cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Summary What is known and Objective: The complexity and diversity of irritable bowel syndrome’s (IBS) presentation make treatment difficult. Although there are reviews and guidelines for treating IBS, they focus on the efficacy of medications for IBS symptoms using high-priority endpoints, leaving those of lower priority largely unreported. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive evidence-based review of the efficacy of medications to treat IBS symptoms, reported by IBS subtype, including secondary symptom endpoints that are often underreported. Methods: A review of PubMed for articles published through December 2009 using the keywords: ‘irritable bowel syndrome’, ‘therapeutics’, ‘antidiarrhoeals’, ‘laxatives’, ‘loperamide’, ‘dietary fibre’, ‘psyllium’, ‘calcium polycarbophil’, ‘bulking agents’, ‘lubiprostone’, ‘antidepressant agents, tricyclics’ and its representative entities, ‘serotonin reuptake inhibitors’ and its representative entities, ‘dicyclomine’, hyoscyamine’, ‘peppermint oil’, ‘parasympatholytics’ and its representative entities, ‘rifaximin’, ‘pregabalin’, ‘gabapentin’, ‘clonidine’, ‘octreotide’, ‘atropine’ and ‘probiotics’ is provided. Placebo-controlled trials were evaluated for the strength of evidence supporting the efficacy of each medication for explicit IBS symptoms. The efficacy of each medication for the symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, stool form, mucus, urgency, feeling of incomplete evacuation, flatulence, frequency, or borborgymi and overall symptoms are reported by IBS subtype. Results and Discussion: The literature search identified 58 placebo-controlled trials of the efficacy of medications for treating IBS symptoms, which were critically evaluated and reported. The available studies suggest improvement in various IBS symptoms with loperamide, fibre supplements, lubiprostone, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), antispasmotics, rifaximin, pregabalin, gabapentin, clonidine, octreotide and probiotic treatments. What is new and Conclusion: This review is the first to compile the available evidence on the efficacy of the various pharmacological treatments for IBS on the basis of IBS subtype and specific symptoms. This evidence is limited and more well-designed studies are required to better inform therapeutic decision-making in the management of this difficult syndrome.
Mutational analysis of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor/ligand interactions. Evidence for the involvement of multiple complementarity determining region (CDR)-like loops in receptor domain I.

The polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR) mediates the transport of IgA and IgM across a variety of mucosal epithelia. The ectodomain of this receptor consists of five immunoglobulin-like domains (I-V), the first four being structurally similar to immunoglobulin variable regions, and the fifth to Ig constant regions. This study examines the structural features of the pIgR that participate in binding of the ligand, dimeric IgA (dIgA). Recent evidence suggests that a highly conserved region of the first Ig-like domain (domain I) may be important in this process (Bakos, M.A., Kurosky, A., and Goldblum, R. M. (1991) J. Immunol. 147, 3419-3426). In support of this hypothesis, molecular modeling of domain I places this conserved region in an exposed loop analogous to the CDR1 loop of Ig, suggesting that interactions between dIgA and the pIgR may be similar to those between antibodies and their cognate antigens. To test this hypothesis directly, we performed a mutagenic analysis of all three CDR-like loops in domain I of the pIgR. We found that point mutations in multiple residues of CDR1 produced effects on IgA binding ranging from minimal (90% of control) to profound (7%). In addition, we replaced regions corresponding to the CDR2 and CDR3 loops of domain I with their counterparts from domain II (which does not bind IgA), which in both cases resulted in complete abrogation of IgA binding. Taken together, these data suggest that each of the three CDR-like loops of domain I of the rabbit pIgR participates in the binding of dimeric IgA.
POTASSIUM-40: SERIAL DETERMINATIONS IN INFANTS

OUR interest in the changes in body composition of the newborn infant as he grows through his first postnatal year has been accelerated in recent years as we look to the total body counter for further evidence of the variability in the relative amounts of adipose and nonadipose tissue in the body. Anderson and Langham in Los Alamos and Forbes and Hursh in Rochester, New York, have shown that K measurements can be used in the determinations of total potassium in children of school age and adults of all ages. There have been few K counts on infants, although some infants were included in the Los Alamos data. In 1961 the Colorado State Department of Public Health installed a total body counter. Learning of our interest in body potassium studies in 1963, they offered us the use of the facility for a pilot infant study. After 6 months of experimenting with position of detector and child and means of monitoring the sleeping infant, most of the difficulties had been satisfactorily met. The counting shield is a 2.4 x 2.4 x 2.4 m (8 x 8 x 8 ft) room with 12.7 cm (5 in.) steel walls lined with 3 mm (⅛ in.) lead. The child is quiescent in a prone position on a tight canvas frame supported from the walls of the room. A 10.2 x 22.9 cm (4 x 9 in.) NaI (Tl) detector utilizing four photomultiplier tubes is located under the canvas with the position dependent upon the height and weight of the child, varying from contact with the canvas to 7.5 cm (3 in.) from the infant.
Regulation of somatostatin gene transcription by cAMP.

Publisher Summary Characterized by a core motif, which often contains the palindromic sequence 5’-TGACGTCA-3’, the CRE can confer cAMP inducibility when placed upstream of a heterologous promoter and can function in both distance- and orientation-independent contexts. Remarkably, mutant cell lines deficient in PKA cannot support CAMP- responsive transcription from a CRE reporter gene, suggesting that this kinase might phosphorylate proteins that bind to the CRE and, thereby activate transcription of cAMP-responsive genes. Previous work showing that most, if not all, of the biological effects of cAMP are mediated by the CAMP-dependent PKA prompted researchers to test whether CREB activity in response to cAMP might be dependent on phosphorylation by PKA. Like other signaling pathways, cAMP stimulates transcription of somatostatin and other target genes with burst-attenuation kinetics: transcription usually peaks within 20-30 min of induction and gradually declines over the next 4-8 hr. The second phase in CAMP-responsive transcription is an attenuation phase during which CREB phosphorylation and CRE-dependent transcription decrease in parallel over a 4-hr period. During that time, levels of total CREB protein remain unchanged, suggesting that a CREB phosphatase may be critical in down-regulating CAMP-induced transcription. The kinetics of PKA-dependent CREB phosphorylation closely parallel the changes in transcription of CAMP-responsiveness by run-on assay.
Low Savings Rate: Applying the Section 2255 “Savings Clause” to Federal Sentencing Claims in Gilbert v. United States

On May 19, 2011, in Gilbert v. United States, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit held that a federal prisoner could not use the savings clause contained in 28 U.S.C. § 2255 to challenge collaterally an erroneous application of federal sentencing guidelines when the challenge was otherwise barred by the second or successive motion restriction. In doing so, the court closed off any avenue for relief for a significant number of federal prisoners who may have been sentenced erroneously. This Comment argues that the court’s interpretation of section 2255 represents an unconstitutional suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.
Data Mining and Attention Consumption

This Essay challenges the prevailing hostility towards data mining and direct marketing. The Essay starts by defining data mining and shows that the only important step is how data is used, not its aggregation or sorting. The Essay then discusses one particular type of data use, the sending of direct marketing. The Essay establishes a model for calculating the private utility experienced by a direct marketing recipient. The model posits that utility is a function of the message’s substantive content, the degree of attention consumed, and the recipient’s reaction to receiving the message. The Essay concludes with some policy recommendations intended to help conserve recipients’ attention while preserving space for direct marketing tailored to minority interests.
Capital in Flames: The American Attack on York, 1813 – By Robert Malcomson

To open the 1813 campaign season in the second year of the War of 1812, Americans mounted an ambitious operation against York, the provincial capital of Upper Canada, now modern Toronto, but at the...
Investigations of the word segmentation abilities of infants

English-learning infants first show some capacity for segmenting words from fluent speech at about 7.5 months of age. Further studies that we have conducted suggest that English-learning infants initially rely on a prosodically based strategy which may cause them to mis-segment words beginning with weak syllables. However, by 10.5 months, English-learners appear to draw on other potential sources of information to locate word boundaries, even for words beginning with weak syllables. Our studies suggest that infants do retain information about the sound patterns of words for up to 24 hours, and that they generalize across different talkers' pronunciations of the same words.
Observations on management of choledochoduodenal fistula due to penetrating peptic ulcer

Abstract Perforation into the biliary tract is a rare complication of benign peptic ulcer disease. This report describes our experience with 4 patients having this problem. The resulting choledochoduodenal fistula itself causes no unique symptoms in most cases. The diagnosis, hithertofore unsuspected, is most commonly made during barium examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with typical complaints of ulcer disease. Endoscopy and retrograde cholangiography may be useful to define the pathologic anatomy and to distinguish peptic ulcer disease from primary biliary tract disease or malignant ulcer. Medical management of the underlying ulcer disease with cimetidine and antacids usually suffices to relieve symptoms and to allow healing of the fistula. Surgery becomes necessary if biliary stenosis or cholangitis occurs, or if other aspects of the ulcer disease mandate operative treatment.
Psychosomatic Medicine: The Scientific Foundation of the Biopsychosocial Model

This article presents major concepts and research findings from the field of psychosomatic medicine that the authors believe should be taught to all medical students. The authors asked senior scholars involved in psychosomatic medicine to summarize key findings in their respective fields. The authors provide an overview of the field and summarize core research in basic psychophysiological mechanisms—central nervous system/autonomic nervous system, psychoneuroimmunology, and psychoendocrinology—in three major disease states—cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and HIV virus infections. Understanding the core scientific concepts and research findings of psychosomatic medicine should provide medical trainees with a scientific foundation for practicing medicine within a biopsychosocial model of care.
Characterization of a Tn5 pre-cleavage synaptic complex.

Protein catalyzed DNA rearrangements typically require assembly of complex nucleoprotein structures. In transposition and integration reactions, these structures, termed synaptic complexes, are mandatory for catalysis. We characterize the Tn5 pre-cleavage synaptic complex, the simplest transposition complex described to date. We identified this complex by gel retardation assay using short, linear fragments and have shown that it contains a dimer of transposase, two DNA molecules, and is competent for DNA cleavage in the presence of Mg(2+). We also used hydroxyl radical footprinting and interference techniques to delineate the protein-DNA contacts made in the Tn5 synaptic and monomer complexes. All positions (except position 1) of the end sequence are contacted by transposase in the synaptic complex. We have determined that positions 2-5 of the end sequence are specifically required for synaptic complex formation as they are not required for monomer complex formation. In addition, in the synaptic complex, there is a strong, local distortion centered around position 1 which likely facilitates cleavage.
Propagation and stability characteristics of laminar lifted diffusion flame base

Abstract Numerical calculations of the flame propagation speed and the Damkohler number (Da) at laminar lifted flame base were carried out. The results are intended for further understanding the propagation and the Damkohler mechanisms for flame stabilization, with the former based on a tribrachial flame propagating against the local flow velocity and the latter based on the competition between the reaction time and local residence time of the peak reaction zone. Propane fuel without and with dilution (40% helium and argon, by volume) was used, while the reaction scheme adopted was the one-step irreversible Arrhenius kinetics (see Li et al., Combust. Flame 157 (2010) 1484–1495) which proved successful in predicting the flame lift-off height and effects of thermal expansion and multi-component diffusion. The results reported in this paper show that the flame base propagation speed is up to approximately four times of the one-dimensional stoichiometric flame speed of the fuels used, depending on where the propagation front is defined. These results are compared with previously published experimental and theoretical results from laminar and turbulent diffusion flames. It is found that the flame base propagation speed ( V p ) increases in the downstream direction as a result of increasing jet velocity ( V o ) under most flame conditions, providing a stabilizing mechanism. However, there exist conditions where V p decreases while the flame stabilizes. The flame base Damkohler number (Da) always increases as the flame liftoff height increases (resulting from increasing jet velocity). Da is here defined as ratio of peak reaction rate of the reaction kernel ( RR ) to the flame stretch rate ( k ) determined at the intersection of the reaction kernel (approximately coinciding with the 2000 K isotherm) and the stoichiometric contour. The value of Da appears to be of the order of 10 −3 for the three fuels studied, and the increasing trend of Da with the lift-off height also helps to explain the flame stabilization.
Electron-stimulated desorption of neutrals from 6063 aluminum—velocity distributions detected by 193 nm non-resonant laser ionization†

Electron-stimulated desorption of neutrals from methanol-dosed 6063 aluminum alloy has been monitored by laser ionization at 193 nm wavelength. Primary electron energies were in the range 1–3 keV. Time-of-flight spectra for the neutral desorbate were characterized by a low value of the peak velocity (250 m s−1) and a non-Boltzmann form of the distribution. Neutral desorption was ascribed to the parent methoxy (CH3O) species, based on mass spectrometry of the laser-ionization fragmentation pattern as a function of intensity. Ionic desorption was dominated by H+, which was observed to have kinetic energy peaked at ∼3 eV. Approximate estimates of neutral and ion yields were made, based on ion-optical modeling of apparatus transmission characteristics.
Ureteric retrieval net: comparison with stone extraction by Dormia baskets in an in vitro porcine model

Objective To develop a ureteric retrieval net with advantages over existing stone retrieval methods. Materials and methods In vitro experimental trials comparing the ureteric retrieval net with Dormia baskets were performed with porcine ureters and artificial calculi placed in a proximal or distal position. Results For removing a single, large stone (9 times 6 × 5 mm) the net was slightly better than baskets (100% versus 90%) and it was significantly (P < 0.001) more effective for removing multiple small stones (2 times 2 × 3 mm to 5 times 4 × 3 mm) in one pass (76% versus 40% with three distal stones; 73% versus 13% with three proximal stones; and 53% versus 3% with six proximal stones). Conclusion This newly developed ureteric retrieval net has a compact design, resulting in minimal resistance during retraction. Its smooth hydrophilic outer surface enhances scooping properties against the luminal wall. The mesh is similar to that in nylon stockings — porous enough to allow flow, yet small enough to capture fragments. It can capture numerous small fragments with one scoop, but can easily disengage them if extraction is not possible. The loop encompasses the entire lumen with the ‘pusher’ offset to a side wall, allowing maximal space and visualization, and the device can dilate the ureter to facilitate extraction. Clinical studies are in progress to evaluate the full potential of this new device.
Modal redistribution and power loss in on-fibre devices

The mode coupling and optical power loss taking place in on-fibre devices are investigated. These devices are fabricated by removing the cladding of a multimode fibre and replacing it with a new material such as electro-optic or magneto-optic. Under an application of an external field the index of this modified cladding increases, leading to coupling among guided modes and coupling to radiation modes, resulting in optical power loss. The coupling among guided modes and the power loss are calculated as a function of the change in the index under the field and the length of the active region for the case when HE1m modes are excited individually or in a group. Results indicate that on-fibre devices may be used as low-loss devices for applications involving sensors and delay lines.
Modeling and verification of fluid-responsive polymer pumps for microfluidic systems

Abstract The fundamental principles necessary to create and model a pump for microfluidic systems using fluid-responsive polymer particles are described. The pump is “activated” by the addition of water to the particles, which induces a significant particle volume expansion and pushes a stored fluid from an adjacent reservoir at a predicted flow rate. Two particle systems were investigated to examine how polymer properties affect the rate and amount of fluid delivered. Poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) particles obtained from Pampers ® diapers yield the best micropump swelling characteristics for delivering fluid at pressures above 1100 Pa, whereas the softer potassium-neutralized PAA particles from Aldrich are best only at lower pressures. The maximum flow rates produced by the Pampers ® and Aldrich particles with minimal backpressure are 0.5 and 3.4 μ L / s / mg of PAA, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate good agreement with an analytical model describing equilibrium and dynamic polymer swelling coupled with pressure-driven flow through cylindrical channels under conditions in which gel-blocking was not important. Fluid-responsive polymer micropumps could provide an inexpensive and lightweight method for driving fluid flow in microfluidic and other applications.
The synthesis of pyrimido[4,5‐c]pyridazines and pyrimido[5,4‐c]pyridazines

The Hofmann reaction on 6-methylpyridazine-3,4-dicarboxamide (1) gave a mixture of 3-methylpyrimido[4,5-c]pyridazine-5,7-dione (2), 3-methylpyrimido[5,4-c]pyridazine-6,8-dione (3) and an acid (4) of unknown structure. The Hofmann reaction on pyridazine-3,4-dicarboxamide (9) gave a mixture of pyrimido[4,5-c]pyridazine-5,7-dione (10) and an acid (11) of unknown structure. The reaction of 3-amino-6-methylpyridazine-4-carboxamide (18) with ethyl orthoformate gave 3-methylpyrimido[4,5-c]pyridazin-5-one (21). 4-Aminopyridazine-3-carboxamide (36) upon fusion with urea gave pyrimido[5,4-c]pyridazine-6,8-dione (37) while with ethyl orthoformate 36 gave pyrimido[5,4-c]pyridazin-8-one (38). Pyrimido[5,4-c]-pyridazine-8-thione (39) was obtained by the action of phosphorus pentasulfide on 38. 4-Amino-3-cyanopyridazine (16) when treated with formamide produced 8-aminopyrimido[5,4-c]-pyridazine (41). The synthesis of 4-aminopyridazine-3-carboxamide (36) and 4-amino-3-cyanopyridazine (16), both key intermediates in the synthesis of the novel pyrimido[5,4-c]pyridazine ring system was accomplished by the Reissert reaction of 4-aminopyridazine-2-oxides and subsequent conversion of the nitrile to the amide.
Precipitation and recrystallization during processing of a superplastic Al10Mg0.1Zr alloy

Microstructural evolution during thermomechanical processing (TMP) of a superplastic Al10Mg0.1Zr (weight percent alloy was studied. The TMP was carried out at 300 °C and consisted of 12 rolling passes corresponding to a total strain of 2.5. Superplastic elongations at 300 °C exceeded 1000% for an optimum processing schedule involving a 30 min interpass anneal (IPA) time. Precipitation of the intermetallic β-phase (Al8Mg5) was complete at an accumulated strain of 1.5 and the precipitate particle size and size distribution were found to be nearly constant for the remainder of the TMP. Particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) of recrystallization associated with prolonged IPA times accounted for the grain refinement necessary to support superplastic deformation. A model for PSN is applied to the data.
Finite-size effects on the behavior of the susceptibility in van der Waals films bounded by strongly absorbing substrates.

We study critical point finite-size effects in the case of the susceptibility of a film in which interactions are characterized by a van der Waals-type power law tail. The geometry is appropriate to a slab-like system with two bounding surfaces. Boundary conditions are consistent with surfaces that both prefer the same phase in the low temperature, or broken symmetry, state. We take into account both interactions within the system and interactions between the constituents of the system and the material surrounding it. Specific predictions are made with respect to the behavior of 3He and 4He films in the vicinity of their respective liquid-vapor critical points.
A fusion protein between serum amyloid A and staphylococcal nuclease—synthesis, purification, and structural studies

We developed a recombinant DNA system to overexpress a fusion protein between the small, minimally soluble acute phase serum protein, serum amyloid A (SAA), and the bacterial enzyme staphylococcal nuclease (SN). This fusion protein is very soluble and is immunoreactive to polyclonal anti-SAA antibodies. Tryptophan fluorescence shows smooth denaturation curves for the fusion protein in guanidinium HCl or potassium thiocyanate. Fluorescence also indicates that only a single tryptophan residue (of the four present) is accessible to iodide quenching and, presumably, is exposed on the surface of the fusion protein. Circular dichroism (CD) shows a significant signal indicating α-helix, which can be attributed to the SAA portion of the molecule; these are the first CD spectral data available for SAA. pH titration shows persistence of helix domains for the fusion protein at pH 3.0, in contrast to the denaturation of SN under the same conditions. (The entire fusion protein shows a random coil pattern below pH 3.0.) By exploiting the structural and solubility properties of SN, this fusion protein has provided the first structural data about SAA—the precursor of the amyloid deposits in secondary amyloidosis. This fusion protein should be useful for further physical and physiologic studies of SAA. Proteins 30:381–387, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fundamental aspects of brittle cooperative phenomena — local load sharing models

Abstract The present paper considers the effect of stress concentrations on the damage evolution in brittle solids with disordered microstructure. This problem is herein approached studying discrete models provided with a local load sharing rule. Two of these models: tight bundle parallel bar model and lattices, are employed to establish universal trends in brittle cooperative deformation processes.
A Social Cognitive Perspective on the Relationships Between Ethics Education, Moral Attentiveness, and PRESOR.

This research examines the relationships between education in business ethics, Reynolds’s (J Appl Psychol 93:1027–1041, 2008) “moral attentiveness” construct, or the extent to which individuals chronically perceive and reflect on morality and moral elements in their experiences, and Singhapakdi et al.’s (J Bus Ethics 15:1131–1140, 1996) measure of perceptions of the role of ethics and social responsibility (PRESOR). Education in business ethics was found to be positively associated with the two identified factors of moral attentiveness, “reflective” and “perceptual” moral attentiveness, and with the PRESOR “stakeholder view” factor. Also, reflective moral attentiveness was found to act as a mediator in the relationship between education in business ethics and the PRESOR stakeholder view factor. Evidence of gender and social desirability bias effects was also found. The implications of these relationships and social cognitive theory for improved understanding of the mechanisms by which a variety of variables have their effects on PRESOR in business are discussed.
Strehl ratios with various types of anisoplanatism

There are many ways in which the paths of two waves through turbulence can become separated, thereby leading to anisoplanatic effects. Among these are a parallel path separation, an angular separation, one caused by a time delay, and one that is due to differential refraction at two wavelengths. All these effects can be treated in the same manner. Gegenbauer polynomials are used to obtain an approximation for the Strehl ratio for these anisoplanatic effects, yielding a greater range of applicability than the Marechal approximation.
Care ethics in engineering education: Undergraduate student perceptions of responsibility

Engineering is not known to be a particularly caring profession, scoring significantly lower than science in this regard according to a poll of the American public. However, engineers have many opportunities through their work to show care and concern for both people and the ecosystem, such as by choosing to work on humanitarian or environmental issues and taking responsibility to ensure these issues are meaningfully addressed. When engineers do their jobs uncaringly, people and the environment often suffer. In this paper we argue that care ethics should be a part of engineering education and explore how care is reflected in student work. Specifically, we examine empirically how undergraduate engineering students care for others, as expressed through their writing about engineers taking responsibility for the adverse impacts on the environment and public health created by e-waste recycling in the developing world. We find that in our sample, most engineering students associated engineers with responsibility for this problem, but that many appeared to lack an appreciation of both the complexities that must be addressed, and the broadly interdisciplinary and collaborative approach necessary to meaningfully address them.
Robust tracking in nonlinear systems and its applications to robotics

A nonlinear feedback multivariable controller is used to implement multivariable tracking in a nonlinear system. The tracking error is measured by a general function of system state and the input command. The controller is robust in the sense that the tracking error is ultimately bounded in the presence of modelling errors. Free parameters, which affect the form of the controller, allow flexibility in determining such factors as: the size of the ultimate bound, the rate of error delay, excursion of the control, conditions on the class of modelling errors, the level of system gain. Restrictive assumptions on the structure of the model and the modelling errors are required but they are treated in a transformation framework which allows the generalization of similar conditions which appear in the prior literature. These assumptions hold for robotic manipulators. This application is investigated at some length and it appears that the resulting control scheme may have advantages over others which have been proposed in the robotics literature.
Search techniques for near-earth asteroids

Knowledge of the near-earth asteroids (Apollo, Amor, and Aten groups) has increased enormously over the last 10 to 15 years. This has been due in large part to the success of programs that have systematically searched for these objects. These programs have been motivated by the apparent relationships of the near-earth asteroids to terrestrial impact cratering, meteorites, and comets, and their relative accessibility for asteroid missions. Discovery of new near-earth asteroids is fundamental to all other studies, from theoretical modeling of their populations to the determination of their physical characteristics by various remote-sensing techniques. The methods that have been used to find these objects are reviewed, and ways in which the search for near-earth asteroids can be expanded are discussed.
FAPA: a model to prevent flooding attacks in clouds

Several schemes and a variety of intrusion detection systems are available in the market for DoS or flooding attacks. However, these schemes are not useful for cloud computing. They only consider a point of interest determined by the developers and experts, and as a result, these systems are vulnerable to many different types of attacks. In this paper, we propose a model for the prevention of DoS attacks for clouds called FAPA (Flooding Attack Prevention Architecture). Our goal is to design a model that allows a dynamic response that can adapt to prevent any type of flooding attack.
Perceptually motivated automatic color contrast enhancement

We address the problem of contrast enhancement for color images. Methods directly derived from gray-level enhancement such as histogram equalization produce significant artifacts, including severe color shifts. Other enhancement techniques that are derived from the Retinex theory may suffer from strong ‘halo’ effects.
Drivers of hospitalization cost after craniotomy for tumor resection: creation and validation of a predictive model

The economic sustainability of all areas of medicine is under scrutiny. Limited data exist on the drivers of cost after a craniotomy for tumor resection (CTR). The objective of the present study was to develop and validate a predictive model of hospitalization cost after CTR.
Response-contingent and non-contingent informative and redundant secondary reinforcers

Eight albino rats were trained to bar-press for sucrose solution. After training procedures involving either response-contingent or non-contingent pairings of two successive stimuli and reinforcement, the first temporal stimulus proved to be the stronger secondary reinforcer though temporally more distant from primary reinforcement during training. No difference was found between the two training methods, though previous successful and unsuccessful studies of the effect are dichotomized in this respect.
Some consequences of corotating magnetospheric convection

A comparison is conducted of the expected signature of the inflow region of the proposed corotating convection pattern with relevant magnetic field and plasma flow observations made by Pioneers 10 and 11 and Voyagers 1 and 2 in the Jovian magnetosphere. A region of net plasma inflow would be characterized by superrotation and a negative radial current in the equatorial plane within a characteristic distance L. It is found that no value of L exists that is consistent with both plasma and magnetic field observations. Hence it is concluded that at the time of these flybys, such a simple large-scale convection pattern did not dominate the plasma transport in the outer magnetosphere, although the existence of such a pattern in the inner magnetosphere is not ruled out. A more detailed test is proposed to determine whether or not a superposition of corotating convection and radial diffusion is consistent with the observations.
Distribution and orientation of microtubules in milk secreting epithelial cells of rat mammary gland.

Quantitative ultrastructural analysis of mid-lactation rat mammary gland demonstrated that cytoplasmic microtubules were present in nearly all secretory epithelial cells examined. Most microtubules were oriented perpendicular to the apical membrane and were found in the apical and medial portions of the cell cytoplasm. There was no statistical difference between the number of microtubules associated with vesicles and the number that were not. Most vesicles which were in contact with microtubules were small (50 to 150 nm), appeared electron lucent and were located in a supra-Golgi complex position. Many of these vesicles were seen to be aligned along the axis of longitudinally sectioned microtubules oriented perpendicular to the apical plasma membrane. As measured by a colchicine binding assay, the total tubulin content of mammary tissue from mid-lactation rats was about 107 μg/100 mg wet weight. Approximately 19% of the total tubulin was in polymerized form. This study provides evidence that microtubules may be involved in guiding transport of small secretory vesicles to the apical regions of cells for exocytosis.
AlxGa1−x)0.65In0.35As monolithic multijunction solar cells

Abstract A simple graphical method is used to establish that the (Al x Ga 1− x ) 0.65 In 0.35 As semiconductor alloy provides the range of energy-band gaps required to both maximize power conversion efficiency and achieve current-matching for two-terminal, multijunction solar cells. Within this framework, the development needs of a three junction, monolithic solar cell with lattice-matched subcells and a strain-relieved Ga y In 1−y As/GaAs pseudo-substrate are discussed. The theoretical limiting efficiency of the proposed design is approximately 47.2% at 1 sun (AM 1.5 spectrum).
Multiple ovulation resulting from low level administration of PMSG to cattle at different stages of the oestrous cycle

Abstract Two experiments were carried out to determine whether differences in sensitivity to exogenous gonadotrophin which exist during the oestrous cycle can be used effectively in the induction of multiple pregnancy in cattle. In Experiment I, Hereford heifers and cows were injected with 800 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) on approximately day 10 of the oestrous cycle, followed 48 h later by 30 mg prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). Controls were treated with PGF2α alone. Mean ovulation rates based on rectal palpation were 1.33 ± 0.10 (range: 1–2) and 3.05 ± 0.68 (range: 1–13) for 21 control and 21 treated animals, respectively (P
Templating photodimerization of coumarins within a water-soluble nano reaction vessel

An octahedral Pd nanocage serves as a reaction vessel to control photodimerization of coumarins in water. The coumarin derivatives explored in this study react within the Pd nanocage to selectively yield a syn head-head dimer, whereas in water, they yield either a mixture of dimers or a different isomer. The selective dimerization is interpreted to mean that the monomers are preorganized by the cage through weak intermolecular forces. The selectivity obtained within the nanocage is more general and predictable compared to other hosts used previously to control the geometry of photodimerization reactions.
Plastic sliding, strained states and current conversion in Density Waves

We outline a theory of coexisting elastic and plastic deformations in sliding Charge Density Waves. They occur in the course of the conversion from the normal current at the contact to the collective one in the bulk. Several mechanisms of phase slips via creation and proliferation of dislocations are compared. We present a modeling which helps to interpret space-resolved studies in recent [1] and earlier [2] X-ray experiments, in multi-contact [3] and optical [4] studies.
Ultrastructure of Adult Gonads and Development and Structure of the Larva of Rhabdopleura normani (Hemichordata: Pterobranchia)

Sexually mature adults, embryos and larvae of the pterobranch Rhabdopleura normani from Bermuda were studied with light and electron microscopy. The sexes are separate among the zooids of a colony, but a given colony may contain females and males. In zooids of either sex the single gonad is associated with a large haemal sinus in the trunk sac and is displaced laterally (to the right or to the left). The wall of the gonad is composed of three layers: an outer metasomal peritoneum, an internal lining of germinal epithelium and an intervening genital haemal sinus. The mature gametes lie in the lumen within the gonad. The spermatozoon is characterized by an elongate nucleus, no obvious acrosome, a long mitochondrial filament in a midpiece appendix and a single flagellum with a 9+2 axoneme. Females brood 200 μm eggs and embryos in their distinctive, basally coiled tubes. The yolky eggs undergo radial cleavage and develop into ciliated, lecithotrophic, oblong larvae (400 μm in length) that are characterized by: (1) yellow coloration peppered with black pigment spots; (2) a deep ventral depression; (3) a posterior adhesive organ; (4) an anterior apical sensory organ; (5) an evenly ciliated epitdermis. The ventral depression is not invaginating endoderm, but is instead a glandular epithelium that evidently secretes the larval cocoon and the adult tube. Internally, the peritoneum of the coelomic cavities begins to split from the periphery of a large, central mass of yolky mesenchyme cells. The larva swims using cilia, but also undergoes contractions, evidently powered by the peritoneal cells, which constitute a myoepithelium. The discussion considers pterobranch affinities with other deuterostomes and with lophophorates.
The effect of BSP and rifamycin on the excretion of warfarin in the bile of the rat

Abstract 1. 1. Metabolites of warfarin are excreted in the bile of rats; one hour after the i.v. injection of 14 C-warfarin (1 mg/kg) in male Sprague-Dawley rats, radioactivity was excreted in the bile at a concentration of about 19 nmoles/ml and at a rate of 0.53 nmoles/min. 2. 2. When BSP was injected 60 min after the 14 C-warfarin, there was a decrease in the excretion of radioactivity. The greatest depression occurred within 15–20 min when the concentration of radioactivity in the bile and the rate of excretion was reduced to about one-third the preinjection level. As the BSP was eliminated from the plasma the excretion of radioactivity returned to normal. 3. 3. The injection of Rifamycin 60 min after warfarin also reduced the rate of excretion of warfarin to about one-third the pre-injection rate but it did not return to normal within an hour at which time the experiment was terminated. 4. 4. Antibiotics, as well as drugs from other classes, were tested for potential interactions affecting the excretion of warfarin.
Expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 and of type I and II TGF-β receptors during the development of the human fetal ovary☆

Abstract Objective: To investigate the role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the regulation of human fetal ovarian development. Design: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and comparative immunohistochemical analysis of the localization and staining intensity of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3, and of their receptors. Setting: Academic research environment. Patient(s): Human fetal ovaries were obtained from terminated normal intact pregnancies at 11–24 weeks' gestation. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Messenger RNA analysis and protein expression of TGF-β isoforms and their receptors in human fetal ovaries at 11–24 weeks of gestational age. Result(s): Messenger RNAs for the three TGF-β isoforms and the two TGF-β receptors were demonstrated in all the developmental ages studied: 11, 14, 18, 20, and 22 weeks of gestation. During the first trimester, immunohistochemical analysis for TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β receptor type I revealed homogeneous light staining of the ovary. Staining for TGF-β3 and TGF-β receptor type II was predominantly in the oocytes. During the second trimester, staining for all three TGF-β isoforms and both receptors was predominantly in the oocytes. In addition, for receptor types I and II, staining was observed in the pregranulosa cells. Conclusion(s): Our findings support the hypothesis that expression of the TGF-β system changes from the first to the second trimester of fetal development and may have an autocrine and/or paracrine regulatory role during ovarian development.
Tolerogenic plasmacytoid DC

Plasmacytoid DC (pDC) are type-I IFN-producing cells known for their capacity to promote anti-viral innate and adaptive immune responses. Despite their potent anti-viral function, when compared with conventional DC, pDC exhibit poor immunostimulatory ability and their interaction with T cells often favors the generation of Treg. pDC are activated primarily in response to ssRNA and ssDNA through TLR7 and TLR9, respectively, but also through TLR-independent mechanisms. Non-lymphoid tissue pDC, such as those residing in the airways, gut, and liver, play a significant role in regulating mucosal immunity and are critical for the development of tolerance to inhaled or ingested antigens. Herein we discuss properties that define tolerogenic pDC and how their unique characteristics translate into an ability to regulate immunity and promote the development of tolerance. We cover the importance of pDC during intrathymic Treg development and the maintenance of peripheral tolerance, as well as their regulatory role in transplantation, autoimmunity, and cancer. We highlight recent findings regarding danger-associated molecular pattern and PAMP signaling in the regulation of pDC function, and how the ability of pDC to promote tolerance translates into the potential clinical applications of these cells as therapeutic targets to regulate immune reactivity.
Psychophysiology of Adolescent Peer Relations II: Recent Advances and Future Directions.

Researchers have made significant progress in the investigation of how physiological measures can inform the study of adolescent peer functioning, including peer processes involving antisocial behavior, victimization, and peer social status. This paper highlights how the inclusion of physiological processes in research studies can address several critical questions regarding adolescent peer relations, with a particular emphasis on (1) developmental processes; (2) subtypes of adolescent peer relations; (3) gender differences; (4) biosocial interactions; and (5) the role of within-person variability. In addition, several important directions for future research, including longitudinal studies assessing bidirectional effects and the incorporation of additional indices of peer functioning and additional psychophysiological systems, are discussed. Language: en
Absorbed photosynthetically active radiation and sun‐view geometry effects on remote sensing relationships∗

Quantifying the amount of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) absorbed by vegetation is an essential consideration for determining useful vegetative photosynthetic capacity and surface conductance values for regional and global carbon cycle studies. This study was conducted to compare absorbed photosynthetically active radiation at the FIFE‐89 Konza prairie sites to that of the KUREX‐91 steppe grassland sites and to investigate variations in relationships between absorbed PAR and spectral vegetation indices derived from bidirectional reflectance factors. Incoming, reflected and transmitted PAR were measured from which fractions of reflected, transmitted and absorbed PAR were computed at selected FIFE prairie and KUREX steppe sites. Fractions of direct and diffuse PAR transmitted through canopies were estimated. Fractions of absorbed PAR were much lower at the FIFE sites (ranging from 0.35 to 0.65) than those at KUREX (ranging from 0.75 to 0.95) which can be explained by differences between leaf area...
Epidemiology and management of oesophageal coin impaction in children.

Abstract Objective The epidemiology of oesophageal coin impaction in children is poorly understood. We aimed to assess characteristics of patients with coin impaction and identify predictors of type of coin impacted and management strategies. Methods Cases of coin impaction from 2002 to 2009 were identified by querying a tertiary care centre's billing, clinical, and endoscopy databases for the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision code “935.1 – foreign body in the oesophagus.” Charts were reviewed to confirm case status and to extract pertinent data. Results Of 113 patients with oesophageal coin impaction (55% male; 45% Caucasian; mean age 2.9 years), 65 (58%) swallowed a penny, 85 (80%) had the impaction in the proximal oesophagus, and 103 (91%) required a procedure. Thirty-five (34%) patients had an upper endoscopy performed by a gastroenterologist and 68 (66%) had a laryngoscopy or oesophagoscopy performed by an otolaryngologist. Only 2 minor complications were noted. There was no significant relationship between the coin type and location of impaction, but 99% of cases performed by otolaryngologists were for proximally impacted coins, compared to 49% for gastroenterologists ( p Conclusions Oesophageal coin impaction disproportionately affected young children and extraction was frequently required. Whilst pennies were the most commonly impacted coin, there were no clear predictors on impaction based on coin type.
Development and implementation of the multiple mini-interview in pharmacy admissions

Abstract Objectives To describe the development and implementation of a pharmacy admissions multiple mini-interview (MMI). Methods MMI scenario scoring, applicant and interviewer perception surveys, retrospective video scoring, and applicant admission demographics were collected during a pilot phase and full implementation phase to assess the effectiveness of this type of interviewing technique. Inter-rater reliability was assessed during the pilot phase. MMI scores were compared to determine variance between scenarios and to assess scenario performance during full implementation. Results During the pilot phase, a significant degree of inter-rater reliability was found for all the themes evaluated, except the personal attribute scenario. Performance on three scenarios by 224 applicants during the full implementation phase demonstrated good results (mean ± SD): rapport/empathy (5.4 ± 1.4), ethics/professionalism (5.9 ± 1.1), and personal attribute (5.6 ± 1.1). The MMI was feasible and costs were managed with an applicant fee. Conclusions The MMI was well accepted and assessed non-cognitive skills across applicants in a reliable fashion. It is anticipated that with greater experience with this interview methodology, the value of the interview in the applicant selection process will increase.