cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Volume fast spin-echo imaging of the cervical spine

Rationale and Objectives. The authors prospectively evaluated a T2-weighted, three-dimensional (3D) volume, fast spin-echo (SE) pulse sequence in assessment of the cervical spine and compared it with standard imaging protocol. Materials and Methods. Eighteen patients with neck pain underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 1.5 T with two-dimensional (2D) fast SE and axial 3D gradient-echo (GRE) protocols and with an additional sagittal T2-weighted volume fast SE protocol. The spinal cord and canal, neural foramina, and intervertebral disks were assessed by two neuroradiologists, and the results were compared with reports from the standard protocol. The quality of the partition (direct sagittal) and reconstructed images were evaluated. Results. No differences existed in the assessment of spinal cord disease or disk herniation with 2D fast SE and volume fast SE imaging. Some mild variation occurred in assessment of the neural foramina. Partition images demonstrated a high level of resolution and contrast, while reconstructed images had consistently lower quality. However, this did not impede detection and grading of disk or spinal abnormalities, which were adequately shown on volume fast SE sagittal images. Neural foramina were well demonstrated on axial reconstructions from volume fast SE imaging. Conclusion. Volume fast SE imaging provides information about the spinal cord, canal, disks, and neural foramina that is comparable to the information provided by routine imaging. Its thinner sections and multiplanar reconstruction capability are advantages over 2D imaging. Its greater tissue contrast with better visualization of the cervical cord, greater signal-to-noise ratio, and less susceptibility artifact are advantages over 3D GRE imaging.
On Cultural Studies in the Future Tense: Pedagogy and Political Work in Cultural Studies

Addressing those of us who locate ourselves within the project of cultural studies, Lawrence Grossberg continues his ‘‘protective and critical relationship to cultural studies’’ borne of a simple but vital starting point, ‘‘that cultural studies matters.’’ 1 Offering not a defense of the field but rather an articulation of future formations of cultural studies, Grossberg attempts to ‘‘produce a cultural studies capable of responding to the contemporary worlds and the struggle constituting them,’’ setting up ‘‘an agenda for cultural studies work’’ and thinking about what it means to do cultural studies ‘‘in a context where modernity is the site and object of struggle.’’ 2 As such, Cultural Studies in the Future Tense is a passionate investigation into what it means ‘‘to combine academic rigor and competence with social passion and political commitment.’’ 3 A Conjunctural Story
Laparoscopic fundoplication compared with laparoscopic gastric bypass in morbidly obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly associated with morbid obesity. Laparoscopic fundoplication is a standard surgical treatment for GERD, and laparoscopic gastric bypass has been shown to effectively resolve GERD symptoms in the morbidly obese. We sought to compare the in-hospital outcomes of morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for the treatment of GERD versus laparoscopic gastric bypass for the treatment of morbid obesity and related conditions, including GERD, at U.S. academic medical centers. Methods Using the "International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision" procedural and diagnoses codes for morbidly obese patients with GERD, we obtained data from the University HealthSystem Consortium database for all patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication or laparoscopic gastric bypass from October 2004 to December 2007 (n = 27,264). The outcome measures included the patient demographics, length of stay, in-hospital overall complications, mortality, risk-adjusted mortality ratio (observed to expected mortality), and hospital costs. Results Compared with the patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass, those who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication had a lower severity of illness score (P Conclusion Laparoscopic gastric bypass is as safe as laparoscopic fundoplication for the treatment of GERD in the morbidly obese. Hence, morbidly obese patients with GERD should be referred for bariatric surgery evaluation and offered laparoscopic gastric bypass as a surgical option.
Color distribution can accelerate network alignment

Aligning a query network to an arbitrary large target network while ensuring provable optimality guarantee is a computationally challenging task. To ensure the confidence in the optimality of the alignment, existing methods often use an iterative randomization technique called color coding. Each iteration of the color coding technique employs dynamic programming that is exponential in the number of nodes in the query network. Here, we develop a method named ColT (Colorful Tree) that reduces the cost of this bottleneck. It particularly focuses on query networks with tree topology which is considered frequently in the literature. ColT exploits the topology of the query tree and uses the color distribution in the target network to filter unpromising alignments without compromising the confidence in the optimality. We experiment on a comprehensive set of synthetic and real data sets. ColT demonstrates supremacy over the state-of-the-art color coding algorithm, QNet with growing size of the query trees. For query trees of nine nodes in directed and undirected target networks, ColT outperforms QNet by factors of eight and fifteen, respectively. Our experiments also suggest that ColT identifies functionally similar regions in protein-protein interaction networks.
MEDICAL EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY CARE

Teaching primary care is an important, but as yet, incompletely fulfilled responsibility of medical schools. The current surge of interest will not provide the needed personnel if primary care is defined too broadly, and if it is made everybody's business, but nobody's in particular. Primary care must not neglect first-contact care; it must be taught by an independent department which itself practices the full range of primary care services in settings which exemplify such care and which exhibit a team approach. It may be useful to consider a special track leading to primary care which differs from preparation for specialist care.
Characterization of the forms of β-endorphin and α-MSH in the caudal medulla of the rat and guinea pig

Abstract The post-translational processing of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in brain remains controversial. Classically, there was thought to be a single cell group in the arcuate nucleus with long projections through limbic structures. More recently, a second cell group was discovered in the caudal medulla. This study addresses the question of POMC processing in this region. Steady-state analysis of acid extracts of dorsal caudal medulla from rat and guinea pig CNS by gel filtration chromatography and radioimmunoassay indicated that in both species the major POMC-related end products are α-MSH-sized material and s-endorphin-sized. In this tissue s-LPH and ACTH represent minor end products. Analysis of the α-MSH-sized material from both species by reverse-phase HPLC indicated that in the rat caudal medulla approximately 79% of the α-MSH-related material is acetylated, and in the guinea pig caudal medulla approximately 85% of the α-MSH-related material is acetylated. Analysis of the forms of s-endorphin isolated from the rat caudal medulla by cation exchange chromatography revealed that acetylated and non-acetylated forms of s-endorphin are present in this region of the rat CNS. Approximately 65% of the s-endorphin in the rat caudal medulla is N-acetylated. Analysis of the forms of s-endorphin isolated from the guinea pig caudal medulla indicated that approximately 63% of the s-endorphin is N-acetylated in this region of the guinea pig CNS. These data indicate that the post-translational processing of POMC in the dorsal caudal medulla, the site of the nucleus tractus solitarius POMC cell group, is distinct from the processing patterns that have been reported for POMC systems in the mammalian anterior pituitary, intermediate pituitary and arcuate nucleus.
The Sall2 Transcription Factor Is a Novel p75NTR Binding Protein That Promotes the Development and Function of Neurons

Nerve growth factor (NGF) regulates the functions of neurons by binding the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and TrkA receptors. It is shown here that it has been found that the Sall2 transcription factor forms a complex with p75NTR. NGF dissociates Sall2 from p75NTR and also activates TrkA, which promotes translocation of Sall2 into the nucleus. Nuclear Sall2 activates target genes that modulate the growth and development of neurons. Thus, one way that p75NTR and TrkA can modulate the functions of neurons is by regulating the localization and actions of Sall2.
Regulation of Progesterone-Metabolizing Enzyme by Adrenergic Agents, Prolactin, and Prostaglandins in Cultured Rat Ovarian Granulosa Cells*

The direct modulation of 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-OH-SDH) by regulatory agents of luteal functions was examined using in vitro cultures of ovarian granulose cells from immature, hypophysectomized, estrogen-treated rats. Without FSH priming, treatment with isoproterenol, PRL, or prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) resulted in minimal modulation of the 20α-OH-SDH activity of granulosa cells. In contrast, after in vitro FSH priming, these hormones or agents caused marked changes in 20α-OH-SDH activity. Isoproterenol treatment inhibited 20α-OH-SDH activity in a dose-dependent manner (ED50, 3.4 × 10-10 M; maximal inhibition, 62% decrease). Similar inhibition of 20α-OH-SDH activity was observed after treatment with epinephrine, norepinephrine, and a β2-adrenergic agonist (terbutalino sulfate), whereas a β1 -adrenergic agonist (dobutamine) was less effective. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of epinephrine was blocked by concomitant treatment with a β2- antagonist (IPS 339) but not by a β1-antagonist (pract...
VeSense: Energy-Efficient Vehicular Sensing

Although vehicular sensing where mobile users in vehicles continuously gather, process, and share location-sensitive and context-sensitive sensor data (e.g., street images, road condition, traffic flow) is emerging, little effort has been investigated in a model-based energy-efficient network paradigm of sensor information sharing in vehicular environments. Upon these optimization framework, a suite of optimization subproblems: a program partitioning and network resource allocation problem, we propose a distributed vehicular sensing platform, called VeSense where mobile users in vehicles publish/access sensor data via a cloud computing-based distributed P2P overlay network. The key objective is to satisfy the vehicular sensing application's quality of service requirements by modeling each subsystem: mobile clients, wireless network medium, and distributed cloud services. By simulations based on experimental data, we present the proposed system can achieve up to 37 times more energy-efficient and 73 times faster compared to a standalone mobile application, in various vehicular sensing scenarios applying a realistic mobility model.
Perceived need for medical care in the geriatric general medical population: Relationship to neuropsychological and psychological function

Insight is a multidimensional construct used in the psychiatric literature to refer to topics, such as awareness of symptoms of illness, awareness of consequences of illness, and perceived need for treatment. The primary aim of the present investigation was to examine both neuropsychological (i.e., executive, attention, and memory skills) and psychological contributions (i.e., depression and anxiety) to one component of insight (i.e., perceived need for medical care) among geriatric inpatients with multiple medical problems. Retrospective chart review involved analysis of data from 47 men who completed a battery of neuropsychological and psychological tests. Findings indicated that perceived need for medical care was significantly and positively related to performance on a test of executive function measuring verbal social reasoning, but not to performance on other tests of cognitive or emotional function. Theoretical and clinical implications of this result are discussed.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection Induces Activation and Subsequent Inhibition of the IFI16 and NLRP3 Inflammasomes

Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that recognize pathogens and pathogen- or danger-associated molecular patterns. They induce the maturation and secretion of powerful proinflammatory interleukin-1B (IL-1β), IL-18, and IL-33 cytokines, which in turn activate expression of other immune genes and lymphocyte recruitment to the site of primary infection, thereby controlling invading pathogens. Inflammasomes are comprised of cytoplasmic sensor molecules, such as NLRP3 and AIM2 or nuclear sensor IFI16, the adaptor protein ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD), and the effector protein procaspase-1. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), a ubiquitous virus that infects humans and establishes life-long latency, has evolved numerous mechanisms to evade host detection and immune responses. Here, we show that early during in vitro infection of human foreskin fibroblasts (2 to 4 h), HSV-1 induced the activation of the IFI16 and NLRP3 inflammasomes and maturation of IL-1β. Independent of viral gene expression, IFI16 recognized the HSV-1 genome in infected cell nuclei, relocalized, and colocalized with ASC in the cytoplasm. However, HSV-1 specifically targeted IFI16 for rapid proteasomic degradation at later times postinfection, which was dependent on the expression of ICP0, an immediate early protein of HSV-1. In contrast, NLRP3, AIM2, and ASC levels were not decreased. Also, caspase-1 was "trapped" in actin clusters at later time points that likely blocked the NLRP3/IFI16 inflammasome activity. In addition, the secretion of mature IL-1β was inhibited. These results suggest that though the host cell responds to HSV-1 infection by IFI16 and NLRP3 inflammasomes early during infection, HSV-1 has evolved mechanisms to shut down these responses to evade the proinflammatory consequences.
Fast Calculation of Power Oscillation Peak Value on AC Tie-Line After HVDC Commutation Failure

This letter proposes a fast approach to calculate the power oscillation peak value on AC tie-line after HVDC commutation failure. The proposed approach does not require modeling power system components in detail for dynamic simulation and is especially suitable for practical bulk power systems. It is useful to help operators rapidly assess the system stability margin after commutation failures. The proposed approach has been implemented on a practical system in China.
Wielding the Stick Instead of the Carrot: Labor PAC Punishment of Pro-NAFTA Democrats:

Political action committees normally use contributions as a reward or inducement for access or favorable roll-call votes. In extreme cases, how ever, PACs may reduce funding as part of a punishment...
Reliability and predictive validity of contingent values: Does the nature of the good matter?

Abstract Because the contingent valuation mechanism (CVM) elicits verbal reports of maximum willingness to pay and not actual willingness to pay, analysts have expressed doubts about the reliability and validity of contingent values for commodities such as environmental amenities. This skepticism is usually attributed to the amorphous nature of the commodity and to peoples' lack of familiarity or experience. However, our comparison of two commodities, which lie at polar extremes of the private good/public good continuum, suggests that the nature of the good may have little influence on the reliability and predictive validity of the CVM. Instead, aspects of the CVM itself (e.g., explicit payment obligation) may be more important for high intention-behavior consistency.
Understanding thermal integration issues and heat loss pathways in a planar microscale fuel processor: Demonstration of an integrated silicon microreactor-based methanol steam reformer

Methanol reforming offers an attractive source of hydrogen for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems for portable power. At present, the greatest obstacle to realization of these systems is the extraction of hydrogen from the hydrocarbon fuel, i.e., the fuel processing part. Because of size and portability, microchemical technology has shown assuring results in the field of fuel processing. However, several roadblocks persist in the development of an integrated micro-fuel processor and fuel cell system. Thermal management in miniature systems is perhaps the most crucial of these challenges. In this study, a silicon microreactor-based catalytic methanol steam reforming reactor was demonstrated in the context of complete thermal integration to understand this critical issue. Detailed experiments were carried out to quantify heat losses through various pathways from the planar microreactor structure. Based on these experiments, an empirical correlation is developed to predict natural convection heat transfer coefficient from meso to microscale devices. The result provides fundamental insight of critical thermal issues such as transfer of heat between reactor components, control of temperature, insulation, and heat losses. Based on this understanding, suggestions are made for scale up of reactor components and a packaging scheme for reduction of convective and radiative losses.
Polarized frames on ''climate change'' and ''global warming'' across countries and states: Evidence from Twitter big data

Abstract Environmental communication researchers have focused on the role of media frames in the formation of public opinion. Yet, little is known about how citizens incorporate such frames into everyday conversations. We address this issue by examining the stream of Twitter conversations about climate change over two years. We demonstrate that hoax frames that question the reality of climate change prevail in the US, particularly in “red states” compared to the UK, Canada, and Australia or “blue states” in the US. We also investigate the use of terms, “global warming” and “climate change.” We find that red states prefer “global warming” to “climate change” compared to blue states and “global warming” is particularly associated with hoax frames.
Lillian Gilbreth's psychologically enriched scientific management of women consumers

Purpose – Lillian Moller Gilbreth (1878‐1972) extended scientific management into marketing practice in the late 1920s. This paper aims to illuminate several of these practical extensions.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is an historical case study.Findings – Gilbreth brought her psychologically enlightened brand of scientific management to Macy's Department Store in New York City in the mid‐1920s; she accomplished early marketing research for Johnson & Johnson in 1926; and she designed model kitchens in the late 1920s and 1930s which showed homemakers how to minimize wasted motion and unnecessary fatigue in housework while maximizing the psychological well‐being of their families.Practical implications – Gilbreth's accomplishments show that marketing research has a longer history than was once assumed, offering further support for the revision of Keith's 1960 periodization of this history.Originality/value – This paper is the first to reveal how Gilbreth's unique mix of psychology and scientific m...
The Role of Importance and Interest in the Processing of Text

In this review, text-based research on importance and interest is analyzed with several objectives in mind. First, the constructs of importance and interest are unidimensionally considered to show that various forms of each can operate within any text-learning environment. Second, research specifically addressing the interplay between these two factors is explored in relation to the goal of learning from text. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the research on importance and interest from a methodological standpoint and to delineate key findings that emerge from this body of research. Finally, based on the review of the literature, implications for future research and instructional practice are presented.
Abstract immunogenetic systems

The problem of defining genes, antigens and antibodies for some immunogenetic system is investigated. A formal mathematical object, an abstract immunogenetic system, is introduced to obtain the required precision and descriptive generality. This system is defined so as to be consistent with a given matrix A (of + and - signs) which can be taken as data from a real-world immunogenetic system. The abstract systems that involve the reaction matrix A are those that may provide legitimate definitions for the genes etc. of the real system. The ideas involved in the abstract systems are applied to two real human blood group systems (Rh and Ag) for illustration. Also the abstract model is related to the system models of Hirschfeld.
Complete coding sequences of dengue-1 viruses from Paraguay and Argentina.

Abstract We have determined the complete coding sequences of six dengue-1 (DEN-1) viruses isolated from Paraguay and Argentina in 2000 from patients with dengue fever. Sequences of strains 259par00, 280par00, 295arg00, 297arg00 and 301arg00 can encode a polyprotein of 3392 amino acids. Strain 293arg00 circulated as a “wild type+deletion mutant” quasispecies, with a subpopulation characterized by a 3-nucleotide deletion in the NS4A region. This variant, which would encode a three amino acid change in the NS4A protein, was found as a minority population in one additional partially-sequenced isolate from the same outbreak. These six South American strains group into two different clades of the “American–African” DEN-1 genotype—one clade is most closely related to strains isolated from Brazil in 1997, the other to a Peruvian strain isolated in 1991 for which only partial sequence information is available. DEN-1 viruses isolated worldwide comprise at least four different genotypes according to previously defined classification criteria.
Laser Ignition of Traumatically Embedded Firework Debris

Background and Objective The Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) has a good track record for traumatic tattoo removal. An unusual case of QSRL-treatment of a traumatic tattoo composed of firework debris is presented. Study Design/Patient and Method: A young man's traumatic tattoo, composed of firework debris, underwent QSRL ablation at 4–7 J/cm2 (pulse width 5 mm; duration 20 ns). Results Each test pulse produced visible sparks and focal projectile ejection of skin with pox-like scar formation. Conclusion Caution is advised when using the QSRL for the treatment of traumatic tattoos composed of potentially combustible debris. Lasers Surg. Med. 22:157–158, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Application of heavy-quark effective theory to lattice QCD: Power corrections

Heavy-quark effective theory (HQET) is applied to lattice QCD with Wilson fermions at fixed lattice spacing a. This description is possible because heavy-quark symmetries are respected. It is desirable because the ultraviolet cutoff 1/a in current numerical work and the heavy-quark mass m{sub Q} are comparable. Effects of both short distances a and 1/m{sub Q} are captured fully into coefficient functions, which multiply the operators of the usual HQET. Standard tools of HQET are used to develop heavy-quark expansions of lattice observables and, thus, to propagate heavy-quark discretization errors. Three explicit examples are given: namely, the mass, decay constant, and semileptonic form factors of heavy-light mesons. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Constraining information for improvements to MAP image super-resolution

In this paper, the super-resolution method that we use for image restoration is the Poisson Maximum A-Posteriori (MAP) super-resolution algorithm of Hunt, computed with an iterative form. This algorithm is similar to the Maximum Likelihood of Holmes, which is derived from an Expectation/Maximization (EM) computation. Image restoration of point source data is our focus. This is because most astronomical data can be regarded as multiple point source data with a very dark background. The statistical limits imposed by photon noise on the resolution obtained by our algorithm are investigated. We improve the performance of the super-resolution algorithm by including the additional information of the spatial constraints. This is achieved by applying the well-known CLEAN algorithm, which is widely used in astronomy, to create regions of support for the potential limited optical system is used for the simulated data. The real data is two dimensional optical image data from the Hubble Space Telescope.
Real-Time Detection and Tracking of Vehicle Base Fronts for Measuring Traffic Counts and Speeds on Highways

A real-time system is presented for automatically monitoring a highway when the camera is relatively low to the ground and on the side of the road. In such a case, occlusion and the perspective effects due to the heights of the vehicles cannot be ignored. The system presented in this paper is based on a novel technique of detecting and tracking the base fronts of vehicles. Compared with the authors' previous approach, the proposed technique involves a simplified problem formulation, operates in real time, and requires only a small number of parameters to calibrate. Experimental results of a camera mounted at a height of 26 ft and a lateral distance of 12 ft from the edge of the pavement reveal accuracy as high as 98% with few false detections. The system can collect a variety of traffic data, including volume, time-mean speed and space-mean speed, density, vehicle classification, and lane change activities. By handling perspective effects and vehicle occlusions, the system overcomes some of the limitation...
Ultrasonography-guided bilateral rectus sheath block vs local anesthetic infiltration after pediatric umbilical hernia repair: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

Importance Regional anesthetic techniques can be used to alleviate postoperative pain in children undergoing pediatric surgical procedures. Use of ultrasonographic guidance for bilateral rectus sheath block (BRSB) has been shown to improve immediate pain scores and reduce use of postoperative analgesia in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Objective To compare efficacy of ultrasonography-guided BRSB and local anesthetic infiltration (LAI) in providing postoperative analgesia after pediatric umbilical hernia repair. Design Prospective, observer-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Setting Tertiary-referral urban children’s hospital. Participants Eligible children 3 to 12 years of age undergoing elective umbilical hernia repair from November 16, 2009, through May 31, 2011. Interventions Ropivacaine hydrochloride administered at the conclusion of surgery as LAI by the surgeon (n = 25) or as ultrasonography-guided BRSB by the anesthesiologist (n = 27). Main Outcomes and Measures Scores on the FACES Pain Rating Scale measured at 10-minute intervals and all use of analgesic medications in the PACU. Results Median FACES scores in the PACU were lower in the BRSB group compared with the LAI group at 10 minutes (0 vs 1; P = .04), 30 minutes (0 vs 1; P = .01), and 40 minutes or later (0 vs 1; P = .03). Fewer doses of opioid and nonopioid medications were given to the BRSB group compared with the LAI group (5 vs 11 doses for opioids; 5 vs 10 for nonopioids). Conclusions and Relevance In the PACU, ultrasonography-guided BRSB after umbilical hernia repair in children is associated with lower median FACES scores and decreased use of opioid and nonopioid medications compared with LAI. Future studies could examine the use of longer-acting anesthetic agents with ultrasonography-guided BRSB. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01015053
Psychophysical end-stopping associated with line targets

Abstract Increment threshold for a small (e.g. 1′ × 5′) line target superimposed on backgrounds of various shapes and sizes was measured to provide a detailed map of the spatial interactions about line targets. This modified “Westheimer paradigm” indicated sensitization in the length direction as well as in the width direction around the line target. The effect of the adaptation field summed over an elongated, end-tapered central region, and showed strong end-zone antagonism beyond the ends of the elongated summation area, as well as flank antagonism to the sides. Secondary disinhibitory and inhibitory areas outside of the antagonistic surround were also demonstrated. When length of the test line was varied, the length of the summation region increased concomitantly, while the length of the end-zones remained fixed. End-zone antagonism was slightly weaker at oblique orientations. These results demonstrate a perceptual analog to neurophysiological end-stopping, and suggest a multilobed y -dimension weighting profile appropriate for models of spatial visual abilities. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Inequality and Justice

Social justice is one of the basic social values guiding people's behavior and determining their normative assessment of the phenomena of social life. Problems of social justice become especially significant in times of large-scale social change. Changes in the foundations of social stratification and in the principles of economic distribution are regarded by the population from the standpoint of views, formed during the lifetime of more than one generation, on how society should be organized. Assessments of the fairness of a social system also involve the extent to which that system corresponds to the interests of the individual and of the social group with which the particular individual identifies.
Non-covalent labeling of human serum albumin with indocyanine green : a study by capillary electrophoresis with diode laser-induced fluorescence detection

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a negatively charged, water-soluble, tricarbocyanine dye used primarily for medical imaging. ICG is only weakly fluorescent in the near-infrared region in its free (unbound) state in dilute aqueous solution. However, when non-covalently bound to protein, its fluorescence is greatly enhanced, making it a candidate for diode laser-induced fluorescence (diode-LIF) detection of proteins in capillary electrophoresis (CE). This paper investigates the suitability of ICG as a fluorescent label for the separation and detection of human serum albumin (HSA) by CE with diode-LIF detection. Specifically, we have considered the separation conditions necessary to resolve free ICG from ICG-HSA complexes; the limits of detection for free and HSA-bound ICG; the stability of aqueous ICG and ICG-HSA solutions over time; and the stoichiometry of the ICG-HSA complex.
Valerian extract and valerenic acid are partial agonists of the 5-HT5a receptor in vitro.

Abstract Insomnia is the most frequently encountered sleep complaint worldwide. While many prescription drugs are used to treat insomnia, extracts of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L., Valerianaceae) are also used for the treatment of insomnia and restlessness. To determine novel mechanisms of action, radioligand binding studies were performed with valerian extracts (100% methanol, 50% methanol, dichloromethane [DCM], and petroleum ether [PE]) at the melatonin, glutamate, and GABAA receptors, and 8 serotonin receptor subtypes. Both DCM and PE extracts had strong binding affinity to the 5-HT5a receptor, but only weak binding affinity to the 5-HT2b and the serotonin transporter. Subsequent binding studies focused on the 5-HT5a receptor due to the distribution of this receptor in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain, which is implicated in the sleep–wake cycle. The PE extract inhibited [3H]lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) binding to the human 5-HT5a receptor (86% at 50 μg/ml) and the DCM extract inhibited LSD binding by 51%. Generation of an IC50 curve for the PE extract produced a biphasic curve, thus GTP shift experiments were also performed. In the absence of GTP, the competition curve was biphasic (two affinity sites) with an IC50 of 15.7 ng/ml for the high-affinity state and 27.7 μg/ml for the low-affinity state. The addition of GTP (100 μM) resulted in a right-hand shift of the binding curve with an IC50 of 11.4 μg/ml. Valerenic acid, the active constituent of both extracts, had an IC50 of 17.2 μM. These results indicate that valerian and valerenic acid are new partial agonists of the 5-HT5a receptor.
A new Fc receptor homolog, FREB2, found in germinal center B cells

Fc receptor homologs are a recently identified family of proteins homologous to FcgammaRI, found on human and mouse B cells. One of these, FREB/FcRX/FCRL, was found to be unique since it lacks a transmembrane domain and is expressed intracellularly within germinal center B cells. We have identified in humans and mice a new Fc receptor homolog, FREB2, that blends conserved elements of the classical Fc gamma receptors with structural motifs previously thought to be unique to FREB1. This protein is comprised of three immunoglobulin-like domains with high homology to those in FcgammaRI, and a C-terminus containing a proline-rich stalk region followed by a leucine-rich amphipathic alpha helix. Like FREB1, FREB2 is expressed as an intracellular protein. In murine splenocytes, RNA transcripts for each of the two proteins can be amplified from germinal center B cells. However, immunohistochemical analysis of human tonsils indicates that expression of FREB1 and FREB2 is mutually exclusive in non-neoplastic cells. Importantly, FREB2 expression within human tonsils appears to be limited to a small subset of nonproliferating germinal center B cells, suggesting that it may play a role in regulating clonal expansion or differentiation of B cells during the germinal center reaction.
Effects of Parameterization of Latent Heating in a Tropical Prediction Model

Abstract Diabatic experiments with a multi-level primitive equation model were performed using three latent heating parameterization schemes. The concept and method of application of the schemes is discussed, as well as physical interpretations. Initial experiments were made with a two-dimensional shearline case. Five-day forecasts show realistic simulation of convergence zones to the north and south of the shearline. Real data experiments in three dimensions were performed using data during the early stages of hurricane Betsy, 29 August 1965. Selected forecast fields are shown for each of the parameterization schemes, and compared to adiabatic prognoses. Heat and energy balances are shown for both two- and three-dimensional models.
Left ventricular thrombosis refractory to medical therapy.

![Figure][1] ![Figure][1] [![Graphic][3] ][3] Transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrating an organized left ventricular (LV) thrombus. ![Figure][1] [![Graphic][4] ][4] Transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrating a mobile left ventricular (LV) thrombus. ![Figure][
Structure of Marangoni-driven singularities

This work presents an analytical study of the structure of steady Marangoni-driven singularities in the context of chemical-reaction driven tip-streaming, which identifies the conditions when such singularities are observable. As motivated by experimental observations of the conical symmetry of the problem, one can construct self-similar solutions of the Stokes equations, which are singular at the tip; these solutions, however, provide no information on the thread structure which is responsible for a resolution of the singularity via tip-streaming. The cone-tip singularity is resolved here with the help of asymptotic matching of the cone and thread solutions using slender jet approximation, which gives an explicit asymptotic formula for the thread radius and thus of the emitted droplets size as a function of physical parameters governing the problem.
High-Temperature Forming of a Vehicle Closure Component in Fine-Grained Aluminum Alloy AA5083: Finite Element Simulations and Experiments

Fine-grained AA5083 aluminum-magnesium alloy sheet can be formed into complex closure components with the Quick Plastic Forming process at high temperature (450oC). Material models that account for both the deformation mechanisms active during forming and the effect of stress state on material response are required to accurately predict final sheet thickness profiles, the locations of potential forming defects and forming cycle time. This study compares Finite Element (FE) predictions for forming of an automobile decklid inner panel in fine-grained AA5083 using two different material models. These are: the no-threshold, two-mechanism (NTTM) model and the Zhao. The effect of sheet/die friction is evaluated with five different sheet/die friction coefficients. Comparisons of predicted sheet thickness profiles with those obtained from a formed AA5083 panel shows that the NTTM model provides the most accurate predictions.
The Relation between the North Atlantic Oscillation and SSTs in the North Atlantic Basin

Abstract The authors use the notion of Granger causality to investigate the relationship between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index and the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the Northern Hemisphere. The Granger causality analysis ensures that any apparent oceanic influence upon the atmosphere (as measured by the NAO) is provided by the ocean and is not related to preexisting conditions within the NAO itself (and vice versa when looking at the atmospheric influence upon the ocean). Although this statistical technique does not imply physical forcing of one field on the other, it is generally more reliable compared to the simple lead/lagged correlation. Using this technique, the authors find that on seasonal time scales, the preceding NAO anomalies' influence on the wintertime SST field is rather restricted. Conversely, preceding SST anomalies have a statistically significant causal effect on the wintertime NAO. However, the causal relation between preceding SSTs and the wintertime NAO is limited ...
Biological implications of polymeric microdevices for live cell assays.

Lab-on-a-chip technologies have the potential to deliver significant technological advances in modern biomedicine, through the ability to provide appropriate low-cost microenvironments for screening cells. However, to date, few studies have investigated the suitability of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) for live cell culture. Here, we describe an inexpensive method for production of reusable, optical-grade PDMS microculture chips which provide a static and self-contained microwell system analogous to conventional polystyrene multiwell plates. We use these structures to probe the effects of PDMS upon live cell culture bioassays, using time-lapse fluorescence imaging to explore the toxicity of the substrate. We use three model systems to explore the efficacy of the microstructured devices: (i) live cell culture, (ii) adenoviral gene delivery to mammalian cells, and (iii) gravity enforced formation of multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS). Results show that PDMS is nontoxic to cells, as their viability and grow...
Review Papers: Recent Developments in Nonparametric Density Estimation

Abstract Advances in computation and the fast and cheap computational facilities now available to statisticians have had a significant impact upon statistical research, and especially the development of nonparametric data analysis procedures. In particular, theoretical and applied research on nonparametric density estimation has had a noticeable influence on related topics, such as nonparametric regression, nonparametric discrimination, and nonparametric pattern recognition. This article reviews recent developments in nonparametric density estimation and includes topics that have been omitted from review articles and books on the subject. The early density estimation methods, such as the histogram, kernel estimators, and orthogonal series estimators are still very popular, and recent research on them is described. Different types of restricted maximum likelihood density estimators, including order-restricted estimators, maximum penalized likelihood estimators, and sieve estimators, are discussed, where re...
Structural characterization of the hemophore HasAp from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: NMR spectroscopy reveals protein-protein interactions between Holo-HasAp and hemoglobin.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretes a 205 residue long hemophore (full-length HasAp) that is subsequently cleaved at the C'-terminal domain to produce mainly a 184 residue long truncated HasAp that scavenges heme [Letoffe, S., Redeker, V., and Wandersman, C. (1998) Mol. Microbiol. 28, 1223-1234]. HasAp has been characterized by X-ray crystallography and in solution by NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray crystal structure of truncated HasAp revealed a polypeptide alphabeta fold and a ferriheme coordinated axially by His32 and Tyr75, with the side chain of His83 poised to accept a hydrogen bond from the Tyr75 phenolic acid group. NMR investigations conducted with full-length HasAp showed that the carboxyl-terminal tail (21 residues) is disordered and conformationally flexible. NMR spectroscopic investigations aimed at studying a complex between apo-HasAp and human methemoglobin were stymied by the rapid heme capture by the hemophore. In an effort to circumvent this problem NMR spectroscopy was used to monitor the titration of 15N-labeled holo-HasAp with hemoglobin. These studies allowed identification of a specific area on the surface of truncated HasAp, encompassing the axial ligand His32 loop that serves as a transient site of interaction with hemoglobin. These findings are discussed in the context of a putative encounter complex between apo-HasAp and hemoglobin that leads to efficient hemoglobin-heme capture by the hemophore. Similar experiments conducted with full-length 15N-labeled HasAp and hemoglobin revealed a transient interaction site in full-length HasAp similar to that observed in the truncated hemophore. The spectral perturbations observed while investigating these interactions, however, are weaker than those observed for the interactions between hemoglobin and truncated HasAp, suggesting that the disordered tail in the full-length HasAp must be proteolyzed in the extracellular milieu to make HasAp a more efficient hemophore.
Sibling Experiences in Diverse Family Contexts

— Sibling experiences provide a proximal context for development and, in turn, are embedded in ecological niches within society. Using an ecological framework, this article reviews the complexity of sibling experiences in diverse family contexts within the United States, focusing on families that vary in ethnic background and family structure and identifying emerging family contexts that have been understudied in sibling research. The article also illustrates that it is essential to consider macrocontextual influences on microlevel sibling processes and emphasizes that sibling experiences cannot be fully understood using samples from a few communities and family types. The article concludes that the sibling context is a largely untapped window into understanding links among children’s development, family context, and culture.
1550-nm nonablative laser resurfacing for facial surgical scars.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of 1550-nm (Fraxel SR1500 RE:Store; Solta Medical, Hayward, California) nonablative laser treatment of facial surgical scars. Methods In this prospective clinical study, a volunteer sample of 13 adults with Fitzpatrick skin types I to III and facial surgical scars with a postoperative duration longer than 6 months were enrolled. Subjects were treated once every 4 weeks for a total of 4 treatments. Initial settings for the 1550-nm nonablative laser were at energy level 40 mJ and treatment level 4 and were subsequently increased on each visit according to the patients' tolerance level. Using a previously validated Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), the study subject and an independent evaluator completed assessments of the scar at each visit. Results According to the Friedman test on ratings across all occasions after the first treatment to the last evaluation, there was a statistically significant improvement in the patient's assessment of the color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity of the scar but not for pain or itching. For the observer's ratings, there was a statistically significant improvement in pigmentation, thickness, relief, and pliability but not for vascularization. Conclusions Preliminary data suggest improved aesthetic results, demonstrating the potential use of fractional photothermolysis as a scar revision technique. Future studies with a longer follow-up period could elucidate the role of fractional photothermolysis in more permanent scar improvements.
The effects of macro-level interventions on addictive behavior.

Drug addictions are often viewed as compulsive behaviors, not sensitive to the typical rules of self-discipline or market forces. Nonetheless, many governments try to discourage consumption of addi...
Quantization noise spectra

Several results describing the behavior of quantization noise in a unified and simplified manner are discussed. Exact formulas for quantizer noise spectra are developed. They are applied to a variety of systems and inputs, including scalar quantization (PCM), dithered PCM, sigma-delta modulation, dithered sigma-delta modulation, two-stage sigma-delta modulation, and second-order sigma-delta modulation. >
Role-based hierarchical self organization for wireless ad hoc sensor networks

Efficiently self organizing a network hierarchy with specific assignment of roles (or tasks) to sensors based on their physical wireless connectivity and sensing characteristics is an important and challenging problem. In this paper, we extend the hierarchical connected dominating set (CDS) construction algorithm, proposed by Jie Wu, to develop our role-based hierarchical self organization algorithm for wireless sensor networks. The resulting self organized sensor network establishes a network-wide infrastructure consisting of a hierarchy of backbone nodes, and sensing zones that include sensor coordinators, and sensing collaborators (or sensing zone members). Our paper identifies the need for organizing a sensor network according to the tasks appropriate for each sensor node based on their initial deployment in the network. Past research in group-based (or hierarchical) sensor networks have ignored the possibility of utilizing both the physical communication and sensing characteristics to assign roles to sensor nodes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our design, which considers both, through simulations.
Jeffersonian and Hamiltonian Views of Nature in the Early American Republic

It is well known that Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton differed in their respective views on the appropriate role of government in the American republic; however, their views on the natural environment are far less familiar. Accordingly, this article examines the Jeffersonian and Hamiltonian thinking on nature in the context of two prevailing views of the natural environment: an intrinsic view and an instrumental view. An intrinsic view values nature for its innate qualities without regard to its uses. An instrumental view, by contrast, values nature insofar as it serves mankind's purposes. The article concludes that although they differed on the role of nature in human life, both Jefferson and Hamilton accepted the instrumental view of nature—a view entirely consistent with the overwhelming majority of mainstream Enlightenment-era thinking. This shared understanding of the meaning of nature in the Enlightenment reflects Jeffersonian and Hamilton political views and suggests that their thinking was not as different as is commonly supposed.