cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Displacement of hand representation to the contralateral hemisphere may predict neurologic recovery after arteriovenous malformation resection from the sensorimotor cortex

Abstract Patients who have an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the sensorimotor cortex can have displaced function. The significance of this finding and its relationship to recovery from surgery is not known. We present the case of a 21-year-old man with medically intractable seizures caused by a left motor cortex AVM. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) displayed bilateral representation of right hand function that was greatest in the right hemisphere. The AVM was first embolized and then microsurgically resected. Although he developed a transient monoplegia of the right upper extremity and speech difficulties after surgery, his deficits improved dramatically within several days and ultimately completely resolved. We postulate that the displacement of hand functional representation to the hemisphere contralateral to the AVM may have been the reason for this patient's expeditious recovery. FMRI may help predict the risk of deficit and chances for recovery in patients who have AVMs in the eloquent cortex. This noninvasive physiologic technique may replace anatomic criteria of inoperability for vascular malformations.
Myocardial contractility in relation to hypertrophy and failure in myopathic Syrian hamsters.

Abstract Myocardial contractility of left ventricular papillary muscles from normal Syrian hamsters and those with hereditary cardiomyopathy has been studied. The animals were divided into five groups corresponding to different pathological stages and the mechanical parameters correlated with these stages. Developed force and d F d t corrected for cross-sectional area were depressed in all myopathic groups. However, developed force and d F d t , uncorrected for cross-sectional area, were restored to normal in the hypertrophied muscles in the myopathic animals at 220 and 320 days of age in the absence of congestive failure (i.e. without edema). In the early myolytic and healing stage and in the terminal edematous stages of the myopathy, force-velocity curves were depressed at all loads. However in hypertrophied and compensated hearts at 220 to 320 days, the force velocity curves were similar to controls when load was expressed as a fraction of P 0 . Assuming developed force to reflect the number of contractile sites in parallel, it was concluded that the number of normally active contractile sites per unit area was reduced at all stages of the disease. In the hypertrophied, compensated phase, it was postulated that the qualitative nature of these sites remain normal despite their quantitative reduction.
Dynorphin A [1-17] induces "reward" in rats in the place conditioning paradigm.

Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of dynorphin A [1-17] induced significant place preference conditioning in male, Sprague-Dawley rats. Place preferences were induced by 2.3 and 3.5 nmole, but not 1.2 nmole of dynorphin A. Co-administration of naloxone, 27.5 nmole but not 5.5 nmole, antagonized the reward response induced by 2.3 nmole of dynorphin A. Leu-enkephalin, 5 or 25 nmole, and dynorphin A [2-17], 2.3 or 3.5 nmole, had no effect in the place conditioning paradigm.
Closed-form expression for two-photon core excitation of Rydberg states.

A closed form two-photon core excitation transition moment for Rydberg states is derived using the isolated-core excitation model and two-channel multichannel quantum-defect theory to represent the intermediate-state wave functions.
Anthropology, Ergonomics, and Technology Transfers: Some Methodological Perspectives in Light of a Guinean Project

The fact that technologies are social productions is a reason why their transfers may be a field of interest for applied anthropologists. Since the 1930's, France has been a country where research into the ethnology of technologies has been institutionalized, in the Musee de l'Homme in Paris as well as at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in the laboratory called "Techniques et Culture." In this line of research, technology is no longer considered a phenomenon completely detached from the social environment. On the contrary, it is closely tied to other social phenomena. Although the study of technologies in anthropology is sometimes considered a "poor relation" to anthropology, some anthropologists have generated a solid base of experience in sociological description and analysis of technologies and technical systems.
Boundary conditions in quantum field theories

Several interesting and important quantum field theories must contain the coupling constant in the boundary conditions. The theories considered include quantum electrodynamics of spin-1/2 fermions and gauge field theories.
Challenges in implementation of silicon-based DNA hybridization sensors

Silicon-based DNA sensors have shown to be able to provide detectable signals to DNA hybridization to tethered probes on their surfaces. Since then, there has been considerable research on methods of integrating these biosensors (named BioFETs) with mainstream silicon processing via post-processing exposure of the gate oxides of large area FETs using etching processes. This method promises lower cost biosensors, but also introduces possible sources of error in the measurements. In addition, due to the localization of the charges of the macromolecules and their polymorphism, it becomes especially challenging to predict a BioFET response signal. Complications arise from possible cross-hybridization with foreign species and with neighboring probes. The purity of PCR samples that are introduced into the BioFET can especially cause unwanted signals and jeopardize the specificity of the sensor. In this communication, we attempt to identify and describe several of these factors that can significantly affect the performance of the BioFET. We show that simulations can greatly aid experiments in describing the sources of the uncertainties and errors. Some of the sources are related to the nature of the chemical interface and the DNA molecules, while others are related to the construction of the device and its operation mode. We also discuss some techniques that might be used in the construction, as well as in the operation of the device, which can help reduce this variability and provide more accurate readings. These techniques can manifest in the biochemical realm, like proper processing of target DNA molecules or selection of proper buffer solutions. In other cases, the construction of the device itself, such as the use of insulators or the method of post-processing silicon, can affect the yield of this sensor. In addition, the operation of the device and thermodynamic conditions can also affect the total device signal-to-noise ratio. We show that all of these processes have very similar effects and must be included, in one form or another, when building working models for a DNA BioFET.
End-of-life experiences of nurses and physicians in the newborn intensive care unit

Objective: To explore nurses' and physicians' end-of-life (EOL) experiences in the newborn intensive care unit. Study Design: A hermeneutic phenomenology of health-care providers' lived experiences with infant deaths in the newborn intensive care unit between January and August 2006 was conducted. Semistructured interviews were completed with individual providers. Demographic data were also collected. Analysis of themes and descriptive statistics were performed. Result: Twenty-one nurses and 11 physicians were interviewed. Providers described their experiences largely through an overall theme of ‘creating the best possible experience’ for parents. To support this theme, three subthemes (building relationships, preparing for the EOL and creating memories) were common between physicians and nurses. However, nurses and physicians articulated their roles and obligations differently within these subthemes. Additionally, three subthemes through which the providers described their personal experiences were found and these included moral distress, parental readiness and consent for autopsy. Conclusion: A primary finding of this study was that a common overall obligation among nurses and physicians was to create the best possible experience for parents. Despite this commonality, the two disciplines approached the EOL and accomplished their common obligation from different vantage points.
gamma -ray signatures from ordinary cosmic strings.

We calculate the flux of ultrahigh-energy photons from individual ordinary (i.e., nonsuperconducting) cosmic strings and compare the results with the sensitivity of current and proposed TeV and EeV telescopes. Our calculations give only upper limits for the [gamma]-ray flux, since the source of the photons, jets from particle production at cusps, may be weakened by back-reaction effects. For the usual cosmic distribution of strings, the predicted bursts from strings with the value of mass per unit length associated with galaxy formation or light strings may just be detectable. A diffuse [gamma]-ray background from light strings may also be seen by the Fly's Eye detector at above 7[times]10[sup 10] GeV.
Defect diagnosis based on DFM guidelines

Following design-for-manufacturability (DFM) guidelines during chip design can lower the possibility of occurrence of systematic defects. In this paper, we investigate the use of DFM guidelines during the defect diagnosis process with the goal of identifying which DFM guidelines are responsible for the defects present in failing chips. We also introduce a new metric called diagnostic coefficient that allows us to rank the guidelines according to their contribution of hard-to-diagnose defects. DFM guidelines that are ranked high should be applied during chip design in order to obtain chips that are easier to diagnose.
Long-Term Followup (37 to 69 Years) in Patients With Bladder Exstrophy Treated With Ureterosigmoidostomy: Psychosocial and Psychosexual Outcomes

Purpose: We describe the long-term psychosocial and sexual outcomes of patients born with bladder exstrophy treated with ureterosigmoidostomy at our institution.Materials and Methods: Of 42 patients born with bladder exstrophy between 1937 and 1968, 28 were located, of whom 25 agreed to participate in this study. Evaluation consisted of studying pediatric and adult medical records, medical examination, and reports of sexual and social history.Results: Four female and 21 male patients with a mean age of 50 years (range 39 to 67) were evaluated. Of the patients 21 (84%) were married or lived in a stable relationship, 6 (24%) had several children after normal conception and an additional 2 (8%) became parents with assisted reproductive technology. Nine patients (36%) reported no sexual activity or were unable to engage in sexual intercourse. All patients except 2 are professionally and socially successful.Conclusions: The long-term followup of this study of 37 to 68 years provides valuable information on pat...
Tillage and Nitrogen Fertilization Influences on Grain and Soil Nitrogen in a Spring Wheat–Fallow System

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is generally produced in the northern Great Plains using tillage and a crop-fallow system. This study evaluated the influence of tillage system [conventional-till (CT), minimum-till (MT), and no-till (NT)] and N fertilizer rate (0, 22, and 45 kg N ha -1 ) on grain N, grain N removal from cropping system, and changes in residual postharvest soil NO 3 -N during six rotation cycles of a dryland spring wheat-fallow (SW-F) cropping system. Grain N concentration increased with increasing N rate and was higher with CT (33.3 g kg -1 ) than with NT (32.3 g kg -1 ) at 45 kg ha -1 N rate. Grain N removal per crop was greater with CT (70 kg N ha -1 ) and MT (68 kg N ha -1 ) than with NT (66 kg N ha -1 ) and tended to increase with increasing N rate, but varied with rotation cycle. Total grain N removal in six rotation cycles was in the order: CT > MT > NT. Total grain N removal by six SW crops was increased by N fertilization, with only 21 and 17% of the applied N removed in the grain for the 22 and 45 kg ha -1 N rates, respectively. Postharvest soil NO 3 -N levels in the 150-cm profile varied with N rate and rotation cycle, with residual NO 3 -N increasing during consecutive dry crop cycles. In contrast, some leaching of NO 3 -N below the SW root zone may have occurred during wetter crop cycles. Soil profile NO 3 -N levels tended to be greater with CT and MT than with NT. Variation in precipitation during rotation cycles and N fertilization impacted grain N removal and residual soil NO 3 -N levels more than tillage system within this SW-F cropping system.
Effects of age on some behavioral charactistics of novel auditory stimuli in the rat

Abstract Low intensity novel auditory stimuli have two behavioral characteristics. First, such stimuli elicit exploratory behavior directed at the sound source. Second, novel stimuli gain control of responding in a discriminative task more rapidly than familiar stimuli. Experiments were carried out to investigate these two characteristics of novel stimuli. In the first experiment 3, 12 and 30 month old rats were given three sessions, 24 hours apart, of exposure to an initially novel low intensity series of noise pulses; the number of exploratory responses of the sounding speaker per session was counted. In the second experiment, 12 and 30 month old rats were trained in a sound location discrimination in which the stimuli were made familiar prior to discrimination training. Age had no effect on the amount, habituation and retention of habituation of exploration of the sounding speaker. In the second experiment, the 12 month and 30 month old animals acquired the discrimination at the same rate; again no age...
Effect of speed of sound on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy trace gas sensor performance

The effect of speed of sound (SoS) on the performance of quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) sensor was investigated. Methods to correct QEPAS signal and to minimize effect of SoS by the carrier gas was studied.
Message from the Standing Committee Chair

COMPSAC 2012 is the 36th instance of this international conference, the IEEE signature conference on computer software and applications. We are very pleased to have our partner conference since 2008, the International Symposium on Applications and the Internet (SAINT), to be co-located with COMPSAC again. Conference organizers from both communities have worked together to develop the Turku edition (2008), the Seattle Edition (2009), the Seoul Edition (2010), the Munich Edition (2011) and now the Izmir Edition in 2012. It is no longer a secret that two communities will soon be integrated into one. Beginning 2013 we will have only one conference (COMSPAC) whereas the SAINT organizers and participants will mingle with the COMPSAC group to co-develop future editions of COMSPAC for years to come.
Speech coding by the efficient transformation of the spectral envelope of subwords

The authors have developed a signal-dependent representation which captures, with a few KL vectors and transform coefficients, the perceptually and phonetically important structure of the spectral envelope. Together with a mixed excitation strategy with some novel features, this representation has been applied to the analysis, synthesis and coding of speech with promising results in the 5-kb/s range. >
From Inreach to Outreach: Innovations in Higher Education

The author describes his transformation from campus-based research (inreach) to community-based research (outreach) and the organization of the Applied Developmental Science Interdepartmental Graduate Specializations at Michigan State University. He argues that the same criteria for evaluating faculty performance can apply regardless of where research takes place. Applied developmental science (ADS) at Michigan State University is an approach to outreach scholarship that has three broad objectives: (1) to facilitate university-community partnershipsand interdisciplinary affiliations; (2) to emphasize the integrationof theory, research, policy, and practice; and (3) to address issues ofconcern to the community that simultaneously enhance universityresearch and instructional programs. In this essay I comment onthe relationship between ADS and the university's land-grantmission and infrastructure support and the benefits and barriersrelated to faculty involvement in outreach. My comments arebased on my own experiences and must be evaluated within thatcontext. Finally, I freely refer to the individuals and events thatinfluenced my research career, particularly those that helped shapemy transition from inreach research to outreach research and thathelped fashion the ADS model as it has emerged at MichiganState University.
The regulatory content of intergenic DNA shapes genome architecture.

Background Factors affecting the organization and spacing of functionally unrelated genes in metazoan genomes are not well understood. Because of the vast size of a typical metazoan genome compared to known regulatory and protein-coding regions, functional DNA is generally considered to have a negligible impact on gene spacing and genome organization. In particular, it has been impossible to estimate the global impact, if any, of regulatory elements on genome architecture.
Electrophysiologic significance of discrete slow potentials in dual atrioventricular node physiology: implications for selective radiofrequency ablation of slow pathway conduction.

Abstract Atrioventricular (AV) node reentrant tachycardia is now routinely cured by selective radiofrequency ablation of slow AV node pathway conduction. However, debate remains concerning the optimum method for localizing the site at which radiofrequency energy should be delivered to eliminate slow-pathway conduction. Some investigators have proposed simple anatomy-guided ablations posteriorly near the ostium of the coronary sinus, whereas others suggest an electrophysiology-guided ablation using either recorded “slow potentials” or mapping of the retrograde atrial exit site of slow AV node pathway conduction when possible. To examine these issues, we systematically studied slow potentials recorded in the AV junction of patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation for medically refractory AV node reentrant tachycardia. In 67 patients with the slow-fast form of AV node reentrant tachycardia, we performed detailed atrial mapping along the tricuspid annulus within the triangle of Koch. Two types of slow potentials were identified. Low-amplitude, low-frequency potentials, found in 48% of patients, were localized to the mid to posterior portions of the triangle of Koch, whereas high-amplitude, high-frequency potentials, observed in 22% of patients, were located only posteriorly near the ostium of the coronary sinus. In response to a bolus infusion of adenosine or incremental atrial pacing-induced AV node Wenckebach periodicity, the low-amplitude, low-frequency potentials showed an increased duration and further reduction in amplitude and frequency and often totally disappeared. In contrast, in spite of these maneuvers, the high-amplitude and high-frequency potentials remained unchanged. Of the 25 (37%) of 67 patients in whom the earliest retrograde atrial activation during ventriculoatrial slow AV nodal pathway conduction could be recorded, no patient exhibited low-amplitude, low-frequency potentials, and only 7 (28%) of 25 of these patients showed high-amplitude, high-frequency potentials. High-amplitude, high-frequency potentials persisted after successful radiofrequency ablation of slow pathway conduction. Fewer applications of radiofrequency energy were required for successful elimination of slow pathway conduction in patients in whom the retrograde atrial exit site of slow-pathway conduction could be localized, compared with those patients who only exhibited retrograde fast AV nodal pathway conduction. We conclude that high-amplitude, high-frequency potentials are part of atrial activity, whereas the origin of low-amplitude, low-frequency potentials is unclear and may represent either true intranodal biophysical electrical activity or merely artifact or far-field potentials. Regardless, the recording of high-amplitude or low-amplitude potentials is not required for successful ablation of slow-pathway conduction, although the ability to localize the retrograde atrial exit of slow-pathway conduction may assist in the ablation procedure.
New Horn Revision Algorithms

A revision algorithm is a learning algorithm that identifies the target concept, starting from an initial concept. Such an algorithm is considered efficient if its complexity (in terms of the measured resource) is polynomial in the syntactic distance between the initial and the target concept, but only polylogarithmic in the number of variables in the universe. We give efficient revision algorithms in the model of learning with equivalence and membership queries. The algorithms work in a general revision model where both deletion and addition revision operators are allowed. In this model one of the main open problems is the efficient revision of Horn formulas. Two revision algorithms are presented for special cases of this problem: for depth-1 acyclic Horn formulas, and for definite Horn formulas with unique heads.
Role of the sensorimotor cortex in tourette syndrome using multimodal imaging

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. Most patients describe uncomfortable premonitory sensations preceding the tics and a subjective experience of increased sensitivity to tactile stimuli. These reports indicate that a sensory processing disturbance is an important component of TS together with motor phenomena. Thus, we focused our investigation on the role of the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) in TS using multimodal neuroimaging techniques. We measured the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)+/Creatine (Cre) ratio in the SMC using GABA (1) H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We recorded the baseline beta activity in the SMC using magnetoencephalography and correlated GABA+/Cre ratio with baseline beta band power. Finally, we examined the resting state functional connectivity (FC) pattern of the SMC using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). GABA+/Cre ratio in the SMC did not differ between patients and controls. Correlation between the baseline beta band power and GABA+/Cre ratio was abnormal in patients. The anterior insula showed increased FC with the SMC in patients. These findings suggest that altered limbic input to the SMC and abnormal GABA-mediated beta oscillations in the SMC may underpin some of the sensorimotor processing disturbances in TS and contribute to tic generation.
After the Gulf War A New Paradigm for the Peace Movement

This article examines the Persian Gulf War from the perspective of the peace movement. It reflects on the powerlessness of the peace movement to deter the war. It submits that this failure occurred because the nature of violence has changed in the United States and that the peace movement has not understood the change. The article proposes that the best way to understand the changed nature of the practice of violence in the United States is to consider violence as an addiction and the American culture as a system addicted to violence. The major features of such a system are delineated, with special attention paid to the role of the scapegoat in the addictive system. In regard to the latter, the article holds that the traditional depersonalization of Arabs and Muslims in U.S. society prepared Americans to regard the Iraqis and Saddam Hussein as scapegoats who were to blame for the war and whose destruction liberated the United States from the curse of Vietnam. The addiction model assumes that the system wi...
Non-Speech Sound in Human-Computer Interaction: A Review and Design Guidelines

Recent developments in computer technology make it possible to use sound more extensively in the computer interface than has hitherto been possible. This article describes research on uses of compu...
A low carbon development guide for local government actions in China

Local level actions are crucial for achieving energy saving and GHG emission reduction targets. Yet it can be challenging to implement new policies and actions owing to a lack of information, funding and capacity at the local level – especially in developing countries such as China. Even though the Chinese government has set national energy and carbon intensity reduction targets, most local governments do not have sufficient knowledge regarding the necessary actions to achieve the targets, as well as the effectiveness and cost of policies; nor do they know how to design and implement a low carbon development plan. This article presents information for local governments on how to create an action plan to tackle climate change and increase energy efficiency. The research examines indicators that can be used to define low carbon development and to evaluate the effectiveness of the actions taken. The guidance provides a step-by-step description of how action plans can be established and essential elements tha...
Myocardial Damage After TAVR Assessed With CMR: A New Piece in a Puzzle?

Myocardial damage after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be common and herald a worse prognosis [(1,2)][1]. In this issue of the Journal , Kim et al. [(3)][2] report on the incidence of new, ischemic-type, myocardial late enhancement (LE) in patients undergoing TAVR. They also
Teaching Unemployment with the Jobs Train

The jobs train is an interactive classroom exercise designed to provide students with a concrete, intuitive understanding of why unemployment occurs naturally in a market economy. In a classroom economy simulation, students experience a contrived labor market regime that generates 0% unemployment. By contrasting the obviously unsatisfactory outcomes of the jobs train with real world labor markets, students observe clearly the market-based underpinnings of both frictional and structural unemployment. With this experience in mind, students are prepared to discuss the natural rate of unemployment, and gain an appreciation for labor market institutions that promote optimal job search and skill matching.
Formation of Sol–Gel-Derived TaOxNy Photocatalysts

Tantalum oxynitride (TaON) is a visible photocatalyst (λ < 520 nm) that has been investigated for green energy applications, specifically, the solar production of hydrogen gas. Metal oxynitrides are often generated by the ammonolysis of metal oxides at very high temperatures. We have investigated an alternative synthetic procedure to produce gram-scale quantities of photocatalytically active TaOxNy materials using room-temperature sol–gel chemistry. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirm that nitrogen was incorporated into materials with a Ta2O5 crystal structure. Optical characterization reveals that sol–gel-synthesized TaOxNy has a 2.3 eV bandgap, in agreement with bulk TaON. Furthermore, photoluminescence experiments reveal that two distinct material systems are being created during the initial sol phase of the synthesis: one species is primarily metal oxide, while the other is a N-doped species. This observation may lead to synthetic methods that improve the doping content of sol–gel-d...
Influence of Sample Size and Sampling Design on Analysis of Avian Foraging Behavior

Analyse de l'influence du plan d'echantillonnage et de la taille de l'echantillon sur les resultats du comportement d'approvisionnement chez Dendroica occidentalis et D. nigrescens. Il faut au moins 30 individus pour avoir un echantillon convenable
376 WIDESPREAD FIBROSIS OF MYOCARDIAL AND ADJACENT TISSUES CAUSING RESTRICTIVE CARDIAC PHYSIOLOGY IN PATIENTS NEEDING REDO HEART TRANSPLANT.

Purpose Many patients who develop severe cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) after heart transplant demonstrate restrictive cardiac physiology. We hypothesized that this phenomenon is related to fibrosis of myocardial and adjacent myocardial tissue (often observed at the time of redo transplant) resulting from CAV and inflammation. We reviewed our redo heart transplant patients to assess for fibrosis in the explanted donor heart and adjacent tissues in patients who demonstrated restrictive cardiac physiology. Methods In our program 28 patients underwent redo heart transplants, all on triple-drug immunosuppression. We reviewed all pathology reports of the explanted donor heart and hemodynamic and echocardiographic data for the presence of restrictive cardiac physiology in the 3 months prior to the redo heart transplantation. Restrictive cardiac physiology was defined as symptomatic heart failure (documented dyspnea, edema, or increase in diuretic dose) with echocardiographic E to A velocity ratio > 2, shortened isovolumetric relaxation time ( 12, PCW > 25, CI Results The fibrosis group had significantly more patients exhibiting restrictive cardiac physiology in the period preceding the redo heart transplant (83.5% patients vs 16.7% patients, p Conclusions Restrictive cardiac physiology appears to correlate with the presence of significant fibrosis in the myocardium of the donor heart. Severe fibrosis of adjacent myocardial tissue may also be contributing toward this restrictive cardiac physiology. The mechanism of fibrosis development warrants further investigation.
Depletion of alveolar macrophages decreases neutrophil chemotaxis to Pseudomonas airspace infections

The mechanism for neutrophil (PMN) influx into infected airspaces of the lung is not known. To determine whether alveolar macrophage products are important in the initiation of chemotaxis, we depleted rats of alveolar macrophages by aerosolizing negatively charged oligolamellar liposomes complexed to clodronate disodium. Ninety-five percent of the alveolar macrophages were depleted, and lung injury and inflammation were minimized with this depletion technique. Rats depleted of alveolar macrophages were then anesthetized, and either 5 x 10(6) colony-forming units (CFU) or 5 x 10(7) CFU of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were instilled into the airspaces of these animals. When recombinant macrophage inflammatory protein MIP-2 was intratracheally instilled into rats depleted of alveolar macrophages, PMN were recruited to their airspaces. Nonetheless, PMN numbers were decreased in the lavage fluids when moderate or large inoculums of bacteria were instilled into depleted rats, although the PMN response appeared dose dependent. Levels of bioactive tumor necrosis factor-alpha and immunoreactive proteins CINC/gro (cytokine-induced PMN chemoattractant) in the lavage fluids obtained from infected rats depleted of alveolar macrophages were significantly decreased compared with the levels in the lavage fluids obtained from normal infected rats. MIP-2 mRNA expression, as detected by Northern analysis, was also decreased in the infected lungs of depleted rats, and the lavage fluid from these rats had significantly decreased chemotactic activity. Therefore these results suggest that alveolar macrophage products play a direct role in the initial recruitment of PMN into infected lungs.
A Book-Type Dried Plasma Spot Card for Automated Flow-Through Elution Coupled with Online SPE-LC-MS/MS Bioanalysis of Opioids and Stimulants in blood

Despite many benefits including simple point-of-care sample collection, reduced costs, and simplified shipping and storage, dried blood spot (DBS) techniques have faced adoption resistance due to factors such as the hematocrit (Hct) effects and the established preference for bioanalysis of plasma rather than whole blood. One way to potentially circumvent these challenges is to adopt the concept of dried plasma spot (DPS) techniques. One approach to accomplishing this is through an on-card red blood cell (RBC) filtration to generate plasma from whole blood without the need for centrifugation. In this report, a book-type DPS card has been developed and validated by employing fully automated flow-through elution coupled with online SPE-LC-ESI-MS/MS for the quantitative determination of four representative opioids (morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone) and five stimulants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), phentermine, and mephedrone) in one method using their corres...
Large area W-band quasi-optical faraday rotators for imaging applications

We have developed W-band large area Quasi-Optical Faraday Rotators (QOFRs) for millimetre wave imagers, where they are used to achieve compact folded optics or for receiver local oscillator suppression. Devices of 600mm square (for 80-100GHz) and 265mm circular diameter (for 92-96GHz) achieved insertion losses of 1dB and isolations of 30 to 40dB using a novel construction technique which helps overcome the linear birefringence of plastoferrite.
Cosmopolitanism nationalism and the heritage of shame: comfort women memorials and the legacy of slavery in the United States

AbstractDuring World War II the Japanese military used approximately 200,000 women, mainly Koreans, as bonded workers they euphemistically labeled, ‘comfort women’. Since 2010, six memorial sites dedicated to the suffering of these women have been built in the United States. Campaigns for these memorials have been led by Korean-Americans, reflecting the importance this issue has in South Korea and within the Korean Diaspora. While a growing body of research has examined the political, social, and gender ramifications of the ‘Comfort Women’ issue in South Korea and on Korean-Japanese relations, less attention has been given to the transnational aspects of this memorializing campaign. What is the purpose of these memorials in the United States? How might visitors to such sites remember and memorialize trauma they know little about and which occurred far away? And how do these memorial sites dedicated to such distant trauma contrast with the absence of memorials for events much closer at hand, such as the hi...
Modeling body shape from surface landmark configurations

Detailed statistical models of body size and shape are valuable for wide range of statistical analyses. Most body shape models represent a single posture, usually standing. Previous efforts to model both posture and body shape have parameterized posture using joint angles. This paper presents a statistical model of body shape in supported seated postures using a posture measured derived from surface landmarks rather than internal joint locations and angles. This method is not limited by a particular kinematic linkage deformation and so is particularly well suited to model the effects on body shape of posture changes in complex linkages such as the spine or shoulder.
Mechanisms of action and regulation of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodelling complexes

Cells utilize diverse ATP-dependent nucleosome-remodelling complexes to carry out histone sliding, ejection or the incorporation of histone variants, suggesting that different mechanisms of action are used by the various chromatin-remodelling complex subfamilies. However, all chromatin-remodelling complex subfamilies contain an ATPase-translocase 'motor' that translocates DNA from a common location within the nucleosome. In this Review, we discuss (and illustrate with animations) an alternative, unifying mechanism of chromatin remodelling, which is based on the regulation of DNA translocation. We propose the 'hourglass' model of remodeller function, in which each remodeller subfamily utilizes diverse specialized proteins and protein domains to assist in nucleosome targeting or to differentially detect nucleosome epitopes. These modules converge to regulate a common DNA translocation mechanism, to inform the conserved ATPase 'motor' on whether and how to apply DNA translocation, which together achieve the various outcomes of chromatin remodelling: nucleosome assembly, chromatin access and nucleosome editing.
Technology Management: Case of Facebook

Social networking has increasingly become a part of everyone’s daily lives. In 2007, 1 in 12 online minutes were spent on social networking. By 2011 this time had increased to 1 in 5 min. Facebook, the dominant social network, was developed in 2004 as a communication tool, but now over 90% of its revenue is generated from advertising. In 2013, Facebook had approximately $7.8 billion in total revenue, accounting for 68% of the online social networking market share.
Publish houses of brick, not mansions of straw.

Papers need to include fewer claims and more proof to make the scientific literature more reliable, warns William G. Kaelin Jr.
The Presynaptic Component of a Cholinergic Mechanism in the Carotid Body Chemotransduction of Hypoxia in the Cat

In the past we have shown that cholinergic blockers given together or singly could greatly reduce the carotid body’s response to a perfusion of hypoxic Krebs Ringer bicarbonate solution (KRB) (Fitzgerald & Shirahata, 1994; Fitzgerald et al, 1995). The operating model in those studies was transmission in the superior cervical ganglion. That is, the Type I cell of the carotid body was analogous to the presynaptic neuron; it contained acetylcholine (ACh). In fact the Type I cell has been identified as the source of ACh in several different studies. The synthesizing enzyme, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), has been located there (Ballard & Jones, 1972; Wang et al, 1989). Fidone et al (1977) have located the high affinity sodium-dependent choline uptake transporter in the Type I cells. They have also reported that carotid bodies which had been denervated contained as much ACh as their intact counterparts (Fidone et al, 1976), suggesting that the extensive innervation in the carotid body and the very few ganglia reported to be there contribute an immeasurably small amount of ACh. And we (Goldberg et al, 1978) analyzed the carotid sinus nerve directly to find no appreciable amount of ACh in it.
Gene therapy of cancer using an interleukin-2 transmembrane construct

658 Selective expression of cytokines on the surface of tumors is likely to stimulate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes that are primed and already recognize tumor antigens. This may result in enhanced tumor recognition and killing. This gene therapy approach may avoid toxicity associated with systemic therapy with high doses of the cytokines needed to achieve the same effects. In order to test this concept, we have evaluated an IL-2 gene construct that is designed to induce tumor cells to express a membrane bound form of IL-2 (IL-2tm). A mammalian plasmid expression vector was designed to express a fusion gene consisting of human interleukin 2 with a Fc receptor epsilon transmembrane anchor derived from the gamma subunit of the Fc receptor epsilon. We demonstrated that mRNA and protein for the IL-2tm fusion protein was expressed in transfected RD995 tumor cells. Expression of the IL-2tm protein on the tumor cell surface membrane was confirmed by laser confocal microscopy. In order to assess biological function, RD995 transfected with IL-2tm or the empty expression vector (pCMV2b) were implanted subcutaneously into C3H/HEN mice. Non-transfected RD995 was also implanted subcutaneously for tumor growth comparison (control group). Groups of mice implanted with 10 6 or 10 5 RD995 transfected with IL-2tm grew considerably more slowly than RD995 transfected with pCMV2b or non-transfected control RD995 implanted tumors. Further preclinical evaluation of the IL-2tm gene therapy as a possible cancer treatment is underway.
Tonsillectomy in Children with Down Syndrome: A National Cohort of Inpatients:

Objective To describe the cost, length of stay, and incidence of postoperative hemorrhage associated with Down syndrome (DS) patients undergoing tonsillectomy in a national sample of inpatient children. Study Design This study uses a national cross-sectional cohort to analyze children with and without DS undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. Setting 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database. Subjects and Methods The database was analyzed for postoperative hemorrhage and respiratory compromise, length of stay, and total charges of hospital stay. These outcomes were compared between patients with DS vs patients without DS. Results In total, 7512 patients were identified who underwent tonsillectomy: 7159 patients without DS and 353 patients with DS. The non-DS group was younger with a median age of 3 years (range, 0-18) compared with a DS median age of 4 years (range, 0-20), P = .004. The DS group had a significant increase in postoperative hemorrhage compared with non-DS (10 [2.8%] vs 87 [1.2%], respectively), P = .024. However, the DS and non-DS groups were comparable for respiratory complications (5 [1.4%] vs 106 [1.5%], respectively), P = .922. Median length of stay was significantly increased in the DS group (1 [interquartile range (IQR), 1-3]) compared with the non-DS group (1 [IQR, 1-2]), P < .001. Median charges for hospital stay totaled $17,451 (IQR, $11,901-$24,949) for the DS group compared with $14,395 (IQR, $9739-$21,890) for the non-DS group, P < .001. Conclusion Across the United States, children with DS hospitalized for tonsillectomy have an increased length of stay and cost of care. These data also suggest an increased risk of postoperative hemorrhage during the initial admission without an increased risk of respiratory complications.
Hebraica Catalogers and Cataloging Roles in North America: Today and Tomorrow

This study looks at current workflows, practices and preparations for the future among North American Hebraica catalogers in academic, government and other special libraries and archives, The survey explores the demographics of the Hebraica cataloging community. Questions were asked about what types of materials this group processes, workplace responsibilities, and metadata practices and trends. The author was very interested to know what steps and types of training Hebraica catalogers are undertaking to learn about new technologies and tools being developed to describe bibliographic and digital resources.
What Is the Role of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Postmenopausal Women with Operable Breast Cancer

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in postmenopausal women with resected primary breast cancer is still being elucidated. Clinical oncologists have gone through several distinct phases regarding the value of this modality. Strong enthusiasm for its use was ushered in during the mid-1970s, largely due to early results from the first Milan cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) trial that showed a statistically significant advantage in terms of treatment failure for women treated with CMF over control (Bonadonna et al. 1976). When patients were evaluated according to menopausal status, this advantage was found to be pre sent for both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. An accompanying editorial hailed this treatment as a major advance and advocated its use in women who could not participate in a research program (Holland 1976). However, enthusiasm largely dissipated when subsequent updates of the Milan trial revealed a lack of significant advantage for CMF over control in postmenopausal women (Bonadonna et al. 1977, 1978).
Reasonable doubt and the presumption of innocence: The case of the bayesian juror

There is a substantial literature on the Bayesian approach, and the application of Bayes' theorem, to legal matters. However, I have found no discussion that explores fully the issue of how a Bayesian juror might be led from an initial "presumption of innocence" to the judgment (required for conviction in criminal cases) that the suspect is "guilty beyond a reasonable doubt". I shall argue here that a Bayesian juror, if she acts in accord with what the law prescribes, will virtually never reach such a judgment. In section I, I discuss Bayesianism, Bayes' rule and the relation between them. Section II addresses the two legal notions key to my worries about Bayesian jurors: the presumption of innocence and the reasonable doubt criterion. Section III explores what a Bayesian is to make of these notions, and how the legal system requires her to reason in their light. If I am right, there emerges a conflict between current legal prescriptions and the Bayesian approach. Section IV explores the import of this conflict and how it might be resolved.
Social Determinants As Public Goods: A New Approach To Financing Key Investments In Healthy Communities

Good research evidence exists to suggest that social determinants of health, including access to housing, nutrition, and transportation, can influence health outcomes and health care use for vulnerable populations. Yet adequate, sustainable financing for interventions that improve social determinants of health has eluded most if not all US communities. This article argues that underinvestment in social determinants of health stems from the fact that such investments are in effect public goods, and thus benefits cannot be efficiently limited to those who pay for them—which makes it more difficult to capture return on investment. Drawing on lesser-known economic models and available data, we show how a properly governed, collaborative approach to financing could enable self-interested health stakeholders to earn a financial return on and sustain their social determinants investments.
“Micro-introducer access” intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma in an 8-week-old infant

Abstract Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma has emerged as a standard therapy to facilitate globe salvage in patients with retinoblastoma. However, transfemoral endovascular catheterization of the ophthalmic artery is typically reserved for infants aged 3 months or older due to size of the patient and vascular anatomy. Here, the authors report a successful case of transfemoral intra-arterial chemotherapy delivery performed for group E retinoblastoma in an infant at 8 weeks of age who weighed only 4.1 kg using “micro-introducer sheath” technique to minimize the size of the arteriotomy. The patient received Melphalan, Topotecan, and Carboplatin via infusion through a microcatheter placed in the right ophthalmic artery. The procedure was tolerated well, and the patient went on to have two additional IAC procedures. Follow-up examinations under anesthesia showed tumor regression in response to chemotherapy. While typically reserved for older and larger patients, with proper technical expertise, transfemoral intra-arterial chemotherapy can be considered in such small infants with highly advanced disease.
Reliability and topology based network design using pattern mining guided genetic algorithm

Genetic algorithm guided with pattern mining for designing optimal network is proposed.Networks considered have different link and node failure rates.Association rules between networks of good and bad performances are devised.Mined patterns guide the genetic algorithm during mutation & crossover operations.Proposed method is effective in designing optimal network. This research proposes a new reliable network design methodology that is based on a pattern mining guided genetic algorithm (GA). The proposed method can be applied for a variety of applications including telecommunication, ad hoc, and power systems. In these networks, failures in certain parts of a network make it necessary for other parts to tolerate a higher traffic load in order to maintain adequate network connections. In addition, path changes due to dynamic routing of traffic can cause a time delay of communications in the network. To understand and reduce the connection failures costs, vigorous investigations are required to select the best design option under budget constraints. Given that many options for network topology and reliability allocation exist, a GA guided with pattern mining is proposed as an effective optimization method to design reliable network while considering link and node failures. Experimental designs under various assumptions have concluded that the guided GA approach is effective in identifying a network solution within a short period of time.
Multi-kW, Uncooled Densely Packed Fiber Array for Laser Beam Combining

An array of seven fiber collimators with transmission ~99.9% was tested with 1.99 kW per channel. Truncated radiation was disposed through output collimating lenses by re-directing Gaussian beam tails with interior holey micro-lenses. For range of truncation of 5-29% cooling was not necessary. Beam quality in the far-field M2 ~1.2.