cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Documentation of Variations in Sinonasal Anatomy by Intraoperative Nasal Endoscopy

Objectives: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) requires a thorough understanding of the variability in sinonasal anatomy. Previous reports have relied primarily on anatomic studies of cadaveric specimens or skulls, or on radiographic analysis. Relatively few comparative anatomic data have been accumulated with endoscopic examination of living patients. Study Design: Retrospective review of video recordings of 119 consecutive patients undergoing intraoperative nasal endoscopy at the time of sinonasal surgery. Methods: At the beginning of each surgical procedure, endoscopic examination of the nasal cavities was performed with 0° and 30° telescopes and recorded with a three-chip video camera on 3/4-inch U-matic videotape. These video records were then reviewed with attention to variations in anatomical configuration of different sinonasal structures. Results: Data demonstrating variations in the anatomical configuration of the following structures of the lateral nasal wall are presented. Middle turbinate: typical (63%), concha bullosa (15%), sagittal cleft (6%), laterally displaced (4%), “L” shaped (3%), medially bent (3%), laterally bent (3%), medially displaced (2%), and transverse cleft (0.5%). Uncinate process: typical (85%) and medially rotated (15%). Ethmoid bulla: typical or balloon (45%), sausage-shaped (34%), and flat (21%). Accessory ostium: round (50%), oval (46%), and kidney-shaped (4%). Sphenoid sinus ostium: oval (42%), slit (32%), and round (26%). The classification system for the anatomical categories is illustrated with digitized images. Conclusions: This study attempts to provide statistical data regarding variations in sinonasal anatomy in living subjects. Familiarity with such anatomy is important in differentiating normal variants from pathological conditions to optimize surgical treatment of sinus disease, while avoiding complications.
Studies On The Rules For Amorphous Phase Formation By Ion-Mixing In Metallic Systems

Ion mixing (IM) has been of considerable interest over the last several years. 1 It has emerged as a convenient method to produce various amorphous and metastable crystalline phases. 2 Several attempts have been made to predict the formation of amorphous phases by this technique. Liu and coworkers have formulated a rule which states that an amorphous binary alloy will be formed by IM of the multilayered sample when the two constituent metals are of different structures. 3 It has also been suggested that IM is likely to produce a crystalline phase at a composition which corresponds to a compound of simple lattice struc-ture. 4 Recently, the application of thermodynamic considerations to IM processes have proven fruitful. 5,6 The present authors have provided some general criteria regarding amorphous and crystalline phases formation by IM 6 of metal-metal systems based on considerations of thermodynamic free energy diagrams and the restricted growth kinetics of competing phases. In this paper we shall examine these ideas by studying the IM of metal-metal systems of Ru-Zr and Ru-Ti.
Rate change transients in Bridgman-Stockbarger growth

Abstract Thermal steady state in a Bridgman-Stockbarger crystal growth system is perturbed by a sudden increase of the ampoule moving rate. An explicit finite difference numerical scheme was developed for the one-dimensional transient state heat transfer computation of such a perturbation. The temperature field inside the ampoule, and the solid/liquid interface position, were computed versus time from the rate change. It was found that the transient behavior of the freezing rate strongly depended on the Biot numbers of the system, dimensionless latent heat, and the thickness of the insulation in between the heater and the cooler. The numerical results were well correlated by an equation, which can be used to estimate the time required for the freezing rate to equal the new moving rate.
High-pressure phase equilibrium for the hydroformylation of 1-octene to nonanal in compressed CO2

Abstract The hydroformylation reaction in supercritical carbon dioxide or CO 2 -expanded liquids (CXLs) has many advantageous properties. However, accurate phase behavior and equilibrium must be known to properly understand and engineer these systems. In this investigation, the vapor–liquid equilibrium and mixture critical points of CO 2 systems with 1-octene, nonanal, 1-octene and nonanal mixtures, and mixtures of 1-octene, nonanal and syngas (CO/H 2 ) were measured at 60 °C up to 120 bar of pressure. The Peng–Robinson equation of state with van der Waals two-parameter mixing rule was employed successfully to correlate the binary mixture data and predict the ternary mixture data. The presence of CO/H 2 pressure increased the mixture critical points and decreased the volume expansion at any given pressure. In an actual reaction, the mixture critical point would increase throughout the reaction, while the volume of the liquid phase would decrease. These data will aid the understanding and reaction engineering for the hydroformylation reaction in CO 2 -expanded liquids and supercritical fluids.
Thermogravimetric investigation of the alkaline earth diliturates

Abstract Thermolysis curves for calcium, strontium and barium diliturates were obtained. Calcium dilituratc forms an octahydrate from aqueous solution while strontium, dilituratc forms a. heptahydrate and barium diliturate forms a tetrahydrate. Methods for the thermogravimetrie determination of strontium and barium were developed and found to be quite accurate; calcium can only be determined semi-qnartitatively by precipitation as the diliturate salt.
Bonding Two Cultures, University and Community, Through Leadership Development

The authors explore how leadership development can serve as a means to bond two cultures, the culture of the university and the culture of the broader community that the university is here to serve. The exploration provides a definition of key terms and a review of relevant literature, offers a vision of a more effective bond and a rendering of the current state of relations between university and community, and ends with an outline of the dimensions of an innovative project at Michigan State University in community leadership development.
Can feedback increase the degrees of freedom of a wireless network with delayed CSIT

There is no known network with instantaneous channel state information at the transmitters (CSIT) for which (output) feedback enhances the degrees of freedom (or the signaling dimensions) of the network. In this paper, we show that the DoF of wireless networks with delayed CSIT however, can increase with output feedback. This result is shown by obtaining the degrees of freedom (DoF) region for the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) fast fading interference channel (IC) with an arbitrary number of antennas at each node, under the Shannon feedback setting wherein the channel matrices (i.e., the channel state) and the channel outputs are available at the transmitters with a finite delay. While for most numbers of antennas at the four terminals, it is shown that the DoF region with Shannon feedback is the same as the DoF region with just delayed CSIT, it is shown that this is not always the case. For a specific class of MIMO ICs characterized by a certain relationship between the numbers of antennas at the four nodes, the DoF region with Shannon feedback is strictly bigger than the DoF region with just delayed CSIT. To realize these DoF gains attainable with Shannon feedback, a new retrospective interference alignment scheme is developed wherein transmitter cooperation made possible by output feedback in addition to delayed CSIT is employed to effect a more efficient form of interference alignment than feasible with previously known schemes that require just delayed CSIT.
A Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Analysis of the Central Star of the Planetary Nebula Longmore 1

We have performed a non-LTE spectroscopic analysis using far-UV and UV data of the central star of the planetary nebula K1-26 (Longmore 1) and found Teff = 120 ± 10 kK, log g = cm s–2, and Y 0.10. The temperature is significantly hotter than previous results based on optical line analyses, highlighting the importance of analyzing the spectra of such hot objects at shorter wavelengths. The spectra show metal lines (from, e.g., carbon, oxygen, sulfur, and iron). The signatures of most elements can be fit adequately using solar abundances, confirming the classification of Lo 1 as a high-gravity O(H) object. Adopting a distance of 800 pc, we derive R* 0.04 R⊙, L 250 L⊙, and M 0.6 M⊙. This places the object on the white dwarf cooling sequence of the evolutionary tracks with an age of τevol 65 kyr.
Anomalies in the specific heat of PbF2

Abstract We have measured the heat capacity, Cp, of PbF2 between 400 K and 800 K using a cubic, fluorite-structure, crystal as well as material recovered in the orthorhombic form at room temperature after a fluorite-structure crystal had been pressurized to 4.5 kbar. Cp of each behaved normally up to somewhat above 600 K. However Cp of the recovered material revealed that orthorhombic PbF2 undergoes a sharp, endothermic, nonreversible transition at T = 633 K, which seems to be a transformation back to the cubic fluorite structure. The Cp of each sample exhibited a λ-like anomaly in the temperature range where a transition to the superionic state is known to occur in cubic PbF2, thus confirming the second order nature suggested for the transition.
On the occurrence and spatial extent of electron precipitation induced by oblique nonducted whistler waves

causative discharge. Analysis indicates that the onset delay and the duration of precipitation steadily increase with increasing L-value, while the signal recovery time is independent of L-value for the LEP events associated with both storms. The causative lightning discharges associated with the two storms were located at different latitudes. For lightning occurring in the storm at higher latitudes, the associated LEP events are of longer duration and exhibit precipitation in a smaller area displaced less from the causative discharge. The onset delays and event durations increase more rapidly with increasing L-value for events associated with lightning occurring in the storm at higher latitudes. The general spatial and temporal signatures are consistent with those expected for LEP events induced by nonducted whistlers. INDEX TERMS: 2455 Ionosphere: Particle precipitation; 2716 Magnetospheric Physics: Energetic particles, precipitating; 2431 Ionosphere: Ionosphere/magnetosphere interactions (2736); 7867 Space Plasma Physics: Wave/ particle interactions; KEYWORDS: nonducted, precipitation, whistlers
On Spo16 and the Coefficient of Coincidence

spo16 mutants in yeast were reported to have reduced map lengths, a high frequency of nondisjunction in the first meiotic division, and essentially unchanged coefficients of coincidence. Were all crossing over in yeast subject to interference, such data would suggest that the “designation” of recombination events to become crossovers is separable from the “implementation” of that crossing over. In the presence of coexisting interference and noninterference phases of crossing over, however, lack of change in the coefficient of coincidence may show only that spo16 reduces crossing over in the two phases by a similar factor.
Freezing as a Treatment to Prevent the Spread of Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Coffee

ABSTRACT Coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) is the most serious insect pest of coffee around the world. Although it is already present in most of the world's major coffee growing regions, it is important to delay further spread and to prevent reintroductions that might include hyperparasites or improve the genetic base of existing populations. Green coffee is shipped around the world for custom blending and roasting and such shipments carry the risk of spreading H. hampei. We used heavily infested coffee berries as a surrogate for green coffee to test the freezing tolerance of H. hampei. After freezing, all life stages of H. hampei were dissected from coffee berries and mortality was assessed. Counting all life stages, >15,000 insects were measured in this study. A temperature of approximately -15°C (range, -13.9 to -15.5) for 48 h provided 100% control of all life stages. A logit regression model predicted ≤1 survivor in a million for treatments of -20°C for 5 d or -15°C for 6 d. A freezin...
Explaining Institutional Change in the European Union What Determines the Voting Rule in the Council of Ministers

Numerous studies have explored how the European Union's institutions shape political behavior and legislative outcomes in the EU. Far fewer examine in detail how individual institutional changes have come about. This paper presents a formal model that allows us to analyze under what conditions institutional change should be expected, with a focus on the Council of Ministers' voting rule in particular. Changes in the number of member states in the EU, changes in the legislative procedures and changes in the policy areas under consideration are found to affect the ability to pass legislation, and thereby provide the impetus for adjustments in equilibrium coalition sizes and chamber voting rules.
Characterization of the acylglycerols and resulting biodiesel derived from vegetable oil and microalgae (Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum)

Algal biofuels are a growing interest worldwide due to their potential in terms of sustainable greenhouse gas displacement and energy production. This article describes a comparative survey of biodiesel production and conversion yields of biodiesel via alkaline transesterification of acylglycerols extracted from the microalgae Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum, grown under silicate or nitrate limitation, and that of model vegetable oils: soybean, and rapeseed oil. Acylglycerols were extracted with n-hexane and the total yield per biomass was determined by gravimetric assay. Under our conditions, the total acylglycerol yield from the microalgae studied was 13-18% of total dry weight. The biodiesel samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector to determine quantitative information of residual glycerol, mono-, di-, and tri-acylglycerol concentrations in the biodiesel. All of the algal-based biodiesel demonstrated less mono-, di-, and tri-acylglycerol concentrations than the vegetable-based biodiesel under identical transesterification conditions. The fatty acid compositions of all the feedstock oils and their resultant biodiesel were also analyzed and reported. Based on the fatty acid methyl ester compositions of our samples we qualitatively assessed the suitability of the algal-derived biodiesel in terms of cetane number (CN), cold-flow properties, and oxidative stability. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012;109: 1146-1154. Published 2011. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. This work presents the feasibility of producing biodiesel, at the bench-scale, from extracted algal acylglycerols produced by Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira Pseudonana under targeted environmental conditions. Using GC-FID the authors quantified the residual glycerol, MAGs, DAGs, TAGs, and total free glycerol within the resultant biodiesel. The fatty acid profiles for the feedstock oils and their resultant biodiesel methyl esters are also presented along with a qualitative assessment of the suitability of the diatom-based biodiesel in terms of cetane number (CN), cold-flow properties, and oxidative stability.
Examining the Evidence on Environmental Regulations and Industry Location

This article offers a review and critique of the large literature on the pollution havens hypothesis. This hypothesis refers to the notion that certain jurisdictions can become pollution havens as dirty industries relocate or expand in response to differences in regulatory stringency. The early literature, based on cross-sectional analyses, typically concludes that environmental regulations have an insignificant effect on firm location decisions. However, recent studies that use panel data to control for unobserved heterogeneity, or instruments to control for endogeneity, find statistically significant pollution haven effects of reasonable magnitude. Furthermore, this distinction appears regardless of whether the studies look across countries, states, counties, or industries, or whether they examine plant locations, investment, or international trade patterns.
SIFF: a stateless Internet flow filter to mitigate DDoS flooding attacks

One of the fundamental limitations of the Internet is the inability of a packet flow recipient to halt disruptive flows before they consume the recipient's network link resources. Critical infrastructures and businesses alike are vulnerable to DoS attacks or flash-crowds that can incapacitate their networks with traffic floods. Unfortunately, current mechanisms require per-flow state at routers, ISP collaboration, or the deployment of an overlay infrastructure to defend against these events. In this paper, we present SIFF, a Stateless Internet Flow Filter, which allows an end-host to selectively stop individual flows from reaching its network, without any of the common assumptions listed above. We divide all network traffic into two classes, privileged (prioritized packets subject to recipient control) and unprivileged (legacy traffic). Privileged channels are established through a capability exchange handshake. Capabilities are dynamic and verified statelessly by the routers in the network, and can be revoked by quenching update messages to an offending host. SIFF is transparent to legacy clients and servers, but only updated hosts will enjoy the benefits of it.
Towards inferring earthquake patterns from geodetic observations of interseismic coupling

Ultimately, seismotectonic studies seek to provide ways of assessing the timing, magnitude and spatial extent of future earthquakes. Ample observations document the spatial variability in interseismic coupling, defined as a degree of locking of a fault during the period of stress build-up between seismic events: fully or nearly locked fault patches are often surrounded by aseismically creeping areas. However, it is unclear how these observations could help assess future earthquakes. Here we simulate spontaneous seismic and aseismic fault slip with a fully dynamic numerical model. Our simulations establish the dependence of earthquake rupture patterns and interseismic coupling on spatial variations of fault friction. We consider the long-term evolution of slip on a model fault where two seismogenic, locked segments are separated by an aseismically slipping patch where rupture is impeded. We find that the probability for a large earthquake to break through the rupture-impeding patch is correlated with the interseismic coupling averaged over this patch. In addition, the probability that an earthquake breaks through the rupture-impeding patch and interseismic coupling are both related to fault friction properties through a single non-dimensional parameter. Our study opens the possibility of predicting seismic rupture patterns that a fault system can produce on the basis of observations of its interseismic coupling, and suggests that regions of low interseismic coupling may reveal permanent barriers to large earthquakes.
Immunotherapy of human cervical high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with microparticle-delivered human papillomavirus 16 E7 plasmid DNA

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of the administration of a bacterial expression plasmid encoding a 13 amino acid sequence that is highly homologous with human papillomavirus E7 within poly (lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles (ZYC101) in women with HLA A2+ antigen and persistent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 and human papillomavirus 16. Study Design: Fifteen women entered an institutional review board–approved dose-escalating phase I study with the use of three levels of blood monitoring and urine studies, Papanicolaou tests, and colposcopy. Escalation required no serious adverse events. Immunologic responses were evaluated in peripheral blood with the use of human papillomavirus peptide–stimulated interferon gamma enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for T-cell reactivity. In cervical secretions, immunoglobulin A anti-human papillomavirus 16 E2 concentrations were measured. Three doses every 3 weeks were followed 4 weeks later by surgical excision. Results: No serious adverse events occurred. Five women had complete histologic responses; 11 women had human papillomavirus–specific T-cell responses. Four of five complete histologic responses developed immunoglobulin A anti-E2–specific antibody. Conclusion: ZYC101 warrants further investigation because of a 33% complete histologic responses, a 73% immunologic response, and no serious adverse events.
Dramatic decrease of the cis content and molecular weight of cis‐transoidal polyphenylacetylene at 23 °C in solutions prepared in air

The thermal cis-trans isomerization of cis-transoidal polyphenylacetylene (PPA) synthesized with Noyori's catalyst [Rh(C≡CPh)(norbornadiene)(PPh 3 ) 2 ] has been investigated under both ambient and inert atmospheres in solution and in bulk. In all cases, an intramolecular cyclization results in cis-trans isomerization, and subsequent chain cleavage produces 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene. This reaction is accelerated by the presence of air, particularly when the reaction takes place in solution. Decreases in the cis content and molecular weight show that the intramolecular cyclization process takes place at 23 °C in solution. The mechanism of this reaction is identical to that reported previously for cis-cisoidal and cis-transoidal PPA synthesized with Ziegler-Natta catalysts.
The Fall (and Rise?) of Community Banking: The Continued Importance of Local Institutions

Even before the banking crisis of 2008, the banking world was in the midst of a major transformation. Pushed by increasing competition and narrow profit margins, along with the need for more efficient and cost-effective back office operations, the industry adopted a bigger-is-better philosophy, and larger banks absorbed smaller institutions like sharks swimming through a school of fish. This consolidation has resulted in a banking system where products, especially at the lower end of the market, have become more standardized and, if not profitable in bulk, nonexistent, especially in smaller communities. The premise of this Article is that there is a critical role in the banking system for community banks, especially community development financial institutions (CDFIs). A CDFI is a legally existing organization with a primary mission of promoting community development and serving eligible target markets. A CDFI cannot be a governmental entity or be controlled by a governmental entity. CDFIs are certified by the Department of Treasury as set forth in the CDFI regulations. In July 2012, there were 999 certified CDFIs. The question with CDFIs, however, is whether their importance mandates subsidizing them and whether they should be regulated differently from other financial institutions. In this Article, I argue that U.S. banking policy wrongly privileges larger banks over smaller community-based institutions, which results in both a quantitative and qualitative loss of services. I start with a review of recent banking concentration. I follow with four principles on which I base the analysis that follows. I then review four banking experiences: ShoreBank in Chicago, Illinois; Start Bank, a de novo bank in New Haven, Connecticut; the romanticized Bailey Banking & Loan from It’s a Wonderful Life; and a long-standing community bank in Seneca Falls, New York. I conclude with proposals to turn the current privilege around, with suggestions of ways to preserve community banking. Specifically, I propose that the monolithic nature of bank charters disadvantages smaller institutions and that community-based institutions, in exchange for restricting their activities, should have the option of obtaining a special charter that is not subject to the same regulatory regime as larger banks.
Positron Emission Tomography: Imaging Inflammatory Atherosclerosis

One of the most important determinants of atherosclerotic plaque instability is the intra-plaque density of active inflammatory cells, particularly macrophages. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, combined with atherosclerotic imaging using computed tomography (CT), provides the ability for non-invasive fusion imaging that assesses plaque anatomy and inflammatory metabolic activity. Studies to date have shown that PET imaging with fluorine-18 labeled deoxyglucose (18FDG) identifies atherosclerotic lesions with high macrophage content and identifies culprit carotid artery plaques in patients presenting with cerebrovascular events. Limited studies have also demonstrated that the degree of plaque inflammation in carotid arteries and the aorta is significantly attenuated by statin treatment, suggesting that PET may prove to be a valuable biologic non-invasive measure of cardiovascular risk as well as a surrogate atherosclerosis treatment measure, both clinically and in future atherosclerosis treatment trials. Currently, the use of PET for coronary atherosclerosis plaque inflammation imaging is hampered by its limited spatial resolution (4–6 mm). Combined PET/CT atherosclerotic imaging is an actively developing field. Further work is needed to precisely quantify its degree of precision in detecting and quantifying plaque inflammation and its potential additive value in predicting patient outcomes and guiding prevention treatment strategies.
Compromised Influenza Virus-Specific CD8+-T-Cell Memory in CD4+-T-Cell-Deficient Mice

The primary influenza A virus-specific CD8(+)-T-cell responses measured by tetramer staining of spleen, lymph node, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) lymphocyte populations were similar in magnitude for conventional I-A(b+/+) and CD4(+)-T-cell-deficient I-A(b-/-) mice. Comparable levels of virus-specific cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte activity were detected in the inflammatory exudate recovered by BAL following challenge. However, both the size of the memory T-cell pool and the magnitude of the recall response in the lymphoid tissues (but not the BAL specimens) were significantly diminished in mice lacking the CD4(+) subset. Also, the rate of virus elimination from the infected respiratory tract slowed at low virus loads following challenge of naive and previously immunized I-A(b-/-) mice. Thus, though the capacity to mediate the CD8(+)-T-cell effector function is broadly preserved in the absence of concurrent CD4(+)-T-cell help, both the maintenance and recall of memory are compromised and the clearance of residual virus is delayed. These findings are consistent with mathematical models that predict virus-host dynamics in this, and other, models of infection.
Goodness-of-fit statistics for anomaly detection in Chung-Lu random graphs

Anomaly detection in graphs is a relevant problem in numerous applications. When determining whether an observation is anomalous with respect to the model of typical behavior, the notion of “goodness of fit” is important. This notion, however, is not well-understood in the context of graph data. In this paper, we propose three goodness-of-fit statistics for Chung-Lu random graphs, and analyze their efficacy in discriminating graphs generated by the Chung-Lu model from those with anomalous topologies. In the results of a Monte Carlo simulation, we see that the most powerful statistic for anomaly detection depends on the type of anomaly, suggesting that a hybrid statistic would be the most powerful.
Cholestatic hepatitis and weight loss in a Vietnamese immigrant.

Question: A 61-year-old man presented for evaluation of new-onset jaundice and a 20-pound weight loss with night sweats over 3 months. He had immigrated to the United States from Vietnam approximately 30 years ago, and his last trip to Vietnam was 6 months before presentation. He had a 45 pack-year history of smoking but denied alcohol abuse and was taking no medications or supplements. He had not seen a physician for 30 years before this illness. On examination, he seemed to be emaciated (Figure A); lungs revealed bilateral crackles and abdominal examination was benign. Pertinent laboratory results included total bilirubin of 6.5 mg/dL, aspartate aminotransferase level of 165 IU/mL, alanine aminotransferase of 96 IU/mL, and alkaline phosphatase of 1,888 (normal <125 IU/mL). Additionally, hemoglobin was 10.8 g/dL, platelet count was 354,000/mL, and international normalized ratio was 1.0. Serologic testing for hepatitis A, B, C, E, autoimmune hepatitis, and Wilson disease were normal. HIV antibodies were undetectable and quantiferon assay was normal. Antimitochondrial antibody was positive at 1:320 titer. The patient was started on ursodeoxycholic acid with alkaline phosphatase improvement to 1,100 IU/mL; however, he continued to lose weight and to feel unwell. Abdominal imaging showed no evidence of hepatosplenomegaly, portal hypertension, or mass lesions. An upper endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography showed no evidence of biliary ductal dilation, pancreatic lesions, or intraabdominal lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography of the chest revealed nodular infiltrative changes with intermingled larger nodules throughout the upper lobes and lingula (Figure B). Bronchoscopy was performed revealing nonspecific, chronic, inflammatory changes and focal fibrosis. Transjugular liver biopsy with pressure measurements with hepatic venogram was also performed. This revealed no evidence of Budd–Chiari syndrome and normal hepatic wedge pressure gradient. The liver histopathology showed predominantly cholestatic pattern of injury with bile duct loss and no florid duct lesions or granulomas (Figure C). What is your diagnosis? Look on page 570 for the answer and see the Gastroenterology web site (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting your favorite image to Clinical Challenges and Images in GI.
Differential environmental exposure alters NMDA but not AMPA receptor subunit expression in nucleus accumbens core and shell

Environmentally enriched (EE) rats show neurobehavioral differences relative to less stimulated, socially isolated (SI) littermates. Although experience-dependent cortical changes are presumed to underlie learning differences in these differentially housed animals, EE rats show reduced reward-seeking behavior and altered cytoarchitecture and dopaminergic function in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), a brain area involved in adaptive, goal-directed activity. Given that glutamate and its interaction with dopamine regulate motivational and associative processing in this brain region, we assessed expression of the NR1 subunit of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and the GluR1 subunit of the a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor in the NAcc core and shell of EE and SI rats. Our results indicate fewer intensely stained NR1 immunopositive neurons in both core and shell of EE relative to SI rats. No such differences were observed in GluR1 staining. These results suggest that environmental experience alters NMDA but not AMPA receptor expression in NAcc. Increased expression of the NR1 subunit in the NAcc of SI rats may augment impulsivity and reward-seeking behavior relative to EE rats. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Theme: Neural basis of behavior Topic: Neural plasticity
The intensity axis of symmetry and its application to image segmentation

The authors present the intensity axis of symmetry (IAS) method for describing the shape of structures in grey-scale images. They describe the spatial and intensity variations of the image simultaneously rather than by the usual two-step process of using intensity properties of the image to segment an image into regions and describing the spatial shape of these regions. The result is an image shape description that is useful for a number of computer vision applications. The method relies on minimizing an active surface functional that provides coherence in both the spatial and intensity dimensions while deforming into an axis of symmetry. Shape-based image segmentation is possible by identifying image regions associated with individual components of the IAS. The resulting image regions have geometric coherence and correspond well to visually meaningful objects in medical images. >
Middle-Wisconsinan Gravel and Wood from a Well-drilling in West-central Indiana

ABSTRACT Fossil wood recovered in gravel at a depth of 129 ft (40 m) from a west-central Indiana water-well drilling was dated at 30,070 ± 240 14C y BP. This date represents a time period in Indiana between ∼23,000–40,000 y BP from which no known previous radiocarbon dates have been recorded. Fragments of wood were determined to be mostly Picea, and at least one fragment is referable to Larix. The macrofossils indicate the presence of boreal conditions in west-central Indiana at the beginning of the Plum Point Interstadial. Analysis of the gravel associated with the wood macrofossils suggests that the organic material was incorporated into the ice of the Lake Michigan lobe of the Laurentide Ice Sheet late in the Altonian Substage of the Late-Wisconsinan between 21,000 y BP and 26,000 y BP.
Characterization of neuropathology in the HIV-1 transgenic rat at different ages

The transgenic HIV-1 rat (Tg) is a commonly used neuroHIV model with documented neurologic/behavioral deficits. Using immunofluorescent staining of the Tg brain, we found astrocytic dysfunction/damage, as well as dopaminergic neuronal loss/dysfunction, both of which worsening significantly in the striatum with age. We saw mild microglial activation in young Tg brains, but this decreased with age. There were no differences in neurogenesis potential suggesting a neurodegenerative rather than a neurodevelopmental process. Gp120 CSF levels exceeded serum gp120 levels in some animals, suggesting local viral protein production in the brain. Further probing of the pathophysiology underlying astrocytic injury in this model is warranted.
Revisiting Action Research

Purpose: The focus of this paper is to examine what is action research, how it is different from scientific research and how each can contribute to the body of knowledge, while emphasizing that one does not replace the other. Design/Methodology/Approach: The trajectories of action research are reviewed in this paper. Research Findings: Findings suggest action research brings about significant contributions to social change. Further, action research investigators are in a prime position to determine the best method for action research depending on the research issue(s). Research Limitations/Implications: This paper is limited to a general review of action research in the broad fields of education, science, and social science. Nonetheless, this paper argues that the continued growth of action research should strengthen the position and contribution of action research towards knowledge creation and extension. Originality/Value: This paper sheds light on the trajectories, current position, and future of action research. Further, some comparisons with general scientific research are offered.
Hypercalcemia and Renal Failure in a Young Man: Lessons in Diagnosis

Hypercalcemia is a common clinical problem. Morbidity and mortality associated with hypercalcemia are directly related to its underlying cause, making identification of the correct underlying etiology vital. When hypercalcemia is combined with acute kidney injury it points towards very specific diagnoses. We present a case of a young man with hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury who had multiple unusual laboratory findings that lead to the establishment of a correct diagnosis.
Research on Resilience of Power Systems Under Natural Disasters—A Review

Natural disasters can cause large blackouts. Research into natural disaster impacts on electric power systems is emerging to understand the causes of the blackouts, explore ways to prepare and harden the grid, and increase the resilience of the power grid under such events. At the same time, new technologies such as smart grid, micro grid, and wide area monitoring applications could increase situational awareness as well as enable faster restoration of the system. This paper aims to consolidate and review the progress of the research field towards methods and tools of forecasting natural disaster related power system disturbances, hardening and pre-storm operations, and restoration models. Challenges and future research opportunities are also presented in the paper.
The [Lost] Road to Character

In today’s world, integrity appears to be based on the media value of a person’s successes and achievements. Such a valuation is shallow, morally unsatisfactory, and does not offer an optimistic ou...
Quantitative effects of incorporating rice residue on populations of soil microflora.

The populations of dominant members of the microflora in a rice field soil as detected on soil dilution plates are reported in relation to total populations of microorganisms. The relative populations of 13 fungi differed significantly either in different depths of rice soil or under different regimes of tillage and soil incorporation of rice straw. For example, Penicillium varied inversely with depth and had a lower relative population (RP) in the treatment where straw was burned prior to tillage. The RP of Paecilomyces was lower at the 5-cm soil level than at 10or 20-cm level and the RP of Phoma was higher in soil with freshly incorporated straw than in soil with decomposed straw. Changes in RP of other fungi are also reported. Total populations of bacteria or actinomycetes were generally unaffected by various residue management and tillage practices but were affected by soil depth.
Development of a Genetic Sexing System for Anopheles albimanus

Several strains of a mosquito, Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann, were synthesized that allow the preferential elimination of females during any of the 4 life stages. This genetic sexing system utilizes propoxur susceptibility as a recessive conditional lethal, a T(Y;2R) translocation, and an In(2R) inversion. The propoxur resistance allele (dominant) was linked to the Y chromosome via a radiation-induced translocation and subsequent genetic recombination was suppressed by inversions. In one of the strains produced, 99.8% of the females were eliminated when treated with propoxur without male loss. Chemically sterilized males of one strain were found to be fully competitive for mating in a laboratory cage.
A Measurement Model to Assess Measure‑Specific Factors in Multiple‑Informant Research

In research employing multiple informants to assess the construct validity of properties of marketing organizations, both convergent and discriminant validity of the constructs may be overstated if...
Preoperative high dose rate brachytherapy for clinical stage II endometrial carcinoma.

PURPOSE We sought to evaluate pathological response, tolerance, and outcome after preoperative (neoadjuvant) high dose rate brachytherapy in a small series of patients with clinical stage II endometrial carcinoma, and to evaluate a dose and fractionation protocol for this treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve women diagnosed with clinical stage II endometrial carcinoma from 1999-2010 were treated with preoperative radiation therapy. Their medical charts were retrospectively analyzed for HDR treatment regimen, pathological response, and longitudinal outcomes. Radiation doses were normalized to a biologically equivalent dose of 2 Gy per fraction (EQD2). RESULTS Two patients had complete pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy; five more had only microscopic residual disease at the time of surgery. At a median follow up of 37 months (1-91 months), one patient has developed recurrence at the vaginal apex six months after completing initial therapy, while another developed a lung recurrence at 28 months. Two-year disease-free and cause-specific survivals were 88% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our small study shows that the HDR fractionation schedule, as done in our series for preoperative radiation therapy for clinical stage II endometrial cancer, is well tolerated and would be an option for patients treated with neoadjuvant radiation therapy.
Analysis of the Confirmatory Test Results of HIV Antibody Positive Specimens in Screening Test

Objective To analyze the relationship between the test results of confirmatory test by Western blot(WB) and screening test by ELISA for HIV antibody screening positive specimens,and to follow the progress of the patients with uncertain test results by WB. Methods According to the methods and requirements of the National HIV Testing Technical specifications(2009 Edition),284 HIV antibody positive specimens screened out by ELISA were subject to confirmatory tests by Western blot.The cases with uncertain results in the confirmatory test were followed up. Results Confirmatory test revealed that among the 284 ELISA screening positive specimens,228 were confirmed to be HIV positive,41 had uncertain results and 15 were HIV negative.The follow-up reexamination found 25 out cases with uncertain results progressed into patients with positive HIV antibody,among which 20 cases became to be HIV antibody positive within 4 weeks. Conclusions The positive specimen with s/co higher than 6 has higher confirmatory positive rate.The reexamination of the uncertain results can be conducted in advance according to the high risk behaviors of the subjects.
Impact of Neighborhood Land Use on Residents Travel Energy Consumption

Facing the rapid urban-ization,energy shortage and cli-mate change,it is urgent for city planners to study the relationship between urban land use and travel energy consumption in China.This paper first presents a methodology of estimating travel energy con-sumption based on the survey data.Taking nine selected communities in Jinan as examples,the paper compares the characteristics and family travel energy consumption of four types of residential commu-nities:traditional hutong,grid,resi-dence provided by and inside em-ployment unit,and super block with high-rise apartments.Based on quantitative and qualitative anal-ysis,it is clear that travel energy consumption in super block residen-tial type is two to five times higher than that from other types of neigh-borhood.This result is similar to the findings from other highly de-veloped Asian cities.The study re-sults indicate that solely emphasiz-ing high density development(su-per block) is not suitable for energy conservation in China.Finally,the paper suggests that residential area development should be designed insmall block,mix use and bicycle/ pedestrian friendly.
Considering transient population dynamics in the conservation of slow life-history species: An application to the sandhill crane

Abstract The importance of transient dynamics of structured populations is increasingly recognized in ecology, yet these implications are not largely considered in conservation practices. We investigate transient and long-term population dynamics to demonstrate the process and utility of incorporating transient dynamics into conservation research and to better understand the population management of slow life-history species; these species can be theoretically highly sensitive to short- and long-term transient effects. We are specifically interested in the effects of anthropogenic removal of individuals from populations, such as caused by harvest, poaching, translocation, or incidental take. We use the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) as an exemplar species; it is long-lived, has low reproduction, late maturity, and multiple populations are subject to sport harvest. We found sandhill cranes to have extremely high potential, but low likelihood for transient dynamics, even when the population is being harvested. The typically low population growth rate of slow life-history species appears to buffer against many perturbations causing large transient effects. Transient dynamics will dominate population trajectories of these species when stage structures are highly biased towards the younger and non-reproducing individuals, a situation that may be rare in established populations of long-lived animals. However, short-term transient population growth can be highly sensitive to vital rates that are relatively insensitive under equilibrium, suggesting that stage structure should be known if perturbation analysis is used to identify effective conservation strategies. For populations of slow life-history species that are not prone to large perturbations to their most productive individuals, population growth may be approximated by equilibrium dynamics.
William Graham Sumner

It is vain to imagine that “a scientific man” can divest himself of prejudice or previous opinion, and put himself in an attitude of neutral independence towards the mores.
Offline SEPIC converter to drive the high brightness white LED for lighting applications

High brightness white LED has attracted a lot of attention from both industry and academia for its high efficacy, simple to drive, environmentally friendly, and long lifespan. It becomes possible applications to replace the incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, and even compact fluorescent light bulbs in residential, industry and commercial lighting. Offline application of this new lighting source requires both tight LED current regulation and high power factor as well. We proposed an interleaved SEPIC converter with integrated magnetics for the offline LED lighting applications with LED current dimmable and input power factor correction. The converter is controlled with voltage mode PWM and run in discontinuous conduction mode. The inductor current follows the input voltage, therefore, the converter has high power factor, and can handle high power with reduced number of component count. This circuit has the advantages of (1) one stage of power conversion, (2) high power factor, (3) reduced size of the input filter, (4) reduced size of output filter, (5) integrated magnetic components, and reduced component count, (6) simple feedback control and no need to sense the input voltage, (7) voltage step-up and down, and (8) dimmable load current. It is particular suitable for the non-isolated offline applications, such as high brightness LED lighting applications. The critical design constraints and equations for both the power stage and control loop are highlighted and detailed. A practical evaluation board with 110 V input and 60 V 700 mA output is developed to verify the proposed design.
Kalman filter based indoor mobile robot navigation

This paper focuses on navigation of a mobile robot in an indoor environment. Accuracy is an important issue in robot navigation. Thus, many approaches for mobile robot navigation have been proposed to improve the navigation accuracy. This paper presents work aimed to navigate a mobile robot, which uses wheeled encoder as a sensor. While using wheel encoder the robot is commanded to move along certain paths like an octagon, rectangle and its coordinates and travelled distances are monitored. The wheel encoder gives us Cartesian coordinate and orientation of the robot. The encoder accumulates error over time. Thus, a Kalman filter is proposed to minimize this error. The Kalman filter estimates the next position based on robot's action, like velocity, acceleration etc and sensor's output. The error made by both encoder and the Kalman filter is measured. Experimental results show that Kalman filter improves the accuracy.
Blockade of CaMKII depresses conduction preferentially in the right ventricular outflow tract and promotes ischemic ventricular fibrillation in the rabbit heart.

We show that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) blockade exacerbates intrinsically lower excitability in the right ventricular outflow tract, which causes highly nonuniform cha...