cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-I-192: Improved High-Resolution Imaging through an Aneurysm Coil Mass Using the MAF Compared with a Flat Panel Detector

Purpose: To compare the ability of a standard flat panel detector(FPD) with that of the new Microangiographic Fluoroscope (MAF) to visualize individual coils used in minimally invasive (endovascular) treatment of cerebro‐vascular aneurysms where high‐resolution image guidance may be critical to the accuracy and hence outcome of the intervention. Methods: A human neurovascular aneurysm elastomer phantom was filled with standard platinum coils (GDC‐10 Coil SR) and placed on an anthropomorphic head phantom to provide a realistic challenge to the two detectors, both of which were mounted on a Toshiba Infinix C‐arm gantry. The standard FPD (Varian PaxScan‐2020, 194μm pixel‐width, 600μm thick CsI) was compared with a custom MAF (35μm pixel‐width and 300μm thick CsI‐HR type). Using the same x‐ray technique parameters for the same projection view, the images from each detector were digitally contrast matched to enable comparisons of important features such as individual coils and unfilled spaces within the coil mass both for overall qualitative detail and for quantitative measures of corresponding profiles across the features. Results: The FPDimages gave an overall impression of being blurred compared to the MAF images where more individual coils and a clearer demarcation of the spaces between the coils were apparent. The ratio of the average individual coil wire diameter taken from four separate profiles for the FPD to that for the MAF was 1.22, indicating a substantial improvement in detail visualization for the MAF. Conclusions: Standard FPDs have difficulty separating coil wires and visualizing through dense aneurysm coil masses whereas the MAF with its large adjustable dynamic gain and high spatial resolution provides improved visualization and should be able to provide superior image guidance during delicate neurovascular interventions. Support‐NIH Grants R01‐EB008425, R01‐EB002873.
An external problem for edge domination insensitive graphs

Abstract A connected graph is edge domination insensitive if the domination number is unchanged when any single edge is removed. The minimum number of edges required by such a graph is determined. Similar results are given when the graph must remain connected upon any edge's removal and when the dominating set must remain fixed.
Introduction to the Varenius project

This paper introduces a special issue of the journal on the subject of Project Varenius, a three-year effort funded by the US National Science Foundation to advance geographical information science. Geographical information is first defined as an abstraction of primitive tuples linking geographical locations to general descriptors. Geographical concepts originate in the human mind, and are instantiated in geographical information. Geographical information technologies apply digital methods to geographical information. Finally, geographical information science is defined as the set of basic research issues arising from these technologies. Three motivations are presented for research in this area: scientific, technological, and societal. Within the project, geographical information science is structured by a three-part framework that includes cognitive, computational, and societal issues. The paper ends with an introduction to these three parts, which define the infrastructure of the project and are discuss...
Efficient Funding: Auditing in the Nonprofit Sector

Nonprofit organizations are a critical part of society as well as a growing sector of the economy. For funders there is an increasing and pressing need to ensure that society reaps the most social benefit for their money while also developing the nonprofit sector as a whole. By routinely scrutinizing nonprofit reports in an effort to deduce whether a nonprofit organization is efficient, funders may believe that they are, in fact, giving responsibly. However, we find that these nonprofit reports are unreliable, supporting a myriad of empirical research and revealing that report-based funding methods do not facilitate efficient allocation of funds. In response, we develop audit contracts that put funders in a position to enact change. Auditing, perhaps obviously, supports funders; however, we find that it also benefits the population of nonprofits. Moreover, auditing results in improved efficiency for the nonprofit sector overall. Indeed, our conclusions indicate that nonprofits may want to work with funders to increase the use of auditing, consequently increasing efficiency for the sector overall and impacting society as a whole.
Effects of Hindrance in N-Pyridyl Imidazolylidenes Coordinated to Iridium on Structure and Catalysis

The unhindered N-pyrid-2-yl imidazolidene NHC ligand has been shown to chelate to a Cp*Ir fragment (1). With the goal of weakening the coordination of the pyridyl substituent and enabling its role as pendant base or hemilabile ligand, a tert-butyl group at C-6 next to the pyridyl N was installed. Attempted coordination of the newly synthesized carbene ligand avoided N-coordination entirely, but led to unexpected C-metalation at C-3 by the Cp*Ir center. Successful formation of a weakly N-coordinated analogue was achieved by synthesizing a ligand with a second tert-butyl group at C-4. The complexes were studied using X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray crystal structure of di-tert-butyl analogue 6 showed that in the solid the complex existed as a chloride-bridged dimer, with the pyridyl nitrogen uncoordinated. In solution, 15N chemical shift information revealed that 6 existed with the pyridyl substituent N-coordinated, presumably as a monomer, but that addition of an amine ligand readily ...
Genetic variation of oxidative phosphorylation genes in stroke and Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Previous research implicates alterations in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We sought to test whether genetic variants within OXPHOS genes increase the risk of AD. We first used gene-set enrichment analysis to identify associations, and then applied a previously replicated stroke genetic risk score to determine if OXPHOS genetic overlap exists between stroke and AD. Gene-set enrichment analysis identified associations between variation in OXPHOS genes and AD versus control status ( p = 0.012). Conversion from cognitively normal controls to mild cognitive impairment was also associated with the OXPHOS gene-set ( p = 0.045). Subset analyses demonstrated association for complex I genes ( p p p
Exploration of genomic, proteomic, and histopathological image data integration methods for clinical prediction

The emergence of large multi-platform and multi-scale data repositories in biomedicine has enabled the exploration of data integration for holistic decision making. In this research, we investigate multi-modal genomic, proteomic, and histopathological image data integration for prediction of ovarian cancer clinical endpoints in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Specifically, we study two data integration techniques, simple data concatenation and ensemble classification, to determine whether they can improve prediction of ovarian cancer grade or patient survival. Results indicate that integration via ensemble classification is more effective than simple data concatenation. We also highlight several key factors impacting data integration outcome such as predictability of endpoint, class prevalence, and unbalanced representation of features from different data modalities.
Prediction of Power System Harmonics Due to Gaseous Discharge Lighting

A harmonic power flow algorithm which predicts the levels of low audio range frequency harmonics in a power system produced by several types of nonlinear loads has been recently developed [1-5]. Specifically, the new method solves for the truncated Fourier series of bus voltages and line currents in a balanced three phase network with line commutated converters and nonlinear resistive loads. Most harmonic signal analysis techniques previously developed assume sinusoidal network voltages or known current injection levels. In many cases, especially in resonant or other conditions of relatively high harmonic voltages, considerable inaccuracy results. The new algorithm uses a Newton-Raphson solution technique and does not require these assumptions. Modeling emphasis is restricted to harmonic orders in the low audio range (fundamental to the 25-50th multiple). Interaction between voltage and current harmonics of different order in a nonlinear device is permitted. The power system is considered to be balanced i.e. the nonlinearities are assumed to be equally distributed among the three phases. Gaseous discharge lighting (such as fluorescent, mercury arc, high pressure sodium) is a significant source of power system harmonics, particularly in metropolitan areas. The electrical characteristics of this type of lamp are quite nonlinear. Lamp ignition occurs during each half cycle when the applied ac voltage reaches some required firing potential. During conduction, the lamp exhibits a negative resistive characteristic, and a nonlinear ballast circuit is placed in series with the lamp to limit the current.
Analysis of potentiation in the cerebral ganglion of Aplysia.

Abstract Quantal analysis was used to characterize synaptic transmission between A and B neurons in the cerebral ganglion of Aplysia in control and during slow developing potentiation, a form of synaptic plasticity exhibited by these synapses. Control values of mean quantal content (m) and quantal size (q) estimated by the method of coefficient of variation (CV) were m∼6, q∼56 μV in the solution with Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ =5/200 and m∼18, q∼41 μV in the solution with Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ =55/150. There was a good correlation between an increase in the amplitude of excitatory synaptic potential and an increase in calculated quantal content (m cv ) during potentiation. A decrease of Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ ratio in the bath solution allowed observation of transmission failures and in some cases regular peaks on excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitude histograms. The latter provided more direct estimate of the quantal size. Induction of the potentiation in this solution, however, became difficult. In cases of successful potentiation induction, probability of failures was less than in control; distances between histogram peaks, reflecting quantal size remained the same. The results obtained in this study support a hypothesis that potentiation of the synaptic transmission between A and B neurons of Aplysia is primarily due to an increase of transmitter release.
A NEW EXTRACTION METHOD FOR DETERMINING 2‐THIOBARBITURIC ACID VALUES OF PORK AND BEEF DURING STORAGE

SUMMARY 2-Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values of raw pork were determined by distillation and extraction methods and those of raw beef were determined by the latter method during storage at 4° and –20°C. TBA values of these tissues were low compared to values usually reported for cooked tissue from these animals in similar environments. There were significant animal differences in TBA values of beef and pork; there were significant changes in TBA values of these tissues during storage at 4°C, but changes during storage at –20°C were insignificant. pH and TBA values were inversely related. Mathematical relationships between TBA values of pork and beef during storage at 4°C. between TBA values and pH and between results obtained by the two procedures for determining TBA values of pork during storage are discussed. The extraction method is an acceptable method for determining TBA values and is easier to use than the distillation method. The TBA test has limited use for meat samples that have been frozen.
STRONG ASSORTATIVE MATING BY DIET, COLOR, SIZE, AND MORPHOLOGY BUT LIMITED PROGRESS TOWARD SYMPATRIC SPECIATION IN A CLASSIC EXAMPLE: CAMEROON CRATER LAKE CICHLIDS

Models predict that sympatric speciation depends on restrictive parameter ranges, such as sufficiently strong disruptive selection and assortative mating, but compelling examples in nature have rarely been used to test these predictions. I measured the strength of assortative mating within a species complex of Tilapia in Lake Ejagham, Cameroon, a celebrated example of incipient sympatric adaptive radiation. This species complex is in the earliest stages of speciation: morphological and ecological divergence are incomplete, species differ primarily in breeding coloration, and introgression is common. I captured 27 mated pairs in situ and measured the diet, color, size, and morphology of each individual. I found strong assortative mating by color, size, head depth, and dietary source of benthic or pelagic prey along two independent dimensions of assortment. Thus, Ejagham Tilapia showed strong assortative mating most conducive to sympatric speciation. Nonetheless, in contrast to a morphologically bimodal Sarotherodon cichlid species pair in the lake, Ejagham Tilapia show more limited progress toward speciation, likely due to insufficient strength of disruptive selection on morphology estimated in a previous study (γ = 0.16). This supports the predicted dependence of sympatric speciation on strong assortment and strong disruptive selection by examining a potentially stalled example in nature.
Two-wavelength holographic measurement of temperature and concentration during alloy solidification

Introduction I techniques are helpful tools for fundamental investigations of the fluid flow, temperature, and concentration distribution in front of a solidifying interface. These effects change the solidification conditions of cast metallic materials; hence, they influence their microstructure. In order to optimize the properties of the castings, comprehensive knowledge is required of the interaction between the fluid flow in the melt and the temperatureand concentration-dependent layers close to the solidification front. Transparent model systems that solidify in the same manner as metals can be effectively utilized for fundamental investigations because they allow in situ observation and interferometric measurement of the environment close to the solid/liquid interface." The objective of this work is to describe a new method for simultaneous measurements of the interaction between the temperature and concentration distribution and the fluid flow in the melt of different g environments adjacent to the solid/liquid interface in metallic alloys using transparent solidifying monotectic model systems. The "two-wavelength holographic" method provides the opportunity for direct measurement of temperature and concentration.
Reductive electrosynthesis of crystalline metal-organic frameworks

Electroreduction of oxoanions affords hydroxide equivalents that induce selective deposition of crystalline metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on conductive surfaces. The method is illustrated by cathodic electrodeposition of Zn(4)O(BDC)(3) (MOF-5; BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate), which is deposited at room temperature in only 15 min under cathodic potential. Although many crystalline phases are known in the Zn(2+)/BDC(2-) system, MOF-5 is the only observed crystalline MOF phase under these conditions. This fast and mild method of synthesizing MOFs is amenable to direct surface functionalization and could impact applications requiring conformal coatings of microporous MOFs, such as gas separation membranes and electrochemical sensors.
A New Syndrome of Male Pseudohermaphroditism, Congenital Adrenal Hypoplasia and Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism † 441

Human sex determination, sex differentiation, adrenal organogenesis and hypothalamic-pituitary gland development are complex developmental processes that are tightly regulated by a network of transcription factors including the orphan nuclear receptors DAX1 and SF-1.
A FACTOR ANALYTIC STUDY OF THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE SUBTLE SCREENING INVENTORY (SASSI)

The Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) is a widely used but little studied screening test for substance misuse. The present study was the first to examine the test’s factor structure and also provided an opportunity to compare direct and indirect assessment approaches. Two large samples (n1 = 888, n2 = 580) of SASSI protocols were obtained. Reliability coefficients were generally good (> .8) for the direct scales and poor for the indirect scales. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses showed the data to be a poor fit to a model implicit in the SASSI. A two-factor model closely matching the direct scales was generated, replicated with the second sample, and found to be invariant across gender.
Natriuretic peptide testing: a useful diagnostic test.

Opposing authors provide succinct, authoritative discussions of controversial issues in emergency medicine. Authors are provided the opportunity to review and comment on opposing presentations. Each topic is accompanied by an Editor's Note that summarizes important concepts. Participation as an authoritative discussant is by invitation only, but suggestions for topics and potential authors can be submitted to the section editors.
An Empirical Study Of Employment Conditions For Tourism And Hospitality Faculty

This article examines the employment environment for tourism and hospitality faculty in the United States. The results of a survey of 42 universities offering tourism and/or hos pitality programs give details of workloads, compensation, and standards for hiring, tenure, and promotion. Conditions for faculty in programs that are either predominantly tourism-based or predominantly hospitality-based are compared.
Epidemiology of the cereal rusts in North America.

(1989). Epidemiology of the Cereal Rusts in North America. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 86-90.
Electroluminescence from Er doped SiO 2 /nc-Si multilayers under lateral carrier injection

Light emitting p-i-n diodes consisting of Er-doped SiO 2 /nc-Si multilayers and a novel lateral electrical pumping geometry are demonstrated in forward bias. Erbium electroluminescence and photoluminescence spectra are identical.
Leading ad hoc agents in joint action settings with multiple teammates

The growing use of autonomous agents in practice may require agents to cooperate as a team in situations where they have limited prior knowledge about one another, cannot communicate directly, or do not share the same world models. These situations raise the need to design ad hoc team members, i.e., agents that will be able to cooperate without coordination in order to reach an optimal team behavior. This paper considers the problem of leading N-agent teams by an agent toward their optimal joint utility, where the agents compute their next actions based only on their most recent observations of their teammates' actions. We show that compared to previous results in two-agent teams, in larger teams the agent might not be able to lead the team to the action with maximal joint utility, thus its optimal strategy is to lead the team to the best possible reachable cycle of joint actions. We describe a graphical model of the problem and a polynomial time algorithm for solving it. We then consider other variations of the problem, including leading teams of agents where they base their actions on longer history of past observations, leading a team by more than one ad hoc agent, and leading a teammate while the ad hoc agent is uncertain of its behavior.
Gray Love: The Career of Gov. John Early in the Cordilleras

Unlike the usual portrayals of racism of American colonial officials in the Philippines, this article explores the career of John Early, a mid-level official who rose to become the governor of the Mountain Province in 1922 until his death in 1932. In 1911 he had served as lieutenant governor of Bontoc but was fired, according to his memoir, for defending the rights of the indigenous highlanders against unfair American colonials. Early's rather unorthodox rise in the colonial government included actions that at times appear to contradict the prevailing thoughts of the day. The article asserts the complex nature of human motives.
Mapping and quantifying mammalian transcriptomes by RNA-Seq.

We have mapped and quantified mouse transcriptomes by deeply sequencing them and recording how frequently each gene is represented in the sequence sample (RNA-Seq). This provides a digital measure of the presence and prevalence of transcripts from known and previously unknown genes. We report reference measurements composed of 41–52 million mapped 25-base-pair reads for poly(A)-selected RNA from adult mouse brain, liver and skeletal muscle tissues. We used RNA standards to quantify transcript prevalence and to test the linear range of transcript detection, which spanned five orders of magnitude. Although >90% of uniquely mapped reads fell within known exons, the remaining data suggest new and revised gene models, including changed or additional promoters, exons and 3′ untranscribed regions, as well as new candidate microRNA precursors. RNA splice events, which are not readily measured by standard gene expression microarray or serial analysis of gene expression methods, were detected directly by mapping splice-crossing sequence reads. We observed 1.45 × 10 5 distinct splices, and alternative splices were prominent, with 3,500 different genes expressing one or more alternate internal splices. The mRNA population specifies a cell’s identity and helps to govern its present and future activities. This has made transcriptome analysis a general phenotyping method, with expression microarrays of many kinds in routine use. Here we explore the possibility that transcriptome analysis, transcript discovery and transcript refinement can be done effectively in large and complex mammalian genomes by ultra-high-throughput sequencing. Expression microarrays are currently the most widely used methodology for transcriptome analysis, although some limitations persist. These include hybridization and cross-hybridization artifacts 1–3 , dye-based detection issues and design constraints that preclude or seriously limit the detection of RNA splice patterns and previously unmapped genes. These issues have made it difficult for standard array designs to provide full sequence comprehensiveness (coverage of all possible genes, including unknown ones, in large genomes) or transcriptome comprehensiveness (reliable detection of all RNAs of all prevalence classes, including the least abundant ones that are physiologically relevant). Other
LOW-COST SUPPORT FOR FINE-GRAIN SYNCHRONIZATION IN MULTIPROCESSORS

As multiprocessors scale beyond the limits of a few tens of processors, they must look beyond traditional methods of synchronization to minimize serialization and achieve the high degrees of parallelism required to utilize large machines. By allowing synchronization at the level of the smallest unit of memory, fine-grain synchronization achieves these goals. Unfortunately, supporting efficient fine-grain synchronization without inordinate amounts of hardware has remained a challenge. This paper describes the support for fine-grain synchronization provided by the Alewife system. The premise underlying Alewife''s implementation is that successful synchronization attempts are the common case when serialization is minimized through word-level synchronization. Efficiency at low hardware cost is achieved by providing hardware support to streamline successful synchronization attempts and relegating other operations to software. Alewife provides a large synchronization name space by associating full-empty bits with each memory word. Successful synchronization attempts execute at normal load-store speeds, while attempts that fail invoke appropriate software trap handlers through a fast trap mechanism. The software handlers deal with the issues of retrying versus blocking, queueing and rescheduling. The efficiency of Alewife''s mechanisms is analyzed by comparing the costs of various synchronization operations and parallel application execution time.
A calculus for network delay. I. Network elements in isolation

A calculus is developed for obtaining bounds on delay and buffering requirements in a communication network operating in a packet switched mode under a fixed routing strategy. The theory developed is different from traditional approaches to analyzing delay because the model used to describe the entry of data into the network is nonprobabilistic. It is supposed that the data stream entered into the network by any given user satisfies burstiness constraints. A data stream is said to satisfy a burstiness constraint if the quantity of data from the stream contained in any interval of time is less than a value that depends on the length of the interval. Several network elements are defined that can be used as building blocks to model a wide variety of communication networks. Each type of network element is analyzed by assuming that the traffic entering it satisfies bursting constraints. Under this assumption, bounds are obtained on delay and buffering requirements for the network element; burstiness constraints satisfied by the traffic that exits the element are derived. >
Design and implementation of HLA time management in the RTI version F.0

The DoD High Level architecture (HLA) has recently become the required method for the interconnection of all DoD computer simulations. The HLA addresses the rules by which simulations are designed to facilitate interoperability, the method by which information exchanged between simulations is described, and a standard set of software services provided 5y a common Runtime Infrastructure (RTI). The RTI is responsible for the coordination of collections of cooperating simulations. The familiarization version of the RTI, dubbed F.0, was developed at the MITRE Corporation. One of the core components of the RTI is Time Management and is the focus of this paper. In particular, we present the design and algorithms used to implement the HLA Time Management Services in F.O.
Commentary: Surgery for nonambulatory patients with epidural spinal metastasis: is it evidence based and cost effective?

COMMENTARY ON Kim CH, Chung CK, Jahng T-A, Kim HJ. Resumption of ambulatory status after surgery for nonambulatory patients with epidural spinal metastasis. Spine J 2011; 11:1015–23 ( in this issue ).
DRL acquisition in rats with septal lesions

Two groups of rats received DRL training according to one of two specified procedures. Each group included rats who were given bilateral lesions in the septal forebrain prior to the beginning of DRL training. It was found that acquisition of DRL timing behavior in animals with septal lesions is dependent upon the training method employed, or the specific delay interval required for reinforcement.
XML-based information mediation with MIX

The MIX mediator system, MIXm, is developed as part of the MIX Project at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, and the University of California, San Diego.1 MIXm uses XML as the common model for data exchange. Mediator views are expressed in XMAS (XML Matching And Structuring Language), a declarative XML query language. To facilitate user-friendly query formulation and for optimization purposes, MIXm employs XML DTDs as a structural description (in effect, a “schema”) of the exchanged data. The novel features of the system include: Data exchange and integration solely relies on XML, i.e., instance and schema information is represented by XML documents and XML DTDs, respectively. XML queries are denoted in XMAS, which builds upon ideas of languages like XML-QL, MSL, Yat, and UnQL. Additionally, XMAS features powerful grouping and order constructs for generating new integrated XML “objects” from existing ones.The graphical user interface BBQ (Blended Browsing and Querying) is driven by the mediator view DTD and integrates browsing and querying of XML data. Complex queries can be constructed in an intuitive way, resembling QBE. Due to the nested nature of XML data and DTDs, BBQ provides graphical means to specify the nesting and grouping of query results.Query evaluation can be demand-driven, i.e., by the user's navigation into the mediated view.
An Empirical Analysis of The Performance of Commodity Mutual Funds

The use of commodities to hedge inflation risk and diversify portfolios is generally considered to be an important consideration for portfolio management. Direct investment in commodities or commodity derivatives requires that investors have significant assets and/or expertise in these commodities or their respective derivatives markets. As an alternative to direct investment, investors in recent years have increasingly resorted to the use of commodity based mutual funds. At issue is the question of whether or not these funds are delivering the benefits investors expect. In this paper we evaluate the performance, persistence, market timing and selectivity of four categories of mutual funds whose returns are based on commodity prices over the time period from each fund’s inception through December, 2012. Our results indicate that these funds have not been able to create positive alphas for their investors; have negative or insignificant performance persistence; and have no market timing ability. Some of the categories of funds, however do exhibit some selectivity. We did find that when these commodity based funds’ performance was evaluated during specific time periods of market downturns (e.g., the 2000 stock market downturn and the 2007 financial crisis), their performance was significantly positive which indicates that these funds provide a good hedge during bear markets/financial crises.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SECOND HARMONIC AFTERBURNER RADIATION AT THE LCLS

During commissioning of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) x-ray Free Electron Laser (FEL) at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory it was shown that saturation lengths much shorter than the installed length of the undulator line can routinely be achieved [1]. This frees undulator segments that can be used to provide enhanced spectral properties and at the same time, test the concept of FEL Afterburners. In December 2009 a project was initiated to convert undulator segments at the down-beam end of the undulator line into Second Harmonic Afterburners (SHAB) to enhance LCLS radiation levels in the 10 – 20 keV energy range. This is being accomplished by replacement of gap-shims increasing the fixed gaps from 6.8 mm to 9.9 mm, which reduces their K values from 3.50 to 2.25 and makes the segments resonant at the second harmonic of the upstream unmodified undulators. This paper reports experimental results of the commissioning of the SHAB extension to LCLS.
Are You Listening? How Empathy and Caring Can Lead to Connected Knowing

Confidence and self-esteem play an important role in learning art or learning how to teach art in the classroom. In order to build confidence and self-esteem, it is important to be around others wh...
Posterior sinus of the middle ear.

Objectives:This study defines the anatomy of the posterior sinus of the middle ear and its relationship with the sinus tympani.Methods:Fifty-one temporal bone plugs harvested from human cadavers were studied. The depth and width of the posterior sinus, its relationship to surrounding structures, and the structure that separates it from the sinus tympani were studied.Results:The posterior sinus, positioned just posterior to the oval window, was 1 mm or less in depth, and the width of the opening 1.5 mm or less. A ridge of bone from the floor of the middle ear separated the posterior sinus from the sinus tympani in 82% of specimens. In 10% a sheet of bone separated the two sinuses, and in 8% the sinus tympani and posterior sinus formed one confluent recess.Conclusions:This is the first study that describes the anatomy of the posterior sinus of the middle ear. This sinus is separated from the more inferiorly located sinus tympani by a ridge of bone, not by the ponticulus as was previously thought, and it is ...
Making a Regional District: Memphis City Schools Dissolves into its Suburbs

One of the most significant legal walls separating the City of Memphis from its suburbs is coming down. Without the suburbs’ permission, the city is dissolving its school district into that of its suburbs. In the face of fiscal stress and in the name of educational quality, Memphis City Schools has used dissolution law to consolidate with the surrounding county district. A central city district that is 85% black, 6.5% Hispanic, and beset by household poverty, will merge with a majority white, middle class district run by the county. Shelby County will absorb administration and education for 103,000 new students, more than tripling its current population of 47,000. It would be tempting to view the Memphis dissolution as accomplishing what, decades ago, the Court in Milliken v. Bradley decided could not be done with civil rights law: the annulment of school district borders that separate a high-poverty, minority district from a middle class, predominantly white district in order to achieve school desegregation. As it turns out, racial integration is an unlikely outcome of the Memphis dissolution. Nonetheless, the racial and socioeconomic demographics of the two districts should make Memphis of great interest to policymakers and academics interested in regional equity, because Memphis City Schools will answer a question increasingly posed by city governments across the country: Can the dissolution of a city government into its county achieve a desirable redistribution and improved local governance, if not regional governance? This essay analyzes the Memphis school district dissolution, commenting on its significance for regional equity and local government law, particularly the nature of city versus county power.
Volatility Spillover Effects between Foreign Exchange Market and Stock Market:An Wavelet Multi-resolution Analysis using Data after Exchange Rate Reform

With the acceleration of globalization and liberalization in finance and the deepening of RMB exchange rate reform and Chinese enterprise split-share structure reform,it further reinforces the information flow and risk transmission between foreign exchange market and stock market.This paper studies volatility spillover effects between these two markets by wavelet multi-resolution analysis from different scales,in order to investigate the effects from the viewpoints of time and frequency simultaneously.The empirical results show that low-frequency signals have cointegration relationship between RMB exchange rate fluctuation and stock price fluctuation.The original finding is that volatility spillover effects in different cycles have no consistency.There is unidirectional volatility spillover from stock market to foreign exchange market in the short-term.However,there exist bidirectional volatility spillover effects with the trade cycle increasing.
Feasibility and safety of dual-chamber pacemaker implantation via the cepkalic vein cutdown

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of implanting dual-chamber pacemaker via the cephalic vein(CV) cutdown. Methods:A total of 92 consecutive patients were conventionally submitted to implantation of dual-chamber pacemaker via the right cephalic vein cutdown. The patient underwent sick sinus syndrome, type Ⅱ of second degree or third degree atrioventricular block. Results: The direct introduction of the leads through the CV cutdown was successful in 71 (77. 2%) of 92 patients. In 12(13%) additional patients,dual pacing leads were inserted through the CV using a guide-wire and a split introducer. Overall, the CV approach was successful in 83 (90. 2%) of 92 patients. The technique of a guide-wire and a split introducer significantly improves the success rate of the CV approach (77. 2% :90. 2% , P0. 01). The cephalic veins of the remainder(9. 8%) was absent or too small no allow lead or guide-wire introduction. With a mean follow-up of 20. 8 months, all incisions healed up,no lead dislication and breakage occurred. The cerebral ischemia symptoms disappeared. Conclusion: The implantation of dual-chamber pacemaker via the right cephalic vein cutdown is highly successful, simple and safe, should be widely performed.
Long term effects of kwashiorkor.

An editorial reviews some of the consequences of prolonged malnutrition, ranging from animal studies of the effects of early malnutrition on brain cell growth to the effects of prolonged severe undernutrition in children during early life on their subsequence intelligence and school performance. It is noted that undernourished children in a deprived environment attained a "normal" IQ and school performance if their environment was changed at an early age, but they did not catch up with children who previously had been well nourished. The potential hazards of kwashiorkor during the first year of life are discussed.(wz)
Catecholamine modulation of calcium currents in clonal pancreatic beta-cells

The mechanisms by which norepinephrine and epinephrine activate alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and inhibit insulin release from the pancreatic beta-cell (19, 21, 23) are not yet clear but may involve modulation at several sites. Because intracellular calcium has been implicated in the secretory process, it has been suggested that catecholamines may inhibit secretion by blocking calcium influx, thus reducing the free cytosolic calcium concentration (23). The present study examines the effects of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and clonidine on calcium current in an SV40-transformed hamster beta-cell line (HIT cells). Under voltage-clamp conditions, calcium currents were reversibly inhibited by norepinephrine, epinephrine, and clonidine in the low nanomolar range. The effects were blocked by 1) the alpha 2-antagonist yohimbine, 2) preincubation of the cells with pertussis toxin (PTX), and 3) guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S), the nonhydrolyzable GDP analogue that competitively inhibits the interaction of GTP with G proteins. In contrast, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) caused irreversible blockade by catecholamines. These effects could not be overcome by adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), suggesting that the adenylate cyclase pathway is not involved in the G protein coupling with the channels. These studies show that catecholamines inhibit calcium currents in beta-cells through an alpha 2-adrenoreceptor PTX-sensitive G protein pathway and could inhibit insulin secretion by this mechanism.
Atypical biochemical findings in Turner’s syndrome: identification of a possible subset

Two patients with Turner's syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and partial intrasellar arachnoidocele (empty sella) are described. Both patients had low basal and LH-RH-stimulated gonadotropin release and moderately exaggerated TSH and PRL response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia and TRH. Such findings are typical of a disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. In our patients, these findings could be due to the presence of the intrasellar arachnoidocele or might represent a loss of the central dopaminergic tone possibly as the consequence of an autoimmune process. It remains to be established whether the frequency of intrasellar arachnoidocele and Hashimoto's thyroiditis in patients with Turner's syndrome justifies classification of the condition of these patients as a distinct subtype.
Defending the Indefensible to Further a Later Case: Sanctioning Respondents in Illinois Domestic Violence Cases

When an act of domestic violence occurs in Illinois, as in most other jurisdictions, both criminal charges and a civil Domestic Violence Order of Protection may follow. The order of protection may be commenced in conjunction with a criminal charge or may be commenced as an independent action. Because of the exigencies of the domestic violence situation, the legislature has enacted a statutory scheme that expedites the civil proceeding, so that the civil order of protection proceeding takes place in a period of twenty-one days from initial filing to final hearing. In other contexts, an act of intentional injury could give rise to both a civil personal injury matter and a criminal prosecution. But in these situations, it would be anticipated that the criminal case would be resolved prior to the civil matter. Therefore, the domestic violence situation is somewhat unique in that the civil case proceeds prior to the resolution of the criminal matter. This creates an opportunity for the respondent to use the order of protection proceeding for two improper purposes related to the defense of a subsequent criminal charge. First, during the civil proceeding, the respondent may seek to use cross examination of the abuse victim for purposes of intimidation so that she may wish not to be a witness in the later criminal prosecution. Second, the cross examination might be conducted to gain the equivalent of a discovery deposition that would not be available in the criminal matter. In this article, I will discuss that when either or both occurs, the respondent should be subject to sanctions pursuant to both Supreme Court Rule 1378 and the specific sanction provision of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. The most difficult question involved is how to draw the line between a legitimate defense of the civil matter and a defense for either of the improper purposes. In this article, I will seek to draw that line. I will first discuss that separating legitimate defenses from improper defenses would be aided by requiring respondents to file answers to petitions for orders of protection. I will argue that such is required by applicable statute, though not often required in practice. I will then address the Fifth Amendment problem presented when a party facing concurrent civil and criminal actions is required to answer the civil case before resolution of the criminal matter. I will propose an amendment to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act that prevents the pleadings or testimony from an order of protection action from use in a subsequent criminal action. I will argue that so doing aids both the petitioner and respondent, and comports with the legislature's expressed intention to provide prompt relief and protection to victims of domestic violence.
Genome Sequences of Three Spore-Forming Bacteria Isolated from the Feces of Organically Raised Chickens.

ABSTRACT Antibiotic feed supplements have been implicated in the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria. An alternative to antibiotics is probiotics. Here, we report the genome sequences of two Bacillus and one Solibacillus species, all spore-forming, Gram-positive bacteria, isolated from the feces organically raised chicken feces, with potential to serve as probiotics.
Geometric Programming for Design and Cost Optimization

Geometric programming is used for design and cost optimization and the development of generalized design relationships and cost rations for specific problems. The early pioneers of the process, Zener, Duffin, Peterson, Beightler, and Wilde, played important roles in the development of geometric programming. The theory of geometric programming is presented and 10 examples are presented and solved in detail. The examples illustrate some of the difficulties encountered in typical problems and techniques for overcoming these difficulties. The primal-dual relationships are used to illustrate how to determine the primal variables from the dual solution. These primal-dual relationships can be used to determine additional dual equations when the degrees of difficulty are positive. The goal of this work is to have readers develop more case studies to further the application of this exciting mathematical tool. Table of Contents: Introduction / Brief History of Geometric Programming / Theoretical Considerations / Trash Can Case Study / Open Cargo Shipping Box Case Study / Metal Casting Cylindrical Riser Case Study / Process Furnace Design Case Study / Gas Transmission Pipeline Case Study / Journal Bearing Design Case Study / Metal Casting Hemispherical Top Cylindrical Side Riser / Liquefied Petroleum Gas(LPG) Cylinders Case Study / Material Removal/Metal Cutting Economics Case Study / Summary and Future Directions
Dynamic error mitigation in NoCs using intelligent prediction techniques

Network-on-chips (NoCs) are quickly becoming the standard communication fabric for multi-core systems. As technology continues to scale down into the nanometer regime, device behavior will become increasingly unreliable due to a combination of aging, soft errors, aggressive transistor design, and process-voltage-temperature variations. Further, stringent timing constraints in NoCs are designed so that data can be pushed faster. The net result is an increase in errors which must be mitigated by the NoC. Typical techniques for handling faults are often reactive as they respond to faults after the error has occurred, making the recovery process inefficient in energy and time. In this paper, we take a different approach wherein we propose to use proactive, fault-tolerant schemes to be employed before the fault affects the system. We propose to utilize machine learning techniques to train a decision tree which can be used to predict faults efficiently in the network. Based on the prediction model, we dynamically mitigate these predicted faults through error correction codes (ECC) and relaxed timing transmission. Our results indicate that, on average, we can accurately predict timing errors 60.6% better than a static single error correction and double error detection (SECDED) technique resulting in an average 26.8% reduction in retransmitted packets, a average net speedup of 3.31 x, and an average energy savings of 60.0% over other designs for real traffic patterns.
HUMAN BRAIN EVOLUTION.

Abstract Although we share evolutionary history with other primates, examples of apparent cognitive and behavioral discontinuity between humans and other species abound. Neuroanatomical and molecular differences that distinguish the human brain are evident at several levels of organization. Changes in overall anatomy include an increase in absolute and relative brain size. In addition, there may be novel parietal lobe areas in humans that are involved in processing of evermore fine-grained visuospatial information. Modifications in microstructure, such as the distribution patterns and morphology of neurons and glial cells are also significant. Finally, changes in expression of both mRNA and proteins reflect increased energy consumption and plasticity. All together, these brain specializations, when coupled with cultural forces, shaped the evolution of human cognition.
Lipid Droplets: Formation to Breakdown

One of the most exciting areas of cell biology during the last decade has been the study of lipid droplets. Lipid droplets allow cells to store non-polar molecules such as neutral lipids in specific compartments where they are sequestered from the aqueous environment of the cell yet can be accessed through regulated mechanisms. These structures are highly conserved, appearing in organisms throughout the phylogenetic tree. Until somewhat recently, lipid droplets were widely regarded as inert, however progress in the field has continued to demonstrate their vast roles in a number of cellular processes in both mitotic and post-mitotic cells. No doubt the increase in the attention given to lipid droplet research is due to their central role in current pressing human diseases such as obesity, type-2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. This review provides a mechanistic timeline from neutral lipid synthesis through lipid droplet formation and size augmentation to droplet breakdown.