cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring and Mapping the Cranial Nerves and the Brainstem

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews methods for the intraoperative localization and monitoring of cranial motor nerves. It describes the methods of monitoring the neural conduction in the auditory nerve using recordings of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and evoked potentials recorded directly from the (cranial nerve) CN VIII. Methods for recording an electromyogram (EMG) from muscles innervated by cranial motor nerves are also examined. Monitoring cranial nerves in skull base operations reduces the risk of permanent postoperative neurological deficits. The most frequently monitored cranial nerves are the auditory and the facial nerves, which are at risk in operations in the cerebellopontine angle. Lower cranial nerves (CN IX, X, XI, and XII) are at risk in operations affecting the lower skull base, and monitoring the cranial motor nerves that innervate the extraocular muscles is beneficial in many skull base operations. Monitoring BAEPs is useful when observing the overall function of the brainstem in operations where the brainstem is surgically manipulated or compressed, particularly in operations of large acoustic tumors. In some operations, it is possible to use electrophysiological methods to aid the surgeon in achieving the therapeutic goal of the operation.
Removal of infected transvenous leads requiring cardiopulmonary bypass or inflow occlusion.

Infection, although uncommon, can be the most lethal of all potential complications after transvenous pacemaker implantation. The infection rate at our institution has been 0.56% (42 implants) during the preceding 17 years for 7435 transvenous pacemakers implanted in 4333 patients. Four of the 42 patients required use of cardiopulmonary bypass or inflow occlusion to remove the infected transvenous leads. Seven patients had their pacemakers implanted elsewhere and were transferred to our medical center for treatment. One patient died postoperatively because of persistent sepsis from a retained lead segment. All other patients survived, and none had recurrent infection. We recommend removal of all hardware if there is infection of the pacemaker system. If traction or other methods fail to remove the transvenous portion of the pacemaker system, open methods of removal, although rarely required, are safe and effective and should be used without delay. (J T horac C ardiovasc S urg 1992;103:649-54)
A review of dietary exposure and toxicological information on epoxidised soybean oil (ESBO) in food-contact applications.

ABSTRACTPlasticisers have a long history of use in the industrial manufacture and processing of polymers for the purpose of increasing the flexibility and strength of the material. Approximately, 80–90% of the plasticiser market is devoted to the production of PVC, a highly versatile thermoplastic used to produce both rigid and flexible articles. Many types of plasticisers, including ortho-phthalate esters (OPE), can be added to PVC to impart flexibility. Recently, alternatives to OPEs, such as epoxy esters and aliphatic adipates, are becoming more prevalent for use in PVC-based food-contact articles. Epoxidised soybean oil (ESBO) is used as a plasticiser in flexible PVC for many food-contact articles, including food packaging and food processing equipment, from which it can potentially migrate into food and become a component of an individual’s daily diet. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the US dietary exposure and toxicological information on ESBO used in PVC-based food-contact art...
RNA regulons are essential in intestinal homeostasis.

Intestinal epithelial cells are among the most rapidly proliferating cell types in the human body. There are several different subtypes of epithelial cells, each with unique functional roles in res...
Analyzing Marketing Performance

The marketing audit is "an attempt to describe the current marketing situation, to speculate about the relevant future and to analyze the organization's marketing performance and potential." The marketing audit has four characteristics namely: Comprehensive; Systematic; Independent; and Periodic. The primary purpose of the audit is to develop a comprehensive profile of the organization's total marketing effort and to provide a basis for developing and revising the marketing plan, it is also an excellent mechanism for improving communications and raising the level of marketing consciousness within the organization. Data are compiled for analysis and evaluation from three main sources: internal interviews, external interviews, and secondary documentary sources. Evaluation is the final stage in marketing planning. In general, public and nonprofit organizations evaluate programs on the basis of their effectiveness or efficiency. Effectiveness has to do with end results and the impact of a marketing effort on a clientele.
In Search of Marie-Antoinette: The Inscrutable Life Worth Scrutinizing

This chapter declares the core subject of the book to be an inquiry into the respective contributions of Stefan Zweig, Irving Thalberg, and Norma Shearer in formulating what each believed to be an “authentic” image of “Marie-Antoinette” for public consumption during the 1930s. Zweig wrote a best-selling biography in Salzburg, Thalberg then acquired film rights to the book and oversaw the development of a screenplay in Culver City, and Shearer worked closely with a new producer to alter the screenplay and to perform the title character. Writings on the myth of “Marie-Antoinette,” the use of “objectivity” in historical writing and “authenticity” in historical film, and the three creative agents are explained and assessed as a prelude to putting forth three chapters adhering to a nine-point argumentative model that balances the three professionals’ research standards and strategic objectives in the formulation of a new myth at once sensitive to the historical record and suitable for public consumption.
Effect of Fetal Posterior Circulation on Efficacy of Flow Diversion for Treatment of Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: A Multi-Institutional Study

Background Flow diversion (FD) has emerged as an effective treatment modality for aneurysms of the posterior communicating artery (PCOM). Whether or not a fetal posterior circulation (FPC) affects PCOM aneurysm occlusion rates after FD remains undetermined. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study in which treatment outcomes for FD of PCOM aneurysms from multiple institutions were reviewed. The primary outcome of interest was complete aneurysm occlusion at last follow-up. The presence of a FPC, defined as a PCOM diameter larger than that of the P1 segment, was noted and its relationship to complete aneurysm occlusion was investigated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results There were 49 patients with 49 PCOM aneurysms treated with FD who met inclusion criteria for analysis. A FPC was present in 16 patients (32.7%). Complete aneurysm occlusion was observed in 34 patients (69.4%). Complete occlusion was less common for patients with a FPC (43.7% vs. 81.8%; P = 0.007). For patients with and without a FPC, median time to occlusion was 51 and 6 months, respectively (P = 0.002). Using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, a FPC was associated with reduced odds of complete occlusion on last follow-up (risk ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.89; P = 0.029). Conclusions Our results indicate reduced efficacy of FD for the treatment of PCOM aneurysms associated with a FPC. These findings may influence treatment selection for aneurysms at this location.
Go forth and be variable.

In the target article, Vyse's (2013) core argument is that the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) has painted itself into a methodological corner. It is time to retire, or at least curtail the use of, the operant chamber because it has already yielded its most important discoveries, and the costs of further discoveries outweigh their probable benefits. Vyse suggests that much contemporary research in EAB is well controlled but esoteric, arguing about little, and with little prospect for affecting the world at large. Given this perceived state of affairs, Vyse makes recommendations for change; paramount among these is to expand the methods (research questions asked, procedures and apparatus used, research designs, and data-analysis techniques) that have defined the field of behavior analysis. So as to begin on a positive note, I will tackle these arguments in reverse order.
Modifying connectivity to promote state change reversal: the importance of geomorphic context and plant-soil feedbacks.

Alternative states maintained by feedbacks are notoriously difficult, if not impossible, to reverse. Although positive interactions that modify soil conditions may have the greatest potential to alter self-reinforcing feedbacks, the conditions leading to these state change reversals have not been resolved. In a 9-yr study, we modified horizontal connectivity of resources by wind or water on different geomorphic surfaces in an attempt to alter plant-soil feedbacks and shift woody-plant-dominated states back toward perennial grass dominance. Modifying connectivity resulted in an increase in litter cover regardless of the vector of transport (wind, water) followed by an increase in perennial grass cover 2 yr later. Modifying connectivity was most effective on sandy soils where wind is the dominant vector, and least effective on gravelly soils on stable surfaces with low sediment movement by water. We found that grass cover was related to precipitation in the first 5 yr of our study, and plant-soil feedbacks developed following 6 yr of modified connectivity to overwhelm effects of precipitation on sandy, wind-blown soils. These feedbacks persisted through time under variable annual rainfall. On alluvial soils, either plant-soil feedbacks developed after 7 yr that were not persistent (active soils) or did not develop (stable soils). This novel approach has application to drylands globally where desertified lands have suffered losses in ecosystem services, and to other ecosystems where connectivity-mediated feedbacks modified at fine scales can be expected to impact plant recovery and state change reversals at larger scales, in particular for wind-impacted sites.
International Megan's Law as Compelled Speech

"The bearer was convicted of a sex offense against a minor, and is a covered sex offender pursuant to 22 United States Code Section 212b(c)(l)." International Megan's Law (IML), passed in 2016, pro...
The SAFE-T upper endoscopy tool: a web-based application for the point-of-care evaluation of gastroenterology fellow performance in upper endoscopy

Background Attending assessment is a critical part of endoscopic education for gastroenterology fellows. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a concise, web-based assessment tool to evaluate real-time fellow performance in upper endoscopy. Methods We developed the Skill Assessment in Fellow Endoscopy Training (SAFE-T) upper endoscopy tool to capture both summative and formative feedback in a concise, five-part questionnaire. The tool mirrors the previously validated SAFE-T colonoscopy tool and is administered electronically via a web-based application. We evaluated the tool in a prospective study of 15 gastroenterology fellows (5 fellows each from Years 1-3 of training) over the 2018-2019 academic year. An independent reviewer evaluated a subset of these procedures and completed both the SAFE-T and Assessment of Competency in Endoscopy (ACE) upper endoscopy forms for reliability testing. Results Twenty faculty completed 413 SAFE-T evaluations of the 15 fellows in the study. The mean SAFE-T overall score differentiated each sequential fellow year of training, with first-year cases having lower performance than second-year cases (3.31 vs 4.25, P < 0.001) and second-year cases having lower performance than third-year cases (4.25 vs 4.56, P < 0.001). The mean SAFE-T overall score decreased with increasing case-complexity score, with straightforward compared with average cases (3.98 vs 3.39, P < 0.001) and average compared with challenging cases (3.39 vs 2.84, P = 0.042). In dual-observed procedures, the SAFE-T tool showed excellent inter-rater reliability with a Kappa agreement statistic of 0.815 (P = 0.001). The SAFE-T overall score also highly correlated with the ACE upper endoscopy overall hands-on score (r = 0.76, P = 0.011). Conclusions We developed and validated the SAFE-T upper endoscopy tool-a concise and web-based means of assessing real-time gastroenterology fellow performance in upper endoscopy.
Depth range reduction for 3D range geometry compression

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement devices and techniques are being rapidly adopted within a variety of industries and applications. As acquiring 3D range data becomes faster and more accurate it becomes more challenging to efficiently store, transmit, or stream this data. One prevailing approach to compressing 3D range data is to encode it within the color channels of regular 2D images. This paper presents a novel method for reducing the depth range of a 3D geometry such that it can be stored within a 2D image using lower encoding frequencies (or a fewer number of encoding periods). This allows for smaller compressed file sizes to be achieved without a proportional increase in reconstruction errors. Further, as the proposed method occurs prior to encoding, it is readily compatible with a variety of existing image-based 3D range geometry compression methods.
Educational Travel for First-Generation Students:

Research on educational travel has shown significant student outcomes for personal, academic, and professional growth. However, there are financial and cultural barriers that make it harder for som...
Dietary Vitamin B 12 Reduces Amyloid-β Proteotoxicity by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder with no effective treatment. Diet, as a modifiable risk factor for AD, could potentially be targeted to slow disease onset and progression. However, complexity of the human diet and indirect effects of the microbiome make it challenging to identify protective nutrients. Multiple factors contribute to AD pathogenesis including amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Here we used Caenorhabditis elegans to define the impact of diet on Aβ proteotoxicity. We discovered that dietary vitamin B12 alleviated mitochondrial fragmentation, bioenergetic defects, and oxidative stress, delaying Aβ-induced paralysis without affecting Aβ accumulation. Vitamin B12 had this protective effect by acting as a cofactor for methionine synthase rather than as an antioxidant. Vitamin supplementation of B12 deficient adult Aβ animals was beneficial, demonstrating potential for vitamin B12 as a therapy to target pathogenic features of AD triggered by both aging and proteotoxic stress.
Implementation of Beamforming a Circularly Polarized Radiation Pattern on 3D Random Arrays

In this work, a circularly polarized beamforming technique is demonstrated on 3D random arrays to preliminarily emulate a wireless phased array morphing in the air. Sixteen linearly polarized patch antennas acted as swarming radiators, and each antenna was positioned randomly in a 3D volume. The experiment was conducted in an anechoic chamber to alleviate multipath effects, and the measured results were benchmarked using simulations to verify the fidelity of the beamforming algorithm.
In Vitro Study of Blood Clot Identification and Composition Assessment by Different Magnetic Resonance Sequences.

Background Growing data suggest that clot composition can impact revascularization outcomes and can potentially guide treatment strategies for stroke patients with large vessel occlusion. We performed an in vitro study to determine which magnetic resonance (MR) signaling characteristics correlate with clot compositions. Methodology A total of 25 clot analogs were prepared by mixing human plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) with five different combinations (five samples for each combination), namely, Group A, fibrin-rich (95% plasma:5% RBCs); Group B, fibrin-rich (75% plasma:25% RBCs); Group C, intermediate (50% plasma:50% RBCs); Group D, RBC-rich (25% plasma:75% RBCs), and Group E, RBC-rich (5% plasma:95% RBCs). The prepared samples were then scanned with quantitative T2* mapping, T2 fast spin-echo (FSE), T2 gradient-echo (GRE), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and susceptibility-weighted angiography (SWAN). Thrombus-T2* relaxation time (TT2*RT) and signal intensity (SI) from different scanning sequences were measured in all groups. SIs between different groups were compared using a one-way analysis of variance. Correlation between TT2*RT and SI was determined using the Pearson correlation test. Results The average TT2*RT decreased from 126 ms to 37 ms from fibrin-rich to RBC-rich clots (Groups A to E). Mean SIs of Groups D and E were lower than Groups A, B, and C on T2 mapping, T2 FSE, T2 GRE, FLAIR, and SWAN images (p < 0.00001). TT2*RT and SI were positively correlated on T2 mapping (R = 0.9628, p = 0.009). Conclusion Different compositions of blood clots can show different TT2*RT and SI on MR imaging. Quantitative T2* mapping and multicontrast MR scanning can help in the characterization of clots causing large vessel occlusion, which is useful to establish treatment strategies for stroke patients.
Air Passenger Routes in Hub and Spoke Networks

Deregulation of the U.S. domestic airline industry has undeniably created vast changes in both the structure of the industry's networks and in the manner in which passengers arrange their travel patterns. Dr. Song explores some of the aspects of the impact of the reorganization of the domestic network from one that was heavily regulated and fostered a direct-flights structure to one that is highly structured hierarchically, the hub and spoke system.
MODIFICATION OF DIRECTIONAL WAVE NUMBER SPECTRA BY CURRENTS IN THE WAKE OF A SURFACE SHIP

The modification of directional wave number spectra by currents in the wake of a surface ship is examined as a possible cause for the long, narrow region of relatively calm water observed aft of the ship. This region is also seen in radar studies of ship wakes as a suppression of the radar return relative to the radar return from the ambient background. An analysis of the modifications is developed and applied to predicting the radar contrast signature of the wake of a cruiser. The surface wake currents are obtained from computer simulations and model basin tests of a similar vessel. The predictions are compared with quantitative measurements of the radar contrast signature of the cruiser's wake as determined from an L- band synthetic aperture radar. It is found that the wake currents decay much too rapidly aft of the ship to account for either the magnitude or extent of the measured contrast signature of the calm water region.
RECOMBINANT PULMONARY SURFACTANT PROTEIN D : POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATION AND MOLECULAR ASSEMBLY

Pulmonary surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a member of a family of collagenous C-type lectins that includes the serum mannose binding proteins and surfactant protein A. Recent studies have shown that rat SP-D (rSP-D) molecules are assembled as tetramers of trimeric subunits (12 mers) and that dodecamers can participate in higher orders of molecular assembly involving interactions of the amino-terminal peptide domains. In order to further study the assembly of SP-D in vitro, Chinese hamster ovary K1 cells were transfected with a full-length rat SP-D cDNA, and stable transfectants with high levels of SP-D production (approximately 6 x 10(6) dodecamers/cell/24 h) were obtained using a glutamine synthetase selection system. The secreted molecules (RrSP-D), which were purified by affinity chromatography on maltosyl-agarose, comigrated with rSP-D on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence and absence of reduction, and coeluted with rSP-D dodecamers from 4% agarose. The major bacterial collagenase-resistant peptide showed a decreased mobility on reduction consistent with the formation of intrachain disulfide bonds. A 17-kDa pepsin-resistant fragment was isolated following overnight digestion with pepsin at 27 degrees C, confirming the formation of a triple helical domain comparable in size and thermal stability to that of natural SP-D. The expressed protein contained sialylated endoglycosidase F-sensitive carbohydrate; amino acid analysis of acid and alkaline hydrolysates demonstrated essentially normal levels of hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine, and hydroxylysine-glycosides. Electron microscopic studies showed a molecular structure indistinguishable from lung SP-D, with a similar small subpopulation of molecules showing higher orders of multimerization. Solid-phase neoglycoprotein binding assays gave the same saccharide inhibition profile as natural rat SP-D, and both proteins showed efficient saccharide-dependent agglutination of Escherichia coli. These studies demonstrate that a single genetically distinct chain type can account for the various and complex molecular assemblies of SP-D, and further verify the potential physiologic significance of the disulfide-bonded multimers and higher aggregates isolated from rat, bovine, and human lung lavage.
Point Defect Kinetics and Extended-Defect Formation during Millisecond Processing of Ion-Implanted Silicon

One challenge in successfully scaling the dimensions of the MOSFET transistor is in maintaining a highly activated ultrashallow p-type source/drain extension (p-SDE) region under the gate. Ion implantation introduces significant levels of damage and dopant that is not electrically active into the lattice. The thermal processing necessary to activate this dopant, while also limiting the dopant motion, is evolving. A high-power arc-lamp design has enabled millisecond annealing as an alternative to conventional rapid thermal processing, which operates on the timescale of seconds for ultrashallow junction formation. This chapter summarizes some investigations into the use of millisecond annealing to form a highly activated ultrashallow junction, while simultaneously minimizing diffusion. In order to minimize dopant motion the various mechanisms that lead to diffusion during millisecond annealing are discussed. Examples of how changing the proximity of the damage to the dopant, allow one to understand these mechanisms and the role of annealing temperature are presented. Finally, the mechanisms of postimplantation dopant activation are discussed. It is shown that it is critical to understand the interplay between dopants, point defects, extended defects and processing if one is to understand the evolution of ultrashallow p-type junctions.
Investigation of gamma-ray induced polymer formation in the carboranes—V: Structures of the products and mechanism of the radiolysis of 1-allyl-o-carborane

Investigation of the gamma-ray radiolysis of 1-allyl-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane-11, 1-allyl-o-carborane, indicated that it could be oligomerized with a DPn of five. It can be strongly inferred from the results of this work that the reactions involved are hydrogen atom initiated processes involving abstraction to form an allylic type radical and addition to form a propyl type radical. A concurrent stage of the reaction involves coupling of the allylic type radicals to give rise to seven different unsaturated dimer products. The oligomerization reaction involving the propyl type radical as the propagating species results in the formation of a saturated oligomer in a free radical chain process which is characterized by chain transfer. Both the dimer reaction and the oligomer process are terminated by bimolecular processes.
Laparoscopic versus open incisional hernia repair: a single-institution analysis of hospital resource utilization for 884 consecutive cases.

To analyze hospital resource utilization for laparoscopic vs open incisional hernia repair including the postoperative period. Prospectively collected administrative data for incisional hernia repairs were examined. A total of 884 incisional hernia repairs were examined for trends in type of approach over time. Starting October 2001, detailed records were available, and examined for operating room (OR) time, cost data, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day postoperative hospital encounters. Of the total, 469 incisional hernias were approached laparoscopically (53%) and 415 open (47%). Laparoscopic repair had shorter LOS (1 ± 0.2 days vs 2 ± 0.6 days), longer OR time (149 ± 4 min vs 89 ± 4 min), higher supply costs ($2,237 ± $71 vs $664 ± $113), slightly lower total hospital cost ($6,396 ± $477 vs $7,197 ± $1,819), and slightly more postoperative hospital encounters (15% vs 13%). Use of laparoscopy increased over time (37% in 2000 vs 68% in 2004). Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is becoming increasingly popular, and not at increased cost to the health care system.
Integrating Advanced Materials Simulation Techniques into an Automated Data Analysis Workflow at the Spallation Neutron Source

This presentation will review developments on the integration of advanced modeling and simulation techniques into the analysis step of experimental data obtained at the Spallation Neutron Source. A workflow framework for the purpose of refining molecular mechanics force-fields against quasi-elastic neutron scattering data is presented. The workflow combines software components to submit model simulations to remote high performance computers, a message broker interface for communications between the optimizer engine and the simulation production step, and tools to convolve the simulated data with the experimental resolution. A test application shows the correction to a popular fixed-charge water model in order to account polarization effects due to the presence of solvated ions. Future enhancements to the refinement workflow are discussed. This work is funded through the DOE Center for Accelerating Materials Modeling.
Bdellovibrio host dependence: the search for signal molecules and genes that regulate the intraperiplasmic growth cycle.

In 1962, while attempting to isolate bacteriophage from soil samples, Stolp and Petzhold (29) noted a number of odd plaques. Instead of taking hours to appear, these plaques took days to develop and continued to grow in size for more than a week. Intrigued, the investigators examined some of the plaque material under the light microscope
Effect of 13-norleucin motilin on water and ion transport in the human jejunum

Abstract Passage of the interdigestive migrating myoelectric complex through the proximal small bowel is associated with elevated plasma motilin levels and an increase in transmucosal potential difference suggesting altered ion transport. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether motilin may have an effect on intestinal water and ion transport. Steady state jejunal perfusion studies were carried out in healthy volunteers while either saline (control) or synthetic motilin (256 pmol/kg · h) was infused via peripheral vein. Plasma motilin levels rose from a mean of 31 to a plateau of 832 pmol/L. Motilin infusion significantly reduced absorption of water, sodium, potassium, and chloride when a plasmalike electrolyte solution was perfused. During perfusion with a bicarbonate-free salt solution, motilin significantly enhanced secretion of water, potassium, and chloride. Chloride secretion was active inasmuch as it occurred against both an electrical and chemical gradient. Motilin infusion had no effect on transit time during perfusion of the 30-cm jejunal test segments. We conclude that motilin can act as an intestinal secretagogue in the human jejunum.
Supercomputing with Reconfigurable Architectures

Recently, several research and commercial systems based on reconfigurable logic have been implemented. These machines have demonstrated supercomputer levels of performance for a number of algorithms. While these demonstrations have been impressive, it is not clear that architectures based on reconfigurable logic will necessarily be suitable for algorithms commonly executed on supercomputers. This paper discusses the implementation of Livermore Fortran Kernels for a supercomputer class machine based on reconfigurable logic.
Aggregates manufactured from waste materials

Aggregates can be produced from diverse waste materials such as fly ash, waste clay, foundry effluent, phosphate slime, and municipal refuse. Finely divided particulates are characterized for the ability to form an aggregate using either a rotary kiln or traveling grate sintering machine. If the material does not possess the required characteristics for making an artificial aggregate, various additives can he used to upgrade the processing parameters. Residues from incineration of municipal refuse can be used either upon separation and classification, or after incineration. Qualities for a good concrete aggregate are strength, particle shape to promote good workability, low water absorption, and chemical and physical stability.
Stereo feature matching in disparity space

A method is presented for matching, validating, and disambiguating features for stereo vision. It is based on the stereo matching algorithm of D. Marr and T. Poggio (1979) and W.E.L. Grimson (1981, 1985), which uses zero-crossing contours in difference-of-Gaussian filtered images as features. The matched contours are represented in disparity space, which makes the information needed for matched contour validation and disambiguation easily accessible. The use of disparity space also makes the algorithm conceptually cleaner than previous implementations of the Marr-Poggio-Grimson algorithm and yields a more efficient matching process. >
Force-based puncture detection and active position holding for assisted retinal vein cannulation

Retinal vein cannulation is a demanding procedure proposed to treat retinal vein occlusion by direct therapeutic agent delivery methods. Challenges in identifying the moment of venous puncture, achieving cannulation and maintaining cannulation during drug delivery currently limit the feasibility of the procedure. In this study, we respond to these problems with an assistive system combining a handheld micromanipulator, Micron, with a force-sensing microneedle. The integrated system senses the instant of vein puncture based on measured forces and the position of the needle tip. The system actively holds the cannulation device securely in the vein following cannulation and during drug delivery. Preliminary testing of the system in a dry phantom, stretched vinyl membranes, demonstrates a significant improvement in the total time the needle could be maintained stably inside of the vein. This was especially evident in smaller veins and is attributed to decreased movement of the positioned cannula following venous cannulation.
Characterization ofhitchhiker,a Transposon Insertion Frequently Associated with Baculovirus FP Mutants Derived upon Passage in the TN-368 Cell Line

Abstract We characterize a new Lepidopteran transposon associated with FP mutations of baculoviruses. This transposon, designated hitchhiker, is 579 bp long with 39-bp imperfect inverted terminal repeats. hitchhiker inserts with extreme specificity for a single trinucleotide target site, TTA, within the 25K gene. This transposon is the most frequently identified insertion in serial passage baculovirus mutants isolated from TN-368 cells.
Regeneration of somatic hybrid plants formed between Lycopersicon esculentum and L. pennellii

Somatic hybrid plants have been regenerated following polyethylene glycol mediated fusion of leaf mesophyll protoplasts from tomato and protoplasts from Lycopersicon pennellii callus. Three different cultivars of tomato were used as sources of protoplasts: Early Girl, Manapal, and UC82B. Fusions were performed between protoplasts of these tomato cultivars and protoplasts of L. pennellii, and between protoplasts of the cultivars and protoplasts of L. pennellii that had been exposed to 3 or 6 krads of gamma radiation. Somatic hybrid plants were identified on the basis of heterozygous isozyme banding patterns, and leaf and flower morphology. Somatic hybrid plants were regenerated following fusion of tomato protoplasts with either untreated or irradiated L. pennellii protoplasts. All were heterozygous for isozyme loci on five different chromosomes. Regenerated somatic hybrids showed inheritance of either or both parental chloroplast genomes, but predominantly the L. pennellii mitochondrial genome. The regenerated somatic hybrid plants exhibited reduced fertility, less than 20% viable pollen. A total of 34 somatic hybrid calli were identified. Of these, 21 regenerated shoots, and 7 produced seed following manual pollinations.
Physical Activity in Young Adults: A Signal Detection Analysis of Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2007 Data

Many young adults are insufficiently active to achieve the health benefits of regular physical activity. Using signal detection analysis of data from the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey, the authors examined distinct subgroups of 18–39 year-old adults who vary in their likelihood of not meeting physical activity recommendations. We randomly split the sample and conducted signal detection analysis on the exploratory half to identify subgroups and interactions among sociodemographic and health communication variables that predicted engaging in less than 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity (low physical activity). We compared rates of low physical activity among subgroups with similarly defined subgroups in the validation sample. Overall, 62% of participants did not meet physical activity recommendations. Among 8 subgroups identified, low physical activity rates ranged from 31% to 90%. Predictors of low physical activity were general health, body mass index (BMI), perc...
A REPRODUCING KERNEL THESIS FOR OPERATORS ON BERGMAN-TYPE FUNCTION SPACES

Abstract In this paper we consider the reproducing kernel thesis for boundedness and compactness for various operators on Bergman-type spaces. In particular, the results in this paper apply to the weighted Bergman space on the unit ball, the unit polydisc and more generally to weighted Fock spaces.
Generalized RANSAC Framework for Relaxed Correspondence Problems

Finding correspondences between two (widely) separated views is essential for several computer vision tasks, such as structure and motion estimation and object recognition. In the wide-baseline matching using scale and/or affine invariant features the search for correspondences typically proceeds in two stages. In the first stage a putative set of correspondences is obtained based on distances between feature descriptors. In the second stage the matches are refined by imposing global geometric constraints by means of robust estimation of the epipolar geometry and the incorrect matches are rejected as outliers. For a feature in one view, usually only one "best" feature (the nearest neighbor) in the other view is chosen as corresponding feature, despite the fact that several match candidates exist. In this paper, we will consider multiple candidate matches for each feature, and integrate this choice with the robust estimation stage, thus avoiding the early commitment to the "best" one. This yields a generalized RANSAC framework for identifying the true correspondences among sets of matches. We examine the effectiveness of different sampling strategies for sets of correspondences and test the approach extensively using real examples of hard correspondence problems caused by a large motion between views and/or ambiguities due to repetitive scene structures.
Male and Female Observers’ Evaluations of a Bullying Case as a Function of Degree of Harm, Type of Bullying, and Academic Level

Acting as disciplinary committee members, participants listened to a school bullying case that varied in terms of type (relational or verbal), degree of harm (low or high), and academic level of the victim and defendant (high school or university). Participants’ judgments (e.g., verdict, recommended sentence, seriousness, perceptions of both students) generally favored the victim when he experienced more rather than less harm, regardless of bullying type, and when the incident took place in a high school rather than a university. Additionally, women’s judgments supported the victim more than men’s. We propose that previous results suggesting that observers downgrade relational bullying occurred because no harm was specified. Moreover, we contend that observers relied on a “bullying schema” that includes the component that bullying occurs in primary and secondary schools, which led them to make less punitive judgments in the university case.
Impacts of calcium water treatment residue on the soil-water-plant system in citrus production

Long-term use of copper (Cu) based fungicides has accelerated Cu contamination in soils and subsequently its export to the environment. Field trials were conducted in representative commercial citrus groves in the Indian River area, South Florida to evaluate the effectiveness of calcium water treatment residue (Ca-WTR) for stabilizing Cu in soil and its subsequent influence on Cu loading in surface runoff and citrus growth. Soil and surface runoff samples were monitored over a 3-year period on two field sites under navel orange and Ruby Red grapefruit production. Soil amendment with Ca-WTR generally raised soil pH and soil available Ca, but decreased available Cu. The mean concentrations of Cu in surface runoff water were reduced by 36 % and 28 % for the navel orange and grapefruit site, respectively. The results of species distribution of Cu in the runoff water using MINTEQ indicated that the application of Ca-WTR decreased the concentrations of free Cu2+ by 61 % and 39 % for the two sites. Fruit quality and yields were improved, because of the improved nutrient availability and other soil conditions. The results indicate that in situ application of Ca-WTR may provide a cost-effective remediation method for the Cu-contaminated soils without affecting citrus production.
Altered membrane ionic permeability in a rat model of chronic renal failure

Altered membrane ionic permeability in a rat model of chronic renal failure. Acute elevations in intracellular adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations are known to increase ionic chloride permeability in diverse tissues. To determine if chronic endogenous increases in cAMP are associated with sustained alterations in membrane ionic permeabilities, renal cortical brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were prepared and red blood cells were harvested in a model of chronic renal failure, the 75% nephrectomized rat. Relative ionic permeabilities were determined using the potential-sensitive fluorescent probe 3,3′-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide [diS-C3-(5)]. These studies demonstrate that renal cortical homogenate and RBC cAMP concentrations are increased in chronic renal failure animals. In the same animals relative ionic chloride permeability (PCl/PK) was significantly increased in renal cortical BBMV and RBC ghosts: PNa/PK was not affected. This selective change in permeability results in a significant increase in PCl/PNa and hyperpolarization of BBMV of sufficient magnitude to stimulate Na + -dependent glutamine transport. The change in glutamine uptake was not consequent to an alteration in the kinetics of glutamine transport or delayed dissipation of the inward Na + gradient. Renal hypertrophy per se did not effect renal homogenate cAMP concentration or relative ionic permeability of renal cortical BBMV prepared from kidneys of uninephrectomized animals fed a 40% protein diet. These studies demonstrate that relative ionic chloride permeability and tissue [cAMP] are chronically increased in diverse cells (renal proximal tubule and RBCs) in a rat model of renal failure. These findings suggest that membrane ionic permeability may be altered and electrogenic transport secondarily perturbed in renal failure in association with hormonally-induced chronic elevations of intracellular cAMP concentrations.
Muy a tus órdenes: compliment responses among Mexican-American bilinguals

Recent work in the analysis of conversational discourse has included the study of compliment responses among English-speaking American monolinguals (Pomerantz 1978). This preliminary work suggests that compliment responses are subject to separate constraint systems that involve the receiver's obligation to respond to a compliment while at the same time avoiding self-praise.This paper examines compliment responses, within the framework provided by Pomerantz, in conversational interactions between bilingual Mexican-American speakers. The strategies used by these speakers are compared with those used by monolingual English-speaking Americans and with those used by monolingual Spanish-speaking Latin Americans.
Cystic central necrosis of transplanted pancreas

The computed tomographic (CT) findings in pancreas transplant rejection have been reported to include graft swelling and inhomogeneity. We report a patient with transplant rejection in whom the preoperative CT examination and specimen radiographs revealed large cystic structures within the pancreas. Cystic central necrosis has previously been reported in patients with pancreatitis, but here it is associated with transplant rejection.
AN ENTROPY-BASED FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD FOR THE ENERGY TRANSPORT SYSTEM

This paper is concerned with the spatial discretization of the energy transport model for charged particles. A finite difference method is given which dissipates the entropy of the system on the discrete level, thus exhibiting the correct long-time behavior of the solution. This method represents a generalization of the Scharfetter–Gummel exponential fitting method for the drift-diffusion system.
Transparent Nanocrystalline Pure and Ca-Doped MgO by Spark Plasma Sintering of Anhydrous Nanoparticles

Fully dense nanocrystalline MgO-based ceramics were consolidated by field and pressure assisted sintering (also known as Spark Plasma Sintering) using anhydrous nanosized powders (~5 nm) prepared by laser ablation and handled in a controlled, water-free environment prior to sintering. The high reactivity of the powders promoted excellent sinterability at relatively low temperatures. Highly transparent specimens were produced by sintering at 0.23–0.28Tm (650°C–800°C) for 15–30 min with good control over the final nanometric grain size. To preserve the nanocrystalline nature of the samples, the high temperature exposure time during sintering was reduced by the application of 300 MPa uniaxial pressure; higher pressure or two-step procedures did not provide extra benefits to densification or microstructural control.
Progressive familial cholestatic cirrhosis and bile acid metabolism

A family is described in which each of the three children, two girls and one boy, is affected by a progressive fatal cholestatic cirrhotic disorder. The disease started at 3 to 6 months of age with severe pruritus followed by an obstructive type of jaundice at 3 to 6 years of age; death occurred at 5 to 14 years of age. The histologic features consisted of centrilobular cholestasis followed by portal fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltrate, and finally cirrhosis. Abnormal bile acid metabolism may play an etiologic role. Lithocholic acid and its conjugates were present in abnormal concentrations in all body fluids tested; the synthesis rate of its precursor, chenodeoxycholic acid, was increased as shown by isotope dilution techniques.
Discovery of Some of the Biological Effects of Nitric Oxide and its Role in Cell Signaling

The role of nitric oxide in cellular signaling in the past 22 years has become one of the most rapidly growing areas in biology with more than 20,000 publications to date. Nitric oxide is a gas and free radical with an unshared electron that can regulate an ever-growing list of biological processes. In many instances nitric oxide mediates its biological effects by activating guanylyl cyclase and increasing cyclic GMP synthesis from GTP. However, the list of effects of nitric oxide that are independent of cyclic GMP is also growing at a rapid rate. For example, nitric oxide can interact with transition metals such as iron, thiol groups, other free radicals, oxygen, superoxide anion, unsaturated fatty acids and other molecules. Some of these reactions result in the oxidation of nitric oxide to nitrite and nitrate to terminate its effect, while other reactions can lead to altered protein structure, function, and/or catalytic capacity. These diverse effects of nitric oxide that are either cyclic GMP dependent or independent can alter and regulate important physiological and biochemical events in cell regulation and function. Nitric oxide can function as an intracellular messenger, an autacoid, a paracrine substance, a neurotransmitter, or as a hormone that can be carried to distant sites for effects. Thus, it is a unique simple molecule with an array of signaling functions. However, as with any messenger molecule, there can be too little or too much of the substance and pathological events result. Some of the methods to regulate either nitric oxide formation, metabolism, or function have been in clinical use for more than a century as with the use of organic nitrates and nitroglycerin in angina pectoris that was initiated in the 1870's. Current and future research with nitric oxide and cyclic GMP will undoubtedly expand the clinicians' therapeutic armamentarium to manage a number of important diseases by perturbing nitric oxide and cyclic GMP formation and metabolism. Such promise and expectations have obviously fueled the interests in these signaling molecules for a growing list of potential therapeutic applications.
Effects of milk replacer composition on growth, body composition, and nutrient excretion in preweaned Holstein heifers

Twenty-four newborn Holstein heifer calves were fed 1 of 4 milk replacers (MR): control (20% CP, 21% fat; MR fed at 441 g/d); high protein/low fat (HPLF; 28% CP, 20% fat; MR fed at 951 g/d); high protein/high fat (HPHF; 27% CP, 28% fat; MR fed at 951 g/d); and HPHF MR fed at a higher rate (HPHF+; 27% CP, 28% fat; MR fed at 1,431 g/d). Dry calf starter (20% CP, 1.43% fat) composed of ground corn (44.4%), 48% CP soybean meal (44.4%), cottonseed hulls (11.2%), and molasses (1.0%) was offered free choice. Heifers were obtained from a commercial dairy, blocked by groups of 8 in the order acquired, and randomly assigned to treatments within group. Upon arrival at the research farm, heifers were fed the control for 2 feedings. Treatments were imposed when heifers were 4 ± 1 d of age. Heifers were on study for 61 ± 1 d. Body weight and body size measures were taken weekly. Four-day total collection of feed refusals, feces, and urine was initiated at 57 ± 1 d of age. Heifers were slaughtered at the end of the collection period to evaluate body composition. Preplanned contrasts were used to compare control to all, HPLF to HPHF, and HPHF to HPHF+. Heifers fed the control diet consumed more starter than those fed other treatment diets, but their total dry matter intake and apparent dry matter digestibility were lowest. Fecal output was highest in heifers fed the control diet, whereas urine output and urine N excretion were lowest. Nitrogen intake and urine N excretion were greater for heifers fed HPHF+ compared with HPHF but were not affected by MR fat content (HPLF vs. HPHF). Retention (g/d) of N and P was greater in heifers fed all nutrient-dense diets compared with those fed the control diet, but was not improved by increasing fat in the milk replacer (HPLF vs. HPHF) or by increasing the amount fed. Addition of fat to the milk replacer (HPLF vs. HPHF) increased empty body weight fat content without improving average daily gain or frame measures. Increasing the volume fed (HPHF vs. HPHF+) increased growth rate and empty body weight, but HPHF+ heifers were neither taller nor longer and their carcasses contained more fat. Clear improvements in growth and nutrient retention were observed with more nutrient-dense diets, but most of the improvements were seen with the increased protein intake relative to the control MR; adding fat to the high protein MR did not further improve lean tissue gain.