cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of rotational tillage for corn and soybean production in the Eastern Corn Belt

Farmers often rotate or alternate tillage systems to correct management problems associated with crop production. This study estimated the percentage of cropland fields in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotations that were managed using some form of rotational tillage. The data set consisted of 14 748 corn and soybean fields that were surveyed by conservation personnel in 33 Illinois and 17 Indiana counties in 1994 and 1995. Estimates for continuous and rotational tillage and continuous no-till were generated by tracking fields over time. Continuous tillage, rotational tillage, and continuous no-till were used on 54.3, 29.8, and 16.1% of all fields surveyed, respectively. Due to a higher percentage of cropland managed in no-till soybeans (NTS), Indiana exhibited higher use of rotational tillage and continuous no-till than Illinois. In general, farmers more frequently rotated no-till soybeans with conventional tillage corn (CTC) than no-till corn (NTC) with conventional tillage soybeans (CTS). Based on 1995 planted corn-soybean rotation acreage, use of rotational tillage in Illinois and Indiana is estimated at 6.1 million acres.
The omega-3 index: From biomarker to risk marker to risk factor

Blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids reflect the interplay of metabolism and the intake of omega-3-rich foods (eg, oily fish). Multiple lines of evidence link reduced tissue and/or blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, as reflected in the erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid level (ie, the omega-3 index), with increased risk for coronary heart disease, especially sudden cardiac death. The purpose of this review is to examine the extent to which biomarkers like the omega-3 index qualify as coronary heart disease risk markers and/or risk factors based on new criteria from the American Heart Association and older guidelines proposed in 1965 by Sir Austin Bradford Hill. These standards include consistency, strength of association, biological plausibility, coherence, dose-response relationship, clinical utility, cost effectiveness, and prospective validation. The omega-3 index appears to fulfill many of the requirements for a risk marker and, more importantly, for a risk factor.
Surgery for severe obesity

Surgical therapy for weight loss is an effective treatment for the severely obese patient who also presents with obesity-related co-morbidities. Surgical approaches include both restrictive and malabsorptive procedures that will induce weight loss and improvement of co-morbid conditions. Comprehensive care provided by a multidisciplinary team is essential for the bariatric patient both pre- and postoperatively. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch pose a greater risk for nutrient malabsorption and deficiency than laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy. Metabolic and clinical deficiencies may become clinically significant if not recognized and treated. Counseling, monitoring, and supplementation are essential for the treatment and prevention of metabolic complications after bariatric surgery. This chapter reviews the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of bariatric surgery, preoperative and postoperative management of the bariatric patient, nutrient deficiencies, and guidelines for nutritional management of adults after bariatric surgery.
Ray-tracing of X-ray focusing capillaries

Abstract We report the use of multi-bounce ray tracing to model single capillaries of various profiles coupled to an Advanced Photon Source insertion-device beamline containing an X-ray monochromator and a toroidal or ellipsoidal focussing mirror. Examples are given for parabolic as well as linear profiles placed at the focussed output of the insertion device beamline for the Pacific Northwest Consortium Collaborative Access Team at the Advanced Photon Source. The implementation of single and multiple capillary simulation is discussed.
An Alternative Method of Mandibular Nerve Block

A technique of mandibular nerve block that uses an intraoral, closed-mouth approach has been developed. This injection is simple to administer, well accepted by the patient, and produces profound local anesthesia of inferior alveolar, lingual, and long buccal nerves.
Abstract 3218: Zyflamend, a multi-herbal product, selectively inhibits the growth of triple negative breast cancer cellsin vitro

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subpopulation of breast cancer that has a high mortality rate, recently has been shown to be quite diverse with approximately 7 different molecular subtypes. As a result, treatment with an agent that can potentially target multiple pathways might be an effective approach. Zyflamend (Zy), a unique herbal preparation consisting of 10 concentrated herbal extracts, has been shown to suppress the proliferation of various cancer cells including prostate, melanoma, and bladder cancers. However, its role in TNBC has not been investigated. To examine its anticancer activity in TNBC, we utilized a crystal violet staining assay to determine the proliferation of cells, FACS analysis for cell cycle and apoptosis and gene/protein expression analysis to delineate the plausible mechanism of action. Among a number of breast cancer cell lines including MCF-7, SUM149, MDMB231, BT549 and HCC1937, Zy exerted stronger inhibitory effect in all TNBC cells with IC50 values ranging between 400-800μg/ml (0.5-1 μl/ml) whereas MCF-7, an estrogen/progesterone receptor positive cell line, required 1000μg/ml (1.5μl/ml). Similarly, the morphologies of SUM149, MDAMB231, and BT549 cell lines were notably disrupted by Zy treatment (400μg/ml) when these cells were cultured using three dimensional techniques. FACS analysis showed that there was a dramatic shift to subG1 phase, suggesting cells might undergo apoptosis. Reverse Phase Proteomic Array indicated that proteins affecting the cell cycle progression, cell junction regulation, and cell signaling were altered in BT549 and HCC1937 by 24 hr Zy treatment (800μg/ml).. When compared to the vehicle control, gene expression analysis showed that several inflammatory genes were downregulated by at least 50% and these included 5- and 12-lipooxygenase, leukotriene receptors, TNF receptor, and NF-κB in HCC1937 (800μg/ml), MDAMB231(800μg/ml) and SUM149 (400μg/ml) cells. Taken together, our preliminary data suggests that Zy inhibits TNBC proliferation by inhibiting inflammation, regulating cell cycle, and inducing cell death. Further studies are ongoing to evaluate these effects in in vivo triple negative breast cancer models. Citation Format: Angelica M. Gutierrez-Barrera, Banu K. Arun, Peiying Yang, Carrie Cartwright. Zyflamend, a multi-herbal product, selectively inhibits the growth of triple negative breast cancer cells in vitro . [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3218. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3218
The Role of Integrated Positron Emission Tomography-Computerized Tomography in Evaluating and Staging Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The stage of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) determines that the treatment strategy and proper staging lead to improved survival. Integrated positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (CT) scan provides more accurate staging and better targets for biopsy than traditional methods such as CT scans of the chest and upper abdomen, bone scans, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Integrated positron emission tomography/CT is the best initial test for an indeterminate pulmonary nodule that is 8 mm or greater; for the noninvasive staging of patients with NSCLC, it is the only test that produces a quantitative assessment of an NSCLC's virulence or biologic aggressiveness in a particular patient and is the best tool for restaging patients after radiation and and/or chemotherapy. Finally, its use as a tool for postoperative surveillance is under study.
Distinguishing city and Suburban Movers: Evidence from the American housing survey

Abstract A significant amount of research has concentrated on the process of urban decentralization. Resulting patterns of urban development have far‐reaching effects on land use, transportation, regional fiscal structure, public services and facilities, economic development, and social equity. Because planning policies are being developed to attempt to revitalize the urban core, it is important to know which households may be deciding to relocate to the central cities and why. A discriminant analysis is used to explore the similarities and differences among movers to central cities and suburban locations drawn from metropolitan samples of the 1989 through 1991 American Housing Survey. The analysis compares the reasons for relocation, demographic differences, and metropolitan characteristics between central‐city‐to‐suburb movers and suburb‐to‐central‐city movers. The results indicate that these two groups are very similar in some respects and that some metropolitan‐area characteristics may play a role in ...
Considerations for the antiretroviral management of women in 2008

Clinicians should be familiar with sex-specific considerations when managing antiretroviral (ARV) treatment among women. Pregnancy is a critical influence on when to start treatment and what ARVs should be included in a regimen. Sex, pregnancy and hormonal contraceptive therapies can each influence ARV pharmacokinetic profiles. Women may be prone to have higher serum levels with selected ARV treatments, which may improve potency but also increase the risk for toxicities. Several studies have demonstrated that women do have higher frequencies of selected ARV-associated adverse events when compared with men. Although HIV treatment guidelines for nonpregnant women do not differ from men, clinicians should be aware of the high potential for certain ARV-related toxicities and follow suggestions in order to decrease the risk of side effects.
Preparation of Dense Ta2O5-Based Ceramics by a Coated Powder Method for Enhanced Dielectric Properties

A hybrid solution-coated powder method was used to reduce the sintering temperature of TiO2-modified Ta2O5 ceramics. This simple and effective method allowed chemical homogenization and densification to take place below a densification-impeding phase transformation, something that has not been achieved by traditional mixed oxide processing. Combining the coated powder method with a two-stage heat treatment (by which specimens were first densified and then transformed into the high dielectric constant H-Ta2O5 phase) enabled the realization of dense and homogeneous 92Ta2O5–8TiO2 ceramics with dielectric constant values up to 280 at room temperature.
Le motif du jeu et la fonction du hazard — un topos littéraire dans les mémoires de Casanova

This article argues that there is an inherent connection between the motif of game and the function of chance in Casanova's autobiography and together they constitute a literary topos. This connection seems to be related to time. Through a close reading of one singular episode, namely the one that makes Casanova the director of the first French lottery, the article outlines how chance and game are related through time. In this scene Casanova demonstrates on the one hand scientific knowledge within the calculus of probabilities which strives to eliminate chance and on the other hand an inclination towards the exciting moment always subject to chance.
Laser sensitized dissociation of tetramethyl germane

Abstract Tetramethyl germane was decomposed using laser sensitized photochemistry. Sulfur hexafluoride, a sensitizer, was added to gas phase tetramethyl germane and irradiated using a carbon dioxide, infrared, continnous wave laser under variable experimental conditions. The gas phase reactions were monitored before and after reaction using both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatographic/mass spectral techniques. End product analysis showed that methane, ethene, and ethyne were the primary gaseous products. Germanium was identified visually as a gray solid. This laser sensitized dissociation of tetramethyl germane was optimized by a variation in irradiations and conditions such as sample pressure including sensitizer to reactant pressure ratio, laser power, and time. The yield of germane at the 1 s irradiation was 33% while at the 5 s irradiation, at 57% was observed. Both the rate of depletion of tetramethyl germane and the rate of formation of methane, ethene, and ethyne were determined at numerous irradiation times. Longer irradiation times and higher sulfur hexafluoride pressures produced higher yields. Experimental data from the time studies were used to generate simulated concentrations of reactants, reactive intermediates, and products as a function of time to a high degree of accuracy. The rate constants for the laser sensitized dissociation of tetramethyl germane using sulfur hexafluoride as a sensitizer were determined. Simulation analysis suggests that this reaction can be fit statistically to an eight-step reaction mechanism. These results are discussed and compared to similar literature studies of tetramethyl germane dissociations.
Petrology of lavas from episodes 2–47 of the Puu Oo eruption of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii: Evaluation of magmatic processes

The Puu Oo eruption of Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii is one of its largest and most compositionally varied historical eruptions. The mineral and whole-rock compositions of the Puu Oo lavas indicate that there were three compositionally distinct magmas involved in the eruption. Two of these magmas were differentiated (<6.8 wt% MgO) and were apparently stored in the rift zone prior to the eruption. A third, more mafic magma (9–10 wt% MgO) was probably intruded as a dike from Kilauea's summit reservoir just before the start of the eruption. Its intrusion forced the other two magmas to mix, forming a hybrid that erupted during the first three eruptive episodes from a fissure system of vents. A new hybrid was erupted during episode 3 from the vent where Puu Oo later formed. The composition of the lava erupted from this vent became progressively more mafic over the next 21 months, although significant compositional variation occurred within some eruptive episodes. The intra-episode compositional variation was probably due to crystal fractionation in the shallow (0.0–2.9 km), dike-shaped (i.e. high surface area/volume ratio) and open-topped Puu Oo magma reservoir. The long-term compositional variation was controlled largely by mixing the early hybrid with the later, more mafic magma. The percentage of mafic magma in the erupted lava increased progressively to 100% by episode 30 (about two years after the eruption started). Three separate magma reservoirs were involved in the Puu Oo eruption. The two deeper reservoirs (3–4 km) recharged the shallow (0.4–2.9 km) Puu Oo reservoir. Recharge of the shallow reservoir occurred rapidly during an eruption indicating that these reservoirs were well connected. The connection with the early hybrid magma body was cut off before episode 30. Subsequently, only mafic magma from the summit reservoir has recharged the Puu Oo reservoir.
Two-Dimensional Correlation Analysis of Visible/Near-Infrared Spectral Intensity Variations of Chicken Breasts with Various Chilled and Frozen Storages

Generalized two-dimensional (2D) correlation analysis of visible/near-infrared (NIR) spectra was performed to characterize the spectral intensity variations of chicken muscles induced by either storage time/temperature regime or shear force values. The results showed that intensities of two visible bands at 445 and 560 nm increase with the storage temperature under identical treatment, possibly indicating a color change due to frozen storage. The 2D NIR correlation spectra indicated that all NIR bands reduce their spectral intensities, probably due to the water loss and compositional alterations during the freeze-thaw process as well as the tenderization development in muscle storage. The heterospectra correlating the spectral bands in both visible and NIR regions exhibited a strong correlation and suggested the sequential change between color and other developments in muscles. In addition, shear value-induced NIR spectral intensity variations detected significant differences in spectral features between tender and tough muscles.
Effects of posttrial hippocampal stimulation on memory storage and EEG activity.

These experiments investigated the effect of posttrial electrical stimulation of the hippocampus on learning and EEG activity in rats. Experiment I indicated that 3 min of low-intensity electrical bilateral stimulation of ventral hippocampus (VH) initiated at 5 sec posttrial facilitated learning of one-way active avoidance. Experiment II indicated that posttrial stimulation of VH also facilitated the rats' learning of a discriminated avoidance task. In both experiments, unoperated animals were significantly better than controls implanted with electrodes and the learning of VH-stimulated animals was superior to that of the implanted controls. The results of Experiment II indicated VH stimulation increased theta rhythm activity. The findings are interpreted as suggesting that the electrical stimulation enhanced learning by potentiating posttrial neural processes involved in memory storage.
Presumptive palliative irradiation in metastatic carcinoma of the breast.

Over a 10-year period 550 patients with breast cancer have been refe rred to the Division of Radiation Therapy at Stanford University. 60% had metastatic spread of the disease. Individual foci may often be sterilized by 4000 rads in 3 weeks or 5000 rads in 5 weeks. The goal of each treatment should be the destruction of the metastatic focus not merely the relief of pain. This requires multiple fields and megavoltage equipment. It is easier when metastases are small or asymptomatic. This presumptive palliation is considered superior to terminal palliation. Sporadic metastatic sites frequently require indiv idual treatment long before the disease becomes incapacitating. These casual sites of involvement should be treated aggressively. By using this presumptive approach greater palliation may be achieved in many patients with metastatic breast cancer.
High Incidence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Hemodialysis Patients in Taiwan

A longitudinal follow up of 202 hemodialytic patients were conducted to evaluate the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in this high-risk group. A total of 113 patients were found to be seronegative for anti-HCV at the start of this study period. During the average follow-up period of 39 months, 51 patients developed anti-HCV later (group I), while the remaining 62 patients (group II) were seronegative throughout the study period. The results showed that the incidence of HCV seropositivity is 14.6% per year. Longer periods of hemodialysis and younger age of the patient, but not reuse of dialyzer or sex, were correlated with a higher positive rate of anti-HCV. Clinical hepatitis episodes occurred more frequently in group I (56.9%), while persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was observed more often in group II (54.8%). There was no significant changes in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). A total of 41 patients developed hepatitis among the 59 patients who received transfusions, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. We conclude that HCV infection is the main cause of hepatitis in hemodialysis. The longer the patient underwent hemodialysis, the higher the anti-HCV positive rate became, which did not seem to be related to transfusions. Once infected, there is a low disappearance rate of anti-HCV. The exact route of transmission awaits further investigation.
Monocytes loaded with indocyanine green as active homing contrast agents permit optical differentiation of infectious and non-infectious inflammation

Distinguishing cutaneous infection from sterile inflammation is a diagnostic challenge and currently relies upon subjective interpretation of clinical parameters, microbiological data, and nonspecific imaging. Assessing characteristic variations in leukocytic infiltration may provide more specific information. In this study, we demonstrate that homing of systemically administered monocytes tagged using indocyanine green (ICG), an FDA-approved near infrared dye, may be assessed non-invasively using clinically-applicable laser angiography systems to investigate cutaneous inflammatory processes. RAW 264.7 mouse monocytes co-incubated with ICG fluoresce brightly in the near infrared range. In vitro, the loaded cells retained the ability to chemotax toward monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Following intravascular injection of loaded cells into BALB/c mice with induced sterile inflammation (Complete Freund's Adjuvant inoculation) or infection (Group A Streptococcus inoculation) of the hind limb, non-invasive whole animal imaging revealed local fluorescence at the inoculation site. There was significantly higher fluorescence of the inoculation site in the infection model than in the inflammation model as early as 2 hours after injection (p<0.05). Microscopic examination of bacterial inoculation site tissue revealed points of near infrared fluorescence, suggesting the presence of ICG-loaded cells. Development of a non-invasive technique to rapidly image inflammatory states without radiation may lead to new tools to distinguish infectious conditions from sterile inflammatory conditions at the bedside.
The effect of polyelectrolyte dosage on floc formation in protein precipitation by polyelectrolytes

Abstract Precipitation by polyelectrolytes is an important method in the processing of protein products. In the present work the effect of polymer dosage on floc formation was examined in the system consisting of lysozyme precipitated with polyacrylic acids. Precipitation was first done over a wide dosage range in small centrifugal tubes, and was conducted later at selected dosages in a stirred tank using an agitation schedule that induces floc aggregation, breakup, and re-aggregation in sequence. Protein recovery and precipitate properties, including floc composition, floc zeta potential, floc size distribution and floc strength as well as the reversibility of floc aggregation and floc breakup, were examined. Within a small dosage range, protein recovery has a linear dependence on polyacrylic acid (PAA) dosage and is independent of PAA molecular weights. At large dosage levels, the decrease in protein recovery with polymer dosage is less significant for PAAs of smaller molecular weight, and eventually disappears when the PAA of the lowest molecular weight is used. Two regimes of constant floc composition were observed within the small and large dosage ranges. and were independent of polymer molecular weight. With the PAA of the lowest molecular weight used, floc strength appears to be independent of polymer dosage, and floc size appears to depend on polymer dosage through protein recovery. With the PAA of the highest molecular weight used, flocs formed are weak at a small dosage, and are very strong at large dosages. The results suggest the importance of the polymer addition process in determining the mechanism of floc formation.
SU‐E‐T‐273: Beyond Utilizing Functional Imaging for Contours and Visualization, Towards Physiological Radiotherapy to Improve Patient Outcome

Purpose: To reformulate the treatment planning optimization problem by directly incorporating tissue geometry and spatial function heterogeneity derived from anatomical and physiological images, respectively.Methods: Conventional CT has been the gold standard for anatomical definition of treatment targets and OARs for radiotherapy. Functional images derived from imaging modalities have been utilized to date to draw more accurate contours or define “regions of avoidance” or “regions of dose concentration” to aid the treatment planning process. This framework assumes homogeneity among all the voxels of a region of interest, thereby, neglecting functional heterogeneity among voxels. We propose a treatment planning framework that optimizes voxel dose by explicitly incorporating tissue geometry and heterogeneous physiological function. We explore the use of varying penalty functions applied to organs for which functional information is available. Our approach formulates the dose optimization problem as linear program or quadratic program and solves for pencil beam or aperture weights. We illustrate the reformulated treatment planning framework using ventilation function images from ten locally advanced lung cases. Ventilation function images were obtained from 4DCT imaging. Plan quality and lung function preservation were compared with conventional tissue geometry alone‐based plans.Results: When comparing the plans with and without functional information via traditional DVHs, acceptable V5, V15 and V20 of the lung were achieved by both plans. However, when taking the spatial function heterogeneity into account and evaluating via functional DVH (fDVH), a significant 20% reduction of fV20 (p‐value < 0.001) was achieved by our approach Conclusions: Throughout our retrospective study, we notice that without organ function heterogeneity information available at the time of planning process, very frequently high doses were delivered to organ high‐functioning area, which may be the significant reason many of those patients suffered from complications. With our proposed approach, it is very likely such complications could be avoided.
An illuminative approach to a formative evaluation of a college-based nursing program.

Abstract In February 1985, Mitchell College of Advanced Education introduced a Diploma of Applied Science (Nursing). The Nursing Intervention Practicum (NIP) is the practical component of that course. The curriculum plan for the NIP is based on a changing paradigm in nurse education which treats the nurse as a learner with a commitment to nursing knowledge and the promotion of health. The focus of the NIP is on problem-solving to meet the needs of individuals who require varying levels of nursing intervention. The purposes of this study were to monitor the implementation of the curriculum plan, to describe the learning milieu of the students and the lecturers and to make judgements based on their feedback, in order that decisions could be made about the future direction of the course. This study was formative in nature because the aim of the evaluation was to improve the course by monitoring the implementation process and identifying the problems as they arose. An illuminative approach was used because the varied evaluation techniques allowed the different perspectives to surface and through different lights on the issues, It also allowed for cross-checking of findings from the qualitative and quantitative data.
Analysis of focused-beam powder X-ray diffraction resolution using doubly curved crystal optics

In this work, focusing doubly curved crystal X-ray optics were used in powder diffraction to produce an intense spot for use with small powder or polycrystalline samples. Measurements of several standard small inorganic samples were made using a low-power microfocus source. Diffracted peak width, resolution and intensity were analyzed. The measured resolution, defined as the uncertainty in the peak center, was much smaller than the peak width, which was broadened owing to the use of a focused beam. Resolution was limited by the pixel size of the area detector. Resolution and intensity measurements were in good agreement with those obtained from simple geometric analysis and from a Monte Carlo model used to simulate the diffraction ring shape and width.
Stomach contents of mass-stranded short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) from North Carolina

We examined the stomach contents of 27 short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) that mass stranded on the North Carolina coast on 15 January 2005. Eleven whales had prey parts in their forestomachs. We used frequency of occurrence and numerical abundance to assess the relative importance of prey. Brachioteuthis riisei (numerical abundance 28%), an oceanic species, was the most important cephalopod prey, but Taonius pavo (12%) and Histioteuthis reversa (9%) also represented a substantial part of the diet. A large number of otoliths belonging to the fish Scopelogadus beanii were present (25%). These results differ from reports of the stomach contents of short-finned pilot whales from the Pacific coast in which neritic species dominate the diet. Our findings also suggest that there is a considerable difference between the diet of short- and long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas )i n the western North Atlantic. The latter feed predominantly on the long-finned squid (Loligo pealei) whereas the former feed on deep-water species. Our results indicate the whales fed primarily off the continental shelf prior to stranding.
Opposing effects of d-cycloserine on fear despite a common extinction duration: Interactions between brain regions and behavior

Abstract A number of studies have reported that d -cycloserine (DCS), a partial agonist of the N-methyl- d -aspartate glutamate receptor, can facilitate the loss of conditioned fear if it is administered during an extinction trial. Here we examine the effects of DCS injected into the hippocampus or amygdala on extinction of context-evoked freezing after contextual fear conditioning in C57BL/6 mice. We find that DCS administered prior to an extinction session decreased freezing from the outset of the session regardless of which brain region was targeted. Retention tests revealed opposite effects on fear expression despite identical behavioral treatments: intra-hippocampal DCS inhibited fear expression while intra-amygdala DCS potentiated fear expression. Following post-extinction session injections of DCS, we found a similar though less pronounced effect. Closer inspection of the data revealed that the effects of DCS interacted with the behavior of the subjects during extinction. Intra-hippocampal injections of DCS enhanced extinction in those mice that showed the greatest amount of within-session extinction, but had less pronounced effects on mice that showed the least within-session extinction. Intra-amygdala injections of DCS impaired extinction in those mice that showed the least within-session extinction, but there was some evidence that the effect in the amygdala did not depend on behavior during extinction. These findings demonstrate that even with identical extinction trial durations, the effects of DCS administered into the hippocampus and amygdala can heavily depend on the organism’s behavior during the extinction session. The broader implication of these findings is that the effects of pharmacological treatments designed to enhance extinction by targeting hippocampal or amygdalar processes may depend on the responsivity of the subject to the behavioral treatment.
3DVIEWNIX-AVS: a software package for the separate visualization of arteries and veins in CE-MRA images

Our earlier study developed a computerized method, based on fuzzy connected object delineation principles and algorithms, for artery and vein separation in contrast enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography (CE-MRA) images. This paper reports its current development-a software package-for routine clinical use. The software package, termed 3DVIEWNIX-AVS, consists of the following major operational parts: (1) converting data from DICOM3 to 3DVIEWNIX format, (2) previewing slices and creating VOI and MIP Shell, (3) segmenting vessel, (4) separating artery and vein, (5) shell rendering vascular structures and creating animations. This package has been applied to EPIX Medical Inc's CE-MRA data (AngioMark MS-325). One hundred and thirty-five original CE-MRA data sets (of 52 patients) from 6 hospitals have been processed. In all case studies, unified parameter settings produce correct artery-vein separation. The current package is running on a Pentium PC under Linux and the total computation time per study is about 3 min. The strengths of this software package are (1) minimal user interaction, (2) minimal anatomic knowledge requirements on human vascular system, (3) clinically required speed, (4) free entry to any operational stages, (5) reproducible, reliable, high quality of results, and (6) cost effective computer implementation. To date, it seems to be the only software package (using an image processing approach) available for artery and vein separation of the human vascular system for routine use in a clinical setting.
Intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability of the Gillet test

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability of the Gillet test. Study Design: In a test-retest study the incidence of asymmetric or symmetric sacroiliac joint motion was investigated with the Gillet test. Methods: Forty-one male subjects volunteered for this study (mean age, 23 ± 2.24 years). Thirty-eight subjects were examined in the first test procedure, and at least 4 days later 37 subjects were examined again. The subjects were subdivided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups on the basis of certain criteria. Results: To obtain the intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability values, Cohen's kappa, the percentage agreement, bias-adjusted kappa, and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa were used. The mean Cohen's kappa did not exceed the value of 0.081. Only the percentage agreement of the symptomatic group did exceed the minimum level of 80%. When kappa was positive, the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa was markedly higher than kappa; when kappa was negative, the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa was only slightly higher than kappa. Only small differences were found between kappa and bias-adjusted kappa. Conclusion: The Gillet test, as performed in this study, does not appear to be reliable. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1999;22:4–9)
The effects of running fewer subjects on time‐on‐task measures

There is a desire to streamline the development design process by conducting usability evaluations with fewer subjects. This study examined the impact of using fewer subjects on the accuracy and stability of the mean and median. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to model the skewed task‐completion times typically found in usability studies. The results showed that the mean was a more accurate estimate of its respective population parameter than the median and should be the preferred metric in usability evaluations. However, the mean cannot always be used because it will underestimate the population mean when there are missing data as a result of subjects exceeding time limits. Alternatively, it was found that the median tended to consistently overestimate the population median by as much as 10% in one examined case. The average 95% confidence limits of both estimates were quite broad, particularly for the smaller sample sizes. Based on these results, it was concluded that with reduced sample sizes (e...
On the number of multiplications necessary to compute certain functions

Abstract : The number of multiplications and divisions required in certain computations is investigated. In particular, results of Pan Motzkin, about polynomial evaluation as well as similar results about the product of a matrix by vector, are obtained. As an application of the results on the product of a matrix by vector, a new algorithm for matrix multiplication, which requires about 1/2(n cubed) multiplications, is obtained.
Monoenergetic source of kilodalton ions from Taylor cones of ionic liquids

The ionic liquid ion sources (ILISs) recently introduced by Lozano and Martinez Sanchez [J. Colloid Interface Sci. 282, 415 (2005)], based on electrochemically etched tungsten tips as emitters for Taylor cones of ionic liquids (ILs), have been tested with ionic liquids [A+B−] of increasing molecular weight and viscosity. These ILs have electrical conductivities well below 1S∕m and were previously thought to be unsuitable to operate in the purely ionic regime because their Taylor cones produce mostly charged drops from conventional capillary tube sources. Strikingly, all the ILs tried on ILIS form charged beams composed exclusively of small ions and cluster ions A+(AB)n or B−(AB)n, with abundances generally peaking at n=1. Particularly interesting are the positive and negative ion beams produced from the room temperature molten salts 1-methyl-3-pentylimidazolium tris(pentafluoroethyl) trifluorophosphate (C5MI–(C2F5)3PF3) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(pentafluoroethyl) sulfonylimide (EMI–(C2F5SO3)2N)....
Pacemaker Rate and Depolarization Block in Nigral Dopamine Neurons: A Somatic Sodium Channel Balancing Act

Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are slow intrinsic pacemakers that undergo depolarization (DP) block upon moderate stimulation. Understanding DP block is important because it has been correlated with the clinical efficacy of chronic antipsychotic drug treatment. Here we describe how voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels regulate DP block and pacemaker activity in DA neurons of the substantia nigra using rat brain slices. The distribution, density, and gating of NaV currents were manipulated by blocking native channels with tetrodotoxin and by creating virtual channels and anti-channels with dynamic clamp. Although action potentials initiate in the axon initial segment and NaV channels are distributed in multiple dendrites, selective reduction of NaV channel activity in the soma was sufficient to decrease pacemaker frequency and increase susceptibility to DP block. Conversely, increasing somatic NaV current density raised pacemaker frequency and lowered susceptibility to DP block. Finally, when NaV currents were restricted to the soma, pacemaker activity occurred at abnormally high rates due to excessive local subthreshold NaV current. Together with computational simulations, these data show that both the slow pacemaker rate and the sensitivity to DP block that characterizes DA neurons result from the low density of somatic NaV channels. More generally, we conclude that the somatodendritic distribution of NaV channels is a major determinant of repetitive spiking frequency.
Pharmacokinetics of Saquinavir After Intravenous and Oral Dosing of Saquinavir : Hydroxybutenyl-β-Cyclodextrin Formulations

The current research evaluated the ability of hydroxybutenyl-β-cyclodextrin (HBenBCD) to enhance saquinavir in vitro solubility and in vivo oral bioavailability; both the base and mesylate salt forms of saquinavir were investigated. HBenBCD was effective and significantly improved saquinavir solubility in aqueous media. In the presence of 10 wt % HBenBCD, saquinavir base solubility in water was increased to ca. 5.5 ± 0.4 mg/mL and represents a 27-fold increase from that observed in water (207 ± 5 µg/mL) in the absence of HBenBCD. Saquinavir−HBenBCD formulations were found to have rapid dissolution over a wide pH range (1.2–6.8), and saquinavir solubility in these media was maintained throughout the experiments. When saquinavir−HBenBCD formulations were administered to Wistar−Hannover rats, saquinavir was rapidly absorbed and rapidly eliminated. Rapid saquinavir elimination was particularly pronounced when saquinavir−HBenBCD formulations were given as an oral aqueous gavage. Saquinavir oral bioavailability...
On the channel modelling and transmission power control for wireless sensor networks

In battery powered wireless sensor networks, energy efficiency is one of the most important considerations. Based on field experiments on some typical wireless sensor network, we proposed to explicitly use radio models in transmission power control. We evaluated a parallel Expectation-Maximization (EM) scheme for realtime channel tracking. Simulations show that this method can result in considerable reduction on the transmission power.
Odds ratio inference from stratified samples

One of the common problems encountered in applied statistics is that of comparing two proportions from stratified samples. One approach to this problem is via inference on the corresponding odds ratio. In this paper, the various point and interval estimators of and hypothesis testing procedures for a common odds ratio from multiple 2 ×2 tables are reviewed. Based On research to date, the conditional maximum likelihood and Mantel-Haenszel estimators are recommended as the point estimators of choice. Neither confidence intervals nor hypothesis testing metthods have been studied as well as the point estimators, but there is a confidence interval method associated with the Mantel-Haenszel estimator that is a good choice.
Metal removal from silicon surfaces in wet chemical systems

The steady decrease in the minimum feature size of silicon ICs has tightened the wafer cleanliness standards needed to achieve satisfactory device yields. While wet cleaning cycles continue to be used because of their excellent ability to remove particles and native oxides, the deposition of trace amounts of metals from contaminated solutions is a growing concern. A quantitative description of metal removal and deposition phenomena is possible using E-pH diagrams. These diagrams define a thermodynamic driving force for deposition, which is the difference between the chemical potential of the metal ion in the cleaning mixture and the metal or metal oxide on the silicon surface. A mechanistic model, which combines the thermodynamic driving force with etching and mass transport effects, is presented for metal removal and deposition in oxidizing cleaning solutions.
Lipofuscin: resolution of discrepant fluorescence data

Lipofuscin granules (age pigments) emit yellow light under ultraviolet excitation in the fluorescence microscope. The reported blue emission maximum of extracts of lipofuscin-laden cells may result from instrumental bias. The major fluorescent components that accumulate with age in these lysosomal residual bodies of human retinal pigment epithelium are yellow-emitting fluorophores. Different age-related fluorophores, which do emit blue light, are derived from other intracellular sources. A reevaluation of the connection between blue-emitting lipid peroxidation products and the age-related lipofuscin granules of classical pathology is necessary.
Effects of dopamine metabolism of MPTP and MPP+ infused through a push-pull cannula into the caudate nucleus of awake adult male rats

Our previous data demonstrated that both 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) exerted potent inhibition on endogenous 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) output and potent stimulation on endogenous dopamine (DA) release from the rat corpus striatum superfused in vitro. In this report, using a push-pull perfusion technique, we examined in vivo the acute effects of MPTP and MPP+ on DA metabolism in the rat caudate nucleus (CN). MPTP or MPP+ in modified Krebs-Ringer phosphate buffer at concentrations of 10−6, 10−4 M was administered directly into the CN for 15 min, each 90 min apart. Thirty minutes after the infusion of 10−6 M MPP+, DOPAC output was reduced to a significantly lower value and subsequent infusions of high concentrations of MPP+ further decreased DOPAC output. Homovanillic acid (HVA) output was also decreased by MPP+ infusions, however, at higher concentrations. In respect to DA release, 1 of 10, 4 of 10 and 7 of 10 animals responded with significant increases to 10−6, 10−5 and 10−4 M MPP+, respectively. On the other hand, MPTP was effective in reducing DOPAC output only at 10−4 M and ineffective in altering DA and HVA output at all doses tested. In addition, neither drugs had a significant effect on 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Accompanying the dramatic changes in DA metabolism caused by MPP+, two uncommon behavioral syndromes were also observed; tremor-body twist and body shaking. Therefore, our results confirm in vivo that MPP+ serves as the active metabolite of MPTP in the CN and suggest a major inhibitory effect of MPP+ on monoamine oxidase rather than on DA re-uptake activity at low concentrations. Furthermore, MPP+ also acts to stimulate DA release directly on the secretory process at high concentrations.
Pressure-sensitive microfluidic gates fabricated by patterning surface free energies inside microchannels

A series of pressure-sensitive microfluidic gates to regulate liquid flow have been successfully fabricated by patterning surface free energies inside microchannels using self-assembled monolayers in combination with either multistream laminar flow or photolithography. The designs are based on the principles of surface-directed liquid flow previously reported. Aqueous liquids, including protein solutions, are confined to the hydrophilic pathways (or the most hydrophilic pathway) under spontaneous flow conditions and flow into the hydrophobic regions or the less hydrophilic pathways when pressures exceed critical values. A programmable pressure-sensitive liquid delivery device is demonstrated. We have also investigated the initial rate of liquid flow in surface-patterned microchannels under spontaneous flow conditions from both analytical and experimental approaches. The methods described here provide an alternative to the conventional approaches to control liquid flow in the fast-developing field of micro...
Decreased efficacy of polyethylene glycol lavage solution (golytely) in the preparation of diabetic patients for outpatient colonoscopy: a prospective and blinded study.

Decreased efficacy of polyethylene glycol lavage solution (Golytely) in the preparation of diabetic patients for outpatient colonoscopy: a prospective and blinded study
The effect of resistant cultivars of catch crops on the hatching of Heterodera schachtii

SUMMARY In laboratory tests with Heterodera schachtii, root leachates of nematode-resistant and susceptible cruciferous crops stimulated egg hatches of up to 77% and 95% respectively. In these tests very little hatch occurred at 5°C or 10°C, more at 15°C and most at 20°C. In field experiments in which these crops were sown in September 1982 and August 1983 into soil infested with H. schachtii, numbers of viable eggs had decreased only slightly under resistant crops 4–5 months later. This was possibly because the soil was too cold and dry to permit a large proportion to hatch.
Single Carbon Nanotube Membranes: A Well-Defined Model for Studying Mass Transport through Nanoporous Materials

This work represents the first study of mass transport phenomena within a nanotube and thus holds promise as a means of probing the properties of nanotube interiors. Multiwall carbon nanotubes are used as templates to fabricate single-pore membranes. These membranes are better experimental models for testing specific predictions of mass transport theories than arrays of nanopores because they require fewer adjustable parameters and they have well-defined geometry and chemical structures. Using polystyrene particles as probes, we demonstrate that quantitative information about fundamental modes of transport, such as hydrodynamic and electrophoretic flow, can be obtained using these single-pore membranes. Furthermore, time-resolved mass transport measurements can be achieved when the method of Coulter counting is used.