cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic algorithm based feature selection for target detection in SAR images

Abstract A genetic algorithm (GA) approach is presented to select a set of features to discriminate the targets from the natural clutter false alarms in SAR images. Four stages of an automatic target detection system are developed: the rough target detection, feature extraction from the potential target regions, GA based feature selection and the final Bayesian classification. A new fitness function based on minimum description length principle (MDLP) is proposed to drive GA and it is compared with three other fitness functions. Experimental results show that the new fitness function outperforms the other three fitness functions and the GA driven by it selected a good subset of features to discriminate the targets from clutters effectively.
Loss of intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials during intramedullary spinal cord injury predicts postoperative neurologic deficits in motor function

Abstract Study Objectives: To estimate the sensitivity and specificity of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) for predicting new postoperative motor neurologic deficits during intramedullary spinal cord surgery; to establish whether SSEPs more accurately predicted postoperative deficits in position and vibration sense than in strength. Design: Prospective open and retrospective study. Setting: University-affiliated hospital. Patients: 20 patients with intramedullary spinal cord tumors scheduled for surgery with intraoperative SSEPs. Interventions: Median, ulnar, and tibial nerve cortical and subcortical SSEPs were recorded continuously. Measurements and Main Results: Conventional intraoperative SSEP criteria considered indicative of neurologic injury were modified and defined as either the complete and permanent loss of the SSEP or the simultaneous amplitude reduction of 50% or greater in the nearest recording electrode rostral to the surgical site and 0.5 millisecond increase in the central latency. Our definition required confirmation of both amplitude and latency changes on a repeated average. All patients had 1 or more SSEPs, which were reproducible and sufficiently stable for analysis throughout the operation. Six patients developed new postoperative neurologic deficits. One had new motor deficits in an extremity from which no baseline SSEPs could be elicited. In each of the other 5 patients, significant SSEP changes preceded the postoperative motor deficits in the extremity or extremities monitored. In no patient without a new postoperative motor deficit was there a significant change in the SSEP. In only 2 of these 5 patients was there a documented postoperative loss or diminution in vibration or position sense. Conclusions: intraoperative SSEP changes during intramedullary spinal cord surgery are a sensitive predictor of new postoperative motor deficits, but such changes may not correlate reliably with postoperative deficits in position or vibration sense. In this setting SSEP monitoring serves primarily to reassure the operating team that, when the SSEPs remain constant, the surgery has not caused additional injury.
Correlated neuronal discharge rate and its implications for psychophysical performance

SINGLE neurons can signal subtle changes in the sensory environment with surprising fidelity, often matching the perceptual sensitivity of trained psychophysical observers1–10. This similarity poses an intriguing puzzle: why is psychophysical sensitivity not greater than that of single neurons? Pooling responses across neurons should average out noise in the activity of single cells, leading to substantially improved psychophysical performance. If, however, noise is correlated among these neurons, the beneficial effects of pooling would be diminished10–12. To assess correlation within a pool, the responses of pairs of neurons were recorded simultaneously during repeated stimulus presentations. We report here that the observed covariation in spike count was relatively weak, the correlation coefficient averaging 0.12. A theoretical analysis revealed, however, that weak correlation can limit substantially the signalling capacity of the pool. In addition, theory suggests a relationship between neuronal responses and psychophysical decisions which may prove useful for identifying cell populations underlying specific perceptual capacities.
Surgical treatment of bile peritonitis in 24 dogs and 2 cats: a retrospective study (1987-1994).

Objective— The purpose of this study was to determine the signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, outcome, and factors affecting outcome of dogs and cats surgically treated for bile peritonitis. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals or Sample Population— Twenty-four dogs and two cats surgically treated for bile peritonitis. Methods— The medical records of dogs and cats surgically treated for biliary effusions at the Ohio State University and Michigan State University between 1987 and 1994 were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed to compare factors affecting outcome. Results— The cause of the biliary effusion was determined in 24 animals, and resulted from disruption of the biliary tract secondary to trauma (n = 13) or necrotizing cholecystitis (n = 11). Determination of the bilirubin concentration of the abdominal effusion was the only diagnostic test that was 100% effective in diagnosing bile leakage before surgical intervention. The bilirubin concentration of the effusion was consistently at least two times higher than the serum bilirubin concentration. Bacteriologic culture and sensitivity revealed that a septic, biliary effusion was usually associated with multiple types of gram-negative bacteria. The overall survival rate was 50% (13 of 26). The peripheral white blood cell count was significantly lower in survivors (mean 20,608/uL) compared with nonsurvivors (mean 35,712/uL). The immature neutrophil count was also significantly lower in survivors (mean 686/uL) than in nonsurvivors (4,852/uL). Only 27% (3 of 11) of the animals with a septic biliary effusion survived. In contrast, 100% (6 of 6) of the animals in which no bacteria were isolated from the abdominal effusion survived. Open abdominal drainage was not a successful treatment for 7 of 9 animals with septic biliary effusions. Survival was not significantly affected by the distribution of the peritonitis, cause of biliary effusion, or duration of clinical signs before surgical intervention. Conclusions— Patients with sterile biliary effusions have a much lower mortality rate than those with septic biliary effusions. The successful treatment of sterile biliary effusions does not require open abdominal drainage, and is not affected by the duration of the effusion. Clinical Relevance— This retrospective study provides information that may aid the surgeon in the diagnosis and treatment of bile peritonitis.
Noise Abatement From Large Size Electric Generators

Growing environmental sound concerns and recognition that lengthy unprotected exposure to high industrial noise levels can be detrimental to man have resulted in increased attention to reducing industrial noise. In the United States, it is required by law that all turbomachinery manufacturers must provide acoustic guarantees to their customers. For instance, for majority of generators, the near field sound pressure level is usually guaranteed not to exceed 85 dBA. To accomplish this goal, a number of methods of noise reduction have been developed in power industry. As one of the most practical and cost-effective solutions, acoustic blankets have been designed and tested for using on large size electric generators to efficiently reduce their sound pressure levels. This work has successfully demonstrated the potential of acoustic blankets for improve the passive acoustic transmission characteristics from generators. The acoustic data obtained from a field test have shown that the blankets can reduce the overall sound pressure level from large size generators about 4 to 6 dBA.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Software Engineering Certification Schemes

Technology standards are developed and managed at many levels by professional and industry organizations, national standards bodies, and international organizations. For example, the IEEE is well known for its electronics and software engineering standards. The emerging ISO/IEC 24773 international standard could make software engineering certification globally portable.
Sleep in hospitalized medical patients, part 2: behavioral and pharmacological management of sleep disturbances.

BACKGROUND: As described in Part 1 of this article, multiple factors lead to disrupted sleep in hospitalized medical patients. Recognizing and addressing these factors can help clinicians more effectively manage patients' sleep complaints. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted by cross-referencing the terms “sleep deprivation,” “insomnia,” and “sleep”; “hospitalized,” “acutely ill,” and “critically ill”; and “medication,” “drugs,” “hypnotics,” “benzodiazepines,” and “sedatives.” The search was limited to English-language articles published between 1997 and 2008. Subsequent PubMed searches were performed to clarify the data described in the initial search. RESULTS: Few articles addressed the topic of the assessment and management of sleep problems in hospitalized medical patients. In Part 2, we propose an evaluation and treatment algorithm that includes recommendations regarding the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies as clinicians consider relevant clinical data. The algorithm is accompanied by 5 tables that include pertinent and practical information to assist clinicians as they manage their inpatients' sleep complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of a sleep complaint should include a review of factors that could exacerbate patients' sleep. The treatment could then focus on ameliorating these factors, and the judicious use of nonpharmacologic strategies and psychopharmacologic agents. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:50–59. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Bowen systems theory and mediation

The field of mediation is largely technique- and process-driven. In an effort to develop a more comprehensive theoretical system for mediation, this article applies Bowen Systems Theory to mediation. The article begins with a brief overview of the development of Bowen Systems Theory; it proceeds to define its central concepts, including differentiation, triangulation, and chronic anxiety; finally, the article applies these concepts to mediation and discusses the relationship between theory and technique, using caucusing and co-mediation as examples. The article concludes that Bowen Systems Theory naturally extends to mediation, providing this field with a comprehensive theoretical system.
A diffusing sphere which delivers homogeneous laser light for use in photodynamic therapy

Abstract Photodynamic therapy (PDT) exploits the selective uptake of a photosensitizer in tumors and other hyperproliferative target tissues, as well as the ability to direct the treatment light beam to a specific region. Since the photodynamic effect depends upon light dose, tissue optical properties and photosensitizer concentration, uniform delivery of light is crucial to attain optimal photodynamic effect. Many commonly used methods for delivering laser light during photodynamic therapy, such as a free fiber or microlens, require fiber and laser adjustments to obtain a highly uniform beam. In this study we test the ability of a diffusing sphere to improve the uniformity of a light field coming from an argon laser coupled to a free fiber, in which no attempt has been made to optimize beam characteristics. Light fields from the free fiber, a microlens and the diffusing sphere are compared for uniformity via light intensity readings. An in vivo comparison between the sphere and the free fiber is also made in guinea pigs given Photofrin-II. The diffusing sphere decreases problems with shielding, allows quick and easy application of light by simply applying the device over the desired treatment area, and optimizes the desired photodynamic effect by producing a highly uniform beam of light with no necessity to optimize light delivery by vibrating, looping or re-cleaving fibers.
Exergy-Based Optimization Strategies for Multi-Component Data Center Thermal Management: Part II — Application and Validation

Recent work has proposed an exergy-based strategy to achieve optimal system-wide performance via localized control of individual data center thermal management components. This paper presents the results of a case study where the proposed approach is applied to a data center with two rows of computing racks and two Computer Room Air-Conditioning (CRAC) units. The formulated model is used to predict the optimal data center configuration in terms of supply temperatures, flowrates, and rack heat load configurations. Two extreme cases are chosen: one with the maximum experimental heat load in the data center, and one with a minimal experimental heat load. For each case, the optimal settings for each CRAC unit were predicted using the model and using temperature + flow measurements in the data center. The setpoints predicted by the model for optimal CRAC flow and supply temperature were within 25% of the experimentally determined optima.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Maternal resolution of loss and abuse: Associations with adjustment to the transition to parenthood

This study examined relationships between mothers' resolution of past loss and abuse and their adjustment to the transition to parenthood. Three groups of mothers were compared: 1) those who were unresolved with respect to loss or abuse (Unresolved Loss/Abuse), 2) those who had experienced loss or abuse, but were considered resolved (Resolved Loss/Abuse), and 3) those who had not experienced loss or abuse (No Loss/Abuse). Mothers in the Resolved Loss/Abuse group reported more negative perceptions of the transition to parenthood than did mothers in the No Loss/Abuse group, which may reflect a greater awareness of negative emotions and a greater ability to communicate openly about them. Although mothers who have experienced loss or abuse and appear to have resolved these experiences may be at risk for distress during the transition to parenthood, they do not appear to be at risk for insensitive care giving. Unresolved loss, however, was associated with less sensitive care giving. The findings of this study highlight the importance of examining current state of mind regarding past expe- riences when investigating relationships between childhood loss and abuse and adjustment to subsequent life transitions. RESUMEN: Este estudio examinolas relaciones entre las resoluciones maternas acerca de perdidas y maltratos o abusos en el pasado, y su reajuste a la transicion hacia la maternidad. Se compararon tres grupos de madres: 1) aquellas que aun no habian resuelto su problema con respecto a la perdida o al abuso (Perdida/Abuso sin resolver), 2) aquellas que habian experimentado perdida o abuso, pero que lo consideraban parte de su pasado (Perdida/abuso resueltos), y 3) aquellas que no habian experimentado perdidas ni maltratos o abusos (Sin perdidas/abuso). Las madres en el segundo grupo reportaron mas percepciones negativas en cuanto a la transicion a la maternidad que las madres del tercer grupo, lo cual pudiera reflejar una mayor conciencia de las emociones negativas y una mayor habilidad para comunicarse abiertamente sobre ese tema. Aunque las madres que habian experimentado perdidas o abusos y parecian haber resuelto estas experiencias pudieran estar bajo riesgo de afliccion y angustia durante la transicion a la maternidad, no parecen estar bajo riesgo en cuanto a la falta de sensibilidad del cuidado que le deben
Characterization of the L-Lysine Biosynthetic Pathway in the Obligate Methylotroph Methylophilus methylotrophus

The L-lysine biosynthetic pathway of the gram-negative obligate methylotroph Methylophilus methylotrophus AS1 was examined through characterization of the enzymes aspartokinase (AK), aspartsemialdehyde dehydrogenase, dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DDPS), dihydrodipicolinate reductase, and diaminopimelate decarboxylase. The AK was inhibited by L-threonine and by a combination of L-threonine and L-lysine, but not by L-lysine alone, and the activity of DDPS was moderately reduced by L-lysine. In an L-lysine producing mutant (G49), isolated as an S-(2-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine (lysine analog) resistant strain, both AK and DDPS were partially resistant to feedback inhibition. The ask and dapA genes encoding AK and DDPS respectively were isolated from the parental strain, AS1, and its G49 derivative. Comparison of the sequences revealed a point mutation in each of these genes in G49. The mutation in the ask gene altered aspartic acid in a key region involved in the allosteric regulation common to AKs, while a novel mutation in the dapA gene altered tyrosine-106, which was assumed to be involved in the binding of L-lysine to DDPS.
Cladistic analysis of molecular and morphological data.

Considerable progress has been made recently in phylogenetic reconstruction in a number of groups of organisms. This progress coincides with two major advances in systematics: new sources have been found for potentially informative characters (i.e., molecular data) and (more importantly) new approaches have been developed for extracting historical information from old or new characters (i.e., Hennigian phylogenetic systematics or cladistics). The basic assumptions of cladistics (the existence and splitting of lineages marked by discrete, heritable, and independent characters, transformation of which occurs at a rate slower than divergence of lineages) are discussed and defended. Molecular characters are potentially greater in quantity than (and usually independent of) more traditional morphological characters, yet their great simplicity (i.e., fewer potential character states; problems with determining homology), and difficulty of sufficient sampling (particularly from fossils) can lead to special difficulties. Expectations of the phylogenetic behavior of different types of data are investigated from a theoretical standpoint, based primarily on variation in the central parameter lambda (branch length in terms of expected number of character changes per segment of a tree), which also leads to possibilities for character and character state weighting. Also considered are prospects for representing diverse yet clearly monophyletic clades in larger-scale cladistic analyses, e.g., the exemplar method vs. "compartmentalization" (a new approach involving substituting an inferred "archetype" for a large clade accepted as monophyletic based on previous analyses). It is concluded that parsimony is to be preferred for synthetic, "total evidence" analyses because it appears to be a robust method, is applicable to all types of data, and has an explicit and interpretable evolutionary basis.
Predictability of grain sorghum and maize yield grown after soybean over a range of environments

Abstract Yields of cereals grown after soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merr.) varies greatly because of the influence of the environment. The objective of this paper is to show a predictable grain yield relationship exists between grain yields of sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) or maize ( Zea mays L.) grown continuously and grown after soybean over a range of environments. Sorghum data were from an established rotation (soil type Typic Argiudoll) and the literature. Maize data were from the literature and included years 1934–1984. Yield of sorghum and maize grown after soybean in rotation or grown continuously was regressed with an environmental index (site mean yield). A predictable increase in yield occurred for sorghum and maize grown after soybean as compared to growing these cereals continuously. The regressions were linear (r 2 > 0·90) and the slopes showed a higher sorghum (a = 1·10) and maize (a = 1·14) grain yield when grown in rotation as compared to continuous culture (sorghum, a = 0·91; maize, a = 0·86) as environments improved. By combining the equations for cereals grown after soybean and grown continuously the productivity of the cereals following soybean can be estimated. Relative yield benefit in low yielding environments indicated use of cereal-legume systems would be very effective in improving grain production.
Predicted and preliminary evaluation of the x-ray performance of the AXAF technology mirror assembly

The fabrication of the Technology Mirror Assembly (TMA) is complete, and performance predictions were made based upon mechanical and visible light measurements of the surface properties. An X-ray calibration program has been executed, and a preliminary analysis of a portion of the data is presented. The X-ray image distribution results are in reasonable agreement with the performance predictions which were calculated prior the start of the X-ray tests. The measured X-ray imaging performance approaches that expected for the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF).
Biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the developing brain: II. Metabolic transformations of intracranially administered [3-14C] eicosatrienoic acid, evidence for lack of Δ8 desaturasedesaturase

[3-14C] Eicosatrienoic acid (Δ11,14,17) chemically synthesized from [1-14C] linolenic acid was injected intracranially into 14-day old rats and sacrificed 8 hr later. The analysis of brain fatty acids by radio-gas liquid chromatography before and after ozonolysis showed that the tetraene fraction consisted of a desaturated product, Δ5,11,17–20∶4, and its elongated product, Δ7,13,16,19–22∶4. Both of these products, with a combined total of 61% of the total radioactivity recovered in the tetraene fraction, contain a nonmethylene interrupted double bond system and, therefore, are unsuitable for further desaturation. The other two components, Δ6,9,12,15–18∶4 and Δ8,11,14,17–20∶4, must have been formed from Δ9,12,15–18∶3, formed by retroconversion of the starting material 20∶3, followed by desaturation and elongation. These results suggest a lack of Δ8 desaturase in the developing brain, leading to formation of Δ5,11,14,17–20∶4 rather than Δ8,11,14,17–20∶4. Howeve, the nonmethylene interrupted double bond isomer does not restrict chain elongation.
Poly[µ 2 -nitrato-(µ 4 -pyrazine-2-carboxylato)disilver(I)]

The title compound, [Ag2(C5H3N2O2)(NO3)]n, is a three-dimensional coordination polymer containing two-dimensional slabs held together by bridging nitrate groups. AgNO4 and AgNO5 silver coordination polyhedra arise. Weak argentophilic inter­actions [Ag⋯Ag = 3.0686 (7) A] occur in the crystal structure.
Setting the Bar High: Danish Youth Education Counselors and National School-Completion Goals

European countries are striving to increase secondary school completion rates as part of their labor market planning. Denmark has taken an approach that places youth education guidance counselors at the center of their efforts. Based on interviews with 25 counselors and 10 other education leaders, this article explores the role and practice of these Danish counselors in regard to meeting state education goals. While the counselors strongly support the country’s high educational goal, they have concerns about its attainability, its across-the-board application, and coercive, or ‘individual-blaming’ elements of its implementation. Countries wishing to adopt this model should consider the fit between counseling philosophy and policy so as to avoid role conflict.
The Kerf toolkit for intrusion analysis

Network-based intrusions have become a significant security concern. To aid system administrators with post-attack intrusion analysis, the Kerf toolkit provides an integrated front end and powerful correlation and data-representation tools, all in one package.
The Solution of the Chemical Equilibrium Programming Problem with Generalized Benders Decomposition

This paper deals with an algorithm for the solution of the chemical equilibrium problem that parallels Geoffrion's development of the Generalized Benders Decomposition Algorithm. The unknowns of the problem are decomposed into the phase sums, which are the complicating variables, and normalized variables. The algorithm obtained is an iterative procedure where the master problem computes optimal phase sums and the subproblem computes new dual variables. A numerical study indicates that best results are obtained when the subproblem is suboptimized.
Bedside interactions from the other side of the bedrail.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the importance to patients of various aspects of bedside interactions with physician teams.
Isolation of plasma membrane vesicles, derived from transverse tubules, by selective homogenization of subcellular fractions of frog skeletal muscle in isotonic media

A new technique for isolating fragmented plasma membranes from skeletal muscle has been developed that is based on gentle mechanical disruption of selected homogenate fractions. (Na+ + K+)-stimulated, Mg2+-dependent ATPase was used as an enzymatic marker for the plasma membrane, Ca2+-stimulated, Mg2+-dependent ATPase as a marker for sarcoplasmic reticulum, and succinate dehydrogenase for mitochondria. Cell segments in an amber low-speed (800 x g) pellet of a frog muscle homogenate were disrupted by repeated gentle shearing with a Polytron homogenizer. Sarcoplasmic reticulum was released into the low-speed supernatant, whereas most of the plasma membrane marker remained in a white, fluffy layer of the sediment, which contained sarcolemma and myofibrils. Additional gentle shearing of the white low-speed sediment extracted plasma membranes in a form that required centrifugation at 100,000 x g for pelleting. This pellet, the fragmented plasma membrane fraction, had a relatively high specific activity of (Na+ + K+)-stimulated ATPase compared with the other fractions, but it had essentially no Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity and only a small percentage of the succinate dehydrogenase activity of the homogenate. Experimental evidence suggests that the fragmented plasma membrane fraction is derived from delicate transverse tubules rather than from the thicker, basement membrane-coated sarcolemmal sheath of muscle cells. Electron microscopy showed small vesicles lined bu a single thin membrane. Hydroxyproline, a characteristic constituent of collagen and basememt membrane, could not be detected in this fraction.
Surfactants in epitaxial growth.

We have investigated the role of surface-active species (surfactants) in heteroepitaxial growth. In general, the growth mode is determined by the balance between surface, interface, and film free energies. Thus, if A wets B, B will not wet A. Any attempt at growing an A/B/A heterostructure must overcome this fundamental obstacle. We propose the use of a segregating surfactant to reduce the surface free energies of A and B and suppress island formation, as demonstrated in the growth of Si/Ge/Si(001) with a monolayer of As. Control of growth by amnipulation of surface energetics provides a new avenue to achieve high-quality man-made microstructures against thermodynamic odds.
Transgenic RNAi in mouse oocytes: a simple and fast approach to study gene function.

Abstract Double-strand RNA (dsRNA)-mediated posttranscriptional gene silencing, also known as RNA interference (RNAi), is a powerful tool to inhibit gene expression in several experimental model systems, including Arabidopsis, Caenorhabditis, and Drosophila. We previously described that the microinjection of Mos dsRNA into fully grown mouse oocytes results in the specific degradation of Mos mRNA in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. We report here a transgenic RNAi approach that is suitable to study gene function during mouse oocyte development and differentiation. The oocyte-specific Zp3 promoter was used to drive the expression of a long hairpin dsRNA (∼500 bp) targeting Mos mRNA. Transgenic founder animals appeared healthy, but while males were fertile, females were not, in accordance with the known Mos null phenotype. The amount of Mos mRNA in the transgenic F1 females was reduced by >90%, whereas there was no decrease in the nontargeted tissue plasminogen activator (Plat) mRNA. Moreover, the maturation-associated increase in mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity was not observed, and the metaphase II eggs underwent spontaneous parthenogenetic activation, thus recapitulating the Mos null phenotype. This approach provides a powerful method to study the functions of any oocyte-synthesized gene during oocyte development and early embryogenesis.
Construction and Preliminary Validation of a Dictionary for Cognitive Rigidity: Linguistic Markers of Overconfidence and Overgeneralization and their Concomitant Psychological Distress

Fanaticism and extremism are increasingly recognized as seminal to psychopathology and distress, especially considering the increase in political unrest and violence over the last decade. In the psychopathological literature, however, the cognitive style associated with extremism and overgeneralization has long been recognized as a risk factor for emotional distress, leading to both externalizing behavior (e.g. aggression) and internalizing pathology (e.g. depression). Despite its recognized importance, however, virtually no standardized measures of this cognitive style exist. Since direct inquiry about a respondent’s Cognitive Rigidity, is likely to be biased, a text-analytical measure of extremism in spontaneous autobiographical narratives is proposed. In contrast to self-reports, naturally occurring speech often suggests cognitive proclivities towards overgeneralization, overconfidence or extremization. In this study, spoken autobiographical narratives were elicited from 483 participants, and contrasted with extensive mental health information using a hierarchical concordanced-keyword technique. The resulting corpus-based dictionary is context-sensitive, and exhibits significant correlations with measures of negative emotionality, with minimal association with response bias measures.
Serum antibody testing in patients treated with intraocular silicone oil

The purpose of this study was to assess whether intraocular silicone oil causes systemic antipolymer antibody (APA) production at a greater incidence than in individuals without exposure to intraocular silicone oil. The cross-sectional, randomized sample was obtained from 3 university-based hospitals (21 patients with complex vitreoretinal disorders) and treated with intraocular silicone oil. Compared with the general population, patients treated with silicone oil did not have an increased incidence of APA production.
Spontaneous recovery of left ventricular function following acute anterior myocardial infarction

Four patients with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction showing spontaneous and marked improvement in systolic left ventricular function are described. All 4 patients showed abnormal Q waves and severe wall motion abnormalities soon after acute infarction. In all 4 patients, at least some regeneration of R-wave forces occurred and the regional wall motion in the involved area of the left ventricle improved dramatically without coronary angioplasty or surgical revascularization during the intervening period. The improvement in left ventricular function was attributed to spontaneous increase in nutrient flow to the involved area. It is concluded that Q waves and severe wall motion abnormalities do not necessarily indicate irreversible scar formation.
Interaction of Sn atoms with the intrinsic dangling-bond states of Si(111)-(7 × 7)

Abstract At the initial stages of room-temperature deposition we have observed the preferential adsorption of the individual Sn atoms on the Si center-adatom (T 1 ) sites on Si(111)-(7 × 7) using scanning tunneling microscopy. A spectroscopic analysis of changes in the energy spectrum of surface states around the Fermi level ( E f ) suggests that covalent bonding occurs between individual Sn and Si adatoms. This results in a surface metal-insulator transition due to the removal of Si adatom surface states at E f while preserving the (7 × 7) sub-lattice. An energy-level scheme is proposed to explain this behavior.
Potassium, Rubidium, Strontium, Barium, and Rare-Earth Concentrations in Lunar Rocks and Separated Phases

Concentrations of potassium, rubidium, strontium, barium, and rareearth elements have been determined by mass spectrometric isotope dilution for eight Apollo 11 lunar samples and for some separated phases. Potassiumn and ritbidium are at chondritic levels, strontium at 15 times, and barium and rare earths at 30 to 100 times chondritic levels. There are trace element similarities between the lunar samples and basaltic achondrites, terrestrial dredge basalts and the bulk earth. The trace element data appear to be consistent with these lunar samples being the result of limited partial fusion of some material similar to the brecciated eucrite meteorites.
Insulin cells are found in the main and accessory urinary bladders of the painted turtle, Chrysemys picta

Insulin has been localized immunocytochemically to cells in the main and accessory urinary bladders of the painted turtle, Chrysemys picta, and represents an unusual addition to the specturm of regulatory peptides associated with the urinary bladder. These stellate to fibroblastoid cells often possess neural-like processes and are similar in morphology to neurotensin cells found in Chrysemys and Pseudemys urinary bladders. Radioimmunoassay of 2M acetic acid extracts of bladder tissue indicate that the insulin concentration of accessory bladder is several-fold greater than main bladder but considerably lower than the insulin content of pancreas. Pieces of accessory bladder incubated in vitro exhibit a stable insulin release into the medium over 1 hour, but release is unaltered by known insulin secretagogues. It is tempting to postulate an endocrine or paracrine regulatory function for these cells, but at present their role in Chrysemys bladder function remains unknown.
Cage Type Effects on Feeding Activity of Three Commercial Strains of Egg-Type Chickens

Abstract The effect of strain and cage type (four hens in deep 30.5 × 45.7-cm or shallow 45.7 × 30.5-cm cages) on feeding activity of three commerical strains of laying hens were studied. Feeding activity and consumption were recorded throughout two separate photoperiods. Feed consumption was measured at 3-hr intervals. There were no significant effects from strain. Various patterns existed in the number of hens observed feeding and in feed consumption. Heaviest feed intake occurred in the early portion of the day with consumption steadily declining thereafter. Early in the photoperiod, hens in the shallow cages consumed more feed than did hens in the deep cages and vice versa after midday.
Elastic/plastic torsion of hollow cylinders

Abstract It is shown that a hollow cylinder made of an elastic/perfectly plastic material may experience unloading under a monotonic twist. In some cases this unloading may be from a plastic state, in which case the sandhill-membrane analog is no longer valid. Some general features of the solution are discussed from a theoretical viewpoint, a program for obtaining a numerical solution is described, and some examples are presented.
Potential for ants and vertebrate predators to shape seed-dispersal dynamics of the invasive thistles Cirsium arvense and Carduus nutans in their introduced range (North America)

The population dynamics of invasive plants are influenced by positive and negative associations formed with members of the fauna present in the introduced range. For example, mutualistic associations formed with pollinators or seed dispersers may facilitate invasion, but reduced fitness from attack by native herbivores can also suppress it. Since population expansion depends on effective seed dispersal, interactions with seed dispersers and predators in a plant species introduced range may be of particular importance. We explored the relative contributions of potential seed dispersers (ants) and vertebrate predators (rodents and birds) to seed removal of two diplochorous (i.e., wind- and ant-dispersed), invasive thistles, Cirsium arvense and Carduus nutans, in Colorado, USA. We also conducted behavior trials to explore the potential of different ant species to disperse seeds, and we quantified which potential ant dispersers were prevalent at our study locations. Both ants and vertebrate predators removed significant amounts of C. arvense and C. nutans seed, with the relative proportion of seed removed by each guild varying by location. The behavior trials revealed clear seed preferences among three ant species as well as differences in the foragers’ abilities to move seeds. In addition, two ant species that acted as potential dispersal agents were dominant at the study locations. Since local conditions in part determined whether dispersers or predators removed more seed, it is possible that some thistle populations benefit from a net dispersal effect, while others suffer proportionally more predation. Additionally, because the effectiveness of potential ant dispersers is taxon-specific, changes in ant community composition could affect the seed-dispersal dynamics of these thistles. Until now, most studies describing dispersal dynamics in C. arvense and C. nutans have focused on primary dispersal by wind or pre-dispersal seed predation by insects. Our findings suggest that animal-mediated dispersal and post-dispersal seed predation deserve further consideration.
Conformations of stevastelin C3 analogs: Computational deconvolution of NMR data reveals conformational heterogeneity and novel motifs

The stevastelins are depsipeptide natural products that show valuable immunomodulatory and phosphatase inhibitory activity. A previous report described the synthesis, conformational analysis, and biological activity of modified diastereomeric C3 analogs (1) of these molecules and deduced a single dominant conformational scaffold for each of the six benzylated stevastelin diastereomers in solution. In this study, we report a combined computational and experimental approach (NAMFIS) of these analogs based on geometric variables from the NMR data and extensive conformational searching that suggests a more subtle and complex distribution of conformations in solution. Although the results indicate some conformations to be similar to those previously proposed, they include novel motifs not observed earlier such as gamma turns. In addition, the NAMFIS analysis confirms dramatic changes in conformations accompanying a chirality change at the C3 center and also establishes the conformational homogeneity of the D-serine diastereomers. The NAMFIS analysis thus suggests the use of D-serine as a possible constraining element in peptide design and derives a set of experimental solution conformers that could shed light on the bioactive conformation of the stevastelins. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 968-976, 2010.
Taurine deficiency in the kitten subcellular distribution of taurine and [35S]taurine in brain

Taurine concentration decreases rapidly in the tissues and physiological fluids of kittens fed a diet of partially purified casein which lacks taurine. We have studied the subcellular distribution in cerebrum of taurine and [35S]taurine administered intravenously to these animals. The taurine concentration of all the fractions isolated from the cerebrum of taurine-deficient kittens was approximately sevenfold less than that observed in the fractions of cerebrum isolated from control kittens. The [35S]taurine was approximately twofold greater in all the brain fractions isolated from the taurine-deficient kittens compared with those isolated from the control kittens. The percent distributions of taurine and [35S]taurine in the fractions isolated from the cerebrum of control and deficient kittens were identical. Thus, in the face of a severe diet-induced deficiency of taurine in kitten brain, there appears to be no conservation of taurine by any particular subcellular pool of taurine. These studies provide no evidence for differences in compartmentation of taurine in cerebrum of taurine-deficient kittens compared with control kittens.
Adaptation of cerebral circulation to brain arteriovenous malformations increases feeding artery pressure and decreases regional hypotension.

PURPOSE: To determine how the adaptation of extranidal cerebral vessels affects feeding artery pressure, draining vein pressure, and regional hypotension due to the presence of brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs). CONCEPT: BAVMs cause high flows in feeding arteries and draining veins and can induce profound hypotension in the neighboring vasculature. Despite the large difference in flow, endothelial shear stress (tau) observed in vessels ipsilateral to the BAVM is similar to tau in vessels contralateral to the BAVM, suggesting that the conductance vessels successfully adapt to keep tau constant. However, because BAVMs are discovered only after they are well developed, the natural history of the adaptation process in extranidal vessels is unknown. RATIONALE: Currently, no way exists to determine experimentally the effects of adaptation of extranidal vessels in human patients. Therefore, a mathematical model of the cerebral vasculature is used to study adaptation in response to BAVMs. By comparing pressures and flows calculated before and after adaptation, the effect of adaptation of the conductance vessels on regional hemodynamics can be evaluated. DISCUSSION: Structural adaptation of the extranidal circulation seems not only to reset tau, but also to ameliorate regional hypotension induced by BAVMs. However, this compensatory mechanism also increases feeding artery pressure and thus may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
Visual mining of multimedia data for social and behavioral studies

With advances in computing techniques, a large amount of high-resolution high-quality multimedia data (video and audio, etc.) has been collected in research laboratories in various scientific disciplines, particularly in social and behavioral studies. How to automatically and effectively discover new knowledge from rich multimedia data poses a compelling challenge since state-of-the-art data mining techniques can most often only search and extract pre-defined patterns or knowledge from complex heterogeneous data. In light of this, our approach is to take advantages of both the power of human perception system and the power of computational algorithms. More specifically, we propose an approach that allows scientists to use data mining as a first pass, and then forms a closed loop of visual analysis of current results followed by more data mining work inspired by visualization, the results of which can be in turn visualized and lead to the next round of visual exploration and analysis. In this way, new insights and hypotheses gleaned from the raw data and the current level of analysis can contribute to further analysis. As a first step toward this goal, we implement a visualization system with three critical components: (1) A smooth interface between visualization and data mining. The new analysis results can be automatically loaded into our visualization tool. (2) A flexible tool to explore and query temporal data derived from raw multimedia data. We represent temporal data into two forms - continuous variables and event variables. We have developed various ways to visualize both temporal correlations and statistics of multiple variables with the same type, and conditional and high-order statistics between continuous and event variables. (3) A seamless interface between raw multimedia data and derived data. Our visualization tool allows users to explore, compare, and analyze multi-stream derived variables and simultaneously switch to access raw multimedia data. We demonstrate various functions in our visualization program using a set of multimedia data including video, audio and motion tracking data.
Role of surface step on misfit dislocation nucleation and critical thickness in semiconductor heterostructures

Abstract We discuss the role of surface step formation on misfit dislocation nucleation and critical thickness in thin film semiconductor heterostructures. On the basis of an atomistic model, it is shown that the energy change due to step formation is negative or positive depending upon the sign of the misfit. The step formation energy can even be negative for compressive misfit stress in the heterolayer, while it is definitely positive for tensile misfit stress. This conclusion is in contrast to the classical model where the step energy is always positive and independent of the sign of the misfit. The step formation energy influences the critical thickness and the energy barrier for dislocation nucleation. Using a simple atomistic simulation, we show that the critical thickness depends upon the sign of the misfit; for example, it changes from 4 nm fe films on Si(100) substrates to 6 nm for Si films on Ge(100) substrates having the same misfit.
CT Fluoroscopy-guided Interventional Procedures: Techniques and Radiation Dose to Radiologists

PURPOSE: To determine the radiation dose to radiologists who perform computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopic interventional procedures by using a quick-check method and a low-milliampere technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred twenty CT fluoroscopy–guided interventional procedures were performed in 189 patients. Procedures included 57 spinal injections, 17 spinal biopsies, 24 chest biopsies, 20 abdominal aspirations, 44 abdominal biopsies, and 58 abdominal drainages. Procedure details were prospectively recorded and included site, depth, target diameter, milliampere value, kilovolt peak, fluoroscopic time, and CT technique (continuous CT fluoroscopy, quick-check method, or a combination of these techniques). An individual collar and finger radiation detector were worn by each radiologist during each procedure to determine the dose per procedure. RESULTS: The quick-check technique was performed in 191 (87%) of 220 procedures. Four procedures were performed with continuous CT fluoroscopy, and a combina...
High-Temperature Incommensurate-to-Commensurate Phase Transition in the Bi2MoO6 Catalyst

Abstract The temperature-dependent behavior of the low- and intermediate-temperature phases of γ -Bi 2 MoO 6 were investigated. As revealed by high-resolution neutron and synchrotron powder diffraction as well as electron diffraction, the low-temperature Aurivillius phase shows a previously undetected incommensurate modulation along the pseudo-tetragonal a ( q a =0.5626(2)) and c ( q c =0.2844(2)) axes. A reversible incommensurate-to-commensurate phase transition to the intermediate-temperature phase occurs near 840 K, before irreversibly transforming near 880 K into the fluorite-related high-temperature polymorph described in detail by two of us in an earlier study (Buttrey et al. , J. Solid State Chem. 111, 118–127 (1994)).
Influence of size on apparent scrambling of sequence during CID of b -type ions

We investigated the influence of peptide size on the apparent loss of sequence during collision-induced dissociation (CID) of b ions using a group of peptides containing from between 4 and 10 residues. Although scrambling of sequence for b3+ generated from tetrapeptides is minimal, significant formation of nondirect sequence ions (i.e., ions for which scrambling has apparently occurred) was observed for all larger b ions included in the study.
An effective dipping method for coating activated carbon catalyst on the cathode electrodes of microbial fuel cells

Activated carbon (AC) has been demonstrated as a promising cathode catalyst for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). A simple and effective dipping method was developed and examined for coating AC with better control of the loading rate than the commonly used brushing method.