achieved by this bacterium. Cyclic voltammetry experiments demonstrated that an electron mediator, methylene blue, was required to transfer electrons to the anode. Scanning electron microscopic imaging of the electrode surface did not reveal heavy colonization of bacteria, providing evidence that the bacterium may be using an indirect mode of electron transfer to generate current. Molecular characterization of the 16S rRNA gene and ...
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles deliver DNA and chemicals into plants

Surface-functionalized silica nanoparticles can deliver DNA and drugs into animal cells and tissues. However, their use in plants is limited by the cell wall present in plant cells. Here we show a honeycomb mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) system with 3-nm pores that can transport DNA and chemicals into isolated plant cells and intact leaves. We loaded the MSN with the gene and its chemical inducer and capped the ends with gold nanoparticles to keep the molecules from leaching out. Uncapping the gold nanoparticles released the chemicals and triggered gene expression in the plants under controlled-release conditions. Further developments such as pore enlargement and multifunctionalization of these MSNs may offer new possibilities in target-specific delivery of proteins, nucleotides and chemicals in plant biotechnology.
Electron microscopy of sodium desoxyribonucleate by use of a new freeze-drying method.

Abstract Description of a new method of freeze-drying for the preparation of biological specimens for electron microscopy. Micro-volumes of specimen material are used in the form of spray droplets which are rapidly cooled upon a surface in good thermal contact with a relatively massive thermal reservoir. The new technique is illustrated with micrographs of fibrils of sodium desoxyribonucleate.
Bimodal effect of amphetamine on motor behaviors in C57BL/6 mice

Amphetamine-induced motor behaviors, i.e., locomotor and stereotypic activities, were simultaneously characterized in C57BL/6 mice, a strain commonly used for genetic studies. Our findings show relatively high levels of focused activities in drug-naive C57BL/6 mice, confirming the lively nature of this mouse strain. Acute amphetamine induced a dose-dependent, bimodal response: locomotion predominated at lower doses of amphetamine and was gradually displaced by stereotypic behavior as dose and time increased. The sum total of both behavioral activities increased with amphetamine dose, supporting the notion that amphetamine-induced locomotion and stereotypy form a continuum. These data provide a basis for using C57BL/6 mice as a strain to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying psychostimulant effects, drug addiction and psychotic disorders.
History of Research in Medical Image Perception

Human observers engage in 2 interrelated processes when interpreting medical images: perception and analysis. Perception is the unified awareness of the content of a displayed image that is present while the stimulus is on. Analysis is determining the meaning of the perception in the context of the medical problem that initiated the acquisition of the image. Radiologists have, correctly, regarded image analysis as their primary field of research. They have naively assumed that what they perceive in images is a faithful representation of the images' information content and have not been concerned with perception unless it fails. Failures have stimulated research on quantifying observer performance, defining image quality, and understanding perceptual error. This article traces the historical development of the use of receiver operating characteristic analysis for describing performance, the development of signal-to-noise ratio psychophysical models for defining task-dependent image quality, studies of error in small lesion detection, and the beginnings of studies of the nature of expertise in image interpretation. The history is traced through published articles.
Trends in the teaching of neurology to family practice residents, 1981-1990.

A decade ago, less than one-half of the family practice (FP) residency programs surveyed provided a defined rotation in neurology. To learn how neurology is currently being taught in FP residencies, we sent questionnaires to 384 approved FP residencies in the United States, receiving responses from 241 (63%). Seventy-eight percent provide a defined rotation in neurology, usually in the form of a preceptorship with a community neurologist, and 57% systematically present the core curriculum recommended by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Academy of Family Physicians in 1987. Asked about the level of cooperation they encounter in recruiting neurologists to teach, 54% of the respondents reported “too little” or “no” cooperation from academic neurologists, while just 20% reported these responses in regard to community neurologists. Most (87%) reported that involvement in the residency program leads to increased patient referrals for the participating neurologist. Most (81%) respondents would welcome more participation by neurologists.
Splenic role in the regulation of immune responses

Abstract Evidence for a splenic role in regulating antibody production in other lymphoid tissue was obtained in a system in which cyclical fluctuations of splenic plaque-forming cells (PFC) occur following a single intravenous injection of aggregated human γ-globulin in rabbits. First, PFC arising simultaneously in the mesenteric nodes, peripheral blood, and spleen appear to be derived from the spleen since splenectomy prior to antigen injection abrogated these responses. Second, a noncyclical appearance of PFC in popliteal nodes of rabbits responding to subcutaneous injection of antigen was converted to a cyclical response by simultaneous intravenous injection of antigen, an effect which was abolished by splenectomy prior to antigen injection. It is suggested that, following an intravenous injection of antigen, both suppressor cells as well as antibody-forming precursors may be activated in the spleen and disseminated to other lymphoid tissue.
S-wave bound states implied by the SU(3) × SU(3) charge algebra

Abstract We show within the framework of a previously tested approximation scheme that the existence of certain s-wave bound states is implied by the SU(3) × SU(3) charge algebra in the SU(3) symmetry limit. These states correspond to the 1 2 − SU (3) singlet and octet, and to a single meson with J PC = 1 ± below 1265 MeV. Two 1 + octets corresponding to the A 1 and B octets are found to be bound or almost bound.
Occupational asthma in a home pieceworker.

Abstract A 67-yr-old woman presented to a free-standing medical center with respiratory distress of 1 day's duration. She was found on evaluation to have asthma associated with “dipping” the ends of polyurethane-coated wire into molten solder in the production, in her home, of components for the electronics industry. This process has been known to result in the evolution of isocyanates. The patient's sister had also developed cough and wheeze after she performed similar home piecework. Neither the manufacturer nor the distributors of the wire had provided a warning of its potential respiratory hazards. This episode emphasizes the importance of the occupational history, and of following-back thoroughly on cases of occupational disease. In addition, this episode reminds us that home pieceworkers are unlikely to have benefit of advice from industrial hygienists or others skilled in recognizing potentially hazardous situations.
Volume regulation in the early proximal tubule of the Necturus kidney.

The ability of early proximal tubule cells of theNecturus kidney to regulate volume was evaluated using light microscopy, video analysis and conventional microelectrodes.Necturus proximal tubule cells regulate volume in both hyperand hyposmotic solutions. Volume regulation in hyperosmotic fluids is HCO 3 − dependent and is associated with a decrease in the relative K+ conductance of the basolateral cell membrane and a decrease in the resistance ratio,R a /R bl . Volume regulation in hyposmotic solutions is also dependent upon the presence of HCO 3 − but is also inhibited by 2mm Ba2+ in the basolateral solution. Hyposmotic regulation is accompanied by an increase in the relative K+ conductance of the basolateral cell membrane and an increase inR a /R bl . Neither hypo- nor hyposmotic regulation have any affect on the depolarization of the basolateral cell membrane potential induced by HCO 3 − removal. We conclude that volume regulation in the early proximal tubule of the kidney involves both HCO 3 − -dependent transport systems and the basolateral K+ conductance.
Average Case Analysis of Gosper's Algorithm for a Class of Urn Model Inputs

In this paper we perform an asymptotic average case analysis of some of the most important steps of Gosper’s algorithm for indefinite summation of hypergeometric terms. The space of input functions of the algorithm is described in terms of urn models, and the analysis is performed by using specialized probabilistic transform techniques. We analyze two different types of urn model classes: one in which the input functions are assumed to be rational, and another for which a certain function of two inputs is assumed to be rational. The first set of results shows that the asymptotic complexity of the algorithm is the same within each of the two classes. The second set of results indicates that the complexity of the algorithm scales differently for the two classes of models: one can observe the logarithmic versus square root type of difference that is also present in other combinatorial models.
Safety and efficacy of once‐daily nasal irrigation for the treatment of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis

Objectives/Hypothesis: To compare efficacy and outcome of daily saline irrigation versus saline/gentamicin for treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Study Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. Methods: Forty children diagnosed with CRS were enrolled. Patients were randomized to once-daily irrigation with saline or saline/gentamicin for 6 weeks. Treatment outcomes were measured using 1) Lund-Mackay scoring system of pre- and post-treatment computer tomography (CT); and 2) Sinonasal Quality-of-Life Survey (SN-5) completed at baseline, and after 3 weeks and 6 weeks of irrigation. Results: Thirty-four patients completed the study and follow-up. There were statistically significant improvements in quality-of-life (QoL) scores after 3 weeks of irrigation within both groups. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the SN-5 scores between the two treatment groups after 3 and 6 week (P = .067). CT scores for each sinus and total scores were reduced for both groups after 6 weeks, and the differences in scores were statistically significant within each group after treatment, but there were no differences between the two treatment groups. Only one patient required functional endoscopic sinus surgery due to persistent symptoms. Compliance was over 90% for once daily irrigation over the 6 week treatment period. Conclusions: Once-daily intranasal irrigation for 6 weeks is safe and equally effective in the treatment of pediatric CRS using saline or saline plus gentamicin, and QoL was significantly improved after 3 weeks of irrigation in both groups. High tolerance, compliance, and effectiveness of irrigation support its use as a first-line treatment for pediatric CRS before considering surgical intervention.
Endoscopic intraluminal suture plication of the gastric pouch and stoma in postoperative Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients.

Background: Endoscopic intraluminal suturing is currently used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. This new field of intraluminal gastric surgery may benefit postoperative Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients. While gastric bypass is highly successful in the majority of patients, significant weight regain can occur over time due to stretching of the gastric pouch and stoma. Methods: Between November 2002 and January 2003, four patients who previously underwent gastric bypass (GBP) surgery presented with dilated gastrojejunostomy (GJ) anastomosis and weight regain. They gave their consent and were taken to the operating room for upper endoscopy, where they were placed under general anesthesia. Using a flexible endoscopic suturing device with a standard 11-mm endoscope, the dilated GJ anastomosis was plicated to reduce its size, and in two of the patients the gastric pouch was also plicated. Results: Successful stomal plication was performed on all four patients to narrow their dilated stomas that measur...
The Adults in the Making program: Long-term protective stabilizing effects on alcohol use and substance use problems for rural African American emerging adults.

Objective: This report addresses the long-term efficacy of the Adults in the Making (AIM) prevention program on deterring the escalation of alcohol use and development of substance use problems, particularly among rural African American emerging adults confronting high levels of contextual risk. Method: African American youths (M age, pretest = 17.7 years) were assigned randomly to the AIM (n = 174) or control (n = 173) group. Past 3-month alcohol use, past 6-month substance use problems, risk taking, and susceptibility cognitions were assessed at pretest and at 6.4, 16.6, and 27.5 months after pretest. Pretest assessments of parent-child conflict, affiliations with substance-using companions, and perceived racial discrimination were used to construct a contextual risk factor index. Results: A protective stabilizing hypothesis was supported; the long-term efficacy of AIM in preventing escalation of alcohol use and substance use problems was greater for youths with higher pretest contextual risk scores. Consistent with a mediation-moderation hypothesis, AIM-induced reductions over time in risk taking and susceptibility cognitions were responsible for the AIM × contextual risk prevention effects on alcohol use and substance use problems. Conclusions: Training in developmentally appropriate protective parenting processes and self-regulatory skills during the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood for rural African Americans may contribute to a self-sustaining decreased interest in alcohol use and a lower likelihood of developing substance use problems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Effects of social class and school conditions on educational enrollment and achievement of boys and girls in rural Viet Nam

Abstract This study examines the effects of parental SES, school quality, and community factors on children's enrollment and achievement in rural areas in Viet Nam, using logistic regression and ordered logistic regression. Multivariate analysis reveals significant differences in educational enrollment and outcomes by level of household expenditures and parental education, especially mother's education. Mother's status is more important in determining school enrollment than educational outcome. In contrast, father's education increases the probability of learning. Once school quality is taken into account, differentials between the majority Kinh and ethnic minorities are not significant. Girls still do not have equal access to education, since girls doing badly in school drop out, while their male counterparts remain in school. The presence of a school in poor village does not override the effects of family background on educational enrollment. Controlling for school quality actually increases gap in educational enrollment by household expenditures and village income. Although educational costs consume, on average, one quarter of household expenditures per capita, school fees do not determine school enrollment, because many of the poor already receive exemption from or reduction in these fees.
Burnout, chronic fatigue, and prozac in the professions: The iron law of salaries

In this model of contested exchange, ambitious salaried yuppies (in accounting, consulting, engineering, higher education, investment banking, law, management, marketing, medicine, or other professions) inevitably toil on the verge of depression, much as wage workers once toiled on the verge of starvation. This depression reduces diligence yet maximizes profit, subject to the rejection-rate Laffer curve. Chronic fatigue syndrome provides a status defense (conspicuous excess capacity) for workers denied promotion. Wellness programs, psychological counseling, anti-depressant drugs, exercise, and cheerful human resources management techniques improve profits more than morale. This may constitute exploitation in the sense of Roemer or Steiner.
Pleistocene Volcanism and Deformation of the Truckee Area, North of Lake Tahoe, California

Pleistocene latite and basalt flows crop out along the Upper Truckee Canyon, located immediately downstream from Lake Tahoe, and throughout the Truckee Basin, an intermontane basin at the north end of the canyon. They were extruded over a topography somewhat similar to that of the present from numerous, widely spaced vents. The flows postdate the major part of the Pliocene-Pleistocene deformation of the Sierra Nevada and appear to predate the oldest recognized glaciation in this part of the Sierra Nevada. They are correlated with the Lousetown Formation of western Nevada. Large-scale deformation followed the volcanism. During upwarping of the area east of the Truckee Basin, the Truckee River maintained an antecedent course and eroded a deep canyon. Because no sediments in the Truckee Basin can be correlated with this period of uplift, it is concluded that the cutting of the canyon proceeded at a rate equalling or exceeding that of the uplift. All movements appear to predate the oldest recognized glaciation.
Hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces from polyphosphazenes

Hydrophobic polymers play a crucial role in many biomedical and commercial applications. Hydrophobic polyphosphazenes offer opportunities for the tuning of surface properties that are not found for many conventional hydrophobic materials. Thus, changes in the side groups linked to the polyphosphazene skeleton allow the surface character to be changed from highly hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The hydrophobic side groups range from fluoroalkoxy groups to aryloxy and organosilicon units. Moreover, the polymer architectures can be varied from single-substituent species to mixed substituent polymers or to block or comb copolymer structures. Superhydrophobicity, with contact angles to water as high as 159°, has been achieved by electrospinning a fluoroalkoxy derivative to nanofiber mats. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of fluctuating exposures on the acute toxicity of ammonia to rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and cutthroat trout (S. clarki)

Abstract Acute toxicity bioassays in which fish were exposed to short-term cyclic fluctuations of ammonia were conducted on rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and on cutthroat trout (S. clarki). Companion tests were also conducted in which test fish were subjected to ammonia at constant concentrations. The tests ranged in duration from 96 h to 4 weeks. Median lethal concentration (LC 50) values in terms of both average and peak concentrations of ammonia for the fluctuating concentration tests were compared with LC 50 values for the constant concentration (conventional) tests. Based on comparisons of total dose exposure, results showed that fish were more tolerant of constant concentrations of ammonia than of fluctuating concentrations. Fish subjected to fluctuating concentrations of ammonia at levels below those acutely toxic were subsequently better able to withstand exposure to higher fluctuating concentrations than fish not previously so acclimated.
SU-E-T-10: A Dosimetric Comparison of Copper to Lead-Alloy Apertures for Electron Beam Therapy

Purpose: To evaluate dosimetric differences of copper compared to conventional lead-alloy apertures for electron beam therapy. Methods: Copper apertures were manufactured by .decimal, Inc. and matching lead-alloy, Cerrobend, apertures were constructed for 32 square field sizes (2×2 – 20×20 cm2) for five applicator sizes (6×6–25×25 cm2). Percent depth-dose and off-axis-dose profiles were measured using an electron diode in water with copper and Cerrobend apertures for a subset of aperture sizes (6×6, 10×10, 25×25 cm2) and energies (6, 12, 20 MeV). Dose outputs were measured for all field size-aperture combinations and available energies (6–20 MeV). Measurements were taken at 100 and 110 cm SSDs. Using this data, 2D planar absolute dose distributions were constructed and compared. Passing criteria were ±2% of maximum dose or 1-mm distance-to-agreement for 99% of points. Results: A gamma analysis of the beam dosimetry showed 93 of 96 aperture size, applicator, energy, and SSD combinations passed the 2%/1mm criteria. Failures were found for small field size-large applicator combinations at 20 MeV and 100-cm SSD. Copper apertures showed a decrease in bremsstrahlung production due to copper's lower atomic number compared to Cerrobend (greatest difference was 2.5% at 20 MeV). This effect was most prominent at the highest energies with large amounts of shielding material present (small field size-large applicator). Also, an increase in electrons scattered from the collimator edge of copper compared to Cerrobend resulted in an increased dose at the field edge for copper at shallow depths (greatest increase was 1% at 20 MeV). Conclusion: Apertures for field sizes ≥6×6 cm2 at any energy, or for small fields (≤4×4 cm2) at energies <20 MeV, showed dosimetric differences less than 2%/1mm for more than 99% of points. All field size-applicator size-energy combinations passed 3%/1mm criteria for 100% of points. Work partially funded by .decimal, Inc. (Sanford, FL).
Confidentiality of event data in policy-based monitoring

Monitoring systems observe important information that could be a valuable resource to malicious users: attackers can use the knowledge of topology information, application logs, or configuration data to target attacks and make them hard to detect. The increasing need for correlating information across distributed systems to better detect potential attacks and to meet regulatory requirements can potentially exacerbate the problem if the monitoring is centralized. A single zero-day vulnerability would permit an attacker to access all information. This paper introduces a novel algorithm for performing policy-based security monitoring. We use policies to distribute information across several hosts, so that any host compromise has limited impact on the confidentiality of the data about the overall system. Experiments show that our solution spreads information uniformly across distributed monitoring hosts and forces attackers to perform multiple actions to acquire important data.
Headache at onset of acute cerebral ischemia.

CASE Ten days previously, this 76-year-old woman suddenly developed a shadow over the left field of vision of both eyes associated with a right temporal pressure headache with an intensity of 9/10. The headache resolved in 3 days. There were no other associated neurological symptoms. When seen in consultation, the right temporal headache had recurred the evening before for about 20 minutes with an intensity of 8/10 without associated symptoms. There was no prior history of headaches. There was a history of hypertension, type II diabetes, coronary artery disease post aortocoronary bypass, and cardiac arrhythmias requiring implantation of a permanent defibrillator-pacemaker. She was taking insulin, metoprolol, clonidine, and lasix. On examination, the blood pressure in the left arm while sitting was 210/110. Neurological examination was normal except for a left homonymous hemianopsia. A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the brain was consistent with a subacute infarction of the medial right occipital lobe. A carotid ultrasound study was normal.
Novel solution for conformal transformation

Conformal transformation which maps one complex plane into another has been used in many scientific disciplines for solving complex problems. In the context of problems in electromagnetics, a complex physical plane z is mapped into a complex potential plane w via a transformation z = f(w). f(w) is a transcendental, but analytic function of the complex variable w. In this paper, we describe a way of obtaining the desired inversion w = f−1 (z).
Single-stage total endoscopic resection of a plexiform neurofibroma of the maxillary sinus in a child with type 1 neurofibromatosis

Plexiform neurofibromas are peripheral nerve sheath tumors associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. The maxillary sinus is an extremely rare location of the plexiform neurofibroma and only two adult cases have been previously reported. We report the first case of plexiform neurofibroma of the maxillary sinus occurring in a child with neurofibromatosis type 1. This unusual location presents a management challenge considering the infiltrative nature and the potential malignant degeneration of this type of tumor. MRI is highly valuable to diagnose and plan the surgical approach of the plexiform neurofibroma of the maxillary sinus. Due to the location of the tumor and the patient's age, conservative surgery is highly recommended. We performed an endoscopic total en-bloc resection of the tumor with no recurrence after nine months of follow-up.
Carbon ion reactions with ethylene and propylene oxide

Abstract Branching ratios for the reactions of (2P) 12C+ and 13C+ ions with ethylene and propylene oxide were determined using a tandem Dempster-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Direct processes involving charge transfer and a deoxidation, or O− abstraction, are the dominant reaction mechanisms. Extensive dissociation of the products initially formed demonstrates that a substantial fraction of the energy of reaction remains with the ionic product.