cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Restoration of images with missing high-frequency components using quadratic programming.

A method for restoring an optical image which is subjected to low-pass frequency filtering is presented. It is assumed that the object whose image is restored is of finite spatial extent. The problem is treated as an algebraic image-restoration problem which is then solved as a quadratic programming problem with bounded variables. The regularization technique for the ill-posed system is to replace the consistent system of the quadratic programming problem by an approximate system of smaller rank. The rank which gives a best or near-best solution is estimated. This method is a novel one, and it compares favorably with other known methods. Computer-simulated examples are presented. Comments and conclusions are given.
Family planning services at school-based health centers: findings from a national survey

Although nearly 1000 school-based health centers (SBHCs) operate in the United States, little is known about SBHCs' sexual and reproductive health services. This study investigated reproductive and sexual health services delivery in SBHCs, specifically the types of services available in SBHCs. A 16-page, self-administered questionnaire asked center staff to identify the reproductive health services provided on site as well as which services were restricted and by whom. The results suggest that whereas most SBHCs provided at least one reproductive health service, most centers were restricted from providing contraceptive services, usually by school district policy.
A new species of Thyreus from northern Cameroon (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

A new species of the cleptoparasitic bee genus Thyreus Panzer (Apinae: Melectini) is described and figured from two females captured near Garoua in northern Cameroon. Thyreus garouensis Engel, new species, is distinguished from other African Thyreus with pallid pastel blue pubescence. The species is most similar to T . scotaspis (Vachal), but can be distinguished on the basis of its pattern of coloration/pubescence and form of the mesoscutellum.
The human vocal cords: a mathematical model. II.

A mathematical model for digital computer simulation of human-like utterances is developed. The overall system consists of a period structure of 16 coupled masses for each of the vocal cords, an 18-se
Vehicle position estimation for driving pattern recognition using a monocular vision system

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to estimate the location of the vehicle within a road around a horizontal axis from the bird's eye perspective. This method uses a road heuristic — the edge length of the road, in order to localize a vehicle within the road. The method aims to determine erratic vehicle steering on roads using a single camera in places where lanes and road discipline is absent. It also proposes a system which could help standardize lane discipline on such driving conditions without the existence of an actual lane.
The inactivation of the infectious centers of tobacco mosaic virus by ultraviolet light.

Abstract The early events of tobacco mosaic virus infection were studied by following the radiosensitivity of infection as a function of time after inoculation. At 20°, the survival of infection as a function of ultraviolet light dose is exponential for approximately 5 hours after inoculation, after which the appearance of new intracellular infectious particles is indicated by a change to a multitarget survival curve. During the first 5 hours after inoculation, the infection is characterized by three discernible phases of sensitivity to ultraviolet light (UV): (1) a period during which the infection has essentially the same sensitivity as the virus in vitro ; (2) a period during which resistance to UV increases; and (3) a period during which a secondary level of resistance is maintained. The timing of these phases is markedly dependent on temperature. The exponential survival curve during the first phase is independent of inoculum concentration, indicating that an exclusion mechanism is operative which permits only one infectious virus particle to initiate an infection.
Update on potential drugs for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease.

Abstract Background Although controlling hyperglycemia and proteinuria is currently the main focus of diabetic kidney disease management, some existing drugs and other new compounds are being evaluated for their ability to interrupt the disease process. Specifically, drugs that interfere with the formation and action of advanced glycation end products and reduce or inhibit fibrosis of the glomerular structures in the presence of hyperglycemia are just 2 examples. Objective The aim is to provide an in-depth review of drugs currently being investigated to treat diabetic kidney disease (DKD) through novel mechanisms of action that interrupt the pathologic process. Methods A literature search was performed of the search engines PubMed ( www.pubmed.gov ) and ClinicalTrials.gov ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ), initially using the broad search terms diabetic nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease, and advanced glycation end products. Limits were set to include only English-language articles and studies performed in human subjects from January 2000. Previous review articles on this subject captured through the initial search also served as a basis for identifying drugs that had been under evaluation. Once a list of drugs and compounds was established, each agent was used as an independent search term through the same search engines listed to capture any new and/or ongoing studies for inclusion in this review. Any trials in DKD patients collected through this process were evaluated in this review including Phase I, II, and III studies. Results Fifteen drugs were identified, and 24 studies were reviewed. Ten drugs have evidence of beneficial effects in treating DKD patients as reported by improvements in glomerular filtration rate, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, proteinuria, or serum creatinine concentrations. Five drugs demonstrated no significant benefit or side-effect profiles that would prohibit their routine use. Conclusions Pirfenidone, doxycycline, bardoxolone, pentoxifylline, ruboxistaurin, pyridoxamine, paricalcitol, FG-3019, AST-120, and allopurinol have shown beneficial effects in treating patients with DKD through modification of the pathologic mechanisms by which hyperglycemia alters the structure and function of the glomerulus. Further evaluation using well-controlled trials in larger patient populations are needed to confirm these benefits.
Intra-median raphe infusions of muscimol and the substance P analogue DiMe-C7 produce hyperactivity: role of serotonin neurons

Abstract Injections into the midbrain median raphe nucleus (MR) of the metabolically stable substance P analogue, DiMe-C7, produce dose-dependent increases in locomotor activity (LMA). Ibotenic acid (8.0 μg in 2.0 μl vehicle) lesions of the MR block the hyperkinetic effects of optimal doses of both DiMe-C7 (1.0 μg in 0.5 μl vehicle) and the GABAA agonist, muscimol (100 ng in 0.5 μl vehicle). This observation indicates that the increases in LMA produced by intra-MR DiMe-C7 and muscimol infusion are not due to diffusion to sites outside the MR. Intra-MR administration of the selective serotonin (5-HT) neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (6.0 μg in 1.5 μl vehicle), following pretreatment with the norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, nomifensine maleate (15 mg/kg, i.p.), blocked the hyperactivity induced by intra-MR infusions of DiMe-C7 (1.0 μg) but not that of muscimol (100 ng). These observations suggest that the LMA effects of intra-MR DiMe-C7 and muscimol administration are mediated by different neural mechanisms. The LMA effects of DiMe-C7 depend on intact 5-HT neurons in the MR, whereas the effects of muscimol depend on intact non-5-HT MR cells.
Augmentation by β-aspartyl phosphate of threonine control of the dehydrogenase activity of the aspartokinase-homoserine dehydrogenase complex

Abstract In the presence of low levels of magnesium adenosine triphosphate and moderate levels of potassium ion, the amount of threonine required for control of the dehydrogenase activity of the aspartokinase-homoserine dehydrogenase complex of Escherichia coli can be reduced about six-fold by the presence of very low amounts of β- L = -aspartyl phosphate. β-Aspartyl phosphate appears to enhance the binding of threonine to the complex with retention of a competitive-like but sigmoidal response of homoserine in overcoming the inhibitory effect of threonine. Enhancement of control of the dehydrogenation activity by the product of the kinase activity of the enzyme complex offers another basis for an advantage of the dual enzyme system over separate enzymes.
Hysteresis of Stationary States and Error Control in the Enzymatic Synthesis of DNA (poly‐dAT) in the Stirred Flow Reactor

With a stirred flow reactor we show for the first time that stationary states in open enzymatic systhesis of a simple DNA (poly-dAT) by DNA polymerase I may be kinetically instable. Kinetic instabilities may lead to hysteresis of steady states. The concentrations of the DNA formed vary differentially in steady states that are established at ascending and descending volume rates of flow. The observed hysteresis loop is interpreted graphically. The synthetizing system has a simple chemical “memory” of its previous dynamic history. We show in a closed system that the inserting enzyme can not distinguish between a correct (adenine) and incorrect base (2-aminopurine) at the beginning and end of the replication process. The specificities for the polymerase and hydrolysis activities are found to vary with time. A mechanism is proposed. We show that it is possible to regulate error incorporation of 2-aminopurine monophosphate by the experimental choice of a stationary state in the stirred flow reactor. Mil Hilfe einer Durchflusruhrzelle wird zum ersten Mal gezeigt, das stationare Zustande in der offenen enzymatischen Synthese einer einfachen DNA (poly-dAT) instabil sein konnen. Diese Instabilitat ist die Ursache fur die Beobachtung eines Hystereseverhaltens des stationaren Zustandes. Es zeigt sich, das der Konzentrationsverlauf der im stationaren Zustand gebildeten DNA bei aufsteigender Fliesgeschwindigkeit verschieden ist von dem bei fallender Fliesgeschwindigkeit. Die dadurch zum Ausdruck kommende Hystereseschleife wird zunachst graphisch interpretiert. Das synthetisierende System besitzt anhand der Hysterese eine Information uber seine unmittelbare dynamische Vorgeschichte. Wir zeigen im geschlossenen System, das das Enzym wahrend des Anfangs- und Endstadiums des Insertionsprozesses zwischen einer richtigen (Adenin) und falschen Base (2-Aminopurin) nicht unterscheiden kann. Die Spezifitat fur die Polymerase- und Hydrolysefunktion variiert als Funktion der Zeit. Wir schlagen einen entsprechenden Mechanismus vor. Wir zeigen, das man in einer Durchflusruhrzelle den Fehlereinbau von 2-Aminopurinmonophosphat durch die experimentelle Wahl eines stationaren Zustandes steuern kann.
Good vibrations with deep brain stimulation.

Insight into the mechanism by which deep brain stimulation exerts its therapeutic effects comes from recording in motor cortical regions of neurosurgical subjects undergoing subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.
Impact of nondegradable marine debris on the ecology and survival outlook of sea turtles

Sea turtles of all kinds are peculiarly prone to eat plastic scraps and other buoyant debris and to tangle themselves in lines and netting discarded by fishermen, and records of such mishaps have increased markedly in recent years. Advances in our understanding of the developmental ecology of sea turtles shed new light on the impact of buoyant wastes on the juvenile stages. The initial developmental stages of all species are passed in the open sea. In the case of the loggerhead Caretta this period of pelagic life is likely to include 3–5 years of planktonic open-ocean travel, which may involve multiple transatlantic crossings. During this time both the young turtles and their buoyant food are drawn by advection into fronts (convergences, rips, driftlines) and the same process also brings in and aligns persistent plastics and lost fishing gear. This effect exacerbates survival problems for sea turtles that are dependent on driftlines for their food supply or shelter.
Marine Polyphosphate: A Key Player in Geologic Phosphorus Sequestration

The in situ or authigenic formation of calcium phosphate minerals in marine sediments is a major sink for the vital nutrient phosphorus. However, because typical sediment chemistry is not kinetically conducive to the precipitation of these minerals, the mechanism behind their formation has remained a fundamental mystery. Here, we present evidence from high-sensitivity x-ray and electrodialysis techniques to describe a mechanism by which abundant diatom-derived polyphosphates play a critical role in the formation of calcium phosphate minerals in marine sediments. This mechanism can explain the puzzlingly dispersed distribution of calcium phosphate minerals observed in marine sediments worldwide.
WWN-text: Cortex-like language acquisition with “what” and “where”

Based on some recent advances in understanding and modeling cortical processing for space [1] and time [2], we propose a developmental, general purpose model for language acquisition using multiple motor areas. Through the ventral pathway, the “what” motor learns, abstracts and projects (as recurrent top-down context) information that is related to the meaning of the text. Via the dorsal pathway, the “where/how” motor learns, abstracts and projects (as top-down context) information that relates to the spatial information of text, e.g., where is the text on a page. This is a major departure from the traditional symbolic and connectionist approaches to natural language processing (NLP) — the nature of the motor areas, i.e., actions, of the developmental agent play the role of “hubs” in language acquisition and understanding. As any human communicable concept can be either verbally stated (what) or demonstrated through actions (how), this model seems to be the first general purpose developmental model for general language acquisition, although the size of experiments is still very small. Furthermore, unlike traditional NLP approaches, we do not use hand-crafted language structure but allow primary and secondary associations as seen in animal learning [3], as a general scheme for language acquisition.
Selective reduction of multifetal pregnancy using high-intensity focused ultrasound in the rabbit model.

Objective High-order multifetal pregnancies carry a significant risk of obstetric complications and poor pregnancy outcome. Selective reduction has traditionally been performed using transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound-guided intracardiac injection of potassium chloride. We have previously shown that high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can create a coagulative tissue necrosis in the sheep fetus. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of non-invasive selective fetal reduction using HIFU in a rabbit model. Methods A protocol for HIFU-induced tissue coagulation was developed in the rabbit model. The fetal heart was targeted with ultrasound-guided tissue ablation by a HIFU beam. Five time-mated does between 20–29 days' gestation underwent transabdominal fetal cardiac ablation in a total of 11 fetuses. The HIFU system consisted of a 7-MHz high-power transducer, operated at 2000 W/cm2. The fetal heart rate was observed using real-time ultrasound with Doppler flow velocimetry. All lesions were assessed macroscopically and by histological analysis. Results Severe bradycardia leading to asystole was observed in all targeted fetuses with ultrasound examination. Dissection of fetuses demonstrated a necrotic intrathoracic lesion similar in size to the HIFU focus (approximately 1 × 9 mm). None of the surrounding fetuses was found to have bradycardia during the procedure or a macroscopic lesion on dissection. Conclusion In this pilot study HIFU seems promising to ablate even highly vascularized tissue in the fetus. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of Pt addition to supported Ni catalysts on dry (CO2) reforming of methane to syngas

Abstract Ni/CeZrO2 and Ni/Al2O3 catalysts promoted by Pt were explored for dry reforming of methane at temperatures ranging from 100 °C to 800 °C. Temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and temperature programmed reaction studies showed that Pt increases the reducibility of Ni-based monometallic catalysts. TPR studies suggested an alloy formation between Pt and Ni. The induction period with the Pt is much lower than on the Ni alone especially on the Al2O3. At lower temperatures, the Pt–Ni bimetallic catalyst showed slightly higher activity for hydrogen production during dry reforming of methane. Reaction investigations over alumina supported catalysts demonstrated a higher H2:CO ratio than ceria supported catalysts. A mechanism involving more steam reforming due to more water consumption is proposed for the reaction on alumina supported catalysts.
DNA barcoding of Cameroon samples enhances our knowledge on the distributional limits of putative species of Osteolaemus (African dwarf crocodiles)

Recent genetic and morphological evidence indicates that the African dwarf crocodile (O. tetraspis) is comprised of three highly divergent lineages: O. sp. nov., O. tetraspis and O. osborni. Their putative distributional limits correspond with the Cameroon volcanic line (CVL) and the Congo River basin. In this study, we expanded on previous phylogeographic work by conducting detailed sampling of this crocodile in Cameroon and around the CVL. We tested whether O. tetraspis is the only lineage occurring in Cameroon and whether the CVL represents the distributional limit between O. sp. nov. and O. tetraspis. We collected 65 tissue samples from individuals located throughout Cameroon, and the eastern and western sides of the CVL. We sequenced fragments of two mitochondrial genes (CO1 and 12S rDNA) and one nuclear gene (LDH-A). We found that O. tetraspis extends west beyond the CVL and, thus, this mountain chain does not represent the distributional limit of this lineage. We also found O. osborni in Cameroon. Our findings have important implications for the conservation and management of O. tetraspis lineages.
Application of capillary thin layer isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel to the study of alkaline proteinases in stored-product insects

Abstract 1. 1. Isoelectric focusing in horizontal thin layers of polyacrylamide gel in combination with selected synthetic substrates and inhibitors was used to analyze the alkaline midgut proteinases from larvae of 5 species of stored-product insects. 2. 2. Partially purified proteinases from the black carpet beetle, Attagenus megatoma, had isoelectric points ranging from 3.9 to 9.0. About 15 proteinases were detected when focused gels were incubated on a casein-agar layer. 3. 3. A complex of 17 anionic and cationic proteinases was found in the hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus. Six trypsin-like and two chymotrypsin-like enzymes, one aminopeptidase, and one carboxypeptidase were demonstrated with artificial substrates and inhibitors. 4. 4. Two distinct, strongly anionic proteinases (pI 2.8 and 2.9) were found in Tribolium castaneum, while a single cationic proteinase was demonstrated in the furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes. Compared with the other species, there were no strong proteinases in the midguts of larvae of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella. 5. 5. The use of horizontal isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel for the analysis of proteinases in insects is discussed.
Correlation of Intramyocardial Electrocardiograms with Polarographic Oxygen and Contractility in the Nonischemic and Regionally Ischemic Left Ventricle

A new technique for simultaneous amplification and recording of intramyocardial oxygen-reduction currents and electroeardio-graphic voltages from the tips of platinum oxygen electrodes was combined with cinematographic muscle contraction records from exposed dog hearts. The picture of localized ischemia produced by occlusion of medium-sized coronary arterial branches was compared, under stable systemic circulatory conditions, with the changes of myocardial oxygenation, electrical activity, and contractility, separately or together. Myoeardial electro-cardiographic abnormality appeared as early as disturbances of local oxygen and contraction at the centers of ischemic areas; at the borders, only the myocardial electrocardiogram was unequivocally abnormal. The epicardial electrocardiogram could be normal despite severe, acute disturbance of electrical activity in the underlying myocardium, and was not useful for the study of small isehemic areas, the onset of ischemia, or the borders of any isehemic area. No single index of myocardial function was dependable for following the course and estimating the extent of regional ischemic dysfunction, or for distinguishing it from traumatic or nonisehemic myocardial disturbances. The most complete description of the sequence of ischemic events was derived from the analysis of changes in local myocardial electrical activity. For this, however, it was necessary to interpret and compare direct heart-body electrocardiograms from myocardial and epicardial sites inside and outside an ischemic area, with attention to simultaneous records of myocardial oxygen and local contraction. Such a combination of indices is considered essential for adequate description and differentiation of any localized myocardial change in a working, blood-perfused heart.
Coalmine: an experience in building a system for social media analytics

Social media networks make up a large percentage of the content available on the Internet and most of the time users spend online today is in interacting with them. All of the seemingly small pieces of information added by billions of people result in a enormous rapidly changing dataset. Searching, correlating, and understanding billions of individual posts is a significant technical problem; even the data from a single site such as Twitter can be difficult to manage. In this paper, we present Coalmine a social network data-mining system. We describe the overall architecture of Coalmine including the capture, storage and search components. We also describe our experience with pulling 150-350 GB of Twitter data per day through their REST API. Specifically, we discuss our experience with the evolution of the Twitter data APIs from 2011 to 2012 and present strategies for maximizing the amount of data collected. Finally, we describe our experiences looking for evidence of botnet command and control channels and examining patterns of SPAM in the Twitter dataset.
A Primer on Wavelets and Their Scientific Applications

Haar WaveletsThe Haar TransformConservation and Compaction of EnergyRemoving Noise from Audio SignalsHaar WaveletsMultiresolution AnalysisCompression of Audio SignalsRemoving Noise from Audio SignalsNotes and ReferencesDaubechies WaveletsThe Daub4 WaveletsConservation and Compaction of EnergyOther Daubechies WaveletsCompression of Audio SignalsQuantization, Entropy, and CompressionDenoising Audio SignalsTwo-Dimensional Wavelet TransformsCompression of ImagesFingerprint CompressionDenoising ImagesSome Topics in Image ProcessingNotes and ReferencesFrequency AnalysisDiscrete Fourier AnalysisCorrelation and Feature DetectionObject Detection in 2-D ImagesCreating Scaling Signals and WaveletsNotes and ReferencesBeyond WaveletsWavelet Packet TransformsApplications of Wavelet Packet TransformsContinuous Wavelet TransformsGabor Wavelets and Speech AnalysisNotes and ReferencesAppendix: Software for Wavelet Analysis
Exploiting Microphase-Separated Morphologies of Side-Chain Liquid Crystalline Polymer Networks for Triple Shape Memory Properties

We report a new strategy to achieve triple shape memory properties by using side-chain liquid crystalline (SCLC) type random terpolymer networks (XL- TP-n), where n is the length of flexible methylene spacer (n = 5, 10, and 15) to link backbone and mesogen. A lower glass transition temperature (Tg = Tlow) and a higher liquid crystalline clearing temperature (Tcl = Thigh) of XL-TP-n serve as molecular switches to trigger a shape memory effect (SME). Two different triple shape creation procedures (TSCPs), thermomechanical treatments to obtain temporary shapes prior to the proceeding recovery step, are used to investigate the triple shape memory behavior of XL-TP-n. The discrete Tg and Tcl as well as unique microphase-separated morphologies (backbone-rich and mesogen-rich domains) within smectic layers of XL-TP-n enables triple shape memory properties. Motional decoupling between backbone-rich and mesogen-rich domains is also critical to determine the resulting macroscopic shape memory properties. Our strategy for obtaining triple shape memory properties will pave the way for exploiting a broad range of SCLC polymers to develop a new class of actively moving polymers.
A simulative study of correlated error propagation in various finite arithmetics

The accumulated round-off error incurred in long arithmetic computations involving a randomized mixture of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division operations applied to an initial randomly generated data base is studied via simulation. Truncated and rounded floating-point arithmetic and truncated and rounded logarithmic arithmetic are simultaneously utilized for each of the computation sequences and the resulting round-off error accumulations for these four systems are compared. Fundamental results related to the nature of the correlated errors incurred under various arithmetic operator mixes are discussed.
Acute toxicity of four anticholinesterase insecticides to American kestrels, eastern screech-owls and Northern Bobwhites

American kestrels (Falco sparverius), eastern screech-owls (Otus asio), and northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) were given single acute oral doses of four widely diverse anticholinesterase pesticides: EPN, fenthion, carbofuran, and monocrotophos. LD50s, based on birds that died within 5 d of dosage, were computed for each chemical in each species. Sex differences in the sensitivity of northern bobwhites in reproductive condition were examined. American kestrels were highly sensitive to all chemicals tested (LD50s 0.6–4.0 mg/kg). Eastern screech-owls were highly tolerant to EPN (LD50 274 mg/kg) but sensitive to the remaining chemicals (LD50s 1.5–3.9 mg/kg). Northern bobwhites were highly sensitive to monocrotophos (LD50 0.8 mg/kg) and less sensitive to the remaining chemicals (LD50s 4.6–31 mg/kg). Female bobwhites (LD50 3.1 mg/kg) were more sensitive to fenthion than males (LD50 7.0 mg/kg). Mean percent depression of brain cholinesterase (ChE) of birds that died on the day of dosing exceeded 65% for all chemicals in all species. The response of one species to a given pesticide should not be used to predict the sensitivity of other species to the same pesticide. The need for research on several topics is discussed.
Participant recruitment and retention in a pilot program to prevent weight gain in low-income overweight and obese mothers

Background Recruitment and retention are key functions for programs promoting nutrition and other lifestyle behavioral changes in low-income populations. This paper describes strategies for recruitment and retention and presents predictors of early (two-month post intervention) and late (eight-month post intervention) dropout (non retention) and overall retention among young, low-income overweight and obese mothers participating in a community-based randomized pilot trial called Mothers In Motion.
Incidence et conséquences de l'occlusion des filtres au cours du stenting carotidien

Les revues recentes des complications liees aux dispositifs de neuroprotection ont mis en exergue les difficultes techniques du largage et les resultats defavorables, peroperatoires et a J30. Peu de choses ont ete ecrites, cependant, sur la pertinence de l'occlusion par filtre pendant la procedure de stenting carotidien. Une revue retrospective a ete conduite chez les patients ayant des procedures de stenting de l'artere carotide a l'aide d'une serie de dispositifs de neuroprotection de 2003 a 2007. Les bases de donnees prospectives de deux etablissements ont ete examinees pour l'incidence et la gestion des occlusions de filtre pendant les procedures aussi bien que les evenements neurologiques defavorables (peroperatoires et a J30) lies a l'occlusion du filtre. Il y avait 283 procedures de stenting de l'artere carotide faites chez 256 patients (163 femmes, 93 hommes): 177 (62,5%) arteres etaient asymptomatiques et 106 etaient symptomatiques. Des evenements defavorables neurologiques se sont produits chez six patients (2,1%); trois ont regresse completement a 72 hr. Une neuroprotection a ete employee chez 95% des patients, et des filtres ont ete utilises pour 221 procedures de stenting: Filter Wire de Boston Scientific (n = 81), Guidant Accunet (n = 100), Angioguard (n = 17), et Abbott Emboshield (n = 23). Une occlusion de filtre est survenue chez 11 patients (4,9%) chez lesquels cette forme de neuroprotection a ete utilisee: Angioguard (n = 5), Accunet (n = 2), Emboshield (n = 2), et EPI Filter wire (n = 2). Deux des 11 patients presentant des occlusions de filtre ont eu un evenement neurologique. Il n'y avait aucune correlation entre l'occlusion de filtre et le sexe, les symptomes, le stent, ou le type de filtre (p > 0,05). L'occlusion de filtre a ete traitee par aspiration guidee par catheter export chez sept patients et par retrait rapide du filtre chez cinq patients. L'occlusion de filtre est un evenement peu frequent qui ne semble pas etre lie au filtre et peut etre controle avec succes par aspiration guidee par catheter ou retrait du filtre. La majorite des patients presentant une occlusion de filtre n'ont pas d'embolies liees a cette occlusion.
LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY IN CHILDREN: A 5-YEAR EXPERIENCE

INTRODUCTION: Cholecystectomy in children is not a common surgical procedure. In the past 5 years, we have performed it laparoscopically. There was no difference in insufflated pressure between 2 groups while no drainage catheter was placed. OBJECTIVE: We present a modified laparoscopic technique in children. METHODS: In a 5-year period, 54 children underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Their ages ranged from 14 months to 15 years (mean: 7.6 years). Depending on the applied technique, the patients were separated into 2 groups. The first group comprised 17 patients on whom we performed the conventional 4-port technique. The second group comprised 37 patients on whom a modified technique was performed. We used 3 ports: an umbilical port for the camera, another in the subxifoid region for the dissector, and a third in the right lower quadrant for the grasping clamp and the extraction of the gallbladder. Vessel sealing electrocautery was used for ligation of the cystic artery and detachment of the gallbladder. RESULTS: Reduction of the number of ports had no effect on accessibility and duration of the procedure; however, it simplified access and handling, particularly in the smaller patients. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was performed in 1 case with major deformities of the vertebral column. The duration of hospitalization varied from 1 to 4 days (mean: 2.7 days). CONCLUSIONS: The decreased number of ports and the use of vessel sealing electrocautery make laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children easier and safe, without affecting the perioperative time.
A magnetic resonance imaging grading system for subarachnoid hemorrhage severity in a rat model.

Background The endovascular perforation model of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has a large variation in outcomes. This may reflect differences in the SAH size.
Including the continuum in the N-level molecule model

Abstract A method is developed for explicitely including the quasicontinuum, or the continuum, in N -level molecule model computations of laser-induced dissociation and chemical processes. The quasicontinuum levels are summed over, or the true continuum levels are integrated over, before the computation is performed.
GROWTH OF WHITE STURGEON (Acipenser transmontanus) UNDER HATCHERY CONDITIONS

White sturgeon juveniles were raised for 10 months posthatch under various regimens of feeding, water temperature, and stocking density. Transition to external feeding in larvae occurred 9 to 11 days posthatch and was accompanied by major changes in allometric growth and larval behavior. Condition factor, hepatosomatic index, and survival rate varied significantly throughout the rearing period in the 4 progenies investigated. Growth in body weight for all progenies was largely dependent on water temperature and feeding. On the average, fingerlings raised on natural diets (brine shrimp and tubifex, followed by ground fish) grew 6% of their body weight per day, whereas fingerlings fed artificial pelleted diets (Oregon Moist Pellets) or a mixture of pelleted and natural feeds grew 1–4% per day. Certain individuals (20% of population investigated), however, established a strong feeding performance on artificial diets and exhibited twice the growth rate of fish raised on natural diets; these fish reached a mean body weight of 282 g at 10 months post-hatch. Assuming more efficient procedures are developed for weaning this fish onto artificial diets, the white sturgeon has demonstrated a potential for use in intensive grow-out systems.
Histological structure and commercial dehydration potential of breadfruit.

The seedless form of breadfruit, unripe and sliced or diced, can be commercially dehydrated either by tunneldrying or by freezedrying. The products are adaptable to various culinary vegetable uses. Wastes, such as peel, core, and culls, serve as a highly digestible stock feed. Several anatomical features of the fruit pose special problems in preparation and processing. The histology of the fruit is discussed in detail with reference to possible solutions to those problems, and to textural qualities of both the freshly cooked green fruit and of dried products upon reconstitution. Some consideration of other botanical features relevant to possible use of seeded forms of breadfruit also are presented. Development of commercial processing should include serious consideration of fruit structure and other botanical information concerning the growing and adaptability of different species to commercial processing.
Effects of Regional Cold Fronts and Localized Weather Phenomena on Autumn Migration of Raptors and Landbirds in Southwest Idaho

Abstract. Weather has a significant effect on avian migration, but whether the influence is similar across diverse geographic regions and across all species remains to be determined. We evaluated the effect of regional cold fronts and localized weather phenomena on the timing of autumn migration of multiple species of landbirds and raptors in southwest Idaho. The focus of the analysis was on total landbirds and the ten most common landbird species, along with total raptors and the eight most common raptor species. Using 13 years of data from the Idaho Bird Observatory in southwest Idaho (1997–2009), including standardized mist-net captures of landbirds and counts of raptors during autumn migration, we determined significant patterns that advance our understanding of the variables influencing avian migration in the West. Our data show a depression of numbers of most migratory species on the days immediately before, during, and after the passage of a cold front, with peak flights of most species occurring s...
Estrogen regulation of placental P-450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme messenger ribonucleic acid levels and activity during baboon pregnancy

The present study was conducted to determine whether estrogen regulates the P-450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P-450scc) enzyme component of the progesterone biosynthetic pathway in the placenta during the second half of baboon pregnancy. Placental estrogen formation was suppressed by removing the fetus, i.e. fetectomy, and thus fetal adrenal C19-steroid estrogen precursors, on day 100 of baboon gestation (term = 184 days). P-450scc activity and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels were then determined in placentas obtained on day 160 after fetectomy alone and after fetectomy and s.c. administration of the estrogen precursor and rostenedione or estradiol benzoate. Placentas were maintained in situ after fetectomy, and placental villi were comprised of syncytiotrophoblasts that seemed morphologically normal, based on their histology and immunocytochemical expression of pregnancy-specific-beta 1-glycoprotein. In untreated baboons, peripheral serum estradiol increased with advancing gestation, and mean (+/-SE) concentrations were 1.22 +/- 0.05 ng/ml on days 101-160 of gestation. After fetectomy serum estradiol concentrations decreased to 24% (P < 0.01) of normal. Androstenedione or estradiol administration after fetectomy increased serum estradiol levels to values that were 57% (P < 0.01) of, or 90% (P < 0.001) greater than intact controls, respectively,. Placental P-450scc specific activity, determined on a mitochondrial-enriched fraction of villous tissue, was 281.1 +/- 15.0 pmol pregnenolone plus progesterone formed per mg mitochondrial protein in untreated control baboons. Fetectomy resulted in a 52% decrease (P < 0.001) in placental P-450scc activity. Administration of androstenedione or estradiol after fetectomy increased P-450scc activity to values that were not significantly different from control. P-450scc mRNA levels were quantified by competitive RT-PCR. P-450scc mRNA levels in placental villous tissue of fetectomized baboons was 38% lower (P < 0.01) than that in the intact controls (110.9 +/- 5.9 attomoles/microgram RNA). The administration of androstenedione after fetectomy restored P-450scc mRNA to a level that was not different from the untreated controls. The results of this study show that there was close association between the levels of estrogen and the specific activity of and the mRNA levels for placental P-450scc in the second half of baboon pregnancy. Therefore, we propose that the P-450scc enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of substrate cholesterol to pregnenolone is regulated, for the most part, by estrogen in the primate placenta.
Inositol lipid metabolism accompanies erythroid differentiation of K562 human leukemic cells.

Abstract The role of hemin induction of K562 in inositol phospholipid metabolism has not been previously studied. K562 cells were induced to synthesize hemoglobin upon addition of bovine hemin to the culture media. The phospholipid content of K562 was determined before and after the addition of hemin. The results of this study demonstrated significant differences in the phosphoinositides between induced and non-induced cells. Phosphatidyl inositol-4-phosphate (PIP) and phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ) levels increased upon induction, and remained above control levels. Phosphatidylinositol (PI) levels decreased 15 min after hemin addition, then increased to control levels by 1 h. From 2–8 h PI levels then remained depressed below control levels. These data suggest that hemoglobin induction in K562 cells occurs concomitantly with inositol phospholipid turnover.
Anatomy of Starbursts in Extragalactic Giant HII Regions: M51 Case Study

Extragalactic giant HII regions (EGHRs) are sites of active, concentrated star formation, and thus provide excellent labs to analyze the starburst phenomenon. Although they have been known for a long time, ground-based observations cannot resolve the physical structures and stellar content of EGHRs. The high resolution and sensitivity of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) are ideal for detailed studies of EGHRs. We have searched the Hubble Legacy Archives (HLA) and found 17 nearby galaxies, within ∼15 Mpc, with Hα and continuum images; to determine the best methods for analyzing these data, we perform an in-depth analysis of the EGHRs in M51. M51 is a face-on spiral galaxy ∼8.4 Mpc away, with well-resolved multi-wavelength observations in the HLA. We sample the 25 most luminous HII regions in M51, many of which are bonafide EGHRs with an H-alpha luminosity > 1039 ergs s−1. We use the Hα image to study the distribution and physical structure of the gas in each HII region and determine its Hα luminosity and required ionizing flux. We use the continuum images to determine whether super stellar clusters (SSCs) are found in these HII regions, and use photometric measurements to determine the mass and age spread of the resolved stellar population. These are then compared with the interstellar structures. The results help us provide the groundwork for studying EGHRs in multiple galaxies and elucidate the starburst phenomenon by investigating questions such as: What role does environment play in the formation of EGHRs? How do EGHRs evolve? How does star formation proceed in an EGHR?
Mu but not delta opioid receptor stimulation intensifies kainic acid-induced neurotoxicity in rat hippocampus.

In the present study, we compared the effects of the selective mu agonist, [D-Ala2-N-methyl-pHe4-Gly-ol]-enkephalon (DAGO), and the selective delta agonist, [D-Pen2,5]-enkephalin (DPDPE), on kainic acid-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Infusion of kainic acid (0.5 ug/1.5 ul, ic.v.) alone caused pyramidal cell loss predominantly in hippocampal field CA3 with minimal involvement of the CA1 field. Coadministration of DAGO plus kainic acid into the lateral ventricle intensified the extent of degeneration of hippocampal pyramidal cells in the CA1 field. The potentiating effect of DAGO was completely blocked by naltrexone. In contrast, DPDPE had no significant effect on kainic acid-induced neurotoxicity. Thus, activation of mu but not delta receptors intensifies the neurotoxic effects of kainic acid in the hippocampus.
Hymenolepis diminuta: Further characterization of the membrane-bound acid phosphatase activity associated with the brush border membrane of the tapeworm's tegument

Abstract The acid phosphate activity (APA) associated with the isolated brush border membrane of the tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta , hydrolyzed p -nitrophenyl phosphate (PNPP), pyrophosphate ( PP i ), and β-glycerophosphate (βGP). Inhibition of PNPP hydrolysis at pH 4.0 was inhibited in a competitive manner by the following compounds (listed in order of decreasing affinity with their apparent inhibitor constants ( K ′ i )): molybdate (0.031 m M ); PP i (0.147 m M ); NaF (0.150 m M ); o -carboxyphenyl phosphate (0.261 m M ); inorganic phosphate (0.770); arsenate (3.45 m M ); tartrate (22.1 m M ); and βGP (29.8 m M ). Cu 2+ , formaldehyde, and arsenite at 10:1, 80:1, and 200:1 inhibitor to substrate ratios did not inhibit APA. The maximal rate of hydrolysis ( V max ) of each substrate was greater at pH 4.0 than 5.0. The apparent Michaelis constant ( K ′ m ) for PNPP increased from 0.233 to 0.351 m M when the pH was raised from 4.0 to 5.0. The K ′ m for PP i decreased from 0.101 to 0.046 m M , while the K ′ m for βGP changed from 2.04 to 2.22 m M under similar circumstances. APA and alkaline phosphatase activity increased as a function of temperature up to 45 °C.
Collision Rates in the Present-Day Kuiper Belt and Centaur Regions: Applications to Surface Activation and Modification on Comets, Kuiper Belt Objects, Centaurs, and Pluto–Charon

Abstract We present results from our model of collision rates in the present-day Edgeworth–Kuiper Belt and Centaur region. We have updated previous results to allow for new estimates of the total disk population in order to examine surface activation and modification time scales due to cratering impacts. We extend previous results showing that the surfaces of Edgeworth–Kuiper Belt objects are not primordial and have been moderately to heavily reworked by collisions. Objects smaller than about r =2.5 km have collisional disruption lifetimes less than 3.5 Gyr in the present-day collisional environment and have probably been heavily damaged in their interiors by large collisions. In the 30- to 50-AU region, impacts of 1-km-radius comets onto individual 100-km-radius objects occur on 7×10 7 –4×10 8 -year time scales, cratering the surfaces of the larger objects with ∼8–54 craters 6 km in diameter over a 3.5-Gyr period. Collision time scales for impacts of 4-m-radius projectiles onto 1-km-radius comets range from 3×10 7 , to 5×10 7 years. The cumulative fraction of the surface area of 1- and 100-km-radius objects cratered by projectiles with radii larger than 4 m ranges from a few to a few tens percent over 3.5 Gyr. The flux of Edgeworth–Kuiper Belt projectiles onto Pluto and Charon is also calculated and is found to be ∼3–5 times that of previous estimates. Our impact model is also applied to Centaur objects in the 5- to 30-AU region. We find that during their dynamical lifetimes within the Centaur region, objects undergo very little collisional evolution. Therefore, the collisional/cratering histories of Centaurs are dominated by the time spent in the Edgeworth–Kuiper Belt rather than the time spent on planet-crossing orbits. Further, we find that the predominant surface activity of Centaur objects like Chiron is most likely not impact-induced.
Cross frequency blanking for RFI mitigation: A C-band case study

A study of cross frequency blanking for the mitigation of radio frequency interference in microwave radiometry is described. The data utilized were acquired in a 2005 flight over Texas cities, and include observations from 5.5 to 7.7 GHz at 0.1 MHz spectral resolution. A simple algorithm is described for detecting and mitigating interference, and the approach is shown to succeed in reducing the impact of both strong and low level interference.
Garnet and staurolite producing reactions in a chlorite-chloritoid schist

During prograde metamorphism garnet and, in some higher grade samples, staurolite were produced in a chlorite-chloritoid schist, part of the Precambrian Z to Cambrian Hoosac Formation near Jamaica, VT. Garnet grew during two prograde events separated by a retrogression. This sequence resulted in distinctive inclusion textures and zoning anomalies in garnet produced by diffusive alteration. Textures, reaction space analysis, and mineral compositional variations constrain the possible sequence of reactions in these rocks. Below the staurolite isograd, and to some unknown extent above it, garnet grew by the reaction chloritoid+chlorite+quartz→garnet+H2O. With increasing grade the mineral compositions are displaced towards lower Mn/Fe and higher Mg/Fe ratios. The data are compatible with equilibrium with respect to exchange reactions for the matrix assemblages on a thin section scale and with minerals having closely followed equilibrium paths during reaction. The staurolite isograd coincides with the reaction chloritoid+quartz→garnet+staurolite+chlorite+H2O. This reaction is continuous and trivariant with ZnO becoming an additional component concentrated in staurolite. During this reaction both the Mn/Fe and Mg/Fe ratios of the phases appear to have decreased. This new chemical trend is recorded by garnet zoning profiles and is compatible with trends predicted from phase diagrams. Thus there are two distinct types of garnet zoning reversals in these samples. One is near the textural unconformity and is best explained by diffusive alteration during partial resorption of first stage garnet. The other occurs near the outer rim of garnet in staurolite zone samples and marks the onset of a new prograde garnet producing reaction.