cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical Principles of Diffusion Imaging

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) utilizes the constant random motion of water molecules, called Brownian motion, to depict the movement or diffusion of water in tissue structures. The diffusion of water molecules in the brain provides us with a sensitive window to its underlying physiology and structure. DWI of the brain was introduced into clinical use in the early 1990s, primarily in the detection of acute ischemic stroke. Since that time, advances in technology have resulted in significant improvements in image quality, allowing the application of DWI to the evaluation of a variety of intracranial disease processes, such as infections, neoplasms, demyelinating processes, and trauma. In this chapter, we review the physical principles of DWI, starting with a description of Brownian motion and its relevance to molecular diffusion. We then describe the application of these principles to DWI of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We discuss basic imaging techniques in DWI of the brain, as well as limitations of current techniques, and newer imaging sequences that have been developed. The clinical applications of DWI are discussed in the following chapters.
Bet 2: Estimating CD4+ counts from the absolute lymphocyte count in the ED

A 37-year-old patient who has never been to your hospital presents for shortness of breath. He reports a history of HIV but is not currently on treatment and does not know his last CD4+ count. His oxygen saturation is 94% on room air, and lung sounds are distant. His CXR shows possible interstitial markings in the right middle lobe, his LDH is 240, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) is 2200 …
Impact of Glutathione Peroxidase-1 (Gpx1) Genotype on Selenoenzyme and Transcript Expression When Repleting Selenium-Deficient Mice

Glutathione peroxidase (Gpx1) is the major selenoprotein in most tissues in animals. Knockout (KO) of Gpx1 decreases Gpx1 activity to near zero and substantially reduces liver selenium (Se) levels, but has no overt effects in otherwise healthy mice. To investigate the impact of deletion of Gpx1 on Se metabolism, Se flux, and apparent Se requirements, KO, Gpx1 heterozygous (Het), and Gpx1 wild-type (WT) mice were fed Se-deficient diet for 17 weeks, then repleted with graded levels of Se (0–0.3 μg Se/g as Na2SeO3) for 7 days, and selenoprotein activities and transcripts were determined in blood, liver, and kidney. Se deficiency decreased the activities of plasma Gpx3, liver Gpx1, liver Txnrd, and liver Gpx4 to 3, 0.3, 11, and 50% of WT Se-adequate levels, respectively, but the Gpx1 genotype had no effect on growth or changes in activity or expression of selenoproteins other than Gpx1. Se repletion increased selenoprotein transcripts to Se-adequate levels after 7 days; Se response curves and apparent Se requirements for selenoprotein transcripts were similar to those observed in studies starting with Se-adequate mice. With short-term Se repletion, selenoenzyme activities resulted in three Se response curve patterns: (1) liver and kidney Gpx1, Gpx4, and Txnrd activities were sigmoidal or hyperbolic with breakpoints (0.08–0.19 μg Se/g) that were double those observed in studies starting with Se-adequate mice; (2) red blood cell Gpx1 activity was not significantly changed; and (3) plasma Gpx3 activity only increased substantially with 0.3 μg Se/g. Plasma Gpx3 is secreted from kidney. In this short-term study, kidney Gpx3 mRNA reached plateau levels at 0.1 μg Se/g, and other kidney selenoenzyme activities reached plateau levels at ≤ 0.2 μg Se/g, so sufficient Se should have been present in kidney. Thus, the delayed increase in plasma Gpx3 activity suggests that newly synthesized and secreted kidney Gpx3 is preferentially retained in kidney or rapidly cleared by binding to basement membranes in kidney or in other tissues. This repletion study shows that loss of capacity to incorporate Se into Gpx1 in Gpx1 KO mice does not dramatically alter expression of other Se biomarkers, nor the short-term flux of Se from intestine to liver to kidney.
Bisphosphonate and Teriparatide Use in Thoracolumbar Spinal Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies

Study Design.Systematic review and meta-analysis.Objective.To compare the efficacy of the use of either bisphosphonates or teriparatide on radiographic and functional outcomes of patients that had thoracolumbar spinal fusion.Summary of Background Data.Controversy exists as to whether bisphosphonates
Sara Berman’s Closet

Nestled amidst the American Wing’s displays of seventeenth- to nineteenth-century domestic finery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a small open closet housed a modest collection of scrupulously o...
Compressive OCT based on spectral domain random encoding

Here we describe a compressive optical coherence tomography (OCT) system based on spectral domain random encoding (SDRE). To achieve random modulation of OCT signal for compressive sensing using hardware, SDRE disperses the broadband light, imposes spectral random modulation by a digital micromirror device, and enables full reconstruction of OCT signal that is undersampled by an electronic digitizer. Our experimental results demonstrated that CS allows information in OCT signal beyond Nyquist limit to be extracted.
Sameness and Difference: Asserting Cultural Identity Through Multicultural Experience and Negotiation

Multiculturalism “seeks to use cultural diversity as a basis for challenging, revising, and relativizing basic notions and principles common to dominant and minority cultures alike” (Turner 1993, 413). This paper explores the assertion of ethnic minority Baloch women’s cultural identity through the lenses of marriage, nationalism, and education. Drawing on linguistic analysis, it shows that Baloch women in Al Ain construct their multicultural identity by navigating between the structures of tradition and personal agency: they replace kin endogamy with marriage with those who are culturally similar; develop a sense of nationalism that negotiates between their country of origin and their country of adoption, regardless of their citizenship; and pursue complex paths involving education and marriage among the opportunities presented by family and state support. The displaced Baloch community in the United Arab Emirates, underrepresented in academic research, contributes uniquely to conversations of multiculturalism, ethnic minorities, nationalism, and gender in the Middle East, a non-white, Muslim-majority context, with implications for global mass movements of refugees, women’s rights, and ethnic and racial minorities.
THE PUGET SOUND TRANSPORTATION PANEL.

The Puget Sound Transportation Panel (PSTP) is the first general-purpose transportation panel survey in the United States. It was initiated in 1989 and continued through 1993. The panel is choice-based, stratified by three modes of travel: single-occupant vehicle, transit, and carpool. Wave 1 of the panel began with 1,713 households; through refreshment, the panel continued for its duration with approximately the same number of households. This chapter summarizes the panel’s survey methods, sample stratification, data collection, costs, participant incentives, and attrition. Data from the first two waves of the panel are used to illustrate how panels can capture dynamic relationships between changes in household location, work location and travel characteristics. The chapter includes a summary of papers prepared by other researchers with data from the PSTP, including use in travel behavior models, development of compensatory techniques for attrition in choice-based samples, and analysis of the role of perceptions on travel behavior outcomes.
Therapeutic Ultrasound for Glaucoma (TUG)

TUG is a new and novel method of treating glaucoma that offers a comfortable, repeatable means of decreasing intraocular pressure. It is easily performed and has been shown to have a significant additive effect when used as an adjunct to pharmaceutical agent or as an initial glaucoma treatment. Due to its ease of use, potential portability, and repeatable qualities, it has the potential for changing the way glaucoma is treated today. The stages of the development of the device and treatment method are described.
Near-Ir Spectrometry of Structural Components of Plaque Susceptible to Rupture or Erosion

Two-dimensional near-infrared correlation spectrometry is used in this paper in and to detect atherosclerotic plaque considered susceptible to rupture or erosion. A low-frequency tunable diode laser and fiber-optic catheter are employed to examine the plaques. Without identification and intervention, events in susceptible plaques can lead to heart attack or stroke.2-D near-IR correlation spectrometry with the Heuristic Evaluation of Lethal Plaque algorithm (HELP) identifies nominally susceptible plaques (e.g., plaques with fragile fibrous crowns, lipid reservoirs, and macrophage infiltration) in human samples , and lipid reservoir in rabbits . In the process of identifying susceptible plaques, near-IR spectrometry is demonstrated through whole blood using the laser light source on solid cholesterol and injected cholesterol solution targets . Fine structure (< 1 cm FWHM) In near-IR spectra of biological substances is employed in differentiating materials using narrow-band laser light with 0.03 cm resolution steps.Scanning biological materials with narrowband lasers at high resolution leads to spectra with intensities at 100,000 or more wavenumbers. The large number of points in the spectra, combined with the large number of spectra required for imaging or for correlation spectrometry, leads to a computational problem. A distributed parallel computing system (Condor) is being employed to capture unused network workstation CPU cycles for spectrometric imaging and visualization. The new network algorithm for 2-D near-IR correlation spectrometry (HELP) is more accurate and precise than matrix factorization techniques, as well as faster as more nodes and wavenumbers (represented as spatial dimensions) are added in a distributed computing environment.Finally, the large amount of data produced by imaging and correlation spectrometry becomes difficult to interpret. Immersive visualization of results with atherosclerotic plaque using a VRML interface is employed as a tool to enhance interpretation of plaque structure and susceptibility, and to suggest a detection limit for susceptibility.
Standardization of a new method for assessing the development of cataract in cultured bovine lenses

Abstract Purpose To standardize a new method for assessing cataractogenesis in isolated cultured bovine lenses using L-cysteine as the standard anti-cataract agent. Methods Intact bovine lenses were cultured in DMEM with L-cysteine in presence or absence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Lens opacity (transmittance) was determined using a plate reader. Lens homogenate glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) contents were measured using enzyme immunoassays kits. Results DMEM-cultured lenses exhibited a time-dependent loss in transmittance (230–710 nm) up to 120 h, achieving the highest reduction of 38.6 ± 0.09% at 420 nm (p When compared to untreated lenses (t = 0), the time-dependent decrease (p Conclusion Measurement of spectral transmission coupled with assessment of the activity of antioxidant enzymes in bovine cultured lens can provide a useful tool in studies of cataracts in an animal model of this disease.
2‘-C-Branched Ribonucleosides. 2. Synthesis of 2‘-C-β-Trifluoromethyl Pyrimidine Ribonucleosides1

The first synthesis of 2‘-C-β-trifluoromethyl pyrimidine ribonucleosides is described. 1,2,3,5-Tetra-O-benzoyl-2-C-β-trifluoromethyl-α-d-ribofuranose (3) is prepared from 1,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-α-d-ribofuranose (1) in three steps and converted to 3,5-di-O-benzoyl-2-C-β-trifluoromethyl-α-d-1-ribofuranosyl bromide (5). The 1-bromo derivative (5) is found to be a powerful reaction intermediate for the synthesis of ribonucleosides. The reaction of silylated pyrimidines with (5) in the presence of HgO/HgBr2 affords exclusively the β-anomers (6−8). Deprotection of (6−8) with ammonia in methanol yields the 2‘-C-β-trifluoromethyl nucleosides (9−11).
Features of the Phase Transition in a Thin Ferroelastic Rod

It is shown in terms of the phenomenological Landau theory of second-order phase transitions that a phase transition to a nonuniform domain-like phase is possible in a thin ferroelastic rod. The wave vector of the nonuniform structure is determined and the conditions for the existence of the latter are established, depending on the geometric dimensions of the ferroelastic rod, its elastic properties, and the properties of the surface.
Blocking Inhibitory KIR Is Insufficient for Optimal Killing of AML and ALL Targets: Additional Requirements for NKG2A and LIR-1 Blockade

Abstract NK cell alloreactivity is determined by the interaction between inhibitory NK cell receptors and their MHC class I cognate ligands. The best characterized NK cell receptor that recognizes MHC I is KIR. Mismatching donors and recipients for KIR ligands has led to transplant strategies that can result in less relapse and better survival in myeloid leukemia patients. However, other MHC recognizing receptors may also be involved in leukemia eradication. We developed a model using primary AML and ALL targets to explore the hierarchy of different class I MHC recognizing inhibitory NK cell receptors. In addition to KIR, NKG2A is expressed on 54±14% of PB NK cells and is the dominant NK cell receptor expressed in the first six months after transplant. LIR-1 is expressed on 35±17% of PB NK cells and is more likely to be co-expressed on KIR+ NK cells than KIR- NK cells. The goal of our study was to determine optimal conditions to enhance NK alloreactivity against primary AML and ALL targets. A pan-HLA blocking antibody (HP-1F7, binding to HLA, B, C, E and G) was used as a positive control to interrupt all signals from MHC class I. Receptor blockade with anti-KIR (1-7F9, blocking KIR 2DL1/L2/L3, Novo Nordisk), anti-NKG2A and anti-LIR-1 was tested either alone or in combination to understand the hierarchy of inhibitory receptors that determine NK cell reactivity of leukemia targets. Resting NK cells were tested fresh or activated with low concentrations of IL-2 (5 IU for 42 hours) to mimic conditions achievable by pharmacologic IL-2 administration. Six of ten primary AML targets were sensitive to allogeneic NK cell killing only when HLA-A, B, C, E and G were blocked (7.8±5.7 vs. 24±9.6, n=6; p Both KIR+ and KIR- NK cells exhibit significant potential for cytotoxicity of killing primary AML and ALL blasts but only when more than one class I receptor was blocked, KIR- NK cells can be licensed through receptors other than KIR, and More than half of primary AML and ALL targets tested are susceptible to allogeneic NK cell killing following multiple inhibitory receptor blockade. Therefore, it is not surprising that the current strategies of adoptive NK cell therapy may be limited. Clinical trials with mAb blocking of multiple MHC class I inhibitor receptors (KIR, NKG2A, or LIR-1) to enhance NK cell killing of AML and ALL is warranted.
Incidence and outcomes of infected peripheral pseudoaneurysms in drug abusers

BACKGROUND: Intravenous drug abusers (IVDA) are at an increased risk of developing infected peripheral pseudoaneurysms. The aim of this study is to describe a group of IVDA patients who present with infected peripheral pseudoaneurysms and to evaluate the outcomes of vascular surgery reconstruction in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of all IVDA patients presenting with peripheral pseudoaneurysms between 2009 and 2015 in the premier healthcare vascular surgery database 2009–2015 were identified. Patients' demographics, comorbidities, along with the vascular procedures performed, and in-hospital complications were reported. RESULTS: Out of 2012 vascular surgery patients known to be opioid abusers, 71 (3.5%) presented with infected peripheral pseudoaneurysms (mean age: 44.8 years, standard deviation: 15.0). The majority of these patients were Caucasians or Whites (64.8%) and underwent resection of the upper or lower limb arteries (29.7%), clipping of aneurysm (21.9%), or bypass procedures (9.4%). Two patients (3.1%) underwent primary major amputation. In-hospital mortality was observed in 1.4% of patients, hemorrhage/shock in 12.7% and cardiac arrhythmias in 7%. Four patients (5.6%) underwent secondary major amputation during the same hospitalization. Median length of hospital stay was 8 days. Around 24% of these patients were discharged to a skilled nursing facility or a rehabilitation center. The median cost of hospitalization for these patients was 21,807 (USD) with a median fixed and variable cost of 10,392 and 9356 (USD), respectively. CONCLUSION: IVDA patients with infected pseudoaneurysms are at high risk for postoperative complications, major morbidity, extended length of stay, and nonhome discharge destination which poses a huge medical, social, and economic burden.
Extreme elevations of alkaline phosphatase in pregnancy: A case report.

Abstract Background The normal serum concentration of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in adults over the age of 18 ranges from 37 to 116 U/L, while in pregnant women levels of up to twice that upper limit can still be normal. There have been very few reports of extreme elevations in ALP, and here we present the case of a 29-year-old pregnant woman with an incidentally found 30-fold increase. Case The patient, G6P2–1–2-4, received routine prenatal care, though presented to obstetric triage at 36 weeks and 1 day of gestation for diagnosis and management of viral rhinosinusitis and was found to have an ALP level of 2817 U/L. She was expectantly managed and levels were monitored during the peripartum period. Conclusion The literature proposes that elevation of the placental isotype of ALP could be a marker for placental insufficiency, preterm delivery, or infants born large for gestational age. We report a case with delivery of a normal infant and no placental pathology at term.
Simplifying Transformations for a Family of Elastic Metrics on the Space of Surfaces.

We define a new representation for immersed surfaces in R 3 by combining the SRNF and the induced surface metric. Using the L 2 metric on the space of SRNFs and the DeWitt metric on the space of surface metrics, we obtain a 3-parameter family of metrics that corresponds to the family of "elastic metrics" proposed by Jermyn et al. in [19] on the space of immersed surfaces. Similar to the original SRNF representation this new representation results in an extrinsic distance function on the space of immersed surfaces that is easy to compute as it is given by an explicit formula. In addition to avoiding the degeneracy of the SRNF it allows for a data-driven choice of the parameters of the metric, while still providing for fast and accurate registration of surfaces.
Research on Temporary Overvoltage in PMSG-based Wind Power Transmission System in case of Load Rejection

In order to evaluate the temporary overvoltage level of the system in case of load rejection of the wind power transmission system based on permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) , it is necessary to clarify the temporary overvoltage characteristics and its influencing factors after the fault. Through the mathematical analysis of the control and protection strategies of PMSG-based wind turbine, it is known that the DC rated voltage of the wind turbine, the modulation ratio of the grid side converter ( GSC) , the DC bus overvoltage protection setting, the wind turbine overvoltage protection setting and its action strategy are the main factors affecting the temporary overvoltage of the system. In addition, the type of reactive power compensation and configuration are also the factors influencing the temporary overvoltage of the system. PSCAD / EMTDC is used to verify the above factors. The results show that the relative control and protection strategies of PMSG- based wind turbine should be considered in the calculation of the temporary overvoltage.
Electrocatalytic Valorization of Organosolv Lignin Utilizing a Nickel-Based Electrocatalyst

Lignin is a biopolymer that accounts for up to 30% of biomass and is the most abundant aromatic feedstock in nature. Therefore, extraction of valuable aromatic compounds from lignin is regarded as ...
To WE, or not to WE, that is the question.

We read with interest the work by Rutter et al 1 who reported that ‘in enema-prepared unsedated screening sigmoidoscopies performed by screening-accredited endoscopists, no difference in patient-reported pain was seen when using either a carbon dioxide (CO2) or water-assisted sigmoidoscopy (WAS) intubation technique’. An elegant advancement of the understanding of the limitations of water assistance, the results with the endoscopist-centred WAS technique support the recommendations of ‘no need for screening sigmoidoscopists to switch to a WAS technique, nor should national policy be amended. Caution should be given to monitoring adenoma detection rate (ADR) if WAS is used in enema-prepared sigmoidoscopies’.1 These recommendations, however, do not preclude other patient-centred water-aided technique(s) to be evaluated in further studies. The distinction between endoscopist-centred water immersion and patient-centred water exchange was explained in a related editorial.2 WAS was akin to …
Elevated IL-6 and CRP Levels Are Associated With Incident Self-Reported Major Mobility Disability: A Pooled Analysis of Older Adults With Slow Gait Speed.

Background Elevated Interleukine-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with aging-related reductions in physical function, but little is known about their independent and combined relationships with major mobility disability (MMD), defined as the self-reported inability to walk a quarter-mile. Methods We estimated the absolute and relative effect of elevated baseline IL-6, CRP, and their combination on self-reported MMD risk among older adults (≥68 years; 59% female) with slow gait speed ( Results We found higher MMD risk per unit increase in log IL-6 [HR=1.26 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.41)]. IL-6 meeting pre-determined threshold considered to be high (>2.5 pg/mL) was similarly associated with higher risk of MMD [HR=1.31 (95% CI: 1.12 to 1.54)]. Elevated CRP (CRP >3.0 mg/L) was also associated with increased MMD risk [HR=1.38 (95% CI: 1.10 to 1.74)]. The CRP effect was more pronounced among participants with elevated IL-6 [HR=1.62 (95% CI: 1.12 to 2.33)] compared to lower IL-6 levels [HR=1.19 (95% CI: 0.85 to 1.66)]. Conclusions High baseline IL-6 and CRP were associated with increased risk of MMD among older adults with slow gait speed. A combined biomarker model suggests CRP was associated with MMD when IL-6 was elevated.
Escherichia coli DNA Polymerases II and III

When cells of an E. coli mutant (pol Al−)1 which is deficient in DNA polymerase I (pol I) are lysed in a French pressure cell, they yield a cell-free extract with a small but demonstrable amount of DNA polymerizing activity.2 Following the removal of nucleic acid from such an extract, phosphocellulose chromatography can resolve two separate DNA polymerases.3 Both of these DNA polymerases, called DNA polymerase (pol II) and DNA polymerase III (pol III), have been shown not only to be physically, catalytically, and genetically distinct from each other, but that they are similarly distinct from Pol I.4–6 It will be the subject of this talk to review the work which led to these conclusions.
Human spinal cord injury: MRI and histopathology

Detailed changes in the injured spinal cord can be shown by MRI. In many instances, the histopathological basis of the MRI changes is not known. We present observations on the pathology of human spinal cord injury, with post-mortem high-resolution MRI correlation. Specifically, we demonstrate that the central cord syndrome may result from axonal injury primarily in the white matter of the lateral columns; that Wallerian degeneration in the dorsal columns above and the lateral columns below the injury is detectable by MRI as early as 7 weeks after trauma; that intramedullary displacement of crushed cord tissue occurs predominantly in the ventral aspect of the dorsal columns; that post-traumatic intramedullary cavities show variable histological border patterns; and that intramedullary Schwann cells are frequently identified following trauma, probably migrating into the cord from dorsal or ventral roots. These observations explain some of the areas of abnormal signal intensity seen in imaging of spinal cord injury.
Operation of new RF drivers for the Bevatron Local Injector

A new 200 Mhz power amplifier system has been used operationally on the Bevatron Local Injector 20 MEV LINAC with two different power tetrodes: an EIMAC 4CW100,000E and a Thomson-Houston TH-535. The same basic anode and grid structures were used with both tubes. The system has provided increased power output over the 4616 tetrode previously used. Maximum operational gradients were achieved with both tubes. System testing, tube interchangeability, and high power operating data are presented. >
Spatial Operator Approach to Under-Actuated Manipulator Kinematics and Dynamics

This paper studies the kinematics and dynamics of underactuated manipulators. The presence of passive hinges causes the kinematics and dynamics of these manipulators to be considerably more complex when compared with fully-actuated manipulators. Techniques from the spatial operator algebra are used to develop expressions for the generalized Jacobian, the mass matrix and an efficient inverse dynamics computational algorithm.
Observed and Computed Stellar Line Profiles: The Roles Played by Partial Redistribution, Geometrical Extent and Expansion

I review partial redistribution (PRD) radiative transfer with emphasis on the complex interaction of observations and theoretical predictions of spectral line shapes. Although the physics of PRD was understood and formal solutions to the radiative transfer equation including PRD were published as early as 1962, more than a decade elapsed before the clear inconsistency between observed and theoretical profiles calculated with the restrictive assumption of complete redistribution stimulated the development and use of PRD semiempirical spectral analysis for the solar La, Ca II, and Mg II resonance lines. I summarize the work that has led to “realistic” plane parallel static chromospheric models for the Sun and other late-type stars with emphasis on the determination of the temperature minimum at the base of the chromosphere and the physical basis for resonance line limb darkening, the brightness of the line wings, and the width of the emission features. I then discuss the various roles played by atmospheric extension and expansion (winds) in determining resonance line profile shapes, and summarize the existing PRD calculations for late-type stars.
Supporting middle school students' online reading of scientific resources: moving beyond cursory, fragmented, and opportunistic reading

The abundant scientific resources on the Web provide great opportunities for students to expand their science learning, yet easy access to information does not ensure learning. Prior research has found that middle school students tend to read Web-based scientific resources in a shallow, superficial manner. A software tool was designed to support middle school students in reading online scientific resources through three key strategies: making explicit a skim–read–summarize structure for online reading, using prompts to guide students' reading and foster articulation of thinking, and connecting reading to learning purposes. This study examined the differences between regular and guided online reading performed by eight pairs of sixth graders in a science inquiry project. The students' online reading processes and conversations were captured by a screen-recording programme. Analysis of 60 h of screen videos showed that the students' online reading in the regular condition was cursory, fragmented, and opportunistic, while the structured online reading was more deliberate, thorough, and purposeful. Overall, the results suggest that middle school students' online reading of scientific resources needs to be guided.
Static Proton and Heavy Ion Testing of the Xilinx Virtex-5 Device

This paper presents proton and heavy ion static results for the latest Xilinx field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The paper analyzes static bit cross-sections, resources, multiple-bit upsets (MBUs) and angular effects.
The Vitreous Gel: More than Meets the Eye

Purpose To reexamine the role of the vitreous gel in ocular health and disease based on recent information in the ophthalmic literature. Design Perspective. Methods Review, analysis, and discussion of the implications of selected pertinent literature. Results A new understanding of the vitreous gel is emerging, placing it central to many disease processes affecting the eye, including diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, age-related macular degeneration, nuclear sclerotic cataract, and primary open-angle glaucoma. The vitreous gel recently has been found to have the important function of oxygen regulation and distribution within the eye. As the gel undergoes age-related liquefaction or surgical removal this function is impaired. The resultant elevated intraocular oxygen tension likely proves beneficial for vascular endothelial growth factor–mediated retinal diseases. However, it may lead to oxidative stress within the eye and may contribute to disease states such as nuclear cataract and primary open-angle glaucoma. Conclusions An intact gel vitreous is central to a healthy human eye. We now understand that age-related liquefaction of the vitreous gel accompanies several age-related ocular diseases. The field of ophthalmology would benefit from future research to understand age-related vitreous liquefaction and to identify its cause.
Automated digital visual inspection with dark-field microscopy

In this paper we deal with the problem of detecting and segmenting objects in textured dark-field digital imagery for automated visual-inspection applications. We first present a technique for correcting optical shading effects in conventional dark-field microscopy. After compensating for possible imperfections in the optical setting we address the problem of segmenting objects (defects) in textured dark-field images. The technique that we will follow is based on a sequential application of local operators, which serves the purpose of clustering the object and the background gray levels. This procedure can be considered an extension of average-thresholding-type techniques. Both algorithms for shading correction and object segmentation have fast implementations in general-purpose image-processing pipeline architectures, and therefore they are appealing to real-time computer vision applications. Computational examples showing the appropriateness of the shading-correction procedure as well as the effectiveness of the segmentation wil be discussed.
The phenomenological predictions of Fritzsch-type quark mass matrices and the underlying structure of particle physics beyond the standard model

Abstract The phenomenological predictions of Fritzsch-type quark mass matrices and their implications on the underlying structure of particle physics beyond the standard model are considered. Using a recent analysis on the K-M mixing matrix from the b-quark lifetime etc., R b ≡ Γ( b → ue ν )/Γ( b → ce ν ) is predicted to be in the range 1.44 × 10−3 ⩽ Rb ⩽ 1.87 × 10−2, while the present upper bound on Rb is 5 × 10−2. For BK=0.33, obtained by Donoghue et al. using current algebra and the measured ΔI = 3/2 contribution to k → ππ, the physical ( constituent) mass of the t-quark (for Λ MS = 100 MeV ) is predicted to be (73.5 ± 8.5) GeV and so the t-quark will not be found in PETRA and LEP experiments. For the same value of BK, our predictions on the value of Rb, |Vcb|, and the CP violating phase δ′ in the K-M mixing matrix are 0.79 × 10−2 ⩽ Rb ⩽ 1.01 × 10−2, 0.066 ⩽ |Vcb| 0.070, 85.6° ⩽ δ′ ⩽ 97.4°, and are subject to future experiments. Our predicted value of δ′ (which is independent of experimental input from CP violating phenomena) is in good agreement with the CP violation strength parameter Re ϵ and strongly supports the validity of the Fritszch form of quark mass matrices. It is conjectured that the underlying structure of particle physics is such that the two fundamental phases, σ and τ, that appear in the weak charged current mixing matrix, are equal to −π/2, corresponding to maximal CP violation in the weak interaction sector. This, together with the predicted value of the t-quark mass, can be used as a guide in future model building (σ = τ = −π/2 can be achieved by the phases of the VEVs of complex Higgs fields). The dependence of our results on the quark mass ratios is considered and a large mass scale for light quarks (u, d, s) is shown to be inconsistent with the Fritzsch form of quark mass matrices. Measurement of the value of Rb at CLEO and CUSB and improved determination of |Vcb| will be the best tests of the validity of Fritzsch-type quark mass matrices in the near future.
Synthesis of certain 3,5,7‐disubstituted pyrazolo[3,4‐ e ][1,3]oxazines. Derivatives of a new heterocyclic ring system

The synthesis of several 3,5,7-trisubstituted pyrazolo[3,4-e][1,3]oxazines by ring annulation of the appropriately substituted pyrazoles is described.
Parental — Offspring similarity on jealousy and related personality dimensions

The degree of similarity between undergraduate students and their parents on jealousy was evaluated for data collected through questionnaires. In addition, the relationships between jealousy and two personality dimensions (repression-sensitization and screening-nonscreening) were examined within individuals and within families. Results showed that jealous persons are more likely to be sensitizers and nonscreeners. Similarity between parents and offspring was found for dispositional jealousy and jealous feelings. In addition, familial similarity for jealousy and personality dimensions was found most frequently between parents and female offspring. The developmental origins of jealousy are discussed.
Anorexia nervosa: Analysis of long-term outcomes and clinical implications

Recovery from anorexia nervosa is a lengthy process and involves overcoming physical as well as psychosocial problems. Factors such as weight at referral, laboratory values, and psychosocial variables tend to predict long-term outcomes and help guide clinical interventions. Non-weight restored as well as some weight restored individuals experience chronic problems. Long-term consequences of anorexia nervosa indicate a need for continued oversight and individual treatment planning.
Muscle surface pH as a monitor of tissue perfusion and acid-base status.

Abstract Muscle pH, arterial pH, and blood gases were measured in 21 anesthetized dogs. After an initial control period, the animals were subjected to one of the following: major arterial occlusion in the limb being monitored, sever hemorrhage, hypoxia, or hypothermia (28°C). Muscle pH fell rapidly with a decrease in muscle perfusion caused by arterial occlusion or by hemorrhage, without any significant change in arterial pH. In hypoxia, muscle pH varied directly with arterial pH. Hypothermia under anesthesia did not affect muscle pH. Since muscle surface pH appears to be a reliable index of tissue perfusion and acid-base status, continuous muscle pH monitoring should prove valuable in the management of the critically ill infant. Early clinical trials have justified this impression.
An assessment of evidence for pingos on Mars using HiRISE

Pingos are small hills with cores of ice, formed by injection and freezing of pressurized water. The possibility of pingos on Mars is of particular interest because of the associated implications for liquid water. We have systematically searched for candidate pingos using images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera. Since pingos are expected to develop surface fractures due to extension of the frozen ground over the ice core, we have searched for fractured features and identified a variety of mounds. These features are confined to the martian mid-latitudes, in the bands where gullies are also most common. The observed fractured mounds have a variety of morphologies and are likely of multiple origins. Isolated fractured mounds found on the floors of gullied craters in the southern hemisphere match the general morphologic characteristics of terrestrial pingos and are the best candidates for martian pingos, but there is currently no direct evidence for presence of ice cores and it is difficult to produce the necessary water volumes, so these features should still be interpreted with caution. Other fractured mounds appear more likely to be erosional remnants of an unusual mantling layer or possibly thermokarst structures. Flat-topped mounds in Utopia have some characteristics (fracture pattern and latitudinal distribution) consistent with pingos but differ in other aspects such as shape and setting. While we do not rule out a pingo origin, we prefer an erosional model for these enigmatic features.
Analytically modeling hypervelocity penetration of thick ceramic targets

Hypervelocity impact of thick ceramic targets was examined through an analytic model for penetration. Three ceramic materials (SiC, B 4 C and All were modeled and compared to available test data for impacts from 1.5 to 4.5km/s. The analytic model is based on a centerline momentum balance - a method that has proven to be an effective way to produce analytic models of penetration. A number of assumptions are required to develop the analytic penetration model, including assumptions about material motion and constitutive response of the target material. The constitutive model for the failed brittle material used in the penetration model development was a Drucker-Prager yield surface with cutoff. Such a constitutive model allows pressure dependent strength for failed material, which is the type of response seen in extensively fractured ceramic. A cutoff is used since the total strength of the failed brittle material has an upper limit. The use of this constitutive model for the failed brittle material leads to an interior boundary problem within the damaged region, demarcating the region of material flow where the strength is the cutoff and the region that is controlled by the pressure dependent strength. It is shown that excellent agreement between the model and the data across the full range of penetration velocities (1.5 to 4.5 km/s) is obtained when large slopes (on the order of 2) and large cutoff values (on the order of 3 GPa) are used. (The actual values differ for each ceramic.) Excellent agreement between the analytic model and large-scale numerical simulations with exactly the same constitutive model verify that the model correctly includes the intended physics.
Loin pain hematuria syndrome: a psychiatric and surgical conundrum.

Purpose of review The loin pain hematuria syndrome presents a dilemma with regards to the etiology, as well as the treatment of this rarely seen entity. In view of the increasing frequency of diagnosis, and the question of whether this disorder constitutes a somatoform disorder or a physical disorder remedied through renal autotransplantation we should familiarize ourselves with this condition, so as to clarify its nature. Recent findings There may be a subset of loin pain hematuria syndrome patients that have a somatoform disorder. Patients appear to have better outcomes with autotransplantation, than with intraureteric capsaicin treatment or renal denervation. Summary This paper attempts to provide an overview of the topic and propose further investigation to better determine whether a subset of these patients have a somatoform disorder.
An anytime algorithm for gapped block protein threading with pair interactions

This paper describes a novel anytime branch-andbound threading search algorithm for gapped block protein sequence-structure alignment with general sequence residue pair interactions. The new algorithm (1) returns a good approximate answer quickly, (2) iteratively improves that answer to the global optimum if allowed more time, (3) eventually produces a proof that the final answer found is indeed the global optimum, and (4) always terminates correctly within a bounded number of steps if allowed sufficient space and time. Using previously published data sets and the Bryant-Lawrence (1993) objective function, the algorithm found the true (proven) global optimum in less than five minutes in alI search spaces size 1O25 or smaller (sequences to 478 residues), and a putative (not guaranteed) optimum in less than five hours in all search spaces size 10” or smaller (sequences to 793 residues, cores to 42 secondary structure segments). If the threading in the largest case were eventually proven to be globally optimal, then the corresponding search speed in the largest case studied would be the equivalent of 1.5 x 1O56 threadings per second, a speed-up exceeding 1O25 over previously published batch branch-and-bound speeds, and exceeding 1050 over previously published exhaustive search speeds, using the same objective function and threading paradigm. Implementation independent measures of search efficiency are defined for equivalent branching factor, depth, and probability of success per draw; empirical data on these measures is given. The general approach should apply to other alignment methodologies and search methods that use a divide-and-conquer strategy.
The Harmonization and Convergence of Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting Standards

The goal of this article is to evaluate the future of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting in terms of the harmonization of reporting standards. The evolution and convergence of financial reporting standards are compared to that of CSR reporting standards. In addition, four globally recognized CSR reporting standards are evaluated. The content of each standard is reviewed, a representative from each standard organization is interviewed, and the standards are evaluated for decision usefulness. This research suggests that the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) would be the best standard to provide decision useful information. This analysis is reinforced by recent events in the transformation of CSR reporting standards and provides insight into the possible future development of CSR reporting standards.
The roentgen features of synovial sarcomas.

The radiographic manifestations of synovial sarcomas are described. The roentgen features can conveniently be divided into three categories: (a) soft tissue mass, (b) soft tissue calcifications, and (c) bony erosion. 67 per cent of cases had a soft tissue mass, and in 20% calcification was seen. Osseous involvement was apparent in 20%. The occurrence of a soft tissue mass with associated calcifications and bony erosion, with a predilection for the lower extremity, is quite characteristic and allows the radiologist to arrive at a correct pre-operative diagnosis.
Geochemical and microbiological methods for evaluating anaerobic processes in an aquifer contaminated by landfill leachate.

A combined geochemical and microbiological approach was needed to delineate the biogeochemical processes occurring in an aquifer contaminated by landfill leachate in Norman, OK, where the important microbially mediated reactions in an anoxic plume were iron reduction, sulfate reduction, and methanogenesis. The highest rates of sulfate reduction (13.2 μM/day) were detected near the water table where sulfate levels were maximal (up to 4.6 mM). The enrichment of 34S in the sulfate pools (δ34S of SO42- was 67−69‰), and dissolved hydrogen measurements provided additional support for the importance of sulfate reduction near the water table. Methane was detected in the center of the plume where sulfate was depleted. Microbial incubations demonstrated concomitant sulfate reduction and methanogenesis in the anoxic portion of the plume. Although high concentrations of soluble reduced iron were detected throughout the aquifer and H2 levels were indicative of iron reduction under steady-state conditions, microbiologi...
An approach to high resolution diffusion tensor imaging in fixed primate brain.

Abstract High resolution ex vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies of neural tissues can improve our understanding of brain structure. In these studies we can modify the tissue relaxation properties of the fixed tissues to better suite the scanner hardware. We investigated the use of Gd-DTPA contrast agent to provide the optimum signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio in 3D DTI scans of formalin fixed nonhuman primate brains at 4.7 T. Relaxivity measurements in gray and white matter allowed us to optimize the Gd concentration for soaking the brains, resulting in a 2 fold improvement in SNR for the 3D scans. FA changed little with Gd concentrations up to 10 mM although ADC was reduced at 5 and 10 mM. Comparison of in vivo, fresh ex vivo and fixed brains showed no significant FA changes but reductions in ADC of about 50% in fresh ex vivo, and 64% and 80% in fixed gray and white matter respectively. Studies of the temperature dependence of diffusion in these tissues suggested that a 30° increase in sample temperature may yield an improvement of up to 55% in SNR-efficiency for a given diffusion weighting. Our Gd soaking regimen appeared to have no detrimental effect on standard histology of the fixed brain sections. Our methods yield both high SNR and spatial resolution DTI data in fixed primate brains, allowing us to perform high resolution tractography which will facilitate the process of ‘validation’ of DTI fiber tracts against traditional measures of brain fiber architecture.
Solubilizing properties of bile salt solutions. II. Effect of inorganic electrolyte, lipids, and a mixed bile salt system on solubilization of glutethimide, griseofulvin, and hexestrol.

Studies of the influence of inorganic electrolyte on the solubilization of griseofulvin, glutethimide, and hexestrol in four individual bile salt solutions at 37° showed that sodium chloride had little effect on the solubility of the former two drugs but significantly increased the solubility of hexestrol. Based on these findings the possible location of the drug molecules within the micelle is considered. A mixed bile salt system was found to possess a significantly lower critical micelle concentration (CMC) than any of the individual bile salts previously studied. However, the affinities of this mixed micellar system for the drugs were comparable with those obtained with individual bile salts. The addition of lipids to the mixed bile salt system resulted in a decrease in hexestrol solubility but had little effect on griseofulvin and glutethimide solubility. The biological implications of the results obtained in the present communication are explored, and a mechanism for the role of dietary lipids and bile salts in the absorption of drugs is proposed.
Surface integrals approach to solution of some free boundary problems - II

Inverse problems in which it is required to determine the coefficients of an equation belong to the important class of ill-posed problems. Among these, of increasing significance, are problems with free boundaries. They can be found in a wide range of disciplines including medicine, materials engineering, control theory, etc. We apply the integral equations techniques, typical for parabolic inverse problems, to the solution of a generalized Stefan problem. The regularization of the corresponding system of nonlinear integral Volterra equations, as well as local existence, uniqueness, continuation of its solution, and several numerical experiments are discussed.
Plasmon and electron-hole-pair damping of excited vibrational and electronic states in quasi-two-dimensional electron systems

Etude de la duree de vie des etats vibrationnels excites (electroniques) de molecules (impuretes) dans des systemes quasi bidimensionnels, en admettant que les etats excites sont caracterises par un moment dipolaire phenominologique. Calcul exact de la reponse du super reseau a l'excitation dipolaire dans l'approximation de la phase aleatoire, et de la vitesse de desactivation de l'etat excite