cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical and histologic description of ocular anatomy in captive black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus).

Objective To describe the clinical and histologic ocular anatomy of the black-tailed prairie dog (PD). Animals studied Seventeen captive black-tailed PDs (11 males and six females), ranging in age from approximately 4 months to 4.5 years. Procedures Complete ocular examinations, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, were performed under isoflurane anesthesia. The globes (n = 2) of one black-tailed PD were harvested immediately after euthanasia and processed after formalin fixation. Staining with hematoxylin–eosin, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, glial fibrillary acidic protein, chromogranin A, claudin-5, smooth muscle actin, and vimentin was performed for light microscopic evaluation. Results A thick mucinous precorneal tear film was present on the ocular surface. A vestigial nictitating membrane was identified in the medial canthus area. The limbus was heavily pigmented, the iris was a dark homogenous brown, and the pupil was round. Funduscopically, there was no tapetum lucidum, the retinal vascular pattern was holangiotic, and a horizontally elongated optic disk was visualized. The most common ocular abnormalities were acquired eyelid margin defects, present in seven eyes of six black-tailed PDs (35.3%). On histologic examination, the retina was asymmetric, thicker below the optic disk and thinner above it. Conclusions The black-tailed PD fundus is atapetal with a holangiotic retinal vessel pattern and a horizontally elongated optic disk. Acquired lesions of the peri-ocular and eyelid region were the most common documented abnormality. Unique anatomic features of the globe and adnexa were confirmed with histologic and immunohistochemical analysis.
Parental Report of Receipt of Adolescent Preventive Health Counseling Services from Pediatric Providers

Abstract Objective Little is known about prevention-focused counseling health providers deliver to parents of adolescents. This study compared parental report of discussions with their adolescents’ providers about a range of adolescent prevention topics. Methods Between June and November 2009, a questionnaire was provided to parents accompanying adolescents aged 11–18 on outpatient clinic visits. Parents indicated, anonymously, which of 22 prevention topics they remembered discussing with their adolescent's provider. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to identify correlates of parental recall. Results Among the 358 participants, 83% reported discussing at least one prevention topic. More parents reported discussing general prevention topics than mental health or high-risk topics (e.g. sex). Adolescent gender, visit type, having a usual source of care, and parental beliefs about their adolescents’ risk behaviors correlated with parental report of discussions about high-risk and mental health topics. Conclusion Most parents recalled discussing one or more topics with their adolescent's health provider. However, parental report of discussions about topics linked to significant adolescent morbidity was low. Practice implications Strategies to improve the frequency, timeliness and appropriateness of counseling services delivered to parents about adolescent preventive health are needed. Strategies that utilize decision support tools or patient education tools may be warranted.
African four-striped grass mice (Rhabdomys pumilio), a diurnal-crepuscular muroid rodent, in the behavioral laboratory

African four-striped grass mice,Rhabdomys pumilio, are potentially valuable animals for laboratory studies of behavior. In nature, they live in the grasslands of much of Africa. In the laboratory, striped mice adapt well to a number of behavioral testing situations. Ten male grass mice tested in running wheels displayed a mean of approximately 10,000 revolutions per day, with a diurnal-crepuscular pattern characterized by sharp peaks near the time of light onset and offset and a generally greater level of wheel running in light than in darkness. The retinal anatomy of this species is characterized by a cone-like organization of the outer segment layer and unusual thickness of the inner plexiform layer, suggesting an unusual high amount of retinal data processing for a muroid rodent. The copulatory pattern ofR. pumilio is characterized by no lock, no intravaginal thrusting, multiple intromissions preceding ejaculation, and multiple ejaculations. The number of intromissions preceding the first ejaculation is unusually high, and postejaculatory intervals are unusually long. Grass mice display intermediate levels of open-field activity, but little climbing or digging.
Effects of setting on the subjective and behavioral effects of d-amphetamine in humans

The effects of setting on the subjective and behavioral effects of 20 mg oral d-amphetamine were studied in eight healthy volunteers. A within-subjects design was used in which subjects ingested either amphetamine or placebo capsules in either an inpatient (isolated laboratory room) or an outpatient (normal daily environment) setting. The order of the four experimental conditions was randomized across subjects. Subjective drug effects were assessed using the Profile of Mood States, the Addiction Research Center Inventory, a Visual Analogue Scale, and a Drug Effects/Liking questionnaire, completed prior to and 1, 3, and 6 h after capsule ingestion. In addition, an End-of-Session questionnaire measuring overall drug liking and drug identification was completed at the 6-h timepoint. Subjects wore wrist monitors to record their physical activity levels during the 6-h postingestion period. Amphetamine produced typical stimulant-like subjective effects such as elation, euphoria, and friendliness, but the setting neither quantitatively nor qualitatively altered the drug response.
Feedback schemes for multiuser MIMO-OFDM downlink

We consider a MIMO-OFDM broadcast channel and compare achievable ergodic rates under three channel state feedback schemes: analog feedback, direction quantized feedback and ldquotime-domainrdquo channel quantized feedback. The third scheme is new, and it is inspired by rate-distortion theory of Gaussian correlated sources. For each scheme we derive the conditions under which the system achieves full multiplexing gain. The first two schemes are direct extensions of previously proposed schemes to the OFDM case. The key difference with respect to the widely treated frequency-flat case is that in MIMO-OFDM the ldquofrequency-domainrdquo channel is a Gaussian correlated source. The new ldquotime-domainrdquo quantization scheme takes advantage of the channel frequency correlation structure and outperforms the other schemes. Furthermore, it is by far simpler to implement than complicated spherical vector quantization. In particular, we observe that no structured codebook design and vector quantization is actually needed for efficient channel state information feedback.
Heterogeneous time preferences and the distribution of wealth

Abstract This paper shows that when households are heterogeneous with respect to time preference, the capital market functions as a powerful mechanism generating and maintaining a highly skewed distribution of wealth. A simple model of household savings is embedded into (1) a consumption loans economy and (2) a productive capital economy. The robustness of the conclusions is tested by relaxing some of the simplifying assumptions. Various counteracting instruments of social policy are discussed.
Continuous Spectrophotometric Assay of Peptide Deformylase

A continuous assay for peptide deformylase has been developed using a formylated dipeptide, formyl-Met-Leu-p-nitroanilide, as substrate. Removal of the formyl group by a peptide deformylase renders the dipeptide product, which contains a free NH2 terminus, a substrate for an aminopeptidase from Aeromonas proteolytica. Sequential hydrolysis of the dipeptide by the aminopeptidase releases a p-nitroaniline, which is monitored spectrophotometrically at 405 nm. This assay was applied to determine the pH optimum and the catalytic activity of a peptide deformylase from Escherichia coli. The E. coli enzyme is most active near neutral pH (pH 7.0) and displays Michaelis-Menten kinetics toward the formylated dipeptide, with K(M) = 20.3 +/- 1.3 microM, k(cat) = 38 +/- 2 s(-1), and k(cat)/K(M) = 1.9 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1). It also exhibits an acylase activity, capable of deacylating N-acetyl-Met-Leu-p-nitroanilide and N-trifluoroacetyl-Met-Leu-p-nitroanilide, albeit at drastically reduced rates. These results demonstrate that the current assay is a convenient, rapid, and sensitive method for kinetic studies of peptide deformylase. The strategy employed in this work should also be generally applicable to the characterization of other acylases.
INFORMATION MANAGER FOR DETERMINING DATA PRESENTATION PREFERENCES IN FUTURE ENROUTE AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

One proposed vision of the future National Airspace System (NAS) involved a change in philosophy from that of air traffic control to one of air traffic management, i.e. Free Flight. In order to accommodate this change, new technologies will be implemented to assist the air traffic manager in decision making.
Seasonal reproductive costs contribute to reduced survival of female greater sage‐grouse

Tradeoffs among demographic traits are a central component of life history theory. We investigated tradeoffs between reproductive effort and survival in female greater sage-grouse breeding in the American Great Basin, while also considering reproductive heterogeneity by examining covariance among current and future reproductive success. We analyzed survival and reproductive histories from 328 individual female greater sage-grouse captured between 2003 and 2011, and examined the effect of reproductive effort on survival and future reproduction. Monthly survival of females was variable within years, and this within-year variation was associated with distinct biological seasons. Monthly survival was greatest during the winter (November–March; FW  0.99  0.001 SE), and summer (June–July; FS  0.98  0.01 SE), and lower during nesting (April–May; FN  0.93  0.02 SE) and fall (August–October; FF  0.92  0.02 SE). Successful reproduction was associated with reduced monthly survival during summer and fall, and this effect was greatest during fall. Females that successfully fledged chicks had lower annual survival (0.47  0.05 SE) than females who were not successful (0.64  0.04 SE). Annual survival did not vary across years, consistent with a slow-paced life history strategy in greater sage-grouse. In contrast, reproductive success varied widely, and was positively correlated with annual rainfall. We found evidence for heterogeneity among females with respect to reproductive success; compared with unsuccessful females, females that raised a brood successfully in year t were more than twice as likely to be successful in year t  1. Female greater sage-grouse incur costs to survival associated with reproduction, however, variation in quality among females may override costs to subsequent reproductive output.
Properties of casein concentrates containing various levels of beta‐casein

Microfiltration (MF) of milk was used to produce casein (CN) concentrates (80% protein) with reduced whey protein levels. By varying temperature of MF, we altered the proportion of β-CN to αs-CN in CN concentrates and compared them to milk protein concentrate (MPC). Casein content as a % of protein was approximately 90% for CN concentrates and approximately 80% for MPC. Smaller micelles and weaker rennet gels were observed for CN concentrates with low β-CN level. Foam stability and yield stress values were higher for CN concentrates with a high β-CN level. Modified CN concentrates can be produced by altering the proportions of individual CNs.
Capital punishment preferences for special offender populations

The present study utilized the factorial survey design, a quasi-experimental approach, in an attempt to measure respondent's capital punishment preferences regarding juvenile, the mentally incompetent, and the mentally retarded offenders. The findings indicated that respondents were significantly less likely to prefer capital punishment over alternative sentencing options. Moreover, the influence aggravating and mitigating circumstances such as the offender's age, mental capacity, prior record, and death-eligibility were found to strongly affect the public's death penalty preferences. The substantive, methodological, and public policy implications of this study are discussed.
A Pilot Program in Teaching Spanish: An Intensive Approach*

This document describes an educational experiment designed to test the proposition that language learning can best be carried cn through a program of maximum exposure in the least possible time. An experimental class of 19 average students participated in an eight-week intensive course consisting of four half-hour laboratory sessions; there were two hours of home study in the evening. The students lived in dormitories with other students following the same course. Weekends were left for recreation. Tests administered to the experimental group and a control group before and after the course provide statistics for comparison. The small number of students involved in the research is not sufficient to prove the initial proposition, but further research on the hypothesis is
Nano precision AFM imaging by stereo deconvolution: theory; applications, and experimental validation

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), a modality of SPM, has been used for capturing metrological data of a wide range of surface types, with possible nanometer range resolution. However, AFM images of high aspect ratio surface features such as lines, steps or sharp or sharp edges, are commonly distorted by convolution, which reduces metrological accuracy and data repeatability. In order to mitigate these limiting factors, we developed and implemented a novel AFM imaging mode and image deconvolution procedure that utilizes the principle of geometric reconstruction by stereo imaging. In this scheme, we combine multiple images of a sample, taken at different angles, allowing for the separation of convolution artifacts form true topographic data. The method is iteraive from an algorithmic standpoint and converges to a geometric reconstruction of the sample with minimal uncertainty. Most importantly, this technique does not require a priori probe characterization. It also reduces the need for slender or sharper probes, which are more prone to wear and damage, leading to loss of system reliability. In this paper, we briefly cover the fundamentals of the method and proceed to analyze validation result obtained via both simulation and experimentation. Resulting reconstructions obtained with this novel AFM stereo imaging approach are directly compared to white light interferometer and SEM data.
Hostility-related differences in the associations between stress-induced physiological reactivity and lipid concentrations in young healthy women.

We examined the relations of fasting lipid levels to stress-induced neuroendocrine and cardiovascular responses as a function of hostility in 36 healthy young women. Participants were women who scored above 17 (n = 23) or below 12 (n = 13) on the Cook-Medley Hostility (Ho) Inventory. Lipids were determined following an overnight fast. Individuals participated in a solvable anagram task, which evoked significant physiological responses in all participants. The Ho group by total serum cholesterol (TSC) and the Ho group by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol interactions significantly predicted heart rate (HR) and norepinephrine (Ne) responses. For high Ho women, elevations in TSC and LDL cholesterol were associated with smaller HR responses and larger Ne responses. In contrast, for low Ho women, elevations in TSC and LDL cholesterol were associated with larger HR responses and smaller Ne responses. Results also indicated a significant Ho group by TSC to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio interaction for Cortisol. For high Ho women, larger Cortisol responses were associated with a greater TSC to HDL cholesterol ratio. For low Ho women, larger Cortisol responses were associated with a smaller TSC to HDL cholesterol ratio. Lastly, higher TSC and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly associated with larger epinephrine responses. The findings suggest that stress-induced physiological responses are differentially associated with fasting lipids as a function of hostility in healthy young women.
A framework for the design of good watermark identification codes

The fundamental difference between the data-hiding and watermark signature verification problems was highlighted in a 2001 paper by Steinberg and Merhav. In data hiding, the maximum number of messages that can be reliably decoded is essentially 2 nC , where n is the host sequence length and C is the data-hiding capacity. A dramatically different result is obtained for signature verification: in principle one can discriminate between a doubly exponential number of signatures: 2 2 nC' , where C' is the identification capacity . This paper proposes a practical design of codes for the latter application and compares the results with current designs in the literature.
India's Growth Spillovers to South Asia

This study investigates the role of India's economy in explaining the observed growth in South Asia, taking into consideration other sources of growth endogenous to the countries in the region. Since a review of key variables indicates that India's bilateral trade and financial linkages with South Asian countries (SAC) are relatively weak, the paper analyses the spillover effects by focusing on growth more generally with India's growth as an explanatory variable. The results of the panel growth regressions suggest that India's growth has good explanatory power for growth in other SAC after 1995.
Height and Antisocial Behavior in XY and XYY Boys

The observed association of the XYY genotype with both (i) large height in childhood and (ii) institutionalization for antisocial behavior suggested that large size per se in childhood might tend to establish personality patterns leading to eventual incarceration for delinquency. To investigate this question, the height distributions of four groups of XY boys in institutions for nonpsychotic, nonretarded juvenile offenders were compared with the published standards as well as the predicted gaussian distributions calculated from the mean and variance of the age-adjusted heights of each group. In none of these groups was there evidence for an increased number of large individuals. But three XYY individuals in the same institutions all had heights greater than the 90th percentile of XY boys of the same race.
Cardiac valve replacement in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract Major surgical procedures, especially when performed under general anesthesia, can depress immunological parameters measured in vitro. Therefore concern has been expressed that operation might have an adverse effect on the immune status of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Four HIV-positive patients without symptoms of HIV disease underwent cardiac valve replacement in consequence of infective endocarditis. After up to 15 months postoperalively, 3 patients are alive and well without signs of progressive immunodeficiency or recurrent endocarditis. One patient died of recurrent endocarditis without evidence of HIV-related disease on autopsy. Cardiac operation does not seem to accelerate HIV-related immunodeficiency.
The Cranial Base in Craniofacial Development: a Gene Therapy Study

The etiology of midface retrusion remains largely unclear. We hypothesized that the cranial base synchondroses play a key role in the development of the craniofacial skeleton in the Sandhoff mouse model. We observed that developmental abnormalities of the cranial base synchondroses involving proliferative chondrocytes are important in craniofacial growth and development. Neonatal restitution of beta-hexosaminidase in mutant mice by gene therapy successfully ameliorated the attendant skeletal defects and restored craniofacial morphology in vivo, suggesting this as a critical temporal window in craniofacial development. Analysis of our data implicates parathyroid-related peptide (PTHrP) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) as possible factors underlying the development of the aforementioned skeletal defects. Hence, timely restitution of a genetic deficiency or, alternatively, the restoration of PTHrP or cyclo-oxygenase activity by the administration of PTH and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or COX-2 selective inhibitors to affected individuals may prove beneficial in the management of midface retrusion.
Reducing Patient Exposure And Operating Room Procedure Time With Electronic Imaging

Patient x-ray exposure and operating room procedure time have been significantly reduced by replacing conventional film screen and fluoroscopic imaging techniques with an electronic imaging system. The electronic imaging system requires two mAs at 90 kvp to record an image as compared to 100 mAs at 90 kvp required by a rare earth film screen combination. An average of three minutes is required to expose and develop x-ray film while only 1/10 of a second is necessary to obtain an electronic image. Fluoroscopy is restricted in the O.R. because of high patient and personnel exposure.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comparison of 2-D and 3-D counting: the need for calibration and common sense.

There will be ongoing refinement in the implementation of 3-D methods, and some day the 2-D methods might indeed need to be scrapped. Until the ‘practical’ accuracy of the disector method is shown to apply not only after retrofitting existing protocols with new restrictions 7xAnalysis of cell death in the trochlear nucleus of chick embryos: Calibration of the optical disector counting technique reveals systematic bias. Hatton, W.J and von Bartheld, C.S. J. Comp. Neurol. 1999; 409: 169–186Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (120)See all References, 8xVerification of the disector method for counting neurons, with comments on the empirical method. Pover, C.M and Coggeshall, R.E. Anat. Rec. 1991; 231: 573–578Crossref | PubMedSee all References, 9xReliability and validity of the physical disector method for estimating neuron number. Popken, G.J and Farel, P.B. J. Neurobiol. 1996; 31: 166–174Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (33)See all References, we should hold on to methods which have not yet outlived their usefulness in quantitative neuromorphology. The debate about 2-D versus 3-D counting will probably continue for decades to come. We should use both types of methods with prudence and common sense, avoid blatant mistakes such as the ‘reference trap’ 2xHoward, C.V and Reed, M.G. : 246See all References, 19xMethods for determining numbers of cells and synapses: a case for more uniform standards of review. Coggeshall, R.E and Lekan, H.A. J. Comp. Neurol. 1996; 364: 6–15Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (838)See all References, and, when using 2-D methods, we should choose an appropriate section thickness relative to particle heights to minimize biases 12xHow inaccurate is the Abercrombie correction factor for cell counts?. Clarke, P.G.H. Trends Neurosci. 1992; 15: 211–212Abstract | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (64)See all References, 13xAn unbiased correction factor for cell counts in histological sections. Clarke, P.G.H. J. Neurosci. Methods. 1993; 49: 133–140Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (35)See all References, and clearly distinguish between counts of profiles and estimates of cell numbers. We should calibrate when absolute numbers are needed or if there is even a remote chance that the conclusions of the study might be altered by hidden biases – regardless of the type of method. Scenarios must be avoided in which 3-D studies with potentially huge biases receive the stamp of approval as ‘unbiased’, while 2-D studies with minimal biases are rejected as flawed. Finally, we should appreciate that there are choices of methods and use them to the advantage of our studies, and let's stop squabbling over minimal biases when larger sources of error are not even known or understood yet.
The progression of failure mechanisms in unidirectionally reinforced ceramic composites

Abstract This article presents a comprehensive mechanics model for the interactive progression of damage in unidirectionally reinforced ceramic composites under monotonically increasing tension parallel to the fiber direction. The damage mechanisms considered herein are matrix cracks, interfacial fiber/matrix slips and fiber failures. The density of matrix cracks, with the accompanying interfacial slips, is determined by an energy criterion while the progression of fiber failures is evaluated from various aspects of strength statistics in association with energy considerations. It is shown that the present model provides a reasonable prediction for the ductile-like stress-strain behavior of fiber-reinforced ceramics.
Integrated laser processed silver nanowire transparent electrodes with organic electronic devices

Ultra-violet pulsed laser irradiation coupled into a metal nanowire network through plasmonic absorption leads to localized welding of junction points. This approach enables direct integration of transparent metal films with organic photovoltaic and light emitting devices.
A random walk simulation of fractional diffusion

Abstract Conventional diffusion, described by an equation whose fundamental solution is a Gaussian and characterized by a second moment linear in time, can be simulated by an ensemble of random walks. Anomalous diffusion, characterized by a second moment non-linear in time, may be described by a diffusion equation with a fractional time derivative and can be simulated by a continuous time random walk whose waiting time density distribution is related to the generalized Mittag–Leffler function. An alternative approach is presented for the simulation of fractional diffusion based on the fact that Gaussians provide an orthornormal basis for the expansion of any function. The fundamental solution of the fractional diffusion equation is represented by a truncated linear combination of Gaussians and this results in simulations of fractional diffusion by a set of random walks.
SU‐FF‐J‐100: Margins for Hypofractionated Lung SBRT Using CyberKnife Synchrony

Purpose: Real time tumor tracking can be performed using the Synchrony respiratory tracking (CyberKnife, Accuray). This study evaluates the range of target correction margins required for treatment of patients with lungtumors using this system. Method and Materials: In this study, twenty‐eight lung patients treated using Synchrony were selected. The moving average of the correction margin (CM), i.e., the difference between the predicted tumor positions versus on‐line x‐ray measured tumor positions, was extracted for each fraction as well as the entire course of the treatment for each patient. The population‐based CM was then derived using the modified van Herk margin formula taking into account the hypofractionated regimen. This modified margin recipe also incorporated the situations of small number of patients, N<30. Results: For tumors of different locations, CMs for upper‐lobe tumor margins (90% confidence level) were 0.6mm (AP), 0.7mm (RL), and 0.6mm (SI); CMs for lower‐lobe tumors were 2.7 mm (AP), 2.6mm (RL), and 1.3mm (SI); CMs for hilar tumors were 1.4mm (AP), 1.3mm (RL), and 1.3mm (SI); CMs for mediastinum tumors were 1.7mm (AP), 1.2mm (RL), and 0.8mm (SI), respectively. Statistical significance on these value differences was found between the upper and the lower lobe group using student t‐test (p=<0.01). The uncorrected tumor margins were 4.3mm (AP), 4.2mm (RL) and 8.7mm (SI) for upper‐lobe tumors; 9.3mm (AP), 8.7mm (RL) and 9.8mm (SI) for lower‐lobe tumors; 8.0mm (AP), 7.4mm (RL) and 14.1mm (SI) for hilar tumors; 8.8mm (AP), 7.4mm (RL) and 7.6mm (SI) for mediastinum tumors, respectively. Conclusions: Based on the tumor location and the range of correction margins for real time respiratory tracking using Synchrony, the addition of a target margin of 1 to 3 mm in the AP, RL and SI directions for lungtumors would be adequate throughout the course of the treatment.
A novel effect of an opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, on the production of reactive oxygen species by microglia : a study by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

Microglia as the first line of defensive cells in the brain produce free radicals including superoxide and nitric oxide (NO), contributing to neurodegeneration. An opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, has been considered pharmacologically beneficial to endotoxin shock, experimental cerebral ischemia, and spinal cord injury. However, the mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects of naloxone are still not clear. This study explores the effects of naloxone on the production of superoxide and NO by the murine microglial cell line, BV2, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as measured by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The production of superoxide triggered by phobol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) resulted in superoxide dismutase (SOD)-inhibitable, catalase-uninhibitable 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) hydroxyl radical adduct formation. LPS enhanced the production of superoxide and triggered the formation of non-heme iron-nitrosyl complex. Cells pre-treated with naloxone showed significant reduction of superoxide production by 35%. However, it could not significantly reduce the formation of non-heme iron-nitrosyl complex and nitrite. Taken together, the results expand our understanding of the neuroprotective effects of naloxone as it decreases superoxide production by microglia.
Multiresponse parameter estimation with a new and noninformative prior

SUMMARY A noninformative prior distribution for the covariance matrix of a normal distribution is derived from a data-relocated likelihood function. This new prior distribution also follows from Jeffreys's rule. Resulting modifications of current formulae for multiresponse parameter estimation are summarized.
Localization of tyrosine-hydroxylase-like-immunoreactive amacrine cells in the larval tiger salamander retina.

Immunocytochemistry was used to localize the populations of tyrosinehydroxylase-like (TH)-immunoreactive cells in the tiger salamander retina. Ninety percent of these cells possessed somas that were situated in the innermost cell row of the inner nuclear layer and were classified as amacrine cells. Ten percent of TH-immunoreactive somas were located in the ganglion cell layer and were tentatively designated as those of displaced amacrine cells. The processes of TH-immunoreactive cells ramified most heavily in sublayer 1 of the inner plexiform layer, while a relatively small number of TH-labelled processes distributed in sublayers 3 and 5. Less than 1% of TH-immunoreactive cells in the amacrine cell layer exhibited a short process of somal origin that extended distally toward the outer plexiform layer. However, these processes did not cross the whole of the inner nuclear layer, and no immunolabelling was observed in the outer plexiform layer. An examination of retinal whole-mounts revealed that TH-immunoreactive amacrine and displaced amacrine cells were distributed throughout the center and periphery of the retina. The density of TH-immunolabelled amacrine cells was calculated to be 49 ± 13 (mean ± standard error) cells per mm2. The vast majority of TH-immunoreactive amacrine and displaced amacrine cells exhibited a stellate appearance and gave rise to three or more primary dendrites. A few TH-amacrine and displaced amacrine cells possessed two primary dendrites that emerged from opposite sides of their somas. The processes of TH-immunoreactive cells were generally poorly branched and varicose with terminal branches sometimes appearing thin and beaded. Because some TH-immunolabelled processes were very long, there was considerable overlap between the dendritic fields of neighboring TH-cells. Lastly, individual TH-immunoreactive amacrine and displaced amacrine cells were often observed in whole-mounts to provide processes that ramified at more than one level of the inner plexiform layer.
Overexpression of Copper/Zinc Superoxide Dismutase in Transgenic Mice Protects against Neuronal Cell Death after Transient Focal Ischemia by Blocking Activation of the Bad Cell Death Signaling Pathway

The Bad signaling pathway contributes to the regulation of apoptosis after a variety of cell death stimuli, and Bad plays a key role in determining cell death or survival. We have reported that overexpression of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) reduces apoptotic cell death after transient focal cerebral ischemia (tFCI). However, both the role of the Bad pathway after tFCI and the role of oxygen free radicals in the regulation of apoptosis remain unknown. To clarify these issues, we used an in vivo tFCI model of SOD1 transgenic mice and wild-type mice. Moreover, to examine the role of protein kinase A (PKA) in the Bad pathway after tFCI, we administered the PKA inhibitor, H89, into the mouse brain after tFCI. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that dephosphorylation and translocation of Bad were detected early after tFCI and that they were promoted by H89 treatment but prevented by SOD1. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed that the dimerization of Bad progressed with 14-3-3 (Bad/14-3-3) and with Bcl-x(L) (Bad/Bcl-x(L)) after tFCI. Moreover, Bad/14-3-3 was prevented by H89 treatment but promoted by SOD1. Bad/Bcl-x(L) was prevented by SOD1 but promoted by H89 treatment. A cell death assay revealed that apoptotic-related DNA fragmentation was aggravated by H89 treatment but reduced by SOD1. These results suggest that the Bad pathway mediated by PKA is involved in apoptotic cell death after tFCI and that overexpression of SOD1 may attenuate this apoptotic cell death.
Family of heterocorrelation filters

We introduce a new concept in pattern recognition that we call heterocorrelation. Contrary to standard approaches, heterocorrelation allows correlation of different images solely by modifying the filter's intensity transmissivity in the areas of greatest phase mismatch relative to the phase of the stored template. This approach can convert a single object recognition filter to a multiple object classification filter. We develop three algorithms and successfully test each of them for three completely different input cases: one that uses geometric input images with very little common edge information, one that uses these same images encoded with high spatial frequency information, and one that uses synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images that have almost no edge information. The third algorithm provides shift-invariant heterocorrelation with equalized in-class correlation peaks, and eliminates the possibility of any higher-order side peaks for the added in-class objects. We also demonstrate how the use of a heterocorrelation filter can improve the performance of conventional multiplexed filters, such as synthetic discriminant filters, as well as increase their template storage.
Physiological Studies on Vitreoscilla stercoraria

In this article, Vitreoscilla stercoraria ATCC 15218 was studied to elucidate some of its physiological characteristics.
Impact of Health Insurance Type on Trends in Newborn Circumcision, United States, 2000 to 2010.

Objectives. We explored how changes in insurance coverage contributed to recent nationwide decreases in newborn circumcision.Methods. Hospital discharge data from the 2000–2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample were analyzed to assess trends in circumcision incidence among male newborn birth hospitalizations covered by private insurance or Medicaid. We examined the impact of insurance coverage on circumcision incidence.Results. Overall, circumcision incidence decreased significantly from 61.3% in 2000 to 56.9% in 2010 in unadjusted analyses (P for trend = .008), but not in analyses adjusted for insurance status (P for trend = .46) and other predictors (P for trend = .55). Significant decreases were observed only in the South, where adjusted analyses revealed decreases in circumcision overall (P for trend = .007) and among hospitalizations with Medicaid (P for trend = .005) but not those with private insurance (P for trend = .13). Newborn male birth hospitalizations covered by Medicaid increased from 36.0% (2000...
Injection locked oscillator arrays for spectrum analysis

Injection locked oscillator arrays are described as a means of quasi-real-time spectrum analysis. Two oscillators with closely spaced frequencies at 5.1 and 5.8 GHz were designed such that single or simultaneous injection locking may occur depending on the injected frequency and power. The locking range for a −20dBm input is greater than 150 MHz for each oscillator and at 0dBm the oscillators share a locking range greater than 500MHz. Isolation higher than 14dB was measured between both oscillators under maximum injection conditions. Injection sensitivity, isolation, and phase noise characteristics are described and measured. Single or simultaneous injection locking of two neighboring oscillators is illustrated in a 0.12 µm SiGe BiCMOS process using only NMOS devices.
Transitional feedback schedules during computer-based problem-solving practice

Feedback has a strong influence on effective learning from computer-based instruction. Prior research on feedback in computer-based instruction has mainly focused on static feedback schedules that employ the same feedback schedule throughout an instructional session. This study examined transitional feedback schedules in computer-based multimedia instruction on procedural problem-solving in electrical circuit analysis. Specifically, we compared two transitional feedback schedules: the TFS-P schedule switched from initial feedback after each problem step to feedback after a complete problem at later learning states; the TFP-S schedule transitioned from feedback after a complete problem to feedback after each problem step. As control conditions, we also considered two static feedback schedules, namely providing feedback after each practice problem-solving step (SFS) or providing feedback after attempting a complete multi-step practice problem (SFP). Results indicate that the static stepwise (SFS) and transitional stepwise to problem (TFS-P) feedback produce higher problem solving near-transfer post-test performance than static problem (SFP) and transitional problem to step (TFP-S) feedback. Also, TFS-P resulted in higher ratings of program liking and feedback helpfulness than TFP-S. Overall, the study results indicate benefits of maintaining high feedback frequency (SFS) and reducing feedback frequency (TFS-P) compared to low feedback frequency (SFP) or increasing feedback frequency (TFP-S) as novice learners acquire engineering problem solving skills. An experiment investigated feedback schedules in problem solving instruction.Static stepwise feedback outperformed problem (summative) feedback on posttest.Stepwise-problem feedback schedule outperformed problem-stepwise feedback.Initial stepwise feedback is critical for problem-solving learning by novices.
Snakes on the watershed

We present a new approach for object boundary extraction, called the watersnake. It is a two-step snake algorithm whose energy functional is minimized by the dynamic programming method. It is more robust to local minima because it finds the solution by searching the entire energy space. To reduce the complexity of the minimization process, the watershed transformation and a coarse-to-fine strategy are used. The new technique is compared to standard methods for accuracy in synthetic data and is applied to segmentation of white blood cells in bone marrow images.
Gabapentin Enacarbil for Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome in Adults

Objective:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions, precautions, dosing recommendations, and patient counseling for gabapentin enacarbil for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in adults.Data Sources:A literature search was conducted using the terms gabapentin enacarbil, XP13512/GSK1838262, and restless legs syndrome. MEDLINE, Books@Ovid, Journals@Ovid Full Text, BIOSIS Previews, and EMED databases were the primary search sites (2004-October 2011). All English-based articles and abstracts obtained from the literature searches were reviewed. Additional information was obtained from references cited in the articles.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All gabapentin enacarbil information related to RLS was considered. Study selection included human trials evaluating safety and efficacy of gabapentin enacarbil for the treatment of RLS.Data Synthesis:Gabapentin enacarbil is a prodrug of gabapentin that is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ap...
What is electrical engineering today and what is it likely to become

This paper takes an introspective look at electrical engineering as it exists today and poses several questions about the future of EE. While traditional EE departments have been adding computer engineering and/or science degrees and expanding their titles to include the word computer, not all students want to do computing beyond what is essential to their specialty. So what is EE, as distinct from computer engineering, and what is its future? We address this question by examining it from the perspective of university EE programs and the needs of industry and society. As a result of our investigation, we also develop a definitional set of broad areas and specialties that define EE, both now and in the future. We conclude with a recommendation to give EE more curb appeal for prospective students. The perception of service to society is important in attracting students. EE has historically been critically important to society. If whatever form EE takes in the future continues to be of critical importance, we need to be able to convey this to prospective students and attract them to the field.
Efficient Synthesis of Doxorubicin Melanotransferrin p97 Conjugates Through SMCC Linker

Abstract Doxorubicin–succinimidyl 4‐[N‐maleimidomethyl]cyclohexane‐1‐carboxylate (SMCC) 3, prepared by treating doxorubicin (1) with SMCC 2, is treated with 2‐mercaptoacetic acid to give doxorubicin–SMCC–sulfo‐acetic acid 5. Treating with benzotriazol‐1‐yl‐N,N,N′,N‐tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (BTTU), the carboxy group of 5 is activated, and reacts efficiently with the amino group of melanotransferrin p97 to afford the expected doxorubicin‐p97 conjugate 6, which is a potential agent capable to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to treat brain tumors.
Dynamic gain-scheduling controller design for port-fuel-injection processes

In this paper, an event-based dynamic gain-scheduling controller was designed by employing a standard control structure of observer-based state feedback with integral control. The dynamic gain-scheduling controller was applied to an LPV system representing the air-to-fuel ratio control of a port-fuel-injection process. The system parameters used in the engine fuel system model are engine speed, temperature, and load. The static gains of the dynamic gain-scheduling controller for the obtained LPV system were then designed based on the numerically efficient convex optimization (or LMI) technique. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Flow Measurement Opportunities Using Irrigation Pipe Elbows

Elbow meters have been used effectively for many years to measure flow rates in pipe systems. These devices work on the principle that flow around a bend in a pipe produces a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bend which can be correlated to the flow rate. While commercial elbow meters are available from several vendors, many of the elbow meters used to measure fluid discharge are custom built from standard pipe fittings. These meters are often individually calibrated since the use of standardized calibration equations is hindered by the many variations and permutations in pipe fitting characteristics and geometry. Many irrigation projects in the western United States use pipelines as part of their water delivery systems. As demand for water accountability increases, the need for low-cost water measurement in these systems is increasing. Elbow meters fabricated from common irrigation pipe elbows offer one possibility to meet this goal. The Water Resources Research Laboratory of the Bureau of Reclamation and the Nebraska district of the Natural Resources Conservation Service evaluated several common irrigation pipe elbows to determine their potential for use as elbow meters in center-pivot and gated-pipe delivery systems. This included both laboratory testing and calibration of the elbows, as well as field installations and evaluations in irrigation delivery systems.
Respiration in primary cultured cerebellar granule neurons and cerebral cortical neurons.

: Respiration was measured polarographically in primary cultures enriched with cerebellar granule neurons or cerebral cortical neurons. The basal respiratory rate, measured on the sixth day after culturing, was 12.00 natom equiv. O/mg protein/min for the cortical neurons and 12.70 natom equiv. O/mg protein/min for the granule neurons. Maximal stimulation by 2,4-dinitrophenol produced a 20–40% increase over the basal rate for both neuronal types. Oligomycin inhibited neuronal basal respiration by 45%. These respiratory rates in neurons from primary culture are markedly lower than those measured in astrocytes grown under similar conditions.
Effects of Juvenile Steelhead on Juvenile Chinook Salmon Behavior and Physiology

Abstract Experiments were designed to determine whether and how steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss affect chinook salmon O. tshawytscha when the two species are confined together. In a behavioral experiment, we observed groups of juvenile chinook salmon and steelhead together and groups of chinook salmon alone to determine whether the steelhead were aggressive and their presence changed the behavior of chinook salmon. We also performed two runs of a physiological experiment to determine whether the addition of steelhead to tanks containing chinook salmon would stress the chinook salmon, as determined by a change in their plasma cortisol levels. Behavioral changes were observed in the chinook salmon when they were held with steelhead; they reduced their movements, darted less, were attacked up to 16 times as often, and were found less frequently in the shade than chinook salmon held without steelhead. Steelhead were found to establish territories and defend them with chases, charges, and nips. In their attempts...
Performance evaluation of CSMA/CD networks using Markovian approach

A semi-Markov model of CSMA/CD (carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection) network has been developed by including the transition probabilities and state holding times (sojourn times) in the Markov chain (MC). Because of the flexibility of the semi-Markov approach, the authors have been able to utilize realistic and practical values of propagation, transmission detection, collision, packet transmission, and retransmission delays. Performance measures, including throughput, delay, mean time between collisions and mean time between safe transmissions, are evaluated for the semi-Markov process and embedded MC. Three sets of throughput and delay characteristics are obtained for 3, 16, and 50 retry limits, respectively, using a recursive algorithm to solve the chain. The analytical results are compared with the simulation results obtained with discrete event simulation. >
Dietary Plant Extracts and Foods in Prevention and Skin Cancer: An Overview

The skin is the largest sensory organ of the body. This first layer of defense acts as a barrier against various pathogens, regulates body temperature, and is relatively impermeable to water [1]. Due to increased UV exposure from sunlight, the addictive use of tanning beds, inadequate diets, and skin health ignorance among young and old, the incidences of skin cancer have increased and it is currently one of the most common types of cancers in both the male and female populations [2]. As a result, cancer prevention and skin health has become a topic of great discussion among health care providers.