cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cervical and thoracic degenerative spinal instability

Although not as common as lumbar degenerative instability, instability in the cervical and thoracic spines, when present, typically manifests as a spondylolisthesis, or the forward translation of the cephalad vertebra on the caudal one. Cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis can occur at C1–2 or subaxially. It can result in a spectrum of symptoms ranging from axial neck pain, atlantoaxial or subaxial instability, radiculopathy and myelopathy. The pattern and severity of cord compression as well as the degree of instability determine the surgical approach. Bone quality available for fixation must also be considered. Thoracic degenerative spondylolisthesis is relatively rare due to the inherit stability in this region. Generally a posterior fusion with instrumentation is recommended when decompressing a thoracic level with associated spondylolisthesis, especially in cases where there is dynamic change in the spondylolisthesis on upright or flexion/extension radiographs.
Motor disorders: Evidence-based review of the use of botulinum toxins

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) has emerged as a major therapeutic advance in the treatment of many disorders, affecting motor and non-motor systems. It has applications in numerous medical specialties, including neurology, rehabilitation medicine, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, dermatology, and urology. The use of BoNT for pain disorders is an emerging and active area of interest. A task force of the Technology and Therapeutics Assessment Committee of the American Academy of Neurology performed a literature search for relevant, fully published, peer-reviewed articles related to clinical use of BoNT for neurological disorders. The panel was comprised of specialists with experience in the therapeutic use of BoNT for the indications under consideration or with expertise in guideline methodology. Authors reviewed, abstracted, and classified papers based on AAN criteria (Class I–IV). This lecture summarizes the evidence supporting the use of BoNT in neurological disorders, including adult and childhood spasticity and selected movement disorders.
Osler and "House Pupil"

Excerpt To the editor: I wish to compliment Dr. Hurst on his thought-provoking article (1) in which he uses a fictional visit by Sir William Osler as visiting professor to express his own views on ...
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Prediction of survival

Abstract A wide range of survival rates have been reported in infants operated upon within the first 72 hr of life for congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 1–9 The highest mortality figures are in those infants with symptoms requiring correction in the first day of life. A better understanding of newborn physiology, vigorous preoperative management, improved surgical technique, and advances in respiratory support have been directed to improving survival with some success. 10 Acidemia and hypercarbia, often to a severe degree, occur in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. 11,12 Murdock et al., 13 and Rowe and Uribe 14 have called attention to the differences in preductal and postductal aortic blood sampled for PaO 2 . Pulmonary hypoplasia, as expressed in terms of lung weights, is often severe in patients dying from this anomaly. 15–17 Lewis and Young 18 have reported an infant whose lungs weighed only 24% of the predicted combined lung weight. 19 The major histological abnormality appears to be a decrease in bronchial and bronchiolar branching and to a lesser degree a diminished number of alveoli. 20 To our knowledge no one has related the degree of acid-base and blood gas abnormality to survival or lung hypoplasia. The following presentation attempts to do this through a retrospective review of patients at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
The Role of the PGC1 Gly482Ser Polymorphism in Weight Gain due to Intensive Diabetes Therapy

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) involved intensive diabetes therapy of subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) for an average period of 6.5 years. A subset of these subjects gained excessive weight. We tested for association of polymorphisms in 8 candidate genes with the above trait. We found the Gly482Ser polymorphism in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) to be significantly associated with weight gain in males (P = .0045) but not in females. The Ser allele was associated with greater weight gain than the Gly allele (P = .005). Subjects with a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were more common among those who gained excessive weight. We conclude that T2DM and the Gly482Ser polymorphism in PGC1α contribute to the effect of intensive diabetes therapy on weight gain in males with T1DM.
Grain growth in tungsten rod

This paper reports a study of recrystallization and grain growth in tungsten rod. Samples were deformed at elevated temperatures in compression and then annealed. The microstructure was examined by optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscattering diffraction patterns (EBSP) in the scanning electron microscope. The results showed that when the samples were deformed at a high crosshead speed at 1200, 1400, and 1600°C, the microstructure consisted of grains that had developed a high aspect ratio in the regions of the sample that had received the most deformation. When these samples were annealed, a more equiaxed structure was produced. Samples deformed at 1800°C developed very fine recrystallized grains during the mechanical testing. These remained during the anneal. When the crosshead speed was reduced, these fine grains could be observed even after testing at 1200°C. EBSP revealed little, if any, crystallographic texture in the recrystallized grain structure. These results are compared with previous work on tungsten rod to develop a more complete description of this process.
The origin of species by means of ecological selection

Fifty years ago, Ernst Mayr published Animal Species and Evolution [1], which influenced a generation of evolutionary biologists’ thinking about speciation. Mayr justified the biological species concept, described forms of reproductive isolation, argued strenuously for the importance of allopatric divergence compared to parapatric or sympatric speciation, affirmed the importance of ecological sources of natural selection in the divergence of populations and species, and developed the thesis that epistasis for fitness (the ‘unity of the genotype’) was so important that genetic drift in newly founded populations could initiate selection toward a new genetic constitution, incompatible with that of the ‘parent’ species.
Unemployment, union density, and wages

We investigate, both theoretically and empirically, whether long-run industry unemployment rates modify the wage impact of union density on the earnings of members. Our theory suggests that the density effect increases as unemployment increases. Our empirical estimates use wage equations exclusive and inclusive of unemployment and of the interactive effect of unemployment and density in influencing wages. Based on a 1985 sample of manufacturing production workers, our findings indicate that the wage effect of union density for union workers as usually measured is only 41 percent as large as the effect when unemployment is in the model.
Corticosteroid therapy associated with ischemic necrosis of bone in systemic lupus erythematosus

In this prospective study, 28 (52 percent) of 54 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had ischemic necrosis of bone in 93 sites. All but two of the patients had multiple sites of involvement, with hips, knees, and shoulders affected in decreasing order of frequency. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory features were comparable in patients with and without ischemic necrosis of bone except for cushingoid changes in 24 (86 percent) of the 28 patients with ischemic necrosis of bone versus four (15 percent) of the 26 patients without ischemic necrosis of bone (p less than 0.0001). The duration of steroid therapy, total cumulative steroid dose, and the mean daily prednisone dose for the first one, three, six, and 12 months of therapy were not significantly different between the two groups. Mean daily prednisone dose for the highest single month as well as the highest consecutive three, six, and 12 months of therapy was significantly higher in patients with ischemic necrosis of bone. The mean daily dose of prednisone for the highest month of therapy was greater than 40 mg per day in 93 percent and greater than 20 mg per day in all patients with ischemic necrosis of bone. In patients with ischemic necrosis of bone, there was a statistically significant correlation between higher mean prednisone dose at all time intervals and increased number of bony sites involved. A lower mean dose of prednisone was required to produce ischemic necrosis of bone in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.
Dynamic Interactions between Myocytes, Fibroblasts, and Extracellular Matrix

Cardiac function is determined by the coordinated and dynamic interaction of several cell types together with components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This interaction is regulated by mechanical, chemical, and electrical signals between the cellular and noncellular components of the heart. Recent studies using fluorescence-activated cell sorting indicate that the number of myocytes remains relatively constant during development and disease, whereas the number of fibroblasts and other cell types can change dramatically. Cardiac fibroblasts appear to have different origins at different stages of development and fluctuate in response to a variety of physiological signals. Fibroblasts form a network of cells that are connected to each other via specific cadherins and connexins, to the ECM via integrins, and to myocytes by a variety of receptors, including connexins. Examples of the integration of signals include the role of angiotensin II (Ang II), which stimulates mechanical contraction of fibroblasts, as well as cytokine signaling. Cytokine signaling alters connexin and K(+) channel activation, which in turn is regulated by Ang II, essentially forming a feedback loop. Quantitative changes in mechanical, chemical, and electrical signals that can alter the overall cardiac form and function will be discussed here.
Correction of Linoleic Acid Deficiency in Cystic Fibrosis

ABSTRACT. To identify evidence of essential fatty acid deficiency, we screened 64 patients with cystic fibrosis by analyzing total lipid extracts from plasma. Forty-three had an abnormal linoleate (18:2) level (less than 26%). Thirteen deficient patients (aged 10-24 yr) ingested for 1 yr 7% of their total calories as linoleate derived from a daily supplement of Microlipid. Five deficient patients (aged 10-37 yr) served as controls. Plasma and erythrocyte fatty acid composition were monitored by gas chromatography of total lipid extracts seven times during the twelve month period. Prostaglandins E2 and F2α and their 15 keto 13, 14 dihydrometabolite, 6-keto F1α, and thromboxane B2 were measured by radioimmunoassay. Sweat tests, oxygen saturation, growth indices, clinical severity scores, compliance, and possible side effects from taking Microlipid were followed. Results showed that oral supplementation with Microlipid can significantly increase plasma and erythrocytes %18:2. One compliant patient died during the study and had normal tissue 18:2 levels. Nine of 13 patients gained more weight while taking Microlipid than in the previous year. No significant changes in sweat electrolytes, clinical scores, or oxygen saturation were found during the study year. Prostaglandin metabolites prostaglandin E2 showed an upward trend in supplemented patients, compared to controls. Prostaglandin F2α remained unchanged over 1 yr but showed a trend significantly downward over the final 6 months in supplemented patients. We conclude that linoleate deficiency can be corrected with daily Microlipid supplements and that correction may alter prostaglandin metabolism
Renal Diseases in HIV-lnfected Patients: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

There are several HIV-associated renal disease, the pathogenesis of which is intimately related to the viral infection. Patients' demographic characteristics and clinical syndrome analysis may provide clinical clues to the individual renal disease, but in cases where a precise diagnosis is necessary, a renal biopsy is the only definitive way to establish the diagnosis. The explosion of knowledge regarding the molecular biology of the HIV life cycle and its mechanisms of infection has provided us not only with insights into the causes of the renal diseases, but has allowed nephrologists to advance, in the course of a decade, from therapeutic nihilism to the ability to provide treatment for the early and later stages of several of these diseases. It is hoped that with better understanding of the pathogenesis of the spectrum of kidney diseases encountered in HIV-infected patients, and the initiation and completion of properly designed and controlled therapeutic trials, patients quality and length of life will be enhanced.
Glutamatergic Modulators: The Future of Treating Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder are common, chronic, and recurrent conditions affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Existing antidepressants and mood stabilizers used to treat these disorders are insufficient for many. Patients continue to have low remission rates, delayed onset of action, residual subsyndromal symptoms, and relapses. New therapeutic agents able to exert faster and sustained antidepressant or mood-stabilizing effects are urgently needed to treat these disorders. In this context, the glutamatergic system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders in unique clinical and neurobiological ways. In addition to evidence confirming the role of the glutamatergic modulators riluzole and ketamine as proof-of-concept agents in this system, trials with diverse glutamatergic modulators are under way. Overall, this system holds considerable promise for developing the next generation of novel therapeutics for the treatment of bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
New Mechanism for a Phonon Anomaly and Lattice Distortion in Quasi One-Dimensional Conductors

It is shown that for sufficiently strong repulsive electron-electron interactions a quasi one-dimensional conductor has a phonon anomaly with wave vector component $4{k}_{\mathrm{F}}$ and an associated phase transition to a new kind of correlated charge-density wave state and lattice distortion, which can account for recent x-ray experiments on tetrathiafulvalene-tetracyanoquinodimethane. In the ordered state, the charge-density excitations are solitons and there is a gap in their spectrum.
Intelligence and job performance: Economic and social implications.

General mental ability (intelligence) is the dominant determinant of the large individual differences in work output on the job revealed by research, but highly visible individual differences in citizenship behavior on the job make the intelligenceperformance relationship harder to observe in everyday life. Over time, the validity of job experience for predicting performance declines, while that of ability remains constant or increases. Path analyses indicate that the major reason ability predicts performance so well is that higher ability individuals learn relevant job knowledge more quickly and learn more of it. The current social policy that strongly discourages use of mental ability in hiring is counterproduc tive and has produced severe performance decrements. This policy should be changed to encourage the use of ability measures. However, it should also encourage the use of personality measures that increase overall predictive validity while simultaneously reducing differences in minority-majority hiring rates. General mental ability (intelligence) plays a dominant role in the determination of individual differences in job performance. This statement is no longer controversial among researchers who study job performance. However, both laypeople and psychologists from other areas often find this statement controversial. Many people believe that this statement cannot be true even though it has been confirmed by thousands of empirical studies. There are two reasons why many people find it hard to believe that intelligence is the main determinant of variation in job performance. First, most people greatly underestimate the extent of differences in performance. Thus, they underestimate the importance of job performance in the evaluation of workers. Second, most people confuse two different dimensions of personnel evaluation: (a) performance (i.e., productivity) and (b) citizenship behavior (i.e., social behavior at work). These background problems are so strong that they interfere with the ability of readers to follow discussions of findings on performance. Therefore, we will first discuss citizenship behavior and the word performance. We will then discuss the extent of individual differences in performance. After discussing these two preliminary issues we will return to our main topic: the strong relationship between intelligence and job performance.
Manipulation of Biological Analytes in Microfluidic Devices Using Various Electrode Geometries and Electrokinetic Techniques

Micro-electro-mechanical systems are now used in a wide variety of applications ranging from biodetection to the healthcare industry. Electrokinetic techniques such as dielectrophoresis and electroosmosis are frequently used for the manipulation of cells, molecules, and spores. In this paper, we show that dielectrophoresis can be used to manipulate allergens and bacteria in a wide variety of microfluidic devices. We have found that allergens such as Penicillium brevicompactum demonstrate positive dielectrophoresis and moves toward high field gradient regions while the non-biological latex beads move towards the low electric field gradient regions. Microfluidic devices equipped with dielectrophoretic gates arranged perpendicular to the flow were designed and fabricated at Sandia National Laboratories. Experiments were conducted on flowing suspensions over a broad range of flow and electric field parameters to investigate how these characteristics affect the concentration and separation of particles. Trapping using the dielectrophoretic gating device as well as the design, experimental results, and analysis of devices for particle filtration are presented. Some of the devices were fabricated using Sandia’s (SwIFT™) process while other devices were fabricated using polymers and traditional photolithography methods. We present both methods used in the fabrication of devices. The long-term goal is to develop complete hand held Lab-on-a-Chip microsystems for biodetection. The ability to manipulate and concentrate minute particles can allow for advances in the medical field as well as the future detection of biological warfare agents such as anthrax. In order to analyze biological analytes, it is first necessary to develop a method for positioning and detecting the analyte of interest. Concentrating biological particles such as the allergen Penicillium brevicompactum (PBC), Bacillus globigii (BG) spores, an anthrax stimulant, and Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph Cells), a type of food bacteria, is done using the principle of dielectrophoresis. Microfluidic devices which we use to test the suspensions were fabricated using the SwIFT™ process developed by Sandia National Laboratories. In addition, electrode designs were also fabricated using a process that we have developed in-house at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) using polydimethysiloxane, PDMS, to make the channels and the deposition of gold, Au, as the material for the electrodes fabricated with the low pressure chemical vapor deposition method (LPCVD).Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Generating metadata to study and teach about African issues

Purpose – After almost three centuries of employing western educational approaches, many African societies are still characterized by low western literacy rates, civil conflicts, and underdevelopment. It is obvious that these western educational paradigms, which are not indigenous to Africans, have done relatively little good for Africans. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to argue that the salvation for Africans hinges upon employing indigenous African educational paradigms which can be subsumed under the rubric of ubuntugogy, which the authors define as the art and science of teaching and learning undergirded by humanity toward others. Design/methodology/approach – Therefore, ubuntugogy transcends pedagogy (the art and science of teaching), andragogy (the art and science of helping adults learn), ergonagy (the art and science of helping people learn to work), and heutagogy (the study of self-determined learning). That many great African minds, realizing the debilitating effects of the western education...
A new separation procedure for 67Cu from proton irradiated Zn

Abstract Cu-67 has been produced since 1985 at the Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer (BLIP) by irradiation of natural Zn targets with 200 MeV protons. Since the electrodeposition method used previously for isolation of Cu was slow (24–48 h) and unreliable for remote operation, a new, faster and more reliable method has been devised. It is based on (1) selective extraction of Cu dithizonate into organic solvent from a 0.5 M HCl solution of the bulk Zn target; (2) back extraction of Cu into aqueous phase; (3) removal of Ga by isopropyl ether treatment; and (4) final purification by anion exchange separation from other trace radiocontaminants. This procedure has been successfully adapted to remote hot cell operation, takes about 5–7 h to complete the processing of a typical BLIP irradiated ZnO target, and has resulted in better deliverable yields and specific activity. The overall 67Cu recovery is about 90% under remote conditions. For several 67Cu production runs with this procedure, the average Zn separation factor was 1.1 × 10−6 and average 67Cu specific activity was 5 mCi/μg.
CYTOTOXICITY OF DOPAMINOCHROME IN THE MESENCEPHALIC CELL LINE, MN9D, IS DEPENDENT UPON OXIDATIVE STRESS

Parkinson disease is a specific form of neurodegeneration characterized by a loss of nigra-striatal dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain of humans. The disease is also characterized by an increase in oxidative stress and a loss of glutathione in the midbrain region. A potential link between all these factors is the oxidation of dopamine to dopaminochrome (DAC). Using the murine mesencephalic cell line MN9D, we have shown that DAC [50-250 microM] leads to cell death in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas oxidized l-dopa, dopachrome [50-250 microM], is only toxic at the highest concentration used. Furthermore, chronic exposure of MN9D cells to low concentrations of DAC [50-100 microM] is cytotoxic between 48 and 96 h. DAC also increases superoxide production within MN9D cells as indicated by dihydroethidium fluorescence, that can be prevented by co-administration with the antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine [5 mM]. Moreover, the cytotoxicity induced by DAC can also be prevented by administration of N-acetylcysteine [1-5mM]. Finally, depletion of reduced glutathione in MN9D cells by buthionine sulfoximine [50-100 microM] administration significantly enhances the cytotoxic effect of low concentrations of DAC [50-100 microM] and DAC [175 microM] itself reduces the proportion of oxidized glutathione in total glutathione within 30 min of administration in MN9D cells. Overall, we have shown that DAC causes MN9D cell death in an oxidatively dependent manner that appears closely linked with a rapid loss of reduced glutathione. These findings have implications for understanding the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative pathways in Parkinson disease.
Mapping charge-mosaic surfaces in electrolyte solutions using surface charge microscopy

Abstract A significant limitation of electrokinetic measurements is that only an average value of the zeta potential/streaming potential is measured—regardless of whether the surface charge distribution is homogeneous or otherwise. However, in real-world situations, nearly all solids (and liquids) of technological significance exhibit surface heterogeneities. To detect heterogeneities in surface charge, analytical tools which provide accurate and spatially resolved information about material surface potential—particularly at microscopic and sub-microscopic resolutions—are needed. A novel AFM-based technique for mapping surface charge domains on heterogeneous surfaces, which we call Surface Charge Microscopy ( SCM ), was recently introduced by our research team. It relies on recording colloidal force curves over multiple locations on the substrate surface using small probes. The surface charge characteristics of the heterogeneous substrate are determined from the recorded colloidal force curves, allowing for the surface charge variation to be mapped. In this communication, we briefly review the SCM technique. Examples of results of measurements of the surface interaction forces that were recorded between a silicon nitride AFM cantilever and a multi-phase volcanic rock and heterogeneous surface of bitumen are also given.
Optimum planning and operation of compressed air energy storage with wind energy integration

The integration of increasingly available renewable energy sources, such as wind energy, into the power grid will have the potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize greenhouse gas emission. However, due to the stochastic nature of renewable generation, balancing of generation and load becomes difficult. Energy storage is expected to play a major role in promoting the development of renewable energy by intermittent power source balancing, storing surplus generation, and providing electricity during high demands. One of the various emerging energy storage technologies is Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES). In this paper, we model a wind generation-CAES system which can generate, store, and sell electricity to the grid. In addition, two optimization methodologies based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) are used to optimize the short-term operation and long-term planning of the wind generation-CAES system. The goal is to determine the optimum capacities of these resources as well as the optimum day-to-day operation strategy in order to maximize profit. The variables considered in this study include electricity market price, wind speed, gas price, etc., from a local electric utility. A number of sensitivity analyses are performed to evaluate the profitability of the wind generation-CAES system and the impact of different factors on the results.
MODELING THE ANNUAL THERMAL REGIME OF LAKE OHRID, YUGOSLAVIA, USING DAILY WEATHER DATA

Abstract The time-dependent characteristics of the five weather variables which control the annual thermal response of Lake Ohrid are analyzed in detail. These are daily values for solar radiation, air temperature, humidity, wind speed and cloud cover. A simple numerical model of the lake's thermal response, forced by thermally driven density mixing, is developed and tested using observed thermal profiles for verification. The numerical model successfully reproduces the major features of the lake's thermal regime over a 6 y period from 1972 to 1977, the average root mean square value for the simulated profiles being 1.2°C with extremes of 2.2 and 0.3°C and a standard deviation of 0.4°C.
Autosomal recessive inheritance of renal glycosuria.

Abstract Renal glucose titrations were performed in seven members of three generations in a family affected with renal glycosuria to examine the mechanism of inheritance and the significance of Type A and Type B titration curves. The proband, a 3-yr-old boy, had constant fasting glycosuria. His inulin clearance and proximal tubular reabsorption of phosphate, uric acid, and amino acids were normal. Renal glucose titration demonstrated marked reductions of minimal threshold (FminG) and tubular maximum (TmG), indicative of severe Type A glycosuria. Both parents, the paternal grandmother, and the maternal grandfather demonstrated TmG values between the proband and normal (mild Type A glycosuria). The paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother had normal renal glucose titration curves. The pedigree analysis indicates that renal glycosuria is inherited in this family as an autosomal recessive trait and that the proband is homozygous for a mutant gene producing severe Type A renal glycosuria. The intermediate reductions in TmG seen in presumed heterozygotes suggest that the single mutation produces a decreased number of functioning renal glucose transport sites and that this is expressed as mild Type A glycosuria.
Electrostatically Embedded Many-Body Expansion for Neutral and Charged Metalloenzyme Model Systems.

The electrostatically embedded many-body (EE-MB) method has proven accurate for calculating cohesive and conformational energies in clusters, and it has recently been extended to obtain bond dissociation energies for metal–ligand bonds in positively charged inorganic coordination complexes. In the present paper, we present four key guidelines that maximize the accuracy and efficiency of EE-MB calculations for metal centers. Then, following these guidelines, we show that the EE-MB method can also perform well for bond dissociation energies in a variety of neutral and negatively charged inorganic coordination systems representing metalloenzyme active sites, including a model of the catalytic site of the zinc-bearing anthrax toxin lethal factor, a popular target for drug development. In particular, we find that the electrostatically embedded three-body (EE-3B) method is able to reproduce conventionally calculated bond-breaking energies in a series of pentacoordinate and hexacoordinate zinc-containing systems...
Stress intensity factors for complete internal and external cracks in spherical shells

Abstract The stress intensity factors of the complete, part-through internal and external cracks in a spherical shell are determined. The finite element method was used to develop the weight functions for the flawed geometry. The approximate crack surface profile proposed by Petroski and Achenbach (Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 10 (1978) 257-66) was used to derive the weight functions. The stress intensity factors associated with the cracks in spherical shells under internal pressure were determined by both the weight functions and the direct finite element method.
Multi-target tracking and identification by a vector of sensors

Diverse security applications often require monitoring of a narrow passage, such as an indoor corridor, a tunnel, a bridge; either to protect critical assets at the end of such a passage or to control the passage over it, or both. Often, sensors are arranged in a vector along such a passage and are capable of registering the crossing of a target but not its identity. In this paper, we consider coordinated tracking by such a vector of sensors where each sensor learns timings of objects passing at monitored spots from its predecessors. Hence, the problem we are solving could be formulated as an assignment or matching of target identities to arrival times of the targets at the subsequent sensors in a vector. We introduce a cost function that is the sum of squares of the difference between each target's predicted and observed arrival time at each sensor. We use target's speed as computed from the arrival times of the target at previous two sensors to predict the time of arrival at the current sensor. In such a scheme, the simple matching algorithm that sorts predicted and actual arrival times in two separated lists and then matches both lists by positions minimizes this and similar cost functions for each sensor locally in O(n log n) time. We have also developed more costly algorithms that yield higher quality global solution at the cost of communication, computation and memory. In the paper, we evaluate analytically, and by simulations, different variants of this matching algorithm and their complexity and performance.
An algorithm for simultaneous image segmentation and nonrigid registration, with clinical application in image guided radiotherapy

This paper proposed a new strategy to assess cumulative actual dose by nonrigidly mapping treatment day dose distributions to the planning day space. The mappings were achieved using a novel integrated segmentation and nonrigid registration algorithm used in external beam prostate radiotherapy. By combining segmentation and registration, we can recover the treatment fraction image regions that correspond to the organs of interest by incorporating transformed planning day organs to guide and constrain the segmentation process; and conversely, accurate knowledge of important soft tissue structures will enable us achieve more precise nonrigid registration. The novel algorithm allows the clinician to set tighter planning margins around the target volume in the treatment plan. Clinical application and evaluation of dose delivery show the superiority of proposed method to the procedure currently used in clinical practice, i.e. manual segmentation followed by rigid registration.
ATPG and diagnostics for boards implementing boundary scan

The emergence of the IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan standard facilitates structured approaches for board partitioning, allowing test generation and execution on localized logic clusters. This article discusses a study conducted on 1149.1 board designs to examine issues associated with board-level Automatic Test-Pattern Generation (ATPG) and diagnostics.
Ascending projections of the cerebellar fastigial nuclei: Connections to the ectosylvian gyrus

Abstract Ascending projections from the fastigial nucleus of the cerebellum to the anterior ectosylvian gyrus are described in cats. Nauta-Gygax and Fink-Heimer staining techniques were used to trace degenerating fibers in cats with lesions of the fastigial nucleus and at control sites elsewhere in the cerebellum. Bilateral projections were more dense in sites ipsilateral to the lesion and most terminated in deeper layers, particularly layer 4. These anatomical studies support electrophysiological data and may explain a mechanism by which vestibular and some proprioceptive input can become related to somatosensory phenomena.
The effects of electric shock on responding maintained by cocaine in rhesus monkeys

Under baseline conditions, responding was maintained by intravenous cocaine delivery (100 micrograms/kg/infusion) under a fixed ratio 10 schedule in three rhesus monkeys. During test sessions, the onset of each cocaine infusion was accompanied by a delivery of electric shock of pre-determined duration and intensity. At intermediate intensity levels, the electric shock delivery initially reduced cocaine maintained responding. Although test sessions were separated by at least three baseline sessions, adaptation to the punishing effect of shock occurred within five test sessions in each monkey. Adaptation did not occur at higher intensity levels which completely eliminated cocaine-maintained responding, even when this intensity was tested prior to intermediate intensity levels.
Theory of the thermal single-determinant approximation

Abstract An approximation for systems of interacting fermions which goes beyond the standard thermal Hartree-Fock approximation (THFA) is developed on the basis of the variational principle of statistical mechanics. The new approximation consists of choosing the “best” trial Hamiltonian such that all its eigenstates are single determinants whose occupied states are chosen from some (“best”) complete set of orthonormal one-particle states. This thermal single-determinant approximation (TSDA) is a natural extension to nonzero temperature of the Hartree-Fock approximation for the ground state; it is different, and in a well-defined sense better, than the standard THFA. Various modifications of the TSDA, which are variational, are also defined and the relationship between the TSDA and the THFA is discussed.
Simple Köhler homogenizers for image-forming solar concentrators

By adding simple Kohler homogenizers in the form of aspheric lenses generated with an optimization approach, we solve the problems of non-uniform irradiance distribution and non-square irradiance pattern existing in some image-forming solar concentrators. The homogenizers do not require optical bonding to the solar cells or total internal reflection surface. Two examples are shown including a Fresnel lens based concentrator and a two-mirror aplanatic system.
Premorbid adjustment as a predictor of phenomenological and neurobiological indices in schizophrenia

Previous studies have demonstrated relationships between poor premorbid adjustment and a variety of phenomenological and neurobiological indices in schizophrenic patients. Using the Modified Premorbid Adjustment Scale we re-examined these relationships in a large sample (n = 131) of schizophrenic patients. Subjects were evaluated with the Comprehensive Assessment of Symptoms and History (CASH) and magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple correlation indicated that poor premorbid adjustment was significantly associated with prominence of negative symptoms, early age of onset, educational problems, chronicity, and neurological soft signs, but not with any MRI measures. These results confirm poor premorbid adjustment as an important predictor of a malignant form of schizophrenia as evidenced by an earlier age of onset, poorer educational performance, prominent negative symptoms, presence of soft signs, and chronicity of course.
Breaking no new ground

Invasions of the Land: The Transitions of Organisms from Aquatic to Terrestrial Life. By Malcolm S. Gordon and Everett C. Olson. Columbia University Press: 1995. Pp. 312. $65, £49.
Structural and functional identification of regulatory regions and cis elements surrounding the nerve growth factor gene promoter.

Abstract The transcriptional mechanisms which contribute to the regulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) production are still largely unknown. We previously expressed the NGF promoter region in transgenic mice to localize cis regulatory elements to within 5 kb of the promoter. To further map these elements, and to begin to study the corresponding transacting factors, we here assayed the effects of 5′ deletions and point mutations and examined the binding of nuclear factors to the NGF promoter region using L929 cell fibroblasts. Sequential deletions delineated regions upstream from the promoter which stimulated and inhibited transcription. DNAse-1 footprinting experiments identified four upstream segments, designated F2, F4, F6 and F8, which bound L929 cell nuclear proteins. F2 and F4 mapped to stimulatory and F6 and F8 to inhibitory regions. Competition experiments using a heptanucleotide present in both F2 and F4 segments suggested that they may be bound by related factors. Gel shift assays showed that the F8 binding proteins are less abundant in L929 cells than in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and B16 melanoma cells. In addition to the upstream segments, a downstream AP-1 consensus sequence bound L929 nuclear proteins. Mutation of the AP-1 consensus sequence eliminated binding of nuclear proteins and reduced transcriptional activity. Our results indicate that transcriptional activator as well as suppressor regions surround the NGF gene promoter. The regulation of NGF production is likely to involve cis elements within these regions and transacting factors that bind to them.
To tag or not to tag

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide a quantitative analysis of the extent to which folksonomies replicate the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) to see if folksonomies would successfully complement cataloger‐supplied subject headings in library catalogs.Design/methodology/approach – The paper compares social tags and LC subject headings for ten books from various library‐related applications including next generation OPACs and LibraryThing by ranking tags and subject headings using scales modified from research by Golder and Huberman, Voorbij, and Kipp.Findings – Social tagging does indeed augment LCSH by providing additional access to resources.Research limitations/implications – Several of our applications lacked tags for the books we chose in our study. Tags are primarily taken from LibraryThing.Practical implications – A hybrid catalog combining both LCSH and a folksonomy would result in richer metadata and be stronger than the sum of its parts, giving patrons the best of both...
Divergence of solutions to solute transport moment equations

[1] We provide explicit solutions to one-dimensional moment equations for solute transport in random porous media using asymptotic perturbation expansions up through fourth order in standard deviation of log hydraulic conductivity. From these solutions, we demonstrate the source of multi-modal behavior in this special case; namely, oscillatory terms that increase with the variance of velocity (or of log conductivity) and time. We show that over time higher-order moments become less accurate than second-order moments. Moreover, we show that the complete asymptotic series solution diverges for any value of log conductivity variance after sufficient time, using an analytical bound and assuming Gaussian-distributed velocity. This bound depends on the zero-order mean velocity, correlation length, and properties of the initial data. We find that the bound is also a good approximation when applied to our solutions of moment equations for a non-Gaussian velocity distribution.
The geomorphology of some debris flows in the southern Sierra Nevada, California

Abstract Debris flows are one of the natural hazards present in the southern Sierra Nevada of California. Historic debris flow activity is documented at a USDA Forest Servuce research facility in the Kings River drainage related to a 1937 storm event. No subsequent study of this phenomenon was undertaken until 1982. Observations of debris flows over the succeeding 10 years offer an initial assessment of the physical geomorphology of debris flows in this area. This information provides a starting point for future efforts to avoid or limit the effect of this natural hazard. Observations were made in the Tuolomne, Merced, San Joaquin, and Kings River drainages. Of the twenty-six debris flows observed, six were examined in detail to provide specific data on this phenomenon. Triggering events for debris flows in the southern Sierra Nevada include intense rainfall, rain-on-snow storms, and seasonal melting of heavy snowpacks. Movement typically occurs at depths between 0.3 and 5 m below ground surface. This is representative of depths for the three interfaces associated with initiation of movement: (1) at the base of the root zone, (2) at the contact of well-weathered and less-weathered soil, and (3) at the contact between soil and unweathered bedrock. Measurement of debris flow velocity based on indirect methods found values ranging from 2.6 m/s to 7.2 m/s (9 km/h to 26 km/h). Recurrence intervals based on radiocarbon dates are between 425 and 500 years BP. Roads and other land use investments have suffered damage from debris flow activity during the 1982 to 1993 period. Stump Springs road in the San Joaquin river drainage required US$1.4 million to repair damage primarily from 1982 debris flows. The threat to life arising from debris flows is illustrated by the consequences of vegetation losses from wildfire near El Portal, California. The projected population growth with associated increased infrastructure raises concern for greater impacts from future debris flow occurrence in the southern Sierra Nevada.
Antibiotic-Associated Pseudomembranous Enteritis Due to Clostridium difficile

Although pseudomembranous colitis is relatively common following antibiotic exposure, there have been few reported cases of pseudomembrane formation involving the small intestine. Herein we report a case of pseudomembranous enteritis of the small and large intestine that occurred after antibiotic exposure. The etiologic organism appears to be Clostridium difficile, as evidenced by the characteristic pseudomembranous lesions and a positive ELISA for toxin A in an ileal tissue specimen.
Comparative study of endoscopic clips: duration of attachment at the site of clip application.

Background Several designs of endoscopic clips are now commercially available, and the indications for endoclip application are rapidly expanding. However, very limited data have been published to aid in choosing between the different types of endoclips. Objective To compare the duration of clip attachment between all commercially available endoclips. Setting Long-term experiments on 50-kg pigs under general anesthesia. Design and Interventions Upper endoscope was inserted into the stomach. One clip of each type (Resolution clip, TriClip, and HX-5L clip) was placed along the same gastric fold at a distance of 0.5 to 1 cm from each other. The animals were recovered. In pig nos. 1 and 2, repeat endoscopy was performed after 2 and 4 weeks. In pig nos. 3 to 5, endoscopy was repeated after 1, 2, and 5 weeks. Main Outcome Measurements Duration of clip retention at the site of application. Results In all animals, only the Resolution endoclip remained attached to the site of application for the entire duration of the study (4-5 weeks). No TriClips or HX-5L clips were attached at the 4- to 5-week follow-up endoscopies. Most of the TriClips (67%) detached within the first week after application. Most of the HX-5L clips (80%) dislodged within the first 2 weeks of follow-up. Limitations The study was performed in a porcine model with a small number of animals. Conclusions The Resolution clip has the longest duration of retention at the site of application (more than 4-5 weeks) and should be preferred when long-term attachment of endoclips is necessary.
Direct imaging through scattering media by use of efficient third-harmonic generation in organic materials

We report on real-time, time-gated, direct imaging through scattering media with an attenuation of 14 mean-free paths by use of third-harmonic generation in the eye-safe and telecommunication-compatible near-IR spectral region (1550 nm).
Seasonal variability of landuse impacts on macroinvertebrate assemblages in streams of western Georgia, USA

We examined the influence of land use/land cover (LULC) on macroinvertebrate assemblages and environmental conditions in streams draining 18 small watersheds in the Southern Outer Piedmont ecoregion in Georgia, USA, over a 24-mo period of record. Specifically, we analyzed relationships among LULC categories (i.e., % impervious surface (IS), pasture, silviculture, and deciduous/evergreen forest) and hydrological, physicochemical, and benthic habitat variables, and macroinvertebrate metrics. Macroinvertebrate metrics were related primarily to % IS and % deciduous forest cover, with lowest biotic integrity (species diversity, taxon richness, biological stream condition index) found in high % IS watersheds. Biotic integrity declined with decreasing % forest cover throughout the seasons, and multiple regression models and partial correlation analysis revealed that physicochemical and benthic habitat variables explained more variation in macroinvertebrate metrics throughout the seasons than did hydrological variables at most sites. Based on nonmetric multidimensional scaling, heavily urbanized sites were strongly separated from all other sites in terms of assemblage structure. Total ordination distance among seasonal samples from the same sites increased as % forest cover increased. This pattern might have arisen because urbanized streams had high abundances of a few tolerant, persistent taxa and lacked many ephemeral taxa found in less disturbed systems. The influence of anthropogenic LULC on macroinvertebrate assemblages appears to be consistent throughout the year and reduces seasonal changes in assemblages. LULC-associated differences among assemblages are strongly associated with changes in physicochemistry and benthic habitat conditions that probably are mediated by hydrological alterations associated with altered LULC in the watersheds of this region.