cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute Myocardial Infarction Revealed in an Isolated Premature Ventricular Beat

Electrocardiograms of 2 patients, suspected instances of acute myocardial infarction, offered an early diagnostic clue in that there were isolated premature ventricular beats manifesting the characteristic changes produced by infarction of the myocardium. In each instance these features were present before the remainder of the electrocardiographic record was conclusive.
Expected treatment dose construction and adaptive inverse planning optimization: Implementation for offline head and neck cancer adaptive radiotherapy

Purpose: To construct expected treatment dose for adaptive inverse planning optimization, and evaluate it on head and neck (hn (24 ± 6)%, (22 ± 8)%, (21 ± 5)%, (19 ± 8)%, and (10 ± 6)% with three weekly modifications; and (28 ± 5)%, (25 ± 9)%, (26 ± 5)%, (24 ± 8)%, and (15 ± 9)% with five weekly modifications. Conclusions: Adaptive treatment modification can be implemented including the expected treatment dose in the adaptive inverse planning optimization. The retrospective evaluation results demonstrate that utilizing the weekly adaptive inverse planning optimization, the dose distribution of h&n cancer treatment can be largely improved.
Comparison of the standard and computerized versions of the Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices Test.

Computerized psychological assessment is potentially a viable alternative to the traditional method of examiner based assessment. 15 children, 4 females and 11 males, ranging in age from 7 to 14 yr...
Residual stresses, shrinkage, and warpage of complex injection molded products : Numerical simulation and experimental validation

A numerical simulation model for predicting residual stresses and residual deformations which arise during the injection molding of thermoplastic polymers in the post-packing stage has been developed. A thermoviscoelastic model with volume relaxation is used for the calculation of residual stresses. The finite element method employed is based on the theory of shells as an assembly of flat elements. This theory is well suited for thin injection molded products of complex shape. The approach allows the prediction of residual deformations and residual stresses layer by layer like a truly three-dimensional calculation, while reducing the computational cost significantly. The hole drilling technique is used to measure the residual stresses across the thickness of the product. A three-dimensional laser digitizing system, an image processing technique and a dual displacement transducer system are used to measure the warpage. Experiments are carried out on polycarbonate and high density polyethylene parts. Numerical results are in qualitative agreement with experimental observations, i.e., the skin of the box is surrounded by a compressive region while the core region is in traction. The trend of both the experimental and the predicted residual stress profiles is close. Different examples are presented to illustrate the influence of the geometrical complexity of the shape on the final deformations and residual stresses. The influence of the mold temperature on residual stresses and warpage is also analyzed.
Polyhedral extensions of some theorems of linear programming

Three theorems of linear programming form our starting point: Tucker's theorem (1956) concerning the existence of optimal solutions satisfying the complementary slackness conditions strictly, and Williams' two theorems (1970) concerning the coordinatewise complementary behavior of feasible and optimal solutions. Here, we establish that the same phenomena hold in another, more versatile framework involving general polyhedral convexity. As one main application, the results are transferred into the context of the monotone complementarity problem. Several other theoretical applications are indicated.
Nonadiabatic dynamics of electron transfer in solution: Explicit and implicit solvent treatments that include multiple relaxation time scales

The development of efficient theoretical methods for describing electron transfer (ET) reactions in condensed phases is important for a variety of chemical and biological applications. Previously, dynamical dielectric continuum theory was used to derive Langevin equations for a single collective solvent coordinate describing ET in a polar solvent. In this theory, the parameters are directly related to the physical properties of the system and can be determined from experimental data or explicit molecular dynamics simulations. Herein, we combine these Langevin equations with surface hopping nonadiabatic dynamics methods to calculate the rate constants for thermal ET reactions in polar solvents for a wide range of electronic couplings and reaction free energies. Comparison of explicit and implicit solvent calculations illustrates that the mapping from explicit to implicit solvent models is valid even for solvents exhibiting complex relaxation behavior with multiple relaxation time scales and a short-time inertial response. The rate constants calculated for implicit solvent models with a single solvent relaxation time scale corresponding to water, acetonitrile, and methanol agree well with analytical theories in the Golden rule and solvent-controlled regimes, as well as in the intermediate regime. The implicit solvent models with two relaxation time scales are in qualitative agreement with the analytical theories but quantitatively overestimate the rate constants compared to these theories. Analysis of these simulations elucidates the importance of multiple relaxation time scales and the inertial component of the solvent response, as well as potential shortcomings of the analytical theories based on single time scale solvent relaxation models. This implicit solvent approach will enable the simulation of a wide range of ET reactions via the stochastic dynamics of a single collective solvent coordinate with parameters that are relevant to experimentally accessible systems.
A probabilistic analysis of steel beam-columns

Abstract A probabilistic analysis of steel beam-columns in a typical medium rise office building designed in accordance with current AISC specifications was conducted. Risks were evaluated in terms of failure of probability for several failure modes and for various combinations of dead, live and wind loads. Effects of uncertainties in the resistance and the loads as well as modelling and prediction errors were included in the reliability analysis which is based on a first order second moment approach. Upper and lower bounds on the probability of failure of beam-columns were evaluated. Results obtained indicate the risk levels for the building considered.
Defibrillating shocks delivered to the heart impair efferent sympathetic responsiveness.

BACKGROUNDFunctional studies indicate that sympathetic efferents are located in the superficial subepicardium and vagal efferents are located in the subendocardium. It is possible that electrical shocks applied directly to the heart might affect the function of these autonomic nerves.METHODS AND RESULTSLow- ( 10 J but not with shocks < or = 10 J, was ...
Optimization of Impulsive Trajectories from a Circular Orbit to an Excess Velocity Vector

Feasible transfer trajectories are constructed to serve as initial guesses for determining constrained optimal impulsive escape trajectories, from a circular orbit to a target hyperbolic excess velocity vector. The proximity of these feasible solutions to their corresponding optima are quantified. The objective of this work is to improve the feasible solutions, thereby enabling general anytime escape trajectories to be targeted that result in substantially reduced fuel expenditure. The procedure is currently restricted to one- and three-impulse escape trajectories from a circular parking orbit. Two separate three-impulse methods are presented, each specific to whether the time of flight is free or fixed. Numerical results, obtained using nonlinear programming algorithms, are presented to validate the robustness of the method. Analysis and results are nondimensional, and therefore are applicable to departures from a circular orbit about any celestial body.
The range of A−1A∗ in GL(n,C)

Abstract Let A be an invertible operator on a finite dimensional complex Hilbert space. We carry out a detailed study of the map A→A −1 A ∗ ≡Φ(A) . It is shown that the range of Φ is exactly the set of all invertible operators T for which T−1 is similar to T∗. In particular, unitaries and similarities of unitaries are in the range of Φ and we prove, among other things, the equivalence of the assertions: (i) T is similar to a unitary, (ii) every A ∈ Φ −1(T) is congruent to a normal operator, (iii) there exists B ∈ Φ−1(T) whose field of values omits the origin of the complex plane. For general T in the range of Φ, we determine all A ∈ Φ−1(T) in terms of the self-adjoint invertible operators fixed by the map X→T∗XT. Many of the results contained in this paper have known analogues for operators which are similar to their adjoints.
Substance Abuse in Older People

This review presents current information on substance abuse in older people, highlighting recent studies on epidemiology, screening techniques, brief intervention, and treatment issues. Studies show that substance abuse in older people is common, but frequently goes undiagnosed. Although alcohol abuse is most common, abuse of narcotic and sedative drugs also occurs. Older adults are particularly susceptible to adverse medical outcomes from substance abuse, and recent studies show that brief interventions by primary care providers can have a major impact on preventing medical morbidity and improving quality of life. Effective treatment modalities for substance abuse in older people exist and should be individualized to optimize success. J Am Geriatr Soc 48:985–995, 2000.
Joint linkage and association analysis of the hepatic lipase promoter polymorphism and lipoprotein size phenotypes.

The hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) has been implicated as a poten- tial regulator of HDL-cholesterol concentration and HDL and LDL particle size. Studies have centered on a C to T transition in the promoter region of LIPC, 514 base pairs upstream from the transcription initiation site. We performed a genome-wide linkage screen for several lipoprotein size pheno- types and tested for association of these traits with LIPC 514C-T in 798 individuals from the San Antonio Family Heart Study. Median diameters were measured for HDL particles stained for apoA1 (A1), apoA2 (A2), unes- terified cholesterol (UC), and esterified cholesterol (EC) and for LDLs stained for EC. The median diameter of all phenotypes exhibited evidence of linkage to the LIPC region of chromosome 15 (LODs of 1.78 to 3.79). Linkage was also observed for HDL-EC size on chromosome 5p (LOD3.50). Association with the LIPC 514C-T polymorphism was de- tected for HDL-A1, HDL-A2, HDL-UC, and HDL-EC median diameters (p0.001) but not for LDL-EC size. Linkage analyses of HDL sizes condi- tional on the 514C-T polymorphism reduced the LOD scores in the LIPC region only slightly, suggesting that this polymorphism does not explain the observed linkage of lipoprotein sizes to chromosome 15. These results indi- cate the presence of a lipoprotein size locus in the LIPC region but suggest that 514C-T is not the primary functional variant in this region, implying that additional functional mutations influencing HDL and potentially LDL size variation occur in or near LIPC.
The United States Supreme Court and the death penalty: The struggle for fairness

In the ten years sinceFurman v. Georgia, the United States has recognized the right of states to adopt and follow different capital sentencing schemes so long as they protect the defendant from arbitrary and capricious imposing of the death sentence. The sentence may not be disproportionate to the crime. Sentencing may be done by a judge or jury. Prospective jurors may not be challenged for cause merely because their deliberations would be affected because a death penalty was possible, but only if they could not fulfill their oath. Habeas corpus petitions in capital cases are not open invitations to avoid finality of judgment and execution of the sentence, but are to find constitutional errors.
Cascade of metastatic colorectal carcinoma from the liver to the anterior diaphragmatic lymph nodes

Rationale and Objectives. Metastases of colon carcinoma from the liver to porta hepatis and celiac axis lymph nodes constitute a contraindication to hepatic metastatic resection. Our objective was to determine the frequency of anterior diaphragmatic lymph node (ADLN) enlargement, another efferent pathway of hepatic lymphatic drainage, in patients with colon carcinoma. Methods. Abdominal computed tomography scans from 50 patients with colon carcinoma in whom hepatic metastases were either present (n = 25) or absent (n = 25) were reviewed. ADLNs greater than or equal to 5 mm were considered enlarged. Results. Thirteen of 25 patients with hepatic metastases had ADLNs greater than or equal to 5 mm; three of 25 patients without hepatic metastases had ADLNs greater than or equal to 5 mm. The difference was statistically significant (p = .002). Conclusion. Metastases of colon carcinoma from the liver to the ADLNs probably are not rare. ADLN involvement would obviate hepatic resection. The ADLNs should be assessed preoperatively in surgical candidates with hepatic metastases of colon carcinoma.
Higher-Order Comprehension Processes in Struggling Readers: A Perspective for Research and Intervention

Many children struggle to learn to read, and these difficulties can persist well into adulthood. To address this problem, researchers have investigated the processes that underlie reading. An informative body of work has thus identified basic skills (e.g., decoding, vocabulary knowledge) as necessary for successful reading. Researchers also have begun to examine comprehension skills and their contributions to the reading process. In this article we describe research from the cognitive sciences on the processes that underlie higher-order, coherence-oriented comprehension to provide an empirically and theoretically driven perspective for investigating struggling readers' difficulties. We show that this perspective is particularly beneficial in the development and assessment of instructional approaches by relating it to existing, effective interventions. Finally, we demonstrate how our own research activities have derived from this perspective and how preliminary findings extend our understanding of readers'...
Modal analysis and optimization of isothermal autocatalytic reactions

Abstract A comprehensive and systematic analysis of optimization of autocatalytic reactions is presented in this article considering a very general objective function. The objective functions of common interest, such as maximum yield, maximum selectivity, maximum productivity and minimal reaction time, are some of the special cases of this general objective function. The following reaction scheme is considered in this work: A+ n B ⇌ ( n +1)B, A ⇌ B, B→C. The problem of maximization of the general objective function is posed as that of the optimal control of a variable-volume reactor with time-variant feed and effluent flow rates as the control variables. The systematic ‘modal’ analysis enables identification of feasible modes of reactor operation and conditions under which each feasible mode is admissible. Of all the possible modes, only a few are proved to be feasible and only certain transitions are permissible from each feasible mode. The policy for programmed manipulation of the feed and effluent flow rates is obtained employing the optimal control theory. Candidate optimal policies are identified as individual feasible modes or certain sequences of these. A singular fed-batch operation in which the feed rate is decided exclusively by the state of the reactor is part of some of the candidate optimal policies. Conditions for admissibility and feasibility of singular control and the feeding policy during singular control interval are obtained analytically for arbitrary kinetics of these reactions. The concentration trajectories in a fed-batch operation converge to or diverge from one or more limit points. Operation at each limit point is characterized by invariance of concentrations of all species, the feed rate being an exponential function of time. A linearized stability analysis, supported by numerical illustrations, reveals that some or all of the limit points may be accessible during fed-batch operation. The optimal operation strategy is linked to the disposition of batch reactor trajectories in the space of concentration variables. The rich behavioral patterns of autocatalytic reactions are revealed by specific numerical illustrations.
A long T. A tract in the upp initially transcribed region is required for regulation of upp expression by UTP-dependent reiterative transcription in Escherichia coli.

In Escherichia coli, pyrimidine-mediated regulation of upp expression occurs by UTP-sensitive selection of alternative transcriptional start sites, which produces transcripts that differ in the ability to be elongated. The upp initially transcribed region contains the sequence GATTTTTTTTG (nontemplate strand). Initiation can occur at either the first or the second base in this sequence (designated G6 and A7, with numbering from the promoter −10 region). High intracellular UTP levels favor initiation at position A7; however, the resulting transcripts are subject to reiterative transcription (i.e., repetitive UMP addition) within the 8-bp T · A tract in the initially transcribed region and are aborted. In contrast, low intracellular UTP levels favor initiation at position G6, which results in transcripts that can, in part, avoid reiterative transcription and be elongated normally. In this study, we examined the regulatory requirement for the long T · A tract in the upp initially transcribed region. We constructed upp promoter mutations that shorten the T · A tract to 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 bp and examined the effects of these mutations on upp expression and regulation. The results indicate that pyrimidine-mediated regulation is gradually reduced as the T · A tract is shortened from 7 to 3 bp; at which point regulation ceases. This reduction in regulation is due to large-percentage increases in upp expression in cells grown under conditions of pyrimidine excess. Quantitation of cellular transcripts and in vitro transcription studies indicate that the observed effects of a shortened T · A tract on upp expression and regulation are due to increases in the fraction of both G6- and A7-initiated transcripts that avoid reiterative transcription and are elongated normally.
DRD4 and novelty seeking: results of meta-analyses.

Studies of the association between polymorphisms within and near the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene and novelty seeking (NS) have produced inconsistent results, raising questions about the strength of the relationship and the methodological conditions under which the relationship holds. We conducted three meta-analyses of existing studies to provide formal statistical measures of the strength of the DRD4-NS relationship. Results provided no support for a relationship between NS and the presence of the 7-repeat allele of the VNTR polymorphism. A small positive effect, however, was found for long repeats of the same polymorphism. The most promising findings were obtained for the relationship with the -521 C/T promoter polymorphism, for which the analysis showed an effect size of 0.32. The positive findings are consistent with a polygenic model of influence on fundamental personality dimensions.
Behavioral evaluation of sensory irritation evoked by ammonia.

Abstract Mice will respond to escape from ammonia vapor, a prototypical airborne chemical irritant. Nose poking at a conical sensor is maintained if it terminates the delivery of ammonia to a small exposure chamber and produces a facial shower of clean, humidified air from the sensor. The duration of exposure to ammonia tolerated decreased as ammonia concentration increased (0.0–0.2%). The percentage of ammonia deliveries terminated by a response also increased as concentration increased. The behavior did not result from a general increase in activity. Thus, ammonia vapor delivery is an effective negative reinforcer for the mouse. This technique can help evaluate the aversive properties of atmospheric contaminants.
Lincoln and Citizens' Rights in Civil War Missouri: Balancing Freedom and Security

Lincoln and Citizens' Rights in Civil War Missouri: Balancing Freedom and Security DENNIS K. BOMAN Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 2011 Pp. 356, $45.00 (hbk), ISBN 978 0 8071 3693 5 ...
When is growth pro-poor? Evidence from a panel of countries ☆

Abstract Growth is pro-poor if the poverty measure of interest falls. According to this definition there are three potential sources of pro-poor growth: (a) a high growth rate of average incomes; (b) a high sensitivity of poverty to growth in average incomes; and (c) a poverty-reducing pattern of growth in relative incomes. I empirically decompose changes in poverty in a sample of developing countries during the 1980s and 1990s into these three components. In the medium- to long-run, most of the variation in changes in poverty can be attributed to growth in average incomes, suggesting that policies and institutions that promote broad-based growth should be central to the pro-poor growth agenda. Most of the remainder of the variation in changes in poverty is due to poverty-reducing patterns of growth in relative incomes, rather than differences in the sensitivity of poverty to growth in average incomes. Cross-country evidence provides relatively little guidance as to the policies and institutions that promote these other sources of pro-poor growth.
Expression and function of fatty acid amide hydrolase in prostate cancer

The hydrolysis of endocannabinoids has profound effects on the function of the endocannabinoid signaling system in the regulation of prostate carcinoma cells. Prostate carcinoma cells exhibit a wide range of hydrolysis activity for 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the major endocannabinoid. However, enzyme(s) responsible for 2-AG hydrolysis and their functions in prostate cancer have not been characterized. In this study, we demonstrated that fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) was differentially expressed in normal and prostate carcinoma cells. In PC-3 cells, overexpression of FAAH resulted in increased FAAH protein, 2-AG hydrolysis, cell invasion and cell migration. Conversely, small-interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of FAAH in LNCaP cells decreased FAAH protein, 2-AG hydrolysis and cell invasion. Furthermore, CAY10401, a FAAH inhibitor, decreased cell invasion and it enhanced the reduction of invasion in FAAH siRNA-transfected LNCaP cells. Immunohistochemistry staining of commercial tissue microarrays (TMAs) demonstrated FAAH staining in 109 of 157 cores of prostate adenocarcinomas but weak staining in 1 of 8 cores of normal prostate tissues. These results suggest that FAAH regulates 2-AG hydrolysis and invasion of prostate carcinoma cells and is potentially involved in prostate tumorigenesis.
On the Sensitivity and Spatial Resolution of Transient Pressure and Tracer Data For Heterogeneity Characterization

This paper examines the sensitivities of interwell tracer and transient pressure response to spatial distribution of permeability heterogeneity. Based on the sensitivities, we describe a formalism to quantify the spatial resolution and averaging (smearing) associated with estimates of permeabilities derived through inversion of tracer and/or pressure data. The spatial resolution is a measure of the effectiveness of the data in estimating local-scale (grid block) permeabilities. The averaging kernels quantify the inherent averaging associated with our estimates due to limited data or sampling. By examining the spatial resolution and averaging kernels as a function of various data types, we can quantitatively evaluate the relative importance of tracer versus pressure data for heterogeneity characterization and the improvement in estimates obtained by combining the data types. We illustrate the concepts by application to a quarter five-spot geometry and also to an experimental tracer response from a well-characterized slab of Antolini sandstone. Tracer data is found to yield much better resolution compared to transient pressure response. Also, both transient pressure data and tracer data appear to better resolve barriers to flow rather than channels to flow.
Deformation mode maps for tensile deformation of neutron-irradiated structural alloys

Abstract The deformation microstructures of neutron-irradiated nuclear structural alloys, A533B steel, 316 stainless steel, and Zircaloy-4, have been investigated by tensile testing and transmission electron microscopy to map the extent of strain localization processes in plastic deformation. Miniature specimens with a thickness of 0.25 mm were irradiated to five levels of neutron dose in the range 0.0001–0.9 displacements per atom (dpa) at 65–100 °C and deformed at room temperature at a nominal strain rate of 10−3 s−1. Four modes of deformation were identified, namely three-dimensional dislocation cell formation, planar dislocation activity, fine scale twinning, and dislocation channel deformation (DCD) in which the radiation damage structure has been swept away. The modes varied with material, dose, and strain level. These observations are used to construct the first strain-neutron fluence-deformation mode maps for the test materials. Overall, irradiation encourages planar deformation which is seen as a precursor to DCD and which contributes to changes in the tensile curve, particularly reduced work hardening and diminished uniform ductility. The fluence dependence of the increase in yield stress, ΔYS = α(ϕt)n had an exponent of 0.4–0.5 for fluences up to about 3 × 1022 n m−2 (∼0.05 dpa) and 0.08–0.15 for higher fluences, consistent with estimated saturation in radiation damage microstructure but also concurrent with the acceleration of gross strain localization associated with DCD.
Measurement of serum apolipoprotein B by radioimmunoassay.

. A sensitive and specific double antibody radioimmunoassay for the major apolipoprotein (apo B) of human serum very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) is described. Using anti-LDL and anti-apo B antibodies the immunoreactivity of LDL and apo B were compared. Human LDL and its isolated apo B were not immunologically identical when each antiserum was used with its homologous label; a population of antibodies was selected which reacted with antigenic sites unique to the antigen itself as well as to those which were common to the closely related protein. When the heterologous label was used with either antiserum, a population of antibodies directed against antigenic sites shared by the LDL and apo B molecules was selected. Apo B in sera samples can be measured using either anti-LDL or anti-apo B antibodies provided that intact LDL was used for preparation of the iodinated tracer and standard. Serum apo B levels in healthy normolipi-daemic males and females were 0.93 ±0.25 g/l (range 0.58–1.39) and 0.90 ± 0.15 g/l (range 0.58–1.12), respectively. The total cholesterol and apo B, and phos-pholipid and apo B concentrations for both males and females were significantly correlated (P<0.05). In another normolipidaemic population (n= 52), total serum apo B values correlated positively with LDL cholesterol (r= 0.92, P< 0.001). Apo B was measured in sera from patients with abetalipoproteinaemia, familial hypercholesterolaemia and Tangiers disease. Apo B was not detected in the serum of subjects with abetalipoproteinaemia, while the apo B level in the familial hypercholesterolaemic subjects was significantly elevated (range 3.26–4.94 g/l) compared to normals (P<0.001). Serum apo B (0.80 g/l) of the subject with Tangier disease was within the normal range.
Comment on ''Rapid thermal transport from a turbulent skin layer to plasma core in a toroidal experiment''

The observations of magnetic fields as a function of position and time during a pulse reported in a recent Letter by Nishida, Hirose, and Skarsgard imply turbulent heating substantially less than that inferred from the diamagnetic signals. The inferences of heating and penetration are therefore doubtful.
Surface physics: Electron wrangling in quantum corrals

Unprecedented control over the superposition of electronic states in a 'quantum corral', exerted by changing the position of a single atom within it, provides a powerful tool for studying the quantum behaviour of matter.
Axonal transport of proteins. A new view using in vivo covalent labeling.

The injection of [2,3-3H]N-succinimidyl propionate ([3H]N-SP) into the rat sciatic nerve was used to covalently label both intra- and extra-axonal proteins. While extra-axonal proteins (e.g., myelin proteins) remained in the injection site, the intra-axonal proteins were transported in both the anterograde and retrograde directions. The mobile labeled proteins appeared to move by normal axonal transport processes because: (a) autoradiographic studies showed that they were localized exclusively within the axon at considerable distances from the injection site, (b) specific and identifiable proteins (by SDS gel electrophoresis) moved at expected rates in the anterograde direction, and (c) an entirely different profile of proteins moved in the anterograde vs. retrograde direction. This novel experimental approach to axonal transport, which is independent of de novo protein synthesis, provided a unique view of slow anterograde transport, and particularly of retrograde transport of endogenous proteins. A large quantity of a 68,000 mol wt proteins, moving at approximately 3-6 mm/day, dominated the retograde transport profile. [3H]N-SP, therefore, represents a new and unique "vital stain" which may find many applications in cell biology.
The role of homeodomain transcription factors in heritable pituitary disease

The anterior pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate developmental and physiological processes, including growth, the stress response, metabolic status, reproduction and lactation. During embryogenesis, cellular determination and differentiation events establish specialized hormone-secreting cell types within the anterior pituitary gland. These developmental decisions are mediated in part by the actions of a cascade of transcription factors, many of which belong to the homeodomain class of DNA-binding proteins. The discovery of some of these regulatory proteins has facilitated genetic analyses of patients with hormone deficiencies. The findings of these studies reveal that congenital defects-ranging from isolated hormone deficiencies to combined pituitary hormone deficiency syndromes-are sometimes associated with mutations in the genes encoding pituitary-acting developmental transcription factors. The phenotypes of affected individuals and animal models have together provided useful insights into the biology of these transcription factors and have suggested new hypotheses for testing in the basic science laboratory. Here, we summarize the gene regulatory pathways that control anterior pituitary development, with emphasis on the role of the homeodomain transcription factors in normal pituitary organogenesis and heritable pituitary disease.
Influence of water waves on hyperspectral remote sensing of subsurface water features

Modeled hyperspectral reflectance signatures with water wave influences are simulated using an analytical-based, iterative radiative transport model applicable to shallow or deep waters. Light transport within the water body is simulated using a fast, accurate radiative transfer model that calculates the light distribution in any layered media and incorporates realistic water surfaces which are synthesized using empirically-based spectral models of the water surface to generate water surface wave facets. The model simulated synthetic images are displayed as 24 bit RGB images of the water surface using selected channels from the simulated synthetic hyperspectral image cube. We show selected channels centered at 490, 530 and 676 nm. We also demonstrate the use of the model to show the capability of the sensor and image modeling approach to detect or "recover" known features or targets submerged within or on the shallow water bottom in a tidal inlet area in Indian River Lagoon, Florida. Line targets are simulated in shallow water and indicate the influence of water waves in different water quality conditions. The technique demonstrates a methodology to help to develop remote sensing protocols for shallow water remote sensing as well as to develop information useful for future hyperspectral sensor system developments.
A Generalized Approach for SAR and MIMO Radar Imaging of Building Interior Targets With Compressive Sensing

Most existing methods on compressive sensing (CS) for through-the-wall radar imaging (TWRI) are developed for monostatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and are only capable of target imaging behind a single-layer wall. In this letter, a generalized Green’s function-based approach for the imaging of targets behind single- or multilayered building walls with CS is proposed. The approach is applicable to both SAR and multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) radar. By exploiting the sparsity of the target space, a less cluttered high-resolution image can be achieved with far fewer measurements. The number of antenna elements in the MIMO radar system can be significantly reduced using the proposed approach, resulting in an overall reduction of the complexity and cost of MIMO radar for TWRI applications. Numerical results are presented to show that high-quality focused image can be achieved under various wall-target scenarios for both SAR and MIMO radar.
All in the Family? Family Environment Factors in Sibling Violence

Sibling violence is presumed to be the most common form of family violence and the least studied. Based on data from “Physical Violence in American Families, 1976,” this paper assesses the family environment factors associated with sibling physical violence. Of a range of potential family influences, measures of family disorganization were the most significant predictors of sibling violence, overriding the characteristics of children or particular family demands. What mattered most to the occurrence of sibling violence was a child’s actual experience of physical violence at the hands of a parent, maternal disciplinary practices and whether husbands lose their temper. These findings point to the deleterious effect of corporal punishment, and suggest sibling violence in families is associated with more ominous family and gender dynamics.
Celebrating a Return to Jim Crow? A Reflexive Analysis and Methodological Query on Measuring Segregation:

Glaeser and Vigdor (2012) recently declared ‘the end of a segregated century’. Because America has returned to 1910 segregation levels, it has allegedly achieved transcendence over racism. After al...
Theory of Hormone-Receptor Interaction

It has generally been assumed that there is a direct proportionality between the number of receptor sites filled (bound) by hormone and the magnitude of target-tissue response. However, the cell, rather than the receptor site, may be regarded as the quantal unit, as in the following model: l) Hormone and receptor react according to reversible, second-order chemical kinetics (1st order mass action law). This makes it possible to calculate the probability (P) that a receptor site is “filled”. 2) There are multiple identical, independent receptor sites (S) per cell. 3) The number of sites filled per cell is given by the Binomial distribution. 4) A cell will respond in a maximal (quantal) fashion, if the number of sites filled exceeds a given threshold (T). This model has been expressed mathematically, and utilized for computer simulation studies. If T = 1, then the fraction of cells responding is F = 1 - (l - P)S. Results indicate that this model provides a simple, reliable, redundant mechanism for enhancing “sensitivity”: as the number of sites/cell increases, the hormone concentration evoking 1/2 maximal response (the ED50) decreases, with an increase in the apparent affinity constant, and progressive dissociation of “binding” and “response” curves. For example, with S = 20 and T = 2, 50% of the cells would respond, even though only 8% of the sites were filled. This simple model can be generalized, and may provide a new, fundamental approach to the analysis of endocrine control mechanisms.
Incorporation of polarization into the DIRSIG synthetic image generation model

The Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Synthetic Image Generation (DIRSIG) model uses a quantitative first principles approach to generate synthetic hyperspectral imagery. This paper presents the methods used to add modeling of polarization phenomenology. The radiative transfer equations were modified to use Stokes vectors for the radiance values and Mueller matrices for the energy-matter interactions. The use of Stokes vectors enables a full polarimetric characterization of the illumination and sensor reaching radiances. The bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) module was rewritten and modularized to accommodate a variety of polarized and unpolarized BRDF models. Two new BRDF models based on Torrance-Sparrow and Beard-Maxwell were added to provide polarized BRDF estimations. The sensor polarization characteristics are modeled using Mueller matrix transformations on a per pixel basis. All polarized radiative transfer calculations are performed spectrally to preserve the hyperspectral capabilities of DIRSIG. Integration over sensor bandpasses is handled by the sensor module.
Stereotactic radiosurgery: a meta-analysis of current therapeutic applications in neuro-oncologic disease

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) represents an important tool in neurosurgery and radiotherapy for addressing a multitude of diseases, most notably in the field of neuro-oncology. The pathologies for which it is employed vary significantly, and few controlled studies exist to evaluate its efficacy. We aimed to provide a quantitative meta-analysis of SRS applications in neuro-oncology, providing benchmarks for expected outcomes. The meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with established standards for evaluating observational data. Specific inclusion criteria were utilized, search terms recorded, and data extracted to summarize demographic and outcome statistics. Meta-analysis was conducted where statistically appropriate, and clinical outcomes summarized as tumor stability, survival, and complications in a pathology-specific manner. For vestibular schwannoma, 37 studies with a total 3,677 patients were included. Overall disease stabilization rate after adjustment for significant publication bias was 91.1%. Non-cranial nerve complication rate after publication bias adjustment was 5.6%. Accounting for publication bias, rate of hearing preservation was with 59.3%. For 456 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients in 11 studies receiving SRS, median survival from diagnosis was 13.5–26 months, while overall complication rate was 11.4%. For meningioma, 15 studies with a total 2,734 patients were included; 77.1% were classified as skull base. Overall disease stabilization rate was 89.0, while overall complication rate was 7.0%. For metastatic disease, 27 studies with a total of 2,679 patients were included. Overall median survival from time of SRS was 5–14 months, overall 1-year survival rates were 15–54.9%, while reported local disease control rates were 59.6–96.8%. Stereotactic radiosurgery is an increasingly important tool in the management of neuro-oncologic diseases. While there is a pathology-specific role for SRS, current data show excellent results in treating several pathologies. As such, SRS adds significantly to the neurosurgical armamentarium for treating neuro-oncologic processes.
Acoustic impact of short-term ocean variability in the Okinawa Trough

The impact of short-term ocean variability on acoustic transmission loss (TL) is examined in the nature run of an observation system simulation experiment (OSSE) centered on the Okinawa Trough in the western North Pacific. Range-dependent examinations of TL in the upper ocean show the impact of variability as it modifies the sonic layer depth and thickness of the surface duct. Short term variations in the marine environment are shown to have potentially significant impact on acoustic propagation, particularly for applications using active sonar. We examine case studies highlighting the effects of three types of phenomena: diurnal warming, typhoon-induced mixing, diurnal warming, and internal waves. These phenomena were identified as important in the OSSE study area during an extensive Navy data collection effort during the summer and fall of 2007. Publically available observations are used to evaluate the fidelity of the nature run, which then serves as the standard for both range-dependent TL computations and comparisons of ocean prediction alternatives. Some of the alternatives do not represent short-term ocean variability. Thus the case studies reveal the types of errors that arise when acoustic calculations fail to account for a sufficient spectrum of environmental influences. TL differences in the variable environments demonstrate acoustic prediction benefits provided by increasingly capable Navy ocean models.
Stress fracture of the acetabular rim: arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation. A case report

An anterolateral acetabular osseous fragment is often referred to as an “os acetabuli,” and it may represent a secondary ossification center within the triradiate cartilage1. These fragments have been observed in dysplastic hips, in association with osteomyelitis and tuberculosis2, and following trauma3. The term acetabular rim syndrome has been used to describe fatigue fractures of the anterolateral acetabular rim in dysplastic hips2. These fragments are thought, in part, to relate to the abnormal shear stress that occurs in hips with type-II dysplasia2. Recently, in a retrospective review of 495 patients with femoroacetabular impingement, a large osseous fragment was found at the anterolateral aspect of the acetabular rim in eighteen hips in patients with cam-type impingement4. These patients were highly active and presented with an insidious onset of hip pain in the absence of specific trauma. Unlike the small labral ossicles that are typically attributed to fractured acetabular osteophytes, these fragments were shown to consist of labrum, articular cartilage, and bone on magnetic resonance imaging and histologic evaluation and were anatomically distinct from unfused secondary ossification centers4. The authors suggested that such fragments may represent stress fractures of the acetabular rim due to abnormal shear stress caused by cam impingement. In addition, these patients were found to have increased anterolateral acetabular coverage of the femoral head and relatively retroverted acetabuli. The authors proposed that an aspheric femoral head with acetabular retroversion, as seen with combined cam and pincer types of femoroacetabular impingement, should be considered a risk factor for the development of stress fractures of the acetabular rim in active patients. The patients in this series were managed with open surgical dislocation of the hip. Excision of the fragment was performed in twelve of the hips, and …
Naloxone accelerates the rate of ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia in awake rats.

Abstract During ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia in rats, Pa CO 2 progressively falls from about 40 torr in normoxia (PI O 2 ≅ 150 torr) to a new steady-state at about 23 torr in chronic hypoxia (24 or more hours at PI O 2 ≅ 90 torr). In acute (20 or 60 minutes) hypoxia naloxone treatment caused a hyperventilation greater than that caused by acute hypoxia alone. Following 20 minutes hypoxia, naloxone treated rats had a Pa CO 2 = 28.6 ± 0.7 torr (mean±95% confidence limits) which was significantly lower (P CO 2 = 31.0±0.6 torr. In contrast, in normoxia and at 24 hour hypoxia and at 20 minute return to normoxia following 24 hours hypoxia, naloxone treatment had no effect on Pa CO 2 . We conclude that in the rat about one third of the ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia is due to a progressively decreasing endogenous opioid-like inhibition of ventilation.
Graph cyclicity, excess conductance, and resistance deficit

A new graph-theoretic cyclicity index C(G) is defined, being motivated in terms of mathematical concepts from the theory of electrical networks. This “global bond excess conductance” index C(G) then is investigated, with a number of theorems as well as some discussion and numerical investigation. It is found that C(G) typically has less degeneracy than the standard cyclomatic number and has some intuitively appealing features.
Fast Fourier transform-based correlation of DNA sequences using complex plane encoding

The detection of similarities between DNA sequences can be accomplished using the signal-processing technique of cross-correlation. An early method used the fast Fourier transform (FFT) to perform correlations on DNA sequences in O(n log n) time for any length sequence. However, this method requires many FFTs (nine), runs no faster if one sequence is much shorter than the other, and measures only global similarity, so that significant short local matches may be missed. We report that, through the use of alternative encodings of the DNA sequence in the complex plane, the number of FFTs performed can be traded off against (i) signal-to-noise ratio, and (ii) a certain degree of filtering for local similarity via k-tuple correlation. Also, when comparing probe sequences against much longer targets, the algorithm can be sped up by decomposing the target and performing multiple small FFTs in an overlap-save arrangement. Finally, by decomposing the probe sequence as well, the detection of local similarities can be further enhanced. With current advances in extremely fast hardware implementations of signal-processing operations, this approach may prove more practical than heretofore.
Role of conformational entropy in the activity and regulation of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A

Protein kinase A (PKA) is the archetypical phosphokinase, sharing a catalytic core with the entire protein kinase superfamily. In eukaryotes, the ubiquitous location of PKA makes it one of the most important cellular signaling molecules, involved in a myriad of events. The catalytic subunit of PKA (PKA-C) is one of the most studied enzymes and was the first kinase to be crystallized; however, the effects of ligand binding, post-translational modifications and mutations on the activity of the kinase have been difficult to understand with only structural data. Here, we review our latest NMR studies on PKA-C, the results of which underscore the role of fast and slow conformational dynamics in the activation and inhibition of the kinase.
Culturally Competent and Socio-politically Conscious Teaching: A Teacher Educator Works to Model the Journey to Critical Cultural Competence

The purpose of this article is to present the self-study of a teacher educator who is concerned about cultural competence, socio-political consciousness, social justice, and peace in her preparation of teacher candidates. She recounts her experiences at the European Peace Institute (EPU) in Stadtschlaining, Austria, and how experiences with these students impact her perspective on teacher education in the United States. Sharing the voices from students at EPU provides a means of consciousness-raising for the teacher educator. She provides examples of ways to bring a more culturally competent and socio-political awareness to teacher education programs in the United States.