cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adenomatous Tumors of the Middle Ear

Adenomatous tumors are an uncommon cause of a middle ear mass. Clinical findings may be nonspecific, leading to difficulties in differentiation from other middle ear tumors. Controversy also exists whether to classify middle ear adenoma and carcinoid as separate neoplasms, or alternatively within a spectrum of the same pathologic entity. Most adenomatous middle ear tumors are indolent in behavior, with a benign histologic appearance and slowly progressive growth. The mainstay of treatment is complete surgical resection, which affords the greatest likelihood of cure.
Prenatal exposure to MDMA alters noradrenergic neurodevelopment in the rat.

Abstract 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) binds with high affinity to the norepinephrine transporter (NET), making the noradrenergic system a potential target during fetal exposure. Recent data indicate that adult rats that had been prenatally exposed to MDMA display persistent deficits in working memory and attention; behaviors consistent with abnormal noradrenergic signaling in the forebrain. The present study was designed to investigate whether prenatal exposure to MDMA from embryonic days 14–20 affects the structure and/or function of the noradrenergic system of the rat on postnatal day 21. Offspring that were prenatally exposed to MDMA exhibited an increase in noradrenergic fiber density in the prelimbic region of the prefrontal cortex and the CA1 region of the hippocampus that was not accompanied by an increase in the number of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus. Direct tissue autoradiography using tritiated nisoxetine demonstrated that while NET binding was not altered in the prelimbic cortex, the dentate gyrus, or the locus coeruleus, it was increased in the CA1, CA2, and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. Basal levels of norepinephrine were increased in the prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens of MDMA-exposed rats, as compared to saline-treated controls. These findings indicate that prenatal exposure to MDMA results in structural changes in the noradrenergic system as well as functional alterations in NE neurotransmission in structures that are critical in attentional processing.
A Novel Scoring System for Predicting Postoperative Venous Thromboembolic Complications in Patients after Open Aortic Surgery

Background Although the overall incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after open aortic surgery is low, it is not known whether specific factors can place patients at increased risk for this complication. The goal of our study was to identify patient and procedure characteristics that are associated with increased VTE risk after aortic surgery and that might therefore merit aggressive prophylaxis against this complication. Study Design All patients in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2005−2009 Participant Use Data Files who underwent open aortic surgery for aneurysmal disease were included for analysis. Forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify patient and procedure characteristics associated with an increased risk of postoperative VTE events. Separate multivariate models were also used to predict which of 18 non-VTE postoperative complications might also be associated with an increased incidence of subsequent VTE, with adjustment for multiple comparisons. Results Postoperative VTE developed in 147 of 6,035 patients (2.4%) and in 60.5%, this complication developed after a non-VTE complication. Nine perioperative variables were found to be significantly associated with subsequent VTE on multivariate regression analysis. Patients with ≥3 of these risk factors were found to have a 3- to 4-fold higher incidence of postoperative VTE. Conclusions Our analysis identifies a group of patients who are at increased risk of postoperative VTE complications developing after open aortic surgery. Aggressive postoperative chemical or mechanical prophylaxis should be considered in these patients when appropriate.
Elucidating Comminution Steps to Enhance the Value of Surimi from Tropical Fish

Biochemical and rheological properties of surimi were examined based on: (a) salting time (from 18 to 3 min) while maintaining 21 min for total chopping time; and (b) total chopping time (from 6 to 21 min) while salting during the final 3 min. Extending salting time, which was defined as time of salt contact with proteins during chopping, significantly increased breaking force and penetration distance, while chopping time extension with fixed salting time did not. Salt soluble proteins decreased when salting time decreased; however, this trend performed contrarily against chopping time. A relationship between gel texture and salt soluble proteins was not found. Oxidation of sulfhydryl groups could occur during the chopping process when chopping without salt was extended. Surface hydrophobicity, indicating a certain degree of protein unfolding, was affected differently by chopping versus salting time. Dynamic rheology demonstrated that total chopping time affected denaturation of the myosin tail region mor...
Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of the one-dimensional bimetallic oxide [Cu(terpy)Mo2O7]

The hydrothermal reaction of Cu(CH{sub 3}CO{sub 2}){sub 2}.H{sub 2}O, Na{sub 2}MoO{sub 4} and terpyridine at 140 deg. C for 48 h yields [Cu(terpy)Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}] (1), a bimetallic one-dimensional oxide. The structure consists of ruffled chains of edge- and corner-sharing {l_brace}MoO{sub 5}{r_brace} square pyramids, decorated with {l_brace}CuN{sub 3}O{sub 2}{r_brace} '4+1' axially distorted square pyramids. The Cu(II) polyhedra are disposed so as to produce an alternating pattern of Cu-Cu distances across the {l_brace}Mo{sub 2}O{sub 2}{r_brace} rhombi of the chain of 6.25 and 6.82 A. This structural feature is reflected in the magnetic properties which are characteristic of a dimer rather than a linear chain, consistent with an alternating antiferromagnetic Heisenberg chain. -- Graphical abstract: Hydrothermal synthesis provided the one-dimensional bimetallic oxide [Cu(terpy)Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}], a material consisting of a zig-zag {l_brace}Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}{r_brace} {sub n} {sup 2} {sup n} {sup -} chain, decorated with {l_brace}Cu(terpy){r_brace}{sup 2+} groups exhibiting alternating short-long Cu-Cu distances between copper sites.
Bank capital and loan asymmetry in the transmission of monetary policy

Abstract Utilizing a bank-lending channel framework, we investigate the effects of expansionary and contractionary policy separately on the loan behavior of low-capital and high-capital banks, and between pre-Basel/FDICIA and post-Basel/FDICIA periods. Our results show that low-capital banks are adversely affected by contractionary policy. Expansionary policy, however, is not effective in stimulating the loan growth of low-capital banks. These results are consistent with lending channel predictions, but only hold in the post-Basel/FDICIA period when the capital constraint is stringent relative to the pre-Basel/FDICIA period. These asymmetric policy results have implications for the interaction of monetary and capital regulatory policies.
Psychosocial rehabilitation: a newcomer's eye.

1116 With the increasing emphasis on evidence-based practices and recovery-oriented mental health services, the field of psychosocial rehabilitation for people with serious mental illness has a promising future. A tension exists in the rehabilitation movement—which comprises individuals with mental illness, care providers, family members, and other stakeholders—between those who advocate for recovery leading to full participation in the mainstream and those who call for more modest goals. This tension stems from ideological underpinnings that frequently drive debates about rehabilitation research and program development. This Open Forum proposes a strategy for clinicians to mediate the different perspectives, with an emphasis on flexibility and an individualized approach to clinical care and rehabilitation. The challenges and rewards of this approach for clinicians in training are also highlighted. (Psychiatric Services 58:1116–1118, 2007)
A one-dimensional heat-transport model for conduit flow in karst aquifers

Summary A one-dimensional heat-transport model for conduit flow in karst aquifers is presented as an alternative to two or three-dimensional distributed-parameter models, which are data intensive and require knowledge of conduit locations. This model can be applied for cases where water temperature in a well or spring receives all or part of its water from a phreatic conduit. Heat transport in the conduit is simulated by using a physically-based heat-transport equation that accounts for inflow of diffuse flow from smaller openings and fissures in the surrounding aquifer during periods of low recharge. Additional diffuse flow that is within the zone of influence of the well or spring but has not interacted with the conduit is accounted for with a binary mixing equation to proportion these different water sources. The estimation of this proportion through inverse modeling is useful for the assessment of contaminant vulnerability and well-head or spring protection. The model was applied to 7 months of continuous temperature data for a sinking stream that recharges a conduit and a pumped well open to the Madison aquifer in western South Dakota. The simulated conduit-flow fraction to the well ranged from 2% to 31% of total flow, and simulated conduit velocity ranged from 44 to 353 m/d.
Radiology teaching file cases on the World Wide Web

The presentation of a radiographic teaching file on the World Wide Web can be enhanced by attending to principles of web design. Chief among these are appropriate control of page layout, minimization of the time required to download a page from the remote server, and provision for navigation within and among the web pages that constitute the site. Page layout is easily accomplished by the use of tables; column widths can be fixed to maintain an acceptable line length for text. Downloading time is minimized by rigorous editing and by optimal compression of image files; beyond this, techniques like preloading of images and specification of image width and height are also helpful. Navigation controls should be clear, consistent, and readily available.
Trends in literature on new oilseed crops and related species: Seeking evidence of increasing or waning interest

Abstract Bibliographic records on eight new crop species Camelina , Crambe , Cuphea , Physaria , Limnanthes , Stokesia , Thlaspi , and Vernonia from Agricola, CAB Abstracts, Scopus, and Web of Science were analyzed for historical and recent trends on the areas of research, author distribution, and quantity and impact of publications. A total of 6786 non-redundant bibliographic records were curated and used in the analyses with about 59% of the records pertaining to the primary oilseed species. The highest number of records was found to be on Thlaspi while the least on Stokesia . Authors representing a total of 110 countries were determined to have worked in these new crops and their relative species during the past six decades with those from United States contributing about 27% in the total number of publications. There was an increase of more than ten-fold in the number of publications on new crops and relatives from 1950 to 2010 and this was paralleled by a similar increase on articles in popular and news media. The h -index values, indicating the collective impact of publications by researchers in the crop groups, show an increasing trend until the year 2000 then followed by a decline. It was determined that in recent times, there are fewer papers in the areas of chemistry, agronomy and horticulture, and more publications dealing with genetics and plant biology.
A calculation of the lead isotopes using a realistic residual interaction

Abstract The non-local Tabakin potential is used as the residual interaction in a shell-model calculation of 206 Pb, in which only configurations consisting of two holes in the closed shell are included. The 0 + ground state is lowered by only half the experimental amount, although good agreement is obtained for the lowest 2 + , 4 + and 6 + states. A quasi-particle (BCS) calculation of the lighter lead isotopes yields an odd-even mass difference which is too small. When additional configuration mixing is included using a “pairing phonon”, reasonable agreement is attained with the experimental odd-even mass differences, with the low-energy spectra of the odd isotopes and with separation energies. These results are very similar to those obtained in the tin isotopes.
Hormone-dependent phosphorylation of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor in mouse fibroblasts

Experimental results, employing several immunologic techniques, suggest that the mouse receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) undergoes hormone-dependent phosphorylation in intact cells. Treatment of monolayer cultures of mouse 3T6 fibroblasts with 1,25(OH)2D3 reveals that the occupied 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor displays a minor reduction in electrophoretic mobility as compared to its unoccupied 54,500 dalton counterpart, a change consistent with covalent modification. Similar results were obtained by immunoprecipitation of metabolically-labeled receptors after incubation of 3T6 cells with [35S]methionine. This technique also provided greater insight into the precursor-product relationship between the two receptor forms. [32P]Orthophosphate-labeling of 3T6 cells, followed by immunoprecipitation indicated that only the form exhibiting covalent modification was phosphorylated. The temporal correspondence between the binding of 1,25(OH)2D3 to its cellular receptor and its phosphorylation suggests that the biochemical role of 1,25(OH)2D3 may be to induce a conformational change susceptible to phosphorylation and possibly functional activation.
IEEE Power Engineering Review

In the late 1970s, the US Navy recognized that electrical fires were becoming a major problem in submarines. Approximately three fires per year were occurring in the main electrical distribution switchboards across the submarine fleet. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) worked with the Navy to design two basic arc fault detection (AFD) and continuous thermal monitoring (CTM) systems. The first systems were designed using all military-specification (Mil-Spec) hardware. At that point in time, Mil-Spec hardware greatly increased system reliability but it drove up the system cost. The most recent systems were designed using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) assemblies and parts and are cost effective for commercial use. These systems have proven effective in 450 V AC, 4160 V AC, and 700 V DC switchboards. The timing on the systems is adjustable to allow for optimum usage with air circuit breakers or sealed breakers. While the AFD/CTM systems have seen extensive use in military ships, they are equally suited for the protection of all types of critical switchboards. Commercial ships, power generation facilities, power distribution switchboards, hospitals, web hosting facilities, etc., could all benefit from the increase in power reliability offered by this type of technology. These systems can be included in the original design of the switchboard or installed in existing switchboards with equal ease.
Zeta functions of finite graphs and coverings, III

Abstract A graph theoretical analog of Brauer–Siegel theory for zeta functions of number fields is developed using the theory of Artin L-functions for Galois coverings of graphs from parts I and II. In the process, we discuss possible versions of the Riemann hypothesis for the Ihara zeta function of an irregular graph.
Promoting generalization and maintenance in augmentative and alternative communication: A meta-analysis of 20 years of effectiveness research

This synthesis aimed at determining the effectiveness of interventions in augmentative and alternative communication with particular emphasis on strategies that induce generalization and/or mainten...
Appendicitis, Appendectomy, and the Surgeon

L'appendicite et son traitement par appendicectomie refletent l'emergence d'une nouvelle therapie en medecine au XIX e siecle, d'abord pratiquee par des chirurgiens generaux puis de plus en plus par des chirurgiens ayant recu un enseignement pour une telle operation
Excitation of the Chandler wobble by large earthquakes

Superposition of the polar shifts computed for 234 large earthquakes (Ms ≥ 7.8) that occurred between the years 1901 and 1970 yields a synthetic curve that closely resembles the observed pattern of variations of the Chandler wobble during the same period. We conclude that earthquakes represent the major factor in the wobble excitation.
Advance Demand Information in a Multiproduct System

In this paper we examine the impact of different types of advance demand information on firm profit and on the benefits of resource flexibility. Specifically, we consider a firm that must choose capacities of resources that will be used to satisfy stochastic demand for multiple products, where demands follow a multivariate normal distribution. Prior to the capacity decision, the firm receives information revealing either the total volume of demand across products or the mix of demand between products. We examine two different scenarios: a dedicated resource setting with product-specific resources and a common resource scenario with one flexible resource. For both scenarios we derive the distribution of the (possibly imperfect) volume or mix demand signal, as well as the conditional distributions of demand given the particular signal. We explore the impact of either type of information on optimal capacities and profit. We find that commonality and volume information are strategic complements—so that it is more valuable to obtain volume information in settings with a common resource. On the other hand, commonality and mix information are strategic substitutes. Moreover, we find that mix and volume information themselves are complements in systems with dedicated resources. Having either type of information is valuable in reducing uncertainty for each individual product demand, but having both of them together provides information on two different dimensions, allowing for a much greater reduction in demand uncertainty. In systems with a common resource, however, the two types of information are substitutes. Because volume information is well aligned with commonality (both focus on total demand), such information already provides much of the value that can be obtained—having mix information adds limited additional value.
Making Space for Batholiths by Extrusion of Sub-Batholithic Crust

The long-standing space problem in the emplacement of orogenic batholiths may be solved by large-scale intracrustal flow toward the backarc, driven by the isostatic load of the batholith and its volcanic carapace. Isostatic compensation of modern magmatic arcs requires at least the volcanic cover to have settled relative to adjacent rocks. The kinematic pattern of wall rock deformation on the backarc side of the Sierra Nevada batholith indicates settling of the batholith relative to its surroundings. It appears likely that isostatic settling of the magmatic arc complex is accommodated at least partly by lateral extrusion of sub-batholithic crust, largely toward the backarc. Such lateral intracrustal flow may play an important role in the dynamics of backarc thrust belts and metamorphic core complexes.
On the behavior of ion implanted silicon strip detectors in high intensity low energy heavy ion beam experiments

In a recent investigation of the development of leakage currents in Silicon Strip Detectors used in experiments with high intensity stable beams, anomalous behavior was observed. Over a very short period of time the leakage current rose to levels that could be damaging to the detectors. A discussion of this evidence and how the problem was solved, with a viable model, will be given, leading to guidelines for use of such detectors in a stable beam environment.
The Influence of Shear Stress on Cultured Vascular Endothelial Cells: The Stress Response of an Anchorage-Dependent Mammalian Cell

The influence of hydrodynamic forces on anchorage-dependent mammalian cells is of interest both in biomedical research and in the development of scaled-up mammalian cell bioreactor systems. Our own studies, reviewed here, have demonstrated that, in response to a fluid-imposed laminar shear stress, cultured vascular endothelial cells undergo a dramatic alteration in structure and function. From these and related studies, it may be possible to obtain some insight into the general response of anchorage-dependent mammalian cells to hydrodynamic forces. An unanswered question is: how does such a cell recognize and then transduce a fluid mechanic signal?
New Treatment Strategies for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive liver disease without adequate treatment. Because the pathogenesis of PSC is not well understood, specific therapies designed to alter the pathogenesis are not available. Animal models suggest a link between bacterial overgrowth, lipopolysaccharides from the bacterial cell walls and stimulation of endogenous TNF formation which can be inhibited by pentoxifylline. Unfortunately, in humans treated with pentoxifylline, little effect was seen. Antibiotics such as metronidazole, vancomycin, tetracycline and azithromycin in small studies show biochemical improvement. Docosahexanoic acid has been used for treating patients in a small pilot study and led to some improvement in liver biochemistries. Immunologic abnormalities have been considered to be potentially important. Attempts to treat PSC with mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus have been largely unsuccessful. Budesonide has shown a limited benefit, but perhaps more so in patients with elevated IgG4 levels. PSC is characterized by marked fibrosis. Modulation of the renin-angiotensin system as well as use of rapamycin may reduce fibrosis, but data from this approach has been scant. Bile acids have been tested, but initial doses used in primary biliary cirrhosis led only to biochemical improvement. Higher doses of ursodeoxycholic acid (28-30 mg/kg/day) seemed to be associated with a worsening outcome. Intermediate doses have been tested in a study where biochemical improvement was seen and trends towards enhanced survival were found, but only about two thirds of the anticipated enrollment occurred. Currently, there are multiple potential therapeutic avenues to explore for patients with PSC, and it is hoped that one of these will lead to identification of a proven therapy for this disease.
Mast cell analyses in hypertrophic scars, hypertrophic scars treated with pressure and mature scars.

Granulation tissues, hypertrophic scars, hypertrophic scars treated with mechanical pressure and mature scars from deep thermal injuries, or equivalent trauma, were examined for the presence and dermal distribution of mast cells. Statistical analyses of mast cell counts indicate that 1) the hypertrophic scar contains significantly greater numbers of mast cells than the other tissues studied, 2) as granulation tissue develops interstitial collagen, mast cells begin to appear, 3) mature scars contain significantly fewer mast cells than hypertrophic scars, 4) based on mast cell data, the effect of pressure therapy is first detected in the upper and middle reticularis of the dermis, and 5) on a mast cell statistical basis mature scar and hypertrophic scar under pressure are indistinguishable.
THE GEOTROPIC CONDUCT OF YOUNG RATS.

On page 263, Vol. x, No. 2, November 20, 1926, under Curve A, in the legend for Fig. 3, Ordinate scale at the left should read Ordinate scale at the right. Under Curve B, Ordinate scale at the right should read Ordinate scale at the left.
Microspectrophotometric studies of the effect of 60Co irradiation on DNA synthesis in germ cells of the face fly

Abstract Cytological and histochemical analyses of spermatogenesis in the face fly, Musca autumnalis DeGeer, were conducted following cobalt irradiation of pharate adults 96 hr after the onset of puparium formation. Three dose levels (600, 2000, and 4000 rad.) were employed and gonads analysed at four time intervals (1, 2, 5, and 10 days) post-irradiation using phase contrast microscopy, light microscopy after aceto-orcein staining, and cytophotometry following Feulgen staining. The 2000 and 4000 rad. doses resulted in a progressive decrease in the number of secondary spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes undergoing premitotic or premeiotic DNA synthesis, a decrease in the overall number of primary spermatocytes in the testes, and a near absence of dividing cells. Following the 600 rad. treatment, there was a slight increase in the number of cells exhibiting elevated Feulgen-DNA levels (i.e. undergoing DNA synthesis) 2 days post-irradiation, an increase in the number of primary spermatocytes 2 and 3 days post-irradiation, and an initial 1-day decrease in the number of dividing nuclei followed by a 2- to 3-day mitotic increase over control levels. The combined data indicate that at the higher dose levels (2000–4000 rad.) there is an inhibition of DNA synthesis resulting in an interruption of the spermatogenic process. After the 600 rad. exposure, there is no observable decrease in DNA synthesis, but there is an apparent retardation in the rate of spermatogenesis. These results support the concept that differential radiosensitivity of germ cells is influenced, in part, by differences in radiation induced inhibition of DNA synthesis.
Using a "microbe minute" to improve class attendance and increase course interest.

Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between lecture attendance and exam performance (2). Teaching an introductory microbiology class in a large lecture format to 200–375 students at 8:00 a.m. has unique challenges. In particular, due to the early morning lecture, students tend to arrive late and some cease attending after the first few weeks of class, since lecture PowerPoint slides are provided on the class website. Additionally, student interest in the subject may be low since it is a required course. Many introductory level textbooks focus on large concepts but minimize discussion of interesting microorganisms, particularly pathogens. To address these issues, a “Microbe Minute” was added to the start of the class period (1). The “Microbe Minute” consists of four PowerPoint slides focusing on an interesting microorganism. The class starts exactly at 8:00 a.m. and copies of the slides are not provided to the students. Spending the first five minutes of an undergraduate introductory microbiology class discussing an interesting microbe can improve class attendance, foster discussion, and increase course interest, which ultimately benefits both the students and the instructor. The “Microbe Minute” can be implemented in any undergraduate or graduate-level microbiology or biology course from the introductory to the advanced level. It is particularly useful in a large lecture format but can also be used for a small classroom.
Hapten Mediated Display and Pairing of Recombinant Antibodies Accelerates Assay Assembly for Biothreat Countermeasures

A bottle-neck in recombinant antibody sandwich immunoassay development is pairing, demanding protein purification and modification to distinguish captor from tracer. We developed a simple pairing scheme using microliter amounts of E. coli osmotic shockates bearing site-specific biotinylated antibodies and demonstrated proof of principle with a single domain antibody (sdAb) that is both captor and tracer for polyvalent Marburgvirus nucleoprotein. The system could also host pairs of different sdAb specific for the 7 botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes, enabling recognition of the cognate serotype. Inducible supE co-expression enabled sdAb populations to be propagated as either phage for more panning from repertoires or expressed as soluble sdAb for screening within a single host strain. When combined with streptavidin-g3p fusions, a novel transdisplay system was formulated to retrofit a semi-synthetic sdAb library which was mined for an anti-Ebolavirus sdAb which was immediately immunoassay ready, thereby speeding up the recombinant antibody discovery and utilization processes.
Simple Lie Algebras

Abstract Finite and infinite dimensional simple Lie algebras S(A, L) are constructed from a commutative algebra A and nil locally nilpotent Lie subalgebra L of the derivation algebra of A under conditions which are met when A is a domain of characteristic not 2.
Two-step compensation of nonlinear systems

Abstract We study the problem of stabilization of nonlinear plants. We show that given a nonlinear plant P, if there exists a (nonlinear) compensator F, possibly unstable, which stabilizes P, then, with P1: = P(I − F(− P))−1, any C defined by C:= F + Q(I − P1Q)−1 for some finite-gain stable Q will stabilize P.
85 GHz te 1,3 phase-locked gyroklystron oscillator experiment

Phase-locked gyroklystron oscillators offer many advantages over conventional gyrotrons including better mode control resulting in higher efficiency operation, narrow band frequency tunability and the possibility of coherently combining many sources for ultra-high power applications. We are studying phase-locking of highly overmoded gyrotrons at moderate power levels (∼100 kw) in an 85 GHz two cavity TE 1,3 gyroklystron oscillator configuration as shown in Figure 1. The key issues to be addressed by the experiment are:
Simple and Micro Determination of Manganese in Serum by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

A method for the determination of low level manganese in serum by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was established. Serum was diluted two-fold with Triton X-100 without deproteinization. The final concentration of the detergent was 0.2%. Manganese was measured twice by 20μl injection of sample solution by a standard addition method. For the serum manganese of 0.52ng/ml, the relative standard deviation was below 5%. Special precautions for sampling of serum and some sources of contamination are also described.
The structure of prekeratin.

Abstract The subunit of epidermal prekeratin has been shown to consist of three polypeptide chains. One of these has a molecular weight of 72,000 and two have molecular weights of 60,000, giving a total subunit molecular weight of 192,000. The prekeratin molecule, examined by ultracentrifugation, appears monodisperse and has a molecular weight of about 375,000 which is twice the subunit weight. It is concluded that prekeratin consists of a pair of three-stranded subunits and that this dimer is most probably of physiological significance, being a building block of epidermal filaments (“α-keratin”).
An illustrated key and synopsis of the families and genera of carybdeid box jellyfishes (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Carybdeida), with emphasis on the “Irukandji family” (Carukiidae)

Box jellyfishes (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) have a profound impact on human activities because of their highly potent venoms that may lead to severe envenomations in humans. Cubozoa is one of the smallest classes within Cnidaria with only some 50 described species in seven families. The literature on Cubozoa is scattered and oftentimes difficult to access. In particular, comprehensive treatments of Cubozoa that present a comparative overview of the group are either non-existent or largely outdated. Here we provide a synopsis of the carybdeid Cubozoa (Carybdeida) including an illustrated key to the families and genera of this order. Of particular interest is the family Carukiidae, which contains the species that was originally attributed with causing a severe envenomation syndrome called Irukandji syndrome. One new species of Carukiidae, Malo filipina sp. nov., is described, Morbakka virulenta is redescribed and a neotype is designated, and an unidentified species of Morbakka is recorded from the Philippines.
Use of unglazed transpired solar collectors for desiccant cooling

The use of unglazed transpired solar collectors for desiccant regeneration in a solid desiccant cooling cycle was investigated because these collectors are less expensive than conventional glazed flat-plate collectors. Using computer models, we studied the performance of a desiccant cooling ventilation cycle integrated with either unglazed transpired collectors or conventional glazed flat-plate collectors. We found that the thermal coefficient of performance of the cooling system with unglazed collectors was lower than that of the cooling system with glazed collectors because the former system did not use the heat of adsorption released during the dehumidification process. Although the area required for the unglazed collector array was 70% more than that required for the glazed collector array in a 10.56 kW (3 ton) solar cooling system, the cost of the unglazed array was 45% less than the cost of the glazed array. The simple payback period of the unglazed collector was half of the payback period of the glazed collector when replacing an equivalent gas-fired air heater. Although the use of unglazed transpired collectors seems to make economic sense relative to use of glazed conventional collectors, some practical considerations may limit their use for desiccant regeneration.
Driver intent interface and dynamic displays for active safety: an overview of selected recent studies

The primary goal of intelligent driver support systems (IDSS) is to provide effective warnings and alarms to the drivers to enhance safe driving. We will discuss multidisciplinary research activities focused on the design and evaluation of new types of intelligent driver support systems and their components. Systematic efforts to understand and characterize driver behavior and ethnography surrounding the task of driving are essential in the development of human-centric driver assistance systems. Novel instrumented vehicles are used for conducting experiments, where the rich contextual information about vehicle dynamics, surround and driver state are captured for careful, detailed ethnographic studies, as well as realistic data for developing algorithms to analyze multi sensory signals for active safety. We will also introduce a new type of visual display called "dynamic active display". These displays present visual information to the driver where driving view and safety-critical visual icons are presented to the driver in a manner that minimizes deviation of her gaze direction without adding to unnecessary visual clutter. In this paper, we present a brief overview of selected recent research studies focused on driver intent analysis and dynamic displays conducted in our laboratory.
Current management of intraventricular hemorrhage.

Abstract Background Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) continues to present a challenge to neurosurgeons, often being accompanied by significant morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the recent literature concerning the treatment of patients with IVH, and describe our current management scheme for this disorder. Methods A literature search was conducted to identify key articles pertaining to the pathophysiology and treatment of IVH, focusing on the more recent articles. The bibliographies of selected papers were also screened for additional useful publications. Results Management of IVH is primarily directed at controlling intracranial pressure through an external ventricular drain (EVD), but this catheter often becomes occluded by coagulated blood. The fibrinolytic system of the cerebrospinal fluid is limited, and blood may remain in the ventricles for months after a hemorrhage. IVH has a poor prognosis, partly because of the continuing mass effect of blood clots on the ventricular walls. Therefore, investigators have administered fibrinolytic agents directly into the ventricles of patients with IVH. Clinical studies of fibrinolytic therapy for IVH have found a 30 to 35% reduction in mortality with treatment, but have not yet clearly documented an improved neurologic outcome for the survivors. Conclusions Fibrinolytic therapy may be life saving in severe cases of IVH. While many issues need to be resolved, our current practice is to administer intraventricular tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA or alteplase) if hemorrhage involves ≥30% of the volume of one of the lateral ventricles and/or the 3 rd or 4 th ventricle. We currently give t-PA after ruling out or treating a possible source of further bleeding, such as an unsecured aneurysm.
Writing‐Terrors: A Dialectical Lyric

Writers of theology do not need handbooks of method so much as examples of how to praise God without praising the human powers that claim divine authority for inflicting their terrors. The essay by Mayra Rivera in Polydoxy provides such an example when it joins the precepts of “decolonial” thinking to the lure of embodied narrative. Her example can be doubled by turning to Foucault's practice of the writing of bodies, powers, and divinities.
Quality of life for young adults with severe intellectual disability: mothers’ thoughts and reflections

Thirty mothers of transition‐aged young adults (18–24 years) with severe intellectual disability were interviewed regarding their son or daughter's quality of life. All mothers completed the standardised Quality of Life Questionnaire and responded to several open‐ended questions to further delineate quality of life for their child. Mothers were asked to describe quality of life for their young adult child and to evaluate their child's quality of life. Most mothers (73%) mentioned recreation, activities, and hobbies as important components of their young adult child's quality of life. Other common responses included having their son or daughter's basic needs met (53%), having their son or daughter belong to a social network (40%), and having their son or daughter be happy or content (37%). Less common responses included work (7%) for their son or daughter, communication capabilities (10%), health (13%), and consistency (17%) in their son or daughter's life. Mothers' visions for their sons and daughters, en...
HLA Class I Alleles Are Associated with Peptide-Binding Repertoires of Different Size, Affinity, and Immunogenicity

Prediction of HLA binding affinity is widely used to identify candidate T cell epitopes, and an affinity of 500 nM is routinely used as a threshold for peptide selection. However, the fraction (percentage) of peptides predicted to bind with affinities of 500 nM varies by allele. For example, of a large collection of ∼30,000 dengue virus–derived peptides only 0.3% were predicted to bind HLA A*0101, wheras nearly 5% were predicted for A*0201. This striking difference could not be ascribed to variation in accuracy of the algorithms used, as predicted values closely correlated with affinity measured in vitro with purified HLA molecules. These data raised the question whether different alleles would also vary in terms of epitope repertoire size, defined as the number of associated epitopes or, alternatively, whether alleles vary drastically in terms of the affinity threshold associated with immunogenicity. To address this issue, strains of HLA transgenic mice with wide (A*0201), intermediate (B*0702), or narrow (A*0101) repertoires were immunized with peptides of varying binding affinity and relative percentile ranking. The results show that absolute binding capacity is a better predictor of immunogenicity, and analysis of epitopes from the Immune Epitope Database revealed that predictive efficacy is increased using allele-specific affinity thresholds. Finally, we investigated the genetic and structural basis of the phenomenon. Although no stringent correlate was defined, on average HLA B alleles are associated with significantly narrower repertoires than are HLA A alleles.
Imaging of carrageenan-induced local inflammation and adjuvant-induced systemic arthritis with [11C]PBR28 PET

Abstract Introduction [ 11 C] PBR28 binding to translocator protein (TSPO) was evaluated for imaging of acute and chronic inflammation using two established rat models. Methods Acute inflammation was induced by local carrageenan injection into the paw of Fisher 344 rats (model A). T-cell mediated adjuvant arthritis was induced by heat-inactivated Mycobacterium butyricum injection in Lewis rats (model B). Micro-PET scan was performed after injection of approximately 35 MBq [ 11 C]PBR28. In model A, volumes of interest (VOIs) were defined in the paw of Fisher 344 rats (n=6) with contralateral sham treatment as control. For model B, VOIs were defined in the tail, sacroiliac joints, hips, knees and thigh muscles of M. butyricum treated animals (n=8) and compared with sham-treated controls (n=4). The peak 11 C-PBR28 SUV ( SUV peak ) and area under the curve ( AUC SUV ) of 60-minute time-activity data were calculated. Immunohistochemistry for CD68, a macrophage stain, was performed from paw tissues. In addition, the [ 11 C]PBR28 cell uptake was measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated and non-stimulated macrophage cultures. Results LPS-stimulated macrophages displayed dose-dependent increased [ 11 C]PBR28 uptake, which was blocked by non-labeled PBR28. In both models, radiotracer uptake of treated lesions increased rapidly within minutes and displayed overall accumulative kinetics. The SUV peak and AUC SUV of carrageenan-treated paws was significantly increased compared to controls. Also, the [ 11 C]PBR28 uptake ratio of carrageenan-treated vs. sham-treated paw correlated significantly with CD68 staining ratios of the same animals. In adjuvant arthritis, significantly increased [ 11 C]PBR28 SUV peak and AUC SUV values were identified at the tail, knees, and sacroiliac joints, while no significant differences were identified in the lumbar spine and hips. Conclusions Based on our initial data, [ 11 C]PBR28 PET appears to have potential for imaging of various inflammatory processes involving macrophage activation.
Side-illumination fluorescence spectroscopy. I. Principles

Fluorescence from dye-doped polymer optical fibers can be used as a broad-wavelength light source to measure the linear absorption in the fibers and to characterize one-photon excited states in the dye molecule. The side-illumination fluorescence (SIF) measurement technique takes advantage of the fluorescence generated in dye-doped fibers when they are excited from the side by a monochromatic light source. In addition to characterizing fiber loss mechanisms, SIF measurements can be used to determine the fiber quality through an autocorrelation measurement. We present the SIF measurement and the tools for analyzing the data acquired through the measurement.
Aeronautical telemetry using multiple-antenna transmitters

The placement of multiple antennas on an air vehicle is one possible practice for overcoming signal obstruction created by vehicle maneuvering during air-to-ground transmission. Unfortunately, for vehicle attitudes where more than one of these antennas has a clear path to the receiving station, this practice also leads to self-interference nulls, resulting in dramatic degradation in the average signal integrity. This paper discusses application of unitary space-time codes such as the Alamouti transmit diversity scheme and unitary differential space-time codes to overcome the self-interference effect observed in such systems. The mathematical foundations of these techniques within the context of this application as well as computational performance gains associated with their implementation are provided. Issues such as the cost of channel estimation for trained techniques as well as the throughput performance of nondifferential and differential schemes for realistic air-vehicle motion are analyzed
Impact of early surgery on survival of patients with severe mitral regurgitation

Background Optimal timing of surgery in degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) remains a controversial topic. The impact of current ACC/AHA guideline recommendations about optimal timing of surgery on outcomes is untested and contemporary data are lacking. Objective To assess the association between the timing of surgery and long-term survival in patients with severe MR. Methods A cohort of 481 patients with severe, degenerative mitral regurgitation (1995–2007) from the Duke Cardiovascular Disease Databank who fulfilled at least one ACC/AHA guideline indication for surgery was identified. Exclusion criteria were rheumatic disease, congenital mitral valve (MV) disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, coronary disease in more than one vessel, endocarditis, other severe valve disease, h/o valve repair/replacement. Patients were grouped into early surgery (in ≤2 months of presenting with surgical indications) and late surgery (>2 months) groups. An adjusted Cox regression model was constructed for time to death after 2 months with a time-dependent covariate term for late surgery. Results 168 patients had early surgery (median time to surgery 0.42 months) with 153 followed up after 2 months, 94 had late surgery (median time to surgery 8.75 months) and 219 medically managed. 127/168 in the early surgery group and 84/94 in the late surgery group received MV repair (p=0.02). Over 5.6 years9 (median) follow-up there were 35 deaths (21%) in the early surgery group, with two occurring before 2 months and 20 (21%) in the late group. In the multivariable model, those undergoing early surgery had a lower hazard for death than those who underwent late surgery (HR=0.54 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.97), p=0.039). MV repair was independently associated with survival (HR=0.45 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.83), p=0.01). Conclusions In patients with severe MR who presented with guideline indications for surgery, those selected for earlier surgery had improved survival. These data support the current guidelines for early referral to surgery in patients with severe MR for enlarged left ventricular dimensions, reduced ejection fraction and symptoms rather than delaying surgery. Larger randomised trials are needed to definitively answer the question of optimal timing of surgery in patients with severe degenerative MR.
African American Families Under Fire Ethnographic Views of Family Strengths

This article focuses on the discrepancy between school personnel's negative stereotyping of African American families and the family information gleaned by ethnographic research. Using findings from a 3-year ethnographic study of the special education placement process in a culturally diverse urban school district, we describe the general atmosphere of negativity that prevailed among school personnel with regard to African American families living in poverty. The article focuses on the families of three case study students who were referred to special education. Home visits and ethnographic interviews with caregivers revealed family strengths that were neither known nor tapped by school personnel. We interpret the findings in terms of the power of cultural capital and the discrepancy between the schools' perceptions of such capital and the capital actually possessed by families.