cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmental expression of perlecan during murine embryogenesis

Perlecan is a modular heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is an intrinsic constitu- ent of all basement membranes and extracellular matrices. Because of its strategic position and unique structure, perlecan has been implicated in modulating the activity of various growth factors required for normal development and tissue homeostasis. To gain insights into the po- tential function of perlecan in vivo, we examined the spatiotemporal distribution of its mRNA and protein core during murine embryogenesis. We utilized a new affinity-purified antibody that rec- ognizes specifically the protein core of perlecan together with an in situ RT-PCR approach to perform a systematic analysis of perlecan expres- sion and deposition during murine ontogeny. Per- lecan appeared early (E10.5) in tissues of vasculo- genesis including heart, pericardium, and major blood vessels. Its early expression coincided with the development of the cardiovascular system. Subsequently (E11-13), the greatest deposition of perlecan occurred within the developing carti- lage, especially the cartilage undergoing endo- chondral ossification, where it remained ele- vated throughout all the developmental stages, and up to adulthood. Interestingly, the mRNA levels of perlecan were always higher in all the vascularized tissues, principally within endothe- lial cells, while chondrocytes displayed relatively low mRNA levels. This suggests a higher biosyn- thesis and turnover rates in the blood vessels vis-a ` -vis those of cartilaginous and other mesen- chymal tissues. During later stages of develop- ment (E13-17.5) perlecan mRNA levels progres- sively increased and its expression correlated with the onset of tissue differentiation of various parenchymal organs including the developing kidneys, lungs, liver, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract. The central nervous system showed no perlecan expression with the exception of the calvaria and choroid plexus. Collectively, the re- sults indicate that perlecan may play crucial roles not only in vasculogenesis but also in the maturation and maintenance of differentiated tissues, including cartilage. Dev. Dyn. 1997;210:
A Study of Measurement Interference in the Optoacoustic Detection of NO 2 by Argon-Ion Laser Excitation

Optoacoustic measurements of NO2 excited by an Ar+ laser were performed in the presence of NO, N2, H2O, and O2 matrix gases. Identical sensitivities were measured in all matrix gases except O2 where energy transfer from NO2 to the metastable O2(1Δg) state resulted in a dramatic decrease in sensitivity.
Abnormalities in the growth hormone axis and risk of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: active player or innocent bystander?

Journal of Pediatrics, The - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since lundi 5 mai 2014
Volatiles retention during drying of food liquids

The retention of trace volatile components in food liquids during low temperature drying processes is analyzed through a ternary diffusion model. Flux equations for both water and trace organic components are solved numerically for typical drying situations. Several effects are found with the ternary analysis which are not evident from a simpler binary model. The sugar-water composition gradient which develops during drying causes an appreciable transport of the trace volatile species. This transport can occur in the same direction as the transport resulting from the concentration gradient of the volatile species, or in the opposite direction, and can result in a local accumulation of the volatile species. Concentration profiles for both water and dilute volatile components were experimentally measured during nearly isothermal drying of gelled slabs of synthetic sugar solutions and natural fruit juice concentrates. The predicted internal maximum in volatiles concentration is borne out by the experiment, and a satisfactory agreement of observed with predicted volatiles retention is found, within the limits of the experiment.
Constraints on hydrocarbon migration from the Qingshahou source rock in the west of the North Shongliao Basin, China

Many small gas fields have been discovered in the west of North Shongliao Basin of China while drilling for oil. Applications and results of DTIT and GEOPET II codes indicate that the formation and distribution of these gas fields are controlled by hydrocarbon expulsion and migration from the major Qingshahou source rock. This generated most of the oil and gas at 88-50 Ma and 50-0 Ma, respectively; the ratio of oil to gas is about 70:30. Most of the separate-phase oil was expelled at 35-15 Ma, but no separate-phase gas was expelled because of total solution of generated gas in oil and in connate water. Gas dissolved in water tended to migrate from the deep source rock centre to the West Slope (shallower formations) of the basin through sandstone reservoirs and normal faults, gradually being released from solution and accumulated in traps along the migration route. Gas dissolved in oil tended to migrate to traps around the source rock centre, and was released and accumulated at the tops of oil reservoirs. The best area for prospecting for gas is between 500 m to 2000 m.
Effects of van der Waals Force and Thermal Stresses on Pull-in Instability of Clamped Rectangular Microplates

We study the influence of von Karman nonlinearity, van der Waals force, and a athermal stresses on pull-in instability and small vibrations of electrostatically actuated mi-croplates. We use the Galerkin method to develop a tractable reduced-order model for elec-trostatically actuated clamped rectangular microplates in the presence of van der Waals forcesand thermal stresses. More specifically, we reduce the governing two-dimensional nonlineartransient boundary-value problem to a single nonlinear ordinary differential equation. For thestatic problem, the pull-in voltage and the pull-in displacement are determined by solving apair of nonlinear algebraic equations. The fundamental vibration frequency corresponding toa deflected configuration of the microplate is determined by solving a linear algebraic equa-tion. The proposed reduced-order model allows for accurately estimating the combined effectsof van der Waals force and thermal stresses on the pull-in voltage and the pull-in deflectionprofile with an extremely limited computational effort.
On-line efficiency optimization in flyback dc-dc converters over wide ranges of operating conditions

This paper presents a look-up table based digital control approach to on-line efficiency optimization over wide ranges of operating conditions. The proposed digital controller allows programmable modes of operation based on off-line efficiency characterization and optimization. Applied to a flyback dc-dc converter, the controller adopts valley switching in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), which significantly reduces the MOSFET turn-on switching loss. Furthermore, solutions to the problem related to undesirable frequency hopping, commonly observed in other valley-switching control schemes, are presented. Dynamic operation of the controller demonstrates smooth mode transitions and consistent transient responses over various operating conditions. Experimental results show that efficiency of a low-cost 65-W flyback prototype exceeds 92% at all operating points over approximately 3:1 range of input voltages and 10:1 range of loads.
Alterations of the biological characteristics of a colon carcinoma cell line by colon-derived substrata material

This study documents the ability of substrata material derived from well but not poorly differentiated colon carcinoma cells to alter the biological characteristics of a separate colon carcinoma cell line (MOSERsf). To assess changes induced by the presence of these substrata, MOSERsf cells were screened for ( a ) morphological features, ( b ) secretion of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), ( c ) alteration of urokinase levels, and ( d ) sensitivity to the growth-inhibitory peptide transforming growth factor β. Morphologically, MOSERsf cells grown on plastic displayed a rounded shape and could be detached by agitation. Subculturing of these cells onto substrata laid down by well differentiated (mature) colon carcinoma cells resulted in cell attachment and spreading. These changes did not manifest themselves when cells were plated on material derived from poorly differentiated (primitive) colon cells. Conditioned medium from MOSERsf cells grown on plastic or on colon-derived material from the well and poorly differentiated colon cells were compared for CEA levels. Substrata derived from undifferentiated cells were without effect on assayable CEA (substrata absent, 1.4 ng/ml/106 cells/72 h; substrata present, 1.4–1.7 ng/ml/106 cells/72 h). However, growth of MOSERsf cells on material deposited by well differentiated colon cells resulted in a 3-fold increase in the level of CEA. Spent medium was also analyzed for urokinase. A high level of the protease (20.3 ng/ml/106 cells/72 h) was expressed by MOSERsf cells. The concentration of the enzyme was reduced by over 50% when MOSERsf cells were propagated on substrata laid down by well differentiated cells. An enhanced sensitivity to the growth-retarding effects of transforming growth factor β was seen with certain substrata. On plastic, transforming growth factor β inhibited proliferation of MOSERsf cells with a median effective concentration of 0.65 ng/ml. However, on substrata from mature but not primitive cells, MOSERsf cells exhibited an increased sensitivity to the peptide (median effective concentration, 0.16 ng/ml). Colon-derived material obtained from both well differentiated and poorly differentiated colon carcinoma cells was compared after [35S]methionine metabolic labeling. More [35S]methionine was incorporated into the material from the “mature” colon cells. The substrata could also be distinguished by quantitative differences in a number of high molecular weight proteins. Immunofluorescence of colon-deposited material revealed the presence of laminin and fibronectin.
An Overall Survival Comparison of Sub-Lobar Resection With Brachytherapy Versus Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

were scored as local (at SBRT/AHRT site or same lobe), regional (nodal disease in hilum/mediastinum), or distant. Toxicity was per NCI CTCAE v4.0. Local Control (LC), Regional failure (RF), Progression Free Survival (PFS), and Distant Failure (DF) were estimated from the date of MRT using the Kaplan Meier method. The composite plans and DVH were available for 10 of 12 pts. Results: Approximately 300 Stage I/II NSCLC pts rx with SBRT/AHRT were screened (2002-2012), 12 suffered IMF and tx with salvage MRT. Original primary tumor treated: SBRT (10 pts), AHRT (1 pt) and AHRT/SBRT (1 pt bilateral stage I). Average tumor size at dx: 1.5 cm (0.7-2.8 cm). Stage was IA in 9 pts, Stage IIA 1 pt, and Stage IIB 2 pts. Median age was 64 yrs. Median dose for initial course: SBRT 54 Gy, 3 fx (45-60 Gy), AHRT 70.2 Gy, 26 fx. Median interval between initial rx and MRT: 16 m (2-57 m). Median MRT dose: 66 Gy 2.0 Gy/fx (60-70 Gy). 2 pts received concurrent chemo with MRT. Composite lung V20 was 25% (13-29%). Median follow-up was 11 m (2-49 m). 2 yr OS was 29% with median OS of 15 m (95% CI 5.8-37 m). 2 yr PFS was 37% with a median of 14 m (95% CI 5-49 m). When estimated from original rx with SBRT or AHRT, 2 yr OS was 78% with a median OS of 38 m (95% CI 17 m-NR). No subsequent RF occurred after MRT. LC was established in 11 of 12 pts. DF was the predominant mode of failure (5/ 12 pts) with a 2 yr DF rate of 62%. 3 pts died without recurrence, 4 pts alive and NED. MRT toxicity was seen in 3 pts (grade 2 acute). 2 pts experienced late toxicity with 1 requiring supplemental oxygen and 1 with sustained dysphagia. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is first analysis of MRT for salvage after SBRT or AHRT for NSCLC. Local-regional control was excellent. Outcomes for stage I/II pts with IMF were similar to Stage 3 disease with a median OS of 15 m. Distant failures were common, suggesting a role for concurrent or sequential chemotherapy. As the pattern of failure in early stage lung cancer has shifted from local to regional and distant recurrences, additional study of salvage therapies is needed. Author Disclosure: S.C. Lester: None. J.M. Kilburn: None. J.T. Lucas: None. M.T. Munley: None. A.W. Blackstock: None. W.T. Kearns: None. W.H. Hinson: None. A.A. Miller: None. W.J. Petty: None. J.J. Urbanic: None.
The capacity of associative memory by using a combination rule

The second-order Hopfield associative memory has storage capacity of order O(n/log n). To improve the capacity of associative memory, a new storage and retrieval algorithm is proposed. The transformation of a tensor into a vector is an important part of the method. >
Maintaining visibility of a moving target at a fixed distance: the case of observer bounded speed

This work addresses the problem of computing the motions of a robot observer in order to maintain visibility of a moving target at a fixed surveillance distance. In this paper, we deal specifically with the situation in which the observer has bounded velocity. We give necessary conditions for the existence of a surveillance strategy and give an algorithm that generates surveillance strategies.
Optimization of nanocomposite integral capacitor fabrication using neural networks and genetic algorithms

Thin film integral capacitors using polymer-ceramic composites have been developed for next-generation electronic packaging applications. To achieve a high dielectric constant, bimodal ceramic particle distributions, along with particles modified by a surfactant and mixed ultrasonically with the polymer have been explored. This paper presents a statistically designed experiment for systematic characterization of the dielectric constant and loss tangent of integral capacitors formed in this manner by using barium titanate particles in an epoxy polymer dielectric. We determine these quantities as a function of the particle size of the ceramic, the volume fraction of ceramic in the polymer matrix, the polymer cure time, the polymer cure temperature, the percent of surfactant, the ultrasonic mixing time, and the ball milling time for ceramic surface modification. These factors are examined by means of a partial factorial experiment requiring 32 runs. Further experimentation is performed to generate sufficient data for process modeling. To develop such models, we train neural networks to model the variation as a function of input variables using the experimental data. These models are then used for process optimization using genetic algorithms. Using this methodology, we determine the proper combination of polymer/ceramic materials and process conditions to achieve desirable electrical properties.
How do Hyperactive Children Feel About Taking Stimulants and Will They Tell the Doctor

There are no systematic data on the attitudes of hyperactive children toward treatment with stimulant medication. Such knowledge would be of aid to the physician in understanding the child, structuring therapy, and improving compliance; therefore we interviewed 52 hyperactive children who had been so treated. The outstanding findings were that a large fraction of the children disliked the medication and often tried to avoid taking it. The physician interview provides valuable information with some children, but for assurance of accuracy the clinician needs to use other sources of information.
Collaboration in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology

In November 1947, at the age of eighty, Miss Annie M. Alexander (1867-1950) of Oakland, California, loaded her Dodge Power Wagon equipped with four-wheel drive, eight forward speeds, a front bumper winch, and a wire body cage and set out with her companions, Louise Kellogg and Annetta Carter, for a three-month collecting trip to Baja California.' The trip was one of the last in the long career of an amateur naturalist whose vision, patronage, and collecting work led to the creation, design, and development of research museums for vertebrate zoology and paleontology at the University of California. Annie Alexander contributed personal and purchased collections totaling 20,564 specimens and sponsored every professional and student member of her Museum of Vertebrate Zoology through endowments and direct support from its founding in 1908. The story of her work with Joseph Grinnell (1877-1939), the western naturalist, ecologist, and conservationist who became the first director of the Museum, raises significant questions about the appropriate categories for describing scientific collaboration and challenges some misconceptions of museum science. Scientific collaboration is usually conceptualized as the work of teams of scientists with shared goals, such as formulating or testing particular empirical hypotheses, and with shared products, such as coauthored papers. But the work of research involves more than scientists. There are many kinds of joint effort that serve
Drones and the Dilemma of Modern Warfare

The Legal Transformation of War The morality and legitimacy of the practices of war – or, at least, the use of military force – are undergoing a fundamental transformation. This transformation is not yet directly or fully reflected in the formal laws of war, but as these changes embed themselves in the practices of states, especially dominant states, in practice they might eventually come to be embodied in the legal frameworks that regulate the use of force. The fundamental transformation is this: Whereas the traditional practices and laws of war defined “the enemy” in terms of categorical, group-based judgments that turned on status – a person was an enemy not because of any specific actions he himself engaged in, but because he was a member of an opposing army – we are now moving toward a world that implicitly or explicitly requires the individuation of personal responsibility of specific “enemy” persons before the use of military force is considered justified, at least as a moral and political matter. This shift applies not to any one particular type of military force, such as lethal force, but to all exertions of military power over enemies, including the ways in which they are captured, detained, incapacitated, or tried. To a limited but significant extent thus far, this transformation is reflected in the domestic law of some countries. Some of these issues have been addressed, for example, in evolving US constitutional jurisprudence resulting from recent decisions of the United States Supreme Court, as well in interpretations of international law by different domestic courts, including the Israeli Supreme Court. However, this quiet, subtle, and inadequately appreciated transformation has been taking place far more as a matter of slowly accepted practices than as settled legal development. The process of legal transformation in turn shapes arguments about the proper uses of military force in the context of fighting terrorism, yielding a debate that often comes across as polarized or confused or simply unable to engage with diverse positions, however reasonable. Precisely because we are in the midst of this transformation, we do not have clear prior legal frameworks, either domestically or internationally, to draw on to provide determinate legal guidance for addressing the transformed and transforming nature of modern warfare.
Anatomical Features of the Leaves in the Dichrostachys Group (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) and their Utility for Phylogenetic Studies

Abstract Leaflet anatomy of 30 species in the genera Alantsilodendron, Calliandropsis, Dichrostachys, and Gagnebina, was studied using hand-sections, leaf clearings, and scanning electron microscopy. Variation was found in the distribution of stomata, venation patterns, and especially sclerification associated with the vascular tissue. Terminal idioblasts are common and diverse, with enlarged tracheids, tracheoidal elements, reticulate and pitted tracheids, and sclereids associated with the terminal veinlets. In addition, sclerification of bundle sheath cells was found in two of the genera, and non-terminal sclereids of unknown origin are reported in yet a third genus. Although many characters of leaf anatomy are strongly correlated with ecological factors, an evaluation of such characters in the context of a preliminary phylogeny indicates that they are useful in phylogeny reconstruction. The major limitation in the use of anatomical characters of leaves in phylogenetics seems to be the difficulty in def...
SAP: design of a systolic array processor for computation in vision

The design and implementation of SAP chip, a systolic array processor for computations in vision, is described. The chip can be used to implement the Gaussian filter, the Laplacian of the Gaussian filter, and scale space generation. The architecture is based on an algorithm that can provide speeds an order of magnitude higher than the speeds of other systems previously proposed. The algorithm utilises the three properties of Gaussian: symmetry, separability, and scaling. The algorithm and the architecture exploit a high degree of pipelining and parallelism in order to obtain high speed, efficiency, and throughput. The architecture is adaptable for masks of any size, and the weights are not restricted to powers of two. The processor was designed using CMOS technology, fabricated, and tested. The chip is fully functional and operates at a rate of 10 MHz. >
Phase equilibria and phase transformation in the aluminum nitride-aluminum oxycarbide pseudobinary system

Samples in the pseudobinary AIN–AI2OC were fabricated by hot-pressing mixtures of ANI, AI4C3, and AI2O3 powders in graphite dies in an atmosphere of nitrogen. The resulting dense samples were subjected to thermal treatments over a range of temperatures from 1550° to 1950°C. The hot-pressed as well as annealed samples were examined using optical microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. An electron microprobe was used to determine composition. X-ray diffraction showed that AI2OC dissolved in AIN up to 44 mol% at 1800°C. Thermal treatment at lower temperatures led to the decomposition of the solid solution into two isostructural phases. In samples containing ∼14 to 60 mol% AIN, the morphology of the precipitates was lenticular. Diffraction contrast analysis showed that the precipitates were rich in ANI. Lattice images showed that the (001) planes of the 2H structure were continuous between the matrix and the precipitates. These precipitates appear to be similar to Guinier-Preston zones observed in metallic alloys. When annealed for long periods of time, interface dislocations formed, signifying partial loss of coherency. In some compositions (∼61 to 64 mol% AIN), a lamellar microstructure developed similar to that observed in cellular phase separation. Also, in some of the compositions, an additional phase was observed whose composition and structure were not determined.
A randomized controlled trial of Turkish folklore dance on the physical performance, balance, depression and quality of life in older women.

The present study has been carried out to investigate the effects of group-based Turkish folkloric dances on physical performance, balance, depression and quality of life (QoL) in 40 healthy adult elderly females over the age of 65 years. Subjects were randomly allocated into Group 1 (folkloric dance-based exercise) and Group 2 (control). A 8-week dance-based exercise program was performed. Outcome measures included a 20-m walk test, a 6-min walk test, stair climbing and chair rise time, Berg balance scale (BBS), the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), and geriatric depression scale (GDS) questionnaires. In Group 1 statistically significant improvements were found in most of the physical performance tests, BBS and some SF-36 subscales after the exercise (p < 0.05). In the Group 2 there was no clinically significant change in the variables. Comparing the groups, significant improvements in favor of Group 1 have emerged in most of the functional performance tests, in some of the SF-36 subscales and BBS score (p < 0.05). We achieved improvements in physical performance, balance and QoL in elderly females. Application of folkloric dance specific to countries as an exercise program for elderly people may be helpful.
A statistical framework for SNP calling, mutation discovery, association mapping and population genetical parameter estimation from sequencing data

Motivation: Most existing methods for DNA sequence analysis rely on accurate sequences or genotypes. However, in applications of the next-generation sequencing (NGS), accurate genotypes may not be easily obtained (e.g. multi-sample low-coverage sequencing or somatic mutation discovery). These applications press for the development of new methods for analyzing sequence data with uncertainty. Results: We present a statistical framework for calling SNPs, discovering somatic mutations, inferring population genetical parameters and performing association tests directly based on sequencing data without explicit genotyping or linkage-based imputation. On real data, we demonstrate that our method achieves comparable accuracy to alternative methods for estimating site allele count, for inferring allele frequency spectrum and for association mapping. We also highlight the necessity of using symmetric datasets for finding somatic mutations and confirm that for discovering rare events, mismapping is frequently the leading source of errors. Availability: http://samtools.sourceforge.net Contact: hengli@broadinstitute.org
Head Proteins from T-Even Bacteriophage I. Molecular Weight Characterization

T-even bacteriophage capsid proteins were separated on 6% agarose columns by use of 6 m guanidine hydrochloride containing 5 mm dithiothreitol both to dissociate and to elute the proteins. The head capsids of T2H, T4B, T4B01, T4D, and T6r + contained at least three structural proteins with molecular weights of 40,000, 18,000, and 11,000 daltons, amounting to 76, 2, and 8%, respectively, of the total capsid protein. On the other hand, T2L head capsids contained only two structural proteins with molecular weights of 40,000 and 18,000 daltons (81 and 2.5%, respectively, of the total protein). A discussion of the possible role of these structural head proteins and a T-even phage head model suggesting a structural arrangement of the 40,000 dalton subunit are presented. Images
Chapter 8 US Geological Survey Circum-Arctic Resource Appraisal (CARA): introduction and summary of organization and methods

Abstract The USGS has assessed undiscovered petroleum resources in the Arctic through geological mapping, basin analysis and quantitative assessment. The new map compilation provided the base from which geologists subdivided the Arctic for burial history modelling and quantitative assessment. The CARA was a probabilistic, geologically based study that used existing USGS methodology, modified somewhat for the circumstances of the Arctic. The assessment relied heavily on analogue modelling, with numerical input as lognormal distributions of sizes and numbers of undiscovered accumulations. Probabilistic results for individual assessment units were statistically aggregated taking geological dependencies into account. Fourteen papers in this Geological Society volume present summaries of various aspects of the CARA.
Atmospheric correction and surface spectral unit mapping using Thermal Emission Imaging System data

[1] Three techniques are described for the extraction of surface emissivity and compositional information from Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) images. Synthetic images were constructed with different atmospheric properties and random and systematic errors to estimate the uncertainty in the retrieved surface emissivity. The three techniques are as follows: (1) A constant radiance removal algorithm determines and removes a constant radiance from atmospheric emission as well as systematic calibration radiance offsets. (2) Surface emissivity retrieval uses low-resolution Thermal Emission Spectrometer surface emissivity data to determine atmospheric properties for an image that can be then applied to individual THEMIS pixels. (3) A spectral unit mapping algorithm determines spectral end-member concentrations using a deconvolution routine similar to several previous applications. The initial application of these techniques to three images covering the same region of the Martian surface but at different surface temperature and atmospheric conditions yields consistent surface spectral shapes as well as end-member concentrations. Retrieved aerosol opacity information is consistent with an independently developed opacity retrieval method. The application of the techniques described here is done in a stepwise fashion and may be applied to the desired level of analysis necessary for interpretation of surface properties.
A new high speed solution for the evaluation of Monte Carlo radiation transport computations

Advancements in parallel and cluster computing have made many complex Monte Carlo simulations possible in the past several years. Unfortunately, cluster computers are large, expensive, and still not fast enough to make the Monte Carlo technique useful for calculations requiring a near real-time evaluation period. For Monte Carlo simulations, a small computational unit called a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is capable of bringing the power of a large cluster computer into any personal computer (PC). Because an FPGA is capable of executing Monte Carlo simulations with a high degree of parallelism, a simulation run on a large FPGA can be executed at a much higher rate than an equivalent simulation on a modern single-processor desktop PC. In this paper, a simple radiation transport problem involving moderate energy photons incident on a three-dimensional target is discussed. By comparing the evaluation speed of this transport problem on a large FPGA to the evaluation speed of the same transport problem using standard computing techniques, it is shown that it is possible to accelerate Monte Carlo computations significantly using FPGAs. In fact, we have found that our simple photon transport test case can be evaluated in excess of 650 times faster on a large FPGA than on a 3.2 GHz Pentium-4 desktop PC running MCNP5.
Paravertebral regional blocks decrease length of stay following surgery for pectus excavatum in children.

Abstract Purpose Management of postoperative pain following repair of pectus excavatum has traditionally included thoracic epidural analgesia, narcotics, and benzodiazepines. We hypothesized that the use of intercostal or paravertebral regional blocks could result in decreased inpatient length of stay (LOS). Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 137 patients (118 Nuss and 19 Ravitch — Nuss and Ravitch patients were analyzed separately) who underwent surgical repair of pectus excavatum with pain management via epidural, intercostal, or paravertebral analgesia from January 2009–December 2012. Measured outcomes included LOS, pain scores, benzodiazepine/narcotic requirements, emesis, professional fees, hospital cost, and total cost. Results In the Nuss patients, LOS was significantly reduced in the paravertebral group (p Conclusion Our use of paravertebral continuous infusion pain catheters for pectus excavatum repair was an effective alternative to epidural analgesia resulting in shorter LOS but not a decrease in overall cost.
Who Says that Fish Filet Is Sustainable? Advocacy Options and the Lessons of Federal Fishery Management

This chapter discusses three important tools that policy advocates use in the management of federal fisheries. The primary law governing fishery management in federal waters is the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The law creates numerous opportunities for notice, comment, and oral or written participation in public meetings, councils and advisory committees, and the rulemaking process. Alternatively, some fishery advocates choose to litigate the public laws in the courts, whereas others create new private systems of fishery management in the marketplace. Each effort has benefits, but also economic and political consequences, too. Thus, while the Magnuson-Stevens Act reflects a federal process governing fish in the oceans, its implementation offers lessons and insights that readily apply to other areas of animal law. Part I of this chapter explains the regulatory framework for fisheries management and how stakeholders participate in the decision making process to determine an appropriate level of sustainable fishing. But as Part II notes, some dissenters may second guess the government’s decisions, choosing to litigate the outcome of the public process in the courts. Part III further explains how private alternatives have emerged, with non-governmental entities creating their own market-driven programs and standards to certify a fishery as sustainable, or not. Each of these options of participation, litigation, and certification reveals risks, benefits, and lessons that animal advocates can learn from the fishery management experience.
Probability in the quantum world

Probability has been a part of quantum theory from its very beginnings. The original probabilistic interpretation of quantum mechanics was put forward by Max Born. However the idea that the understanding of Nature had to be statistical was unacceptable to a lot of people including Einstein, and there was substantial criticism of this aspect of quantum theory. Eventually, the ideas of von Neumann, Bell, Feynman, Mackey, Glea- son, and many others on the probabilistic aspects of quantum theory clarified the situation and answered the criticisms. These contributions have made the role of probability in the quantum world both far-reaching and profound.
Toyota's Ken Laberteaux Talks about the Road Ahead

In this interview, Ken Laberteaux, senior principal scientist for the Toyota Research Institute-North America, discusses topics ranging from his early work on wireless communications and Vanet, to finding the right balance between convenience and privacy, to addressing the challenges of automated driving. This department is part of a special issue on smart vehicle spaces.
The Degeneracy of Protein Normal Modes

Normal modes are frequently computed and used to portray protein dynamics and interpret conformation changes that take place during functional processes. In this work, we investigate the nature of normal modes and find that the normal modes of proteins, especially those at the low frequency range, are degenerated. The degeneracy of a mode means a mode mixes with other modes with similar frequency and vanishes under slight structural uncertainty. This work is built upon our recent discovery that the vibrational spectrum of globular proteins is universal. The high density of modes as shown in the vibrational frequency spectrum renders protein normal modes highly degeneratable, under even smallest structure uncertainty that unavoidably exists in structure determination. Indeed, we find the level of degeneracy of modes is proportional to the density of modes in the vibrational spectrum. This means that for modes at the same frequency, degeneracy is more severe for larger proteins. Degeneracy exists also in modes of coarse-grained models, but to a less extent than those of all-atom models. In closing, we discuss the implications of the degeneracy of normal modes -- how it will affect how normal modes are to be used in various normal modes-based applications.
Reminiscence Theory: A Reply to Frith and Eysenck:

Two criticisms of Coppage and Payne (1981) were offered by Frith and Eysenck (this issue). The first was refuted on empirical grounds. The second suggested their disregard of die logic of our experiment.
On the coupling of membrane digestion with intestinal absorption of sugars and amino acids

An hypothesis is advanced to account for the large paracellular component of absorption of nutrients by the small intestine. High concentrations of hexoses and amino acids in the immediate vicinity of transporters and cell junctions are generated by membrane-bound saccharases and peptidases. After saturation of membrane carriers, the concentrations of monomers in the microenvironment increase until paracellular plus transcellular absorption equals rates of formation. During hydrolysis of maltose, the concentration of glucose at which rates of absorption and formation are equal is 200-300 mM, and at these concentrations paracellular transport accounts for 60-80% of total absorption. Transcellular concentrative transport provides the force for osmotic flow and at the same time triggers contraction of perijunctional actomyosin, thereby increasing transjunctional coefficients of osmotic flow and solvent drag. Paracellular absorption requires no oxidative energy other than that required to maintain the transjunctional concentration gradient and to energize contraction of cytoskeletal elements controlling junctional permeability and functional surface of lateral membranes. Almost all glucose generated by membrane hydrolysis is absorbed, but some may diffuse from high concentration in the microenvironment to the lumen thus accounting for the small amounts of free glucose found in macrosamples of chyme. Unstirred layers adjacent to the brush border retard backdiffusion to lumen, thus maintaining high concentrations for passive paracellular absorption. Coupling of membrane digestion with paracellular transport provides almost perfect matching of absorption to digestive loads because transport by solvent drag is proportional to concentration at cell junctions and this in turn is proportional to rate of hydrolysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Office-based treatment of dysphagia

Dysphagia is a common symptom affecting many patients with several different causes. The use of thin, distal-chip, video esophagoscopes allows for a thorough evaluation and management of dysphagia in the office. Esophagitis should be recognized on endoscopy in addition to webs, rings, and strictures. Procedures to treat the cause of dysphagia can be performed in clinic with the use of topical anesthesia. Descriptions of how to perform procedures for dysphagia, including vocal fold medialization, diagnostic esophagoscopy, and esophageal procedures for intervention are reviewed.
Combined Ultrasonic and Electrical Detection System for GIS Partial Discharge Based on Virtual Instrument

A GIS partial discharge(PD) detection system with ultrasonic and electrical combination is designed based on virtual instrument.Simultaneous multi-channel detections are applied to the ultra-high-frequency signals,high-frequency current signals and ultrasonic signals generated by GIS partial discharges via data acquisition modules with different sampling rates.The detection system based on virtual instrument platform can continuously capture and store PD pulse signals,and calculate PD pulse phase information.The separation of multi-source PD and distinction of PD type are achieved by using time-frequency analysis and fuzzy clustering.PD source location is carried out by multiple UHF signals and ultrasonic signals or their time difference.Field detections are conducted with the proposed system in several 220 kV and 500 kV GIS substations,and the results verify the effectiveness of the system.
Challenges for the university departments of surgery.

The potential academic surgeon must acquire experience in treating a number of patients who have both routine and complicated surgical conditions. Simultaneously he must learn to approach each problem with an inquiring and observant attitude so that hypotheses may be formulated which lead to significant clinical and basic research.
An unusual case of airway obstruction in a child.

Un cas d'obstruction de l'airway secondaire a un adenome pleomorphe intratracheale chez un enfant de 10 ans
Early retinal inflammatory biomarkers in the middle cerebral artery occlusion model of ischemic stroke.

Purpose The transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of stroke is one of the most commonly used models to study focal cerebral ischemia. This procedure also results in the simultaneous occlusion of the ophthalmic artery that supplies the retina. Retinal cell death is seen days after reperfusion and leads to functional deficits; however, the mechanism responsible for this injury has not been investigated. Given that the eye may have a unique ocular immune response to an ischemic challenge, this study examined the inflammatory response to retinal ischemia in the MCAO model.
Synthesis and characterization of MAgSe4 (M=Rb, Cs)

Syntheses of the title compounds were achieved from supercritical amines. The single crystal X-ray characterization of both MAgSe4 (M=Rb, Cs) members indicates that they are isostructural. The structure is built from five membered AgSe4 rings that are stitched together through tetrahedrally coordinated Ag(I) ions to form one dimensional chains running parallel to the a-axis. These chains are separated from each other by the alkali metal cations. Crystal data: orthorhombic, P212121, Z = 4. RbAgSe4: a = 5.809(2), b = 8.927(3), c = 13.435(4) A, U = 698.2(4) A3, and Dc = 4.851 g/cm3. CsAgSe4: a = 5.855(2), b = 9.090(3), c = 13.885(4) A, U = 739.0(4) A3, and Dc = 5.003 g/cm3. The anionic chain found in the title compounds has been observed previously, and comparisons among these phases show that the silver ion coordination in the chain varies as a function of cation size. Both the title compounds are valence precise and optical diffuse reflectance studies show that they are semiconductors with moderately large band gaps.
Connections to Organic Chemistry

This chapter deals with several issues related to organic reactions and classes of organic compounds. The issues are provided with the chemical basics and chemical details. One of the issues dealt with is the elimination of skunk odor. To deodorize a pet sprayed by a skunk, the noxious compound must be converted to an odorless one. By a chemical conversion of a thiol to another class of compound, the disagreeable skunk scent can be removed. Another issue dealt with is the thief detection powder. These powders are designed to apply to the surface of an object likely to be stolen such as cashboxes, cash, or sensitive documents. Alternatively, the powder may be applied to doorknobs or tools to detect entry or use. When the powder comes in contact with the skin, a reagent in the powder reacts with the body's amino acids to create a highly visible long-lasting purple-colored stain. While the stain will not immediately wash off the skin, the color will gradually rub off after about a day. Increasingly law enforcement agencies, banks, businesses, corporate offices, and concerned citizens are using detection powders to trap thieves.
Acute Scaphoid Fractures: Volar Approach

A 25-year-old right-hand-dominant male presented to our clinic complaining of left wrist pain after falling on an outstretched left arm 10 days earlier while playing basketball. An outside facility had diagnosed a scaphoid fracture and referred him for definitive treatment. Moderate swelling was noted over the dorsal radial aspect of the left wrist. Point tenderness was noted at the anatomic snuffbox, and significant pain was noted with any wrist range of motion. The patient’s fingers were well perfused, and the patient had normal sensation to light touch. Initial fluoroscopy images of the left wrist revealed a comminuted and displaced scaphoid waist fracture. Displaced scaphoid fractures have unacceptably high nonunion rates with nonoperative treatment, and surgical fixation is recommended. This patient was young, healthy, and active. There were no contraindications to undergoing surgery, and he was consented for elective open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).
Gray’s Anatomy of Stones: Henry Vandyke Carter

Introduction and Objectives Anatomy has become the iconic science that represents man’s earliest understanding of disease. The history of anatomy is closely associated with the rise of the pathophysiology of urolithiasis.
“Had You No Lands of Your Own?”: Seeking Justice in The Female American (1767)

The Female American; or, The Adventures of Unca Eliza Winkfield, first published anonymously in London in 1767, has garnered scholarly attention in the last fifteen years for many reasons, not leas...
The Miniature Neocortex of Shrews—Clues to Mammalian Brain Evolution

Fossil evidence suggests ancestral mammals had small bodies and brains, depended heavily on somatosensing and olfaction, and had comparatively little neocortex. Modern shrews exhibit many of the same traits and have long been of interest for comparative studies of mammalian evolution. Here evidence for the organization of neocortex in red-toothed shrews is reviewed and discussed in the context of mammalian brain evolution.
Recent Range Expansions by Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera (L.) Small), the Most Prevalent Invasive Tree in the Forestlands of Eastern Texas

Abstract We documented range expansion of Triadica sebifera (Chinese Tallow) within forestlands of eastern Texas based on field data collected by the US Forest Service from 2001 to 2012. Chinese Tallow generally spread northward, with the number of sample plots in which Chinese Tallow was detected approximately doubling and mean percent coverage of Chinese Tallow in sample plots increasing significantly (t = -3.93, P 40) increased in each of 3 latitudinal (°N) bands (29–30, 30–31, >31) from the first to the second survey. Our empirical results support the general trend of northward expansion predicted by existing models, which were based on less-recent data.
Stability of the Stevia-Derived Sweetener Rebaudioside A in Solution as Affected by Ultraviolet Light Exposure

Rebaudioside A is a natural noncaloric high-potency sweetener extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. With rebaudioside A use increasing in foods, understanding the factors affecting its stability is necessary. This project evaluated the degradation rate constants of rebaudioside A in water, 0.1 M phosphate buffer, and 0.1 M citrate buffer at pH 3 and 7 as a function of ultraviolet (UV) light intensity (365 nm, 0 μW/cm2 for dark conditions, 27 μW/cm2 for low intensity, and 190 μW/cm2 for high intensity) at 32.5 °C. Rebaudioside A stability was adversely affected by light exposure. The pseudo-1st-order degradation rate constants increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing light intensity in all solutions. Under dark conditions, rebaudioside A in phosphate buffers was more susceptible to breakdown than in water and citrate buffers at both pH levels. However, exposure to UV light resulted in rebaudioside A degradation occurring approximately 10 times faster in citrate than in phosphate buffers at both pH levels. The sensitivity of rebaudioside A to UV light was greater in citrate buffers than in water or phosphate buffers. The use of light-protective packaging for beverages containing rebaudioside A will improve its stability.
The adaptive life cycle of entrepreneurial ecosystems: the biotechnology cluster

We propose an empirical framework for assessing the vibrancy and trajectory of regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. We apply this framework to study the US National Capital Region’s localized cluster of biotechnology-related entrepreneurship by building our analysis around a set of indicators of ecosystem vitality proposed by Stangler and Bell-Masterson (2015). This application constitutes an initial attempt at mapping the dynamics of an industry cluster within the adaptive life cycle of a wider regional ecosystem. We find that the biotechnology cluster in the National Capital Region entered a “reorientation” stage in the early 2000s, building up stored energy, capital, and connectedness in non-research-oriented activities. An increasing regional presence of large biotech firms in the past 5 years, a highly active and diverse start-up sector, increasing merger and acquisition activity, and declines in regional public funding for medical and clinical trials all suggest a transition of entrepreneurial activity in the region from a dynamic driven by federal research spillovers to one increasingly driven by private sector actors.