cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Normal splitting of the second heart sound in atrial septal defect

Abstract A case is presented of a patient with proved ostium secundum atrial septal defect and a large left to right shunt without associated anomalous pulmonary venous return or pulmonary hypertension who demonstrated a second heart sound that was widely split with inspiration and became single with expiration. Evidence supporting the constancy of a wide fixed split of S 2 with atrial septal defects is presented; the importance of the specific type of interatrial septal defect and the presence or absence of associated pulmonary hypertension is emphasized. The various theories proposed to explain the wide fixed splitting of S 2 with atrial septal defect are reviewed and discussed with particular reference to the case presented.
Effect of cyclotron-injected helium on void-formation characteristics of type 304 stainless steel

Abstract Samples of Type 304 stainless steel were injected with helium by cyclotron bombardment to concentrations ranging between 1.1 × 10 −7 and 1 × 10 −4 ppma. Following cyclotron injection, the samples were given a variety of heat treatments prior to insertion in EBR-II for irradiation at 450 °C to a total dose of 1 × 10 21 n/cm 2 . Samples that were not heat treated or that were annealed at 650 °C following cyclotron injection formed few voids and dislocation loops after EBR-II irradiation. This behavior is apparently due to the precipitate clusters that were formed during the helium injection. These precipitates were analyzed by electron microscopic techniques and found to have spherically symmetric strain fields that were of interstitial character. Samples that were annealed at 760 °C following cyclotron injection formed a larger number density of both voids and dislocation loops than did the control sample after EBR-II irradiation. The void volume also exceeded that of the control. Clustering of the dislocation loop population near grain boundaries and precipitate particles was observed in the control and low helium concentration samples.
A mass balance analysis of podzolization: Examples from the northeastern United States

Abstract The physical and chemical development of three Holocene-aged Spodosols, found in the north-eastern United States on differing parent materials, was analyzed using mass-balance modeling in conjunction with complementary micromorphological and chemical techniques. The accumulation of soil organic matter, in combination with the process of past root growth, resulted in profile volumetric expansions of up to 86%. In all soils, expansion was greatest in Bhs horizons. Extensive mineral weathering and profile losses of Mg, Ca, Na, K, and Si occurred (102–105 kg ha−1), concurrent with organic matter accumulations. Total cation losses were generally comparable to those measured in similar Holocene-aged soils, although losses varied somewhat between soils depending on the primary minerals present and their relative stabilities. Profile losses were also calculated for Fe, Al, and Mn and are comparable to those calculated in other regional studies; however, one soil clearly showed a net enrichment of Fe, presumably from external (i.e., atmospheric) sources. Other soils could be receiving such atmospheric additions as well. In all soils, Fe, Al, and Mn displayed zones of net pedogenic accumulation (in B and C horizons) below zones of net depletion (from overlying E and upper B horizons). From the standpoint of terrestrial C budgets, more carbon dioxide is apparently “consumed” by these soils through long-term organic C build-up (11–29 kg C ha−1 yr−1) than is lost through long-term mineral weathering and inorganic C (bicarbonate) leaching (3–13 kg C ha−1 yr−1).
Poly(acrylic acid) nanofibers by electrospinning

Abstract Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning into NaCl solution. The effect of the ionic strength of NaCl on the morphology of PAA nanofibers was investigated. The smallest diameter of the PAA nanofiber was prepared with 0.01 M NaCl PAA solutions. At the concentration 1 M NaCl, PAA nanofibers could not be fabricated. The viscosity and conductivity changes were measured with changing the concentration of NaCl. It is suggested that diameter variations may be caused by conductivity and polymer chain conformation changes with varying the concentration of NaCl.
Convergence of threshold estimates for two-dimensional percolation.

Using a recently introduced algorithm for simulating percolation in microcanonical (fixed-occupancy) samples, we study the convergence with increasing system size of a number of estimates for the percolation threshold for an open system with a square boundary, specifically for site percolation on a square lattice. We show that the convergence of the average-probability estimate is described by a nontrivial correction-to-scaling exponent as predicted previously, and measure the value of this exponent to be $0.90\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02.$ For the median and cell-to-cell estimates of the percolation threshold we verify that convergence does not depend on this exponent, having instead a slightly faster convergence with a trivial analytic leading exponent.
Relativistic klystron research for future linear colliders

1407_55This paper describes work being done to develop high-power 11.4-GHz relativistic klystrons suitable for driving future linear colliders. Peak rf power levels of 330 MW have been achieved using an 11.4-GHz, high-gain tube with multiple output structures. In these experiments the rf pulse is of the same duration as the beam current pulse. Experiments have been performed on two short sections of high-gradient accelerator using the rf power from a relativistic klystron. An average accelerating gradient of 84 MV/m has been achieved with 80-MW of rf power. The use of the front end of the Advanced Test Accelerator at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory will allow future tests of new rf sources and tests of two-beam accelerator concepts.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Physical Changes in Macromolecules of Active Zone Material that Regulate the Docking and Fusion of Synaptic Vesicles on the Presynaptic Membrane

The active zones of axon terminals are where the initial events in synaptic transmission occur. They are characterized by dense aggregates of macromolecules attached to the cytoplasmic surface of the presynaptic plasma membrane, called active zone material (AZM); synaptic vesicles docked on the presynaptic membrane, which contain neurotransmitter; and aggregates of cation channels in the presynaptic membrane that help regulate the fusion of the docked vesicles with the membrane leading to the exocytosis of their neurotransmitter during synaptic transmission. Previous electron tomography (ET) studies on resting frog neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) showed that the AZM is composed of an organized network of elongate macromolecules that fall into several classes, some of which connect to each docked vesicle.We used ET to study active zone components at frog neuromuscular junctions fixed either at rest or during electrical stimulation of the axon terminals. We found that as vesicle docking proceeds a shortening of certain AZM macromolecules leads both to a several fold increase in the size of the area of close apposition between the vesicle membrane and the presynaptic membrane and to a movement of certain of the cation channels toward the vesicles. Vesicle membranes having large areas of close apposition with the presynaptic membrane preferentially fuse with the presynaptic membrane during synaptic activity. After vesicle membranes fuse with the presynaptic membrane and begin to flatten into it prior to recycling, they dissociate from the AZM in an orderly way. Altogether the findings support the conclusion that AZM helps regulate the docking of synaptic vesicles on the presynaptic membrane, the fusion of docked vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, and the recycling of vesicle membrane after fusion.
Artificial electromagnetism for neutral atoms: Escher staircase and Laughlin liquids

We present a method for creating fields that couple to neutral atoms in the same way that electromagnetic fields couple to charged particles. We show that this technique opens the door for a range of neutral atom experiments, including probing the interplay between periodic potentials and quantum Hall effects. Furthermore, we propose, and analyze, seemingly paradoxical geometries which can be engineered through these techniques. For example, we show how to create a ring of sites where an atom continuously reduces its potential energy by moving in a clockwise direction.
Notes from reviewers

As the title suggests, microprogramming is a secondary topic in the general treatment of "Computer Organization" in this text. (One is reminded of the discussion at the closing session of Micro-5 about whether microprogramming is a viable subject of inquiry of itself.) I do not mean to suggest that Professor Chu has simply added the name of a "hot topic" to the title of his book and then given it shallow treatment. Two of the eleven chapters deal entirely with microprogramming, and the chapter on Control Organization contains a good section of the hows and whys of microprogramming. Furthermore, the independent control points (control signals) of computer structures are referred to as "micro-operations" throughout the book. This terminology automatically stresses the proper role of microprogramming as one of the possible techniques for implementing the control function of a processor. In addition, the author's Computer Design Language (CDL) is built around the symbolic representation of these micro-operations, providing good continuity throughout the material presented.
Judgments for inaccessible targets: Comparing recognition without identification and the feeling of knowing

Both the recognition-without-identification (RWI) and feeling-of-knowing (FOK) paradigms attempt to tap participants’ sense about a target that is inaccessible. In the case of RWI, participants judge the likelihood that the inaccessible target was studied. In the case of FOKs, participants judge the likelihood that the inaccessible target will be recognized at a later point in time. The present study compared the two using a hybrid paradigm. The patterns of responding differed depending on whether the judgment was of the RWI type or the FOK type. For the former, ratings were significantly higher for studied than for unstudied inaccessible targets (the typical RWI effect). For the latter, ratings were significantly lower for studied than for unstudied inaccessible targets (a reversal of the usual RWI effect). Similarity of the targets and distractors diminished the usual RWI effect, but not its reversal in the FOK situation, suggesting that the bases of the two effects differ. A potential explanation is that when participants judge whether an inaccessible target was presented earlier, they are oriented toward relying on cue familiarity, which should be greater for cues of studied targets, whereas when they judge whether they will recognize an inaccessible target later on, they are oriented toward relying on the accessibility of information, which is greater in the unstudied condition, due to the lack of priming of the targets.
Differential Social Contact in Urban Neighborhoods: Environmental vs. Sociodemographic Explanations

Differential frequency and extensiveness of neighboring as well as participation in and attachment to neighborhood are investigated in urban neighborhoods which have been systematically differentia...
Inter-stark energy levels and effects of temperature on sharp emission lines of Nd3+ in LiYF4

The inter-Stark components of the 4 I 9/2 and 4 I 11/2 manifolds have been characterized using the room-temperature fluorescence spectra for the 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 9/2 and 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 11/2 transitions of Nd 3+ in LiYF 4 laser crystal. The thermal effects on the linewidths, positions, and line shifts of the inter-Stark transitions of the 908 (R 1 → X 5 ) and 1052.4 (R 1 → Y 2 ) nm lines within the respective inter-manifold transitions of 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 9/2 and 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 11/2 have been also investigated. The linewidths of these transitions are found to increase with increasing temperature. The 908 nm line is found to shift toward the shorter wavelength, while the 1052.4 nm line has shifted toward the longer wavelength. The experimental results of the temperature-dependent widths and shifts of these sharp spectral lines are explained using the phonon-ion interaction theory which assumes the Debye model for phonons in crystalline solids.
On Standards For The Storage Of Images And Data

A standardized format is required in order to communicate image information between different systems. It is important that the standard be sufficiently flexible to allow for the encoding of the raw data that was used to form the image. Arguments are presented concerning the importance and value of storing the raw data, independent of its source. Future standards evaluation committees are asked to consider raw data storage flexibility as a selection criterion. An example of image/data storage flexibility in currently used formats are given.
Like a critique: A postmodern essay on Madonna's postmodern video like a prayer

(1991). Like a critique: A postmodern essay on Madonna's postmodern video like a prayer. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 59-68.
MisMatch Negativity Responses in children with a diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

Purpose To evaluate whether a hypothesis suggesting that apraxia of speech results from phonological overspecification could be relevant for childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Method High-density E...
Seedling emergence, coleoptile length, and plant height relationships in crosses of dwarf and standard-height wheats

Seedling emergence was closely correlated with coleoptile length and plant height among parents, F2 and F3, populations of crosses involving dwarf wheats Olesen Dwarf (CI 14497), Norin 10 derivative D6301, Tom Thumb derivative D6899, and the standard-height varieties Ramona 50 and Nainari 60. Genetic mechanisms that governed plant height also influenced coleoptile length, but the relative effects of genes showing dominant or epistatic effects appeared to be different. With respect to the two parents involved in each of 15 crosses, mean F2 coleoptile lengths were consistently closer to the low parent value than were corresponding mean F2 plant heights. A slight curvilinear relationship was also found between coleoptile length and plant height of F3 lines. The results suggest that selection of semidwarf wheats with long coleoptiles and improved emergence properties from crosses involving the dwarf wheats of this study would be unlikely.
Neoliberal reforms and rural poverty.

The experience of Mexico with neoliberal reforms began shortly after its suspension of debt repayments in 1982. The Mexican economy suffered greatly from the effects of the adjustment policies and external shocks that occurred in the early and mid1980s, but by the early 1990s moderate growth had returned and Mexico was viewed as a model of economic reform worthy of emulation by other nations. Even before the peso crisis of 1994, however, the high social costs associated with adjustment caused many critics to question Mexico's status as a model of reform. The decline in real wage rates and the reduction in expenditure on social services suggest that increased poverty may have been a consequence of the reforms. The performance of the agricultural sector was particularly poor, suggesting that poverty may have become even more widespread among agricultural households. This study seeks to determine if poverty did, in fact, increase among agricultural households during the period of the reforms. The empirical analysis raises questions about the distributional implications of neoliberal policies and the implications of neoliberal policy changes for sectors of the economy that previously relied heavily on public support. To examine the evolution of agricultural poverty over the period of the reforms, this study takes advantage of the existence of micro-level data on household income and expenditure from the Encuesta Nacional de IngresoGasto de los Hogares (National Household Income-Expenditure SurveyENIGH).' The existence of the ENIGH data offers an important advantage that most empirical studies on changes in the rate of poverty have not enjoyed. Most such studies have been forced to base their conclusions on inferences drawn from changes in per capita income or employment and wage rates in the formal sector. Drawing inferences in this way may well understate the change in poverty by ignoring changes in income distribution, changes in the informal sector, and changes in the distribution of income
Dairy intake and semen quality among men attending a fertility clinic.

Objective To examine the relationship between dairy food intake and semen parameters. Design Longitudinal study. Setting Academic medical center fertility clinic. Patient(s) One hundred fifty-five men. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology, and semen volume. Result(s) Low-fat dairy intake was positively related to sperm concentration and progressive motility. On average, men in the highest quartile of intake (1.22–3.54 servings/d) had 33% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1, 55) higher sperm concentration and 9.3 percentage units (95% CI 1.4, 17.2) higher sperm motility than men in the lowest quartile of intake (≤0.28 servings/d). These associations were primarily explained by intake of low-fat milk. The corresponding results for low-fat milk were 30% (95% CI 1, 51) higher sperm concentration and 8.7 percentage units (95% CI 3.0, 14.4) higher sperm motility. Cheese intake was associated with lower sperm concentration among ever-smokers. In this group, men in the highest tertile of intake (0.82–2.43 servings/d) had 53.2% (95% CI 9.7, 75.7) lower sperm concentration than men in the lowest tertile of cheese intake ( Conclusion(s) Our findings suggest that low-fat dairy intake, particularly low-fat milk, is related to higher sperm concentration and progressive motility, whereas cheese intake is related to lower sperm concentration among past or current smokers.
Glucocorticoids interact with gp120 in causing neurotoxicity in striatal cultures

Abstract A significant subset of HIV-positive patients suffer from AIDS-Related Dementia Complex (ADC), an array of neurologic and neuropsychologic impairments. The HIV coat protein gp120 has been implicated in the deleterious neurologic consequences of HIV infection, damaging neurons through a glutamatergic and calcium-dependent pathway. We have previously reported that glucocorticoids, the adrenal steroids secreted during stress, can exacerbate the neurotoxic and calcium-mobilizing effects of gp120 in hippocampal and cortical cultures. Because both the symptomatology of ADC, as well as the neuropathologic profile of post-mortem HIV brains suggests an involvement of the striatum, we examined whether glucocorticoids could also augment the damaging effects of gp120 in primary striatal cultures. We observe that neither gp120 nor the glucocorticoid corticosterone, when administered alone, cause neurotoxicity or mobilization of free cytosolic calcium; however, a combination of the two caused significant toxicity and neuron death. This, along with our prior findings of gp120–glucocorticoid interactions, is striking, given the heavy clinical use of synthetic glucocorticoids for management of pulmonary complications of HIV infection.
The economics of foliar fungicide applications in winter wheat in Northeast Texas

Abstract Among plant pathogenic organisms, fungi are a major reason for crop losses around the world and have a significant impact on yield and quality. Previous studies suggest that up to 42% yield loss caused by fungal diseases can be prevented by applying foliar fungicides to winter wheat. Local wheat production data on fungicide application, yield, and disease severity for four soft-red winter wheat cultivars (Magnolia, Terral LA841, Pioneer 25R47, Coker 9553) for two years (2011 and 2012) in three locations in Northeast Texas (Royse City, Howe, and Leonard) were analyzed to study the economics of one foliar fungicide (TebuStar ® 3.6L). A preventive application of the fungicide resulted in a relatively conservative 9.41% overall yield gain and a net return (from investing in tebuconazole) of $107.7/ha in 2012, which lead to an overall positive (two-year average) net returns of $52.09/ha. A probability analysis indicated that positive overall net returns are likely and that most of the cultivars considered have the potential to produce a yield gain necessary to at least break even with or exceed the cost of applying tebuconazole.
The point of agreement: Changing how we think about sign language, gesture, and agreement

This paper reconsiders arguments suggesting that sign language analyses must proceed differently to take into account their gestural, iconic origins. Lillo-Martin & Meier (2011) argue that agreement is ‘person marking’, shown by directionality. Liddell (2003, 2011) argues that directional verbs move between locations associated with referents; given an infinite number of points, the forms of these verbs are unlistable, and therefore just gestural indicating; he claims that this makes sign languages different from spoken languages, a position that I will argue against. In their response, Lillo-Martin & Meier then agree that real-world referent locations are not part of grammar, so language must interface closely with the gestural system. In contrast, Quer (2011) argues that Liddell’s reasoning is flawed. I will present evidence to agree with Quer and argue that the linguistic discussion was prematurely derailed by noting the recent alternate analysis offered by Gokgoz (2013). There may well be a role for visual iconicity in relation to sign language structure, as demonstrated by Schlenker (2013a,b), but unless we pursue linguistic analysis further, we will never get a clear understanding of what that role is.
Some Winning Combinations

By combining several of the strong features of behavioral science, we can create powerful synergies that will accelerate the development of positive behavioral interventions. A combined focus on both prosocial behavior and positive interventions helps people become happier and more creative. It also moves psychology away from disease models and toward models that emphasize developing the best parts of the human potential. Linking studies from laboratory, clinical, and natural environments promises to add another synergy, allowing us to benefit from the unique inputs from all three types of research. There is much to be learned in natural environments, and they provide a promising growth area for the future. It is partially up to us, as writers and teachers, to communicate these positive synergies with colleagues, students, and society as a whole. Arguments are given for emphasizing human freedom over determinism, because behavioral psychology helps free people from aversives and empowers them to develop t...
Dorsal raphe neuronal activities are modulated by methylphenidate.

This study investigated the electrophysiological properties of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) neurons in response to the acute and repetitive administration of methylphenidate (MPH). Activities of DR neurons were recorded from non-anesthetized, freely behaving rats previously implanted bilaterally with permanent semi microelectrodes. The main findings were: (1) after initial (acute) administration of MPH (2.5 mg/kg i.p.) on experimental day one (ED1), 56 % of DR units significantly changed their firing rates. The majority of the responsive units (88 %) exhibited increased firing rate; (2) daily MPH injections were given on ED2 through ED6 followed by 3 washout days. On ED10, 83 % of the DR units significantly changed their baseline activity compared to the baseline activity on ED1; (3) after rechallenge MPH administration on ED10, 63 % of DR units exhibited significant change in their firing rate; the majority of the responsive units (76 %) exhibited a significant increase in their firing rate; (4) The effect of rechallenge MPH administration on ED10 was compared to the effect of initial MPH on ED1, 47 % DR units exhibited a further significant increase in their firing rate while 53 % DR units exhibited decrease or non-change in their firing rate which can be interpreted as electrophysiological sensitization or tolerance. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that acute MPH administration modulated the DR neuronal activities. Repetitive MPH administration modulated the baseline activities of DR units and elicited neurophysiological sensitization or tolerance. The results indicated that MPH affects DR neuronal activity.
Stochastic calculus of variations and mechanics

The Cauchy problem for the heat equation with a potential term (imaginary time analogue of the Schrodinger equation) is considered. After a logarithmic transformation, a positive solution to this Cauchy problem turns into a solution to the dynamic programming equation for a problem of stochastic calculus of variations. The latter problem is one of least average action. The classical principle of least action is obtained as an appropriate parameter tends to zero.
Hypothesis: Atorvastatin Has Pleiotropic Effects that Translate into Early Clinical Benefits on Cardiovascular Disease

The results of numerous long-term, randomized trials show that statins significantly decrease the risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, and vascular death as well as total mortality. The benefits of statins on cardiovascular disease in patients who are not experiencing acute coronary syndromes generally become apparent only after about 2 years. In contrast, atorvastatin conferred an early clinical benefit in the lipid-lowering arm of the long-term Anglo Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial as well as early benefit on progression of atherosclerosis in the Reversal of Atherosclerosis with Aggressive Lipid Lowering trial. An unexpected finding at baseline in the prospective Interaction of Atorvastatin and Clopidogrel Study was that patients on atorvastatin had significantly decreased platelet activity compared with either patients on other statins or those taking no statins. Atorvastatin has protective effects against membrane lipid peroxidation at pharmacologic concentrations. These and other considerations contribute to the hypothesis that atorvastatin has pleiotropic effects that translate into early clinical benefits on cardiovascular disease.
Ethnic bias in the recognition of facial expressions.

Ethnic bias in the recognition of facial expressions was assessed by having college students from the United States and Zambia assign emotion labels to facial expressions produced by imitation by United States and Zambian students. Bidirectional ethnic bias was revealed by the fact that Zambian raters labeled the Zambian facial expressions with less uncertainty than the U.S. facial expressions, and that U.S. raters labeled the U.S. facial expressions with less uncertainty than the Zambian facial expressions. In addition, the Facial Action Coding System was used to assess accuracy in the imitation of facial expressions. These results and the results of other analyses of recognition accuracy are reported.
Suppression of Filamentation in Flared Amplifiers

With the increasing need for high power compact laser sources, much attention has been focussed on the Monolithically Integrated Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA). Such a device has produced power well in excess of 1 Watt.1 However, reports of filamentation in the flare amplifier has been a persistent source of difficulty with regards to diffraction limited operation. Filamentation has many sources including thermally induced nonlinearities in the index of refraction,2 nonuniformities in the input beam,3 dual pass effects,4 and spontaneous emission induced nonlinearities. In order to use this device to the fullest potential we must eliminate filamentation. Accordingly, we have identified two different methods by which to suppress filamentation for a single pass amplifier; the use of antiguided structures in the flare amplifier configuration, and the use of pulsed operation in a broad area flared amplifier. Both of these methods can reduce the effects of filamentation if not eliminate them completely without severely compromising the output power. The use of antiguides is an efficient way of eliminating filamentation independent of the time scale under which the filamentation arises. Short pulse ( ~ 6 ps) operation is a method of eliminating filamentation that requires close to 1 ns to arise.
Free gerbiers and nets

The powers of the adjacency matrix over the integers of a net or diagraph determine the number of walks of a given length between two vertices. If the ring of integers is replaced by suitable algebraic structures, a great deal more may be determined. In this paper such structures are given for which the individual paths and walks may be determined.
Time-Dependent Photorefractive Effects In Linbo 3 Directional Couplers

The time dependence of the photorefractive effect in single mode LiNbO 3 directional couplers at low powers of 3.2 μ.W in the GaAs wavelength spectrum is discussed. The transient response was found to De consistent with bimolecular relaxation processes which caused tae saturation of this effect to occur for times on the order of an hour. Additional effects having much longer decay times were observed consistent with those found in bulk LiNbO 3 .
EFFECT OF SENSITIZATION TO BSA ON ADJUVANT DISEASE IN NORMAL AND NEONATALLY THYMECTOMIZED RATS.

SummaryAdjuvant arthritis is suppressed in sham-operated rats sensitized with adjuvant mixtures containing BSA. In neonatally thymectomized rats, in whom sensitization to BSA fails to occur, there is a moderate reduction in the intensity of the arthritis observed. In similar animals given lymph node cells at or just after the time of sensitization, the response to BSA is normal; yet the arthritis response is like that in animals not receiving cells.
SU‐E‐I‐09: Image Quality Evaluation on Reduced Doses in Brain CT Scans ‐ Anthropomorphic Phantom Study Using Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction

Purpose: To quantify for brainCT scans the image quality difference under various dose reduction and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) blending options, and to find the optimal combination without experimenting on patients. Method and Materials: An anthropomorphic phantom (Atom, CIRS) was utilized with inserts for low‐ and high‐contrast resolution. The low‐contrast insert has various sized spherical (2 — 10 mm, 1–2% contrast) and cylindrical (1.2 — 7 mm, 1–2% contrast) targets. The high contrast insert contains line pair targets (6–12 lp/cm). Axial scans were conducted using a GE VCT with settings 120 kVp, 1 sec rotation, and 5 mm thickness. The baseline was set at 280 mA (CTDI_vol = 54 mGy) without ASIR. Other protocols utilized a combination of dose reduction rates between 20% and 50% and ASIR blending between 10% and 50%. The contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was computed for the biggest targets. The contrast detailed analysis was also conducted. To compare spatial resolution, a rectangular ROI was applied to the 6 lp/cm target. The resulting standard deviation was used as a descriptor for spatial resolution. Results: For each dose level, CNR improved linearly with ASIR blending fraction but spatial resolution decreased linearly albeit at a lower rate. As the dose was reduced to 33 mGy or less, the spatial resolution reduction rate increased significantly (50%) while the contrast improvement rate was relatively stable. At the same ASIR blending fraction, the images at the lower dose showed lower contrast and spatial resolution. Conclusions: Applying ASIR improves low contrast but reduces spatial resolution. As compared to the baseline (54 mGy), the overall image quality may be at optimal at 43 mGy or 37 mGy with 20% or 30% ASIR. The image quality at 33 mGy or less is appreciably decreased. The analysis on the low contrast detectability showed similar results
fMRI Environment Can Impair Memory Performance in Young and Elderly Adults

The influence of the fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scanning environment on working memory and long-term memory performance was investigated. We predicted that performance would be impaired on memory tasks in the distracting fMRI environment relative to laboratory performance. Results indicated that both young and old adults showed performance decrements in the scanning environment compared to the laboratory for a long-term memory task, but not for a passive working memory task, consistent with the idea that divided attention costs occur for more difficult tasks. In addition, elderly adults were disproportionately impaired by the scanning environment on the long-term memory task, congruent with the finding that divided attention costs at encoding are larger for older than younger adults. The findings suggest that performance may be changed by the scanning environment and that, in some circumstances, the fMRI environment may have a disproportionate effect on cognitive performance of older adults.
Determination of reflection coefficient due to a parallel admittance across a matched transmission line using an unmatched line

A simple and straightforward method of determining reflection coefficient and VSWR due to a parallel admittance across a matched transmission line using an unmatched realistic line is introduced. This approach also predicts reflections and VSWR of the unmatched line when the shunt admittance is removed completely.
Cortical asymmetries in frontal lobes of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Abstract Cortical sulci were digitized and their lenghts determined with 3-dimensional computer technology on 335 endocranial casts from rhesus monkeys with known maternal genealogies, ages at death, and sex. Non-metric data were also collected from 403 endocasts. Frontal lobes were directionally asymmetrical with lengths of the left central, right rectus (principal), and right lateral orbital sulci significantly longer. The positions of the medial and lateral ends of the central sulcus were significantly different in the two hemispheres, and there was significant protrusion of the frontal lobe (petalia) on the right side. Together, these data indicate elongation of the right orbital and dorsolateral frontal lobe. The asymmetries reported here probably involve short-term memory for visual information. This raises interesting questions about the extent to which macaques are right hemisphere dominant for processing visual information as compared to humans.
Abstract 3320: Head & neck cancer stem cells express drug resistance transporters but do not display a resistant phenotype

Background: The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis holds that CSCs generate tumor daughter cells via asymmetric cell division, evade immune surveillance, and are resistant to anticancer treatment, and thus remain viable to regenerate a population of malignant clones after therapy. While CSCs’ inherent resistance to chemotherapy is a central tenet of the cancer stem cell hypothesis, little research has focused on this critical question. Methods: Identification and separation of putative head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma (HN 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3320.
Hydrolytic stability of organic monolayers supported on TiO2 and ZrO2.

The hydrolytic stability of C18 monolayers supported on TiO2 and ZrO2 was studied. Three types of monolayers were prepared from the following octadecyl modifiers: (1) octadecyldimethylchlorosilane (C18H37Si(CH3)2Cl); (2) octadecylsilane (C18H37SiH3); and (3) octadecylphosphonic acid (C18H37P(O)(OH)2). The hydrolysis of the surfaces prepared was studied under static conditions at 25 and 65 °C at pH 1−10. On the basis of the loss of grafted material, the stability of the monolayers fall in the following range: C18H37P(O)(OH)2 ≥ C18H37SiH3 ≫ C18H37Si(CH3)2Cl. At 25 °C, monolayers from C18H37P(O)(OH)2 showed only ∼2−5% loss in grafting density after one week at pH 1−10. The high stability of these monolayers was explained because of the strong interactions of the phosphonic acids with the substrates. Monolayers from C18H37Si(CH3)2Cl showed poor hydrolytic stability at any pH, which was explained because of the low stability of Ti−O−Si and Zr−O−Si bonds. Unlike monofunctional silanes, trifunctional silane (C...
VERTEBRATE DISTRIBUTION OF CORTICOSTEROID-BINDING GLOBULIN AND SOME ENDOCRINE EFFECTS ON CONCENTRATION.

Abstract Corticosteroid-binding globulin was measured by means of a gel-filtration technic in 131 species representing all of the vertebrate classes. Evidence for the presence of a binding protein was found in every instance. The concentration varied widely but consistencies within taxonomic groupings were observed. Estimates of the relative affinity for cortisol and corticosterone revealed no consistent relationship with the predominant circulating corticosteroid. Striking differences in affinity were found in the porcupine fish and iguana which would make these species particularly useful for binding site studies. Studies of endocrine-deficient and endocrine-treated animals demonstrated changes in CBG concentration in several species; however, no single response occurred in all species.
FOXA2 regulates a network of genes involved in critical functions of human intestinal epithelial cells

The forkhead box A (FOXA) family of pioneer transcription factors is critical for the development of many endoderm-derived tissues. Their importance in regulating biological processes in the lung and liver is extensively characterized, though much less is known about their role in intestine. Here we investigate the contribution of FOXA2 to coordinating intestinal epithelial cell function using postconfluent Caco2 cells, differentiated into an enterocyte-like model. FOXA2 binding sites genome-wide were determined by ChIP-seq and direct targets of the factor were validated by ChIP-qPCR and siRNA-mediated depletion of FOXA1/2 followed by RT-qPCR. Peaks of FOXA2 occupancy were frequent at loci contributing to gene ontology pathways of regulation of cell migration, cell motion, and plasma membrane function. Depletion of both FOXA1 and FOXA2 led to a significant reduction in the expression of multiple transmembrane proteins including ion channels and transporters, which form a network that is essential for maintaining normal ion and solute transport. One of the targets was the adenosine A2B receptor, and reduced receptor mRNA levels were associated with a functional decrease in intracellular cyclic AMP. We also observed that 30% of FOXA2 binding sites contained a GATA motif and that FOXA1/A2 depletion reduced GATA-4, but not GATA-6 protein levels. These data show that FOXA2 plays a pivotal role in regulating intestinal epithelial cell function. Moreover, that the FOXA and GATA families of transcription factors may work cooperatively to regulate gene expression genome-wide in the intestinal epithelium.
The Inspector General. Sanctions and quality of care.

The Congress has increasingly added responsibili ties and authorities to the Office of Inspector General in the Department of Health and Human Services. The Inspector General's responsibilities ext...
TEP and coagulation during a mesocosm experiment

Transparent exo-polymeric particles (TEP) have been associated with the aggregation of diatoms. Comparisons of TEP concentrations to those of conventionally-determined particles during a mesocosm experiment show that particles larger than about 30 μm had concentrations very similar to, if not the same as, those of conventionally-determined particles. Smaller TEP were present mostly at concentrations less than those of non-TEP. Furthermore, their relative concentrations decreased over the course of the experiment. These comparisons suggest that the dominant interaction of TEP with algae in marine snow formation is to affect general particle stickiness rather than to aggregate by themselves.
Multicomponent Compatibility and its Verification

Software architecture has been introduced with promise of better re-use of software, greater flexibility, scalability and higher quality of software services. Software architecture uses components as the basic building blocks of software systems. Components represent high-level software models; they must be generic enough to work in a variety of contexts and in cooperation with other components, but they also must be specific enough to provide easy reuse. To be composable with other (third-party) components, a component needs to be sufficiently self-contained. Also, it needs a clear specification of what it requires and what it provides. In other words, a component needs to encapsulate its implementation and interact with its environment by means of well-defined interfaces.
Interaction between tumor necrosis factor-α and leptin-induced inhibition of cardiac contractile function in isolated ventricular myocytes

Abstract Pro-inflammatory factors such as the adipokine leptin and cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) have been implicated in the onset of myocardial dysfunction in ischemia–reperfusion injury, sepsis, heart failure, viral myocarditis and cardiac allograft rejection. Although circulating TNFα and leptin levels are both elevated under a variety of inflammatory conditions, it remains unknown whether TNFα and leptin depress cardiac contractile function independently or synergistically. We examined the effect of acute (30 min) and short-term (24 h) exposure of TNFα, leptin or both on cardiac contractile function in adult rat ventricular myocytes. Contractile properties were evaluated using an Ionoptix Softedge system including peak shortening (PS), maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (±ⅆL/ⅆt), time-to-PS (TPS) and time-to-90% relengthening (TR90). Both TNFα (0.5–500 pg/ml) and leptin (1–100 nm) exerted concentration-dependent inhibitions in PS and ±ⅆL/ⅆt following a 30-min exposure. TNFα but not leptin prolonged TR90. Interestingly, TNFα-induced depression of cell shortening was masked by leptin and vice versa. Following a 24-h incubation, both TNFα and leptin significantly inhibited PS and ±ⅆL/ⅆt without affecting TPS and TR90. There was no additive or synergistic response by the two pro-inflammatory factors. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l -NMMA abolished depression of myocyte shortening elicited by TNFα, leptin or both. In summary, this study demonstrated that the inhibitory effect on cardiac contraction by TNFα and leptin may mask each other and share a common mechanism(s), probably dependent on NO.
Surfin' network resources across the Web

Network management standards provide a basis for hiding differences between resources, along with a method of managing them in a consistent way. Frequently, network management tools are based on proprietary products and are often complex both to use and to install. The increasing popularity of the World Wide Web, with its established user interface and the ability to run on almost any platform. offers a new way to provide wide access to complex software applications. This paper describes the architecture and implementation of two new network management applications that are accessible through the Web and are targeted to run on powerful hosts as well as small mobile computers. The GDMO/ASN.1 (Guidelines for the Definition of Managed Objects using the Abstract Syntax Notation 1) Search Engine enables users to perform complex queries and to navigate OSI management documents exploiting the Web's hypertext facilities. Liaison is a Web-based browser for CMIP (Common Management Information Protocol) and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) agents that is equipped with powerful tools, such as a directory and a metadata facility.
Subtidal Inner Shelf Currents off Cartagena de Indias, Caribbean Coast of Colombia

[1] Seasonal trends in inner shelf subtidal circulation off the coast of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, are examined through the analysis of current profiles, hydrographic, meteorological and satellite data collected from 1999 to 2002. During the dry season (December–April) the water column is well-mixed and along-shelf currents flow southwestward following the steady trade winds. In the rainy season (May–November) the water column experiences continuous events of stratification and the along-shelf currents flow northeastward, opposing the weak southwestward winds. In the dry season the along-shelf circulation is mostly driven by wind forcing, while in the rainy season, the circulation is set by an alongshore baroclinic pressure gradient. In the cross-shelf direction upwelling conditions are observed most of the year and geostrophic balance conditions are found.
Typification and check-list of Ensete Horan. names (Musaceae) with nomenclatural notes

ABSTRACT All the names accepted in the genus Ensete Horan. are listed and typifications supplemented. All Ensete names have originally been described as belonging to the genus Musa L. Altogether, 37 names were found, the fossil Ensete oregonense excluded, 36 species and variety are considered. Currently, eight species are recognised, i.e. E. agharkarii, E. gilletii, E. glaucum, E. holstii, E. homblei, E. perrieri, E. superbum and E. ventricosum, and one variety, E. glaucum var. wilsonii comb. nov. Of the names, eight are illegitimate, and three dubious. A great confusion seems to be connected with E. ventricosum, which is indigenous in Africa. We consider that 14 names are synonymous with it. As herbarium specimens of type material are often of bad quality and sometimes completely undiscovered or perhaps lost completely, some typification is based on the drawings. In this article, nine Musa names, currently included in Ensete, are lectotypified.
Case study 1: asbestos--the TLV approach.

A review of the control of carcinogenic exposures using the TLV approach presents a prospect of limited effectiveness. With asbestos, as with any carcinogen, no threshold is known below which no health effect may be manifest. At best, we have only limited dose-response information at levels much above those of practical concern. In the case of asbestos, current exposures can only be described crudely at any level of exposure, and health effects are only known for past high, but ill-defined, exposures. Limited information exists on the effects of synergistic interactions with other materials. The current U.S. TLV, based on data concerned with occurrence of asbestosis, has not been evaluated with regard to possible effectiveness in the prevention of asbestos cancer. Yet cancer is the heart of the asbestos-hazard problem. Finally, enforcement of the existing TLV, especially for asbestos has been limited, frequently absent, and often ineffective. Workers are exposed in many situations to levels much above the current standard. As discouraging as this picture may seem, a TLV can be useful for stimulating the development and application of engineering-control procedures. The application of these procedures, however, must be specified and mandated in future standards to lower worker exposures to the minimum commensurate with existing technology. As technology is developed that makes lower exposure levels possible in a large part of the industry, TLVs should be reduced to take advantage of that technology.
Transfer of Helicity in Radiation and Absorption of High-Energy Photons

Abstract : Nearly complete transfer of momentum between a high-energy electron (or positron) and a photon in a Coulomb field implies that helicity is also transferred. This is not a consequence of conservation of total angular momentum but, rather, of spin angular momentum, and follows from a demonstration that it is possible to use freeparticle spinors (though not free wave functions) for the high-energy particles. Polarization correlations of the lower-energy particle in such a process are discussed. Applications are made to bremsstrahlung, pair production, photoeffect, and one-photon pair annihilation. (Author)