cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intractable Diarrhea in Hyperthyroidism: Management with β-Adrenergic Blockade

ABSTRACT Objective To describe a patient with intractable diarrhea and thyrotoxic Graves’ disease, for whom (1-adrenergic blockade ultimately proved to be effective therapy for the diarrhea, and to review the types of hyperthyroidism- associated diarrhea Methods We present the clinical course of a young man with a prolonged siege of diarrhea that proved elusive to diagnostic inquiries and resistant to all means of management until its endocrine basis was discovered. Control of such cases with ^-adrenergic blockade is discussed, as are the pathophysiologic bases of intestinal hypermotility in hyperthyroidism. Results A 26-year-old man with Down syndrome, and no prior gastrointestinal disorder, had insidious, chronic, constant diarrhea, which was associated with loss of 14 kg during a 5-month period. Numerous laboratory and imaging studies and endoscopic examinations failed to disclose the cause of the diarrhea. Furthermore, a broad range of antibiotics and other empiric remedies failed to control the problem. No other symptoms of hyperthyroidism were reported, but when the endocrinopathy was suspected and identified, the diarrhea was promptly controlled by treatment with propranolol. In patients with hyperthyroidism, two types of diarrheal disorders have been described-secretory diarrhea and steatorrhea; bile acid malabsorption may have a role in either of these settings. Conclusion In addition to its capacity for blocking the peripheral effects of thyroid hormone on the heart and central nervous system, ^-adrenergic blockade is effective in slowing intestinal transit time and ameliorating the uncommon diarrhea associated with hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormone in excess, among its other possible effects on the gastrointestinal tract, may exert a stimula-tory effect by means of intermediary sympathetic activation, as it does with the heart. Thus, sympathetic blockade can mimic the salutary effects on the gastrointestinal tract conventionally brought about by direct antithyroid therapy, and well before the hyperthyroid state per se is eliminated. The current patient illustrates the value of considering hyperthyroidism in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea of unknown cause. (Endocr Pract. 2001;7:28-31)
Thermal metamorphism of primitive meteorites—V. Ten trace elements in Tieschitz H3 chondrite heated at 400–1000°C

We determined ten trace elements by neutron activation analysis in Tieschitz (H3) chondrite powder heated in a low-pressure environment (initially ~ 10−5 atm H2) for 1 week at 100°C increments from 400–1000°C. Of these, Co seems unaffected by heating, 20% of Ga is lost only at 1000°C and losses of other elements progress with temperature to extremes of 25% for Se, 75% for Cs and 90–97% for Ag, Bi, In, Te, Tl and Zn. Treating elemental mobilization as kinetically-controlled by diffusion from spherical grains of uniform size, Ag, Cs, In and Se are lost from a single site by a single process while Bi, Te, Tl and Zn are lost from two sites or from one site by different processes at high and low temperatures. Magnitudes of apparent activation energies for loss of the first four elements at all temperatures and the last four at low temperatures are consistent with volume diffusion; at high temperatures Bi, Te, Tl and Zn are lost by a low-energy process, like desorption. We compared trace element abundances, patterns of statistically-significant correlations, factor analysis and two-element correlations between Tieschitz and heated Krymka (L3) and, except for factor analysis, “as-received” H3–6 chondrites. Trends for heated ordinary chondrites are similar though small differences occur; those for Tieschitz and H3–6 chondrites differ markedly indicating that H3–6 chondrites—unlike E3–6 chondrites—probably escaped substantial open-system metamorphism. Sharp contrasts in pictures for E-, L- and H-group chondrites indicate substantial differences in genetic histories.
Detection of Single Influenza Viral RNA in Cells Using a Polymeric Sequence Probe

A polynucleotide probe, call a polymeric sequence probe (PSP), was used to detect influenza A (Influenza A/WSN/33) NA (Neuraminidase) viral RNA in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The PSP is a single-stranded DNA molecule with ~2,000 tandem repeat fluorescence binding sites and target binding sites that can bind with multiple fluorescence complementary oligos and target viral RNA using a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) process. A single viral RNA labeled by PSP can be directly observed in MDCK cells. The simple FISH protocol enables the observation and quantitative analysis of the infectious process and drug effects with ultrahigh sensitivity and spatial resolution.
RNA dependent RNA polymerase of HCV: A potential target for the development of antiviral drugs

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis and end stage liver disease. More than 200million people are living with HCV worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. There is no vaccine available for this virus; the approved treatment option for the majority of HCV genotypes is the combination of pegylated (Peg) interferon and ribavirin. The therapy has a different response rate on different HCV genotypes and has a number of side effects. Recently, as well as Peg interferon and ribavirin, two protease inhibitors have been introduced to treat patients with HCV genotype 1 infection. The protease inhibitors have rapid onset of resistance and are not approved for use for infections with other HCV genotypes. The HCV NS5B gene encodes RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is the key player in viral replication and is a promising target for the development of antiviral drugs. HCV NS5B has been studied in various biochemical assays, cell based assays and animal model systems. So far, a number of nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors have been screened for effects on viral replication. This review presents a deep insight into the structure and function of HCV polymerase and the effect of various nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors on viral replication.
Sleep quality, estradiol levels, and behavioral factors in late reproductive age women

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of perceived poor sleep in women aged 35–49 years and to correlate sleep quality with levels of gonadal steroids and predictors of poor sleep. METHODS: A cohort of 218 black and 218 white women aged 35–47 years at enrollment (aged 37–49 at final follow-up) with regular menstrual cycles was identified through random digit dialing for a longitudinal study of ovarian aging correlates. Data obtained at four assessment periods, including enrollment, over a 2-year interval were collected between days 1 and 6 (mean = 3.9) of the menstrual cycle. The primary outcome measure was subjects’ rating of sleep quality at each assessment period. Associations of sleep quality with hormone levels (estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) and other clinical, behavioral, and demographic variables were examined in bivariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Approximately 17% of subjects reported poor sleep at each assessment period. Significant independent associations with poor sleep included greater incidence of hot flashes (odds ratio [OR] 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08, 2.12, P = .02), higher anxiety levels (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00, 1.06, P = .04), higher depression levels (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02, 1.07, P < .001), greater caffeine consumption (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.04, 1.49, P = .02), and lower estradiol levels in women aged 45–49 (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.34, 0.84, P = .006), after adjustment for current use of sleep medications. CONCLUSION: Both hormonal and behavioral factors were associated with sleep quality. Estradiol levels are an important factor in poor sleep reported by women in the 45–49 age group. Further evaluation of estrogen treatment for poor sleep of women 45 years and older is warranted.
Spiro-Linked Ter-, Penta-, and Heptafluorenes as Novel Amorphous Materials for Blue Light Emission

A series of spiro-linked oligofluorenes were synthesized that exhibit blue emission with photoluminescence quantum yields in some cases exceeding 0.50 in neat spin-coated films. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed highly variable glass transition temperatures. A longer conjugation length is desired for better stability against thermally activated crystallization, and a shorter pendant is desired for a higher glass transition temperature at a given conjugation length. In contrast to poly(2,7-(9,9-di-n-octylfluorene)), prolonged heating of spiro-oligo(fluorene) films resulted in no changes in morphology, emissive color, and photoluminescence quantum yield. The propensity of spiro-oligo(fluorene)s to thermally activated crystallization was rationalized with molecular shapes predicted by molecular mechanics simulations.
A UNIVERSAL CIRCUIT FOR STUDYING CHAOTIC PHENOMENA

In this paper, an overview of the results on an autonomous chaotic electronic circuit, called Chua’s oscillator, is given. Along with brief descriptions of numerical and analytical investigations on Chua’s oscillator, we present some of its potential applications. The significance of the oscillator for the study of general dynamical systems is discussed.
Rapid purification of IgA from normal human serum

Abstract A rapid method for isolation of heterogeneous IgA from normal human serum is described. The method relies on two steps: (1) separation of IgA from other immunoglobulin classes by ion-exchange chromatography; (2) separation of IgA from non-immunoglobulin serum proteins by immunoadsorption of the IgA onto a Sepharose-anti-light-chain immunoadsorbant. The final product was obtained in good yield, displayed broad electrophoretic mobility, possessed both κ and λ light-chain determinants, and exhibited less than 1% contamination by IgG. Possible other applications of the general technique of purification by common light-chain cross-reactivity are discussed.
Standby percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for coronary artery bypass surgery.

Urgent PTCA of a distal anastomotic stenosis in a saphenous vein aortocoronary bypass graft was successful in relieving recurrent ischemia within 24 h of CABG surgery.
Laser cooling using cavity enhanced pump absorption

We discuss a cavity enhanced resonant absorption (CERA) approach for increasing optical pump absorption. This is demonstrated in the context of laser cooling of solids, where the absorption in ytterbium (Yb+3) ion is increased by over an order of magnitude. This corresponds to more than 90% absorption efficiency. We demonstrate cooling with Yb:ZBLAN and obtain DT = -3 K starting from room temperature.
Radiative-hydrodynamical simulations of X-ray burst-induced accretion disk coronae

A fully self-consistent radiative hydrodynamical algorithm developed earlier is used to study the 'steady' state coronae in order to simulate the response of the evaporated outflow to a time-dependent irradiation of the disk's surface. It is found that the burst definition is altered at both low and high inclination angles i. At i greater than or approximately equal to 45 deg, the detectable flux is enhanced (as much as 50 percent) by X-rays scattered into the line of sight from the radiation propagation through the corona, and (greater than or approximately equal to 30 percent) by X-rays reflected off the corona when i is less than or approximately equal to 45 deg.
Zinc absorption, metabolism, and endogenous excretion in zinc-deficient and normal calves over an extended time.

Zinc metabolism was studied in Zn-deficient and control Holstein calves over a 2-mo period following a single oral or i.v. 65Zn dose. In both orally and i.v. dosed animals, all gastrointestinal tissue sections from Zn-deficient animals contained more 65Zn than comparable tissues of controls. Contents of proximal small intestinal sections of Zn-deficient calves contained more 65Zn 8 to 10 wk after dosing than did those from controls; however, the reverse occurred in the distal small intestine, cecum, and large intestine. With both dosing methods, Zn-deficient calves retained more 65Zn throughout the study. Daily 65Zn excretion rate as a percentage of that retained declined for 6 wk after dosing, indicating a constantly increasing biological half-life. For deficient calves, the biological half-life was about 500 d in the later weeks of the experiments. In orally dosed, Zn-deficient animals, specific activity of fecal 65Zn exceeded that of serum Zn throughout the study. This shows a shortcoming in the basic assumption of measuring endogenous Zn loss from fecal and serum specific activities and total fecal stable Zn. Thus, endogenously excreted Zn is not representative of that remaining.
Efficient myocyte gene delivery with complete cardiac surgical isolation in situ.

Background Previously, we used cardiopulmonary bypass with incomplete cardiac isolation and antegrade administration of vector for global cardiac gene delivery. Here we present a translatable cardiac surgical procedure that allows for complete surgical isolation of the heart in situ with retrograde (through the coronary venous circulation) administration of both vector and endothelial permeabilizing agents to increase myocyte transduction efficiency. Methods In 6 adult dogs the heart was completely isolated with tourniquets placed around both vena cavae and cannulas and all pulmonary veins. On cardiopulmonary bypass, the aorta and pulmonary artery were crossclamped, and the heart was isolated. Crystalloid cardioplegia at 4°C containing 10 13 particles of adenovirus encoding LacZ and 15 μg of vascular endothelial growth factor was infused retrograde into the coronary sinus and recirculated for a total of 30 minutes. The dogs were then weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass and allowed to recover. With a catheter, 3 control dogs underwent retrograde infusion of the same cocktail without cardiac isolation or cardiopulmonary bypass. Results β-Galactosidase activities in the cardiopulmonary bypass group were several orders of magnitude higher in both the right and left ventricles when compared with those in the control group ( P Conclusion A novel cardiac surgical technique has been developed. This approach with cardiac isolation and retrograde delivery of vector through the coronary sinus results in efficient myocyte transduction in an adult large animal in vivo.
Futility: what Cool Hand Luke can teach the surgical community.

When the iconic protagonist Luke Jackson, as played by Paul Newman in the 1967 classic movie Cool Hand Luke, defiantly mocked the warden in his last moments alive by uttering, ‘‘What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate,’’ the fields of medicine and cinema were forever married. No other phrase can so aptly encapsulate nearly every problem associated with the medical profession, and more specifically, the inherent difficulties with the term medical futility. In this brief editorial, we attempt to review the current medical futility policies; more importantly, however, we propose an innovative approach for surgeons caring for patient’s with complex problems. In today’s modern medical arena, there is nearly nothing that is truly impossible. Innumerable conditions that once proved to be uniformly fatal are now either completely reversible or at least manageable. As the fields of medicine and surgery improve, much of what was once inconceivable is now commonplace. However, simply because the technology exists to prolong life, does not imply that using such technology is always in our patients’ best interests.
Signaling mechanisms mediating synapse formation

Recent experiments have begun to decipher the molecular dialog that mediates differentiation at sites of synaptic contact between neurons and their targets. It had been hypothesized that the protein agrin is released by axon terminals at embryonic neuromuscular junctions and binds to a receptor on the myofiber surface to trigger postsynaptic differentiation. Now a genetic 'knockout' experiment has confirmed the essential role of agrin in signaling between developing nerve and muscle. A second 'knockout' has shown that the muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK is a critical element in the agrin-induced signaling cascade. Additional results suggest that MuSK may comprise a portion of the agrin receptor.
Kinetics of enzymes subject to very strong product inhibition: analysis using simplified integrated rate equations and average velocities

Enzymes which catalyze energetically unfavorable reactions in the physiological direction are likely to be strongly inhibited by the reaction products. (Some energetically favorable reactions may also display strong "product inhibition" when assayed in the reverse direction.) In some cases, the inhibition caused by an accumulating product is so potent that true initial velocities cannot be directly determined using conventional assay methods. Continuous removal of the inhibitory product may be mitigated against by the nature of the assay or the unavailability of the appropriate coupling enzyme. It can be shown that if (a) only one inhibitory product is allowed to accumulate and (b) the substrate concentrations remain essentially constant over the assay period (i.e. Kproduct less than or equal to 10(-2)Ksubstrate, so that the decreasing reaction rate stems only from progressive product inhibition), then plots of reciprocal average (apparent) velocity (i.e. 1/v = t/[P]) versus [P] are linear and extrapolate to 1/v0, the reciprocal of the initial uninhibited velocity at the fixed substrate concentrations. Intercept replots give the usual initial velocity reciprocal plot patterns and permit Vmax and the substrate Km's to be determined. Slope replots are diagnostic of the type of inhibition exerted by the accumulating product and permit the inhibition constants to be determined. If all the appropriate coupling enzymes are available, some kinetic mechanisms can be diagnosed using data derived from the reaction progress curves in the presence of one accumulating product at a time.
Substitutional solutes in AlRu. II. Hardening and correlations with defect structure

Abstract Solid solution hardening effects are reported for AlRu-based binary and ternary alloys as a function of off-stoichiometry and of the substitution of the solutes Co and Fe for Ru, and of Ti for Al. Microhardness and thermally stepped flow stress are reported as a function of temperature. Off-stoichiometry and ternary additions both produre hardening except for brittle compositions. In binary alloys the strength of the hardening is consistent with elastic effects of conventional substitutional solute. Ternary alloys are more complicated. Two possibilities are that point defects have paired to produce strong hardening or that superimposed effects have produced partial cancellation of modulus and lattice parameter effects of multiple separate point defects.
Biomimetic hydrogels with pro-angiogenic properties

To achieve the task of fabricating functional tissues, scaffold materials that can be sufficiently vascularized to mimic functionality and complexity of native tissues are yet to be developed. Here, we report development of synthetic, biomimetic hydrogels that allow the rapid formation of a stable and mature vascular network both in vitro and in vivo. Hydrogels were fabricated with integrin binding sites and protease-sensitive substrates to mimic the natural provisional extracellular matrices, and endothelial cells cultured in these hydrogels organized into stable, intricate networks of capillary-like structures. The resulting structures were further stabilized by recruitment of mesenchymal progenitor cells that differentiated into a smooth muscle cell lineage and deposited collagen IV and laminin in vitro. In addition, hydrogels transplanted into mouse corneas were infiltrated with host vasculature, resulting in extensive vascularization with functional blood vessels. These results indicate that these hydrogels may be useful for applications in basic biological research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
Manganese(III) Mediated Radical Cyclization. II.1 the Synthesis of Dihydro-5-Aryl-3,4-Di(Carboxymethyl)-2(3H)-Furanones by Substrate Selective Oxidation

Abstract Substrate selective oxidation with manganese(III) acetate effected γ-lactone annulution of methyl malonate onto electron-rich methyl cinnamates in good yield.
Bilateral central retinal vein occlusion in Eisenmenger syndrome.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral central retinal vein occlusion in a patient with Eisenmenger syndrome. METHODS: Case report. A 60-year-old woman with Eisenmenger syndrome secondary to a congenital ventricular septal defect presented with a 2-week history of decreased vision in both eyes. RESULTS: Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral central retinal vein occlusion. Laboratory findings included hematocrit of 50.3% and pO 2 of 52 mm Hg while on O 2 5 L/min per nasal cannula, despite having undergone phlebotomy 2 weeks earlier. CONCLUSION: Chronic hypoxia caused by Eisenmenger syndrome may result in polycythemia with resultant hyperviscosity and bilateral central retinal vein occlusion.
Projecting a state that does not exist: Bai Jingrui's Jia zai Taibei/Home Sweet Home

ABSTRACTThe opening sequence of Bai Jingrui's Jia zai Taiei/Home Sweet Home (1970) introduces the film's central concern: the politics, both aesthetically and ideologically, of depicting migration within a narrative film. More specifically, Home Sweet Home provides an insight into the official position that the Chinese Nationalist Party (Guomindang, KMT) held with regard to Taiwanese students who studied abroad in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This article presents a schematic historical contextualization of the film and Bai Jingrui's biographical background. I then focus on potential discrepancies between the projection of state policy and the formal elements of editing, setting and representations of psychological turmoil among the film's primary characters. My goal is to offer a preliminary inquiry into how the structural components of the film work in both conjunction and disjunction with the ideology of the Taiwanese state government in 1970.
A new technique for multiple overlay check

Abstract A new concept of overlay multiple mark is presented in this paper. The new kind of mark meets the increasing request to have multiple overlay check in a faster and precise method. The proposed technique is based on the usage of a reference mark composed by multiple layers. The purpose of this technique is to check the misalignment to multiple reference levels in one run minimizing the error due to overlay machine stage repeatability and saving mark detection time. In the specific application that is discussed, we use a box in ring in ring mark printed on real production wafer. Such a technique has shown to be a faster way to gather multiple overlay data in a reliable way meeting the ULSI request to have a better control of the misalignment related to more than a couple of levels. Experiments run on production material have confirmed the validity of this novel technique, by reducing data acquisition time and overlay error. Moreover, this technique application in real production environment meets the ULSI request to have more scribe line room in order to better control device sanity through in line checks. Future possible applications of such a technique are also discussed.
Andrew Billingsley: The Legacy of African American Families

Andrew Billingsley is a leading scholar on Black familiws. In the 1960s he advanced an ecological and systems model of Black family functioning that spawned generations of social science theorists,...
Efficacy and Effectiveness of Exercise on Tender Points in Adults with Fibromyalgia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Fibromyalgia is a major public health problem affecting an estimated 200 to 400 million people worldwide. The purpose of this study was to use the meta-analytic approach to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of randomized controlled exercise intervention trials (aerobic, strength training, or both) on tender points (TPs) in adults with fibromyalgia. Using random effects models and 95% confidence intervals (CI), a statistically significant reduction in TPs was observed based on per-protocol analyses (8 studies representing 322 participants) but not intention-to-treat analyses (5 studies representing 338 participants) (per-protocol, 𝑔, −0.68, 95% CI, −1.16, −0.20; intention-to-treat, 𝑔, −0.24, 95% CI, −0.62, 0.15). Changes were equivalent to relative reductions of 10.9% and 6.9%, respectively, for per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses. It was concluded that exercise is efficacious for reducing TPs in women with FM. However, a need exists for additional well-designed and reported studies on this topic.
Testimonio as Praxis for a Reimagined Journalism Model and Pedagogy

The differences between journalism and testimonio are stark: One is premised on verifiable truths (Mindich, 1998), while the other treats truth as fractional, relative, subjective, and communal (Arias, 2001; Binford, 2001; Delgado Bernal, 2006a; Latina Feminist Group, 2001). Nonetheless, Chicana/o journalism students developing a raced-and-gendered conscious journalism practice have merged the two by utilizing a Chicana feminist inspired testimonio to fashion a journalistic practice that resonates with the racialized experience of communities of color. By examining how student journalists describe their practice, their interviewing and editing techniques, and their published content publish, this essay documents the four ways that testimonio informs these newsgathering efforts. They include: (1) personal vignettes, (2) rhetorical devices that foster transparency, (3) confianza (trust) and reciprocity with interviewees, and (4) collaboration with sources. Consequently, testimonio bolsters efforts to pursue...
Pattern recognition under translation and scale changes

Recognition of specific patterns and signatures in images has long been of interest. Powerful techniques exist for detection and classification, but are defeated by straightforward changes and variations in the pattern. These variations include translation and scale changes. Translation and scaling are well understood in a mathematical sense and transformations exist such that, when applied to an image, the result is invariant to these disturbances. Hence, methods may be designed wherein these effects are absent in the resultant representations. This paper describes a pattern recognition procedure which uses scale and translation invariant representations (STIRs) as one step of the process. A novel feature extraction method then identifies features of the STIRs orthogonal to noise variation. This is followed by a detection approach which exploits these features to detect desired patterns in noise. By explicitly modeling the variation due to noninteger scaling factors and sub-pixel translation, strong discrimination between similar patterns is achieved. Using the orthogonal features of the invariant representations, several tests are shown to classify well. A two dimensional image is the basic starting point for the technique. This may be an actual image of an object or the two dimensional form of signal representation such as a time-frequency distribution. The example of keyword spotting in scanned documents serves to illustrate the pattern recognition method.
A density functional theory study of CO adsorption on Pt-Au nanoparticles

Abstract Structures and energetics of bimetallic Pt–Au clusters up to 13 atoms with different Pt/Au ratios have been studied using the density functional theory approach. Our results indicate that Pt and Au remain segregated in the nanoparticles. Furthermore, CO adsorption on these nanoparticles was calculated and compared with that on the surface of bulk Pt–Au alloy. The results showed that both Pt and Au sites of the particles exhibit significantly strong binding toward CO. Among all the sites explored, CO prefers Pt site that is adjacent to Au. These results were compared with CO adsorption on pure metal clusters as well as the surfaces of bulk metals.
Bupropion hydrochloride induced serum sickness-like reaction.

Background Bupropion hydrochloride is used frequently in the treatment of depression and in smoking cessation therapy. Methods We report a case of bupropion hydrochloride induced serum sickness-like reaction. Results There was complete resolution of symptoms on discontinuing bupropion and instituting therapy with prednisone and antihistamines. Conclusion This case is seemingly the first report of a serum sickness-like reaction to bupropion hydrochloride.
Structure of the Argentine Continental Margin: ABSTRACT

Long lines of end-to-end seismic refraction profiles, shot parallel with the coast line, have defined several major sediment-filled depressions on the Argentine continental shelf. Two large elongate depressions which trend perpendicular to the coast and extend out to the edge of the continental shelf in the Province of Buenos Aires, are the only ones presently known. Extensions of land basins exhibiting a similar seismic sequence of layers were found to close on the continental shelf in the Golfo San Jorge, Magellan Straits, and Tierra del Fuego regions. The section of shelf lying between the Province of Buenos Aires and Tierra del Fuego exhibits a marked lithologic change from that to the north and south. Undoubtedly the northern Patagonian Mesozoics extend well out onto the continental shelf in this region and may be part of the seaward extension of the central craton of Argentina. The basins, therefore, are associated with the evolution of a central craton, a dominant continental mass of enormous proportions which has influenced the geologic history of Argentina. End_of_Article - Last_Page 362------------
The development of academic libraries and librarianship in Thailand, I950-I976

The period 1950-1976 has seen encouraging developments in the field of Thai academic libraries and librarianship. In 1951 there was no trained librarian in the country. During the 1950s and 1960s, in schemes supported by the Thai and American governments and various international agencies, expansion took place and has led to a present situation of great potential. This article discusses the development of academic libraries and librarianship in the twentieth century and looks at some of the difficulties yet to be overcome in a country with many economic problems and no "second language" tradition.
The Internet and the Infectious Diseases Physician

In the 21st century, no other technology has affected the consciousness of our society in such a rapid and dramatic fashion as the Internet. The first contact for many physicians has been the appearance of a patient asking a sophisticated medical question, armed with stacks of laser-printed pages retrieved from an Internet search. Although some information is stateof-the-art, much of it is anecdotal, biased, and unreliable. Medically oriented websites created by physicians are now entering the fray, and many provide state-of-the-art information with a multitude of images and hard scientific data. As numerous physicians learn to surf the web and acquire the ability to access it from home and office at all hours, the Internet has the potential to radically improve the retrieval of relevant and indepth information necessary for clinical decision-making. Since infectious diseases (ID) is a cognitive-directed rather than procedural-directed medical specialty, the Internet will have a particularly notable impact for ID physicians. However, several caveats are important. Difficulties and delays in obtaining relevant information are typical. Some of the difficulties will improve with evolving technology, increased bandwidth, and faster microprocessors. Search mechanisms are improving but have been outstripped by the sheer number of websites added to the Web on a daily basis. However, the biggest problem for the physician, which will not improve with technology, is quality. Formal studies have documented that there are many problems with the quality of information on the Internet [1-3]. There are >15,000 medically oriented sites, and the greatest challenge facing clinicians now is to identify those sites that contain highquality, clinically useful information. Unlike the print world, the quality of most sites on the Internet has not been established by reputation, because the medium is so new. In addition, the on-line versions of some medical journals may not necessarily have the same content or editorial process as their off-line counterparts. Finally, most clinicians do not have the time to in-
OBSERVATIONAL AND NUMERICAL STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF LARGE-SCALE FLOW DIRECTION AND COASTLINE SHAPE ON SEA-BREEZE EVOLUTION

In this study radar, surface observations and numericalsimulations are used to examine the inland penetrationand intensity of the sea breeze during various large-scaleflow regimes along the curved coastline of the Carolinas,U.S.A. The results clearly indicate that the flow directionrelative to the curved coastline has a significant effecton the sea-breeze evolution.Overall, during northerly flow regimes alongthe curved North Carolina coast, observationsand numerical simulations show that the sea-breezefront has a tendency to remain close to the south-facingcoast. During these same flow regimes the frontmoves further inland relative to the east-facingcoast. The sea-breeze front during westerly flowcases progressed further inland relative to the southcoast and less so from the east-facing coastline.South-westerly flow allows the sea breeze to moveinland from both coastlines but the coastal shapeinfluence makes the inland penetration less fromthe easterly facing beaches. During periods of lightonshore flow (south-east), the sea breeze movesconsiderable distances inland but is not discernableuntil later in the afternoon. The simulations indicatedthat the sea-breeze intensity is greatest (least) when thelarge-scale flow direction has an offshore (onshore)component. Model results indicate the existence of astrong front well inland in the late afternoon duringlight onshore flow. Also noted was that the simulatedsea-breeze front develops earlier in the afternoon duringoffshore regimes and later in the day as the large-scaleflow becomes more onshore. It is concluded that thecoastline shape and coast-relative flow direction areimportant factors in determining how the sea-breezecirculation evolves spatially.
The AlkB Domain of Mammalian ABH8 Catalyzes Hydroxylation of 5‐Methoxycarbonylmethyluridine at the Wobble Position of tRNA

The ABH8 protein (also called ALKBH8) is a member of the AlkB (alkylated DNA repair protein) family of nonheme iron/ α-ketoglutarate (αKG)-dependent dioxygenases.[1] Other members of this protein family are known to catalyze oxidative demethylation to repair damaged DNA/RNA.[2] AlkB-like proteins exist in viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic species.[3] Nine mammalian homologues of AlkB (ABH1-ABH8, and FTO, a protein associated with fat mass and obesity) have been identified through bioinformatics studies.[1b,4] Four of the homologues (ABH1, ABH2, ABH3, and FTO) show demethylation activity for N-methylated bases, in either DNA or RNA, through the hydroxylation of the N-methyl group and subsequent release of an aldehyde from the oxidized intermediate.[5] ABH2, which repairs m1A, m3C, and eA (1,N 6-ethenoadenine) in dsDNA, guards mammalian genomic DNA against methylation damage.[6] ABH3 appears to be involved in RNA repair.[7] FTO was first identified in a fused-toes malformation phenotype resulting from a mouse genome deletion,[8] and was later shown to significantly affect energy homeostasis and lead to obesity.[9] FTO has the highest activity in demethylating m3T in ssDNA and m3U in RNA;[4,10] however, the link between its biochemical activity and physiological phenotype is yet to be discovered. Aside from ABH1, ABH2, ABH3, and FTO, the biochemical activities of the other AlkB homologues are still unknown. Very recently Tet1, another iron(II)/αKG-dependent dioxygenase, has been shown to hydroxylate the 5-methyl group of m5C in dsDNA to form 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (hm5C) in certain neural and stem cells. This discovery has fueled speculation that this modification is important in epigenetics.[11]
Effect of Process Parameters on the Weld Quality in Laser welding of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy in Lap Joint Configuration

Magnesium is the lightest structural metal; therefore it has been used in a variety of industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics and defense. Among different joining processes, laser welding is advantageous due to its low heat input, high depth-to-width weld ratio and good mechanical properties. In this study, a fiber laser is used to weld AZ31B magnesium alloy in a lap joint configuration. Pores were formed in the weld bead that are caused by a thick oxide layer existing on the surface of as-received AZ31B samples. Process parameters including laser power and welding speed are studied to determine their effects on pore formation and maximum lap-shear load of the weld bead. Hardness and tensile tests are carried out to reveal the mechanical properties of the weld bead. A regression analysis is performed that establishes a mathematical relation between the process parameters and the weld maximum lap-shear load. Three regression models are compared in order to determine their accuracy in prediction of the maximum lap-shear load and results revealed that the linear model could best predict the maximum lap-shear load by process parameters.Magnesium is the lightest structural metal; therefore it has been used in a variety of industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics and defense. Among different joining processes, laser welding is advantageous due to its low heat input, high depth-to-width weld ratio and good mechanical properties. In this study, a fiber laser is used to weld AZ31B magnesium alloy in a lap joint configuration. Pores were formed in the weld bead that are caused by a thick oxide layer existing on the surface of as-received AZ31B samples. Process parameters including laser power and welding speed are studied to determine their effects on pore formation and maximum lap-shear load of the weld bead. Hardness and tensile tests are carried out to reveal the mechanical properties of the weld bead. A regression analysis is performed that establishes a mathematical relation between the process parameters and the weld maximum lap-shear load. Three regression models are compared in order to determine their accuracy in predict...
Mapping the Moral Maps From Alternate Taxonomies to Competing Predictions

The Model of Moral Motives will be of great value to moral psychology, both for its conceptualization of the provide/protect distinction at different levels of analysis (intrapersonal, interpersonal, intragroup, intergroup) and for its usefulness in integrating multiple theoretical perspectives on morality. To the latter end, this commentary makes three suggestions for improvements to the model and its integration with Moral Foundations Theory: (a) clarify what the columns of the model represent, (b) modify the one-to-one mapping of moral foundations onto the cells of the model, and (c) specify testable predictions uniquely generated by the model. Possibilities for future empirical tests of competing predictions are discussed, with the long-term aim of adjudicating between different theoretical accounts of ideological differences and the moral domain.
Microskills, Trainee Competence, and Therapy Outcomes Learning to Work in Circles

This article represents an invited reaction to the series of articles critiquing the microskills approach predominant in most counseling training programs as well as the new model of counseling competence presented in this issue. The authors note that the microskills approach has been a useful and well-researched framework in the field, although they were generally in agreement with the conclusions drawn regarding this approach. These authors suggest that the authors of the series of articles address how their new model intersects with the competency benchmarks model as well as provide feedback concerning the social justice applications of the model.
Use of the Abbe Sine Condition to Quantify Alignment Aberrations in Optical Imaging Systems

Violation of Abbe’s sine condition is well known to cause coma in axisymmetric imaging systems. We define non-symmetric violations, show how they come from misaligned optical systems, and how they causes image degradations.
Empirically Evaluating Regression Testing Techniques: Challenges, Solutions, and a Potential Way Forward

The published studies of regression testing methods often contain many of the hallmarks of high quality empirical research. Beyond features like clear descriptions of the methodology and the visualization and statistical analysis of the data sets, certain papers in this field also provide some of the artifacts used in and/or produced by the experiments. Yet, the limited industrial adoption of regression testing techniques is due in part to a lack of comprehensive empirical evaluations. Moreover, the regression testing community has not achieved a level of experimental reproducibility that would fully establish it as a science. After identifying the challenges associated with evaluating regression testing methods, this paper advocates a way forward involving a mutually beneficial increased sharing of the inputs, outputs, and procedures used in experiments.
Modeling patient response to acute myocardial infarction: implications for a tailored technology-based program to reduce patient delay.

Abstract We are examining ways in which a clinical information system can favorably influence the appropriateness and rapidity of decision-making in patients suffering from symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. In order to do so, we have developed a theoretically based cognitive model for patient decision making. Our model includes somatic and emotional awareness, perceived threat (vulnerability and susceptibility), expectations of symptoms, self-efficacy and response efficacy to explain the response of an individual their symptoms. Variables are explained within a framework that details how they are interrelated in the context of other moderating variables. With an understanding of the decision process, we are able to collect, maintain and access patient specific data to tailor technology-based interventions unique to the requirements of each individual at various phases of the decision process. Existing clinical information systems at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center already address issues related to patient relevant on-line data. Other patient specific information will be collected through on-line questionnaires. By basing our approach on the use of a cognitive model, we can assess the capacity of our interventions to modify variables important to the decision-making process, allowing us to pinpoint which interventions are effective and the reasons why they are ineffective.
Effect of yarn spinning system on pill resistance of polyester/cotton knit fabrics.

We have determined the effect of ring, rotor, and air-jet spinning on the pill resistance of jersey and interlock fabrics. The jersey fabrics contained the same polyester type, while the interlock ...
Examining Substrate-Induced Plasmon Mode Splitting and Localization in Truncated Silver Nanospheres with Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy

Motivated by the need to study the size dependence of nanoparticle-substrate systems, we present a combined experimental and theoretical electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) study of the plasmonic spectrum of substrate-supported truncated silver nanospheres. This work spans the entire classical range of plasmonic behavior probing particles of 20-1000 nm in diameter, allowing us to map the evolution of localized surface plasmons into surface plasmon polaritons and study the size dependence of substrate-induced mode splitting. This work constitutes the first nanoscopic characterization and imaging of these effects in truncated nanospheres, setting the stage for the systematic study of plasmon-mediated energy transfer in nanoparticle-substrate systems.
Analysis of Limit Cycle Oscillation Data from the Aeroelastic Test of the SUGAR Truss-Braced Wing Model

Research focus in recent years has been given to the design of aircraft that provide significant reductions in emissions, noise and fuel usage. Increases in fuel efficiency have also generally been attended by overall increased wing flexibility. The truss-braced wing (TBW) configuration has been forwarded as one that increases fuel efficiency. The Boeing company recently tested the Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research (SUGAR) Truss-Braced Wing (TBW) wind-tunnel model in the NASA Langley Research Center Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). This test resulted in a wealth of accelerometer data. Other publications have presented details of the construction of that model, the test itself, and a few of the results of the test. This paper aims to provide a much more detailed look at what the accelerometer data says about the onset of aeroelastic instability, usually known as flutter onset. Every flight vehicle has a location in the flight envelope of flutter onset, and the TBW vehicle is not different. For the TBW model test, the flutter onset generally occurred at the conditions that the Boeing company analysis said it should. What was not known until the test is that, over a large area of the Mach number dynamic pressure map, the model displayed wing/engine nacelle aeroelastic limit cycle oscillation (LCO). This paper dissects that LCO data in order to provide additional insights into the aeroelastic behavior of the model.
Realistic Spiking Neuron Statistics in a Population are Described by a Single Parametric Distribution

The spiking of activity of neurons throughout the cortex is random and complicated. This complicated activity requires theoretical formulations in order to understand the underlying principles of neural processing. A key aspect of theoretical investigations is characterizing the probability distribution of spiking activity. This study aims to better understand the statistics of the time between spikes, or interspike interval, in both real data and a spiking model with many time scales. Exploration of the interspike intervals of neural network activity can provide a better understanding of neural responses to different stimuli. We consider different parametric distribution fitting techniques to characterize the random spike times of a population of neurons in the visual cortex of a mammal. Five different probability distribution functions were considered, including three mixture models, and their goodness of fit was determined through two criteria: maximum likelihood and Akaike Information Criteria. Despite being largely heterogeneous, both criteria indicated that one distribution, although different for each criteria, was the best fitting for all of the neurons in the data set. The Gamma-Gamma mixture distribution was the best according to maximum likelihood and the Exponential distribution was the best according to AIC. The statistical methodology applied to a burst model yielded the same results, and the AIC formula was further investigated to better understand its consistent selection of the same parametric distribution. We find that complicated neural spiking activity can sometimes be described by a single parametric distribution, which is hopefully comforting for theorists.