cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defective Secretion of Mucilage is the Cellular Basis for Agravitropism in Primary Roots of Zea mays cv. Ageotropic

Root caps of primary, secondary, and seminal roots of Z. mays cv. Kys secrete large amounts of mucilage and are in close contact with the root all along the root apex. These roots are strongly graviresponsive. Secondary and seminal roots of Z. mays cv. Ageotropic are also strongly graviresponsive. Similarly, their caps secrete mucilage and closely appress the root all along the root apex. However, primary roots of Z. mays cv. Ageotropic are non-responsive to gravity. Their caps secrete negligible amounts of mucilage and contact the root only at the extreme apex of the root along the calyptrogen. These roots become graviresponsive when their tips are coated with mucilage or mucilage-like materials. Peripheral cells of root caps of roots of Z. mays cv. Kys contain many dictyosomes associated with vesicles that migrate to and fuse with the plasmalemma. Root-cap cells of secondary and seminal (i.e. graviresponsive) roots of Z. mays cv. Ageotropic are similar to those of primary roots of Z. mays cv. Kys. However, root-cap cells of primary (i.e. non-graviresponsive) roots of Z. mays cv. Ageotropic have distended dictyosomal cisternae filled with an electron-dense, granular material. Large vesicles full of this material populate the cells and apparently do not fuse with the plasmalemma. Taken together, these results suggest that non-graviresponsiveness of primary roots of Z. mays cv. Ageotropic results from the lack of apoplastic continuity between the root and the periphery of the root cap. This is a result of negligible secretion of mucilage by cells along the edge of the root cap which, in turn, appears to be due to the malfunctioning of dictyosomes in these cells.
An Examination of the Stress-strain Curve of Crimped Polyethylene Terephthalate Staple Fibers

Randomly occurring defects and the weakest link theory are frequently used to describe the distribution of break strengths observed in fibers. However, with crimped polyester staple, and probably other melt-spun fibers, the contribution of differences in fiber orientation is at least as large, perhaps larger. When both defects and orientation are considered, a Gaussian distribution is generally a better description of the strength variation.
Young children's understanding of war and peace

Forty‐nine prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first‐grade children were interviewed and asked eight questions directed at their understandings and attitudes about war and peace. The children were also asked to select, from a box of small toys, four toys they would use to play war. Most children defined war by describing the aggressive actions of fighting, shooting, and blowing‐up. How wars begin and end was less understood. An attitude of rejection of war existed at these ages, increasing with age and stronger for females. Most of the children who felt they had viewed wars identified television as their source. Toys selected for war play consisted of figures who can be seen in aggressive, war‐like actions. Peace was understood primarily as a state of quietness or privacy. Implications of this study for peace education curricula are discussed.
Functional imaging with Turbo-CASL: transit time and multislice imaging considerations.

The optimal use of turbo continuous arterial spin labeling (Turbo-CASL) for functional imaging in the presence of activationinduced transit time (TT) changes was investigated. Functional imaging of a bilateral finger-tapping task showed improved sensitivity for Turbo-CASL as compared to traditional CASL techniques for four of six subjects when scanned at an appropriate repetition time (TR). Both experimental and simulation results suggest that for optimal functional sensitivity with Turbo-CASL, the pulse TR should be set to a value that is 100 – 200 ms less than the resting-state TT. Simulations were also run to demonstrate the differences in TT sensitivity of different slices within a multislice acquisition, and the signal loss that is expected as the number of slices is increased. Despite the lower baseline ASL signal provided by the Turbo-CASL acquisition, one can achieve equal or improved functional sensitivity due in part to the signal enhancement that accompanies the decrease in TT upon activation. Turbo-CASL is thus a promising technique for functional ASL at higher temporal resolution. Magn Reson Med 57:661– 669, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Features of the metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer in African-American men.

BACKGROUND. Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions that includes hypertension, dyslipidemia, central adiposity, and high blood glucose levels. Over the past decade, a growing body of literature suggests that metabolic syndrome may be associated with several different forms of cancer. Because prostate cancer risk is highest among African Americans, and these men, similarly, are more prone to developing specific features of the metabolic syndrome, including hypertension and type-2 diabetes, any relationships would have a significant impact on developing strategies for the primary prevention of prostate cancer. METHODS. The Flint Men's Health Study is a community-based, case-control study of prostate cancer conducted exclusively among African Americans. Prostate cancer cases and controls completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire that asked about the respondent's history of high blood pressure and diabetes. All men also participated in a physical examination in which several measures of body composition, including waist circumference, were collected. RESULTS. Hypertension was reported more commonly among men with prostate cancer (cases) compared with men in the control group (odds ratio [OR]. 2.4; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.5–3.7), and cases were more likely to have a waist circumference >102 cm (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2–2.9). However, self-reported diabetes was not associated with prostate cancer risk. The men with prostate cancer also were more likely than controls to exhibit multiple syndrome characteristics (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–3.0). CONCLUSIONS. The current results indicated that features of the metabolic syndrome, specifically abdominal obesity and hypertension, are associated with prostate cancer in African-American men. This relationship, if it is proved causal, suggests that prevention or control of these conditions eventually may lead to a reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer in this high-risk minority group. Cancer 2007 © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Magnetic resonance imaging anatomy of the female genitalia in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We used contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the female genital organs to describe normal anatomy and differences between premenopausal and postmenopausal women.Materials and Methods: A total of 12 healthy premenopausal and 9 healthy postmenopausal women underwent MRI. A 1.5 Tesla system with phased array coils anterior and posterior to the pelvis was used to produce T1-weighted images before and after intravenous administration of MS-325 (Epix Medical, Cambridge, Massachusetts), a new gadolinium based blood pool contrast agent. Select structural dimensions were measured for reference.Results: The clitoris and vestibular bulbs were well delineated on T1-weighted post-contrast images. The clitoral unit formed a brightly enhancing, wishbone-shaped structure lying just anterior to the inverted V of the bulbs, which surrounded the urethra and vagina. The urethral complex had a target-like appearance with layers that were discernible on T1 post-contrast images. The urethra, va...
Socialization Tactics, Self-Efficacy, and Newcomers' Adjustments to Organizations

This study investigated the relationship between the socialization tactics employed by organizations and a series of role and personal outcomes. It also examined the effects of self-efficacy on role orientation. Consistent with predictions, results suggest that different patterns of socialization lead to different forms of newcomer adjustment to organizations. Specifically, institutionalized tactics lead to custodial role orientations, and individualized tactics to innovative role orientations. The results also suggest that self-efficacy moderates this learning process-specifically that socialization tactics produce a stronger custodial role orientation when newcomers possess low levels of self-efficacy.
THE FUNCTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC IN TRAGEDY

Abstract Music is a kind of mimesis, Aristotle writes at the beginning of the Poetics, just like poetry and the visual arts. Therefore, the ‘seasoned language’ (hdusmenos logos) of tragedy is not a form of language embellished or made pleasurable by music, but a means of imitation enabled by music to represent - in the lyric parts of drama such as choral songs, soli and kommoi - what plain speach cannot express, viz. heightened emotion and bold characterization resulting from it. The significative connotations which music adds to language are due to the fact that Greek music was modal and traditional; its elements (modes, rhythms, melodies, tone colours) were considered (by Plato and Aristotle among others) to correspond with, and produce likenesses of, ethical qualities, and thus incite emotions appropriate to the latter.
Chest pain in an adolescent male

A 15-year-old boy was referred to our emergency department for evaluation of subcutaneous emphysema. The patient had presented with gradual onset of dull resting chest pain lasting for almost an hour. The nature of the pain subsequently changed to sharp and radiated to his throat. He had undergone a chest X-ray at the outside emergency department which was remarkable for subcutaneous emphysema. Laboratory evaluation revealed no abnormality. He was subsequently transferred to our emergency department without any further intervention. The patient was symptom free upon arrival. He denied any history of trauma or prior such episodes. Physical examination revealed a well appearing male, alert, oriented, and in no acute distress with palpable subcutaneous emphysema over the right trapezius muscle and neck. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest was obtained (Figs. 1 and ​and2).2). Chest CT confirmed the presence of subcutaneous emphysema as seen in Fig. 1 (arrowhead). There was additional evidence of extensive pneumomediastinum (white arrow). There was no pneumothorax, obvious esophageal or tracheolaryngeal perforation, or fistula. Fig. 1 CT confirming subcutaneous emphysema (arrowhead) and extensive pneumomediastinum (arrow) Fig. 2 Scout view depicting lucency along left mediastinal border (arrow) associated with pneumomediastinum. Also note the subcutaneous emphysema in the right chest wall (arrowhead) Spontaneous mediastinal emphysema (Hamman’s syndrome/pneumomediastinum) is a rare condition which is usually benign and nonrecurrent. It is known to be associated with transiently elevated intra-alveolar pressures [1]. It may present without any underlying precipitating factors or may be secondary to many factors [1]. The commonest presentation is with chest pain and dyspnea, with subcutaneous emphysema being the most common sign [1]. A precordial crunching sound synchronous with the heartbeat is the characteristic Hamman’s sign [1], which was absent in our patient. Treatment is expectant [1]. The patient was observed for a few hours and subsequently dismissed. The patient did well on follow-up and had an uneventful course.
Highly sensitive electrochemical detection of methyl salicylate using electroactive gold nanoparticles

Electrochemical sensing of methyl salicylate, a key plant volatile has been achieved using a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The electrochemical response of planar gold electrodes, SPCE and AuNP–SPCE in alkaline electrolyte in the presence and absence of methyl salicylate were studied to understand the amperometric response of various electrochemical reactions. The reaction mechanism includes hydrolysis of methyl salicylate and the oxidation of negative species. The electrochemical responses were recorded using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques, where the results showed characteristic signals for methyl salicylate oxidation. Among the examined electrodes, AuNP–SPCE possessed three fold better sensitivity than planar gold and 35 times better sensitivity than SPCE (at 0.5 V). The methyl salicylate sensing by AuNP–SPCE possessed 95% of its methyl salicylate response. The electroanalytical results of soybean extract showed that AuNP–SPCE can be employed for the determination of methyl salicylate in real samples.
Factors Affecting The Experimental Line Spread Function (Lsf) Measurement And Modulation Transfer Function (Mtf) Calculation Including Deviation In Characteristic Curve Shape

The major potential errors in the slit method measurement of the line spread function (LSF) and the modu-lation transfer function (MTF) of radiographic screen-film systems are reviewed. These errors are compared with the potential error introduced in the LSF due to an erroneous representation of the characteristic curve (sensitometric data). If a deviation in the sensitometric data results in a lower average gradient of the characteristic curve, the MTF will show higher resolution capabilities.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comparison of discharge methods and habitat optimization for recommending instream flows to protect fish habitat

Reliable methods are urgently needed for recommending minimum instream flows to protect aquatic life. For basinwide planning purposes, simple methods, which require little or nor field investigations, are required. While these methods tend to be conservative, the degree to which they protect habitat for fish is seldom determined. We applied physical microhabitat models (PHABSIM) for nine target fish species in four streams in the upper James River basin, Virginia, U.S.A., to (1) identify optimum flows to protect the fish fauna, (2) investigate the relationship between optimum flow and average discharge, and (3) compare our findings with recommendations based on simple discharge methods. Micohabitat availability for riffle-dependent species was most limited at low flows while microhabitat availability for pool-dependent species was most limited at high flows. At each study site there was a rapid increase in riffle habitat as discharge increased above zero. Optimum flow was the flow that maximized habitat for the most habitat-limited species or life stages. The recommended optimum flow increased with increased stream size but the slope was not constant; as stream size increased lower proportions of average discharge were required to maintain optimum habitat. Aquatic Base Flow recommendations (i.e. September median flow) provided varying, but reasonable degrees of habitat protection. The Montana method 10 per cent average discharge recommendation correctly identified degraded or poor habitat conditions and the 30 per cent recommendation corresponded to near optimum habitat in small streams but greater than optimum flow at the large stream site. Seven-day, 1-in-10-year low flows (7Q10) provide very limited amounts of physical habitat for riffle-dwelling fishes. The results provide a basis for making preliminary flow recommendations in this region with readily available data. Future studies will be needed to test the assumptions that need to be made.
Ductal drainage with head coring in chronic pancreatitis with small-duct disease.

Purpose. To assess prospectively the feasibility of drainage procedures in patients with chronic pancreatitis and small ducts.
Using GIS to estimate lake volume from limited data

Abstract Estimates of lake volume are necessary for calculating residence time and modeling pollutants. Modern GIS methods for calculating lake volume improve on more dated technologies (e.g., planimeters) and do not require potentially inaccurate assumptions (e.g., volume of a frustum of a cone), but most GIS methods do require detailed bathymetric data, which may be unavailable. GIS technology cannot correct for a lack of data; however, it can facilitate development of methods that better use the relatively simple and more widely available measurements of lake shape and maximum depth. In this research note we describe a method to model bathymetry and estimate lake volume with a limited set of data that consists only of a maximum depth measurement and a GIS layer of lake shoreline. Using a simple linear transformation, we estimated depth as a function of distance from shoreline and with the resultant information estimated lake volume. We applied and compared this method with estimates derived from field ...
Instantons and SL ( 2 , R ) symmetry in type IIB supergravity

We discuss the relation between the dual formulations of type IIB supergravity emphasizing the differences between the Lorentz and Euclidean signature. We demonstrate how the SL(2,R) symmetry of the usual action is manifested in the solution of the equations of motion with Euclidean signature for the dual theory.
An assignment principle for urban networks based on travel budgets

Abstract A new assignment principle for traveler behavior in an urban network is described which is based on empirical findings in the theory of travel budgets. It characterizes the distribution of travelers, demand, and modal split. It treats all travel decisions (whether to travel, where to go, how to get there) and the important costs (time and money) in a single, unified way. A numerical technique is proposed and it is applied to several examples to illustrate qualitative features.
Helicopter Flight-Control Reconfiguration for Main Rotor Actuator Failures

Although reconfigurable flight control has been well demonstrated on fixed-wing aircraft using existing control surface redundancies, such failure accommodations were widely believed to be impossible for single main rotor helicopters. In fact, on any such existing helicopter, the failure of a main rotor actuator is catastrophic, resulting in a complete loss of control. An actuator geometry that enables reconfigurable helicopter flight control is presented, and, from this, reconfigurable flight-control methods are developed to accommodate main rotor actuator failures. The geometry provides control axes coupling that is key to solving the reconfigurable flight-control problem. Such coupling enables the development of a swashplate reconfiguration strategy, where any two of the three control axes can be controlled at a time, despite a failure in any one of the main rotor actuators. Of most interest is the particular swashplate reconfiguration solution where attitude control (pitch and roll) is retained, whereas vertical control is sacrificed. Vertical control is then achieved by one of two methods: flight to a longitudinal velocity that supports the desired vertical velocity or the use of rotor speed to change the main rotor's thrust to perform limited closed-loop vertical control. These methods are combined to form a robust reconfigurable flight-control method. All of these methods are independent of the underlying flight-control system. Such independence is demonstrated by evaluation of the reconfigurable flight-control methods for two different flight-control systems: a classic proportional-integral-derivative controller and neural dynamic programming, a neural network based controller, All designs are tested by the use of a sophisticated nonlinear validated model of the Apache helicopter.
AXENIC CULTURE OF PISTIA STRATIOTES FOR USE IN PLANT BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES

Abstract Free-floating aquatic plants are useful in studies of plant biochemistry. Their value lies in the fact that they are naturally adapted to growth on liquid media which can be precisely manipulated. Critical biochemical studies require axenic plants free of contaminating organisms which contribute unwanted chemical products or bind/metabolize added compounds. Axenic plants of Lemna , Spirodela , and Wolffiella species have been available for some time. Access to axenic cultures of the free-floating aquatic plant, Pistia stratiotes L., Araceae, (water lettuce) would provide a model more representative of higher and terrestrial plants (leaves, stems, stolons, multiple roots). Our choice of P. stratiotes focuses on its value as a model to study oxalic acid formation and calcium regulation as related to calcium oxalate production. To this end, we have developed axenic Pistia cultures and compared non-axenic plants grown in greenhouse conditions to the axenic plants in terms of organic acid content and morphology/anatomy. Axenic Pistia were comparable to greenhouse-grown plants, the only difference being the smaller size of axenic plants. This study demonstrates the suitability of axenic Pistia for biochemical research and also indicates that such plants will be very useful in studies of bioremediation and other processes in aquatic systems.
Cuyahoga County Operation Stroke Speed of Emergency Department Evaluation and Compliance With National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Time Targets

Background and Purpose— Although the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has established time targets for the evaluation of acute stroke patients, little is known about how often these targets are met in the community. To track compliance with NINDS guidelines, Cuyahoga County Operation Stroke implemented a countywide data collection process that provides comparative reporting of hospital performance. Methods— Data on the emergency department evaluation of stroke patients have been retrospectively collected since January 2000 by hospitals participating in Cuyahoga County Operation Stroke. All hospitals used a 1-page form that includes NINDS time target information. Results— Median time to emergency department arrival for the 1003 patients in this cohort was 115 minutes; 382 patients (38%) arrived in <3 hours; 506 (50%) arrived in <6 hours. After arrival, median time to physician contact was 12 minutes, time to CT was 65 minutes, and time to imaging results was 105 minutes. Ear...
How focus at encoding affects children’s source monitoring

Retention of source information is enhanced by focus on speakers' feelings about statements even though recognition is reduced for both adults and children. However, does any focus on another person lead to enhanced source monitoring, or is a particular kind of focus required? Does other-focus enhance source monitoring, or does self-focus detract from it? In Experiment 1, 4- and 6-year-olds watched two speakers make statements in a no-focus control or with focus directed on how they (or a speaker) felt about the statements or on perceptual features about themselves (or the speaker). Source monitoring decisions were enhanced by other-focus in both the perceptual and emotional conditions. However, the effect was larger for the emotional condition, and source monitoring exceeded no-focus controls only for this condition. Experiment 2 showed no effect of other-focus versus self-focus on source monitoring when questions were semantic.
6-Alkoxyisoindolin-1-one based dopamine D2 partial agonists as potential antipsychotics.

Abstract A series of 6-alkoxyisoindolin-1-ones with a magic shotgun pharmacological profile are presented as potential antipsychotics. The in vitro pharmacological profile includes D2 partial agonism (30–55%), 5-HT1A partial agonism (60–90%), and 5-HT2A antagonism. Selected compounds in this series displayed good in vivo activity and potency.
Capturing subject variability in data driven fMRI analysis: A graph theoretical comparison

Recent simulation studies, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) like data, have shown that independent vector analysis (IVA) is a superior solution for capturing subject variability when compared to the popular group independent component analysis. This is of fundamental importance for identifying group differences which is a common goal of medical research. Nevertheless, there have not been similar studies on the effectiveness of IVA using real fMRI data. The main difficulties when working with real data are the lack of a ground truth and the high variability among subjects when performing the analysis. In this paper, we present a graph-theoretic approach to effectively compare an algorithm's ability to capture subject variability for real fMRI data and also address the important issue of order selection for capturing subject variability.
Evidence for a non-hemin regulated translational repressor in Friend leukemia virus transformed murine proerythroblasts.

Abstract Lysates prepared from Friend leukemia virus transformed murine proerythroblasts, unlike those prepared from rabbit reticulocytes, are not significantly stimulated by hemin over a wide concentration range. Mixing of rabbit reticulocyte and Friend leukemia cell lysates, in the absence or presence of added hemin, results in the inhibition of synthesis of reticulocyte proteins. A translational repressor has been partially purified from these leukemic cells.
Processing high-density, fine-grained Ba2YCu3O7 superconductors

The techniques for processing Ba2YCu3O7 fine-grained, high-density superconductors are described. Densification and microstructure are found to be strongly dependent on the choice of the barium precursor. The resulting microstructures are characterized using transmission electron microscopy.
Clinical and anatomic outcomes after embolotherapy of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.

PURPOSE To assess long-term clinical and imaging results of technically successful pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM) embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred fifty-five patients with pulmonary AVMs underwent embolization during a period of 3 years. Recommended follow-up included clinical assessment, helical computed tomography, and physiologic evaluation within 1 year and then every 5 years. RESULTS Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia was present in 148 patients (95%). Four hundred fifteen pulmonary AVMs were occluded during 205 procedures. Clinical follow-up was available in all patients over 3–7 years and imaging follow-up was available in 144 patients (393 lesions) over 1–7 years (mean, 2.9 y). Problems related to pulmonary AVMs occurred in 35 patients (23%) at 42 time points: 22 patients with 23 symptomatic events and 17 patients with 19 asymptomatic events. Symptoms resulted from growth of nonembolized pulmonary AVMs ( n = 19), residual embolized pulmonary AVMs ( n = 5), or both ( n = 2). Symptoms consisted of respiratory manifestations ( n = 13), cerebral ischemia ( n = 4), brain abscess ( n = 5), hemoptysis ( n = 3), and seizure ( n = 1). Imaging showed pulmonary AVM involution in 97% of embolized lesions and 11 residual lesions (2.8%) in 10 patients (6.9%). These were caused by recanalization ( n = 7), presence of an accessory feeding artery ( n = 1), pulmonary collateral vessels ( n = 1), and bronchial collateral vessels ( n = 2). CT detected 10 of the 11 residual lesions. Imaging detected 97 previously small pulmonary AVMs that had enlarged to a significant size in 28 patients (18%), 15 of whom were symptomatic and 13 of whom were asymptomatic. CONCLUSION Clinical and anatomic evaluation after pulmonary AVM embolization is important to detect persistent or reperfused lesions and enlarging lesions, with the latter more common. Patients with persistent, reperfused, or enlarging lesions often have symptoms, but a significant minority of patients are asymptomatic. More frequent assessment may improve detection before the onset of symptoms.
Cost Analysis and Profitability of a Service with Seasonal Character

Service activities are considered and analyzed similarly to regular (production) activities. Whenever a service can be bought (sold) on the market, this service has an opportunity cost (realizable revenue). The market price is used in the analytical framework as a transfer price for the service transferred from the service department to the production enterprises. In this way the service department will earn income similarly to any production enterprise. The crucial cost concept to be used in this analysis is avoidable cost. Avoidable cost is defined as any cost that can be or could have been eliminated by an appropriate managerial decision. Avoidable costs include both (a) explicit costs such as fuel or insurance, and (b) implicit costs such as interest on liquid assets (tractors).1 When the demand for a service fluctuates periodically, a two-part charging method is applied.2 The two-part charging method means that the consumer is required to pay two charges: (a) for the right to use the service, and (b) for the actual use of the service, a charge which varies directly with the level of use.
Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer by Natural Agents from Mother Nature

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States after cancers of the lung and the breast and/or prostate. Whereas the incidence of CRC in the United States is among the highest in the world (approximately 52/100,000), its incidence in India is among the lowest (approximately 7/100,000), suggesting that lifestyle factors may be involved in development of the disease. Whereas obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, a high-calorie diet, and a lack of physical activity promote this cancer, evidence indicates that foods containing folates, selenium, vitamin D, dietary fiber, garlic, milk, calcium, spices, vegetables, and fruits are protective against CRC in humans. Numerous agents from “mother nature” (also called “nutraceuticals”) that have potential to both prevent and treat CRC have been identified. The most significant discoveries relate to such compounds as cardamonin, celastrol, curcumin, deguelin, diosgenin, thymoquinone, tocotrienol, ursolic acid, and zerumbone. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, these agents modulate multiple targets, including transcription factors, growth factors, tumor cell survival factors, inflammatory pathways, and invasion and angiogenesis linked closely to CRC. We describe the potential of these dietary agents to suppress the growth of human CRC cells in culture and to inhibit tumor growth in animal models. We also describe clinical trials in which these agents have been tested for efficacy in humans. Because of their safety and affordability, these nutraceuticals provide a novel opportunity for treatment of CRC, an “old age” disease with an “age old” solution.
Soliton-like behavior in automata

Abstract We propose a new kind of automaton that uses newly computed site values as soon as they are available. We call them Filter Automata (FA); they are analogous to Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) digital filters, whereas the usual Cellular Automata (CA) correspond to Finite Impulse Response (FIR) digital filters. It is shown that as a class the FA's are equivalent to CA's, in the sense that the same array of space-generation values can be produced; they must be generated in a different order, however. A particular class of irreversible, totalistic FA's are described that support a profusion of persistent structures that move at different speeds, and these particle-like patterns collide in nondestructive ways. They often pass through one another with nothing more than a phase jump, much like the solitons that arise in the solution of certain nonlinear differential equations. Histograms of speed, displacement, and period are given for neighborhood radii from 2 to 6 and particles with generators up to 16 bits wide. We then present statistics, for neighborhood radii 2 to 9, which show that collisions which preserve the identity of particles are very common.
A Numerical Investigation of Blood Damage in the Hinge Area of Aortic Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valves During the Leakage Phase

Previous experimental and numerical blood studies have shown that high shear stress levels, long exposure times to these shear stresses, and flow recirculation promote thromboembolism. Artificial heart valves, in particular bileaflet mechanical heart valves (BMHVs), are prone to developing thromboembolic complications. These complications often form at the hinge regions of BMHVs and the associated geometry has been shown to affect the local flow dynamics and the associated thrombus formation. However, to date no study has focused on simulating the motion of realistically modeled blood elements within the hinge region to numerically estimate the hinge-related blood damage. Consequently, this study aims at (a) simulating the motion of realistically modeled platelets during the leakage (mid-diastole) phase in different BMHV hinge designs placed in the aortic position and (b) quantitatively comparing the blood damage associated with different designs. Three designs are investigated to assess the effects of hinge geometry and dimensions: a 23 mm St. Jude Medical Regent™ valve hinge with two different gap distances between the leaflet ear and hinge recess; and a 23 mm CarboMedics (CM) aortic valve hinge. The recently developed lattice-Boltzmann method with external boundary force method is used to simulate the hinge flow and capture the dynamics and surface shear stresses of individual platelets. A blood damage index (BDI) value is then estimated based on a linear shear stress-exposure time BDI model. The velocity boundary conditions are obtained from previous 3D large-scale simulations of the hinge flow fields. The trajectories of the blood elements in the hinge region are found to be qualitatively similar for all three hinges, but the shear stresses experienced by individual platelets are higher for the CM hinge design, leading to a higher BDI. The results of this study are also shown to be in good agreement with previous studies, thus validating the numerical method for future research in BMHV flows. This study provides a general numerical tool to optimize the hinge design based on both hemodynamic and thromboembolic performance.
Fluorescent molecular rotor for the study of membrane fluidity in endothelial cells under fluid shear stress

Molecular rotors are fluorescent probes that change quantum yield with the viscosity of their environment. When integrated into the cell membrane, they can be used to probe viscosity changes of the membrane. Fluid shear stress is hypothesized to increase membrane fluidity in the membrane of endothelial cells, a change that leads to the activation of heterotrimetric G proteins, thus activating a signal transduction cascade. This hypothesis was examined using a molecular rotor, 9-dicyanovinyl-julolidine (DCVJ) as membrane probe. The principal response, a decease of fluorescence intensity caused by increased membrane fluidity, was obtained by adding a fluidity-increasing agent to the cells. In a parallel-plate flow chamber, a confluent layer of DCVJ-labeled human umbilical cord venous endothelial cells were exposed to different levels of fluid shear stress. With increased shear, a reduced fluorescence intensity was observed, indicating an increase of membrane fluidity. Step changes of fluid shear stress caused an approximately linear drop of fluorescence within 5 seconds, showing fast and almost full recovery after shear stopped. A linear relationship between shear stress and membrane fluidity changes was also observed. This study not only shows the suitability of the molecular rotor DCVJ as a membrane fluidity probe, but also provides evidence for the direct link between fluid shear stress and membrane fluidity, and suggests that the membrane is the primary flow mechanosensor of the cell.
Vascular reconstruction utilizing artery from an amputated extremity: A case report.

Although infrainguinal arterial reconstruction is best performed with autologous tissue, reconstruction with vein in an infected field has been associated with vein graft disruption and hemorrhage. H.P., a 61-year-old man with peripheral vascular disease, was initially seen with an infected prosthetic right femoral-tibioperoneal artery bypass graft. Because of the presence of purulent drainage from the proximal and distal anastomotic regions and his comorbidities, a right through-knee guillotine amputation was performed, followed by graft excision and groin debridement. Right hip and thigh perfusion was preserved via arterial reconstruction by using a segment of endarterectomized popliteal artery, harvested from the amputated extremity. Arterial reconstruction with autologous tissue from an amputated extremity allowed us to balance our patient's overall risks with life and tissue preservation. This technique may be applied in the settings of lower extremity ischemia, trauma, or malignancy requiring concomitant arterial or venous reconstruction.
The influence of membrane lipid structure on plasma membrane Ca2+ -ATPase activity.

Abstract Lipid composition and Ca 2+ -ATPase activity both change with age and disease in many tissues. We explored relationships between lipid composition/structure and plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase (PMCA) activity. PMCA was purified from human erythrocytes and was reconstituted into liposomes prepared from human ocular lens membrane lipids and synthetic lipids. Lens lipids were used in this study as a model for naturally ordered lipids, but the influence of lens lipids on PMCA function is especially relevant to the lens since calcium homeostasis is vital to lens clarity. Compared to fiber cell lipids, epithelial lipids exhibited an ordered to disordered phase transition temperature that was 12 °C lower. Reconstitution of PMCA into lipids was essential for maximal activity. PMCA activity was two to three times higher when the surrounding phosphatidylcholine molecules contained acyl chains that were ordered (stiff) compared to disordered (fluid) acyl chains. In a completely ordered lipid hydrocarbon chain environment, PMCA associates more strongly with the acidic lipid phosphatidylserine in comparison to phosphatidylcholine. PMCA associates much more strongly with phosphatidylcholine containing disordered hydrocarbon chains than ordered hydrocarbon chains. PMCA activity is influenced by membrane lipid composition and structure. The naturally high degree of lipid order in plasma membranes such as those found in the human lens may serve to support PMCA activity. The absence of PMCA activity in the cortical region of human lenses is apparently not due to a different lipid environment. Changes in lipid composition such as those observed with age or disease could potentially influence PMCA function.
Stereoscopic image-inpainting-based view synthesis algorithm for glasses-based and glasses-free 3D displays

We propose a new algorithm for synthesis of novel views based on existing stereo 3D imagery for both glasses-based and glasses-free 3D displays. Due to the often differing audience preferences for stereo depth perception on glasses-based displays, the range of perceived 3D depth needs to be either compressed or expanded. The proposal algorithm enables this depth adjustment through the synthesis of new virtual views, by incorporating intensity, disparity, and geometric saliency cues present in the stereo image pair. The proposed algorithm is further capable of eliminating the grid quantization artifacts, a common phenomenon when manipulating discrete image disparities. The algorithm can be also applied for generating multiple views for glasses-free 3D displays, based on the same stereo imagery. Successful results are demonstrated on real-world video datasets, and evaluated and validated by human subject studies.
Modeling dispersion at distances of meters from urban sources

Abstract This paper describes the evaluation and improvement of dispersion models for estimating ground-level concentrations in the vicinity of small sources located in urban areas. The models were evaluated with observations from a tracer study conducted at the University of California, Riverside. This experiment simulated a non-buoyant release from the top of a small source in an urban area. The tracer, SF6, was sampled at several receptors within 20 m from the source. Several receptors were located upwind of the dominant westerly wind direction. Model estimates from ISC-PRIME and AERMOD-PRIME were evaluated with hourly observed concentrations. The evaluation indicated that the highest concentrations were overestimated by these models. At the same time, the lower range of concentrations was underestimated. A diagnostic study with a simple Gaussian dispersion model that incorporated site specific meteorology indicated that these errors could be reduced by accounting for the lateral meandering caused by increased horizontal turbulence in urban areas. While AERMOD incorporates lateral meandering, it switches it off in the near field affected by PRIME estimates. This study found that using onsite turbulence information in a simple model for meandering can lead to adequate estimates of observed concentrations even when downwash effects are not modeled explicitly.
Distribution and mobilization of sulfur during soybean reproduction

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed protein is deficient in the essential sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine, and cysteine. Transgenic approaches to increase coding for these amino acids have not been particularly fruitful. Little is known about the relative importance of S stored in vegetative tissues for seed protein synthesis. This study was conducted to secure data on sulfur (S) uptake, distribution, and mobilization patterns in the reproductive phase of soybean grown under S sufficient conditions. Soybean plants were grown in hydroponic culture and pulsed with 35 S labeled SO 4 at several discrete stages during the reproductive phase of development. Sequential harvest of plants indicated where and how S is stored and mobilized during reproduction in soybean. Leaves supplied developing soybean seed with approximately 20% of its S requirement. Distribution of newly acquired S within plants changed through reproductive development; however, leaves mobilized S with a similar efficiency through R5.5. Expanding leaves take up disproportionately large quantities of S; however, leaf tissue seems dependent on newly acquired S, and is unable to utilize stored SO 4 . Pods play an important role in S storage and mobilization to seed. In contrast to the leaf fraction, expanding pods were able to utilize stored S. Pods and seeds seem dependent on mobilized S. This study demonstrates that developing soybean seeds are dependent on S that has been mobilized from other plant tissues.
Bacillus subtilis flagellar proteins FliP, FliQ, FliR and FlhB are related to Shigella flexneri virulence factors

Abstract The amino acid sequences of the Bacillus subtilis flagellar proteins, FliP, FliQ, FliR and FlhB, as deduced from their respective nucleotide sequences, were found to share significant homology to the Shigella flexneri Spa24, Spa9, Spa29 and Spa40 virulence proteins, respectively. These proteins are required for the presentation of surface plasmid antigens. These results further support the growing hypothesis that a superfamily of proteins exists for the biosynthesis of supramolecular structures that lie in and external to the cell membrane.
Effects of Perceived Attractiveness and Academic Success on Early Adolescent Peer Popularity

Effects of perceived attractiveness and academic performance on 9th graders' ratings of peers' popularity were investigated. Participants were 270 9th graders (152 girls, 118 boys) who read a vignette describing a hypothetical same-sex peer with whom the student had been assigned to complete a project. The partner's attractiveness and academic performance were systematically varied in four conditions: high attractiveness/high grades, high attractiveness/low grades, low attractiveness/high grades, and low attractiveness/low grades. After reading the vignette, the students rated the partner's popularity. As hypothesized, analyses of variance revealed that attractive partners were significantly more popular than unattractive partners, regardless of whether the partner had high or low grades. Contrary to expectation, attractiveness was not more important to girls than to boys. Integration with past research and suggestions for future research are offered.
Parent Education for Families of Children with Autism Living in Geographically Distant Areas

Many families who are geographically distant from a center that specializes in intervention for autism are unable to access specialized services for their children. This article describes an evalua...
Abnormal economics in the health sector

Abstract The implosion of centrally-planned economies has led to a widespread and uncritical belief that a free market is the best mechanism for structuring the economic and social sectors. Many international agencies have pushed this belief on the developing nations. This paper offers a critical analysis of the effectiveness of using free market principles to structure the health sector. We try to answer two questions: in what spheres can the market operate freely? In what spheres is government action required? According to economic theory, the market is only appropriate for producing and distributing private goods. This study analyzed health care and subdivides it into three categories (public, merit, and private goods) to clarify where the market has a legitimate role. Next, we analyze two of the five markets in the health sector—financing and delivery—and assess the respective roles of the market and government. Competitive markets have certain prerequisites. We identify the major market failures by evaluating where these conditions are not satisfied. Next, we draw on international experience to ascertain the seriousness of those failures and the capacity of government action to correct them. Lessons are drawn for developing nations about the appropriateness of market strategies to finance and deliver health care.
Severity of injuries to motor vehicle drivers at highway-rail grade crossings in the United States

There are approximately 240,000 highway-rail grade crossings in the United States. High crash frequencies at these locations have led to continued research in safety modeling. Existing crash models for highway-rail grade crossings can be classified into two categories: models for predicting accident frequency and models of the severity of driver injuries. The majority of these studies have focused on the first category. Few studies have focused on the severity of injuries to motor vehicle drivers at highway-rail grade crossings. The objective of this study was to determine the contributing factors that influence the severity of driver injuries in accidents at highway-rail grade crossings. Probit models showed that the following factors were significant: whether the crash occurred during the peak hour, weather, visibility, vehicle type, vehicle speed, annual average daily traffic, train speed, driver age and gender, area type, and type of highway pavement. A marginal effects analysis was also conducted to quantitatively interpret the marginal effects of the contributing factors on each severity level for the highway driver.