cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The form and function of ascending flights in Colias butterflies

1. Pairs of butterflies are often seen in high, spiraling interactions called ascending flights. Interactions of this type and related male-female interactions are studied with a special effort made to document their temporal structure, context, and function for butterflies in the Colias eurytheme—C. philodice species complex. 2. Ascending flights occur only between males and mated females (not necessarily of the same species) and do not end in copulation. Typically, they begin with a level-flight phase followed by a female-initiated ascending phase that ends as much as 20 m above the ground when the pair separates an average of 17 s after initial contact. 3. Observations on the duration and form of male-female interactions that did not result in ascending flights suggest that many males depart before the female initiates an ascending flight. 4. Analyses of interactions between males and tethered females demonstrate that with ascending flights, females are able to curtail male courtship attempts and minimize time spent detained from other activities. The relationship between the structure and function of ascending flights and the variability in male courtship persistence is discussed.
Sodium channel abnormalities are infrequent in patients with long QT syndrome: identification of two novel SCN5A mutations.

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heterogeneous disorder caused by mutations of at least five different loci. Three of these, LQT1, LQT2, and LQT5, encode potassium channel subunits. LQT3 encodes the cardiac-specific sodium channel, SCN5A. Previously reported LQTS-associated mutations of SCN5A include a recurring three amino acid deletion (DeltaKPQ1505-1507) in four different families, and four different missense mutations. We have examined the SCN5A gene in 88 index cases with LQTS, including four with Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome and the remainder with Romano-Ward syndrome. Screening portions of DIII-DIV, where mutations have previously been found, showed that none of these patients has the three amino acid deletion, DeltaKPQ1505-1507, or the other four known mutations. We identified a novel missense mutation, T1645M, in the DIV; S4 voltage sensor immediately adjacent to the previously reported mutation R1644H. We also examined all of the additional pore-forming regions and voltage-sensing regions and discovered another novel mutation, T1304M, at the voltage-sensing region DIII; S4. Neither T1645M nor T1304M were seen in a panel of unaffected control individuals. Five of six T1304M gene carriers were symptomatic. In contrast to previous studies, QT(onset-c) was not a sensitive indicator of SCN5A-associated LQTS, at least in this family. These data suggest that mutations of SCN5A are responsible for only a small proportion of LQTS cases.
An operational approach to National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer's Association criteria for preclinical Alzheimer disease

Objective: A workgroup commissioned by the Alzheimer's Association (AA) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) recently published research criteria for preclinical Alzheimer disease (AD). We performed a preliminary assessment of these guidelines. Methods: We employed Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography (PET) imaging as our biomarker of cerebral amyloidosis, and 18fluorodeoxyglucose PET imaging and hippocampal volume as biomarkers of neurodegeneration. A group of 42 clinically diagnosed AD subjects was used to create imaging biomarker cutpoints. A group of 450 cognitively normal (CN) subjects from a population-based sample was used to develop cognitive cutpoints and to assess population frequencies of the different preclinical AD stages using different cutpoint criteria. Results: The new criteria subdivide the preclinical phase of AD into stages 1 to 3. To classify our CN subjects, 2 additional categories were needed. Stage 0 denotes subjects with normal AD biomarkers and no evidence of subtle cognitive impairment. Suspected non-AD pathophysiology (SNAP) denotes subjects with normal amyloid PET imaging, but abnormal neurodegeneration biomarker studies. At fixed cutpoints corresponding to 90% sensitivity for diagnosing AD and the 10th percentile of CN cognitive scores, 43% of our sample was classified as stage 0, 16% stage 1, 12 % stage 2, 3% stage 3, and 23% SNAP. Interpretation: This cross-sectional evaluation of the NIA-AA criteria for preclinical AD indicates that the 1–3 staging criteria coupled with stage 0 and SNAP categories classify 97% of CN subjects from a population-based sample, leaving only 3% unclassified. Future longitudinal validation of the criteria will be important ANN NEUROL 2012;
Interstock effects on growth, photosynthesis and mineral nutrition of ‘delicious’ apple seedlings

Abstract Tree growth, photosynthesis, and the mineral nutrient content were investigated in ‘Redchief Delicious’ scions double worked on seedling rootstock with a variety of interstocks. The interstocks used were ‘Redchief Delicious’, M9, and a range of F. generation hybrids with internodes designated short, medium and long. The long internode graft union consistently produced more growth and dry weight per tree than the other interstocks. The ‘Redchief Delicious’ interstock had an unexplained negative effect on leaf, shoot and new root dry weight. There was no effect of interstock on photosynthesis initially (56 days) however photosynthesis increased with shorter nodal interstocks after 111 days. There were significant differences in scion and interstock bark elemental composition due to interstock combination. However, leaf composition varied slightly among the different interstock combinations. Manganese levels, independent of tissue type, did not vary between interstocks.
Surgical approach to male pseudohermaphroditism

Male pseudohermaphroditism (MPH) is defined as incomplete masculinization in patients with normal male karyotype (XY) and testicular histology. MPH encompasses a spectrum of female to male phenotypes and presents both diagnostic and technical challenges to the surgeon. Once gender is assigned, based on phenotype, adequacy of the phallus, and other considerations, the surgeon can plan appropriate genital reconstruction.
Comparison of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and brain natriuretic peptide as clinical biomarkers in chronic heart failure

Background Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) may serve as a biomarker of ventricular remodeling in selected populations, but few studies have assessed its performance in clinical practice. We tested MMP-9 as a biomarker of remodeling and predictor of outcomes in a systolic heart failure cohort derived from clinical practice and compared its performance to brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Methods Plasma MMP-9 and BNP levels were measured in 395 outpatients with systolic heart failure who participated in the Penn Heart Failure Study. We tested for (1) cross-sectional associations between biomarker levels, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension index (LVEDDI), and ejection fraction (EF), and (2) associations between baseline biomarker levels and risk of subsequent cardiac hospitalization or death over 3 years of follow-up. Results Matrix metalloproteinase 9 had no significant correlation with LVEDDI ( ρ = 0.04, P = not significant) or EF ( ρ = −0.06, P = not significant), whereas BNP showed highly significant correlations (LVEDDI: ρ = −0.27, P ρ = −0.35, P P = .6) or EF ( P = .14), whereas BNP showed strong independent associations (LVEDDI: P P = .002). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed no difference in hospital-free survival by baseline MMP-9 tertile ( P = .7), whereas higher BNP tertile predicted worse survival ( P P = .9), whereas BNP was a significant independent predictor (hazard ratio for log increase 1.15, P = .02). Conclusion Compared to BNP, MMP-9 is a poor clinical biomarker of remodeling and outcome in patients with systolic heart failure derived from clinical practice.
Atrial natriuretic factor in the freshwater turtle Pseudemys scripta: a partial characterization.

Abstract The presence of natriuretic and vasorelaxant materials in the atria and ventricles of a Chelonian reptile, the freshwater turtle Pseudemys scripta , was verified Crude atrial and ventricular extracts were acutely natriuretic and diuretic when administered to anesthetized rats increasing sodium excretion 23.5 ± 7.9 and 5.11 ± 18 μ M Na/10 min/mg extract, respectively. Although atrial extracts were relatively more natriuretic than ventricular extracts, the total natriuretic content of ventricular extracts was approximately twofold greater. Moreover, partially purified atrial extracts were found to relax precontracted isolated rat aortic ring segments and exhibited immunoreactivity to mammalian ANP antisera. Also, the natriuretic and immunoreactive substance was purified further by size exclusion chromatography and a molecular weight of 3-5 kDa was determined. Using the bovine adrenal glomerulosa ANP receptor, this partially purified natriuretic substance displayed an apparent binding affinity similar to that of mammalian ANP. Finally, in order to demonstrate that this reptile is physiologically responsive to ANP, synthetic rat ANP (10 μg/kg) was shown to decrease arterial pressure in conscious turtles from a control value of 37.2 ± 5.2 to 30.3 ± 2.7 mm Hg. These data demonstrate that unlike other non-Chelonian reptiles, both the atria and the ventricles of this Chelonian reptile synthesize and store substantial levels of biologically active ANP-like materials, and further, that ANP is a highly conserved and primitive cardiac hormone.
Buckling of single-walled carbon nanotubes upon bending: Molecular dynamics simulations and finite element method

The bending buckling behaviors of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are systematically investigated by using both molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and finite element method (FEM), to analyze the relationships between critical bending buckling curvature, critical buckling strain and nanotube geometry parameters (e.g., tube diameter, length and chirality). The postbuckling shape of SWCNT and the effect of loading boundary conditions are also discussed. The comparison between MD and FEM simulations shows that the continuum shell model provides some useful insights into the bending buckling mechanisms, yet it cannot quantitatively reproduce the bending buckling behavior of SWCNTs, since the continuum model does not account for the geometrical imperfections in the atomic system that are critical to the onset of buckling. Improvements of continuum models are suggested based on the findings.
Tracking fast neutrons

Abstract Both neutron absorption and elastic scattering can be used to measure neutron momentum. Based on elastic collisions, the linear momentum of a fast neutron can be measured from as few as two consecutive recoil ion tracks plus the vertex position of the third collision, or ‘two and half’ ion tracks. If the time delay between the first two consecutive ion tracks is also measured, the number of ion tracks can be reduced to one and a half. The angular and magnitude resolutions are limited by ion range straggling to about 10%. Multi-wire proportional chambers and light-field imaging can be used for fast neutron tracking. Light-field imaging is free of charge-diffusion-induced image blur, but the limited number of photons available can be a challenge. 1H, 2H and 3He could be used for the initial development of fast neutron trackers based on light-field imaging.
Enhanced Yields of Gamma Interferon in Prolactin Treated Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

AbstractProlactin is a peptide hormone with effects on a number of target organs including the immune system. It has been shown that animals rendered hypoprolactinemic have impaired delayed hypersensitivity, impaired macrophage activation and altered secretion of gamma interferon (IFN). Using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and inducing the cells to produce gamma IFN with a range of inducers, we have studied the effects of a number of hormones on IFN production. Using cells from normal donors, we have found that prolactin in concentrations of 10-8M or greater, can significantly enhance the production of gamma IFN. The effect was dose related and was observed when lectins (PHA and Con A), but not anti CD3 antibodies, ionophones, or IL-2 were used to induce the cells. The presence of prolactin in concentrations above that encountered in the fetal bovine serum used to incubate the cells resulted in a doubling or more of the IFN produced. The tests were performed on 30 occasions with cells drawn fro...
Línea de pobreza y salarios, 1913-1925. Una primera aproximación

Este articulo utiliza la metodologia de programacion lineal para calcular la linea de pobreza extrema entre 1913 y 1925. Utilizando diversas fuentes, estimamos el monto minimo de ingresos que una familia deberia haber obtenido con el fin de cubrir sus necesidades alimenticias basicas. Nuestras estimaciones indican que la canasta basica de alimentos se cubria con poco mas de un sol diario antes de la Primera Guerra Mundial, y que el costo de tal canasta aumento a mas del doble hacia el final de la guerra. Una comparacion con los salarios de la epoca indica que en Lima un gran numero de trabajadores podia cubrir la canasta de consumo alimenticio basico de sus familias, especialmente si mas de un miembro de la familia obtenia ingresos laborales; pero dicha capacidad disminuyo fuertemente hacia el final de 1910.
A computational investigation of the nitrogen-boron interaction in o-(N,N-dialkylaminomethyl)arylboronate systems.

o-(N,N-Dialkylaminomethyl)arylboronate systems are an important class of compounds in diol-sensor development. We report results from a computational investigation of fourteen o-(N,N-dialkylaminome...
The perils, privileges and pleasures of seeking right from wrong: reflecting upon student perspectives of social processes, value systems, agency and the becoming of identity in the dance technique classroom

This essay reflects a pedagogical qualitative action research study conducted in my university contemporary technique courses that explored constructivist, emancipatory, and transformative learning perspectives. The study offered me the opportunity to critically reflect upon my teaching practices and values in light of student perceptions of social processes at play within my classroom and how these related to understandings gained, values students practiced inside and outside of the classroom, and identity construction.
The risk of coronary heart disease in non-smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke

This article addresses the controversial issue of whether non-smokers' exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) increases their risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD). Glantz and Parmley purport to provide toxicological and epidemiologic evidence in support of their contention that non-smokers who are exposed to ETS are more likely to develop CHD than non-smokers who are not so exposed. The toxicological evidence provided by Glantz and Parmley has been challenged by Wu and by Gori, among others. Moreover, the epidemiologic data considered by Glantz and Parmley are equivocal at best and do not include data from the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Studies (CPS-I) and (CPS-II and the National Mortality Followback Survey which, when added to the original epidemiologic database considered by Glantz and Parmley, indicate no statistically significant association. Furthermore, most of the epidemiologic studies indicate a myriad of biases and confounders that have not been adequately adjusted. Many primary risk factors that were identified in the premier heart disease study, the Framingham Study (Kannel et al.), including but not limited to ethnicity, family history, dietary habits, age, serum cholesterol, exercise and alcohol use, were either totally ignored or not adequately considered in the epidemiologic studies. It seems foolhardy, then, to claim an association as do Glantz and Parmley. But perhaps a more egregious breach of science is to predict a number of CHD deaths in non-smokers caused by ETS. Unfortunately, that is what Wells purports to do. When one considers all the available evidence, the only reasonable conclusion that can be reached is that no association has been established between ETS exposure in non-smokers and an increased risk of CHD. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graph cuts with many-pixel interactions: Theory and applications to shape modelling

Many problems in computer vision can be posed in terms of energy minimization, where the relevant energy function models the interactions of many pixels. Finding the global or near-global minimum of such functions tends to be difficult, precisely due to these interactions of large (>3) numbers of pixels. In this paper, we derive a set of sufficient conditions under which energies which are functions of discrete binary variables may be minimized using graph cut techniques. We apply these conditions to the problem of incorporating shape priors in segmentation. Experimental results demonstrate the validity of this approach.
Visualization techniques for collaborative trajectory management

We developed a set of visualization techniques to portray multiple threads or trajectories of events and activities to provide awareness support. Visualizing the historical and projected temporal patterns of trajectories may provide support to collaborating workers and promote anticipatory behaviors.
Late follow-up of 1095 patients undergoing operation for complex congenital heart disease utilizing pulmonary ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits

Abstract Background Pulmonary ventricle (PV) to pulmonary artery (PA) conduits have made possible the correction of many complex congenital cardiac anomalies. Methods Between April 1964 and January 2001, 1270 patients underwent operation with conduit placement from the PV to PA. The present study evaluates late outcome of 1095 patients (612 males, 483 females) having an operation before July 1992. Mean age was 9.6 ± 8.2 years old. Diagnoses included pulmonary atresia/tetralogy of Fallot (459), transposition of the great arteries (TGA) (232), truncus arteriosus (193), double outlet right ventricle (DORV) (121), corrected TGA (49), septated univentricular heart (36), and other (5). A porcine-valved Dacron conduit was used in 730, homograft in 239, and non-valved conduit in 126. Results Early mortality decreased from 23.5% prior to 1980 to 3.7% for the most recent decade. Mean follow-up was 10.9 years (maximum, 29 years). Actuarial survival for early survivors at 10 and 20 years was 77.0% ± 1.5% and 59.5% ± 2.6%. On univariate analysis, clinical and hemodynamic factors associated with late mortality were male gender, older age at operation, higher post-repair PV/systemic ventricle (SV) pressure ratio, higher distal PA pressure, and longer bypass time ( p ≤ 0.01 for all). On multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for late mortality were male gender, older age at operation, diagnosis of TGA, corrected TGA, truncus, or univentricular heart, and PV/SV pressure ratio ≥ 0.72 ( p ≤ 0.03 for all). Freedom from reoperation for conduit failure at 10 and 20 years was 55.5% ± 2.0% and 31.9% ± 2.7%. On multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for conduit failure were homograft conduit, diagnosis of TGA, younger age at operation, and smaller conduit size ( p ≤ 0.007 for all). Reoperation for one conduit replacement was performed in 306 patients, two conduit replacements in 55 patients, three in 6 patients, and four in 3 patients. Overall early mortality for conduit replacement in this series was 4.9%; it was 1.7% for patients operated on from 1989 through 1992. At follow-up, 84% of survivors were in NYHA class I or II. Conclusions Operations that include conduit placement and replacement can be performed with low early mortality. Younger age at operation was associated with improved late survival. The diagnosis of TGA was associated with increased risk for conduit failure, and the durability of the homograft, in this series, was inferior to the porcine-valved Dacron conduit. Quality of life was excellent for most patients despite the need for reoperation.
Ethephon for Bloom Delay of Rabbiteye and Southern Highbush Blueberries

Abstract Spring freeze damage has been a major problem in blueberry production of low chilling rabbiteye and southern highbush cultivars in the southeastern United States. Research was initiated to determine if ethephon might have commercial potential as a bloom delay compound and to quantify any side effects it may have on fruit size and ripening. In 1992-93 and 1993-94 early and mid-November application of ethephon delayed bloom of ‘Sharpblue’. Rates of 100, 200, and 400 mg.L−1 ethephon were all effective for delaying bloom on ‘Sharpblue’, but the higher rates produced greater delay. The 400 mg.L−1 rate delayed ripening 5 to 7 days compared to the control in year one, but not in year two. Total yield in the early harvest window in 1993 was reduced by ethephon, but not in 1994. In 1997-1998, 200 and 400 mg.L−1 ethephon applied in early to mid-November to ‘Climax’ delayed bloom five days compared to the control, but ‘Bluebelle’ did not respond to ethephon. In 1998-1999, 200 and 400 mg.L−1 of ethephon was ...
Fractal analysis as a complimentary technique for characterizing nanoparticle size distributions

Abstract Fractal analysis of nanoparticles can provide extra information about primary particle size distributions as well as their associations in various media. Fractal dimension and lacunarity of nanoparticles were determined using two-dimensional images and particle size distributions, from either electron microscopy or dynamic light scattering measurements. Metal oxide nanoparticles, both commercial products and in-lab synthesized, were analyzed to determine fractal dimension and lacunarity coefficients. The box counting method appears to be the most robust of the methods evaluated. For aggregated nanoparticles synthesized in the vapor phase, the fractal dimensions appear to reflect aggregate growth mechanisms. For unaggregated nanoparticles that have agglomerated, fractal dimensions appear to reflect differences in surface chemistries. For the aggregated nanoparticle materials in this study, both fractal coefficients (fractal dimension and lacunarity) can provide information about powder morphology, which could be useful for quality control. For nanoparticles that agglomerate, lacunarity may be useful for defining the stability of these colloidal systems in toxicological, environmental or drug delivery applications.
Cinematic Ethics within the Picnoleptic Moment in José Luis Guerín's En construcción

On the surface, Jose Luis Guerin's En construccion (2001) presents a biting critique of capitalism and the way in which construction has become a source of economic benefit in present-day Spain. Underlying this criticism, however, is an important commentary on visuality, historical cinematic memory and the relationship between architecture and cinema. This study, while recognizing Guerin's critique of exploitative building practices, postulates that his auto-reflexive approach to filmmaking corresponds to an architectural ethics that desires the return of a symbiotic matrimony between art, industry and social life. From there, the article posits that Guerin's commentary on architecture and urban life is a submerged metaphor for both capitalistic criticism and an ethics of cinema, an ethics implying synchronic conjuration of past tradition and the creation of a desultory, protracted temporality.A primera vista, En construccion (2001) de Jose Luis Guerin efectivamente comunica una critica tajante del capita...
The Comparison of Two Workspace-Density-Driven Inverse Kinematics Methods for Hyper Redundant Manipulators

Motivated by the cascading of workspace densities, we have developed two new workspace-density-driven inverse kinematics methods for hyper-redundant manipulators in recent papers. One is based on the breadth-first search and the other is based on the divide-and-conquer search. Both methods do not involve a high dimensional Jacobian matrix and have their own favorable qualities. In this paper, we perform a detailed numerical comparison of these two methods. We focus on comparing the computation time, end-effector error and data storage requirements. This comparison will give users of these kinds of robots guidance as to when which method should be used.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Hardware synthesis from a recursive functional language

Abstraction in hardware description languages stalled at the register-transfer level decades ago, yet few alternatives have had much success, in part because they provide only modest gains in expressivity. We propose to make a much larger jump: a compiler that synthesizes hardware from behavioral functional specifications. Our compiler translates general Haskell programs into a restricted intermediate representation before applying a series of semantics-preserving transformations, concluding with a simple syntax-directed translation to SystemVerilog. Here, we present the overall framework for this compiler, focusing on the intermediate representations involved and our method for translating general recursive functions into equivalent hardware. We conclude with experimental results that depict the performance and resource usage of the circuitry generated with our compiler.
Proteoglycans: Road Signs for Neurite Outgrowth

Proteoglycans in the central nervous system play integral roles as "traffic signals" for the direction of neurite outgrowth. This attribute of proteoglycans is a major factor in regeneration of the injured central nervous system. In this review, the structures of proteoglycans and the evidence suggesting their involvement in the response following spinal cord injury are presented. The review further describes the methods routinely used to determine the effect proteoglycans have on neurite outgrowth. The effects of proteoglycans on neurite outgrowth are not completely understood as there is disagreement on what component of the molecule is interacting with growing neurites and this ambiguity is chronicled in an historical context. Finally, the most recent findings suggesting possible receptors, interactions, and sulfation patterns that may be important in eliciting the effect of proteoglycans on neurite outgrowth are discussed. A greater understanding of the proteoglycan-neurite interaction is necessary for successfully promoting regeneration in the injured central nervous system.
Polymerization of Pentachlorophenol and Ferulic Acid by Fungal Extracellular Lignin-Degrading Enzymes

High-molecular-weight polymers were produced by a crude concentrated supernatant from ligninolytic Phanerochaete chrysosporium cultures in a reaction mixture containing pentachlorophenol and a humic acid precursor (ferulic acid) in the presence of a detergent and H2O2. Pure manganese peroxidase, lignin peroxidase, and laccase were also shown to catalyze the reaction.
Weakness of will and akrasia

Richard Holton has developed a view of the nature of weak-willed actions, and I have done the same for akratic actions. How well does this view of mine fare in the sphere of weakness of will? Considerably better than Holton’s view. That is a thesis of this article. The article’s aim is to clarify the nature of weak-willed actions.
Purification and Characterization of a Paired Basic Residue-specific Yeast Aspartic Protease Encoded by the YAP3 Gene SIMILARITY TO THE MAMMALIAN PRO-OPIOMELANOCORTIN-CONVERTING ENZYME*

Yeast cells express an alternate enzyme encoded by the YAP3 gene which can process pro-alpha-mating factor when this pheromone is overexpressed in KEX2-deficient mutants. The YAP3 gene product is an aspartic protease (YAP3) that cleaves at paired basic residues (Egel-Mittani, M., Flygenring, H.P., and Hansen, M. T. (1990) Yeast 6, 127-137). In this study, the YAP3 gene was overexpressed in the BJ 3501 strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. YAP3 was purified to apparent homogeneity using concanavalin A and pepstatin A affinity chromatography. The enzyme was characterized as an M(r) 68,000 glycoprotein with a pH optimum of 4.0-4.5. It was inhibited by pepstatin A and activated by 5 mM Ca2+. YAP3 cleaved at paired basic residues of mouse pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) to yield adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and beta-lipotropin (LPH); human beta-LPH to yield beta-endorphin-(1-31), beta-endorphin-(1-29), beta-endorphin-(1-28), gamma-LPH, and beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone; and bovine N-POMC1-77 to yield gamma 3-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It also cleaved the tetrabasic residues of ACTH1-39 to yield primarily ACTH1-15 and Lys-Arg-corticotropin-like intermediate lobe peptide. The physical properties, pH optimum, and specificity of YAP3 indicate that it is a homologue of the mammalian POMC-converting enzyme (EC 3.4.23.17), a paired basic residue-specific aspartic protease from bovine pituitary intermediate lobe secretory granules (Loh, Y. P., Parish, D.C., and Tuteja, R. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 7194-7205).
Vancomycin-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) masquerading septic shock-an unusual presentation of a rare disease

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare cutaneous adverse reaction characterized by acute sterile pustular eruptions, mostly induced by medications. Antibiotics are the most commonly implicated drugs; however, there have only been two previous reports of vancomycin-induced AGEP in the literature. In this case, we present the clinical course of a 56-year-old man who was admitted to the intensive care unit with an unusually severe form of AGEP mimicking septic shock, which developed after the recent use of vancomycin. Despite cessation of the offending agent, our patient continued to clinically decline with development of worsening skin eruptions and hemodynamic instability necessitating vasopressor support. The patient promptly responded to systemic steroid therapy with complete resolution of AGEP. In addition to highlighting the implication of vancomycin in AGEP, we herein discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of AGEP, particularly in severe cases admitted to the intensive care unit.
Improving processor lifespan and energy consumption using DVFS based on ILP monitoring

Cyber-physical systems have a major role to play in improving efficiency and safety in transportation networks, healthcare, energy generation and distribution, among other fields. The thermal management of such systems is important since high operating temperature dramatically reduces chip lifetime; such reduced chip lifetime has obvious cost, reliability and environmental implications. This paper presents a mechanism for thermal management. We use dynamic voltage scaling preferentially applied to highly parallel segments of the workload while continuing to guarantee all hard deadlines. Experimental results show that when the workload contains time-varying levels of instruction-level parallelism (as is quite common), this lightweight algorithm improves chip lifetime over previously proposed methods. This approach is easy to implement, requires no hardware modifications and imposes very little overhead.
Alterations in the insulin-like growth factor system in trauma patients

The aim of the present study was to elucidate changes in the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis in trauma patients throughout their stay in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). The first venous blood sample was obtained within 24 h after admission to the SICU and before the start of nutritional support; the last sample was obtained within 24 h of each patient's discharge from the SICU. All patients were receiving nutritional support at this later time. Control subjects were healthy volunteers, matched for age and sex and fasted approximately 18 h before blood sampling. GH in trauma patients was increased 25-fold on the first day and was still elevated > or = 5-fold on the last day. Trauma decreased circulating levels of both IGF-I (50-60%) and IGF-II (33-45%) throughout the duration of the patients' stay in the SICU. A sustained reduction in plasma IGF-binding protein (BP)-3 (55-75%) was observed in trauma patients throughout the protocol. In contrast, IGFBP-1 levels increased more than threefold during this same period. Furthermore, IGFBP-1 in these patients had undergone posttranslational modification and existed primarily in a highly phosphorylated form. Blood, collected from a cohort (n = 3) of these patients within 24 h of their discharge from the hospital, indicated that IGF-I and IGF-II were still reduced (30%) and that the decrease in IGFBP-3 and the elevation in IGFBP-1 were still evident at this time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Restoration of Femoral Offset After Total Hip Replacement: Assessment by EOS Imaging in 100 Patients

Introduction Accurate evaluation of femoral offset is difficult with conventional anteroposterior (AP) X-rays. Routine CT imaging is costly and exposes patients to a significant dose of radiation. The EOS® imaging system is an innovative slot-scanning radiography system that makes possible the acquisition of simultaneous and orthogonal AP and lateral images of the patient in standing position. These 2-dimensional (2D) images are equivalent to standard plane X-rays. Three-dimension (3D) reconstructions are obtained from these paired images according to a validated protocol. This prospective study explores for the first time the value of the EOS® imaging system for comparing measurements of femoral offset obtained from 2D images and 3D reconstructions. Materials and Methods Following our standard protocol, we included a series of 100 patients with unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). The 2D offset was measured on the AP view with the same protocol as for standard X-rays. The 3D offset was calculated from the reconstructions based on the orthogonal AP and lateral views. Reproducibility and repeatability studies were conducted for each measurement. We compared the 2D and 3D offsets for both hips (with and without THA). Results For the global series (100 hips with and 100 without THA), the 2D offset was 40 mm (SD: 7.3; range 7 to 57 mm). The standard deviation was 6.5 mm for repeatability and 7.5 mm for reproducibility. The 3D offset was 43 mm (SD: 6.6; range 22 to 62 mm), with a standard deviation of 4.6 mm for repeatability and 5.5 mm for reproducibility. The 2D offset for the hips without THA was 40 mm (SD: 7.0; range 26 to 56 mm), and the 3D offset was 43 mm (SD: 6.6; range 28 to 62 mm). For the THA side, the 2D offset was 41 mm (SD: 8.2; range 7 to 57 mm) and the 3D offset was 45 mm (SD: 4.8; range 22 to 61 mm). Comparison of the two protocols shows a significant difference between the 2D and 3D measurements, with the 3D offsets having higher values. Comparison of the sides with and without surgery for each case showed a 5-mm deficit for the offset in 35% of the patients according to the 2D measurement but in only 26% according to the 3D calculation. Conclusions This study highlights the limitations of 2D measurements of femoral offset on plane X-rays. The reliability of the EOS® 3D models has been previously demonstrated with CT scan reconstructions as a reference. The EOS® imaging system could be an option for obtaining accurate and reliable offset measurements while significantly limiting the patient9s exposure to radiation.
Effect of Different Grass and Legume Combinations on Spider (Araneae) and Ground Beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Populations in Roadside Habitats in the Mississippi Delta

In the Mississippi Delta, roadside vegetation serves as spring habitat for the bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and tobacco budworm, H. virescens (F.). Predators of Heliothis also are found in this habitat; they include species of spiders and ground beetles. Test plots of two species of grasses, planted with and without ammonia nitrate applications at planting, and both planted in combination with six species of legumes (total of 16 treatments), were established along U. S. Highway 61 in Washington County, Mississippi in the fall of 1984. The effect of the treatments on spiders and ground beetles during March, April, and May 1985 was determined by sampling populations of these predators with pitfall traps. Treatments differed little in species diversity or in species dominance for these two groups of predators. None of the treatments had a significant effect on the numbers of ground beetles, lycosid spiders, or total numbers of spiders captured. Consequently, based on their effect on these important groups of beneficial arthropods, none of the treatments was eliminated for possible use as roadside vegetation in the Mississippi Delta to aid in the control of the F1 generation of Heliothis .
TEACHING MATH MORE EFFECTIVELY, THROUGH CALCULATIONAL PROOFS

Lower-level college math courses usually avoid using formalism, in both definitions and proofs. Later, when students have mastered definitions and proofs written largely in English, they may be shown how informal reasoning could be formalized, but the impression is left that such formalization is not worth the effort. The design of proofs is also not taught. Students see proofs and may be asked to develop a few themselves, but there is little or no discussion of principles or strategies for designing proofs. Few are happy with the results of these courses. Generally, students' reasoning abilities are poor, even after several math courses. Many students still fear math and notation, and the development of proofs remains a mystery to most. In short, students are not being equipped with the tools needed to employ mathematics in solving new problems. We believe that this state of affairs can be improved. This article describes our approach.
Clinical and ictal EEG features in benign infantile epilepsy

Objective To further clarify clinical features and ictal electroencephalographic findings of patients with benign infantile epilepsy(BIE) in order to early recognize and evaluate prognosis. Methods The clinical information, video electroencephalogram(VEEG) characteristics, treatment and prognosis of 21 patients fulfilled the definition of BIE were collected and analyzed. Results The onset age of seizures was from 3 months to 11 months in 21 cases. Clusters of seizures occurred in 19 patients. The seizures were characterized by motion arrest, decreased responsiveness, cyanosis, staring or mild convulsive movements, such as eye deviation, head rotation, clonic movements, or increased limb tone. Interictal EEGs were normal in all patients. Ictal discharges at the onset of a seizure were focal in all seizures. The site of the origin of seizures was in the temporal area in 12 of 19 seizures, whereas it was in the occipital area in 5 seizures and parietal region in 2 seizures. The duration of a seizure on EEG was 55 to 126 seconds. All patients were treated with antiepileptic drugs(11 with levetiracetam, nine with depakine syrup, and 1 with oxcarbazepine). Seizures disappeared within one month in 17 patients. Antiepileptic treatment was withdrawn after 1 year and none of them experienced recurrence of seizures. All patients showed normal psychomotor development at the end of follow up. Conclusions Clusters of seizures often occur in BIE patients. The most frequent site of the seizure origin is in the temporal lobe. The prognosis of BIE is excellent, and excessive treatment should be avoided in such patients.
Multichannel hollow structure for improved electrochemical performance of TiO2/Carbon composite nanofibers as anodes for lithium ion batteries

Abstract With nanofibers receiving much attention in the application of lithium ion batteries (LIBs), we herein report the use of multichannel hollow nanofibers composed of TiO 2 and Carbon as a binder-free anode for LIBs. The nanofibers were produced by the Forcespinning ® of an emulsion precursor solution composed of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Titanium (IV) butoxide, ethanol, acetic acid, and mineral oil. The as-prepared precursor nanofibers were subjected to a thermal treatment by first stabilizing in air at 280 °C followed by carbonizing at 550 °C under an argon atmosphere to form TiO 2 /C composite multichannel hollow nanofibers without the need for a sacrificial polymer to produce this morphology. This fibers’ hollow structure resulted in improved electrochemical performance when compared to non-hollow fibers. These hollow fibers also showed excellent cycling performance with a specific capacity of 228.9 mAhg −1 at a current density of 100 mAg −1 while maintaining a Coulombic efficiency of ∼98% after 100 cycles compared to the TiO 2 /C non-hollow fibers which showed a capacity of 61.4 mAhg −1 . These composite hollow nanofibers show a great promise as alternative anode materials for next generation LIBs.
Pathologic evaluation of prostatic carcinoma: Critical information for the oncologist

During the last few years, pathologists have assumed several important roles in the assessment of adenocarcinomas of the prostate. The establishment of postoperative serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
SU-F-T-211: Evaluation of a Dual Focusing Magnet System for the Treatment of Small Proton Targets

Purpose: To investigate magnetic focusing for small volume proton targets using a doublet combination of quadrupole rare earth permanent magnet Halbach cylinder assemblies Methods: Monte Carlo computer simulations were performed using the Geant4 toolkit to compare dose depositions of proton beams transported through two focusing magnets or in their absence. Proton beams with energies of 127 MeV and initial diameters of 5, 8 and 10 mm were delivered through two identical focusing magnets similar to those currently in experimental use at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Analogous experiments used optimized configurations based on the simulation results. Dose was measured by a diode detector and Gafchromic EBT3 film and compared to simulation data. Based on results from the experimental data, an additional set of simulations was performed with an initial beam diameter of 18 mm and a two differing length magnets (40mm & 68mm). Results: Experimental data matched well with Monte Carlo simulations. However, under conditions necessary to produce circular beam spots at target depth, magnetically focused beams using two identical 40 mm length magnets did not meet all of our performance criteria of circular beam spots, improved peak to entrance (P/E) dose ratios and dose delivery efficiencies. The simulations using the longer 68 mm 2nd magnet yielded better results with 34% better P/E dose ratio and 20–50% better dose delivery efficiencies when compared to unfocused 10 mm beams. Conclusion: While magnetic focusing using two magnets with identical focusing power did not yield desired results, ongoing Monte Carlo simulations suggest that increasing the length of the 2nd magnet to 68 mm could improve P/E dose ratios and dose efficiencies. Future work includes additional experimental validation of the longer 2nd magnet setup as well as experiments with triplet magnet systems. This project was sponsored with funding from the Department of Defense (DOD# W81XWH-BAA-10-1).
Triadic Integration of Polarities

Polarity in the bifacial sign may be a process of our neurology, which is itself bi-polar, but both are triadic integrations that establish a tri-relative influence. As Eric Jantsch argues: According to recent research results, it seems that the neocortex itself develops the mechanisms which may bring more novelty into play. This possibility may be inherent in the much-discussed hemispherical differentiation of the neocortex which is usually characterized by the juxtaposition of notions such as ‘analytic, digital, verbal’ (left half of the brain) and ‘holistic, analog, non-verbal, musical’ (right half of the brain). There is some evidence for the suspicion that such a scheme mixes neocortical and limbic functions, and perhaps, even functions of the reptilian brain. The co-ordination of the three hierarchically arranged brains [emphasis mine] is one of the most important tasks which man has yet to learn. One of the most important issues is the redemption of the limbic system from its rigidity. It may open to us a fantastic world of ‘different realities’ — as it already does in dreams, hallucinations, and under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs — and thus also stimulate the neocortex to let its imagination roam freely on this rich substrate instead of limiting itself to a single world view. (1980:179) Thus the triadic integration of binary relations shows itself in neurological architectonics and proves to be a most productive kind of integration. When binaries are put together in triadic relations, their growth potential is virtually unlimited, as demonstrated by the capacities of the human brain, the human sign system and the mythic and cultural variations which have existed around this complex.
Application of the Molecular Adsorber Coating Technology on the Ionospheric Connection Explorer Program

The Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC) is a zeolite based highly porous coating technology that was developed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to capture outgassed contaminants, such as plastics, adhesives, lubricants, silicones, epoxies, potting compounds, and other similar materials. This paper describes the use of the MAC technology to address molecular contamination concerns on NASAs Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) program led by the University of California (UC) Berkeleys Space Sciences Laboratory. The sprayable paint technology was applied onto plates that were installed within the instrument cavity of ICONs Far Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (FUV). However, due to the instruments particulate sensitivity, the coating surface was vibrationally cleaned through simulated acoustics to reduce the risk of particle fall-out contamination. This paper summarizes the coating application efforts on the FUV adsorber plates, the simulated laboratory acoustic level cleaning test methods, particulation characteristics, and future plans for the MAC technology.
Relationship between Student Pharmacist Decision Making Preferences and Experiential Learning.

Objective. To determine if student pharmacists’ preferences towards experiential and rational thinking are associated with performance on advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) and whether ...
A new metamaterial unit cell for compact microstrip circuit designs

In this paper, a new metamaterial (MTM) unit cell implemented in a microstrip transmission line configuration is proposed. The new MTM unit cell, based on split-ring resonators (SRRs) is electrically small. The unit cell avoids the use of vias, and requires only single level processing. By tuning the physical parameters of the resonator structures, strong magnetic coupling between microstrip line and rings emerges at the resonant frequency of SRRs. This impedes signal propagation in the proximity of the resonant frequency. A compact X-band power divider is designed to validate the practical use of the new unit cell. While maintaining similar performance, a 71% reduction in impedance transformer is achieved in comparison to a conventional design.
A control volume finite element method with spines for solutions of fractional heat conduction equations

ABSTRACTThe focus of this paper is the numerical solution of space-fractional heat conduction equations. Typical numerical treatments for fractional diffusion equations (FDEs) are constructed to function on structured grids and cannot be readily applied to problems in arbitrarily shaped domains. Presented is an unstructured control volume finite element method for the solution of FDEs in non-Cartesian domains. This method approximates the fractional derivative flux at given integration points with a weighted sum of gradients along orthogonal spines. Accuracy and utility of the approach are demonstrated by solution of one- and two-sided FDEs in rectangular and cylindrical domains.