cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two cases of phenotypic switch of primary cutaneous T cell lymphoma after treatment with an aggressive course and review of the literature.

A “phenotypic switch” (PS) is a well-known phenomenon that occurs in hematopoietic neoplasms, often after treatment. However, in cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), this event has rarely been reported, and thus, very little is known about its relevance to disease prognosis. We report two cases of patients that were diagnosed with a CD4+ mycosis fungoides with positive T cell receptor gene rearrangement studies. Both patients originally responded to treatment, but subsequently, their CTCL came back with a different phenotype of a CD4− CTCL. Gene rearrangement studies were performed on the second occurrence in order to prove that this was the same lymphoma. Both patients died from their CTCL. Additionally, we collected seven cases of primary CTCL from the literature with tissue samples from before and after treatment with molecular studies confirming these neoplasms contained the same T cell clone, providing evidence of a true PS. This too revealed a poor prognosis in the majority of these cases. CTCL should be worked up to determine whether a PS has occurred after therapy since it could confuse management of patients and appears to portend a poor prognosis.
Las islas de noche. San Juan de la Cruz, Martí y Lezama: Extrañeza y nocturnidad hacia un imaginario insular cubano

From the perspective of the Island Studies, this article analyzes the Spiritual Canticle by St. John of the Cross, in interrelation with the Cuban poems “Two Homelands” by Jose Marti, and “Insular Night, Invisible Gardens” by Jose Lezama Lima. The analysis stated that some zones from the Canticle constituted a symbolic matrix in the configuration of the island imaginary in the two Cuban poems read. This reading is a step ahead in the understanding of possible intersections in this subgroup of poetic texts of a island symbolic field in close overlapping with the field of the nocturnality.
An inequality concerning the elasticity of Krull monoids with divisor class group $\mathbb{Z}_p$

Let p be a prime integer and M a Krull monoid with divisor class group $\mathbb{Z}_p$ . We represent by S the set of nontrivial divisor classes of $\mathbb{Z}_p$ which contain prime divisors. We present a new inequality for the elasticity of M (denoted ρ (M)) which is dependent on the cardinality of S and argue that this inequality is the best possible. If M as above has | S| = 3, then it is known that $\rho(M)\in \{p/2, p/3,\ldots ,p/(\lfloor p/3\rfloor + 1)\}$ , but for large p, not all the values in this containment set can be realized. For each | S| = 3, we produce a submonoid $\widetilde{\mathcal{B}}(\mathbb{Z}_p,S)$ of $\mathcal{B}(\mathbb{Z}_p,S)$ such that $$ \{\,\rho(\widetilde{\mathcal{B}}(\mathbb{Z}_p,S))\,\mid \, S\subseteq \mathbb{Z}_p-\{0\}\mbox{ and }\mid S\mid =3\}=\{p/2, p/3,\ldots ,p/(\lfloor p/3\rfloor + 1)\}. $$ Keywords: Krull monoid, Block monoid, Elasticity of factorization Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 20M14, 20D60, 13F05
Comprehensive Migraine Initiative in the Pediatric Emergency Department Improves Treatment Outcomes.

Objective:To compare pediatric migraine treatment efficacy in the emergency department before and after the implementation of a comprehensive migraine initiative, consisting of a standardized treat...
Transmission by Biphthalate at 3130 Å

THE problems involved in the development of ultraviolet transmission filters have been discussed by Hunt and Davis1 and Kasha3. For the isolation of the mercury arc triplet near 3130 A, nickel chloride, potassium chrom-ate and potassium biphthalate have been recommended as the best solution filters and have been widely used in the photolysis of ketones. Of these, potassium acid phthalate exhibits an amazingly sharp spectral cut-off just below 3100 A, thereby necessitating its use as a high-frequency cut-off filter in conjunction with a region-selecting filter such as potassium chromate. But it is photochemioally unstable, tending to decrease transmission at 3130 A with use, and, in order to maintain the transmittance fairly constant, it was suggested by Bowen3 that the biphthalate solution required continued renewal by means of a flow system.
Seasonal expressions of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor in the epididymides in the wild ground squirrels (Citellus Dauricus Brandt)

Abstract The aim of this study was to detect the seasonal expressions of oxytocin (OT), oxytocin receptor (OTR), extracellular signal-regulated kinase1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and phospho-ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) in the epididymis of the wild ground squirrels (Citellus Dauricus Brandt) during the breeding season and non-breeding season. Histological results showed that size, weight, cell number and lumen diameter of epididymis underwent acute seasonal changes, which were all peaked in the breeding season. Immunohistochemical results suggested that strong staining of OT, OTR, ERK1/2, and pERK1/2 were observed in the epithelial layer in the whole epididymis, along with intense OT and OTR signal in smooth muscle cell (Smc) in caudal epididymis in the breeding season. The protein expression levels of OTR, ERK1/2, and pERK1/2 in the epididymis were higher in the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season. Besides, hormone assay revealed that there was no significant serum concentration of OT in these two periods, while epididymal concentration showed higher value in the breeding season. In summary, the identified localization and local concentration of OT in the epididymis in the wild ground squirrel suggested that epididymis may assume as a source of OT, and OT could act via OTR to activate ERK1/2 signaling to regulate seasonal epididymal functions.
Advanced Breast Cancer Definitions by Staging System Examined in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium.

BACKGROUND Advanced breast cancer is an outcome used to evaluate screening effectiveness. The advanced cancer definition resulting in the best discrimination of breast cancer death has not been studied in a breast imaging population. METHODS A total of 52 496 women aged 40-79 years participating in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium diagnosed with invasive cancer were staged using the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) anatomic and prognostic pathologic systems and Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST) tumor categories. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting 5-year breast cancer death and the sensitivity and specificity for predicting 5-year breast cancer death for 3 advanced cancer classifications: anatomic stage IIB or higher, prognostic pathologic stage IIA or higher, and TMIST advanced cancer. RESULTS The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for predicting 5-year breast cancer death for AJCC anatomic stage, AJCC prognostic pathologic stage, and TMIST tumor categories were 0.826 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.817 to 0.835), 0.856 (95% CI = 0.846 to 0.866), and 0.789 (95% CI = 0.780 to 0.797), respectively. AJCC prognostic pathologic stage had statistically significantly better discrimination than AJCC anatomic stage (difference = 0.030, bootstrap 95% CI = 0.024 to 0.037) and TMIST tumor categories (difference = 0.067, bootstrap 95% CI = 0.059 to 0.075). The sensitivity and specificity for predicting 5-year breast cancer death for AJCC anatomic stage IIB or higher, AJCC prognostic pathologic stage IIA or higher, and TMIST advanced cancer were 72.6%, 76.7%, and 96.1%; and 78.9%, 81.6%, and 41.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Defining advanced cancer as AJCC prognostic pathologic stage IIA or higher most accurately predicts breast cancer death. Use of this definition by investigators will facilitate comparing breast cancer screening effectiveness studies.
Business Failure and the Lottery Syndrome: A Note

A significant number of new business failures can be traced to the fact that the founder(s) missed the mark on many of these traits required for success. They may not have inspired confidence in anyone, including themselves. They may have been easily upset by problems. They may have had difficulty in maintaining any internal optimism with no clear vision or realistic goals. Lastly, they may have succumbed to wishful thinking and the need for instant gratification with the material trappings of the business; thus creating an emotional foundation for failure.
ARRANGEMENT OF SHIPBOARD PIPING BY DIGITAL COMPUTER

A method of computerized arrangement of piping is described. It will choose a path for a pipe, including branches, if geometrical data specifying terminals, obstructing objects, and compartment boundaries are given to the computer. The main path chosen typically follows a vertical route to a horizontal layer in which a minimum-length path can be run, followed by a vertical leg to the destination. The routing within the horizontal layer is accomplished by a dynamic programming adaptation. The routing of branches follows the same procedure as the main pipe, after a trial-and-error selection of branch origins that are expected to give a near-minimum branch length. The paper outlines the method, describes some of the key techniques, and gives brief descriptions of the computer routines required, but complete description of the programming is not provided. Although the method is working on a developmental basis, it is judged to be unready for use in practical design.
Comparative Contributions of Dietary Protein Quality and Quantity to Growth during Gestation, Lactation and Postweaning in the Rat

The growth promotion by feeding purified diets containing 25%, 12% or 7% of either casein or wheat gluten (W.G.) and the supplementation value of adding cystine to the low casein diets, and lysine or lysine plus threonine to the wheat gluten diets ascertained in rats by comparing the weight achieved at birth, after 3 weeks suckling or 4 weeks postweaning. Birth weight was depressed by 30% with 7% casein; by 20% with 7% W.G.; by 15% with 25% W.G. compared to controls and there was no change when lysine alone was added to 7% W.G. Addition of lysine plus threonine to 7% W.G., lysine to 25% W.G. and cystine to 7% casein increased birth weight. The weight gain of dams reflected birth weight of pups in most cases. Weaning weight was depressed by 60% with either 12% casein or 12% W.G., and by 40% with 25% W.G. compared to controls. Addition of cystine to 12% casein and lysine to 25% W.G. increased the weaning weight slightly. Addition of lysine, lysine plus threonine or lysine plus glutamic acid (G.A.) to 12% W.G. had no effect on weaning weight. Maternal weight loss was decreased by amino acid supplementation of the diet. Four-week postweaning body weight was equal to the control when cystine was added to 12% casein and lysine was added to 25% W.G. Addition of lysine to 12% W.G. improved the growth rate, and addition of lysine plus threonine further improved the growth rate. Food intake was not decreased by protein deficiency during gestation. Food intake was significantly lowered by protein deficiency during both lactation and postweaning, however, supplementation of amino acid partially restored food intake to normal levels.
Separating the solar system and galactic contributions to the diffuse infrared background

A model for the zodiacal emission detected by IRAS is presented. The model allows for power-law variations with helicoentric distance of the grain temperature and density, and includes an outer edge with the same ellipsoidal shape as the density contours. Results of a preliminary least-squares fits suggest that the outer edge is located near the edge of the asteroid belt, that the grains absorb and radiate like blackbodies, and that the density is consistent with Poynting-Robertson drag on grains originating in the asteroid belt.
An electronic mail facility for business statistics

Abstract The use of electronic mail has exhibited phenomenal growth in the business community in the last several years. Corporations have recognized the potential for improved communication among employees, and for cost reduction through the elimination of paper flow. The utilization of similar electronic mail facilities in business schools is important for two reasons: it provides a convenient, productive way for students to communicate with their professors, and in the process they learn to use a technology that many of them will encounter in the workplace. This paper presents computer assignments given to business statistics students using the statistics package STATPAK and outlines the benefits achieved by using the electronic mail facility MUSIC MEMO.
Inflow Layer Energetics of Hurricane Bonnie (1998) near Landfall

Abstract On 26 August 1998, a NOAA WP-3D aircraft executed a curved track that mimics an inflow trajectory to the eyewall of Hurricane Bonnie. Global positioning system (GPS) sondes and airborne expendable bathythermographs jettisoned along the trajectory provide the observations to conduct an energy budget for the 1600-m-deep inflow to the eyewall. Surface fluxes are estimated via the bulk aerodynamic equations and the flux at the top of the inflow is solved as a residual. From 170- to 125-km radial distance from the circulation center the mean θe of the inflow remains constant despite combined sensible and latent surface fluxes in excess of 500 W m−2. Convective cells remove energy from the inflow boundary layer at a rate similar to the inputs from the sea. From 125 to 100 km, in the annulus adjacent to the eyewall, mean θe increases 4.5 K in response to higher surface fluxes and little loss through the inflow top. Energy balance may be achieved by either entrainment of higher θe through the top of the ...
Sea Ice Microorganisms

Different Types of Ice Primary Producers Within the Ice Nutrient Concentrations Bacteria in Sea Ice Adaption to the Environment Grazing on the Sea Ice Algal Biomass Keywords: extreme environments; ice environment; marine environment; sea ice microbial communities
Quantitative phagocytosis by neutrophils. I. A new method with immune complexes.

A new method for the quantitative measurement of phagocytosus by neutrophils, providing reproducibility within 3%, is described. The phagocytizable material consists of radiolabeled immune complexes. Cell uptake is a function of the cell concentration, the amount of immune complexes, the duration of incubation, and the amount of antigen in excess of the point of equivalence. The presence of serum does not enhance phagocytosis.
Preparation and Analysis of Glycoconjugates

Whereas DNA, RNA, and proteins are linear polymers that can usually be directly sequenced, glycans show substantially more complexity, having branching and anomeric configurations (α and β linkages). The biosynthesis of glycans, termed glycosylation, is extremely complex, is not template-driven, varies among different cell types, and cannot be easily predicted from simple rules. This overview discusses the stereochemistry of mono- and oligosaccharides and provides diagrammatic representations of monosaccharides (Fisher projections and Haworth representations) and formulas for representation of glycan chains. A glossary of terms used in glycobiology is also provided. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 88:17.0.1-17.0.12. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: glycan; monosaccharide; glycan analysis; sugar symbols; glycoconjugate; glycobiology
Empirical validation of a short version of the Adolescent Sleep-Wake Scale using a sample of ethnically diverse adolescents from an economically disadvantage community

Abstract Objective There is a need for brief, psychometrically sound instruments to assess adolescent sleep, particularly for ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged adolescents. A 10-item short version of the Adolescent Sleep–Wake Scale was recently proposed based upon exploratory factor analysis with primarily Caucasian healthy adolescents from middle- to high-income families. The aim of this study was to expand the utility of the short version of the Adolescent Sleep–Wake Scale by investigating the empirical and construct validity of the measure on an ethnically diverse sample of adolescents from an economically disadvantaged community. Materials and Methods Participants included 467 adolescents (40% African American, 35.5% Caucasian, 16.5% Latino, and 7.9% multiethnic), aged 12–18 years (mean = 15.27 years, SD = 1.96 years), who completed the Adolescent Sleep–Wake Scale. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with Mplus 7 based on the three-factor solution proposed by Essner et al. (2014). Results CFA indicated that the three-factor structure was a good fit for the data (χ 2 (29) = 52.053, p = 0.005, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.04, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.96, standardized root mean residuals (SRMR) = 0.03), and factor loadings for each item were >0.40. Cronbach's alphas by ethnicity indicated that the scale has acceptable reliability (0.70 ≤ α ≤ 0.90) for African American, Caucasian, and multiethnic adolescents, but not for Latino adolescents. Conclusion Our results support the use of the Adolescent Sleep–Wake Scale short form for the majority of ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged adolescents.
Comparison of 3-point Dixon imaging and fuzzy C-means clustering methods for breast density measurement.

Purpose To assess two methods of fat and fibroglandular tissue (FGT) segmentation for measuring breast MRI FGT volume and FGT%, the volume percentage of FGT in the breast, in longitudinal studies. Materials and Methods Nine premenopausal women provided one MRI per week for 4 weeks during a natural menstrual cycle for a total of 36 datasets. We compared a fuzzy c-means (FC) and a 3-point Dixon segmentation method for estimation of changes in FGT volume and FGT% across the menstrual cycle. We also assessed whether differences due to changes in positioning each week could be minimized by coregistration, i.e., the application of the breast boundary selected at one visit to images obtained at other visits. Results FC and Dixon FGT volume were highly correlated (r = 0.93, P < 0.001), as was FC and Dixon FGT% (r = 0.86, P = 0.01), although Dixon measurements were on average 10–20% higher. Although FGT measured by both methods showed the expected pattern of increase during the menstrual cycle, the magnitude, and for one woman the direction, of change varied according to the method used. Measurements of FGT for coregistered images were in close agreement with those for which the boundaries were determined independently. Conclusion The method of segmentation of fat and FGT tissue may have an impact on the results of longitudinal studies of changes in breast MRI FGT. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:474–481. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ABILITY OF COLICIN V TO CONTROL ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7 IN GROUND BEEF

Culture counts of Escherichia coli O157:H7 showed that colicin V caused rapid death in buffered (pH 7) cell suspensions at 30C. A decrease in optical density of cell suspensions indicated that colicin V lysed cells. Decreased optical densities were proportional to increased colicin V concentrations. Colicin V was also effective in killing E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef at 4, 20 and 30C. Initial rates of killing were directly proportional to temperature.
Characterization of a bilayer WC–Co hardmetal using Hertzian indentation technique

Abstract Functionally graded materials (FGMs) incorporate gradual transitions in their microstructure and/or composition with distance. The greatest merit of FGM in the design and processing of engineering materials is to combine irreconcilable properties of material in the same component, such as fracture toughness and wear resistance. Functionally graded WC–Co composite is one of those materials. However, quantitatively characterizing the mechanical properties, especially the toughness, of graded WC–Co materials is a difficult task. In this study, using Hertzian indentation technique, the mechanical behavior of WC–Co with graded cobalt composition and WC grain size was studied and compared to those of the homogeneous materials that are similar to either the top surface or the bulk substrate material. The results of this study showed that Hertzian indentation technique is an effective way for characterizing the bilayer WC–Co hardmetals.
Tunable attractive and repulsive interactions between pH-responsive microgels

We report direct measurements of the pairwise interparticle potential between poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (pNIPAm-co-AAc) colloidal microgels as a function of pH, as determined through Ornstein–Zernike analysis of the pair distribution function of quasi-2D dilute colloidal suspensions. The interaction potential ranges from purely repulsive at high pH due to electrosteric interactions to weakly attractive at low pH due to hydrogen bonding, which explains previous observations on the unique phase behavior of these particles in concentrated suspensions.
Fabrication and in vitro characterization of three-dimensional organic/inorganic scaffolds by robocasting.

A key issue for the fabrication of scaffolds for tissue engineering is the development of processing techniques flexible enough to produce materials with a wide spectrum of solubility (bioresorption rates) and mechanical properties matching those of calcified tissues. These techniques must also have the capability of generating adequate porosity to further serve as a framework for cell penetration, new bone formation, and subsequent remodeling. In this study we show how hybrid organic/inorganic scaffolds with controlled microstructures can be built using robotic assisted deposition at room temperature. Polylactide or polycaprolactone scaffolds with pore sizes ranging between 200–500 μm and hydroxyapatite contents up to 70 wt % were fabricated. Compressive tests revealed an anisotropic behavior of the scaffolds, strongly dependant on their chemical composition. The inclusion of an inorganic component increased their stiffness but they were not brittle and could be easily machined even for ceramic contents up to 70 wt %. The mechanical properties of hybrid scaffolds did not degrade significantly after 20 days in simulated body fluid. However, the stiffness of pure polylactide scaffolds increased drastically due to polymer densification. Scaffolds containing bioactive glasses were also printed. After 20 days in simulated body fluid they developed an apatite layer on their surface. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007.
Measurements of impulsive reconnection driven by nonlinear Hall dynamics

The magnetic fields associated with reconnection in the edge of the reversed field pinch configuration have been measured in the Madison Symmetric Torus. The measured magnetic field structure is compared with theoretical predictions computed in both toroidal and cylindrical geometries. The summation of multiple modes has been accomplished to reveal a complex but still coherent edge structure. Key terms of relevant Ohm’s law are accessible from magnetic field measurement and reveal the ordering [(1/ne)J×B⪢E>ηJ], which implies that two fluid effects are important in the physics governing this reconnection. Further, it is seen that the nonlinear three-wave coupling of the Hall term acts as a driving mechanism for this linearly stable mode.
Role of bone scanning for evaluation of carcinoma of the cervix

The value of X-ray studies and bone scan studies of cervix cancer patients was evaluated by a review of patient charts and bone scans or X-ray studies. No in situ cancer patients had positive studies. A low frequency of positive X-ray studies was observed ranging from 1% with stage I to 10% with stage IV disease. Recurrent carcinoma had 10% positive studies. Bone scans correlated well with positive X-ray studies but 10% false-positive scans were seen, mostly osteoarthritis. The bone scan was much more sensitive and appeared to detect an earlier stage lesion, usually associated with symptoms which with radiation and other treatments could follow a more indolent course than the patient with a positive X-ray study. The present study evaluates the appearance and value of these studies, the frequency and circumstances under which useful information was obtained, and what type of survival followed the establishment of the diagnosis.
The low-power-drain microelectronic VHF amplifier

Low-power-drain VHF amplifiers have some unique characteristics when they are miniaturized. And, if the design is special?requiring tight tolerances or intended for limited-quantity production?it is often desirable to make the RF micropower circuits from discrete components. Described in this article are the first-order device requirements and circuit considerations for such VHF amplifiers incorporating bipolar transistors operating at collector currents as low as 25 ?A. Two specific designs are offered, along with information pertinent to their construction.
Expression of the HSF4 DNA binding domain-EGFP hybrid gene recreates early childhood lamellar cataract in transgenic mice.

Purpose The clinical management of cataracts in infancy involves surgical removal of the lens to ensure transmission of light to the retina, which is essential for normal neural development of the infant. This surgery, however, entails a lifelong follow-up and impaired vision. To our knowledge, no animal models recapitulate human lamellar opacities, the most prevalent form of early childhood cataracts. We present data on the recreation of the human lamellar cataract phenotype in transgenic mice. Methods Mutations in the DNA binding domain (DBD) of the heat shock transcription factor 4 (HSF4) are known to be associated with early childhood autosomal dominant lamellar cataract. We used bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenesis to express a hybrid gene: Hsf4 (DBD)-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), by recombineering EGFP sequences into the DBD of the Hsf4 gene, to interfere with the DNA binding properties of Hsf4. Results We recapitulated the human lamellar cataract, in its temporal as well as spatial presentation, within the transgenic mouse lens. This phenotype was reproduced faithfully using four different BACs, indicating that EGFP can be used to target transcription factor function in transgenic mice. Molecular and cell biological examination of early postnatal transgenic lens reveals impairment of secondary fiber cell differentiation. Conclusions Recreation of the human lamellar cataract phenotype in mice allows investigation of this human pathology at a level not possible previously and points to the relevance of fiber cell heterogeneity dictated by fiber cell-specific gene activity in the biogenesis of the lamellar cataract.
PRE‐CONDITIONS FOR THE EMERGENCE OF MULTICOMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE ORGANIZATIONS1

This article looks at collaborative actions in small, rural communities. Collaborative actions involve strong linkages among a stable membership in specific and often complex purposes and usually are long term. They involve formal processes and structural patterns of collaboration. They emerge from disaster occurrences which trigger fiscal stress or perceived stress to form collaborative action. Since there is often no push by public opinion to maintain them, there is a need for public incentives to support capacity building. These incentives are instrumental in the formation and maintenance of these collaborative actions. Organizational formation is also tied to an identifiable policy entrepreneur or several entrepreneurs. Their maintenance relies on an early focus on visible, effective strategies and an emphasis on collaborative skills building.
GABA-mediated inhibition of visual interneurons in the crayfish medulla

1. The actions of GABA on three classes of visual interneurons in crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, medulla externa are examined. The effect of GABA on the visual response is compared to GABA's action on agonist-elicited responses purported to mediate the visual response. 2. GABA produces a shunting type of inhibition in medullary amacrine cells which is associated with a small depolarization (Figs. 2, 3), a large increase in input conductance (Gn) and a reversal potential close to rest (Fig. 4). GABA is a potent antagonist to the depolarizing action of acetylcholine (ACh) (Fig. 5). 3. GABA depolarizes dimming fibers (Fig. 2), and the response is mediated by an increase in Gn (Fig. 6). GABA antagonizes the light-elicited IPSP and the hyperpolarizing action of ACh (Fig. 7). 4. Sustaining fibers (SF) do not appear to have GABA receptors but GABA inhibits the excitatory visual input pathway to the SFs (Fig. 8). Conversely, the GABA antagonist, bicuculline, potentiates the SF light response (Fig. 9). 5. GABA has at least three different modes of antagonist action in the medulla: i) Increased conductance and depolarization in dimming fibers and medullary amacrine neurons; ii) Decreased chloride conductance in tangential cells; and iii) An inhibitory action on the visual pathway which drives SFs.
Soft computing: Tools for Intelligent Reservoir Characterization (IRESC)

Summary: In this study, a new integrated methodology will be developed to identify the nonlinear relationship and mapping between 3-D seismic data, production log and will be applied to producing field. The method uses conventional techniques such as geostatistical and classical pattern recognition [1] in conjunction with modern techniques such as soft computing (neuro computing, fuzzy logic, genetic computing, and probabilistic reasoning) [2-4]. An important task of our research is to use clustering techniques recognize the optimal location of a new well to be drilled based on 3-D seismic data and available production log/data or other viable logs. The classification task will be accomplished in three ways; 1) kmean clustering, 2) fuzzy clustering, and 3) neural network clustering to recognize the similarity cubes. Then the relationship between each cluster and production log will be recognized around the wellbore and the results will be used to reconstruct and extrapolate the production log away from the wellbore. This advanced 3-D seismic and log analysis and interpretation can be used to predict; 1) mapping between production data and seismic data, 2) reservoir connectivity based on multi-attributes analysis, 3) pay zone estimation, and 4) optimum well placement.
Direct evidence on the marginal rate of taxation on dividend income

Abstract Miller and Scholes (1978) hypothesize that the marginal tax rate on dividend income may be less than the marginal rate of tax on capital gains. Their hypothesis is dependent upon individuals utilizing existing provisions of the Code which serve to reduce the taxation of dividends. In this study, estimates of the marginal and effective rates of tax on dividend income for the year 1979 are presented using the Statistics of Income sample of returns. The average marginal rate of tax on dividend income is estimated to be 40%, while the average effective rate of tax is estimated to be 30%.
Use of Pont’s Index in Orthodontic Diagnosis

The validity of Pont’s index is tested in an investigation of dental records of 20 patients. Measurements were taken of the dental casts made before treatment, at the completion of orthodontic treatment, and ten years after the use of retaining appliances had been discontinued. Poor correlation was found between the final measurements and Pont’s index. Use of mandibular arch form and mandibular intercanine width as presented in the original malocclusion is a more reliable treatment guide than Pont’s index.
The ice is broken [Point of View]

Alaska is a depressing place to visit in the summer. Although there are lush green landscapes and countless animals, there appears to be little ice. Or rather, the ice is melting at accelerated rates.
An exceptionally mild deprotection of phthalimides

Abstract Phthalimides are converted to primary amines in an efficient, two-stage, one-flask operation using NaBH4/2-propanol, then acetic acid.
Quantitative Comparison of Stem Lesions Caused by Cercosporidium personatum in Florunner and Southern Runner Peanut Cultivars

Fewer stem lesions caused by Cercosporidium personatum (Berk. & Curt.) Deighton developed on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivar Southern Runner than on cultivar Florunner in field tests conducted near Tifton, GA, in 1989 and 1990 and near Marianna, FL in 1990. Numbers of lesions per stem and lesions per dm of stem length ranged from 3.1 to 9.5 times higher on Florunner than on Southern Runner in tests where severe leafspot epidemics developed and no foliar fungicides were applied. Seven applications of chlorothalonil at 0.5, 0.63 or 1.26 kg ai/ha via ground sprays and 1.26 kg ai/ha via an underslung boom (Pivot Agricultural Spray System = PASS) allowed few stem lesions to develop on either cultivar compared to non-sprayed plants. Delayed harvest required for Southern Runner resulted in an increase in incidence of stem lesions, but incidence of stem lesions at harvest on Southern Runner still was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.01) than incidence on Florunner at harvest. Differences in number of stem lesions between the two cultivars and among fungicide treatments were reflected in yields. Healthier stem tissue due to fewer stem lesions may be partially responsible for higher yields in Southern Runner than in Florunner grown during severe leafspot epidemics. Incidence of stem lesions caused by C. personatum may be useful as a new parameter to be considered in evaluation and selection for resistance and/or tolerance to C. personatum in peanut.
Behavior-oriented data resource management in medical sensing systems

Wearable sensing systems have recently enabled a variety of medical monitoring and diagnostic applications in wireless health. The need for multiple sensors and constant monitoring leads these systems to be power hungry and expensive with short operating lifetimes. We introduce a novel methodology that takes advantage of contextual and semantic properties in human behavior to enable efficient design and optimization of such systems from the data and information point of view. This, in turn, directly influences the wireless communication and local processing power consumption. We exploit intrinsic space and temporal correlations between sensor data while considering both user and system contextual behavior. Our goal is to select a small subset of sensors that accurately capture and/or predict all possible signals of a fully instrumented wearable sensing system. Our approach leverages novel modeling, partitioning, and behavioral optimization, which consists of signal characterization, segmentation and time shifting, mutual signal prediction, and a simultaneous minimization composed of subset sensor selection and opportunistic sampling. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique on an insole instrumented with 99 pressure sensors placed in each shoe, which cover the bottom of the entire foot, resulting in energy reduction of 72p to 97p for error rates of 5p to 17.5p.
“Symbolic Bureaucracy”: A Case Study of a Social Welfare Agency

This paper is concerned with certain ideas about bureaucracy preselnted by Weber and qualified and expanded upon by Blau. Based upon the information gathered in a year-long participant observation study of "The Single Men's Unit" of a public welfare department from February 1959 to February 1960, during which time he was employed as a "social caseworker," the author has introduced the notion of "symbolic bureaucracy." The discussion, which is centered around this concept, seriously questions whether Blau's "unofficial change" and "adjustive development" will suffice to save Weber. It seems more likely to the author that the introduction of the concept of unofficial change, if it serves to rescue Weber's "ideal type," succeeds in doing so only at the serious risk of losing bureaucracy. B ureaucratization offers above all the optimum possibility for carrying through the principle of specializing administrative functions according to purely objective considerations. Individual performances are allocated to functionaries who have specialized training and who by constant practice learn more and more. The 'objective' discharge of business primarily means a discharge of business according to Calculable Rules and 'without regard for persons.'"'
Survivorship in gracile and robust australopithecines: a demographic comparison and a proposed birth model.

The age distributions for the two australopithecine types are examined and found to differ significantly as does the difference in average age at death: 22.9 years for Australopithecus africanus and 18.0 years for Australopithecus robustus. Survivorship curves for the two types are constructed. In addition, the survivorship curve for the australopithecine sample is compared to one group of pre-urban Homo sapiens and found to be much the same, if it is assumed the young australopithecines are not adequately represented. A proposed birth model is presented and it is concluded that both australopithecine types followed a human model of reproduction.
RSNA scientific exhibits pilot videodisc project 1993

InfoRAD, a term that stands for informatics in radiology, is a demonstration and learning area set up every year at RSNA's Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting to showcase applications of computers and other electronic tools in radiologic education, information management, and quality assurance. The learning center had its origins in 1986 when the RSNA Board of Directors established the Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) to study the potential uses of electronics in the practice of radiology. At the 1987 scientific assembly, Anne G. Osborn, MD, from the University of Utah, exhibited a computer-based teaching module in neuroanatomy concerning the sella turcica. This popular scientific exhibit used an interactive videodisc that allowed viewers to choose options displayed on a monitor by touching the screen.
Effectiveness of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride in reducing the population of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae in tomatoes, beans, and peppers.

Abstract Microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables during growth, processing, and post-harvest is a serious problem in agricultural sectors. A study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) in reducing the population of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae on tomatoes, beans, and peppers. Tomatoes, beans, and peppers were inoculated by dipping in bacteria for 15 min then fruits were dried for 2 hour at ambient temperature before they were treated with 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 ppm of ADBAC. Treatments with 10, 100, and 1000 ppm ADBAC caused an 8-log CFU/ml reduction of X. campestris pv. vesicatoria on surfaces of tomatoes. Treatments with 100 and 1000 ppm ADBAC caused an 8-log CFU/ml reduction of P. syringae pv. syringae and X. campestris pv. vesicatoria on surfaces of tomatoes and peppers, respectively. However, treatment of surfaces of beans with 1000 ppm of ADBAC caused an 8-log CFU/ml reduction of P. s...
Maintaining speech pressures in the presence of velopharyngeal impairment.

Abstract Most, but not all, individuals with velopharyngeal inadequacy maintain consonant pressures greater than 3 cm H2O even with decreased velar resistance. The purpose of this study was to identify variables that might differentiate those who achieve adequate pressures from those who do not. Forty-four cleft lip and/or palate subjects were assessed during production of /p/ in the word “hamper.” Twenty-three subjects achieved pressures greater than 3 cm H2O and 21 did not. The pressure-flow technique was used to assess velopharyngeal orifice size, nasal resistance, velar resistance, and nasal airflow during speech. Nasal cross-sectional area was measured during breathing. The data were analyzed by age and gender. Results indicate that the inability to achieve adequate consonant pressures in the presence of velopharyngeal inadequacy is more likely to occur in adults than in children. Although children are known to produce consonants at higher pressures than adults, the age disparity between groups did n...
Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Release Modulates Endothelial Nitric-oxide Synthase via Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK) 1/2-mediated Serine 635 Phosphorylation*

Endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a central role in cardiovascular regulation. eNOS function is critically modulated by Ca(2+) and protein phosphorylation, but the interrelationship between intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization and eNOS phosphorylation is poorly understood. Here we show that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) release activates eNOS by selectively promoting its Ser-635/633 (bovine/human) phosphorylation. With bovine endothelial cells, thapsigargin-induced ER Ca(2+) release caused a dose-dependent increase in eNOS Ser-635 phosphorylation, leading to elevated NO production. ER Ca(2+) release also promoted eNOS Ser-633 phosphorylation in mouse vessels in vivo. This effect was independent of extracellular Ca(2+) and selective to Ser-635 because the phosphorylation status of other eNOS sites, including Ser-1179 or Thr-497, was unaffected in thapsigargin-treated cells. Blocking ERK1/2 abolished ER Ca(2+) release-induced eNOS Ser-635 phosphorylation, whereas inhibiting protein kinase A or Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II had no effect. Protein phosphorylation assay confirmed that ERK1/2 directly phosphorylated the eNOS Ser-635 residue in vitro. Further studies demonstrated that ER Ca(2+) release-induced ERK1/2 activation mediated the enhancing action of purine or bradykinin receptor stimulation on eNOS Ser-635/633 phosphorylation in bovine/human endothelial cells. Mutating the Ser-635 to nonphosphorylatable alanine prevented ATP from activating eNOS in cells. Taken together, these studies reveal that ER Ca(2+) release enhances eNOS Ser-635 phosphorylation and function via ERK1/2 activation. Because ER Ca(2+) is commonly mobilized by agonists or physicochemical stimuli, the identified ER Ca(2+)-ERK1/2-eNOS Ser-635 phosphorylation pathway may have a broad role in the regulation of endothelial function.
Materials science: nanostructures in a new league.

Aperiodic materials do not surrender details of their structure as readily as do their crystalline counterparts. The latest computational solution to this problem brings aspects of ‘the beautiful game’ into play. It is crucial to know how atoms are arranged within materials in order to understand their behaviour. For crystalline materials with regular repeat structural units, X-ray crystallography can provide this information. Many nanoscale materials contain no regular repeats, so new ways of determining their atomic structure are needed. A group from Michigan State University has developed a technique in which nanomaterial structure may be solved from a list of the precise distances between atoms in the cluster, acquired from X-ray or neutron diffraction data. These data contain no orientational or three-body information, yet can be used to obtain three-dimensional structures, using appropriate algorithms. Two approaches show promise: a ‘genetic’ algorithm, taking a lead from mating crossovers, and the new ‘Liga’ algorithm, inspired by the promotion and relegation of teams in soccer leagues.
Pre-biotic organic matter from comets and asteroids

Several authors have suggested that comets or carbonaceous asteroids contributed large amounts of organic matter to the primitive Earth, and thus possibly played a vital role in the origin of life. But organic matter cannot survive the extremely high temperatures (>10(4) K) reached on impact, which atomize the projectile and break all chemical bonds. Only fragments small enough to be gently decelerated by the atmosphere--principally meteors of 10(-12)-10(-6) g--can deliver their organic matter intact. The amount of such 'soft-landed' organic carbon can be estimated from data for the infall rate of meteoritic matter. At present rates, only approximately 0.006 g cm-2 intact organic carbon would accumulate in 10(8) yr, but at the higher rates of approximately 4 x 10(9) yr ago, about 20 g cm-2 may have accumulated in the few hundred million years between the last cataclysmic impact and the beginning of life. It may have included some biologically important compounds that did not form by abiotic synthesis on Earth.
Outcome of carotid artery interventions among female patients, 2004 to 2005

Background The benefit of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in female patients has been questioned by various randomized, prospective trials, particularly in asymptomatic cases; several have noted an increase in perioperative stroke among women after CEA. The outcome of carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has not been extensively examined in women. This study examined the outcome of CEA and CAS in women vs men by using a national database. Methods Outcomes of CEA and CAS were stratified by sex using discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The NIS was used to identify patient discharges that occurred during 2004 and 2005. Appropriate International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) procedure and diagnosis codes were used to identify CEA and CAS cases. Outcome measures included in-hospital perioperative stroke and death. Comparisons of demographics, procedures, and outcome were performed between men and women. Additional analysis was performed among women alone to attempt to identify whether improved outcome was noted with either procedure. Results Of 54,658 procedures, 94.2% were CEA and 5.8% were CAS. Women comprised 42.3% of the analyzed cases. Women and men were equally likely to be symptomatic (5.3% vs 5.3%, P = .8). Women were significantly less likely to undergo CAS than men (5.4% vs 6.1%, P P = .9) and CAS (2.7% vs 2.0%, P = .2). Symptomatic women had a significantly higher rate of perioperative stroke overall than did symptomatic men (3.8% vs 2.3%, P = .03). Asymptomatic women had a significantly lower perioperative stroke rate after CEA than after CAS (0.9% vs 2.1%, P P = .1). Conclusions The concern regarding an increased perioperative stroke rate after CEA among asymptomatic women appears to be unfounded. The perioperative stroke rate among symptomatic women was higher than that of symptomatic men, but still well within the acceptable range for symptomatic patients undergoing a cerebrovascular intervention. Nationally, women underwent CAS significantly less frequently than did men. Outcome among women for perioperative stroke favored CEA over CAS, particularly in asymptomatic patients. CEA may be the preferred treatment in women seeking intervention for cerebrovascular disease, unless compelling reasons exist to perform CAS.