cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The presence of circulating tumor cells does not predict extravesical disease in bladder cancer patients prior to radical cystectomy.

Abstract Objective Due to imprecise clinical staging, the finding of extravesical and node-positive disease at the time of radical cystectomy (RC) for patients with clinically localized bladder cancer is not uncommon. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been shown to be present in the peripheral blood of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The object of this study was to evaluate the ability of CTCs to predict extravesical disease in bladder cancer patients prior to RC. Materials and methods Peripheral blood samples from 43 patients with bladder cancer were evaluated using the CellSearch (Veridex, LLC, Raritan, NJ) CTC assay prior to RC. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of CTC status in predicting extravesical disease was calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to quantify the ability of CTCs to predict extravesical and node-positive disease. Results CTCs were detected in 9 (21%) patients prior to RC. The sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of CTC status in predicting extravesical disease were 27%, 88% and 78%, respectively. The accuracy of CTC status in predicting extravesical (≥pT3 or node-positive) disease for the entire cohort was 0.576. In a model incorporating preoperative hydronephrosis, CTC status did not improve the predictive accuracy for extravesical disease (0.576 vs. 0.585, P = 0.915). Conclusion CTCs were detected in low numbers in a small percentage (21%) of patients prior to undergoing RC at our institution. CTC status was not a robust predictor of extravesical or node-positive disease in this cohort. CTC status is not likely to be a clinically useful parameter for directing therapeutic decisions in patients with ≤cT2 bladder cancer.
Velocity Distribution of Metastable H Atoms Produced by Dissociative Excitation of H 2

The velocity spectrum of metastable $\mathrm{H}(2S)$ atoms produced by electron bombardment of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ has been measured by a time-of-flight technique. Two distinct groups of metastables have been detected. The slower atoms are interpreted as arising from transitions to attractive states just above the $\mathrm{H}(1S)+\mathrm{H}(2S)$ dissociation limit. The faster atoms are thought to arise from transitions to doubly excited repulsive states which have not previously been detected.
Activated astrocytes induce nitric oxide synthase‐2 in cerebral endothelium via tumor necrosis factor α

Astrocytes under pathological conditions become activated and produce a variety of cytokines and low molecular weight signal molecules. Previously we demonstrated that activated astrocytes release nitric oxide which can downregulate the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-2 in co-cultured cerebral endothelium, and also release a transcriptionally regulated factor that can induce NOS-2 expression in endothelium (Borgerding and Murphy: J Neurochem 65:1342, 1995). The activity of this NOS-2-inducing factor was impeded by inhibitors of tyrosine kinases and NF-κB activation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) alone, or in combination with IL-6, induced NOS-2 expression in endothelial cells. A neutralizing antibody against TNFα attenuated the NOS-2 expression in endothelial cells exposed to activated astrocytes. These results imply that cytokine-activated astrocytes release TNFα which can induce NOS-2 expression in endothelium and suggest that activated astrocytes within the CNS may induce expression of NOS-2 in cells of the adjacent microvasculature. The ensuing alterations in blood-brain barrier properties may be either beneficial or detrimental. GLIA 21:370–379, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Materialism and Satisfaction with Over-All Quality Of Life and Eight Life Domains

Previous research has shown that materialism relates negatively to satisfaction with many life domains. The present study broadens this body of research by examining the relationship between three dimensions of materialism and eight quality of life (QOL) domains in a large, diverse sample of U.S. respondents. Two hypotheses were tested: First, overall measures of materialism and satisfaction with QOL were thought to be inversely related. Second, the three dimensions of materialism and QOL domains were hypothesized to be negatively correlated. Results show that overall materialism and its happiness dimension were consistently negatively related to all eight measures of QOL. Materialism’s centrality and success dimensions were negatively correlated with seven and six of the eight QOL domains, respectively. Findings are discussed in light of Humanistic and Organismic theories, and other implications are considered.
Low-loss Compact Size Slotted Waveguide Mode Transformers

We present various waveguide transformers that are capable of converting Gaussian-like waveguide modes to non-Gaussian-like slotted waveguide modes. The devices can achieve complete mode transformation within tens of micrometers with insertion loss less than 0.04dB.
On the extended log-rank estimating function for the censored regression model

For the censored regression model, Yang (J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 92 (1997) 977-984) introduced a new class of estimating functions. These estimating functions produce regression estimators that are asymptotically normal with a density-free asymptotic variance that is simple to estimate reliably. In this paper we further study the estimation function of Yang by considering new classes of weights. Through extensive numerical studies, we find weights that enhance the results of the estimating function and improve upon choices previously recommended by Yang.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in a known case of midgut nonrotation with literature review.

/10.10 14 A ence: E, L e. M orpor Congenital anomalies of the midgut are rare and occur in about 1 in 6,000 live births [1], .2% of a published series of barium enemas and .5–1% of autopsies [2], and frequently cause symptoms early in life. More than 90% of patients are diagnosed within the first year of birth. The etiology is an abnormal rotation of the primitive midgut loop around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) during embryonic development. In adults, these abnormalities are generally asymptomatic and often incidental findings. The reported incidence of midgut malrotation in adults is approximately .00001% to .19% [3,4]. The true incidence is very difficult to estimate because most patients remain asymptomatic. When asymptomatic, midgut malrotation is often found incidentally during diagnostic abdominal imaging similar to our patient. We present a case of midgut nonrotation that underwent successful laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). We review the preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and operative strategy while taking into consideration the anatomic variance and required surgical modifications.
Methane oxidation over catalytic copper oxides nanowires

Abstract Copper oxide (CuO) is one of the promising catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of methane (CH4). Previous studies have focused on CuO nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed on other supporting oxides. However, aggregation of CuO NPs under large loadings and solid state reactions between CuO and supports hinder the understanding and further improvement of the catalytic properties of CuO. Here, we report the first study of the catalytic oxidation of CH4 over CuO nanowires (NWs). The CuO NWs were prepared by the thermal annealing of copper meshes and grew perpendicularly to the mesh surface with a high surface coverage density. The percentage of CH4 converted to CO2 over the CuO NWs was experimentally measured in a flow reactor over a range of temperatures. First, the conversion percentage of CH4 over the catalytic CuO NWs is almost 40% (a total flow rate of 100 sccm with 1.5 vol.% of CH4) at 500 °C, which is comparable to that measured over supported CuO NPs. Second, the conversion percentage of CH4 increases with increasing CuO NW loading. Third, the catalytic activity of the CuO NWs remains constant for at least 24 h at 500 °C. Moreover, the CuO NWs can be easily regenerated in situ by thermal annealing. Finally, when the CuO NWs are briefly reduced in hydrogen RF plasma, their catalytic activity is enhanced, such that the CH4 conversion percentage is increased by approximately 7% over the tested temperature range. The hydrogen plasma treatment changes the oxidation state of surface copper species from Cu(II) to Cu(I), suggesting that Cu(I) is more active than Cu(II) in the catalytic process. These CuO NWs have great potential to be economical and effective catalysts for the oxidation of CH4 and, possibly, hydrocarbons as well.
Minimizing the invasiveness of traditional trabeculectomy surgery.

Microinvasive invasive glaucoma surgery has become increasingly popular as a surgical alternative for glaucoma. Although the time-honored trabeculectomy remains the unrivaled contender for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) into the single digits, newer devices are available that attempt to reach similar IOP levels with fewer complications and quicker visual recovery. The Express mini-shunt and the Innfocus microshunt are 2 devices that bring us closer to the goal of repeatable, lower risk surgery; improved patient satisfaction; stabilization of the visual field; and long-term IOP control. The mini-shunt has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, while the microshunt is still under review. Financial Disclosures Dr. Condon is a consultant to and speaker for Alcon Laboratories. Dr. Moster has served on the advisory board of, been a consultant to, received honoraria for lectures from, and performed contracted research for Alcon, Inc.
Mechanisms for the Reactions of OH with Two Unsaturated Aldehydes: Crotonaldehyde and Acrolein

The mechanisms for the reaction of OH with the unsaturated aldehydes, acrolein and crotonaldehyde, have been determined at 1 atm total pressure in the presence of NOx using an environmental chamber/FTIR spectrometer system. Products observed in the OH-initiated oxidation of acrolein were CO, CO2, CH2O, HOCH2CHO (glycolaldehyde), and HCOOH, while the major products identified in the OH-initiated oxidation of crotonaldehyde were CO, CO2, CH3CHO, and HC(O)CHO (glyoxal). Also observed were two PAN-type species, identified as CH2CH−C(O)O2NO2 (APAN) from acrolein oxidation and CH3−CHCH−C(O)O2NO2 (CPAN) from crotonaldehyde. The near-complete mass balance obtained in these experiments allows for a quantitative assessment of the branching ratios for abstraction and addition in these reactions. It is shown that about 68% (50%) of the OH reaction with acrolein (crotonaldehyde) proceeds via abstraction of the aldehydic H, with the remainder occurring via addition to the double bond. The data allow for a more accurate...
Identification of arsenic-bearing minerals in a sample of Green River oil shale

Abstract The distribution of arsenic among the various components of a sample of Green River oil shale was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis, powder X-ray diffraction and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry were used for identification. Approximately 65% of the total arsenic was found to be present as skutterudite, (Co,Fe,Ni)As 3 , and safflorite, (Co,Fe)As 2 . The presence of these minerals in oil shales has not been previously reported.
Occupation of αvβ3-integrin by endogenous ligands modulates IGF-I receptor activation and proliferation of human intestinal smooth muscle

We have previously shown that endogenous IGF-I regulates growth of human intestinal smooth muscle cells by stimulating proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. In active Crohn's disease, expression ...
Climatological aspects of the tropical convective boundary layer

The characteristics of a boundary layer depend both on conditions at the surface and in the interior of the medium. In the undisturbed tropics, the latter are largely determined by subsidence and by infrared radiational cooling. One-dimensional models are used to establish relationships between the inversion height, subsidence, upper-air humidity and sea-surface temperature. In particular, it is shown that a universally colder tropical ocean would probably be covered by more extensive clouds.
In Search of a Consensus Model of the Resting State of a Voltage-Sensing Domain

Voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) undergo conformational changes in response to the membrane potential and are the critical structural modules responsible for the activation of voltage-gated channels. Structural information about the key conformational states underlying voltage activation is currently incomplete. Through the use of experimentally determined residue-residue interactions as structural constraints, we determine and refine a model of the Kv channel VSD in the resting conformation. The resulting structural model is in broad agreement with results that originate from various labs using different techniques, indicating the emergence of a consensus for the structural basis of voltage sensing.
Thermochemical investigations of hydrogen-bonded solutions. Part 8. Comparison of mobile order theory and the Kretschmer-Wiebe association model for predicting anthracene solubilities in binary alcohol + alcohol solvent mixtures

Abstract A relatively simple expression is developed for predicting the solubility of an inert crystalline solute in binary alcohol + alcohol solvent mixtures based upon the Kretschmer-Wiebe association model. The predictive accuracy of the newly-derived expression is compared to equation(s) derived previously from Mobile Order theory. Computations show that both models accurately describe the solubility behavior of anthracene in the 28 binary solvent systems studied. Average absolute deviations between observed and predicted values were 1.4% and 1.7% for the Kretschmer-Wiebe and Mobile Order predictive equations, respectively.
A dissymmetric μ-oxo technetium complex

Preparation et determination de la structure cristalline de [Cl(Pic) 4 Tc−O−Tc(Pic)Cl 4 ]•H 2 O. Etude des spectres IR et des proprietes magnetiques a l'etat solide et comportement electrochimique et spectroscopique en solution
An anatomical basis for the resistance and capacitance in series with excitable membrane of the squid giant axon.

To correlate periaxonal tissue layer resistance with Schwann cell layer anatomy, cross and longitudinal sections of giant axons ofLoligo pealei were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Measurements were made of the width and frequency of mesaxonal clefts entering the Schwann cell layer from the periaxonal space and leaving the cell layer adjacent to the basal lamina. The average mesaxonal cleft width is 10.5 nm. One cm2 of the giant axon surface is enclosed by a single cell layer containing about 690 000 Schwann cells. One cm2 of axon surface has a sheath mesaxonal area of 0.002 cm2 at the periaxonal surface and 0.016 cm2 at the basal lamina, the mesaxons branching frequently as they cross the sheath. The volume of the Schwann cell layer extracellular space was estimated to be roughly 1% of the Schwann cell layer volume. Several models were used to predict the resistance,R, across the Schwann cell layer. Assuming the mesaxonal clefts contain seawater, and can be lumped into volume conductors having simple geometries, then (normalized for one cm2 of axon surface)R was estimated to be between 0.4 and 0.9 Ω cm2. This value compares favourably with electrophysiological estimates of the periaxonal tissue resistance (current clamp value = 0.9 Ω cm2 and the voltage clamp value = 1.4 Ω cm2) as these electrically measured values include the resistance across the outer connective tissue layer as well as the Schwann cell layer. The value of the Schwann cell membrane capacity was estimated to be approximately 0.7 μF/cm2.
A composite model of the elastic behavior of dental amalgam

A model describing the elastic behavior of dental amalgam as a composite material has been developed using elastic theory for quasi-homogeneous, quasi-isotropic systems. The elastic constants of the composite amalgam can be computed using Voigt-Reuss and Hashin-Shtrikman methods if the relative volume fractions and the elastic constants of the constituent phases are known. This model also relates the elastic behavior of the amalgam to manipulation during preparation. The elastic constants of several spherical and cut amalgams, as well as the constituent γ, γ1, and γ2 alloys, have been measured in the 0–50 kilobar range using a solid media pressure apparatus and an ultrasonic interferometer. High pressure studies are necessary so that the effects of porosity can be assessed. Calculations based on this model include the effects of porosity as well as the Hg content.
Heavy Ion Radiography

Heavy ion radiography is a new experimental form of medical imaging. The Lawrence Berkeley Radiation Laboratory is the only facility in the world with enough flux of heavy ions to satisfactorily visualize objects. A. model is described showing the superiority of heavy ion radiography, in regard to density resolution, compared to diagnostic x-ray energies and computerized tomography. Examples are shown. Tissue specimens are used for heavy ion radiography and the superior density resolution is demonstrated. Heavy ions are also being used for radiation therapy and early work on reconstruction is currently being done.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Clinical predictors of long-term survival for stage IVB uterine papillary serous carcinoma confined to the abdomen

Abstract Objective To identify clinical predictors of long-term survival in women with FIGO Stage IVB uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) confined to the abdomen Methods Records were reviewed for 48 patients with Stage IVB UPSC diagnosed from 1/1980 to 12/2011. Study inclusion required hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy and negative chest imaging. Disease-free (DFS) and overall (OS) survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate analysis (MVA) was performed using Cox proportional hazards. Results Median age at diagnosis was 70years (range, 53–87). Optimal cytoreduction (Opt) to Conclusions Clinical predictors of long-term survival for Stage IVB UPSC confined to the abdomen include optimal cytoreduction and adjuvant platinum and paclitaxel chemotherapy. Radiotherapy may decrease rates of recurrence or progression. Despite intra-abdominal involvement, disease remission and long-term survival may be achieved in some patients.
Separation of Warm-Core Rings in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract The separation of anticyclonic rings is studied using a 12-level primitive equation numerical model of the western North Atlantic. The “Gulf Stream Formation Region” model is based on the Bryan-Cox-Semtner code, and uses ¼ degree horizontal resolution. The eastern boundary of the model, near the mid-Atlantic Ridge, is forced by a “pumps and baffles” region to have the appropriate temperature and salinity structure, vertical shear, and total transport. The model is closed by a solid northern wall at 36°N and is forced by steady winds. In the results presented here, large rings separate from the Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico at periods near 30 weeks. The separation of a single typical ring is shown in detail. The most striking feature is that the separation is not a single spectacular event but a long, gradual process involving recirculation between the ring and the main flow for many weeks after the time at which one would, on the basis of standard observational evidence, normally believe the...
Lateralization in gifted children

Performance on measures of perceptual and lateral asymmetry of 28 intellectually gifted children (ages 10–12) were compared with performances of 28 controls of average intelligence. As a group, the gifted subjects did not differ significantly from controls in type or degree of lateralization, although the control males demonstrated a stronger right‐side preference on the Dean Lateral Preference Schedule (DLPS). A Group X Sex interaction was found in a combined analysis of DLPS and Dichotic Listening (DL), and with DL alone, suggesting that gifted males and females demonstrate lateral asymmetries that differ from their same‐sex control counterparts. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Modeling of countercurrent shrinking-bed reactor in dilute-acid total-hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass

Abstract A mathematical model was developed for a countercurrent shrinking-bed reactor to investigate its performance in dilute-acid pretreatment/hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. The results indicate that bed shrinking provides a positive effect on both hemicellulose and cellulose hydrolysis resulting high yield and product concentration. The effect of bed shrinking is more profound on cellulose hydrolysis than on hemicellulose hydrolysis. With dilute sulfuric acid (0.08 wt%) and with optimal adjustment of other operating parameters, the model predicts that near quantitative recovery of hemicellulose sugars is feasible. It further predicts that 80–90% yield with 2–4 wt% product concentration is attainable from hydrolysis of hardwood cellulose. The model also indicates that acid concentration and temperatures acutely affect the reactor performance in cellulose hydrolysis. In contrast, hemicellulose hydrolysis is less sensitive to acid concentration and temperature allowing broader latitude in operating conditions.
Design of parallel hybrid-loop manipulators with kinematotropic property and deployability

Abstract General applications of spatial overconstrained linkages are limited by their special output motions without pure rotations or translations. To promote more widespread industrial applications and to develop the potential capabilities of such linkages, this paper presents novel parallel hybrid-loop manipulators and a novel design method based on the constrained motion properties of related spatial overconstrained linkages and general parallel mechanisms. The conventional topological connecting relationships between subchains and platforms are categorized into ten basic forms, among which a novel parallel hybrid-loop form of topological arrangement is presented for the design of parallel hybrid-loop manipulators. In the presented examples of structural design, the Bennett linkage, the threefold-symmetric Bricard linkage and two linkages that will be derived, i.e., the twofold-symmetric 8-bar and the threefold-symmetric 12-bar spatial single-loop linkages are adopted as the basis for the synthesis of the structures of parallel hybrid-loop manipulators with kinematotropic property and deployability based on variable constraint analysis and the structural properties of these linkages. Other similar parallel hybrid-loop manipulators can also be developed based on the presented design method. Possible applications of parallel hybrid-loop manipulators are also highlighted.
LH Dynamics in Overweight Girls with Premature Adrenarche and Slowly Progressive Sexual Precocity

Background. Excess adiposity and premature adrenarche (PA) are risk factors for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods. Girls with slowly progressive precocious breast development, who were overweight and had PA (SPPOPA, 6.2–8.2 years, n = 5), overweight PA (6.6–10.8 years, n = 7), and overweight premenarcheal controls (OW-PUB, 10.6–12.8 years, n = 8) underwent hormonal sleep testing and GnRH agonist (GnRHag) and ACTH tests. Results. Despite an insignificant sleep-related increase in LH and prepubertal baseline hormone levels, SPPOPA peak LH and estradiol responses to GnRHag were intermediate between those of PA and OW-PUB, the LH being significantly different from both. Conclusions. GnRHag tests indicate that SPPOPA is a slowly progressive form of true puberty with blunted LH dynamics. These results argue against the prepubertal hyperandrogenism of excess adiposity or PA enhancing LH secretion or causing ovarian hyperandrogenism prior to menarche. Excess adiposity may contribute to both the early onset and slow progression of puberty.
HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, NSAIDs and risk of glioma

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have shown inverse associations with cancer risks, but the results have been inconsistent. As there are no previous published data in brain tumors, we conducted a case-control study to investigate statin therapy and risk of glioma. We further evaluated the use of nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and risk of these tumors. We recruited newly diagnosed glioma cases and frequency matched controls at Columbia University and the University of California San Francisco. Standardized questions on statins and NSAIDs were used at both institutions. Intakes of these drugs were defined as >6 months of at least twice weekly use versus less than this amount or never use. From July 2007 to January 2010, we recruited a total of 517 cases and 400 controls. Simvastatin and lovastatin showed significant inverse associations with glioma (odds ratio [OR] = 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30, 0.81 and OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.24, 0.93, respectively). For NSAIDs, aspirin use was also inversely related to glioma risk (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.49, 0.96). Both statins and NSAIDs showed significant inverse trends between the duration of drug use and glioma risk (trend tests p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively), and drug intake for >120 months demonstrated the most significant associations for both types of medication. The inverse association between statin therapy and risk of glioma supports the roles of Ras/Rho GTPases or inflammatory cytokines in gliomagenesis, and a similar relationship between NSAIDs and glioma highlights the importance of cyclo-oxygenase 2 in glioma pathogenesis.
The modulation of B16BL6 melanoma metastasis is not directly mediated by cytolytic activity of natural killer cells in alcohol-consuming mice.

Background: Previous studies in our laboratory indicate that alcohol consumption suppresses the metastasis of B16BL6 melanoma, whereas the cytolytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells is decreased in female C57BL/6 mice given 20% w/v alcohol in their drinking water. In the present study, we further evaluated the involvement of NK cells and alcohol consumption in the cytolytic activity of NK cells, the surface expression of NK phenotypic markers, and metastasis of B16BL6 melanoma in C57BL/6 beige (bg 1 /bg 1 ) mutant mice, which possess inherently low NK-cell cytolytic activity. Methods: Beige and control (bg 1 /+) mice were given either water or 20% w/v of alcohol in drinking water for 61/2 to 7 weeks before assay for cytolytic activity, surface marker expression, and inoculation with B16BL6 melanoma intravenously or into the pinna of the ear. Results: NK cytolytic activity was suppressed in beige mice, and alcohol consumption did not modulate further the cytolytic activity. Beige mice had a lower percentage of NK cells in the peripheral blood and spleen than control mice. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from beige mice also exhibited a reduced percentage of CD4 + T lymphocytes. Alcohol consumption similarly reduced the percentages of NK1.1- and LGL-1-expressing lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and spleen and reduced the percentage of CD8 + T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood in both control and beige mice. Tumor lung colonization was increased in beige mice relative to control mice after intravenous inoculation of B16BL6 melanoma. The increase was more pronounced in water-drinking beige mice than in control mice irrespective of alcohol consumption. Tumor lung colonization was significantly decreased (p <0.05) by alcohol consumption in one experiment and partially decreased (p = 0.07) in the other. Mice that were inoculated into the pinna of the ear also exhibited a blunted antimetastatic response to alcohol consumption. Conclusions: These data suggest that the presence of the beige mutation diminishes the antimetastatic effect of alcohol consumption and that there is no interaction between alcohol consumption and NK-cell activity in the modulation of lung metastasis of B16BL6 melanoma cells.
Taiwan’s presidential election and sino-U.S. relations

This article analyzes the dyadic relationship between mainland China and Taiwan and between China and the United States by focusing on the internal factors in the three countries. It has been an important assumption in theories of international relations that there is an inextricable linkage between foreign policies and domestic socio-economic and political conditions. Yet, policy makers as well as some policy analysts in Beijing, Taipei and Washington still do not pay enough attention to the internal factors in each of the three countries. Misperceptions continue to be a major source for the conflicts in the bilateral relations between mainland China and Taiwan and between China and the United States. More often than not, the misperceptions are culturally and ideologically based. Until the three sides can minimize their misperceptions of the other parties, the future relationships between Beijing and Taipei and between Beijing and Washington look grim indeed.
Contribution of Environmental Toxins in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Cardiomyopathies

The pathogenesis of idiopathic cardiomyopathies is likely highly complex and remains elusive. Environmental toxins have been hypothesized to possibly cause a subset of cardiomyopathies. Epidemiological, preclinical, and small clinical studies have investigated the role of numerous elements and compounds in the pathogenesis of these myocardial disorders. In this review, we present the evidence implicating elements and environmental compounds in myocardial toxicity, including antimony, cobalt, mercury, aluminum, copper, and acrolein. We discuss their sources, toxic effects, and epidemiology, as well as identify groups at risk for toxic exposure. Through our discussion, we highlight areas where further investigation into the clinical effects of these possible toxins is warranted.
Immune Reactions to Drugs and Diagnostic Agents

Adverse reactions to drugs are common, but only a small percentage of these reactions results from a specific immune reaction to a drug. Over-reactivity of almost any part of the immune system can result in an immunologically mediated drug reaction; however, T cell—and immunoglobulin E–mediated reactions are the most common. The reactions are unpredictable and can involve any part of the body, although skin is most frequent. The various pathogenic mechanisms are discussed, along with diagnostic testing, factors predisposing to drug allergy, and reactions to individual drugs and therapeutic reagents. Mt Sinai J Med 78:717–729, 2011.© 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Optimal Full Information H2 Guaranteed Cost Control of Discrete-Time Systems

This paper presents, for discrete-time LTI systems with unstructured dynamic uncertainty, a methodology for designing full information controllers which minimize the upper bound on robust H2 performance given in [1]. It is first shown that this optimal control problem can be cast as a semi-definite program. Then, it is shown that this optimization problem can be solved efficiently and accurately using discrete algebraic Riccati equations.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Development of a Multichannel Vestibular Prosthesis Prototype by Modification of a Commercially Available Cochlear Implant

No adequate treatment exists for individuals who remain disabled by bilateral loss of vestibular (inner ear inertial) sensation despite rehabilitation. We have restored vestibular reflexes using lab-built multichannel vestibular prostheses (MVPs) in animals, but translation to clinical practice may be best accomplished by modification of a commercially available cochlear implant (CI). In this interim report, we describe preliminary efforts toward that goal. We developed software and circuitry to sense head rotation and drive a CI's implanted stimulator (IS) to deliver up to 1 K pulses/s via nine electrodes implanted near vestibular nerve branches. Studies in two rhesus monkeys using the modified CI revealed in vivo performance similar to our existing dedicated MVPs. A key focus of our study was the head-worn unit (HWU), which magnetically couples across the scalp to the IS. The HWU must remain securely fixed to the skull to faithfully sense head motion and maintain continuous stimulation. We measured normal and shear force thresholds at which HWU-IS decoupling occurred as a function of scalp thickness and calculated pressure exerted on the scalp. The HWU remained attached for human scalp thicknesses from 3-7.8 mm for forces experienced during routine daily activities, while pressure on the scalp remained below capillary perfusion pressure.
Red Cell ATP and Malaria Infection

SEVERAL genetic polymorphisms involving haemoglobin and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase are thought to provide a measure of protection against human malarias1. These are all single gene traits, but quantitative variables within the human red cell may also be of importance. Thus Brewer and Powell2 have demonstrated a strong positive correlation between the level of erythrocyte ATP and the rapidity with which a parasitaemia of 1,000 per mm3 is reached during experimental infections of humans with falciparum malaria. The higher the level of red cell ATP, the more rapidly parasitaemia develops, at least in the early stages of infection. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between red cell ATP level and the development of parasitaemia in a different species infected with a different form of malaria.
Theory for spectral hole burning of the primary electron donor state of photosynthetic reaction centers

A theory for solid state spectral hole burning is developed. The theory is valid for arbitrarily strong linear electron-phonon coupling within the Condon approximation which is accurate for strongly allowed optical transitions. Model calculations show that, from the dependence of the hole profile on the burn frequency, the contribution to the absorption linewidth from site inhomogeneity and the linear coupling parameters can be determined. The theory is used to analyze recent hole-burning data on the primary electron-donor states of isolated reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas viridis, Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Photosystem I. The results show that all of these states are characterized by strong linear electron-phonon coupling (Huang-Rhys factor S ≳ 4) and large site inhomogeneous line broadening.
TU‐E‐I‐611‐01: Comparison of Radiation Dose Using Full Field Digital and Conventional Screen‐Film Mammography in a Screening Clinic

Purpose: To evaluate radiation doses delivered by an amorphous selenium based full‐field digital mammography (FFDM) system, and to determine if the expected reduction in average glandular dose (AGD) resulting from the increased efficiency of the digital detector is realized in clinical practice. A secondary purpose was to determine clinical exposure parameters for digital mammography that maintain a level of image noise consistent with screen/film mammography. Method and Materials: Phantom material that approximates breast tissue (50% adipose, 50% glandular) was used for direct comparison of dose between the two clinical mammography units, one digital and one conventional. The mammographic view, compressed breast thickness, kilovoltage, milliampere‐second product, and K‐edge filter were recorded for images of randomly‐selected patients examined on each machine. Entrance skin exposure was calculated from measurements, and AGD was estimated using normalized exposure‐to‐dose conversion factors that assume 50% adipose and 50% glandular breast composition. A two‐tailed student t‐test was used to compare the patient doses. Results: No difference was observed in the mean AGD delivered by the two mammography units over a wide range of compressed breast thicknesses and compositions. For compressed breast thickness above 7 cm, the dose was significantly lower for the FFDM unit (P<0.05) due to the use of higher kilovoltage and rhodium filtration, and correspondingly lower values of mAs. Conclusion: The exposure parameter selection algorithm employed by the FFDM unit does not reduce dose compared with a conventional mammography unit for a wide range of breast thicknesses. Users wishing to reduce AGD should consider using manual techniques, and developing technique charts to achieve the desired compromise between dose and image quality. The algorithm used by the conventional mammography unit to automatically select kVp resulted in extended exposure times and unnecessarily high values of mAs and AGD because of its relatively low upper bound on kVp.
Deployment and Control of Dental Auxiliaries in New Zealand and Australia

Cultural and environmental aspects contribute to the design of the dental care programs for children in New Zealand and Australia. For example, in New Zealand with a homogeneous population in a small land area, dental clinics are built on school grounds and dental nurses command the respect of the people because of their training and discipline. In Australia, the dental officers treat adults, as well as children, in the school dental clinics. The older program in New Zealand does not have the small ratio of dentists to auxiliaries that is found in the newer Australian program. In a study of the deployment and control of expanded duty auxiliaries in the United States, the good qualities of these two programs must be considered as they fit our society and environment.
Prevalence and methods of control of the cephalic skin potential EEG artifact.

Prevalence of the cephalic skin potential (CSP) artifact was studied in 21 Ss during EEG recording of the Contingent Negative Variation (CNV), averaged evoked response (AER), and verbal free association test. Skin potential response and electro-oculogram (EOG) were also recorded. Subdermal pin electrodes and local anesthesia infusion were employed to eliminate the CSP artifact in the EEG. Results indicated that EEG recorded from subdermal pin electrodes or from locally anesthetized scalp was free of CSP artifact. The EEG recorded from subdermal pin electrodes demonstrated spontaneous potential shifts but appeared adequate for EEG recording of the CNV or the AER. Significant CSP artifact was demonstrated in the EEG of 10 of 21 Ss, both evoked by stimuli (10 Ss) and spontaneous (3 Ss). CSP artifact significantly increased CNV amplitude. CSP artifact significantly increased the AER late positive wave (P3) to infrequent tones. Studies of CNV and AER can be confounded by CSP artifact. Above techniques appear promising for recording EEG free of CSP artifact.
On the Admittance of the Needle Peak.

Abstract We respond to recent criticism (R.D. Armstrong, J. Electroanal. Chem., 372 (1994) 27) of our earlier paper on the admittance of the needle peak of tetrabutyl ammonium bromide at the mercury | water interface (J. Electroanal. Chem., 352 (1993) 279), and identify areas of serious misunderstanding.
A measure of effectiveness for sensors and strategies

This paper discusses a possible measure of effectiveness for information sensing equipment, such as radar or sonar, based on its ability to provide information. It is shown that such a measure is particularly appropriate for situations where a sequence of similar limited engagements may occur, as on antisubmarine patrol, for example. In this case the measure expresses the expected rate of gain per engagement of the relative resources of the participants. Rates are calculated for the optimal and certain simpler, but suboptimal, strategies. The measure is illustrated by an exact analysis of a gambling problem and a qualitative treatment of an anti-missile missile allocation problem.
Mining Context Specific Similarity Relationships Using The World Wide Web

We have studied how context specific web corpus can be automatically created and mined for discovering semantic similarity relationships between terms (words or phrases) from a given collection of documents (target collection). These relationships between terms can be used to adjust the standard vectors space representation so as to improve the accuracy of similarity computation between text documents in the target collection. Our experiments with a standard test collection (Reuters) have revealed the reduction of similarity errors by up to 50%, twice as much as the improvement by using other known techniques.
Automatic generation of test scripts from formal test specifications

TSL is a language for writing formal test specifications of the functions of a software system. The test specifications are compiled into executable test scripts that establish test environments, assign values to input variables, perform necessary setup and cleanup operations, run the test cases, and check the correctness of test results. TSL is a working system that has been used to test commercial software in a production environment.
On the Hough transform of a polygon

It was recently shown that the Hough transform of a convex polygon uniquely determines it. In this note we generalize this result and lend further insight into why a non-convex polygon is, in general, not uniquely determined by its Hough transform.
Communication: He-tagged vibrational spectra of the SarGlyH+ and H+(H2O)2,3 ions: Quantifying tag effects in cryogenic ion vibrational predissociation (CIVP) spectroscopy

To assess the degree to which more perturbative, but widely used “tag” species (Ar, H2, Ne) affect the intrinsic band patterns of the isolated ions, we describe the extension of mass-selective, cryogenic ion vibrational spectroscopy to the very weakly interacting helium complexes of three archetypal ions: the dipeptide SarGlyH+ and the small protonated water clusters: H+(H2O)2,3, including the H5O2+ “Zundel” ion. He adducts were generated in a 4.5 K octopole ion trap interfaced to a double-focusing, tandem time-of-flight photofragmentation mass spectrometer to record mass-selected vibrational predissociation spectra. The H2 tag-induced shift (relative to that by He) on the tag-bound NH stretch of the SarGlyH+ spectrum is quite small (12 cm−1), while the effect on the floppy H5O2+ ion is more dramatic (125 cm−1) in going from Ar (or H2) to Ne. The shifts from Ne to He, on the other hand, while quantitatively significant (maximum of 10 cm−1), display the same basic H5O2+ band structure, indicating that the ...
Management of peripheral arterial injury.

Purpose of review Significant changes in the management of patients, with possible or documented injuries to peripheral arteries, have occurred over the last 20 years. Recent findings Based on recent military experience, it is likely that the use of tourniquets by civilian emergency medical services systems will increase. Evaluation in the emergency center will continue to rely on a careful physical examination and measurement of an ankle-brachial index (ABI) or arterial pressure index (API). Patients without ‘hard signs’ of an arterial injury and an API or ABI less than 0.9 should undergo arteriography in the trauma room with a digital subtraction device, in radiology by computed tomography arteriography, which is rapidly replacing conventional arteriography, or surgeon-performed arteriography in the operating room. A temporary intraluminal arterial shunt is indicated in patients with unstable fractures in the extremity or in near-exsanguinated patients needing ‘damage control’. A saphenous vein interposition graft is the conduit of choice when segmental resection of an injured artery is necessary. Measurement of postarterial repair compartment pressure is the most definitive way to determine the need for fasciotomy in an injured extremity. Summary The care of patients with injured peripheral arteries has remained the same in some areas; however, lessons from the battlefield, new imaging technology, the safety of nonoperative management, use of temporary intraluminal shunts, and better recognition of postrepair compartment syndromes have had a significant impact on current management.
New pel-recursive motion estimation algorithms based on novel interpolation kernels

Pel-recursive motion estimation algorithms are an attractive alternative to block-matching motion compensation algorithms for video coding because (a) they do not require that motion information by transmitted over the channel, and (b) they allow the reconstruction of continuously varying motion fields. Unfortunately, the high computational complexity of these algorithms and their difficulty in tracking varying motion fields, discontinuities in motion fields, and noisy image sequences have led most current video coding algorithms to use block- based rather than pel-recursive approaches to motion estimation and compensation. This paper presents a new, discrete formulation of pel-recursive motion estimates which allows more flexibility in trading off computational complexity for prediction accuracy, and which permits the design of hybrid motion-estimation algorithms sharing characteristics of both pel-recursive approaches and block-matching approaches. Using the discrete formulation, we defined three novel approaches to motion estimation, one in the form of a conventional pel-recursive algorithm and two incorporating various amounts of block-based motion information from the encoder. We present simulations comparing their performance with both standard pel- recursive and block-matching motion estimation algorithms, demonstrating significant improvements in prediction accuracy.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Microtubule Binding to Smads May Regulate TGFβ Activity

Smad proteins are intracellular signaling effectors of the TGF beta superfamily. We show that endogenous Smad2, 3, and 4 bind microtubules (MTs) in several cell lines. Binding of Smads to MTs does not require TGF beta stimulation. TGF beta triggers dissociation from MTs, phosphorylation, and nuclear translocation of Smad2 and 3, with consequent activation of transcription in CCL64 cells. Destabilization of the MT network by nocodazole, colchicine, or a tubulin mutant disrupts the complex between Smads and MTs and increases TGF beta-induced Smad2 phosphorylation and transcriptional response in CCL64 cells. These data demonstrate that MTs may serve as a cytoplasmic sequestering network for Smads, controlling Smad2 association with and phosphorylation by activated TGF beta receptor I, and suggest a novel mechanism for the MT network to negatively regulate TGF beta function.
A synthesis of 4-acetamido-4-deoxy-L-xylopyranose

Abstract Acetonation of 2-deoxy-2-(2,4-dinitroanilino)- D -glucitol (1) gave the 3,4:5,6-diisopropylidene acetal (2), which was converted by mild, acid hydrolysis into the 3,4-monoisopropylidene acetal (3). Periodate oxidation of 3, followed by mild hydrolysis of the oxidation product (4) gave 4-deoxy-4-(2,4-dinitroanilino)- L -xylopyranose (5), which underwent condensation with acetone to give the 1,2-O-isopropylidene derivative (6). Removal of the N-substituent from 6 gave 4-amino-4-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α- L -xylopyranose (7), which was acetylated to give 4-acetamido-3-O-acetyl-4-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α- L -xylopyranose (8). O-Deacetylation of 8, followed by mild hydrolysis of the product (9), gave 4-acetamido-4-deoxy- L -xylose (10); substance 10 was also prepared from 7 in one step. In aqueous solution, the acetamido sugar (10) underwent equilibration to give a mixture of the α- L and β- L pyranose anomers in 2:3 ratio. Structural assignments were supported by n.m.r. and other physical data.
Peroxiredoxin sets the brain on fire after stroke.

How blood-borne inflammatory cells cause tissue damage in the brain after ischemic stroke remains elusive. Peroxiredoxins, cytosolic antioxidant proteins vital for redox balance, are released extracellularly from ischemic cells, acting as potent 'danger signals' that activate macrophages and lead to a harmful cytokine response, a new study shows. The findings unveil a new culprit in the delayed phase of ischemic injury and suggest new therapeutic approaches (pages 911–917).