cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary causes of cracking of asphalt pavement in North Carolina: field study

Presently, North Carolina is experiencing higher than anticipated rates of fatigue cracking. Field materials and pavement conditions are investigated to find the primary causes of cracking in North Carolina. This study finds that pavements with high asphalt content tend to be in good condition based on the top-down cracking (TDC) observed in the top layer, and pavements with low air void contents tend also to be in good condition. In addition, fine-graded mixes tend to yield a better pavement condition than coarse-graded mixes. The structure-related comprehensive analysis suggests that debonding is one of the major causes of a poor pavement condition. Road widening is another cause of cracking that can develop into fatigue cracking. Regions in which bottom-up cracking is observed tend to have larger bending strains at the bottom of the asphalt layer than regions where TDC is observed.
A cerebellocochlear nucleus pathway in the cat

Abstract Following lesions of the cerebellar cortex and nuclei in 21 cats, degeneration patterns were studied with the Nauta silver method. In addition to the well known corticovestibular descending fiber systems, a component to the posteroventral cochlear nucleus was also demonstrated. The wide array of lesions localized the origin of this bundle to the posterior lobules (VIII, IX, X) of the cerebellar vermis. Although some preterminal degeneration was found in the dorsal medial corner of the posteroventral cochlear nucleus, the precise termination of the remainder of the bundle in this nucleus could not be determined despite survival periods of 4–6 days.
Comparison of Wireless and Wired Structural System Identification

Various research studies have been carried out to improve wireless structural monitoring. The improvements can be categorized into two general categories: data processing (software) and sensors technology (hardware). Advances in data processing offer new strategies for analyzing the data while novel sensor technologies mostly solve the challenges in power consumption and data transmission. These hardware challenges may also be affected by improvements in the data analyzing process which can help in reducing the quantity of data that needs to be transferred and significantly decreases the power consumption. In this study, the random decrement (RD) technique along with the Ibrahim Time Domain (ITD) method were evaluated for modal identification of structures through both wired and wireless sensors. This paper shows how smaller segments of data can be used for extracting the modal properties with similar accuracy. A simple laboratory beam test was performed to compare the data from co-located wireless and wired sensors in the time-domain. Then, the modal identification of the beam through RD and ITD method shows the comparison between wired and wireless structural identification. Additionally, this study investigates the capability of the wireless sensors in providing accurate modal parameters through different data analyzing processes and system identification techniques under actual field conditions. These techniques were used for structural identification of a bridge located in Perry, Utah. The performance and capability of these methods were evaluated and show that detecting the modal parameters of a bridge can be achieved by not transmitting the entire collected package of data.
A phase I study of 153Sm-EDTMP with fixed high-dose melphalan as a peripheral blood stem cell conditioning regimen in patients with multiple myeloma

Despite response rates of 30% after high-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant, patients with multiple myeloma are not cured. 153Samarium ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonate (153Sm-EDTMP; Quadramet®) is a short-range, β-emitting therapeutic radiopharmaceutical with avid skeletal uptake. In total, 12 patients were treated with escalating doses of 153Sm-EDTMP (N=3/group; 6, 12, 19.8, and 30 mCi/kg) and a fixed dose of melphalan (200 mg/m2). No dose limiting toxicity was seen. To better standardize the marrow compartment radiation dose, the study was modified such that an additional six patients were treated at a targeted absorbed radiation dose to the red marrow of 40 Gy based on a trace labeled infusion 1 week prior to the therapy. Despite rapid elimination of unbound radiopharmaceutical via kidneys and bladder, no episodes of nephrotoxicity, hemorrhagic cystitis, or delayed radiation nephritis were observed with a median follow-up of 31 months (range 8.5–44). Median times to ANC>0.5 and platelet >20 × 106/l were 12 and 11 days, respectively, with no graft failures. Overall response rate was 94% including seven very good partial responses and five complete responses. Addition of 153Sm EDTMP to melphalan conditioning appears to be safe, well-tolerated and worthy of further study.
An iterative algorithm for sampling from manifolds

We develop an algorithm that generates samples from a given probability distribution on a manifold embedded in a Euclidean space based only on the ability to evaluate the mapping defined by the parametrization of the manifold. In particular, we do not assume the ability to evaluate the derivatives of the mapping and the ability to tell whether a given point in the ambient space belongs to the manifold or not. The new approach is useful when the manifold is analytically intractable and highly nonlinear---for example, in studying complex regulatory networks in systems biology where the mapping is typically defined by the solution of a system of ordinary differential equations.
Weak Emergence Drives the Science, Epistemology, and Metaphysics of Synthetic Biology

Top-down synthetic biology makes partly synthetic cells by redesigning simple natural forms of life, and bottom-up synthetic biology aims to make fully synthetic cells using only entirely nonliving components. Within synthetic biology the notions of complexity and emergence are quite controversial, but the imprecision of key notions makes the discussion inconclusive. I employ a precise notion of weak emergent property, which is a robust characteristic of the behavior of complex bottom-up causal webs, where a complex causal web is one that is incompressible and its behavior cannot be derived except by crawling through all of the gory details of the interactions in the web. The central thesis of this article is that synthetic biology centrally is the activity of engineering the desired weak emergent properties of synthetic cells. Synthetic biology has many different ways to engineer desired weak emergent properties of synthetic cells, including Edisonian trial and error, standardized parts, refactoring, and reprogramming synthetic genomes. The article ends by noting two philosophical consequences of engineering weak emergence. One is epistemological: synthesis is crucial for discovering weak emergent properties. The other is metaphysical: simple life forms are nothing but complex chemical mechanisms.
Differential survival of isolated portions of crayfish axons.

Electron microscopic studies show that transplanted segments of sensory axons of varying lengths degenerate within 7–14 days whereas transplanted segments of crustacean motor axons survive morphologically intact for 20–30 days. The middle portion of an isolated motor axon segment degenerates less rapidly than portions of the same axon located nearer the periphery or nearer the ventral nerve cord. One week after transplantation, glial cells appear to phagocytize sensory axons whereas glial cells around motor axons appear to hypertrophy and to have more rough endoplasmic reticulum. After three weeks, motor axons also appear to be phagocytized by glial cells.
Numerical techniques for the transformation to an orthogonal coordinate system aligned with a vector field

The authors explore the use of variational grid-generation to perform alignment of a grid with a given vector field. Variational methods have proven to be a powerful class of grid-generators, but when they are used in alignment, difficulties may arise in treating boundaries due to an incompatibility between geometry and vector field. In this paper, a refinement of the procedure of iterating boundary values is presented. It allows one to control the quality of the grid in the face of the above-mentioned incompatibility. This procedure may be incorporated into any variational alignment algorithm. The authors demonstrate its use with respect to a new quasi-variational alignment method having a particularly simple structure. The latter method is comparable to Knupp's method (see [7]), but avoids use of the Winslow equations.
Effect of angiotensin II and norepinephrine on early growth response genes in the rat kidney

Effect of angiotensin II and norepinephrine on early growth response genes in the rat kidney. Angiotensin II (Ang II) has growth promoting effects in a number of cells and tissues in vitro . The purpose of this study was to examine the in vivo effect of Ang II on the renal expression of the early growth response genes c- fos , Egr-1 and c- jun . Adult male rats underwent two basal 30 minute clearance periods during which the normal saline vehicle was infused into the left renal artery. Normal saline, Ang II (50 ng/kg/min), or Ang II plus the Ang II antagonist Sar 1 Gly 8 -angiotensin II (10 µg/kg/min) were then selectively infused into the left renal artery for two additional 30 minute periods. MAP was similar during basal and Ang II infusion. Hemodynamic effects (decrease in GFR and RPF and increase in renal vascular resistance) were observed only in the Ang II-infused left kidney allowing the right kidney to serve as a paired control for the effects of anesthesia and surgery. Significant increases in the expression of the early growth response genes Egr-1 and c- fos , but not c- jun , were found in the Ang II-infused left kidney compared to the control right kidney. The simultaneous infusion of Ang II (50 ng/kg/min) and the Ang II antagonist Sar 1 Gly 8 -angiotensin II (10 µg/kg/min) blocked the increase in Egr-1 and c- fos expression, demonstrating the specificity of the response to Ang II. To compare the effect of another renal vasoconstrictor on the expression of early growth response genes, norepinephrine (40 ng/kg/min) was infused into the left renal artery. This dose lacked a systemic pressor effect, produced vasoconstriction in the infused left kidney, but did not alter hemodynamics of the right kidney. Norepinephrine significantly increased Egr-1 and c- fos and c- jun mRNA. In conclusion, intrarenal infusion of Ang II and norepinephrine induced early growth response genes in the kidney, an effect associated with cellular growth in other tissues. The similarity of the response to two different vasoconstrictors raises the possibility that early growth responses may be transduced, in part, from renal hemodynamic effects.
Early effects of corticosterone on amino acid incorporation by rat liver systems subsequent to its in vivo injection

Corticosterone effect on amino acid incorporation into protein and microsomes in male rat livers
The Home-Court Advantage: A Debate Format for the Teaching of Personality.

Students given the opportunity to listen to formal debates between professors show high motivation and sharpened critical thinking.
Enzyme‐caytalyzed oxidation of cholesterol in supercritical carbon dioxide

Supercritical carbon dioxide was studied as a solvent for the enzymatic oxidation of cholesterol with molecular oxygen. Enzymes isolated from Streptomyces sp., Norcardia sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Gloeocysticum chrysocreas are active in supercritical carbon dioxide. For the oxidation of cholesterol to cholest-4-ene-3-one (via cholesterol oxidase) from Gloeocysticum chrysocreas, turnovers are almost two orders of magnitude higher than those found in aqueous solutions; initial rates of the reaction catalyzed by Streptomyces sp. in supercritical carbon dioxide are comparable to or greater than those found in aqueous solutions. Cholesterol oxidase from Gloeocysticum chrysocreas is stable in supercritical carbon dioxide at 100 bar and 35°C, while the enzyme from Streptomyces sp. is not. A trace amount of water is necessary for catalysis in carbon dioxide. The rate of oxidation is increased markedly by addition of small amounts of tert-butanol and iso-butanol, moderately by ethanol, slightly by acetone and n-butanol, and not at all by addition of methanol. Solubility data cannot explain these observations. EPR spectroscopy reveals no large conformational changes in the enzyme from Gloeocysticum chrysocreas as a function of carbon dioxide pressure or cosolvent addition. However, EPR spectroscopy indicates that aggregation of cholesterol molecules in supercritical carbon dioxide is strongly affected by changes in pressure or cosolvent content. The degree of cholesterol aggregation correlates well with observed rate enhancements.
A Duobinary Signaling for Asymmetric Multi-Chip Communication

Duobinary signaling has been introduced into asymmetric multi-chip communications such as DRAM or display interfaces, which allows a controlled amount of ISI to reduce signaling bandwidth by 2/3. A x2 oversampled equalization has been developed to realize Duobinary signaling. Symbol-rate clock recovery form Duobinary signal has been developed to reduce power consumption for receivers. A Duobinary transmitter test chip was fabricated with 90-nm CMOS process. A 3.5dB increase in eye height and a 1.5 times increase in eye width was observed.
Evaluation of the Dopamine Response to Stress in Man

Because the role of circulating dopamine (DA) in the sympathetic nervous system response to stress remains unclear, alterations in peripheral DA concentrations were determined in healthy volunteers after assuming upright posture (n = 6), hand immersion in ice water (cold pressor, n = 6), and insulin-induced hypoglycemia (n = 11) and in 17 comatose patients with severe brain injury (11 head trauma and 6 intracranial hemorrhage). Changes in DA levels were compared to increases in epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE), all of which were measured by the radioenzymatic technique. The minimum sensitivities were 42, 22, and 38 pg/ml, respectively. In 19 normal men and 22 women, basal DA levels were below assay sensitivity in 31 and were 85 +/- 7 (+/- SE) pg/ml in the remainder. Plasma E was measurable in all but 7 subjects, with a mean concentration of 41 +/- 4 pg/ml. NE levels were 201 +/- 17 pg/ml in 30 of the 31 subjects in whom it was detectable. There was no sex difference for any of the catecholamines. Upon standing, neither DA nor E changed significantly, but NE, increased by 176 +/- 40 pg/ml (P less than 0.0025). There were no significant changes in DA or E concentrations during the cold pressor test, while NE increased by 212 +/- 66 pg/ml (P less than 0.025). Compared to the E (1044 +/- 356 pg/ml; P less than 0.02) and NE (233 +/- 62 pg/ml; P less than 0.005) increments after hypoglycemia, the maximal DA increment, although significant (62 +/- 22 pg/ml; P less than 0.025), was less than those of the other catecholamines. DA levels were measurable in only 7 of 40 samples from 17 brain-injured patients and was 72 +/- 13 pg/ml in the remainder. However, E and NE levels were detectable in 79% of the samples and were significantly greater than normal (125.6 +/- 14 and 594 +/- 59 pg/ml; P less than 0.001, respectively). It is concluded that basal DA levels are generally below the assay limits of detectability. Furthermore, measurement of circulating levels suggests that DA participates in the general sympathetic response only when the adrenal component is maximally activated.
Doppler transesophageal echocardiographic determination of aortic valve area in adults with aortic stenosis.

Abstract Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography has been shown to be an accurate method of measuring aortic valve area in patients with aortic stenosis. The accuracy of Doppler transesophageal echocardiography for this purpose is unknown. Thus 86 consecutive adult patients (mean age 68 ± 11 years) with calcific ( n = 79) or congenital bicuspid ( n = 7) AS were studied by biplane or multiplane transesophageal echocardiography. From the transgastric long-axis view, continuous wave Doppler of peak aortic valve velocity and pulsed Doppler of left ventricular outflow tract velocity were determined. Left ventricular outflow tract diameter was measured from a transesophageal echocardiography long-axis view, and cross-sectional area was calculated. Aortic valve area was calculated by the continuity equation. Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was used to directly measure aortic valve area by planimetry of the minimal orifice from a short-axis view. Aortic valve area determination was less feasible by Doppler (62 of 86 patients, or 72%) versus two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (81 of 86 patients, or 94%; p p 2 vs 1.23 ± 0.46 cm 2 , p = not significant) and correlated well ( r = 0.88; standard error of the estimate=0.26 cm 2 ; intercept=0.02 cm 2 ; slope=1.04; p = 0.0001). Absolute and percent differences between aortic valve area measured by Doppler and two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography were small (0.18 ± 0.20 cm 2 and 15% ± 15%, respectively). Mild, moderate, and severe aortic stenosis by two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was correctly identified in 93% (28 of 30), 79% (15 of 19), and 77% (10 of 13) of patients by Doppler transesophageal echocardiography, respectively. Doppler transesophageal echocardiography is an accurate method to measure aortic valve area in patients with aortic stenosis and should complement two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. The feasibility of Doppler transesophageal echocardiography for aortic valve area determination has a significant learning curve
“I Don’t Like to Say That I’m Anything”: Sexuality Politics and Cultural Critique Among Sexual-Minority Latino Youth

This article offers an initial exploration of forms of cultural and political agency of Latino youth who experience sexual attraction to both men and women. The authors focus on young people’s perspectives about bisexuality, their views and critical responses regarding social categories of sexual identity, and their reflections about the relationships between sexual and gender identities. Following a social constructionist approach, the authors explore sexual identity not as an essence to be discovered in a coming-out process but as a dynamic, interactive process in which the subjects construct their sexual identities in dialogue with existing cultural possibilities and within the context of their social relations. Based on in-depth interviews with 11 boys and five girls from 15 to 19 years old who had Latin American or Caribbean ancestors, the findings show different ways in which these sexual-minority Latino youth participated in struggles over meanings, labels, forms of discrimination, and normalization.
IL-4 induces production of the lung collectin surfactant protein-D.

Abstract Background Surfactant protein (SP)-D is an epithelial cell product of the distal air spaces that aids uptake and clearance of inhaled pathogens and allergens. Allergic airway inflammation significantly increases SP-D levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in asthmatic patients and mouse models, but the mechanisms involved remain unknown. Objective To investigate the effects of the T H 2-type cytokine IL-4 on SP-D production by isolated pulmonary epithelial cells. Methods Rat type II alveolar epithelial cells were purified and cultured with dexamethasone, cAMP, and isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (DCI). The effects of IL-4 on SP-D expression were investigated at the protein and mRNA levels by means of Western and Northern blot analyses. Results In contrast to a lamellar body protein ABCA3 and surfactant protein-A, expression of SP-D significantly declined when cells were cultured in medium alone for 24 hours. The presence of DCI in the culture medium restored SP-D levels, which were enhanced by 2-fold after addition of recombinant IL-4. The enhancing effects of IL-4 were concentration-dependent, with maximum effects observed at 20 ng/mL (1.43 nmol/L). IL-4 did not rescue cycloheximide-induced decrease of intracellular SP-D levels and did not inhibit extracellular release of SP-D. However, IL-4 significantly augmented DCI-induced SP-D mRNA expression by approximately 2.5-fold over control levels. Conclusions IL-4 selectively upregulates SP-D expression, and it may act at the level of mRNA in isolated pulmonary epithelial cells. Since SP-D has a potent anti-inflammatory function, this mechanism may be part of a negative feedback loop providing a regulatory link between adaptive and innate immunity during allergic inflammation.
Behavior of Available End-to-end Bandwidth: Non-Parametric Approach

The emerging development of remote sensing and control technology gives rise to new types of real-time networking applications that require "pro-active" quality of service guarantees. In particular, it is important to predict the probability that the available end-to-end bandwidth drops below a specified quality-critical threshold for a given period of time. We refer to such a probability as to a "crossing probability". In this work we develop a non-parametric approach for prediction of the "crossing probability" for an arbitrarily taken Internet path. We also provide a "self-check" and therefore are able to evaluate the accuracy of our prediction. Experimental verification of prediction accuracy is based on real-life measurements collected from multiple Internet paths.
Multi-emitter laser multiplexer using a two-mirror beam shaper

A system was designed and built to spatially multiplex four broad area laser diodes (BALD) and condense the light into a multi-mode fiber with a core diameter of 105 um and an NA of 0.15. The lasers were efficiently combined with an etendue aspect ratio scaler (EARS) optic. The EARS works under the principle of a two mirror beam shaper. We were able to successfully couple more than 87% of the optical energy into the fiber. The design of the optical system and the results of several built systems are discussed.
Temporal variations of 234Th activity in the water column of Dabob Bay: Particle scavenging

Monthly measurements of total, dissolved, and particulate 234Th, along with fluxes of total mass and particulate 234Th, were made throughout 1987 in Dabob Bay, Washington. Vertical distributions of total 234Th showed a large deficiency relative to 238U throughout the water column during all sampling periods. Total 234Th activities in surface waters were generally bigher in winter and lower in summer, in response to seasonal biological activity. In spite of this variation, the steady state assumption seems valid for modeling 234Th of the bay because the magnitude of variation is insignificant in the mass balance calculation. The range of residence times of total, dissolved, and particulate 234Th estimated horn an irreversible scavenging model are 4-70, <: l-10, and 3-60 d, respectively. The residence time of 234Th is controlled by the suspended particles whose distribution is determined by biological production in the surface layer and resuspension of bottom sediments. Vertical fluxes of 234Th measured by sediment traps also showed wide seasonal variation and generally increased monotonically from 200-l ,000 dpm me2 d-l at 20 m to 2,000-4,000 at 100 m. The flux of 234Th predicted with the steady state scavenging model tends to be about twice the directly measured 234Th flux. This difference may be due either to low trap efhciency for 234Thcontaining particles or to boundary scavenging at the sides of the basin. The residence times of particulate 234Th and total suspended matter agree well, and both are influenced by biological processes.
Parallel automated test pattern generation on the Connection Machine

The authors present an SIMD (single-instruction multiple-data) algorithm for automated test pattern generation. An effort was made to parallelize the individual steps of FAN by employing the massive parallelism of the Connection Machine. The algorithm considers one fault at a time and generates a test for it. Fine-grain parallelism is achieved by several gates within a level simultaneously doing multiple backtrace or forward simulation. >
Joseph Schumpeter's Two Theories of Democracy. By John Medearis. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2001. 263p. $45.00.

Joseph Schumpeter's “elitist” theory of democracy has been the subject of much discussion in political theory. It is commonly considered to have been seminal for the “empirical” approaches to democracy that emerged in American political science after World War II. In this excellent book, John Medearis presents an impressive, careful, and relatively comprehensive account of Schumpeter's writings on the topic of democracy. He argues that Schumpeter has been widely misunderstood, and the richness of his thinking has been wrongly reduced to the chapters of Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy (1942) in which the “elitist” theory is developed.
Global parameter identification in systems with a sigmoidal activation function

Parameter identification in a 2-node network with sigmoidal activation functions is considered. Given the nonlinearity in the weights, standard estimation algorithms based on linear parametrization are inadequate tools for studying global parameter convergence. In this paper, we provide an alternative approach for studying parameter identification in the presence of sigmoidal parametrization. Conditions under which a simple back propagation algorithm can lead to global convergence are considered.
A promising paradigm shift in the use of computers for science instruction

The common practice of using mathematical models for teaching topics in sciences is contrasted with the unique opportunity offered by the power of modern computers. The countless mathematical equations describing the externally observed behaviors may be all embraced by a handful of first principles underlying these behaviors. Examples from natural sciences and from statistics are presented.
Markets, Ownership, and the Quality of Campaign News Coverage

The quality of political news coverage has implications for the information voters are left with to make political decisions. This article argues that the quality of the information found in political news is influenced by media ownership and market contexts. Using original data containing news coverage of competitive statewide races in 2004, coverage provided by multiple media outlets is examined as a function of ownership structure and market context. The results indicate that corporate ownership and market contexts matter in determining the quality of information offered in political news coverage.
On the shortest path to network security

The resource constrained shortest path model is a general framework for evaluating and understanding the security of computer networks. This paper derives the model from established computer security and risk analysis principles to provide an informal proof that a network security model based on the resource constrained shortest path is "correct". Thus the resource constrained shortest path concept is a general strategy that can be used to describe and evaluate a large set of computer network security problems. Furthermore, the resource constrained shortest path problem has received extensive study in operations research, so specific model instances can be described mathematically. >
Reduced reproductive effort in male field crickets infested with parasitoid fly larvae

Some populations of the field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus are parasitized by the phonotactic fly Ormia ochracea. Flies locate crickets by their song and deposit larvae onto them. The larvae develop inside the cricket for 1 week before killing the host upon emergence. The reproductive compensation hypothesis predicts that parasitized crickets should increase their reproductive effort during the initial stages of infestation to offset the loss of fitness resulting from their shortened life span. An alternative hypothesis predicts that parasitized crickets will decrease reproduction, either because they are unable to reproduce or because selection acting on the parasitoid favors decreased host reproduction. In laboratory experiments, parasitized male crickets had reduced reproductive effort (spermatophore production, calling, mating activity, and mass allocated to reproductive tissue) compared to unparasitized males. Parasitized males fed ad libitum showed no evidence of allocating a greater proportion of their resources to reproduction. Parasitized and healthy males did not differ significantly in resting or maximal metabolic rates, although this may have been due to the substantial contribution of larval respiration to the metabolic rate of the host--parasitoid complex. These results are consistent with previous studies and suggest that T. oceanicus males parasitized by O. ochracea do not increase their reproductive effort. We discuss potential reasons that crickets do not increase reproductive effort in response to fly larvae and address difficulties in demonstrating altered life-history patterns in response to parasitism. Copyright 2002.
Regional variations in local contributions to the primate photopic flash ERG : revealed using the slow-sequence mfERG

Purpose To determine the variations with eccentricity of the primate photopic ERG and to separate contributions by different retinal cells by using intravitreal pharmacologic agents. Methods Slow-sequence multifocal (mf)ERGs were obtained from 19 anesthetized adult rhesus monkeys and 5 normal human subjects. Recordings in monkeys were obtained before and after injections of tetrodotoxin citrate (TTX) to block sodium-dependent spiking; TTX+N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)+picrotoxin (PTX) or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to block all inner retinal activity; L-2 amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (APB) to block the On-pathway; and cis-2, 3 piperidine dicarboxylic acid (PDA) to block the Off-pathway and the otherwise unblocked inner retinal activity. The stimulus consisted of 103 equal-sized hexagons within 17 degrees of the fovea; every 200 ms (15 frames), each hexagon had a 50% chance of remaining at 20 cd/m(2) or increasing briefly to 4.7 cd-s/m(2). Oscillatory potentials (OPs; 90-300 Hz) were extracted. Results The slow-sequence mfERG summed over the stimulated area looked similar to a standard photopic, full-field ERG, with a- and b-waves and OPs. OPs in the foveal and temporal retina were larger than in the nasal retina. This nasotemporal asymmetry was removed by TTX, and the OPs were eliminated, either by blocking inner retina activity or by blocking the On-pathway. The summed mfERG waveform, including OPs, was shaped mainly by the more peripheral retinal regions. The foveal b-wave peak occurred about 5 to 6 ms later than in the periphery, with the depolarizing peak of the On-pathway/bipolar contribution occurring earlier than the depolarizing peak of the Off contribution at all eccentricities. The a-wave was composed of a small photoreceptor contribution and postreceptoral portion originating from hyperpolarizing neurons. Conclusions The variations in the primate photopic ERG with eccentricity are due to spike-driven oscillatory activity that is more prominent in central and temporal retina than in nasal retina and to the slower timing of all responses in the central, compared with the peripheral, retina. The full-field, photopic ERG most closely resembles the mfERG responses to stimulation of peripheral regions.
A Hardware/Software Approach for Database Query Acceleration with FPGAs

Complex analytics queries often involve expensive operations that may require large computational runtimes leading to slow query responsiveness and hampering real-time performance. Moreover, running these expensive analytics queries inside traditional online transaction processing (OLTP) systems for real-time analytics can affect the performance of mission-critical OLTP queries. On the other hand, support for real-time analytics is considered vital for important business insights and improved market responsiveness. In this paper, we try to address the needs of real-time analytics by enabling hardware acceleration of complex database query operations such as predicate evaluation, sort and projection. While projection helps reduce the amount of data being processed by subsequent query operations, sort is central to most database queries, even those not involving an explicit sort operation. Our system involves FPGA-based composable accelerator for offloading the analytics queries from the host CPU running the OLTP workload. The FPGA-accelerated database system contains accelerator kernels for various database operations and automatic transformation of query operations into calls to these hardware kernels for seamless integration of the accelerator into the database system. Based on the query semantics, each accelerator kernel can be tailored by software to execute specific database operations and different kernels can be fused together to compose a query accelerator. Our query transformation algorithm creates a query-specific control block to customize the accelerator without requiring FPGA-reconfiguration.
Spontaneous Indices Are Inconsistent With Arterial Baroreflex Gain

Spontaneously occurring, parallel fluctuations in arterial pressure and heart period are frequently used as indices of baroreflex function. Despite the convenience of spontaneous indices, their relation to the arterial baroreflex remains unclear. Therefore, in 97 volunteers, we derived 5 proposed indices (sequence method, α-index, transfer function, low-frequency transfer function, and impulse response function), compared them with arterial baroreflex gain (by the modified Oxford pharmacologic technique), and examined their relation to carotid distensibility and respiratory sinus arrhythmia. The subjects comprised men and women (n=41) aged 25 to 86 years, 30% of whom had established coronary artery disease. Generally, the indices were correlated with each other (except α-index and low-frequency transfer function) and with baroreflex gain. However, the Bland-Altman method demonstrated that the spontaneous indices had limits of agreement as large as the baroreflex gain itself. Even in individuals within the lowest tertile of baroreflex gain for whom baroreflex gain appears to be the most clinically relevant, spontaneous indices failed to relate to baroreflex gain. In fact, for these individuals, there was no correlation between any index and baroreflex gain. Forward stepwise linear regression showed that all spontaneous indices and baroreflex gain were related to respiratory sinus arrhythmia, but only baroreflex gain was related to carotid distensibility. Therefore, these data suggest that spontaneous indices are inadequate estimates of gain and are inconsistent with arterial baroreflex function.
Understanding the Adsorption Mechanism of Chitosan Onto Poly(lactide-Co-Glycolide) Particles

Abstract Polyelectrolyte-coated nanoparticles or microparticles interact with bioactive molecules (peptides, proteins or nucleic acids) and have been proposed as delivery systems for these molecules. However, the mechanism of adsorption of polyelectrolyte onto particles remains unsolved. In this study, cationic poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles were fabricated by adsorption of various concentrations of a biodegradable polysaccharide, chitosan (0–2.4 g/L), using oil-in-water emulsion and solvent evaporation techniques. The particle diameter, zeta-potential, and chitosan adsorption of chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles confirmed the increase of polyelectrolyte adsorption. Five adsorption isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Halsey, Henderson, and Smith) were applied to the experimental data in order to better understand the mechanism of adsorption. Both particle diameter and chitosan adsorption increased with chitosan concentration during adsorption. A good correlation was obtained between PLGA-chitosan nanoparticle size and adsorbed chitosan on the surface, suggesting that the increased particle size was primarily due to the increased chitosan adsorption. The zeta-potential of chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles was positive and increased with chitosan adsorbed until a maximum value (+55 mV) was reached at approximately 0.4–0.6 g/L; PLGA nanoparticles had a negative zeta-potential (−20 mV) prior to chitosan adsorption. Chitosan adsorption on PLGA nanoparticles followed a multilayer adsorption behavior, although the Langmuir monolayer equation held at low concentrations of chitosan. The underlying reasons for adsorption of chitosan on PLGA nanoparticles were thought to be the cationic nature of chitosan, high surface energy and microporous non-uniform surface of PLGA nanoparticles.
Retrieval Protracts Deferred Imitation by 6-Month-Olds

Past research using a deferred imitation task has shown that 6-month-olds remember a 3-part action sequence for only 1 day. The concept of a time window suggests that there is a limited period within which additional information can be integrated with a prior memory. Its width tracks the forgetting function of the memory. This study asked if retrieving the memory of the modeled actions at the end of the time window protracts its retention, if the type of retrieval (active or passive) differentially influences retention, and if the retrieval delay influences its specificity. In Experiment 1, 6-month-olds either imitated the modeled actions (active retrieval group) or merely watched them modeled again (passive retrieval group) 1 day after the original demonstration. Both groups showed deferred imitation after 10 days. In Experiment 2, 6-month-olds who repeatedly retrieved the memory at or near the end of the time window deferred imitation for 2.5 months. In Experiment 3,6-month-olds spontaneously generalized imitation late in the time window after 1 prior retrieval, whether it was active or passive. These studies reveal that the retention benefit of multiple retrievals late in the time window is huge. Because most retrievals are undoubtedly latent, the contribution of repeated events to the growth of the knowledge base early in infancy has been greatly underestimated.
Firing range soils yield a diverse array of fungal isolates capable of organic acid production and Pb mineral solubilization.

Anthropogenic sources of lead contamination in soils include mining and smelting activities, effluents and wastes, agricultural pesticides, domestic garbage dumps, and shooting ranges. While Pb is typically considered relatively insoluble in the soil environment, some fungi may potentially contribute to mobilization of heavy metal cations by means of secretion of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs). We sought to better understand the potential for metal mobilization within an indigenous fungal community at an abandoned shooting range in Oak Ridge, TN, where soil Pb contamination levels ranged from 24 to >2,700 mg Pb kg dry soil−1. We utilized culture-based assays to determine organic acid secretion and Pb-carbonate dissolution of a diverse collection of soil fungal isolates derived from the site and verified isolate distribution patterns within the community by 28S rRNA gene analysis of whole soils. The fungal isolates examined included both ascomycetes and basidiomycetes that excreted high levels (up to 27 mM) of a mixture of LMWOAs, including oxalic and citric acids, and several isolates demonstrated a marked ability to dissolve Pb-carbonate at high concentrations up to 10.5 g liter−1 (18.5 mM) in laboratory assays. Fungi within the indigenous community of these highly Pb-contaminated soils are capable of LMWOA secretion at levels greater than those of well-studied model organisms, such as Aspergillus niger. Additionally, these organisms were found in high relative abundance (>1%) in some of the most heavily contaminated soils. Our data highlight the need to understand more about autochthonous fungal communities at Pb-contaminated sites and how they may impact Pb biogeochemistry, solubility, and bioavailability, thus consequently potentially impacting human and ecosystem health.
Actions of endothelin-1 on calcium homeostasis in Madin-Darby canine kidney tubule cells.

Background. In both ischaemic and nephrotoxic models, renal failure is associated with increased endothelin-1 (ET-1) and cell calcium overload, and ET receptor antagonists are protective. Vascular and tubular actions of endothelins appear to be involved. This study examines the actions of ET-1 on intracellular Ca ([Ca 2+ ]s) in the tubule model cell line MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney). Methods. Single-cell [Ca 2+ ]; was measured using fura-2 and actions of ET-1 were compared with thapsigargin,
Partial Hearing Preservation after Translabyrinthine Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Objectives To describe a unique case report of a patient who had partial hearing preservation after translabyrinthine (TL) removal of a vestibular schwannoma (VS). Study Design Case report. Methods The patient's chart was reviewed for hearing levels before and after surgery. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was compared with postoperative MRI for determination of completeness of tumor removal. The literature on hearing preservation after TL resection is reviewed. Results A 42-year-old woman underwent a TL removal of a VS. The patient's preoperative pure tone average (PTA) was 70 dB and word recognition score (WRS) was 40%. Postoperatively, the patient was able to hear ambient noise in the surgical ear. Her bone conduction PTA was 70 dB, but the WRS score dropped to 2%. One year later, she continues to hear ambient noise and sound in the operative ear. Discussion This is the fifth reported case of partial hearing preservation after TL VS resection. It suggests that by preserving the vestibule and the fluids within the vestibule when possible, there maybe enough residual auditory neural structures for a traditional cochlear implant to benefit such a patient. In addition, preserving the incus when possible may help maintain air conduction to help patients with sound localization.
Prostate Cancer Detection Using Computed Very High b-value Diffusion-weighted Imaging: How High Should We Go?

Rationale and Objectives The aim of this study was to assess prostate cancer detection using a broad range of computed b-values up to 5000 s/mm2. Materials and Methods This retrospective Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study was approved by an institutional review board with consent waiver. Forty-nine patients (63 ± 8 years) underwent 3T prostate magnetic resonance imaging before prostatectomy. Examinations included diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with b-values of 50 and 1000 s/mm2. Seven computed DWI image sets (b-values: 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, and 5000 s/mm2) were generated by mono-exponential fit. Two blinded radiologists (R1 [attending], R2 [fellow]) independently evaluated diffusion weighted image sets for image quality and dominant lesion location. A separate unblinded radiologist placed regions of interest to measure tumor-to-peripheral zone (PZ) contrast. Pathologic findings from prostatectomy served as reference standard. Measures were compared between b-values using the Jonckheere-Terpstra trend test, Spearman correlation coefficient, and generalized estimating equations based on logistic regression for correlated data. Results As b-value increased, tumor-to-PZ contrast and benign prostate suppression for both readers increased (r = +0.65 to +0.71, P ≤ 0.001), whereas anatomic clarity, visualization of the capsule, and visualization of peripheral-transition zone edge decreased (r = −0.69 to −0.75, P ≤ 0.003). Sensitivity for tumor was highest for R1 at b1500–3000 (84%–88%) and for R2 at b1500–2500 (70%–76%). Sensitivities for both pathologic outcomes were lower for both readers at both b1000 and the highest computed b-values. Sensitivity for Gleason >6 tumor was highest for R1 at b1500–3000 (90%–93%) and for R2 at 1500–2500 (78%–80%). The positive predictive value for tumor for R1 was similar from b1000 to 4000 (93%–98%) and for R2 was similar from b1500 to 4000 (88%–94%). Conclusions Computed b-values in the range of 1500–2500 s/mm2 (but not higher) were optimal for prostate cancer detection; b-values of 1000 or 3000–5000 exhibited overall lower performance.
Generating Supplier Benefits through Buyer‐Enabled Knowledge Enrichment: A Social Capital Perspective

In accordance with the tenets of social capital theory, the knowledge-based view of the firm, and absorptive capacity theory we provide an integrative research model that sheds light on how suppliers can derive benefits from a strong relationship with key buyers. In particular, we examine three research questions that address: (i) the interrelationships among the three dimensions of buyer–supplier social capital (structural, cognitive, relational); (ii) the mechanism through which buyer–supplier social capital can influence supplier performance; and (iii) the contingency factors that influence the key relationships in the main model. We empirically validate the research model using data collected from a North America-based major electronic components distributor (i.e., the buyer) and 166 of its suppliers. The findings of our data analysis indicate that structural and cognitive social capital influence relational social capital. The findings also support that relational social capital allows for the transfer of knowledge from the buyer to the supplier, which in turn leads to greater supplier cost efficiency and innovation. However, the influence of buyer–supplier relational social capital appears to be less important in lengthier buyer–supplier relationships. The analysis also indicates that the benefits derived from a supplier's knowledge enrichment are significantly greater when the supplier possesses greater exploitative capacity. These findings provide important extensions to theory describing buyer–supplier relationships, as well as providing clear prescriptions for suppliers and relationship managers.
Clinical Analysis of Surround-mammary Areola Incision in the Surgery of Mammary Fibroadenoma

Objective To discuss the effect of surround-mammary areola incision in the surgery of mammary fibroma.Methods 88 female patients diagnosed as mammary fibroma from March 2004 to June 2008 in our hospital were randomly divided into two groups.The experimental group (44 cases) used central areola incision therapy and the control one (44 cases) used traditional radial incision treatment.After the regular visits,we estimated the effect of operation by observation of the healing class of incision,postoperative complication rate and tumor recurrence.Result The experimental group had the incision scar acceptable cases of 44 to 40 patients compared with the control group;the postoperative complication rate and tumor recurrence were not significantly differenent.Conclusion Surround-mammary areola incision is a safe and cosmetic procedure in treatment of mammary fibroma and easy to operate,which deserves clinical application.