cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effects of brimonidine treatment in a rodent model of ischemic optic neuropathy

Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) is a common disorder caused by disruption of the arterial blood supply to the optic nerve. It can result in significant loss of visual acuity and/or visual field. An ischemic optic nerve injury was produced in rats by intravenous injection of Rose Bengal dye followed by argon green laser application to the retinal arteries overlying the optic nerve, causing a coagulopathy within the blood vessels and disruption of optic nerve and retinal perfusion. The effect of brimonidine tartrate eye drops on survival of retinal ganglion cell axons in this experimental paradigm was studied. One eye was treated and the contralateral eye served as a control. Four groups of animals were used for this study. Group 1 received 7 days of treatment with 0.15% brimonidine tartrate eye drops twice a day prior to the ischemic injury. Group 2 animals received 0.15% brimonidine tartrate eye drops twice a day for 14 days after photocoagulation injury. Animal groups 3 and 4 received eye drops of 0.9% NaCl twice a day either daily for 7 days before injury or daily for 14 days, respectively. All rats were sacrificed 5 months after the injury to ascertain long-term optic axon survival. Coagulopathy-induced optic nerve ischemia resulted in a 71% loss of optic axons. Treatment with brimonidine daily for the 7 days prior to the injury resulted in a greater survival of optic axons, with only a 56.1% loss compared to control. Brimonidine treatment every day for 14 days after the ischemic injury did not result in a significant rescue of optic axons compared to injury alone. In summary, the application of brimonidine eye drops for one week prior to an ischemic injury resulted in a statistically significant increase in survival of optic axons within the injured optic nerves. Brimonidine treatment of the eye after the ischemic injury did not result in axon rescue, and axon loss was similar to the injured optic nerves treated with saline only. These results suggest that brimonidine may have potential use for prevention of ION in at-risk patients.
Velocity Measurements for Buoyancy-Induced Flow in Mercury Adjacent to Vertical Single Cylinders

Velocity profiles obtained from local measurements with Hg in buoyancy-induced flow adjacent to heated cylinders are presented and characterized. These are the first experimentally determined data for a liquid metal in natural convection and cylindrical geometry. (LCL)
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an integral part of the treatment of many patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite extensive study, the appropriate role and timing of allogeneic and autologous transplantation in AML are poorly defined. This review critically analyzes the extensive literature, focusing on the recent advances, and provides practical recommendations for the use of HSCT in AML.
Virtual Electrochemical Strain Microscopy of Polycrystalline LiCoO2 Films

A recently developed technique, electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM), utilizes the strong coupling between ionic current and anisotropic volumetric chemical expansion of lithium-ion electrode materials to dynamically probe the sub-one-hundred? nm inter-facial kinetic intercalation properties. A numerical technique based on the finite element method was developed to analyze the underlying physics that govern the ESM signal generation and establish relations to battery performance. The performed analysis demonstrates that the diffusion path within a thin film is tortuous and the extent of lithium diffusion into the electrode is dependent on the SPM-tip-imposed overpotential frequency. The detected surface actuation gives rise to the development of an electromechanical hysteresis loop whose shape is dependent on grain size and overpotential frequency. Shape and tilting angle of the loop are classified into low and high frequency regimes, separated by a transition frequency which is also a function of lithium diffusivity and grain size, f{sub T} = D//{sup 2}. Research shows that the crystallographic orientation of the surface actuated grain has a significant impact on the shape of the loop. The polycrystalline crystallographic orientation of the grains induces a diffusion path network in the electrode which impacts on the mechanical reliability of the battery. Simulations demonstrate thatmore » continuous battery cycling results in a cumulative capacity loss as a result of the hysteric non-reversible lithium intercalation. Furthermore, results suggest that ESM has the capability to infer the local out-of-plane lithium diffusivity and the out-of-plane contribution to Vegard tensor.« less
Probability measures on 2 × 2 stochastic matrices: some open problems

Let u be a probability measure on 2 × 2 stochastic matrices with finite support such that the sequence μn, the nth convolution power of μ, weakly converges to a probability measure λ whose support consists of 2 × 2 stochastic matrices with identical rows. The probability measure λ can, therefore, be regarded as a measure on the unit interval [0,1]. In this paper, we discuss some open problems regarding when λ is continuous singular or absolutely continuous with respect to the Lebesgue measure on [0,1], and when λ determines μ uniquely.
A robust wheelchair pressure relief monitoring system

It is essential to prevent pressure ulcers for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Pressure ulcer is likely to develop when there is excessive pressure on the body tissue for lengthy durations. Therefore, persons with SCI, who usually spend long time sitting in wheelchairs, are advised to perform regular pressure reliefs in their daily lives. This paper proposes a system for the monitoring of wheelchair users' pressure relief behaviors. The system utilizes piezo resistive sensors beneath a wheelchair cushion to monitor pressure, and employs supervised learning techniques to classify a wheelchair user's pressure relief status. Key features of the system include robustness and not interfering with cushion performance or the daily activities of wheelchair users. The system works well on different types of cushions, and achieves 91% sensitivity and 89% specificity based on tests on different wheelchair users.
Hydrophobic binding site(s) on Moloney--murine leukemia virus P30.

Abstract p30, the major capsid protein of Moloney-murine leukemia virus (MoMuLV), displays significant intrinsic hydrophobicity. There is a positive correlation between the affinity of this protein for alkyl-substituted agarose and the chain length of the alkyl groups. This chain-length dependence of interaction and the fact that 1.0 M NaCl fails to displace p30 from decyl-agarose suggests that this binding is not due to electrostatic forces. Moreover, the fact that p30 can be eluted with a solvent containing 50% ethylene glycol, suggests that binding is due to hydrophobic interaction. Substantial purification of p30 can be achieved by application of the disrupted virus to a hexyl-agarose column connected in tandem with an octyl-agarose column, followed by a separate elution of the octyl-agarose column with 50% ethylene glycol. The affinity of p30 for variuous ligands which have been tested can be explained by postulating a nonspecific hydrophobic site(c) on p30.
A Novel Interval-Halving Framework For Automated Identification of Process Trends

Qualitative process trend representation is an useful approach to model the temporal evolution of sensor data and has been applied in areas such as process monitoring, data compression, and fault diagnosis. However, the sheer volume of real-time sensor data that needs to be processed necessitates an automated approach for trend extraction. The step of recovering important temporal features is a difficult procedure to automate because of the absence of a priori knowledge about the sensor trend characteristics such as noise and varying scales of evolution. A novel approach is proposed to automatically identify the qualitative shapes of sensor trends using a polynomial-fit based interval-halving technique. To estimate the significance of fit-error, an estimate of the noise obtained from wavelet-based denoising is used. The procedure identifies the qualitative trend as a sequence of piecewise unimodals or quadratic segments. The least-order (among constant, first-order and quadratic) polynomial with fit-error statistically insignificant compared to noise (as dictated by F-test) is used to represent the segment. If the fit-error is large even for the quadratic polynomial, then the length is halved and the process is repeated on the first half segment until fit-error is acceptable. A constrained polynomial fit is used to ensure the continuity of the fitted data and an outlier detection methodology is used to detect any jump (step) changes in the signal. The whole procedure is recursively applied to the remaining data until the entire data record is covered. Finally, a unique assignment of qualitative shape is made to each of the identified segments. The application of the interval-halving technique for trend extraction is illustrated on a variety of both simulated and industrial data. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 149–162, 2004
First Report of Garlic virus B and Garlic virus D in Garlic in the Pacific Northwest

With the recent report of several viruses infecting garlic (Allium sativum L.) grown in the Pacific Northwest (1–3), studies were initiated on cloves planted in the fall of 2006 to determine the presence of additional viruses infecting plants exhibiting mosaic and/or chlorotic leaves. Cloves from symptomatic plants of the cultivar ‘Early’ from two seed production fields in Benton County, WA and two seed production fields in Morrow County, OR were tested by two-step reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using primers specific to the coat protein (CP) of the allexiviruses (4), since garlic infected with this group had similar symptoms in Asia and South America (4). Of the 87 cloves tested, 84 were positive, and four representative samples of the RT-PCR amplicons from each location were cloned and sequenced. Sequence comparisons indicated that the cloves from both locations were infected with Garlic virus D (GarV-D), also known as Japanese garlic virus (JGV), since they shared 98% identity with known isolates (GenB...
Identification of dynamic myoelectric signal-to-force models during isometric lumbar muscle contractions

A 14-muscle myoelectric signal (MES)-driven muscle force prediction model of the L3-L4 cross section is developed which includes a dynamic MES-force relationship and allows for cocontraction. Model parameters are estimated from MES and moments data recorded during rapid exertions in trunk flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial twist. Nine young healthy males participated in the experimental testing. The model used in the parameter estimation is of the output error type. Consistent and physically feasible parameter estimates were obtained by normalizing the RMS MES to maximum exertion levels and using nonlinear constrained optimization to minimize a cost function consisting of the trace of the output error covariance matrix. Model performance was evaluated by comparing measured and MES-predicted moments over a series of slow and rapid exertions. Moment prediction errors were on the order of 25, 30 and 40% during attempted trunk flexion-extensions, lateral bends and axial twists, respectively. The model and parameter estimation methods developed provide a means to estimate lumbar muscle and spine loads, as well as to empirically investigate the use and effects of cocontraction during physical task performances.
Roux-en-Y drainage of a pancreatic fistula for disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome after acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Background After acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP), a pancreatic fistula may occur from disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) where a segment of the pancreas is no longer in continuity with the main pancreatic duct.
All-optical logical gates with bacteriorhodopsin films

The photochromic protein bacteriorhodopsin (bR) obtained from the purple membrane of the halocbacterium halobium has attracted considerable amount of interest recently. Several applications in photonics technology have already been proposed. bR lends itself to structural alterations at the molecular level by use of bioengineering and chemical synthesis methods. It is very stable under hard environmental conditions of temperature, salinity, etc. The films that were used in our experiments are stable over a period of four years. The lifetimes of some of the intermediate states of bR photocycle can be altered over a wide range by genetic manipulations of some of the amino acids that compose the bR membrane or by controlling the pH of the host materials. All of this makes bR a very attractive material for applications in optical computers and information processing. We present a technique that utilizes the molecular states of a bR thin film to implement an all-optical switch and all-optical logic AND and Or gates. A two-color backward degenerate four-wave mixing geometry with wild-type and chemically stabilized films of bacteriorhodopsin constitute the experimental setup. The saturation intensity, sensitivity and excited state lifetime (M state lifetime) of the films are very different. We use red light to form a holographic grating,due to the B to M transition and blue light to form a grating due to the fast photochemical transition from.M to B. Each of the two wavelengths in the experimental system acts as an input to the all-optical gates and the phase conjugate signal beam is the output of the gates.
COMPUTER LEARNER CORPORA, SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION, AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING

COMPUTER LEARNER CORPORA, SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION, AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING. Sylviane Granger, Joseph Hung, and Stephanie Petch-Tyson (Eds.). Amsterdam: Benjamins, 2002. Pp. x + 246. $42.95 paper.Insights derived from language corpora have influenced countless aspects of language teaching, testing, research, and materials development. Granger, Hung, and Petch-Tyson have created an indispensable testament to the specific value of corpora in SLA research. A great virtue of this volume is that the corpus is treated as a tool, and the tool does not distract from the job at hand. The focus is where it should be—on features of native language, interlanguage, and target language as elucidated by corpus-based study. The corpora stand in the background, ready to serve.
Improved registration for large electron microscopy images

In this paper we introduce a novel algorithm for alignment of Electron Microscopy images for 3D reconstruction. The algorithm extends the Expectation Maximization - Iterative Closest Points (EM-ICP) algorithm to go from point matching to patch matching. We utilize local patch characteristics to achieve improved registration. The method is applied to enable 3D reconstruction of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images. We demonstrate results on large TEM images and show the increased alignment accuracy of our approach.
Circumcision—Which Dressing?

Three methods of circumcision dressing were compared in a prospective trial. The results showed that dressings containing tincture of benzoin adversely affected wound healing in children. Dressing the wound with greasy tulle gave better results; the addition of soframycin did not produce better results than those achieved with ordinary paraffin tulle.
Differential Modulation of 3T3-L1 Adipogenesis Mediated by 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase-1 Levels

The localized activation of circulating glucocorticoids in vivo by the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) plays a critical role in the development of the metabolic syndrome. However, the precise contribution of 11β-HSD1 in the initiation of adipogenesis by inactive glucocorticoids is not fully understood. 3T3-L1 fibroblasts can be terminally differentiated to mature adipocytes in a glucocorticoid-dependent manner. Both inactive rodent dehydrocorticosterone and human cortisone were able to substitute for the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone in 3T3-L1 adipogenesis, suggesting a potential role for 11β-HSD1 in these effects. Differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells caused a strong increase in 11β-HSD1 protein levels, which occurred late in the differentiation protocol. Reduction of 11β-HSD1 activity in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts, achieved by pharmacological inhibition or adenovirally mediated delivery of short hairpin RNA constructs, specifically blocked the ability of inactive glucocorticoids to drive 3T3-L1 differentiation. However, even modest increases in exogenous 11β-HSD1 expression in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts, to levels comparable with endogenous 11β-HSD1 in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, were sufficient to block adipogenesis. Luciferase reporter assays indicated that overexpressed 11β-HSD1 was catalyzing the inactivating dehydrogenase reaction, because the ability of both active and inactive glucocorticoids to activate the glucocorticoid receptor were largely suppressed. These results suggest that the temporal regulation of 11β-HSD1 expression is tightly controlled in 3T3-L1 cells, so as to mediate the initiation of differentiation by inactive glucocorticoids and also to prevent the inhibitory activity of prematurely expressed 11β-HSD1 during adipogenesis.
Computing roots of graphs is hard

Abstract The square of an undirected graph G is the graph G2 on the same vertex set such that there is an edge between two vertices in G2 if and only if they are at distance at most 2 in G. The kth power of a graph is defined analogously. It has been conjectured that the problem of computing any square root of a square graph, or even that of deciding whether a graph is a square, is NP-hard. We settle this conjecture in the affirmative.
Middle Miocene Southern Ocean cooling and Antarctic cryosphere expansion.

Magnesium/calcium data from Southern Ocean planktonic foraminifera demonstrate that high-latitude (similar to55degreesS) southwest Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) cooled 6degrees to 7degreesC during the middle Miocene climate transition (14.2 to 13.8 million years,ago). Stepwise surface cooling is paced by eccentricity forcing and precedes Antarctic cryosphere expansion by similar to60 thousand years, suggesting the involvement of additional feedbacks during this interval of inferred low-atmospheric partial pressure of CO2 (pCO(2)). Comparing SSTs and global carbon cycling proxies challenges the notion that episodic PCO2 drawdown drove this major Cenozoic climate transition. SST, salinity, and ice-volume trends suggest instead that orbitally paced ocean circulation changes altered meridional heat/vapor transport, triggering ice growth and global cooling.
Silurian marine communities west of dingle ireland

Abstract Coastal exposures of the Dunquin Group west of Dingle, Ireland, consist of shallow marine and volcanic deposits of Wenlock age. Stratigraphic sequences show a gradient from offshore silts to nearshore silts and sands, followed by nonmarine, lagoonal sediments and volcanics. Bioturbation decreases from the offshore to lagoonal ends of the gradient, and communities of shelled invertebrates are restricted to marine sediments. These communities are dominated by brachiopods, corals, and crinoids, and show the greatest species diversity and trophic complexity in offshore, slowly deposited silts. Nearshore sediments contain low-diversity, brachiopod-dominated assemblages in storm-deposited shell beds and large, isolated colonies of tabulate corals. The Dingle area was probably located along the eastern margin of the Proto-Atlantic Ocean in Wenlock times as a volcanic island area isolated from major shelves across Britain and Scandinavia. Derivation of Dunquin communities was from this shelf area, and at least one interval of geologically rapid, faunal invasion is apparent.
Should vascular surgery patients be screened preoperatively for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common cause of postoperative infection.1 Patients who are undergoing vascular surgical procedures may be at particular risk for MRSA infection. MRSA can seed vascular graft material, and patients with vascular disease tend to be older and to have comorbidities such as diabetes and poor circulation, factors that may increase susceptibility to infection. A United Kingdom retrospective study found that from 1994 to 2000, the prevalence of patients with positive test results for MRSA in a vascular unit increased from 1% to 6%.2 In fact, studies indicate that MRSA has become the leading cause of infection among vascular surgery patients in the United States and the United Kingdom.1,3–5 Postoperative MRSA infection in vascular surgery patients can cause substantial morbidity and potential mortality.6 MRSA infection is associated with longer hospital stays, increased morbidity and mortality, and higher rates of amputation, revision amputation, and graft removal, compared with those of other infections.1,3,5,7–9 MRSA infection also correlates with lower limb-salvage rates, lower healing power, and delayed healing.3,4 Therefore, reducing the incidence of MRSA infection may be key to improving vascular surgery outcomes.10 Testing patients preoperatively for MRSA colonization and decolonizing patients with positive test results (ie, administering antibiotics or antiseptic medication to remove MRSA colonization) is a potential strategy to prevent postoperative MRSA infection. Patients with MRSA nasal colonization may be at greater risk for postoperative MRSA infection. One study found a 30.7% MRSA infection rate among vascular surgery patients with MRSA nasal colonization, compared with a 0.67% rate among vascular surgery patients without MRSA nasal colonization.11 This suggests that preoperative testing and decolonization may be important. However, studies have not established the cost-effectiveness of such a strategy. In addition, there is no consensus about what decolonization regimen should be used or how effective decolonization may be. Moreover, MRSA colonization prevalence may vary greatly from location to location. We developed a computer simulation model to determine the economic value of the testing and decolonization strategy before vascular operations. The model simulated the decision of whether to perform preoperative MRSA testing on patients who were about to undergo vascular surgical procedures and to decolonize those with positive test results. Sensitivity analyses varied key model parameters and allowed us to delineate how the cost-effectiveness of such a strategy may vary by MRSA prevalence, decolonization success rate, and decolonization cost. The results of our model may help guide policy making and the design of future epidemiological and clinical studies.
Effects of a blended learning approach on student outcomes in a graduate-level public health course.

Background Blended learning approaches, in which in-person and online course components are combined in a single course, are rapidly increasing in health sciences education. Evidence for the relative effectiveness of blended learning versus more traditional course approaches is mixed.
The hepatocellular uptake and biliary excretion of endotoxin in the rat.

Endotoxin is known to cause a dose-dependent impairment of hepatic bile secretion, organic anion excretion, and activity of Na+, K+-activated ATPase. Since it is possible that this impaired excretory function is a result of direct interaction of endotoxin with hepatocytes, we examined: (a) the excretion of endotoxin into bile, and (b) its association with an hepatocyte-enriched, Kupffer cell-depleted population of liver cells. Escherichia coli 0127:B8 endotoxin (17 to 54 μg per 100 gm body weight) was given i.v. to male Sprague Dawley rats and bile collected up to 48 hr. The expected significant decrease in bile secretion was seen, confirming the biological effectiveness of the endotoxin. Endotoxin was quantitated by a gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy method which detects the β-hydroxymyristic acid in the lipid A moiety of endotoxin. Approximately 7% of the administered dose of endotoxin was recovered as β-hydroxymyristic acid in bile in the 48 hr following injection. Approximately two thirds of the administered dose of endotoxin was recovered as β-hydroxymyristic acid in the whole liver. Further analysis of the β-hydroxymyristic acid in bile and liver by Folch extraction and thin-layer chromatography was performed. The β-hydroxymyristic acid in bile was associated with polar and nonpolar metabolites of endotoxin. The β-hydroxymyristic acid recovered in the liver distributed similarly in Folch extraction to intact endotoxin added in vitro. Endotoxin quantitated as β-hydroxymyristic acid was measured in whole liver homogenate and hepatocyte-enriched preparations 3 hr following i.v. administration. The mass abundance by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of β-hydroxymyristic acid per 106 hepatocytes was similar in crude liver homogenate and the hepatocyte-enriched fractions indicating the presence of substantial amounts of β-hydroxymyristic acid in association with parenchymal liver cells. Thus, our studies indicate that the bulk of the β-hydroxymyristic acid of endotoxin given i.v. to rats is found in hepatocytes in a form suggesting minimal degradation of the endotoxin. A small proportion of the β-hydroxymyristic acid associated with the endotoxin in the liver is then released slowly into bile as a complex mixture of polar and nonpolar metabolites of endotoxin.
Phase Studies on Arc‐Melted Plutonium‐Carbon Alloys Near the Monocarbide Composition

The phase boundaries and structure of plutonium monocarbide were studied in arc-melted alloys containing between 42 and 60 at.% carbon. Metallographic and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to determine the phases present in as-cast and heat-treated alloys. The phase boundaries of cast PuC were found to be about 42.5 at.% carbon on the low-carbon side to between 48.5 and 50 at.% carbon on its high-carbon side. At 1000° and 400°C the low-carbon compositions of about 45.5 and 46 at.% carbon, respectively. A comparison of the experimental densities with the theoretical densities showed that PuC was a defect structure with some of its carbon atom lattice sites vacated.
Sex differences and lateral specialization of hemispheric functioning

Abstract The study was designed to explore whether male-female differences in the EEG ratio of the left hemisphere to the right hemisphere could be found with general tasks which more closely approximate normal activities. Six males and six females performed tasks chosen to utilize one hemisphere of the brain more than the other. In all, there were four right hemispheric tasks and four left hemispheric tasks. The ratios of EEG power measured from the temporal lobes were statistically significant for the males between these tasks but not for the females. The results suggest that males and females process the same environmental event with different patterns of brain activity as reflected by EEG.
A study of the effect of some emulsifying agents on drug release from suppository bases.

Suppositories consisting of varying amounts of hydrogenated cottonseed oil, Tweens, Sans, and Arlacels were incorporated with a dye and tested for the percentage of dye release at time intervals. Most of the suppositories were tested for storage qualities and seven were subjected to in vivo tests. Several of the proposed bases appear to be very promising and compare favorably in vivo with a commercial brand of suppository now being widely used.
Mechanism of enhanced calcium sensitivity and α2-AR vasoreactivity in chronic NOS inhibition hypertension

PKC augments calcium sensitivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats and contributes to α2-adrenergic receptor (AR) contraction in rabbit saphenous vein. We showed previously that denuded aortic rin...
Study of ADC resolution and bandwidth requirement tradeoffs for high-speed data communications

This paper presents the study of ADC resolution and bandwidth requirement tradeoffs for high-speed data communications. The results indicate that increasing the sampling frequency slightly by 20% to 40% above the symbol-rate frequency can lead to a lower ADC resolution requirement. This can potentially reduce the ADC power consumption significantly and improve the overall system power efficiency.
Biology of Sulphuretylenchus elongatus (Nematoda: Sphaerulariidae), and its effect on its host, Scolytus ventralis (Coleoptera: Scolytidae).

The developmental stages of Sulphuretylenchus elongatus, an abundant nematode parasite of Scolytus ventralis, are described. The life cycle was generally synchronized with its host, nematode reproduction usually occurring in the adult beetle after it had attacked a new tree. Reproduction occasionally occurred in the host larva. In these cases encapsulation of some nematode eggs and larvae was observed and the host usually died. Free-living infective stage nematodes emerged from the host, mated in the bark beetle galleries, and the female nematode reinfected bark beetle larvae by penetrating the cuticle.Parasitism by S. elongatus caused delayed emergence, limited flight, and aberrant attack behavior by infected S. ventralis. Female bark beetles were sterilized by heavy infection and partially sterilized by light or moderate infection. The effects of parasitism on males was not as severe. Some egg and larval mortality was attributed to nematode attack, and adult survival was reduced by infection.Parasitism was slightly higher in female bark beetles. The incidence of parasitism decreased somewhat in the upper levels of the tree. Host density appeared to have little effect on per cent parasitism although the degree of super-parasitism increased with host density.
Rhytidectomy and the Nasolabial Fold

I describe a technical modification in the Skoog face lift procedure that releases the deep attachments of the SMAS to the muscles of facial expression for maximal mobility of the medial cheek yet elevates the cheek flap as a composite of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and SMAS to enhance skin perfusion. My results with the procedure in 100 patients are analyzed by using functional zones of the nasolabial fold corresponding to underlying musculature and a simple grading system based on preoperative and postoperative photographs. Marked improvement in the nasolabial fold was noted in over 80 percent of patients by 6 and 12 months postoperatively. This effect seemed to last up to 4 years.
Phantom hCG and phantom choriocarcinoma

Phantom hCG and phantom choriocarcinoma syndrome (pseudohypergonadotropinemia) refers to persistent mild elevations of hCG, leading physicians to treat patients with cytotoxic chemotherapy for choriocarcinoma when in reality no true hCG or trophoblast disease is present. We report here three cases of the phantom hCG and phantom choriocarcinoma syndrome referred to the hCG Reference Service. In the first case, low levels of hCG were detected in serum (49 to 89 IU/liter) 11 months after the patient had a miscarriage. The presumptive diagnosis of choriocarcinoma was made. After two courses of chemotherapy and a hysterectomy low levels of hCG were still detected. Samples were sent to the hCG Reference Service. While low levels of hCG were detected in serum by three different assays (17, 22, and 9.2 IU/ml), no hCG was detected in the urine. When serum was diluted, levels did not decrease parallel to the dilution. The lack of dilutional parallelism and absence of urine reactivity indicated that the molecule measured was a pseudogonadotropin or phantom hCG, an interfering substance in hCG tests. Therapy was halted. In the second case, a positive serum pregnancy test was recorded 7 years after a normal pregnancy. A pelvic ultrasound and a laparoscopy revealed no pregnancy. Blood hCG levels stayed between 48 and 74 IU/liter over a 3-month period. Samples were sent to the hCG Reference Service. Low levels of hCG, free beta-subunit, and beta-core fragment were detected in serum using four specific assays. No hCG immunoreactivity was found in the urine sample. None of the four assay results declined parallel to dilution. Again, phantom hCG was diagnosed. In the third case, a positive serum pregnancy test was recorded 1 year after the patient had a normal pregnancy. A pelvic ultrasound revealed no fetal sac. Low levels of hCG (51-135 IU/liter) persisted for 3 months. A preumptive diagnosis of choriocarcinoma was again made. After three cycles of chemotherapy, low levels of hCG were still detected. Samples were sent to the hCG Reference Service. Low levels of hCG immunoreactivity were detected in serum in just one of three hCG assays (13 IU/liter). No immunoreactivity was detected in the urine sample. Again, phantom hCG was diagnosed, and all therapy was halted. Care is needed in interpreting persistent low levels of hCG in patients with no history of trophoblast disease. It is important for the laboratory to show dilutional parallelism in the hCG results and presence of hCG in serum and urine samples in order to exclude phantom hCG before diagnosing choriocarcinoma.
Decentralized Mechanism Design for Supply Chain Organizations Using an Auction Market

Traditional development of large-scale information systems is based on centralized information processing and decision making. With increasing competition, shorter product life-cycle, and growing uncertainties in the marketplace, centralized systems are inadequate in processing information that grows at an explosive rate and are unable to make quick responses to real-world situations. Introducing a decentralized information system in an organization is a challenging task. It is often intertwined with other organizational processes. The goal of this research is to outline a new approach in developing a supply chain information system with a decentralized decision making process. Particularly, we study the incentive structure in the decentralized organization and design a market-based coordination system that is incentive aligned, i.e., it gives the participants the incentives to act in a manner that is beneficial to the overall system. We also prove that the system monotonically improves the overall organizational performance and is goal congruent.
MSW Foundation Students in the Field: Reflections on the Nature and Quality of Group Work Assignments and Supervision

Commentators find that education in social group work has diminished over the past three decades, creating a shortage in group work-trained field instructors. The role of instructing group work students may appear relatively easy; however, quality instruction requires careful planning, time, energy, and specialized knowledge. Without knowledge and skill, the field instructor may not be capable of providing an adequate conceptual framework. This article reports on an empirical study that examined the group work-based field work experiences of first-year MSW students. The authors focused on the nature, significance, context, and self-perceptions of MSW students regarding their field work experience.
Computation of Leading Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors in the Linearized Navier-Stokes Equations using Krylov Subspace Method

In the hydrodynamic stability analysis of fluid flow, an eigenproblem with a large asymmetric matrix can be produced by the linearized Navier-Stokes equations. To find the leading eigenvalues and eigenvectors is one of the key issues in the stability analysis. In this study, the Krylov subspace method has been used to develop a general algorithm and then solve the eigenproblem with a large asymmetric matrix in the linearized Navier-Stokes equations. The Krylov subspace method is to construct a set of linearly independent vectors from the linearized equations in which the leading eigenvalues with the largest real parts are included, and orthonormalize the vectors. Then, the Arnoldi's method is used for extracting the desirable eigenvalues with the largest real parts. The advantage of the present method is its ability to calculate a given number of leading eigenvalues including the largest real parts, and corresponding eigenvectors in a large asymmetric matrix. Therefore, this algorithm is general for the h...
Design and performance of a low-noise charge-detection amplifier for VPCCD devices

This paper describes the design and performance of a low-noise amplifier used with virtual phase charge-coupled devices. Topology of the detection node, details of the operation, and computer simulations for critical device parameters are presented. Attention is focused on the noise performance and charge-detection sensitivity. A simple noise model is developed and used to derive an expression for the noise equivalent number of electrons N_ee which is then used to optimize the amplifier design. Finally, predictions obtained from the model are compared with measurements, and conclusions are drawn for the maximum attainable performance. In addition to the thermally generated noise, usually measured in buried-channel MOS transistors, an excess noise is sometimes seen at moderate to large drain biases. This phenomenon is also observed in this amplifier. However, an explanation for the effect, confirmed by measurement, is presented and a method to avoid degradation of the amplifier performance is found.
The sensitivity and spectral identity of the cones driving the b-wave of the rat electroretinogram.

In the retina of rat, cones make up ∼0.85% of the photoreceptor population: 93% of these cones contain a midwave-sensitive pigment, the rest expresses a short-wave-sensitive pigment (Szel & Rohlich, 1992). We used normal adult Long Evans rats to determine the spectral sensitivity of the cone-driven electroretinogram (ERG) b-wave and its absolute sensitivity at λmax of the cone pigments. ERGs were recorded at the cornea of anesthetized animals under dark- and light-adapted conditions. Rod responses were suppressed by steady rod-saturating orange backgrounds and/or by a flashed “white” background. Cone-driven b-waves were evoked by “white” or narrowband full-field stimuli of varying intensity. The action spectrum for the cone b-wave indicates the presence of an absorbance peak at 510 nm; a second, twofold lower, peak was found at 360 nm (after correction for transmittance by the lens). Chromatic adaptation experiments strongly suggest that retinal responses to midwave and UV stimuli are mediated by a single cone type. On a background producing ∼17,000 R* rod−1 s−1, which completely suppressed the saturated a-wave, the absolute sensitivity of the cone b-wave was 18 nV photon−1 μm2 at 510 nm and 4 nV photon−1 μm2 at 360 nm which is 20–30 times higher than for the mouse. It is suggested that the relatively large number of on-cone bipolar cells in the retina of rat is responsible for the remarkable sensitivity of the cone b-wave.
Large area, low capacitance Si(Li) detectors for high rate X-ray applications

Large area, single-element Si(Li) detectors were fabricated using a novel geometry which yields detectors with reduced capacitance and hence reduced noise at short amplifier pulse-processing times. A typical device employing the new geometry with a thickness of 6 mm and an active area of 175 mm/sup 2/ has a capacitance of only 0.5 pF, compared to 2.9 pF for a conventional planar device with equivalent dimensions. These low capacitance detectors, used in conjunction with low capacitance field effect transistors, will result in X-ray spectrometers capable of operating at very high count rates while still maintaining excellent energy resolution. The spectral response of the low capacitance detectors to a wide range of X-ray energies at 80 K is comparable to typical state-of-the-art conventional Si(Li) devices. In addition to their low capacitance, the new devices offer other advantages over conventional detectors. Detector fabrication procedures, I-V and C-V characteristics, noise performance, and spectral response to 2-60 keV X-rays are described. >
A macromodel fault generator for cellular neural networks

A CAD tool based on SPICE macromodels to simulate simplified faulty, circuit realizations of a fully programmable, two dimensional cellular neural network (CNN) is presented. The models can be easily adapted to match the electrical parameters of real circuit implementations. Generic macromodels for both current mode and voltage mode CNNs are provided. The macromodels not only simulate the conceptual CNN cell, but also provide the capability to model actual CNN architectures and their nonidealities. Moreover, macromodeling provides the capability to determine the effect of parameter variation on the operation of the CNN efficiently without the need for computationally expensive, exhaustive circuit simulations. We have used the CNN macromodels to develop robust testing strategies for detecting faults in VLSI implementations of CNN arrays. Three fault cases are introduced into a CNN array to provide insight to the usefulness of macromodeling. >
Development of a Self-Consistent Truly Multiphysics Algorithm Based Upon the Courant-Insensitive Space–Time Conservation-Element Solution-Element Method

This paper reports on the theoretical aspects and current development status of a self-consistent truly multiphysics algorithm. The algorithm is based upon the Courant-insensitive space-time conservation-element solution-element methodology. Previous attempts for electromagnetic solutions have applicability only in constant material domains with PEC boundary conditions. This paper reports on the extension of this algorithm for the solution of the generalized Maxwell equations, including linear-dispersive materials. The numerical solution is shown to be extremely accurate on highly nonuniform meshes and reduces to the classical Yee FDTD error properties in the uniform Cartesian grid limit. Validation problems and comparison with the ubiquitous baseline FDTD algorithm will be presented in 1-D (2-D space-time). Results show that the second-order CESE method has an accuracy equivalent to fourth-sixth order FDTD for equal grids with highly discontinuous coefficients (e.g., permittivity).
What if Everyone Voted? Simulating the Impact of Increased Turnout in Senate Elections

The conventional wisdom among journalists and politicians is that higher turnout would benefit Democrats, although extant scholarly research suggests otherwise. We adopt a new approach to assessing the partisan impact of higher turnout. We use state-level exit polls and Census data to estimate the partisan preferences of nonvoters in Senate elections and then simulate the outcome of these elections under universal turnout. While nonvoters are generally more Democratic than voters, the dearth of close races means that very few election outcomes would have changed had everyone voted. Other scenarios—full turnout among registered voters, equal turnout rates for whites and African-Americans, and equal turnout rates across income groups—generate similar results: although Democrats fare better in each scenario, few outcomes would have changed. However, the gap between voters and nonvoters’ partisan preference varies considerably across states and across years, suggesting that this “partisan differential” warrants further examination.
Neurofibromatosis 1: recognition and management of associated neuroblastoma

Neurofibroma and neuroblastoma both arise from the neural crest, and there has long been speculation regarding a pathogenetic relationship between them. Clinical characteristics do not necessarily distinguish these tumors, therefore the diagnosis of neuroblastoma should be considered in all children with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF-1) who have a rapidly growing or inaccessible mass. A careful physical examination, imaging studies, and urinary catecholamine measurement are indicated. In a child with NF-1 and malignancy, direct tissue examination may be necessary to differentiate malignant from nonmalignant tumor and guide therapy. Furthermore, with the significantly increased risk of certain types of childhood cancer in these patients, we recommend evaluation for this common heritable condition in all patients with malignancy.
Transmission of MdSGHV among adult house flies, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), occurs via oral secretions and excreta.

Abstract The MdSGHV is a double-stranded DNA virus that replicates in the salivary glands of infected adult house flies. Transmission of this non-occluded, enveloped virus is believed to be mediated orally via deposition and consumption of oral secretions composed of salivary gland secretions and crop contents. In this study, transmission electron micrographs of crops from infected flies showed numerous enveloped virions in the crop lumen adjacent to the cuticular intima, as well as on the hemocoel side in close vicinity to muscle cells. Oral treatments of newly emerged flies with viremic salivary gland homogenates, crop homogenates, or gradient-purified virus resulted in an average 44% infection. Virus released via oral secretion was infectious when ingested by newly emerged adult flies, resulting in an average 66% infection. Using quantitative real-time PCR, MdSGHV DNA was quantified in oral secretions and excreta obtained from viremic flies. Between 2 and 4 days post-infection (dpi), viral copy numbers in oral secretions increased exponentially and from 5 to 21 dpi each infected fly released an average 106 MdSGHV copies per feeding event. Excreta samples collected overnight from individual infected flies at 5 dpi contained an average 6.5 × 105 viral copies. Low but detectable infection rates were produced when newly emerged flies were challenged with excreta samples. In summary, evaluation of the quantity and infectivity of MdSGHV released by individual infected house flies clearly showed that deposition of oral secretions and excreta onto a shared food substrate is the main route of natural MdSGHV transmission among adult house flies.
Understanding and contextualizing social impacts from the privatization of fisheries: An overview

Fisheries management around the world has experimented with regulations to promote privatization, in order to reach such multifaceted goals as ending overfishing and reducing economic inefficiencies. This review surveys a wide range of empirical experiences in different contexts around the world to help provide a fuller picture of potential and sometimes disparate consequences from privatization in general and new ways of organizing around fishing that can follow in the wake of such measures. Looking at the many different participants in the fishing industry—from crew, small-boat owners, to households and communities—as well as the diverse sociocultural contexts in which fishing takes place, enables a better understanding of who and what is impacted, how they are impacted, why and with what further consequences, such that communities come to be seen less oppositional to economy, but rather constituted by multiple scalar processes and by economic relations comprising different motivations and behaviors.
Generalized relaying in the presence of interference

Capacity gains from cooperation in a network with two source-destination pairs and a relay are analyzed. Scenarios in which the relay decodes both messages are considered. An achievable rate region is derived and evaluated for Gaussian channels. A simple encoding scheme is employed that does not include rate-splitting at the encoders and/or the relay. The obtained results demonstrate the gains from interference forwarding in certain scenarios: the relay optimally splits its power between sending the desired message and the interference. Thus, instead of only message forwarding, the relay uses some of its power to facilitate interference cancelation at the destination node.