cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stapes model using high-resolution μCT

Understanding the biomechanics of the middle ear is important for surgical reconstructions. As the output of the middle ear, the stapes plays a key role in transferring acoustic vibrations to the cochlea. In order to develop anatomically-based mathematical models, which are needed to improve our understanding of stapes dynamics, detailed morphometry of the stapes is required. High-resolution micro-CT imaging techniques were used to generate three-dimensional reconstructions of cadaveric temporal bones from 5 species commonly used in experimental middle ear research: the chinchilla, human (relatively mid-frequency hearing limit), cat, guinea pig, and gerbil (relatively high-frequency hearing limit). From the standard discretizations of micro-CT images and corresponding 3-D volume reconstructions, the centers of mass, principle axes, stapes head areas and stapes footplate areas were calculated. Mechanical relationships were estimated between the capitulum area and the footplate area and inter-species comparisons were performed between the cross-sectional shapes of the anterior and posterior crura. Quantitative dynamic properties were estimated from the rigid body motion calculations. The parameters estimated in this study will be useful for building biocomputational models of the stapes for a variety of species.
Multiple separatrix crossing in multi-degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian flows

We study separatrix crossing in near-integrablek-degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian flows, 2 <k < ∞, whose unperturbed phase portraits contain separatrices inn degrees of freedom, 1 <n <k. Each of the unperturbed separatrices can be recast as a codimension-one separatrix in the 2k-dimensional phase space, and the collection of these separatrices takes on a variety of geometrical possibilities in the reduced representation of a Poincare section on the energy surface. In general 0 ≤l ≤n of the separatrices will be available to the Poincare section, and each separatrix may be completely isolated from all other separatrices or intersect transversely with one or more of the other available separatrices. For completely isolated separatrices, transitions across broken separatrices are described for each separatrix by the single-separatrix crossing theory of Wiggins, as modified by Beigie. For intersecting separatrices, a possible violation of a normal hyperbolicity condition complicates the analysis by preventing the use of a persistence and smoothness theory for compact normally hyperbolic invariant manifolds and their local stable and unstable manifolds. For certain classes of multi-degree-of-freedom flows, however, a local persistence and smoothness result is straightforward, and we study the global implications of such a local result. In particular, we find codimension-one partial barriers and turnstile boundaries associated with each partially destroyed separatrix. From the collection of partial barriers and turnstiles follows a rich phase space partitioning and transport formalism to describe the dynamics amongst the various degrees of freedom. A generalization of Wiggins' higher-dimensional Melnikov theory to codimension-one surfaces in the multi-separatrix case allows one to uncover invariant manifold geometry. In the context of this perturbative analysis and detailed numerical computations, we study invariant manifold geometry, phase space partitioning, and phase space transport, with particular attention payed to the role of a vanishing frequency in the limit approaching the intersection of the partially destroyed separatrices. The class of flows under consideration includes flows of basic physical relevance, such as those describing scattering phenomena. The analysis is illustrated in the context of a detailed study of a 3-degree-of-freedom scattering problem.
Mass loss rate in collodion is greatly reduced at liquid helium temperature.

SUMMARY The mass thickness of collodion films has been monitored at several temperatures, under conditions typical of electron microscopy, through the use of an electron energy loss spectrometer. Compared to room temperature, only a five-fold reduction in the rate of mass loss was observed through the use of a commercial liquid nitrogen cooled stage; in contrast, the rate of mass loss was reduced more than one hundred fold when these films were held at liquid helium temperature.
Biosorption of hydrophobic organic pollutants by mixed microbial populations

Abstract In recognition of the need to estimate biosorption for natural microbial populations, the variability of partition coefficients for two hydrophobic pollutants to natural populations from a variety of aquatic systems was investigated. Biosorption partition coefficents for pyrene [2.46(±0.6) × 10 4 ] and phenanthrene [6.34(±1) × 10 3 ] were nearly constant over 14 different microbial sources, consisting of sediments and soils from eight states. For these condensed ring aromatics, semi-empirical equations were developed relating biosorption partition coefficients to octanol/water partition coefficients and to water solubility and melting point. Concepts and relationships developed for these materials should extend to other families of hydrophobic compounds.
Habitat Use by Coastal Birds Inferred from Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes

Conservationists need to know the degree of habitat fidelity for species of conservation concern. Stable Isotope Analysis in R quantified the contribution of terrestrial vs. saltmarsh primary production sources to terrestrial passerine food webs from four habitats of Sapelo Island, Georgia (USA), saltmarsh, maritime scrub–shrub, maritime broadleaf (oak), and maritime narrowleaf (pine) forests, using δ 13C and δ 15N. Models suggested Northern Parula (Parula americana) in oak forests, White-eyed Vireos (Vireo griseus) in shrub, and Brown-headed Nuthatches (Sitta pusilla) in pine forests derived most of their food from habitats they occupied (53–100%). Saltmarsh provided 47–94% of Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) food sources, supporting previous findings by Springborn and Meyers (2005). Thus, Painted Bunting conservation in the Southeastern USA should focus on Springborn and Meyers’ suggestion of maritime scrub–shrub habitat and forests with 50% ground cover, and patches of shrubs that are within 700 m of saltmarsh.
An analysis of solute diffusion in rocks

Abstract The diffusion of unreactive solutes through a fine-grained rock (Culebra Dolomite) was studied experimentally and theoretically. The measured diffusive flux is less than half that predicted from independent knowledge of the porosity and reasonable estimates of tortuosity. This low measured flux led to a review of the relationship between solute diffusion and pore geometry in rocks and sediments. We therefore examined solute transport in hypothetical pore networks where the effect of pore geometry on the solute flux is directly calculable. A conventional interpretation of pore tortuosity, as a normalized length of diffusion through a pore, must be expanded for cases where pores intersect in networks. Some important variables affecting the tortuosity are: (i) the distribution of pore sizes, (ii) the distribution of pore lengths, (iii) the number of pores which intersect at a node, and (iv) the pore shape between nodes. Furthermore, in porous materials with a preferential distribution of pore sizes and orientation, tortuosity is a tensor. For the Culebra Dolomite, the wide range of pore sizes causes the diffusive flux to vary considerably from that predicted from conventional theory. Solute diffusion through the Culebra Dolomite greatly resembles diffusion through an isotropic network of pores, once this network is assigned pore sizes similar to the rock.
Creep of 2618 Aluminum Under Step Stress Changes Predicted by a Viscous-Viscoelastic Model

Abstract : Nonlinear constitutive equations are developed and used to predict from constant stress data the creep behavior of 2618 Aluminum at 200 C (392 F) for tension or torsion stresses under varying stress history including step-up, step-down, and reloading stress changes. The strain in the constitutive equation employed includes the following components: linear elastic, time-independent plastic, nonlinear time-dependent recoverable (viscoelastic), nonlinear time-dependent nonrecoverable (viscous) positive, and nonlinear time-dependent nonrecoverable (viscous) negative. The modified superposition principle, derived from the multiple integral representation, and strain hardening theory were used to represent the recoverable and nonrecoverable components, respectively, of the time-dependent strain in the constitutive equations. (Author)
The Type 2 Iodothyronine Deiodinase Is Expressed in the Rat Uterus and Induced During Pregnancy

Thyroid hormones are of considerable importance for vertebrate reproductive function and during development. To further assess the role of these compounds in this capacity, we examined the expression pattern of the type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (D2), which converts T(4) to the more active hormone T(3), in the rat uterus in both the nonpregnant and the pregnant state. D2 activity was identified as the predominant, if not only, 5'-deiodinase in the nonpregnant rat uterus. The expression of D2 messenger RNA was located by in situ hybridization to the endometrial stromal cells, where the signal was particularly enriched in the region adjacent to the epithelial cells of the uterine lumen. During pregnancy, D2 activity increased, peaking on day 17 of gestation (embryonic day 17). At that time, uterine D2 activity exceeded that in the placenta, as well as that in the fetal tissues. In the earlier stages of pregnancy before placental formation (e.g. embryonic days 10-11), D2 messenger RNA in the rat uterus was located outside the decidual tissue, which was observed, as in previous studies, to highly express the inactivating type 3 deiodinase. In summary, the rat uterus, particularly during pregnancy, seems to be a site of active thyroid hormone metabolism, presumably designed to maintain the optimal thyroid hormone environment for both the fetus and the maternal uterine tissue.
Mechanisms involved in nongenetic reactivation of frog polyhedral cytoplasmic deoxyribovirus: evidence for an RNA polymerase in the virion.

Abstract Mechanisms involved in nongenetic reactivation of frog polyhedral cytoplasmic deoxyribovirus (PCDV) were studied by plaque assay and the technique of DNA-RNA hybridization. Results of these studies were as follows: (1) Nongenetic reactivation of PCDV occurred predominantly via interaction with single cells of virus aggregates containing protein denatured (heat- or urea-inactivated) and ultraviolet light (UV)-inactivated virions. Little reactivation occurred by coincidence encounters with cells of separate protein denatured and UV-inactivated virions. (2) In untreated and cycloheximide-treated baby hamster kidney and fathead minnow cells, reactivable heat-inactivated PCDV could not initiate synthesis of viral RNA, while PCDV inactivated by brief UV-exposure had limited capacity. Under the same conditions, potentiated amounts of viral RNA were made in cells mixedly infected with a combination of UV- and heat-inactivated PCDV. Additionally, the reactivating capacity of UV-inactivated PCDV was not reduced in direct relationship to the UV-dose it received. From these results, it was concluded that gene expression by UV-inactivated PCDV virions was not essential to obtain reactivation of heat-inactivated PCDV virions. (3) Viral RNA was synthesized in cells blocked in their capacity for protein synthesis by cycloheximide treatment, suggesting that an RNA polymerase is an integral component of the PCDV virion.
Quality of life in children with epilepsy.

To study quality of life in school children with epilepsy, we surveyed families of 443 elementary and junior high school children with epilepsy, as well as their school teachers. Approximately 80% responded. Seizures were controlled in 70% of the children. Of the children with epilepsy, 27% received education for disturbed children. Main family concerns were the future of their child. seizures, and school performance. Main concerns of the children were medication and seizures. The majority of both families and teachers agreed that children should participate in all physical education and school events based on individual considerations. Many teachers expressed the opinion that correct information about epilepsy and close communication between teachers and physicians are necessary. To establish comprehensive medical care that satisfies the needs of children with epilepsy and their families, further training of medical specialists in epilepsy, establishment of more hospitals specializing in epilepsy. and enhancment of the network among relevant organizations are needed. For children with intractable epilepsy, special considerations include associated handicaps and antiepileptic drug side effects. Key Words : Adolescence-Childhood-Epilepsy seizures-Outcome assessment-Quality of life-Social adjustment.
META-ANALYSIS OF CO-INFECTIONS IN TICKS

Microbial infections typically do not occur in isolation but co-occur within diverse communities of bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and viruses. Co-infections can lead to increased disease severity, lead to selection for increased virulence, and complicate disease diagnosis and treatment. Co-infections also occur in disease vectors, and represent one source of co-infections in hosts. We examined patterns of co-infections in ticks (Order Acari), which vector diverse human and wildlife pathogens, and asked whether the frequency of microbial co-infections deviated significantly from independent associations. Most published data were from Ixodes species and reported infection and co-infection frequencies of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A total of 18 datasets representing 4978 adult ticks met our criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Significant deviations from independent co-infection were detected in eight of the 18 populations. Five populations exhibited a significant excess of A....
Purification and antigenicity of three isolates of barley yellow dwarf virus.

Abstract An isolate (RPV) of barley yellow dwarf virus transmitted specifically by Rhopalosiphum padi and an isolate (PAV) transmitted nonspecifically by both R. padi and Macrosiphum avenae were purified by procedures previously found satisfactory for another isolate (MAV) transmitted specifically by M. avenae . As with MAV, infectivity of RPV and PAV samples removed from sucrose gradient columns was associated with a dense polyhedral particle about 30 nm in diameter in shadowed preparations. No differences in sedimentation rate (sedimentation coefficient 115–118 S) among the 3 virus isolates were detected in parallel sucrose gradient centrifugation tests. Temperature at which source plants were grown was an important factor affecting results of purification. Preparations made from oats grown at 15°–20° contained about 2–5 times more virus than did preparations made from plants grown at temperatures above 25°. Coast Black oats ( Avena byzantina ) was the best virus source among 5 host plant species tested. Preparations of the PAV isolate made from plants harvested 2–3 weeks after inoculation contained about 4 times as much virus as did preparations from plants harvested after 5–8 weeks. Thorough extraction of virus from infected tissue was another critical step in the purification procedure. The average yield of virus (per 1000 g of source tissue) was 106, 79, and 20 μg, respectively, for MAV, RPV, and PAV. Accumulation of frozen crude concentrates for each of the 3 virus isolates during a period of about 2 years made possible the production of final virus preparations for use in development of specific antisera. A highly reactive antiserum specific for each of the 3 virus isolates was obtained by injecting 200–350 μg of purified virus into single rabbits in a series of 3 injections. Serological comparisons of the 3 virus isolates, based on a type of infectivity neutralization that involves serological blocking of virus transmission by aphids, suggested that the MAV and PAV isolates are related, but that RPV is distinct from the other 2 isolates.
A partial characterization of clique graphs

Abstract A partial characterization of clique graphs is given here, including a method for constructing a graph having a given graph as its clique graph, provided the given graph meets certain conditions. In addition, an example is presented to show the existence of graphs which are not clique graphs.
On a paper of Lang and Maslamani

Abstract Let k be a field of characteristic 0, and let f : k n →k n be a polynomial map with components of the form f i = x i + h i , where the h i are monomials. If the Jacobian determinant of the map f is a nonzero constant, then f is a tame automorphism. If, in addition, each h i is either constant or of degree 2 or more, then f is linearly triangularizable.
The Incidence of Myxobolus dentium (Protozoa: Myxosporida) in Esox masquinongy of the Upper Niagara River

Abstract The histozoic myxosporidan parasite Myxobolus dentium Fantham was found in 94 of 280 angler-caught muskellunge, Esox masquinongy Mitchell, taken in the Niagara River from 1968 to 1976. Among fish from 71- to 81-cm total length (TL), the coefficient of condition was significantly lower for infected fish than for uninfected fish. Fish 71- to 95-cm TL had a significantly greater incidence of infection than fish 96- to 122-cm TL. The infection rate of fish 3+ to 5+ years old was significantly higher than the infection rate of fish 6+ to 8+ years old. Incidence of infection of 71- to 95-cm TL fish increased from June to August and decreased until October, showing a positive correlation with water temperature.
Left ventricular function in children studied by increasing peripheral resistance with angiotensin.

Response to angiotensin infusion was evaluated in 11 normal children and 24 patients with suspected left ventricular dysfunction. This included 12 patients with endocardial fibroelastosis, three with idiopathic myocardial hypertrophy, one with cardiac glycogenosis, and eight with the Hunter-Hurler syndrome. In 20 of these 24 patients, cardiac catheterization findings confirmed the clinical suspicion of decreased left ventricular function. In 11 instances left ventricular dysfunction was diagnosed by an elevation of resting left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. In eight instances this was ascertained by a decrease in resting left ventricular stroke work when compared to the expected range, derived by using a linear regression formula based on 24 normal subjects. In only four instances were both abnormal; that is, the resting left ventricular stroke work was decreased and the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was increased. In five of these 20 patients, abnormal left ventricular function was elicit...
Risk should be objectively defined: comment on Pelé and Sueur

Pele and Sueur (2013) propose that optimal decisions depend on delay of reinforcement, accuracy (probability or magnitude of reinforcement), and risk. The problem with this model is delay and accuracy are easy to define, but according to Pele and Sueur the third, risk, depends on the animal’s perceived or “interpreted” risk rather than actual (experienced) risk. Thus, choice of the smaller more immediate reward over the larger delayed reward (the delay discounting function) is viewed by the authors as optimal because delay is associated with increased risk (due to potential competition or predation). But perceived risk is assessed by the decision made (e.g., the slope of the discounting function), and since there is virtually no actual risk involved, by default if there is no independent means of measuring risk, according to Pele and Sueur, all choices can be viewed as optimal. Thus, optimality is an untestable concept. We suggest that risk be defined by the actual risk (given sufficient experience to judge it) and under conditions in which there is no actual risk (or risk is controlled), when animals choose an alternative that provides a lower rate of access to food, that one considers such choice to be suboptimal.
Estimation of ERPF in adults from plasma clearance of 131I—hippuran using a single injection and one or two blood samples

The plasma clearance of [131I]o-iodohippurate, which is an estimate of effective renal plasma flow, can be measured from one or two blood samples drawn after an i.v. bolus of tracer. The most widely used method is based on a single sample. Here, it is shown that the error (relative to a complete curve of six or more blood samples) can be halved by using two samples rather than one. Since the one-sample method is satisfactory for most clinical purposes, the two-sample method is recommended only when special accuracy is needed.
Exploring genomic diversity in Clostridium botulinum using DNA microarrays

Rapid increases in the number of available Clostridium botulinum genome sequences have permitted the development of new molecular subtyping methods for this organism. Our laboratory has developed various DNA microarrays in an effort to differentiate strains based on differences in gene content. This review will focus on both high density comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) microarrays and various focused (low density) oligonucleotide spotted microarrays. Comparison of gene content using DNA microarrays provides investigators with the ability to simultaneously differentiate unrelated strains and to identify strain variable genes. Such genes may play important roles in the pathogenesis, growth, and survival of this organism. Moreover, probes may be optimised as new genome sequences become available leading to improvements in the ability to characterise novel or unusual strains.
Strong cooperative enhancement of two-photon absorption in double-strand conjugated porphyrin ladder arrays.

We present the two-photon absorption (2PA) spectra of a series of conjugated porphyrin oligomers containing N = 2, 4, 8, and ca. 13 monomer units, meso−meso connected with butadiyne linkers. We demonstrate that, in the coplanar double-strand arrays, self-assembled upon addition of 4,4‘-bipyridyl, the conjugation length increases dramatically, leading to very strong cooperative enhancement of 2PA. We analyze the scaling of 2PA in both the double-strand and rotationally free single-strand arrays and show how the effective conjugation length in both cases is linked to the observed 2PA properties. By introducing a “conjugation signature” for the 2PA strength, we show that, in double-strand arrangement, the conjugation embraces the whole molecule up to the tetramer level, whereas in single-strand arrangement, it is always less than N, except for N = 2, but keeps increasing until N = 8. Our finding of extremely strong 2PA cross section, σ2 ≈ 105 GM, in double-strand oligomers peaking at 1.3 μm can find use for ...
An exploration of recurrent injury prevention in patients with trauma

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Individuals who have sustained an injury are also at an increased risk for recurrent injury. The purposes of this study were to explore perceptions of recurrent injury risk and prevention, factors associated with the initiation of behavioral and environmental injury prevention strategies, and barriers to injury prevention. The Health Belief Model provided the theoretical framework for this study. METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, subjects completed a semi-structured interview. Questions were designed to explore subjects' perceptions and behaviors regarding strategies to prevent recurrent injury and any injury prevention information they may have received since their injury event. SAMPLE: Thirty adults who had sustained a nonviolent unintentional injury, mean age 43, mean time since injury 4 months. RESULTS: The majority of subjects reported high levels of perceived susceptibility to injury, and a large degree of perceived control in injury prevention. Factors associated with initiation of environmental strategies included injury to a lower extremity, lower physical function scores, use of an assistive device, and higher perceived injury severity. Few barriers to injury prevention were identified. DISCUSSION/CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Previously injured individuals made a variety of environmental and behavioral changes to prevent recurrent injury. However, subjects' perceived susceptibility for recurrent injury and lack of injury prevention information support the need for nursing interventions designed to decrease the risk of recurrent injury.
Linking multiple disease-related resources through UMLS

A recent usage log analysis showed that disease information is frequently sought by PubMed users. Besides PubMed, many other resources provide valuable information on thousands of diseases for scientific professionals and health consumers. However, the lack of explicit links between resources limits the access to comprehensive information for a given disease. The objective of this work is to integrate a variety of disease-related resources in the public domain in order to enable integrated access to multiple disease resources. We applied automated methods for recognizing and mapping disease mentions in free text to disease concepts in UMLS. A total of 467 Gene Reviews and 1,581 A.D.A.M. disease records were mapped to UMLS concepts. These mappings complement manually curated associations and enable the automatic creation of relevant links between documents. With minimal human intervention, disease-related resources were mapped to UMLS and linked together, which is critical for providing integrated access to online disease information.
Collective Electronic Motion in a Metallic Slab

The virtual modes are obtained for a free-electron-gas model of a metallic slab. These modes, excitations of the crystal which couple to radiative fields outside the slab, correspond to a mixture of collective electron motion and photons. It is shown that a knowledge of the virtual modes leads to a complete understanding of those aspects of the optical properties related to the long-wavelength collective behavior of the electrons. In particular, the existence of radiative surface modes is established. These modes markedly affect the low-frequency optical properties. Manifestations of the virtual modes in experimental situations other than optical investigations are discussed. The dispersion of the ordinary nonradiative surface plasmons at long wavelengths is also calculated using the same general technique. The result is in accord with a previous calculation.
Synthesis of 3'-C-substituted thymidine derivatives by free-radical techniques: scope and limitations.

Abstract The scope and limitations of radical-mediated 3′-C-substitution of pyrimidine nucleosides was evaluated with 5′- O -( tert -butyldimethylsilyl)thymidine or its tert -butyldiphenylsilyl analogue having thionoester or thionoamide groups at O-3′, including (methylthio)thiocarbonyl, (phenoxy)thiocarbonyl, (pentafluorophenoxy)thiocarbonyl, and (1-imidazolyl)thiocarbonyl. Their reaction with acrylonitrile, methyl acrylate, and allyltributyltin under radical-generating conditions affords corresponding 3′-C-alkylated products, together with the product of simple deoxygenation at C-3′. The conditions for optimizing the yield of 3′-C-substituted product are presented.
Novel microsatellite loci to investigate population structure in the endangered gray bat ( Myotis grisescens )

We isolated and characterized 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered gray bat (Myotis grisescens). This set of loci will be used to investigate patterns of genetic structure in hibernacula and maternity colonies of the gray bat across their range, ultimately combining multiple lines of evidence (mtDNA data, stable isotope signatures, etc.) to develop a spatial network for the species.
A controlled clinical comparison of the analgesic efficacy of ethoheptazine, propoxyphene and placebo.

In a double-blind crossover study performed at Wood Veterans Administration Center and Milwaukee County General Hospital, the efficacy of ethoheptazine (Zactane®) as an analgesic agent was compared to dextropropoxyphene (65 mg) and placebo. Single oral doses of 150 mg ethoheptazine citrate were administered to 76 patients with chronic pain of various etiologies. The analgesia score obtained for 150 mg ethoheptazine was not significantly different from that obtained for 65 mg dextropropxyphene HCl. Both active medications demonstrated significant analgesic activity compared to placebo. Side effects were minor and did not interfere with the course of therapy.
Synthetic aperture radar imaging with motion estimation and autofocus

We introduce from first principles a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging and target motion estimation method that is combined with compensation for radar platform trajectory perturbations. The main steps of the method are (a) segmentation of the data into properly calibrated small apertures, (b) motion or platform trajectory perturbation estimation using the Wigner transform and the ambiguity function of the data in a complementary way and (c) combination of small aperture estimates and construction of high-resolution images over wide apertures. The analysis provides quantitative criteria for implementing the aperture segmentation and the parameter estimation process. X-band persistent surveillance SAR is a specific application that is covered by our analysis. Detailed numerical simulations illustrate the robust applicability of the theory and validate the theoretical resolution analysis.
HIV and chronic methamphetamine dependence affect cerebral blood flow.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and methamphetamine (METH) dependence are independently associated with neuronal dysfunction. The coupling between cerebral blood flow (CBF) and neuronal activity is the basis of many task-based functional neuroimaging techniques. We examined the interaction between HIV infection and a previous history of METH dependence on CBF within the lenticular nuclei (LN). Twenty-four HIV−/METH−, eight HIV−/METH+, 24 HIV+/METH−, and 15 HIV+/METH+ participants performed a finger tapping paradigm. A multiple regression analysis of covariance assessed associations and two-way interactions between CBF and HIV serostatus and/or previous history of METH dependence. HIV+ individuals had a trend towards a lower baseline CBF (−10%, p = 0.07) and greater CBF changes for the functional task (+32%, p = 0.01) than HIV− subjects. Individuals with a previous history of METH dependence had a lower baseline CBF (−16%, p = 0.007) and greater CBF changes for a functional task (+33%, p = 0.02). However, no interaction existed between HIV serostatus and previous history of METH dependence for either baseline CBF (p = 0.53) or CBF changes for a functional task (p = 0.10). In addition, CBF and volume in the LN were not correlated. A possible additive relationship could exist between HIV infection and a history of METH dependence on CBF with a previous history of METH dependence having a larger contribution. Abnormalities in CBF could serve as a surrogate measure for assessing the chronic effects of HIV and previous METH dependence on brain function.
New Terbium Isotope, Tb 152

A careful examination of photon and electron spectra from cyclotron- produced mixtures of light terbium isotopes led to the identification of a new isotope, Tb/sup 152/ with an 18.5-hr half life. The 344.1-kev transition from first excited state to ground in daughter Gd/sup 152/ was identified and shown to be identical in energy to a transition associated with the beta decay of 9.3-hr Eu/sup 152m/ to the same daughter nucleus. Gamma transitions of 180 and 265 kev are also assigned to the decay of Tb/sup 152/ (auth)
Variation-adaptive feedback control for networks-on-chip with multiple clock domains

This paper discusses the use of networks-on-chip (NoCs) consisting of multiple voltage-frequency islands to cope with power consumption, clock distribution and parameter variation problems in future multiprocessor systems-on-chip (MPSoCs). In this architecture, communication within each island is synchronous, while communication across different islands is achieved via mixed-clock, mixed-voltage queues. In order to dynamically control the speed of each domain in the presence of parameter and workload variations, we propose a robust feedback control methodology. Towards this end, we first develop a state-space model based on the utilization of the inter-domain queues. Then, we identify the theoretical conditions under which the network is controllable. Finally, we synthesize state feedback controllers to cope with workload variations and minimize power consumption. Experimental results demonstrate robustness to parameter variations and more than 40% energy savings by exploiting workload variations through dynamic voltage-frequency scaling (DVFS) for a hardware MPEG-2 encoder design.
A 200mV to 1.2V, 4.4MHz to 6.3GHz, 48×42b 1R/1W programmable register file in 65nm CMOS

This paper describes a 48times42b 1-read, 1-write ported register file which operates at supply voltage range of 1.2 V (6.1-6.3 GHz, 47 mW) down to 0.2 V (4-4.4 MHz, 0.01 mW) in 65 nm CMOS. Two programmable techniques, triple stacking and forced stacking are proposed which enable register files to operate at ultra low supply voltages while maintaining the performance comparable to conventional design at high supply voltages.
Traffic routing in MPLS networks based on QoS estimation and forecast

Emerging applications demand strict quality of service from the network. To meet these demands, a suitable path with enough resources needs to be selected. The paper focuses on the path computation in an MPLS network for a traffic flow, based on distance, bandwidth and delay constraints. The goal of the paper is to find a feasible path that minimizes the cost incurred. The cost is attributed to bandwidth carriage, and switching and signaling efforts in the network for the requested connection.
Affect and Persuasion Emotional Responses to Public Service Announcements

An experiment was designed to examine the role of emotion in persuasion. In this study, 140 undergraduates viewed eight public service announcements (PSAs) and then reported on their cognitive, emotional, and attitudinal responses to each. Some participants were instructed to attend to their feelings and use them in evaluating the PSAs (heuristic-enabled condition), whereas others were told to dampen their feelings and not let their emotions influence their judgments of the PSAs (heuristic-disabled condition). After controlling for cognition, the data showed a unique and separate effect for each emotion on perceived message effectiveness. However, the manipulations produced no observable effect on the magnitude of association between emotion and perceived effectiveness. Effects of both emotion and cognition on attitude toward the issue were mediated by perceived message effectiveness. A second study showed that perceived effectiveness and liking for the message are distinct judgments. Effectiveness is the...
An Indirect Method for Measuring Blood Pressure in the Fowl

Abstract SCATTERED reports have appeared in the literature on the blood pressure of the chickens (Riddle and Matthews, 1907; Stubel, 1910; Kaupp, 1924; Woodbury and Abrew, 1944; Rodbard and Tolpin, 1948; Lenel et al., 1948). No complete picture is available, however, on the relationship of blood pressure in the fowl to age, sex, or physiological state. The blood pressure methods used to date on the fowl have all been of direct variety, generally involving anesthesia, surgery, cannulization and cumbersome apparatus. Such techniques do not appear to offer the best means for an investigation involving considerable numbers and serial determinations. Many of the objectionable features of blood pressure measurements are eliminated in indirect sphygmomanometry, but a search of the literature failed to disclose any report on the adaptation of an indirect technique to the fowl. The work presented here was accordingly undertaken in an effort to develop such a method as a . . .
Modification of cell surface antigenicity as a function of culture conditions.

Adaptation of monolayer cultures of a clonal line of rat glial cells to suspension culture resulted in the nearly complete loss of certain surface antigens. This change in surface antigenicity was paralleled by the loss of the ability of the cells to accumulate in vitro a protein specific to the nervous system (“S100-protein”). In contrast, when glial cells were co-cultivated in monolayer culture with another cell line apparently lacking these surface antigens, the number of these antigens was markedly increased. The possibility of a causal relationship between the changes in the surface antigenicity and the expression of differentiated function is considered.
Significance of Mouse Models in Dissecting the Mechanism of Human Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGID).

Evidence suggests that eosinophils play a significant role in promoting several gastrointestinal diseases, and animal models are the significant tools to understand the pathogenesis of eosinophil-associatd inflammatory disorders. The focus of this review is on the significance of mouse models that mimic the characteristics of human eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases. Eosinophils are the important leukocytes with diverse functions in the gastrointestinal tract, such as excretion of intestinal parasites and promoting the pathogenesis of a numerous allergic gastrointestinal disorders like food allergy, parasitic infection, allergic gastroenteritis, allergic colitis, and eosinophilic esophagitis. Among these gastrointestinal diseases, the eosinophilic esophagitis is the most recently recognized disease and the mouse models are proven to be an effective tool to understand the pathophysiology of disease and to test novel treatment strategies. Based on patients allergic conditions and the gene overexpressed in human EGID, a number of gene overexpressed and allergen-challenged mouse models of gastrointestinal disorders were developed. These models were utilized to explore the mechanism(s) that promotes the eosinophilmediated gastrointestinal diseases including the role of the eosinophil responsive cytokines and chemokines. Herein, we have provided a detailed overviews of the mouse models of gastrointestinal disorders that mimic the human eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases and can be utilized as a tool for understanding the diseases pathogenesis and developing novel therapeutic targets.
An Evaluation of Student Interpersonal Support in a Spanish-English Nursing Program

Spanish speaking nurses are in great demand. For bilingual Hispanic undergraduate nursing students who might someday fill this need, interpersonal support can be a deciding factor in whether students successfully complete their program of study. This paper presents the results of an evaluative study of supportive relationships within a Spanish-English Nursing Education (SENE) program. A written survey was followed by individual and group interviews to reveal important sources of interpersonal support. The study showed that family members, especially spouses, played a critical role in personally supporting SENE students. Academic and motivational support, however, came from study groups and the cohort of Hispanic classmates. SENE administrators established cohorts of same year students, and encouraged the formation of study groups. Science-related college programs directed at Hispanic students could benefit from fostering and supporting program components that act to enhance interpersonal relationships.
Influence of irrigated agriculture on soil microbial diversity

Abstract Organic carbon (C), bacterial biomass and structural community diversity were measured in Southern Idaho soils with long term cropping histories. The soils tested were native sagebrush vegetation (NSB), irrigated moldboard plowed crops (IMP), irrigated conservation – chisel – tilled crops (ICT) and irrigated pasture systems (IP). Organic C concentration in soils decreased in the order NSB 0–5 cm > IP 0–30 cm = ICT 0–15 cm > IMP 0–30 cm > NSB 5–15 cm = NSB 15–30 cm. Active bacterial, fungal and microbial biomass correlated with soil C as measured by the Walkely Black method in positive curvilinear relationships (r2 = 0.93, 0.80 and 0.76, respectively). Amplicon length heterogeneity (LH-PCR) DNA profiling was used to access the eubacterial diversity in all soils and at all depths. The Shannon–Weaver diversity index was used to measure the differences using the combined data from three hypervariable domains of the eubacterial 16S rRNA genes. Diversity was greatest in NSB 15–30 cm soil and lowest in the IMP soil. With the exception of IMP with the lowest diversity index, the samples highest in C (NSB 0–5 cm, IP 0–30 cm, ICT 0–15 cm) reflected lower diversity indices. However, these indices were not significantly different from each other. ICT and IP increase soil C and to some extent increase diversity relative to IMP. Since soil bacteria respond quickly to environmental changes, monitoring microbial communities may be one way to assess the impact of agricultural practices such as irrigation and tillage regimes.
Management of Insomnia in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease

Following a discussion of the impact of sleep disorders, the clinical management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is discussed, as are asthma and obstructive sleep apnea. Restrictive lung diseases are outlined. The behaviorial management of insomnia appears to improve sleep and the implications are detailed. Finally, the pharmacologic treatment of insomnia for patients who have chronic pulmonary disease is reviewed in detail.
Adaptive optical zoom

In order to optically vary the magnification of an imaging system, continuous mechanical zoom lenses require multiple optical elements and use fine mechanical motion to precisely adjust the separations between individual or groups of lenses. By incorporating active elements, such as liquid crystal spatial light modulators or deformable mirrors, into the optical design, we can eliminate the need to change the spacing between lenses and create an imaging system with variable optical magnification that has no macroscopic moving parts.
Automatic model classification of measured Internet traffic

A new method for real-time traffic model classification is proposed and evaluated. The method classifies the current measured traffic to a "best-fit" model selected from a library of candidate models using statistical estimation techniques. A simple two-model system has been prototyped and evaluated through simulation experiments. The experimental system consists of a short-range dependent model and long-range dependent model, and uses the estimated Hurst parameter to select between the two models. Results demonstrate that the two-model system can classify observed traffic to the correct model with fair accuracy, and can automatically detect a change in traffic characteristics after a delay. The design parameters affecting the classification accuracy and the delay to detect traffic changes are discussed.
The Disney Way of Death

Si Walt Disney a ete un porte-parole de la maniere de vivre americaine, la force de sa voix dependait d'une curieuse obsession face a la mort, qui apparait surtout dans ses premiers films. Cet article aborde cet aspect non-etudie du cineaste et examine ses productions culturelles en relation avec l'histoire culturelle, la vie religieuse americaine et un domaine d'etude en train de naitre, l'histoire de la mort.
Aged Garlic Extract Modifies Human Immunity

Garlic contains numerous compounds that have the potential to influence immunity. Immune cells, especially innate immune cells, are responsible for the inflammation necessary to kill pathogens. Two innate lymphocytes, γδ-T and natural killer (NK) cells, appear to be susceptible to diet modification. The purpose of this review was to summarize the influence of aged garlic extract (AGE) on the immune system. The author's laboratory is interested in AGE's effects on cell proliferation and activation and inflammation and to learn whether those changes might affect the occurrence and severity of colds and flu. Healthy human participants (n = 120), between 21 and 50 y of age, were recruited for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-intervention study to consume 2.56 g AGE/d or placebo supplements for 90 d during the cold and flu season. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated before and after consumption, and γδ-T and NK cell function was assessed by flow cytometry. The effect on cold and flu symptoms was determined by using daily diary records of self-reported illnesses. After 45 d of AGE consumption, γδ-T and NK cells proliferated better and were more activated than cells from the placebo group. After 90 d, although the number of illnesses was not significantly different, the AGE group showed reduced cold and flu severity, with a reduction in the number of symptoms, the number of days participants functioned suboptimally, and the number of work/school days missed. These results suggest that AGE supplementation may enhance immune cell function and may be partly responsible for the reduced severity of colds and flu reported. The results also suggest that the immune system functions well with AGE supplementation, perhaps with less accompanying inflammation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01390116.
Human coordination of robot teams: an empirical study of multimodal interface design

Human Robot Interaction is an emerging area of interdisciplinary research that requires contributions from the areas of robotics, human computer interaction, cognitive sciences, multimodal interfaces and others. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of human robot interaction, the research proposed here advances not only the body of knowledge within human robot interaction but also in user interface design, information fusion, visual display and multimodal interaction. This research will focus on a comparative study between multimodal interfaces. Each interface style will require information fusion and multimodal interaction to provide the user with appropriate capabilities and awareness to manage their robot team. The study will determine which interface improves the user's ability to efficiently manage a robot team. The research proposed here will build upon findings, solutions and results provided by existing literature. This research will focus on the following human performance characteristics: (1) Mental Workload; (2) Task Completion Time; (3) Task Completion Rate.