cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A virus mutant with an insertion of a copia-like transposable element

The important role insect viruses have in the biological control of pests has inspired a considerable effort towards understanding their molecular biology. The nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (NPVs) are particularly interesting and accessible owing to their unique nuclear replication cycle and large (∼100 kilobase, kb) double-stranded, circular DNA genome. Serial passage of NPVs in cell culture results in a gradual reduction in the ability of the virus to carry out the biphasic growth cycle of producing extracellular virus particles (non-occluded virus, NOV), followed by the occlusion of virus particles in proteinaceous polyhedra within the nucleus. Instead, NOVs become the predominant replication product of serially passaged NPVs, with occlusion being a rarely observed, and probably aberrant, phenomenon1–5. Plaque purification of Autographa californica (the alfalfa looper, Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) NPV (AcNPV) after 25 passages in cell cultures of Trichoplusia ni (the cabbage looper, Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) resulted in the isolation of few-polyhedra (FP) mutants. One of these plaque isolates, FP-D, exhibited a restriction endonuclease fragment pattern indicative of an insertion, probably of non-viral DNA, at 86.4–86.6 on the physical map. Of additional interest was the observation of restriction fragments in sub-molar quantities6. We have now characterized this mutant; it contains an insertion of a copia-like transposable element, designated TED, derived from the host T. ni cells.
Waltzing with WASP

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an inherited immune deficiency that is marked by eczema, bleeding and recurrent infections. The lymphocytes and platelets of WAS patients display cytoskeletal abnormalities, and their T lymphocytes show a diminished proliferative response to stimulation through the T-cell receptor-CD3 complex (TCR-CD3). The product of the WAS gene, WAS protein (WASP), binds to the small GTPase Cdc42. Small GTPases of the Rho family are crucial for the regulation of the actin-based cytoskeleton. WASP and its relative NWASP might play an important role in regulating the actin cytoskeleton. Since both WASP and NWASP have the potential to bind to multiple proteins, they might serve as a hub to coordinate the redistribution of many cellular signals to the actin cytoskeleton. In this review, the authors discuss the possible role of WASP/NWASP and of the newly described protein WIP, which interacts with WASP and NWASP, in coupling signals from the T-cell receptor to the actin-based cytoskeleton.
Precise determination of stable chlorine isotopic ratios in low-concentration natural samples

Investigation of stable chlorine isotopes in geological materials has been hindered by large sample requirements and/or lack of analytical precision. Here we describe precise methods for the extraction, isolation, and isotopic analysis of low levels of chlorine in both silicate and aerosol samples. Our standard procedure uses 2 μg of Cl for each isotopic analysis. External reproducibility (1 σ) is 0.25%. for the 37Cl35Cl measurements. Chlorine is extracted from silicate samples (typically containing at least 20 μg of Cl) via pyrohydrolysis using induction heating and water vapor as the carrier, and the volatilized chlorine is condensed in aqueous solution. Atmospheric aerosols collected on filters are simply dissolved in water. Prior to isotopic measurement, removal of high levels of SO42−, F−, and organic compounds is necessary for the production of stable ion beams. Sulfate is removed by BaSCO4 precipitation, F− by CaF2 precipitation, and organic compounds are extracted with activated carbon. Chlorine is converted to stoichiometric CsCl by cation exchange, and isotopic ratios are determined by thermal ionization mass spectrometry of Cs2Cl+. We demonstrate that the sensitivity and precision of this method allow resolution of natural variations in chlorine isotopic composition, and thereby provide insight to some fundamental aspects of chlorine geochemistry.
Nationalism and instability in the former Soviet empire

(1991). Nationalism and instability in the former Soviet empire. Arms Control: Vol. 12, European Security without the Soviet Union, pp. 6-16.
NMR spectral properties of 16 synthetic bacteriochlorins with site-specific 13C or 15N substitution

The 1H, 13C, and 15N nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral properties have been examined of a family of synthetic bacteriochlorins wherein each member incorporates a pair of 13C or 15N atoms. The atom locations span the inner core of the macrocycle: (1) 15N at the 21,23- or 22,24-positions; (2) 13C at the meso- (5,15- or 10,20-) positions; (3) 13C at the pyrrole α-positions (1,11- or 4,14-positions); and (4) 13C at the pyrroline α-positions (6,16- or 9,19-positions). Each bacteriochlorin lacks peripheral substituents other than a geminal dimethyl group at the 8- and 18-positions to preclude adventitious dehydrogenation. In total, eight free base and eight zinc bacteriochlorin isotopologs were examined to directly assign 1H, 13C and 15N resonances of the macrocycle skeleton. Complete and unambiguous assignments, including those for all tertiary and quaternary carbons, were accomplished chiefly by direct inspection of 1D NMR spectra of each isotopolog. Coupling constants (1H–1H, 13C–1H, 15N–1H, 13C–13C and 15N–13C), which are rarely reported for tetrapyrroles, also were extracted. The 1H and 13C chemical shifts were then compared to those of unsaturated analogs (chlorin, porphyrin) and natural bacteriochlorophylls. The comprehensive set of NMR spectroscopic properties of sparsely substituted bacteriochlorins provides valuable information for understanding substitution effects and aromaticity in structurally more elaborate counterparts.
Gradualism in Trade Agreements with Asymmetric Countries

This paper uses recursive methods to characterize the payoff frontier of self-enforcing trade agreements between countries of asymmetric size. We show that at points on the frontier where only one country's incentive constraint binds, the efficient agreement will be a non-stationary one that starts with a positive trade distortion but eventually reaches free trade. Our analysis illustrates how (i) relative country size, (ii) consumption smoothing incentives, and (iii) sunk investments affect the form of efficient trade agreements. In contrast to previous work on gradualism, our results are obtained from a model in which the economic environment is stationary.
Discontinuous and dilatant viscosity behavior in concentrated suspensions. II. Theory and experimental tests

Abstract An analysis of forces which are expected to arise in colloidal systems under shear has been used to model the flow instability which leads to discontinuous and dilatant viscosity behavior in concentrated suspensions of polymeric resins. Observation of this phenomenon was reported in the first paper of this series. The analysis is carried out on the presumption that the dominant forces leading to the flow instability are van der Waals-London attraction, electric double layer repulsion and the shear stress acting on groups of particles. Conditions for the onset of the instability are cast in terms of a torque balance and an energy balance, and a set of dimensionless numbers are obtained to characterize the phenomenon. Experimental data obtained from tests on a number of concentrated suspensions are given in support of the theory.
Recursion and Feedback in Image Algebra

Recursion and feedback are two important processes in image processing. Image algebra, a unified algebraic structure developed for use in image processing and image analysis, provides a common mathematical environment for expressing image processing transforms. It is only recently that image algebra has been extended to include recursive operations [1]. Recently image algebra was shown to incorporate neural nets [2], including a new type of neural net, the morphological neural net [3]. This paper presents the relationship of the recursive image algebra to the field of fractions of the ring of matrices, and gives the two dimensional moving average filter as an example. Also, the popular multilayer perceptron with back propagation and a morphology neural network with learning rule are presented in image algebra notation. These examples show that image algebra can express these important feedback concepts in a succinct way.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Raman study of potassium silicate glasses containing Rb+, Sr2+, Y3+ and Zr4+: Implications for cation solution mechanisms in multicomponent silicate liquids

The parallel- and perpendicular-polarized Raman spectra of (1 − x)K2O · xM2zz+O · 4SiO2e glasses are presented, where M is one of the Period V cations Rb+, Sr2+, Y3+ or Zr4+. These compositions represent the equal-oxygen substitution of a Period V cation for K+, which preserves the ratio of non-bridging oxygen (NBO) to Si atoms but not, in general, the ratio of all oxygen to all cations. Rb+ and K+ occupy very similar sites and appear to share the same NBO with virtually no energetic penalty. As the valence of the Period V cation increases, so does the tendency of the cation to form silicate species that are depolymerized relative to the species dominating the structure of the bulk glass. The tendency to form regions comparatively rich in Si-O-Si bonds increases in the same sense. The dominant silicate species are those with 0 or 1 NBO in all glasses. The spectra indicate that K+ shares NBO with Rb+ or Sr2+, that there is relatively little sharing of NBO by K+ and Y3+, and that K+ and Zr4+ share the same NBO in what appears to be a nearly fixed bulk stoichiometric K:Zr ratio of 2:1. The latter provides a mechanism for the substantial increase in ZrO2 solubility seen in peralkaline liquids. A novel means of expressing homogeneous equilibria in silicate liquids is presented, whereby it is possible to make concrete predictions about the coordination numbers of cations in silicate liquids and to predict how they might be affected by the presence of other cations.
A vinyl plastic coating for stained thin smears.

Stained sections of bacteriological and hematological smears were covered with a 10% solution of a vinyl chloride polymer dissolved in methyl isobutyl ketone and observed, after drying, for periods up to 6 months. Visual properties of all preparations remained good over this period and no degeneration of the coating was observed. Some slight discoloration of the stock solution of plastic was noted after a few days exposure to light. Discoloration may be held in check by addition of 0.5% propylene oxide.
Multiple marker approach to risk stratification in patients with stable coronary artery disease: to have or have not

This editorial refers to ‘Multiple marker approach to risk stratification in patients with stable coronary artery disease’[†][1], by R.B. Schnabel et al. , on page 3024 Individual biomarkers have expanding roles in risk assessment, diagnosis, and prognosis, and the list of up-and-coming markers is growing. Nonetheless, individual biomarkers have notable shortcomings, including day-to-day intra-individual variation and poor predictive values at the level of the individual patient, which limit their prognostic value. Combining multiple biomarkers from distinct pathophysiological pathways has the potential to overcome many of these pitfalls and to further improve risk stratification, and there has been a natural evolution towards studies evaluating such a multimarker approach. However, to date, a mixed picture has emerged on the clinical value of using multiple biomarkers for cardiovascular risk stratification. A number of studies have evaluated combinations of biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular disease in the community. Several have found statistically significant yet clinically modest improvements in prediction with a multimarker panel compared with a model with traditional risk factors alone.1–3 A few, however, have found substantial improvements in risk prediction with a multimarker approach.4–6 Secondary prevention populations have been the focus of even fewer studies evaluating a multimarker risk stratification approach. Blankenberg et al. 7 studied 11 biomarkers [including nine inflammatory markers plus N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP), and microalbuminuria] in 3199 patients with a history of coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, or stroke. After a mean 4.5 year follow-up, only Nt-proBNP provided incremental prognostic information for prediction of cardiovascular events compared with a traditional risk factor model, based on an increase in the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve, or c-statistic. Although several inflammatory markers were significantly related to future cardiovascular risk, they added little additional prognostic information to the traditional markers. … [1]: #fn-2
Climatic and spatial patterns of diversity in the serpentine plants of California

. The insular distribution of distinctive substrates, such as outcrops of serpentine rock, may either promote plant diversity by enhancing opportunities for speciation or reduce diversity by increasing rates of extinction. To examine the relationship between diversity and the spatial structure of habitats, we studied large-scale patterns of diversity in the flora of serpentine in California. We used multiple linear regressions on geographical information system (GIS)-derived data for 85 subregions of the state to analyse the climatic and spatial correlates of plant species richness. The diversity of plants endemic to serpentine declined from north to south and from the coast inland, in association with decreasing rainfall; the same trends were seen in the total flora, but the trends were stronger in serpentine endemics. Diversity of serpentine endemics increased with the area of serpentine and decreased with the mean isolation of serpentine patches in a subregion. The diversity of endemics was not correlated with the number of serpentine patches or their mean perimeter-to-area ratio. We conclude that patchiness in this terrestrial habitat does not appear to promote diversity, even at the large spatial scale associated with speciation and endemism.
When determined “muddling through” paid off

Extraneous pressures break down a teacher's “professional” presentation of complex ideas and allow his personal enthusiasm to break through.
Overview of innovations in organization for learning

Five approaches to organization for learning are reviewed: student grouping practices, nongrading, individualizing instruction, departmentalization in the elementary school, and cooperative teaching. The review relates these approaches to the accomplishment of eight basic instructional aims in the cognitive and affective areas. The critical review of each type of organizational plan considers problems of design, implementation, and evaluation. The general conclusion reached is that, while several of the approaches hold considerable promise for improving instruction, there usually are serious shortcomings in program design and implementation that prevent determining their potential contributions.
The Transformation of Human Suffering: A Perspective From Psychotherapy and Buddhism

The transformation of suffering is at the heart of psychoanalytic and Buddhist practices. Our contemporary American dread of suffering goes against the grain of both methods and leaves the general public with little understanding of what suffering teaches. This article explores the similarities and differences between some psychoanalytic and Buddhist approaches to suffering, compassion, and transference. It also shows that a sophisticated theory of a relational self was developed as early as the 13th century by Zen master Dogen.
Composite stock cutting through simulated annealing

This paper explores the use of Simulated Annealing as an optimization technique for the problem of Composite Material Stock Cutting. The shapes are not constrained to be convex polygons or even regular shapes. However, due to the composite nature of the material, the orientation of the shapes on the stock is restricted. For placements of various shapes, we show how to determine a cost function, annealing parameters and performance.
Engineered Single-Chain, Antiparallel, Coiled Coil Mimics the MerR Metal Binding Site

The repressor-activator MerR that controls transcription of the mercury resistance (mer) operon is unusual for its high sensitivity and specificity for Hg(II) in in vivo and in vitro transcriptional assays. The metal-recognition domain of MerR resides at the homodimer interface in a novel antiparallel arrangement of alpha-helix 5 that forms a coiled-coil motif. To facilitate the study of this novel metal binding motif, we assembled this antiparallel coiled coil into a single chain by directly fusing two copies of the 48-residue alpha-helix 5 of MerR. The resulting 107-residue polypeptide, called the metal binding domain (MBD), and wild-type MerR were overproduced and purified, and their metal-binding properties were determined in vivo and in vitro. In vitro MBD bound ca. 1.0 equivalent of Hg(II) per pair of binding sites, just as MerR does, and it showed only a slightly lower affinity for Hg(II) than did MerR. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure data showed that MBD has essentially the same Hg(II) coordination environment as MerR. In vivo, cells overexpressing MBD accumulated 70 to 100% more (203)Hg(II) than cells bearing the vector alone, without deleterious effects on cell growth. Both MerR and MBD variously bound other thiophilic metal ions, including Cd(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), and As(III), in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that (i) it is possible to simulate in a single polypeptide chain the in vitro and in vivo metal-binding ability of dimeric, full-length MerR and (ii) MerR's specificity in transcriptional activation does not reside solely in the metal-binding step.
Induction of an Osteocyte-like Phenotype by Fibroblast Growth Factor-2

The purpose of this study was to characterize the molecular phenotype that occurs during the profound morphological shift of cultured osteogenic cells upon treatment with fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2). A time course of treatment with FGF2 was performed on an osteoblast cell line, primary bone marrow stromal cells and an osteocyte-like cell line. Morphologic changes were recorded, and gene profiling was carried out by real time PCR. By 8h of FGF2 treatment, there is a striking morphological shift of osteoblast and stromal cells to an elongated dendritic-like morphology that is remindful of osteocytes. In osteoblasts treated with FGF2, this morphologic shift is preceded by an induction of several osteocyte markers, including dentin matrix protein 1 (>20-fold) and E11 (>5-fold). There is a transient increase in the gene expression of sclerostin (3.5-fold) and PHEX (2.5-fold). Sclerostin regulation by FGF2 is complex, as gene expression becomes markedly inhibited by FGF2 at times points after 8h of treatment before rebounding at day 12. Analogous modulation of osteocyte markers is seen in bone marrow stromal cells and MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells. In conclusion, this study shows that FGF2 can regulate the transition of osteogenic cells towards the osteocyte lineage, as well as, regulate the expression of critical genes in osteocytes.
Generating molecular markers from zooxanthellate cnidarians

Genetic techniques are providing tools that are necessary to answer questions concerning the ecology and evolution of cnidarians that, until recently, could not be easily addressed. In developing molecular markers for cnidarians with algal symbionts (zooxanthellae), however, caution must be used to ensure the markers in question are derived from the cnidarian host and not zooxanthellae. Unless the DNA template is from asymbiotic tissue, both host and symbiont genomes are present in the DNA template and zooxanthella-specific markers are often inadvertently generated. Steps should be taken to minimize the contamination by zooxanthella DNA in the template, and the origin of the molecular marker (host or symbiont) must be verified. Including zooxanthella-specific markers in analyses for cnidarians will confound interpretations of the results as biogeographic and phylogeographic patterns of zooxanthellae do not necessarily reflect those of the host.
Automatic setup planning and fixture design for machining

Abstract Setup planning and fixture design is a major missing link in automating process planning for machining. In attempting to automate setup planning and fixture design, requirements for setup and fixturing were studied. Algorithmic and heuristic methods were developed to synthesize and analyze setup plan and fixture configurations. Based on the study, the task of setup planning and fixture design was structured into a setup planning and fixture design plan. The plan was implemented as a system that automatically plans the setup sequence and designs fixture configurations from the toleranced solid model of the finished component. This paper describes the result of the study of the requirements, the setup planning and fixture design plan, and the result of the implementation.
EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONALIZATION IN CYPRUS: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND IMPLICATIONS

(1999). EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONALIZATION IN CYPRUS: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND IMPLICATIONS. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education: Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 367-374.
The hydrolysis of n‐amyltriethoxysilane and phenyltriethoxysilane

n-Amyltriethoxysilane and phenyltriethoxysilane were hydrolyzed in organic solvents in the presence of acidic or basic catalysts. The bulky substituents allow relatively large amounts of low-molecular-weight partial hydrolysis products to be isolated and stabilize the silanol functions present against further condensation. Cyclic ethoxypolysiloxanols in the molecular weight range 500–1000 are principal products of acid catalyzed hydrolysis. More extensive condensation occurs under alkaline conditions. Relatively high yields of low-polymeric silsesquioxanes (octamers and possibly hexamers) are then obtained. The major product obtained from phenyltriethoxysilane, when hydrolyzed in a ketone solvent with a quaternary base as catalyst, is an amorphous high polymer virtually free of functional groups. In inert solvents in the presence of traces of catalyst a very facile rearrangement occurs, giving the octamer (and possibly the hexamer) in very high yield.
The importance of family functioning to prevention of placement: A study of family preservation services

Family preservation services have been found effective in preventing the placement of children outside their homes. Most studies of family preservation services focus on the successful prevention of placement of children in out-of-home care, and relatively few studies have examined how such services affect family functioning. Recent research has begun to examine the relationship between family functioning and prevention of placement. This research has demonstrated improved family functioning for those families who received family preservation services.
Design and simulation of an articulated surgical arm for guiding stereotactic neurosurgery

In stereotactic surgery, the need exists for means of relating intraoperatively the position and orientation of the surgical instrument used by the neurosurgeon to a known frame of reference. An articulated arm is proposed which would provide the neurosurgeon with on-line information for position, and orientation of the surgical tools being moved by the neurosurgeon. The articulated arm has six degrees of freedom, with five revolute and one prismatic joints. The design features include no obstruction to the field of view, lightweight, good balance against gravity, an accuracy of 1 mm spherical error probability (SEP), and a solvable kinematic structure making it capable of fitting the operating room environment. The arm can be mounted on either the surgical table or the stereotactic frame. A graphical simulation of the arm was created using the IGRIP simulation package created by Deneb Robotics. The simulation demonstrates the use of the arm, mounted on several positions of the ring reaching various target points within the cranium.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rings of differential operators and zero divisors

Throughout k will denote an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. If A is a (commutative) k-algebra, we denote by 9(A) the ring of all k-linear differential operators on .4. If A is a domain it is well known and easy to see that 9(A) is also a domain. In most studies of 9(A), see, for example, [S], it is assumed that A is a domain. Here we are mainly concerned with the case where A has zero divisors, and we study annihilator conditions in 9?(A). For example, in Section 2 we prove
Exploring Effects of Institutional Characteristics on Saving Outcome: The Case of the Cash and Counseling Program

ABSTRACT Asset-development policies have been promoted as a means to create a more inclusive “ownership society.” During the past few years, asset-building scholarship has begun to focus specifically on marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities. We explore savings outcomes and programmatic factors that may support savings in the Cash and Counseling Demonstration, using a convenience sample of Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries from three states: Arkansas, Florida, and New Jersey. Results indicate that persons with disabilities can save, albeit in small amounts, for purposes identified in their spending plans. The study provides a preliminary base for exploring the influence of program characteristics on saving outcomes within asset-development programs.
A Shear-Based Parameterization of Turbulent Mixing in the Stable Atmospheric Boundary Layer

AbstractIn this study, shear-based parameterizations of turbulent mixing in the stable atmospheric boundary layer (SABL) are proposed. A relevant length-scale estimate for the mixing length of the turbulent momentum field is constructed from the turbulent kinetic energy and the mean shear rate S as . Using observational data from two field campaigns—the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) experiment and the 1999 Cooperative Atmosphere–Surface Exchange Study (CASES-99)— is shown to have a strong correlation with . The relationship between and corresponds to the ratio of the magnitude of the tangential components of the turbulent momentum flux tensor to , known as stress intensity ratio, . The field data clearly show that is linked to stability. The stress intensity ratio also depends on the flow energetics that can be assessed using a shear-production Reynolds number, , where P is shear production of turbulent kinetic energy and is the kinematic viscosity. This analysis shows that high mixing r...
An on‐chip two‐state single‐turn spiral inductor for reconfigurable RF circuit designs

A two-state single turn spiral inductor design is simulated in a 130 nm technology and another design is simulated and measured in a 45 nm technology. Measurements show an 80% inductance increase at 20 GHz in the 45 nm technology and a simulated 76% increase at 24 GHz in the 130 nm technology. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 673–677, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24985
MUSIC algorithm in a scattering environment

A method of spatial filtering is proposed as a preprocessor to restore the high-resolution performance of the MUSIC algorithm when used with a linear array for angle of arrival estimation in a scattering environment. The method is based on the assumption that plane-wave arrivals and their scatterings are well separated in spatial frequency (in angle). Simulation results are shown for the case of scattering from an infinite circular cylinder, using discrete prolate spheroidal sequences as the optimum bandpass preprocessing filters, and a uniformly spaced linear array. >
Spring discharge records – a case study

Spring discharge records integrate of all the processes and the reactions occurring within a karst basin. A brief summary of the use of discharge records as a means to constrain the internal structure of karst basins, as means to constrain rainfall-runoff models for karst basin, and as a means to determine the value of hydrodynamic parameters of karst basins is presented. Data collected from Devils Icebox, a karst basin spring in Missouri, USA, were used to assess these approaches to characterizing karst basins. For Devils Icebox, most of the discharge responses do not record information about the internal structure of the basin rather the responses record information about the recharge to the basin. A rainfall-runoff model failed to reproduce the data from which model parameters were derived and has little utility in a predictive mode. Use of conservation of mass equations as a means to derive hydrodynamic parameters is a useful approach, although critical data are lacking. More generally, karst hydrologists need quantitative tracer data and long-term, high-resolution temporal data of the input(s) to and the output(s) from karst basins. Keywords: Hydrograph, hydrology, karst. DOI: 10.3986/ac.v42i2-3.671
The burden of atopy and asthma in children.

Background: There has been a world-wide increase in the prevalence of atopic diseases. These atopic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema/dermatitis, are common in childhood and create a challenge of management for physicians and parents. Methods: MEDLINE was searched for articles related to atopy, allergy asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema/dermatitis. Results and conclusions: The conditions of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema/dermatitis cause very significant burdens regarding the discomfort to the affected individual, management problems for the parent and physician and the economic cost to the family and the nation.
Topographic corrections to slowness measurements in parsimonious migration of land data

Parsimonious migration requires that incident and emergent angles be measured, via apparent slownesses, from the seismic data being migrated. When slownesses are measured from land data, it is the apparent slowness along the topography, not the horizontal slowness that is being measured. Thus, errors are introduced into the incident and emergent angle estimates, which are defined via horizontal slownesses. These errors can be corrected using the local topographic dips. A 2D field data example shows that, after correction, a migrated image has significantly improved coherency.
The constitution and the rights of the mentally ill: An analysis and proposal

(1989). The constitution and the rights of the mentally ill: An analysis and proposal. Journal of Legal Medicine: Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 661-702.
High Frequency Word Entrainment in Spoken Dialogue

Cognitive theories of dialogue hold that entrainment, the automatic alignment between dialogue partners at many levels of linguistic representation, is key to facilitating both production and comprehension in dialogue. In this paper we examine novel types of entrainment in two corpora---Switchboard and the Columbia Games corpus. We examine entrainment in use of high-frequency words (the most common words in the corpus), and its association with dialogue naturalness and flow, as well as with task success. Our results show that such entrainment is predictive of the perceived naturalness of dialogues and is significantly correlated with task success; in overall interaction flow, higher degrees of entrainment are associated with more overlaps and fewer interruptions.
A novel technique for experimental stellate ganglion block in rats.

A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is routinely performed in a clinical setting for the treatment of sympathetically maintained pain syndromes. However, the cardiovascular effects of SGB have not been well defined. The purpose of the present study was to develop a new technique of SGB in a rat model. Our new technique of SGB is a posterior percutaneous approach and uses the cartilaginous process of the C7 spinous process as a landmark. Twenty-six Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into six groups. Group I (n = 4) underwent right sided SGB, Group II (n = 5) underwent left-sided SGB, and Group III (n = 5) underwent bilateral SGB using bupivacaine 0.25%. Three additional sham groups (n = 4 in each group) served as controls to each of the three treatment groups. Ipsilateral eyelid droop (ptosis) was observed in all animals that underwent SGB with bupivacaine. Heart rate decreased significantly for up to 45 min after bilateral SGB compared with control groups. However, this value did not change in rats after unilateral SGB. In 9 additional rats, we evaluated the accuracy of SGB by injecting methylene blue to stain the right (n = 3), left (n = 3), and bilateral SGB (n = 3). At autopsy, 11 of 12 SG were stained post-methylene blue injection. We conclude from our study that our new approach, posterior percutaneous SGB is a reliable technique that can be used for further studies.
Hypothalamic Mechanisms Involved in the Control of Gonadotropic Hormone Secretion in the Guinea Pig: Evidence of Elevated Brain Thresholds to Electrical Stimulation in the Medial Preoptic-Anterior Hypothalamic Region During “Early” Diestrus

The technique of electrical stimulation of the brain has revealed an increased neural threshold in the medial preoptic area anteriorhypothalamus (MPOA-AH) “early”(12 days since last ovulation) in the estrous cycleof the guinea pig when compared to that in thesame region “late” (14 days since last ovulation)in the cycle. With apeak-to-peak current of1 mA, none of the 12 animals stimulated in the MPOA-AH “earlyN in the cycle showed gonadotropichormone release. On the contrary, with stimulation parameters and brain localization of electrodes comparable to the above, stimulation “late” in the estrous cycle induced premature gonadotropic hormone release in 11 of 13animals. Stimulation of the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) with 1 mA peak-to-peak inducedgonadotropic hormone release either “early” or “late” in the cycle. Furthermore,increasing the current to 2 mA peak-to-peak overcame the apparent refractoriness of theMPOA-AH “early” in the estrous cycle of the guinea pig; all 5 animalsshowed signs ofgonadotropi...
The RTES project - BTeV, and beyond

The real time embedded systems (RTES) project was created to study the design and implementation of high-performance, heterogeneous, and fault-adaptive real time embedded systems. The driving application for this research was the proposed BTeV high energy physics experiment, which called for large farms of embedded computational elements (DSPs), as well as a large farm of conventional high-performance processors to implement its Level 1 and Level 2/3 triggers. At the time of BTeV's termination early in 2005, the RTES project was within days of completing a prototype implementation for providing a reliable and fault-adaptive infrastructure to the L2/3 farm; a prototype for the L1 farm had been completed in 2003. This paper documents the conclusion of the RTES focus on BTeV, and provides an evaluation of the applicability of the RTES concepts to other systems
Extinction and ecological retreat in a community of primates

The lemurs of Madagascar represent a prodigious adaptive radiation. At least 17 species ranging from 11 to 160 kg have become extinct during the past 2000 years. The effect of this loss on contemporary lemurs is unknown. The concept of competitive release favours the expansion of living species into vacant niches. Alternatively, factors that triggered the extinction of some species could have also reduced community-wide niche breadth. Here, we use radiocarbon and stable isotope data to examine temporal shifts in the niches of extant lemur species following the extinction of eight large-bodied species. We focus on southwestern Madagascar and report profound isotopic shifts, both from the time when now-extinct lemurs abounded and from the time immediately following their decline to the present. Unexpectedly, the past environments exploited by lemurs were drier than the protected (albeit often degraded) riparian habitats assumed to be ideal for lemurs today. Neither competitive release nor niche contraction can explain these observed trends. We develop an alternative hypothesis: ecological retreat, which suggests that factors surrounding extinction may force surviving species into marginal or previously unfilled niches.
Investigation of enhancer structure activity relationships in congeners of 2-(1-nonyl)-1,3-dioxolane

AbstractTwelve analogues of 2-(1-nonyl)-1,3-dioxolane were examined for enhancer activity using occluded hairless mouse skin in vitro with hydrocortisone as the model drug. Controls consisted of no enhancer or vehicle pretreatment (I) or propylene glycol pretreatment 1 h prior to drug application (II). Enhancers were applied at 0.4 M in propylene glycol (PG) 1 h prior to skin application of a saturated suspension of hydrocortisone in the same vehicle. The highest 24-h receptor concentration (Q24) of steroid was observed using 2-(1-nonyl)-1,3-dioxolane: 131.472 ± 20.659 μM compared to Control I of 16.462 ± 4.859 Rm. Control II Q24 values were 34.015 ± 9.959 μm. The highest skin steroid content was produced by 2-(1-nonyl)-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane: 431.4 ± 212.2 μg g-1 and 2-(1-nonyl)-2,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane: 385.7 ± 138.7 μg g-1. Skin steroid content of Control I was 490.2 ± 243.2 μg g-1 and of II was 112.7 ± 31.3 μg g-1. Control I and II results indicated that PG was exhibiting enhancer activity. All 12 d...
Enzymes in Coherent Motion

Subtle conformational changes often play a crucial role in enzyme functions, and enzyme conformations are highly dynamic. The use of only a static structural characterization from an ensemble-averaged measurement at equilibrium is therefore often inadequate for predicting dynamic conformations and understanding correlated enzyme functions. Single-molecule approaches ( 1 ), which investigate individual molecules under specific physiological conditions, are a powerful tool for characterizing and analyzing complex enzymatic reaction dynamics and correlated conformational dynamics. On page 319 of this issue, Choi et al. ( 2 ) report a novel approach to probing single-molecule conformational dynamics that reveals the conformational motions of the enzyme's active site during enzymatic reaction turnovers.
Fatal traumatic heart block as a result of apparently minor trauma

We report a case of sudden death in an 18-year-old man who collapsed after falling prone onto a football. Although no external evidence of injury or cardiac contusion was noted, a right atrial endocardial tear extending through the conduction system was found at autopsy. This was thought to be responsible for his death and to explain the transient appearance of third-degree heart block during resuscitation.
Animal finishing-phase response to modified intensive-early stocking on shortgrass rangeland1

ABSTRACT A comparison of animal performance and carcass traits was made from 2002 to 2008 following the finishing phase of a continuous season-long stocking (SLS) system and a modified intensive-early stocking system with late-season grazing (IES 1.6× + 1) on shortgrass native rangeland of western Kansas. The continuous season-long stocked system placed animals at a density of 1.37 ha per steer from May through October, or 2.63 animal unit months/ha, whereas the intensive-early stocked system with late-season grazing (3.33 animal unit months/ha) stocked pastures at 0.85 ha per steer from May through the middle of July, moved the heaviest animals mid-July to the feedlot, and then stocked pastures at 1.37 ha per steer until October. Animals moved from pasture to the feedlot in July and October from the modified IES 1.6× + 1 stocking system were approximately 27.3 kg per steer lighter than the continuous SLS animals entering the feedlot from pasture in October. This greater BW entering the feedlot carried over into greater HCW at the end of the feeding period for the continuous SLS animals. Average daily gain, total individual BW gain, and feed efficiency were similar among groups at the end of the feedlot finishing phase. Marbling score was greatest for the continuous SLS animals, but fat thickness over the 12th rib was similar among groups. Differences between groups during the feedlot finishing phase appeared to be related more to size of animals when removed from pasture and duration on pasture more than any other factors.
Consulting at the Laser ISP (LISP) Company: Using Excel(TM) Metrics Capabilities to Solve Unstructured, Management Problems

Introductory Information System (IS) courses commonly focus too heavily on teaching application features, as opposed to teaching unstructured problem-solving skills. In response to this pedagogical gap, professors at Brigham Young University have developed integrated cases that improve the instruction for their introductory IS course. In this paper, we overview a case that provides a realistic and compelling problem-solving experience for teaching Microsoft Excel(TM) measurement capabilities. This case describes the customer service issues and installation problems faced by an Internet service provider, along with pertinent cost and service data. The case requires the student to play the role of a management consultant who is asked to make business recommendations using Excel(TM). To effectively work with this case, students need exposure to Excel(TM) lookups, date/time capabilities, and countif/sumif functions, as well as other basic Excel(TM) features. To help the instructor implement this case, we have provided teaching notes that overview the history of the case, teaching suggestions, and a highly detailed grading and discussion template.
Inferior Vena Cava Filter Thrombosis in the Postoperative Neurosurgical Setting: Case Report and Review of the Literature

There are no definitive treatment guidelines for caval-filter thrombosis in the postoperative setting. Clinical management for partial or complete postoperative inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion relies solely on expert opinion, anecdotal evidence, and small clinical trials. As such, the primary objective of the present report is to offer a complex case of extensive IVC filter occlusion in a neurosurgical patient with past medical history significant for protein C deficiency. The presentation, unique radiological findings, management, and outcome will be discussed. No similar cases of massive IVC-occlusive disease in a thrombophilic patient early in the postoperative course following neurosurgical intervention are documented in the medical literature.
Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Pituitary Adenomas: Single-Center Experience in 75 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND Early results of postoperative fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for functional and nonfunctional pituitary adenomas appear promising, but the majority of available evidence draws from small series with insufficient follow-up data to draw meaningful conclusions. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term outcomes of a large series of patients undergoing FSRT for both functional and nonfunctional pituitary adenomas with the Novalis system (BrainLAB, Heimstetten, Germany). METHODS Chart data for 75 consecutive patients undergoing FSRT for a pituitary tumor (21 functional and 54 nonfunctional adenomas) at our institution between January 2004 and June 2013 were reviewed. RESULTS Radiographic progression-free survival was 100% over a mean of 47.8 months of radiographic follow-up (range, 12.0-131.2 months). Hormonal normalization was seen in 69.2% of patients with functional adenomas after FSRT, whereas 30.8% experienced partial hormonal control. Mild, grade I acute adverse effects were observed during radiotherapy treatment in 36 patients (48%), and objective, persistent worsening of vision occurred in a single patient (1.5%) after FSRT. New hormonal deficits were seen in 28.0% of patients after FSRT. Radiographic responses were inversely related to tumor volume. CONCLUSION FSRT delivers radiographic and functional outcomes similar to those seen with stereotactic radiosurgery and conventional radiotherapy with less resultant toxicity. FSRT is most beneficial for smaller tumors (those <3 cm in diameter). ABBREVIATIONS EBRT, external beam radiotherapyFSRT, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapyOR, odds ratioPTV, planning target volumeSRS, stereotactic radiosurgery.
Numerical Simulations of GRENOUILLE

We simulate the performance of GRENOUILLE for measuring ultrashort laser pulses. We computed the tightly focused signal field and considered all on- and off-axis sum-frequency-generation processes. We show that accurate measurements can be easily obtained.
Antietam: aspects of medicine, nursing and the civil war.

Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia met the Army of the Potomac under George B. McClellan at Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg, Maryland on September 17, 1862. Before the day was done, nearly 23,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing, memorializing Antietam as the bloodiest single day in American military history. Dr. Jonathan Letterman, the Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac, Clara Barton, the “Angel of the Battlefield,” and Dr. Hunter McGuire, Chief Surgeon to and Medical Director of General Stonewall Jackson's Corps, were among the nursing and medical personnel engaged on that historic day. These three individuals provided medical and nursing care to the casualties at Antietam (and other Civil War battles), but perhaps more importantly, developed systems of casualty management that brought order and humanity to the battlefield. These models of care continue today in modern military medicine.
Lead aVR: dead or simply forgotten?

Abstract Objective To investigate whether patients’ mortality differs according to the age and sex of surgeons. Design Observational study. Setting US acute care hospitals. Participants 100% of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65-99 years who underwent one of 20 major non-elective surgeries between 2011 and 2014. Main outcome measure Operative mortality rate of patients, defined as death during hospital admission or within 30 days of the operative procedure, after adjustment for patients’ and surgeons’ characteristics and indicator variables for hospitals. Results 892 187 patients who were treated by 45 826 surgeons were included. Patients’ mortality was lower for older surgeons than for younger surgeons: the adjusted operative mortality rates were 6.6% (95% confidence interval 6.5% to 6.7%), 6.5% (6.4% to 6.6%), 6.4% (6.3% to 6.5%), and 6.3% (6.2% to 6.5%) for surgeons aged under 40 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, and 60 years or over, respectively (P for trend=0.001). There was no evidence that adjusted operative mortality differed between patients treated by female versus male surgeons (adjusted mortality 6.3% for female surgeons versus 6.5% for male surgeons; adjusted odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 1.01). After stratification by sex of surgeon, patients’ mortality declined with age of surgeon for both male and female surgeons (except for female surgeons aged 60 or older); female surgeons in their 50s had the lowest operative mortality. Conclusion Using national data on Medicare beneficiaries in the US, this study found that patients treated by older surgeons had lower mortality than patients treated by younger surgeons. There was no evidence that operative mortality differed between male and female surgeons.