cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparation, Characterization, and Utilization of Biomimetic Membranes

Biological membranes define the very existence of the living cell and are intimately involved in in vivo syntheses, recognition, information transfer, and energy transduction.1 Self-organization, predominantly bimolecular thickness, domain formation, temperature, media- and electrical signal-dependent fluidity, and permeability control are believed to be responsible for the effectiveness of the biological membrane in mediating these myriads of activities. The exploitation of biomembranedependent processes in vitro in relatively simple artificial biomimetic membranes for the compartmentalization of substrates, for acting as carriers, and for altering reaction rates, products, and stereochemistries has been the subject of intensive research activities.2 Biomimetic membranes are defiined by a utilitarian point of view as compartments which are able to. accommodate selected substrates in desired microenvironments. Aqueous micelles, reversed micelles, monolayers, Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films, bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs), freely suspended ultrathin fiilms, surfactant vesicles (liposomes), cast multilayers, self-assembled films, and even such layered compounds as zeolites and pillared clays (or organoclay complexes) are considered to be biomimetic membranes in this broad definition. In contrast, the term biofunctional membrane is limited to an “entity in which biological molecules (or cells) are attached to polymeric supports cast in the form of porous membranes.”3
A Fission Technique Enabling Parallelization of Imperfectly Nested Loops

This paper addresses the issue of parallelizing imperfectly nested loops. Current parallelizing compilers or transformations would either only parallelize the inner-most loop (which is more like vectorization than parallelization), or not parallelize the loops at all. We present an approach that transforms an imperfectly nested loop into at most three fully parallel perfectly nested loops. The transformed loops can be parallelized by any parallelizing compiler. The advantage of our technique is the simplicity of the transformed loops and low synchronization overhead. The feasibility of this approach was tested using several types of loops including those from the Eispack math library and from Linpack benchmark on different multi-processor platforms and performance was compared with Sun’s MP C and Cray’s autotasking. The results show that our method is very effective.
Emerging Era of Cooperative Empowerment: Grid, Peer-to-Peer, and Community Computing

In this paper we discuss an emerging trend in high performance computing-the social or community computing. The emergence of screensaver computing, grid computing, peer-to-peer systems, and their demonstrated ability to garner computing power as potent as the supercomputers seems to be auspicious. In this paper we discuss the new phenomenon of community computing-including their potential applications in solving a new set of grand challenge problems. We also discuss the previously uncharted technological challenges architects of these new paradigm s are addressing.
Multivariate Histograms for Analysis of Linear Control System Robustness

A simple numerical procedure for estimating the stochastic robustness of a linear, time-invariant system is described. Based on Monte Carlo evaluation of the system's eigenvalues, this analysis approach introduces the probability of instability as a scalar measure of stability robustness. The related stochastic root locus, a portrayal of the root probability density, provides insight into robustness characteristics. Parameter uncertainties are not limited to Gaussian distributions; non-Gaussian cases, including uncertain-but-bounded variations, can be considered as well. Confidence intervals for the scalar probability of instability address computational issues inherent in Monte Carlo simulation. An example demonstrates stochastic robustness as applied to a physical system with Gaussian, uniformly distributed, and binary parameters.
Effects of Stride and Position on the Pitching Rubber on Control in Baseball Pitching

Abstract A study was made of 47 pitchers from five Midwestern universities to determine what effect changing the length of the stride and position on the pitching rubber had on control in baseball pitching. Each subject threw from only one of three positions on the pitching rubber (right side, center, or left side) and used only one of three strides (understride, normal stride or overstride). It was found that changing the length of the stride or position on the pitching rubber or any combination of these would not necessarily help correct pitching consistently high, low, inside, or outside the strike zone, throwing fastballs.
Systems biology framework for studying hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction (676.19)

Current understandings of endothelial dysfunction mechanism have failed to provide guidelines for a system wide treatment of endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we investigated and compared the...
Pre-computation of rotation bits in unidirectional CORDIC for trigonometric and hyperbolic computations

A novel technique for the pre-computation of rotation bits for unidirectional CORDIC is proposed in this paper. The unidirectional CORDIC algorithms differ from the conventional CORDIC in the degree of rotation. A new technique is developed to pre-compute the rotation bits from any given angle. The hardware design VLSI circuit is implemented in a FPGA using Altera Quartus II VHDL. Experimental results obtained with computations of trigonometric and hyperbolic functions using the pre-computed bits show the accuracy results in the order of /spl sim/10/sup -8/.
The Chaco Meridian: Centers of Political Power in the Ancient Southwest.

The Chaco Meridian: Centers of Political Power in the Ancient Southwest. Stephen H. Lekson. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press, 1999. 233 pp.
Role of Ultrasonography of Regional Nodal Basins in Staging Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Implications For Local-Regional Treatment

Purpose We sought to determine the rate at which regional nodal ultrasonography would increase the nodal disease stage in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) beyond the clinical stage determined by physical examination and mammography alone, and significantly affect the treatments delivered to these patients. Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed the charts of women with stages I to III TNBC who underwent physical examination, mammography, breast and regional nodal ultrasonography with needle biopsy of abnormal nodes, and definitive local-regional treatment at our institution between 2004 and 2011. The stages of these patients' disease with and without ultrasonography of the regional nodal basins were compared using the Pearson χ 2 test. Definitive treatments of patients whose nodal disease was upstaged on the basis of ultrasonographic findings were compared to those of patients whose disease stage remained the same. Results A total of 572 women met the study requirements. In 111 (19.4%) of these patients, regional nodal ultrasonography with needle biopsy resulted in an increase in disease stage from the original stage by physical examination and mammography alone. Significantly higher percentages of patients whose nodal disease was upstaged by ultrasonographic findings compared to that in patients whose disease was not upstaged underwent neoadjuvant systemic therapy (91.9% and 51.2%, respectively; P P P Conclusions Regional nodal ultrasonography in TNBC frequently changes the initial clinical stage and plays an important role in treatment planning.
The unfolded protein response transducer IRE1α prevents ER stress-induced hepatic steatosis

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the cellular organelle responsible for protein folding and assembly, lipid and sterol biosynthesis, and calcium storage. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an adaptive intracellular stress response to accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER. In this study, we show that the most conserved UPR sensor inositol-requiring enzyme 1 α (IRE1α), an ER transmembrane protein kinase/endoribonuclease, is required to maintain hepatic lipid homeostasis under ER stress conditions through repressing hepatic lipid accumulation and maintaining lipoprotein secretion. To elucidate physiological roles of IRE1α-mediated signalling in the liver, we generated hepatocyte-specific Ire1α-null mice by utilizing an albumin promoter-controlled Cre recombinase-mediated deletion. Deletion of Ire1α caused defective induction of genes encoding functions in ER-to-Golgi protein transport, oxidative protein folding, and ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of misfolded proteins, and led to selective induction of pro-apoptotic UPR trans-activators. We show that IRE1α is required to maintain the secretion efficiency of selective proteins. In the absence of ER stress, mice with hepatocyte-specific Ire1α deletion displayed modest hepatosteatosis that became profound after induction of ER stress. Further investigation revealed that IRE1α represses expression of key metabolic transcriptional regulators, including CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) β, C/EBPδ, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and enzymes involved in triglyceride biosynthesis. IRE1α was also found to be required for efficient secretion of apolipoproteins upon disruption of ER homeostasis. Consistent with a role for IRE1α in preventing intracellular lipid accumulation, mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion of Ire1α developed severe hepatic steatosis after treatment with an ER stress-inducing anti-cancer drug Bortezomib, upon expression of a misfolding-prone human blood clotting factor VIII, or after partial hepatectomy. The identification of IRE1α as a key regulator to prevent hepatic steatosis provides novel insights into ER stress mechanisms in fatty liver diseases associated with toxic liver injuries.
The Contributions of Evolutionary Divergence and Phenotypic Plasticity to Geographic Variation in the Western Fence Lizard, Sceloporus Occidentalis

3 Local genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity are two mechanisms that can have marked effects on the morphology, performance, and behaviour of animals, producing geographic variation among populations. However, few studies have examined how these mechanisms interact during ontogeny to shape organismal phenotypes. We incubated eggs of the western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, from four populations (representing two latitudes and altitudes) in either a warm or cool environment in the laboratory. We then raised the hatchlings under common laboratory conditions, measured morphological and performance traits until 5 weeks of age, and compared juvenile morphology with that of field-caught adults from each population. The results obtained indicate that some phenotypic traits that contribute to performance (body size, hindlimb length, head shape) were relatively canalized in juveniles and differed among populations in a way that was consistent with adults from their population of origin. However, other traits (forelimb length, inter-limb length, mass, tail length), showed significant effects of incubation temperature, and this environmentally induced variation persisted throughout the experi- ment. Although selection pressure may be stronger for traits that are integral to survival, developmental effects might still have a lasting impact on traits less important to organismal fitness. We discuss the results obtained in the present study the context of the life history of these animals. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 99, 84-98. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: development - incubation - local adaptation - morphology - ontogeny - performance - reaction norm - temperature.
Algorithms for biomarker identification utilizing maldi tof mass spectrometry

Currently, the best way to reduce the mortality of cancer is to detect and treat it in the earliest stages. Technological advances in genomics and proteomics have opened a new realm of methods for early detection that show potential to overcome the drawbacks of current strategies. In particular, pattern analysis of mass spectra of blood samples has attracted attention as an approach to identification of potential biomarkers for early detection of cancer. Mass spectrometry provides rapid and precise measurements of the sizes and relative abundances of the proteins present in a complex biological/chemical mixture. However, this high-throughput nature of mass spectrometry has also raised a need for the development of efficient and effective bioinformatics tools for finding biologically meaningful information. Many scholars are interested in preprocessing of raw mass spectra and in extracting and selecting features from preprocessed mass spectra. These are key issues for accurate biomarker identification. Thus, in order to improve the process of biomarker identification using mass spectrometry, I have postulated a noise model for MALDI TOF mass spectrometry from the perspective of stochastic signal processing, and have attempted to measure the spectral characteristics of components in the noise model. Noise in mass spectrometry can interfere with identification of the biochemical substances in a sample. I assumed that the noise in MALDI TOF mass spectrometry is composed of three components: noise from instrumentation, noise from random ion motions, and chemical noise. In this dissertation, I have separated and analyzed noise from instrumentation and chemical noise using parametric power spectral density estimation and wavelet-based analysis, respectively. In addition to these noise analysis studies, I also have designed an algorithm that can select independent and discriminant features from mass spectra of complex protein samples by reducing redundant and irrelevant information.
Gastroesophageal reflux prophylaxis decreases the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a serious complication after laryngectomy. Gastric fluid is known to cause severe laryngopharyngeal injury and poor mucosal healing. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a gastroesophageal reflux prophylaxis regimen on the incidence of fistula after laryngectomy. Twenty-one consecutive patients were entered in the study. Patients with positive resection margins were excluded from the overall analysis. All patients had a Connell's two-layer closure of the pharynx with absorbable suture, suction drainage of the neck, postoperative tube feeding, and prophylactic antibiotics. All patients were started on an antireflux regimen postoperatively composed of continuous tube feeds, intravenous ranitidine, and intravenous metoclopramide hydrochloride. Patients were followed postoperatively with Gastrografin swallows and clinically for 8 weeks. The control group consisted of retrospectively studied patients managed identically except for the antireflux prophylaxis. The two groups were well matched for factors reported to influence the rate of pharyngocutaneous fistula formation. The control group had six fistulae (26%) and an average of 16.5 days of hospital stay. The study group had no fistulae and an average of 11.5 days of hospital stay (P = .02). This study suggests that gastroesophageal reflux may predispose to fistula formation after laryngectomy and that mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxsis decreases postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay.
The dynamic interdependence of amebiasis, innate immunity, and undernutrition

Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan parasite that causes amebic dysentery, greatly contributes to disease burden in the developing world. Efforts to exhaustively characterize the pathogenesis of amebiasis have increased our understanding of the dynamic host–parasite interaction and the process by which E. histolytica trophozoites transition from gut commensals to invaders of the intestinal epithelium. Mouse models of disease continue to be instrumental in this area. At the same time, large-scale studies in human populations have identified genetic and environmental factors that influence susceptibility to amebiasis. Nutritional status has long been known to globally influence immune function. So it is not surprising that undernutrition has emerged as a critical risk factor. A better understanding of how nutritional status affects immunity to E. histolytica will have dramatic implications in the development of novel treatments. Future work should continue to characterize the fascinating host–parasite arms race that occurs at each stage of infection.
Suggested posthypnotic amnesia in four diagnostic groups of hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Abstract We studied the parameters of suggested posthypnotic amnesia (initial deficit in recall, reversibility, and temporal disorganization of the initial material partially recalled during amnesia) in 132 psychiatric inpatients with DSM-III diagnoses of schizophrenia (N = 25), eating disorders (N = 77), alcoholism (N = 12), and major affective disorder (depression) (N = 18). We compared the findings on these patients with normal student control groups on the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale (SHSS:C) posthypnotic suggestion item. In general, the small patient subgroups showed posthypnotic amnesia on each of these criteria in similar fashion to normal student populations. Highly hypnotizable patients were more likely to recall their hypnotic experiences in a more random order than the temporally more accurate sequence shown by low-hypnotizable subjects. Schizophrenic patients initially recalled fewer of their hypnotic experiences (indicating some cognitive deficit), and eating disorder patients init...
Modified Norwood Operation for Single Left Ventricle and Ventriculoarterial Discordance: An Improved Surgical Technique

Abstract Background . Patients with univentricular hearts and ventriculoarterial discordance with potentially obstructed systemic blood flow continue to pose difficult management problems. The goals of neonatal palliative operations are to control pulmonary blood flow while avoiding pulmonary artery distortion, to relieve systemic outflow tract obstruction, and to avoid heart block. Methods . Between January 1987 and December 1996, 38 patients with either tricuspid atresia or a double-inlet left ventricle and ventriculoarterial discordance underwent a modified Norwood procedure. Their mean age was 15 days, and their mean weight was 3.4 kg. Aortic arch anomalies were present in 92% of the patients. Morbidity and mortality statistics, intraoperative data, and postoperative echocardiograms were reviewed. Results . There were 3 early deaths (7.8%) and 5 late deaths (13.1%). The actuarial survival rates at 1 month, 1 year, and 5 years were 89%, 82%, and 71%, respectively. Follow-up was complete in all children at a mean interval of 30 ± 9 months. None of the patients had significant neoaortic valve insufficiency, and 1 patient required therapy for residual aortic arch obstruction. Nine patients (30% of the survivors) have undergone the hemi-Fontan procedure, and 18 patients (60%) successfully have undergone the Fontan procedure. Conclusions . In this patient population, we recommend the modified Norwood procedure as the neonatal palliative treatment of choice. It can be performed with acceptable early morbidity and mortality, and it improves suitability for the Fontan procedure. It reliably relieves all levels of systemic outflow tract obstruction, controls pulmonary blood flow, and avoids heart block.
Influence of surfactants on an evaporating drop: Fluorescence images and particle deposition patterns

The insoluble surfactant pentadecanoic acid is spread at the interface of aqueous droplets, which are then deposited on a well-defined substrate and allowed to evaporate. The surface state of the s...
WSN01-3: Improving Search Efficiency Using Bloom Filters in Partially Connected Ad Hoc Networks: A Location-Centric Analysis

We examine query based (QB) and Bloom filter based (BF) schemes for data retrieval in a partially connected ad hoc network. For the QB scheme, a node retrieves data from another node by querying. Search efficiency deteriorates when the query success probability is small. We propose a Bloom filter based (BF) scheme to improve search efficiency. A data holder summarizes its content by a Bloom filter and broadcasts it to the data querier, which sends a query only if the requested data is available. We derive the bandwidth utilization in the single neighbor scenario and search efficiency as a function of node density in the multiple neighbors scenario. Numerical results show that the BF scheme offers significant gain in search efficiency. Our performance evaluation makes use of the M/M/oo queue to model mobility and is novel. It is useful for studying the impact of mobility in other mobile networks.
MITOGENIC RESPONSE TO TGF-BETA IN 3T3-F442A CELLS

In 3T3-F442A cells, TGF-beta caused cellular proliferation in a time and dose-dependent manner. TGF-beta induced cyclin D1 and cdk2 proteins in 3T3-F442A cells. The mitogenic effect of TGF-beta was specific in nature. The antimitogenic agent, hGH, inhibited the mitogenic effect of TGF-beta and was associated with inhibition of cyclin D1 expression. The protein kinase c inhibitor, staurosporine, inhibited the mitogenic effect of TGF-beta. Taken together, these results suggest that TGF-beta affects expression levels of cell cycle-regulated proteins and its mitogenic effect is mediated through protein kinase C in 3T3-F442A cells.
Measurements of the Response of Transport Aircraft Ceiling Panels to Fuel Fires

Tests were performed to characterize the responses of various aircraft ceiling panel configurations to a simulated post-crash fire. Attention was given to one currently used and four new ceiling configurations exposed to a fuel pool fire in a circulated air enclosure. The tests were controlled to accurately represent conditions in a real fire. The panels were constructed of fiberglass-epoxy, graphite-phenolic resin, fiberglass-phenolic resin, Kevlar-epoxy, and Kevlar-phenolic resin materials. The phenolic resin-backed sheets performed the best under the circumstances, except when combined with Kevlar, which became porous when charred.
Foreign languages across the curriculum: A model for the delivery of professional language training

In 1995, Boise State University undertook an interdisciplinary languages program under a FLAC (Foreign Languages Across the Curriculum) grant sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Coordinated through the Department of Modern Languages, the program utilized non-foreign language faculty across the colleges of the campus who were fluent in a foreign language. FLAC courses were conceptualized and designed as “trailer” courses, in which a class offering one unit of instruction in Spanish was attached to an existing course in each department's curriculum. At Boise State, FLAC was extended for the first time to criminal justice. This paper discusses the FLAC program nationally and the FLAC program at Boise State with a focus on the criminal justice department. Positive outcomes and institutional problems in sustaining the program are described.
Mutant mouse models of ALS.

THERE are three major mouse models of ALS in the current literature. Two early onset models show vacuolar pathology, while the late-onset motor neuron degeneration (mnd) shows inclusions, increased lysosomal, and nonlysosomal hydrolases and rearrangement of neurofilaments. All models may be useful in determining motor neuron-specific vulnerability. Additional late-onset models may be particularly valuable for examination of delayed or gradual neuronal degenerations. Animal models of neurodegenerative disease offer opportunities for the study of aspects of the etiology that are not available from purely clinical studies. Such studies can then progress readily to investigation of drug efficacy and mechanisms. Mutant mouse models are particularly attractive in that they are backed by strong genetics. There are also several highly inbred backgrounds available, plus several wild mouse strains which have been bred to genetic homogeneity. These should allow the study of modulators of the primary effects of genes for neurological disease. Because mice are small and age quickly, it is economically feasible to keep substantial numbers of them. In a well-defined genetic disease, the gene acts as a reproducible perturbant; thus, it is possible to study each stage of the disorder from presymptomatic on. This is useful for developmental disorders and is especially valuable for delayed neuronal degenerations. Identification of cognitive defects in mice presents difficulty; however, a large number of motor diseases are readily recognized by progressive neurological dysfunction (3). Two early onset autosomal recessive motor neuron diseases in mouse mutants have been studied in detail, wobbler (wb) and wasted (wst) rev. in (6). Both show vacuolar pathology in motor neurons and onset during the first 3 weeks after birth. The former shows forelimb involvement, affecting predominantly soma of the cervical motor neurons. The rate of axonal transport and the number of neurofilaments are greatly reduced in affected cells (11) and there is a selective reduction in the regenerative capacity of these cells as well (12). In addition to vacuolar pathology, the wst mutants show accumulations of phosphorylated 200 kDa neurofilamerit immunoreactive protein in motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and the brainstem cranial nuclei by 30 days of age (5). Tremor appears to involve all four limbs, although the paralysis was reported to affect mainly the hindlimbs, with wasting and death by Day 31. This mutant strain also develops reduced secretory immune responses and shows abnormal DNA repair mechanisms. (An endogenous retrovirus has been postulated as a mechanism of action for both the immune and neurological defects, based on preliminary data (5).) While wst, wb, and a new nonvacuolar early onset recessive motor neuron disease (an insertional mutation; M. Meisler, pers. comm.) may seem irrelevant to adult-onset ALS, it is probably worthwhile to examine aged and stressed heterozygotes of these recessives for signs of a semidominant effect, or delayed neuronal degeneration. The late-onset mutation Motor neuron degeneration (mnd)
ORGAN AND CELLULAR DEVELOPMENT IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE AND IN ALIMENTARY MALNUTRITION.

A quantitative study has been made of organ and cellular development in 12 infants with congenital cardiac malformations and 7 infants with alimentary malnutrition. Most of the organ abnormalities observed in the two groups were similar, suggesting malnutrition as a common etiology. Structural abnormalities in the pituitary, pancreas, and other organs suggest an anatomic basis for a variety of functional disturbances in such cases. Retarded brain development appears to be a serious consequence of the malnutrition and suggests a new criterion for selecting suitable patients with cardiac malformations for corrective surgical procedures.
Design of self-testable wafer-scale processor arrays

A technique for designing self-testable wafer-scale arrays is presented. Faulty and Fault-free cells (processors, PEs) are indentified in distributed fashion without providing correct responses from the outside. It uses both local comparisons and dissemination of the comparison results. Faults in diagnostic circuits, which have been typically assumed to be fault-free, are also covered by the self-testing algorithm. The algorithm is quite general in the sense that it is independent of the structure of the syndrome analyser in each cell.
University Students’ Perceptions Regarding Ethical Marketing Practices: Affecting Change Through Instructional Techniques

Many believe that colleges of business have a role to play in improving the level of marketing ethics practiced in the business world, while others believe that by the time students reach the level of university education, their ethical beliefs are so ingrained as to be virtually unalterable. The purpose of this study is to add to the literature regarding university students’ ethical value judgments. It utilizes scenario studies to assess base line ethical values of junior level undergraduate business administration students, then techniques are employed to influence students’ perceptions of the ethics of various marketing practices, and students’ values are reassessed. A total of 667 junior and senior level students majoring in business administration (52% female; 48% male; 72% 22-years old or younger) participated in the pre-tests and 525 students (47% female; 53% male; 70% 22-years-old or younger) participated in the post-tests. The results of the before/after studies indicate that some experimental techniques are more effective than others in affecting change, but it is difficult to affect long-run change in those predisposed to unethical behavior.
Morphology of the Cubital Tunnel: An Anatomical and Biomechanical Study With Implications for Treatment of Ulnar Nerve Compression

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the cubital tunnel and to outline specific anatomical parameters of the cubital tunnel retinaculum (CuTR) that might aid in the management of ulnar nerve problems. The hypotheses of this study are (1) that the nerve elongates with elbow flexion and (2) that the cross-sectional area of the cubital tunnel is inversely proportional to the degree of elbow flexion. Methods Eleven fresh-frozen cadaver arms were dissected at the medial elbow. The CuTR was identified, and its thickness was measured. After excising the CuTR, we measured the elongation of the anterior and posterior aspects of the ulnar nerve, as well as the length of the CuTR origin/insertion, at increasing intervals of elbow flexion (15°, 30°, 45°, 90°, 120°, and 135°). Using 3-dimensional digitization technology, the surface of the cubital tunnel was recorded at 4 positions of elbow flexion (15°, 45°, 90°, and 135°) and analyzed to define the tunnel geometry. Results The CuTR origin-to-insertion length and the ulnar nerve length both increased significantly with increasing flexion angle. Both lengths at 90°, 120°, and 135° of elbow flexion were greater than at 15° or 30°. The cubital tunnel area was significantly less at 135° compared to either 45° or 90° of flexion. There was a linear relationship between the cubital tunnel area of the different arms with the corresponding nerve cross-sectional area when measured at the level of the epicondyle and when the arm was at 90° of elbow flexion. Conclusions The CuTR begins to stretch at 60° of flexion and continues to stretch with increasing flexion. Similarly, the ulnar nerve is more taut in flexion. The area within the cubital tunnel decreases beyond 90° of elbow flexion. Clinical relevance Understanding the dynamic anatomical relationships of the cubital tunnel might help in the safe treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome when using minimally invasive techniques and instrumentation.
Decision fusion for urine particle classification in multispectral images

The microscopic analysis of the urinary sediment is important in making diagnoses for a variety of diseases, including urinary tract infection, urinary tract tumors, occult glomerulonephritis, and interstitial nephritis. A typical automated system acquires images of urinary sediment by employing a CCD camera, and then detects and recognizes the distinct particles automatically from these images. Automated recognition of these particles represents a significant challenge due to poor image resolution, strong variability of particle shape and size, and challenges associated with detection of particles in the presence of noisy backgrounds. In this paper, we present a novel method for urine particle classification based on the use of local descriptors coupled with regression based decision fusion. Specifically, DAISY descriptors have been used to capture the textural characteristics of each particle and subjected to dimensionality reduction across three linear subspaces to increase the diversity in decision making along with lowering the "curse of dimensionality". Classification in each subspace is based on computing a similarity score, which is then fused through support vector regression to obtain a final classification. The approach is applied to both brightfield and multispectral data to ascertain the benefits of multispectral imaging for urine analysis. Urine particles analyzed included crystals, casts and blood cells, and the results obtained show an average classification accuracy of 92.6% for 6 classes of urinary particles.
Sugar Sweetness and Pleasantness: Evidence for Different Psychological Laws

Sweetness and the pleasantness of sweetness of sucrose solutions and sweetened food conform to different functions. Sweetness rises with concentration, whereas pleasantness first rises and then decreases. The breakpoint appears to occur at a constant sweetness (that is, constant sensory) level.
Lung ultrasound in bronchiolitis.

To the editor:I read with interest the article from Caiulo and colleagues[2].Since Lichtenstein described new applications of chestsonography in adults [3],some authorshave published onitsapplication in children, and this topic has become verypopulargiven the absence of radiation. The article by Caiuloet al. focused on bronchiolitis, defined as infection of thesmall airways and whose radiologic clues are hyperinflationand peripheral atelectasis [1].It is therefore surprising that, in their study, hyperinfla-tion was evident in only 1/52 infants with bronchiolitis.Concerning the ultrasound (US) pattern, we are doubtfulabout the real meaning of small subpleural lung consolida-tions and pleural line abnormalities. US cannot reliablydifferentiate pneumonia from atelectasis, which is—on theother hand—often associated with severe pneumonia [5].Furthermore, according to the experience derived from chestCT in early childhood, these aspects can be related also toincomplete expansion of the alveoli [4], which are oftenincidentally observed in healthy lungs investigated for otherreasons.
High Dose Baclofen Is Neuroprotective but Also Causes Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Quantal Bioassay Study Using the Intraluminal Suture Occlusion Method

Agonists of the GABA-A receptor are neuroprotective after experimental stroke, but studies of GABA-B agonists have contradicted each other. To further investigate whether GABA-B agonists may be neuroprotective, we devised a quantal bioassay using the intraluminal occlusion method of inducing reversible cerebral ischemia. Subjects underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion for varying amounts of time, ranging from 5 to 90 min. Behavioral outcome was measured 48 h later with a quantal observational scale: score of abnormal given for any one of asymmetric forepaw flexion on tail lift, asymmetric grip, circling, reduced exploration, seizures, or death. To the grouped response data the logistic equation was used to find the ED50, the duration of occlusion that caused one-half of the subjects to be abnormal. To find the potency ratio for each drug, we divided the ED50 for treatment by that for vehicle. We administered baclofen, a GABA-B agonist, intraperitoneally 5 min after the onset ofischemia. Baclofen (20 mg/kg) was neuroprotective (potency ratio of 3.0, P < 0.05), but a lower dose (10 mg/kg) was not. However, both doses of baclofen caused significantly more intracerebral hemorrhages than control. In awake animals, both baclofen doses caused significant increases in mean arterial pressure, but no changes in other cardiorespiratory variables. The glutamate antagonist MK-801, the GABA-A agonist muscimol, and hypothermia were all protective using the bioassay (potency ratios ranging from 1.5 to 3.0). We conclude that although baclofen (20 mg/kg) may be neuroprotective, its utility is complicated by postischemic hypertension and cerebral hemorrhages.
Synthesis and Characterization of Biocompatible and Size-Tunable Multifunctional Porous Silica Nanoparticles

In this work, size-controlled multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles having large surface areas, embedded luminescence, high magnetization, and excellent aqueous dispersity have been successfully prepared by using a simple one-pot synthesis. The size and pore ordering of these particles can be easily controlled based on the number density of Fe3O4 nanoparticle nucleation sites introduced during the silica condensation reaction. Dissolution of the embedded Fe3O4 nanoparticles yields hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles as well. These multifunctional porous nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption−desorption behavior, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, magnetic susceptibility, and photoluminescence. Furthermore, in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and hemolysis assays were performed to evaluate any unintended cytotoxicity. The biocompatibility of the multifunctional nanoparticles, e...
Managing Extreme Airway Size Mismatch in Lung Transplantation: The “Upper Lobectomy” Technique

CHALLENGE Large size discrepancy between donor and recipient airway in lung transplantation presents a technical challenge. Most commonly, this mismatch presents as a smaller donor airway, particularly when matching donor size to recipient whose chest cavity has been shrunken by fibrotic lung disease but whose airway remains unaffected. Size mismatch can be accommodated to a degree by using beveled anastomoses and telescoping techniques, but extreme size mismatch, by using these strategies, predisposes to airway complications such as stenosis and dehiscence.1-5 We describe a simple anastomotic technique to manage the small donor airway.
All-trans retinoic acid inhibits proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells by inhibiting expression of the gene encoding Krüppel-like factor 5

Retinoids are known inhibitors of epithelial cell proliferation. Previous studies indicate that Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) is a pro-proliferative transcription factor. Here, we examined the effect of all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) on proliferation of the intestinal epithelial cell line, IEC6. Treatment of IEC6 cells with ATRA inhibited their proliferation due to G1 cell cycle arrest. This inhibition was correlated with a decrease in the levels of KLF5 mRNA and promoter activity. In contrast, constitutive expression of KLF5 in stably transfected IEC6 cells with a KLF5-expressing plasmid driven by a viral promoter abrogated the growth inhibitory effect of ATRA. Moreover, ATRA inhibited proliferation of several human colon cancer cell lines with high levels of KLF5 expression but not those with low levels of KLF5 expression. Our results indicate that KLF5 is a potential mediator for the inhibitory effect of ATRA on intestinal epithelial cell proliferation.
Phase control from the visible to the TeraHertz: Surface photonics for wavefront engineering

New degrees of freedom in optical design are attained by introducing in the optical path abrupt phase changes over the scale of the wavelength. In this talk, I will discuss experiments on optically thin components based on phase discontinuities and applications
Executive function and short-term remission of geriatric depression: the role of semantic strategy.

Background This study tested the hypothesis that use of semantic organizational strategy in approaching the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS) complex verbal initiation/perseveration (CV I/P) task, a test of semantic fluency, is the function specifically associated with remission of late-life depression. Method Seventy elders with major depression participated in a 12-week escitalopram treatment trial. Neuropsychologic performance was assessed at baseline after a 2-week drug washout period. Patients with a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Score ⩽7 for 2 consecutive weeks and who no longer met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria were considered to be remitted. Cox's proportional hazards survival analysis was used to examine the relationship between subtests of the I/P, other neuropsychologic domains, and remission rate. Participants' performance on the CV I/P subscale was coded for perseverations, and use of semantic strategy. Results The relationship between the performance on the CV I/P subscale and remission rate was significant. No other subtest of the MDRS I/P evidenced this association. There was no significant relationship between speed, confrontation naming, verbal memory, or perseveration with remission rate. Remitters' use of verbal strategy was significantly greater than nonremitters. Conclusions Geriatric depressed patients who showed decrements in performance on a semantic fluency task showed poorer remission rates than those who showed adequate performance on this measure. Executive impairment in verbal strategy explained performance. This finding supports the concept that executive functioning exerts a "top down" effect on other basic cognitive processes, perhaps as a result of frontostriatal network dysfunction implicated in geriatric depression.
Effects of Black Bear Relocation on Elk Calf Recruitment at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

ABSTRACT Previous research from 2001 to 2006 on an experimentally released elk (Cervus elaphus) population at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP or Park) indicated that calf recruitment (i.e., calves reaching 1 yr of age per adult female elk) was low (0.306, total SE = 0.090) resulting in low or negative population growth (γ = 0.996, 95% CI = 0.945–1.047). Black bear (Ursus americanus) predation was the primary calf mortality factor. From 2006 to 2008, we trapped and relocated 49 bears (30 of which were radiocollared) from the primary calving areas in the Park and radiomonitored 67 (28 M:39 F) adult elk and 42 calves to compare vital rates and population growth with the earlier study. A model with annual calf recruitment rate correlating with the number of bears relocated each year was supported (ΔAICC = 0.000; β = 0.070, 95% CI = 0.028–0.112) and a model with annual calf recruitment differing from before to during bear relocation revealed an increase to 0.544 (total SE = 0.098; β = -1.092, 95% CI...
Effects of selective dopamine-1 receptor activation on intraocular pressure in man.

Abstract The lack of specific agonists and antagonists has, until recently, precluded investigation of a role for dopamine receptors in the control of intraocular pressure. In the present study, we have examined the effects of fenoldopam, a novel selective dopamine1 (DA1) receptor agonist, on intraocular pressure, in eight healthy human volunteers. Fenoldopam, infused intravenously at 0·5 μg kg−1 min−1, increased intraocular pressure from 14·6±0·9 to 17·6±1·4 mmHg (P
Issues in the Study of Deviance

Several issues in the study of deviance are discussed: the definition of deviance; the significance of the deviant act; cultural relativism; the influence of social structures and causation. By using departures from rules to define deviance, sociologists may repeat fallacies of formalistic jurisprudence. Deviance is best left undefined, and preferably delimited ontologically in terms of middle range theory. Spector and Kitsuse's revisionist theory is judged insufficient for macro-analysis of deviance because they fail to reconcile the influence of objective and subjective factors. Cottrell's choice and feedback model is advocated as a means to study the dynamic process wherein values are aggregated in the social definition of deviance. The problem of bringing objective factors into this analysis is solved by showing how changing costs alter the order in which values are satisfied and thus change the overt pattern of societal reaction.
Acute Compartment Syndrome in a Patient on Extracorporeal Support: Utility of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

m ACUTE COMPARTMENT SYNDROME is a surgical emergency. Its diagnosis is based on a clinical suspicion hat includes a swollen extremity with severe pain and tenderess, loss of distal pulses, and decreased sensation. The conrmation of this diagnosis is based on the direct invasive easurement of the pressure inside this compartment. A delay n the diagnosis often is associated with a poor prognosis and uts the viability of the affected tissue in jeopardy.1 Critically ll patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygention (ECMO) have several conditions that potentially may elay this diagnosis. The associated use of deep sedation and uscle relaxation and the loss of pulsatile flow make this iagnosis a challenge. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive method hat allows continuous monitoring of tissue oxygen saturation tSO2). NIRS technology is based on the transmission and absorption of near-infrared light at 2 different wavelengths (730 and 810 nm) that correspond to the spectral absorption of oxygenated (800 nm) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (760 nm or lower). Light in the near-infrared spectrum (700-1,100 nm) undergoes the least absorption and thus travels longer distances through biologic tissues. The analysis of light absorbencies as near-infrared light passes through the tissues allows the assessment of tissue oxygenation by calculating the concentrations of oxyand deoxyhemoglobin.2,3 NIRS technology was initially pproved for the monitoring of cerebral oxygenation, but now t is used also in the monitoring of tissue perfusion in other rgans rather than the brain.3-6 A case of lower-limb acute compartment syndrome in a 15-year-old patient on ECMO in whom NIRS technology helped to direct his care is presented.
Geomorphic Expression of Abrupt Climate Change in Southwestern North America at the Glacial Termination

Eolian and subaqueous landforms composed of gypsum sand provide geomorphic evidence for a wet episode at the termination of glacial climate in southwestern North America. Drying of pluvial Lake Estancia, central New Mexico, occurred after ca. 12,000 14C yr B.P. Thereafter, eolian landforms on the old lake floor, constructed of gypsum sand, were overridden by rising lake water, modified by subaqueous processes, and organized into beach ridges along the lake's eastern shore. Preservation of preexisting eolian landforms in the shallow lake suggests abupt changes in lake level and climate. Available radiocarbon ages suggest that the final highstand recorded by beach ridges may have developed during the Younger Dryas (YD) stade. The beach ridges provide information about lake surface area, which was 45% of the lake area reached during the maximum highstands of the late Pleistocene. A similar proportional response has been reported for YD climate changes outside the North Atlantic region.
Price‐tier competition: an integrative review

The nature of competition between different tiers (e.g. high‐tier vs low‐tier brands) has become an important research domain for academic researchers and marketing managers. Although research on inter‐tier competition is growing at an increasing rate, there has not been a comprehensive attempt to summarize the research in this stream. The objective of this article is to synthesize the research on inter‐tier competition, extract the key findings, discuss managerial implications, and offer future research directions.
Contributions of Receptive Vocabulary and Maternal Style Variables to Later Verbal Ability and Reading in Low-Birthweight Children

The contributions of three variables—children's receptive vocabulary scores, maternal responsiveness, and maternal directiveness—to the prediction of Verbal IQ and reading over a 5½-year period were investigated. The study sample consisted of 543 low-birthweight children who were participants in the larger Infant Health and Development Program. Three separate multiple regression analyses found that children's receptive vocabulary scores at 36 months of age accounted for the major portion of the variation in the outcomes. Maternal responsiveness added significantly to the variation in each of the three models. The results suggest that the responsiveness of the mother is an important variable to consider when an intervention target is enhancing the verbal ability of a child.