cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potentiation of cortical inhibition by visual deprivation

The fine-tuning of circuits in sensory cortex requires sensory experience during an early critical period. Visual deprivation during the critical period has catastrophic effects on visual function, including loss of visual responsiveness to the deprived eye, reduced visual acuity, and loss of tuning to many stimulus characteristics. These changes occur faster than the remodelling of thalamocortical axons, but the intracortical plasticity mechanisms that underlie them are incompletely understood. Long-term depression of excitatory intracortical synapses has been proposed as a general candidate mechanism for the loss of cortical responsiveness after visual deprivation. Alternatively (or in addition), the decreased ability of the deprived eye to activate cortical neurons could be due to enhanced intracortical inhibition. Here we show that visual deprivation leaves excitatory connections in layer 4 (the primary input layer to cortex) unaffected, but markedly potentiates inhibitory feedback between fast-spiking basket cells (FS cells) and star pyramidal neurons (star pyramids). Further, a previously undescribed form of long-term potentiation of inhibition (LTPi) could be induced at synapses from FS cells to star pyramids, and was occluded by previous visual deprivation. These data suggest that potentiation of inhibition is a major cellular mechanism underlying the deprivation-induced degradation of visual function, and that this form of LTPi is important in fine-tuning cortical circuitry in response to visual experience.
Physiological and psychological responses to exercise with an induced attentional focus.

In this study techniques were employed to induce exercising subjects to focus attention on themselves or on an external event. A total of 20 adult subjects (10 men and 10 women) were familiarized with a treadmill exercise protocol and then on two subsequent occasions performed sub-maximal exercise followed by a run to exhaustion under attentional conditions of self-focus (watching themselves in a mirror while listening to their breathing) and external focus (watching and listening to a movie). The order of focus conditions was counterbalanced among subjects. Analysis of postexperimental responses from subjects indicated that the procedures used to induce each type of attentional focus were successful. However, physiological and psychological responses in the two focus conditions were not always uniform for men and women, particularly during light work when men tended to have higher heart rates and significantly lower Rated Perceived Exertion while women had lower heart rates and higher Rated Perceived Exe...
Scale Economies and Consolidation in Hog Slaughter: Comment

In a recent article, MacDonald and Ollinger (MO) estimate cost functions of hog slaughtering plants. While the estimates they obtain provide useful information about scale economies and consolidation in hog slaughter, incorrect inferences are drawn about substitutability (and lack thereof) between hogs and other inputs in processing pork. The purpose of this comment is to derive the correct measures of input substitutability and to show that the error in using the Allen elasticities of substitution to draw inferences
Young women's experiences and perceptions of cunnilingus during adolescence

Recent studies indicate that cunnilingus may be as prevalent as fellatio among American adolescents. Despite this approximate equivalence in rates, there is an imbalance in the amount and type of attention paid to fellatio and cunnilingus. Furthermore, there has been little empirical examination of young women's experiences and perceptions of cunnilingus during adolescence. Two studies in response to this gap in knowledge were conducted. In Study 1, regression analyses indicated that a young woman's sexual assertiveness was linked to having more lifetime cunnilingus partners, as well as more cunnilingus experiences in the past three months. Study 2 explored young women's perceptions of cunnilingus and their speculations about their male partners' perceptions thereof. Linear mixed modeling revealed that participants had highly favorable impressions of cunnilingus, which they believed their male partners shared. These findings are considered in terms of positive adolescent sexual development and cultural norms regarding female sexuality.
59 Women on the flight deck

Abstract PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to calculate disease prevalence among female commercial airline pilots using data from self-report. Because the majority of aviators historically have been men, little is known about the health impact of commercial flying on the increasing number of women entering this profession. METHODS: Through collaboration with the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA), health and lifestyle surveys were mailed to all women flying for each of four selected US airlines. Self-reported data were used to calculate duration prevalence for the study period. RESULTS: Of the 400 surveys mailed to women, 188 were returned (47% response rate). Respondent age ranged from 25 to 60 years, with an average age of 40 years, and racial distribution as follows: 172 white, 5 black, 3 Asian, 1 Hispanic, 7 unspecified. The only non-cancer diseases with more than 1 reported case were hypertension (5 cases) and high cholesterol (20 cases). A total of 14 cancers were reported: 4 breast, 3 cervix, 5 non-melanoma skin, 1 melanoma, and 1 thyroid. All four breast cancers occurred since 1997 among 91 white women in the age group 40–54 (4.4% of this age, gender group). The 5-year SEER limited duration prevalence for the same age, gender group is 2.3%. Available data did not permit adjustment for parity, age at first pregnancy, or other potential confounders of breast cancer rates. CONCLUSION: The suggested increase in breast cancer is consistent with findings from studies of flight attendants. However, a much larger study, with improved response rate and more confounder information, is needed to assure valid statistical analysis. To this end, a detailed survey on women's health has been mailed to all female commercial airline pilots across all ALPA airlines (2112 women across 42 airlines). The survey includes questions on disease, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and hormone use.
Changing Perceptions of the U.S. Forest Sector: Implications for the RPA Timber Assessment

Over the past seventy-five years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has conducted more than fifteen major assessments of the long-term supply, demand, and price outlook for forest products in the United States. These assessments and associated long-term projections have played a significant role in shaping people's perceptions of the future. They have served as means for identifying emerging problems in the forest sector and as a vehicle for evaluating the potential effectiveness of various policies on these problems. The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act (RPA) enacted in 1974 formalized the issue identification function of the assessment process and established a direct link between long-range timber assessment projections and the development of specific Forest Service programs, plans, and budget requests. The RPA, among other things, has fostered the development of a long-term analytical planning system within the Forest Service and a greater willingness on the part of policy makers, both within the agency and in the Congress, to consider alternative policies and scenarios for the future. It has also generated a concern about what forces or developments act to change the outlook and prospects for the forest sector. The 1980 timber assessment required by the RPA (USDA Forest Service 1982), as those made during the last three decades, forecast strong growth in consumption of both solid wood and fiber products, limited growth in the domestic forest inventory, and continued real growth in forest products prices through the year 2000 and beyond. Within the past five years, however, traditional views of the longrange prospects of the industry have been increasingly challenged. Quite apart from concerns about the extent and timing of recovery from the current recession, the outlook for the forest products sector seems beset with a growing number of uncertainties. The changes that have come to light in recent years suggest the need for several important modifications in the Forest Service assessment process. We examine the apparent sources of growing uncertainty in the future of the U.S. forest sector and provide examples of the effects of these uncertainties on the long-term outlook. In the concluding section, we propose changes in the Forest Service assessment process to accommodate these new developments.
Finding large-scale spatial trends in massive, global, environmental datasets

As technology progresses, the availability of massive environmental data with global spatial coverage has become quite common. An example of such data is total column ozone (TCO) remotely sensed from a satellite. In their raw form, these data are often spatially (and temporally) dense, but irregular. The problem considered here is one of detecting a large-scale spatial trend at a given time point (actually, in a given time interval). We propose a sequential aggregation method, producing different levels of coarser (spatial) resolution data and, at the same time, preserving both the local information content and the locations of the raw data. In estimating the large-scale trend, we consider different types of smooth spatial trend surfaces on the sphere, all linear combinations of smooth basis functions and satisfying the topological constraints imposed by the sphere. These include trend surfaces based on tensor products of splines, spherical harmonic basis functions, smoothing spherical splines and a new trend surface that we call fixed-rank smoothing (FRS). The FRS trend surfaces can be based on any set of smooth basis functions on the sphere and are estimated via penalized weighted-least-squares regression (ridge regression) using a data-adaptive penalty term. In comparing the various trend surfaces considered, we look at data fidelity, trend-surface consistency when fitted to data at different resolutions, and small- and large-scale spatial behavior of the resulting detrended fine-resolution data. An application to the TCO data reveals that the large-scale spatial trend can be detected and effectively estimated using coarse-resolution data. The FRS trend surfaces are seen to achieve better data fidelity than other trend surfaces considered, and, in terms of trend-surface consistency and small- and large-scale residual behavior, FRS is seen to have as good, and sometimes better, performance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
POTABLE WATER SUPPLY AS THE HOSPITAL RESERVOIR FOR PITTSBURGH PNEUMONIA AGENT

Both legionnaires' disease and pneumonia caused by Pittsburgh pneumonia agent (PPA) are endemic in the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Pittsburgh. 85% of cases of legionnaires' disease and 100% of the cases of PPA were acquired in hospital. A selective dye-containing medium which allows visual discrimination of Legionella pneumophila and PPA has been used in a large-scale environmental survey of the hospital. Samples from 53 sites, including hot-water storage tanks, showerheads, mixing valves, and taps from 19 wards, were cultured. PPA was isolated from 2 sites and L. pneumophila from 33 sites. Water from a tap in the surgical intensive-care unit yielded 6 colony-forming units (CFU) of PPA/0.1 ml and 300 CFU of L. pneumophila/0.1 ml after centrifugation. Water from the outlet valve of a hot-water storage tank yielded 10 CFU of L. pneumophila/0.1 ml and when concentrated by centrifugation also yielded 2 CFU of PPA/0.1 ml. PPA and L. pneumophila share the same environmental niche, but isolation of PPA is more difficult. It seems that the reservoir for PPA in the VA Medical Center is the hot-water distribution system. PPA and L. pneumophila were simultaneously isolated from the lung tissue of a patient in this hospital who died of hospital-acquired pneumonia; this finding supports the hypothesis of a common reservoir and mode of transmission for the two organisms.
Effect of cortisone on hepatic structure during subacute ethionine intoxication in the rat: an electron microscopic study.

Abstract The effect of cortisone upon hepatic parenchymal and ductular cell elements in subacute ethionine intoxication was investigated by electron microscopy. When administered during the florid phase of active ductular cell proliferation and interstitial inflammation, cortisone improved the appearance of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria of the hepatocytes and caused pigment deposition in these cells as well as degeneration of the cells of the bile ductules. Administration during the stationary phase led to change neither in hepatocytes nor in ductular cells. Methionine replacement of ethionine has similar effects on endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria but did not cause pigment deposition and produced less ductular cell degeneration. Whether suppression of the bile ductular reaction is the result of hepatocellular recovery or is an independent parallel process cannot be decided.
Magnetic deflection of neutral metal clusters in a beam

A new apparatus for measuring the magnetic properties of metal clusters has been constructed. The technique involves the conventional Stern-Gerlach deflection scheme together with modern pulsed laser vaporization source technology and time of flight mass spectrometry. High field seeking monodirectional deflections have been measured for cobalt clusters containing between 40 and 400 atoms. The measured magnetic moments per atom are found to be lower than the known values for the bulk. Special attention has been given to velocity measurements of the metal clusters and the carrier gas atoms in the beam. The residence time of the particles in the source cavity has been measured.
Microdiffraction applications utilizing a two-dimensional proportional detector

Two-dimensional proportional detectors with their faster data collection, large dynamic range, and more available information than point or linear proportional detectors make them ideal for microdiffraction analysis. The unique capabilities of these detectors coupled with a rotating anode source, capillary optics, and a variety of accessories allow for a wide range of applications.
Genetics and physiological expression of beta-hydroxy acid dehydrogenase in Drosophila.

A mutant Hadnl was induced in Drosophila melanogaster and found to be deficient in β-hydroxy acid dehydrogenase. This mutation was utilized to study the genetics and physiological expression of Had+. Had+ was mapped to the X chromosome at 54.4 and seems to be the structural gene for the enzyme. Enzyme activity in male and female flies indicates that the gene shows both dosage compensation independent from dose effect and differential activity during ontogeny. Electrophoretic mobility data indicate that the enzyme is a dimer which forms by random association of subunits. The fact that the mutant shows no detrimental effect implies that the enzyme is dispensable, at least under laboratory conditions. The biological and technical implications of this gene-enzyme system are discussed.
Measurement of average atmospheric temperature using a CO(2) laser radar.

A single-ended CO2 lidar system has been used to measure the average temperature over a path between the lidar and the foothills located 5 km away. The CO2 lidar was used to measure the ratio of transmission of the P(38) to the P(20) lines in the 10-μm band of CO2. This ratio of transmission is directly related to temperature. Good correlation was obtained between the lidar-measured temperature and the thermometer-measured values.
Further comment on ``Eigenvalue spectrum of the independent-fermion kinetic-energy kernel''

When a fermion-system ground state is examined in the grand ensemble, particle density is determined uniquely by local chemical potential except when an additional fermion is in the process of appearing. Conversely, the chemical potential is uniquely determined by the density profile except when there are an integer number of particles, but is then necessarily linear in a two-state mixing parameter. This linear dependence has immediate consequences, one of which has elicited prior commentary.
A SEER Database Analysis of Urethral Cancer Management

Chained multiple imputation was performed to account for missing data and a multivariate Cox hazards regression was used for testing significance. Results: IORT was delivered during nephrectomy for advanced disease (28% of patients) or during resection of locally recurrent RCC in the renal fossa (72%). Sixty-nine percent of patients were male and the mean age at RCC diagnosis was 57. At initial nephrectomy, primary T-stage was 17% T1, 12% T2, 55% T3, and 16% T4. Prior to IORT, 87% had a visibly complete surgical resection of tumor. Mean IORT dose delivered was 14.7 Gy (range, 9-20 Gy). Average length of post-op hospitalization was 10.7 days. Pre-operative or post-operative external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) was administered to 27% and 35% of patients, respectively (2% received both pre and post-operative EBRT). Median follow-up after IORT was 1.6 years. OS at 1 and 5 years after IORT was 69% and 37% for advanced patients and 94% and 55% for locally recurrent patients, respectively. DFS at 1 and 5 years was 72% and 39% for advanced patients and 96% and 52% for locally recurrent patients, respectively. DSS at 1 and 5 years was 72% and 41% for advanced patients and 96% and 60% for locally recurrent patients, respectively. For the entire cohort, higher IORT dose (HR 1.3, p < 0.001), positive initial nodal status (HR 2.9-3.6, p < 0.01), and presence of sarcomatoid features (HR 3.7-6.9, p < 0.05) had a statistically significant association with decreased OS, DFS and DSS. Patients who received adjuvant systemic therapy after IORT showed decreased DSS (HR 2.4, p Z 0.03). When analyzing locally recurrent tumors alone, positive margin status (HR 2.6, p Z 0.01) was associated with decreased OS. Conclusion: We report on the largest known cohort of patients with RCC managed with IORT and we have identified several factors associated with survival. Outcomes in our cohort of patients with locally recurrent RCC treated with local resection and IORT compare favorably to similar groups treated with local resection alone suggesting improved DSS may be possible with IORT. Author Disclosure: J.J. Paly: None. C.L. Hallemeier: None. P.J. Biggs: None. A. Niemierko: None. F. Roeder: None. R. Martinez-Monge: None. J.M. Whitson: None. F.A. Calvo: None. G. Fastner: None. J.A. Efstathiou: None.
Stimulus manipulations that reduce the square-wave illusion

When observers view a triangle-wave luminance profile, they often report a square-wave illusion with a depth component. Alternate bars appear to be in different depth planes and the surface appears corrugated; illuminated from either the right or the left. These perspectives alternate with continuous viewing. One explanation for this illusion stems from a local energy model of feature detection proposed by Morrone and Burr (Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. B235, 221-245, 1988). This model assumes two phase-sensitive mechanisms that process lines and edges in the visual image. It is suggested that the square-wave illusion derives from rivalry between these two mechanisms. In experiment 1, the aim was to determine whether phase alternation of the triangle wave would lead to differences in the duration and number of perceptual reversals of the illusion. The results indicate a decline in illusion duration and frequency of reversal rate with increased alternation rate. With the addition of some assumptions about the temporal resolution of the line and edge detectors, the results support the proposed explanation. In Experiment 2, the effects of high spatial-frequency contrast increments and decrements were explored. Increments did not lead to significant increases in the duration of the square-wave illusion or reversal rate, but decrements resulted in a substantial reduction in the illusion duration and reversal rate. The results indicate that manipulations which alter the phase relationships of the triangle wave decrease the illusion, but manipulations which maintain them do not.
Geophysical signatures for low porosity can mimic natural gas hydrate: An example from Alaminos Canyon, Gulf of Mexico

Natural gas hydrate in sand sediments can increase both the measured compressional velocity and resistivity. The same geophysical signatures occur, however, in low-porosity sand. We investigate the possible occurrence of natural gas hydrate in a sand interval in Alaminos Canyon Block 21 (AC 21) in the Gulf of Mexico, drilled by the U.S. Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Project. The sand interval has an increase in resistivity (~2.2 Ω m) and a strong peak and trough at the top and bottom of the sand on exploration seismic, which has been interpreted as natural gas hydrate. We reexamine the logging data and construct a new reservoir model that matches the measured resistivity, the high-density sublayers in the sand, and the surface seismic trace. Our model shows that the sand interval in AC 21 is most likely water saturated; and the slight increase in resistivity, higher-measured density, and the seismic amplitudes are caused by a reduction in porosity to ~30% in the sand interval relative to a porosity of ~42% in the surrounding marine muds. More broadly, we show that the average depth where the porosity of marine muds becomes lower than sand sediment is 900 mbsf, though it could be as shallow as 600 mbsf for high-porosity sands. In any case, the similar geophysical signatures for water-saturated sand and low saturations of natural gas hydrate in sand probably occur throughout the gas hydrate stability zone at most sites worldwide.
The effects of screened exchange and correlation on the surface potential of an electron gas

Abstract The interior effective single electron potential of an electron on the Fermi surface of an electron gas is obtained. This potential is calculated for points near the physical surface of the electron gas. The results are presented as modifications of a potential previously obtained by Loucks and Cutler. The present results include the effects of screened exchange and self-energy processes in which virtual surface as well as volume plasmons are emitted and reabsorbed. It is seen numerically that the results presented here produce surface potential curves which are not as smooth as those calculated by Loucks and Cutler. This is in agreement with recently calculated potentials by Davies.
Canine Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a syndrome defined by cough on most days for at least 2 months where no specific cause can be identified. Older small breed dogs are most commonly affected, but bronchitis is also documented in midsized and larger breed dogs. Diagnostic testing includes physical examination, laboratory testing, radiography, and airway evaluation via bronchoscopy, cytology, and culture. Treatment is directed at reducing exposure to irritants, reducing airway inflammation, and controlling cough.
On the performance of some subset selection procedures

In this paper, we restrict attention to the problem of subset selection of normal populations. The approaches and results of some previous comparison studies of subset selection procedures are discussed briefly. And then the result of a new Monte Carlo study comparing the performance of two classical procedures and the Bayes procedure is presented.
Structural insights into DNA lesion bypass.

A number of highly specialized DNA polymerases with the ability to replicate through DNA lesions have been identified. In this issue of Structure , Nair et al. show how one such polymerase, yeast Rev1, accomplishes the DNA lesion bypass task.
Paper chromatographic detection of sugars in normal and dystrophic human urines.

Abstract A method has been developed, involving the use of a mixed-bed resin column, for the preparation of a urine concentrate suitable for the paper chromatographic detection of small amounts of sugars. The urines of 15 normal adults and 11 children and adults afflicted with muscular dystrophy were examined. The following sugars are commonly present in the urines from normal humans: lactose, galactose, glucose, ribulose, arabinose, xylose, ribose, glucuronolactone, fructose, xylulose, fucose, sucrose, mannoheptulose, and sedoheptulose. The presence in urine of the last four sugars has not been reported previously. The same sugars were found in the urine of persons with muscular dystrophy. Under the conditions of this study, that is, without 24-hr, urine samples from the patients, there were no obvious changes from the normal range of spot sizes and intensities.
Xenotransplantation and risks of zoonotic infections

The shortage of human organs and tissues for transplantation and the advances in immunology of rejection and in genetic engineering have renewed interest in xenotransplantation--the transplantation of animal organs, tissues or cells to humans. Clinical trials have involved the use of non-human primate, porcine, and bovine cells/tissues/organs. In recent years, research has focused mainly on pigs as donors (especially, pigs genetically engineered to carry some human genes). One of the major concerns in xenotransplantation is the risk of transmission of animal pathogens, particularly viruses, to recipients and the possible adaptation of such pathogens for human-to-human transmission. Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) have been of special concern because of their ability to infect human cells and because, at present, they cannot be removed from the source animal's genome. To date, retrospective studies of humans exposed to live porcine cells/tissues have not found evidence of infection with PERV but more extensive research is needed. This article reviews infectious disease risks associated with xenotransplantation, some measures for minimizing that risk, and microbiological diagnostic methods that may be used in the follow-up of xenotransplant recipients.
Time Domain Reflectometry Laboratory Calibration in Travel Time, Bulk Electrical Conductivity, and Effective Frequency

Accurate soil water content measurements to considerable depth are required for investigations of crop water use, water use efficiency, irrigation efficiency, and the hydraulic properties of soils. Although the soil moisture neutron probe has served this need well, it cannot be used unattended. Newer methods, which respond to the electrical properties of soils, typically allow data logging and unattended operation, but with uncertain precision, accuracy, and volume of sensitivity. In laboratory columns of three soils, we calibrated a conventional time domain reflectometry (TDR) system for use as a reference system for a companion study of water content sensors that are used in access tubes. Measurements were made before, during, and after wetting to saturation in triplicate repacked columns of three soils: (i) a silty clay loam (30% clay, 53% silt), (ii) a clay (48% clay, 39% silt), and (iii) a calcic clay loam (35% clay, 40% silt) containing 50% CaCO3. Each 75-cm-deep, 55-cm-diameter column was weighed continuously to 50-g precision on a platform scale. Conventional TDR measurements of water content and thermocouple measurements of temperature were made at eight depths in each column every 30 min. Accuracy of the TDR system was judged by the root mean squared difference (RMSD) between column mean water contents determined by mass balance and those determined using the Topp equation as a standard calibration. Smaller values of the RMSD metric indicated more accurate standard calibration. Although the TDR system exhibited RMSD <0.03 m3 m−3 using the Topp equation, there were differences in accuracy between the three soils, and there was some temperature dependency at the saturated end, although not at the dry end. This paralleled the temperature dependency of the soil bulk electrical conductivity (BEC). Incorporation of bulk electrical conductivity and effective frequency of the TDR measurement into the calibration model reduced the calibration RMSE to <0.01 m3 m−3 and practically eliminated temperature effects. Because the temperature effects on the TDR measurement are embedded in the BEC and effective frequency, a measurement of temperature is not needed to apply the calibration to these soils.
The Interferon-Induced Protein BST-2 Restricts HIV-1 Release and Is Downregulated from the Cell Surface by the Viral Vpu Protein

The HIV-1 accessory protein Vpu counteracts a host factor that restricts virion release from infected cells. Here we show that the interferon-induced cellular protein BST-2/HM1.24/CD317 is such a factor. BST-2 is downregulated from the cell surface by Vpu, and BST-2 is specifically expressed in cells that support the vpu phenotype. Exogenous expression of BST-2 inhibits HIV-1 virion release, while suppression of BST-2 relieves the requirement for Vpu. Downregulation of BST-2 requires both the transmembrane/ion channel domain and conserved serines in the cytoplasmic domain of Vpu. Endogenous BST-2 colocalizes with the HIV-1 structural protein Gag in endosomes and at the plasma membrane, suggesting that BST-2 traps virions within and on infected cells. The unusual structure of BST-2, which includes a transmembrane domain and a lumenal GPI anchor, may allow it to retain nascent enveloped virions on cellular membranes, providing a mechanism of viral restriction counteracted by a specific viral accessory protein.
Functional theories of island phenomena: the case of Japanese

This paper examines island effects in Japanese in four extraction types — relativization, topicalization, postposing, and wh-question formation — in terms of the “aboutness” condition claimed by Haig (1996). The condition is supported for relativization and topicalization; however, further specification is necessary for postposing and wh-question formation. It is also demonstrated that the proposed construction-specific conditions are all related to the same cognitive theory of island phenomena (Deane 1991), which reflects the mechanism of attention and short-term memory. The cognitive description thus provides insights as to why there are island effects in a putative “island-free” language.
Entanglement of trapped-ion clock states

A M\o{}lmer-S\o{}rensen entangling gate is realized for pairs of trapped $^{111}\mathrm{Cd}^{+}$ ions using magnetic-field insensitive ``clock'' states and an implementation offering reduced sensitivity to optical phase drifts. The gate is used to generate the complete set of four entangled states, which are reconstructed and evaluated with quantum-state tomography. An average target-state fidelity of 0.79 is achieved, limited by available laser power and technical noise. The tomographic reconstruction of entangled states demonstrates universal quantum control of two ion qubits, which through multiplexing can provide a route to scalable architectures for trapped-ion quantum computing.
A model of the distribution of branded personal products in Jamaica.

A five equation model of the Jamaican distribution structure is fitted to data on four branded personal products. Decision rules appear oriented toward sales for retailers wholesalers importers and manufacturers and some policy implications for stimulating the structure are suggested. Problems associated with procedures for fitting sets of equations and examples of the effects of multi-collinearity on simultaneous equation estimation are discussed. (authors)
Partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas over alkaline earth metal oxide supported cobalt catalysts

Abstract The partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas was investigated over the alkaline earth metal oxide supported Co catalysts. Only MgO has proved to be a suitable support. The reaction behavior of the MgO-supported Co catalysts was significantly influenced by the calcination temperature (Tc) and Co loading. The 24 wt% Co/MgO catalyst precalcined at 800°C provided a high and stable activity; those precalcined at higher temperatures provided a lower stable activity and those precalcined at lower temperatures a lower stability. Because of the two oxidative states of Co, the structural characteristics of the Co catalysts are strongly affected by the nature of the support, calcination temperature, and Co loading. In the 24 wt% MgO-supported catalysts, only a solid solution of CoO and MgO was identified for Tc≥800°C, while one or two of the following compounds, Co3O4 and MgCo2O4, were additionally detected for Tc
Optical spectroscopy approach for the predictive assessment of kidney functional recovery following ischemic injury

Tissue that has undergone significant yet unknown amount of ischemic injury is frequently encountered in organ transplantation and trauma clinics. With no reliable real-time method of assessing the degree of injury incurred in tissue, surgeons generally rely on visual observation which is subjective. In this work, we investigate the use of optical spectroscopy methods as a potentially more reliable approach. Previous work by various groups was strongly suggestive that tissue autofluorescence from NADH obtained under UV excitation is sensitive to metabolic response changes. To test and expand upon this concept, we monitored autofluorescence and light scattering intensities of injured vs. uninjured rat kidneys via multimodal imaging under 355 nm, 325 nm, and 266 nm excitation as well as scattering under 500 nm illumination. 355 nm excitation was used to probe mainly NADH, a metabolite, while 266 nm excitation was used to probe mainly tryptophan to correct for non-metabolic signal artifacts. The ratio of autofluorescence intensities derived under these two excitation wavelengths was calculated and its temporal profile was fit to a relaxation model. Time constants were extracted, and longer time constants were associated with kidney dysfunction. Analysis of both the autofluorescence and light scattering images suggests that changes in microstructure tissue morphology, blood absorption spectral characteristics, and pH contribute to the behavior of the observed signal which may be used to obtain tissue functional information and offer predictive capability.
Intensity Correction and Dynamic Range Expansion for Digital X-Ray Radiograph Images

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of NDE radiograph film is often accomplished using image processing tools. A prerequisite for such analysis is transformation of the data contained in the physical x-ray film into discrete numerical data suitable for image processing. Such transformation, called image acquisition or digitization, will introduce noise and spurious information (artifacts) into the original data. While certain qualitative data enhancement processes are tolerant of these data anomalies, significant errors may preclude quantitative analysis such as flaw sizing or flaw detection.
Preventative childhood vaccination to rabies.

Introduction: Rabies is prevented by post-exposure vaccination with several doses of vaccine given over 4 – 14 weeks. In case of severe exposure, the first dose of vaccine is combined with passive transfer of a rabies virus-specific immunoglobulin preparation. Preventative vaccination for rabies, also referred as pre-exposure vaccination, is reserved for humans at high risk. Although available vaccines are efficacious in preventing disease, rabies still claims the lives of an estimated 55,000 humans residing in Africa and Asia each year. Half of the death occurs in children under the age of 15. Areas covered: This paper discusses whether preventative vaccination of all children in Africa and Asia, which was deemed non–cost-effective compared to post-exposure vaccination using currently licensed vaccines in Thailand, could be cost-effective using more immunogenic novel vaccines. Expert opinion: At least in theory, novel one-dose rabies vaccines may be cost-effective for preventative childhood immunization,...
Irritant Contact Dermatitis: House and Garden Plants

Potential irritants lurk everywhere. Even attempts to beautify our surroundings with plants, shrubs, flowers, and trees can be a dangerous experience. And those who attempt to get away from it all ...
Stereoselective high-performance liquid chromatography and analytical method characterization of evacetrapib using a brush-type chiral stationary phase: A challenging isomeric separation requiring a unique eluent system

Using HPLC chiral separation screening, various columns representing the polysaccharide, macrocyclic antibiotic and brush classes were assessed in multiple chromatographic modes for the separation of evacetrapib, a potential cardiovascular drug, from its enantiomer, two diastereomers and several impurities. Screening data consistently pointed to the brush-type Whelk-O 1 chiral column as most promising for this task. A systematic separation optimization process is outlined using the (S,S) Whelk-O 1 chiral column, first for the resolution of the isomers, and later including six potential impurities. A relatively complex yet rugged separation system was eventually identified that effectively resolves all compounds within a reasonable analysis time, and should serve as an adequate tool for evacetrapib bulk drug enantiopurity measurement.
A sampler for capturing larval and juvenile Atlantic menhaden

Abstract Interest in capturing larval and juvenile Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus for use in laboratory studies required the design and construction of a sampling device that would allow us to make collections of live fish from open-water areas. Our device for capturing 1–2.5-in larval–juvenile fish was constructed of a stainless steel frame that supported a 9.84-ft-long (3-m-long)5 cone plankton net with a 3.28-ft-diameter (1-m-diameter) opening and a 0.04-in (1-mm) mesh size. Although the plankton net was similar to that used during typical larval fish collections, the cod end was constructed of Plexiglas and was nearly watertight; this prevented impingement and injury to larval fish and provided a calm-water environment. The cod end was designed for quick release from the plankton net, and the entire cod end could be submerged into a 75-gal onboard holding tank. This design and technique obviated the netting or emerging of fish from the water until they were returned to the laboratory.
Laparoscopic management of Meckel's diverticulum in adults.

Background: Meckel's diverticulum is an uncommon entity. A high index of suspicion is necessary for opportune diagnosis and prompt treatment. Technetium (TC) 99m pertechnetate scintigraphy is a sensitive and specific test for Meckel's diverticulum. In adults, the scan contributes little to clinical decision making and often will not change the need for surgical intervention. We describe our experience with four patients. Methods: Between August 2000 and August 2001, four patients were seen with Meckel's diverticula. Three were male and one was female. The mean age was 39 years (range, 18–64). Three patients presented with anemia and one with an acute abdomen. A 99mTc pertechnetate scan was performed at a cost of $900 in the three anemic patients after other endoscopic and radiographic tests were nondiagnostic. Only one patient had a positive scan. All four patients underwent exploratory laparoscopy and small bowel resection. In one patient, a minilaparatomy had to be performed. Results: All patients had a satisfactory outcome without complications. Three patients were discharged within 3 days of surgery. The remaining patient had a prolonged hospital stay because of ongoing chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer. In the three anemic patients who underwent enterectomy, ulcerated small bowel outside the diverticulum was found by the pathologist. Conclusion:Laparoscopy is safe, cost-effective, and efficient for the diagnosis and definitive management of Meckel's diverticulum. Technetium 99m pertechnetate scintigraphy scanning adds considerable time and expense to the care of the patient without significant benefits in adults. The practice of exploratory laparoscopy rather than scintigraphy is recommended.
Type 1 diabetes: virus infection or autoimmune disease?

What does Coxsackie virus have to do with diabetes? Evidence is emerging that insulin-producing β cells are highly susceptible to acute infection by Coxsackie virus if their production of interferon is inhibited, resulting in diabetes.
Greedy approximations for minimum submodular cover with submodular cost

It is well-known that a greedy approximation with an integer-valued polymatroid potential function f is H(?)-approximation of the minimum submodular cover problem with linear cost where ? is the maximum value of f over all singletons and H(?) is the ?-th harmonic number. In this paper, we establish similar results for the minimum submodular cover problem with a submodular cost (possibly nonlinear) and/or fractional submodular potential function f.
Performance of high-frequency PZT fiber composite and PbTiO3 transducers

Fine scale 1 - 3 fiber composites and PbTiO3 are promising materials for high frequency (greater than 30 MHz) ultrasonic transducers because of their high thickness coupling coefficients and good mechanical flexibility. This work focus on improvements in the fiber composite and PbTiO3 ceramic transducer performance through innovative tuning techniques and optimized materials selection. For the fiber composite transducers, a 45% volume fraction of PZT fibers with 17 micrometer fiber diameter was selected to obtain high coupling (approximately 0.60) and ensure pure thickness vibration mode at high frequency. Microballoons mixed with epoxy formed a low acoustic impedance backing material and parylene was deposited as a front matching layer. The PbTiO3 ceramic was first processed to provide high density and then polished to the required thickness. Conductive epoxy was then chosen as backing and parylene was deposited as a front matching layer. The focus for both transducers was achieved by spherical shaping. The fiber composite transducers with center frequency around 40 MHz showed 6 dB bandwidth as high as 100%, and round-trip insertion losses near -36 dB. Compared to fiber composite transducers, the PbTiO3 ceramic transducers can work at much higher frequencies (near 90 MHz). In a similar frequency range as fiber composite transducers, they showed improvement sensitivity as marked by an insertion loss around -24 dB. In addition, they still displayed good bandwidth as a result of electrical tuning.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Identification of calcium antagonist receptor binding sites using (3H)nitrendipine in bovine tracheal smooth muscle membranes.

(3H)Nitrendipine binding to the bovine tracheal muscle membrane at 25°C was rapid, saturable (Bmax=14.8±3.9fmol/mg protein) and of high affinity (Kd=0.15±0.04 nM). The rank order of Ca2+ antagonists competing for airway (3H)nitrendipine binding was nitrendipine\( \doteqdot \) nisoldipine\( \doteqdot \) nifedipine » verapamil. Cromolyn, however, neither inhibited nor increased the binding.
Central diabetes insipidus following intraventricular hemorrhage

NEUROGENIC DIABETES INSIPIDUS is an entity infrequently recognized in the neonatal period. The true incidence is unknown. Fenton and Kleinman 1 described such a case associated with Listeria monocytogenes sepsis and intravascular coagulopathy. The following report describes a case of vasopressin sensitive diabetes insipidus in a premature infant following intraventricular hemorrhage.
Why is earthquake prediction research not progressing faster

Abstract As a physical phenomenon, earthquakes must be predictable to a certain degree. However, the problem is difficult, because the source volume inside the earth is inaccessible to direct observation and because the most important parameter, the stress level, cannot be measured directly. Also, seismology is such a young science that the cause of earthquakes was discovered in the 1960s only. Advanced seismograph networks as well as modern techniques to measure crustal deformations, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry technique (InSAR), have come on line only recently, and only in Japan are they deployed with the densities necessary for significant advances in the understanding of the rupture initiation process. In addition, no real program for earthquake prediction research exists in the United States, largely because funding agencies and peer reviewers shy away from a field in which unprofessional, but motivated individuals are active. Although claims of successful predictions are often not justified, a few correct predictions have been made. Most of these had time-windows of years, but some were accurate to days and allowed preparatory actions. To make significant progress, we must learn how to conduct rigorous science in a field where amateurs cannot be discouraged to venture. Leadership is necessary to raise the funding to an adequate level and to involve the best minds in this promising, potentially extremely rewarding, but controversial research topic.
Abstract 4209: Genotoxic effects of arsenic trioxide-induced oxidative stress in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Recent studies in our laboratory indicated that oxidative stress plays a key role in arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced cytotoxicity in human cancer cells. In the present investigation, we used human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells as a model to determine whether arsenic induced DNA damage is mediated through oxidative stress. To achieve this goal, oxidative stress biomarkers were measured by lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase assays, respectively. The degree of DNA damage was estimated by the means of comet assay. The results of the lipid peroxidation showed a significant increase (p <0.05) of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with increasing ATO concentrations. Results from the glutathione peroxidase and catalase assays showed a gradual decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity in ATO-treated cells as compared the control. In regard to the comet assay, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in comet tail-length and percentages of DNA cleavage were observed in ATO-treated cells using the comet assay. Taken together, our research demonstrated that oxidative stress modulates ATO mediated DNA damage in HepG2 cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4209. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4209