cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconfigurable Processors for High-Performance, Embedded Digital Signal Processing

For high-performance, embedded digital signal processing, digital signal processors (DSPs) are very important. Further, they have many features which make their integration with on-chip reconfigurable logic (RL) resources feasible and beneficial. In this paper, we discuss how this integration might be done and the potential area costs and performance benefits of incorporating RL onto a DSP chip. For our proposed architecture, a reconfigurable coprocessor can provide speed-ups ranging from 2-32x with an area cost of about a second DSP core for a set of signal processing applications and kernels.
The Problem of Externalities—An Overview

This chapter provides an overview of the problem of externalities. Externalities are often loosely defined as third-party effects, meaning that some activity by a set of economic agents affects other economic agents, “third parties,” who are not directly engaged in the activity. However, this common definition is not precise enough for policy analysis. Because an economy is a highly interdependent system, almost any (important) economic activity generates repercussions—third party effects—throughout the entire economy. Yet, not all economic activity requires public sector intervention. Public sector economists struggled for years trying to pinpoint the kinds of third-party effects that required government intervention. The chapter also defines the terms “pecuniary externalities” and “technological externalities.” Pecuniary externalities refer to the market price effects illustrated by the first situation—that is, those resulting directly from competitive market adjustments. They do not require public intervention to maintain pareto optimality. Technological externalities refer to third-party effects. These are the policy-relevant externalities. The chapter presents a distinction between various externalities such as consumption, production, and consumption–production externalities.
"In-gel" purified ditags direct synthesis of highly efficient SAGE Libraries

SAGE (serial analysis of gene expression) is a recently developed technique for systematic analysis of eukaryotic transcriptomes. The most critical step in the SAGE method is large scale amplification of ditags which are then are concatemerized for the construction of representative SAGE libraries. Here, we report a protocol for purifying these ditags via an 'in situ' PAGE purification method. This generates ditags free of linker contaminations, making library construction simpler and more efficient. Ditags used to generate SAGE libraries were demarcated 'in situ' on preparative polyacrylamide gels using XC and BPB dyes, which precisely straddle the ditag band when a 16% PAGE gel (19:1 acrylamide:bis, 5% cross linker) is used to resolve the DNA bands. Here, the ditag DNA was directly excised from gel without visualization via EtBr or fluorescent dye staining, resulting in highly purified ditag DNA free of contaminating linkers. These ditags could be rapidly self ligated even at 4°C to generate concatemers in a controlled manner, which in turn enabled us to generate highly efficient SAGE libraries. This reduced the labor and time necessary, as well as the cost. This approach greatly simplified the ditag purification procedure for constructing SAGE libraries. Since the traditional post-run staining with EtBr or fluorescent dyes routinely results in cross contamination of a DNA band of interest by other DNA in the gel, the dry gel DNA excision method described here may also be amenable to other molecular biology techniques in which DNA purity is critically important.
Radical pleurectomy and intraoperative photodynamic therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Background Radical pleurectomy (RP) for mesothelioma is often considered either technically unfeasible or an operation limited to patients who would not tolerate a pneumonectomy. The purpose of this study was to review our experience using RP and intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT) for mesothelioma. Methods Thirty-eight patients (42–81 years) underwent RP-PDT. Thirty five of 38 (92%) patients also received systemic therapy. Standard statistical techniques were used for analysis. Results Thirty seven of 38 (97%) patients had stage III/IV cancer (according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC manual 7 th Edition, 2010]) and 7/38 (18%) patients had nonepithelial subtypes. Macroscopic complete resection was achieved in 37/38 (97%) patients. There was 1 postoperative mortality (stroke). At a median follow-up of 34.4 months, the median survival was 31.7 months for all 38 patients, 41.2 months for the 31/38 (82%) patients with epithelial subtypes, and 6.8 months for the 7/38 (18%) patients with nonepithelial subtypes. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.6, 15.1, and 4.8 months, respectively. The median survival and PFS for the 20/31 (64%) patients with N2 epithelial disease were 31.7 and 15.1 months, respectively. Conclusions It was possible to achieve a macroscopic complete resection using lung-sparing surgery in 97% of these patients with stage III/IV disease. The survival we observed with this approach was unusually long for the patients with the epithelial subtype but, interestingly, the PFS was not. The reason for this prolonged survival despite recurrence is not clear but is potentially related to preservation of the lung or some PDT-induced effect, or both. We conclude that the results of this lung-sparing approach are safe, encouraging, and warrant further investigation.
On the edge mode in the theory of thick cylindrical monopole antennas

The Fourier transform is employed to develop the theory of thick cylindrical monopole antennas. The tubular monopole with an open end is considered as well as the solid monopole with a flat end. The unknown current or field distribution is expanded in a Fourier series, and Galerkin's method is employed to develop simultaneous equations for the Fourier coefficients. When the edge mode is included among the basis functions, it is found this greatly improves the convergence of the moment-method calculations. Numerical data are included, showing excellent agreement with experimental measurements of the monopole admittance.
Locally self-similar finite time collapse in a high-symmetry vortex filament model

A locally self-similar solution is found using a vortex filament model. The solution is steady in a rescaled frame with magnification (${\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{crit}}$-t${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1\mathrm{/}2}$ about the origin. A finite-time singularity results in which velocity, vorticity, and enstrophy scale as ${\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{crit}}$-t to powers -1/2, -1, and -1/2, respectively. The initial flow is six closed vortex contours symmetric around and propagating toward the origin. The self-similar inner solution consists of three orthogonal filament quadrupoles centered about the origin. The solution is attracting within a space of symmetries preserved by the incompressible Navier-Stokes and Euler equations. The numerical method consists of piecewise straight vortex segments with a standard variable core regularization model. Small core deformation is modeled with a two-length scale core function. This solution is similar to the candidate singular flow suggested by Boratav and Pelz [Phys. Fluids 6, 2757 (1994)] in their large-scale pseudospectral simulations. The steady inner solution has a set of hyperbolic critical points around which singular focusing occurs. It is conjectured that the singularity is pointwise in time as well as in space, and a smooth expanding solution exists which is symmetric with the collapsing solution about the critical time.
Note on the toxicity and the chemotherapeutic effectiveness of vitamin c derivative of bis (4-aminophenyl)-sulfone in guinea pigs infected with tuberculosis

Vitamin C derivative of bis(4-aminophenyl)-sulfone was found to be moderately active in suppressing experimental tuberculosis in guinea pigs. The new sulfone drug is well absorbed, evenly distributed in the tissues, of sufficiently long retention in the animal body and does not possess too high toxicity, acute or chronic.
SUBCUTANEOUS EMPHYSEMA, PNEUMOMEDIASTINUM AND PNEUMOTHORAX

SUMMARY A case is presented of acute respiratory distress resulting in subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax in a patient who underwent a gastrectomy. The literature is reviewed. This complication is believed to have been due to laceration of the pharynx during attempted passage of a nasogastric tube. The subsequent use of nasal oxygen in the immediate postoperative period with coughing may have aggravated or even initiated this condition. Rapid recognition and immediate treatment cured this nearly fatal accident.
Interface corrosion of a modular head total hip prosthesis.

Abstract Wear and corrosion products released from metallic prosthetic joints can stimulate adverse reactions in the surrounding tissues that may eventually require revision of the prosthesis. 12 The authors report here a case of a modular total hip prosthesis removed after 35 months that showed evidence of corrosion and fretting at the Morse taper interface between the titanium alloy femoral stem and the cobalt-chromium ball.
Toxicity of a new molt-inducing insecticide (RH-5992) to aquatic macroinvertebrates.

Abstract The molt-inducing insecticide RH-5992, a potent ecdysone agonist, is being evaluated for potential use in forestry to control defoliating lepidopterans. The possible adverse effects of RH-5992 on nontarget aquatic organisms were studied in two test systems. Acute lethal effects were determined for one aquatic amphipod and 11 species of aquatic insects in laboratory flowthrough toxicity tests. Lethal and behavioral effects (drift response) on the amphipod and 8 species of stream insects were also evaluated under natural environmental conditions and more realistic exposure regimes in outdoor stream channels. There were no significant effects on drift or survival of the test species exposed to RH-5992 at the maximum test concentration of 3.5 mg/liter (100× the worst-case expected environmental concentration) in laboratory toxicity tests and stream channel treatments. Mortality of the amphipod Gammarus sp. in one toxicity test was considered an artifact, because there was no significant mortality in subsequent tests at concentrations up to 7.0 mg/liter, or in stream channels treated at 3.5 mg/liter. Yellow birch leaves were sprayed with RH-5992 at a rate of 50 g/ha and tested for residual toxic effects on two species of shredding invertebrates in the outdoor stream channels. There was no feeding inhibition or lethal effect on either test species resulting from consumption of the contaminated foliage. The candidate insecticide RH-5992 does not appear to pose undue risk of direct adverse effects to aquatic macroinvertebrates, particularly in water bodies where residues are likely to be short lived following aerial applications (e.g., lotic systems).
Formulation and In Vivo Activity of Liposome-Encapsulated Cephapirin

AbstractSerum levels, tissue distribution, and in vivo activity in mice of two liposomal formulations of cephapirin were compared with those of free cephapirin. Egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) liposomes containing cephapirin (drug to lipid ratio approximately 1:15 by weight) were relatively stable in serum and provided prolonged serum levels of cephapirin activity after intravenous (iv) administration. With a 200 mg/kg dosage, serum levels were 10 µg/ml or higher for 24 hr after injection. Free drug at a similar dosage is undetectable in 3-5 hr. EPC-cephapirin liposomes showed a protective effect when administered up to 4 hr before infection of mice with Staphylococcus aureus, whereas free drug had no effect when given prophylactically. Cephapirin liposomes prepared with the tris salt of cholesterol hemisuccinate (CHS-t) were not stable in serum, but provided prolonged serum levels of cephapirin when injected subcutaneously and resulted in a protective effect when given prophylactically to mice infected wit...
VALIDATION OF PATHOGEN DESTRUCTION DURING MANUFACTURE OF A MEAT‐BASED POTATO SNACK (CHIPAROO)

A Chiparoo is a comminuted rabbit and sweet potato dehydrated snack chip manufactured using a process suitable for underdeveloped regions of the world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of the Chiparoo manufacturing process to adequately deliver 5 log reductions in Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus per gram of food product. These four pathogens were inoculated into regular (pH ∼ 6.0) and lime juice added (pH ∼ 5.0) formulations of rabbit and sweet potato Chiparoos. They were inoculated as a cocktail of four microorganisms at concentrations of approximately 106/g of each pathogen. Individual inoculations of each pathogen at the same concentration (106/g) were also prepared. After inoculation, the product was held for 5 h at 37C, to simulate the maximum hold time in a sub-Saharan Africa manufacturing facility, then dehydrated at 55C (+/- 5C) for 9 h. Samples of the product were taken during the hold and dehydration steps, decimally diluted and plated on the appropriate enumeration medium. The regular formulation (pH ∼ 6.0) did not achieve the required 5 log reduction of each of the four pathogens, while the lime juice added formulation (pH ∼ 5.0) achieved the desired minimum 5 log reduction for each of the four foodborne pathogens tested.
Polarisation and sea echo

It is sometimes of interest to compare the radar cross-section for transmitting and receiving a given linear polarisation with that for another linear polarisation. Even if only average values are required, such an experiment may be difficult to implement because echoing characteristics might change within a time interval smaller than that required to change transmitted polarisation. Depending on target characteristics, desired results might be obtained by simultaneously receiving the two linear polarisations of interest and transmitting a circular polarisation. Applicable equations are developed and used as an aid in interpreting recently reported sea-echo data.
Criteria for empiric treatment of hyperfibrinolysis after trauma.

BACKGROUNDRecent studies identify a survival benefit from the administration of antifibrinolytic agents in patients with severe injury and trauma. However, identification of hyperfibrinolysis requires thromboelastography, which is not widely available. We hypothesized that analysis of patients with
Hemagglutination by mixtures of enterobacterial antigen and Shigella sonnei antiserum.

A study has been made of a specialS. sonnei serum obtained from Inst. Seroth. Suisse and the following results have been obtained. 1. The antiserum contains antibodies specific forS. sonnei and, in addition, antibodies reacting with crude antigens from other enteric bacteria in the hemagglutination test. 2. Mixtures of this antiserum in rather high dilutions and crude antigens from various enteric bacteria cause agglutination of normal erythrocytes. 3. The antibody responsible for this complex hemagglutination reaction is not directed against the 0 antigen nor the common antigen described byKunin, but rather against another antigen shared by certain enteric bacteria. 4. This particular antiserum has a lower content of an inhibitor which prevents erythrocyte modification than do normal rabbit serum or anotherS. sonnei antiserum.
The obsession with high dietary protein intake in ESRD patients on dialysis: is it justified?

Background: The belief that dialysis patients require a much higher intake of protein than the average person is widely held among nephrologists and a recent editorial review on the
Rumors About Cancer: Content, Sources, Coping, Transmission, and Belief

Using a sense-making and threat management framework in rumor psychology, the authors used an exploratory web survey (n = 169) to query members of online cancer discussion groups about informal cancer statements heard from nonmedical sources (i.e., cancer rumors). Respondents perceived that rumors helped them cope. Dread rumors exceeded wish rumors; secondary control (control through emotional coping) rumors outnumbered primary control (direct action) rumors. Rumor content focused on cancer lethality, causes, and suffering. Rumors came primarily from family or friends in face-to-face conversations. Respondents discussed rumors with medical personnel primarily for fact-finding purposes, but with nonmedical people for altruistic, emotional coping, or relationship enhancement motives. Transmitters (vs. nontransmitters) considered rumors to be more important, were more anxious, and felt rumors helped them cope better, but did not believe them more strongly or feel that they were less knowledgeable about cance...
Evidence for multiple-state emission from ruthenium(II) complexes

Abstract Temperature dependence measurements (2–77°K) of both the lifetime of decay and the quantum yield of luminescence for the tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) cation show the emission to originate from several levels. Energy level gaps, rate constants, and quantum yields have been measured for each individual level, and group theoretical symmetry assignments have been made on the basis of a proposed electronic coupling model.
Ethics in Perioperative Practice—Promoting Health, Welfare, and Safety

Though often difficult, ethical decision making is necessary when caring for surgical patients. Perioperative nurses have to recognize ethical dilemmas and should be prepared to take action based on the ethical code outlined in the American Nurses Association's (ANA's) Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. In this eighth of a nine-part series that is designed to help perioperative nurses relate the ANA code to their own area of practice, the author looks at the eighth statement, which emphasizes nurses' responsibility to promote the health, welfare, and safety of all people.
Deep tissue multiphoton microscopy using longer wavelength excitation.

We compare the maximal two-photon fluorescence microscopy (TPM) imaging depth achieved with 775-nm excitation to that achieved with 1280-nm excitation through in vivo and ex vivo TPM of fluorescently-labeled blood vessels in mouse brain. We achieved high contrast imaging of blood vessels at approximately twice the depth with 1280-nm excitation as with 775-nm excitation. An imaging depth of 1 mm can be achieved in in vivo imaging of adult mouse brains at 1280 nm with approximately 1-nJ pulse energy at the sample surface. Blood flow speed measurements at a depth of 900 µm are performed.
Initiation Rites in the Contemporary Catholic Church: What Difference Do They Make?

Since 1988, well over one million individuals in the United States have been initiated into the Roman Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Studying the RCIA today promises to enrich understanding of contemporary rites of initiation for both basic and applied researchers. To this end, this article asks and answers two key questions: Do individuals who participate in the RCIA process in the Catholic Church experience an increase in ecclesial involvement and spiritual practice? If so, is the extent of that growth explained by aspects of the RCIA process itself? To answer these questions, I employ a quasi-experimental (noequivalent group, pre-test/post-test) design—collecting data on individuals at the beginning of their involvement in the RCIA process and after their initiation (N = 159)—to identify the extent of change in different domains of religiosity over the course of the RCIA process. I then use organizational-level data on characteristics of the RCIA process in 32 different parishes to explain differences in the extent of individual change. I find those who were initiated in parishes in which the RCIA process was more fully implemented were not only more actively engaged with their parishes (ecclesial involvement) but also grew in their level of spiritual practice. Substantive and methodological contributions of this research are discussed.
Relative utility of carpal skeletal ages.

The need to assess the carpal bones when a skeletal age is being obtained for a handwrist radiograph has been determined. The mixed longitudinal data that were analyzed had been obtained from 335 boys and 322 girls at 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, and 16 years of age. The FELS assessment method, which was used to obtain the skeletal ages, provides the standard error of each assessment; each of these standard errors is determined by the amount of relevant information available from a radiograph. Utilizing the standard errors for paired assessments made with and without the inclusion of the carpal bones, it was concluded that the carpal bones should be assessed from 7 to 13 years in boys and from 4 to 10 years in girls, but they need not be assessed before or after these age ranges.
G Protein–Coupled Receptors and Receptor Kinases: From Molecular Biology to Potential Therapeutic Applications

Understanding the intimate connection between activation and desensitization in seven-membrane-spanning receptors may lead to new therapies for heart disease
Comparison of MnSO4 and MnEDTA for soybeans grown on two soils in the greenhouse

Abstract A greenhouse experiment was conducted to compare MnSO4 and MnEDTA as Mn sources. Four soil‐applied rates of each source were applied to two Coastal Plain soils, a Leefield s (pH 6.3) and an Alapaha is (pH 7.0). Plants were grown for 40 days and dry tissue weights were recorded along with leaf contents of Mn, Zn, Fe and Cu. The same ions were extracted from the soil with DTPA. The chelate source caused no differences in either extractable soil Mn or plant Mn between soils or among rates even when added at its highest rate of 2 μgMn/g. The sulfate source increased extractable soil Mn and plant Mn over the various rates but more so for the Alapaha soil than for the Leefield. Plant weights were not different between sources except on the averages for the Leefield soil. However, for the Leefield soil and the sulfate source, plant weights were lower for the check than for intermediate Mn rates due to Mn deficiency and lower for the high Ma rate (50 μg/g) presumably due to toxicity. A correlation coeffi...
Fluorescent pH probes, fluorescent proteins, and intrinsic cellular fluorochromes are tools to study cytosolic pH (pHcyt) in mammalian cells.

Our understanding of intracellular pH homeostatis in eukaryotic systems has been enhanced since the introduction of carboxyfluorescein diacetate as a useful pH probe more than 20 years ago. BCECF, a derivative of this earlier fluoroprobe has dominated the field. In the past 10 years, SNARF-1 has emerged as an alternative pH probe. Recently, a novel derivative of BCECF, BCPCF has been developed. Green Fluorescent Proteins (GFPs) have also been used recently to monitor pH in a non invasive manner in several cell types. Here, we report that human mammary epithelial cells can be transfected with the gene encoding for cyan (CFP), green (GFP), and yellow (YFP), to study cytosolic pH. The novel red fluorescent protein (DsRed) is not sensitive to pH. Multidrug resistance (MDR) has been associated with altered cytosolic pH homeostasis. We show that experimental maneuvers that decrease pHin enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. We also show that short pulses of UV-B light elicited acidosis in cells, as evaluated by ratio ion cell imaging, and confocal/spectral imaging microscopy. During the course of these experiments we noticed that cells exhibit intrinsic fluorochromes that can be used to monitor pH in living cells.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Paleohydrogeology at 5- to 50-kilometer depths of accretionary prisms: the Franciscan Complex, California

High-P/T metamorphism of the Franciscan Complex represents evolving subduction-zone processes at depth. Varied peak P-T conditions (100–350°C and 3–10 kbar) promote differences in porosity, permeability, and rheology, potentially impacting fluid mobility and entrainment of seawater. Local-scale isotopic buffering of CaCO3 veins by exchange with adjacent host-rocks obscures assessment of fluid sources (most vein δ13CVPDB=−11.0 to −3.0‰, δ18OVSMOW=+12.0 to +18.5‰). Some veins with elevated δ18O (relative to rock-buffered values) may reflect up-dip flow of H2O released at greater depths. Differences in vein δ13C in adjacent coherent greywacke and shaley melange zones of lower-grade rocks may be due to preferential infiltration of melange zones by deeply derived CH4-bearing fluids or to vein formation over a range of T. Calculated fluid-δ18O for lower-T veins spans the range of fluids venting in active accretionary prisms and producing forearc serpentinite seamounts. Calcite cement in the Coastal Belt is absent in higher-grade rocks, suggesting that cement is lost to decarbonation reactions like those invoked to elevate fluid alkalinity in Marianas seamounts.
Collect, Decompile, Extract, Stats, and Diff: Mining Design Pattern Changes in Android Apps

Mobile user interface design patterns have been widely used across different mobile platforms. UI design patterns have evolved and changed significantly as new trends emerge and fade at different times. This paper presents a data-mining approach to analyzing design pattern changes in Android apps. Over a period of 18 months, we tracked 24,436 apps and collected their versions. In total, our sample consists of 56,349 unique app versions, more than 5 million source files, and more than 25 million UI elements. We developed a dedicated infrastructure based on modern big data technologies to support our differential analyses regarding design pattern changes. Some highlights of our findings include a) some apps would switch to a design pattern even after it was deprecated, b) the adoption rate of newly introduced design patterns (e.g., Fragment) is relatively low, c) some apps would update their listing details to reflect changes in design patterns.
On the substrate recognition and negative regulation of SPAK, a kinase modulating Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport activity.

Threonines targeted by Ste20-related proline-alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) for phosphorylation have been identified in Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter type 1 (NKCC1), NKCC2, and Na+-Cl− cotransporter (NCC)....
Mi-2/NuRD: multiple complexes for many purposes

The vertebrate Mi-2/NuRD complex is a multi-subunit protein complex containing both histone deacetylase and nucleosome-dependent ATPase subunits. Current models predict that this complex functions primarily in transcriptional repression. Surprisingly, every subunit of this complex presents heterogeneity at the protein and gene level. This raises the intriguing possibility of functional specialization resulting from incorporation of unique gene products into the complex. The MTA (metastasis-associated) proteins represent one class of alternative subunits of the human Mi-2/NuRD complex. The members of this family in human cells are differentially expressed depending on cell type and on physiologic parameters. We summarize evidence supporting the view that the alternative subunits of the complex that have arisen during vertebrate evolution endow unique functional properties.
Cardiovascular disease: optimal approaches to risk factor modification of diet and lifestyle

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for almost 50% of all deaths in industrialized nations. As much as 70% of CVD can be prevented or delayed with dietary choices and lifestyle modifications. Western-style diets, sedentary lifestyles, and cigarette smoking are key modifiable CVD risk factors. Although CVD mortality was trending downward for almost 50 years, a resurgence, both nationally and globally, has occurred. A growing epidemic of obesity ("globesity"), decreasing physical activity, and persistent cigarette smoking are major behavioral factors underlying this change. Diet and lifestyle increase CVD risk both directly and indirectly. Direct effects include biological, molecular, and physiologic alterations, including inflammatory stimuli and oxidative stresses. Indirect effects include diabetes, dyslipidemias, and hypertension. However, trials studying links between diet and CVD remain notoriously difficult to execute and interpret. Diet interventions are typically confounded by other aspects of an overall diet as well as by lifestyle. Furthermore, benefits derived from a specific dietary or lifestyle intervention may not be proportional to the degree of risk posed by the unhealthy diet or lifestyle. Nonetheless, therapeutic rationale for diet and lifestyle are supported by basic and clinical research. Key components of a healthy aggregate diet include 1) reduced caloric intake; 2) reduced total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol with proportional increases in monosaturated, n-3 (omega-3), and n-6 fatty acids; 3) increased dietary fiber, fruit, and vegetables; 4) increased micronutrients (eg, folate, B6, B12); 5) increased plant protein in lieu of animal protein; 6) reduced portions of highly processed foods; and 7) adopting a more Mediterranean or "prudent" dietary pattern over the prevailing "western" dietary pattern. Key lifestyle interventions include increased physical activity and smoking cessation. Translation of the benefits of healthy diet and lifestyle to the wider population requires both individual and public health strategies targeting at-risk groups.
Ewing’s sarcoma presenting as a posterior mediastinal mass: a lesson learned

Thoracic vertebral body hemicorpectomy and chest wall resection was performed in a 17-year-old male patient with a posterior mediastinal tumor thought to be neurogenic in origin. No preoperative tissue diagnostic endeavor was made. Final pathologic diagnosis showed this tumor to be Ewing's sarcoma. This communication alerts the thoracic surgeon to the need for definitive diagnosis of posterior mediastinal masses with vertebral body involvement, particularly in children. Induction chemotherapy is the accepted standard of management of these sarcomas.
A genetic algorithm for unmanned aerial vehicle routing

Genetic Algorithms (GAs) can efficiently produce high quality results for hard combinatorial real world problems such as the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP). Genetic Vehicle Representation (GVR), a recent approach to solving instances of the VRP with a GA, produces competitive or superior results to the standard benchmark problems. This work extends GVR research by presenting a more precise mathematical model of GVR than in previous works and a thorough comparison of GVR to Path Based Representation approaches. A suite of metrics that measures GVR's efficiency and effectiveness provides an adequate characterization of the jagged search landscape. A new variation of a crossover operator is introduced. A previously unmentioned insight about the convergence rate of the search is also noted that is especially important to the application of a priori and dynamic routing for swarms of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Results indicate that the search is robust, and it exponentially drives toward high quality solutions in relatively short time. Consequently, a GA with GVR encoding is capable of providing a state-of-the-art engine for a UAV routing system or related application.
A technique for cast duplication

A simple, effective, and inexpensive method of cast duplication used for models and working casts is described.
Dermatologic issues in adult survivors of childhood cancer.

Common late effects experienced by childhood cancer survivors include: thyroid disturbances, pulmonary compromise, heart failure, and secondary neoplasms. Dermatologic issues have been largely unexplored. This descriptive study consisted of an 8 item self-reported questionnaire on dermatologic issues and the Dermatology Life Quality Index. Participants reported dermatological issues that presented anytime after their diagnosis of cancer. Over a seven month period, 166 survivors seen in a specialized program for adult survivors of childhood cancer housed within an adult cancer center received a cover letter either through the mail or in the clinic setting which explained the purpose of the study. A total of 78 survivors completed the study with an average age of 29.7 years (range 19–46) and an average time since their diagnosis of 19.2 years (range 6–46). Dermatological issues were reported by 59.0% of survivors and 50% saw a dermatologist at least once for these concerns. Nine survivors (11.5%) reported a skin cancer and ten (12.82%) were affected by alopecia. Additionally, 26 (33.3%) of survivors reported scars related to cancer therapy as a dermatological issue, and 99% of survivors reporting scars said they did not resolve with time. There are a range of dermatologic issues experienced by adult childhood cancer survivors. In our non-representative sample, 50% of the survivors sought specialized care from a dermatologist for their concern. Additional research is needed to more clearly understand the extent of dermatologic issues and their impact upon quality of life in childhood cancer survivors. Childhood cancer survivors may frequently seek care from primary care providers. It is important for these providers to be aware of the risks associated with cancer treatments.
Slow accumulation of acetylcholinesterase in rat brain during enzyme inhibition by repeated dosing with chlorpyrifos

Abstract When given to rats, O,O′-diethyl-O-[3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl]-phosphorothionate (chlorpyrifos), a common insecticide, causes an unusually lengthy dose-dependent fall in the activity of brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7). To determine whether the slow recovery involves impaired AChE synthesis, experiments were designed to measure AChE activity, immunoreactive AChE protein (AChE-IR) and AChE mRNA. Male, Long-Evans rats, maintained at 350 ± 5 g, were dosed (s.c.) weekly for 4 weeks with 0, 15, 30, or 60 mg/kg chlorpyrifos in peanut oil. Brain tissue was harvested 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks after treatment began. AChE activity was measured by Ellman assay, and AChE-IR was estimated by two-site ELISA using monoclonal antibodies to rat brain AChE. While AChE activity fell significantly at all times and doses, AChE-IR increased at 3 and 5 weeks in the two higher dosage groups. Larger increases of AChE-IR were observed after chlorpyrifos was administered for 4 weeks by the oral route. Northern blots quantified with reference to cyclophilin were consistent with stable levels of AChE mRNA. Overall, it appears that chronically reduced brain AChE activity after chlorpyrifos reflects sustained enzyme inhibition, not loss of enzyme protein or suppression of AChE message.
Similarities and differences in impulsive/premeditated and reactive/proactive bimodal classifications of aggression

Abstract Despite broad consensus regarding the value of the impulsive/premeditated and reactive/proactive aggression classifications, confusion as a result of imprecise language and the exact nature of subtypes have threatened its utility for clinical and research purposes. In order to increase the usefulness of these subtypes in research, prevention, and treatment, the current review examines whether differences in these two subtype classifications are theoretical, semantic or empirical. Correlates of impulsive, premeditated, reactive, or proactive aggression measures were examined for consistency. Based on the different conceptual roots, we expected that each subtype pair would evidence only partial correspondence such that the classification systems may actually be capturing different constructs. The findings of a targeted and selective review suggest there is more correspondence between reactive and impulsive aggression than there is between proactive and premeditated aggression. An agenda for future research is outlined.
Differential Control of Yersinia pestis Biofilm Formation In Vitro and in the Flea Vector by Two c-di-GMP Diguanylate Cyclases

Yersinia pestis forms a biofilm in the foregut of its flea vector that promotes transmission by flea bite. As in many bacteria, biofilm formation in Y. pestis is controlled by intracellular levels of the bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP. Two Y. pestis diguanylate cyclase (DGC) enzymes, encoded by hmsT and y3730, and one phosphodiesterase (PDE), encoded by hmsP, have been shown to control biofilm production in vitro via their opposing c-di-GMP synthesis and degradation activities, respectively. In this study, we provide further evidence that hmsT, hmsP, and y3730 are the only three genes involved in c-di-GMP metabolism in Y. pestis and evaluated the two DGCs for their comparative roles in biofilm formation in vitro and in the flea vector. As with HmsT, the DGC activity of Y3730 depended on a catalytic GGDEF domain, but the relative contribution of the two enzymes to the biofilm phenotype was influenced strongly by the environmental niche. Deletion of y3730 had a very minor effect on in vitro biofilm formation, but resulted in greatly reduced biofilm formation in the flea. In contrast, the predominant effect of hmsT was on in vitro biofilm formation. DGC activity was also required for the Hms-independent autoaggregation phenotype of Y. pestis, but was not required for virulence in a mouse model of bubonic plague. Our results confirm that only one PDE (HmsP) and two DGCs (HmsT and Y3730) control c-di-GMP levels in Y. pestis, indicate that hmsT and y3730 are regulated post-transcriptionally to differentially control biofilm formation in vitro and in the flea vector, and identify a second c-di-GMP-regulated phenotype in Y. pestis.
An Integrated μLED Optrode for Optogenetic Stimulation and Electrical Recording

In this letter, we developed an integrated neural probe prototype for optogenetic stimulation by microscale light-emitting diode (μLED) and simultaneous recording of neural activities with microelectrodes on a single-polyimide platform. Optogenetics stimulates in vivo neural circuits with high-cellular specificity achieved by genetic targeting and precise temporal resolution by interaction of light-gated ion channels with optical beam. In our newly developed optrode probe, during optogenetic stimulation of neurons, continuous sensing of neuronal activities in vicinity of the activation site can provide feedback to stimulation or examine local responses in signal pathways. In the device, focusing the light from the μLED was achieved with an integrated photo-polymerized lens. The efficacy of the optrode for cortical stimulation and recording was tested on mice visual cortex neurons expressing channelrhodopsin-2. Stimulation intensity and frequency-dependent spiking activities of visual cortex were recorded. Our device has shown advantages over fiber-coupled laser-based optrode in terms of closed-loop integration, single-implant compactness and lower electrical power requirements, which would be clinically applicable for future prosthetic applications in personalized medicine.
Effect of Net Geometry on the Nusselt Number Distribution for Channel Flow

For channel flow between two parallel plates, obstacles may take the form of ordered asymmetrical porous nets. The dimensions of this net will affect the resulting variations in the laminar velocities and the local heat and mass transfer coefficients. This article presents a numerical study of the effect of an inert insulating net and its geometry on the heat transfer characteristics in such a system. The governing equations for momentum, continuity, and energy equation were solved in a three-dimensional domain using a commercial CFD software for fully developed flow with constant temperature boundary conditions. The local Nusselt number was calculated from the resulting temperature distribution. The effects of location, spacing, and number of the longitudinal and transverse ribs of the net on the distributions and on the mean Nusselt number of the two plates are analyzed. Enhancement factors of the mean Nusselt number were found to increase between 13 and 330% as the number of transverse ribs increased f...
EFFECT OF PARATHYROID EXTRACT ON THE METABOLISM OF RADIOACTIVE PHOSPHATE IN KIDNEY.

The effects of parathyroid extract (PTE) on the incorporation of subsequently injected P32 into various phosphate fractions of the rat kidney were investigated: total phosphate, acid-soluble phosphate, inorganic phosphate, acid-soluble organic phosphate, phospholipid and nucleic acid phosphate. For further delineation of the hormone’s effects, fractionation of acid-soluble phosphate compounds by a Dowex 1 formate column and paper chromatography of phospholipids were also carried out. Incorporation of P32 in each phosphorus fraction separated was, in nearly every case, higher in the PTE group than in the saline control group. The greatest hormonal stimulation was observed in the phospholipid fraction. When PTE was given intravenously to rats 15 min after P32 injection, the relative specific activity in all fractions increased sharply 7 min later. Further fractionation of acid-soluble phosphate showed a higher incorporation of P32 in essentially all fractions of phosphate in the hormone-treated groups. The ...
The field of family planning: a review and new conceptual framework.

Abstract In that work in family planning has been fragmented by a great diversity of researchers and administrators, this paper suggests a conceptualization to integrate the subject matter of the field. As background, the historical efforts and conceptual underpinnings of family planning programs and research in the Third World over the last three decades are reviewed noting the changes from a clinic orientation to outreach stratgies to the present diversity of approaches. Next, the two parts of the conceptualization are discussed. The first part, a macro-model, envisions family planning as a general diffusion process with six major components: the innovation, the setting, the diffusion agency, its strategy, the adoption process, and systematic feedback. The second part views family planning on the micro-level as a transaction with four major elements: The potential user and provider, the “gap” between them, and the setting. Finally, several policy implications of this new conceptualization are mentioned, most importantly the possibility of systematically organizing the field and the Value of the framework for empirically testing the relative importance of each major aspect of family planning.
The Physiology of Low Back Pain

Pain by definition is subjective. A variety of neural pathways are involved in the generation and propagation of pain. Pain is emotional. Pain pathways interact with the limbic system, and this interaction modulates pain. The experience of pain is related to the experience of past pain. Many potential pain generators are present in the low back. The most likely source of pain is the intervertebral disc. Treating pain requires a multifactorial approach, because pain is very complex.
Fecundity and spawning of the Atlantic horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, in Pleasant Bay, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA

This study provided the first comprehensive analysis of Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) fecundity. Limulus appear to be a determinate spawner, maturing all eggs for the breeding season before spawning begins. On average, larger females held a larger number of eggs (63,500) than smaller females (14,500). By the end of the breeding season there was an average of 11,600 mature eggs per female left undeposited, regardless of female size. Larger females laid a higher percentage of the eggs they contained. Thus they not only contain more eggs, but are more effective at laying them as well. Size of spawning females ranged from about 185–300 mm prosomal width, with by far the highest concentration in the mid-size ranges. Although on an individual basis large females carry and lay the greatest number of eggs, mid-size crabs as a group contributed more to the horseshoe crab population in Pleasant Bay because they were more plentiful (net fecundity was highest for mid-size crabs). These results have implications for the management of this important species, which is harvested for bait, scientific, and biomedical uses. Incorporation of these results into models and other management tools can help predict growth rates, effects of size-selective harvest, reproductive value, and stable stage distribution of populations.
On Christensen's conjecture

In this paper we give solution to a conjecture appearing in Christensen (1997, p. 360) in relation to the definitions of standardized residuals in loglinear models.
Role of coatings in energy-producing systems: An overview

Abstract Components in energy-producing systems required to operate at high temperatures may suffer a variety of degradation processes as a consequence of environment. These include oxidation, mixed oxidant attack, molten-salt-induced attack and erosion. One method of combating this attack is to use a protective coating, but there are a number of criteria that determine whether this is an economically desirable solution, as opposed to using an intrinsically more resistant alloy, redesigning the energy system or replacing the component more frequently. In this paper, aspects relating to the use of coatings are briefly reviewed.
An interactive program for determining tentative gene assignments from immunological data

This paper announces an interactive program that could be useful for workers investigating new immunogenetic systems and theoreticians seeking to resolve persistent puzzling questions about systems already developed. The program seeks symbolic representations of data and its interpretations. By its ability to work with symbolizations in their most general form it is able to reveal symbolic patterns that may correspond directly to otherwise unexpected genetic models.
Studies of the system TaS2−xSex

Single crystal and powder samples of the system TaS/sub 2-x/Se/sub x/ have been prepared and studied. The range of solubility was found to extend from x = 0 to x = 2.0. X-ray analysis has shown that mixed anion samples exhibit a series of hexagonal layered polymorphs similar to those found in TaS/sub 2/ and TaSe/sub 2/ with the a and c lattice parameters increasing monotonically from TaS/sub 2/ to TaSe/sub 2/. Electrical transport properties were measured on single crystals and found to be similar to the end compositions. Organic molecules such as pyridine and collidine were found to intercalate TaS/sub 2-x/Se/sub x/, and superconducting transition temperatures were measured for both intercalated and unintercalated samples. The highest T/sub c/ obtained was 4.1 K in the 4H(C) phase of the sample TaS/sub 1/./sub 6/Se/sub 0/./sub 4/. 22 refs.
The nonhomogeneity of soybean sterol--“gamma-sitosterol”

Abstract During the last 20 years a great number of investigators have reported on the isolation from numerous plant sources and also from the toad ( Bufo vulgaris formosus ) a sterol that exhibited a melting point of 145–147°, and αD-36° to −42°. This substance was referred to as “gamma-sitosterol” and was considered to be a C-24 isomer of beta-sitosterol. Two reportedly good sources of “gamma-sitosterol”, soybean oil and corn oil were examined for “gamma-sitosterol”. It-was shown that material exhibiting the physical properties of “gamma-sitosterol” can be isolated from these oils, but gas-liquid chromatographic analyses showed that the material consists of a 50:50 to a 75:25 mixture of campesterol-beta-sitosterol. Since most plants contain significant amounts of campesterol and large quantities of beta-sitosterol, it was concluded that “gamma-sitosterol” reportedly obtained from other sources is most likely a campesterol-beta-sitosterol mixture.