cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lengthening of the mesentery using the marginal vascular arcade of the right colon as the blood supply to the ileal pouch.

PURPOSE: Creation of a safe ileal pouch requires a tension-free anastomosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate a technical procedure that increases the length of the mesentery while preserving the blood supply to the ileal pouch. HYPOTHESIS: Preservation of the marginal vascular arcade (MVA) of the right colon will allow ligation of more mesenteric vessels and increase the mesenteric length. METHODS: Six fresh cadavers were dissected. Measurement of the apex of the terminal ileum was done in relation to the pubic symphysis. Measurements were taken after 1) complete mobilization of the terminal ileum, right colon, and hepatic flexure; 2) vascular ligation between colon wall and the MVA, preserving the latter from the right branch of the middle colic artery to the ileal branch of the ileocolic artery (ICA); 3) ligation of the distal third of the superior mesenteric artery; 4) ligation of the ICA at its origin; 5) ligation of the right colon artery; and 6) division of the terminal ileal mesentery. RESULTS: This technique enabled complete division of the terminal ileal mesentery, adding a mean additional 3.6 (range, 2.5–5.0) cm (36.5±16.5 percent) in length to the mesentery, compared with superior mesenteric artery, ICA, and right colic artery ligation. CONCLUSION: Patients who have a shorter mesentery and concern of excessive mesenteric tension should have colectomy performed, preserving the MVA from the middle colic artery to the ileal branch of the ICA. The preserved MVA can be a reliable alternative blood supply to the pouch if more mesenteric vessel ligations are necessary.
Muscarinic and peptidergic excitation of bull-frog sympathetic neurones.

The large B cells of bull-frog sympathetic ganglia are well known to be depolarized by slow synaptic transmission, muscarinic agonists, analogues of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), and substance P. Voltage-clamp analysis shows that these actions result from two underlying mechanisms: inhibition of the M-current, a voltage-dependent potassium current; and in some cells, an inward current associated with an increase in conductance. The additional inward current appears as a voltage-insensitive change in the instantaneous conductance (i.e. apparent leak conductance). The additional inward current is typically slower in onset and offset than is M-current inhibition. It is typically seen for higher concentrations and longer durations of agonist application. In many cells, only a decrease in M-current can be demonstrated. Muscarine inhibits the M-current with 50% inhibition (I50) at 0.7 microM. At least 86% of the M-current is muscarine sensitive. At comparable concentrations, oxotremorine produces less M-current inhibition than does muscarine. Some analogues of teleost LHRH (T-LHRH) are more potent as M-current inhibitors than T-LHRH itself. Those peptides tend to act more slowly than T-LHRH. Substance P shows variable potency for M-current inhibition, with I50 s ranging from 2 nM to greater than 2 microM on different cells. The response to long applications of substance P desensitizes in some cells, which has not been observed for comparable applications of muscarinic or LHRH agonists. Other tachykinins (including substance K) inhibit the M-current. C-terminal fragments of substance P are ineffective, and M-current inhibition by substance P is not blocked by [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]- or [D-Arg1,D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9,Leu11] substance P. The slow muscarinic excitatory post-synaptic potential (e.p.s.p.) produces a graded inhibition of up to 90% of the M-current. Occasional cells show an additional inward current with an associated increase in conductance during the slow e.p.s.p. This effect is less marked than with exogenous muscarinic agonists. The late, slow e.p.s.p., which is produced by stimulation of high threshold C-fibre inputs and is resistant to cholinergic antagonists, also involves M-current inhibition. An additional inward current can be observed in some cells. M-current inhibition (by agonists or slow synaptic potentials) increases the number of spikes produced by a given depolarizing current, often allowing maintained firing. This action is not mimicked by equivalent depolarization, and is still seen when the cell is manually clamped to the original resting potential.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Intraventricular migration of ventricular access device.

Dear Editor: Ventricular access devices (VADs), such as Ommaya, Rickham and Mc-Comb reservoirs, are often used in premature neonates with intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), as a temporary measure for CSF aspiration, until the neonate is fit for a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt [1, 2]. Intraventricular migration of a VAD is an extremely rare complication, due to the large size of the reservoir compared to the bony opening. Only three cases have been reported [3–5]. We hereby present a case of an intracranial VAD migration that occurred several years following VAD placement.
EXTREMELY SCALABLE CROSS-POINT TOP-GATED HETEROJUNCTION TUNNELING-TRANSISTORS

Energy efficient hetero-junction tunneling transistors in a simple "cross-point" configuration that utilizes top gates are analyzed for use at extremely scaled sub-10 nm gate-lengths. The active tunneling region comprises of a vertical p++/n+ heterojunction (for example formed at the cross point of p++SiGe/n+Si), where modulation of the energy-bands in the gated n+Si region with a top-gate is used to control the degree of band overlap and tunneling distance and hence current. The sub-threshold swing characteristic of these devices is shown to be potentially highly immune to extreme downscaling to 6 nm gate length allowing for an intact and efficient switching behavior to be retained. The extreme scalability and ultra-low voltage operation could make such cross-point devices useful for alternative applications and architectures that require ultimate energy efficiency.
Monitoring as a partially observable decision problem

Monitoring is an important and costly activity in resource man-agement problems such as containing invasive species, protectingendangered species, preventing soil erosion, and regulating con-tracts for environmental services. Recent studies have viewedoptimal monitoring as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Pro-cess (POMDP), which provides a framework for sequential decisionmaking under stochastic resource dynamics and uncertainty aboutthe resource state. We present an overview of the POMDP frame-work and its applications to resource monitoring. We discuss theconcept of the information content provided by monitoring systemsand illustrate how information content affects optimal monitoringstrategies. Finally, we demonstrate how the timing of monitoring inrelation to resource treatment and transition can have substantialeffects on optimal monitoring strategies.
The Use of Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) Within a Constructivist Learning Environment to Develop Core Competencies in Social Work

Achieving foundation-level practice behaviors to develop social work core competencies involves integrating learning across a curriculum. This article focuses on two phases of foundation-level course redevelopment aimed to support graduate students in accomplishing this outcome. The first phase involved restructuring the course to become a constructivist learning environment. The second phase involved the use of cultural historical activity theory to assess this environment and design additional components to better address student needs.
Elderly patients recover more rapidly from desflurane than from isoflurane anesthesia

Abstract Study Objective: to compare the hemodynamic, emergence, and recovery characteristics of desflurane-nitrous oxide (N 2 O) anesthesia with those of isoflurane-N 2 O anesthesia in elderly patients. Design: Randomized study. Setting: Main operating room of a major U.S. teaching hospital. Patients: Thirty-four ASA physical status II and III patients aged 65 or older undergoing surgical procedures of greater than 1 hour duration. Interventions: Group 1 (17 patients) received desflurane in 60% N20) for their surgical procedure. Group 2 (17 patients) received isoflurane in 60% N20. Thiamylal 2 mglkg administered intravenously (IV) induced anesthesia, and succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg IV facilitated intubation. Muscle relaxation was maintained with vecuronium. Titration of the anesthetics maintained hemodynamics to within 20% of the patients' preinduction values. Measurements and Main Results: Measurement of hemodynamics occurred every 2 minutes prior to skin incision and every 5 minutes thereafter. The times for discontinuation of inhaled anesthetics to eye opening, hand grip on command, and recall of name and date of birth were measured in a. standardized fashion for both groups. The time to discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PAC U) was determined by a blinded PACU nurse using standard published criteria. The two groups did not differ with respect to demographics, hemodynamic stability, and times to eye opening (5 ± 3 minutes for desflurane vs. 8 ± 4 minutes for isoflurane), hand grip on command (9 ± 4 minutes vs. 12 ± 1 minutes), and recall of name and date of birth (13 ± 8 minutes vs. 12 ± 7 minutes). The median duration of PACU stay was significantly shorter (p Conclusions: Desflurane may benefit elderly patients by providing a more rapid recovery from anesthesia, leading to a shorter PAC U stay.
Do jurors share a common understanding concerning eyewitness behavior

It would seem that the American judiciary have traditionally viewed knowledge of variables affecting eyewitness behavior as a part of common understanding. The presumption would then be that there is a body of knowledge in this regard that is indeed shared and that this shared understanding conforms substantially to objective reality. Multiple-choice format questionnaires designed to tap such knowledge were administered to two somewhat disparate samples of college students (n=176) and two samples of the citizenry at large in Washington D.C., 46 of whom had not had criminal trial jury experience in the previous five years and 43 of whom had. Across samples the typical respondent's performance was significantly above chance but not at all high in absolute terms. This typical performance involved well above chance levels of accuracy on about half the items and not different from chance accuracy on the others. At least within the college student samples, certain demographic variables were not related to accuracy of response. Likewise, previous criminal trial jury experience did not improve accuracy for the Washington D.C. respondents by an amount that would be practically significant. It was concluded that the common understanding doctrine cannot in general be supported.
A laboratory study of dispersion from a source in the middle of the convectively mixed layer

Abstract Dispersion from a non-buoyant source of height 0.49 times the mixed-layer depth has been studied by means of a laboratory model of the convective planetary boundary layer. Results are presented in terms of a continuous point source within a thermally convective field and in the presence of a simulated uniform mean wind. Quantities are non-dimensionalized through the use of free-convection similarity scaling. The plume concentration maximum is found to descend to ground level at a downstream distance x = 0.8 h/(w ∗ / u ) , just twice the distance found earlier for a source of half this height, and with a magnitude of 3.4 S/(h 2 u ) (h is the height of the convectively mixed layer, w ∗ is the mixed-layer convective velocity scale, S is the source strength and u is the mean wind). Farther downstream the maximum is carried upward while broadening and weakening. Mappings of the dimensionless concentration are presented, along with lateral and vertical spreading rates.
Fluoride-induced hyperkalemia: the role of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels.

Abstract Acute fluoride poisoning is associated with sudden cardiac death by an unknown mechanism. Because F − binds to Ca 2+ to cause marked hypocalcemia, lowered serum Ca 2+ concentrations have been thought to be a major underlying factor in the ventricular irritability of F − -toxic patients. However, correction of the hypocalcemia does not prevent sudden death. Paradoxically, while decreasing extracellular Ca 2+ levels, in vitro studies have shown F − increases intracellular Ca 2+ , which is thought to trigger Ca 2+ -dependent K + channels and produce a K + efflux. The K + efflux may be important clinically, as patients with F − overdose can exhibit hyperkalemia shortly before cardiovascular collapse. In erythrocyte suspensions, we found that propanolol, which increases the sensitivity of the Ca 2+ -dependent K + channels, exacerbates the efflux, and quinidine, which blocks the channel, prevents the efflux. In six dogs, 35 mg/kg of sodium fluoride given intravenously produced intractable ventricular fibrillation within 140 minutes. Four dogs given 200 mg of quinidine sulfate with the sodium fluoride developed no ventricular arrhythmias. The data indicate that F − -induced hyperkalemia is important in sudden cardiac death following acute fluoride toxicity and that this hyperkalemia is mediated by Ca 2+ -dependent K + channels.
Hg Emission Modeling for a Blended Coal Particle

The largest source of human-caused mercury air emissions in the U.S principle is from combustion coal, a dominant fuel used for power generation. The coal chlorine content and ash composition, gas temperature, residence time and presence of different gases will decide the speciation of Hg into Hg° (elemental form) and HgCl2 (oxidized form). The extent of oxidation depends on the concentration of chlorine in flue gases. In order to predict the % of oxidized Hg, a transient model for combustion of a coal particle is formulated including Hg reactions. The model assumes that mercury and chlorine are released as a part of volatiles in the form of elemental mercury and HCl. A three step reaction is implemented for the oxidation of mercury. The model investigates the effect of coal blend with feedlot biomass (FB or Cattle manure), ambient temperature, and particle size on the extent of mercury oxidization. Mercury oxidation (HgCl2 ) increased with increase in diameter of particle and FB % in blended fuel.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Change with age in murine corneal epithelial actin and myosin: Immunofluorescent and ELISA analyses

The purpose of this study was to use immunofluorescence and ELISA immunoassay to determine whether the cellular distribution and concentration of corneal epithelial actin and myosin change with chronologic age. Diffuse anti-actin and anti-myosin indirect immunofluorescence was observed within the cytoplasm of the corneal epithelium from mice aged postnatal day (PND) 1-18 months. Additionally, highly fluorescent punctate foci were first observed in cortical cytoplasm consistently for both anti-actin and anti-myosin at PND 14. This fluorescent pattern remained relatively unchanged for the remaining ages examined. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to quantitate the amount of actin and myosin in corneal epithelium from mice aged PND 1 to 24 months. Corneal epithelial sheets were removed from whole eyes and processed for ELISA assay. Actin cellular concentration increased from PND 1-7 and decreased from PND 7-16. These results were statistically significant (p less than .005). No statistically significant difference in actin concentration was found for any of the remaining ages examined (PND 16-24 months). Myosin concentration increased from PND 1-7 and decreased until PND 14. These results also were statistically significant (p less than .005 and p less than .005, respectively). There was no significant change in myosin concentration for any of the remaining ages examined (PND 16-24 months).
Evaluation of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and chemometrics as a rapid approach for sub-typing Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolates.

The importance of tracking outbreaks of foodborne illness and the emergence of new virulent subtypes of foodborne pathogens have created the need for rapid and reliable sub-typing methods for Escherichia coli O157:H7. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analyses was used for sub-typing 30 strains of E. coli O157:H7 that had previously been typed by multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA) of the FT-IR spectra resulted in the clustering of the same or similar MLVA types and separation of different MLVA types of E. coli O157:H7. The developed FT-IR method showed better discriminatory power than PFGE in sub-typing E. coli O157:H7. Results also indicated the spectral relatedness between different outbreak strains. However, the grouping of some strains was not in complete agreement with the clustering based on PFGE and MLVA. Additionally, HCA of the spectra differentiated the strains into 30 sub-clusters, indicating the high specificity and suitability of the method for strain level identification. Strains were also classified (97% correct) based on the type of Shiga toxin present using CVA of the spectra. This study demonstrated that FT-IR spectroscopy is suitable for rapid (≤16 h) and economical sub-typing of E. coli O157:H7 with comparable accuracy to MLVA typing. This is the first report of using an FT-IR-based method for sub-typing E. coli O157:H7.
Root dynamics in sprouting tanoak forests of southwestern Oregon

Root and shoot biomass were measured across an 8 year chronosequence in mature and regenerating stands of tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus (Hook. & Arn.) Rehd.), following cutting and burning in mat...
Issues in cybersecurity; understanding the potential risks associated with hackers/crackers

It is commonplace to say that the 11 September attacks have changed everything. A global revolution is changing business, and business is changing the world. With unsettling speed, two forces are converging; a new generation of business leaders is rewriting the rules of business, and a new breed of fast companies is challenging the corporate status quo. The Internet is an information superhighway, touching almost every aspect of the economy from government agencies, financial institutions, businesses, and professional organizations. With the year 2002 and its increasing number of court cases on Internet‐related issues, the courts are obviously still struggling with the question of intellectual property rights in an open source code environment supporting e‐commerce. By modeling and classifying the risks associated with cybersecurity issues, firms and specific individuals should not become a casualty of this cyberwar, nor become paranoid about the risks ‐‐ be informed and follow common business sense practices, policies, and procedures.
Incorporation of CC steps into Z-DNA: interplay between B-Z junction and Z-DNA helical formation.

The left-handed DNA structure, Z-DNA, is believed to play important roles in gene expression and regulation. Z-DNA forms sequence-specifically with a preference for sequences rich in pyrimidine/purine dinucleotide steps. In vivo, Z-DNA is generated in the presence of negative supercoiling or upon binding proteins that absorb the high energetic cost of the B-to-Z transition, including the creation of distorted junctions between B-DNA and Z-DNA. To date, the sequence preferences for the B-to-Z transition have primarily been studied in the context of sequence repeats lacking B–Z junctions. Here, we develop a method for characterizing sequence-specific preferences for Z-DNA formation and B–Z junction localization within heterogeneous DNA duplexes that is based on combining 2-aminopurine fluorescence measurements with a new quantitative application of circular dichroism spectroscopy for determining the fraction of B- versus Z-DNA. Using this approach, we show that at least three consecutive CC dinucleotide ste...
REACTION OF PYRIDINE NUCLEOTIDES WITH 2,4-DINITROPHENYLHYDRAZINE.

WHILE attempting to isolate and identify pyridme nucleotide-dependent and enzymatically-formed aldehydes and α-keto acids as their 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives, it was noted that derivatives were formed which, when chromatographed on paper, were unlike known standards and gave blue colours when sprayed with alcoholic KOH. The reaction mixture in which this phenomenon was first observed was a control tube that contained: tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.5, 1,500 µmoles; nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide (NAD), 10.0 µmoles; and crude cell-free extract containing 1.2 mg protein in a total volume of 3.8 ml. The incubation was terminated by the addition of an equal volume of saturated 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) in 2 N HCl. The reaction mixture was centrifuged to remove precipitated protein and the supernatant fluid decanted into a clean test-tube and incubated overnight at 37° C. Further investigations revealed that the flocculent precipitate which formed was due to a reaction between NAD and DNPH. This product was purified by the usual extraction procedure including initial extraction with ethyl acetate to remove unreacted DNPH, neutral and acidic hydrazones; the latter were re-extracted into 10 per cent sodium carbonate, leaving unreacted DNPH and neutral hydrazones behind in the organic phase; the carbonate layer was acidified at 4° C and re-extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate layer was evaporated and aliquots were used for spotting on to paper chromatograms.
Developmental Changes in the Use of Absolute and Relative Information: The Case of Spatial Extent

In the present paper we investigated the development of the ability to reproduce extent in elementary school students. Children were shown a target line in a frame and were asked to reconstruct the line in a frame of a different size. One experimental condition involved reproducing absolute extent, i.e., drawing a line that would be equal in length to the target line. The other condition involved reproducing relative extent; drawing a line that would preserve the relation between the target line and the frame. We found that in both conditions the length of the target and its relation to the frame affected children's responses. Yet, older children (7–9-year-olds) showed distinctive response patterns in the two conditions, indicating differentiation between absolute and relative extent. Whereas the performance of 5-year-olds in reproducing relative extent was similar to that of older children, their reproduction of absolute extent reflected a compromise between the use of absolute and relative cues. These f...
Reliability of the Dynamic Gait Index in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Abstract McConvey J, Bennett SE. Reliability of the Dynamic Gait Index in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Objectives To determine if the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) is a reliable tool for assessing balance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to determine the validity of the DGI by using the 6.1-m timed walk. Design Instrument reliability test: physical therapists viewed a videotape of 10 subjects with MS performing the DGI and scored their gait by using DGI criteria. Two weeks after the first session, therapists' viewed the videotape again and scored subjects' gait to establish interrater reliability. Setting Hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation clinic. Participants Eleven physical therapists and 10 people with MS. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Total DGI scores and each of the 8 DGI items were compared between and within raters (physical therapists). Time to walk 6.1m was compared with the total DGI score to examine concurrent validity. Results Interrater reliability for total DGI scores was .983, with each of the 8 items ranging from .910 to .976 (intraclass correlation coefficient, P P P Conclusions The DGI is a reliable functional assessment tool that correlated inversely with timed walk, showing its concurrent validity.
In situ laser reflectometry applied to the growth of Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As Bragg reflectors by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition

Laser reflectometry has been applied as an in situ growth monitoring tool for the MOCVD growth of Bragg reflectors. Reproducible accuracy of 4 nm of the stop band centre was achieved for AlAs/GaAs mirrors. AlGaAs/AlAs mirrors requiring in situ composition calibration were also successfully grown.
An intelligent CAMAC I/O module based on the Signetics 8X300 microcontroller

Abstract An intelligent CAMAC I/O module based on the Signetics 8X300 microcontroller has been developed. Sixteen 8-bit I/O ports have been utilized; eight are dedicated to data transfer with external devices and/or processes and eight are dedicated to communication with the CAMAC dataway. Separate status and data registers are provided. The input status port (SIN) can receive up to seven individual signals from external devices or the host computer while the output status port (SOUT) can be used to provide up to seven internally graded LAMs and one bit can be used to generate a Q-response for termination of block transfers. Diagnostic software has been developed to operate on the host computer which fully tests all implemented instructions. In our application the device is used in a high-speed memory mapping scheme for data acquisition with a two-dimensional position-sensitive detector system.
Satellite Tracking Simultaneous-Lobing Monopulse Receiving System with Polarization Diversity Capability

A 136-MHz to 10-GHz simultaneous-lobing monopulse receiving system, utilizing polarization diversity in both coherent (phase-lock) and noncoherent (nonphase-lock) operational modes, has been developed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Tracking and Data Acquisition Network (STADAN). This sum-and-difference monopulse system, called APDAR (Advanced Polarization Diversity Autotrack Receiver), utilizes a maximalratio polarization diversity combining technique that matches the receiving antenna polarization to the incoming variable polarization from a spin-stabilized or tumbling satellite. Autotrack performance becomes independent of the incoming polarization orientation by continuous in-phase addition of the carrier-signal components from orthogonal antenna elements. This technique relies upon the principle that fading does not occur simultaneously on oppositely polarized receiving channels. APDAR results in improved autotrack performance by eliminating adverse effects of severe (over 30-dB) cross-polarization fading. The predetection diversity combining technique employed provides an average 3-dB signal-to-noise (SNR) improvement. This paper describes a series of 136-MHz satellite tracking tests and analyzes a maximal-ratio predetection diversity combiner, a three-loop phase-lock loop system, and a frequency-switched radiometer.
A multimodal framework for vehicle and traffic flow analysis

This paper presents an overview of a novel multimodal system being developed at UC San Diego for vehicle detection and traffic flow analysis. A distributed multimodal array (DiMMA) framework is presented for sensory data acquisition, processing, analysis, fusion, and "active" control mechanisms needed to recognize objects, events, and activities which have multi-modal signatures. Current sensing modalities being researched include video, audio, seismic, magnetic, and passive infrared. Feature extraction and data fusion techniques are being investigated to improve robustness and study the advantages and disadvantages of each sensing modality. Preliminary results of this rapidly deployable system are discussed, along with possible future expansions, including laser range scanners, geophones, pneumatic road tubes, and traditional inductive loops
Patient controlled encryption: ensuring privacy of electronic medical records

We explore the challenge of preserving patients' privacy in electronic health record systems. We argue that security in such systems should be enforced via encryption as well as access control. Furthermore, we argue for approaches that enable patients to generate and store encryption keys, so that the patients' privacy is protected should the host data center be compromised. The standard argument against such an approach is that encryption would interfere with the functionality of the system. However, we show that we can build an efficient system that allows patients both to share partial access rights with others, and to perform searches over their records. We formalize the requirements of a Patient Controlled Encryption scheme, and give several instantiations, based on existing cryptographic primitives and protocols, each achieving a different set of properties.
A Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman approach for termination of seizure-like bursting

We use Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman methods to find minimum-time and energy-optimal control strategies to terminate seizure-like bursting behavior in a conductance-based neural model. Averaging is used to eliminate fast variables from the model, and a target set is defined through bifurcation analysis of the slow variables of the model. This method is illustrated for a single neuron model and for a network model to illustrate its efficacy in terminating bursting once it begins. This work represents a numerical proof-of-concept that a new class of control strategies can be employed to mitigate bursting, and could ultimately be adapted to treat medically intractible epilepsy in patient-specific models.
Oxygen-17 NMR spectral studies of selected aromatic sulfones

Oxygen-17 NMR spectra of several organosulfur compounds containing the arylsulfonyl group (ArSO2–) are reported. Shielding effects are interpreted in terms of γ-ortho CH interactions with the sulfonyl oxygens rather than conjugative interactions involving the aryl substituent and the attached SO2 group. The lanthanide shift reagent Eu(fod)3 is useful for discriminating ‘internal and external’ accidental chemical shift coincidence.
Interferon-gamma induces high-affinity transforming growth factor-beta receptor expression on human corneal fibroblasts.

The effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) on the expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) receptors on cultured human corneal stromal fibroblasts was examined. Scatchard analysis of specific saturable TGF-β1 binding data indicated that corneal fibroblasts expressed TGF-β receptors with an average association constant of 6 × 10 M−1, before and after IFN-γ treatment. An additional population of higher affinity TGF-β receptors, with an average association constant of 4 × 1012 M−1, was demonstrated only on IFN-γ-treated corneal fibroblasts. Interferon-gamma may alter the response of corneal fibroblasts to transforming growth factor-betas by upregulating their higher affinity TGF-γ receptors. The induction of higher affinity TGF-β receptors by an immune cytokine and an associated autocrine elevation of TGF-β output by the corneal fibroblasts may be a transient compensatory mechanism that maintains the homeostasis of corneal optical competency through enhancement of corneal immunoseclusion.
Iterative nonlinear least squares algorithms for direct reconstruction of parametric images from dynamic PET

Indirect and direct methods have been developed for reconstructing parametric images from dynamic PET data. Indirect methods are relatively simple and easy to implement because the reconstruction and kinetic modeling are performed in two separate steps. Direct methods estimate the parametric images directly from the dynamic PET data and are statistically more efficient, but the algorithms are often difficult to implement. This paper presents a simple, monotonically convergent iterative algorithm for direct reconstruction of parametric images. Each iteration of the proposed algorithm consists of two separate steps: reconstruction of dynamic images followed by a pixel-wise weighted nonlinear least squares fitting. This algorithm resembles the empirical iterative implementation of the indirect approach, but converges to the solution of the direct formulation.
Intelligent interactive image outlining using spline snakes

Outlining 2D shapes and image regions is often required in image manipulation and analysis. Most polygon and curve drawing tools in graphics do not use the knowledge of image intensities and its derivatives in guiding the outlining process, and hence are quite tedious and error prone. This paper presents a, fast interactive drawing tool based on a parametric spline formulation of snakes that exploits the underlying image intensities. Specifically, interactively specified contours are naturally attracted to strong image edges in the vicinity because spline snakes are designed to migrate to significant ridges in the gradient magnitude image. Furthermore, allowable stretching and bending can be controlled by minimizing explicitly the bending and stretching energies of the curve. Parameterization of spline snakes in terms of a limited number of control points yields a fast minimization solution thus enabling interactive rubber banding of the curve on the screen. This feedback allows users to quickly guide the snake on the desired path. >
Deep-Water Sedimentary Structures, Pliocene Pico Formation, Santa Paula Creek, Ventura Basin, California: ABSTRACT

The Pliocene Pico Formation, according to paleogeographic and paleoecologic interpretations, was deposited in marine waters at least 300 m. deep. Sedimentation of mud, sand, and some gravel was largely the result of bottom-following underflows generally travelling west. Resulting sedimentary structures--some viewed in stilled-stages of development--are: stratification with eroded and deformed contacts, internal stratification, graded bedding, small-scale cross-stratification, disturbed bedding, fossils with preferred orientation, imbricated clasts and shells, ripple marks, flame structures, pull-aparts, load pockets, load waves, and many others. Ideal graded bedding is generally rare, but most sandstones display grading superposed on other structures such as internal lamination. Thin but persistent strata with signature sedimentary structures imply infilling on a nearly horizontal sea floor by bottom-contact currents tending to level the accretional surface. Eroded and deformed contacts at the base of beds imply vigorous current impact and drag. Larger disruptions such as deformed or disturbed zones, several beds thick, may result from current drag rather than from gravity-induced downslope slumping. Accordingly, some penecontemporaneous folds are less reliable indicators End_Page 522------------------------------ of paleoslopes than current-induced structures such as cross-stratification. Underflows, acquiring energy through flow down the trough margin, probably debouched from submarine canyons; many flows were ephemeral but others deposited relatively continuously for longer periods. Most underflows possessed sufficient energy to move a tractional load, and the stronger ones vigorously eroded and disturbed the sea floor. Complexity in form and genesis of the sedimentary structures dictates a comparable complexity in the depositing current. End_of_Article - Last_Page 523------------
Satellite-based assessment of top of atmosphere anthropogenic aerosol radiative forcing over cloud-free oceans

[1] Most assessments of the direct climate forcing (DCF) of anthropogenic aerosols are from numerical simulations. However, recent advances in remote sensing techniques allow the separation of fine mode aerosols (anthropogenic aerosol is mostly fine aerosol) from coarse mode aerosols (largely marine and dust, which are mostly natural) from satellite data such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MODIS). Here, by combining MODIS narrowband measurements with broadband radiative flux data sets from the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES), we provide a measurement-based assessment of the global direct climate forcing (DCF) of anthropogenic aerosols at the top of atmosphere (TOA) only for cloud free oceans. The mean TOA DCF of anthropogenic aerosols over cloud-free oceans [60N–60S] is � 1.4 ± 0.9 Wm � 2 , which is in excellent agreement (mean value of � 1.4 Wm � 2 ) with a recent observational study by
Perfectly matched layer behavior in negative refractive index materials

The perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary condition is shown to be analytically unstable for a material with a bandwidth of negative refractive index. Physically, this is a consequence of the reversed phase and group velocities in such a medium. The instability is inherent in the PML and is not implementation-specific. We derive a modified PML (NIMPML) that is analytically stable in a negative index material (NIM), and we demonstrate its numerical stability in a specific NIMPML implementation.
Linear goal programming for academic library acquisitions allocations

The allocation of an academic library s acquisitions funds should con­ tribute to the achievement of the library s goals and objectives. The availability of diverse materials and the varying demands of user needs in a variety of subject disci­ plines may represent a set of conflicting, incommensurate goals. Lexicographic linear goal programming offers an appropriate allocation methodology for detennining an optimal solution with conflicting goals. This article applies this methodology to 90 funds representing books and periodicals in 45 subject disciplines at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT). The models goals incorporate several categories of budget constraints and user needs. The application of this formula resulted in the successful distribution of $3.5 million while taking into consideration ten goals or variables ranging from circulation to number of faculty and students. It also builds in accommo­ dations for political factors and pressures, a unique feature in allocation formulas.
Dynamic modeling of turtle cortex stimulated by natural input

The visual cortex of a freshwater turtle, when stimulated by a pattern of light, produces waves of activity that have been both recorded experimentally and simulated using a model cortex. The goal is to predict the response of the model cortex when the input pattern is a natural source. The basic procedure is to encode both the input and the output signals using a suitable choice of spatial and temporal basis functions. The encoding process generates a vector time series of coefficients (temporal strands) in a suitable lower dimensional beta-space. Finally, a linear system is identified that best fits the input strand to the output strand.
A UNITY based formalism for dynamic distributed systems

We describe Dynamic UNITY, a new formalism for the specification of dynamic distributed systems based on the UNITY formalism. This formalism allows for the specification and proof of systems where processes may be created and destroyed, and where communication links among processes may change. It also introduces asynchronous messaging as a primitive construct, to facilitate the composition of multiple programs into a larger system. We also present an example Dynamic UNITY system that illustrates the dynamic aspects of the new formalism, and outline a correctness proof for the example.
Building Medical Homes: Improvement Strategies in Primary Care for Children With Special Health Care Needs

Families and professionals agree that children and adolescents need access to community-based medical homes. This is especially true for children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Most primary care practices are designed for children's routine preventive and acute care needs. CSHCN benefit from care that is integrated with well-child and acute care; coordinated and actively co-managed with specialists, therapists, and educators; and offered in a planned, anticipatory manner. As the primary caregiver and decision maker, families need to be supported in a culturally effective way. Families want community resources that are integrated with care processes. Primary care practices that serve CSHCN require a practical and effective improvement method to become fully realized medical homes. A change method, which blends improvement strategies with progressive measurement, must be perceived by practices as practical and helpful, and it must be supported. The Center for Medical Home Improvement has developed and tested an effective model of medical home improvement and tools to measure the status of a practice and its progress of change.
The PUF family of RNA-binding proteins: does evolutionarily conserved structure equal conserved function?

Drosophila Pumilio ( Pum ) protein is a founder member of a novel family of RNA-binding proteins, known as the PUF family. The PUF proteins constitute an evolutionarily highly conserved family of proteins present from yeast to humans and plants, and are characterized by a highly conserved C-terminal RNA-binding domain, composed of eight tandem repeats. The conserved biochemical features and genetic function of PUF family members have emerged from studies of model organisms. PUF proteins bind to related sequence motifs in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of specific target mRNAs and repress their translation. Frequently, PUF proteins function asymmetrically to create protein gradients, thus causing asymmetric cell division and regulating cell fate specification. Thus, it was recently proposed that the primordial role of PUF proteins is to sustain mitotic proliferation of stem cells. Here we review the evolution, conserved genetic and biochemical properties of PUF family of proteins, and discuss protein interactions, upstream regulators and downstream targets of PUF proteins. We also suggest that a conserved mechanism of PUF function extends to the newly described mammalian members of the PUF family (human PUM1 and PUM2, and mouse Pum1 and Pum2 ), that show extensive homology to Drosophila Pum, and could have an important role in cell development, fate specification and differentiation. IUBMB Life, 55: 359-366, 2003
Prasugrel in the poststroke cohort of the TRITON Trial: the clear and present danger.

dogrel [1] . Patients with moderateto high-risk acute coronary syndromes with the defined coronary anatomy and planned stent placement were randomized to prasugrel or clopidogrel for 6–15 months. The primary endpoint was the time to the first event of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke, and occurred in 12.1% of patients treated with clopidogrel and 9.9% of patients randomized to prasugrel (for details, see table 1 ). This difference favoring prasugrel was predominantly attributed to the early decrease in ischemic episodes during the first 3 days after intervention [2] . Analysis of the individual components of the combined efficacy endpoint suggests that the difference between the two treatment arms was exclusively driven by the rates of nonfatal myocardial infarction (475 vs. 620 events) favoring prasugrel. In contrast, mortality was identical (prasugrel – 154; clopidogrel – 155), when for each cardiovascular death prevented by prasugrel versus clopidogrel (133/150), one additional fatal bleeding event (21/5) occurred in the prasugrel group [3] . There was no difference in stroke prevention (prasugrel – 61; clopidogrel – 60). The excess bleeding risk after prasugrel is not surprising because the antiplatelet potency of the prasugrel loading and maintenance dose chosen for TRITON was about 2.5 times more potent than the clopidogrel regimen [4] . Exploratory post hoc analyses of the TRITON data set revealed a lack of benefit, and even harm, for patients with previous ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) who received prasugrel compared to clopidogrel. Considering that hemorrhagic stroke was one of the exclusion criteria, there were 518 patients in TRITON with the history of ischemic stroke or TIA, which were equally distributed between the prasugrel (n = 262) and clopidogrel (n = 256) cohorts. The outcome and safety measured in patients with previous cerebrovascular ischemic events are summarized in table 2 . The Trial to Assess Improvement in Therapeutic Outcomes by Optimizing Platelet Inhibition with Prasugrel Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 38 (TRITON-TIMI 38) was an important phase 3, randomized study. The trial assessed head-to-head the efficacy and safety of the experimental thienopyridine prasugrel versus standard care with another P2Y12 platelet inhibitor, clopiPublished online: June 12, 2008
Special Educators Who Teach Health Education Their Role and Perceived Ability

Current educational practices indicate that an increasing number of students with disabilities may now be receiving health education services through specialist health education teachers instead of special education teachers. In this survey, we explored the extent to which special education teachers in the state of nebraska taught health education to students with disabilities and how prepared they felt they were to teach in this area. Results of the study showed that almost one third of the special education teachers responding to the survey taught health education to students with disabilities but also indicated that many of these teachers did not perceive themselves as being adequately prepared or confident in their ability to address health education issues related to students with disabilities. Further research and curriculum development for teaching health to students with disabilities are recommended.
Separación o integración para la conservación de biodiversidad: la ideología detrás del debate "land- sharing" frente a "land-sparing"

Perfecto, I., Vandermeer, J. (2012). Separation or integration of biodiversity conservation: the ideology behind the "land-sharing" versus "land-sparing" debate. Ecosistemas 21(1-2):180-191 Most neotropical forests are fragmented. Forest fragments are frequently found in an agricultural matrix consisting of different types of agroecosystems. In this paper we discuss the fallacy of the argument "land-sparing" which promotes the intensification of agriculture as a means of protecting forests and thus biodiversity. We also discussed the ideological content of the discussion of land sparing versus land sharing. Afterwards we argue that it is in the agricultural matrix where biodiversity conservation efforts should be focused. Our argument uses empirical evidence and metapopulation theory to propose that the best strategy to avoid the loss of biodiversity in fragmented landscapes is to develop diverse agricultural systems that promote migration of organisms between forest fragments. The quality of the matrix with respect to metapopulation processes increases with agroecosistem diversification, adding trees and other elements that increase the structural diversity of agroecosystems and the elimination of toxic agrochemicals. Agroecological initiatives like the Campesino a Campesino movement and social movements of small farmers such as La Via Campesina represent the best allies for the conservation of biodiversity in the Neotropics.
Pressure Broadening and Shifts of Silver D1 Line by Nitrogen and Helium

We report on the measurement of pressure broadening and shifts of silver D1 line. In MHz per torr, we measure 5.2 and 5.8 broadening and -2.5 and +1.2 shifts, by nitrogen and helium respectively.
Directed evolution of a pyruvate aldolase to recognize a long chain acyl substrate.

Abstract The use of biological catalysts for industrial scale synthetic chemistry is highly attractive, given their cost effectiveness, high specificity that obviates the need for protecting group chemistry, and the environmentally benign nature of enzymatic procedures. Here we evolve the naturally occurring 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate (KDPG) aldolases from Thermatoga maritima and Escherichia coli , into enzymes that recognize a nonfunctionalized electrophilic substrate, 2-keto-4-hydroxyoctonoate (KHO). Using an in vivo selection based on pyruvate auxotrophy, mutations were identified that lower the K M value up to 100-fold in E. coli KDPG aldolase, and that enhance the efficiency of retro-aldol cleavage of KHO by increasing the value of k cat / K M up to 25-fold in T. maritima KDPG aldolase. These data indicate that numerous mutations distal from the active site contribute to enhanced ‘uniform binding’ of the substrates, which is the first step in the evolution of novel catalytic activity.