cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NOVEL MANAGEMENT OF DEPRESSION USING KETAMINE IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Background: Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, induces remission of depression by antagonizing glutaminergic NMDA receptors. Ketamine has been used previously in outpatient setting for treatment-resistant depression, but we showcase its utility in depression management at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Research Question: Can ketamine be used for depression treatment in ICU patients? Study Design and Methods: A retrospective chart review of ICU patients was done at a tertiary center from 2018 to 2021, to assess the ketamine usage. Among the patients reviewed, ketamine was used for depression in 12, and for analgesia & sedation in 2322 patients. Ketamine was administered in doses of 0.5mg/kg & 0.75mg/kg for depression. Each course consisted of 3 doses of ketamine administered over 3 days. 7 in 12 patients received a single course of ketamine. The rest received 3-4 courses 1 week apart. Results: Ketamine was found to improve mood and affect in most of the patients with depression. 11 in 12 patients had a positive response with better sleep. It has a major advantage over conventional anti-depressants since it takes only a few hours to induce remission. Patients who refused to eat and follow treatment protocol, and who would otherwise succumb to death if not for the rapid remission of depression, were administered ketamine. Conclusion: A major drawback of ketamine is that the duration of remission is short, with the response lasting only up to 7 days after a single dose. Hence, all the patients in our study were weaned off ketamine with a supporting antidepressant. Ketamine has been documented to cause cardio-neurotoxicity; however, only one patient had worsening lethargy in our study. To conclude, ketamine has a monumental benefit in treating depression in the ICU. Although our study was associated with positive outcomes, there is a need for prospective studies with long-term follow-up assessments.
A time-series clustering algorithm for analyzing the changes of mobility pattern caused by COVID-19

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread to more than 135 countries and continues to spread. The virus sickened more than 90,201,652 people until January 2021 and caused 1,937,091 deaths in the world. So far, social distancing plays a vital role in controlling the coronavirus. Governments issued restrictions on traveling, institutions cancel gatherings, and citizens socially distance themselves to limit the spread of the virus. This paper aims to develop a novel time-series clustering algorithm to analyze the changes in mobility patterns caused by the COVID-19. This work will produce broader impacts in many areas, such as helping local governments locate the medical facilities and improving the social distancing recommendations for infectious disease control.
Intravenous administration of lipid emulsions to premature infants

This article describes the mechanisms responsible for hydrolysis and clearance of triglyceride from the circulation and focuses on the factors that affect lipid clearance in the newborn infant. The potential beneficial and adverse effects of IV lipid administration to premature infants are reviewed in detail. Several practical considerations for IV lipid administration are also discussed.
Learning to retrieve useful information for problem solving

We have developed a theory of memory and retrieval in problem solving that we call Eureka. We intend this theory to account for a number of characteristics of human problem solving. An additional concern of our research is that it aid in the design of computerized problem-solving systems. We feel that a good method for creating intelligent systems is to use explanations of intelligent human behavior to guide our efforts. In this respect, Eureka provides a contribution in terms of increasing the flexibility and efficiency of problem-solving systems.
Strain Hardening, Strain Softening and the Portevin-Le Chatelier Effect in Cryomilled, Ultrafine Grained AA 5083

Aluminum alloys consolidated from cryomilled (ball milled in a cryogenic liquid nitrogen or liquid argon slurry) precursor powders show promising increases in strength, commonly >30% over conventionally processed alloys, and acceptable levels of tensile ductility, typically 3 – 15 %. Mechanical behavior is governed by the microstructural features dependent on the alloy and thermomechanical processing (TMP) route chosen for primary, secondary and tertiary forming. In an effort to improve understanding of the alloying and processing parameters influencing mechanical behavior, numerous studies have been performed with various Al-Mg compositions and TMP routes. Here we focus on cryomilled and consolidated AA 5083 to characterize differences in the tensile stress-strain behavior specific to strain hardening, strain softening and Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) effects that have been observed. Using stress-strain data from multiple investigations, the possible contributions to these observed characteristics are discussed in terms of grain size, solute content, dislocation mechanisms and texture in the various systems.
The Life Support Database system

The design and implementation of the database system are described with specific reference to data available from the Build-1 version and techniques for its utilization. The review of the initial documents for the Life Support Database is described in terms of title format and sequencing, and the users are defined as participants in NASA-sponsored life-support research. The software and hardware selections are based respectively on referential integrity and compatibility, and the implementation of the user interface is achieved by means of an applications-programming tool. The current Beta-Test implementation of the system includes several thousand acronyms and bibliographic references as well as chemical properties and exposure limits, equipment, construction materials, and mission data. In spite of modifications in the database the system is found to be effective and a potentially significant resource for the aerospace community.
The Motion of the Local Group Relative to the Nearest Clusters of Galaxies

The motion of the Local Group relative to an ensemble of galaxy clusters between 4000 and 10000 km/s is within 250 km/s of that inferred from the microwave dipole anisotropy. The one-dimensional peculiar velocities of the component clusters are less than 350 km/s with 90% confidence.
Annihilator structure of a principal ideal: relation to optimal compensators

Abstract Given a linear, time-invariant, discrete-time plant, we consider the optimal control problem of minimizing, by choice of a stabilizing compensator, the seminorm of a selected closed-loop map in a basic feedback system. The seminorm can be selected to reflect any chosen performance feature and must satisfy only a mild condition concerning finite impulse responses. We show that if the plant has no poles or zeros on the unit circle, then the calculation of the minimum achievable seminorm is equivalent to the maximization of a linear objective over a convex set in a low-dimensional Euclidean space. Hence, for a wide variety of optimal control problems, one can compute the answer to an infinite-dimensional optimization by a finite-dimensional procedure. This allows the use of effective numerical methods for computation.
The balance of payments as a constraint on Turkey's growth, 1960 - 2004

The aim of this study is to test the existence of balance of a payments constraint on the long run economic growth of the Turkish economy. The balance of payments constrained growth (BPCG) model which was developed by Thirlwall (1979) and extended by Thirlwall and Hussain (1982) is tested over the period of 1960-2004 using OLS. Empirical findings of this paper support the BPCG model for the whole period under consideration. For the different sub-periods, there are either different essential economic relations or behaviors behind the BOP constraint.
Biological and Biomimetic Membranes

This chapter focuses on lipid and polymer-based biomimetic membranes for separations. We first discuss the structure, organization, and transport properties of biological membranes that form the inspiration for biomimetic membranes with a focus on aspects relevant to synthetic membrane development. This is followed by a description of the novel properties and current strategies for synthesis of biomimetic membranes. Lipid and polymer-based membranes are discussed as well as the emerging area of artificial-channel-based membranes. A short outlook on the advancements needed for commercialization of biomimetic membranes is also presented. Keywords: lipid bilayers; membrane proteins; block copolymers; ionophores; ion channels; aquaporins; artificial channels; desalination
Dietary Iron Is Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

Healthy nonsmoking postmenopausal women (n = 242; ages 40-66 y) were included in the Bone, Estrogen, and Strength Training (BEST) Study. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at five sites (lumbar spine L2-L4, trochanter, femur neck, Ward's triangle and total body) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Mean nutrient intakes were assessed using a 3-d diet record. Regression models were calculated using each BMD site as the dependent variable and iron as the independent variable. Covariates included in the models were years past menopause, fat-free mass, fat mass, use of hormone replacement therapy, total energy intake and dietary intake of protein and calcium. Using linear models, iron was associated with greater BMD at all sites (P 20 mg) were associated with greater BMD at several bone sites among women with a mean calcium intake of 800-1200 mg/d. Elevated iron intake was not associated with greater BMD among women with higher (>1200 mg/d) or lower calcium intakes (<800 mg/d). Dietary iron may be a more important factor in bone mineralization than originally thought and, its combined effect with calcium on BMD warrants exploration in future studies.
Systematic Bias between Blood-pH Instruments

Measurement of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffers and blood samples was used to compare the following commercial pH instruments: Corning Models 160 and 165, Instrumentation Laboratory, Inc. Model 313, and Radiometer Models E5021 and BMS 3MK2. These comparisons uncovered a systematic bias of 0.02 pH units in Instrumentation Laboratory, Inc. electrodes manufactured before April 1973. Other factors found to affect analytical results were the temperature of the saturated KCl salt bridge and reference electrode, the design of the temperature-control system, and the buffer used to standardize the instruments.
Food Policy Issues in the United States

FTER 20 YEARS of agricultural policy characterized primarily by government controls designed to constrain the production of farm products, agricultural policy in the United States has recently undergone a major reversal. Beginning in late 1972, agricultural policy became production-expansive, with agriculture now freed of most restraints on production in order to meet domestic food needs and a potential $20 billion export market. At the same time government controls over much of the remainder of the food sector, which were relatively minor or nonexistent during most of these 20 years, have increased greatly since August 1971. Both developments-fewer controls on the farm sector and more controls on the food sectorhave occurred in response to a growing worldwide scarcity of food. The public discussion over food prices and policies continues, with analysts divided over issues and solutions. Some emphasize the need to manage exports, others the merits of expanding exports; some the need to build buffer stocks, others the pitfalls of planned stockpiling; some stress all-out production, others the dangers of contributing to a boom-bust farm economy; some argue that food shortages endanger general price stability, others that they burden poor countries via diminished food assistance; and quite a few are quietly waiting for the return to days of surpluses and support-level prices. Many unresolved issues on food policy remain with us in 1974. This paper is an initial attempt to outline the food policy problems facing this nation in the mid-1970's-problems that have taken on national and international significance. These issues command an important set of consequences for many millions of people.
Homicide and ‘Englishness’: Criminal Justice and National Identity in Victorian England

One venue for the formation of national identity that has received comparatively little attention in recent years, is that of the courtroom. In particular, the treatment of serious crimes in Victorian England involved a good deal of reference to notions of Englishness. In the course of their routine work, Victorian criminal courts promulgated particular and generally coherent views as to how ‘an Englishman’, as opposed to a foreigner, was expected to behave. This article examines how the judicial treatment of three types of nineteenth‐century violence – the duel, knife‐fighting and the killing of an adulterous spouse or his or her lover – contributed to reshaping the contours of male English national identity.
A three-dimensional deformable liquid lens array for directional and wide angle laparoscopic imaging

Most of currently employed laparoscopes use a single and non-tunable solid lens to visualize the surgical environment during minimal invasive interventions. These devices are limited due to the loss of depth perception, fixed view direction and narrow field-of-view (FOV). In this study, a three-dimensional deformable liquid lens array with adaptive focusing and directional view capability is developed. Miniature liquid lenses sealed by deformable membranes are arranged on a flexible substrate. During the operation, the flexible substrate where the liquid lenses reside is driven by hydraulic pressure and bulges into different curvatures, which results in the maximal angular difference of the optical axes of individual lenses in the array from 0° to 45°. The focal length of each lens can be simultaneously tuned from 64.3mm to 2.1mm. At the directional view of 45° and focal length of 2.1mm, the overall FOV exceeds 150°. This work promises the potential of directional and wide angle laparoscopic imaging where space constraint is a concern.
An improved method for plasma fibrinogen based on thrombin time measurement

Methods for plasma fibrinogen based on thrombin time are technically simple, rapid, and sensitive, although "false low" results may occur due to heparin interference. The present modification incorporates Polybrene into buffer to eliminate this heparin interference. The proposed method shown excellent agreement with a reference procedure based on clottable protein, and excellent day-to-day precision (C.V.3.5%). The present method is easily adaptable to semi-automated measurements.
Treatment of Paraneoplastic Neurologic Disorders

Paraneoplastic neurologic disorders are rare, autoimmune disorders, which can be broken down into two groups: those in which antibody response is directed against intracellular neuronal or neuroglial proteins (Group 1) and those in which the immune response is directed against antigens within or subjacent to the neuronal cell membrane (Group 2). In both groups, detection and treatment of the underlying neoplasm is critical and carries the best chance of clinical stabilization or remission.
Inkjet printing for pharmaceutical applications

Miconazole is an imidazole used for treatment of fungal infections that exhibits poor solubility in polar solvents (e.g., aqueous solutions). Microneedles, small-scale lancet-shaped devices that are commonly used for delivery of pharmacologic agents and vaccines, were made out of an acid anhydride copolymer using visible light dynamic mask micro-stereolithography/micromolding and loaded with miconazole using a piezoelectric inkjet printer. The miconazole-coated microneedles showed biodegradation and antifungal activity against the organism Candida albicans (ATCC 90028) on Sabouraud dextrose agar using an in vitro agar plating method. The results of this study demonstrate that piezoelectric inkjet printing may be used load microneedles and other drug delivery devices with pharmacologic agents. Miconazole-loaded microneedles prepared by the visible light dynamic mask micro-stereolithography–micromolding–piezoelectric inkjet printing approach have potential use in transdermal treatment of cutaneous fungal infections.
The malleus-stapes offset.

Background: The malleus-stapes offset create challenges during ossiculoplasty, specifically the positioning of an interposed incus or replacement prosthesis relative to the manubrium. Objectives: To depict the malleus-stapes offset, its relationship to the orientation of the manubrium as viewed through the external ear canal relative to a horizontal plane, and mastoid pneumatization size. Study Design: Postmortem anatomic dissection of 41 bequeathed adult crania (82 temporal bones) without clinical otitis. Methods: The malleus-stapes offset was analyzed both as a surgeon does intraoperatively and from above through the tegmen tympani. Mastoid sizes were determined radiographically. Results: From the surgeon's perspective, for the right ear, the “height” (manubrium to caput stapedis) ranged from 0 to 1.5 (mean, 0.5) mm; the “horizontal” offset ranged from 1.0 to 4.0 (mean, 2.2) mm. Differences in angular offset, as viewed transcanally versus trans-tegmenally, averaged 8.5 degrees (range to 53 degrees). Both height and horizontal offset exhibited wide intersubject variability, quite weak bilateral symmetry, and no relationship with either manubrium orientation or mastoid size. Conclusion: Reliable determination of the malleus-stapes offset is difficult. Because the error of visual offset assessment exceeds the generally accepted 45 degrees alignment allowance for an ossicular prosthesis, visualized ossiculoplasty alignment should be perfect. The ranges of manubrium-stapes offset do not correlate with either manubrium orientation or the extent of mastoid pneumatization.
Analysis of means type tests for variances using subsampling and jackknifing

SYNOPTIC ABSTRACTFollowing a brief survey of existing tests for the homogeneity of I population variances, two new tests are proposed. One test uses subsampling; the other test uses jackknifing. Both tests employ the analysis of means (ANOM) and can be presented in a graphical form that is suitable for easy assessment of statistical as well as practical significance. Both tests are robust to nonnormality and can be used when fat-tailed distributions are suspected. Monte Carlo results are used to show that both ANOM type tests have power comparable to their analysis of variance (ANOVA) type counterparts.
Low Cost Planar Filter for 60GHz Applications

A low-cost printed planar filter circuit on alumina ceramic substrates was developed at 60GHz band. This filter is advantageous in size, cost, and connectivity to MMICs. It is especially suitable for millimeter-wave module integration, where MMICs and filters are all assembled inside one compact package. The trial filter, designed for over 3GHz wide band applications, has less than 4.0dB insertion loss and reasonable rejection performance of S21=15dB/20dB at 1.5GHz/2.0GHz offset frequency from the pass-band.
Strings and correlations in electron-positron annihilation

Abstract It is argued that the asymmetry of the energy-energy correlation measured in electron-positron annihilation into hadrons is sensitive, at present energies, to the type of correlations suggested by a string picture of fragmentation. While this situation might render perturbative analyses less reliable at present energies, it appears to offer a useful arena for testing the applicability of the string idea.
Light-front nuclear shell model. EMC effect

Abstract We examine the effects of nuclear structure on deep inelastic scattering - the EMC effect - in a light-cone shell model. With instant-form and light-front formulations of inelastic structure functions which are currently widely used, we show that nuclear binding corrections for the EMC effect are much smaller in the latter case. To guarantee near-equivalent descriptions in the two formulations we employ a toy harmonic oscillator model of a two-nucleon nucleus in the laboratory system.
Thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes complicating early therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Sudden cerebrovascular insults occurred during or immediately following remission induction therapy in 4 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In 3, cerebral infarction was due to thrombosis. In the fourth, an intracerebral hematoma developed representing either frank hemorrhaging or a hemorrhagic infarction. None of the patients had central nervous system leukemia or extreme leukocytosis at the time of diagnosis. Symptoms were obtundation, hemiparesis, seizures, and headache. The induction chemotherapy included L-asparaginase which causes deficiencies of antithrombin, plasminogen, fibrinogen, and factors IX and XI. These hemostatic abnormalities may explain the thromboses and bleeding observed in these children.
Impact of Weather Analysis on Agricultural Production and Planning Decisions for the Semiarid Areas of Kenya.

Abstract Kenya's current 4% rate of population growth requires cultivation of food crops by smallholder farmers in ever drier zones of semiarid lands. Rainfall is limited, variable and unpredictable, but maize, widely known for susceptibility to drought, remains the staple and favorite food crop. A case study is presented in which “effective rainfall” for Katumani Composite B-type maize, grown at Katumani, Machakos District, is evaluated for each of the 48 wet seasons in the 24-year record. The newly developed analysis takes into account rainfall, evaporation, soil depth and water holding capacity, and growth characteristics of the crop influencing water uptake and yield. Conclusions are: 1) The analysis evaluates suitability of a given crop for production in any location where rainfall and evaporation records are available. 2) Dates of onset of the rains at Katumani are sortable into periods termed “early” (implies expectation of high to medium water adequacy for maize production), “late” (medium to low ...
International Study for Outstanding Students: A Case Study

International study can transform students' views of themselves and the United States. Various approaches to providing international experiences are explained along with examples of how to create a heightened awareness of international issues on U.S. campuses.
Investor Relations from the Perspective of CEOs

This study answers the call for research exploring the relevance of an established public relations theory, relationship management, to investor relations. Having emerged during the 1950s, investor relations is a relatively new field that integrates the disciplines of communication, marketing, finance, and compliance with securities laws. Through qualitative interviews, the study provides insight into the relationship management function of investor relations from the perspectives of those whom investors ultimately hold accountable for a public company’s performance—CEOs. The dominant theme emerging from the study is the constant challenge CEOs of public companies face as they engage in relationships with investors, primarily due to the constraining effects of regulatory requirements. Although the study generally confirmed that the interviewees value Hon and Grunig’s qualities of trust, satisfaction, control mutuality and commitment in relationships with investors, CEOs’ most frequently discussed relation...
The chest radiograph we should never see.

This anteroposterior portable radiograph of the chest (Figure 1) was taken to “rule out tension pneumothorax.” The medical intensive care unit resident asked for the film “stat.” His patient, a 47-year-old male with AIDS, pneumonia, and a right-sided bronchopleural fistula, suddenly developed hypoxia, tachycardia, hypotension, decreased breath sounds, hyperresonance, and hyperexpansion of the left hemithorax, as well as increasing peak airway pressures while on the ventilator. The radiograph above was obtained. After reviewing the x-ray study, a needle thoracostomy was performed with prompt increase in the blood pressure and a large release of air. The Trauma Service was consulted for formal tube thoracostomy. The procedure was performed without incident. The patient eventually succumbed to his underlying disease. When the diagnosis of tension pneumothorax is apparent based on the clinical scenario, definitive treatment should not be delayed for further diagnostic testing. In this case, the delay involved in obtaining an x-ray study rendered the patient hypoxic and hypotensive for a prolonged period. This is a chest x-ray emergency physicians should never see. Figure 1. Large left-tension ~MWW&NM. B&ate shift of the mediastinum to tha right and im of the l&t hemtdiaphragm. Arrows indicate the adge of the cotbtpaad lung.
Identification of changes in streamflow characteristics

: A set of procedures for identifying changes in selected streamflow characteristics at sites having long-term continuous streamflow records is illustrated by using streamflow data from the Waccamaw River at Freeland, North Carolina for the 55-year period of 1940–1994. Data were evaluated and compared to streamflow in the adjacent Lumber River Basin to determine if changes in streamflow characteristics in the Waccamaw River were localized and possibly the result of some human activity, or consistent with regional variations. Following 1963, droughts in the Waccamaw Basin seem to have been less severe than in the Lumber Basin, and the annual one-, seven-, and 30-day low flows exhibited a slightly increasing trend in the Waccamaw River. Mean daily flows in the Waccamaw River at the 90 percent exceedance level (low flows) during 1985–194, a relatively dry period, were very nearly equal to flows at the same exceedance level for 1970–1979, which represents the 10-year period between 1940 and 1994 with the highest flows. Prior to the 1980s, flows per unit drainage area in the Waccamaw Basin were generally less than those in the Lumber Basin, but after 1980, the opposite was true. The ratio of base flow to runoff in the Waccamaw River may have changed relative to that in the Lumber River in the late 1970s. There was greater variability in Waccamaw River streamflow than in Lumber River flow, and flow variability in the Waccamaw River may have increased slightly during 1985–1994.
Tuning the geometry of shape-restricted DNA molecules on the functionalized Si(1 1 1)

Abstract Designing a well-defined and stable interface between biomolecules and semiconductor surfaces is of great importance for current and future biosensing and bioelectronic applications. The well-characterized chemistry, stability, and easily tunable electronic properties of silicon substrate make it a practical platform for this type of interface. It has been established in our previous work that a robust, covalent attachment between thiol-DNA molecules of a pre-designed geometrical shape and a modified silicon surface can be achieved. This work focuses on using this binding model and altering the distance between the DNA molecules and silicon surface by strategically placing thiol linkers within the pre-determined geometric design of the rectangularly shaped DNA. The statistical analysis of the height profiles of DNA molecules attached to the surface, as determined by AFM, provides specific insight into how the construction of the DNA molecules affects the binding distance. A comparison between two thiol-DNA molecules with different numbers of thiol groups placed either within the rectangular shape or anchored to the free loop of the same geometric design suggest that the average distance of these molecules to the functionalized silicon surface can be changed by approximately 0.5 nm.
Drug Absorption from the Rectum II: Rates of Absorption and Elimination from the Blood for Various Suppository Bases

To facilitate the calculations involved in Teorell's equation No. 25, a program in Fortran with Format was used in the IBM 1410 digital computer system. Using plasma salicylate levels, the rates of drug absorption and elimination from the blood and the specific apparent body volumes were determined for salicylic acid and sodium salicylate administered in 4 different suppository bases. The rate of absorption for sodium salicylate was found to be greater than that for salicylic acid except for polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate base. The rates of elimination from the blood for the 2 drug forms do not vary significantly. The specific apparent volumes for salicylic acid were less than that for the sodium salt, suggesting a lesser degree of storage for the acid form. Since Teorell's equation assumes apparent first-order rates of absorption and elimination from the blood, and this equation describes the data presented, this suggests that salicylic acid and its sodium salt are absorbed into the blood from the 4 bases tested and eliminated from the blood by apparent first-order kinetics. Two sets of data from the literature were also analyzed, and constants for 2 other sets could not be computed because of limitations on the computer.
Relationship of study participation to health-related behaviors

This study explores the ways in which clinical trial participation influences a person's health and health-promoting behaviors. Active study subjects with a minimum of 4 months' clinical trial participation were mailed a nurse-developed questionnaire. Seventy-three percent of the targeted group returned the survey by the deadline. The majority of respondents made changes toward better health. Diet modification, initiation of an exercise program, and smoking cessation were the changes cited most frequently. The study team was found to be influential in promotion of health. The nurse, the pivotal member of the team, provided subjects with the most health-related information. Most respondents believed they had enough information to change behaviors detrimental to health.
Fractal Character of Two-Dimensional Fluid Mixing at Both Continuum and Atomic Levels

Studies in two dimensions have been made of the evolution of an initially linear interface between two liquid areas by both continuum hydrodynamics and molecular dynamics. It was found that at both levels the interface evolves into a fractal curve. While the limiting fractal dimensionalities (D) of the continuum and molecular interfaces differ, this difference is no greater than that that can be induced in the hydrodynamic results by marked changes in the initial conditions and/or fluid parameters. There is, however, a marked qualitative difference in the initial values of D. This is discussed and shown to be a natural consequence of the molecular discreteness of the real liquids.
Ground penetrating radar and spring formation in a groundwater dominated peat wetland

Summary Ground penetrating radar (GPR) was used to identify the thickness and geometry of peat in a groundwater fed wetland in Northern Wisconsin. The low electrical conductivity of the water-saturated peat permitted high resolution imaging to a depth of 16 m. The GPR survey results delineated a break in slope in the interface between peat and the underlying sand/gravel. Springs and ponds are located above the break in slope suggesting that thinning of the sand and gravel may focus groundwater flow upward to the wetland surface with emergence as springs. The results of the GPR surveys suggests a potential mechanism that controls the formation of large springs and pools above the break in slope.
Left ventricular hyperkinesia at rest and during exercise in normotensive patients 2 to 27 years after coarctation repair.

The short- and long-term results of effective surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta on left ventricular mass and function in 48 patients were evaluated using echocardiography and stress-gated radionuclide angiography. Thirty-two of the 48 patients who had no additional cardiac problems and had technically adequate radionuclide angiograms form the basis for this report. Among these, three had mild systolic hypertension and none had significant aortic valve dysfunction. Age at the time of study ranged from 6.5 to 59 years (mean 27). Age at the time of surgery ranged from 3 months to 34 years (mean 12 years). Duration from surgery to the time of noninvasive study ranged from 2 to 29 years (mean 15). In the 32 patients, left ventricular mass was 120 ± 20 g/m2, compared with a control value of 87 ± 10 g/m2. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was elevated to 69.2 ± 1.6% at rest (control 60 ± 1.3%) and 78.8 ± 1.3% during exercise (control 70 ± 1.7%) (p These findings of hyperdynamic left ventricular function and increased left ventricular mass without apparent cause many years after coarctation repair raise important questions as to mechanisms, extension to other forms of afterload stress that have been surgically or medically relieved and long-term outcome.
Alternative complement pathway deficiency ameliorates chronic smoke-induced functional and morphological ocular injury.

Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a complex disease involving genetic variants and environmental insults, is among the leading causes of blindness in Western populations. Genetic and histologic evidence implicate the complement system in AMD pathogenesis; and smoking is the major environmental risk factor associated with increased disease risk. Although previous studies have demonstrated that cigarette smoke exposure (CE) causes retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) defects in mice, and smoking leads to complement activation in patients, it is unknown whether complement activation is causative in the development of CE pathology; and if so, which complement pathway is required. Methods Mice were exposed to cigarette smoke or clean, filtered air for 6 months. The effects of CE were analyzed in wildtype (WT) mice or mice without a functional complement alternative pathway (AP; CFB−/−) using molecular, histological, electrophysiological, and behavioral outcomes. Results CE in WT mice exhibited a significant reduction in function of both rods and cones as determined by electroretinography and contrast sensitivity measurements, concomitant with a thinning of the nuclear layers as measured by SD-OCT imaging and histology. Gene expression analyses suggested that alterations in both photoreceptors and RPE/choroid might contribute to the observed loss of function, and visualization of complement C3d deposition implies the RPE/Bruch's membrane (BrM) complex as the target of AP activity. RPE/BrM alterations include an increase in mitochondrial size concomitant with an apical shift in mitochondrial distribution within the RPE and a thickening of BrM. CFB−/− mice were protected from developing these CE-mediated alterations. Conclusions Taken together, these findings provide clear evidence that ocular pathology generated in CE mice is dependent on complement activation and requires the AP. Identifying animal models with RPE/BrM damage and verifying which aspects of pathology are dependent upon complement activation is essential for developing novel complement-based treatment approaches for the treatment of AMD.
Gene and microRNA expression in p53-deficient day 8.5 mouse embryos.

BACKGROUND: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common human birth defects, with a prevalence of approximately 1 in 1000 live births in the United States. In animal studies, deletion of p53 leads to a significant increase in embryos that exhibit exencephaly. Whereas several studies have closely investigated the morphologic changes of p53-deficient embryos, no study has reported the molecular-level alteration in p53-deficient embryos. Here we attempt to identify genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) modified by deletion of p53 in day 8.5 mouse embryos. METHODS: Mouse embryos from p53 heterozygous crosses were collected, genotyped, and embryos of similar genotype (+/+; +/−; −/−) were pooled. RNA from the pooled samples was isolated to determine mRNA and miRNA expression levels using Whole Genome Bioarrays and Low Density Arrays, respectively. RESULTS: In p53 −/− embryos, 388 genes showed statistically significant alteration in gene expression of more than twofold compared to p53 +/+ embryos. Expression of p53 and well known p53 target genes, such as p21 and cyclin G1, were significantly down-regulated in p53 −/− embryos. In contrast, expression of other p53 target genes, such as Mdm2, Noxa, and Puma, were unchanged. We also identified six genes (Csk, Itga3, Jarid2, Prkaca, Rarg, and Sall4), known to cause NTDs when deleted, that are also down-regulated in p53 −/− embryos. Finally, five miRNAs (mir-1, mir-30e-3p, mir-142-3p, mir-301, and mir-331) also showed statistically significant alterations in expression levels in p53 −/− embryos compared to p53 +/+ embryos. Combined analysis of the experimental data using stepwise regression model and two publicly available algorithms identified putative target genes of these miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data have identified genes and miRNAs that may be involved in the mechanisms underlining NTDs and begin to define the developmental role of p53 in the etiology of NTDs. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of coronary occlusion site on ischaemic bed size and collateral blood flow in dogs.

The ischaemic bed size (myocardium at risk) and collateral flow are major determinants of experimental myocardial infarct size.6 13 15 These parameters were compared in dogs with coronary occlusions at four commonly used sites. Regional blood flow was measured 5 min after proximal coronary occlusion of the circumflex (LCC) or anterior descending (LAD) arteries, or after distal occlusion of the LAD, or its apical branch. Occlusions were done sequentially in random order separated by 30 min intervals. The anatomic regions normally supplied by each occluded artery (ischaemic beds) were identified by simultaneous postmortem coronary perfusion with different coloured dyes. Proximal occlusions of the LCC and LAD produced equivalent areas of ischaemia (37 and 36% of the left venticle) and these ischaemic beds had similar amounts of collateral flow (0.12 and 0.16 cm3·min−1·g−1). In comparison, distal LAD and apical branch occlusions involved 23 and 11% of the LV and collateral flow averaged 0.23 and 0.36 cm3·min−1·g−1. Thus, proximal LAD or LCC occlusion produce comparable areas of severe ischaemia. Experimental models using distal occlusions are characterised by more variable but often less severe ischaemia.
Lipids of in Vivo and in Vitro Cultured Heterorhabditis bacteriophora

The lipid, sterol, and fatty acid compositions of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora infective juveniles reared by in vivo and in vitro methods (Galleria mellonella, Popillia japonica, solid and liquid culture) were compared. The greatest accumulation of lipids per dry weight was achieved by growing nematodes in P. japonica and solid culture (54.7 and 60.3%, respectively). Nematodes produced by liquid fermentation accumulated lower levels of sterols (2%) per total lipids compared with other production methods. However, the level of polar lipids was higher in nematodes produced in artificial media. Fractionation of the polar lipids revealed that an increased level of phosphatidylglycerol accompanied production in liquid culture. This was not observed for nematodes produced in solid culture in which the major polar lipid fractions were phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Lipids from nematodes produced in artificial media had more linoleic (C18: 2) fatty acids, whereas lipids from in vivo cultures had more stearic (C18: 0) fatty acids. The ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acid composition decreased in cultures produced in vitro. Artificial media composition should be adjusted to meet the nutritional composition of a natural host. Media for H. bacteriophora culture should be modified to boost deficiencies in sterols (e.g., liver extract) and oleic acid (e.g., olive oil). r 1999 Academic Press
Progress and future needs for research in soya protein utilization and nutrition

Although soya protein was clearly recognized as an essential part of the diet in the Orient centuries ago, its acceptance in the western world has been slow and recent. Progress in utilization has revolved around solving problems of flavor, nutrition and functionality, and has resulted in commercial development of flours and grits, concentrates, isolates, textured products, cereal-soya blends and beef-soya blends. Among the latter two developments, cereal-soya blends established the principle of using soya to increase protein content and quality of cereal diets consumed in many countries, and beef-soya blends demonstrated the usefulness of soya in extending expensive meat supplies. Governmental actions such as approval of soya in school lunches and in military diets in the U.S. have also contributed to progress in utilizing soya protein in foods. Future research needed to increase food uses of soya protein includes: further improvement in flavor, greater versatility in functional properties, development of new foods rather than simulation of traditional items, and elaboration of adequate methods for determining soya proteins in regulated products. Highlights in soya protein nutrition research include: discovery of the need for moist heat treatment to develop maximal nutritive value; establishment of methionine as the first limiting amino acid; isolation and characterization of trypsin inhibitors; determination that trypsin inhibitor retards growth and causes pancreatic hypertrophy; discovery of negative feedback control of pancreatic enzyme secretion; and demonstration of apparent adequacy of soya proteins in meeting protein requirements of young children and adults. Further nutritional research is needed in the following areas: long-term studies with humans to determine protein quality as well as possible needs for fortification with vitamins and minerals; establishment of need or lack of need for supplementation with methionine; mechanism of action trypsin inhibitors when ingested from soya and other sources; and development of rapid methods for measuring protein quality.
Some new developments in experimental mechanics using random particles and fractal dimension

Recent developments of SIEM for micro/nano measurements are presented including applications to composite interphase, crack tip deformation, heart mechanics, and electronic packaging. A new technique FDS which uses fractal dimensions to assess composite damage is also described.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Spike Synchrony Reveals Emergence of Proto-Objects in Visual Cortex

Neurons at early stages of the visual cortex signal elemental features, such as pieces of contour, but how these signals are organized into perceptual objects is unclear. Theories have proposed that spiking synchrony between these neurons encodes how features are grouped (binding-by-synchrony), but recent studies did not find the predicted increase in synchrony with binding. Here we propose that features are grouped to “proto-objects” by intrinsic feedback circuits that enhance the responses of the participating feature neurons. This hypothesis predicts synchrony exclusively between feature neurons that receive feedback from the same grouping circuit. We recorded from neurons in macaque visual cortex and used border-ownership selectivity, an intrinsic property of the neurons, to infer whether or not two neurons are part of the same grouping circuit. We found that binding produced synchrony between same-circuit neurons, but not between other pairs of neurons, as predicted by the grouping hypothesis. In a selective attention task, synchrony emerged with ignored as well as attended objects, and higher synchrony was associated with faster behavioral responses, as would be expected from early grouping mechanisms that provide the structure for object-based processing. Thus, synchrony could be produced by automatic activation of intrinsic grouping circuits. However, the binding-related elevation of synchrony was weak compared with its random fluctuations, arguing against synchrony as a code for binding. In contrast, feedback grouping circuits encode binding by modulating the response strength of related feature neurons. Thus, our results suggest a novel coding mechanism that might underlie the proto-objects of perception.
Van der Waals attraction between cylinders, rods or fibers

In a first step, we calculate the van der Waals energy between two cylinders by pairwise integration of unscreenedr −6 interactions between any two molecules. It turns out proportional tod −3/2 at small separations and proportional tod −5 at large separationsd of the cylinders. In a second step, we use an integration method for multiplet interactions, which relates the latter to screening and represents the van der Waals energy by macroscopic reaction fields. We expand these reaction fields in terms of modified Bessel functions. The van der Waals energy evolves from a sum over the numberl of field reflections, from a frequency integral over the dielectric constants involved, and from a wave number integral over the radii and the separation of the cylinders. The lowest order term verifies the results found by integration of pair interactions, yet replaces the unscreened polarizabilities of the atoms by the screened dielectric constants of the media. The higher order reflection termsl≧2 likewise turn out to be proportional tod −3/2 at small separationsd, but decrease in weight more rapidly than 1/l 3. Their contribution at large separation is proportional tod −(4l+1). From a comparison of our results with those obtained for spheres and half-spaces, we conclude that retardation entails ad −5/2 and ad −6 law at small and large separations, respectively. This suggestion is confirmed by preliminary calculations based on the Helmholtz equation.
Validation and Analysis of a Distributed, Agent-Based Metaheuristic for Negotiation of Consensus Inspired by Honeybee Nest Site Selection Behavior

In this paper, we validate and analyze the ability of an agent-based metaheuristic to facilitate the negotiation of consensus among distributed, networked agents. Our metaheuristic is based on the process honeybees use to achieve consensus in selecting a new nest site. We show that our metaheuristic successfully guides systems to a consensus in a high percentage of cases and that the quorum size parameter controls the trade-off between optimality of choice versus time to consensus and failure rate. Despite agents having communication with only their local neighbors and the absence of centralized data aggregation, coordination, or mediation, our metaheuristic frequently results in the same consensus as that which would be returned by one or more well-known voting algorithms that require global knowledge and centralized tallying to generate a solution; when it does not, the returned consensus is usually an alternative similar in quality to the globally-informed option.
Bounce-by-bounce cavity ring-down spectroscopy: femtosecond temporal imaging.

This technique is an advance over more traditional absorptionmethods because CRDS is free of interference caused byfluctuations in the light source. The principles of the techniqueare simple. For a linear optical cavity, two high reflectivity mirrorsare placed opposite one another forming a stable opticalresonator. A pulse of light enters the cavity through the back ofone of the mirrors, bounces back and forth between the mirrors,and on each bounce some light emerges through the oppositemirror where it is detected. The losses of the cavity cause theintensity of the light to decrease exponentially