cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mujer rebelde: testimonio de Odilia Romero Hernández

Odilia Romero Hernandez es la coordinadora binacional para asuntos de la mujer (en su segundo mandato) del Frente indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales (FiOB)1. conozco a Odilia desde hace cuatro anos y durante ese tiempo hemos trabajado en estrecha colaboracion en varios proyectos. inicialmen te tuvimos la idea de publicar un testimonio de una integrante del FiOB en Oaxaca para dar a conocer las experiencias de militantes de base, pero cuando las editoras de este numero de Desacatos nos pidieron algo diferente, empezamos a documentar la historia oral de Odilia. Nos reunimos despues del trabajo (iy Odilia tiene dos!) o los fines de semana, siempre encontrandonos en la mesa de su cocina. como mujeres e indigenas, la violencia ha sido normalizada como parte de nuestras vidas e historias. Mis largas conversaciones con Odilia me dejaron ver la importancia de nombrar la violencia y me permitieron entender que guardar silencio respecto a las experiencias de violencia es como tomar un veneno que mata lentamente. la historia de Odilia nos ensena que sanar las heridas que deja la violencia es parte del proceso descolonizador. El espiritu rebelde que la ha caracterizado desde su ninez la ha guiado en su lucha contra la violencia personal y colonial..
Simulating Microprocessors from Formal Specifications

Abstract Simulation is an important aspect of microprocessor design. In a verified microprocessor design, simulation can be used to ensure that the functionality of instruction set is sufficient and that the microprocessor behaves as intended by the designer. This paper documents and demonstrates a tool written in the HOL theorem proving system for executing microprocessor specifications written in higher–order logic.
Ceramic‐Based Coatings on Metals Bonded by High Intensity Infrared Heating

Wear and corrosion resistant coatings onto metal parts are of interest for improving performance. Slurries of WC or TiC with Ni, Ni 3 Al or Co-based binders were applied onto substrates of cast iron, alloy steel, or tool steel. The coatings were bonded to the substrates using high intensity infrared (IR) heating. The coatings were well-bonded with some chemical interaction with the base metal evident. Improved hardnesses were observed which were found to be a function of the substrate composition and distance from the surface. Initial wear testing showed improved performance for the IR bonded coatings and especially for ones using Ni 3 Al as the binder phase.
The scattering properties of horizontally aligned snow crystals and crystal approximations at millimeter wavelengths

[1] The capability of current and future sensors to make accurate measurements of polarized microwave radiation allows for the investigation of particle shape and orientation. Additionally, the dichroic properties of media consisting of particles with preferential alignment will alter the polarization state of radiation emitted and reflected by the surface below a cloud boundary. Therefore, a deep understanding of the influence of particle orientation and shape upon radiation are required for remote sensing of both cloud and surface properties. In this study, we compute the scattering properties of three horizontally aligned snow crystals: two dendrites and an hexagonal plate. Additionally, we create two approximations using cylindrical plates. One uses a plate with a diameter equal to the maximum dimension of the respective snow crystal, utilizing an effective dielectric model which assumes the disk to be a matrix of ice with air inclusions. The other approximation uses a cylindrical plate of equal mass, with a radius chosen to conserve mass. To simplify the analysis, all particles have equal thickness. The results show a strong polarization response, particularly in the Q element of the Stokes vector. This polarization response is captured well by the two approximations. While the approximations are applicable for certain cases, there are discrepancies between the scattering properties of the idealized snow crystals and the two cylindrical plate models that may limit the generality of the approximations. Further radiative transfer studies are required to test the full applicability of the crystal approximations.
Predicting the response to simultaneous selection: genetic architecture and physiological constraints

A great deal is known about the evolutionary significance of body size and development time. They are determined by the nonlinear interaction of three physiological traits: two hormonal events and growth rate (GR). In this study we investigate how the genetic architecture of the underlying three physiological traits affects the simultaneous response to selection on the two life-history traits in the hawkmoth Manduca sexta. The genetic architecture suggests that when the two life-history traits are both selected in the same direction (to increase or decrease) the response to selection is primarily determined by the hormonal mechanism. When the life-history traits are selected in opposite directions (one to increase and one to decrease) the response to selection is primarily determined by factors that affect the GR. To determine how the physiological traits affect the response to selection of the life-history traits, we simulated the predicted response to 10 generations of selection. A total of 83% of our predictions were supported by the simulation. The main components of this physiological framework also exist in unicellular organisms, vertebrates, and plants and can thus provide a robust framework for understanding how underlying physiology can determine the simultaneous evolution of life-history traits.
Stability of small-scale baryon perturbations during cosmological recombination

In this paper, we study small-scale fluctuations (baryon pressure sound waves) in the baryon fluid during recombination. In particular, we look at their evolution in the presence of relative velocities between baryons and photons on large scales (k∼10^(−1) Mpc^(−1)), which are naturally present during the era of decoupling. Previous work concluded that the fluctuations grow due to an instability of sound waves in a recombining plasma, but that the growth factor is small for typical cosmological models. These analyses model recombination in an inhomogenous universe as a perturbation to the parameters of the homogenous solution. We show that for relevant wave numbers k≳10^3 Mpc^(−1) the dynamics are significantly altered by the transport of both ionizing continuum (hν>13.6 eV) and Lyman-α photons between crests and troughs of the density perturbations. We solve the radiative transfer of photons in both these frequency ranges and incorporate the results in a perturbed three-level atom model. We conclude that the instability persists at intermediate scales. We use the results to estimate a distribution of growth rates in 10^7 random realizations of large-scale relative velocities. Our results indicate that there is no appreciable growth; out of these 10^7 realizations, the maximum growth factor we find is less than ≈1.2 at wave numbers of k≈10^3 Mpc^(−1). The instability’s low growth factors are due to the relatively short duration of the recombination epoch during which the electrons and photons are coupled.
Esaki Diodes in van der Waals Heterojunctions with Broken-Gap Energy Band Alignment

van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions composed of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials are emerging as a solid-state materials family that exhibits novel physics phenomena that can power a range of electronic and photonic applications. Here, we present the first demonstration of an important building block in vdW solids: room temperature Esaki tunnel diodes. The Esaki diodes were realized in vdW heterostructures made of black phosphorus (BP) and tin diselenide (SnSe2), two layered semiconductors that possess a broken-gap energy band offset. The presence of a thin insulating barrier between BP and SnSe2 enabled the observation of a prominent negative differential resistance (NDR) region in the forward-bias current–voltage characteristics, with a peak to valley ratio of 1.8 at 300 K and 2.8 at 80 K. A weak temperature dependence of the NDR indicates electron tunneling being the dominant transport mechanism, and a theoretical model shows excellent agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, the bro...
Agreement between Mantoux skin testing and QuantiFERON-TB assay using dual mycobacterial antigens in current and former injection drug users.

BACKGROUND Individuals infected with non-tuberculous mycobacteria may elicit false-positive reactions on tuberculin skin testing. The QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) assay utilizes tuberculin and M. avium antigens and, therefore, may be more specific for latent tuberculosis infection. The objective of this study was to investigate the agreement between the QFT and single and dual antigen skin testing for detecting latent M. tuberculosis and assess the impact of cross-reactions from latent infection with other mycobacteria in inner-city injection drug users, a population at high risk for tuberculosis. MATERIAL/METHODS We studied the agreement of results from skin testing using tuberculin and purified protein derivative-Battey (PPD-B) with the QFT test using tuberculin and Mycobacterium avium sensitin (MAS) in 48 HIV-seronegative injection drug users. RESULTS The agreement between skin testing and the QFT assay for tuberculin was 73% (kappa = 0.45) and for PPD-B/MAS was 63% (kappa = 0.12). Agreement between skin test tuberculin dominance (tuberculin reaction > or =5 mm greater than PPD-B) and QFT tuberculin dominance (proportional difference between MAS and tuberculin reaction of > or =10%) was 75% (kappa = 0.53). All subjects tuberculin dominant by skin test were also QFT positive for tuberculin. Agreement between skin test Battey dominance and QFT avium dominance was 83% (kappa = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS Results from the QFT assay and skin testing demonstrated moderate concordance in identifying subjects with latent tuberculous infection, and use of dual antigens did not appreciably improve the agreement between the two methods.
Image seaming for segmentation on parallel architecture

Some basic problems encountered when assembling the results of image analysis on architectures with coarse parallelism are discussed. The emphasis is on strategies that minimize the distortion in the final result caused by processing image tiles independently. Methods are presented that can be used to reduce the disparity between the results of processing each title independently and processing each as part of a whole image. A seaming algorithm has been constructed to seam the tiles with the results of region segmentation using the gray-level mean difference or maximum-minimum criteria. Experimental results, obtained on a Sequent machine and a Sun 3/160 workstation, are given to illustrate the performance of the algorithm. >
Co-operative binding of Escherichia coli SSB tetramers to single-stranded DNA in the (SSB)35 binding mode

Escherichia coli SSB tetramers can bind to single stranded (ss) DNA in several binding modes. At 25 degrees C, pH 8.1, SSB can form at least three distinct binding modes, (SSB)n, where the number of nucleotides occluded per tetramer (n), can have values of 35, 56 or 65. Stability of the different modes is modulated by solution conditions, primarily the salt concentration and type, as well as the free SSB concentration. At least two different types of positive co-operative binding of SSB to ssDNA have also been observed, which appear to be correlated with different SSB binding modes. The (SSB)65 mode, which dominates at monovalent salt concentrations > 0.2 M, displays only moderate, "limited" co-operative binding in which clustering of SSB is limited to the formation of dimers of tetramers (octamers). However, at lower salt concentrations, "unlimited" co-operative binding is observed in which long SSB clusters can form, similar to the behavior observed for the phage T4 gene 32 protein. It has been proposed that unlimited co-operativity is linked to the (SSB)35 binding mode; however, this has not been verified since quantitative estimates of the co-operativity in this binding mode are difficult on long ssDNA. To estimate the nearest-neighbor co-operativity parameter in the (SSB)35 mode, we have examined the equilibrium binding of SSB to the oligodeoxynucleotide, dA(pA)69. Under certain conditions, 1:1 complexes, in which all four SSB subunits interact with the dA(pA)69, can form at low SSB binding densities, whereas 2:1 complexes, in which both SSB tetramers bind to DNA using only two subunits, can form at high SSB binding densities. These 2:1 complexes serve as a model for co-operative binding in the (SSB)35 binding mode. We show that SSB tetramers bind in this mode with a minimum nearest-neighbor co-operativity parameter of omega 35 = 1.0 x 10(5) (0.125 M NaCl, pH 8.1, 25 degrees C). This indicates that the nearest-neighbor co-operativities for SSB tetramers bound to ssDNA in the (SSB)35 versus the (SSB)65 mode differ qualitatively and quantitatively and suggests that the (SSB)35 mode is responsible for the ability of SSB protein to form long clusters on ssDNA. If the ability of helix destabilizing proteins to form uninterrupted protein clusters on ssDNA is important in DNA replication, then it is likely that SSB uses its (SSB)35 mode to function in this capacity.
Stress, vibration, and buckling of multilayered cylinders

An efficient computational method for lowering the cost of the free vibration, stress, and buckling analyses of multilayered composite cylinders is presented. The analytical methodology is based on the linear three-dimensional theory of elasticity where the cylinders are assumed to have simply supported curved edges, and the fibers of the different layers are either in the circumferential or in the longitudinal direction. The full equations of the finite element model are solved for a single pair of Fourier harmonics, and the response that corresponds to the other Fourier harmonics is generated utilizing a reduced system with considerably fewer degrees of freedom.
Characterization of fractions from taste bud and non-taste bud-enriched filtrates from and around bovine circumvallate papillae.

Abstract Filtered homogenates (filtrates) were obtained from enriched fractions from taste buds from bovine circumvallate papillae and from non-taste bud-bearing epithelial tissue immediately surrounding the papillae. Each filtrate was treated by differential centrifugation to obtain P 2 (1000 × g ), P 3 (33 000 × g ) and P 4 (8000 × g ) fractions. Fractions P 2 , P 3 and P 4 were treated by sucrose gradient centrifugation and yielded two bands or subfractions, B and D. The density of the B taste bud subfractions were heavier than corresponding subfractions obtained from epithelial tissue. By electron microscopy taste bud B subfractions mainly contained membranes, the P 4(B) subfraction exhibiting the most homogeneous membrane composition; epithelial B subfractions mainly contained fibrous tissue but a few membrane fragments were observed. Both taste bud and epithelial tissue D subfractions contained many cellular organelles and only a few membrane fragments. Each taste bud and epithelial fraction and subfraction wasl also analyzed chemically and for characteristic organelles through measurements of enzyme activity. Phospholipid, cholesterol, total protein, DNA, hexosamine and sialic acid concentrations were significantly higher in taste bud subfractions P 2,4(B) than in comparable epithelial tissue subfractions. Cholesterol/phospholipid and protein/lipid ratios of taste bud subfractions P 2,4(B) were elevated over those of corresponding epithelial subfractions and were similar to those obtained from plasma membrane fractions isolated from other tissues. A significant increase in alkaline phosphatase and esterase activities in taste bud subfractions P 2,4(B) over that of the filtrate and of corresponding epithelial tissue subfractions was observed; activities of both enzymes were highest in taste bud subfraction P 4(B) . The organelle-associated enzyme protein present in taste bud subfractions P 2,3,4(B) for acid phosphatase, succinate cytochreme c reductase and glucose-6-phosphatase was calculated to be approx. 3% or less. Activity of these and other enzymes found in D subfractions from both taste buds and epithelial tissue varied considerably but the substantial enzyme activity found in these subfractions was not generally associated with membranes. This study in the first in which some chemical characteristics of purified taste bud subfractions have been identified and the results directly compared with those from control tissues treated in a similar manner.
Using MOL to solve a high order nonlinear PDE with a moving boundary in the simulation of a sintering process

Abstract We numerically simulate the solution of the fourth order nonlinear partial differential equation describing the time evolution of particles during a sintering process. We use a transformation of variables to produce a standard set of computational formulas for using the method of lines. The formulas include the moving boundary feature and adaptive spatial meshes. The spatial discretization and implementation of boundary conditions are designed according to the characteristic features of the model. Our simulation results show that the method of lines can solve complicated problems in a relatively simple and fast way.
Second Law Analysis for Free Convection in Non-Newtonian Fluids Over a Horizontal Plate Embedded in a Porous Medium: Prescribed Surface Temperature

Second law characteristics of heat transfer and fluid flow due to free convection of non-Newtonian fluids over a horizontal plate with prescribed surface temperature in a porous medium are analyzed. Velocity and temperature fields are obtained numerically using an implicit finite difference method under the similarity assumption and these results are used to compute the entropy generation rate Ns, irreversibility ratio Φ, and the Bejan number Be for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. The effects of viscous frictional parameter G, Rayleigh number Ra, temperature variation λ, axial distance (x) on the dimensionless entropy generation rate Ns, and the Bejan number Be are investigated for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids and presented graphically.
Development of a simultaneous PET/microdialysis method to identify the optimal dose of 11C-raclopride for small animal imaging.

In the field of small animal positron emission tomography (PET), the assumptions underlying human and primate kinetic models may not be sustained in rodents. That is, the threshold dose at which a pharmacologic response occurs may be lower in small animals. In order to define this relationship, we combined microPET imaging using 11C-raclopride with microdialysis measures of extracellular fluid (ECF) dopamine (DA). In addition, we performed a series of studies in which a known mass of raclopride was microinfused into one striatum prior to a high specific activity (SA) systemic injection of 11C-raclopride. This single-injection approach provided a high and low SA region of radiotracer binding in the same animal during the same scanning session. Our data demonstrate that the binding potential (BP) declines above 3.5 pmol/ml (0.35 μg), with an ED50 of 8.55 ± 5.62 pmol/ml. These data also provide evidence that BP may be compromised by masses of raclopride below 2.0 pmol/ml (0.326 μg). Increases in ECF DA were produced by mass doses of raclopride over 3.9 pmol/ml (0.329 μg) with an ED50 of 8.53 ± 2.48 pmol/ml. Taken together, it appears that an optimal range of raclopride mass exists between 2.0 and 3.5 pmol/ml, around which the measured BP can be compromised by system sensitivity, endogenous DA, or excessive competition with unlabeled compound.
Effective width rule in calculations of bearing capacity of shallow footings

Abstract The classical solution to the bearing capacity problem predicts the limit load on symmetrically loaded shallow strip footings. A useful hypothesis was suggested by Meyerhof to account for eccentricity of loading, in which the footing width is reduced by twice-the-eccentricity to its ‘effective’ size. This hypothesis sometimes has been criticized as being overconservative. This paper examines Meyerhof’s suggestion and presents the bearing capacity of eccentrically loaded footings calculated using the kinematic approach of limit analysis. It is found that the effective width rule yields a bearing capacity equivalent to that calculated based on the assumption that the footing is smooth. For more realistic footing models and for cohesive soils the effective width rule is a reasonable account of eccentricity in bearing capacity calculations. Only for significant bonding at the soil-footing interface and for large eccentricities does the effective width rule become overly conservative. For cohesionless soils, however, the effective width rule may overestimate the best upper bound. This overestimation increases with an increase in eccentricity. ©
Age dependent changes in the abundance of the major polypeptides of human lens membrane.

Abstract Changes in the abundance of the major polypeptides of human lens membrane with aging and cataractogenesis have been studied. It has been shown that with aging the relative amounts of the two major membrane polypeptides, 26,000 and 22,000 dalton components, change up to the age of approximately 40. Thereafter the relative abundance of these two polypeptides remains constant. Explanations for this alteration are discussed in relation to similar age dependent changes of the proteins of the human lens.
Glycogen content of eggs and embryos of Arbacia punctulata.

Abstract The presence of glycogen in Arbacia punctulata embryos was determined after alkaline extraction by a specific assay utilizing crystalline glycogen phosphorylase and amylo-1,6-glucosidase. Mature unfertilized eggs contain an average 23.4 μg of glycogen per milligram of protein. Glycogen reserves are maintained after fertilization through the blastula stage thus are not utilized as the primary energy source for early development. At gastrulation there is a drop to an average 14.8 μg of glycogen per milligram of protein. The polysaccharide may contribute significantly to the energy pool at this stage. Glycogen was isolated from mature ova and prepared for electron microscopy. The negatively stained molecules are single particles 300–400 A in diameter. Glycogen pools are not inert during development. Growing embryos were cultured in the presence NaH14CO3. Incorporation of isotope into glycogen was observed from the 2-cell stage onward. By blastula, glycogen-14C accounted for 18% of the total radioactivity incorporated. Glycogen phosphorylase (pH optimum 7.3) is present in unfertilized eggs and morulae. The enzyme in both in vitro systems is capable of getting rid of all the egg's glycogen within 1 hr. Lack of exogenous AMP reduces phosphorylase activity by 50% in enzyme preparations of unfertilized eggs.
Theory of the dominant firm: A capital market test

This study provides a test of dominant firm theory by examining earnings-induced information transfers within industries that have a dominant firm. Based on the economic asymmetries between dominant and fringe firms, it is posited that the earnings announcements of dominant firms will act as an “industry bell,” resulting in a positive association between the unexpected earnings of the dominant firm and the security price changes of the fringe firms. Due to their position as industry followers, the earnings announcements of the fringe firms are not expected to affect the security prices of the dominant firm. The results of empirical tests are generally consistent with dominant firm theory.
Recent developments in models of amyotrophy lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a type of progressive neurodegenerative disease the causes of which have been identified in only a small subset of cases. The development of both in vitro and in vivo models has helped provide an understanding of the pathological mechanisms involved. This review will highlight recent advances in our understanding of the disease mechanisms involved in ALS.
Some geometric aspects of house sparrow flocks

Abstract We analysed 50 movie films of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) foraging on an experimental grid. The location and orientation of each bird was recorded; sex of the individual was determined in about two of every three cases. Results revealed the following: (1) Flock size exhibited a weak inverse relationship to ambient temperature, though aggression was rare in the experimental patch. (2) The frequency of males in foraging groups exceeded the frequency of males in the local population. (3) Within a given flock size, nearest neighbour distances did not differ significantly between male-male and male-female pairs. However, average nearest neighbour distance was inversely related to flock size. (4) Solitaries oriented away from safety and toward a source of disturbance. Orientation of an individual within a larger group was more variable than that of a solitary, and the orientation of nearest neighbours indicated a significant tendency to keep each other in view.
A comparison of equatorial electron densities measured by whistlers and by a satellite radio technique

Magnetospheric equatorial electron densities determined from whistler observations are compared with in situ satellite measurements of electron density along near-equatorial orbits. Whistler data was recorded at Siple and Palmer, Antarctica, while the sweep frequency receiver on ISEE-1 was used to measure plasma densities during passes within about 15 deg of the whistler station longitudes at L values between 3 and 5.2. The whistler and satellite data sets are found to be in good agreement for the three rendezvous considered, suggesting that the diffusive equilibrium model applied to calculate electron densities from whistler measurements was appropriate for the description of electron density distributions along field lines in the outer plasmasphere. Data also indicate that density enhancements within the whistler ducts were not more than about 30% of the mean or interduct level, and that there were no significant east-west density gradients within about 15 deg of whistler station longitudes over the L range of the study.
Wear of Polyethylene Against Oxidized Zirconium Femoral Components Effect of Aggressive Kinematic Conditions and Malalignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Metallic femoral components with ceramic articulating surfaces can substantially lower polyethylene (PE) wear during walking activities under conditions of normal knee alignment. It is unknown whether these types of components can maintain low wear rates under conditions of knee malalignment and the harsher kinematics associated with younger, athletically active patients. Wear was measured in non–cross-linked, ethylene oxide–sterilized PE inserts against oxidized zirconium or cobalt-chrome femoral components in a knee wear simulator. The vertical load was modified to replicate knee varus malalignment of 3°, and the range of tibial rotation was increased to 20°. Mean gravimetric and volumetric wear rate over 5 million cycles was 55% lower in the oxidized zirconium group. An oxidized zirconium femoral component can significantly reduce PE wear under simulated conditions of athletically active patients with modestly malaligned total knee arthroplasty prostheses.
Early multiplatform results from the International Solar Terrestrial Physics/Global Geospace Science (ISTP/GGS) Program

This issue of the Geophysical Research Letters is the third† to contain a special section devoted to science results from the Global Geospace Science (GGS) Program [Acuna et al, 1995], a key component of the International Solar Terrestrial Physics Program. Designed to provide coverage of key regions of geospace, the GGS suite of spacecraft (WIND, POLAR, and GEOTAIL), along with other currently operational spacecraft, and related groundbased and theoretical support assets are intended to make a significant improvement in our understanding of the flow of energy, mass, and momentum in the solar-terrestrial environment. With the WIND spacecraft monitoring the upstream interplanetary medium and providing the solar wind input to the magnetosphere, with POLAR measuring plasma input into the magnetosphere and monitoring the Earth's auroral signature, and GEOTAIL observing the geomagnetic tail response, the principal regions of geospace where energy is transported and stored are sampled by an advanced array of instruments. Simultaneous groundbased investigations and theoretical and global modelling round out the synergistic approach to answering key questions concerning how individual parts of this closely-coupled system work together. The papers in this special section of GRL emphasize this multi-spacecraft, multi-discipline approach to solar-terrestrial observations. The ISTP/GGS program works best when all the elements are working together, and in this issue the value of coordinated, simultaneous observations with multiple platforms is amply demonstrated.
Usefulness of acute phase reactants in the diagnosis of acute infections in HIV infected children. ♦ 521

HIV infected children are at increased risk for acute opportunistic infections (OI) as a result of impaired immunity. Acute phase reactants such as, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), are frequently used as an adjunct test in the evaluation of OI. Elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) can cause ESR to be elevated. The objective of the study was to determine if CRP is better than ESR as an adjunctive test in the evaluation of acute OI in HIV infected children. ESR, CRP, and IgG levels were measured in two groups of HIV infected children. First group included 34 children with confirmed acute OI (cases) and the second group included 45 children without evidence of acute OI (controls). Thirty (88%) cases had an elevation of IgG and all of them had elevated ESR. Twenty-four (80%) cases had elevation of both ESR and CRP. Forty-two (93%) controls had elevation of IgG. ESR was elevated in 30 (57%) and CRP in 3 (2%) controls. McNemar's test for comparing correlated proportions was used to compare ESR and CRP specificites, sensitivities, and total percent of patients correctly identified with regard to acute infection status within each patient group. The specificity for ESR and CRP was 33.3% and 93.3% respectively, (p=0.0001) and the positive predictive value was 52.4% for ESR and 90.3% for CRP. The overall percentage of cases or controls correctly identified as having an acute infection were 60.8% for ESR and 88.6% for CRP respectively,(p=0.0001).
QUANTITATION OF LEUPROLIDE ACETATE BY HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

An isocratic technique was developed for the analysis of leuprolide acetate by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using 220 nm UV detection, C18 MICROSORB-MVTM column (4.6 mm × 15 cm), mobile phase (0.03 M, 77% dibasic ammonium phosphate buffer: 23% acetonitrile), and 2.0 mL/min flow rate. The coefficient of variation (C.V.) for precision and proportionality assays was lower than 2% for all concentrations studied. The detection limit and tailing factor for leuprolide acetate were 100 ng/mL (signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1) and 1.16-1.26, respectively.
Retrocaval ureter in turner syndrome

Turner syndrome is commonly associated with urinary tract anomalies. A second case is reported of its unusual association with retrocaval ureter and massive hydronephrosis.
Control of hepatic glucose metabolism by islet and brain

Dysregulation of hepatic glucose uptake (HGU) and inability of insulin to suppress hepatic glucose production (HGP) contribute to hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Growing evidence suggests that insulin can inhibit HGP not only through a direct effect on the liver but also through a mechanism involving the brain. Yet, the notion that insulin action in the brain plays a physiological role in the control of HGP continues to be controversial. Although studies in dogs suggest that the direct hepatic effect of insulin is sufficient to explain day-to-day control of HGP, a surprising outcome has been revealed by recent studies in mice, investigating whether the direct hepatic action of insulin is necessary for normal HGP: when the hepatic insulin signalling pathway was genetically disrupted, HGP was maintained normally even in the absence of direct input from insulin. Here, we present evidence that points to a potentially important role of the brain in the physiological control of both HGU and HGP in response to input from insulin as well as other hormones and nutrients.
Repair of Aortobronchial Fistula Using Extraanatomic Grafts and Hypothermic Arrest

Aortobronchial fistula is a rare complication of thoracic aortic operations that is fatal if not promptly diagnosed and repaired. The case of a 23-year-old woman who presented with an aortobronchial fistula after three previous left thoracotomies for thoracic aortic procedures is described.
Hindman's theorem and groups

Abstract We prove a theorem which limits the possible uncountable generalizations of Hindman's theorem.
Growing a numeral system: the historical development of numerals in an Amazonian language family

Numerals in many languages around the world can be argued to reflect a progressive build-up of historical stages (cf. Hurford 1987), each of which may also represent the synchronic upper limit of a numeral system in another language. This paper presents an intriguing test case of this claim by exploring the historical development of numerals in the languages of the Nadahup (Maku) family of the northwest Amazonian Vaupes region, in which the numeral strategies that can be inferred diachronically for one language are also represented synchronically in its sisters. The paper also demonstrates that even the most basic of the Nadahup numerals have transparent etymologies (a cross-linguistically unusual feature suggestive of their relatively recent development), and that areal diffusion contributed to the expansion of the systems, supporting the characterization of the Vaupes as a linguistic area.
Gambling and Suicidality in Treatment-Seeking Pathological Gamblers

One hundred twenty-five adult participants recruited from gambling treatment centers were included in an examination of gambling-related suicidal ideation and attempt. In this sample, 48% (N = 60) had a history of gambling-related suicidal ideation, and an additional 12% (N = 15) reported at least one gambling-related suicide attempt. Measures of gambling experience, impulsiveness, and dissociation were evaluated across groups. Level of suicidality was associated with greater gambling severity, gambling escape, dissociation and attention seeking, impulsivity, and generalized dissociative experience, but not with other psychological indices such as empathy or venturesomeness. The implications of these findings for the identification and treatment of gamblers at risk for suicide are discussed.
Serpentinite protrusions in the oceanic crust

Abstract Serpentinite may be a significant component of the oceanic crust, not as a continuous layer, but as vertical tectonic protrusions and sills emplaced from the upper mantle into fault zones parallel to the axis of spreading ridges. The diapiric emplacement of serpentinite bodies occurs within 100–200 km of ridge axis, with a rate of ascent on the order of 1 mm/year. Serpentinite protrusions may cause small-scale linear magnetic anomalies parallel to ridge axis. Serpentinites are distributed in the oceanic crust according to an orthogonal pattern, with large serpentinite protrusions aligned along major fracture zones, and smaller serpentinite bodies emplaced in bands parallel to ridge axis.
Neoliberalism and the Politics of Alternatives: Community Forestry in British Columbia and the United States

Calls for community forestry on public forests grew in strength in both British Columbia and the United States during the 1990s, as part of a global movement touting the advantages of community control over centralized state administration of forests. Despite structural similarities, the trajectories of community forestry in the two locations diverged sharply, with community forests rapidly becoming a reality in British Columbia while similar proposals in the United States were blocked. This article explains these divergent trajectories by examining the differences in property relations, state institutions, stakeholder interests, and environmental social-movement strategies that led to nearly opposite outcomes in initially similar situations. It also analyzes community forestry in British Columbia relative to current debates over neoliberalism and alternative economies, arguing that detailed examination of such empirical examples demonstrates the utility of neoliberalism as an analytical concept.
Structure and composition of three northern hardwood–conifer forests with differing disturbance histories

Abstract The Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, in northern New England, was logged heavily during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and was damaged by the 1938 hurricane. A single 13.2-ha watershed, W6, has been designated as the biogeochemical reference watershed for a long-term study of the effects of disturbance on ecosystem structure and function. In this paper, we compare the structure and composition of W6 with that of the larger Hubbard Brook Valley (HBEF) and with that of the Bowl, a nearby northern hardwood–conifer forest that has escaped intensive logging. The structure and composition of the W6 forest were different from those of the larger HBEF, but they were similar between the HBEF and the Bowl. The mean basal area of trees ≥2 cm DBH at the HBEF and the Bowl was 31.8 m2/ha, but only 28.2 m2/ha on W6. W6 had significantly more American beech and sugar maple and significantly less red spruce, balsam fir, and yellow birch than did the HBEF. W6 had fewer trees ≥10 cm DBH per hectare than the HBEF. Differences in species composition between the HBEF and the Bowl were small. However, the HBEF had substantially fewer trees ≥10 cm DBH than the Bowl, and significantly fewer trees in the 10–20 cm DBH size class. The HBEF, nevertheless, had significantly larger diameter trees overall (QMD=26.2 vs. 24.3 cm). The patterns of size structure among the three sites were consistent with a model of stand development by Oliver and Larson [Oliver, C.D., Larson, B.C., 1996. Forest Stand Dynamics, Update Edition. Wiley, New York, pp. 520] and suggest that in its entirety, the HBEF is a structurally diverse forest with individual stands in widely different stages of development.
Infection of endovascular stents in a swine model

Background Percutaneous balloon angioplasty with intravascular metallic stent placement has rapidly gained popularity for the treatment of arterial occlusive disease. Although the incidence of vascular prosthetic infection is well described, the risk of infection following metallic stent placement is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if intravascular metallic stents could become infected following systemic bacterial challenge. Methods Balloon expandable metallic stents were implanted in the iliac arteries of 10 swine following balloon catheter angioplasty. A second angioplasty, without stent placement, was also performed in the contralateral iliac artery. A bacterial challenge with Staphylococcus aureus was then infused into the aorta immediately after stent placement. Group 1 (n=5) was killed at 72 hours, and group 2 (n=5) at 3 weeks. A third group (n=5) underwent stent placement without bacterial challenge and was killed at 3 weeks. At the time of death, the stents were cultured, and both iliac arteries were submitted for pathologic examination. Arterial patency and evidence of systemic infection were also assessed. Results In the animals sacrificed at 72 hours (group 1), 80% had stent cultures with significant growth of S aureus ; while at 3 weeks (group 2), 60% of cultures were positive. Of the stents placed without bacterial challenge (group 3), none had a positive culture at 3 weeks. In group 2, 40% of the stented arteries remained patent, while 100% of group 3 remained patent until sacrifice at 3 weeks. All of the stented arteries which were patent at 3 weeks were culture negative, while all those which were thrombosed were culture positive for S aureus . When compared to angioplasty alone, the presence of a stent was strongly associated with pathologic evidence of inflammation [93% versus 7%]. The quality of inflammation in the stented groups also differed. Ninety percent of the stented arteries in groups 1 and 2 had acute inflammation, compared to only 20% in group 3. The remainder of the stented arteries in group 3 had chronic inflammation or were normal. Conclusion In the swine model, intravascular metallic stents have the potential to become infected. This is associated with acute inflammation of the arterial wall and vessel thrombosis. Further studies evaluating the incidence of stent infections in humans are needed.
Thymoma with osseous metaplasia in an adolescent

A 13-year-old girl was incidentally found to have a partially calcified anterior mediastinal mass during the work-up for a left humeral lesion. The resected specimen demonstrated a lymphocyte predominant World Health Organization type B1 thymoma with nodules of metaplastic bone consistent with osseous metaplasia. In addition, she had multiple osteochondromas, a periosteal chondroma of the humerus, a metaplastic osseous pseudotumor of the thigh, and other benign-appearing sclerotic foci, all manifestations of what is likely an autosomal dominant disorder.
FT-Raman spectroscopy of biological molecules

Raman spectroscopy of biological molecules is often very difficult if not impossible due to a large fluorescence background from absorbing species, either from the molecule itself or an impurity. Photobleaching is occasionally successful in photochemically removing fluorescent impurities, but the majority of samples are not responsive to such treatment. Resonance enhancement of an absorbing species allows acquisition of Raman spectra in spite of competing fluorescence. However, the resonance Raman spectrum is characteristic of the chromophore only and little structural information is obtained from the spectrum about other parts of the molecule which are not resonantly enhanced. The newly developed technique of FT-Raman spectroscopy proves to be a solution to both of these problems for biological materials. Excitation with infrared wavelengths prevents electronic absorptions which give rise to fluorescence. In addition, the obtained spectra are completely nonresonant, allowing detection of vibrational modes of all parts of the molecule including the chromophore. We will present nonresonant, fluorescence free spectra of a range of biologically significant molecules including phospholipids and porphyrins.
Intraspinal microinjection of chondroitinase ABC following injury promotes axonal regeneration out of a peripheral nerve graft bridge

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG) within the glial scar formed after central nervous system (CNS) injury are thought to play a crucial role in regenerative failure. We previously showed that delivery of the CSPG-digesting enzyme chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) via an osmotic minipump allowed axonal regeneration and functional recovery in a peripheral nerve graft (PNG)-bridging model. In this study, we sought to overcome the technical limitations associated with minipumps by microinjecting ChABC directly into the distal lesion site in the PN bridging model. Microinjection of ChABC immediately rostral and caudal to an injury site resulted in extensive CSPG digestion. We also demonstrate that this delivery technique is relatively atraumatic and does not result in a noticeable inflammatory response. Importantly, microinjections of ChABC into the lesion site permitted more regenerating axons to exit a PNG and reenter spinal cord tissue than saline injections. These results are similar to our previous findings when ChABC was delivered via a minipump and suggest that microinjecting ChABC is an effective method of delivering the potentially therapeutic enzyme directly to an injury site.
Interactions of molecules with nucleic acids. V. Intercalation of thioxanthenones into DNA

Binding positions, conformations, and relative minimum binding energies of thioxanthenones, lucanthone, and N-methyllucanthone are calculated for intercalation complexes with DNA in the theoretically determined principal intercalation sites I and II. The optimum binding position of thioxanthenone is identical to that for the chromophore in lucanthone and in its N-methyl derivative. Intercalative binding is optimized in lucanthone and N-methyllucanthone because the chromophore is not disrupted by substituents, and the amino side chain conforms to the phosphate backbone without an increase in conformational energy over that of the free molecule. N-methyl substitution of lucanthone results in a reorientation of the NCH2-CH2NH(+)(CH2CH3)2 substituent and a net loss in electrostatic energy resulting in a decrease of 17.9 kcal in the total binding energy. This result is consonant with the experimental observation that N-methyllucanthone does not intercalate into DNA, whereas lucanthone does. Specificity for base pair sequences in intercalation complexes with lucanthone is attributed primarily to the energy required to open B-DNA to an intercalation site and secondarily to the orientation of the terminal protonated nitrogen toward the carbonyl oxygen on cytosine. Both of these effects enhance the preference for one base. Because the distribution of base pairs G-C and A-T in all 16 dimer duplex intercalation complexes is uniform throughout the range of energy of the complexes, base pair specificity should not be observed for a random distribution of G-C and A-T. However, there is a sequence specificity for synthetic DNA in the order of decreased binding: poly(dC)-poly(dG) > poly(dA-dT)-poly(dA-dT) > poly(dG-dC)-poly(dG-dC) > poly(dA)-poly(dT).
Soil modification to minimize movement of pollutants from solid waste operations

Before confident guidelines for disposal of potentially hazardous waste constituents can be established, a knowledge of a multitude of factors influencing metal migration rates in soils is necessary. Research identifying the principal soil factors has been published, and the movement of trace metals in soils is described as a statistical function of specific properties of the soil medium. The necessity of characterizing the three main site‐disposal environments as to (a) soil, (b) leaching solution, and (c) specific polluting constituent also has been established and is discussed. Prominent soil parameters influencing attenuation components are (a) clay content, (b) silt content, (c) presence of lime, (d) pH level, and (e) hydrous oxides of Fe, Mn, and Al. With these and other known parameters, certain soil modifications and low‐cost liners for disposal sites are suggested. All sites require modification if migration of pollutants is to be retarded and prevented from reaching underground water sources or ...