cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WILD DEER AS A SOURCE OF RADIONUCLIDE INTAKE BY HUMANS AND AS INDICATORS OF FALLOUT HAZARDS.

Concentrations of various fallout radionuclides were measured in native forage and in tissues of wild mule deer over a five-year period in north-central Colorado. Concentrations of 137 Cs in deer flesh were 5 to 13 times higher than concentrations reported in beef and in pork. The data indicated that consumption of deer flesh could result in a 137 Cs intake which could possibly exceed the intake of the nuclide from all other items of the total diet combined. Consumption of deer liver would result in the ingestion of 144 Ce, 137 Cs, 54 Mn, and 106 Ru. The data indicated that deer tissues can be useful and in some cases, unusually sensitive indicators of environmental contamination by 144 Ce, 137 Cs, 131 I, 54 Mn, 106 Ru, and 90 Sr. Relationships between forage and deer tissue for 137 Cs, 131 I, and 90 Sr were investigated. During 1963, the radiation dose to the skeleton of yearling deer from 90 Sr averaged 330 mrad, which was generally higher than the total dose from natural background and other sources combined. During the same period, the 90 Sr concentrations in deer bone were higher by a factor of 35 than reported bone levels in humans. During the study, dose rates to deer thyroid, liver, and muscle reached 20, 0.014, and 0.012 rad/year, respectively.
A cybernetic approach to work and family relationships for engineering management: issues and cross-cultural implications

Reasons are offered for why engineering management must consider intercultural issues of work and family to seriously consider ideas of quality in global perspective. An interdisciplinary and cybernetic approach to understanding the mutual relationships between work and family is described. Differences in work/family relationships are examined, between Western and Eastern cultures. American and Norwegian systems are then compared. Emergent issues, particularly regarding design and training, are discussed. >
DDS based interoperability framework for Smart Grid Testbed infrastructure

This paper presents the design and implementation of communication and control infrastructure for smart grid test-bed operation. The proposed infrastructure enhances the reliability of the measurements and control network. The Data Distribution Services is used as a communication middleware. In order to facilitate interoperability and remote access to the test-bed, a toolbox and API interface for the test-bed infrastructure were developed. This interface allows control, monitor and performing experiments remotely. Also, it could be used to integrate multidiscipline test-beds to study complex Cyber Physical Systems. The proposed infrastructure was tested experimentally in the hardware/software based Smart Grid Testbed at Florida International University (FIU).
Ca2+-Independent Excitotoxic Neurodegeneration in Isolated Retina, an Intact Neural Net: A Role for Cl− and Inhibitory Transmitters

Rapidly triggered excitotoxic cell death is widely thought to be due to excessive influx of extracellular Ca2+, primarily through the N -methyl-d-aspartate subtype of glutamate receptor. By devising conditions that permit the maintenance of isolated retina in the absence of Ca2+, it has become technically feasible to test the dependence of excitotoxic neurodegeneration in this intact neural system on extracellular Ca2+. Using biochemical, Ca2+ imaging, and electrophysiological techniques, we found that (1) rapidly triggered excitotoxic cell death in this system occurs independently of both extracellular Ca2+ and increases in intracellular Ca2+; (2) this cell death is highly dependent on extracellular Cl−; and (3) lethal Cl− entry occurs by multiple paths, but a significant fraction occurs through pathologically activated γ-aminobutyric acid and glycine receptors. These results emphasize the importance of Ca2+-independent mechanisms and the role that local transmitter circuitry plays in excitotoxic cell death.
Effect of ${\rm Ca}^{2+}$ Co-Doping on the Scintillation Kinetics of Ce Doped ${\rm Gd}_{3}{\rm Ga}_{3}{\rm Al}_{2}{\rm O}_{12}$

The temperature dependence of scintillation decay and rise time was measured for GGAG:Ce and Ca-codoped GGAG:Ce crystals in the temperature range of 10 K to 400 K. The decay and rise times were found to increase with decreasing temperature in the case of GGAG:Ce crystals, while Ca codoping modifies the kinetics such that decay and rise times are constant with the change in temperature. In order to obtain a better understanding of the role of trap centers in the temperature dependence of scintillation kinetics, spectrally resolved thermoluminescence (TL) properties were also studied for these crystals.
Lithotripter shock waves with cavitation nucleation agents produce tumor growth reduction and gene transfer in vivo.

Abstract Cavitation nucleation agents (CNA) can greatly enhance DNA transfer and cell killing for therapeutically useful applications of nonthermal bioeffects of ultrasound (US). Renal carcinoma (RENCA) tumor cells were implanted and grown to about 400 μL tumor volumes on the hind legs of syngeneic Balb/c mice. Before treatment, mice were anesthetized, the tumor region was shaved and depilated, and a DNA plasmid coding for marker proteins was injected into the tumor. Two sets of tests were completed: the first set involved measurement of tumor growth for 4 days and use of a β-galactosidase marker plasmid for localization of transfection, and the second set involved 2 days of growth and use of a luciferase marker plasmid for assessing overall protein expression. Either saline, Optison® US contrast agent, a vaporizing perfluoropentane droplet suspension (SDS) or air bubble was also injected intratumorally at 10% of tumor volume as a CNA. In some tests, droplets or contrast agent were injected IV. Shock waves (SW) were generated from a spark-gap lithotripter at 7.4 MPa peak negative pressure amplitude. For sham exposure, tumor volume increased by a factor of 3.6 in 4 days. With 500-SW treatment, all the CNA reduced 4-day tumor growth about the same amount (to factors of 1.2 to 1.9). Marker gene expression was generally localized to the region around the needle injection path. All the agents, except saline, produced statistically significant increases of 11.8- to 14.6-fold in luciferase expression after 2 days, relative to sham exposure. IV injection of Optison® or droplet nucleation agents before SW treatment reduced tumor growth to factors of 1.0 and 0.7, but did not increase transfection. These results demonstrate the efficacy of CNA in vivo and should lead to improved strategies for simultaneous SW tumor ablation and cancer gene therapy. (E-mail: douglm@umich.edu)
Spatial and temporal differences of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) recruitment across major drainages (1966–2004) of the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) is well known for its commercial and ecological importance and has been historically declining in the Chesapeake Bay (Maryland), one of its principal nursery habitats along the eastern coast. Using data from the Striped Bass Seine Survey of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (2003), we evaluated how the distribution of Atlantic menhaden has changed from 1966 to 2004 for 12 river drainages. We observed significant or marginally significant declines in 42% of the drainages, with drainages of the northern Bay showing the majority of those declines. Continued recruitment to several drainages of the Bay may partly explain why the adult spawning population is not declining. We determined if temporal changes in abundance were related to changes in salinity or water quality for five major drainages of the watershed. For one of these drainages, the Patuxent River, differences in productivity across sites largely explained differences in abundance. For the four remaining drainages, differences in recruitment could not be explained by productivity or salinity gradients. While reducing nitrogen loading and enhancing water clarity may improve Atlantic menhaden production, we suggest that the role of offshore processes on large-scale declines has been largely neglected and studies on larval ingression are necessary for further elucidation of spatial and temporal patterns of juvenile distribution in the Chesapeake Bay.
The Strength and Structure of the Coronal Magnetic Field

I discuss a method for determining the strength and spatial structure of the coronal magnetic field by observations of the Faraday rotation of a radio galaxy which is in conjunction with the Sun. Given a knowledge of the plasma density in the outer corona, and the magnetic field sector structure (both independently available), the strength of the coronal field can be determined, as well as the magnitude of spatial variations on scales of 1000 km to several solar radii. Such knowledge is crucial for testing computational models of the solar corona, which are prominently featured in this meeting. Results are presented from observations with the Very Large Array radio telescope of the radio galaxy 3C228 on August 16, 2003, when the line of sight to the source was at heliocentic distances of 7.1−6.2R ⊙. The observations are consistent with a coronal magnetic field which is proportional to the inverse square of the distance in the range 6 ≤ r ≤ 10R ⊙, and has a value of 39 mG at 6.2R ⊙. The Faraday rotation is uniform across the source, indicating an absence of strong plasma inhomogeneity on spatial scales up to 35,000 km.
Transplacental toxoplasmosis in a wild southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis)

In September 2004, a neonatal sea otter pup was found alive on the beach in northern Monterey Bay, CA. Efforts to locate the mother were unsuccessful. Due to a poor prognosis for successful rehabilitation, the pup was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed emaciation, systemic lymphadenopathy and a malformation of the left cerebral temporal lobe. On histopathology, free tachyzoites and tissue cysts compatible with Toxoplasma gondii were observed in the brain, heart, thymus, liver, lymph nodes and peri-umbilical adipose. The presence of T. gondii within host tissues was associated with lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and tissue necrosis. Immunofluorescent antibody tests using postmortem serum were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG (at 1:320 and 1:1280 serum dilution, respectively), but were negative for IgG directed against Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora caninum (<1:40 each). Brain immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining for tachyzoites and tissue cysts using antiserum raised to T. gondii, but not S. neurona or N. caninum. T. gondii parasite DNA was obtained from extracts of brain and muscle by PCR amplification using the diagnostic B1 locus. Restriction enzyme digestion followed by gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Type X T. gondii, the strain identified in the majority of southern sea otter infections.
Extending Readers Theatre: A Powerful and Purposeful Match With Podcasting

The struggling second and third graders in this mixed methods study increased their reading comprehension after a 10-week Readers Theatre podcasting project. Podcasting made the students aware of a wider audience, which enhanced the authenticity and social nature of the strategy, and made their performances permanent so they could be stored and conveniently retrieved for later listening and evaluation. Finally, students discussed their podcasts using visual vocabulary such as “watch,” “show,” “look good,” and “show my voice,” uncovering the concept of audio as a visual medium. Since visualization is a critical strategy used by skilled readers, podcasting has the potential to strengthen this aspect of Readers Theatre.
Effect of surface condition and prior plastic deformation on X-ray effective elastic parameters in a steel and its weld

Summary The effective elastic parameter (EEP) was determined for three material and surface conditions of ASTM 516 grade 70 steel and found to differ by as much as 19 percent. This difference occurred between data for plate with a machined surface and that for a chemically milled surface. In these tests, the same EEP appeared to apply for specimens both before and after exposure to yield level strains. This suggests that the X-ray calibration data may be used to determine stresses in welds exposed to yield-level residual strains as long as the appropriate EEP values are used for the weld material and surface condition.
Semen Quality in Relation to Semen Preservation

A goal of research in laboratory evaluation of semen has been ultimately to predict the fertility achievable with use of that semen. This would permit evaluation of the male and ejaculate. For artificial insemination, semen viability becomes a measure of man's interaction with that semen in an effort to preserve its functional life. Man's efficiency in developing successful methods of semen preservation are, therefore, contingent upon the relationship of tests of semen quality and fertility. Problems discussed are those associated with identification of the most appropriate tests of spermatozoan viability important to fertility. These problems reside predominantly in poor repeatability of many tests (objectivity versus subjectivity), the interaction of semen quality and quantity in the inseminate, the effect of latent cell injury encountered in some systems of preservation (example frozen semen), and identification of viability traits of spermatozoa important to their retention and transport in the female reproductive tract as well as their ability to fertilize the egg and sustain embryogenesis. A case is established for the use of more than one viability test or semen trait for evaluating systems of semen preservation.
Neuropsychological findings from older premutation carrier males and their noncarrier siblings from families with fragile X syndrome.

Objective: Carriers of the FMR1 premutation allele are at a significantly increased risk for a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). The primary features of FXTAS are late-onset intention tremor and gait ataxia. Previous reports have shown global deficits in neuropsychological measures among males with FXTAS, particularly those related to executive functioning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuropsychological profile among older males with the premutation who are at risk for FXTAS. Method: Premutation carriers, 66 with motor symptoms and 23 without, and 18 noncarrier siblings were recruited from pedigrees diagnosed with fragile X syndrome, all over age 50. Subjects were examined with a neurological test battery to identify symptoms of FXTAS and a neuropsychological test battery to investigate cognitive and behavioral profiles. Linear regression and ANCOVA were used to determine the effect of the premutation on outcome measures adjusting for age and education. Results: We identified a significant decrease in scores of general intelligence and a marginally significant decrease in scores of logical memory among premutation carrier males with motor symptoms compared to the noncarrier male siblings. We did not identify deficits in executive functioning in our sample of premutation carrier males with motor symptoms. Conclusions: Similar to other reports, we found that the FMR1 premutation is associated with deficits in general intelligence and memory among older males with symptoms of FXTAS. However, our results differed in that we found no evidence of premutation-associated executive dysfunction. We provide possible explanations for this difference.
2010 Updated Avery-George-Holtzheimer Database of rTMS depression studies.

Brain Stimulation Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
Epoxy self-polymerization in smectite clays

Abstract The diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, epoxy resin Epon-828, undergoes self-polymerization when heated with acidic onium ion exchanged forms of montmorillonite to form polyether-clay nanocomposites. Nanocomposite formation is accomplished by a dramatic transition from a gel state to a dry powder with a very low bulk density. XRD and TEM studies indicated that the final product contains a uniform dispersion of exfoliated 10 A thick clay plates separated by a few nanometers of polyether polymer, thus verifying the nanocomposite structure. DSC results showed that two exothermic catalytic processes occur during the reaction. The lower temperature process is attributed to polymerization of pre-intercalated epoxide on the internal gallery surfaces where the proton concentration is a maximum. Polymerization of the extragallery monomer on the external and internal surfaces of the clay particles occurs at the higher temperature. The acidity of the clay exchange cation plays a major role in catalyzing epoxy self-polymerization, especially the intragallery polymerization process. The activation energies for polymerization of intra- and extragallery monomer, as determined by DSC measurements, are 84 and 130 KJmol −1 , respectively.
Evidence for the presence of functional beta-adrenoceptor along the proximal tubule of the rat kidney

Summary Evidence for the presence of beta adrenoceptors on proximal tubules from the rat kidney has been obtained using enriched tubule suspensions prepared by Percoll centrifugation. Intact tubules demonstrated simultaneous enrichment of parathyroid hormone and isoproteronol sensitive cAMP production with no enrichment of antidiuretic hormone sensitive cAMP production. Both norepinephrine and epinephrine were less potent than isoproterenol and the stimulatory effect of catecholamines could be blocked with propranolol but not phentalamine. The stimulatory effect of norepinephrine on cellular pheylalamine uptake is blunted by co-addition of isoproterenol suggesting that the beta receptor may modulatory catecholamine stimulated transport.
Venous collagenosis and arteriolar tortuosity in leukoaraiosis.

Leukoaraiosis (LA), an age-related white matter degeneration, is thought to be caused by chronic ischemia. To understand the pathogenesis of LA, we studied the pathology, particularly of the blood vessels, in 186 brains [84 of them with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] over the past 10 years. With normal aging, there is gradual thickening of the walls of periventricular veins and venules with collagen subtypes I and III. This venous collagenosis (VC) was increased in brains with LA. Occasionally, LA lesions are not periventricular, but nearer the cortex. In such cases, the most severe VC occurs in the LA lesion rather than near the ventricle. Therefore, LA and VC are not independent degenerative processes coincidentally found near the ventricles, and although damage to the ependyma could be a cause of VC, it cannot be the only cause. Whether VC precedes LA is unknown, but our experience suggests that severe VC is usually accompanied by LA. Arteriolar tortuosity, another age-related vascular pathology, is common in LA. Our thick celloidin sections show three-dimensional views of tortuous arterioles. The tortuosity is much more severe in the white matter and there is considerable loss of parenchyma around them. Staining for collagen IV in the basal lamina reveals tortuous vessels in an "empty bag" that represents the limits of the surrounding parenchyma. These enlarged perivascular spaces correspond to etat crible. The demyelination in LA lesions is accompanied by loss of cells, mostly oligodendrocytes. In studies of apoptosis in LA, we found increased apoptosis within the lesion compared to the surrounding white matter. In conclusion, our studies support the concept that LA results from chronic ischemia due to age-related vascular pathology.
Performance expectancies and affect associated with outcomes as a function of time perspective

Abstract An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of time perspective on performance expectancies and the subjective evaluation of outcomes in regard to a task at which subjects had previously succeeded or failed. Prior research has produced conflicting findings on the subjective evaluation of positive and negative outcomes, but some of the research has dealt with tangible rewards and punishments while other work has been concerned with performance outcomes involving tasks with which subjects were unfamiliar. In the current study subjects first succeeded or failed on either an easy or difficult task. They then stated performance expectancies and made evaluations of the affect associated with success and failure in regard to performing the task again immediately, in 3 wk, or in 21 wk. Results indicated a significant decrease over time for both the satisfaction associated with passing and the dissatisfaction associated with failure. Performance expectancies were significantly higher for the testing period of 21 wk in the future than for either the immediate or 3-wk testing period, but this difference was evidenced only for subjects who initially passed the test.
Solar Rotation and the Neutrino Flux

Some possible mechanisms for producing a low neutrino flux from solar models are discussed. Rapid internal rotation is shown to reduce the predicted neutrino flux to the upper limit observed by Davis.
First Look At 4D GPR Imaging of Permeable Zones Around the Borehole

For the development of a method for imaging fluid flow in undisturbed oolitic limestones several meters away from the borehole we conducted an open-hole, vadose zone infiltration experiment monitored by hourly repeated 3D Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys. Data acquisition on a dense 5 x 10 cm bingrid, centimeter precise repositioning of GPR antennae and 3D migration reveals the propagation of the moisture front. Difference cube amplitude levels between repeated 3D GPR surveys are 5-10 times lower than the original survey amplitudes. However, saturation change related time shifts in and below zones with water infiltration cause a blurring of 4D spatial resolution. Development of processing schemes for extraction of time shifts and warping of repeat cubes is needed. When solved, such a method has the potential to allow non-invasive quantification of the 3D hydrological parameter field around the borehole at submeter resolution.
US counter-terrorism policies in Africa are counter to development

Extracted from text ... US counter-terrorism policies in Africa are counter to development Robert Tynes* * Robert Tynes is a faculty member of Language and Thinking at Bard College and a PhD candidate in Political Science at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, State University of New York, Albany. Terrorism is the central threat to the world today. At least that's the way the US government sees it. According to the Bush administration, the danger emanates less from superpower states and more from weak, 'failing' states. The logic is that autocratic governments foster, breed, and provide safe havens for terrorists - ..
Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of Interleukin-1β and Glycemic Control in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Patients with diabetes have increased incidence and severity of periodontal disease not accounted for by differences in the subgingival microbial infection. Poor glycemic control has been consistently associated with periodontal disease severity. Also, recent evidence suggests that hyperglycemia may induce inflammatory cytokine production. Few studies, however, have examined local biochemical measures of periodontal inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine whether glycemic control was related to gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Methods: GCF samples were collected from 45 patients with type 2 diabetes and untreated chronic periodontitis. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and attachment level (AL) were recorded at six sites per tooth. IL-1β levels were determined from individual GCF samples by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Individual site and mean patient values were calculated. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) levels were measured from anticoagulated whole blood using an automated affinity chromatography system. Serum glucose was also determined. Results: Clinical periodontal measures (PD, AL, BOP) and measures of glycemic control (HbA1c, random glucose) were significantly correlated with GCF IL-1β. Patients with greater than 8% HbA1c had significantly higher mean GCF IL-1β levels than patients with less than 8% HbA1c. In a multivariate model adjusting for age, gender, PD, AL, BOP, and PI, HbA1c and random glucose were independent predictors of high GCF IL-1β. Conclusions: Poor glycemic control is associated with elevated GCF IL-1β. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that hyperglycemia contributes to an heightened inflammatory response, and suggests a mechanism to account for the association between poor glycemic control and periodontal destruction. J Periodontol 2004;75:1203-1208.
Pancyclicity mod k of claw-free graphs and K 1,4 -free graphs

Abstract For any natural number k, a graph G is said to be pancyclic mod k if it contains a cycle of every length modulo k. In this paper, we show that every K 1,4 -free graph G with minimum degree δ ( G )⩾ k +3 is pancyclic mod k and every claw-free graph G with δ ( G )⩾ k +1 is pancyclic mod k , which confirms Thomassen's conjecture (J. Graph Theory 7 (1983) 261–271) for claw-free graphs.
Legally Extending the Family An Event History Analysis of Grandparent Visitation Rights Laws

This article examines the structural forces influencing the enactment of grandparent visitation rights statutes. Cox regression is used to analyze demographic changes, social change, state litigiousness, and regional proximity as factors affecting timing of first enactment. States with higher proportions of people of grandparent age, of minor grandchild age, and higher levels of urban residence were more likely to enact than were other states. States with higher divorce rates and higher numbers of neighboring states that previously had enacted or enacted during the same year were less likely to enact than were other states. This project illustrates the need for more empirical testing of the influence of structural variables on the enactment of family policy.
A Modal Decomposition Approach to Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitoring via Multi-Channel Blind System Identification

This paper presents a modal decomposition approach to continuous cardiac output (CO) monitoring via multi-channel blind system identification (BSI). The presented method estimates CO from multiple noninvasive sensors located at different branches of the systemic circulatory system.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Performance assessment models for low level radioactive waste disposal facilities : A review

The statutory role of performance assessment of radioactive waste disposal facilities is a technical analysis to evaluate the prospective performance of a disposal site with respect to regulatory compliance. The areas that are covered by performance assessment range from the characterization of the waste and site to estimation of any potential dose to the public due to release of radionuclides over long periods of time (typically thousands of years). In developing new disposal sites, performance assessment has also been used as a screening tool for determining site suitability, a guide in site characterization, as well as a final technical analysis for license application. This paper provides a review of the current status of performance assessment models in the U.S. for civilian low-level radioactive waste (LLW) disposal facilities.
The enthalpy of molybdenum disulfide to 1200 K by drop calorimetry

A high-precision drop-calorimetric system has been used to measure the enthalpy (relative to 298.15 K) of MoS2 in the temperature range 500 to 1200 K. All temperatures are based on IPTS-48. The results can be represented by the following equation, which should be used only over the experimental range: H o ( T ) − H o ( 298.15 K ) = { 16.8278 ( T / K ) + 9.4045 × 10 − 4 ( T / K ) 2 + 5.1881 × 10 4 ( T / K ) − 1 − 5495.38 } cal mol − 1 . Values of Cop(T), Ho(T) − Ho(298.15 K), So(T), and {Go(T) − Ho(298.15 K)}/T are tabulated.
PROC NLMIXED For Estimating Parameters of IRT Models

The PROC NLMIXED procedure in Statistical Analysis System can be used to estimate parameters of item response theory (IRT) models. The data for this procedure are set up in a particular format call...
Yellow corneal ring associated with vitamin supplementation for age-related macular degeneration

Purpose To report the first described cases of peripheral yellow corneal rings secondary to vitamin supplementation for age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Design Retrospective single-center case series. Participants The eyes of 4 patients taking vitamin supplementation for ARMD were examined at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology between January 2010 and April 2011. Methods We reviewed the medical records of 4 patients with peripheral corneal rings receiving vitamin supplementation for ARMD. Main Outcome Measures The presence of peripheral yellow corneal rings, skin findings, and serum carotene levels. Results Each patient had circumferential, yellow, peripheral corneal rings and exhibited subtle yellowing of the skin most notable on the palms. Serum carotene levels were normal in 2 of the 3 patients and markedly elevated in the last patient in whom it was measured. Conclusions It is unclear at this time how to counsel patients with this ocular finding. We suspect that these rings are more common than generally appreciated because they may have a subtle appearance or be misdiagnosed as arcus senilis. We suggest that a formal study be performed on a cohort of patients taking vitamin supplementation for macular degeneration that specifically screens for yellow rings and measures serum carotene levels when they are identified. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Imaging mass spectrometry in microbiology.

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) allows a visualization of the distribution of trace metals, metabolites, lipids, peptides and proteins in biological samples. Here, Watrous and Dorrestein describe the use of various IMS approaches in the analysis of microbial samples, from single cells to complex communities.
Coordinated Community Efforts to Respond to Sexual Assault A National Study of Sexual Assault Response Team Implementation

Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) bring together sexual assault responders (e.g., police, prosecutors, medical/forensic examiners, rape victim advocates) to coordinate and improve the response to sexual assault. Ultimately, SARTs seek to improve sexual assault victims' experiences of seeking help and sexual assault case outcomes in the criminal justice system. To date, there are hundreds of SARTs across the United States and yet, there has been no nationally representative study of how SARTs are implemented. Therefore, the current study used a multistep process to create the first sampling frame of SARTs and then studied how SARTs are structured and function within a random sample of SARTs. Findings reveal commonalities as well as variation across SARTs. Most SARTs rated improving legal outcomes, improving victims' help-seeking experiences, and prevention/education as important goals, yet most prioritized their time and energy toward victims' experiences. SARTs' membership varied, with an average of 12 organizations involved in the SART, and 75% of SARTs having active membership from police, prosecutors, rape victim advocates, and medical/forensic examiners. SARTs were moderately formalized and most SARTs engaged in most collaborative processes (e.g., multidisciplinary cross-training, case review, policy/protocol development, and review) on an as needed basis. Finally, results revealed that some types of cross-system coordination in responding to victims/cases were quite frequent, whereas other types of coordination were quite infrequent. Implications for future research and supporting the development and sustainability of SARTs are discussed.
Antimutagenic and promutagenic activity of ascorbic acid during oxidative stress

Ascorbic acid (AA) has both antioxidant and prooxidant activities. However, there have not been any studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that determine whether AA functions as an anti- or a prooxidant during oxidative stress. The results of this study, using the Chinese hamster ovary cell line AS52 as a model system, demonstrate that there is a temporal relationship between the anti- and prooxidant activities of a physiologically relevant concentration of AA (50 microM) and oxidative stress. Treatment of cells with AA (50 microM) 24 hr prior to treatment of the cells with a radical generating system (RGS) results in a statistically significant inhibition of the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity associated with exposure of AS52 cells to oxidative stress. Conversely, cotreatment of cells with AA and the RGS results in a statistically significant increase in both the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of oxidative stress when compared to cell populations exposed only to the RGS. The results, using a novel histochemical-computer image analysis system to detect hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), also demonstrate that there is a direct correlation between the ability of AA to decrease the levels of H2O2 in cells and the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of oxidative stress. This study suggests that the time at which AA is administered in relation to exposure to oxidative stress has an impact on AA antimutagenic activity, and this may explain the conflicting results concerning the effectiveness of AA as a cancer chemopreventive agent.
Fifteen-Year Trauma System Performance Analysis Demonstrates Optimal Coverage for Most Severely Injured Patients and Identifies a Vulnerable Population

Background Trauma systems are designed to deliver timely and appropriate care. Prehospital triage regulations and interfacility transfer guidelines are the primary determinants of system efficacy. We analyzed the effectiveness of the Florida trauma system in delivering trauma patients to trauma centers over time. Study Design Injured patients were identified by ICD-9 codes from a statewide discharge dataset, and they were categorized as children (less than 16 years old), adult (16 to 65 years old), or elderly (over 65 years old). Severe injury was defined by International Classification Injury Severity Scores (ICISS) Results Severe injury discharges increased at designated trauma centers (DTCs) and decreased at nontrauma centers (NTCs). The proportion of patients with severe injuries discharged from DTCs increased for all age groups, capturing nearly all severely injured children and adults. Access to DTCs was dependent on proximity for severely injured elderly but not for severely injured children and adults. Conclusions Triage improved over time, enabling near complete capture of at-risk children and adults independent of DTC proximity. Because distance from a DTC does not limit access for children and adults, existing trauma system resources are sufficient to meet the current demands. Efforts are needed to determine the trauma resource and triage needs of the severely injured elderly.
Natalizumab for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis

Natalizumab is an α4-integrin antagonist approved as monotherapy for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), based on demonstrated efficacy in the pivotal AFFIRM study (N = 942). Natalizumab monotherapy reduced risk of disability progression by 42%–54% and annualized relapse rate by 68% during a period of 2 years. Natalizumab was also associated with significant reductions in number of T2-hyperintense, gadolinium-enhancing, and T1-hypointense lesions and in volume of T2-hyperintense lesions (all p < 0.001) on magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, natalizumab-treated patients in AFFIRM experienced significant improvements from baseline in the physical and mental components of the Short Form-36 (p ≤ 0.01) and a 35% reduction in risk of clinically significant vision loss (p = 0.008 vs placebo). Natalizumab was well tolerated in phase 3 studies. Common adverse events were generally mild and included headache, fatigue, urinary tract infections, and arthralgia. Serious adverse events were similar between treatment groups. The incidence of serious hypersensitivity reactions associated with natalizumab was <1%. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy was a rare complication of treatment, observed in 2 patients with MS who received natalizumab plus interferon β-1a. The robust clinical benefits of natalizumab, including benefits on patient-reported quality of life, make it an important addition to disease-modifying therapies available to patients with relapsing MS.
CERVICAL CORD COMPRESSION IN ACHONDROPLASIA

Cervicomedullary cord compression due to an abnormally small foramen magnum (FM) has been thought to be rare in achondroplasia during childhood. Since autopsy-proven cases of cord compression have had apnea or other serious respiratory complications in the absence of specific neurologic signs, evaluation of patients with respiratory symptoms might reveal occult cord compression early in its course. With this in mind, we evaluated 10 children with achondroplasia (6 males, 4 females; ages 4 mos - 6yrs) for potential cervical cord compression; using CT, somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) and brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER). 2/10 patients were asymptomatic and 8/10 had respiratory problems. All 10 were hypotonic, but only 3 had focal neurologic findings. In 9/10, sagittal diameter of the FM was > 3 S.D. smaller than normal and an abnormal keyhole shape was seen. Moreover, in 4/10, sagittal CT reconstructions showed virtually no subarachnoid space posterior to the cord at the FM. The same 4/10 had prolonged latency on SEP; when contrasted with normal BAER in 10/10, this suggested cord dysfunction at the level of the FM. Metrizamide CT myelography confirmed and delineated the extent of cord compression in these 4. All 4 had respiratory abnormalities but only 2 had specific neurologic findings. This suggests that cervicomedullary cord compression may occur without neurologic findings and lead to respiratory problems in a significant number of achondroplastic children.
User-created forms as an effective method of human-agent communication

A key challenge for mixed-initiative systems is to create a shared understanding of the task between human and agent. To address this challenge, we created a mixed-initiative interface called Mixer to aid administrators with automating tedious information-retrieval tasks. Users initiate communication with the agent by constructing a form, creating a structure to hold the information they require and to show context in order to interpret this information. They then populate the form with the desired results, demonstrating to the agent the steps required to retrieve the information. This method of form creation explicitly defines the shared understanding between human and agent. An evaluation of the interface shows that administrators can effectively create forms to communicate with the agent, that they are likely to accept this technology in their work environment, and that the agent's help can significantly reduce the time they spend on repeated information-retrieval tasks.
Sexual Interactions Between Two Distantly Related Drosophila Species, D. melanogaster and D. willistoni (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Molecular analysis suggests that the pomace fly Drosophila melanogaster acquired the P family of transposable elements from another Drosophila species, D. willistoni. Since the two species are distantly related, it has been assumed that transmission of P element DNA from D. willistoni to D. melanogaster was mediated by a vector. The possibility of an alternative mode of transmission was assessed by characterizing the sexual behaviors of D. willistoni males and females, then observing D. willistoni and D. melanogaster males and females to see whether males from one species interacted sexually with females from the other species in a laboratory setting. We observed that D. melanogaster males court D. willistoni females vigorously and, in some cases, stimulate the females to be receptive to copulation. However, D. willistoni males perform relatively little courtship in response to D. melanogaster females and do not attempt to copulate. Thus, it is unlikely that sexual interactions effected the transmission of P element DNA from D. willistoni to D. melanogaster in the flies' natural habitat.
Extraperiosteal plating of pronation-abduction ankle fractures. Surgical technique.

ABSTRACTBackground:Pronation-abduction ankle fractures frequently are associated with substantial lateral comminution and have been reported to be associated with the highest rates of nonunion among indirect ankle fractures. The purpose of the present study was to report the technique for and outcom
Solid-Pseudopapillary Tumors of the Pancreas: Case Report and Literature Review

Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPT) of the pancreas are rare neoplasms of low malignant potential that mostly affect young women. These tumors are of unclear pathogenesis, are slow growing, and can become considerably large before causing symptoms. Complete resection is curative in most cases. This is the case of a 39-year-old African-American woman undergoing evaluation for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, who was found to have a pancreatic mass. Image-guided biopsy revealed SPT. The patient underwent complete excision of the tumor and had an open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass performed concurrently. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. A review of the literature is presented.
A new cloning vector and expression strategy for genes encoding proteins toxic to Escherichia coli.

Abstract Here, we describe a modification of a plasmid, pT7-7 [Tabor and Richardson, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 262 (1985) 1074–1078], that allows expression of inserted genes from the phage T7 RNA polymerase promoter. The modification is designed to suppress readthrough transcription from cryptic promoters and start points on the plasmid, in order to reduce expression in the absence of T7 RNA polymerase and thus improve the vector for use in the expression of highly toxic gene products. This vector (pT7SC) was used to stably clone the POL3 gene (encoding DNA polymerase δ) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae , which destabilizes all other cloning and expression vectors tested. Previously described expression strategies proved ineffective in overexpressing the POL3 gene. A new strategy was developed which relies on induction by infection with mutant T7 phage. This system efficiently overproduced the POL3 gene product.
An integrated multispectral face recognition system

A face recognition system usually consists of one recognition algorithm by processing single spectral images. For example, face pattern byte (FPB) algorithm was initially created using thermal (LWIR) images, while Elastic Bunch Graphic Matching (EBGM) algorithm was originated with visible (RGB) images. When there are two or more recognition algorithms and/or spectral images available, system performance can be enhanced using information fusion. In this paper, a score fusion with multispectral images is proposed to improve system performance, which is termed as an integrated multispectral face recognition system. Score fusion actually combines several scores from multiple matchers (algorithms) and/or multiple modalities (multispectra). The system performance is measured by the recognition accuracy (AC; the higher the better) and false accept rate (FAR; the lower the better). Specifically, a fusion method will combine the face scores from three matchers (Circular Gaussian Filter, FPB, EBGM) and from two-spectral bands (visible and thermal). We present and compare the system performance using seven fusion methods: linear discriminant analysis (LDA), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), binomial logistic regression (BLR), Gaussian mixture model (GMM), artificial neural network (ANN), and hidden Markov model (HMM). Our experiments are conducted with the Alcon State University multispectral face dataset that currently consists of two spectral images from 105 subjects. The experimental results show that the KNN score fusion produces the best performance (AC = 98.98%; FAR = 0.35%); and the SVM yields the second best. Compared with the performance of the single best matcher (AC = 91.67%, FAR = 8.33%), the integrated system with score fusion highly improves the accuracy, meanwhile dramatically reduces the FAR.
High-gain and large-diffraction regimes of the FEL

Abstract The scaling relations for high-gain and low-gain operation of the free electron laser are compared, taking diffraction into account. In the high-gain, small-signal regime the gain per pass increases exponentially with the interaction length. The gain per length, as well as the coefficient multiplying the exponential, are calculated for several values of electron energy spread. Maximal gain is obtained when the incident field is the complex conjugate of the amplifying mode. A general analysis of the paraxial equation in the large-diffraction regime is used to reduce the nonlinear FEL equations to a one-dimensional form.
Organ-specific and non-organ-specific lymphocyte receptors for vascular endothelium

The recirculation of lymphocytes from blood to lymph and back to blood is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system as it facilitates interactions between antigen-reactive clones of lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells. The first step in the emigration of a blood-borne lymphocyte into either a secondary lymphoid organ or an inflammatory lesion is its adherence to vascular endothelial cells (EC) lining unique post-capillary venules known as high endothelial venules (HEV). Several groups have recently cloned and sequenced genes which may encode organ-specific lymphocyte receptors for the EC of such HEV. The extracellular portion of the putative murine lymphocyte homing receptor for peripheral lymph node HEV is composed of an N-terminal lectin-like domain, followed by an epidermal growth factor-like domain, and then two identical repeating domains which are homologous to a number of complement-binding proteins. A hydrophobic transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail complete the structure. A very similar gene structure has been reported for a cytokine-inducible EC surface protein which is involved in neutrophil-EC adhesion in vitro. In marked contrast, the gene for a putative human lymphocyte homing receptor appears to belong to a gene family which encodes cell-surface molecules with receptor activity for extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Similarly, the cell-surface molecule which appears to be the murine lymphocyte receptor for Peyer's patch HEV is homologous, if not identical, to the human VLA-4 molecule, another receptor with binding activity for an ECM protein. It has also been demonstrated that lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) acts in a non-organ-specific manner to mediate lymphocyte-EC adhesion. Finally, other non-organ-specific lymphocyte adhesion molecules for EC may include CD4 and CD8 (which bind to class II and class I MHC antigens, respectively), and CD2 (which binds to LFA-3).