cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Ontology of Language in a Post-Structuralist Feminist Perspective: Explosive Discourse in Monique Wittig

In the essay which follows, our aim is to investigate a notion of the relation of spoken and written discourse to the elements in general. Though informed by an explanation of the poetics of fire, its purpose is to demonstrate the significance — for related contexts of inquiry — of the work we have been doing here on all the elements. Thus we begin with a quote from Paul de Man which provides a good indication of our intentions: The idea of totality suggests closed forms that strive for ordered and consistent systems and have an almost irresistible tendency to transform themselves into objective structures. Yet, the temporal factor, so persistently forgotten, should remind us that the form is never anything but a process on the way to its completion.1
Progress in antisense technology: the end of the beginning.

Publisher Summary During the past decade, intense efforts to develop and exploit antisense technology have been mounted. With the recent FDA approval of Vitravene, the first drug based on antisense technology to be commercialized, the technology has achieved an important milestone. Nevertheless, the technology is still in its infancy. Although the basic questions have been answered, there are still many unanswered questions. The objectives of this chapter are to provide an overview of the progress in converting the antisense concept into broad therapeutic reality and to provide advice about appropriate experimental design and interpretation of data with regard to the therapeutic potential of the technology. The ultimate biological effect of an oligonucleotide is influenced by the local concentration of the oligonucleotide at the target RNA, the concentration of the RNA, the rates of synthesis and degradation of the RNA, the type of terminating mechanism, and the rates of the events that result in termination of the activity of RNA.
High energy cosmic photons and neutrinos

Mechanism for production of X-rays and gamma rays in galaxies, noting photon and electron spectrum
Cardiac intensive care

The new edition of "Cardiac Intensive Care" - the only textbook dedicated to cardiac intensive care medicine - chronicles the progress made in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of patients with critical cardiac illness. Editors Allen Jeremias, MD, MSc and David L. Brown, MD present the landmark discoveries, greater understanding of syndromes, and technological advancements that have helped make clinical cardiology a progressive and interventional field. The book includes coverage of the plethora of noncoronary diseases in the CICU, as well as a complete compendium of up-to-date pharmacologic agents. The new full-color design and layout and nine new chapters give you the latest theoretical, technical, diagnostic, and therapeutic advances in an accessible and visually appealing format. Moreover, the full text is available online.
Three essays on food insecurity and child welfare

Three major issues affecting the welfare of children are investigated in three papers in this dissertation. These issues are the intra-household allocation of resources, food insecurity and obesity. The first two papers are focused on the issue of intra-household allocation of food resources and food insecurity in a developing country setting, namely Zimbabwe, while the relationship between food insecurity and obesity is investigated n the United States. In the first paper, a 2004 household survey of children in Zimbabwe is utilized to investigate differences in self-reports of food insecurity. A bivariate ordered probit regression is utilized to investigate any differences in reports of food insecurity between boys and girls. Findings reveal that all categories of children report roughly the same level of food security with the exception of orphan girls, who are significantly more likely to report food insecurity. The second paper is also focused on the intra-household allocation of food, this time between adults and children. Bivariate comparisons are utilized to highlight the magnitude of differences in the perception of food inadequacy and food insecurity, while bivariate probit regressions provide more insight into sources of these differences. Children are more likely than adults to report food security, although the differences are not uniform across households. A substantial number of households have children who are food inadequate or food insecure while the adult is not. In addition, there is evidence of a tendency to protect younger children and discriminate against female orphans in food distribution. The third paper utilizes nonparametric approaches and two nationally representative data sets to investigate the relationship between food insecurity and obesity in the United States. Nonparametric approaches are utilized to portray possible subtleties in the relationship between food insecurity and obesity over the full range of body mass index
Comparison of two flat reflector-type designs for dual-polarization, dual-band operation

The parabolic reflector remains an essential antenna for high-gain applications. This is a result of its desirable characteristics based on geometric optics. These include relative frequency independence for sufficiently large apertures and high aperture efficiency. However, the parabolic reflector occupies a large volume. This may be aesthetically unappealing on the sides of buildings and structures. Also, from a mobile user perspective, a desirable characteristic is having a large aperture during operation while having a small volume when packed away and not in use. The parabolic reflector is typically constructed of multiple petals for mobile uses, but it does not pack into as small a volume as a flat, thin antenna would due to the curvature of the paraboloid. Therefore, the primary goal of the antennas studied in this work is developing flat reflector antennas to utilize the advantages of large reflector apertures while remaining capable of packing into a small volume. In addition, system requirements dictated dual-band, dual-polarized operation. Two flat reflectors are compared: a reflectarray and a zoned reflector. While each design is inherently narrow-band, methods of achieving dual-band operation were employed.
Five Classic Articles in Somatic Cell Reprogramming

Research on somatic cell reprogramming has progressed significantly over the past few decades, from nuclear transfer into frogs’ eggs in 1952 to the derivation of human-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells in the present day. In this article, I review five landmark papers that have laid the foundation for current efforts to apply somatic cell reprogramming in the clinic.
Generation and evolution of hydrothermal fluids at Yellowstone: Insights from the Heart Lake Geyser Basin

[1] We sampled fumaroles and hot springs from the Heart Lake Geyser Basin (HLGB), measured water and gas discharge, and estimated heat and mass flux from this geothermal area in 2009. The combined data set reveals that diverse fluids share an origin by mixing of deep solute-rich parent water with dilute heated meteoric water, accompanied by subsequent boiling. A variety of chemical and isotopic geothermometers are consistent with a parent water that equilibrates with rocks at 205°C ± 10°C and then undergoes 21% ± 2% adiabatic boiling. Measured diffuse CO2 flux and fumarole compositions are consistent with an initial dissolved CO2 concentration of 21 ± 7 mmol upon arrival at the caldera boundary and prior to southeast flow, boiling, and discharge along the Witch Creek drainage. The calculated advective flow from the basin is 78 ± 16 L s−1of parent thermal water, corresponding to 68 ± 14 MW, or ∼1% of the estimated thermal flux from Yellowstone. Helium and carbon isotopes reveal minor addition of locally derived crustal, biogenic, and meteoric gases as this fluid boils and degasses, reducing the He isotope ratio (Rc/Ra) from 2.91 to 1.09. The HLGB is one of the few thermal areas at Yellowstone that approaches a closed system, where a series of progressively boiled waters can be sampled along with related steam and noncondensable gas. At other Yellowstone locations, steam and gas are found without associated neutral Cl waters (e.g., Hot Spring Basin) or Cl-rich waters emerge without significant associated steam and gas (Upper Geyser Basin).
Green tea supplementation benefits body composition and improves bone properties in obese female rats fed with high-fat diet and caloric restricted diet

This study investigated the effects of green tea polyphenols (GTP) supplementation on body composition, bone properties, and serum markers in obese rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or a caloric restricted diet (CRD). Forty-eight female rats were fed an HFD ad libitum for 4 months, and then either continued on the HFD or the CRD with or without 0.5% GTP in water. Body composition, bone efficacy, and serum markers were measured. We hypothesized that GTP supplementation would improve body composition, mitigate bone loss, and restore bone microstructure in obese animals fed either HFD or CRD. CRD lowered percent fat mass; bone mass and trabecular number of tibia, femur and lumbar vertebrae; femoral strength; trabecular and cortical thickness of tibia; insulin-like growth factor-I and leptin. CRD also increased percent fat-free mass; trabecular separation of tibia and femur; eroded surface of tibia; bone formation rate and erosion rate at tibia shaft; and adiponectin. GTP supplementation increased femoral mass and strength (P = .026), trabecular thickness (P = .012) and number (P = .019), and cortical thickness of tibia (P < .001), and decreased trabecular separation (P = .021), formation rate (P < .001), and eroded surface (P < .001) at proximal tibia, and insulin-like growth factor-I and leptin. There were significant interactions (diet type × GTP) on osteoblast surface/bone surface, mineral apposition rate at periosteal and endocortical bones, periosteal bone formation rate, and trabecular thickness at femur and lumbar vertebrate (P < .05). This study demonstrates that GTP supplementation for 4 months benefited body composition and improved bone microstructure and strength in obese rats fed with HFD or HFD followed by CRD diet.
Exercise support system for elderly: multi-sensor physiological state detection and usability testing

We present an interactive system for physical exercise of older people and provide results of a usability study with target user group. The system motivates an elderly person to do regular physical activity based on an easy exercise in a monitored environment without a direct supervision from care-givers. Our system employs multi-modal interface including speech synthesis and speech recognition, as well as distance measurement using an ultrasound range finder. The system coaches the user through a sequence of body movements in the exercise utilizing an underlying human activity model. For evaluation of the performance of the user we present a statistical human activity model to estimate physical load of the user. The system tracks user load by monitoring heart rate and by scanning movement patterns using statistical estimators. At well-defined moments and when the scanning suggests there is a problem with the user, the user is asked to verify his ability to continue with the exercise. The system was tested on a set of elderly users to gather usability data and to estimate the acceptance of the system. While simplicity of the setup proved to work well for the users, suggestions for further extensions of the system were gathered. Usefulness of the concept was verified with a physiotherapist.
Serum enzyme abnormalities in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Elevated serum transaminases, particularly SGOT, as a result of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) therapy have been reported in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). In order to evaluate the possibilities that these elevated transaminases may result from JRA itself or from concomitant muscle injury, we correlated liver function tests and a specific test for muscle damage, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), with ASA therapy in 37 patients. These JRA patients were evaluated serially; 20 took ASA continuously, 6 took it intermittently, and 11 were on no therapy. Thirty-five healthy children were also studied to establish normal control values for the serum enzyme tests. Mean SGOT and SGPT in the 11 untreated subjects were significantly (P We conclude that mild abnormalities of SGOT and SGPT in JRA patients are common, but that they occur sporadically and elevated values appear to be unrelated to ASA therapy.
Heliobacterium chlorum, an anoxygenic brownish-green photosynthetic bacterium containing a “new” form of bacteriochlorophyll

Heliobacterium chlorum is a brownish-green anoxygenic photosynthetic bacterium, isolated from surface soil. It fixes N2 readily, and contains a hitherto unknown form of bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl). The latter, designated as BchlgGg, shows a major absorbancy peak in vivo at 788 nm. As yet, the subcellular localization of the photosynthetic pigment is uncertain; neither chlorosomes nor extensively developed intracytoplasmic membranes of the kind produced by most photosynthetic bacteria are observed in electron micrographs of thin sections. H. chlorum grows rapidly as a mesophilic photoheterotroph, requires biotin as an essential growth factor, and appears to move by gliding motility. The bacterium is unable to grow aerobically in darkness, and photosynthetic growth is severely inhibited by molecular oxygen. The extreme O2-sensitivity of H. chlorum may be related to its low content of (neurosporene-like) carotenoid.
Role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in regulation of hypothalamic trh gene expression by leptin

During starvation in rodents, the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis is down-regulated, resulting in low circulating thyroid hormone levels. This involves a reduction in hypothalamic TRH mRNA that is caused in part by a fall in serum leptin levels, which is sensed by neurons within the hypothalamus. The mechanism by which this regulation occurs is not fully understood. Here we show transfection data and in vivo evidence, suggesting that leptin can regulate trh gene expression via activation of intracellular signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) proteins in TRH neurons. In trh promoter assays using transfected cells, functional STAT3 proteins are required for maximal activation of the trh promoter by leptin. Consistent with this, the STAT3-binding site on the leptin receptor is also required for this regulation. Using double immunohistochemistry, we show that peripherally administered leptin rapidly stimulates STAT3 phosphorylation in approximately 40% of TRH neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) in rats. Detailed anatomical analyses reveal that the leptin-responsive TRH neurons are concentrated in the caudal region of the medial and periventricular parvocellular subnucleus of the PVN. Combined, our data show that only a subpopulation of TRH neurons in the PVN is leptin responsive and suggest that stimulation of hypothalamic trh gene expression by leptin involves activation of STAT3 and that this signaling pathway is important for regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis by leptin.
Protein-losing enteropathy after the Fontan operation: successful treatment by percutaneous fenestration of the atrial septum.

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) after the Fontan operation is a life-threatening complication that may be refractory to medical therapy. Herein we describe a percutaneous atrial fenestration that was performed in a 42-year-old man with a double-inlet left ventricle who had undergone a Fontan operation 9 years earlier. Severe PLE developed, and despite frequent infusions of protein, his albumin level was 1.8 g/dL. The diagnosis of PLE was confirmed by an α 1 -antitrypsin clearance of 425 mL in 24 hours (normal, 27 or less). Percutaneous atrial fenestration resulted in dramatic clinical improvement and resolution of the PLE. At 5-month follow-up, the patient's albumin level was 4.2 g/dL, his α 1 -antitrypsin clearance was normal, and he was free of ascites and edema.
Efficient genetic method for establishing Drosophila cell lines unlocks the potential to create lines of specific genotypes.

Analysis of cells in culture has made substantial contributions to biological research. The versatility and scale of in vitro manipulation and new applications such as high-throughput gene silencing screens ensure the continued importance of cell-culture studies. In comparison to mammalian systems, Drosophila cell culture is underdeveloped, primarily because there is no general genetic method for deriving new cell lines. Here we found expression of the conserved oncogene RasV12 (a constitutively activated form of Ras) profoundly influences the development of primary cultures derived from embryos. The cultures become confluent in about three weeks and can be passaged with great success. The lines have undergone more than 90 population doublings and therefore constitute continuous cell lines. Most lines are composed of spindle-shaped cells of mesodermal type. We tested the use of the method for deriving Drosophila cell lines of a specific genotype by establishing cultures from embryos in which the warts (wts) tumor suppressor gene was targeted. We successfully created several cell lines and found that these differ from controls because they are primarily polyploid. This phenotype likely reflects the known role for the mammalian wts counterparts in the tetraploidy checkpoint. We conclude that expression of RasV12 is a powerful genetic mechanism to promote proliferation in Drosophila primary culture cells and serves as an efficient means to generate continuous cell lines of a given genotype.
Laboratory simulations of redeposition of impact ejecta on mineral surfaces

Abstract We present quantitative laboratory studies that simulate the effect of redeposition of impact-ejecta on mineral surfaces. We produced deposits of natural olivine (Fo90) and forsterite on olivine and forsterite powder samples by ns-pulsed laser ablation. The deposits produce changes in the optical reflectance (0.66–2.5 μm). We show that significant darkening and reddening of the surface occurs when the deposit is olivine but not if it is forsterite. This is attributed to the formation of metallic iron nanoparticles in the olivine deposits. We also characterized structural and chemical changes using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In situ XPS measurements show that the olivine deposits are reduced, with 50% of the iron becoming metallic. Transmission electron microscope studies confirm the presence of 2–3 nm crystalline iron nanoparticles in the olivine deposits. The scanning electron microscope shows that both olivine and forsterite deposits smoothen the topography of the powder surface, which could have effects on processes such as exosphere–surface interactions and sputtering. We conclude that the effect of coatings produced by micrometeorite impacts will not be uniform on airless bodies but will depend on the composition of the terrain.
IMPROVING THE DELIVERY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND RELATED SERVICES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The utility of organizational behavior management (OBM) for improving the delivery of special education and related services in public school districts was investigated in three experimental studies. Each study employed a multiple baseline design to judge the efficacy of an OBM intervention on service delivery problems common to most public school organizations. The problems and OBM interventions were: (1) expanding the range of functioning of school psychologists through performance feedback; (2) training special service teams to develop valuable individual education programs (IEPs) with a behavioral, in-service training program; and (3) ensuring the implementation of a special education resource room program by means of program consultation. All interventions were implemented by public school program managers and staff. In each study, the particular intervention resulted in improvement in service delivery performance. Results of the studies are discussed within the context of the recently enacted legisl...
Primary tumors of the spine.

Primary neoplasms of the spine encompass a broad spectrum of tumors, ranging in their tissue of origin, local behavior, and potential for metastasis. The diagnosis and treatment of these disorders is accordingly varied. As a category, non-myeloproliferative primary tumors of the spine are rare, accounting for approx 5% of all bone tumors, when one excludes hemangiomas (1,2). In frequency, therefore, they are much less common than metastatic and/or myeloproliferative neoplasms involving the spine, as well as non-neoplastic processes such as infection, metabolic disorders, and other pathologies. The diagnosis of primary tumors of the spine, therefore, must occur with careful consideration of other more common entities. In this chapter, we discuss the common benign and malignant tumors that afflict the spinal column, and describe the appropriate algorithm for evaluating and treating these conditions.
Hidden state prediction: a modification of classic ancestral state reconstruction algorithms helps unravel complex symbioses

Complex symbioses between animal or plant hosts and their associated microbiotas can involve thousands of species and millions of genes. Because of the number of interacting partners, it is often impractical to study all organisms or genes in these host-microbe symbioses individually. Yet new phylogenetic predictive methods can use the wealth of accumulated data on diverse model organisms to make inferences into the properties of less well-studied species and gene families. Predictive functional profiling methods use evolutionary models based on the properties of studied relatives to put bounds on the likely characteristics of an organism or gene that has not yet been studied in detail. These techniques have been applied to predict diverse features of host-associated microbial communities ranging from the enzymatic function of uncharacterized genes to the gene content of uncultured microorganisms. We consider these phylogenetically-informed predictive techniques from disparate fields as examples of a general class of algorithms for Hidden State Prediction (HSP), and argue that HSP methods have broad value in predicting organismal traits in a variety of contexts, including the study of complex host-microbe symbioses.
Quantification of CO2 from electrochemical oxidation reactions with a strategy based on transmission infrared spectroscopy

Abstract The use of a micro-volume infrared transmission flow cell for quantitative determinations of CO2 dissolved in solutions following electrochemical oxidation reactions is described. Results are compared with previous in situ infrared measurements as a step toward evaluating the performance of infrared spectroelectrochemical cells under conditions where non-ideal optical effects can become important. The electrochemical oxidation of formic acid on platinum is investigated as a model.
High-energy transurethral thermotherapy with CoreTherm approaches transurethral prostate resection in outcome efficacy: a meta-analysis.

Background and Purpose: Minimally invasive office-based treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are challenging the traditional surgical and medical management options for symptomatic BPH. We conducted a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials that compared high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (HE-TUMT) with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to compare subjective and objective outcomes. Materials and Methods: A literature search using Pub-Med was conducted to obtain all published data on HE-TUMT and all randomized controlled trials that compared HE-TUMT with TURP. Data were analyzed focusing on the pretreatment and posttreatment end points of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual (PVR). A meta-analysis was conducted, and data were stratified with respect to the type of HE-TUMT machinery used. Results: A total of 458 patients were studied. Differences in IPSS, Qmax, and PVR from current trials tha...
WindSat passive microwave polarimetric observations of soil moisture and land variables

WindSat is a spaceborne multi-frequency polarimetric microwave radiometer and has the potential of contributing to the retrieval of land variables and complementing efforts directed at the Aqua AMSR-E. In this study, a previously established algorithm was applied to WindSat data to estimate global soil moisture. Comprehensive validation was performed by comparing the retrievals with in situ soil moisture observations from networks located at four soil moisture validation sites. The overall standard error of estimate for surface soil moisture was 0.038 m3/m3. This analysis shows that the WindSat soil moisture retrievals are reasonable and fall within the generally accepted error bounds of 0.04 m3/m3. Larger scale qualitative assessments were performed by analysis of the spatial distribution of soil moisture, which were found to be consistent with the known global climatology. There are other soil moisture algorithms under investigation, however, these result show the potential of the WindSat sensor for soil moisture as well as future operational satellite instruments.
Urinary N1-acetylspermidine and N8-acetylspermidine excretion in normal humans and in patients with colorectal cancer.

UrinaryN 1-acetylspermidine (N1SPD) andN 8-acetylspermidine (N8SPD) were measured in 24-hr urine specimens from 42 patients with colon adenocarcinoma and 29 healthy controls to assess their use as markers for colon cancer screening. Serial spot urines in four controls demonstrated significant fluctuations in these polyamine levels throughout the day without a distinct circadian pattern and therefore all subsequent analyses were performed on 24-hr collections. Both N1SPD and N8SPD were significantly increased in colon cancer patients compared to controls. Neither test correlated with tumor stage or location, but N8SPD was elevated in patients with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma when compared to moderate or well-differentiated tumors. Using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, N1SPD had a higher information content than N8SPD, N1SPD+N8SPD, or the ratio of N1SPD/N8SPD and at a normal cut-off value of 4.0 nmol/mg creatinine, yielded a 95% specificity and 50% sensitivity for colon cancer.
Role of Electron Donor in Polymer Catalyst Synthesis: An XPS Study

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been applied to the study pertaining to preparation and characterization of catalysts used in propylene polymerization. The analysis has indicated support/donor interaction in active support (adduct) and active support/TiCl4 interaction during catalyst preparation process. A systematic study has been made to identify suitable adduct from a set of three adducts for catalyst synthesis. Precise binding energy of Titanium species on catalyst surface has been measured and its dispersion on support has been evaluated to correlate catalyst performance with the surface spectroscopic parameters.
Quantitation of individual proteins by a two-stage electrophoresis procedure.

A technique has been developed for quantitating specific proteins present in a complex mixture, using a two-stage electrophoresis procedure. It consists of homogenizing a relevant portion of an isoelectric focusing gel into a slot of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide slab gel. After electrophoresis, proteins form bands which can be stained and analyzed by standard densitometric procedures. Radioactively labeled marker protein is used to monitor recovery, so that accurate quantitative measurements can be obtained. This method has been used to measure the abundance of actin in Drosophila egg chambers. The technique is applicable to the quantitation of many specific proteins among complex protein populations.
31P-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Thyroid Hormones in Major Depressive Disorder: Toward a Bioenergetic Mechanism in Depression?

In this paper we review studies of brain cellular high-energy phosphate metabolism, as measured by phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS), in subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD). We also review the literature on the role of thyroid hormones on the cellular high-energy phosphate metabolism in multiple organs. Finally, we review data on the efficacy of thyroid hormones as adjuvant treatment in MDD. The framework established by these findings enables us to hypothesize that dysfunction of brain cellular energy metabolism is a vulnerability factor for MDD, and that correcting cellular energy metabolism (e.g., with thyroid hormones) is a valid therapeutic strategy for improving the symptoms of MDD. We discuss our hypothesis in the context of other current theories on the mechanism of thyroid hormones in MDD.
Diversity and natural selection in Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein gene.

Abstract The Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (DBP) binds to the Duffy blood group antigen on the surface of erythrocytes and is essential for invasion. Natural immunity develops to this protein making it an important vaccine candidate. Genetic diversity within and between populations was compared in 100 dbp sequences from isolates obtained from Papua New Guinea, Colombia, and South Korea. The cysteine-rich region II, that contains the binding domain, has the highest diversity compared to the rest of the dbp gene and appears to be under strong selective pressure based on statistical tests comparing rates of non-synonymous ( K n ) to synonymous mutations ( K s ) among P. vivax isolates and to those of closely related species. By contrast, meiotic recombination was not found to be significant for maintaining genetic diversity. A comparison of the patterns of nucleotide diversity within dbp II to that of genes encoding homologous erythrocyte binding proteins of Plasmodium knowlesi predict critical binding residues juxtaposed to polymorphic B- and T-cell epitopes. Phylogenic analysis and measurement of nucleotide diversity between and within the different geographic populations support emergence of distinct allelic families suggestive of divergent selection of alleles between populations. Development of a P. vivax DBP-based vaccine must take into account regions of high diversity within the molecule and alleles that show distinct geographic differences.
Compatibility of non‐synchronous in‐situ water quality data and remotely‐sensed spectral information for assessing lake turbidity levels in complex and inaccessible terrain

Abstract Multiple regression modeling was employed to estimate lake turbidity levels in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA using Landsat Thematic Mapper digital data and non‐synchronous in‐situ turbidity data. Variations in model form and components were investigated to exploit spectral/biophysical relationships described in the literature and to accommodate local site and situation conditions. Limitations inherent in using non‐synchronous in‐situ and remote sensing data resulted in the derived models explaining lower levels of turbidity variance as compared to models developed for other studies in other environments. Unique local conditions contributed to the model performance. Non‐parametric tests of correlation and significance were used because of these inherent limitations. Lake turbidity rankings secured through various models were relatively insensitive to changes in model form. The spectral sampling of lakes for comparison to the in‐situ turbidity measures were best achieved by positioning a 3 by...
HW Virginis: a short-period eclipsing binary containing an sdB star

Simultaneous photometry of the binary star HW Vir, a detached system with an orbital period of 2 h 48 min is described. The new UBVR light curves obtained using the Wilson-Devinney code are found to constrain the orbital inclination of the system within the narrow range of 80.6 +/-0.2 deg. The temperature of the primary star is between 29,000 and 36,000 K, and the temperature of the secondary star is near 3,700 K. The possible masses and radii of the two stars are calculated using the published amplitude of the radial velocity curve of the primary star, 87.9 +/-4.8 km/s. It is found that, for the primary star log g1 is greater than 4.8 and less than or equal to 5.8. From the temperature and gravity of the primary star, its distance is found to be in the range between 42 and 151 pc. It is suggested that the system will begin mass transfer when the orbital period has decreased enough to bring the secondary star into contact with its Roche lobe.
Neurological manifestations of TB-IRIS: A report of 4 children

Abstract Introduction Tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) is a potentially life-threatening complication in HIV infected children with tuberculosis (TB) of the central nervous system. HIV-associated TB-IRIS has not been previously described in children with neurotuberculosis. Objective To describe the neurological and neuro-radiological features of 4 consecutive cases of TB-IRIS in children with neurotuberculosis and to discuss possible management strategies. Results Three patients treated for tuberculosis of the central nervous system experienced paradoxical worsening of neurological symptoms when combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) was initiated. Intracranial tuberculomas were unmasked in the 4th patient. All patients developed new neurological signs within 10 days of cART initiation. Neurological symptoms and signs included headache, seizures, meningeal irritation, decreased level of consciousness, ataxia and focal motor deficit. Interventions included the temporary discontinuation of cART and the use of corticosteroids in all patients. Three patients received thalidomide and 1 chloroquine and mycophenolate mofetil. One patient died and the others experienced prolonged hospitalization. Conclusion TB-IRIS should be considered when new neurological signs develop shortly after initiation of cART in children. There is little data to guide the timing of initiation of cART and the management of complications in children.
Outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with uveitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose To critically assess the evidence base regarding outcomes following cataract surgery in uveitic cases. Design Systematic evidence-based review and meta-analysis. Methods A comprehensive search query was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, and CENTRAL databases. Relevant publications were identified by reviewing query results and reference list searches. Results A total of 89 articles met eligibility criteria. Among uveitic eyes with quiet or mostly quiet uveitis before cataract surgery, 20/40 visual acuity or better (≥20/40) was achieved in 68% following phacoemulsification, 72% following extracapsular cataract extraction, and 40% following pars plana lensectomy. More eyes undergoing cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation than eyes left aphakic achieved ≥20/40 postoperatively (71% vs 52%). Eyes receiving acrylic IOLs or heparin-surface-modified (HSM) polymethylmethacrylate had better visual outcomes than those receiving non-HSM polymethylmethacrylate or silicone IOLs. Active uveitis at the time of cataract surgery was associated with worse visual outcomes. Compared with other uveitis cases, the proportion achieving 20/40 or better post cataract surgery was better for Fuchs heterochromic cyclitis cases and worse for uveitis related to Behcet disease, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, or sympathetic ophthalmia, and also posterior uveitis in general. Conclusion Cataract surgery in eyes with uveitis resulted in normal range levels of visual acuity in most cases. The review suggests that preoperative control of uveitis, use of an acrylic or HSM IOL, and a diagnosis of Fuchs heterochromic cyclitis were associated with better outcomes. Posterior-involving uveitides tended to do worse, likely because of vision-limiting complications of uveitis. Average results may not be applicable to specific clinical scenarios.
Intracellular parasitism by the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis bacterium through the P-selectin ligand, PSGL-1.

Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) is a febrile tick-borne illness caused by a recently discovered intracellular bacterium remarkable for its tropism for professionally phagocytic neutrophils. Monoclonal antibodies against the P-selectin binding domain of the leukocyte P-selectin glycoprotein ligand, PSGL-1, prevented HGE cell binding and infection, as did enzymatic digestion of PSGL-1. Furthermore, simultaneous neoexpression in nonsusceptible cells of complementary DNAs for both PSGL-1 and its modifying α-(1,3) fucosyltransferase, Fuc-TVII, allowed binding and infection by HGE. Thus, the HGE bacterium specifically bound to fucosylated leukocyte PSGL-1. Selectin mimicry is likely central to the organism9s unique ability to target and infect neutrophils.
Path dependence of surface–tension scaling in binary mixtures

Abstract A mean-field free-energy functional for an n-component mixture with an integral non-local interaction is introduced and then written explicitly for a binary mixture. We use this functional to calculate the liquid–vapor surface tension with parameters chosen to model CO2/n–C4H10 and CO2/n–C10H22, and we examine the scaling of the surface tension as a function of the difference in density between the liquid and vapor phases as various critical points are approached. Each critical point is approached on either a constant-temperature or constant-pressure path; we investigate the path dependence of the scaling behavior. For the constant-temperature paths in the CO2/n–C4H10 mixture, we compare our calculated results with experimental data. We find no significant dependence of the scaling on the path to the critical point. We note that the asymptotic scaling holds for a larger range of densities the higher the temperature of the critical point.
Self-consistency in the quasi-linear theory of electron cyclotron masers

Abstract The rate equation coefficients in the quasi-linear theory of the electron cyclotron maser are calculated self-consistently by using the true oscillator frequency. Theoretical corrections to the growth rate, oscillation frequency and saturation are calculated and compared with experiment. It is found that the self-consistency requirement can be met in a simple way which substantially improves the theory.
SYNTHESIS OF ALL PLASMA PROTEIN FRACTIONS EXCEPT GAMMA GLOBULINS BY THE LIVER THE USE OF ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS AND LYSINE-ϵ-C14 TO DEFINE THE PLASMA PROTEINS SYNTHESIZED BY THE ISOLATED PERFUSED LIVER

Lysine-epsilon-C(14)-labeled plasma proteins produced by the normal rat and the isolated perfused rat liver have been fractionated by preparative zone electrophoresis. The isolated perfused liver incorporates lysine-epsilon-C(14) into the plasma albumin, alpha globulin, and beta globulin (including fibrinogen) fractions. No significant C(14) incorporation into the trichloracetic acid-precipitable proteins of the gamma globulin fraction was observed. Presumptive evidence indicates that the alpha globulins turn over more rapidly than any other major plasma protein fraction. The increased production of gamma globulins in liver disease is discussed.
Navier-Stokes predictions of the flowfield around the F-18 (HARV) wing and fuselage at large incidence

In support of the NASA High Alpha Technology Program, Navier-Stokes solutions have been obtained using the Chimera overset grid scheme for flow over the wing, fuselage, and wing leading-edge extension (LEX) of the F/A-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) at high incidence. Solutions are also presented for flow over the fuselage forebody at high angles of attack. The solutions are for turbulent flows at high-Reynolds-number flight-test conditions, and are compared with available qualitative and quantitative experimental data. Comparisons of predicted surface flow patterns, off-surface flow visualization, and surface-pressure distributions are in good agreement with flight-test data. The ability of the numerical method to predict the bursting of the LEX vortex as it encounters the adverse pressure gradient field of the wing is demonstrated, and the capability of predicting high-angle-of-attack aerodynamics around realistic aircraft configurations is established.
Effects of volume-based referral initiatives on the delivery of high-risk surgery in the US

INTRODUCTION: Beginning with the launch of the Leapfrog Group in 2000, there have been increasing efforts to regionalize high-risk operations. The impact of these efforts on market concentration and mortality with these surgical procedures has not been assessed. Our objective was to determine whether selected operations are becoming more concentrated in high-volume hospitals and safer over time.
Centralized wireless MAC protocols using slotted ALOHA and dynamic TDD transmission

Abstract ALOHA scheme with dynamic Time Division Duplexed (TDD) transmission is designed and analyzed. A centralized (i.e., star) network is adopted as the topology of a cell which consists of a base station and a number of mobile clients. In dynamic TDD transmission mode, a channel is time-shared for downlink and uplink transmissions under the dynamic access control of the base station. We first propose two MAC protocols (called TDD1 and TDD2) depending on how downlink and uplink transmissions are multiplexed. We then analyze throughput and average delay of TDD1 and an alternative ALOHA scheme using Frequency Division Duplexed (FDD) transmission. Finally, we evaluate the performance of these schemes, and compare TDD1 (calculations), TDD2 (simulations), and FDD (calculations). TDD schemes are found to always work as good as, or better than, FDD. TDD2 is observed to outperform TDD1 with respect to the downlink delay in the presence of light uplink and heavy downlink traffic loads while they work almost the same in other cases.
Comparison of adrenocorticotropin and adrenal steroid responses to corticotropin-releasing hormone versus metyrapone testing in patients with hypopituitarism.

ABSTRACT: We compared the responses of ACTH and Cortisol (F) to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) administration (ovine 1 μg/kg i.v. bolus) with the responses of urinary 17-OH corticosteroids (I7-OHCS) and serum deoxycorticosterone (DOC) to metyrapone administration (450 mg/ m2/dose every 4 h ± seven doses) in 16 hypopituitary patients. Glucocorticoid therapy for these patients was withheld for a minimum of 3 wk before testing. The CRH test was performed 3 d before or 3 wk after the metyrapone test was used to diagnose the ACTH reserve status. In nine ACTH-intact hypopituitary patients (post-metyrapone 17-OHCS > 12.2 (μmol/m2/d; DOC > 11.5 nmol/L), the peak F (497–773 nmol/L) and ACTH (5.2–22 pmol/L) responses to CRH stimulation were similar to those of normal subjects (F peak = 554–993 nmol/L and ACTH peak = 6–25 pmol/L at 15–60 min). In one patient with partial ACTH deficiency (postmetyrapone 17-OHCS = 10.5 μmol/m2/d; DOC = 6 nmol/L), the peak F response was low and delayed (246 nmol/L at 180 min) and the peak ACTH response was normal (7 pmol/L). Six severely ACTH-deficient patients (postmetyrapone 17-OHCS < 5.4 μLmol/m2/d; DOC ± 3.4 nmol/L) had a low F response at 15–90 min in all, with a delayed rise in three at 120–180 min in response to CRH administration, whereas ACTH responses were variable: absent or low, normal, delayed, or persistently exaggerated. In conclusion, the CRH-stimulated F response pattern in hypopituitary patients was comparable to the urinary 17-OHCS and serum DOC response to metyrapone administration. Thus, F response pattern to CRH was useful in the evaluation of ACTH reserve in hypopituitary patients. ACTH response to CRH in ACTH-deficient patients was not consistently useful for ACTH reserve evaluation because of the variable response possibly resulting from a different etiology (hypothalamus versus pituitary) of ACTH deficiency.
Sparse Additive Ordinary Differential Equations for Dynamic Gene Regulatory Network Modeling

The gene regulation network (GRN) is a high-dimensional complex system, which can be represented by various mathematical or statistical models. The ordinary differential equation (ODE) model is one of the popular dynamic GRN models. High-dimensional linear ODE models have been proposed to identify GRNs, but with a limitation of the linear regulation effect assumption. In this article, we propose a sparse additive ODE (SA-ODE) model, coupled with ODE estimation methods and adaptive group least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) techniques, to model dynamic GRNs that could flexibly deal with nonlinear regulation effects. The asymptotic properties of the proposed method are established and simulation studies are performed to validate the proposed approach. An application example for identifying the nonlinear dynamic GRN of T-cell activation is used to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed method.
Scanning electron microscopy of human dental pellicle and initial plaque formation in vivo.

— Small, specially prepared gold alloy discs were recessed into the right and left posterior surfaces of duplicate maxillary dentures. At selected time intervals, a disc was removed from each side of the denture and prepared for examination with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A thin, peeling film of pellicle was seen on the discs removed after two hours and projections designated “hemispherical globules” formed on the pellicle within the next seven hours.
Effects of a Thoracic Mobility and Respiratory Exercise Program on Pulmonary Function and Functional Capacity in Older Adults

The purposes of this study were to describe a home exercise program (HEP) consisting of respiratory exercise and stretching thoracic muscles and to determine how regular participation in this program affected pulmonary function, chest wall excursion, physical function, and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-seven volunteers (mean age 80.5 years) participated in a twice daily HEP for 6 weeks. Twenty-two subjects completed the program. Pulmonary function, chest wall excursion (CWE), the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), the physical performance test (PPT), and RAND SF-36 quality of life survey (SF-36) were administered before and after the exercise program. Increases in CWE, 6MWT, and PPT were statistically significant. In conclusion, community-dwelling older adults participating in a 6-week stretching and respiratory exercise program demonstrated improved CWE and function.
Naloxone potentiation of apomorphine-induced stereotypic climbing in mice and interaction with mu-, sigma- and kappa-opiate drugs.

Abstract Pretreatment with the narcotic antagonist naloxone produced a dose-related potentiation of mouse stereotypic climbing behavior induced by the dopaminergic agonist apomorphine. In further experiments, mice were also pretreated with various drugs specific for mu-opiate receptors (morphine), sigma-opiate receptors (N-allylnormetazocine) and kappa-opiate receptors (ketocyclazocine). Doses of morphine that alone did not affect apomorphine-induced climbing antagonized naloxone potentiation of apomorphine. Doses of N-allylnormetazocine that did not influence apomorphine stereotypy also reversed naloxone potentiation of apomorphine. On the other hand, ketocyclazocine alone exerted a behavioral suppressant effect upon apomorphine- induced stereotypic climbing, however, these same doses failed to prevent naloxone potentiation of apomorphine.
The Influence of the Trayvon Martin Shooting on Racial Socialization Practices of African American Parents

Many perceived the death of Trayvon Martin as racially motivated. We hypothesized that hearing about the death of Trayvon Martin also had an effect on African American parents. This qualitative inv...