cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loss of visual field among patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy.

Purpose To describe the prevalence and incidence of loss of visual field among patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy (BSCR) and to describe the effect of therapy on such field loss in these patients. Design Retrospective cohort study. Method setting: Single-center, academic practice. study population: Fifty-five patients with BSCR evaluated from January 1984 through July 2006. procedures: Demographic, clinical, and visual field data were collected retrospectively. outcome measures: Visual field loss is defined as an abnormal visual field score on Goldmann perimetry within six months of presentation and during follow-up; rate of visual field loss is defined as the number of degrees lost per year. Results Forty-eight eyes of 24 patients had Goldmann visual fields performed within six months of presentation and of these eyes, 75% and 56% had abnormal field scores for the I-4 and IV-4 isopters, respectively. Of the 28 eyes of 14 patients that received immunosuppressive drug therapy during the follow-up period, the rate of visual field “loss” prior to treatment was 107 degrees/year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 65, 148 degrees/year) and 56 degrees/year (95% CI: 5, 109 degrees/year) for the I-4 and IV-4 isopters, respectively. The rate of “gain” after institution of immunosuppressive drug therapy was 53 degrees/year (95% CI: 10 degrees lost/year, 98 degrees gained/year) and 30 degrees/year (95% CI: 20 degrees lost/year, 81 degrees gained/year) for each isopter. Conclusions Visual field loss was common among our patients with BSCR. Usage of immunosuppressive drug therapy may reverse some of the visual field loss while therapy is employed.
Monitoring Considerations for Port-Access Cardiac Surgery

Background A method for monitoring patients was evaluated in a clinical trial of minimally invasive port-access cardiac surgery with closed chest endovascular cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods and Results Cardiopulmonary bypass was conducted in 25 patients through femoral cannulas. An endovascular pulmonary artery vent was placed in the main pulmonary artery through a jugular vein. For mitral valve surgery, a catheter was placed in the coronary sinus for delivery of cardioplegia. A balloon catheter (“endoaortic clamp,” EAC) used for occlusion of the ascending aorta, delivery of cardioplegia, aortic root venting, and pressure measurement was inserted through a femoral artery and initially positioned by use of fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Potential migration of the EAC was monitored by (1) TEE of the ascending aorta, (2) pulsed-wave Doppler of the right carotid artery, (3) balloon pressure, (4) comparison of aortic root pressure and right radial artery pressure, and (5) fluoroscopy....
The generalized lasso is reducible to a subspace constrained lasso

We investigate connections between the generalized lasso and the standard lasso problem. We show by an efficient direct construction, that the generalized lasso problem is reducible to a subspace constrained lasso. We then derive the dual of the subspace constrained lasso. This dual problem can be projected to the dual of a standard lasso problem with a modified dictionary. Finally, we discuss the application of these ideas to image approximation using the 2D fused lasso.
TU‐G‐217BCD‐05: Enhanced CT Dose Reduction for a Pediatric Population Using Peak Tube Potential (kVp) Reduction Combined with ASiR™ Reconstruction

Purpose: To demonstrate enhanced CT dose reduction for a pediatric phantom population by implementing an iterative reconstruction (ASiR™) technique to compensate for added noise in reconstructedCTimages from kVp reduction. Methods: (1) This study compared contrast to noise(CNR) for three contrast targets inserted into the abdomen of a 1, 5, and 10 yr anthropomorphic phantoms (CIRS). The contrast targets were the respective bone, braintissue and spinal cord plugs manufactured for each phantom age. The phantoms were imaged using an abdomen protocol with 40% ASiR™at 120 kVp. The CNR and noise (standard deviation of ROI) for each phantom at 120 kVp were measured as a baseline from which subsequent scans at 80 and 100 kVp were compared. (2) MOSFETdetectors were placed inside the major abdominal organs of the phantoms. Absorbed dose was measured and converted to effective dose. Results: Increased CNR and noise were found when the phantoms were imaged with 80 and 100 kVp compared to 120 kVp. Soft tissue and bone CNR increased by ∼0% and 7–10%, respectively, at 100 kVp and 10–22% and 7–25%, respectively, at 80 kVp. Increase in noise magnitude was held below 6% for both 80 and 100 kVp. Dose reduction on the order of 35–45% was demonstrated at 120 kVp when 40% ASiR™was introduced. Total dose reduction of 55–62% was demonstrated for the 1, 5, and 10 yr phantom when imaged at 100 kVp and 50% ASiR™, but only 49–54% for the 1 and 5 yr phantoms at 80 kVp and 50% ASiR™. Conclusions:CT dose reduction on the order of 55–62% was achieved for a pediatric phantom population when modifications of kVp were combined with ASiR™. Increases in bone and soft tissuecontrast were demonstrated. Noise level increase was kept to = 6%.
Genetics, systematics and evolution of holarctic Pieris napi species group populations (Lepidoptera, Pieridae)

The genetic relationships of populations of the holarctic Pieris napi-group are analyzed by means of enzyme electrophoretic methods in an attempt to phenetically cluster the populations, define major radiations and examine the resultant sublineages in detail in order to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the group as a whole. The data confirm previous observations that European napi is specifically distinct from all North American taxa investigated so far and show that the Nearctic taxa are split into at least five different species: angelika Eitschberger, marginalis Scudder, meckyae Eitschberger, oleracea (Harris), and virginiensis Edwards. There are also clear indications for an interruption of gene-flow among the east Asian taxa melete Men. and nesis Fruhst. and japonica Shirozu. With respect to the evolution of the group the data demonstrate an early (Tertiary) split into Eurasian and North American sublineages. There is evidence for much subspeciation in both sublineages in Quaternary times. Zusammenfassung Die genetischen Verwandtschaftsbeziehungen von Populationen der holarktischen Pieris napi-Gruppe wurden mit Hilfe enzymelektrophoretischer Methoden analysiert, um zu versuchen, die Populationen zu Gruppen zusammenzufassen, die wichtigeren Radiationen zu bestimmen und die sich ergebenden Untergruppen im Detail zu prufen, um die Evolutionsgeschichte der gesamten Gruppe zu rekonstruieren. Die Ergebnisse bestarken die fruheren Beobachtungen, das die europaische “napi” von allen bisher untersuchten nordamerikanischen Taxa eindeutig verschieden ist und das die nearktischen Taxa zumindest in funf verschiedene Arten getrennt werden mussen: angelika Eitschberger, marginalis Scudder, meckyae Eitschberger, oleracera Harris und virginensis Edwards. Es gibt auch eindeutige Hinweise fur die Unterbrechung den Genflusses zwischen den ostasiatischen Taxa melete Men. und nesis Fruhst. und japonica Shirozu. Bezuglich der Evolution der Gruppe zeigen die Daten, das sich die Aufteilung in eine europaische und in eine nordamerikanische Linie schon fruhzeitig (Tertiar) vollzogen hat. Es erweist sich auch, das in beiden Linien viele Artbildungsprozesse im Quartar stattgefunden haben mussen.
Mediated Exhibitionism: The Naked Body in Performance and Virtual Space

Mediated exhibitionism is the phenomenon of amateur performers exposing their nude bodies on the Internet, and includes the exchange of nude images by email, text message, webcam, electronic bulletin board, and other means of digital communication. Although mediated exhibitionism has its foundation in live performance and traditional media forms, its potential as a means for broadening the aesthetics of the body and offering a form of resistance to social control is magnified by the interactive quality of the Internet. Conversely, new aesthetic ideals have been established and resistance to social control has been challenged by the very technology which made resistance possible. A series of websites catering to mediated exhibitionism were investigated.
Splinkerette PCR for Mapping Transposable Elements in Drosophila

Transposable elements (such as the P-element and piggyBac) have been used to introduce thousands of transgenic constructs into the Drosophila genome. These transgenic constructs serve many roles, from assaying gene/cell function, to controlling chromosome arm rearrangement. Knowing the precise genomic insertion site for the transposable element is often desired. This enables identification of genomic enhancer regions trapped by an enhancer trap, identification of the gene mutated by a transposon insertion, or simplifying recombination experiments. The most commonly used transgene mapping method is inverse PCR (iPCR). Although usually effective, limitations with iPCR hinder its ability to isolate flanking genomic DNA in complex genomic loci, such as those that contain natural transposons. Here we report the adaptation of the splinkerette PCR (spPCR) method for the isolation of flanking genomic DNA of any P-element or piggyBac. We report a simple and detailed protocol for spPCR. We use spPCR to 1) map a GAL4 enhancer trap located inside a natural transposon, pinpointing a master regulatory region for olfactory neuron expression in the brain; and 2) map all commonly used centromeric FRT insertion sites. The ease, efficiency, and efficacy of spPCR could make it a favored choice for the mapping of transposable element in Drosophila.
Short-term morphological response of the rat testis to administration of five chemotherapeutic agents.

As cancer survival rates improve, there is increasing concern about the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male fertility. Five chemotherapeutic agents (amethop-terin, AP or methotrexate; doxorubicin, DX; cytoxan or cyclophosphamide, CP; cisplatinum, CDDP; and 5-fluorouracil, 5-FU) which belong to three different categories of chemotherapeutic agents (antimetabolite, antibiotic, alkylating agent, alkylating agent, antimetabolite, respectively) were given systemically to adult rats to determine the short-term morphological patterns of response in the testis, and the testes were examined by light microscopy. Morphological patterns of response were found to be highly characteristic for each agent, and some shared morphological responses were evident. All except one chemotherapeutic agent (5-FU) caused spermatogonial damage. Among the defects seen were probable degenerating meiotic spermatocytes (CDDP), presence of micronuclei (DX), “arrested” spermatid development (5-FU), and abnormally shaped step 15 spermatids (5-FU). Damage that could be due to the effect of an agent on the Sertoli cell was failure of sperm release (5-FU, CDDP, DX, and AP), increase in the Sertoli cell lipid (5-FU), and malorientation of step 8 spermatids (5-FU, DX). The varied patterns of damage observed are a possible explanation of why the reproductive recovery potential in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy is variable and drug-specific.
Updating Subjective Probability

Abstract Jeffrey's rule for revising a probability P to a new probability P* based on new probabilities P* (Ei ) on a partition {Ei } i = 1 n is P*(A) = Σ P(A| Ei ) P* (Ei ). Jeffrey's rule is applicable if it is judged that P* (A | Ei ) = P(A | Ei ) for all A and i. This article discusses some of the mathematical properties of this rule, connecting it with sufficient partitions, and maximum entropy updating of contingency tables. The main results concern simultaneous revision on two partitions.
Duration of residence and dementia literacy among Chinese Americans

Background:To investigate whether duration of residence (DOR) impacts dementia literacy in Chinese Americans aged 40–64.Material:A total of 151 Chinese Americans answered a self-administered, true/false survey assessing knowledge of dementia symptoms, treatment, cause and prognosis. Two groups were dichotomized and compared based on DOR in the USA.Discussion:DOR did not greatly impact the understanding of dementia between respondents with a < 20-year versus a ≥ 20-year DOR. Both groups exhibited deficiencies in recognizing the symptoms of dementia.Conclusion:Gaps in dementia knowledge reflect a stigma surrounding mental illness among Chinese Americans, and impact the seeking of professional care.
Half-life of polyreactive antibodies

Monoclonal polyreactive antibodies bind to a variety of self and foreign antigens. In contrast, monoclonal monoreactive antibodies bind to a single or restricted number of known antigens. The rate at which polyreactive antibodies are removed from the circulation compared to monoreactive antibodies has not been determined. In the present experiments, human monoclonal polyreactive and monoreactive antibodies of different isotypes were injected intravenously into mice and the clearance from the circulation was determined. The halflife of polyreactive IgM, IgA, and IgG antibodies was 8.0, 8.2, and 9.8 hr, respectively, compared to 35.4, 26.6, and 280 hr for monoreactive IgM, IgA, and IgG antibodies, respectively. Examination of tissue sections from animals given intravenous antibody showed substantial deposition of polyreactive, but not monoreactive, antibodies in several organs, the liver being the principal site of deposition. It is concluded that polyreactive antibodies are cleared from the circulation substantially faster than monoreactive antibodies.
Fine structure in plasma waves and radiation near the plasma frequency in Earth's foreshock

Novel observations are presented of intrunsic fine structure in the frequency spectrum of electomagnetic (EM) radiation and plasma waves near the electron plasma frequency f(sub p) during a period of unusually high interplanetary magnetic field strength. Measured using the wideband receiver on the International Sun-Earth Explorer (ISEE) 1 spacecraft, fine-structured emissions are observed both in the solar wind and the foreshock, The fine structure is shown to correspond to emissions spaced above f(sub p) near half harmonies of the electon cyclotron frequency f(sub ce), i.e., near f(sub p) + nf(sub ce)/2. These appear to be the first space physics observations of emissions spaced by f(sub ce)/2. Indirect but strong arguments are used to discriminate between EM and electrostatic (ES) signals, to identify whether ISEE 1 is in the solar wind or the foreshock, and to determine the relative frequencies of the emissions and the local f(sub p). The data are consistent with generation of the ES and EM emissions in the foreshock, with subsequent propagation of the EM emissions into the solar wind. It remains possible that some emissions currently identified as ES have significant EM character. The ES and EM emisions often merge into one another with minimal changes in frequency, arguing that their source regions and generation mechanisms are related and imposing significant constraints on theories. The f(sub ce)/2 ES and EM fine structures observed may be intrinsic to the emission mechanisms or to superposition of two series of signals with f(sub ce) spacing that differ in starting frequency by f(sub ce)/2. Present theories for nonlinear wave coupling processes, cyclotron maser emission, and other linear instability processes are all unable to explain multiple EM and/or ES components spaced by approximately f(sub ce)/2 above f(sub p) for f(sub p)/f(sub ce) much greater than 1 and typical for shock beams parameters. Suitable avenues for further theoretical research are identified. Empirically, the observed fine structures appear very similar to those in split bnad and multiple-lane type II solar radio bursts; interpretation of both these type II fine structures in terms of f(sub ce)/2 splitting is suggested, thereby supporting and generalizing a suggestion by Wild (1950). A possible application to continuum radiation is mentioned. The ubiquity of these fine structures in the Earth's f(sub p) radiation and foreshock waves remains unknown. Only the ISEE 1 wideband receiver has sufficient frequency resolution (approximately less than or equal to 100 Hz) to perform a dedicated search. Further study of the ubiquity of these fine structures, of how reliably the splitting corresponds to f(sub ce)/2, and of the other interpretations above is necessary.
How to manage the transplant question in myelofibrosis

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative therapy for myelofibrosis. Despite advances in transplant, the morbidity and the mortality of the procedure necessitate careful patient selection. In this manuscript, we describe the new prognostic scoring system to help select appropriate patients for transplant and less aggressive therapies. We explore the advances in non-transplant therapy, such as with investigational agents. We review the blossoming literature on results of myeloablative, reduced intensity and alternative donor transplantation. Finally, we make recommendations for which patients are most likely to benefit from transplantation.
Maximizing hemodynamic-independent effects of angiotensin II antagonists in fibrotic diseases.

Better understanding of the hemodynamic-independent actions of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may lead to improved therapies for heart, kidney, and liver fibrosis. The conventional view of the RAS is that its role is solely hemodynamic. Pharmacologic blockade of the RAS is beneficial in treating hypertension, as well as primary renal and cardiac diseases. Recent findings from clinical trials and several laboratories that used different experimental approaches have revealed a whole new dimension to the RAS that is beyond the realm of hemodynamics. The RAS is best viewed as part of a system of interconnected molecules biologically designed to be activated after tissue injury to promote tissue repair and, when in excess, tissue fibrosis. This new understanding of the RAS has important clinical implications. It predicts and explains why blockade of the RAS with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), the newer receptor antagonists, or both together, will significantly slow the progression of fibrotic disease. However, it further suggests that higher doses and/or a combination of angiotensin II blockade with another agent or agents might truly halt progressive fibrosis.
Drought Preparedness and Response in the Context of Sub-Saharan Africa

Although drought is a normal, recurring feature of climate, little progress has been made in drought management in most parts of the world. A United Nations study of selected Sub-Saharan African countries revealed that most states have little experience in proactive planning for drought. Only Botswana and South Africa have made serious efforts to develop drought preparedness and response. The lack of contingency planning for drought events in the region results from limited financial resources, inadequate understanding of drought impacts, and poor co-ordination among government agencies. A ten-step planning process, originally developed in 1991 for U.S. states, is suggested as an organizational tool for Sub-Saharan countries to use in the development of drought plans. The process, which emphasizes risk management rather than crisis management, is based on three primary components: (1) monitoring and early warning, (2) vulnerability and impact assessment, (3) mitigation and response. The steps in the process are generic; they can be adapted and applied to the various settings of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Elevated fasting triglycerides predict impaired glucose tolerance in adolescents at risk for type 2 diabetes

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate whether fasting laboratory values can predict impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in adolescents who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hypothesis Elevated fasting triglycerides, a marker for worsening insulin resistance, predict risk for IGT. Design Following a fast of at least 9 h, laboratory measures, body mass index (BMI), and demographic information were obtained. The subjects then underwent a 75-g oral glucose challenge with a 2-h postchallenge glucose determination. Subjects Eighty-four adolescents aged 12-20 yr with at least two risk factors for developing T2DM (obesity, family history of T2DM, or acanthosis nigricans) and with either a fasting insulin level > or =25 microU/mL or a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) > or =3.5 were recruited for the study. Results Ten subjects (12%) had IGT [2-h glucose > or =140 mg/dL (7.77 mmol/L)], and 10 subjects (12%) had impaired fasting glucose [IFG; fasting glucose > or =100 mg/dL (5.55 mmol/L)]. However, only three (30%) subjects with IGT had IFG, though all subjects with IGT had a fasting triglyceride level > or =150 mg/dL (1.70 mmol/L). Of those subjects with elevated triglycerides, 29% had IGT. As a screening test to predict risk for IGT, elevated triglycerides >150 mg/dL had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 68%. The positive predictive value was 29%, and the negative predictive value was 100%. Conclusions Screening with fasting glucose alone would have missed 70% of subjects with IGT in this population of insulin-resistant adolescents. However, a fasting triglyceride level > or =150 mg/dL was strongly associated with IGT and may help to identify at-risk adolescents who should undergo formal glucose tolerance testing.
BIRTH-DEATH MODELING OF DEEP BED FILTRATION: SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Stochastic models, namely, the second-order, pure birth process and the linear, birth-death process, have been employed in conjunction with the Carman-Kozeny equation to simulate the performance of the deep-bed filter in terms of the pressure drop dynamics under a constant flow condition. These models take into account the blockage of pores by suspended particles and/or scouring of deposited particles; the filter bed is assumed to be composed of several compartments. The present models appear to represent the majority of the available experimental data.
Organic electroluminescent displays

Several issues related to the organic electroluminescent devices are reviewed. Numerical simulation results are presented for the trap-charge limited conduction processes. Several experimental observations are explained based on our simulations. Current-voltage characteristics, band and charge profiles are obtained to elucidate the conduction mechanisms with large trap densities. Recombination strength dependence, doping effects, and the interplay among the free, discrete, and exponential trap charges in single- and double-carrier devices are discussed.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Contrasting hemodynamic responses in severe heart failure: Comparison of captopril and other vasodilator drugs

Abstract Four studies were conducted in 36 patients with severe chronic heart failure to compare the central hemodynamic effects of captopril (CPT) to other vasodilator agents. While CPT produced less marked increases in cardiac output than did hydralazine (n = 14), nitroprusside (n = 15), or prazosin (n = 7), it produced decreases in left ventricular filling pressures similar to nitroprusside and prazosin but more than hydralazine. CPT and isosorbide dinitrate (n = 11) produced similar decreases in systemic vascular resistance and left ventricular filling pressure. However, cardiac output increased less with CPT than with nitrates, because heart rate slowed during CPT therapy. In addition, mean right atrial pressure decreased less with CPT than with nitrates, because CPT had minimal effects on limb venous capacitance and pulmonary arteriolar resistance. Alterations in left ventricular pressure-volume relationships likely contributed to the marked decreases in left ventricular filling pressures seen with CPT. In conclusion, the central hemodynamic effects of CPT differ significantly from other vasodilator drugs used in the treatment of heart failure patients. These effects cannot be characterized simply in terms of “balanced” peripheral arterial and venous vasodilation; CPT exerts highly complex effects on peripheral vessels as well as having actions independent of its peripheral vasodilator effects.
Processes causing electrification of ice crystals in thunderclouds

Abstract Jayaratne and Saunders (1991) have performed a useful service by reporting their laboratory experiments demonstrating, contrary to the findings of Odencrantz and Buecher (1967), that ice crystal charging does not take place in an unmixed cloud of ice crystals. Jayaratne and Saunders' further cold box experiments showing that the ice crystals become electrified when a fan in the cold box is turned on, support their view that an ice-ice charging process takes place on the surfaces of the moving ice-covered fan-blades. Their conclusion, that this phenomenon might be capable of producing each second the several coulombs of charged cloud particles necessary to maintain the electrification of a thundercloud, appears justified. However, because their paper is lacking in experimental details and because it is unknown whether the conditions in their cold chamber accurately duplicate those in a thunderstorm, this point is not possible to resolve. There is good reason to doubt J and S's final conclusion, that “… in thunderstorms, ice crystal charges are similarly acquired by collision processes RATHER THAN BY ANY OTHER MECHANISM”. It is puzzling to understand why the authors have chosen to ignore ion attachment, an important ice crystal charging process that does not involve collisions between ice crystals. Beginning with Gish and Wait (1950), numerous investigators have demonstrated that ion currents flow to the tops of thunderclouds as predicted by Wilson (1920). Marshall et al. (1989) and Byrne et al. (1989) have found that ice particles at cloud top carry appreciable charges that appear to be derived from the Wilson current. In an average storm there can be little doubt that this mechanism too could be producing charged ice crystals at the required rate of about a coulomb per second (Vonnegut, 1990).
A Companion to Henry James

A Companion to Henry James GREG W. ZACHARIAS (Ed.) Oxford, Wiley Blackwell, 2008 xiii + 505 pp., ISBN: 978-1-405-140-423, £95.00 Edited by Greg W. Zacharias, the superb A Companion to Henry James s...
Intermediate target and information variable strategies revisited

Abstract The early literature on optimal monetary policy, based on strict reduced forms, tended to favor use of an information variable strategy over an intermediate target policy. The paper shows that unlike the early literature, in models in which private expectations play a role in the transmission of policy, both the exclusive use of an intermediate target strategy and a naive information variable strategy are suboptimal. In such models, optimal monetary policy requires the use of the money stock as both an intermediate target and as an information variable. The analysis also suggests that optimal policy can be viewed as a sophisticated information variable strategy in which the Federal Reserve incorporates information about private expectations into policy.
Vergence-mediated modulation of the human horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex is eliminated by a partial peripheral gentamicin lesion

The angular vestibulo-ocular reflex normally has an increased response during vergence on a near target. Surgical unilateral vestibular deafferentation reduces the horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in response to far target viewing and eliminates this vergence effect. Intratympanic gentamicin treatment reduces VOR gain during far viewing, but the reduction is less severe than that after unilateral vestibular deafferentation. We sought to determine how gentamicin would affect vergence-mediated modulation of the VOR. The VOR in response to passive head impulses in the horizontal plane while viewing a far (124 cm) or near (15 cm) target was evaluated in 11 subjects following intratympanic gentamicin treatment. Three of these subjects had also been tested immediately prior to receiving gentamicin. The impulses were low amplitude (~20°), high velocity (~150°/s), high acceleration (~3,000°/s2) horizontal head rotations administered manually by the investigator. Binocular eye and head velocity were recorded using the scleral search coil technique. The VOR gain was defined as eye velocity divided by inverted head velocity. Prior to intratympanic gentamicin, the VOR gain during rotations to either side was symmetric and showed the same vergence-mediated increase. Following gentamicin, head impulses towards the untreated side yielded VOR gains of 0.91±0.12 while viewing a far target and 1.27±0.22 while viewing a near target, an increase of 33%. Head impulses towards the treated side produced a hypometric VOR with no increase between far and near viewing. The average latency of the VOR was 7.6±2.5 ms towards the untreated side for either near or far viewing and 20.7±13.1 ms towards the treated side for either near or far viewing. Our findings show that a peripheral lesion caused by gentamicin does not ablate the VOR but does eliminate a component of the vestibular signal that is necessary for vergence-mediated modulation of the VOR. Gentamicin has preferential toxicity for the hair cells in the central zone of the crista, where irregular afferents predominate. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that irregular afferents provide the necessary signal for vergence-mediated modulation of the VOR.
Bilateral Total Hip Replacement in Steroid Induced AVN in A Young Patient

A 30 years old female patient presented us with pain, restricted movement of hip and difficulty of walking. She had past history of taking oral Steroid for 6 months for gaining weight. Radiological examination revealed bilateral avascular necrosis of hips with advanced osteoarthritic changes. The patient had sequential Total hip replacement on both sides in 6 weeks interval. Post operatively she was uneventful and after proper exercise and physiotherapy she is maintaining her daily household activities smoothly. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i2.18304 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(2) 2014 p.205-208
Teacher Preparation Research: An Insider’s View from the Outside

The authors were asked by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement and the U.S. Department of Education to conduct a review of high-quality research on five questions concerning teacher preparation. As part of that assignment, they were asked to develop a set of defensible criteria for including research in the review. In this article, they summarize what the research says about the five questions posed by their funders, and they discuss the development of the review criteria. The questions included attention to the subject matter and pedagogical preparation of prospective teachers, to the content and character of high-quality field experiences and alternative routes, and to research on the effects of policies on the enhancement of teacher preparation.
Zeeman splitting of deterministically charged quantum dots coupled to photonic crystal nanoresonators

We observe deterministic charging of quantum dots embedded in a p-n-i-n junction coupled to photonic crystal nanoresonators by spectroscopic means and demonstrate Zeeman splitting under applied magnetic field in the Voigt configuration.
Many-valued modal logics II

Suppose there are several experts, with some dominating others (expert A dominates expert B if B says something is true whenever A says it is). Suppose, further, that each of the experts has his or her own view of what is possible — in other words each of the experts has their own Kripke model in mind (subject, of course, to the dominance relation that may hold between experts). How will they assign truth values to sentences in a common modal language, and on what sentences will they agree? This problem can be reformulated as one about many-valued Kripke models, allowing many-valued accessibility relations. This is a natural generalization of conventional Kripke models that has only recently been looked at. The equivalence between the many-valued version and the multiple expert one will be formally established. Finally we will axiomatize many-valued modal logics, and sketch a proof of completeness.
Ahad Ha-'Am's politics

the Perplexed," and, as Dan Miron has wisely observed, with a badly needed father figure. ' That he was not a politician nearly all agreed. To his admirers, their sage's temperament was too frank, too modest, too honest for the brutish, disingenuous world of political intrigue. To his enemies, he was a prissy, prudish spoiler, who, in David Frischman's memorable description, bested Saturn by devouring his offspring before they were born. Frischman wrote: "He runs away from taking action or anything resembling action. Upon seeing something that might demand activity, he is seized by a kind of anxiety. He frets and trembles.. ."2 "Herzl was the leader of the generation, Ahad Ha-'Am its teacher," remarked his first biographer and close friend, in a statement considered authoritative, and which constituted, as we shall see, a much sanitized gloss on a contentiously political career.3 From the vantage point of nearly all who observed him (favorably or not), it was schools, journals, and encyclopedias that most preoccupied the outstanding foe of political Zionism. He himself readily acknowledged his lack of administrative aptitude, his disinterest in shaping the will of others, his deference. In retrospect it is apparent that he certainly was a political leader, albeit a rather ineffective and even anachronistic one. And though he repeatedly claimed that he was pressed, drafted against his will, into the leadership positions he attained, that his prominence, for example, in the semi-secret Bnei Moshe society was
An Experimental Framework For Observing the Indexing Process

An experimental framework for observing an indexing task carried out in a laboratory environment is described. The computer-based, interactive Negotiated Search Facility served as the instrument which the experimenter used to monitor the indexing task and the tool which the indexer used to carry out the task. The methodology developed enables us to gain an experimental control that is characteristic of laboratory environments and a breadth of process observation that is characteristic of case studies, An initial indexing experiment is described and we highlight the training procedure necessary to enable people who are not computer-oriented to make effective use of an interactive terminal.
Defaunation Leads to Cannibalism in Primary Reproductives of the Formosan Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Soon after swarming, the alates of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), drop their wings, form tandem pairs, and look for new nesting sites to form incipient colonies. In ≈10% of the several hundred incipient colonies kept in laboratory, both the male and female were found to cannibalize their progeny and die of starvation. Examination of such adults revealed that all of them had lost most of their gut fauna, essential for the digestion of wood. We used antibiotic (gentamicin) and a combination of gentamicin and antiprotozoal (metronidazole) compounds during 2002 and 2003, respectively, to induce defaunation in 30-d-old adults after they had laid 30–40 eggs. The progeny of treated pairs compared with control pairs was significantly lower 30 and 60 d after treatment. Feeding on these chemicals during 2003 caused total loss of spirochetes and one of the three flagellates, while the numbers of the other two flagellates were greatly reduced. It is suggested that, in the absence of gut fauna, the adult termites cannot effectively feed on wood, and the ensuing hunger results in cannibalism of their progeny.
Lobular Distribution of Human Liver Phenol and Bilirubin Uridine 5-Diphosphate Glucuronosyltransferase Messenger RNAs

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Heterogeneity in uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP) glucuronosyltransferase expression across the human hepatic acinus may be important in the manifestation of certain zone-specific chemical hepatotoxicities. Previous immunohistochemical studies suggested that a phenol transferase induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may be differentially expressed in centrilobular hepatocytes of rats. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of the phenol and bilirubin transferases in human liver at the RNA level. METHODS: In situ RNA hybridization was used with two human liver samples and specific probes for the phenol transferase RNA, HLUG P1, and the bilirubin transferase RNAs, HUG-Br1 and HUG-Br2. RESULTS: The highest density signals were observed for the bilirubin transferase RNAs, both appearing to be evenly expressed in hepatocytes across the liver lobule. Slightly higher density of HUG-Br1 message was observed in some centrilobular hepatocytes surrounding larger central vein structures. HLUG P1 RNA was expressed at low levels (approximately fivefold greater than background signal) and was evenly distributed. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that a species difference exists in the distribution of the human and rat phenol transferase. No evidence was found for significant zonation in the pattern of expression of either the phenol or bilirubin transferase genes in human liver. (Gastroenterology 1996 Aug;111(2):472-80)
Mechanism of carbon monoxide oxidation by the carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetyl-CoA synthase from Clostridium thermoaceticum: kinetic characterization of the intermediates.

Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetyl-CoA synthase (CODH/ACS) from Clostridium thermoaceticum catalyzes (i) the synthesis of acetyl-CoA from a methylated corrinoid protein, CO, and coenzyme A and (i...
Antibodies which antagonise the effects of prostacyclin.

ANTIBODIES directed against prostaglandin–albumin conjugates have been used previously as prostaglandin antagonists. Horton and Poyser1 have demonstrated that the oestrus cycle in the guinea pig is prolonged in animals immunised against prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). Ferreira et al.2 demonstrated that rats containing antibodies to E-type prostaglandins develop a significantly reduced inflammatory oedema in response to carageenin compared with control animals. We report here that antibodies can be used to antagonise the effects of prostacyclin both in vitro and in vivo.
Current use of polyclonal antilymphocyte antibody preparations.

OLYCLONAL antilymphocyte agents have been widely used since the 1960s for induction therapy as well as for the treatment of allograft rejection in clinical organ transplantation. In addition to their role as induction agents, polyclonal antibodies are used in many centers in order to delay administration of nephrotoxic interleukin-2 (IL-2)‐ based agents such as cyclosporine (CyA) or tacrolimus until allograft function is established. Recent efforts have focused on selective use of polyclonal antibodies for recipient populations deemed to be at higher immunologic risk for allograft rejection. Many different preparations have been developed, using a range of hosts (primarily horse, rabbit, and goat) for the generation of antibody to either resting or stimulated lymphocytes or thymocytes. For many years, it was difficult to discern whether the use of polyclonal antilymphocyte agents in kidney transplantation was associated with a significant immunologic advantage. Recently, however, several large database analyses have demonstrated that polyclonal induction is associated with a significant increase in graft survival and a decreased risk of rejection in patients receiving kidney transplants. 1‐3 A large multicenter study of the use of polyclonal agents in the treatment of rejection demonstrated excellent reversal rates and low recurrence rates. 4 Outside of kidney transplantation, a number of series have documented favorable results using polyclonal antibodies in the treatment of liver, 5,6 pancreas, 7 and heart transplant recipients. 8 In specific patient populations, polyclonal antilymphocyte antibody preparations have been shown to be of particular benefit. This is especially true for pediatric renal transplant patients, who have been shown to derive immunologic benefit as well as a decreased incidence of allograft thrombosis when polyclonal agents are included as part of their immunosuppressive regimen, 9,10 and for recipients of repeat transplants. 11
Negative differential thermal emitter

We experimentally demonstrate a thermal emitter comprising sapphire and a vanadium dioxide thin film, which exhibits large negative differential emittance: over a temperature range of > 10 °C, the thermal emittance decreases by over 10%.
Enhancing the Enhanced Recovery Program in Colorectal Surgery - Use of Extended-Release Epidural Morphine (DepoDur®)

PURPOSE DepoDur® is a single-dose extended-release morphine injection into the epidural space. It is not commonly used, but has many advantages over traditional analgesic regimens. We analyzed a number of these advantages in our case series in the context of the colorectal enhanced recovery program (ERP) and aimed to show that the ERP could be further enhanced by using DepoDur®. METHODS We conducted a prospective audit of all patients undergoing open and laparoscopic colorectal procedures where DepoDur® was used between July 2010 and April 2012. Validated pain scores were used, and primary outcome measures were resting and dynamic pain, mobilization, and need for additional analgesia. RESULTS Two hundred eighty patients were included in the case series. Good pain control was seen at 24 and 48 hours. Eighty-one percent of the patients required simple analgesia alone at 24 hours, and 62% required simple analgesia (paracetamol +/- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) alone at 48 hours. Only a minority required additional oramorph and patient-controlled analgesia at 24 and 48 hours (19% at 24 hours and 38% at 48 hours). Seventy-nine percent of the patients were mobilized at 24 hours, and 88% of the patients were mobilized at 48 hours. CONCLUSION DepoDur® is an effective alternative to conventional pain management techniques and may have a role in further enhancing the ERP.
Fracture Characterization with NMR Spectroscopic Techniques

Abstract Determination of suitable techniques and analyses that can be implemented by NMR well logging can greatly improve the characterization of underground petroleum reservoirs and aquifers. In this paper, the feasibility for using various NMR methods for detection and characterization of fractures is explored. Analyses of experimental data obtained with a variety of samples are presented. It is shown that relaxation contrasts are useful for separating the signal contributions from fluids in the fractures and the porous matrix, and that relaxation weighting can be used in combination with other NMR techniques for enhancing fracture characterization.
Regulation of Na,K-ATPase during acute lung injury

A hallmark of acute lung injury is the accumulation of a protein rich edema which impairs gas exchange and leads to hypoxemia. The resolution of lung edema is effected by active sodium transport, mostly contributed by apical Na+ channels and the basolateral located Na,K-ATPase. It has been reported that the decrease of Na,K-ATPase function seen during lung injury is due to its endocytosis from the cell plasma membrane into intracellular pools. In alveolar epithelial cells exposed to severe hypoxia, we have reported that increased production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species leads to Na,K-ATPase endocytosis and degradation. We found that this regulated process follows what is referred as the Phosphorylation–Ubiquitination–Recognition–Endocytosis–Degradation (PURED) pathway. Cells exposed to hypoxia generate reactive oxygen species which activate PKCζ which in turn phosphorylates the Na,K-ATPase at the Ser18 residue in the N-terminus of the α1-subunit leading the ubiquitination of any of the four lysines (K16, K17, K19, K20) adjacent to the Ser18 residue. This process promotes the α1-subunit recognition by the μ2 subunit of the adaptor protein-2 and its endocytosis trough a clathrin dependent mechanism. Finally, the ubiquitinated Na,K-ATPase undergoes degradation via a lysosome/proteasome dependent mechanism.
A compact model for compound semiconductor tunneling field-effect-transistors

This paper proposes a compact behavioral model for homojunction compound semiconductor-based tunneling field effect transistors. The approach used here consists of using equations derived from basic device physics used previously for similar silicon based transistors but modified for InAs materials and measured 20 nm gate length experimental device parameters. The results of the calculated output transfer characteristics agree well over a wide range of gate voltage values. The ultimate goal is to implement this model in a circuit simulator for designing and testing of tunneling field effect transistors (TFET)-based circuits for low power applications.
Studies on the kinetics of slurry chlorination of a sphalerite concentrate by chlorine gas

Abstract Studies on the chlorination of a sphalerite concentrate in aqueous slurry by gaseous chlorine have been carried out. The effect of time, flow rate of Cl 2 , partial pressure of Cl 2 in N 2 ( p Cl 2 ), particle size and pulp density of the sulphide concentrate and the temperature of chlorination, on the fraction of the zinc dissolved, has been investigated. At the optimum flow rate of Cl 2 (350 ml min −1 ), the percent of Zn dissolved is found to be increasing with decrease in particle size and pulp density, proportional to p Cl 2 (0.2 to 1.0 atm) and increases with increase in temperature in the range of 10 to 28°C, studied. The activation energy of the chlorination process has been calculated to be 49.6 kJ mol −1 . In all the cases, the fraction of the Zn dissolved ( a ) in time ( t ) is found to follow a diffusion reaction control model: 1−2/3 a −(1− a ) 2/3 = kt , where k is the rate constant. At 28°C, with 12 wt.% concentrate in the slurry and using pure Cl 2 gas with a flow rate of 350 ml min −1 , nearly 90% of Zn extraction has been achieved in about 17 min.
An Evaluation of the National Issues Forum Methodology for Stimulating Deliberation in Rural Kentucky.

Deliberation is implicit in the community development literature. Yet it is seldom addressed as a topic in its own right. Deliberation is defined as the weighing of policy choices by the public. It involves critical thinking and open dialogue that creates a sense of the public and the movement towards a common ground. This article address the problems associated with deliberation: 1) hyperindividualism; 2) a culture of limited public dialogue; and 3) the increased hegemony of science and technology. The National Issues Forum (NIF) methodology was employed as a tool to overcome these problems of deliberation in rural Kentucky. A naturalistic evaluation model was used to critique the application of NIF in rural settings. The ten lessons learned contain insights about the problems, successes and the limitations associated with the NIF methodology for stimulating deliberation.