cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the detection of path delay faults by functional broadside tests

Paths that cannot be sensitized during functional operation do not need to be optimized for speed, and their delays may be higher than the clock period. This paper uses functional broadside tests for path delay faults in order to avoid overtesting due to the detection of faults that are associated with such paths. To ensure that as many small delay defects as possible will be detected, the paper considers path delay faults that are associated with full paths as well as ones associated with subpaths. It uses a type of path delay faults called transition path delay faults to define the conditions under which a path delay fault associated with a subpath is detected. It uses detection conditions called the hazard-based detection conditions, which yield a type of weak non-robust tests, to detect as many transition path delay faults as possible. Experimental results demonstrate the importance of considering subpaths for different coverage objectives.
Influence on Retrolental Fibroplasia of intramuscular Vitamin E Administration During Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The effect of vitamin E administered during the acute phase of therapy for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) on the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was evaluated in a randomized double-masked study. One hundred neonates received either vitamin E or placebo intramuscularly within the first 24 hours of birth and at 24, 48, and 168 hours respectively. Additional doses were given twice weekly while the infant remained in an oxygen-enriched environment and could not tolerate feedings and vitamin supplements. Parenteral vitamin E-treated infants had significantly increased serum vitamin E levels compared to placebo-treated infants. Most placebo-treated patients attained normal serum vitamin E levels during the second week of life because of nutritional sources of vitamin E. Infants in both groups had RDS of similar severity. Seventy-four infants, 37 vitamin E-treated and 37 placebo-treated, survived longer than 10 days and had ophthalmologic examinations. Active changes of Stage I and Stage II ROP were noted in 17 of those patients; 9 (24.3%) vitamin E-treated and 8 (21.6%) placebo-treated patients (P = 0.572). No infants developed severe cicatricial changes, and their retinal findings regressed. The incidence of risk factors associated with ROP development occurred equally in the vitamin E-treated and placebo-treated infants that developed ROP. Thus, vitamin E-administration as described in this study did not result in any further reduction in the incidence of the active stages of ROP over that seen with standard neonatal care, which included daily oral Vitamin E supplements.
VMAT2 and dopamine neuron loss in a primate model of Parkinson’s disease

We used positron emission tomography (PET) to measure the earliest change in dopaminergic synapses and glial cell markers in a chronic, low-dose MPTP non-human primate model of Parkinson's disease (PD). In vivo levels of dopamine transporters (DAT), vesicular monoamine transporter-type 2 (VMAT2), amphetamine-induced dopamine release (AMPH-DAR), D2-dopamine receptors (D2R) and translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) were measured longitudinally in the striatum of MPTP-treated animals. We report an early (2 months) decrease (46%) of striatal VMAT2 in asymptomatic MPTP animals that preceded changes in DAT, D2R, and AMPH-DAR and was associated with increased TSPO levels indicative of a glial response. Subsequent PET studies showed progressive loss of all pre-synaptic dopamine markers in the striatum with expression of parkinsonism. However, glial cell activation did not track disease progression. These findings indicate that decreased VMAT2 is a key pathogenic event that precedes nigrostriatal dopamine neuron degeneration. The loss of VMAT2 may result from an association with alpha-synuclein aggregation induced by oxidative stress. Disruption of dopamine sequestration by reducing VMAT2 is an early pathogenic event in the dopamine neuron degeneration that occurs in the MPTP non-human primate model of PD. Genetic or environmental factors that decrease VMAT2 function may be important determinants of PD.
Phase Changes in Internally Mixed Maleic Acid/Ammonium Sulfate Aerosols

[1] A temperature controlled flow tube system equipped with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) detection of particle phase and relative humidity was used to measure the deliquescence and efflorescence of ammonium sulfate, maleic acid, and internally mixed maleic acid/ammonium sulfate particles. Our results indicate that maleic acid aerosols begin to take up water starting at a low relative humidity, ∼20%, and continue the constant uptake of water until the final deliquescence relative humidity (DRH), 89%, is reached. Internally mixed particles containing maleic acid and ammonium sulfate were found to deliquesce at a lower relative humidity (RH) than either of the pure species. Efflorescence studies indicated that while pure maleic acid particles crystallize at ∼18% RH, pure ammonium sulfate and all mixed aerosols effloresce at or just below 30% RH. Taken together, our results suggest that the presence of water-soluble organics internally mixed with ammonium sulfate aerosol could increase the range of conditions under which the aerosol is a solution.
The Medical Necessity for Treatment of Port‐Wine Stains

background Port-wine stains are congenital vascular malformations that can be disfiguring and may lead to psychosocial as well as medical complications. The 585-nm pulsed dye laser is very effective in treating port-wine stains. Laser treatment is often viewed by insurance companies as a “cosmetic procedure” and not “medically necessary.” Consequently many patients are denied coverage for treatment of their disfiguring birthmarks. objective To determine variability of insurance coverage for laser treatment of port-wine stains from state to state. Natural history, progression, and potential complications of port-wine stains arc reviewed and rationale for consistent insurance coverage for laser treatment of port-wine stains is given. methods A questionnaire was mailed to 40 dermatologic surgeons in 22 states and the District of Columbia. We reviewed the literature regarding port-wine stains and their potential complications, and health care policy guidelines regarding “medical necessity” and “cosmetic procedures.” results Insurance coverage for laser treatment of port-wine stains varies from state to state. conclusion Based on current health care policy guidelines, laser treatment of port-wine stains should be regarded, and covered, as a medical necessity by all insurance providers.
Analysis of streamwise-oriented vortex interactions for two wings in close proximity

This investigation addresses the impingement of the trailing vortex provided by a leader-wing upon a follower-wing operating in close proximity. Exploration of the relative spacing between the two wings reveals several distinct flow regimes occur within a small range of lateral positions of the incident vortex. These changes effectively alter the evolution of the follower-wing wake via mutual induction between the incident and trailing vortices. Several unsteady mechanisms impact the general flow field in each regime. The incident vortex for an inboard impingement rapidly decays over the wing due to transition to turbulence. A tip-aligned vortex results in a highly unsteady interaction and generates enhanced surface pressure fluctuations beneath the tip vortex. Placing the incident vortex outboard elicits mutual instability between the leader and follower-wing trailing vortices. While lift-enhancement was found to be dominated by an inviscid increase in effective angle of attack, viscous effects in the near-tip region alter the local surface force distribution and influence the rolling moment coefficient. These flow variations which occur over a small range of lateral positions could generate buffeting loads in the presence of a wandering streamwise vortex.
Empiric antibiotics for transarterial embolization in hepatocellular carcinoma: indicated?

Background Transarterial embolization (TAE) remains a common treatment option in unresectable patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC); however there are no standard protocols for post procedure care in these patients who often have extensive disease, marginal liver function, and multiple comorbidities. The aim of this study was to examine antibiotics use in HCC undergoing TAE. Methods A prospective review of our center's 1109 hepato-pancreatico-biliary patients, from 1/99 to 7/07, was performed to identify all HCC patients. Results Two hundred one patients with HCC, of whom 59 (29.4%) underwent bland, TAE, or Yttrium-90 therapy. All embolizations were performed by experienced interventional radiologists and were admitted to the surgical oncology service for post-procedure care. There were 46 men and 13 women, with a median age of 61 y. The mean MELD score was 10.9 (8.5–17) with 25 of 59 having Conclusion The current practice of pre- or post-procedure antibiotics is variable and no evidence can support giving or not giving antibiotics for hepatic arterial therapy. The uses are not indicated as prophylaxis against hepatic infectious complications in patients undergoing transarterial embolization for the treatment of hepatocellular cancer.
Channel allocation and multicast routing in cognitive radio networks

In this paper, we propose a joint channel allocation and multicast routing scheme for a multihop cognitive radio network. Our scheme can react to the dynamic change of channel availability. It can maximize the multicast throughput by jointly performing channel allocation and multicast routing. We first model the activities of the primary users, channel availability and the interference among the secondary users in a cognitive radio network, and show a basic scenario of multicast for a multihop cognitive radio network. Second, we formulate an optimization problem to maximize the multicast throughput of the network. We consider the channel availability constraints and the interference constraints jointly, and make use of the transmission of the hyperlinks. Furthermore, we compare the performance of our scheme with existing schemes for different scenarios of channel availability and the number of channels through simulations. Our work brings insights on how to make route selection and channel allocation for multicast in multihop cognitive radio networks.
What Makes Placebo-Controlled Trials Unethical?

The leading ethical position on placebo-controlled clinical trials is that whenever proven effective treatment exists for a given condition, it is unethical to test a new treatment for that condition against placebo. Invoking the principle of clinical equipoise, opponents of placebo-controlled trials in the face of proven effective treatment argue that they (1) violate the therapeutic obligation of physicians to offer optimal medical care and (2) lack both scientific and clinical merit. We contend that both of these arguments are mistaken. Clinical equipoise provides erroneous ethical guidance in the case of placebo-controlled trials, because it ignores the ethically relevant distinction between clinical trials and treatment in the context of clinical medicine and the methodological limitations of active-controlled trials. Placebo controls are ethically justifiable when they are supported by sound methodological considerations and their use does not expose research participants to excessive risks of harm.
Development and preliminary validation of a short form of the Beck Depression Inventory for Youth (BDI-Y) in a sample of adolescent cancer survivors

Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze adolescent cancer survivors’ responses to the Beck Depression Inventory for Youth (BDI-Y) to determine if a short form of the measure could be developed that would accurately identify survivors with clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms.
Origin of hybrid ferrolatite lavas from Magic Reservoir eruptive center, Snake River Plain, Idaho

The mineralogy and geochemical characteristics of intermediate composition ferrolatites and related lavas from the Magic Reservoir eruptive center (central Snake River Plain) have been investigated to evaluate the origin and petrologic significance of these hybrid lavas. The ferrolatites are chemically uniform, but contain a disequilibrium phenocryst/xenocryst assemblage derived in part from mixed rhyolitic and basaltic magmas that are closely represented by extrusive units in the area. The hybrid lavas also contain xenoliths of Archean granulites and have high 87Sr/ 86Sr and low 143Nd/144Nd ratios, all of which suggest significant magma-crust interaction. Quantitative models including magma mixing, minor crystal fractionation, and crustal contamination very closely reproduce the observed compositions of these ferrolatites; closed system fractionation and (or) simple bulk contamination models are not as successful and can be ruled out. It appears that preexisting mafic and silicic magmas from distinct sources (e.g., mantle and crust) encounter one another in crustal-level magma chambers under conditions where intimate mixing may occur despite wide differences in the physical properties of these liquids.
Using importance performance analysis to understand and guide e‐business decision making in SMEs

Purpose – E‐business adoption among small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) has been limited because of resource constraints and a failure to understand the strategic value of e‐business. To facilitate decision making concerning e‐business applications and their implementation, simple, low cost tools are needed to assist in analyzing and developing effective e‐business strategies. This paper aims to evaluate the use of e‐business applications among SMEs, to test the robustness of importance‐performance (IP) analysis models and to present IP mapping as a resource/tool for decision making.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 19 e‐business motivations were identified from the literature and incorporated into a self‐administered survey questionnaire. Data were collected from 439 SMEs located throughout the US.Findings – Most IP studies have assumed that importance and performance are independent; however, three recent studies have argued otherwise, identifying positive, negative and v‐shaped relationshi...
Electrical stimulation and multichannel EMG recording for identification of functional neural tissue during cauda equina surgery

Electrical stimulation of structures within the surgical field was used to identify functional neural elements during 25 cauda equina operations. EMG responses from anterior thigh, posterior thigh, and anal sphincter muscles were recorded simultaneously using a multichannel signal averager. During nine operations, stimulation of a presumed filum terminale or other tissue produced clear EMG responses, prompting modification of surgical procedures. In one patient, this resulted in preservation of a flattened spinal cord which resembled a band of scar tissue. Some EMG responses were restricted to a single muscle group; these neural structures would probably not have been identified if only a single-channel EMG recording was used. Visual examination alone was not adequate for identifying functional neural elements, or for determining whether atretic-appearing nerve roots were functional. Electrical stimulation with multichannel EMG recording facilitates the preservation of functional neural elements and the optimization of surgical results in cauda equina surgery.
Solving a selected class of location problems by exploiting problem structure: A decomposition approach

For many combinatorial optimization problems that are NP-hard, a number of special cases exist that can be solved in polynomial time. This paper addresses the issue of solving one such problem, the well-known m-median problem with mutual communication (MMMC), by exploiting polynomially solvable special cases of the problem. For MMMC, a dependency graph is defined that characterizes the structure of the interactions between decision variables. A Lagrangian decomposition scheme is proposed that partitions the problem into two or more subproblems, each having the same structure as the original problem, but with simpler dependency graphs. The dual problems are solved using subgradient or multiplier adjustment methods. An efficient method of adjusting the multiplier values is given. Computational results are reported that show the method to be quite effective. In addition, applications of the approach to other difficult location problems is discussed.
Treatment for Wear and Osteolysis in Well-Fixed Uncemented TKR

Background. Traditionally, osteolysis around total knee replacements (TKRs) is treated with complete revision. In certain subsets, polyethylene insert exchange and bone grafting may be applicable. This study reports the clinical outcomes for selective bone grafting in patients with osteolysis without complete revision of the TKR. Methods. This retrospective study analyzes 10 TKRs (9 patients, 66.5 ± 6.1 years old) presenting with osteolysis and revised after 8.7 ± 1.9 years of in vivo function. At index TKR, all patients were implanted with uncemented prosthesis and modular polyethylene insert with anteroposterior articular constraint (Ultracongruent, Natural Knee II, Sulzer Medica). The surgical technique for treating the osteolysis included removal of necrotic bone tissue using curettage, filling of the defect with bone graft materials, and polyethylene insert exchange. Results. Patients have not exhibited any further complications associated with osteolysis after 5.1 ± 2.4 years of followup. Routine radiographic exams show total incorporation of the graft material into the previously lytic regions in all patients. Conclusion. In some TKRs with osteolysis and firmly fixed components, the removal of lytic tissue and subsequent defect filling with bone graft materials can be a viable solution. This case series shows complete resolution of osteolysis in all patients with no complications.
The actual growth and probable future of the worldwide nuclear industry

Worldwide nuclear power reactor manufacturing capacity will exceed worldwide demand by a factor of two or more during the 1980s. Only in France and the Soviet bloc countries is it likely that the ambitious nuclear power programs formulated in the mid-1970s will be implemented. In all other developed countries and in most developing countries, further delays and cancellations of previously announced programs are all but certain.The stalemate over the future of nuclear power is particularly deep in America. Administrative and personnel problems in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, slow progress on radioactive waste disposal by the Department of Energy, severe financial problems for most electric utilities, and drastic reductions in the rate of electricity demand growth combine to make continuation of the five-year-old moratorium on reactor orders inevitable. Many of the ninety plants under construction may never operate and some of the seventy in operation may shut down before the end of their economic life.Contrary to widespread belief, further oil price increases may not speed up worldwide reactor sales. It is possible that the world is heading for a “worst” of all possible outcomes: a large number of small nuclear power programs that do little to meet real energy needs but substantially complicate the problem of nuclear weapons proliferation.
An Electron Microscopic Study of Melanin in the Hair and Hair Follicles

The distribution of melanin pigment in all black guinea-pig hairs and anagen hair follicles was studied with the electron microscope. Melanocytes were identified in the upper part of the hair bulb, the outer root sheath and in the dermis adjacent to the follicle. In the immature medullary and cortical cells large numbers of melanosomes were seen among the other cytoplasmic structures. The cuticle cells contained a few melanosomes. As the different cell lines matured and underwent keratinization the melanosomes became embedded in the keratin. In the cortical cells the melanosomes were surrounded by a dense amorphous material which at many sites was attached to the inner surface of the plasma membrane. No melanin was seen in the cells of the inner root sheath. In the upper part of the outer root sheath the distribution of melanin closely resembled that found in the epidermis. In the lower part of the sheath the majority of the cells contained only a small amount of melanin pigment.
Teaching Mills in Tokyo: Developing a Sociological Imagination through Storytelling.

Here I emphasize the applicability of the sociological imagination to an international audience by sharing my journey of teaching sociology in Japan. I found my own sociological imagination helpful...
Serum thyrotropin in primary hypothyroidism: a reliable and accurate predictor of optimal daily levothyroxine dose.

OBJECTIVE To assess the reliability and accuracy of the predicted optimal daily levothyroxine (LT4) dose based on pretreatment serum thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) level in primary hypothyroidism. METHODS We examined the relationships between the actual daily LT4 dose required to attain and maintain normal serum TSH concentration and the calculated daily LT4 dose, based on previously established correlations with pretreatment serum TSH concentrations, in 108 consecutive patients with primary hypothyroidism treated in an endocrinology clinic during an 18-month period. RESULTS Highly significant correlations were noted between the optimal daily LT4 dose and the calculated dose based on either logarithmic regression (r = 0.86; P<0.00001) or linear regression (r = 0.83; P<0.00001). Moreover, the actual mean daily LT4 dose (133 +/- 4 mg) approximated the mean doses predicted by both regression analyses (129 +/- 5 mg and 126 +/- 5 mg, respectively) and was identical in many of the study subjects. CONCLUSION The predicted optimal daily LT4 dose based on pretreatment serum TSH level provides a reliable and accurate approximation of the final optimal LT4 dose in patients with primary hypothyroidism and therefore may be a more convenient and cost-effective therapeutic approach than the current traditional clinical practice.
Use of Matrices as a Tissue Substitute in Shoulder Surgery

The use of orthobiologics in shoulder surgery is one of the largest areas of growth in the orthopaedic surgery product market. Bone products can fill voids, enhance healing, and provide support. Soft tissue products include scaffolds and products that augment the cell based and factor based healing response. This article focuses on scaffolds and biological augmentations. In the scaffold section, engineered products as well as solutions that use natural tissue will be discussed. In the biological augmentation sections, we will concentrate on products that enhance osteoinduction, angiogenesis, and the cellular response. Scaffolds can augment the mechanical properties of repaired tendons and especially so when the scaffold is constructed from poly-glycolic acid and poly-l-lactic acid. The original polymer material, poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene, seems to be too mechanically weak for use in the shoulder; the same is true for chitin. Porcine small intestinal submucosa, while once promising, has been exposed as a poor material for scaffold development. Dermal matrix has many questions remaining before its use can be supported. As the field of polymer based molecular delivery continues to develop, we expect the synthetic polymers to continue to dominate the discussion. Many molecular therapies show promise for changing the way the shoulder heals and altering the mechanical properties of the repaired shoulder. Bone morphogenic proteins have shown an ability to affect the formation of the bone-tissue interface. Platelet-rich-plasma and fibrin clots both are promising inductors of angiogenesis, as are low intensity pulsed ultrasound and shock wave therapy. Finally, muscle and bone derived stem cells may potentially have a positive effect on the healing process.
Organizational Recruitment as a Two-Stage Process A Comparative Analysis of Detroit and Yokohama

A lack of consensus exists on the relationship between modernization and formalization in organizational recruitment. The absence of agreement is partially a product of the failure to examine recruitment as a dual process of information dispersion and selection. After empirically examining recruitment as a two-stage process in Detroit and Yokohama, it was found that the discrepant findings are in part a result of different temporal focus in the recruitment process by researchers. The article points to the necessity of studying the entire recruitment process and the need to isolate the contingencies that shape the character of employee acquisition.
Are 5-Hydroxytryptamine-preloaded β-Cells an Appropriate Physiologic Model System for Establishing That Insulin Stimulates Insulin Secretion?

Abstract The release and oxidation of 5-hydroxytryptamine from 5-hydroxytryptamine-preloaded β-cells has been used as a surrogate marker for insulin secretion. Findings made using this methodology have been used to support the concept that insulin stimulates its own release. In the present studies, the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine on stimulated insulin secretion from isolated perifused rat islets was determined. When added together with stimulatory glucose, 5-hydroxytryptamine (0.5 mm) significantly reduced both phases of 8 mm glucose-induced secretion and reduced the first phase of 15 mmglucose-induced release by 60% without any effect on sustained insulin release rates. Preloading of β-cells with 0.5 mm5-hydroxytryptamine for 3 h resulted in a more severe impairment of 15 mm glucose-induced secretion. First and second phase release rates were reduced by 70 and 55%, respectively. In addition, this pretreatment protocol also abolished 200 μmtolbutamide-induced insulin secretion from perifused islets. These findings confirm that 5-hydroxytryptamine is a powerful inhibitor of stimulated insulin secretion. The responses of 5-hydroxytryptamine-preloaded β-cells may not accurately reflect the biochemical events occurring during the physiologic regulation of insulin secretion. The suggestion that insulin stimulates its own secretion based exclusively on amperometric measurements should be reconsidered.
Electronic resource usage statistics: the challenge and the promise

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenge and promise of electronic resource usage statistics.Design/methodology/approach – Discusses the ways in which libraries could take better advantage of usage statistics with the help of systems.Findings – Provides a brief description of a grassroots effort to develop a decision support system for electronic resources.Originality/value – Provides insight into the challenges and potential uses of electronic resource usage statistics.
Periodic Orbit Approach to the Quantum‐Kramers‐Rate

The quantum analog of Kramers reaction rate for a dissipative environment is derived on the basis of a periodic orbit approach for multidimensional tunneling. The resulting reaction rate expression holds at all temperatures, thus covering [in contrast to the imaginary free energy method (“bounce-” method)] the classical and the quantum regime on the same basis.
Inhibitory glutamate receptor channels

Inhibitory glutamate receptors (IGluRs) are a family of ion channel proteins closely related to ionotropic glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors; They are gated directly by glutamate; the open channel is permeable to chloride and sometimes potassium. Physiologically and pharmacologically, IGluRs most closely resemble GABA receptors; they are picrotoxin-sensitive and sometimes crossdesensitized by GABA. However, the amino acid sequences of cloned IGluRs are most similar to those of glycine receptors. Ibotenic acid, a conformationally restricted glutamate analog closely related to muscimol, activates all IGluRs. Quisqualate is not an IGluR agonist except among pulmonate molluscs and for a unique multiagonist receptor in the crayfish Austropotamobius torrentium. Other excitatory amino acid agonists are generally ineffective. Avermectins have several effects on IGluRs, depending on concentration: potentiation, direct gating, and blockade, both reversible and irreversible. Since IGluRs have only been clearly described in protostomes and pseudocoelomates, these effects may mediate the powerful antihelminthic and insecticidal action of avermectins, while explaining their low toxicity to mammals. IGluRs mediate synaptic inhibition in neurons and are expressed extrajunctionally in striated muscles. The presence of IGluRs in a neuron or muscle is independent of the presence or absence of excitatory glutamate receptors or GABA receptors in the cell. Generally, extrajunctional IGluRs in muscle have a higher sensitivity to glutamate than do neuronal synaptic receptors. Some extrajunctional receptors are sensitive in the range of circulating plasma glutamate levels, suggesting a role for IGluRs in regulating muscle excitability The divergence of the IGlu/GABA/Gly/ACh receptor superfamily in protostomes could become a powerful model system for adaptive molecular evolution. Physiologically and pharmacologically, protostome receptors are considerably more diverse than their vertebrate counterparts. Antagonist profiles are only loosely correlated with agonist profiles (e.g., curare-sensitive GABA receptors, bicuculline-sensitive AChRs), and pharmacologically identical receptors may be either excitatory or inhibitory, and permeable to different ions. The assumption that agonist sensitivity reliably connotes discrete, homologous receptor families is contraindicated. Protostome ionotropic receptors are highly diverse and straightforward to assay; they provide an excellent system in which to study and integrate fundamental questions in molecular evolution and adaptation.
The rhetoric of desecration

(1971). The rhetoric of desecration. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 57, No. 1, pp. 23-31.
Two-orthogonal-view method for quantification of rad dose to neck lesions in thyroid cancer therapy patients.

A new technique is described for the determination of the dose in rad to metastatic lesions in the neck following administration of /sup 131/I for the treatment of thyroid carcinoma. The technique utilizes a high-energy pinhole collimator mounted on an Anger camera which can be rotated to record lateral and anterior views from known positions relative to the patient. A new algorithm is derivedfor the determination of lesion location in three dimensions, utilizing the distance of closest approach between back-projected rays from the two views. In addition, a new derivation is presented for the estimation of ellipsoid volume from two pinhole projections. The method makes use of a computer edge detection program to delineate the projected lesion boundaries. The output is either a mean estimate from one view or a more definitive upper bound derived from both views. The uptake in counts is determined from daily anterior images which are corrected for pinhole efficiency falloff with distance. This uptake is converted into microcuries by use of an in- air calibration curve. An attenuation correction is applied using the calculated lesion depth and an assumed attenuation coefficient. The dose rate is calculated using standard assumptions and is integrated graphically over themore » first few days when the rate peaks and by utilizing a single- decaying-exponential fit to the data over the remaining days. Illustrative patient data are presented in which doses are calculated for three neck lesions after an administration of 175 mCi of /sup 131/I. These doses include a lower bound of 2400 rad and estimates of 5300 and 9500 rad.« less
Multiple Constraints on Processing Ambiguous Sentences: Evidence from Adult L2 Learners.

Forty-five adult second language learners of English participated in this study, which investigated syntactically ambiguous sentences in which a prepositional phrase is interpreted as either an NP (noun phrase) attachment or VP (verb phrase) attachment (e.g., The cop saw the spy with binoculars). One group of 23 students performed comprehension tasks, first by listening to the sentences produced with no distinction in intonation favoring the NP or the VP interpretation, then by listening to the sentences produced with an intonation that favored the NP interpretation. A second group of 22 students performed comprehension tasks, first by reading the sentences with no preceding context, then by reading them preceded by a referential context. The students also did 2 sentence-completion tasks, one manipulating “action verbs,” the other “psych and perception verbs,” to evaluate the verb-based lexical biasing effect. Statistical analyses of the results showed lexical, syntactic, prosodic, and contextual constraints on processing of ambiguous sentences.
“Not Peasant Stew! Real Theater for the People!” ‐Walfriede Schmitt Talks about East German Theater

In this narrative imitative of the East German “Protokoll,” the actress Walfriede Schmitt describes East German theater from the 1960s to the present through personal experiences. She describes the theoretical and methodological direction of the actors’ training as well as the life of actors at small town provincial theaters and in Berlin, the East German theater capital. Historical events, such as the Prague Spring and the events of 1989, are more than a backdrop: they provided the impetus behind many failed and fulfilled theater productions. History‐making productions as well as the issues actors face today in unified Germany are portrayed.
Segregationists Confront American Empire: The Conservative White South and the Question of Hawaiian Statehood, 1947–1959

Legislative and public debate over Hawai‘‘i””s proposed statehood coincided with the intensification of the African American freedom struggle in the U.S. South as well as the post-World War II rise of anti-colonial nationalism in Africa and Asia. To white racial conservatives, these were interrelated threats; each challenged the once-dominant association of whiteness and access to democracy. This article uncovers and analyzes the widespread grass-roots opposition to Hawaiian statehood among white Southerners. In doing so, it casts post-World War II racial conservatism in a new light: by illustrating how segregationists turned their attention to places far beyond the borders of the U.S. South to defend the ideology that legitimated Jim Crow; by highlighting the persistence of a race-based anti-imperialist sentiment; and by exploring segregationist ideas about race, religion, and the right to self-rule.
Cytotoxic effect of Shiga toxin-1 on human glomerular epithelial cells

Cytotoxic effect of Shiga toxin-1 on human glomerular epithelial cells. Background Shiga toxin-1 (Stx-1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of postdiarrheal hemolytic-uremic syndrome (Stx HUS). Endothelial cells had been felt to be the primary renal target of Stx-1; however, recent studies suggest that renal epithelial cells may also be responsive. To further examine this issue, we evaluated the responsiveness of human glomerular epithelial cells (GECs) to the cytotoxic effects of Stx-1. Methods Cultured GECs were exposed to Stx-1 in the presence and absence of a variety of inflammatory factors likely to be elevated in the kidney or serum of patients with Stx HUS. Cell survival, protein synthesis, total cell Gb3 levels and synthesis, and Stx-1 binding were measured. Results GECs were sensitive to Stx-1, with an LD 50 of approximately 10 -7 g/L (1.4 pmol/L). Interleukin-1 (IL-1), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and butyrate increased Stx-1 cytotoxicity and total cell Gb3 levels. These agents, with the exception of TNF-α, also increased Stx-1 binding to GECs. IL-6 failed to alter Stx-1 toxicity, binding, or Gb3 content. Conclusions These studies indicate that GECs are sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of Stx-1 and that inflammatory factors can increase toxin responsiveness. GECs may be a target of Stx-1 action in Stx HUS.
Identification of a major membrane fraction as a product of synthesis by isolated yeast mitochondria.

Abstract A fractionation procedure has been developed to separate mitochondrial membrane components into well-resolved fractions. One fraction of the membrane, which can be isolated by gel electrophoresis, accounts for a major portion of the total mass of the membrane protein. This protein was labeled to a much greater extent than other fractions during protein synthesis by isolated mitochondria. Inhibition of the synthesis of this component by chloramphenicol accounts for essentially all of the observed effect of chloramphenicol on protein biosynthesis in isolated mitochondria.
Novel Two-Photon Fluorescence Probes for Zinc Ion Sensing

Abstract: We report the synthesis, photophysical characteristics of two photon fluorescent (2PF) probes which shows superior specificity for zinc coupled with two photon microscopy imaging utilized to evaluate detection of Zn2+ in vivo.
Cognition and nutrition.

Purpose of review Aging is associated with a decline in cognition. This review examines the available data on the effects of nutrition on cognitive impairment. It also explores the mechanism(s) by which food may enhance memory. Recent findings An increasing body of evidence has supported the role of the Mediterranean diet and extra-virgin olive oil in protecting cognition. A number of nutritional formulations to improve deteriorating memory are being studied. Undernutrition is associated with cognitive decline. Hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia cause cognitive impairment. Summary There are increasing data to support the role of nutrition in maintaining cognition.
Social Identity and Craft Specialization among Toro Iron Workers in Western Uganda

This ethnographic case study focuses on part-time independent specialists who mined iron ore, smelted ore into raw iron, and forged raw iron into objects in the pre-colonial and early colonial polity of Toro in western Uganda. Since a small sub-set of these iron workers were also attached to the Toro omukdma, or king, the social identities of Toro iron workers in different contexts are explored. Essential to both the effective practice of their craft and to their social identities, however, was the use of esoteric, non-technical knowledge. Details of the rules and rituals practiced during iron working, as well as the possible archaeological manifestations of such activities, are also examined.
Analytical performance evaluation of SAR ATR with inaccurate or estimated models

Hypothesis testing algorithms for automatic target recognition (ATR) are often formulated in terms of some assumed distribution family. The parameter values corresponding to a particular target class together with the distribution family constitute a model for the target's signature. In practice such models exhibit inaccuracy because of incorrect assumptions about the distribution family and/or because of errors in the assumed parameter values, which are often determined experimentally. Model inaccuracy can have a significant impact on performance predictions for target recognition systems. Such inaccuracy often causes model-based predictions that ignore the difference between assumed and actual distributions to be overly optimistic. This paper reports on research to quantify the effect of inaccurate models on performance prediction and to estimate the effect using only trained parameters. We demonstrate that for large observation vectors the class-conditional probabilities of error can be expressed as a simple function of the difference between two relative entropies. These relative entropies quantify the discrepancies between the actual and assumed distributions and can be used to express the difference between actual and predicted error rates. Focusing on the problem of ATR from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, we present estimators of the probabilities of error in both ideal and plug-in tests expressed in terms of the trained model parameters. These estimators are defined in terms of unbiased estimates for the first two moments of the sample statistic. We present an analytical treatment of these results and include demonstrations from simulated radar data.
Lamina propria replacement therapy with cultured autologous fibroblasts for vocal fold scars.

Objectives To develop a canine model of vocal fold scar and to evaluate its treatment with lamina propria replacement therapy using autologous cultured fibroblasts. Materials and methods Full thickness of the lamina propria layer in canine vocal folds was injured with a laser. Fibroblasts were cultured and expanded in the laboratory from a buccal mucosal biopsy. The scarred vocal folds were treated with 3 weekly injections of fourth, fifth, and sixth passage autologous fibroblasts. Mucosal waves and acoustic parameters were measured at baseline, after scarification, and several months after injection therapy. Histologic evaluation of the vocal folds for fibroblasts, collagen, elastin, reticulin, and hyaluronic acid was performed. Results Nine beagle dogs were used, and 1 animal served as control. Vocal fold scarring resulted in absent or severely limited mucosal waves and significantly worse acoustic parameters. Significant improvements in mucosal waves and acoustic parameters were obtained after lamina propria replacement therapy. After therapy, mucosal waves became normal in 4 animals and near normal in the other 4. No statistical difference was found in mucosal waves between baseline and post-therapy. All animals tolerated therapy without complications. The treated vocal folds demonstrated an increased density of fibroblasts, collagen, and reticulin, a decreased density of elastin, and no change in hyaluronic acid. Conclusions and significance Therapeutic options for vocal fold scars are limited. Lamina propria replacement therapy in the form of autologous cultured fibroblasts improves mucosal pliability and returns normal or near normal mucosal waves in experimentally scarred vocal folds. This novel therapeutic modality may hold new promise for treating vocal fold scars.
Shopping for top forums: discovering online discussion for product research

Community generated content, or social media, has become increasingly important over the past several years. Social media sites such as blogs, twitter and online discussion boards have been recognized as valuable sources of market intelligence for companies wishing to keep abreast of their customers' attitudes expressed online. There has been little focus, however, on providing a similar service to potential customers.In this paper we present a system for aiding consumers with their product research by providing access to community generated content. We focus specifically on online forums or message boards, which are particularly useful for product research. These web sites often host discussion among users with first-hand product experiences, expert users and enthusiasts.The system presented here is designed to integrate with a shopping search portal, providing access to online forums that are likely to have a significant amount of discussion relating to a user's expressed interest in product brands and categories. We describe this system and present experiments showing that in the context of a shopping search engine, the proposed system is preferred or equivalent to results from a web search engine 80% of the time and achieves accuracy at the top ranked result of 85%.
Itraconazole decreases left ventricular contractility in isolated rabbit heart: Mechanism of action

Itraconazole (ITZ) is an approved antifungal agent that carries a “black box warning” in its label regarding a risk of negative cardiac inotropy based on clinical findings. Since the mechanism of the negative inotropic effect is unknown, we performed a variety of preclinical and mechanistic studies to explore the pharmacological profile of ITZ and understand the negative inotropic mechanism. ITZ was evaluated in: (1) an isolated rabbit heart (IRH) preparation using Langendorff retrograde perfusion; (2) ion channel studies; (3) a rat heart mitochondrial function profiling screen; (4) a mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay; (5) in vitro pharmacology profiling assays (148 receptors, ion channels, transporters, and enzymes); and (6) a kinase selectivity panel (451 kinases). In the IRH, ITZ decreased cardiac contractility (> 30%) at 0.3 μM, with increasing effect at higher concentrations, which indicated a direct negative inotropic effect upon the heart. It also decreased heart rate and coronary flow (≥ 1 μM) and prolonged PR/QRS intervals (3 μM). In mechanistic studies, ITZ inhibited the cardiac NaV channel (IC{sub 50}: 4.2 μM) and was devoid of any functional inhibitory effect at the remaining pharmacological targets. Lastly, ITZ did not affect MMP, nor interfere with mitochondrial enzymes or processes involved withmore » fuel substrate utilization or energy formation. Overall, the cardiovascular and mechanistic data suggest that ITZ-induced negative inotropy is a direct effect on the heart, in addition, the potential involvement of mitochondria function and L-type Ca{sup 2+} channels are eliminated. The exact mechanism underlying the negative inotropy is uncertain, and requires further study. - Highlights: ► Effect of itraconazole (ITZ) was assessed in the isolated rabbit heart (IRH) assay. ► ITZ decreased ventricular contractility in IRH, indicating a direct effect. ► IC{sub 50} of ITZ on L-type I{sub Ca} was greater than 30 μM, on I{sub Na} was 4.2 μM. ► ITZ had minimal effects on mitochondrial functions. ► ITZ had minimal hits in pharmacology profiling and kinase selectivity panel.« less
The Effect of Penicillin on the Encystment of Bdellovibrio sp. Strain W

When penicillin, and other inhibitors of peptidoglycan synthesis were added to encysting cultures of Bdellovibrio strain W, the encysting process continued, resulting in the production of cysts which were spherical in shape. Transmission electron micrographs of these spherical bdellocysts revealed the absence of an outer cyst wall. These cysts, devoid of cyst wall, were capable of germination under appropriate condition with the emergence from the prey ghost of highly motile spheroplasts. Withdrawl of the antibiotics after encystment had begun led to the production of spherical cysts that were surrounded by an outer cyst wall.
Eye dominance in visual cortex in amblyopia using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

t i a s s n fi n a previous article, we described a functional magetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique at 1.5 T magnetic field strength) that could be used to study rimary visual cortex (V1) in patients with amblyopia. ur methodology characterized the distribution of ye dominance of voxels (small volumes) in V1 based n the Student t statistic in an OS-versus-OD conrast. Only control individuals were studied, and the echnique was found to be sensitive to neutral-density ltering but relatively insensitive to visual blur. In the resent study, the eye dominance of voxels in V1 in 2 atients with anisometropic amblyopia and 1 patient ith monocular suppression was studied using this echnique. The eye-dominance histograms were hifted toward the unaffected eye, and the magnitude f the change seemed to be correlated with the visual cuity deficit in the amblyopic eye. Our technique omplements other fMRI methodologies, including 6 that was recently described in this journal and is ow being used to study cortical abnormalities assoiated with amblyopia.