cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nuevos avances en ecoendoscopia

Desde el diseno del primer prototipo de ecoendoscopio en 1980,1 el ultrasonido endoscopico (USE) ha experimentado un espectacular desarrollo. Ideado inicialmente como una tecnica estrictamente diagnostica, ha ido incorporando nuevas indicaciones terapeuticas hasta convertirse en una alternativa menos invasiva a procedimientos quirurgicos.2 El desarrollo de los ecoendoscopios lineales a principios de la decada de 1990, permitio obtener muestras de tejido y fue el punto de partida para el desarrollo de nuevos accesorios3 e indicaciones. Los nuevos ecoendosocopios terapeuticos de vision frontal4,5 y la evolucion constante de la cirugia minimamente invasiva6,7 parecen asegurar la continua expansion de la tecnica.
Parallel Program Graphs and their Classification

We categorize and compare different representations of program dependence graphs, including the Control Flow Graph (CFG) which is a sequential representation lacking data dependences, the Program Dependence Graph (PDG) which is a parallel representation of a sequential program and is comprised of control and data dependences, and more generally, the Parallel Program Graph (PPG) which is a parallel representation of sequential and (inherently) parallel programs and is comprised of parallel control flow edges and synchronization edges. PPGs are classified according to their graphical structure and properties related to deadlock detection and serializability.
An inexpensive corrosion laboratory experiment suitable for all ages

One of the most obvious effects of corrosion is the damage that road salt can perpetrate on our vehicles. The author describes how to perform corrosion testing on several metals to demonstrate methods of effective corrosion protection and to make qualitative comparisons between protected and unprotected metals. Student reactions to the exercise are discussed and their suggestions for improvement are presented. Some photographs of the experimental results are shown. Additional photographs are provided in the electronic version of the paper.
Visual perspective in remembering and episodic future thought.

According to the constructive episodic simulation hypothesis, remembering and episodic future thinking are supported by a common set of constructive processes. In the present study, we directly add...
GPS TEC observations of dynamics of the mid-latitude trough during substorms

[1] In this study, we combine GPS vertical total electron content (VTEC) and other complementary instruments, such as the Poker Flat incoherent scatter radar and all-sky imagers, to investigate the dynamics of the mid-latitude trough during non-storm time substorms for solar minimum condition and focus on Alaska region. We find that the poleward wall of the mid-latitude trough shifts equatorward rapidly after substorm onset with a maximum speed reaching 4°–5° of geomagnetic latitude per hour. This equatorward motion results in narrowing and even disappearance of the mid-latitude trough and is due to enhanced energetic electron precipitation. The mid-latitude trough can reappear during the substorm recovery phase as auroral activity retreats poleward. This phenomenon has not been reported before probably because of limited field-of-view of previous instruments used in trough studies. Comparisons of the trough minimum location predicted by models that are based on global Kp and AE indices show good agreement before substorm activity reaches the peak and relatively poor agreement during the recovery phase. The observations suggest that a local index, such as the local AL index, may be a better index to use to parameterize the trough location at a given meridian than a global index.
An Examination of Yearly and Daily Temperature Change and Its Significance to the Evaluation of Sealant Performance

Standard test methods to assess the degree of movement capability of sealants are currently based on extreme values of amplitude, rate of movement and temperature change. The selection and derivation of these test parameters on the basis of field observations has yet to be fully explained. It appears that these parameters are not based on an understanding of the degree to which sealants undergo cyclic movement on buildings nor the likelihood of occurrence of extreme events. Although joint failure due to cyclic movement has been investigated, there is a need to consider how such models of deterioration can be used to establish test criteria for assessing the long-term performance of sealant products. To address some of these issues, a study was conducted to determine the nature of temperature fluctuations in a northerly climate. Hourly temperature data from the Ottawa international airport for a period of forty years was subjected to probability analysis. The analysis considered the likelihood of occurrence of periods of increasing or decreasing temperature. The occurrence of particular amplitudes ranges and rates of temperature change were also determined on both a seasonal and a yearly basis. Moreover, the annual and multi-year probability of temperature fluctuations at or abovemore » extreme values of either rate or amplitude were also assessed. In addition, the maximum and minimum temperatures of the 40 yearly periods were subjected to extremal analysis to determine the likelihood of annual periods covering larger than average temperature ranges. This analysis provides a basis from which to select test parameters.« less
Key Object Driven Multi-category Object Recognition, Localization and Tracking Using Spatio-temporal Context

In this paper we address the problem of recognizing, localizing and tracking multiple objects of different categories in meeting room videos. Difficulties such as lack of detail and multi-object co-occurrence make it hard to directly apply traditional object recognition methods. Under such circumstances, we show that incorporating object-level spatio-temporal relationships can lead to significant improvements in inference of object category and state. Contextual relationships are modeled by a dynamic Markov random field, in which recognition, localization and tracking are done simultaneously. Further, we define human as the key object of the scene, which can be detected relatively robustly and therefore is used to guide the inference of other objects. Experiments are done on the CHIL meeting video corpus. Performance is evaluated in terms of object detection and false alarm rates, object recognition confusion matrix and pixel-level accuracy of object segmentation.
Sex- and age-based variation in transfusion practices among patients undergoing major surgery.

Background Data on hemoglobin (Hb) threshold levels for “appropriate” packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions have not taken into account patient-specific variables such as sex and age. We sought to define differences in perioperative transfusion practices based on patient sex and age among patients undergoing complex gastrointestinal (GI) and cardiothoracic-vascular (CT-V) surgical procedures. Methods All patients undergoing any major GI or CT-V procedures between January 2010 and April 2014 at the Johns Hopkins Hospital were identified. Data on sex, age, as well as other clinicopathologic and procedures were collected and analyzed relative to transfusion practices (restrictive: transfusion at blood Hb Results Among the 10,772 patients included in the study cohort, 4,689 (44.0%) were transfused with ≥1 PRBC. Median preoperative Hb was lower among women (12.3 vs 13.4 g/dL in men) and the aged ( Conclusion Sex and age were associated with receipt of transfusion and, in the case of older patients, transfusion strategy. Given the lack of evidence to support a higher Hb level in older patients, emphasis should be placed on aligning transfusion practices with current evidence to employ a more restrictive transfusion strategy to decrease overuse of blood resources.
Immunology of genitourinary tumors.

Abstract A summary of basic tumor immunology is presented, including the evidence which supports the concept that urologic tumors are antigenic and that the host reacts against these tumors. Possible applications of urologic tumor immunology available to the clinician are discussed.
Maximum Activation of Thin Filaments at High Ionic Strength requires Bound Calcium and Rigor Myosin

We have used stopped-flow fluorescence to measure the acceleration of dissociation of hydrolysis products, Pi and deoxymantADP (mdADP), from myosinS1-mdADP-Pi and myosinS1-mdADP by native cardiac thin filaments (TF) at near physiological ionic strength (0.1M KAc). Although the rate constants of the product dissociation steps cannot be measured at this ionic strength, there is a linear dependence of the kobs of product (Pr = mdADP or mdADP-Pi) dissociation (TF + M-Pr ↔ TF-M-Pr → TF-M + Pr) on [TF], which can be used to determine the dependence of the apparent second order rate constant upon the ligands calcium and rigor myosin. The second order rate constant of the dependence of the kobs of Pi dissociation from myosinS1-mdADP-Pi on thin filament (actin subunit) concentration is: 2x103 M−1s−1 (no rigor myosin, pCa>8), 5.9x104 M−1s−1 (rigor myosin, pCa>8), 1.3x105 M−1s−1 (no rigor myosin, pCa 8), 2.3x105 M−1s−1 (rigor myosin, pCa>8), 6.2x105 M−1s−1 (no rigor myosin, pCa<4), and 1.2x106 M−1s−1 (rigor myosin, pCa<4). Thus, neither calcium nor rigor myosin is sufficient to maximally activate thin filament acceleration of product dissociation on its own. Full activation requires both calcium and rigor myosin to be bound to the thin filament. These results are (i) similar to data previously obtained at low ionic strength; (ii) inconsistent with models which predict that rigor myosin fully activates the thin filament and (iii) support a mechanism of thin filament regulation in which the principal regulated step of the hydrolysis cycle is phosphate dissociation from actomyosin-ADP-Pi.
A Computational Method to Identify Residues Important in Creating a Protein Promoting Vibration in Enzymes

In this paper, we present a computational method to screen a large set of protein residues to identify those residues the motions of which help create a protein promoting vibration and are therefore important for catalysis. The method is illustrated for the case of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase (HLADH). In this system, the protein promoting vibration is the relative motion between hydride donor and acceptor, that is, the benzyl alcohol substrate and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) cofactor, respectively. The resulting subset of screened residues compares favorably with existing experimental data and also suggests additional residues as objects for potential study. The method presented in this paper employs correlated motion as the basis for identifying residues important in catalysis. As such, the success of the method in the case of HLADH further supports the importance of protein dynamics in certain enzyme systems.
Allocation of blade surface to reproduction in Laminaria longicruris of Long Island Sound (USA)

Sorus formation in the kelp Laminaria longicruris de la Pylaie (Phaeophyta) was quantified for a biennial population in Long Island Sound (Connecticut, USA), at the southern limit of its biogeographical range in the Western Atlantic Ocean. The allocation of blade surface to reproduction was measured monthly during two years, with additional samples taken at times of peak growth and reproduction. Sporophytes produced sori year-round, with the highest percentages of fertile plants (75 to 95 percent) occurring from October to December. The mean percentage of sorus area to blade ranged from 1 to 37 percent, remaining low and fairly constant during the spring and summer, but reaching much higher levels in the fall (when growth is minimal) and early winter. The comparatively low mean annual allocation of blade surface to reproduction (5 percent), was postulated to be due to temperature stress on these plants at the southern limit of distribution, but may instead be typical of the species. Such a small allocation of resources to reproduction nevertheless results in billions of spores per m2 of substrate, making a major contribution of material potentially available to grazing food webs.
XML and relational database management systems: the inside story

As XML has evolved from a document markup language to a widely-used format for exchange of structured and semistructured data, managing large amounts of XML data has become increasingly important. A number of companies, including both established database vendors and startups, have recently announced new XML database systems or new XML functionality integrated into existing database systems. This tutorial will provide an insight into how XML functionality fits into relational database management systems as seen by three major relational vendors: IBM, Microsoft and Oracle.
Simulation Design for Off-Line Training of Practical Lean Manufacturing Concepts for Visual Inspection

Customer needs for high-quality goods and the risk of product-liability litigation against businesses have made companies look for a way to sustain quality assurance in their products and services. Lean manufacturing is the latest and most successful system being used by companies to turn their business around. Visual inspection plays an important role to ensure quality product in manufacturing and service industries. Simulation accompanied by training has been proven to be effective in implementing lean concepts in visual inspection systems by enhancing operator accuracy and reducing search time. This article describes the development and application of a training system in a simulated visual inspection environment using a computer-based program to mimic the actual industrial setting. The system is designed and used to simulate and evaluate lean metrics such as time, accuracy, pacing, and data collection needed to train visual inspectors off-line.
Dynamics of dendritic pattern formation

This paper is a brief review of recent and ongoing developments in the theory of dendritic pattern formation. A marginal stability hypothesis has achieved some success in predicting dendritic growth rates, but a fully nonlinear dynamic theory of the dendritic growth mechanism has yet to be developed. A possible clue for the construction of such a theory is the existence of a class of one-dimensional models in which a pattern is found to spread into an unstable region by propagating at the slowest stable speed. This mathematical realization of the marginal stability mechanism has led to the development of a boundary layer model which describes localized dynamics of fully two- or three-dimensional solidification fronts and which retains some of the mathematical features of the propagating systems. Preliminary results of numerical calculations using the boundary layer model indicate that it is capable of probing fully nonlinear features of dendritic pattern formation.
Design of On-Chip Microchannel Fluidic Cooling Structures

In this paper, we present five designs of microchannel fluidic cooling structures formed on a Si chip representing the heat source. The numerical simulation is performed by the software package of COMSOL multiphysics, formerly FEMLAB. The fabrication process of the microchannel structure will also be discussed.
Entropy balance analysis of the AFM-region in the phase diagram of UCu5−xPdx

Abstract We present a systematic study of the specific heat in the antiferromagnetic (afm) region of the heavy fermion system UCu5−xPdx for annealed and unannealed samples with x=0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0. Annealed UCu4Pd exhibits a logarithmic temperature dependence of the electronic part of c/T over more than two decades. A careful entropy analysis reveals a nearly constant value of the entropy around 4.0 J mol −1 K −1 for all values of x, which supports the scenario of an afm quantum critical phase (QCP) transition with a vanishing transition temperature TN at x=1.
The influence of mixtures of androsterone and dehydroisoandrosterone on biological response.

We (Saier, Grauer and Starkey, 1943) and others (Friedgood and Whidden, 1941) observed that the chromogenic properties of androsterone were not altered by the presence of dehydroisoandrosterone in the same solution when varying mixtures of these two biologically active components were studied colorimetrically. As a result of this it was decided to observe the effect of mixtures of these androgens when determined by biological assay. Androsterone is known to be more active biologically than dehydroisoandrosterone. These normally occur in urine in a proportion of from 95% + 5% to 85% + 15%. (Bauman and Metzger, 1940) (Callow and Callow, 1938). In pathological states, such as virilism caused by a tumor of the adrenal cortex, the amount of dehydroisoandrosterone may increase from the original 5 to 15% up to 40 to 70% of the excreted androgen (Callow and Callow, 1936). It is pertinent and at the same time appears paradoxical that as the less active fraction (dehydroisoandrosterone) is increased in amount the v...
Direct and modifying influences of selected risk factors on children's pre-adoption functioning and post-adoption adjustment

Abstract Child adoption outcomes are influenced by child's behavior and parents' expectations (Haugaard & Hazan, 2003). Pre-adoption risk factors, such as prenatal alcohol, tobacco and/or other drug (ATOD) exposure, male sex, sexual abuse, and multiple out-of-home placements have been linked to increased externalizing (acting out) behaviors that are difficult to manage and are most closely associated with adoption disruption (Barth, 1991, 2001 Rosenthal & Groze, 1991; Smith & Howard, 1999). However, adoption researchers have found that positive outcomes (fewer externalizing behaviors) are possible for children who have been exposed to pre-adoption risk factors, suggesting that adoptive families provide protective environments that allow healing (Barth, 1991, 1993; Barth & Brooks, 2000). The current study sought to increase understanding of the influence of these pre-adoption risk factors on adoption outcome with attention to the influence of prenatal alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drug (ATOD) exposure. Results indicated that pre-adoption functioning was significantly influenced by prenatal ATOD exposure, but post-adoption adjustment was not. Structural equation modeling then was used to analyze both the direct and moderating influences of the identified risk factors on the relationship between the child's pre-adoption functioning and post-adoption adjustment. Negative influences of the risk factors on the child's externalizing behavior, individually and additively, in both direct effects and moderation analyses, were not found, with one exception. The only model to have a statistically significant effect was the moderation analysis containing the interaction of all four risk factors. Child development, child welfare, addiction professionals, and adoptive families will find this information to be of value in their quest to facilitate successful adoptions and growth of healthy children and families.
The activity of nifluridide on reduviids and rodent and human trypanosomes

The ability of influridide to kill reduviids was assayed in mice fed 7 ppm in diet and on cattle injected subcutaneously at 5 mg/kg body weight. Nifluridide was systemically active againstTriatoma infestans on mice andRhodnius prolixus on cattle. No effects onTrypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi could be detected in the intestinal contents ofTriatoma infestans killed by the compound. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to determine the effects of nifluridide on trypanosomes growing in medium and in experimentally infected mice. Culture forms ofTrypanosoma cruzi grown at 27° C that are morphologically similar to epimastigotes found in infected bugs were affected by 2.5 to 10 ppm in the medium. Mice fed nifluridide in the diet simultaneous with infection ofTrypanosoma cruzi orTrypanosoma (Herpetosoma) musculi exhibited parasitemias and tissue infections similar to nontreated infected mice. At the concentration tested, bloodstream trypomastigotes and culture epimastigotes ofTrypanosoma musculi were unaffected by nifluridide. Only the culture epimastigotes ofTrypanosoma cruzi were affected by the drug but not the bloodstream and tissue forms.
Mutations of the Drosophila Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Affect Courtship Song and Reduce Reproductive Success

The Drosophila indirect flight muscles (IFM) rely on an enhanced stretch-activation response to generate high power output for flight. The IFM is neurally activated during the male courtship song, but its role, if any, in generating the small amplitude wing vibrations that produce the song is not known. Here, we examined the courtship song properties and mating behavior of three mutant strains of the myosin regulatory light chain (DMLC2) that are known to affect IFM contractile properties and impair flight: (i) Dmlc2Δ2–46 (Ext), an N-terminal extension truncation; (ii) Dmlc2S66A,S67A (Phos), a disruption of two MLC kinase phosphorylation sites; and (iii) Dmlc2Δ2–46;S66A,S67A (Dual), expressing both mutations. Our results show that the Dmlc2 gene is pleiotropic and that mutations that have a profound effect on flight mechanics (Phos and Dual) have minimal effects on courtship song. None of the mutations affect interpulse interval (IPI), a determinant of species-specific song, and intrapulse frequency (IPF) compared to Control (Dmlc2+ rescued null strain). However, abnormalities in the sine song (increased frequency) and the pulse song (increased cycles per pulse and pulse length) evident in Ext males are not apparent in Dual males suggesting that Ext and Phos interact differently in song and flight mechanics, given their known additive effect on the latter. All three mutant males produce a less vigorous pulse song and exhibit impaired mating behavior compared to Control males. As a result, females are less receptive to Ext, Phos, and Dual males when a Control male is present. These results open the possibility that DMLC2, and perhaps contractile protein genes in general, are partly under sexual selection. That mutations in DMLC2 manifest differently in song and flight suggest that this protein fulfills different roles in song and flight and that stretch activation plays a smaller role in song production than in flight.
Ion-ion recombination at high ion density

By appeal to a Thomson-style treatment of recombination, it is shown that the rate for recombination of ions generated with uniform frequency within a reaction volume is a factor of 9/4 times greater than the rate for recombination of ions which approach each other from infinite separation. A valuable relationship connecting the two problems is uncovered. The analysis is pertinent to recombination involving dilute and high degrees of ionisation.
Electric discharge etching of thin metalized plastic films

Abstract We describe a technique for etching electrically isolated strips onto metalized Mylar surfaces suitable for strip cathode readout multiwire chambers. Cathode planes created using this technique are much thinner than those made using previously described techniques.
The Role of Rho GTPase Proteins in CNS Neuronal Migration

The architectonics of the mammalian brain arise from a remarkable range of directed cell migrations, which orchestrate the emergence of cortical neuronal layers and pattern brain circuitry. At different stages of cortical histogenesis, specific modes of cell motility are essential to the stepwise formation of cortical architecture. These movements range from interkinetic nuclear movements in the ventricular zone, to migrations of early-born, postmitotic polymorphic cells into the preplate, to the radial migration of precursors of cortical output neurons across the thickening cortical wall, and the vast, tangential migrations of interneurons from the basal forebrain into the emerging cortical layers. In all cases, actomyosin motors act in concert with cell adhesion receptor systems to provide the force and traction needed for forward movement. As key regulators of actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, cell polarity, and adhesion, the Rho GTPases play critical roles in CNS neuronal migration. This review will focus on the different types of migration in the developing neocortex and cerebellar cortex, and the role of the Rho GTPases, their regulators and effectors in these CNS migrations, with particular emphasis on their involvement in radial migration. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 528–553, 2011
Transient increases in intraoperative parathyroid levels related to anesthetic technique.

Background Parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion is partially regulated by circulating catecholamines. We examined the effect of different anesthetic techniques on intraoperative PTH (IOPTH) levels in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism. Methods We prospectively studied 132 patients divided into 3 anesthetic cohorts: monitored anesthetic care (MAC; n = 45), general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway (LMA; n = 43), or general endotracheal anesthesia (GETA; n = 39). IOPTH levels were drawn before induction and at defined intervals postinduction. Results All anesthetic techniques increased IOPTH levels from preinduction to 3 minutes postinduction (MAC, 28%; LMA, 45%; GETA, 65%; P 7 times more likely to increase the preinduction IOPTH by ≥50% at 3 minutes postinduction compared with MAC (P Conclusion Preincision IOPTH samples should be drawn before induction to avoid incorporation of potentially misleading anesthetic-related IOPTH elevations into surgical decision making.
‘Nature-inspired’ drug–protein complexes as inhibitors of Aβ aggregation

Protein–protein interactions are a regulatory mechanism for a number of physiological and pathological cellular processes. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD (Alzheimer9s disease), are associated with the accelerated production or delayed clearance of protein aggregates. Hence, inhibition of pathologic protein–protein interactions is a very attractive mechanism for drug development. This review focuses on a novel therapeutic strategy to inhibit the de novo formation of protein aggregates. Inspired by strategies used in Nature and optimized over millions of years of evolution, we have created a bifunctional molecule [SLF (synthetic ligand for FK506-binding protein)–CR (Congo Red)] that is able to block Aβ (amyloid β) aggregation by borrowing the surface and steric bulk of a cellular chaperone.
Scattering of Alpha Particles

A resume of early and recent alpha -particle scattering experiments is given, including an account of the first cyclotron experiments. Various models used to explain the alpha -nucleus interaction are outlined, including the Aknezier-Pomeranchuk-Blair models, the Ford-Wheeler model, the classical strong absorption model, and various optical models. The validity of each of these models using heavy and light target nuclei is investigated. Theory and experimental data on elastic scattering and total reduction cross sections are presented. (T.F.H.)
VPT2+K spectroscopic constants and matrix elements of the transformed vibrational Hamiltonian of a polyatomic molecule with resonances using Van Vleck perturbation theory

Vibrational levels of polyatomic molecules are analysed with Van Vleck perturbation theory to connect experimental energy levels to computed molecular potential energy surfaces. Vibrational matrix elements are calculated from a quartic potential function via second-order Van Vleck perturbation theory, a procedure that treats both weak and strong interactions among vibrational states by approximately block-diagonalising the vibrational Hamiltonian. A clear and complete derivation of anharmonic and resonance constants as well as general expressions for both on- and off-diagonal matrix elements of the transformed Hamiltonian is presented. The equations are written in partial fraction form and as a constant multiplied by a harmonic oscillator matrix element to facilitate removing the effect of strongly interacting resonant states both in analytical formulae and in computer code. The derived equations are validated numerically, and results for the isotopomers of formaldehyde (H2CO, HDCO, D2CO) are included. Th...
MicroRNA Regulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Chondrosarcoma Cells

Background Systemic treatments to prevent or treat chondrosarcoma metastasis are lacking and targeted therapy has yet to be developed. Hypoxia develops in tumors as they grow and hypoxia-related alterations in gene expression underlie some of the traits of cancer. One critical trait is the ability to induce sustained angiogenesis, which is usually related to expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). A potential hypoxia-related mechanism resulting in altered gene expression involves microRNA. Little is known about microRNA expression in chondrosarcoma and its potential role in regulation of VEGF expression.
Zebrafish orthopedia (otp) is required for isotocin cell development

Several behavioral and physiological processes such as social, sexual, and maternal behaviors, learning and memory, and parturition are influenced by the neurohypophysial peptide oxytocin. Studies in knockout mice have identified four transcriptional regulatory genes that are required for oxytocin neuronal development in the hypothalamus. These are the basic helix-loop-helix PAS genes Single-minded 1 (Sim1) and Arylhydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator 2 (Arnt2), the POU homeobox gene Pou3f2, and the paired homeobox gene Orthopedia (Otp). Overall, however, the molecular control of oxytocin cell development is poorly understood. Studies in zebrafish provide a complementary view to mouse knockout experiments and facilitate understanding of neuroendocrine cell development. Isotocin, which is orthologous to oxytocin, is expressed early in the developing zebrafish brain. In this paper we show that zebrafish otp mRNA expression in the embryonic forebrain is dynamic and complex, and that it overlaps with isotocin expression in the dorsal preoptic area. Additionally, these studies demonstrate that otp is required for isotocin cell development. Evidence is also provided that otp and sim1 function in parallel to direct the differentiation of isotocin cells, and that otp is unlikely to affect brain patterning. Overall, these studies support the hypothesis that the role of otp in zebrafish neuroendocrine cell development is evolutionarily conserved with that of mammals.
Ultrasonic dispersion and attenuation near the liquid-gas critical point of 3He

We report ultrasonic dispersion and attenuation measurements near the liquid-gas critical point of 3He at frequencies from 0.5 to 5.0 MHz and densities from 0.89ϱ c to 1.15ϱ c . The singular part of the sound attenuation and the dispersion on the critical isochore ϱ c = 0.0414 g/cm3 are analyzed in terms of the Kawasaki-Mistura theory. If the Ornstein-Zernike order parameter correlation function is assumed in the analysis, good agreement with our data is achieved, except close to the critical temperature T cin the high-frequency region, where ω* = ω/ωD ≫ 1. Here Ω D is the characteristic relaxation rate of the critical fluctuations. From a fit of the theory to our data, and assuming the inverse correlation length κ is expressed by κ = κ0ɛΝ, where ɛ = (T−Tc)/Tc with Ν = 0.63, we obtain κ0 = (3.9 ± 0.4) × 109 m−1. It is found that a more realistic form of the correlation function, as proposed by Fisher and Langer and calculated by Bray, yields even poorer agreement with out data than does the classical Ornstein-Zernike form for Ω* > 10. The same difficulties appear in the analysis of the available data for xenon. Thus, the present mode coupling theory is unable to satisfactorily describe the acoustic experiments on fluids near the liquid-vapor critical point over a large range of reduced frequencies Ω*. In the appendix, we reanalyze previously reported ultrasonic data in 4He, taking into account the nonsingular term of the thermal conductivity. Using Ν = 0.63, we obtain a good fit of the experiment to the theory in the hydrodynamic region with κ0 = (5.5 ± 1) × 109 m−1.
Computer-aided structure modification of electromechanical systems using singular value decomposition

A computer-aided design method for modifying the mechanical structure of electromechanical systems, e.g., robots and positioning systems, is presented in this paper. The pole-zero locations and other characteristics are represented in relation to the structural geometry by using the finite element method. The inverse problem of determining a geometry which will yield better dynamic characteristics is formulated and solved. Based on sensitivity analysis and the singular value decomposition of the sensitivity matrix, useful information is provided to the designer for making effective design changes and understanding trade-offs among multiple system characteristics to be improved. This decomposition also provides us with a new type of geometric design mode-shapes that characterizes all possible design changes affecting system characteristics. The design methodology is implemented to develop a computer-aided structure modification system. A design example of a flexible robot arm demonstrates the usefulness of the system.
Spectroscopic study of electrons emitted in Arq+ (8 <= q <= 16) on Ar at 2.3q keV collision energy.

The spectra of electrons emitted in Ar{sup {ital q}+} on Ar (8{le}{ital q}{le}16) collisions at 2.3{ital q} keV were measured in the 30{endash}400-eV energy range. Ar{sup {ital q}+} ions were produced by the Cornell superconducting solenoid, cryogenic electron-beam ion source, and the emitted electrons analyzed by a {radical}{pi}/2 cylindrical electrostatic analyzer at 90{degree} to the ion beam. The observed spectral features are interpreted in terms of energy differences between total electronic energies of final states of the collision system [Ar{sup {ital q}+}+ (electron configuration)] + Ar{sup {ital r}+} and the Ar{sup {ital q}+}+ Ar ground-state total electronic energy. The measured spectra appear to have a common interpretation. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Sex differences in attitudes toward driving: A survey

Abstract A survey of a convenience sample of 198 students at the University of Texas at El Paso was used to determine if sex differences in attitudes toward the task of driving could be detected. Males reported more behaviors than females that would put them at higher risk of collision—like driving under the influence and in vehicles with high centers of gravity. In addition, men expressed more comfort than women for driving at night, in unfamiliar territory and in bad weather. There was also some evidence of higher driving exposure for males than females. Women were more likely than men to report compliance with traffic regulations: using turn signals and obeying speed limits. Overall, it appears than men have more confidence in their driving skills than women. This confidence of males may reflect more of a belief in their superior driving skills rather than any disregard for the risks involved in operating a motor vehicle.
Specific Inhibition of in Vitro Formation of Protease-resistant Prion Protein by Synthetic Peptides

The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are characterized by the conversion of the protease-sensitive prion protein (PrPsen) into a protease-resistant isoform (PrPres) associated with the neuropathogenic process in vivo. Recently, PrPres has been shown to be capable of directly inducing the conversion of PrPsen to PrPres in a cell-free in vitro system. In the present experiments, various PrP peptides were studied for their ability to enhance or inhibit this cell-free conversion reaction. None of the synthetic peptides was able to confer protease-resistance to the labeled PrPsen molecules on their own. On the contrary, peptides from the central part of the hamster PrP sequence from 106 to 141 could completely inhibit the conversion induced by preformed PrPres. The presence of residues 119 and 120 from the highly hydrophobic sequence AGAAAAGA (position 113 to 120) was crucial for an efficient inhibitory effect. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that inhibitory peptides formed high β-sheet aggregates under the conditions of the conversion reaction, but this was also true of certain peptides that were not inhibitory. Thus, the potential to form β-sheeted aggregates may be necessary, but not sufficient, for peptides to act as inhibitors of PrPres formation. Clearly, the amino acid sequence of the peptide is also important for inhibition. The sequence specificity of the inhibition is consistent with the idea that residues in the vicinity of positions 106–141 of PrPres and/or PrPsen are critically involved in the intermolecular interactions that lead to PrPres formation.
Temporal Distance: A Basic Linguistic Metaphor

Etude translinguistique de la semantique de la localisation du temps par rapport a un repere
1559 THE ROLES OF PATENT FORAMEN OVALE SHUNT AND PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS SHUNT IN THE PATHOGENESIS OP RDS

In order to study the role of right to left (Rt to Lt) PFO shunt and Lt to Rt PDA shunt in the pathogenesis of RDS, contrast echocardiography was performed in 23 newborns (m GA 32.3 wks, m BW 1690 gms) with RDS requiring mechanical ventilation and FiO2 of >40%. Shunts were studied daily using realtime 2D ultrasound (HP 77020) with 5 MHZ transducer. Two ml of normal saline was injected through umbilical venous (UV) line (tip in inferior vena cava) and umbilical arterial (UA) catheter (tip at T6 level) to produce echo contrast for PFO and PDA studies respectively. Rt to lt PFO shunt was present in 23/23 patients (100%) who required FiO2 >40%. The frequency of shunt decreased while FiO2 requirement decreased; i.e. 55% for FiO2 between 30-39% O2 and 0% for FiO2 40% and 40% O2. No simultaneous shunt was found when PiO2 was <30%. This study systematically and chronologically demonstrates the evidence of Rt to Lt shunt at PFO level (which results in hypoxemia through venous mixing) and also evidence of Lt to Rt shunt through PDA (which leads to increased pulmonary flow and resultant pulmonary edema). Both of these shunts at different levels through different mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of RDS.
Rapid identification of dissolved organic matter fractions in water by spectral fluorescent signatures

Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis has been typically used as an aggregate measure of natural organic matter (NOM) in water. NOM from New Jersey surface water sources were isolated and fractionated by resin adsorption techniques into hydrophobic acid, hydrophobic neutral, hydrophobic base, hydrophilic acid, hydrophilic neutral and hydrophilic base. The Spectral Fluorescent Signatures (SFS) technique through a database of spectral characteristics specific to each fraction was developed for the identification of the six dissolved organic carbon (DOM) fractions. Among the main advantages of the technique are high sensitivity and rapid identification. The potential use of the technique for the rapid qualitative and quantitative identification of the DOM fractions for source water assessment and water treatment process optimization is presented.
Behavioral Genetics: Concepts for Research and Practice in Language Development and Disorders

This paper is an introduction to behavioral genetics for researchers and practioners in language development and disorders. The specific aims are to illustrate some essential concepts and to show h...
Cone beam CT image quality measurements: PSF de-convolution

The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of any system is the frequency response to a delta signal. Ideally, this response should be a step function for a flat panel detector (FPD); it should be one for frequencies less than the Nyquist frequency and zero for frequencies above. Yet, this response is degraded by several factors such as the veiling glare of the detector and the focal spot size. Consequently, the MTF has been one of the physical characteristics that are commonly used to quantitatively measure the physical performance of a system. One of the standard techniques to evaluate the MTF is by using an edge of a metal with a high atomic number. For instance, it has been suggested by IEC 62220-1 to use an opaque edge to evaluate the MTF of FPDs. In a previous study, it was found that different metals yield slightly different evaluation of the MTF. The effects of these slightly different MTFs on image quality were investigated. The evaluation of the MTFs of a PaxScan 4030CB and PaxScan 2520 from a previous study were used in this study. A ball, a cylindrical water phantom, a breast phantom, a living mouse and three breasts of patients from a pilot study were analyzed for improvements in image quality after PSF deconvolution post-processing. The results of this study suggest that the detector's MTF de-convolution post-processing achieved a CNR's increase while it also enhanced the edges and uniformity.
Acts of loving kindness.

An inflection point is a turn or bend from a direct course. Medical care, as we have known it, is at an inflection point; and I am concerned with its trajectory.
CLOPIDOGREL COMBINED WITH ASPIRIN IMPROVES GRAFT PATENCY AFTER CORONARY BYPASS SURGERY: RESULTS OF A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

The use of aspirin in the immediate postoperative period after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been shown to improve survival, graft patency and reduces ischemic events. Results of studies comparing the combination of clopidogrel and aspirin versus aspirin alone after CABG have been
Critical examination of isolation system design paradigms for a coupled powertrain and frame: Partial torque roll axis decoupling methods given practical constraints

Abstract The torque roll axis motion decoupling concept is analytically and computationally studied in a realistic coupled powertrain and frame system using discrete, proportionally damped linear models. Recently, Hu and Singh (2012 [1] ) (Journal of Sound and Vibration 331 (2012) 1498–1518) proposed new paradigms to fully decouple such a system. However, critical examination shows that the derivation does not always lead to a physically realizable system, as each powertrain mount is not referenced to a single location. This deficiency is overcome by deriving mount compatibility conditions to ensure realistic mount positions which are incorporated into proposed decoupling conditions. It is mathematically shown that full decoupling is not possible for a practical system, and therefore partial decoupling paradigms are pursued. Powertrain mount design using only the decoupled powertrain achieves better decoupling than minimizing conditions for the coupled system using a total least squares method. Further decoupling is obtained through frame isolation design using a decoupled frame model such that the torque roll mode is dominant over the frequency range considered. Other methods for limiting frame coupling are also briefly discussed.
Nona-D-arginine amide for prophylaxis and treatment of experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis.

Purpose: Nona-D-arginine amide (D9R) affected a cure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal disease when combined with ciprofloxacin. In this study, we show that D9R alone and prophylactic treatment with D9R significantly reduced corneal pathology and bacterial burden associated with P. aeruginosa infection.Materials and Methods: Right eyes of Swiss Black mice received a 5 μl drop of either phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) or100 μM D9R every half-hour or hourly for 5 hr (total of 6–12 drops/eye) immediately after corneal wounding and subsequent infection with 1 × 106 colony forming units (CFU) of a cytotoxic strain of P. aeruginosa (ATCC 19660). For prophylactic treatment, eyes were treated hourly for 5 hr (total of 6 drops/eye) before infection with an invasive strain of P. aeruginosa (PAO1). At 24 hr post infection, all eyes were evaluated for pathology and scored on a scale of 0 (normal eye) to +4 (corneal perforation). Mice were then sacrificed and eyes were harvested for CFU determination (N = 15) ...
Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Relations

In 7 studies, the authors examined the link between emotional intelligence and interpersonal relations. In Studies 1 and 2, the participants with higher scores for emotional intelligence had higher scores for empathic perspective taking and self-monitoring in social situations. In Study 3, the participants with higher scores for emotional intelligence had higher scores for social skills. In Study 4, the participants with higher scores for emotional intelligence displayed more cooperative responses toward partners. In Study 5, the participants with higher scores for emotional intelligence had higher scores for close and affectionate relationships. In Study 6, the participants' scores for marital satisfaction were higher when they rated their marital partners higher for emotional intelligence. In Study 7, the participants anticipated greater satisfaction in relationships with partners described as having emotional intelligence.
Biomechanical Properties of Human Aorta from Dynamic Biaxial Loading

Nonlinear anisotropic Fung-type strain energy density function (SEDF) was utilized to predict the biomechanical behavior of human aortic tissue under sub-failure oscillatory biaxial loading. The results showed that the rate dependency of the tissue was significant and the need to develop a viscoelastic model for aortic tissue was highlighted.
Behavior of secondary α particles produced from relativistic heavy-ion collisions

The interaction mean free paths of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles in fragments emitted from two heavy-ion beams of $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$ and $^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$, at an energy of $\ensuremath{\sim}2A$ GeV have been measured and were found to be the same, within statistical errors, at all distances from their production points.
Competition of estetrol and ethynylestradiol with estradiol for nuclear binding in human endometrium.

Abstract Competition of tritiated estetrol (E 4 ), ethynylestradiol (EE), and estradiol (E 2 ) for binding to estrogen receptors was studied in vitro in human proliferative endometrium. The binding affinities of these compounds, relative to E 2 , were estimated from the displacement of [ 3 H]-E 2 specifically bound in the nucleus, measured at various intracellular ratios of concentrations of E 2 and competitor. Ethynylestradiol was found to compete with E 2 for the same set of saturable binding sites with a relative affinity constant of 1/3. Similar calculations applied to the data corresponding to 50% displacement of E 2 by E 4 indicated a relative affinity constant of E 4 of 1/16. However, in contrast with EE, only about 65% of bound E 2 could be exchanged by E 4 . This finding reveals a heterogeneity in the E 2 -receptor complex bound to nuclei. After correction for this unexchangeable fraction of bound E 2 , the relative affinity constant of E 4 to sites for which both E 2 and E 4 can compete was found to be about 1/6. Of various phenolic steroids tested, only those possessing a 17β hydroxy group competed with E 2 for binding; norethynodrel also reduced the binding of E 2 to human endometrium, in vitro .