cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fractional brownian motion modelling of pressure fluctuations in multiphase flow systems

Multiphase flow systems lend themselves to a stochastic description due to their random behaviour. Fluidized beds and bubble columns are notable examples of such systems wherein random generation and coalescence of bubbles lead to pressure and density fluctuations. Analyses of these systems utilizing short-memory models based on Markovian assumptions have been widely reported. Nevertheless, a review of the available data and the results of preliminary experiments have indicated that the time series of pressure fluctuation signals from various multiphase flow systems exhibit a a long-term correlation. These signals appear to be better described by a long-memory model, specifically “fractional Brownian motion” (FBM) comprising fractional Gaussian noise (FGN). In the present work, pressure fluctuations in a gas-solid fluidized bed and a bubble column have been analysed and modelled by resorting to the relatively new concept of FBM. The stochastic model developed visualizes the bubble motion in a multiphase flow system to be composed of a random movement, generating irregular signals, and a linear movement, generating wave-like signals. Autocorrelation and spectral density functions have been derived from the model. Comparison between the model-based and experimentally determined autocorrelation functions has indicated that FBM is indeed a viable model for pressure fluctuations in multiphase flow systems.
Selected variation: the population‐level implications of multistage selection in entrepreneurship

This article examines the population level implications of microlevel theories of entrepreneurship. The actions of those who seek to organize opportunities, as well as the hurdles that they must overcome to successfully exploit them, give rise to an evolutionary multistage selection process. The article indicates that the consideration of selection events leads to a more complete understanding of the entrepreneurial process and how microlevel theories infl uence important outcomes in entrepreneurship. Other theoretical and empirical implications of staged selection for research in entrepreneurship are discussed. Copyright © 2008 Strategic Management Society.
Waves of Rural Brides: Female Marriage Migration in China

Conventional views on marriage migration consider it primarily family-related, and portray female marriage migrants as mostly passive, tied movers. Marriage as an economic strategy is seldom studied. We argue that a structural framework enables analysis of the complexities underlying female marriage migration, stressing institutional, economic, and sociocultural factors that impose constraints on and provide opportunities for women's mobility. A review of the historical and social roles of marriage in China shows that its transactional nature undermines women's status but offers disadvantaged women an opportunity to achieve social and economic mobility. Based on statistical analyses of a one-percent sample of China's 1990 Census, we show that peasant women in poor areas are constrained by their institutional positions, rural origins, and low education and status, shutting them out from cities and the urban labor market. Yet in the face of these constraints, many women, in exchange for economic opportuniti...
ESTIMATION OF DURATION INDICES FOR REPEATED TENSIOMETER READINGS

Regression analysis of repeated-measures data from plots in large experiments is both labor intensive and time consuming. When duration estimates characterizing each individual repeated-measures series are of interest, numerical integrations are possible alternatives. This note evaluates a trapezoidal rule for estimating a wetness duration index that is derived from repeated tensiometer readings of matric potential associated with plots in a recent soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] study. Tensiometer repeated-measures series were randomly selected from four of the treatments with their replications for a total of 15 plots (of 420 total) associated with a 2-yr experiment. Regression-based duration estimates were developed and compared with those derived using an unequally spaced trapezoidal rule. Equivalence between the two estimators was assessed based on multiple statistical analyses. The estimators were virtually identical by all criteria. The numerical method is faster and easier to employ. Furthermore, the concept can be applied to other repeated measurements, and the results may be useful as covariates in other analyses.
A two-dimensional, seasonal, energy balance climate model with continents and ice sheets: testing the Milankovitch theory

A simple seasonal, two-dimensional, energy balance climate model that contains an ice sheet model is forced by varying the orbital parameters. If a mechanism that enhances melting during ice sheet retreat is introduced, variations in ice volume resembling those deduced from oxygen isotope variations are predicted. Since the Milankovitch theory asserts that cool high latitude summers lead to the growth of ice sheets, a seasonal climate model with continents must be used to test the theory. An ice sheet model must also be included because the presence of an ice sheet leads to a large amplification of its own size. When all three of these ingredients are present in the model, very large ice sheets can be produced. A strong 100 kyr cycle is present only if a mechanism that enhances ice sheet collapse is introduced. Other predicted features of past climate variations, such as ocean temperature and sea ice variation, also resemble paleoclimate reconstructions from proxy data. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1984.tb00232.x
Silicone hydrogel lenses: Q&A with Bausch & Lomb and CIBA Vision

Abstract Both CIBA Vision and Bausch & Lomb responded independently to questions posed by the ICLC Editors. While some areas for corporate response were “off-limits” because of current litigation between the two corporations regarding patent issues, the interview offers a corporate perspective on development, characteristics, and future possibilities of silicone hydrogels. Consistently listing one company’s answers first was done to make reading easier and has no other significance.—Ed.
Power control of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been projected to be the fuel cell of choice for future automotive applications. Among the most challenging aspects of the this application is the occurrence of severe and frequent changes in power demand. However, set-point tracking in a PEMFC is complicated by the need to regulate many additional operating variables. In this work, a simplistic PEMFC model is used to illustrate the operational goals and challenges associated with power set-point tracking. Among the measures of performance, we find tracking response time, available power range, and energy conversion efficiency. Challenges range from stack cooling and oxygen starvation to membrane flooding and dehydration. In this work, a feedback structure is proposed to address these many facets of the PEMFC control problem.
Influence of soil fumigation on 2,4-D and dicamba carryover in fresh market tomato

Two field studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of soil fumigation on the soil persistence of 2,4-D and dicamba residues and their effect on growth and yield of polyethylene-mulched fresh market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). In both trials, treatments consisted of combinations of dicamba and 2,4-D doses applied on non-fumigated and methyl bromide plus chloropicrin-treated plots. Results showed that dicamba injury was greater than that caused by 2,4-D. The highest herbicide injury and crop yield losses occurred in fumigated than in the non-fumigated soil, which could be due to depletion of the population of microorganisms capable of degrading the herbicides.
Conditional Knockout of the Androgen Receptor in Gonadotropes Reveals Crucial Roles for Androgen in Gonadotropin Synthesis and Surge in Female Mice

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the major cause of infertility in reproductive aged women. Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with high circulating levels of androgens and impaired metabolic function. The goal of this study was to understand how androgen signaling via the androgen receptor (AR) affects reproductive function. We knocked out the AR gene specifically in pituitary gonadotropes (PitARKO) to explore the role of androgen on the development of reproductive function in female mice. There was no difference in the age of puberty between control and PitARKO littermates, which was assessed by the ages of vaginal opening and first estrus. Cyclicity and fertility were also studied, and there was no significant difference between control and PitARKO mice. We observed a significant decrease in basal FSH serum and mRNA levels with no corresponding change in LH serum and mRNA levels. Although the numbers of litters born to control and PitARKO females were the same, the litter size was significantly smaller for PitARKO mice. The LH and FSH responses to ovariectomy was altered with reduced LH/FSH hormone and mRNA levels in PitARKO females. This reduction may be due to reduced expression of activin A/B and gnrhr. The preovulatory surge levels of LH and FSH were dramatically lower in PitARKO mice. The number of corpora lutea was decreased whereas the number of antral follicles was similar between control and PitARKO mice. Overall the pituitary AR contributes to the elaboration of the LH surge and normal reproductive function by regulating LH/FSH expression and secretion.
Micro-electro-optical devices in a five-level polysilicon surface-micromachining technology

The authors recently reported on the development of a 5-level polysilicon surface micromachine fabrication process consisting of four levels of mechanical poly plus an electrical interconnect layer and its application to complex mechanical systems. This paper describes the application of this technology to create micro-optical systems-on-a-chip. These are demonstration systems, which show that five levels of polysilicon provide greater performance, reliability, and significantly increased functionality. This new technology makes it possible to realize levels of system complexity that have so far only existed on paper, while simultaneously adding to the robustness of many of the individual subassemblies.
Outcome of patients with periocular sebaceous gland carcinoma with and without conjunctival intraepithelial invasion.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the clinical findings, histopathologic features, methods of management, and outcomes in 25 patients with eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma with and without conjunctival intraepithelial (pagetoid) invasion. Participants Twenty-five patients with sebaceous gland carcinoma of the periocular region. Design Retrospective, observational case series. Methods The patients were divided into two groups: group A included those with sebaceous gland carcinoma with conjunctival intraepithelial (pagetoid) invasion, and group B included those with sebaceous gland carcinoma without conjunctival intraepithelial invasion. The demographic, clinical, and histopathologic features of sebaceous gland carcinoma were reviewed separately for each group. Ocular management results and systemic prognosis were reviewed. Results Of the 25 patients, 18 (72%) were females and 7 (28%) were males. The mean age at diagnosis was 65 years (range, 17–90 years). There were 11 patients (44%) in group A, and 14 (56%) in group B. The most common symptom in group A was ocular irritation (45%), and in group B the most common symptom was eyelid lump (86%). The most common sign in group A was diffuse eyelid thickening (72%), and in group B the most common sign was a distinct eyelid mass (43%). Six patients (55%) in group A, compared with one patient (7%) in group B, had both upper and lower eyelid involvement. The most frequent location of tumor epicenter was the outer third of the eyelid in both groups: 37% in group A and 57% in group B. Histopathologic origin of tumor was multicentric in four patients (36%) of group A and six patients (50%) of group B. Before referral, local recurrence had been found in 4 of 12 patients (33%) who underwent surgical treatment elsewhere. After referral, local recurrence was detected in 1 patient (9%) in group A and in 2 patients (14%) in group B. Orbital exenteration was necessary in 4 patients (36%) in group A and in one patient (7%) in group B. Tumor-related metastases occurred in two patients (18%) in group A and in two patients (14%) in group B. Conclusions Sebaceous gland carcinoma with conjunctival intraepithelial (pagetoid) invasion has different clinical features compared with that without pagetoid invasion. Conjunctival intraepithelial (pagetoid) invasion carries a higher risk for orbital exenteration, but the risk of tumor-related metastases is similar in both groups.
Anaerobic Mineralization of Vinyl Chloride in Fe(III)-Reducing, Aquifer Sediments

Within anaerobic aquifer systems, reductive dehalogenation of polychlorinated ethenes commonly results in the accumulation of vinyl chloride, which is highly toxic and carcinogenic to humans. Anaerobic reduction of vinyl chloride is considered to be slow and incomplete. Here, we provide the first evidence for anaerobic oxidation of vinyl chloride under Fe(III)-reducing conditions. Addition of chelated Fe(III) (as Fe−EDTA) to anaerobic aquifer microcosms resulted in mineralization of up to 34% of [1,2-14C]vinyl chloride within 84 h. The results indicate that vinyl chloride can be mineralized under anaerobic, Fe(III)-reducing conditions and that the bioavailability of Fe(III) is an important factor affecting the rates of mineralization.
Late abscess formation following indirect hernia repair utilizing silk suture

Inguinal hernia repair is the most common operation performed by pediatric surgeons. The critical portion of the operation is high ligation of the hernia sac, which is classically performed with silk suture. This foreign body has the potential to serve as a nidus for latent infection/rejection that may result in an abscess long after the operation. This complication has rarely been described in the literature. We have cared for six children who have presented with latent inguinal or pelvic abscesses following high ligation of the inguinal hernia sac with silk suture. The purpose of this report is to examine the varied presentations by which latent complications following herniorraphy may manifest. The pediatric surgeon should recognize that not every inguinal mass following a previous inguinal herniorraphy represents a recurrent hernia! A retrospective review of the charts of six patients with late abscess formation following antecedent inguinal hernia repair was undertaken. The details of the initial and operative endeavors were recorded with specific attention to the details of the initial operative hernia repair as well as the suture material utilized. Inguinal hernia repair continues to be the most common operation performed by pediatric surgeons. Utilization of braided, non-absorbable silk suture may result in latent abscess formation and the need for operative drainage of inguinal or pelvic abscess. Today, as other types of suture material are likely equally efficacious in the ability to effectively close the patent processus vaginalis, pediatric surgeons should consider utilizing non-braided, or absorbable suture material for high ligation of the indirect hernia sac to potentially prevent this complication.
Can the acoustic adaptation hypothesis predict the structure of Australian birdsong

The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) predicts that long-distance signals will be structured so as to maximize their transmission fidelity. Previous studies testing the hypothesis on birdsong have provided equivocal support. The best support comes from large-scale comparative studies and those studies where habitat is characterized as “open” versus “densely vegetated.” In the first case, sufficient statistical power is present to detect even small effects on song structure, whereas in the later case the “effect size” of the habitat may be sufficiently large. Most studies have focused on Holarctic or Neotropical species, which may ultimately share a common evolutionary history. In this study, Australian birds were chosen for a phylogenetically independent test of key predictions of the AAH. Specifically, birds in open habitats were predicted to sing songs with higher frequencies, greater bandwidth, have a greater probability of having overtones, and be emitted at a quicker rate than birds inhabiting densely forested habitats. Acoustic measurements were made on commercially available recordings of 121 species of Australian birds from 41 different families. Analyses controlled for variation explained by body mass (using ANCOVA), and phylogeny (using genus pairs analyses). We found only modest support for the AAH. Our finding that birds in open habitats produced higher frequency vocalizations and greater bandwidth vocalizations is also consistent with hypotheses about signal structure facilitating auditory distance assessment. Forest birds may therefore rely on cues other than frequency-dependent attenuation for ranging.
Consequences for Targets of Aggression as a Function of Aggressor and Instigator roles: Three Experiments

In three studies the amount of shock directed towards an opponent was assessed as a function of the subject's role, aggressor or advisor. Subjects when serving as aggressors (directly set shock for the target) directed less intense shock toward a nonprovocative target than when they were serving as advisors (instructed another individual to set the shock), whether vulnerable or invulnerable to attack. When the target was provocative there was no significant difference in the intensity of aggression as a function of the role change. Results were discussed in terms of vulnerability, potency of provocation, and role demands and expectations.
A prospective study of laparoscopic spinal fusion. Technique and operative complications.

Objective The authors hypothesized that anterior transperitoneal laparoscopic interbody fusion was feasible and safe. Summary background data Low back pain associated with degenerative disc disease is optimally treated with distraction of the disc space and permanent fusion of the adjacent vertebral bodies. Exposure usually is obtained by a posterior muscle-splitting incision. Although the posterior approach is effective, the procedure results in significant debility secondary to the muscle splitting incision, a 4- to 6-day inpatient hospital stay, and the loss of employment for 3 to 6 months after the procedure. Methods Twenty consecutive patients with discogenic back pain were prospectively treated with laparoscopic anterior lumbar instrumentation and fusion. The anterior L5-S1 or L4-L5 disc spaces were exposed laparoscopically. Distraction of the disc space and fixation were achieved by insertion of a threaded titanium cage packed with cancellous bone. Results Three technical complications occurred all in the first four patients and required two conversions to open transperitoneal fusion. Hospital stay for the patients treated by laparoscopic instrumentation and fusion averaged 1.7 days. Twelve of 20 patients reported excellent pain relief and returned to work in 3 to 8 weeks. No motion was identified in the 16 patients who obtained flexion extension radiographs at 6 months. Conclusions Laparoscopic transperitoneal anterior lumbar instrumentation and fusion is safe, and the early results are encouraging.
Heat shock protein 70 inhibits apoptosis in cancer cells through simultaneous and independent mechanisms.

Background & Aims Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are highly conserved and serve a multitude of functions that mediate cell survival. HSP70, the only inducible form of the 70-kilodalton subfamily of HSPs, is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells and has been shown to inhibit caspase-dependent apoptosis. We aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which HSP70 inhibits apoptosis in cancer cells. Methods HSP70 expression was down-regulated in cultured pancreatic cancer cells by exposure to quercetin, triptolide, or short interfering RNAs. Intracellular Ca 2+ , cytosolic cathepsin B activity, caspase-3 activity, cell viability, and lysosome integrity were measured using colorimetric assays. Immunofluorescence assays were used to localize cathepsin B and Lamp2. BAPTA-AM was used to chelate intracellular Ca 2+ . Results Inhibition of HSP70 increased intracellular Ca 2+ levels in pancreatic and colon cancer cell lines and led to loss of lysosome integrity in pancreatic cancer cells. The release of intracellular Ca 2+ and lysosomal enzymes activated caspase-dependent apoptosis independently and simultaneously. Conclusions HSP70 inhibits apoptosis in cancer cells by 2 mechanisms: attenuation of cytosolic calcium and stabilization of lysosomes. HSP70-mediated cell survival might occur in other types of cancer cells.
Statistics of integrated speckle pattern due to mixed coherent and diffused light

An approximate formula is given for the probability distribution of integrated speckle pattern that results from a mixture of coherent and diffused light. This is a modified version of a formula originally used by Horaket al. in the context of photoelectron counting theory. The modification is based on introducing a new parameter that accounts for the lack of perfect mixing between the two waves due to temporal or spatial misalignments.
Moment algorithms for blood vessel detection in infrared images of laser-heated skin

Abstract Block-detection and three-dimensional moment algorithms are applied to determine the presence and orientation of cylinders in a three-dimensional image. The proposed method detects blood vessels in a three-dimensional tomographic image constructed by infrared radiometry. Based on the moment principle, the method can be employed to determine the centroid, diameter, and orientation of arbitrarily shaped blood vessels for application in the laser treatment of hypervascular skin lesions.
Hyperactivity in the blind-anosmic female rat: Role of the pineal gland

Abstract Rendering female rats blind and anosmic increased locomotor activity and the defecation score in the open field running test. Pinealectomy or melatonin implants completely reversed the results for locomotor activity and partially reversed the results for defecation score.
Micro-channel plate as a parallel-bore collimator for soft X-ray imaging☆

Abstract We show that a micro-channel plate may be used as a parallel-bore collimator for imaging the soft X-rays emitted in laser-target interactions. Using Fe K radiation, we find experimentally that degradation of spatial resolution due to grazing-angle reflections is a negligible effect. A camera made of a commercially available micro-channel plate of 9 μm bore diameter can give spatial resolution better than 20 μm.
Basic Principles of Quantitative EEG

Principles of quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) relevant to neurotherapy are reviewed. A brief history of EEG, the general properties of human EEG, and the issues and obstacles associated with quantitative methods are discussed. Fourier analysis is also described.
Transport in Pulsatile Axisymmetric Stented Arterial Models From Location-Dependent Variations in Permeability and Mechanical Properties

Drug-eluting stents (DESs) perform their antiproliferative effects through the use of localized drug delivery. The delivery may be computationally modeled to determine efficacy of the DES-tissue system and utilizes coupled convective and diffusive transport. Since the movement of solutes through the wall is via the coupled effects of convective and diffusive transport, the relative influence of these factors provides insight into the governing forces of localized DES drug delivery [1].Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Inflation and unemployment in the share economy

Abstract This note first interprets Weitzman's monopolistic competition analogy to the share economy and considers the implications of this for the nature of “excess demand” in such an economy. The discussion then focuses on the effects of the real wage flexibility induced by sharing schemes. It is observed that Weitzman's analysis is entirely in terms of real, not nominal, variables. The note concludes with remarks on possible distributional conflicts in a share economy.
Conformational Changes during Normal and Error-Prone Incorporation of Nucleotides by a Y-Family DNA Polymerase Detected by 2-Aminopurine Fluorescence†

Y-family polymerases are specialized to carry out DNA synthesis past sites of DNA damage. Their active sites make fewer contacts to their substrates, consistent with the remarkably low fidelity of these DNA polymerases when copying undamaged DNA. We have used DNA containing the fluorescent reporter 2-aminopurine (2-AP) to study the reaction pathway of the Y-family polymerase Dbh. We detected 3 rapid noncovalent steps between binding of a correctly paired dNTP and the rate-limiting step for dNTP incorporation. These early steps resemble those seen with high-fidelity DNA polymerases, such as Klenow fragment, and include a step that may be related to the unstacking of the 5' neighbor of the templating base that is seen in polymerase ternary complex crystal structures. A significant difference between Dbh and high-fidelity polymerases is that Dbh generates no fluorescence changes subsequent to dNTP binding if the primer lacks a 3'OH, suggesting that the looser active site of Y-family polymerases may enforce reliance on the correct substrate structure in order to assemble the catalytic center. Dbh, like other bypass polymerases of the DinB subgroup, generates single-base deletion errors at an extremely high frequency by skipping over a template base that is part of a repetitive sequence. Using 2-AP as a reporter to study the base-skipping process, we determined that Dbh uses a mechanism in which the templating base slips back to pair with the primer terminus while the base that was originally paired with the primer terminus becomes unpaired.
Survival and functional quality of life after resection for hepatic carcinoid metastasis.

Retrospective studies suggest that resection improves 5-year survival for patients with hepatic carcinoid metastasis (HCM). The purpose of our study was to describe clinical outcomes following resection for HCM, including survival and longitudinal functional quality of life (QOL). We reviewed the records of patients undergoing resection for HCM from 1980 to 2001 at our institution. Outcome measures included tumor symptoms, biochemical tumor markers, functional QOL through Karnofsky functional scores, and survival. Thirteen patients underwent a total of 17 resections. Overall 5-year survival was 85%. Eleven patients were symptomatic, including eight with classic carcinoid syndrome. Nine experienced complete relief of symptoms and two had incomplete relief for 30 ± 12 months. Eight patients had elevated tumor markers, and 50% of these had postoperative normalization of all tumor markers that persisted to the close of the study. For the 10 patients with longitudinal follow-up available to 54 months, significant improvement in functional QOL was observed at all follow-up time points compared to preresection functional QOL (P< 0.05). Resection of ≥90% tumor volume was significantly associated with more favorable survival and tumor marker normalization compared to resection of <90% tumor volume P< 0.01 and P< 0.05, respectively), but trajectory of functional QOL improvement did not differ between these two groups (P= 0.24). We conclude that resection for HCM is associated with significantly improved and sustained functional QOL and prolonged survival. Resection of ≥90% tumor volume is significantly associated with extended survival and normalization of tumor markers, but is not required for symptomatic or functional QOL improvement.
Note on the problem of St. Venant flexure

Es wird gezeigt, wie die St. Venantsche Theorie der Querkraftbiegung in einem nichthomogenen transversal isotropen Stabe im allgemeinen mit einem ebenen Dehnungszustand in den Querschnittebenen verbunden ist, und dass dieser ebene Dehnungszustand verschwindet, falls eine gewisse Kombination der Elastizitatszahlen eine Konstante ist.
Association of aortic valvular disease and cystic medial necrosis of the ascending aorta; report of four instances.

In 4 patients with aortic stenosis and regurgitation, progressive dilatation of the ascending aorta and dissecting aneurysm developed. Cystic medial necrosis was discovered histologically. It is suggested that the change in the aorta is secondary to hemodynamic stresses imposed by the disease at the aortic valve.
A new artificial nerve graft containing rolled Schwann cell monolayers.

This study hypothesized that introducing high numbers of Schwann cells in monolayers via a novel rolled graft architecture would promote robust nerve regeneration. The objective was to place adherent Schwann cells in artificial nerve grafts and to assess regeneration through the Schwann cell-laden grafts compared with that through acellular grafts and autografts. Schwann cells were isolated from neonatal Fisher rats. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) was harvested from adult Fisher rats, cut into 7 mm x 8 cm pieces, and pinned out. Schwann cells were plated onto the strips, allowed to reach confluence, and subsequently rolled into a laminar structure and implanted across a 7-mm gap in the rat sciatic nerve (n = 12). Control animals received SIS conduits without Schwann cells (n = 11) or autograft repair (n = 12). At 10.5 weeks, functional regeneration through the Schwann cell-laden grafts, measured by both sciatic function index and extensor postural thrust testing, exceeded that through the cell-free grafts and approached that achieved through autografts. These results highlight the role of Schwann cells in nerve regeneration. Regenerative results approaching autograft levels in the Schwann cell-laden group suggest that this methodology may ultimately be useful in clinical nerve repair.
Erratum: Evaluation of Bayesian models for focused clustering in health data

Volume 18, Issue 8, Pages 871–887 (December 2007) DOI: 10.1002/env.850 The above paper was published including an error. Within the ‘Acknowledgement’ Section on page 14, the NIH grant number is incorrect. The correct number should be as follows: NIH 1R01CA095979-2.
Care of the hand in cervical spinal cord injuries

The care of the hand in cervical spinal cord injury should be a well-organised programme in order to provide maximum function to the patient who is already severely disabled. The methods used should include careful examination and evaluation, attention to posture of the hand, range of motion exercises, the use of a wide variety of external aids, and occasionally judicious use of surgical techniques. The rationale for such a programme is that such care will lead to a normal hand if neurological recovery occurs or the hand will be functional with or without splints and aids if paralysis persists. It must be realised that the paralysed hand in permanent spinal cord injury will never be normal and that the patient will wisely take advantage of the tenodesis effect of the finger flexors as the wrist extends. Because most cord injury patients develop this automatic type hand, efforts should be made from the time of injury so that the hand and wrist will be functional. Efforts should develop the kind of position, mobility of the wrist and palm, and tightness of finger flexors to permit good closure of the fingers on wrist extension to allow functional use for wheelchair existence. Surgery to the hand is valuable for a small percentage of patients. In general it is unwise to perform reconstructive procedures until enough time has been allowed for nerve root injuries to recover which is about one year following injury.
An integrated approach for efficient analysis of facial expressions

This paper describes a new automated facial expression analysis system that integrates Locality Sensitive Hashing (LSH) with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to improve execution efficiency of emotion classification and continuous identification of unidentified facial expressions. Images are classified using feature-vectors on two most significant segments of face: eye segments and mouth-segment. LSH uses a family of hashing functions to map similar images in a set of collision-buckets. Taking a representative image from each cluster reduces the image space by pruning redundant similar images in the collision-buckets. The application of PCA and LDA reduces the dimension of the data-space. We describe the overall architecture and the implementation. The performance results show that the integration of LSH with PCA and LDA significantly improves computational efficiency, and improves the accuracy by reducing the frequency-bias of similar images during PCA and SVM stage. After the classification of image on database, we tag the collision-buckets with basic emotions, and apply LSH on new unidentified facial expressions to identify the emotions. This LSH based identification is suitable for fast continuous recognition of unidentified facial expressions
Ecological persistence of the plant-mycorrhizal mutualism: a hypothesis from species coexistence theory.

Abstract: In diverse mutualisms, it is common for potential partners to vary in the quality of benefits they provide. When weakly beneficial mutualists and parasites have a competitive advantage over strongly beneficial mutualists, it is not clear how strongly beneficial mutualists persist. If mutualism is destabilized by competitive superiority of weakly beneficial mutualists or cheaters, then mechanisms providing for stable coexistence among competing species may also provide for the persistence of mutualism. We analyze coexistence of species within a mutualist guild using a simple spatial model of patch occupancy to suggest hypotheses about the ecological persistence of mutualism in the interaction between plants and ectomycorrhizal fungi. We suggest that plants could facilitate the persistence of mutualistic mycorrhizal fungi by enhancing the mortality of root tips colonized by competitively superior and less mutualistic fungi. We also discuss previous empirical studies and present original data from ...
Cognitive impairment in anorexia nervosa is not due to depressed mood.

Objective Previous research has revealed cognitive deficits in patients with anorexia nervosa. It is unclear whether these deficits are linked to co-morbid depression in this population. We examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning. Method A large sample of subjects (N = 98) was examined using a common measure of cognitive ability and two measures of depression. Results We confirmed that there is no relationship between depression and cognitive ability in this group. Discussion This suggests that alternative explanations be explored for cognitive deficits in patients with anorexia nervosa. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 33: 351–355, 2003.
Mechanism of H2 Evolution from a Photogenerated Hydridocobaloxime

Proton transfer from the triplet excited state of brominated naphthol to a difluoroboryl bridged Co^I-diglyoxime complex, forming Co^(III)H, was monitored via transient absorption. The second-order rate constant for Co^(III)H formation is in the range (3.5−4.7) × 10^9 M^(−1) s^(−1), with proton transfer coupled to excited-state deactivation of the photoacid. Co^(III)H is subsequently reduced by excess Co^I-diglyoxime in solution to produce Co^(II)H (k_(red) = 9.2 × 10^6 M^(−1) s^(−1)), which is then protonated to yield Co^(II)-diglyoxime and H_2.
Maternal affective input in mother–child interaction: A cross-cultural perspective

Contrastive analysis of Chinese and American maternal affective speech acts revealed significant differences in the quantity of child-directed positive and negative speech acts. There were also important qualitative differences in specific types of maternal affective input. Results are consistent with available knowledge of cross-cultural differences in parenting approaches, and have implications for cross-cultural emotion and pragmatic development. Differential cultural values were addressed to account for the observed linguistic behaviors.
A Phenomenological Model for Tool Wear in Friction Stir Welding of Metal Matrix Composites

Friction stir welding (FSW) of metal matrix composites (MMCs) is advantageous because the solid-state nature of the process precludes formation of deleterious intermetallic phases which accompany melting. FSW of MMCs is complicated by rapid and severe wear of the welding tool, a consequence of contact between the tool and the much harder abrasive reinforcement which gives the workpiece material its enhanced strength. The current article demonstrates that Nunes’s rotating plug model of material flow in FSW, which has been successfully applied in many other contexts, can also help us understand wear in FSW of MMCs. An equation for predicting the amount of wear in this application is developed and compared with experimental data. This phenomenological model explains the relationship between wear and FSW process parameters documented in previous studies.
Utilization of interventional oncology treatments in the United States.

Purpose To report on the recent national trends in utilization of interventional oncology (IO) treatments, assess the use of these techniques relative to the utilization of alternative oncologic treatments, and provide an assessment of which specialties are providing these services. Materials and Methods The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Physicians/Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files from 2002 through 2008 and Limited Data Set Standard Analytical Files from 2002 through 2007 were used to determine utilization rates of ablative therapies and transarterial embolizations for malignant neoplasms and comparable surgical procedures. Results In 2008, 10,045 IO treatments were performed in the Medicare population, or 29 per 100,000 Medicare enrollees. IO treatments of the liver constituted the largest component, at 64%, followed by the kidneys at 23%. Over a period of 6 years, growth was seen in all IO procedures except for transarterial embolizations for renal tumors. Radiologists performed 91% of all IO procedures in 2008. Conclusions IO utilization is modest in volume, but growing. IO treatments comprised the majority of oncologic treatments in the liver but only a small part of treatments in the kidneys and lungs. Radiologists are currently providing the vast majority of IO treatments.
The role of hydrologic regime in maintaining rare plant communities of New York's coastal plain pondshores

Abstract The influence of water level fluctuations on the regeneration of rare plant communities was examined for two pondshores in Long Island, New York. Regeneration from seeds and vegetative propagules in soil cores was the method used to quantify the species composition of the soil seed bank when subjected to different flooding regimes. Both ponds had seed banks with high diversity and density within a sandy shoreline zone. The seed banks consisted of three guilds of species requiring different flooding conditions for regeneration. An analysis of historical water level patterns at each pond suggests that the high diversity communities are maintained by a relatively well-defined hydroperiod. Short-term drawdowns lasting one to three years followed by extended high water periods apparently results in an alternation in species composition of the aboveground vegetation. The guild structure of the plant community helps maintain the spatial coexistence of the various species in the soil seed bank while the fluctuating hydrologic conditions result in a temporal separation of the plant species aboveground.
Association of Amiodarone Use With Acute Pancreatitis in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Nested Case-Control Study

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic frequently used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Isolated reports have suggested that use of amiodarone may cause acute pancreatitis.1–3 This potential adverse effect of amiodarone has not been explored in large studies. We assessed whether use of amiodarone or other antiarrhythmics indicated for AF management is associated with developing acute pancreatitis in a large US population.
Prediction of Small-Scale Cavitation in a High Speed Flow Over an Open Cavity Using Large-Eddy Simulation

Large-eddy simulation of flow over an open cavity corresponding to the experimental setup of Liu and Katz (2008, "Cavitation Phenomena Occurring Due to Interaction of Shear Layer Vortices With the Trailing Corner of a Two-Dimensional Open Cavity," Phys. Fluids, 20(4), p. 041702) is performed. The filtered, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a co-located grid finite-volume solver with the dynamic Smagorinsky model for a subgrid-scale closure. The computational grid consists of around 7 × 10 6 grid points with 3 × 10 6 points clustered around the shear layer, and the boundary layer over the leading edge is resolved. The only input from the experimental data is the mean velocity profile at the inlet condition. The mean flow is superimposed with turbulent velocity fluctuation generated by solving a forced periodic duct flow at a freestream Reynolds number. The flow statistics, including mean and rms velocity fields and pressure coefficients, are compared with the experimental data to show reasonable agreement. The dynamic interactions between traveling vortices in the shear layer and the trailing edge affect the value and location of the pressure minima. Cavitation inception is investigated using two approaches: (i) a discrete bubble model wherein the bubble dynamics is computed by solving the Rayleigh-Plesset and the bubble motion equations using an adaptive time-stepping procedure and (ii) a scalar transport model for the liquid volume fraction with source and sink terms for phase change. Large-eddy simulation, together with the cavitation models, predicts that inception occurs near the trailing edge similar to that observed in the experiments. The bubble transport model captures the subgrid dynamics of the vapor better, whereas the scalar model captures the large-scale features more accurately. A hybrid approach combining the bubble model with the scalar transport is needed to capture the broad range of scales observed in cavitation.
A diversified and correct-by-construction broadcast service

We present a fault-tolerant ordered broadcast service that is correct-by-construction. Our broadcast service allows for diversity in space, whereby the participants in the broadcast protocol run different code, as well as in time, whereby the protocol itself is changed periodically. We use the Nuprl proof assistant to specify the service, prove correctness, and synthesize the code. The paper includes initial performance results.
Circadian regulation of olfactory receptor neurons in the cockroach antenna.

In the cockroach, olfactory sensitivity as measured by the amplitude of the electroantennogram (EAG) is regulated by the circadian system. We wished to determine how this rhythm in antennal response was reflected in the activity of individual olfactory receptor neurons. The amplitude of the electroantennogram (EAG) and the activity of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in single olfactory sensilla were recorded simultaneously for 3–5 days in constant darkness from an antenna of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae. Both EAG amplitude and the spike frequency of the ORNs exhibited circadian rhythms with peak amplitude/activity occurring in the subjective day. The phases of the rhythms were dependent on the phase of the prior light cycle and thus were entrainable by light. Ablation of the optic lobes abolished the rhythm in EAG amplitude as has been previously reported. In contrast, the rhythm in ORN response persisted following surgery. These results indicated that a circadian clock outside the optic lobes can regulate the responses of olfactory receptor neurons and further that this modulation of the ORN response is not dependent on the circadian rhythm in EAG amplitude.
Monitoring the contents of biogenic amines in fish and fish products consumed in Korea.

Abstract In order to obtain the level of biogenic amines in fish and fish products, a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic method was used for the quantitation of 12 biogenic amines in 300 fish and 80 fish products in Korea. Biogenic amines were extracted with hydrochloric acid, derivatized with dansyl chloride, separated using gradient elution, and detected by photodiode array and all detected biogenic amines were identified by UPLC/MS/MS. The detection levels of biogenic amines in the sample ranged from ND (not detected) to 30.6 mg/kg for agmatine, from ND to 390.0 mg/kg for cadaverine, from ND to 19.8 mg/kg for dopamine, from ND to 70.1 mg/kg for histamine, from ND to 17.8 mg/kg for noradrenaline, from ND to 29.7 mg/kg for 2-phenylethylamine, from ND to 43.0 mg/kg for putrescine, from ND to 11.9 mg/kg for serotonin, from ND to 9.5 mg/kg for spermidine, from ND to 13.5 mg/kg for spermine, from ND to 12.8 mg/kg for tryptamine, and from ND to 67.7 mg/kg for tyramine. Anchovy samples showed the high levels of histamine from 15.2 to 70.1 mg/kg, putrescine from 9.1 to 43.0 mg/kg, cadaverine from 152.2 to 90.0 mg/kg, and tyramine from 27.1 to 67.7 mg/kg. Agmatine was found at 30.6 mg/kg in cuttlefish. In the others fish samples agmatine detection levels were in the range from ND to 27.2 mg/kg. Spermidine and dopamine were detected about more than 85% samples in the range from ND to 19.3 mg/kg. Most of fish product samples showed less than 20 mg/kg of each biogenic amine. The maximum histamine and tyramine detection levels were respectively less than those of the regulation and recommendation.
On Constructing Prediction Intervals for Samples from a Weibull or Extreme Value Distribution

Assume that a (possibly censored) sample is available from a population having a Weibull or extreme value distribution, and that a single future observation is to be obtained from the same population. This paper provides Monte Carlo estimates of percentiles of the distribution of a statistic S, that may be used to construct prediction intervals to contain the future observation. Such intervals are of practical importance to reliability engineers and to those investigating treatment of undesirable habitual behavior. An approximation is given for the distribution of S that is in very close agreement with the Monte Carlo results that are presented. The approximation applies also when the single future observation of interest is the smallest in a lot (or sample) of size m > 1.
Acute effects of doxorubicin (adriamycin) on left ventricular function in dogs.

Abstract Although chronic doxorubicin (adriamycin) cardiotoxicity often is attributed to repeated episodes of acute myocardial injury, the acute effects of doxorubicin on in vivo left ventricular performance have not been studied in a carefully controlled setting. Accordingly, we recorded high-fidelity left ventricular pressures and segmental dimensions before and after either intravenous or intracoronary doxorubicin in twelve open-chest dogs. Propranolol was administered to prevent reflex sympathetic stimulation, and heart rate was held constant by atrial pacing. Intravenous doxorubicin (1.5 mg/kg) ( n = 6) caused significant decreases in all measured indices of myocardial contractility, in association with a large decrease in left ventricular systolic pressure (125 ± 28 and 81 ± 23 mm Hg before and 5 min after doxorubicin, respectively, P n = 6) caused similar decreases in percent segment shortening (from 19 ± 7 to 16 ± 8, P P P P We conclude that a single dose of doxorubicin can acutely alter both systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in dogs. These effects are nearly immediate in onset, and are independent of potential functional alterations due to drug-induced systemic hypotension.