cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safflower — production, processing and utilization

Safflower, grown formerly for the red dye from its flowers, is now a source of oil and livestock feed. In California an average of 30,000 acres have been grown each year since 1950. It has been both a dryland and irrigated crop. The oil has had a ready market for the manufacture of alkyd resins and drying oils.
Theory of the Change in Cholesteric Pitch Near Cholesteric-Smectic Phase Transitions

Abstract The large change in pitch of cholesterics in the vicinity of a transition to a smectic phase is argued to be governed entirely by the behavior of the twist elastic constant, K 22. The twist constant increases rapidly near a smectic phase transition because of the coupling of the director n(r) with local smectic-like positional correlations. This coupling gives a rapidly increasing term in the energy of the form (n.δ × n)2. The other important energy term is of the form n. δ × n and comes from chiral intermolecular interactions. We derive a mean field theory of a typical such interaction and obtain a contribution to the energy which is relatively insensitive to smectic-like order. We thus predict that, although both K 22 and the pitch increase rapidly, the ratio of K 22 to pitch should be constant near the transition to the smectic phase.
Efficiency Considerations of Later-Phased Low Temperature Diesel Combustion

Low temperature diesel combustion offers an opportunity to simultaneously and substantially reduce exhaust nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions. One issue that remains an area of investigation is the improvement of engine efficiency (i.e., specific fuel consumption) for the novel mode of combustion. The objective of this article is to assess the several parameters (i.e., friction, pumping work, combustion phasing, heat transfer rate, and combustion efficiency) that affect the brake fuel conversion efficiencies of a medium-duty diesel engine as its combustion mode is transitioned from conventional to low temperature. The analysis reveals that, in this study’s development of low temperature combustion, late combustion phasing is the primary factor causing a decrease in brake fuel conversion efficiency. To enable low temperature combustion, combustion is retarded to a point where peak rate of heat release occurs at around 24° after top dead center. Such late combustion misses the opportunity to utilize the full expansion stroke of the piston. Although exhaust hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide concentrations increase as a result of the later-phased low temperature combustion mode, combustion efficiency only drops to around 90%. This decrease in combustion efficiency accounts for only about 18.7% of the corresponding decrease in brake fuel conversion efficiency (the balance decrease being caused by the later-phased combustion). Other factors that typically deteriorate brake fuel conversion efficiency (i.e., pumping work, friction, and rate of heat transfer) are all decreased with this study’s development of low temperature combustion. It is important to note that other implementations of low temperature combustion (e.g., advanced timing low temperature combustion) may not necessarily realize the same reductions in brake fuel conversion efficiency, or reductions may not necessarily be caused by the same dominant factors that are observed in this study’s later-phased low temperature combustion mode.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Decision models in global supply chain management

Abstract Integrative decision making is key to effective supply chain management (SCM). This article examines five illustrative supply chain decision models that demonstrate the importance of integrating the decisions across the supply chain. The models that are discussed illustrate the diversity of analytical approaches and their usefulness in managing global supply chain issues. The paper identifies potential areas of additional research where analytical modeling can generate useful insights. The paper also presents a short categorization of decision models from literature.
A new simplified procedure for the separation of aortic intima

Abstract A new procedure for the separation of aortic intima has been described. The method involves the use of an electrical “Dermatome” (used in plastic surgery) which can separate intima from the thoracic aorta. The dermatome allows a cutting depth to be adjusted from a minimum of 10 μ. Using this instrument pure preparations of porcine and human intima were obtained. It is concluded that this method is the simplest available for obtaining large quantities of anatomically pure preparations of different layers of the aorta.
The role of endothelin-1 in regulating human granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis in vitro

The effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on luteinized human granulosa cells (L-HGCs) have not been examined. It is well known that there are differences of actions of several autocrine/paracrine regulators between L-HGCs and GCs of other species, and therefore the present study was designed to examine the effects of ET-1 1) on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) using the Ca(2+)-responsive fluorescent indicator Fura-2, 2) on cell proliferation by the nonradioactive method using bromodeoxyuridine, and 3) on basal and gonadotropin-stimulated steroidogenesis, and to examine the expression of ET receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) using freshly isolated and cultured L-HGCs obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. ET-1 increased [Ca2+]i in L-HGCs in a dose-dependent manner between 1 and 1000 nmol/L. High concentrations (100-1000 nmol/L) of ET-1 produced a more rapid and transient increase in [Ca2+]i than that observed with low concentrations (1-10 nmol/L) of ET-1. The increase in [Ca2+]i elicited...
Transition metal complexes that catalyze oxygen formation from water: 1979–2010

Abstract The study of catalytic water oxidation continues to be one of the most active areas of research across many sub-disciplines of chemistry. From efforts toward developing artificial photosynthetic assemblies to the exploration of nanoscale materials to be used as a photoanode for splitting water, a detailed understanding of the mechanistic details of water oxidation in photosystem II (PSII) is paramount for the rational design of an artificial model. In addition, insight into the model's mechanism of molecular-level water-oxidation catalysis will provide us with a unique opportunity to elucidate the mechanistic pathways of water oxidation in the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of PSII. In this review, the proposed mechanisms, catalytic activities and reaction kinetics of catalytic water oxidation with transition metal complexes in homogeneous systems published from 1979 to 2010, with an emphasis on the last decade, are discussed. These metal complexes include mononuclear, dinuclear and multinuclear manganese, ruthenium, iridium, iron and cobalt complexes. Electrodeposited cobalt complexes are a type of heterogeneous water-oxidation catalyst; however, these complexes are discussed herein because they are topological analogs of the Mn cluster in the OEC. M V O species (M = Mn, Ru) as the key active species in homogeneous catalytic evolution of O 2 are common feature in many catalysts, in which formation of the O O bond can be achieved either by intramolecular elimination of dioxygen from two M V O groups or by nucleophilic attack of OH − species on M V O groups. Another common feature appears from tetranuclear ruthenium complex 71 , manganese complex 10 and cobalt complex, all of these cubane structural complexes have self-repair properties similar to OEC–protein complex in nature.
To search is to believe? A comparative study of health information use by internet users

This study was designed to characterize health information seekers on the Internet using relatively large-scale survey data. The primary goals are to (1) ascertain whether the information seekers' credibility assessment of online health information varies by levels of Web searching activities, and (2) identify specific impacts of online health information on decision-making. Using a national survey by Pew Internet & American Life Project (2006) (N = 2,928), we conducted TwoStep cluster analysis focusing on the health-related topics. We successfully identified and labeled the two clusters of health information users as ‘active’ and ‘less active’ users. The data suggests that active users were more likely to evaluate the credibility of online health information resources than less active users; types of users did not make a difference in searches on behalf of others. More importantly, between active and less active users online health information had strong impacts on three specific aspects of decision-making: (1) the treatment on an illness or condition, (2) the overall approach and (3) asking new questions. The results advance our understanding of users' credibility assessment of online health information sources. Given these findings we provide avenues for future research.
Observations on an unusual membrane complex found in gregarines parasitic in the barnacle Balanus tintinnabulum.

The surface of gregarine trophozoites consists of a three-layered membrane complex thrown into a series of lamellae. The complex is composed of an outer plasmalemma, subjacent pentalaminar layer, and underlying homogeneous, electron dense layer. The pentalaminar layer is 140–170 A thick and exhibits a morphology reminiscent of fused, cell membranes seen in tight junctions, myelin figures, and nerve myelin. The pentalaminar layer is derived from subsurface cisternae found in sporozoites. The underlying homogeneous, electron dense layer is 450–500 A thick. Pores and caveolae are found as specializations of the pentalaminar and homogeneous electron dense layers. Dense vesicles, similar in morphology to the pentalaminar caveolae, are found in the peripheral cytoplasm. Endoplasmic reticulum is closely associated with the caveolae and the dense vesicles. The location of the membrane complex at the surface and the presence of pores and caveolae in its structure suggests some transport and/or segregation function.
A note on marketing research in Mexico

Abstract Marketing research has an important role to play in fostering economic development. Information from research can contribute to the successful operation of a country's production and distribution system, and the use of research can increase management efficiency within business enterprises. Although marketing research has potential for fostering economic development, several authors have noted its infrequent use in developing economies [1,3]. A survey was conducted among manufacturers, marketing research companies, and advertising agencies in the Mexico City metropolitan area. The purpose was to develop a descriptive analysis of marketing research and its management in Mexico. Mexico was chosen for the field work because it is representative of moderately developed countries in the “take-off” stage of economic development. Little empirical data currently exists on the use of marketing research or the nature of its conduct by companies in developing countries; therefore, this research provides bench mark data on marketing research practices in one of these areas.
Behavioral Adjustment in the U. S. Elementary School: Cross-Validation of a Person-Oriented Typology of Risk

Cluster analysis is a popular technique in the social sciences for classifying subjects into smaller, homogenous groups; however, cluster solutions are not often externally replicated. This study externally replicated the seven-cluster solution found by the BASC TRS-C Norm sample. External replication was conducted on two independent samples of children between the ages of 6 and I1. Replication was shown by three methods: (a) independent cluster analysis, (b) cross-classification among grouping procedures, and (c) relationships between disciplinary actions and cluster membership. Results showed that the seven-cluster behavioral typology of child behavior could be replicated. Implications for future use of the behavioral typology are discussed.
Spectroscopic and structural properties of dimethyl-, diphenyl- and methylphenylsulfoxide platinum complexes. The crystal and molecular structures of cis-dichlorobis(methylphenylsulfoxide)-platinum(II) and potassiumtrichloro(phenylsulfoxide)platinum(II)-acetone solvate

Abstract The preparation and properties of platinum complexes with bulky sulfoxide ligands have been examined. The reaction of methylphenylsulfoxide (MePhSO) with K 2 PtCl 4 gives as expected cis -[PtCl 2 (MePhSO) 2 ] whereas the product with the more sterically demanding diphenylsulfoxide Ph 2 SO is K[PtCl 3 (Ph 2 SO)]. This monosulfoxide anion is also formed with methyltert-butylsulfoxide, Met-BuSO. The molecular structures of cis -[PtCl 2 (MePhSO) 2 ] ( IIA ) and K[PtCl 3 (Ph 2 SO)]·acetone ( V ) were resolved by X-ray diffraction. The crystals of cis -[PtCl 2 (MePhSO) 2 ] are monoclinic P2 1 / c with cell dimensions a = 9.1834(2), b = 15.7256(4), c = 12.4279(3) A, β = 106.78(2)° and Z = 4. The structure was refined to R w = 4.86%. The sulfoxides are S-bound as expected and the meso ( S,S configuration around the chiral sulfur atom) diastereomer was solved. All bond lengths and bond angles around the square planar platinum are normal with PtS distances of 2.244(3) and 2.238(3) A. The PtCl distances of 2.315(3) and 2.303(3) A are within the range expected for Cl trans S. The phenyl groups of the MePhSO lie essentially perpendicular to the coordination plane with dihedral angles of 92.1 and 84.2°. The crystals of K[PtCl 3 (Ph 2 SO)]·acetone are also monoclinic P2 1 / c with a = 9.775(3), b = 8.239(2) and c = 24.974(6) A, β = 95.78(2)° and Z = 4. Bond lengths and angles around the coordination plane are normal. The PtS distance is 2.214(3) A and the PtCl bond trans S is 2.327(3) A, longer than the mutually trans PtCl bonds 2.302(3) A. The phenyl groups make dihedral angles of 81.8 and 100.9° with the coordination plane and are essentially mutually perpendicular with a PhPh dihedral angle of 92.9°. The K cation has non-bonding contacts to both the sulfoxide and acetone oxygen atoms of 2.673(9) and 2.728(13)°, respectively. The structural parameters are discussed with respect to data from Me 2 SO and sterically hindered sulfoxides. There are no major differences found in the structural parameters to explain the trends in reactivity of the various sulfoxides. Complementary studies using 195 Pt NMR spectroscopy show that the order of shielding in the series K[PtCl 3 (R′R″SO)] is Ph 2 SO>MePhSO>Me 2 SO. The values of the 195 Pt chemical shifts are discussed with respect to models of sulfoxide bonding to platinum.
Energetics and the Limits to a Temperate Distribution in Armadillos

A comparative study of the temperature regulation and rate of metabolism of armadillos and armadillo-like mammals (hedgehogs and hedgehog tenrecs) is reported. Armadillos are characterized by low body temperatures, low basal rates of metabolism, and high minimal thermal conductances. Strictly temperate species of armadillos are confined in distribution to South America; they have higher body temperatures than tropical species, but these groups show no noticeable difference in basal rate or in minimal conductance. Armadillos that specialize on termites as food (e.g., Tolypeutes and Priodontes ) have much lower basal rates and body temperatures than other species. Hedgehogs, hedgehog tentrecs, and marsupial bandicoots also have low body temperatures, low basal rates of metabolism, and high minimal conductances. The principal reason why armadillos have low rates of metabolism is to prevent overheating in burrows, although termite-eating species may have lower basal rates than other species due to variations in the spatial and temporal availability of prey. The high minimal conductances found in these mammals prevent overheating in burrows and reflect a protective armor of either horny plates (armadillos) or spines (hedgehogs and hedgehog tenrecs). The interaction of low basal rates and high minimal conductances results in temperature differentials between the body and environment that are independent of mass and only about 25% of the values expected in mammals. Studies of daily energy expenditure in Dasypus novemcinctus show a circadial rhythm of activity and indicate that this species responds to a sharp fall in environmental temperature by a reduction in activity and a modest reduction in body temperature. Large individuals may take as long as 3 or 4 days for normal body temperature to be reestablished after such a cold exposure. Armadillos have a limited capacity to invade cold, temperate environments because food is unavailable at environmental temperatures below 0°C and because of their high thermal conductances. Armadillos or other similar mammals enter cold, temperate environments either by storing enough fat to wait for foraging to be possible again ( D. novemcinctus ) or by entering torpor ( Zaedyus, Eri-naceus, Setifer ), a response that requires a small body size. Tolerance to starvation through an increased mass is limited by the necessity to seek refuge in a burrow. Young-of-the-year, lean individuals, and pregnant females are most susceptible to starvation at the geographic and climatic edge of their distribution.
Risk Response Models and Their Use in Agricultural Policy Evaluation

The previous two papers have discussed the possible effects that proposed public policy may have on risk and uncertainty in the agricultural economic environment. Accordingly, I will argue that, before we can adequately evaluate such policies which create new degrees of risk for agricultural producers, we must have better quantitative knowledge of how fathers will respond to changing risk in adjusting input and production decisions. I will then consider models for estimation of the effects of changing risk in agricultural supply response.
Observation of a three-photon electromagnetically induced transparency in hot atomic vapor

We demonstrate experimentally the effect of a three-photon electromagnetically induced transparency in hot ${}^{85}\mathrm{Rb}$ atomic vapor driven by two coherent electromagnetic fields. The narrow transparency window is observed on the background of high-contrast Doppler-free subnatural absorption resonance. Our analytical calculations and numerical simulations are in good agreement with the experimental data. Both the transparency and the absorption resonances can find applications in high-precision metrology.
Bilateral retinal dialysis

Abstract Retinal dialysis is a disinsertion of the retina at the ora serrata which commonly leads to retinal detachment. Patients are often asymptomatic until the retinal detachment involves the macula. Management involves surgical reattachment of the retina, often with a scleral buckling procedure. The primary eye care practitioner must be aware of the possible symptoms, clinical features, and potential post-operative complications of retinal dialysis surgery. A case is presented of a patient diagnosed with bilateral retinal dialyses.
Accurate mobility and carrier concentration analysis for GaN

Abstract Temperature-dependent mobility μ and carrier concentration n data are simultaneously fitted in a high-quality, n-type GaN layer with wurtzite structure grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The mobility fit is found to be very important for obtaining the correct acceptor concentration, N A ⋍ 1.1 ± 0.2 × 10 17 cm −3 . Using this range of NA, a fit to the n vs T curve, corrected for Hall r-factor, gives two donor levels of concentration (energy): 2.7 ± 0.2 × 1017 cm−3 (7.5 ± 1.5 meV) and 1.5 ± 0.2 × 1017 cm−3 (58 ± 2 meV), respectively. However, the n vs T curve by itself is inadequate for an accurate determination of NA; in this case, acceptable fits can be obtained for NA ranging from 0 to 1.2 × 1017 cm−3.
Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease--current perspectives.

Purpose of review Although heartburn and regurgitation are common manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), otolaryngologic or respiratory symptoms may be the only indication of GERD. This review focuses on the recent developments in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of GERD and their implications in pediatrics. Recent findings Newer diagnostic modalities include intraesophageal impedance and Bravo wireless pH monitoring. Impedance technology measures both acid and non-acid reflux, whereas the Bravo capsule allows prolonged pH monitoring under more physiologic conditions. In managing children with GERD, there is increasing evidence that they need higher dosages of acid suppressive therapy to achieve clinical response. Alternative therapeutic options are also currently being explored, including pharmacotherapy that targets the primary mechanism for GERD. Endoluminal therapy for GERD in adults as an alternative to surgery has been an exciting development. At present, two of these procedures, Stretta (using radiofrequency energy) and Endocinch (gastroplication), have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in adults. Summary Impedance technology has increased our understanding of acid and nonacid reflux; however, normal values for children are not yet established. There are also limitations to the applicability of the new endoluminal therapies in children. Further research is needed before these developments can be recommended for use in pediatric practice.
p53-Dependent repression of cdk4 synthesis in transforming growth factor-β-induced G1 cell cycle arrest

In summary, TGF-beta induces cell cycle arrest, at least in part, through down-regulation of cdk4 levels and inhibition of cdk2 activity. Thus both of the kinases thought to be responsible for phosphorylation and inactivation of RB in mid to late G1 are affected by the cytokine. Inhibition of cdk4 synthesis occurs at the translational level, is p53 dependent, and requires the 5' UTR of cdk4. David Beach's laboratory has found that TGF-beta also causes the induction of the cdk4-specific inhibitor p15 (a p16 family member). Thus TGF-beta uses two pathways to regulate cdk4 function: decreasing its expression and inhibiting its function. Mutant p53 confers resistance to TGF-beta by preventing cdk4 down-regulation and overcoming the inhibition of cdk2 activity. Work from the laboratories of both Massague and Roberts has shown that the inhibition of cdk2 brought about by TGF-beta is caused by the cdk inhibitor p27.
Mathematical Modeling of Within-Host Dynamics of Toxoplasma Gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan capable of replicating sexually in cats and asexually in other warm-blooded animals. By using a three dimensional mesh of both the brain and spleen, it is possible to simulate using a computational model to demonstrate the entire life-cycle within an intermediate host of the parasite as it completes the life-cycle using host cells of these organs. A cellular automata model is developed to demonstrate the dynamics of the parasite, where each cell follows the same set of rules for each discrete time-step. This cellular automata model allows for data simulations to be run of the parasite within a mouse and display graphical images and animations.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A Numerical Investigation of Bolt Underhead Temperature Evolution During Tightening

The temperature rise that occurs due to frictional heating under the turning fastener head during the tightening process of bolted joints can have a significant effect on surface and thread wear and galling. The subject has received little attention in the scientific literature. In the present study, the spatial and temporal temperature rise in a bolt during the tightening process are numerically investigated for a variety of sliding and loading conditions using finite difference methods. The effect of tightening speed, angle of turn, and frictional energy input is numerically investigated. Tightening speeds were varied between 1 RPM and 3000 RPM and the angle of turn was varied between 15 and 720 degrees past free spinning; this range of turn simulates joint stiffness variation from very hard to very soft joints. Significant temperature rises of the bolt underhead were observed for higher tightening speeds and the potential for localized melting or near-melting temperatures was shown. In the case of lower tightening speeds, the temperature rise was not as dramatic, but temperature increases are then observed along the length of the shank, showing the possibility of contributing to thermally induced galling between the threads. Due to the temperature variations observed in most cases in the underhead and along the bolt shank, this study indicates that such thermal effects should be considered when modeling the wear of bolted joints, particularly in cases involving larger tightening speeds or softer joints.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
General esterases of silkmoth moulting fluid: Preliminary characterization

Abstract The moulting fluid of silkmoths contains not only proteolytic enzymes with amino acid esterase activity, but also two naphthyl esterases (general esterases). These enzymes have been partially purified and separated by sucrose density-gradient centrifugation and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. One is weakly anionic at pH 8 and has a molecular weight of 64,000; the other is cationic and has a molecular weight of 57,000. Both enzymes are most stable under the mildly alkaline pH conditions characteristic of moulting fluid but are irreversibly inactivated at acid pH. Both are inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate, although at different rates. The enzymes hydrolyse low molecular weight esters of aromatic alcohols, but lack proteolytic activity; inhibition and specificity studies suggest that they are carboxyl esterases. They are found throughout development, in both moulting gel and moulting fluid; their role in the moulting process is as yet unclear.
Yes, Prime Minister: The key to forecasting British elections

We use our “PM and Pendulum” Model to forecast the outcome of the 2010 General election. The vote function of the model, aside from a cyclical dynamic, relies on approval of the prime minister as the sole predictor. We find that PM Approval predicts the vote (and vote intention between elections) more accurately than does Government Approval. Turning to the forecasting of seats, we examine the accuracy of the autoregressive model of the vote–seat translation against the uniform-swing model, which is widely used by pollsters and the media. Testing the alternatives on election data since 1910, our autoregressive vote–seat translation model proves superior to the uniform-swing model.
Survival of Salmonella Newport in Oysters

Abstract Salmonella enterica is the leading cause of laboratory-confirmed foodborne illness in the United States and raw shellfish consumption is a commonly implicated source of gastrointestinal pathogens. A 2005 epidemiological study done in our laboratory by Brands et al., showed that oysters in the United States are contaminated with Salmonella , and in particular, a specific strain of the Newport serovar. This work sought to further investigate the host–microbe interactions between Salmonella Newport and oysters. A procedure was developed to reliably and repeatedly expose oysters to enteric bacteria and quantify the subsequent levels of bacterial survival. The results show that 10 days after an exposure to Salmonella Newport, an average concentration of 3.7 × 10 3 CFU/g remains within the oyster meat, and even after 60 days there still can be more than 10 2 CFU/g remaining. However, the strain of Newport that predominated in the market survey done by Brands et al. does not survive within oysters or the estuarine environment better than any other strains of Salmonella we tested. Using this same methodology, we compared Salmonella Newport's ability to survive within oysters to a non-pathogenic strain of E. coli and found that after 10 days the concentration of Salmonella was 200-times greater than that of E. coli . We also compared those same strains of Salmonella and E. coli in a depuration process to determine if a constant 120 L/h flux of clean seawater could significantly reduce the concentration of bacteria within oysters and found that after 3 days the oysters retained over 10 4 CFU/g of Salmonella while the oysters exposed to the non-pathogenic strain of E. coli contained 100-times less bacteria. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that any of the clinically relevant serovars of Salmonella can survive within oysters for significant periods of time after just one exposure event. Based on the drastic differences in survivability between Salmonella and a non-pathogenic relative, the results of this study also suggest that unidentified virulence factors may play a role in Salmonella 's interactions with oysters.
Evaluation of average bit error probability for space-time coding based on a simpler exact evaluation of pairwise error probability

The moment generating function method previously proposed by the author for the analysis of uncoded and coded digital communication over fading channels using only a single transmitter is applied to provide a simple exact evaluation of the pairwise error probability (PEP) for space-time coded systems with multiple transmitters. In certain scenarios, the PEP (and therefore the approximation to the average bit error probability (BEP)) can be evaluated in closed form. An example of such a closed-form evaluation is presented for the 4-state space-time code described in the literature with both slow (constant over the length of a codeword) and fast (constant over the duration of a symbol) Rayleigh fading. The method also has the additional advantage of allowing for direct evaluation of the transfer function upper bound on average BEP for the latter case.
Current strategies and challenges in treatment of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children, affecting very young patients. These tumors often cause significant functional damage because of their aggressive growth pattern. In addition, their metastatic potential can present as a complex and challenging situation. RMS can present in various anatomical sites and often pose significant obstacle in choosing local control modalities. When feasible, surgery plays an important role for initial diagnosis and complete tumor removal; delayed primary re-excision and second-look surgery after initial chemotherapy are gaining more acceptance. Because of high-metastatic risk, systemic chemotherapy is also necessary. Novel agents are emerging which may alter the disease course in high-risk disease where the cure rate is still low. Radiation therapy is an important tool in the management of RMS and has gone through significant evolution during past four decades. This review will outline treatment strategies adopted in children RMS. The primary focus will be the North American approach with attention to advancements in radiation therapy, surgical techniques, and systemic therapies.
Physicians' ability to diagnose sepsis in newborns and critically ill children.

Objective To elucidate physicians' ability to correctly diagnose infection in critically ill children in three different situations: 1) post hoc adjudication (e.g., ward rounds, outcome determination in surveillance studies or controlled trials), 2) when decisions must be made (e.g., sepsis workup in suspected infection), c) and applying suggested adult consensus conference definitions in children. Method Appraisal of two previously published studies and a data simulation model. Setting Data of the reviewed studies were obtained from a multidisciplinary neonatal and a pediatric intensive care unit in tertiary hospitals. Interventions None. Main results In the first study reviewed, the post hoc adjudication of 167 consecutive cases of suspected infection was carried out by a fifth-year medical student and three senior consultants. The agreement of the three experts beyond chance in the 119 episodes not classifiable unanimously by a priori defined criteria into proven sepsis or no infection was poor. In the second study reviewed, the physicians provided daily predictions of the likelihood of infection (pretest probability) in premature infants and critically ill children (2567 hospitalization days). Estimated pretest probabilities provided at the time of sepsis workup showed a remarkable predictive accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.85). In the simulation model, in which catheter-related sepsis was assumed, correct classification of patients from a central and a peripheral culture decreased to 56% when a sensitivity of 70%-80% was assumed for blood cultures and amounted to 15% only when a sensitivity of 30%-50% was imputed. Conclusion Misclassification is a serious threat in post hoc adjudication of episodes or when consensus definitions rely on the application of criteria with imperfect sensitivity (e.g., the positivity of blood cultures in premature infants or children). This underscores the need to use probability-based categorizations such as probable and possible infection.
Regional Synthesis of Habitat Relationships in Shrubland Birds

Abstract Shrubland birds are declining throughout the eastern United States. To manage scrub-shrub habitats for birds, managers need information on avian habitat relationships. Past studies have produced contradictory results in some cases and may be of limited generality because of site- and habitat-specific factors. We studied shrubland birds across 6 habitats in 3 New England states to provide more general information on habitat relationships than has been possible in past studies. Our study sites included all major scrub-shrub habitats in New England: wildlife openings, regenerating clear-cuts, beaver ponds, utility rights-of-way, pitch pine (Pinus rigida) woodlands, and scrub oak (Quercus ilicifolia) barrens and ranged from Connecticut to northern New Hampshire, with research conducted from 2002 to 2007. Using N-mixture models of repeated point counts, we found that 6 of 12 shrubland birds preferred areas with greater shrub cover. An additional 4 species appeared to prefer areas with lower-stature ve...
Social Work Education: Status Quo or Change?.

The authors believe that Stoesz and Karger did not go far enough in their critique. The struggling state of the profession and of social work education is symptomatic of a much larger and fundamental systemic problem that cannot be addressed solely by fixing the Council on Social Work Education or increasing requirements for Social Science Citation Index publications. Social work must build a broad-based capacity for rigorous scientific inquiry and train the next generation of faculty researchers and practitioners to carry on this essential work.
Marihuana extraction and purification for oral administration of known amounts of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Abstract We have developed a simple method for the extraction, purification, estimation, and oral administration of Δ 9 -THC from a standardized batch of cannabis plant material for physiological and psychological studies of the effect of marihuana on man and primates. The technique of oral administration is applicable also to synthetic Δ 9 -THC recently made available by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Early probabilistic noise estimation for capacitively coupled interconnects

One of the critical challenges in today's high performance IC design is to take noise into account as early as possible in the design cycle. Current noise analysis tools [1, 7} are effective at analyzing and identifying noise in the post-route design stage when detailed parasitic information is available. However, noise problems identified at this stage of design cycle are very difficult to fix due to the limited flexibility in the design and may cause additional iterations of routing and placement, adding costly delays to time-to-market. In this paper, we introduce an estimated, congestion-based pre-route noise analysis approach to identify post-route noise failures before the actual detailed route is completed. We introduce new methods to estimate the RC characteristics of victim and aggressor lines, their coupling capacitances and the aggressor transition times before routing is performed. The approach is based on congestion information obtained from a global router. Since the exact location and relative position of wires in the design is not yet available at this point, we propose a novel probabilistic method for capacitance extraction. We present results on two high performance microprocessors in 0.18m technology that demonstate the effectiveness of the proposed approac.
The effect of potassium and valinomycin on insulin and glucagon secretion in the perfused rat pancreas.

We examined the response of the α and β-cells of the perfused rat pancreas to an elevation of potassium ion concentration and to the potassium ionophore, valinomycin (1 × 10-6< M). Elevation of potassium from a baseline concentration of 5.8 mM to 11.3, 18.3, and 53.3 mM caused a biphasic release of immunoreactive insulin characterized by a spiked first phase and a low sustained second phase and a spiked release of immunoreactive glucagon followed by a very low sustained secretion that ended with the termination of the stimulation. The second phase of potassium-stimulated insulin release increased in the presence of basal glucose (3.3 mM). Sequential higher concentrations of potassium caused a dose-response increase in both phases of insulin release, but did not increase glucagon secretion. Valinomycin inhibited the insulin secretion caused by potassium, arginine, and glucose and the glucagon secretion caused by potassium and arginine. Potassium, when applied on the second phase of arginine-stimulated insu...
Relationships Between Pulmonary Function and Changes in Chronic Respiratory Symptoms: Comparison of Tucson and Cracow Longitudinal Studies

Parallel analyses of data from two longitudinal studies, one in Poland and one in the United States, were performed to assess the relationships between pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms. Similar relationships were seen in the both cities using the same methods of analysis. The rate of FEV1 decline and its final level were related to the prior presence of attacks of breathlessness or to a syndrome that also included wheezing and diagnosed asthma. Initial FEV1 level was lower in subjects with dyspnea appearing during the follow-up than in the never-symptom group. These relationships were independent of smoking habits. The consistencies in the parallel analyses strengthen the relationships observed. In Tucson, Ariz, the FEV1 decline in smokers with persistent chronic cough was greater than that due to separate effects of the symptom and smoking. This suggests that chronic cough may be an indicator of an increased effect of tobacco smoke on pulmonary function.
AN ANALYSIS OF FOURTH DERIVATIVE SPECTRA

— –Fourth derivative spectra of chloroplast at – 196°C, obtained by four sequential differentiations of the absorption spectrum, were examined to determine the conditions for optimal signal-to-noise ratio and resolution. An appreciable improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio was found when the four differentiating intervals were nearly but not exactly equal. The process of differentiating digitized data with the computer was explored in order to define the rules for optimization of the fourth derivative curves.
A robotic mechanism for grasping sacks

This paper describes a novel robotic end-effector and a method for grasping deformable objects with undefined shapes and geometry, such as sacks and bags. The first prototype end-effector, designed for applications in the U.S. Postal Service, is comprised of two parallel rollers with gripping surfaces in which the rollers are pushed toward each other. When the end-effector comes into contact with any portion of the deformable object, the rollers turn inwardly so that a graspable portion of the object is dragged between the rollers. The rollers stop rotating when a graspable portion of the material/object is caught in between, allowing the object to be maneuvered by the robot. The object is released when the rollers turn outwardly. The end-effector described in this article can grab and hold filled sacks from any point on the sack, regardless of the sack's orientation. Experimental evaluation of the end-effector has proven the design and implementation remarkably effective. This article describes the hardware, control method, and design issues associated with the end-effector. Note to Practitioners - Delivery and postal services around the world currently use sacks to hold letters, magazines, and small boxes. The considerable weight of these sacks, their lack of handles, eyelets, or other operator interfaces, and the unpredictable shape and size of the packages within create awkward and uncomfortable handling predicaments for mail handlers at all U.S. Postal Service distribution centers. Currently, no robotic hand or end-effector is commercially available to grab and hold sacks effectively, so sacks must be handled manually by postal employees in distribution centers. This paper describes the design of a novel robotic end-effector for manipulating deformable objects with undefined shapes, such as sacks and bags. This device, which does not mimic human hand architecture, is simple and practical; it makes use of the friction between two rotating rollers to grab sack material when it is in close proximity of the end-effector. The rollers cease rotation when sufficient sack material is collected between the rollers to support the sack. They reverse their rotation, and turn outwardly to release the sack again. This end-effector is able to grab a sack at any point, does not require the edge of the sack to be gathered and flattened prior to grasp, does not require the sack to be placed on its bottom, needs no operator intervention, does not use the weight of the sack to lock and secure the sack in the end-effector, and does not damage the sack contents.
Spontaneous gasping decreases intracranial pressure and improves cerebral perfusion in a pig model of ventricular fibrillation.

Summary Introduction Spontaneous gasping is associated with increased survival in animal models of cardiac arrest and in observational studies of humans. The potential beneficial effect of gasping on cerebral perfusion may underlie the observed survival benefit, but mechanisms remain unknown. Hypothesis We hypothesized that spontaneous gasping in a pig model of ventricular fibrillation (VF) decreases intracranial pressure (ICP) and increases cerebral perfusion pressure (CePP) during VF in a pig model. Methods The 13 female farm pigs, weighing between 16 and 33kg, were anesthetized with propofol and intubated, and then had VF induced for 8min without intervention. Intrathoracic pressure (ITP), aortic pressure (AoP), and ICP were measured continuously. CePP and ITP were recorded simultaneously during three maximal gasps and correlated with gasping by Spearman rank correlation. Results Gasping during VF occurred in 13/13 pigs and followed a crescendo-decrescendo pattern. Each gasp was associated with a biphasic AoP (initial fall, then rise) and ICP (initial rise, then fall) morphology. Time to first gasp ( r 2 =0.06), time to maximal gasp ( r 2 =0.02), duration of gasping ( r 2 =0.11) and frequency of gasping ( r 2 =0.32) did not correlate significantly with CePP during gasping while depth of gasping exhibited a weak but significant correlation with CePP ( r 2 =0.35, p =0.05). Maximal gasping occurred at 202±34s from onset of VF and resulted in an average decrease in ICP from 27.4±5.8 to 20±6.7mmHg, p p Conclusions Spontaneous gasping during cardiac arrest decreased intra-cranial pressure and increased cerebral perfusion pressure significantly. These results may help explain why gasping is associated with improved cardiac arrest survival rates. Based upon this new understanding of the physiology of gasping, we speculate that investigation of devices that can enhance the physiological effects of gasping on intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion should be prioritized.
Hypophysiotropic CRF Neurons Display a Sustained Immediate-Early Gene Response to Chronic Stress but not to Adrenalectomy

Immediate-early genes (IEGs) are now widely used to identify neurons acutely activated by extracellular stimuli. Though challenge-induced IEG expression is typically transient, examples of sustained elevation have been reported, including in hypothalamic magnocellular neurosecretory neurons of osmotically challenged rats. Another chronic stimulus, adrenalectomy (ADX), targets parvocellular neurosecretory neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH), resulting in a persistent elevation in the synthesis and secretion of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). In the present study we used hybridization histochemical methods to compare the effects of ADX on the induction over time of two independent IEG markers, c-fos and NGFI-B, in hypophysiotropic CRF neurons. The induction of both c-fos and NGFI-B mRNA was greatest 3 to 6 h after ADX, diminished by 12 h, and no longer detectable at 24, 48, 72 h, or 6 days after surgery. Immunohistochemical analyses using a Fos-specific N-terminally directed antiserum also revealed Fos immunoreactivity (-ir) in the PVH at early time points (3 h), but not later than 12 h after ADX. Combined immuno- and hybridization histochemistry on tissue from 3 h ADX rats localized Fos-ir and NGFI-B mRNA to parvocellular CRF-expressing neurons, the majority of which expressed both Fos and NGFI-B. These early IEG responses, however, were not paralleled by increases in CRF mRNA, which was not significantly elevated until 48 h after ADX. In the chronically ADX rat, CRF neurons are capable of c-fos expression since animals subjected to an acute injection of hypertonic saline 5 days after ADX displayed a robust induction of Fos-ir in the parvocellular PVH. Furthermore, a chronic challenge, insulin-induced hypoglycemia, provoked comparable c-fos mRNA and protein expression in CRF neurons in the PVH of ADX and sham-operated rats, which was observed both acutely (2 h) and chronically (5 days) after the onset of hypoglycemia. The maintenance of Fos expression in parvocellular CRF neurons following chronic hypoglycemia, but not ADX, suggests an involvement of distinct signaling pathways in the maintenance of hypophysiotropic neuron responses to chronic steroid withdrawal and stress.
Automated segmentation of geographic atrophy in fundus autofluorescence images using supervised pixel classification

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a manifestation of the advanced or late stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65 in the western world. The purpose of this study is to develop a fully automated supervised pixel classification approach for segmenting GA, including uni- and multifocal patches in fundus autofluorescene (FAF) images. The image features include region-wise intensity measures, gray-level co-occurrence matrix measures, and Gaussian filter banks. A [Formula: see text]-nearest-neighbor pixel classifier is applied to obtain a GA probability map, representing the likelihood that the image pixel belongs to GA. Sixteen randomly chosen FAF images were obtained from 16 subjects with GA. The algorithm-defined GA regions are compared with manual delineation performed by a certified image reading center grader. Eight-fold cross-validation is applied to evaluate the algorithm performance. The mean overlap ratio (OR), area correlation (Pearson's [Formula: see text]), accuracy (ACC), true positive rate (TPR), specificity (SPC), positive predictive value (PPV), and false discovery rate (FDR) between the algorithm- and manually defined GA regions are [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively.