cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systems for Lung Volume Standardization during Static and Dynamic MDCT-based Quantitative Assessment of Pulmonary Structure and Function

Rationale and Objectives Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) has emerged as a tool for quantitative assessment of parenchymal destruction, air trapping (density metrics), and airway remodeling (metrics relating airway wall and lumen geometry) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Critical to the accuracy and interpretability of these MDCT-derived metrics is the assurance that the lungs are scanned during a breathhold at a standardized volume. Materials and Methods A computer monitored turbine-based flow meter system was developed to control patient breathholds and facilitate static imaging at fixed percentages of the vital capacity. Because of calibration challenges with gas density changes during multibreath xenon CT, an alternative system was required. The design incorporated dual rolling seal pistons. Both systems were tested in a laboratory environment and human subject trials. Results The turbine-based system successfully controlled lung volumes in 32/37 subjects, having a linear relationship for CT measured air volume between repeated scans: for all scans, the mean and confidence interval of the differences (scan1-scan2) was −9 mL (−169, 151); for total lung capacity alone 6 mL (−164, 177); for functional residual capacity alone, −23 mL (−172, 126). The dual-piston system successfully controlled lung volume in 31/41 subjects. Study failures related largely to subject noncompliance with verbal instruction and gas leaks around the mouthpiece. Conclusion We demonstrate the successful use of a turbine-based system for static lung volume control and demonstrate its inadequacies for dynamic xenon CT studies. Implementation of a dual-rolling seal spirometer has been shown to adequately control lung volume for multibreath wash-in xenon CT studies. These systems coupled with proper patient coaching provide the tools for the use of CT to quantitate regional lung structure and function. The wash-in xenon CT method for assessing regional lung function, although not necessarily practical for routine clinical studies, provides for a dynamic protocol against which newly emerging single breath, dual-energy xenon CT measures can be validated.
Plastid genomes in a regenerating tobacco shoot derive from a small number of copies selected through a stochastic process

The plastid genome (ptDNA) of higher plants is highly polyploid, and the 1000-10 000 copies are compartmentalized with up to approximately 100 plastids per cell. The problem we address here is whether or not a newly arising genome can be established in a developing tobacco shoot, and be transmitted to the seed progeny. We tested this by generating two unequal ptDNA populations in a cultured tobacco cell. The parental tobacco plants in this study have an aurea (yellowish-golden) leaf color caused by the presence of a bar au gene in the ptDNA. In addition, the ptDNA carries an aadA gene flanked with the phiC31 phage site-specific recombinase (Int) attP/aftB target sites. The genetically distinct ptDNA copies were obtained by Int, which either excised only the aadA marker gene (i.e. did not affect the aurea phenotype) or triggered the deletion of both the aadA and bat au transgenes, and thereby restored the green color. The ptDNA determining green plastids represented only a small fraction of the population and was not seen in a transient excision assay, and yet three out of the 53 regenerated shoots carried green plastids in all developmental layers. The remaining 49 Int-expressing plants had either exclusively aurea (24) or variegated (25) leaves with aurea and green sectors. The formation of homoplastomic green shoots with the minor green ptDNA in all developmental layers suggests that the ptDNA population in a regenerating shoot apical meristem derives from a small number of copies selected through a stochastic process.
U.S. High Technology Import/Export Performance in three Industries

Are U.S. manufacturers are losing their advantage in the production of high technology products? The study reported in this article investigates this question with regard to three U.S. industries. The export/import patterns of these industries are examined for the period 1963 to 1974 in order to determine the extent to which export losses were associated with import gains. Japanese export/import performance is examined for the three industries during the same period to provide a point of reference. The findings indicate that for two of the industries U.S. export market losses are not associated with comparable gains in imports, as might be expected if export market losses indicate a shift in competitive advantage. It may thus be necessary to consider other factors when attempting to explain the long-term contraction of the U.S. share of world export markets which has been occurring in some industries.
Made to Symbolize: Intentionality and Children's Early Understanding of Symbols

This experiment tested whether children's insight into a difficult symbolic relation could be increased by explicitly emphasizing the intentionality surrounding the artifact's creation and use. Specifically, I explicitly emphasized (a) the adult's intent to communicate information via the artifact and (b) the artifact's intentional origins and intended function. Both 36- and 30-month-olds showed significantly higher levels of insight compared to a control condition. The results suggest that by their 3rd year, children's sensitivity to intentionality can contribute to their symbolic understanding and development.
Evaluation of Highly Adjustable Throwing Chair for People with Disabilities

ABSTRACT Participation in exercise and sport, such as throwing events, can have a positive effect on both the physical and physiological health of people with disabilities. While the biomechanics of seated throwing athletics has been studied, there is paucity of literature that focuses on chairs for this sport. This work describes the design and evaluation of a highly adjustable chair for throwing athletics. A prototype was designed, fabricated, and evaluated by 19 participants at the 2010 National Veterans Wheelchair games. Participants conveyed their thoughts on the chair in an interview, which followed a throwing session. The participants indicated a positive response to the device citing improved range of motion as its best feature. Future work should focus on quantitative data collection and improvement in the designs portability.
Health care in Canada: lessons for the United States.

: This paper considers various aspects of the Canadian health care system and the implications for the improved delivery of rural health care in the United States. The major aspects examined are access to care, rural hospitals, and rural physicians. A search of the pertinent literature revealed a large amount of information concerning rural physicians in Canada, but less that dealt directly with rural hospitals and access to health care in rural areas. Universal access is the cornerstone of the Canadian health care system, which is operated by each province under certain mandates of the federal government, with both providing funding for the system. The diffusion of medical technology has been slower in Canada than in the United States, which is perceived by some as a major success of the system. Little distinction is made between rural and urban hospitals in Canada, with all hospitals funded by annual global budgets from the province, rather than by direct payment for each service provided. Funding for capital items must be requested separately. This method of reimbursement allows better planning in meeting the needs of each community. Physicians in Canada are mostly private practitioners who are reimbursed by fee for service. As in the United States, there has been difficulty in attracting physicians to rural areas. However, all but one province have incentive programs to encourage physicians to practice in underserved rural areas, with some having disincentives for those locating in overserved areas. Overall, the Canadian health care system has chosen to control costs by focusing on the provider rather than the consumer and appears to be more successful in providing access to health care in rural areas of the country.
The irradiation of tungsten with metallic diatomic molecular ions: atomic resolution observations of depleted zones☆

Abstract Direct evidence, on an atomic scale, is presented for the enhancement of damage production per projectile ion in diatomic metallic molecular ion (dimer) irradiations of tungsten as compared to monatomic metallic ion (monomer) irradations. Irradiations were performed in situ at ⩽10 K, in a field-ion microscope, employing 20 keV ag+ or W+ monomer ions and the results are compared with 40 keV W2+ or Ag2+ dimer ion bombardments; the average energy per ion was 20 keV. Firstly, in the near-surface region the depleted zones produced by the W2+ dimer ions give rise to void-like contrast effects. The W+ monomer ions do not produce this void-like damage. The existence of voids was explained employing a classical nucleation and diffusion-limited growth model which suggests that the growth can occur on a time scale of 30 × 10−4 cm2 s−. Secondly, by counting the number of vacancies in individual depleted zones, produced by the different ions, it was demonstrated that the number of vacancies produced per incoming ion of the dimer is 1.55 time the number of vacancies produced per monomer ion. This constitutes direct evidence for non linear (or spike) effects during the creation of collision cascades by the metallic dimer ions. Further information is presented concerning the dimensions of the depleted zones and the values of the average concentration of vacancies in depleted zones.
Laser frequency translation: a new method

We demonstrate how the frequency of a single-mode cw dye laser can be translated by 1.772 GHz using stimulated Raman scattering in sodium vapor. The output of a sodium Raman laser, the frequency-translated beam, is shown to be highly correlated in frequency with the dye-laser pump beam. The bandwidth of the 1.772-GHz heterodyne beat signal between the two beams is found to be as narrow as 440 Hz, much narrower than the root-mean-square frequency jitter (~1 MHz) of the dye-laser pump beam. The Raman laser method can be used with materials other than sodium, such as cesium or magnesium, to obtain frequency translations of a magnitude that may not be easily attainable with acousto-optic or electro-optic techniques.
Flow of groundwater with variable density and viscosity, Atikokan Research Area, Canada

Flow of groundwater with variable density and viscosity was simulated at the Atikokan Research Area (ARA) in northwestern Ontario, Canada. An empirical viscosity–concentration equation was modified to include total-dissolved-solids (TDS) data from the ARA. The resulting equation was used successfully to estimate reasonably accurate viscosity values over the expected range of temperature and concentration, in comparison with experimental values derived for sodium chloride solutions. A three-dimensional finite-element code, MOTIF, developed by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, was used in the simulations. The inclusion of the effects of depth-increasing temperature and TDS-dependent fluid-density distribution, while maintaining only a temperature-dependent viscosity relationship in a simulation, resulted in a more penetrative flow against expected buoyancy effects (i.e., the physics of the system was not honored). Accounting for concentration in the viscosity equation caused water to be less penetrative and more in accordance with the expected physics of the system. A conclusion is that fluid concentration should be considered simultaneously in calculating the density and viscosity of a fluid during modeling of variable-density flow in areas underlain by fluids with high TDS. Results of simulations suggest that both flow directions and magnitudes should be employed simultaneously during the calibration of a model. Large-scale groundwater movement in the ARA may be analyzed with carefully selected vertical no-flow boundaries. By incorporating the geothermal temperature gradient, groundwater recharge increases by 12%; thus, this gradient plays a significant role in groundwater flow at the ARA. Variability in the fluid concentration at the ARA neither decreases nor increases recharge into the groundwater system. The hypothesis that an isolated continuous regional flow system may exist at depth in the ARA is not supported by these simulations.
Influence of dislocation substructure on the martensitic transformation in stainless steel

Abstract The dislocation arrangements in austenite, deformed above the athermal M s , temperature, are dependent upon alloy composition, strain and deformation temperature and influence the subsequent transformation to martensite on quenching. In varying degrees, small amounts of deformation were found to stimulate the transformation of two alloys, 18 12 Cr-Ni and 15 13 Cr-Ni which form laths of martensite along {111} A . This behavior is correlated with the formation of long range stress fields by deformation, while mechanical stabilization at large strains is attributed to the destruction of nucleation sites and the hindrance by high densities of dislocations of the growth of martensite laths.
Nimodipine at a dose that slows ABR latencies does not protect the ear against noise

We tested the hypothesis that nimodipine, a dihydropyridine reported to increase blood flow, block calcium and potassium channels, and reduce ischemic damage, would alleviate noise-induced hearing loss. Young C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to wide-band noise (2 min, 120 dB SPL), with ABR thresholds (4–50 kHz) determined before noise exposure, and from 1 h to 2 weeks afterwards. One group (n=7) received nimodipine (30 mg/kg/day) in daily peanut butter food supplements beginning 24 h before exposure; the other group (n=6) received peanut butter alone. In the pretest nimodipine significantly increased the latency of Wave P1 of the ABR (mean difference: 0.16 ms; P<0.02), showing that calcium blockade depressed sensorineural efficiency, but ABR thresholds were not affected. Noise exposure produced a severe threshold loss that partially recovered in the first week after exposure, and then suffered a slight but significant loss in the second week. These effects were seen equally in both groups: nimodipine did not reduce the severity of the immediate hearing loss following noise exposure, nor did it benefit recovery. © Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Periodic points for actions of tori in Stein manifolds

In one complex variable dynamics, Sullivan’s theorem ([6]) gives a complete classification of the Fatou components that can appear for a rational map f . Consequently we can have only periodic components U and U can be one of the following: 1. U attracting basin; 2. U parabolic domain; 3. U Siegel disk; 4. U Herman ring. Cases 3. and 4. are called rotation domains. In these cases, the rational map f is conjugated on U to an irrational rotation, hence by taking all the iterates of f and their limits we obtain an S1-action on U which has at most one fixed (periodic) point in U . The goal of this paper is to give conditions when the generalization of the one variable situation is true. In particular we consider actions of tori on Stein manifolds and study their periodic (fixed) points.
Quasiparticle band structure of bulk hexagonal boron nitride and related systems

The quasiparticle band structure of bulk hexagonal boron nitride is studied within the GW approximation for the self-energy operator. The influence of the interlayer distance on the band structure is investigated both within the local density approximation and the quasiparticle approach, and the importance of an interlayer state in determining the gap is demonstrated. Also, the quasiparticle band structure for an isolated sheet of boron nitride is calculated. We show that the equivalent of the interlayer state in the case of the isolated boron nitride sheet plays the same role as in the bulk case in determing the band gap.
EFFECT OF DANAZOL ON APTT, COAGULANT FACTOR ACTIVITY AND BLEEDING IN HEMOPHILIA

Danazol has been reported to raise several plasma proteins. Danazol was given orally at 600 mg/day in 3 divided doses to 6 hemophiliacs for 8-14 weeks. Factor levels, APTT and other laboratory parameters were measured every 2 weeks. Five patients had classic hemophilia (1 mild-moderate, 3 severe, 1 with inhibitor) and 1 had Christmas disease. All patients showed a significant decrease an APTT beginning with the first measurement (2 weeks) and persisting till the drug was discontinued. However, a corresponding increase in the deficient factor activity could not be consistently demonstrated. Typical results for a severe classic hemophiliac are shown. Despite the shortened APTT bleeding episodes continued in the severe hemophiliacs and the patient with Christmas disease. In 4 patients bleeding appeared to either increase in severity or change in pattern. In 2 patients bleeding did not respond to their usual factor infusions, but responded to discontinuation of danazol and further factor replacement. In 3 patients the drug was discontinued because of bleeding. These results differ from those recently reported. Increased fibrinolytic activity may be responsible for the altered bleeding.
Arsenic Occurrence, Mobility, and Retardation in Sandstone and Dolomite Formations of the Fox River Valley, Eastern Wisconsin

Elevated levels of groundwater arsenic (∼100 μg L-1 = 1.3 × 10-6 M) are found in the Fox River Valley, eastern Wisconsin. The goals of this study were to identify the sources of As contamination and to determine the reactions responsible for As mobilization and retardation in areas lacking a discrete zone of As-enriched sulfides, shown previously to cause elevated arsenic in groundwater. Detailed mineralogical and chemical analyses were conducted on samples from the Sinnipee Group dolomite and St. Peter sandstone in eastern Wisconsin. Solution chemistry was monitored in batch reactions of dolomite, quartz, and sulfide mineral fractions with a 0.01 M CsCl solution at pH 7 for 3 weeks in air. Results indicate that arsenic is present in isomorphous substitution with pyrite/marcasite (FeS2), which occurs as disseminated veins, grains, and nodules in the dolomite and sandstone. The released As sub- sequently sorbs on the ferric oxyhydroxides formed or coprecipitates in a scorodite-like phase. Significantly, ox...
Genes for HMG-CoA reductase and serotonin 1a receptor are on mouse chromosome 13.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase is the key regulatory enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis. The human gene (HMGCR)has been assigned to the q13.3–q14 region of chromosome 5 (HSA5). We have now mapped the mouse gene Hmgcrto mouse chromosome 13 by Southern analysis of somatic cell hybrids. We also report the mapping to mouse chromosome 13 of the murine homolog of the gene for an intronless β 2-adrenergic-like receptor, which is also located on human chromosome 5 region q11.2–q13 and has recently been identified as the serotonin la receptor. Our results confirm the existence of an evolutionarily conserved syntenic group of genes on the proximal long arm of HSA5 and on MMU13 that also includes the loci for arylsulfatase B, hexosaminidase B and dihydrofolate reductase.
The Effect of Titanium Silicidation on Type II End-of-Range Dislocation Loops

The shrinkage in type II end-of-range dislocation loops was used to determine the relative flux of vacancies from the silicidation of titanium on silicon (100) wafers. A low temperature anneal (700°C 20 min.) in a forming gas ambient formed the initial silicide (approximately 750 A thick), and several higher temperature anneals with the silicide intact and etched off followed to study the diffusion of the vacancies. The concentration of vacancies captured by the loops after a 900°C 60 minute post silicidation anneal was approximately 7.8 x 1013 /cm2 while the concentration after a 700°C 60 minute post silicidation anneal was only 9 x 1012 /cm2. Removal of the silicide prior to the high temperature post silicidation anneals resulted in fewer vacancies captured by the loops.
SU-E-T-457: Evaluation of Image-Guided LDR Syed Implant and Differential Loading in the Treatment of Uterine Cervix

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of image guided LDR Syed implant with differential loading for the treatment of cervical cancer. Methods: CT image sets of 20 patients with Syed applicator were used to generate 2 sets of treatment plans(40 Plans). Target volume (PTV) were delineated using CT/MR fusion. In 1st set of plans, uniform needle length and uniform loading was used as conventional method. In the 2nd set, the locations, lengths of the needles as well as the number, location and source activity were optimized using iterative variation of these parameters in context of anatomical information to obtain a coverage of PTV with a reference dose rate of 50 cGy/hr of 85% while limiting the dose to bladder, urethra and rectum. For both sets of the plans Conformity index (COIN), Homogenity index (HI), Overdose volume index (OVI) and doses to 2 cc of bladder, urethra and rectum, sigmoid were estimated. Results: For 1st set of plans COIN, varied between 0.47 to 0.60, for the 2nd, it varied between 0.60 to 0.72. For 1st set of plans HI varied between 0.4 to 0.52, for the 2nd, it varied between 0.3 to 0.0.4.For 1st set of plans OVI varied between 0.33 to 0.45, for the 2nd, it varied between 0.20 to 0.30.A 15–45 % reduction of dose to 2 cc of bladder and urethra, 20–40% reduction in dose to 2 cc of rectum and sigmoid were obtained in 2nd set of plans. Conclusion: Image guided brachytherapy with optimization of needle location, length and activity of Ir‐192 ribbons yields higher conformity of prescribed dose to target volume while reducing the doses to OARs.
DNA Methylation and Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major cancers in the world and the second death-causing cancer in the USA. CRC development involves genetic and epigenetic alterations. Changes in DNA methylation status are believed to be involved at different stages of CRC. Promoter silencing via DNA methylation and hypomethylation of oncogenes alters gene expression and can be used as a tool for the early detection of colonic lesions. DNA methylation use as a diagnostic and prognostic marker has been described for many cancers including CRC. CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is one of the underlying CRC mechanisms. This review aims to define methylation signatures in CRC. The analysis of DNA methylation profile in combination with the pathological diagnosis would be useful in predicting CRC tumor evolution and their prognostic behavior.
Mythmaking in Alien Abduction Narratives

Examination of alien abduction discourse has the potential to inform our understanding of symbolic practices. This essay uses 130 narratives of individuals who claim to have had contact with extraterrestrial beings to argue that alien abduction discourse is a living myth. This myth—the Myth of Communion—is rhetorically significant because it illustrates the formative power of narrative while also revealing certain characteristics about our cultural condition.
LOCATION OF ACETOACETIC DECARBOXYLASE ON CELLULOSE ACETATE ELECTROPHORETOGRAMS BY MICRODIFFUSION OF PRODUCT.

Abstract A method has been described which is capable of localizing 0.005 μg of acetoacetic decarboxylase on a cellulose acetate electrophoretogram. The method which depends upon the microdiffusion of a volatile reaction product through a perforated plastic sheet to a detector strip, appears applicable, in principle, to a wide variety of enzymes.
Synthesis and properties of multi-nuclear ruthenium (II) complexes of bis(2,2′ -bibenzimidazole)

Abstract Conjugated metallopolymers in which metal sites are in electronic communication through a conjugated organic backbone have been attracting growing interest. Bis(2,2′-bibenzimidazole) has been prepared as the conjugated backbone. The multinuclear Ru complexes were synthesized by the complexation of the conjugated bis(2,2′-bibenzimidazole) with Ru(bpy) 2 Cl 2 . The deprotonation form of the dinuclear Ru complexes may show enhanced electron transport ability between metal centers through the conjugated bibenzimidazole backbones. Deprotonation also allows the synthesis of tetranuclear Ru complexes. The preparations, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of these multinuclear Ru complexes were investigated.
Supplementary Eye Field Encodes Confidence in Decisions Under Risk

Choices are made with varying degrees of confidence, a cognitive signal representing the subjective belief in the optimality of the choice. Confidence has been mostly studied in the context of perceptual judgments, in which choice accuracy can be measured using objective criteria. Here, we study confidence in subjective value-based decisions. We recorded in the supplementary eye field (SEF) of monkeys performing a gambling task, where they had to use subjective criteria for placing bets. We found neural signals in the SEF that explicitly represent choice confidence independent from reward expectation. This confidence signal appeared after the choice and diminished before the choice outcome. Most of this neuronal activity was negatively correlated with confidence, and was strongest in trials on which the monkey spontaneously withdrew his choice. Such confidence-related activity indicates that the SEF not only guides saccade selection, but also evaluates the likelihood that the choice was optimal. This internal evaluation influences decisions concerning the willingness to bear later costs that follow from the choice or to avoid them. More generally, our findings indicate that choice confidence is an integral component of all forms of decision-making, whether they are based on perceptual evidence or on value estimations.
Prospective, blinded comparison of laparoscopic ultrasonography vs. contrast-enhanced computerized tomography for liver assessment in patients undergoing colorectal carcinoma surgery

PURPOSE: To prospectively and blindly compare intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography to preoperative contrast-enhanced computerized tomography in detecting liver lesions in colorectal cancer patients. Additionally, we compared conventional (open) intraoperative ultrasonography with bimanual liver palpation to contrast-enhanced computerized tomography in a subset of patients. METHODS: From December 1995 to March 1998, 77 consecutive patients underwent curative (n=63) or palliative (n=14) resections for colorectal cancer. All patients undergoing curative resections were randomized to either laparoscopic (n=34) or conventional (n=29) surgery after informed consent. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced computerized tomography, diagnostic laparoscopy, and laparoscopic ultrasonography before resection. In those patients who had conventional procedures, intraoperative ultrasonography with bimanual liver palpation was also done. All laparoscopic ultrasonography and intraoperative ultrasonography evaluations were performed by one of two radiologists who were blinded to the CT results. All hepatic segments were scanned using a standardized method. The yield of each modality was calculated using the number of lesions identified by each imaging modality divided by the total number of lesions identified. RESULTS: In 43 of the 77 patients, both the laparoscopic ultrasonography and CT scan were negative for any liver lesions. In 34 patients, a total of 130 lesions were detected by laparoscopic ultrasonography, CT, or both. When compared with laparoscopic ultrasonography, intraoperative ultrasonography with bimanual liver palpation identified one additional metastatic lesion and no additional benign lesions. laparoscopic ultrasonography identified two patients with mets who had negative preoperative contrast-enhanced computerized tomography. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ultrasonography of the liver at the time of primary resection of colorectal cancer yields more lesions than preoperative contrast-enhanced computerized tomography and should be considered for routine use during laparoscopic oncologic colorectal surgery.
Precambrian Rocks and their Relationship to Laramide Structure along the East Flank of the Bighorn Mountains near Buffalo, Wyoming

Precambrian crystalline rocks and younger sedimentary rocks were involved in Laramide deformation in the western part of the United States. Near Buffalo, Wyoming, two high-angle dextral faults striking N. 10° E. cut both the upturned sedimentary rocks and the crystalline basement. As this trend does not correspond to directions of transcurrent faulting expected with east–northeast-west–southwest compression (indicated by the north–northwest-trending Clear Creek thrust and upturned sedimentary rocks), the writer studied Precambrian rocks to see if basement structure controlled the strike of the N. 10° E. faults. The Precambrian complex consists of quartz-biotite-plagioclase gneiss and migmatite with minor hornblende gneiss and amphibolite. These rocks are greatly deformed and partly granitized. Mafic dikes and small ultramafic bodies cut the complex. Early foliation and layering are obscured by later shear fracturing. Three prominent directions of high-angle fractures are N. 10° E., N. 45° E., and N. 75°–80° W. In the sedimentary rocks, N. 45° E. and N. 75° E.–N. 75° W. fracture sets are well developed; the N. 10° E. set is poorly developed. The pronounced development of the N. 10° E. fractures and shear zones in the Precambrian rocks and absence of these structure trends in the sedimentary rocks suggest that these fractures and shears were formed during a Precambrian deformation and provided zones of weakness which controlled Laramide tear faulting. Three diabase dikes in the Precambrian rocks between the faults also follow this direction. The other two trends cutting both the gneisses and the sedimentary rocks are probably Laramide in age, although an east-west dike and a northeast-trending dike in the south end of the area suggest that movement was reactivated along older Precambrian fractures.
An efficient hybrid join algorithm: a DB2 prototype

A new join method, called hybrid join, is proposed which uses the join-index filtering and the skip sequential prefetch mechanism for efficient data access. With this method, the outer table is sorted on the join column. Then, the outer is joined with the index on the join column of the inner. The inner tuple is represented by its surrogate, equivalent of its physical disk address, which is carried in the index. The partial join result is sorted on the surrogate and then the inner table is accessed sequentially to complete the join result. Local predicate filtering can also be applied before the access of the inner relation through the index AND/ORing. Efficient methods for skip sequential access and prefetching of logically discontiguous leaf pages of B/sup +/-tree indexes are also presented. >
Stereotyping and evaluation in implicit race bias: evidence for independent constructs and unique effects on behavior

Implicit stereotyping and prejudice often appear as a single process in behavior, yet functional neuroanatomy suggests that they arise from fundamentally distinct substrates associated with semantic versus affective memory systems. On the basis of this research, the authors propose that implicit stereotyping reflects cognitive processes and should predict instrumental behaviors such as judgments and impression formation, whereas implicit evaluation reflects affective processes and should predict consummatory behaviors, such as interpersonal preferences and social distance. Study 1 showed the independence of participants' levels of implicit stereotyping and evaluation. Studies 2 and 3 showed the unique effects of implicit stereotyping and evaluation on self-reported and behavioral responses to African Americans using double-dissociation designs. Implications for construct validity, theory development, and research design are discussed.
AC0 finite element formulation for thin-walled beams

Timoshenko's and Vlasov's beam theories are combined to produce a C0 finite element formulation for arbitrary cross section thin-walled beams. Section properties are generated using a curvilinear co-ordinate system to describe the cross section dimensions. The element includes both shear and warping deformations caused by the bending moments and the bimoment. A Gauss quadrature order is employed which exactly integrates the bending and warping stiffness matrices and provides a reduced integration order for the shear stiffness matrices. Numerical results are presented for a channel section cantilever beam. The influence of shear deformation is investigated and the calculated results are shown to be in excellent agreement with the classical solutions.
Stimulation of Tumor Cell Motility Linked to Phosphodiesterase Catalytic Site of Autotaxin

A family of extracellular type I phosphodiesterases has recently been isolated by cDNA cloning, but a physiological function linked to the phosphodiesterase active site has remained unknown. We now present evidence that the phosphodiesterase catalytic site, 201YMRPVYPTKTFPN213, is essential for the motility stimulating activity of autotaxin (ATX), one member of the exophosphodiesterase family. Native ATX possesses phosphodiesterase activity at neutral and alkaline pH, binds ATP noncovalently, and undergoes threonine phosphorylation. Homogeneously purified recombinant ATX, based on the teratocarcinoma sequence, retains these same activities. A single amino acid in the phosphodiesterase catalytic site, Thr210, is found to be necessary for motility stimulation, phosphodiesterase activity, and phosphorylation. Two mutant recombinant proteins, Ala210- and Asp210-ATX, lack motility stimulation and lack both enzymatic activities; Ser210-ATX possesses intermediate activities. Another mutation, with the adjacent lysine (Lys209) changed to Leu209-ATX, possesses normal motility stimulation with sustained phosphodiesterase activity but exhibits no detectable phosphorylation. This mutation eliminates the phosphorylation reaction and indicates that the dephosphorylated state is an active motility-stimulating form of the ATX molecule. By demonstrating that the phosphodiesterase enzymatic site is linked to motility stimulation, these data reveal a novel role for this family of exo/ecto-enzymes and open up the possibility of extracellular enzymatic cascades as a regulatory mechanism for cellular motility.
Resistance of retinal inflammatory mediators to suppress after reinstitution of good glycemic control: novel mechanism for metabolic memory

Diabetic retinopathy resists arrest of its progression after reestablishment of good glycemic control that follows a profound period of poor glycemic control. The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of inflammation in the resistance of retinopathy to arrest after termination of hyperglycemia. Streptozotocin-diabetic rats were (a) maintained either in poor glycemic control [PC group; glycated hemoglobin (GHb)>11%] or in good glycemic control (GC group; GHb<7%) for 12 months or (b) allowed to be in poor glycemic control for 6 months followed by good glycemic control for 6 additional months. At 12 months, retina was analyzed for pro-inflammatory mediators. Twelve months of PC increased retinal interleukin 1β (IL-1β) mRNA by 2-fold and its protein expression by 25% compared with the values obtained from normal rat retina. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) was elevated approximately 3-fold (both mRNA and protein), and the receptors for IL-1β and TNF-α were increased by 40% each. The concentrations of intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 were elevated by 40% and 150%, respectively, and inducible nitric oxide synthase transcripts were elevated by 6-fold. Six months of good glycemic control that followed 6 months of poor glycemic control failed to reverse the elevations in IL-1β, TNF receptor type I, and intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 but had some beneficial effects on TNF-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, however these mediators remained significantly elevated. However, the GC group showed no significant change in the retinal pro-inflammatory mediators compared with the normal rats. Failure to reverse retinal inflammatory mediators supports their important role in the resistance of retinopathy to arrest after cessation of hyperglycemia.
Nutritional Factors Influencing Intestinal Health of the Neonate

Dietary nutrients are essential for gastrointestinal (GI) growth and function, and nutritional support of GI growth and development is a significant component of infant care. For healthy full-term neonates, nutritional provisions of the mother’s milk and/or formula will support normal maturation of structure and function of the GI tract in most infants. The composition of breast milk affects GI barrier function and development of a competent mucosal immune system. The functional nutrients and other bioactive components of milk support a microenvironment for gut protection and maturation. However, premature infants struggle with feeding tolerance impairing normal GI function, leading to intestinal dysfunction and even death. The high prevalence worldwide of enteric diseases and dysfunction in neonates has led to much interest in understanding the role of nutrients and food components in the establishment and maintenance of a functioning GI tract. Neonates who do not receive enteral feeding as either mother’s milk or formula are supported by total parental nutrition (TPN). The lack of enteral nutrition can compound intestinal dysfunction, leading to high morbidity and mortality in intestinally compromised infants. Reciprocally, enteral stimulation of an immature GI tract can also compound intestinal dysfunction. Therefore, further understanding of nutrient interactions with the mucosa is necessary to define nutritional requirements of the developing GI tract to minimize intestinal complications and infant morbidity. Piglet models of intestinal development and function are similar to humans, and this review summarizes recent findings regarding nutrient requirements for growth and maintenance of intestinal health. In particular, this article reviews the role of specific amino acids (arginine, glutamine, glutamate, and threonine), fatty acids (long chain polyunsaturated, medium chain, and short chain), various prebiotic carbohydrates (short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide, fructo--oligosaccharide, lacto-N-neotetraose, human milk oligosaccharide, polydextrose, and galacto-oligosaccharide), and probiotics that have been examined in the suckling piglet model of intestinal health.
How to improve results with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Objective: Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) has greatly revolutionized the treatment of patients suffering from stone disease. There are a number of patient- and device-specific factors that can affect treatment outcome. Herein, we review practices that can increase the likelihood of SWL treatment success.Methods: A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies of SWL treatment parameters.Results: Among the factors affecting the outcome of SWL were patient selection criteria, such as stone burden, stone location, and anatomic features. Additionally, technical aspects of the SWL procedure also can affect outcome; these factors include the acoustic output of the lithotripter, the coupling of the lithotripter to the patient, and the power, total number, and rate of shock wave delivery.Conclusions: The outcome of SWL can be optimized with close attention to patient selection criteria as well as the manner in which the treatment is performed.
Open communication and partner support in intercultural and interfaith romantic relationships: A relational maintenance approach:

Open communication regarding cultural and religious differences and similarities, partner support for culture and religion, and relationship distress were examined at baseline and one-year follow-up in 353 late adolescent and young adult college-students involved in romantic relationships. For intercultural relationships, at baseline, higher levels of open communication about culture were associated with lower levels of relationship distress. Longitudinally, open communication about culture was positively associated with satisfaction, but not with commitment or break-up. For interfaith unions, at baseline, higher levels of open communication about religion were associated with lower levels of relationship distress. Although involvement in an intercultural union predicted break-up at follow-up, involvement in an interfaith union did not predict break-up.
Suspended microstructures made using silicon migration

We demonstrate a new approach for large area releases in single crystal silicon without the use of traditional undercutting-based etches. Our approach uses silicon migration to create suspended microstructures by transforming periodic array of trenches into a continuous void under the silicon surface. We show close agreement between simulation of the silicon migration phenomenon and fabrication results, and demonstrate the viability for creating large released microstructures and micro-fluidic devices.
The Effect of Lane-Change Maneuvers on a Simplified Car-Following Theory

This paper investigates the linearity of empirically observed spacing-speed relations for various drivers in the context of car-following theory and how lane-change maneuvers perturb the relation. It is shown that the impacts of lane-change maneuvers are not balanced, and the response time to an exiting vehicle is much longer than the response time to an entering vehicle. This accommodation imbalance will propagate upstream, and as discussed herein, it appears to be a source of speed and flow fluctuations (or oscillations) within a queue. This paper is motivated by Newell's simplified car-following theory, namely, that during congested periods, the trajectory of a given vehicle is essentially identical to the preceding vehicle's trajectory, except for a translation in space and time. One of the basic assumptions in Newell's presentation is that spacing and speed are linearly related. While other researchers have found macroscopic evidence supporting Newell's theory, they have also found that it fails in the presence of frequent lane-change maneuvers. This paper takes a microscopic approach, employing vehicle trajectory data. This paper provides support for Newell's assumed linear relation between spacing and speed over a large range of speeds when vehicles are not impacted by lane-change maneuvers. It also offers a possible explanation for the degraded performance of Newell's theory in the presence of heavy lane-change maneuvers. Although the focus is on Newell's simplified car-following theory, the empirical results of this paper have similar implications for many other car-following theories as well.
Intrinsic and network mechanisms involved in balanced firing and striatal synchrony during dopamine depletion

The input nucleus of the basal ganglia, the striatum, processes cortical inputs in two output streams, called the direct and indirect pathways. Medium Spiny Neurons (MSNs) that express dopamine D1 receptors constitute the direct pathway (D1 MSNs) and MSNs that express dopamine D2 receptors constitute the indirect pathway (D2 MSNs). The two populations of MSNs differ in their intrinsic excitability with D2 MSNs more responsive to somatic current injection [1]. Inhibitory circuits of the striatal network, including feedback inhibition from other MSNs and feedforward inhibition from fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs), modulate this excitability [2,3] to produce balanced firing in response to synaptic input [4]. During dopamine depletion, there is an imbalance in the firing activity and cortico-striatal plasticity between D1 and D2 MSNs, and increased correlation is observed in output structures such as the globus pallidus. Thus, both dopamine and GABA play crucial roles in modulating the activity and properties of these neurons to produce the desired output of the striatum. This study uses computational modeling to investigate the contribution of intrinsic channels and network interactions in modulating the activity and correlation of the striatal network. The network constitutes multi-compartmental models of 500 D1 MSNs, 500 D2 MSNs and 49 FSIs simulated using GENESIS simulation software. The MSNs receive inhibitory input from the other MSNs in the network and from the FSI network. The FSIs are connected to each other by chemical synapses and gap junctions. Similar to experiments, the model D2 MSNs are more excitable than D1 MSNs in response to current injection [1]. Despite this difference, both types of MSNs have similar firing frequencies and latency to spike during up-states in response to synaptic inputs. Removal of either FSI input, or gap junctions between the FSIs, disrupts the balance of firing between D1 and D2 MSNs. In addition, L-type calcium channels are important for balanced firing as blocking these channels or making their conductance equal in D1 and D2 MSNs also disrupts balance of firing. Correlation among MSN is measured in response to a range of cortical input correlation, both in the control and dopamine depleted condition. Simulations reveal that cortical synchrony produces very little increase in striatal synchrony under control conditions, but significantly enhances striatal synchrony in the dopamine depleted condition. This suggests that some of the synchrony in the output structures of the basal ganglia may be caused by enhanced synchrony in the striatum.
Chronic toxicity of copper and ammonia to juvenile freshwater mussels (Unionidae)

The objectives of the present study were to develop methods for conducting chronic toxicity tests with juvenile mussels under flow-through conditions and to determine the chronic toxicity of copper and ammonia to juvenile mussels using these methods. In two feeding tests, two-month-old fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) and rainbow mussel (Villosa iris) were fed various live algae or nonviable algal mixture for 28 d. The algal mixture was the best food resulting in high survival (≥90%) and growth. Multiple copper and ammonia toxicity tests were conducted for 28 d starting with two-month-old mussels. Six toxicity tests using the algal mixture were successfully completed with a control survival of 88 to 100%. Among copper tests with rainbow mussel, fatmucket, and oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis), chronic value ([ChV], geometric mean of the no-observed-effect concentration and the lowest-observed-effect concentration) ranged from 8.5 to 9.8 μg Cu/L for survival and from 4.6 to 8.5 μg Cu/L for growth. Among ammonia tests with rainbow mussel, fatmucket, and wavy-rayed lampmussel (L. fasciola), the ChV ranged from 0.37 to 1.2 mg total ammonia N/L for survival and from 0.37 to 0.67 mg N/L for growth. These ChVs were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1996 chronic water quality criterion (WQC) for copper (15 μg/L; hardness 170 mg/L) and 1999 WQC for total ammonia (1.26 mg N/L; pH 8.2 and 20°C). Results indicate that toxicity tests with two-month-old mussels can be conducted for 28 d with >80% control survival; growth was frequently a more sensitive endpoint compared to survival; and the 1996 chronic WQC for copper and the 1999 chronic WQC for total ammonia might not be adequately protective of the mussel species tested. However, a recently revised 2007 chronic WQC for copper based on the biotic ligand model may be more protective in the water tested.