cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nicotine's effect on hypothalamic neurotransmitters and appetite regulation.

Abstract Background: Tobacco smoking reduces appetite and body weight. Cessation of smoking leads to hyperphagia and weight gain. Food intake is a function of meal number (MN) and meal size (MZ) (ie, Food intake = MN × MZ). The effect of nicotine on these feeding components and their relationships to dopamine and serotonin in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) were determined. Methods: In Fischer-344 rats the effect of 7 days of systemic nicotine infusion on the feeding patterns was measured by rat eater meter and changes in serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) in the LHA were measured by in vivo microdialysis. Results: Nicotine infusion caused hypophagia through a significant decrease in MN with a smaller decrease in MZ, resulting in a body weight reduction. 5HT and DA concomitantly increased in LHA. Stopping nicotine resulted in hyperphagia by a significant increase in MZ. Body weight normalized. 5HT and DA in LHA decreased after nicotine was stopped. Conclusion: Nicotine's hypophagic effect was associated with increased 5HT and DA in LHA, whereas hyperphagia after nicotine cessation was accompanied by decreased concentrations of the neurotransmitters. These findings suggest that nicotine affects appetite regulation, in part by modulation of LHA-DA and 5HT. (Surgery 1999;126:255-63.)
Bactericidal properties of hydrogen peroxide and copper or iron-containing complex ions in relation to leukocyte function

Abstract Various combinations of hydrogen peroxide, reductant (ascorbic acid and superoxide ion), and copper or iron salts and their coordination complexes were examined to determine their cytotoxicity toward several bacteria with diverse metabolic capabilities and cell envelope structures. Four sets of bactericidal conditions were identified, comprising: (1) high concentration levels (5–100 mM) of H2O2 in the absence of exogenous metal ions and reductant; (2) ferrous or ferric coordination complexes plus enzymatically generated O2·− and H2O2 at relatively low steady-state concentration levels; (3) cupric ion plus low concentration levels of H202 (1 μM-1 μM) and ascorbate (10μM-4 mM); (4) cuprous ion (or cupric ion plus ascorbate) in the absence of 02 and H202. Rates of losses in viabilities increased proportionately with increases in the concentration of H2O2 in metal-free environments and with each of the components in the Cu2+/ascorbate/H2O2 bactericidal assay system. Oxidant levels required for equivalent killing increased with increasing cell densities of the bacterial suspensions over the range investigated (2 × 107-2 × 109 cfu/ml). Other experimental conditions or other combinations of reagents, most notably Fe3+/ascorbate/H2O2 systems, did not generate bactericidal environments. The patterns of response of the three organisms tested, Streptococcus lactis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were similar, suggesting common bactericidal mechanisms. However, preliminary evidence suggests that the lethal lesions caused by the various bactericidal conditions are distinct. As discussed, each of the four bactericidal conditions could conceivably be attained within the phagosomes of leukocytes, although none has as yet been identified.
Complement activation following reoxygenation of hypoxic human endothelial cells: Role of intracellular reactive oxygen species, NF-κB and new protein synthesis

Abstract Complement plays an important role in ischemia-reperfusion injury. We recently demonstrated that reoxygenation of hypoxic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) activated the classical complement pathway and augmented iC3b deposition. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of oxygen-derived free radicals, NF-κB and new protein synthesis in this model. HUVECs subjected to 12 or 24 h hypoxic stress (1% O2) and then reoxygenated (0.5, 1, 2 or 3 h; 21% O2) in 30% human serum activated complement and deposited iC3b. Addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 1–100 μmol/l) to normoxic HUVECs increased iC3b deposition in a concentration-dependent manner. H2O2 (10 μmol/l), a concentration that did not significantly increase iC3b deposition on normoxic HUVECs, augmented iC3b deposition on hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs. We observed a significant increase in intracellular H2O2 and hydroxyl radical (OH⋅) production in hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs using dihydrorhodamine 123. Further, treatment of HUVECs with dimethylthiourea (DMTU, 1–100 μmol/l), deferoxamine (DEF, 1–100 μmol/l), or oxypurinol (10 μmol/l), but not superoxide dismutase (SOD, 500 U/ml), catalase (300 U/ml) or iron-loaded DEF, attenuated iC3b deposition following hypoxia/reoxygenation in a concentration-dependent manner. Western analysis demonstrated hypoxia-induced nuclear NF-κB translocation that increased with reoxygenation. Inhibition of new protein synthesis (i.e. cycloheximide) or inhibition of NF-κB (ALLN or SN-50) also significantly decreased iC3b deposition on hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs. We conclude that (1) hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs generate H2O2 and OH⋅; (2) treatment of HUVECs with cell permeable reactive oxygen species inhibitors/scavengers (i.e. DEF, DMTU, oxypurinol) but not large molecular weight inhibitors (i.e. catalase or SOD) significantly reduces iC3b deposition and (3) inhibition of new protein synthesis or NF-κB activation attenuates iC3b deposition. These data suggest that iC3b deposition on the vascular endothelium may be regulated by intracellular oxygen-derived free radical-induced activation of NF-κB, new protein synthesis and activation of the classical complement pathway during ischemia/reperfusion.
Improved Quality of Life Following Total Pancreatectomy and Auto-islet Transplantation for Chronic Pancreatitis

Total pancreatectomy (TP) with auto-islet transplant (AIT) is an extreme treatment for chronic pancreatitis, and we reviewed our experience to assess the impact on quality of life (QOL). A prospective cohort study from 2007 through 2010 with pre- and postoperative assessments of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Pain Disability Index, and visual analogue pain scale was performed. Twenty patients underwent TP-AIT with a median follow-up of 12 months (6.75–24 months). All patients reported moderate (45 %) to severe (55 %) pain prior to surgery. TP-AIT resulted in significant decreases in abdominal pain (p < 0.001), 80 % reporting no or mild pain. Despite pain improvement, only 30 % discontinued narcotics. Improvements in all PDI QOL domains improved from 79 to 90 % (p = 0.002), with greatest improvements seen in those without prior pancreatic surgery, younger patients, and in those with higher levels of preoperative pain. Patients were less affected by depression and anxiety prior to surgery, but 60 and 70 % did show improvement in depression and anxiety, respectively (p = 0.033). Sixteen patients (80 %) required exogenous insulin at last follow-up (mean total dose of insulin 11.6 U/day). TP-AIT significantly improves pain and QOL measures in appropriately selected patients with CP.
EFFECT OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION ON THE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTANCE OF SEA-WATER,

RECENTLY one of us (K. P.) and his colleagues examined the effect of carbon dioxide on the electrical conductance of sea-water1. They stated that one of the major causes of changes in the conductance due to the changes in carbon dioxide content in the sea is by biological activities (photosynthesis and respiration). A recent experiment in the laboratory shows that there is a measurable change in conductance as a result of the photosynthesis and respiration of a marine alga.
Evaluating discard mortality of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) in the commercial trawl fishery: Developing acoustic telemetry techniques

Abstract Fish bycatch discard mortality is one of the most significant issues influencing marine fisheries management worldwide. Discard mortality studies to date rely on potentially biased on-deck evaluation of immediate mortality or reflex impairment, and evaluation of delayed mortality through holding captured fish for varying lengths of time to determine survival. Telemetry of ultrasonically tagged fish provides a technique for evaluating fish bycatch discard mortality, and especially latent mortality, under natural conditions in the sea. For summer flounder ( Paralichthys dentatus ), along the eastern United States, an 80% discard mortality is assumed but not verified. To determine the mortality of discarded fish, both live ( n = 41; excellent condition = 4, good condition = 16, poor condition = 21) and dead ( n = 16) summer flounder from commercial fishery-length tows were tagged and released in a fixed hydrophone array (mean depth of 8.8 m) on 15 September 2009 off Brigantine, NJ. We were able to re-detect both live and dead fish within the array and during mobile tracking for approximately 24 h before a storm. Fish of poor initial health and known dead fish were redetected after the storm in a concentrated area inshore of the release site and were presumed dead. Live fish exited the array offshore, as is typical in the fall migration. The final discard mortality estimate, combining on-deck mortality (32.7%) and latent mortality (49.0%), was 81.7% similar to current estimates. Latent mortality contributed at least as much to total discard mortality as on-deck mortality, confirming assumptions of earlier assessments. Several new telemetry metrics can lead to a better understanding of these important latent effects.
Recent developments in the methodology for the formulation and organization of design specifications

Abstract The paper describes a methodology which can be of considerable assistance to specification developers to insure that specifications are clear, concise, complete and unambiguous. The application of the methodology to the development of the LRFD criteria is illustrated, and a number of new insights, concepts and needs, identified as a result of interaction with the LRFD criteria development and similar projects, are described.
The adsorption and reaction of ethylene on clean and oxygen covered Pd(100)

Abstract The absorption and reaction of C 2 H 4 on clean and oxygen covered Pd(100) was studied with temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS) and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Both the di-σ and π-bonded forms of C 2 H 4 were stable on the clean surface at 80 K. The π-bonded form desorbed in a broad peak from 100 to 300 K. but the di-σ-bonded form underwent dehydrogenation to form a vinyl species (HCCH 2 ) and ultimately methylidyne groups (CH) at 300 K. Heating to 500 K. resulted in the dehydrogenation of the CH groups and the formation of surface carbon. Preadsorbed oxygen inhibited the dehydrogenation reaction by blocking the adsorption of C 2 H 4 into the di-σ-bonded form. although π-bonded ethylene was stable for oxygen coverages up to 0.5 ML (monolayer). The extent of dehydrogenation decreased linearly to zero as the oxygen coverage was increased to 0.25 ML. and it was found that two oxygen atoms were required to block the reaction of one ethylene molecule. No other reactions between C 2 H 4 and O were observed, although small amounts of H 2 O, CO, and CO 2 were formed by reaction of oxygen and C 2 H 4 dehydrogenation products for oxygen coverages less than 0.25 ML.
Modulation of Ets-1 expression in B lymphocytes is dependent on the antigen receptor-mediated activation signals and cell cycle status.

In this report, we tested the hypothesis that Ets-1 transcription factor is modulated at the mRNA level during B cell antigen receptor (BCR)-induced cell-signalling events. Quiescent B cells express high levels of Ets-1 mRNA. Stimulation through the BCR results in time-dependent inhibition of Ets-1 mRNA expression in primary splenic B cells with maximal inhibition observed by 16-h post-stimulation. Inhibition of Ets-1 expression is specific to antigen receptor but not CD40-mediated activation. Antigen receptor–induced inhibition of Ets-1 mRNA can be mimicked by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and/or ionomycin. PMA but not ionomycin-induced inhibition of Ets-1 expression is rescued by the inhibitors of protein kinase C and MEK. Extended time-course analysis revealed a time-dependent cyclical pattern in the re-expression of Ets-1 mRNA. While resting cells revealed maximal Ets-1 mRNA expression, activation events that induced exit from G0/G1 or cells blocked in early S phase exhibited decreased Ets-1 mRNA levels. Interestingly, cells arrested at late G2 or M phase of the cell cycle failed to down modulate Ets-1 mRNA expression. Overexpression of Ets-1 in 70Z/3 B cell line caused abnormal accumulation of cells in S phase associated with increased cyclin A expression. Consistent with a requirement for Ets-1 in BCR-induced cell cycle entry, splenic B cells from mice deficient in Ets-1 showed defective antigen receptor–induced DNA synthesis and S phase entry. These results suggest a critical role for Ets-1 regulation during B cell activation and cell cycle entry.
Initial experiments toward automated robotic implantation of skew-line needle arrangements for HDR brachytherapy

Automation seeks to improve the reliability and quality of processes. This study aims to automate high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT), a radiation therapy that places radioactive sources at the site of the tumor using needles. Although HDR-BT has a high rate of clinical success in curing prostate cancer, it also has several side effects related to needle and dose trauma. A new planning algorithm from previous work optimizes needle arrangements using skew-lines (non-parallel, non-intersecting lines). This paper presents initial experiments towards an automated system for implanting skew-line needle arrangements computed from a planning system. We describe the interface, calibration and integration of the robotic hardware with the planning system, and present experiments using our robotic system to implant needles into anatomically-correct tissue phantoms. Results suggest that this system can achieve HDR-BT treatment objectives with reduced trauma to organs and low demands on operator skill, thus making the procedure more reliable and repeatable. In the future, we believe that robotic HDR-BT will improve overall treatment quality with reduced dependence on physician skill.
Potential computation in a conducting prolate spheroidal shell using Exodus method

This paper presents the use of Exodus method to compute potential distribution in a conducting prolate spheroidal shell. The transition probabilities for the Exodus method simulation are obtained from the finite difference scheme transformation of the prolate spheroid Laplace equation. This method is independent of the random number generation from the computing facility and gives more accurate results. The results obtained perfectly matched with those obtained using exact solution and explicit finite difference solution method.
Interrogative theory of information and knowledge

This report offers an interrogative-based approach to differentiating and quantifying information and knowledge within text. We examine the work of Popper, Shannon, Weaver, Brookes, and Debons on information and knowledge. We offer a new synthesis of their perspectives, which provides the theoretical background for Interrogative Theory. Interrogative Theory suggests that text is a heterogeneous mixture of data, information, and knowledge, which can be separated and quantified through the interrogatives. Several exploratory research efforts based on this interrogative paradigm have been undertaken, including a study of the effects of differentiated information and knowledge on problem solving. Data are presented from these studies. Applications of this approach are described including information system design, problem solving and decision making, text indexing, information overload, meta-data, and knowledge management.
PROMOTING REGULAR EXERCISE IN ORGANIZATIONAL FITNESS PROGRAMS: HEALTH‐RELATED DIFFERENCES IN MOTIVATIONAL BUILDING BLOCKS

Hypotheses are proposed about relations among “building block” components of the motivation to attain exercise goals in an organizational fitness program, as well as about health-related individual differences in those components. The hypotheses are tested in a longitudinal field study involving questionnaire, physiological, and behavioral data from 107 participants in such a program. In support of the componential hypotheses, goal attainment was a positive function of goal commitment. Goal commitment was an additive function of goal attractiveness and goal-specific self-efficacy/perceived control. In support of the individual difference hypotheses, physiological variables were associated with work- and health-related perceived barriers to goal attainment. Employees with high health risks ranged from .5 to 1.2 SDs higher in perceived barriers than employees with low risks. Evidence suggests that for goal setting to succeed as a program intervention, managers must concentrate on reducing the perceived work- and health-related barriers to exercise participation and goal attainment, especially for employees with high health risks.
Satellite records solar flare

Scientific instruments aboard NASA's Solar Maximum Mission spacecraft have recorded a 40-minute burst on the sun's surface, which may have resulted in the ‘most significant observations ever made of a solar flare.’ The flare, covering more than 5.2 billion km2 of the sun's surface, was measured by six instruments aboard the spacecraft on May 21. The intense electromagnetic radiation generated from the flare so disturbed the earth's ionosphere that radio communications over a broad band of frequencies were lost for more than a half hour, according to scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The flare also created a 9-hour geomagnetic storm, but it had little other effect on the earth, they reported.
Permeability of Different Experimental Brain Tumor Models to Horseradish Peroxidase

The permeability of different brain tumor models to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was examined by determining the fraction of tumor that contained HRP after intravenous administration. The intracerebral tumor models studied were Avian Sarcoma Virus (ASV)-induced tumors and tumors from transplanted RG-2, S69-C1-5, and 9L cell lines. The average fraction of RG-2 tumors permeable to HRP was .95; of S69-C1-5 tumors, .699; of ASV-induced tumors. .63; and of 9L tumors, .52. Except for the RG-2 tumors, there was considerable regional variation in HRP permeability, which was most marked in the ASV-induced tumors. In ASV-induced tumors, HRP permeability did not correlate with tumor histological classification, size, or anatomic location within the brain. The subcutaneous tumor models studied were RG-2-, S69-C1-5, and 9L-transplanted tumors in rats, and human glioblastoma cell lines transplanted into nude mice. All were completely permeable to HRP. These results indicate that significant differences in permeability to HRP exist among brain tumor models when the tumors are intracerebral, and that all subcutaneous tumors from transplanted glial cell lines are completely permeable to HRP. These variables must be considered in future studies of permeability in experimental brain tumors. Care must be exercised in extrapolating results about permeability from one brain tumor model to another.
Pesticide exposure to greenhouse foggers

Abstract The exposure of pesticide applicators in a commercial greenhouse facility was assessed. Data were collected from three subjects who applied fluvalinate, chlorpyrifos, and ethazol with a fogging device. Potential exposure was measured with exposure pads placed outside all clothing of the applicator. Handwashes and air samples were also collected, as were pre- and post-exposure tank mixture samples. Pesticide penetration was measured with exposure pads placed inside protective clothing. When all exposure assessments were normalized for spray rate, it was determined that applicators were at significantly greater potential dermal risk (excluding hands) from fluvalinate. Exposure to outside pads was primarily (75%) on the extremities of the applicators. Ethazol penetrated Tyvek® coveralls the most. Tank mixture analyses suggested that the wettable powder formulations were not well-mixed.
Three-year incidence of low back pain in an initially asymptomatic cohort: clinical and imaging risk factors.

Study design Prospective cohort study of randomly selected Veterans Affairs out-patients without baseline low back pain (LBP). Objective To determine predictors of new LBP as well as the 3-year incidence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Summary of background data Few prospective studies have examined clinical and anatomic risk factors for the development of LBP, or the incidence of new imaging findings and their relationship to back pain onset. Methods We randomly selected 148 Veterans Affairs out-patients (aged 35 to 70) without LBP in the past 4 months. We compared baseline and 3-year lumbar spine MRI. Using data collected every 4 months, we developed a prediction model of back pain-free survival. Results After 3 years, 131 subjects were contacted, and 123 had repeat MRI. The 3-year incidence of pain was 67% (88 of 131). Depression had the largest hazard ratio (2.3, 95% CI = 1.2-4.4) of any baseline predictor of inci-dent back pain. Among baseline imaging findings, central spinal stenosis and nerve root contact had the highest, though nonsignificant, hazard ratios. We did not find an association between new LBP and type 1 endplate changes, disc degeneration, annular tears, or facet degeneration. The incidence of new MRI findings was low, with the most common new finding being disc signal loss in 11 (9%) subjects. All five subjects with new disc extrusions and all four subjects with new nerve root impingement had new pain. Conclusion Depression is an important predictor of new LBP, with MRI findings likely less important. New imaging findings have a low incidence; disc extrusions and nerve root contact may be the most important of these findings.
A combined tubularized/onlay graft technique for total correction of severe hypospadias

Abstract Background/Purpose : A combined tubularized/onlay graft technique is described for the complete correction of chordee with urethroplasty in a single stage in cases of severe hypospadias. Methods : Twenty-two patients with severe hypospadias ranging in age from 9 months to 11 years underwent single-stage correction using a technique developed by the author. In this method, chordee is first completely excised by removing all fibrotic tissue both proximal and distal to the urethral orifice, preserving the meatal groove. A dorsolateral preputial flap is then raised and tubularized to form the neourethra. The proximal end of this tube is anastomosed to the urethral opening using a continuous absorbable suture. Two parallel incisions are made in the glans on either side of the meatal groove. The distal part of the neourethral flap is laid over the groove and sutured on either side to create the glanular part of the urethra, after which the glans is reconstructed with the new meatal opening at the tip. The neourethral suture line is covered with a layer of vascularized subcutaneous tissue to protect against fistula formation, and the rest of the preputial skin is transferred ventrally to provide cover for the penile shaft. Results : There were no major complications with minimum follow-up of 20 months. Meatal stenosis developed in two patients, and one had stricture at the proximal anastomosis. These were treated successfully with minor corrective procedures. All other patients had good results, and there were no cases of fistula. Conclusions : The method described has proved successful in the surgical correction of severe hypospadias in a single stage. It is easily adapted to permit urethral reconstruction after varying degrees of tissue excision required to obtain satisfactory correction of chordee. Patients do not need to undergo multiple procedures, and no major complications were encountered in this series.
Deglycosylated Anti-Aβ Antibody Dose–Response Effects on Pathology and Memory in APP Transgenic Mice

Anti-Aβ antibody administration to amyloid-depositing transgenic mice can reverse amyloid pathology and restore memory function. However, in old mice, these treatments also increase vascular leakage and promote formation of vascular amyloid deposits. Deglycosylated antibodies with reduced affinity for Fcγ receptors and complement are associated with reduced vascular amyloid and microhemorrhage while retaining amyloid-clearing and memory-enhancing properties of native intact antibodies. In the current experiment, we investigated the effect of 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg of deglycosylated antibody (D-2H6) on amyloid pathology and cognitive behavior in old Tg2576 mice. We found that low doses of deglycosylated antibody appear more efficacious than higher doses in reducing pathology and memory loss in amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice. These data suggest that excess antibody unbound to antigen can interfere with antibody-mediated Aβ clearance, possibly by saturating the FcRn antibody transporter.
Communication techniques for allaying anxiety and providing support for hospitalized children.

The Clinical Forum Department presents brief reports focused on discussion of clinical issues or innovative practice ideas and programs.
Surface Flashover Characteristics of Nano-Composite Dielectric Materials Under DC and Pulsed Signals in Partial Vacuum

Surface flashover is a major issue in electrical insulation in power systems, both in space or atmospheric environments. In general, random emission of a small number of electrons at the cathode results in positive charging of the dielectric surface at the triple junction, thus initiating surface flashover across the dielectric. Developments in nano-particulate and nano-dielectric materials and effects of nano-scale fillers on electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of polymeric materials have been observed. In this paper, we present experimental results of surface flashover characteristics of epoxy resin and epoxy resin cast with powdered Al2O3 in partial vacuum. The flashover experiments are conducted with DC, AC and repetitive pulsed signals separately. Surface flashover voltage and current waveforms and light emission data with PMT were recorded. The samples used in the experiments were produced by using either epoxy resin of known properties, or by mixing known quantities of Al2O3 with epoxy. The electrode material placed over the dielectric samples was copper
A primal dual integer programming algorithm

Abstract We introduce the framework for a primal dual integer programming algorithm. We prove convergence, and discuss some special cases.
Process improvement decreases no show rates for pediatric cardiac MR imaging with anesthesia.

Background Coordination of pediatric imaging and anesthesia is a complex logistical challenge involving anesthesiologists, nurses, anesthetists, nurse practitioners, PACU nurses, radiologists, technologists and notwithstanding schedulers and receptionists. Parents often can be stressed, due to the child’s NPO status and/or physical condition. Driving to an unfamiliar hospital and transportation difficulties can lead to an appointment no-show. We identified a high noshow rate in the formation of a pediatric cardiac imaging program and instituted process improvement changes to improve attendance in an academic center with a predominately rural population.
The Borg hypothesis

What if intelligent computing were centered inside humans? Portending an even braver and newer world, it's now possible to insert wires into a person's nerves to control appliances. We can even send such signals over the Internet, where they are decoded by computer and then fed into another person's nervous system. Human bodies are getting more and more plugged in. It's not easy to set aside questions of ethics and choice. It is not even possible. However, in this essay we simply overlook them in order to work toward our hypothesis. To do that, we must take you on a trip into space. Our argument is that if humanity decides to continue human exploration of space, we will sooner or later-probably sooner-be forced to center some intelligent computing inside humans.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements of H2O-broadened half-widths of CO2 at 4.3 μmThis article is part of a Special Issue on Spectroscopy at the University of New Brunswick in honour of Colan Linton and Ron Lees.

To support remote sensing of carbon dioxide in the troposphere, H2O pressure-broadened half-widths were obtained for 182 lines of CO2 in the 2250–2390 cm–1 region. For this, six spectra of CO2 were recorded at 0.003 89 cm–1 resolution using a Bruker IFS-125HR at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The absorption cell length was 6.14 cm, and the water pressures ranged from 20.1 to 26.5 torr (1 torr = 133.322 4 Pa) near room temperatures. Partial pressures of the species in the mixtures were determined by measuring selected line intensities in the v3 band of CO2 and the v2 band of H2O. Sample temperatures were validated by deriving rotational temperature from the v3 and v2 + v3 – v2 intensities of 12CO2 and those of CO (1–0). Positions, intensities, and half-widths were retrieved spectrum by spectrum using a nonlinear least-squares line-fitting algorithm, employing a standard Voigt line shape profile and an instrumental line shape consisting of a sinc function with aperture correction. Half-widths obtained for b...
An Effective and Robust Method for Automatic Bacterial Colony Enumeration

Bacterial colony enumeration has applications in many different assays such as antibiotic screening, toxicology testing, and genotoxicity measuring. The counting of bacterial colony is usually performed by well-trained technicians manually. However, this manual enumeration process has a very low throughput, and is time consuming and labor intensive in practice. To provide consistent and accurate results and improve the throughput, the existing colony counter devices and software were then developed and commercialized in the market. In this study, we propose a fully automatic colony counter and compare its performance with Clono-Counter, an existing automatic colony counter reported by Niyazi et al. Our proposed method can significantly reduce the manual labor by automatically detecting the dish/plate region and extracting and counting colonies. Our experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms Clono-Counter in terms of Precision, Recall, and F-measures.
Changes in direction of the remanence of rocks produced by stationary alternating field demagnetization

Summary. A theoretical investigation of the way in which an isotropic rock containing single-domain particles acquires both IRM and ARM (or TRM) has indicated that stationary single-axis alternating field (af) demagnetization with the af axis at an angle to the remanence vector should produce progressive angular changes in a single-component remanence as demagnetization proceeds. Just before the remanence is completely removed it should lie at 90° to the af axis irrespective of the original orientation of the remanence (apart from 0°). Experimental observations on a rock sample support these deductions. This analysis has been extended to investigate the way in which ARM (or TRM) and IRM are demagnetized by static three-axis demagnetization methods which are used by some workers in palaeomagnetism. Theory, in conjunction with the use of a numerical model, predicts that an ARM or TRM should not undergo significant direction changes when these methods are applied but an IRM should undergo progressive direction changes as demagnetization proceeds, usually moving until it makes an angle of cos−1 (1/3) with each of the three af axes just before it is removed. Confirmation that such changes do occur have been obtained by experiments on a rock sample. The relative merits of static and tumbling af demagnetization methods are also discussed.
Gestational age at abortion: the impact of first-trimester risk assessment for aneuploidy.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of first-trimester risk assessment on gestational age at abortion for abnormal fetal karyotype. Study design Women who had abortion for trisomies 21, 18, and 13, 45X, and Triploidy in our hospital from 1999 to 2005 were included. Data collected included gestational age at abortion, method of prenatal diagnosis, and whether or not first-trimester risk assessment was performed. Analysis was performed using Spearman Correlation, Chi-square for trend, Fisher exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results One hundred forty-nine patients were included. There was an inverse correlation between year of abortion and gestational age (rho = −0.31; P Conclusion First-trimester risk assessment is associated with earlier diagnosis of aneuploidy. In our institution, this has led to earlier abortions. Availability of quality first-trimester risk assessment can decrease the need for abortion later in pregnancy.
Coronavirus Infection in Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Disease of Infants

A serologic surveillance of lower respiratory tract disease in 417 hospitalized children under 18 months of age revealed infection with coronaviruses (strains OC43 and/or 229E) in 34 (8.2%). During the same interval, one of 13 control infants was infected. There were two distinct periods lasting six and 14 weeks, respectively, during which the incidence rose to as high as 18.9% of patients with lower respiratory tract disease. The incidence of coronavirus infection in patients with pneumonia and bronchiolitis was higher than the incidences of adenoviruses, influenza, parainfluenza viruses types 1 and 2, and rhinoviruses, and lower only than the incidences of parainfluenza virus type 3 and respiratory syncytial virus. Coronaviruses serologically similar or identical to strain 229E were recovered from frozen nasal washes obtained during the acute phase of pneumonia in two children. Continuing programs of surveillance during the past decade have provided evidence that viral infection is the major identifiable cause of acute lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in chil­ dren. Nevertheless, in every published study be­ tween one-third and two-thirds of serious illnesses cannot be associated with infection by known viruses [1-4]. When the human coronaviruses were first discovered [5-7] and were shown to be of importance in upper respiratory disease in adults [8, 9], it was hoped that they might account for a proportion of these unexplained illnesses. However, a seroepidemiologic study of their role in LRTD showed no statistically significant corre­ lation with illness [8]. Nevertheless, in the young­ est group examined (children less than one year
Fast power/ground network optimization based on equivalent circuit modeling

This paper presents an efficient algorithm for optimizing the area of power or ground networks in integrated circuits subject to the reliability constraints. Instead of solving the original power/ground networks extracted from circuit layouts as previous methods did, the new method first builds the equivalent models for many series resistors in the original networks, then the sequence of linear programming method [9] is used to solve the simplified networks. The solutions of the original networks then are back solved from the optimized, simplified networks. The new algorithm simply exploits the regularities in the power/ground networks. Experimental results show that the complexities of simplified networks are typically significantly smaller than that of the original circuits, which renders the new algorithm extremely fast. For instance, power/ground networks with more than one million branches can be sized in a few minutes on modern SUN workstations.
Review of Wind-Tunnel Freestream Pressure Fluctuations

(lib) For this flow condition, a saturated laser, K}^ , andpw>5 Tor r cm, i.e., f//2>5, the axisymmetric nozzle has an output power twice that of a two-dimensional nozzle with the same exit flow conditions and exit width w. In this pw regime, however, the chemical efficiency of the axisymmetric nozzle is 20% or less that of a premixed (pw = 0) laser. For pw = 1 Torr cm, i.e., fl/2 = l, the axisymmetric nozzle has about 30% greater output than the corresponding two-dimensional nozzle and a chemical efficiency equal to about 60% that of a premixed laser. For /?w /2<0.5, both nozzles have essentially premixed laser performance. For either nozzle, a reduction in pw results in improved performance (Fig. 3). The effect of p/pF*\0 is found in Eq. (Ha). Fabrication and nozzle wall boundary-layer effects also have to be considered when comparing two-dimensional and axisymmetric nozzles. These are beyond the scope of this study. Acknowledgment
MR Staging of Acute Dural Sinus Thrombosis: Correlation with Venous Pressure Measurements and Implications for Treatment and Prognosis

PURPOSE To correlate parenchymal brain changes, venous sinus pressure measurements, and outcome in 29 patients with acute dural sinus thrombosis. METHODS A retrospective review of 29 patients with angiographically proved acute dural sinus thrombosis was made from January 1989 to December 1993. MR examinations were performed on either a 0.5- or 1.5-T superconductive scanner in multiple planes. Direct dural sinus venography, cerebral angiography, and MR venography were performed. Venous sinus pressure measurements were obtained in 11 of 29 patients. RESULTS We identified five distinct stages of brain parenchymal changes; each stage correlated with increasing intradural sinus pressure. The pressures measured in this study ranged from 20 to 50 mm Hg. Brain parenchymal changes were reversible up to stage III if thrombolytic treatment was performed. Beyond stage III, there were some residual changes, even after thrombolysis. All stage V patients died. CONCLUSION Acute dural sinus thrombosis leads to distinct stages of parenchymal changes, the severity of which depends on the degree of venous congestion, which, in turn, is closely related to intradural sinus pressure. As intradural sinus pressure increases, progression from mild parenchymal change to severe cerebral edema and/or hematoma may occur if thrombolysis is delayed.
Bounding Communication Delay in Energy Harvesting Sensor Networks

In energy-harvesting sensor networks, limited ambient energy from environment necessitates sensor nodes to operate at a low-duty-cycle, i.e., they communicate briefly and stay asleep most of time. Such low-duty-cycle operation leads to orders of magnitude longer communication delays in comparison with traditional always-active networks, imposing a new challenge in many time-sensitive sensor network applications (e.g., tracking and alert). In this paper, we introduce novel solutions for bounding sink-to-node communications in energy-harvesting sensor networks. We first present an optimal solution for the sink-to-one case and its distributed implementation. For the sink-to-many case, we theoretically prove its NP-Hardness and in approximability property, followed by an efficient heuristic solution. We have evaluated our design with both extensive simulation and a TinyOS/Mote based implementation. Compared with an improved version of a state-of-the-art design, our delay maintenance design effectively provides E2E delay guarantees while consuming as much as 60% less energy.
Comments on the characteristic polynomial of a graph

Several unique advantages of the Le Verrier–Fadeev–Frame method for the characteristic polynomials of graphs over the method proposed by Zivkovic recently based on the Givens–Householder method are described. It is shown that the Givens–Householder method proposed by Zivkovic, by itself fails for directed graphs, signed graphs, and complex nonhermetian graphs requiring extensive modifications to the Householder algorithm through the double + random shift QR procedure requiring more computations than claimed. Furthermore, the QR procedure does not always converge and requires random shifts. To the contrary, it is shown that the Le Verrier–Fadeev–Frame method does not require any such modifications or random shifts and takes less total CPU times when both algorithms are run using vector processors. Hence it is demonstrated that the Le Verrier–Frame algorithm is efficient and superior in its universal and direct applicability to all graphs requiring no further modifications (directed, signed, and complex).
Prolonged food deprivation increases mRNA expression of deiodinase 1 and 2, and thyroid hormone receptor β-1 in a fasting-adapted mammal.

SUMMARY Food deprivation in mammals is typically associated with reduced thyroid hormone (TH) concentrations and deiodinase content and activity to suppress metabolism. However, in prolonged-fasted, metabolically active elephant seal pups, TH levels are maintained, if not elevated. The functional relevance of this apparent paradox is unknown and demonstrates variability in the regulation of TH levels, metabolism and function in food-deprived mammals. To address our hypothesis that cellular TH-mediated activity is upregulated with fasting duration, we quantified the mRNA expression and protein content of adipose and muscle deiodinase type I (DI1) and type II (DI2), and TH receptor beta-1 (THrβ-1) after 1, 3 and 7 weeks of fasting in northern elephant seal pups ( N =5–7 per week). Fasting did not decrease the concentrations of plasma thyroid stimulating hormone, total triiodothyronine (tT 3 ), free T 3 , total thyroxine (tT 4 ) or free T 4 , suggesting that the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis is not suppressed, but rather maintained during fasting. Mean mRNA expression of adipose DI1 and DI2 increased threefold and fourfold, respectively, and 20- and 30-fold, respectively, in muscle. With the exception of adipose DI1, protein expression of adipose DI2 and muscle DI1 and DI2 increased twofold to fourfold. Fasting also increased adipose (fivefold) and muscle (fourfold) THrβ-1 mRNA expression, suggesting that the mechanisms mediating cellular TH activity are upregulated with prolonged fasting. The data demonstrate a unique, atypical mechanism of TH activity and regulation in mammals adapted to prolonged food deprivation in which the potential responsiveness of peripheral tissues and cellular TH activity are increased, which may contribute to their lipid-based metabolism.
The Stigmatization and Devaluation of Elites Associated with Corporate Failures: A Process Model

We develop a model to explain the process by which corporate failure leads to professional devaluation of individual elites. We envision that corporate failure evokes a stigmatization process, in which society's arbiters engage in constituent minded sensemaking to interpret the conditions surrounding the failure, including the characteristics of the individual elite, and arrive at judgments about the person's blameworthiness. We discuss implications of this research for the study of stigma and stigmatization, as well as “settling-up” in managerial labor markets.
The Making of Pan-European Infrastructure: From the Schengen Information System to the European Arrest Warrant

This chapter investigates how a complex EU criminal justice procedure, the European Arrest Warrant (EAW), has been implemented and is performing its function through the support of a pre-existing information infrastructure: the Schengen Information System (SIS). Below the apparently seamless surface of the enabling information infrastructure lays a world of complexity. The infrastructure supports the transmission of data as well as sensemaking and the solution of se-mantic, administrative and procedural micro-issues through its human ‘intelligent’ components operating in ad hoc organisational units. Complexity is embedded in the heterogeneous, loosely integrated, and time bounded components of SIS. The chapter also investigates how the attempt to introduce a more complete Schengen Information System (SIS II) in order to fully satisfy EAW requirements resulted in a never-ending normative and technological development phase. Building on this wealth of experience, the chapter provides an in-depth view of the dynamics affecting the development of large transborder information infrastructures support-ing the circulation of legal agency.
A Qualitative Study of Client–Clinician Text Exchanges in a Mobile Health Intervention for Individuals With Psychotic Disorders and Substance Use

abstractObjective: Mobile health (mHealth) approaches have the potential to transform prevention, wellness, and illness management for people with dual diagnosis consisting of co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders by providing timely and cost-effective interventions in clients' natural environments. However, little is known about how clients interact with mHealth interventions to manage their illness. This qualitative study explored the content of mobile phone text messages between clients with dual diagnosis and a clinician who engaged them in daily assessment and intervention text exchanges. Methods: Seventeen participants with psychotic disorders and substance use were enrolled in a 12-week single-arm trial of an mHealth intervention focusing on illness management. The clinician (i.e., mobile interventionist) sent daily text messages to participants' privately owned mobile phones to assess their medication adherence and clinical status. The clinician provided other illness management ...
CARBON-ARC-LIGHT TREATMENT IN BONE AND JOINT TUBERCULOSIS

1. Twenty-two children with bone and joint tuberculosis were treated throughout the winter and spring with radiations from a high intensity carbon arc light. 2. In the majority of cases the blood counts rose under treatment. Our figures support the theory that the effect of the light upon the blood-forming tissues is a restoration of normal function, not a mere stimulation. 3. The children tended to gain weight while under treatment. 4. The favorable effect upon the local tuberculous lesion was marked. 5. We believe that our findings show that exposures to the radiations of the high intensity carbon-arc light are of value in the treatment of bone and joint tuberculosis, especially during those months when little sunlight is available. 6. While the value of this form of treatment seems to be well established many problems connected with its use remain to be solved.