cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the lower extremity in tetraplegia: case report.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) of the upper extremities has been reported to occur following complete and incomplete injuries of the cervical cord. Such reports describe the value of the three-phase radionuclide bone scan (TPBS) in differentiating RSD from pain of other sources. To our knowledge, RSD of the lower extremities has not been reported in a patient with tetraplegia. We report a case of lower extremity RSD in a patient with a complete traumatic injury of the cervical cord. The case illustrates the use of the TPBS to differentiate RSD from heterotopic ossification (HO) in the lower extremities. The successful use of the alpha-adrenergic blocker, phenoxybenzamine, in the treatment of RSD is described. Follow-up to 30 months has shown no evidence of recurrence, and complete resolution of the scintigraphic findings.
What’s new in neurological surgery

What's New in Surgery evolves from the contributions of leaders in each of the fields of surgery. In every instance the author has been designated by the appropriate Council from the American College of Surgeons'Advisory Councils for the Surgical Specialties. This feature is now presented in issues of the Journal throughout the year.
Peer Support of a Faculty “Writers' Circle” Increases Confidence and Productivity in Generating Scholarship

Rationale and Objectives Publishing is critical for academic medicine career advancement. Rejection of manuscripts can be demoralizing. Obstacles faced by clinical faculty may include lack of time, confidence, and optimal writing practices. This study describes the development and evaluation of a peer-writing group, informed by theory and research on faculty development and writing. Materials and Methods Five clinical-track radiology faculty members formed a “Writers' Circle” to promote scholarly productivity and reflection on writing practices. Members decided to work with previously rejected manuscripts. After members' initial meeting, interactions were informal, face to face during clinical work, and online. After the first 6 months, an anonymous survey asked members about the status of articles and evaluations of the writing group. Results Ten previously rejected articles, at least one from each member, were submitted to the Circle. In 6 months, four manuscripts were accepted for publication, five were in active revision, and one was withdrawn. All participants (100%) characterized the program as worth their time, increasing their motivation to write, their opportunities to support scholarly productivity of colleagues, and their confidence in generating scholarship. Conclusions Peer-support writing groups can facilitate the pooling of expertise and the exchange of recommended writing practices. Our peer-support group increased scholarly productivity and provided a collegial approach to academic writing.
Infrared reflectance spectra of asteroids - A search for water of hydration

Infrared reflectance spectra have shown the presence of an absorption feature in the 3-4 micron region for seven C and U asteroids. By comparison with laboratory spectra of terrestrial silicates and meteorites, it is concluded that this band is probably due to water in the form of hydrated salts and silicates (clay minerals), implying that the surface material of these asteroids may be analogous to the CI and CM carbonaceous chondritic meteorites. The presence of other hydrated minerals, however, cannot be ruled out. The depths of the water bands in the spectra vary from asteroid to asteroid, though no asteroid spectrum shows a band as deep as was detected on 1 Ceres. On four other C asteroids, no water band was detected. The implications of these observations for the mineralogy of these asteroids are discussed
Collective modes of ground and dark-soliton states of Bose–Einstein condensates in anisotropic traps

Collective modes of the ground and excited states of Bose–Einstein condensates are studied by numerical solution of the time-dependent Gross–Pitaevskii equation in three spatial dimensions. Scissors modes are studied by quadrupole excitation of the ground and excited states of 23Na condensates in a fully anisotropic magnetic trap. The frequencies of the collective modes for the ground state condensates are found to be in good agreement with previous linear response theory. New results are presented for the frequencies of the collective modes for excited state condensates which exhibit solitary density depressions. A key to the proper characterization of the wide variety of dark-soliton states in atomic condensates is the experimental observation of collective modes.
Rotational Atherectomy and Stent Implantation for Calcified Left Main Lesions.

Background: Left main coronary artery (LMCA) bifurcation and heavily calcified lesions are common and challenging to treat percutaneously. Rotational atherectomy (RA) may be beneficial in this setting to facilitate stent placement though direct supporting evidence is lacking. This study sought to analyze patients who underwent RA of the LMCA. Methods: Consecutive cases involving RA of the LMCA between 1/1/2004 and 12/31/2009 at a private, tertiary referral hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Medical records, angiograms and clinically driven follow-up were reviewed. Results: Thirty-one cases were identified (20 protected, 11 unprotected), including 23 with stent implantation (21 drug-eluting, 2 bare metal). All 31 lesions had moderate to severe calcification, 84% involved the distal segment. Mean burr-to-vessel ratio was 0.43. Overall angiographic success was 90% (28/31) and was higher with a drug-eluting stent versus no stent (100% vs. 62%; P = 0.0153). In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 1 patient (3%). Mid-term MACE occurred in 6 patients (26%) and tended to occur less frequently in patients with protected LMCAs (P = 0.0697). At final follow-up, patients were more likely to be alive and free from angina with a protected LMCA (94% vs. 57% unprotected; P = 0.0564) and with a drug-eluting stent (89% vs. 50% with no stent; P = 0.0281). Conclusions: RA of the LMCA to facilitate stent implantation appears to be safe and effective with favorable mid-term outcomes. In the setting of severe calcification and distal LMCA involvement RA and drug-eluting stent implantation should be considered. Cardiol Res. 2011;2(5):208-217 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/cr78w
A new technique for separation of coverglass substrate from epoxy-embedded specimens for electron microscopy

A simple and reproducible new technique for growing cells on coverglasses for subsequent epoxy embedding has been developed. Cleaned coverglasses are lightly sprayed with Teflon from a pressurized can and then heated at 250°C for 30 minutes. After sterilization, the treated coverglasses are ready for growing cells. When the growth reaches optimum, the monolayer cells attaching to the coverglass are fixed, dehydrated, and embedded into Epon or other plastics. Clean separation between the coverglass and embedding plastics can be assured by sudden cooling to liquid nitrogen temperature. In addition to monolayer cells, the technique is also applicable to the processing of frozen sections, fresh imprints, ascites cells, and squash preparations as well as blood and bone marrow smears. It allows preselection of cell components or cells for correlated light and electron microscopy and multiple sampling from a single culture flask or dish for time sequence or similar experiments. These and other advantages make the technique useful in modern electron microscopy.
Transaction support for indexed summary views

Materialized views have become a standard technique for performance improvement in decision support databases and for a variety of monitoring purposes. In order to avoid inconsistencies and thus unpredictable query results, materialized views and their indexes should be maintained immediately within user transaction just like indexes on ordinary tables. Unfortunately, the smaller a materialized view is, the higher the concurrency contention between queries and updates as well as among concurrent updates. Therefore, we have investigated methods that reduce contention without forcing users to sacrifice serializability and thus predictable application semantics. These methods extend escrow locking with multi-granularity (hierarchical) locking, snapshot transactions, multi-version concurrency control, key range locking, and system transactions, i.e., multiple proven database implementation techniques. The complete design eliminates all contention between pure read transactions and pure update transactions as well as contention among pure update transactions as well as contention among pure update transactions; it enables maximal concurrency of mixed read-write transactions with other transactions; it supports bulk operations such as data import and online index creation; and it provides recovery for transaction, media, and system failures.
Conservative management of giant omphalocele with topical povidone-iodine and its effect on thyroid function

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate topical povidone-iodine as a bridge to delayed fascial closure of giant omphaloceles with emphasis on its effect on thyroid function. Methods Newborns from a single institution with giant omphaloceles treated with topical povidone-iodine for a 10-year period were reviewed. Recorded data included sex, associated anomalies, length of stay, frequency of povidone-iodine application, thyroid function tests, frequency of laboratory draws, and thyroid supplementation administration. Results Six neonates with giant omphaloceles were treated with povidone-iodine. Thyroid function testing occurred weekly as inpatients and monthly as outpatients, with abnormal values normalized by the subsequent laboratory draw. One patient demonstrated persistent hypothyroidism and subsequently died secondary to cardiac complications, but this infant's newborn thyroid screening suggested congenital hypothyroidism. Five patients remained euthyroid and ultimately achieved fascial closure without the need for a prosthetic implant. None of these patients had abnormal outpatient thyroid tests nor did they require thyroid hormone supplementation. Conclusion Topical povidone-iodine promotes escharification and epithelialization of the omphalocele sac. Because transient hypothyroidism may occur, thyroid function studies may guide inpatient therapy. After sac desiccation, systemic effects of iodine are minimal and thyroid supplementation is not necessary. Topical povidone-iodine is an effective initial strategy for giant omphaloceles and does not produce clinically significant hypothyroidism.
The Thomas Theorem and The Matthew Effect

A partir de l'exemple du theoreme de Thomas ( « si les hommes definissent des situations comme reelles, elles sont reelles dans leurs consequences » ), et de son utilisation dans les sciences sociales, l'A. aborde plusieurs problemes importants de la sociologie de la science, en particulier le « phenomene de la citation partielle » . Quelles normes et quels usages existent en matiere de citation ? Le fait que seul W. I. Thomas soit generalement cite, et non Dorothy Swaine Thomas, releve-t-il d'un comportement sexiste ? Peut-on egalement parler d'un « effet Matthew » (qui se traduit par un renforcement de la notoriete des universitaires les plus renommes) ? L'A. repond a ces questions en produisant notamment des documents d'une serie d'echanges epistolaires
Mental health needs of urban children

Abstract The study goals were to determine the need for mental health services and the factors that best predicted receipt of services in a sample of urban, primarily minority children. A sample of 339 children and their caretakers (220 maltreated and 109 comparison) completed multiple measures of functioning and service use. The analysis found significantly different rates of needs and services in the two groups. While 55.3% of the maltreated children met the need for services, only 26.6% of the comparison children did. In the maltreated group, 62.2% of those meeting the need received services while 0% of the comparison children did. The logistic regression analysis found that being a child welfare client was the best predictor of receiving services. Also predicting service receipt was the relationship of the caretaker to the child (with relative caregivers more likely to receive services than biological parents) and the Total Problem score on the Child Behavior Checklist. Race/ethnicity did not predict service receipt. Type of abuse was not a predictor. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Memory system energy (poster session): influence of hardware-software optimizations

Memory system usually consumes a significant amount of energy in many battery-operated devices. In this paper, we provide a quantitative comparison and evaluation of the interaction of two hardware cache optimization mechanisms (block buffering and sub-banking) and three widely used compiler optimization techniques (linear loop transformation, loop tiling, and loop unrolling). Our results show that the pure hardware optimizations (eight block buffers and four sub-banks in a 4K, 2-way cache) provided up to 4% energy saving, with an average saving of 2% across all benchmarks. In contrast, the pure software optimization approach that uses all three compiler optimizations, provided at least 23% energy saving, with an average of 62%. However, a closer observation reveals that hardware optimization becomes more critical for on-chip cache energy reduction when executing optimized codes.
Beyond Empiricist Political Geography: A Comment On Van Der Wusten And O'Loughlin

(1987). Beyond Empiricist Political Geography: A Comment On Van Der Wusten And O'Loughlin. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 39, No. 2, pp. 196-197.
On The Politics of Exile

The promise of Elizabeth Dauphinee’s The Politics Of Exile lies most prominently in its ability to exile us from an international relations scholarship trapped in an economy of colonial truth. It i...
Low Dose Oxidative Stress Induces Mitochondrial Damage in Hair Cells

Oxidative stress has been implicated as a cause of hair cell damage after ischemia reperfusion injury, noise trauma, and ototoxic injury. Oxidative stress can induce both apoptosis or necrosis depending on the degree of exposure. To study how reactive oxygen species (ROS) interacts with hair cells, we have developed an in vitro model of oxidative stress using organ of Corti cultures exposed to physiologically relevant concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H(2) O(2) ). Treatment of organ of Corti cultures with low concentrations of H(2) O(2) results in loss of outer hair cells in the basal turn of the explant. Higher concentrations of peroxide result in more extensive outer hair cell injury as well as loss of inner hair cells. Early outer hair cell death appears to occur though apoptosis as demonstrated by staining of activated caspase. The effect of oxidative stress on mitochondrial function is a key determinant of degree of damage. Oxidative stress results in reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduction of mitochondrial produced antioxidants. Low doses of oxidative stress induce changes in mitochondrial gene expression and induce mitochondrial DNA deletions. Recurrent oxidative stress or inhibition of mitochondrial function significantly enhanced hair cell death. This tissue culture model of oxidative hair cell injury maintains a pattern of injury similar to what is observed in vivo after oxidative injury and can be used to study the effects of ROS on hair cells over the time period of the culture.
Strategies for Simulating Flow Through Low-Pressure Turbine Cascade

Laminar separation on the suction side of low-pressure turbine blades at low Reynolds number operating conditions deteriorates overall engine performance and has to be avoided. This requirement affects the blade design and poses a limitation on the maximum permissible blade spacing. Better understanding of the flow physics associated with laminar separation will aid in the development of flow control techniques for delaying or preventing flow separation. Simulations of low-pressure turbine flows are challenging as both unsteady separation and transition are present and interacting. Available simulation strategies have to be evaluated before a well-founded decision for the choice of a particular simulation strategy can be made. With this in mind, this paper provides a comparison ofdifferent flow simulation strategies: In particular, "coarse grid" direct numerical simulations, implicit large-eddy simulations, and simulations based on a hybrid turbulence modeling approach are evaluated with particular emphasis on investigating the dynamics of the coherent structures that are generated in the separated flow region and that appear to dominate the entire flow. It is shown that in some instances, the effect of the dominant coherent structures can also be predicted by unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes calculations.
Characterizing head motion in three planes during combined visual and base of support disturbances in healthy and visually sensitive subjects

Abstract Multiplanar environmental motion could generate head instability, particularly if the visual surround moves in planes orthogonal to a physical disturbance. We combined sagittal plane surface translations with visual field disturbances in 12 healthy (29–31 years) and 3 visually sensitive (27–57 years) adults. Center of pressure (COP), peak head angles, and RMS values of head motion were calculated and a three-dimensional model of joint motion was developed to examine gross head motion in three planes. We found that subjects standing quietly in front of a visual scene translating in the sagittal plane produced significantly greater ( p p p p
Toward Models of Power Development in Exchange Networks

Much research on power development in exchange networks has demonstrated the effect of an actor's structural location on the exchange outcomes s/he experiences, without explicit attention to the process by which exchanges are completed. Our concern is with this process and, in particular, with the evaluation of some theoretical models of such negotiations. Observations of negotiations in two contrasting network exchange structures form the empirical basis for the examination of ideas from “resistance” theory, proposed by Heckathorn (1980) and Willer (1981), and simulation models built on simple actor decision strategies. We find that resistance ideas are consistent with gross differences in negotiation patterns in the two structures and that at least some aspects of differences in negotiation can be accounted for by simple random activity channeled by network-based constraints on actors' opportunity sets.
Spinel-bearing spherules condensed from the Chicxulub impact-vapor plume

Formation of the giant Chicxulub crater off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula coincided with deposition of the global Ir-rich Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) stratigraphic boundary layer at ca. 65 Ma. The boundary is marked most sharply by abundant spherules containing unaltered grains of magnesioferrite spinel. Here we predict for the first time the sequential condensation of solids and liquids from the plume of vaporized rock expected from oblique K-T impacts. We predict highly oxidizing plumes that condense silicate liquid droplets bearing spinel grains whose compositions closely match those marking the actual boundary. Systematic global variations in spinel composition are consistent with higher condensation temperatures for spinels found at Atlantic and European sites than for those in the Pacific.
Sensitive enantiomeric separation of aliphatic and aromatic amines using aromatic anhydrides as non-chiral derivatizing agents

New pre-column derivatizing reagents: phthalic anhydride, 3-nitrophthalic anhydride, diphenic anhydride, 1,8-naphthalic anhydride and diphenylmaleic anhydride have been developed for resolving chiral compounds having amine groups. Although all of these agents produce derivatives with high molar absorptivities, the later two also fluoresce. Upon derivatization, aromatic analytes containing free carboxylic groups are produced. Both of these moieties enhance chiral recognition on cyclodextrin-based columns. The derivatization reaction is carried out at room temperature by shaking a buffered aqueous solution of a sample with an acetonitrile solution of the reagent. The reaction is fast and proceeds without any detectable racemization. The labeled compounds have favorable chromatographic properties which are demonstrated by resolution of a number of chiral compounds on cyclodextrin-bonded phases operated with non-aqueous polar organic eluents. The selectivity and good efficiency of this system contributes to its high sensitivity and in its applicability for detecting low levels of enantiomeric impurities. The detection limit is in the picomole range and less than 0.1% enantiomeric impurities can be determined in some cases.
A fully automated algorithm for the segmentation of lung fields on digital chest radiographic images.

A completely automated algorithm is presented which is capable of identifying both the right‐ and left‐lung fields on digitized chest radiographic images. The algorithm is tested on a sample of 802 chest images against lung fields drawn by a human observer. The average accuracies are found to be 0.957±0.003 and 0.960±0.003 for right‐ and left‐lung regions, respectively. To put them into perspective, the results are compared to several other simple segmentation techniques. These include a comparison of two sets of lung fields drawn by the human observer at different times which yielded accuracies of 0.967±0.005 and 0.967±0.004 for right‐ and left‐lung regions, respectively.
Studies on the fractionation of transforming deoxyribonucleic acid of pneumococcus I. Recovery and dose-desponse relationships☆

Abstract Evidence is presented that pneumococcal transforming DNA is not degraded by chromatography on columns of the cellulose derivative anion-exchanger ECTEOLA. Essentially all of the mannitol- and penicillin-transforming activities added to the column were recovered in the column eluates, although more streptomycin-transforming activity was recovered than was apparent in the original, unfractionated DNA. The results obtained by determining the transforming activity-dose response curves of selected fractions have been interpreted as indicating that DNA-induced transformation to streptomycin-resistance in pneumococci can be a property of DNA molecules which vary intrinsically in relative transforming ability. The transforming activities were not restricted to any one chromatographic peak or region, but were present in several DNA fractions which had been obtained with eluting solutions of widely varying ionic strength and pH.
Unusual conical intersections in the Jahn-Teller effect: The electronically excited states of Li3

Conical intersections of the 2 2E′ and 1 2A1′ states of Li3 are considered as a first step in the description of the excited state involved in the absorption at 14 583 cm−1. Quite novel results are obtained. In addition to the standard symmetry-required D3h seam of conical intersection, C2v symmetry-allowed seams are found and their locus determined as a function the symmetric stretch coordinate. The C2v seams of conical intersection intersect the D3h conical intersection seam at two distinct points producing two heptafurcations of the D3h seam. The locus of the C2v conical intersection points is explained in terms of a quadratic Jahn–Teller model. The overall geometric phase effect associated with the D3h and C2v conical intersections is well described using a previously suggested phase factor deduced from molecular properties. In addition to these conical intersections an intersection of the 1 2A1′ and 2 2E′ is states is located.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization of a bacterial artificial chromosome

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of a 130 kilobase cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone containing a high proportion of single-copy DNA produced a large pair of FISH signals on the distal end of the long arm of a pair of chromosomes of the D-genome species G. raimondii Ulbr. and produced a fainter pair of signals on a small submetacentric pair of chromosomes of the A-genome species G. herbaceum L. The signals were syntenic with a nucleolar organizer region in G. raimondii and G. herbaceum. Signal pairs were easily recognized in interphase and metaphase cells either with or without suppression of repetitive sequences with unlabeled G. hirsutum C0t-1 DNA. High quality FISH results were consistently obtained and image analysis was not required for viewing or photography. Results indicate that FISH of BAC clones is an excellent tool for the establishment of new molecular cytogenetic markers in plants and will likely prove instrumental in the development of useful ...
Adenylate cyclase activity in fetal rabbit myocardium.

ABSTRACT: Adenylate cyclase activity [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] was determined in vitro in fetal rabbit myocardial membranes from individual fetal pups at 21 to 31 days gestation (term, 31 days). Basal and NaF-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities did not change during 21-31 days gestation. Significant stimulation of the enzyme by l-isoproterenol was observed only in the presence of guanosine triphosphate (100 μM). Under these conditions, maximal adenylate cyclase stimulation by lisoproterenol (100 μM) was significantly higher at 25–31 than at 21 days gestation. Moreover, EC50 (Kact) for l-isoproterenol at 25–31 days was significantly lower than at 21 days gestation. We conclude that, in fetal rabbit myocardial membranes, there is an increase in the sensitivity of adenylate cyclase stimulation by l-isoproterenol from 21 to 25–31 days gestation
Optimization of Solid Fat Content and Crystal Properties of a trans-Free Structured Lipid by Blending with Palm Midfraction

The optimization of solid fat content (SFC) and crystal properties of trans-free structured lipids (SL) synthesized by incorporating stearic acid into canola oil was investigated. The SLs were blended with varying amounts of palm midfraction (PMF). The SFC and crystal polymorphism were improved. The addition of sucrose stearate (S-170), sorbitan tristearate (STS), and distilled monoglycerides (DMG) to one of the blends, SL40:PMF (70:30, w/w), did not improve crystal polymorphism but had significant effects on crystal morphology. The emulsifiers significantly delayed crystal growth, resulting in smaller crystal sizes as compared to the control. They were unable to inhibit the formation of granular crystals (30−140 μm), which are undesirable in margarine, after 4 weeks of storage at 0 °C. Blends treated with S-170 and STS showed many small evenly distributed crystals interspersed with large crystal aggregates (after 4 weeks of storage), whereas the blend treated with DMG and the control showed irregularly s...
Evaluation of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain

Abstract Results of treatment by acupuncture were evaluated by independent investigators. Of the 46 patients in the study having chronic pain, about half demonstrated improvement 6 months after treatment; although a greater number claimed initial improvement. Patients presenting with symptoms of arthritis had a better prognosis than others submitting to acupuncture while patients having had neurectomies had less amelioration of symptoms.
The Effects of Early Antibiotic Treatment Following Diagnosis of Mastitis Detected by a Change in the Electrical Conductivity of Milk

Mastitis was induced experimentally by infusion of Streptococcus uberis or Staphylococcus aureus into the mammary glands of lactating dairy cows. Clinical mastitis was identified when clots appeared in foremilk (conventional diagnosis) or was predicted by changes in the electrical conductivity of foremilk (early diagnosis). The responses to intramammary antibiotic treatment that was initiated after early diagnosis of mastitis and after conventional diagnosis were compared. Early treatment significantly limited the severity of the disease and, in many cases, prevented the appearance of any visible signs of infection. Milk yield was less depressed, and the somatic cell count (SCC) was lower, when treatment was initiated earlier. The SCC of the quarter at the time mastitis was predicted was approximately 2 x 10(6) cells/ml for both pathogens, which was significantly less than when clots appeared at conventional diagnosis, approximately 4 x 10(6) and 12 x 10(6) cells/ml for Staph. aureus and Strep. uberis, respectively. The time required for SCC to recover to < 4 x 10(5) cells/ml was significantly less, approximately half, for both pathogens following early detection and early initiation of treatment. When treatment was administered in response to early detection, the bacteriological and clinical cure was almost complete, and the amount of antibiotic used was < or = 50% less. Obvious benefits for milk yield and quality and the health of the cow would result when changes in the electrical conductivity of milk are used to predict clinical mastitis and when treatment is initiated early.
Selected testicular enzymes as biochemical markers for procarbazine-induced testicular toxicity

Single doses of procarbazine (MIH) were injected IP at 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight to CD-1 male mice. Activities of hyaluronidase, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-X, and the dehydrogenases of sorbitol, α-glycerophosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, malate, isocitrate, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate in the testes of the mice were determined and correlated with changes in spermatogenic cell types in seminiferous tubules. All enzyme activities were higher than controls or remained unchanged on days 10–20 after drug treatment. Activities of hyaluronidase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-X decreased significantly to below normal levels on day 30 after drug treatment for all doses, whereas those of the other five dehydrogenases remained significantly higher than controls. All enzyme activities approached control levels with the concomitant recovery of spermatogenesis by day 60 after drug treatment. Histological examination of seminiferous tubules revealed that premeiotic spermatocytes were significantly reduced on days 10–20 but reappeared on day 30 after MIH treatment (400 mg/kg). The postmeiotic spermatogenic cells were unaffected at the time of MIH treatment, but had disappeared completely on day 30 after drug treatment. MIH, at the highest dosage, selectively destroyed spermatogonia and premeiotic spermatocytes; however spermatozoa and elongated spermatides were unaffected. This study demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect of MIH on spermatogenesis could be evaluated via changes in testicular enzyme activities. The present studies demonstrated that hyaluronidase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-X could serve as useful biochemical markers for assessing testicular toxicity induced by drugs and chemicals.
Differential effect of maternal antibodies on efficacy of cellular and cell‐free Marek's disease vaccines

Summary The protective efficacy of cell‐free and cell‐associated turkey herpesvirus (HVT) vaccines against Marek's disease (MD) was determined by a quantitative protective dose 50% (PD50) assay in susceptible chicks from HVT‐vaccinated, MD‐exposed dams or from genetically comparable, isolation‐reared, specific pathogen free dams. Comparison within trials showed that cell‐associated and cell‐free vaccines were equally efficacious in chicks lacking maternal antibodies (median PD50s were about 1–4 plaque‐forming units (PFU) ). However, in chicks with maternal HVT/MD antibodies, PD50values were increased by 2‐ to 8‐fold for cell‐associated vaccine and by 15‐to 80‐fold for cell‐free vaccine. The apparent requirement in antibody‐positive chicks for greater doses of cell‐free than of cell‐associated vaccine to give 50% protection may be of practical importance in establishing the optimum number of PFU in a field dose.
The Chance a Flood Will BE Exceeded in a Period of Years

. Much has been written about the chance that a hydrologic event, such as a flood peak of a given size or greater, will occur during a given period of years. Four variables are involved, and any one of the four can be the dependent variable: (1) the probability of encountering such an event in a single year, (2) the probability of encountering one or several of these events in a period of years, (3) the least number of times of encountering the event in that period of years, and (4) the number of years in the period involved. Most of these problems are not difficult to solve, but they are tedious to calculate, not well understood, and consequently seldom used in water resources planning and development. The most popular approach is based on the binomial distribution. Graphical procedures similar to those developed by Riggs [1961] were further elaborated and are presented here with illustrative examples to facilitate their use in solving the many related problems. The confidence that one can place in these probability estimates is also explained and illustrated by tables and further examples. To help assure proper use of these methods, commonly used terms such as “recurrence interval” and “partial duration series” are discussed. No new theory is developed: at issue is a deeper understanding of the significance of design levels and their ease of computation.
Bias and expert testimony of mental health professionals in adversarial proceedings: A preliminary investigation

The role of mental health professionals testifying as expert witnesses has been the subject of increasing criticism. Cases in which opposing experts reach different conclusions are dismissed as “battles of the experts” and psychologists and psychiatrists are described as “hired guns.” This preliminary, analogue study examined the degree to which the opinions and testimony of mental health professionals may differ according to which side retains the expert. Results provided some support for the proposition that mental health professionals' testimony may vary according to the side by which they are retained.
Evolution mobile wireless communication and LTE networks

Mobile communications systems revolutionized the way people communicate, joining together communications and mobility. A long way in a remarkably short time has been achieved in the history of wireless. Evolution of wireless access technologies is about to reach its fourth generation (4G). Looking past, wireless access technologies have followed different evolutionary paths aimed at unified target: performance and efficiency in high mobile environment.
GAPs in Slit-Robo signaling.

Neuronal migration requires the integration of a number of diverse environmental cues and subsequent translation to specific responses such as directed cytoskeletal remodeling. Accurate knowledge of the signal transduction pathways linking activation of surface receptors to actin dynamics is necessary in order to understand the regulation of such processes. Activation of the Roundabout (Robo) receptor mediates a repulsive response in certain pioneering axons and migratory neurons. Recently, Wong et al have described a signaling link between Robo activation and specific GTPase activity that appears to regulate neuronal migration. A novel family of GTPase regulators, responsive to Slit-Robo engagement, has been identified and convincingly shown to alter the migration of neuronal cells. This study not only delineates a specific signaling route from guidance receptors to directed neuronal movement, but also offers clues towards potential regulatory mechanisms that ensure specificity of the Slit-Robo response.
Angular Distributions of Photoelectrons from H 2 : Effects of Rotational Autoionization

Fano's theory of photoabsorption by ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ near the ionization threshold is extended to yield photoelectron angular distributions above as well as between the ionization thresholds for alternative rotational states of the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ ion. In accordance with recent measurements, the angular distribution of direct photoionization is quite different depending on whether or not the ionization is accompanied by a rotational transition. In the autoionization range between rotational thresholds the angular distribution oscillates along each Rydberg line of the rotational autoionization spectrum, resulting in Beutler-Fano resonance profiles which depend strongly on angle of observation. The results are compared with available experimental data. Angular distributions provide very sensitive tests of the theory. The calculation may serve as a basis for extensions to electronic and vibrational autoionization processes.
Surface ‘Memory’ in a Carboy

TOWARD the close of a recent afternoon, we calibrated a cleaned, dry 5-gallon carboy by pouring in successive litres of distilled water. During the next morning, we found that the bottom 13 litre-levels had been ‘remembered’, these levels being precisely marked by the lines of gas bubbles shown in the photograph. We had not previously encountered the phenomenon, nor have we seen it described.
Introduction of a metric tensor into linearized evolution equations

Abstract Since particular solutions of nonlinear evolution equations are frequently uniformative, it is desirable to consider ensembles of solutions. The natural ensemble that is used in computational treatments is a tight bunch of realizations that can be calculated by linearizing around a given realization. It is useful to understand the details of linearization to the fullest extent. The evolution of the separation between realizations in phase space is an important result of the solutions of the linearized equations. Measurement of this separation requires the introduction of a metric, but the detailed form of the metric is not dictated by the problem at hand. Here the role of metrics in the linearized equations is thoroughly explored. In particular, the role of metrics in determining the stability of the numerical schemes that are used in the evolution of the linearized equations is discussed. Their stability is independent of the metric.
Chronic inorganic mercury exposure induces sex-specific changes in central TNFα expression: importance in autism?

Mercury is neurotoxic and increasing evidence suggests that environmental exposure to mercury may contribute to neuropathologies including Alzheimer's disease and autism spectrum disorders. Mercury is known to disrupt immunocompetence in the periphery, however, little is known about the effects of mercury on neuroimmune signaling. Mercury-induced effects on central immune function are potentially very important given that mercury exposure and neuroinflammation both are implicated in certain neuropathologies (i.e., autism). Furthermore, mounting evidence points to the involvement of glial activation in autism. Therefore, we utilized an in vivo model to assess the effects of mercury exposure on neuroimmune signaling. In prairie voles, 10 week mercury exposure (60 ppm HgCl2 in drinking water) resulted in a male-specific increase in TNFα protein expression in the cerebellum and hippocampus. These findings are consistent with our previously reported male-specific mercury-induced deficits in social behavior and further support a role for heavy metals exposure in neuropathologies such as autism. Subsequent studies should further evaluate the mechanism of action and biological consequences of heavy metals exposure. Additionally, these observations highlight the potential of neuroimmune markers in male voles as biomarkers of environmental mercury toxicity.
The effect of light on the respiration of retinas of several vertebrate and invertebrate species with special emphasis on the effects of acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid on the frog retina.

Abstract The excised, dark-adapted retinas of four vertebrates [bluegill fish (Lepomis macrochirus), leopard frog (Rana pipiens), white leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus), and the white laboratory rat (Rattus rattus)], and of one invertebrate (Octopus bimaculatus), were examined by electronic respirometry to test the effect of darkness and flicker light (10 flashes/sec) on oxygen uptake. In all cases but one, respiration in flicker light was lower than in darkness. The reverse was true in the octopus retina. Further experiments were performed on the frog retina which tested the effect of a number of compounds on respiration. Of those that are known to be present in retinas, 10 μ m - and 100 μ m -gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) decreased oxygen uptake to the level normally found in flicker light, and 10 μ m - and 100 μ m -acetylcholine (ACh) increased oxygen uptake to the level normally found in darkness. When the effect of various drugs was tested on respiration, both 100 μ m -d-Tubocurarine and atropine reversed the normal pattern of respiration, with the frog retinas absorbing oxygen faster in the light than in the dark. Eserine inhibited the effect of flicker light, and 3-pyrazolidone, the cyclic form of hydrazinopropionic acid a compound with structural similarity to GABA, had the same inhibitory effect as did GABA. On the strength of these data and observations reported in the literature, we suggest a possible mechanism for the regulation of respiration in darkness and light based on control by ACh and GABA. The normal respiratory photic effect was observed in the presence of 10 m m -aspartic acid, but ACh, GABA and atropine had no effect on either the PII or PIII components of the electroretinogram. We therefore conclude that the light-activated events to be seen on the electroretinogram cannot be caused by the respiratory changes that are induced in the retina by light or darkness. Their possible relationship to the visual process is discussed.
Simulations of the predose technique for retrospective dosimetry and authenticity testing

Abstract The predose technique of thermoluminescence (TL) for quartz has been used extensively for retrospective dosimetry and archaeological authenticity testing. In this paper, we use a previously published comprehensive kinetic model for quartz, to simulate the complete sequence of experimental steps taken during the additive dose and the multiple activation versions of the predose technique. The simulation results show how both versions of the predose technique can reproduce the paleodose received by the sample with an accuracy of 1–5% in the low dose region of 0–2 Gy. For doses greater than ∼ 2 Gy the non-linear dose dependence of the sensitivity of the “ 110 ∘ C ” TL peak causes significant inaccuracies in the technique. The solution of the kinetic differential equations elucidates several electron and hole processes taking place during the experimental predose procedure; these processes include the thermal transfer of holes from the Zimmerman hole reservoirs to the luminescence center, the radiation quenching of the TL sensitivity and the radiation-enhanced sensitivity of quartz samples. Specific numerical examples are given for samples exhibiting the thermal activation characteristics of “low- S 0 ” and “high- S 0 ” values. Quantitative results are presented for the effect of the test dose and of the calibration beta dose β on the accuracy of both versions of the predose technique. Results are also presented for the sensitivity of the predose technique to the natural variations of the hole concentrations in the luminescence center. Finally, the results of the predose technique simulations are compared with those from simulating the popular single aliquot SAR/OSL technique based on optically stimulated luminescence signals.
Absolute bounds on optimal cost for a class of set covering problems

We study the class of (m constraint,n variable) set covering problems which have no more thank variables represented in each constraint. Letd denote the maximum column sum in the constraint matrix, letr=[m/d]−1, and letZ g denote the cost of a greedy heuristic solution. Then we prove $$\begin{gathered} Zg \leqslant 1 + r + m - d - \left[ {mk \cdot MAX\left\{ {\frac{{2r}}{{2n - r - 1}},\ln \frac{n}{{n - r}}} \right\}} \right. \hfill \\ \left. { - kd \cdot MIN\left\{ {\frac{{r(r + 1)}}{{2(n - r)}},n \cdot \ln \frac{{n - 1}}{{n - r - 1}} - 1} \right\}} \right]. \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ This provides the firsta priori nontrivial upper bound discovered on heuristic solution cost (and thus on optimal solution cost) for the set covering problem. An example demonstrates that this bound is attainable, both for a greedy heuristic solution and for the optimal solution. Numerical examples show that this bound is substantially better than existing bounds for many problem instances. An important subclass of these problems occurs when the constraint matrix is a circulant, in which casem=n andk=d=[αη] for some 0<α<1. For this subclass we prove $$\mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } Zg/n \leqslant \frac{{\alpha ^2 }}{2}[1/\alpha ][1/\alpha ].$$
Exporting the Bomb: Why States Provide Sensitive Nuclear Assistance

Why do states provide sensitive nuclear assistance to nonnuclear weapon states, contributing to the international spread of nuclear weapons? Using a new dataset on sensitive nuclear transfers, this paper analyzes the determinants of sensitive nuclear assistance. I first describe a simple logic of the differential effects of nuclear proliferation, which I use to generate hypotheses about the conditions under which states provide sensitive nuclear assistance. I then show that the strategic characteristics of the potential nuclear suppliers are the most important determinants of sensitive nuclear assistance. Explanations that emphasize the importance of economic motivations do not find support in the data. This paper presents a new approach to the study of the spread of nuclear weapons, focusing on the supply side of nuclear proliferation.
Carbonate saturation dynamics during the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum: Bathyal constraints from ODP sites 689 and 690 in the Weddell Sea (South Atlantic)

Abstract Spatiotemporal patterns of carbonate dissolution provide a critical constraint on carbon input during an ancient (~ 55.5 Ma) global warming event known as the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), yet the magnitude of lysocline shoaling in the Southern Ocean is poorly constrained due to limited spatial coverage in the circum-Antarctic region. This shortcoming is partially addressed by comparing patterns of carbonate sedimentation at the Site 690 PETM reference section to those herein reconstructed for nearby Site 689. Biochemostratigraphic correlation of the two records reveals that the first ~ 36 ka of the carbon isotope excursion (CIE) signaling PETM conditions is captured by the Site 689 section, while the remainder of the CIE interval and nearly all of the CIE recovery are missing due to a coring gap. A relatively expanded stratigraphy and higher carbonate content at mid-bathyal Site 689 indicate that dissolution was less severe than at Site 690. Thus, the bathymetric transect delimited by these two PETM records indicates that the lysocline shoaled above Site 689 (~ 1,100 m) while the calcite compensation depth remained below Site 690 (~ 1,900 m) in the Weddell Sea region. The ensuing recovery of carbonate sedimentation conforms to a bathymetric trend best explained by gradual lysocline deepening as negative feedback mechanisms neutralized ocean acidification. Further, biochemostratigraphic evidence indicates the tail end of the CIE recovery interval at both sites has been truncated by a hiatus most likely related to vigorous production and advection of intermediate waters.