cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-J-91: FFT Based Medical Image Registration Using a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).

Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency gains obtained from using a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to perform a Fourier Transform (FT) based image registration.Methods: Fourier‐based image registration involves obtaining the FT of the component images, and analyzing them in Fourier space to determine the translations and rotations of one image set relative to another. An important property of FT registration is that by enlarging the images (adding additional pixels), one can obtain translations and rotations with sub‐pixel resolution. The expense, however, is an increased computational time. GPUs may decrease the computational time associated with FT image registration by taking advantage of their parallel architecture to perform matrix computations much more efficiently than a Central Processor Unit (CPU). In order to evaluate the computational gains produced by a GPU, images with known translational shifts were utilized. A program was written in the Interactive Data Language (IDL; Exelis, Boulder, CO) to performCPU‐based calculations. Subsequently, the program was modified using GPU bindings (Tech‐X, Boulder, CO) to perform GPU‐based computation on the same system. Multiple image sizes were used, ranging from 256×256 to 2304×2304. The time required to complete the full algorithm by the CPU and GPU were benchmarked and the speed increase was defined as the ratio of the CPU‐to‐GPU computational time. Results: The ratio of the CPU‐to‐ GPU time was greater than 1.0 for all images, which indicates the GPU is performing the algorithm faster than the CPU. The smallest improvement, a 1.21 ratio, was found with the smallest image size of 256×256, and the largest speedup, a 4.25 ratio, was observed with the largest image size of 2304×2304. Conclusions: GPU programming resulted in a significant decrease in computational time associated with a FT image registration algorithm. The inclusion of the GPU may provide near real‐time, sub‐pixel registration capability.
Balloon valvuloplasty in children with dysplastic pulmonary valves

Abstract Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty for congenital pulmonary valvar stenosis (PS) is a safe and effective method for relief of obstruction. 1–3 Previous reports deal primarily with the classic form of PS. The characteristics of classic PS at surgery or necropsy include thickening of the cusps combined with commissural fusion. 4 The dysplastic valve, in contrast, is characterized by stenosis without fusion of its cusps. Obstruction is a result of immobile cusps that consist of fibrous tissue. 5 We report use of balloon valvuloplasty in 3 children with a dysplastic pulmonary valve.
Candida albicans Cervical Lymphadenitis in Patients Who Have Acute Myeloid Leukemia

We describe two patients with acute myelogenous leukemia who developed cervical lymphadenitis and chronic disseminated infection due to Candida albicans. Candida albicans infection should be considered in leukemic patients with acute lymphadenitis. Evaluation for visceral dissemination is warranted even in the absence of fungemia.
A transport model for a two-dimensional lateral-surface-superlattice

Abstract The electronic properties of a grid-gate 200 nm period modulation-doped field-effect transistor has been simulated by using a phenomenological effective potential. The density-of-states of the two-dimensional (2D) lateral-surface-superlattice (LSSL) have been calculated by using a numerical technique based on the solution of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation involving the propagation of the wavefunctions in the imaginary domain. The transport characteristics of the system have been calculated in the linear response theory for various filling levels and temperature. The good agreement with recent experimental results provides a physical interpretation of the structures observed in the conductance of the device.
A study of the effect of the process variables in unsymmetrical single-hole and multi-hole extrusion processes

A plane-strain upper-bound analysis of eccentric single-hole extrusion and unsymmetrical multi-hole extrusion is presented using analytical and semi-analytical expressions. Expressions for the following dependent process parameters have been developed: the extrusion pressure, exit angle and velocity of the emerging product. The given relationships may be applied to an extrusion die with any number of aligned orifices. The analytical or numerical optimization of the upper-bound expression for the power allowed a study of the dead-zone angles of the assumed pattern of deformation. The results are given as a function of the independent process parameters, such as the eccentricity of the holes, the distance between the holes, the shear factor coefficient, the fractional reduction and the ram position. To verify the accuracy of the present results, quantitative and qualitative comparisons are made with published works from the literature and with finite-element results.
Impact of DSM-5 on epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract This paper extensively and comprehensively reviews the literature on epidemiology of autism focusing on the prevalence rates of Autistic Disorder (AD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and the potential negative impact of DSM-5 ASD on future ASD prevalence studies. Between 1966 and 2013, there are 72 published prevalence studies of AD and 61 published studies of ASD. The AD has a broad range of prevalence rates and has shown a trend of increasing rates over time. But there are also some evidences showing that the increase seems to have leveled off. The current prevalence of AD is estimated in the range of 10–30 per 10,000 people (i.e., 1 in 1000 to 1 in 333). The ASD also has a wide range of prevalence rates with a median rate of 69.5 per 10,000 people (1 in 144). When the prevalence rates are subdivided into several sub-ranges (e.g., 10–20, 20–40, etc. per 10,000), it is difficult to pick a particular sub-range to represent the prevalence of ASD. The present review notes that several recent studies comparing the utility of DSM-IV/DSM-IV-TR ASD and the DSM-5 ASD have reported that about 9–54% of DSM-IV ASD cases do not qualify for the DSM-5 ASD. Suggestions of research designs for future ASD prevalence studies are offered.
Acute promonocytic leukemia with ocular involvement.

• A 3-month-old male infant had bilateral redness of the eyes. Large, immature blast cells were noted in material obtained by anterior chamber tap, and the diagnosis of acute promonocytic leukemia was confirmed by bone marrow aspiration and autopsy. Detailed clinical, histopathological, histochemical, and electron microscopic studies were carried out. The case showed forcibly that children with sterile hypopyon should be investigated for malignancy.
Modeling NoC traffic locality and energy consumption with rent's communication probability distribution

In systems on chip, the energy consumed by the Network on Chip (NoC) depends heavily on the network traffic pattern. The higher the communication locality, the lower the energy consumption will be. In this paper, we use the Communication Probability Distribution (CPD) to model communication locality and energy consumption in NoC. Firstly, based on recent results showing that communication patterns of many parallel applications follow Rent's rule, we propose a Rent's rule [6] traffic generator. In this method, the probability of communication between cores is derived directly from Rent's rule, which results in CPDs displaying high locality. Next, we provide a model for predicting NoC energy consumption based on the CPD. The model was tested on two NoC systems and several workloads, including Rent's rule traffic, and obtained accurate results when compared to simulations. The results also show that Rent's rule traffic has lower energy consumption than commonly used synthetic workloads, due to its higher communication locality. Finally, we exploit the tunability of our traffic generator to study applications with different locality, analyzing the impact of the Rent's exponent on energy consumption.
Discharges Against Medical Advice: Are Race/Ethnicity Predictors?

BACKGROUND: Prior literature suggests that blacks are more likely to be discharged against medical advice (DAMA). OBJECTIVE: We examined whether DAMA from general hospitals varies by race/ethnicity and whether this variation is explained by individual and hospital factors. DESIGN, SUBJECTS, AND MEASUREMENTS: We conducted cross-sectional analyses of 1998 to 2000 hospital discharge data, linked to the American Hospital Association data, on adults admitted for acute general hospital care in California, Florida, and New York. A series of hierarchical logistic regression analyses explored factors associated with DAMA, initially adjusting for age and gender, then sequentially adding adjustment for comorbidities, individual socio-economic factors, and finally hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Compared with whites, blacks had a 2-fold higher age-gender adjusted odds of DAMA, a risk that progressively diminished with increasing adjustment (final adjusted odds ratio [OR]=0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.91, 1.00). While Hispanics had an increased risk of DAMA in age-gender-adjusted analyses, the final model revealed a protective effect (adjusted OR=0.66, 95% CI=0.62, 0.70), similar to that observed for Asians. CONCLUSIONS: Disparities in DAMA affecting minority patients in general hospitals are largely accounted for by individual and hospital socio-economic factors. The absence of any adjusted disparity affecting blacks, and the protective effect observed for Hispanics and other minorities suggest that individual discrimination and poor communication are not primary determinants of DAMA, but where patients are admitted does contribute to disparities in DAMA.
Book review: Natural Language and Voice Processing by Terri C. Walker and Richard K. Miller (SEAI Technical Publications)

This 250 page looseleaf book is an assessment of the technology and the applications of natural language and voice processing. Although there is no indication of the goal of the book, it seems designed for manager-level people who are interested in acquiring natural language and voice processing technology. The book contains the following chapters:
What changes in conceptual change

This paper has two aims. First, it reviews literature about conceptual change and about the study of concepts more broadly. The principal claim is that much prior work has suffered from inexplicitness and imprecision in terms of what constitutes a concept. Second, we introduce a theory of one particular type of concept. A coordination class is a systematic collection of strategies for reading a certain type of information out from the world. We identify both structural components and performance properties of coordination classes. Using this theory, we analyse protocol data from a student with respect to the difficult concept of force in Newtonian mechanics.
A New Arrayed Waveguide Grating Design for Wavelength Interrogation Application

We propose and discuss a design of arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) for wavelength interrogation. It is shown that by properly choosing the minimum arrayed waveguide length we can obtain narrow band spectral response AWGs.
Effect of an alloying element gradient on hydrogen segregation in beta-phase titanium

Etude experimentale de l'influence du gradient de stabilisateur en phase β sur la segregation de l'hydrogene pour maintenir uniforme l'activite de l'hydrogene. Cas d'alliages Ti-V contenant du deuterium
Further Investigation of Nonfunctioning Options in Multiple-Choice Test Items

This study addressed the hypothesis that, after the systematic elimination of nonfunctioning options, four-option test items would perform as well as five-option test items having one or more dysfunctional distracters. The study consisted of two investigations involving an examination administered to 700 candidates for certification in a medical specialty. In the first investigation, it was found that content experts exhibited a high degree of accuracy in identifying nonfunctioning options where the criterion was empirical item analysis data. The second phase of the study compared five-option versions of multiple-choice items with four-option versions in which a nonfunctioning option had been removed. Results indicated that (a) removal of a nonfunctioning option resulted in a slight, non significant overall increase in item difficulty and no significant differences in item discrimination, (b) a test consisting of items with a nonfunctioning option removed was nearly equally reliable compared with a set of...
Effect Of Amine Content On Stability And Response Of TNT Sensitive Membranes

Plasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) membranes containing aliphatic amines have been used to detect 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and other polynitroaromatics in water. Greatest stability has been achieved with Jeffamine T403, an amine that is highly compatible with PVC. The stability of these membranes to nitrogen loss has been evaluated in air and water as a function of the initial T403 Jeffamine concentration. The percentage loss of nitrogen with time decreases with decreasing initial amine concentration. Membranes that have been stored for 46 days in water still respond to TNT. Response to TNT is roughly proportional to nitrogen content in the membrane.
Energetic determinants of tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion proteins during hypoxia/reoxygenation of kidney proximal tubules

Anaerobic mitochondrial metabolism of alpha-ketoglutarate and aspartate or alpha-ketoglutarate and malate can prevent and reverse severe mitochondrial dysfunction during reoxygenation after 60 minutes of hypoxia in kidney proximal tubules.(34) The present studies demonstrate that, during hypoxia, paxillin, focal adhesion kinase, and p130(cas) migrated faster by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, their phosphotyrosine (pY) content decreased to approximately 5% of that in oxygenated tubules without changes in total protein, and the normally basal immunostaining of beta1 and alpha6 integrin subunits, pY, and paxillin was lost or markedly decreased. During reoxygenation without supplemental substrates, recovery of pY and basal localization of the focal adhesion proteins was poor. alpha-Ketoglutarate and aspartate, which maintained slightly higher levels of ATP during hypoxia, also maintained 2.5-fold higher levels of pY during this period, and promoted full recovery of pY content and basal localization of focal adhesion proteins during subsequent reoxygenation. Similarly complete recovery was made possible by provision of alpha-ketoglutarate and aspartate or alpha-ketoglutarate and malate only during reoxygenation. These data emphasize the importance of very low energy thresholds for maintaining the integrity of key structural and biochemical components required for cellular survival and reaffirm the value of approaches aimed at conserving or generating energy in cells injured by hypoxia or ischemia.
A longitudinal study of the effects of early abuse on later victimization among high-risk adolescents.

Although previous research on adolescents finds a link between early abuse and later victimization, the majority of this research is cross-sectional and based on samples of currently homeless adolescents. Therefore, factors that predict the likelihood of victimization have not been systematically examined. As such, the current study longitudinally examines the effects of early abuse and poor parenting on victimization via running away, delinquency, and early sexual onset among a sample of over 700 currently housed high-risk adolescents. Results revealed that having experienced sexual and physical abuse, as well as lower levels of parental monitoring and closeness, significantly predicted running away at wave 1. Adolescents who had run at wave 1 were significantly more likely to run again, more likely to engage in delinquency, and more likely to have had an early sexual onset at wave 3, all of which significantly predicted victimization at wave 4. Language: en
Spectroscopy of a surface of known geometry: Ti(0001)-N(1×1)

In order to test the low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) "underlayer" geometry of the Ti(0001)-N(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) system we have carried out self-consistent electronic-structure calculations and a variety of ultraviolet-photoemission-spectroscopy measurements. The assumption of the Shih et al. underlayer geometry yields the correct N-$2p$ level ordering at $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ and the correct directions of dispersion along $\ensuremath{\Gamma}\ensuremath{-}M$. The positions of these levels are calculated to within 0.7 eV. The Fermi-level surface state predicted earlier for clean Ti(0001) is observed experimentally and, as predicted by the present calculations, is not quenched as the N adlayer forms. This result indicates that the outer Ti layer screens the potential due to N quite effectively. A layer of H on the Ti(0001) surface is found to quench the Fermi-level surface state, as predicted in the overlayer calculations of Feibelman and Hamann.
QUANTUM CHEMISTRY AND HIGH-Tc SUPERCONDUCTIVITY

Physica C 153-155 (1988) 1165-1166 North-Holland, Amsterdam QUANTUM CHEMISTRY AND HIGH-Tc SUPERCONDUCTIVITY K.H. JOHNSON, M.E. McHENRY, C. COUNTERMAN, A. COLLINS, M.M. DONOVAN, R.C. O'HANDLEY, and G. KALONJI Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, U.S.A. A "real-space" quantum-chemlcal basis for Cooper pairing is reviewed and applied to high-Tc oxide superconductors. Calculated Tc's, isotope effects, coherence lengths, and critical fields are in good agreement with experiment. I. QUANTUM CHEMISTRY AND SUPERCONDUCTIVITY Rapidly expanding research on high-To superconductivity in
Identification of residues within the L2 region of rhesus TRIM5α that are required for retroviral restriction and cytoplasmic body localization

The intracellular restriction factor TRIM5α, inhibits infection by numerous retroviruses in a species-specific manner. The best characterized example of this restriction is the TRIM5α protein from rhesus macaques (rhTRIM5α), which potently inhibits HIV-1 infection. TRIM5α localizes to cytoplasmic assemblies of protein referred to as cytoplasmic bodies, though the role that these bodies play in retroviral restriction is unclear. We employed a series of truncation mutants to identify a discrete region, located within the Linker2 region connecting the coiled-coil and B30.2/PRYSPRY domains of TRIM5α, which is required for cytoplasmic body localization. Deletion of this region in the context of full-length rhTRIM5α abrogates cytoplasmic body localization. Alanine mutagenesis of the residues in this region identifies two stretches of amino acids that are required for both cytoplasmic body localization and retroviral restriction. This work suggests that the determinants that mediate TRIM5α localization to cytoplasmic bodies play a requisite role in retroviral restriction.
Non-steady homogeneous deformations: Computational techniques using Lie theory, and application to ellipsoidal markers in naturally deformed rocks

Abstract The dynamic theory of deformable ellipsoidal inclusions in slow viscous flows was worked out by J.D. Eshelby in the 1950s, and further developed and applied by various authors. We describe three approaches to computing Eshelby's ellipsoid dynamics and other homogeneous deformations. The most sophisticated of our methods uses differential-geometric techniques on Lie groups. This Lie group method is faster and more precise than earlier methods, and perfectly preserves certain geometric properties of the ellipsoids, including volume. We apply our method to the analysis of naturally deformed clasts from the Gem Lake shear zone in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, USA. This application demonstrates how, given three-dimensional strain data, we can solve simultaneously for best-fit bulk kinematics of the shear zone, as well as relative viscosities of clasts and matrix rocks.
Comparative Production of Channel Catfish and Channel × Blue Hybrid Catfish Subjected to Two Minimum Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations

Abstract The effect of daily minimum dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on the growth and yield of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and channel catfish hybrids (female channel catfish × male blue catfish I. furcatus) sharing the Jubilee strain of channel catfish as the maternal parent was evaluated in a 234-d study in sixteen 0.1-ha earthen ponds (15,113 fish/ha). Ponds were managed to maintain a minimum DO concentration of 25% or 50% of saturation. The total consumption of 32%-protein feed at the high and low DO concentrations was 12,973 and 10,262 kg/ha, respectively, for channel catfish and 12,805 and 11,592 kg/ha, respectively, for hybrid catfish. The net yield of hybrid catfish (8,069 kg/ha) did not differ from that of channel catfish (8,037 kg/ha), but the mean individual weight of hybrid catfish was significantly greater. Net yield (8,740 kg/ha), individual weight (0.75 kg/fish), and feed consumption (12,889 kg/ha) were higher for fish in the high DO than in the low DO concentration treatment (...
Phosphorus Reclamation through Hydrothermal Carbonization of Animal Manures

Projected shortages of global phosphate have prompted investigation of methods that could be employed to capture and recycle phosphate, rather than continue to allow the resource to be essentially irreversibly lost through dilution in surface waters. Hydrothermal carbonization of animal manures from large farms was investigated as a scenario for the reclamation of phosphate for agricultural use and mitigation of the negative environmental impact of phosphate pollution. Hydrothermal reaction conditions were identified for poultry, swine, and cattle manures that resulted in hydrochar yields of 50–60% for all three manures, and >90% of the total phosphorus present in these systems was contained in the hydrochars as precipitated phosphate salts. Phosphate recovery was achieved in yields of 80–90% by subsequent acid treatment of the hydrochars, addition of base to acid extracts to achieve a pH of 9, and filtration of principally calcium phosphate. Phosphate recovery was achieved in yields of 81−87% based on st...
Three Examples of Rh‐Positive, Good Responders to Blood Group Antigens

Three patients are described who produced a variety of blood group antibodies following exposure to foreign red cells. These findings are considered in relation to the theory that a small group of individuals possess an ability, possibly genetically determined, to readily form antibodies and the theory that the first antibody formed may augment the production of other antibodies.
Recycling of fiber-reinforced composites and direct structural composite recycling concept

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are engineered materials commonly used for many structural applications because of the high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. Although the service life of these materials in various applications is usually between 15 and 20 years, these often keep the physical properties beyond this time. Recycling composites using chemical, mechanical, and thermal processing is reviewed in this article. In this review of carbon, aramide, and glass fiber composites, we provide, as of 2011, a complete view of each composite recycling technology, highlight the possible energy requirements, explain the product outputs of recycling, and discuss the quality (fiber strength) of recyclates and how each recyclate fiber could be used in the market for sustainable composite manufacturing. This article also includes the new concept of ‘direct structural composite recycling’ and the use of these products in the same or different applications as low-cost composite materials after sm...
Solution templating of Au and Ag nanoparticles by linear poly[2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]

Linear poly[2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate], poly(DEAMA), is an uncommon example of a homopolymer that can reduce salts of Au and Ag in solution to yield stable dispersions of nanoparticles (5–25 nm typical size). Poly(DEAMA)-stabilized Au and Ag nanoparticles were prepared in a mixture of water and 2-butoxyethanol, an amphiphilic organic solvent. The “loading ratio” (mole ratio of metal atoms to amines), a key parameter influencing particle size and clustering, was systematically varied. The size distribution and clustering of the nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X–ray scattering. The maximum loading ratio achievable without inducing precipitation was approximately 0.3 for Au, but the maximum loading ratio for Ag was only about 0.04. The preparation of both Au and Ag nanoparticles in solution with a linear polymeric template illustrates that dendritic or hyperbranched architecture of the polymer is not a prerequisite for obtaining stable, non-aggregated dispersions. From a practical standpoint, poly(DEAMA) is an inexpensive template material that is readily immobilized on silica, which could facilitate development of novel, nanoparticle-based heterogeneous catalysts. TEM image and corresponding particle size distribution of poly(DEAMA)-stabilized gold nanoparticles.
Investigating the Effects of Percussion on Excavation Forces

AbstractPercussive excavation is researched as a viable technology to reduce the shear strength of the dry lunar soil simulant JSC-1A. Experimental tests were conducted in a percussive and quasi-static test bed, which used a replica Surveyor scoop as the excavation tool. The effects of percussion, relative to measured excavation baseline draft forces, are presented in the context of six different variables. The test variables include percussive frequency, percussive impact energy, excavation speed, excavation depth, angle of attack, and relative soil density. It is concluded that percussion reduces the shear strength of dry JSC-1A by removing the effects of soil dilatancy from the internal friction angle along the shear failure boundary layer.
Impact of fault ride-through requirements on fixed-speed wind turbine structural loads

The emphasis in this article is on the impact of fault ride-through requirements on wind turbines structural loads. Nowadays, this aspect is a matter of high priority as wind turbines are required more and more to act as active components in the grid, i.e. to support the grid even during grid faults. This article proposes a computer approach for the quantification of the wind turbines structural loads caused by the fault ride-through grid requirements. This approach, exemplified for the case of a 2MW active stall wind turbine, relies on the combination of knowledge from complimentary simulation tools, which have expertise in different specialized wind turbines design areas. Two complimentary simulation tools are considered i.e. the detailed power system simulation tool PowerFactory from DIgSILENT and the advanced aeroelastic computer code HAWC2, in order to assess of the dynamic response of wind turbines to grid faults. These two tools are coupled sequently in an offline approach, in order to achieve a thorough insight both into the structural as well as the electrical wind turbine response during grid faults. The impact of grid requirements on wind turbines structural loads is quantified by performing a rainflow and a statistical analysis for fatigue and ultimate structural loads, respectively. Two cases are compared i.e. one where the turbine is immediately disconnected from the grid when a grid fault occurs and one where the turbine is equipped with a fault ride-through controller and therefore it is able to remain connected to the grid during the grid fault. Copyright copy; 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shape Monitoring of a Beam Structure from Measured Strain or Curvature

This paper presents results of numerical simulations and an experimental investigation of a method to determine shape of a beam from curvature and/or strain measurements. The purpose of this work was to develop an efficient and accurate method that can be used in real time shape monitoring of beam type structures with possible extension to more complex systems. A method based upon solving a set of continuity equations is presented. Numerical simulations were implemented to minimize the number of sensors and to determine the most beneficial sensor locations and sensor/model configuration to capture the shape in a timely and effective manner. Simulations showed that dividing the beam into segments (elements) and placing sensors at the Gauss point locations of each segment gave only 0.14% systematic error while using three elements and two Gauss points per element. An experiment was designed using an aluminum beam combined with a data acquisition system and a shape reconstruction algorithm. The real-time reconstruction of shape from curvature data was accomplished using strain gages for the curvature estimates. The results were compared to a technique based on position only data and point cloud image data. Overall, consistent results were obtained. The percent difference between the experimental and photogrammetry results fluctuated from 1.4 to 3.5% when various magnitudes of concentrated loads were applied to the beam. This methodology may be useful in real-time shape control and shape modification systems with potential applications in structural health monitoring and damage detection.
Ten years experience with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Background Gastric banding is a safe and efficient bariatric procedure. We report here the results of 591 consecutive gastric bandings in terms of excess weight loss with up to 10 years follow-up and the complications. Methods Between June 1996 and September 2006, 591 patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) by the same surgeon (JB). Of these patients, 69.2% were women. Mean age was 33.6 years±10.7 and mean BMI was 41.95 kg/m 2 ±8.7. Patients were reviewed monthly for the first 6 months, every 2 months for the next 6 months, and yearly thereafter. Excess weight loss was calculated at 6 months and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 years. Results Six hundred eleven bands were implanted in 591 patients. Fifty-one patients (8.6%) had band removal due to a complication. Mean follow-up was 35±2 months. Percentage of excess weight loss was 45.8%±27.4 at 6 months, 66.7%±30.3 at 1 year, 72.6%±28.8 at 2 years, 75.9%±27.4 at 4 years, 82.8%±32.6 at 6 years, 82.3%±25.1 at 8 years, and 82.7%±4.2 at 10 years. Complications encountered were band failure (9.3%), slippage (5.3%), erosion (4.6%), infection (2.4%), high band position (1.9%), and others (2.8%). Complication rate was 23.3% overall but dropped to 2.5% when calculated on the second half of the patients. Conclusion LAGB is a safe and efficient bariatric procedure. With experience, the complication rate drops to a very low level. Close follow-up can further increase its efficacy.
Permeation and sorption of organic solvents and separation of their mixtures through an amorphous perfluoropolymer membrane in pervaporation

Abstract The permeation and sorption of a few common organic solvents and separation of their mixtures through a polymeric membrane of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,1,3-dioxole copolymerized with tetrafluoroethylene (PDD–TFE) was investigated by vacuum-based pervaporation. Pure component permeations of common pharmaceutical solvents such as, toluene, methanol, ethyl acetate and tetrahydrofuran (THF), were carried out using a 25 μm thick dense polymeric membrane supported by a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet. Overall permeability coefficients for these solvents along with those of aprotic solvents dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylacetamide (DMAc) determined earlier (Tang and Sirkar, 2012 [1] ), plotted against their longest molecular diameters were correlated to yield a relationship between the molecular solvent size and their permeation through the membrane. The sorption of each pure solvent and a few of their mixtures were determined. Separation of a few organic–organic mixtures of these solvents was also implemented. These systems include: toluene–methanol, toluene–ethyl acetate and toluene–tetrahydrofuran. Modest separation factors were achieved using the PDD–TFE membrane unlike the very large values achieved earlier between water and aprotic solvents such as DMF, DMAc and DMSO (Tang and Sirkar, 2012 [1] ). The maximum separation factor value for all systems was approximately 7.8 for a 75 wt% toluene and 25 wt% methanol feed at 30 °C. The separation factor obtained using a 50 wt% toluene and 50 wt% THF feed at 50 °C was close to 1. Maximum flux values through a 25 μm thick PDD–TFE membrane were approximately 5 g/(m 2 h) for toluene–ethyl acetate systems and 2.2 g/(m 2 h) for toluene–methanol and toluene–THF systems. The membrane was typically selective for the organic solvent with the smaller molecular dimensions. The solubility of the individual components in a mixture provided unique insights into such behavior. The observed separation behavior provides a window into the complex phenomena of organic solvent transport through the PDD–TFE membrane.
Comparison of exercise, dipyridamole, and adenosine by use of technetium 99m sestamibi tomographic imaging.

Pharmacologic stress has been shown in animal studies to induce high degrees of myocardial hyperemia. At these levels of myocardial blood flow, the myocardial uptake of technetium 99m sestamibi may plateau and may affect the diagnostic accuracy. This study compared the effects of myocardial hyperemia induced by exercise, dipyridamole, and adenosine on99mTc sestamibi tomographic imaging in normal subjects and patients with ischemic coronary artery disease. Twenty subjects (group I, 10 normal subjects; group II, 10 patients with known coronary artery disease) underwent99mTc sestamibi tomographic imaging after rest, exercise, dipyridamole infusion, and adenosine infusions on separate occasions. Total and background-corrected myocardial counts of the resulting images were calculated. Visual and computer-generated quantitative myocardial perfusion defect analysis was performed in subjects in group II. For subjects in both groups I and II, there were no significant differences in the background-corrected myocardial counts obtained with exercise, dipyridamole, and adenosine stress. There were no significant differences in the myocardial perfusion defects obtained after the three different modes of stress, including percentage defect size, stress deficit percentage, percentage of ischemia, count deficit index, and defect nadir. The myocardial uptake of99mTc sestamibi in normal subjects and patients with coronary artery disease is comparable after exercise, dipyridamole, and adenosine stress. In addition, the defect sizes and intensities with99mTc sestamibi after all forms of stress were equivalent. Thus99mTc sestamibi, in combination with either adenosine or dipyridamole infusions, provides imaging data equivalent to those with exercise and may be considered an alternative in patients unable to undergo adequate exercise.
Longitudinal changes in visual acuity in keratoconus.

PURPOSE The present investigation aimed to identify factors that predict reduced visual acuity in keratoconus from a prospective, longitudinal study. METHODS This report from the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) Study used 7 years of follow-up data from 953 CLEK subjects who did not have penetrating keratoplasty in either eye at baseline and who provided enough data to compute the slope of the change over time in high- or low-contrast best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Outcome measures included these slopes and whether the number of letters correctly read decreased by 10 letters or more in at least one eye in 7 years. RESULTS Mean age of the subjects at the first follow-up visit was 40.2 +/- 11.0 years (mean +/- SD). Overall, 44.4% were female, and 71.9% were white. The slope of the change in high- and low-contrast BCVA (-0.29 +/- 1.5 and -0.58 +/- 1.7 letters correct/year, respectively) translated into expected 7-year decreases of 2.03 high- and 4.06 low-contrast letters correct. High- and low-contrast visual acuity decreases of 10 or more letters correct occurred in 19.0% and 30.8% of subjects, respectively. Independent predictors of reduced high- and low-contrast BCVA included better baseline acuity, steeper first definite apical clearance lens (FDACL), and fundus abnormalities. Each diopter of steeper baseline FDACL predicted an increased deterioration of 0.49 high- and 0.63 low-contrast letters correct. CONCLUSIONS CLEK Study subjects with keratoconus exhibited a slow but clear decrease in BCVA during follow-up, with low-contrast acuity deteriorating more rapidly than high-contrast. Better baseline BCVA, steeper FDACL, and fundus abnormalities were predictive of greater acuity loss with time.
Hydrogen-peroxide-mediated catalase gene expression in response to wounding.

Abstract The effect of wounding on catalase expression was examined in embryos and leaves of maize. All three Cat genes are upregulated in response to wounding in immature embryos. Cat expression also increased in response to jasmonic acid (JA), raising the possibility that JA and wounding may share a common signal transduction pathway in upregulating Cat mRNA in immature embryos. In young leaves, only Cat1 and Cat3 transcripts increase in response to wounding, but JA does not play a role. Cat1 and Cat3 transcript accumulation also increases in response to wounding in both wild-type and mutant leaves deficient in abscisic acid (ABA), implying that Cat1 and Cat3 induction in response to wounding is not mediated by ABA in leaves. Transient assays using the Cat1 promoter fused with the reporter gene Gus, showed that the DNA sequence motif responsible for Cat1 upregulation by wounding overlaps with the ABA-responsive element (ABRE, G-box) in the Cat1 promoter. The exact nature of the signals triggering the Cat responses to wounding is not clear at this point, but some evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in this response. In fact, we have found that endogenous H2O2 levels increase in wounded leaves. Thus, wounding may indirectly induce the production of H2O2 in leaves, triggering the antioxidant response.
Theory of solar radio pulsation

We show that the observed modulation of some coronal microwave, X-ray and Type III emission into pulses of 10 sec intervals is a consequence of the stimulation of electron cyclotron waves propagated in the whistler mode in dipole-like bipolar regions of dimension ≈ 0.2 R ⊙. Assuming that a power law spectrum of ≥ 10 keV electrons with a slope similar to solar flare protons can be trapped in a bipolar region, we show that whistlers can be generated by pitch angle instability. The resultant ≈ 10 sec bounce motion of whistler wave trains leads to enhanced, modulated emission in microwave and X-ray frequencies by pitch angle scattering of MeV electrons, and to modulated Type III emission by scattering with coherent plasma waves. A direct prediction of the theory is the existence of sympathetic pulsations at two sources a fraction of a solar radius apart. A second test of the theory is that modulated Type III emission should show strong polarization.
TPL—KATS-card sort: A tool for assessing structural knowledge

The study of how individuals organize knowledge has been a popular endeavor for several decades. As a result, techniques have been developed to assess how individuals represent and organize knowledge internally. Although several conceptual knowledge elicitation methods have been developed and used to assess the organization of knowledge, their use is often labor intensive and time consuming. Presented here is a software tool that was developed to reduce the problems associated with manually administering the conceptual knowledge elicitation technique, or card sorting. The TPL-KATS-card sort software not only simplifies the administration of the task, but also adds features to the card-sorting task such as media insertion, time stamping, and instructorless administration. In the present article, an introduction to the card-sorting technique is provided, the new software tool is described, and the advantages of the software are detailed.
Linked changes in spatial integration, size discrimination, and increment threshold with change in background diameter.

Abstract The well known reduction of increment threshold with increase of background diameter is markedly attenuated with large test flashes. This is shown to reflect a decrease of the distance over which spatial integration extends when background diameter is increased. An improvement in size discrimination between equally-detectable flashes accompanies these effects of increasing background diameter. (The covariation of spatial integration and threshold with background diameter is the reverse of the relation that accompanies increased background luminance: there spatial integration decreases with increasing threshold.) All of these results can be esplained by assuming that “parcellation” of the central region of the background is produced by the outer annular region of the large background, resulting in a smaller effective background for each flash within the physical background of larger diameter. Parcellation is shown to be effectively interpreted either as a consequence of a shift in control of detection between size-tuned channels of a multiple-channels mechanism or, within the framework of a single channel model, as a reduction in the size of regions within which spatial integration of stimulus energy occurs. The present data do not allow us to choose between the two models.
Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic evaluation after arterial switch repair in infancy for complete transposition of the great arteries.

Abstract The most recent postoperative echocardiographic examinations of all children who underwent arterial switch repair of transposition of the great arteries from August 1985 to December 1987 were reviewed. The patients included 35 children whose age at operation was 12 ± 16 days and whose weight was 3.6 ± 0.4 kg. Thirty-three patients are alive and well; 1 died intraoperatively and 1 died immediately postoperatively. The time of the follow-up echocardiographic examination ranged from 1 day to 2.5 years (mean 9.2 months) with 11 patients examined >1 year after surgery. Complete examination of the repair site was possible in all patients. Echocardiographic visualization of distortion of the great arteries at the suture lines was seen in all patients; however, Doppler evidence of hemodynamically significant obstruction at the repair site was uncommon. On Doppler examination in the surviving 33 patients, 16 had no supravalvular pulmonary stenosis and 14 had mild to moderate supravalvular pulmonary stenosis with peak systolic pressure gradients ranging from 16 to 56 mm Hg (mean 31). Three patients had severe supravalvular pulmonary stenosis and peak systolic pressure gradients of 66, 74 and 77 mm Hg (2 have had reoperation, 1 is awaiting surgery). On Doppler examination, 4 patients had mild supravalvular aortic stenosis with peak systolic gradients ranging from 10 to 29 mm Hg. Doppler gradients were confirmed in 10 patients who had catheterization 12 ± 3 months after surgery. Three patients had mild pulmonary regurgitation by Doppler examination, 5 had mild aortic regurgitation, 4 had mild tricuspid regurgitation and 2 had mild mitral regurgitation. In all 33 patients, ventricular dimensions, left ventricular shortening fraction (42 ± 6%) and rate-corrected mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (1.25 ± 0.24 circumference/s) were normal.
Contrasting picosecond photokinetics of CoII and CoIII porphyrins verify excited-state predictions

Abstract Using picosecond transient absorption techniques, we have different low-lying excited states for several Co II and Co III porphyrins. These differences are interpreted in terms of theoretical calculations that predict the lowest-energy excited states to be 2 (π·d) in Co II and 3 (d, d) in Co III .
Isolation and identification of 24-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2

Abstract The isolation and identification of two metabolites of vitamin D 2 found in mammalian and avian species are reported. They are 24-hydroxyvitamin D 2 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 2 . Their existence suggests that 24-hydroxylation occurs in a sterospecific manner in the 24 R position and adds further support to the theory that vitamin D 2 metabolism qualitatively parallels that of vitamin D 3 .
Communications: Validation of a Solid‐Phase Enzyme Immunoassay Technique for the Measure of Plasma Cortisol in Rainbow Trout

Abstract A kit for a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay (SOPHEIA®) of cortisol in human sera was evaluated and validated for measuring cortisol in plasma of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. The accuracy of the SOPHEIA was demonstrated by the recovery of exogenous cortisol concentrations of 25, 50, 100, and 250 ng/mL in charcoal-stripped fish plasma. The amounts (mean ± SE) recovered from triplicate samples were 29.9 ± 2.75, 47.5 ± 3.41, 101.7 ± 12.08, and 232.0 ± 11.06 ng/mL, respectively. The intra- and interassay coefficient of variation (CV = 100 × SD/mean) for cortisol levels in undisturbed fish (26.6 ± 1.18 ng/mL) were 14 and 10%, respectively. The intra- and interassay CV for elevated cortisol levels in stressed fish (330.8 ± 19.90 ng/mL) were 8 and 13%, respectively. Cross-reactivity determined for nine steroids in teleostean fish was negligible. Cortisol concentrations in serial dilutions of pooled fish plasma were parallel to the standard curve. Sensitivity (minimum detection limit) was 3.04 ng/mL....
The feeding periodicity of striped mullet, Mugil cephalus L., in two Florida habitats

The feeding periodicity of Mugil cephalus (striped mullet) was investigated during the summer and autumn of 1979 using percentage body weight made up of stomach contents as an indicator of feeding intensity. One study site was freshwater, the other was estuarine and both were tidally influenced. Mullet at both sites feed diurnally, with maximum intensity occurring at about 11.00 hours and little or no feeding occurring at night. Fish from the freshwater site have larger standard length-specific intestine lengths and also include more plant material in their diet than do mullet from the estuarine site. At both sites fish longer than 28 cm standard length (s.l.) tend to be female; the difference from a 50:50 sex ratio is highly significant in both cases. Females longer than 28 cm s.l. outnumber all other sex and size combinations at the freshwater site, but comprise only 28% of fish collected at the estuarine site.
Diagnostic and Cost Effectiveness of Telemonitoring the Pediatric Pacemaker Patient

Although recommended as part of a comprehensive pacemaker follow-up protocol, the diagnostic and cost-effectiveness of routine telephone monitoring (TM) in children in the United States is largely unknown. Patient age and size with inherent age-related problems and potential inability to correlate symptoms with pacemaker performance places the pediatric patient in a unique category, different from that of the adult. A total of 96 patients, ages 0.2–32.0 years (mean 12.0 years) were followed for 3 years after pacemaker implant with both routine monthly and anytime emergency TM. A total of 1372 routine transmissions were performed of a recommended 3456 (40% patient compliance). Of these, 99% showed normal rhythm or pacemaker function. The remaining 1% demonstrated asymptomatic pacemaker dysfunction requiring intervention or new-onset dysrhythmias. A total of 75 emergency transmissions were undertaken for patient/parent-perceived problems, only 8% of which showed pacemaker dysfunction or dysrhythmias. The sensitivity of patient/parent capacity to detect pacemaker problems or dysrhythmias based on clinical findings was 29%, with a positive predictive value of 8%. The specificity of routine monthly TM to screen for asymptomatic pacemaker dysfunction or new-onset dysrhythmias was 95%, with a negative predictive value of 99%. TM was effective (p < 0.001) for correlating the presence or absence of pacemaker problems with subjective complaints at any patient age. Financial charges for use of TM were significantly less (p < 0.01) than comparable outpatient visits.