cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
En Bloc Resection of Thoracic Tumors Involving the Spine

Thoracic tumors involving the spine are challenging to manage. Successful treatment requires multidisciplinary surgical and oncological care. The most common subsets of such tumors encountered by thoracic surgeons are nonsmall-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) of the superior sulcus (Pancoast tumors) or posterolaterally located NSCLC involving the costovertebral junction or spine. Involvement of the spine and brachial plexus has traditionally portended a poor prognosis. Patients with tumors involving the spine are considered to have Stage IIIB disease, which until recently was considered unresectable for cure. However, newer techniques for resection, improvements in instrumentation for spine stabilization, 1-6 and advances in combined modality therapy, particularly preoperative chemoradiotherapy, 7 have made curative resection possible. Complete resection of superior sulcus tumors or other NSCLCinvolvingthespinemusttakeintoaccountthedegree of spinal and brachial plexus involvement. Radiographic spine assessment includes both computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI is critical for evaluating the extent of neuro foraminal and epidural tumor involvement. Although overtly lytic disease in the vertebral body will be obvious on CT, MRI is necessary to identify more subtle signs of infiltrative bone disease of the vertebral body or posterior elements, which may be seen as hypointensity on T1-weighted images or hyperintensity on T2 fat-suppressed short-tau inversion recovery sequences. Such infiltrative disease visualized on MRI may need to be addressed by both radiation therapy and resection. On this basis, a MRI classification was devised to facilitate decision-making regarding the extent of spinal elements requiring resection and the need to provide instrumented fusion. Class A tumors involve the periosteum of the vertebral
Paradoxical stimulation of thyroid function by cortisone in the rat.

We have studied the effect of cortisone on 131I metabolism of highly stimulated rat thyroids. Rats were fed a low-iodine diet (LID) containing 0.15% propylthiouracil (PTU) for 7 days. The PTU diet was withdrawn on day S and LID alone fed for another 4 days. Half of the animals received 5 mg cortisone daily from day 6 to the day of autopsy. The 4-hr thyroid 131I uptake was consistently higher in the cortisone-treated rats than in the controls after PTU withdrawal. Similar differences between cortisone and control groups were seen in acutely nephrectomized rats and in those hypophysectomized and maintained with TSH. Higher T3*/T4* and MIT*/DIT* ratios were found in the digested thyroids of the intact cortisonetreated rats than in the controls. The T/S (TcO4–) was significantly higher in cortisonetreated animals than in controls. A single injection of cortisone did not affect the 4-hr thyroid 131I uptake in PTU-withdrawal rats, but decreased the 12 and 24-hr 131I accumulation. The increase in thyroid 131I me...
Equivalence of the resonating-valence-bond and fractional quantum Hall states.

We present evidence that the ground state of the frustrated Heisenberg antiferromagnet in two dimensions is well described by a fractional quantum Hall wave function for bosons. This is compatible with the resonating valence-bond concept of Anderson in being a liquid with neutral spin-(1/2 excitations. Our results suggest strongly that the resonating valence bond and fractional quantum Hall states are the same thing. We also argue that the excitation spectrum ahs an energy gap.
Evaluating Municipal Water Management Options with the Incorporation of Water Quality and Energy Consumption

Rapidly growing population and associated socio-economic development are placing increasing stress on water resources and posing challenges for water management. This study develops a system dynamics model for municipal water management in Hillsborough County by incorporating water quality and energy consumption associated with water supply in decision-making. The result shows that the percentage of surface water withdrawal will decrease by 11.7~23.3 % with considering water quality, and this results in the simulated surface water level increases by 1.32~1.39 %. With considering both water quality and energy consumption, the surface water level increases by 1.10~1.30 %. There is a slight decrease in groundwater storage (0.02~0.08 %) compared with the reference behavior. The result also finds that water conservation education is the most effective option among the seven management options reducing the freshwater withdrawals. It reduces the freshwater withdrawals by 14.9 %, followed by rebates on indoor water appliances. Rebates on outdoor water appliances and irrigation restriction are effective to decrease the outdoor water demand. The model is sensitive to precipitation and a more accurate representation of precipitation should be employed.
The scientist as Cracker-Barrel Philosopher: Implications for the concept of scientific literacy

This study aims to identify an internally consistent and readily teachable philosophical approach to the nature and practice of science. The primary sources are anecdotal material and oral reflections prepared for the popular media by and about an eminent contemporary scientist, the late physicist Richard Feynman. Examples of “real people” working on technological problems can provide a useful foil to the customary study of “great men” in the history of science, yet both of these approaches can have serious drawbacks. Feynman's anecdotal reflections provide an excellent “middle ground” case study: a pure scientist, yet with a personal background anchored in practical problems, who combines the traditional credentials of authority with an endearing humanity. There are striking similarities between the account of the nature of science, technology, and good teaching implied by Feynman's musings and that expressed more abstractly in the recent American Association for the Advancement of Science report,Science for All Americans.
Influence of medium polarity upon selectivity and efficiency of alkali metal cation sorption by polyether carboxylic acid resins

The influence of medium polarity upon competitive sorption of alkali-metal cations from aqueous and aqueous methanolic solutions by the polymethacrylic acid resin Amberlite CG-50, two acyclic polyether carboxylic acid resins, and six sym-(alkyl)dibenzo-16-crown-5-oxyacetic acid resins has been investigated. Addition of methanol was found to strongly depress the selective Li(+) sorption of CG-50 and one of the acyclic polyether carboxylic acid resins. Enhancement of metal ion-crown ether interactions as the percentage of methanol in the medium was increased accentuates the Na(+) sorption selectivity for the lariat ether carboxylic acid resins. The highest Na(+) sorption selectivity was obtained for sym-(alkyl)-dibenzo-16-crown-5-oxyacetic acid resins with ethyl and propyl groups in 80% methanol-20% water.
Preclinical AD Workgroup staging: pathological correlates and potential challenges

The National Institute on Aging Preclinical Alzheimer's disease Workgroup (PADW) has issued a preliminary report with recommendations for classifying preclinical Alzheimer's disease (pAD) according to 3 early disease stages. Here we examine the PADW recommendations in relation to neuropathological features in a large, consecutive series of cognitively intact elderly persons, autopsied within a year after cognitive testing (n = 126 cognitively intact patients with mean age 83.7 years at death). Subjects were grouped based on a hypothetical construct correlating pathological features with PADW stages. Many cognitively intact individuals were classifiable as pAD (53/126 or 43%), as expected based on epidemiological and biomarker studies. Of these, most (48%) were in "stage 3", which corresponds to amyloid pathology with early neurodegeneration. As with prior studies, our data indicate that the development of neocortical neurofibrillary tangles is the key pathological event that is not observed in pAD cases: Braak stages III or IV pathology are hence not truly a substrate for "intermediate likelihood" that cognitive impairment is due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). We also stress the importance of comorbid non-Alzheimer's disease brain pathologies (hippocampal sclerosis, neocortical alpha-synucleinopathy, cerebrovascular disease, and brains with hippocampal neurofibrillary tangles but no cortical amyloid plaques) that can contribute to the development of cognitive impairment, or which may serve as confounds in the application of the PADW recommendations. While the final recommendations from the PADW working group have not yet been released, this preliminary analysis provides a perspective on those recommendations from a neuropathological point of view.
442 BIOACTIVE LH PITUITARY RESERVES DURING NORMAL/ABNORMAL MALE PUBERTY

We explored the possibility that the serum bioactive LH (B-LH) response to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) infusion might provide additional insight into normal and abnormal pubertal maturation. Controls consisted of 24 boys and 10 men; 1 true isosexual precocity (TIP) and 11 hypopituitary (11-53 yr) cases were studied. Maturationa. staging was by AM testosterone (T). B-LH was assayed by rat leydig cell T production, immunoreactive LH (I-LH) by RIA. Normally the GnRH-induced B-LH was related to maturational stage in a biphasic manner (cubic fit r=0.85): a) stimulated B-LH is minimal in the most immature children (rising only from 23 to 26 ng/ml in the youngest), b) undergoes an initial rise at T = 20-40 ng/dl (p < .05), c) peaks at a T level of 196 ng/dl, and d) then declines modestly (p< .05) as the T level rises further. B-LH was not so closely related to chronologic age, bone age, or Tanner stage. The pubertal peak in LH was not seen in I-LH data, but was in B-LH/I-LH (B/I), a measure of LH biopotency. The TIP case had elevated basal B-LH, stimulated-B-LH, and B/I, though I-LH was normal. The abnormalities were progestin-suppressible. Stimulated B-LH corresponded better than I-LH to the maturation achieved by hypogonadotropic men. B-LH responses to GnRH discriminated teenagers with delayed puberty from those with gonadotropin deficiency once T levels exceeded 30 ng/dl. In summary, the normal biphasic relationship of B-LH reserve to the baseline T level is an improved diagnostic criterion for distinguishing hypogonadotropinism from delayed puberty.
Fatigue Life Reduction of Roller Bearings Due to Debris Denting: Part I — Theoretical Modeling

Stress concentration due to debris denting in EHL contacts has been analyzed. Quantitative relationships between the geometry of surface indentation, contact load and the maximum stress and its location have been established. Based on these relationships and the Weibull weakest-link theory, a fatigue life reduction model is proposed. Parametric study shows that life reduction is primarily determined by dent slope and life reduction factor decreases as dent slope increases. Indentation area-density is another major factor that affects contact fatigue life. Life reduction factor decreases as dent area-density increases. Life reduction is also affected by contact load. While fatigue life decreases with increasing load, life reduction factor increases as load increases. Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Paper at the STLE/ASME Tribology Conference in Orlando, Florida, October 11–13, 1999
Bystander CD4 T cells do not mediate demyelination in mice infected with a neurotropic coronavirus

Demyelination following infection of mice with the neurotropic coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus strain JHM (MHV) is immune-mediated. It has been demonstrated that MHV-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells are capable of causing demyelination independent of the other T cell subset. Recent work has also demonstrated that activated bystander CD8 T cells mediate significant demyelination. The ability of bystander CD4 T cells to mediate demyelination was investigated using CD4 T cell transgenic mice. The results indicated that bystander CD4 T cells were unable to cause demyelination in MHV-infected mice, despite being recruited into the central nervous system (CNS) and irrespective of activation status. These results suggest that CD4 T cells must recognize antigen in the CNS in order to cause demyelination.
TAILOR: Transgene Activation and Inactivation Using Lox and Rox in Zebrafish

The ability to achieve precisely tailored activation and inactivation of gene expression represents a critical utility for vertebrate model organisms. In this regard, Cre and other site-specific DNA recombinases have come to play a central role in achieving temporally regulated and cell type-specific genetic manipulation. In zebrafish, both Cre and Flp recombinases have been applied for inducible activation, inactivation and inversion of inserted genomic elements. Here we describe the addition of Dre, a heterospecific Cre-related site-specific recombinase, to the zebrafish genomic toolbox. Combining Dre-based recombination in zebrafish with established Cre/lox technology, we have established an effective strategy for transgene activation and inactivation using lox and rox (TAILOR). Using stable transgenic lines expressing tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 and RU486-inducible DrePR fusions, we demonstrate that Cre and Dre retain non-overlapping specificities for their respective lox and rox target sites in larval zebrafish, and that their combinatorial and sequential activation can achieve precisely timed transgene activation and inactivation. In addition to TAILOR, the successful application of Dre/rox technology in zebrafish will facilitate a variety of additional downstream genetic applications, including sequential lineage labeling, complex genomic rearrangements and the precise temporal and spatial control of gene expression through the intersection of partially overlapping promoter activities.
Solubility and Ionization Characteristics of Phenytoin

The solubility of phenytoin was determined in pH 7.4 and 5.4 phosphate buffers at five temperatures; in hydroalcoholic solutions, 0--4% methanol; and in pH 4.8--8.4 buffer solutions. From the temperature data, the enthalpy and entropy of solution of this nonideal system were calculated and were similar at both pH values. The data obtained from the buffer solutions were used to calculate the apparent dissociation constant, pKa', of phenytoin as 8.06. A GLC method with on-column methylation was used to quantitate phenytoin with 5-(p-methyl-phenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin as an internal standard. The assay uses chloroform of extraction of the drug from aqueous solutions. The ratio of peak heights was adjusted for weights of aqueous and organic layers, and results were calculated in micrograms per gram of sample and mole fraction of phenytoin. Although hydroalcoholic solutions enhanced drug solubility, there is a potentially significant disadvantage in using alcohol for clinical studies.
Evaluation of tissue PCA3 expression in prostate cancer by RNA in situ hybridization—a correlative study with urine PCA3 and TMPRSS2-ERG

PCA3 is a prostate-specific non-coding RNA, with utility as a urine-based early detection biomarker. Here, we report the evaluation of tissue PCA3 expression by RNA in situ hybridization in a cohort of 41 mapped prostatectomy specimens. We compared tissue PCA3 expression with tissue level ERG expression and matched pre-prostatectomy urine PCA3 and TMPRSS2-ERG levels. Across 136 slides containing 138 foci of prostate cancer, PCA3 was expressed in 55% of cancer foci and 71% of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia foci. Overall, the specificity of tissue PCA3 was >90% for prostate cancer and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia combined. Tissue PCA3 cancer expression was not significantly associated with urine PCA3 expression. PCA3 and ERG positivity in cancer foci was positively associated (P<0.01). We report the first comprehensive assessment of PCA3 expression in prostatectomy specimens, and find limited correlation between tissue PCA3 and matched urine in prostate cancer.
Review: sparse high-quality evidence supports surgery for obesity.

Source Citation Maggard MA, Shugarman LR, Suttorp M, et al. Meta-analysis: surgical treatment of obesity. Ann Intern Med. 2005;142:547-59. 15809466
CORR Insights ®: What is the current status of global health activities and opportunities in US orthopaedic residency programs?

This CORR Insights® is a commentary on the article “What Is the Current Status of Global Health Activities and Opportunities in US Orthopaedic Residency Programs? by Clement and colleagues available at: DOI: 10.1007/s11999-013-3184-3. The author certifies that he, or a member of his immediate family, has no funding or commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research ® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writers, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research ® or the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®. This CORR Insights® comment refers to the article available at DOI: 10.1007/s11999-013-3184-3.
Testing a vocabulary for image indexing and ground truthing

The need for a general and comprehensive vocabulary for annotating images is described. Current image indexing vocabularies and their problems are discussed, and research into image features described by humans in various tasks is reviewed. The development of an image indexing vocabulary id described, and a conceptual structure which relates the features of the vocabulary to the requirements of image annotation is presented. The process for building and testing the vocabulary as a tool in benchmarking is then discussed, as are the research questions involved.
Rellich type decay theorem for equation P(D)u = f with f supported in infinite cylinders

In this paper we prove that for a certain class of linear differential operators P(∂/i∂x) if P(∂/i∂x) u(x) has support inside a convex infinite cylinder and decays exponentially to zero in one direction of the cylinder, then u(x) must have support inside the same cylinder provided that u(x) satisfies a certain Rellich type decay condition at infinity. Some examples are given, including the reduced wave equation and the reduced system of crystal optics.
Corrections to "Link-state routing with hop-by-hop forwarding can achieve optimal traffic engineering"

Presents corrections to the paper, “Link-state routing with hop-by-hop forwarding can achieve optimal traffic engineering,” (Xu, D., et al)IEEE/ACM Trans. Netw., vol. 19, no. 6, pp. 1717–1730, Dec. 2011).
SFCP-005 – Urologie – Neuroanatomie tridimensionnelle du pelvis fœtal et traitement chirurgical des malformations du sinus urogenital

Objectif Des etudes retrospectives recentes suggerent que le pronostic fonctionnel urinairedes malformations du sinus-urogenitalest incertain, voire peu satisfaisant. Diverses approches chirurgicales ont ete proposees mais les resultats a long terme des techniques les plus recentes restent a evaluer. Dans l’attente de ces resultats, la connaissance precise de la neuroanatomie du pelvis fœtal pourrait permettre l’optimisation des corrections chirurgicales de ces malformations. Methode Des coupes seriees ont ete realisees a partir de pelvis de 10fœtus humains feminins. Des coupes selectionnees ont ete colore par Masson trichrome et par immunohistochimie avec un marqueur neuronal (anticorps anti S100). A partir de photos numeriques de chaque coupe, une reconstruction tridimensionnelle assistee par ordinateur a ete realisee pour obtenir une image animee des organes pelviens et de leur relation avec les structures nerveuses. Resultat Trois structures nerveuses ont ete identifiees : 1- Un reseau dense perivisceral constituant un feuillet autour des organs pelviens. La majorite de ces nerfs est situee sur la face externe des visceres avec une fraction limitee dans les septum recto-vaginal et uretro-vaginal. Cette enervation s’etend en haut, de la face anterieure de l’uretre, vers le bas en arriere du rectum. 2- Une quantite importante de nerfs enveloppe les faces anterieures et posterieures de l’uretre, notamment dans sa portion superieure supra-pubienne. 3- Une structure plus large et plus distante, prenant naissance au niveau du plexus sacre, descend en bas et en avant vers le rectum, croisant ainsi le feuillet nerveux perivisceral. Conclusion Ces resultats anatomiques sont en faveur, au cours de la correction des malformations des sinus urogenitaux, d’une dissection minimale des faces laterales du vagin d’une part, et de l’uretre proximal au-dessus du ligament uretropubien d’autre part. La mobilisation partielle du sinus urogenital semble ainsi etre la seule technique actuelle a respecter l’ensemble des structures nerveuses decrites.
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A gene expression in human ovaries is restricted to healthy follicles and corpora lutea.

Recently, Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) in human follicular fluid was identified as an insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 protease (IGFBP-4ase). The ability of IGFBP-4ase to inactivate the FSH antagonist, IGFBP-4, has suggested a possible role for PAPP-A in regulating FSH action. Despite growing interest in this protease, the question of whether the PAPP-A gene is expressed in ovaries of normal cycling women is unknown. To fill this basic gap in our knowledge, we have identified the cellular sites of PAPP-A gene expression in normal human ovaries by in situ hybridization. PAPP-A mRNA was low or undetectable in preantral follicles, small (1–2 mm) healthy and atretic antral follicles, larger atretic antral follicles, surface epithelium, tunica albuginea and connective tissue cells. In contrast, an intense PAPP-A hybridization signal was evident in the healthy antral follicles examined from 5 mm to the preovulatory stage. In these follicles, the signal was restricted to the granulo...
Axillobrachial artery bypass grafting with in situ cephalic vein for axillary artery occlusion: a case report.

Abstract The cephalic vein has been reported to be a suitable vascular conduit for arterial reconstructive surgery, but its use remains controversial. When used for lower extremity revascularization, its use has been complicated by elongation and dilation. Its use for upper extremity revascularization has only been rarely reported. This article represents the first published use of the cephalic vein with the in situ technique for upper extremity occlusive disease. This technique may avoid some of the complications noted when used in the reverse fashion. (J Vasc Surg 1989;10:683–7.)
Education, sectoral composition, and growth

Abstract Growth accounting exercises using standard human capital measures are limited in their ability to attribute causal effects and to explain growth. This paper develops a model of growth and schooling consistent with these decompositions but with less unexplained growth. The theory distinguishes between three different sources of education gains: (1) supply shifts, (2) skill-biased technical change increasing demand within industries/occupations, and (3) skill-biased technical change caused by the introduction of new skill-intensive industries/occupations. The third source leads to the large sectoral shifts and the largest growth effects. Quantitatively, schooling contributions account for 24 percent of wage growth, with both the direct (i.e., supply driven) causal contribution of schooling and the indirect causal (i.e., technology induced) contribution playing substantial roles.
A retrospective review of sleep-disordered breathing, hypertenstion and cardiovascular diseases in spinal cord injury patients.

A retrospective review of sleep-disordered breathing, hypertenstion and cardiovascular diseases in spinal cord injury patients
Broad band spatial filters in the human visual system

Abstract Two psychophysical techniques are introduced to uncover spatio-temporal filtering properties in the human visual system. These techniques draw upon analogies to the sustained and transient ganglion cells first reported by Cleland. Dubin and Levick (1971). The corresponding filters in man have spatial bandwidths exceeding four octaves with peak sensitivities near 1 and 12 c/deg.
Evolutionary biology: Mimicry all the way down

Morphological mimicry among organisms has long been recognized as an adaptive strategy, but mimicry also occurs at the molecular level. One emerging example is microbial pathogens' use of structural mimics that engage host-cell receptors.
Particle migration and free-surface topography in inclined plane flow of a suspension

Gravity-driven free-surface flow of a suspension of neutrally buoyant particles down an inclined plane channel of constant width has been studied experimentally and by flow modelling. A uniform suspension of spheres, sieved to radii of a = 53-125 μm or 125-150 μm, was introduced to create films of initial depth h o . The flow was always at small film-depth-based Reynolds numbers. The film depth and the mixture flow profile were measured at the initial and two locations at least 200h o and 400h o downstream. The bulk particle volume fraction, Φ B , was varied in the range 0.01 ≤Φ B ≤0.5; h o 1.8-3.2 mm and the inclination angle relative to horizontal, 0.1° < α ≤ 90°, were also varied. Analysis of the particle velocity was performed by stereoscopic imaging to determine particle location followed by particle correlation velocimetry. A two-layer Newtonian viscosity model was applied to the velocimetry results in order to infer particle concentration information
Fragrance material review on oxacycloheptadec-10-ene-2-one

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of oxacycloheptadec-10-ene-2-one when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. Oxacycloheptadec-10-ene-2-one is a member of the fragrance structural group macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives. The fragrance ingredient described herein is one of 12 structurally diverse C14, C15, and C16 compounds that include (7) saturated mono- and (2) saturated di-ester lactones and (3) unsaturated lactones. For the latter, the double bond is not adjacent to (in conjugation with) the ester group. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to oxacycloheptadec-10-ene-2-one and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data were evaluated, then summarized, and includes: physical properties; skin irritation; mucous membrane (eye) irritation; skin sensitization; phototoxicity; and genotoxicity data. A safety assessment of the entire macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives will be published simultaneously with this document. Please refer to Belsito et al. (2011) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all macrocyclic lactone and lactide derivatives in fragrances. Belsito, D., Bickers, D., Bruze, M., Calow, P., Dagli, M., Fryer, A.D., Greim, H., Hanifin, J.H., Miyachi, Y., Saurat, J.H., Sipes, I.G., 2011. A toxicologic and dermatologic assessment of macrocylic lactones and lactide derivatives when used as fragrance ingredients.
Global environmental change and international law

Abstract The UNU Monitor is a quarterly review of the current research, publications and forthcoming projects by the United Nations University (UNU) in the area of global environmental change. Related activities by other institutions active in the ‘Human Dimensions of Global Change Programme’ are also reported. The Monitor is compiled by the UNU Academic Division in Tokyo. The topic of this issue's Monitor is ‘Environmental change and international law’. Following the ‘Earth Summit’ in June international law has to cope with a variety of challenges, from cross-national accords to enforcement of international agreements. Professor Edith Brown Weiss of Georgetown University, coordinator of the UNU project on ‘Global Change and International Law’ and the editor of the resulting UNU Press book, outlines the issues at stake. For further information on UNU's global change agenda, contact Mr Dieter Koenig or Dr Juha Uitto, UNU, Toho-Seimei-Building, 15-1 Shibuya-2-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150, Japan.
Implementation of a workplace smoking ban in bars: The limits of local discretion

Background In January 1998, the California state legislature extended a workplace smoking ban to bars. The purpose of this study was to explore the conditions that facilitate or hinder compliance with a smoking ban in bars.
Single Molecules as Probes of Lipid Membrane Microenvironments

The single-molecule dynamics of the membrane probe diIC18 dispersed in well-controlled lipid environments were studied. Lipid monolayers and bilayers of DPPC, transferred onto a solid substrate using the Langmuir−Blodgett technique, were utilized to systematically control the environment around single diIC18 molecules. The single-molecule emission trajectories revealed large intensity fluctuations that were strongly coupled to the lipid environment surrounding the probe molecule. For example, as the surface pressure of a DPPC monolayer was increased from the liquid-expanded/liquid-condensed (π = 5 mN/m) region to the solid condensed (π = 30 mN/m) region, the characteristic fluorescence fluctuation times increased from approximately 440 ms to over 1 s. For bilayer films, we found characteristic fluctuation times on the order of 2 s, regardless of which side of the bilayer the probe molecule resided. The monolayer and bilayer results are most consistent with a mechanism for intensity fluctuations driven by ...
Efficient signature estimations in an advanced graphics environment

Summary form only given. An advanced technique has been developed for the computation of physical optics backscattering from large, complex targets over multiple frequency bands with unprecedented speed. It takes full advantage of the power of the present (and future) high-performance graphics engines for surface rendering and shadowing. This method has been implemented with a first-generation code labeled VISAGE (Visual Investigation of Scattering in an Advanced Graphics Environment) on the Silicon Graphics Iris 4D series workstations. The computation throughput has been shown to be essentially independent of the target complexity and the desired number of frequencies. In addition, geometrical shadowing of target components is automatically handled. >
Polarization Effects on Meniscus Characteristics in Molten Carbonate

Meniscus heights on a gold flag electrode partially submerged in Li/K carbonate (62/38 mole percent) at 650°C have been determined under a variety of gas mixtures at atmospheric pressure. The meniscus height as a function of electrode potential shows a characteristic minimum for each gas composition and a relatively steep increase with increasing cathodic polarization. Analysis of the near‐equilibrium data, assuming electrocapillary effects only, shows that this is consistent with specific adsorption of oxide ion on the electrode. At appreciable polarization, mass‐transfer effects as well as adsorption appear to play a role, and the approach to steady‐state conditions following a disturbance is slow.
Glucose dyshomeostasis and cardiovascular failure in endotoxic dogs

Fasted mongrel dogs were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium and instrumented for the on-line measurement of blood glucose (BG), a lead II electrocardiogram, and pressures in the left ventricle and pulmonary and systemic artery concomitant with on-line monitoring of BG. Serum insulin was measured by radioimmunoassay, and cardiac output (CO) was determined by thermodilution. Stroke work (SW) and pulmonary and systemic resistances were calculated. After a 30-min control period dogs were treated with Escherichia coli endotoxin (E) or normal saline (S) and then observed for 10 h or until death. Preinjection control BG was maintained in S dogs, and early hyperglycemia (H) was observed in six dogs; in contrast 10 E dogs showed no hyperglycemia (NH). During the late stages all E dogs were markedly hypoglycemic. In both groups of E dogs an early hyperinsulinemia occurred. CO and SW were depressed in both groups of E dogs. These variables were significantly lower in NH than in H dogs. Pulmonary and systemic resistance progressively increased in NH dogs after endotoxin administration. The results suggest that the ability to increase blood glucose levels after endotoxin injection is important for the maintenance of cardiovascular function. Glucose dyshomeostasis leading to hypoglycemia, however, may be a factor in the development of endotoxic cardiovascular failure.
Long-Distance Dispersal of Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) Attached to Hulls of Commercial Vessels

ABSTRACT In Aril 1992 more than 1,000 adult zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were found on the hull of a commercial barge in dry-dock in Hartford, IL. The shell lengths of randomly chosen individuals ranged from 11.6—21.1 mm. During the period of likely attachment to the time of dry-docking zebra mussels were transported a total distance of approximately 15,884 km through the upper Mississippi, lower Mississippi, and Illinois rivers. The potential for dispersal of mussels via commercial vessels is considerable.
Recognition of occluded facial expressions using a Fusion of Localized Sparse Representation Classifiers

Facial expression recognition (FER) methods that are localized have a distinct advantage over whole face methods in situations where part of the face is occluded. We present a new algorithm that first classifies local regions of the face around each eye and the mouth using a Sparse Representation Classifier (SRC). Then, it dynamically determines the set of local regions that best classifies the facial expression by using the representation error characteristics from each local region. This algorithm is termed Fusion of Local Sparse Representation Classifiers (FLSRC). In an experiment where the mouth region is occluded, the FLSRC recognition rate was 93.4% compared to 72.8% using SRC with all available pixels and rates &#60; 60% using Gabor or PCA based methods. FLSRC significantly outperforms other methods when large facial regions are occluded. For example, when approximately 25% of the image is occluded, FLSRC gives a recognition rate of 85% compared to &#60; 65% for other methods.
The Effect of a 12-week Weight Management Program on the Quality of Life in Patients with Schizophrenia

2or above who participated in a 12-week weight management program, while the control group did not join the program. All the patients were admitted in closed psychiatry ward of a mental hospital. The program consisted of diet therapy, exercise, behavior modification and education. All the patients were checked on Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES), Korean version of the SmithKlein Beecham Quality of Life (KvSBQOL), Korean version of 4th revision of Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS-R4K) and the weight. Results : After the 12-week weight management program, RSES, KvSBQOL and SQLS-R4K were increased significantly in the experimental group (p＜0.001), as opposed to the control group. While the experimental group showed a notable increase in body weight and body mass index (BMI), the change in the control group was insignificant. BPRS was decreased significantly (p＜0.05). Conclusion : 12-week weight management program had a positive effect to decrease the weight and to increase the self-esteem and quality of life. This study provides evidence for the potential and beneficial effect of weight management program for schizo phrenic patients. (Korean J Schizophr Res 2012;15:20-26)
Multi-terminal source coding through a relay

This paper studies a multi-terminal source coding problem, where two terminals possess two (correlated) Gaussian sources to be compressed and delivered to the destination through an intermediate relay. Unlike the CEO and conventional two-terminal source coding problems as well as point-to-point relay source coding problem, lattices are found to play an important role in achieving #x201C;good#x201D; rates for this problem setting. Two achievable strategies - compute-and-forward and compress-and-forward are used to develop achievable rates for this problem setting. For the symmetric case, the inner and outer bounds developed are shown to be within 1/2 bits of each other.
A Hybrid ACO/PSO Control Algorithm for Distributed Swarm Robots

In this paper, we present a hybrid ant colony optimization/particle swarm optimization (ACO/PSO) control algorithm for distributed swarm robots, where each robot can only communicate with its neighbors within its communication range. A virtual pheromone mechanism is proposed as the message passing coordination scheme among the robots. This hybrid ACO/PSO architecture adopts the feedback mechanism from environment of ACO and the adaptive interplay among agents of PSO to create a dynamic optimization system, and it is well-suited for a large scale distributed multi-agent system under dynamic environments. Furthermore, a pheromone-edge pair propagation funneling method is developed to reduce the communication overhead among robots. The simulation results concretely demonstrate the robustness, scalability, and individual simplicity of the proposed control architecture in a swarm robot system with real-world constraints
Electroconvulsive seizure restores neurogenesis and hippocampus-dependent fear memory after disruption by irradiation.

Ongoing neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus is thought to play a role in learning and memory processes, and in response to antidepressant treatments. Low doses of irradiation (IRR) produce a significant long-lasting inhibitory effect on hippocampal neurogenesis that correlates with long-lasting behavioral deficits. Here we report that electroconvulsive seizure (ECS), which robustly increases adult neurogenesis in naive animals, also reverses the disruption of neurogenesis produced by IRR exposure. Moreover, we find that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an essential mediator of this effect. Expression of VEGF in the granule cell layer (GCL) of the hippocampus is decreased by IRR, and ECS administration reverses this deficit in VEGF. There is a corresponding alteration in the number of endothelial cells, which express VEGF, in the hippocampal GCL following IRR and ECS. We also find that blockade of VEGF signaling attenuates ECS-induced proliferation, and VEGF infusion partially restores proliferation in irradiated animals. To examine the functional consequences of IRR and ECS on neurogenesis, hippocampus-dependent contextual fear conditioning was assessed. We found that following disruption by IRR, ECS restores contextual learning to baseline levels at time points consistent with its effects on neurogenesis. These findings demonstrate that ECS, in part via induction of VEGF, can reverse long-term neurogenesis deficits resulting from IRR, and that these effects have functional consequences on hippocampus-dependent fear memory.
Proteome bioprofiles distinguish between M1 priming and activation states in human macrophages

Macrophage activation is a dynamic process that results in diverse functional outcomes ranging from immunoregulation to inflammation. The proinflammatory, or M1, response is a complex, bimodal progression composed of a "prime," classically through IFN-gamma, and "trigger," such as LPS. To characterize the physiological response of M1 activation, a systems biology approach was applied to determine the intracellular proteome bioprofiles of IFN-gamma-and LPS-treated primary human macrophages. Our goal was to develop intracellular proteomic fingerprints to serve as novel correlates of macrophage priming and/or activation to augment the existing approaches of analyzing secreted cytokines and cell-surface protein expression. The majority of the proteome, approximately 78%, remained stable during activation, representing the core proteome. In contrast, three distinct patterns defined response proteomes: IFN-gamma-specific, LPS-specific, or IFN-gamma- and LPS-shared or M1-specific. Although steady-state expression levels of proteins involved in energy metabolism and immune response were increased during priming and triggering, changes in protein and fatty acid metabolism, signaling, and transport pathways were most apparent. Unique proteomic fingerprints distinguish among IFN-gamma-specific, LPS-specific, or M1-specific activation states and provide a clear molecular, archeological profile to infer recent history of cells, as well as correlates for chronic macrophage activation in health and disease.
High power millimeter-wave Extended Interaction Klystrons for ground, airborne and space radars

This paper reviews the technology and demonstrated capability of millimeter wave Extended Interaction Klystrons for the use in wide range of radar systems. It discusses design and manufacturing concepts stating self-imposed restrictions and design modifications enhancing RF performance, lifetime, reliability and extending operating frequency into the THz region. Presented data are supported using information provided by various academic and industrial customers.
Are Household Firearms Stored Safely? It Depends on Whom You Ask

Objective. To determine gun storage practices in gun-owning households with children. Design. National random digit-dial telephone survey of 2521 households conducted in March 1999 through July 1999. This study uses a subsample of 434 households with children <18 years old in which a respondent re- ported either: 1) personally owning a gun, or 2) living in a gun-owning household but not owning a gun them- selves. Respondents were asked whether any household gun was currently stored loaded, and, if yes, whether any gun was currently stored loaded and unlocked. Results. Twenty-one percent of gun owners com- pared with 7% of nonowners reported that a household gun was stored loaded, while 9% and 2%, respectively, reported that a household gun was stored loaded and unlocked. Nongun owners were significantly more likely than were gun owners to be female (87% vs 22%) and to report that they lived in a house with only 1 gun (70% vs 57%) and no handguns (51% vs 31%). Based on the re- ports of actual gun owners (n 5 252), households with children <13 years old were significantly less likely to store a gun loaded and unlocked (multivariate odds ratio: .1; 95% confidence interval: .0,.4) than were households with teenagers only. Conclusions. We find that among gun-owning house- holds with children, nongun owners report significantly lower rates of guns stored loaded and unlocked than do gun owners. These findings are consistent with recent studies that have found that married men are far more likely to report household gun ownership than are mar- ried women, and that gun users are far more likely to report that a gun is stored loaded or loaded and unlocked than are never users. Our findings suggest that nongun owners, the vast majority of whom are women (87%), may be unaware that guns in their homes are stored in a manner that experts agree is unsafe. Our findings reinforce the importance of many pedia- tricians' current efforts to offer anticipatory guidance about firearms to gun-owning families, and, in addition, suggest that this guidance can be adapted depending on whether the physician is speaking with a gun-owning or nongun-owning parent. In particular, because gun own- ers (mostly fathers) are less likely to bring children to the pediatrician's office than are nonowners (mostly moth- ers), physicians should take advantage of any opportuni- ties that they have to address gun-related issues with parents who personally own guns. More commonly, phy- sicians can encourage nongun owners to participate more fully in household decision-making about gun storage by letting them know not only about recommended stor- age practices, but also that many nonowners may not know how guns are actually stored in their own homes. Pediatrics 2000;106(3). URL: http://www.pediatrics.org/ cgi/content/full/106/3/e31; firearm, storage, children, sur- vey.
Recent studies on long‐term changes in the sea

SUMMARY. 1. Long-term changes in the sea have been described in fish stock records, the Californian Cooperative Fisheries program (Calcofi) and in the Continuous Plankton Recorder Program (CPR). Links between the recruitments to fish stocks have been established with temperature and they are coherent across broad areas and in time. 2. In the western North Sea between the fifties and seventies, phytoplankton and zooplankton declined by a factor of 5, to recover in the eighties. This event was linked to strong northerly winds and gales by which the time of onset of production in spring was delayed. Effects on fishes were shown in the oceanic tuna stocks, North Atlantic demersal stocks, Tasmanian lobsters and on the North Sea herring, all consequent on climatic changes.
Nitric oxide promotes arteriolar dilation during cortical spreading depression in rabbits.

Pial arterioles transiently dilate during cortical spreading depression (CSD), although the mechanisms are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that increased production of nitric oxide (NO) promotes arteriolar dilation. Urethane-anesthetized rabbits were equipped with cranial windows, and the diameter (reported in micrometers) of a pial arteriole was determined via intravital microscopy. In each rabbit, a baseline CSD was elicited by microapplication of KCl onto the cortex, and resultant pial arteriolar dilation was measured. Either 100 mumol/L N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 50 mumol/L NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), both competitive NO synthase inhibitors, was then applied to the brain surface. A CSD was elicited as before. The L-NAME and L-NA were then removed by artificial cerebrospinal fluid washes. An additional CSD was induced with KCl as before. Control CSD in the L-NAME group dilated pial arterioles; baseline diameter, 66 +/- 7 mm, with CSD = 106 +/- 8 mm (59% increase). After topically applied L-NAME, CSD dilated pial arterioles less: baseline diameter, 61 +/- 7 mm, with CSD = 77 +/- 6 mm (26% increase), P The reversible inhibition of CSD-induced pial arteriolar dilation by either L-NAME or L-NA suggests that NO contributes to arteriolar dilation observed with CSD.
Dynamic modeling of electromagnetic suspension system

Characteristics of magnetic-levitation systems are studied using dynamic models that include motion-dependent lift, drag, slip, and roll motions. The contact constraint between the vehicle and the track is modeled using a compliant contact model, and inelastic restitution is modeled using damping. Unknown numerical parameters are identified using an optimization technique and experimental data. The numerical tests are focused on the damping characteristics, stability in lifting and slip motions, the lifting efficiency, and the contact behavior with the track. It turns out that the suspension system does not have any inherent damping in the lifting direction. However, a stable behavior is observed in the traveling direction. The model also shows that the system has a strong concentric force that stabilizes the vehicle in the slip motion as well as in the rolling motion.