cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deaths caused by pulmonary thromboembolism after legally induced abortion

Pulmonary thromboembolism is an infrequent but serious complication of induced abortion. Of the 104 abortion-related deaths reported to the Center for Disease Control in 1972 through 1975, 10 (9.6 per cent) involved fatal pulmonary embolism; eight of these cases were proved at autopsy. All but one of the women had pre-existing risk factors for thromboembolic disease, including obesity, previous thrombophlebitis, use of oral contraceptives, or type A blood. All but one case occurred in women who had received general anesthesia. In addition, four of the eight women had undergone a concurrent sterilization procedure at the time of the abortion. Preventive efforts should focus on identifying women at high risk for thromboembolic events prior to the abortion procedure and then selecting the abortion procedure least likely to produce postoperative embolism.
Differential diagnosis of a calcified object from a 4th–5th century AD burial in Aqaba, Jordan

In 1997 a calcified object was recovered from the pelvic region of an adult male excavated from an ancient cemetery in Aqaba, Jordan. The cemetery (n = 48) dates to the middle 4th to early 5th century AD and is associated with the Byzantine-period marine trading centre of Aila located on the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea. The oblong calcification consisted of linearly aligned tubules within a thin shell. Twenty-eight conditions potentially resulting in calcification within the pelvic region were considered. Of these, five were retained as possible diagnoses due to the object's location and size and the presence of a thin shell and fully calcified tubules. In the end, the object appears to be a calcified, but unidentified, parasite. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of brainstem GABAA synaptic transmission to morphine analgesic tolerance

Chronic opioid-induced analgesic tolerance remains a major obstacle to improving clinical management of moderate to severe chronic pain. Our understanding of the underlying mechanisms for opioid tolerance is only partially understood at present. In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic morphine on GABA(A) receptor-mediated synaptic transmission, a major opioid target for pain inhibition, and the behavioral role of GABA synaptic transmission in the development of morphine tolerance. In the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), a critical brainstem site for opioid analgesia, the GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) was significantly increased in NRM neurons kept in a morphine-tolerant state from chronic morphine-treated rats. The potency of cAMP analogs for enhancing the GABA IPSC was also enhanced. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 reversed the chronic morphine-induced synaptic adaptation in GABA IPSCs. Behaviorally, a low dose of GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline microinjected into the NRM, ineffective alone, blocked morphine antinociception in control rats, but failed to do so in morphine-tolerant rats. With chronic treatment through daily NRM microinjections, bicuculline augmented the development of morphine tolerance, whereas the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol or H89 significantly attenuated the development of morphine tolerance. These results suggest that chronic morphine increases GABA synaptic activity through upregulation of the AMP system in morphine-tolerant NRM neurons and that while chronic GABA(A) receptor antagonism in the NRM augments morphine tolerance, chronic activation of NRM GABA(A) receptors or PKA inhibition reduces morphine tolerance with increased analgesic efficacy of chronic morphine.
Simultaneous de Novo Identification of Molecules in Chemical Mixtures by Doubly Indirect Covariance NMR Spectroscopy

The detailed characterization of complex molecular mixtures plays a key role in many areas of modern Chemistry. Here we report a novel NMR spectroscopic method that deconvolutes a complex mixture of organic molecules simultaneously into individual components and depicts their chemical structure without requiring physical separation of the components. Doubly indirect covariance spectroscopy is introduced and applied to 2D 13C−1H HSQC and 2D 1H−1H COSY spectra, which results in a 13C−13C 2D spectrum with unprecedented high resolution. This reconstituted spectrum is indeed a carbon-connectivity map that can be directly analyzed with basic graph theory to obtain the skeletal structures of individual mixture components or their fragments. The method is demonstrated for a model mixture and a natural product mixture extracted from cancer cells. Its suitability for automation makes this approach attractive for the analysis of a broad range of mixtures of natural or synthetic products.
An efficient solution of a dense system of linear equations arising in the method-of-moments formulation

This Letter presents a simple and efficient approach for preconditioning a large dense system of linear equations arising in the method-of-moments (MoM) solution of electromagnetic (EM) problems. A two-step process is presented in which the condition number of the matrix is first improved by equilibration, and then further enhanced by preconditioning. The convergence properties of two frequently used iterative solvers, namely, the conjugate-gradient normal (CGNR) and the generalized minimal residual (GMRES) methods, have been studied with the use of the proposed technique, and the efficacy of the method has been compared with that of the direct LU factorization. The Letter demonstrates that the proposed technique helps improve the computational efficiency of the iterative solvers considerably, not only for MoM matrices associated with electrically large geometries, but also for poorly conditioned matrices with a relatively small rank. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 196–200, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10274
Density functional theory studies on the electronic, structural, phonon dynamical and thermo-stability properties of bicarbonates MHCO3, M = Li, Na, K

The structural, electronic, phonon dispersion and thermodynamic properties of MHCO3 (M D Li, Na, K) solids were investigated using density functional theory. The calculated bulk properties for both their ambient and the high-pressure phases are in good agreement with available experimental measurements. Solid phase LiHCO3 has not yet been observed experimentally. We have predicted several possible crystal structures for LiHCO3 using crystallographic database searching and prototype electrostatic ground state modeling. Our total energy and phonon free energy .FPH/ calculations predict that LiHCO3 will be stable under suitable conditions of temperature and partial pressures of CO2 and H2O. Our calculations indicate that the HCO􀀀 3 groups in LiHCO3 and NaHCO3 form an infinite chain structure through O#1; #1; #1;H#1; #1; #1;O hydrogen bonds. In contrast, the HCO􀀀 3 anions form dimers, .HCO􀀀 3 /2, connected through double hydrogen bonds in all phases of KHCO3. Based on density functional perturbation theory, the Born effective charge tensor of each atom type was obtained for all phases of the bicarbonates. Their phonon dispersions with the longitudinal optical–transverse optical splitting were also investigated. Based on lattice phonon dynamics study, the infrared spectra and the thermodynamic properties of these bicarbonates were obtained. Over the temperature range 0–900 K, the FPH and the entropies (S) of MHCO3 (M D Li, Na, K) systems vary as FPH.LiHCO3/ > FPH.NaHCO3/ > FPH.KHCO3/ and S.KHCO3/ > S.NaHCO3/ > S.LiHCO3/, respectively, in agreement with the available experimental data. Analysis of the predicted thermodynamics of the CO2 capture reactions indicates that the carbonate/bicarbonate transition reactions for Na and K could be used for CO2 capture technology, in agreement with experiments.
Studies of the Clay Fraction of Southwestern Iowa Loess

This paper presents data on clay-size material in the loess of southwestern Iowa. Most of the loess samples studied are Wisconsin in age. Regional distribution of clay-size material in the loess is discussed, and data are given on the modes of occurrence of clay in the loess. The following test methods were used to study the clay fractions of selected loess samples: Mechanical analysis, differential thermal analysis, cation-exchange determinations, refractive index determinations, and x-ray diffraction techniques. These tests indicate a uniformity in clay-mineral composition, with montmorillonite and illite group minerals predominating. Clay contents from mechanical analysis are correlated with various properties of the loess; in most cases the properties appear to be linear functions of the clay content. The plastic limit is discussed in detail.
Infection of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea, with Nosema acridophagus and Nosema cuneatum from grasshoppers: Relative virulence and production of spores

Abstract Per os inoculations of 4- to 6-day-old larvae of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea, with suspensions containing 106 spores of Nosema acridophagus or 104, 105, and 106 spores of Nosema cuneatum retarded the growth and development of the larvae. Migratory grasshoppers, Melanoplus sanguinipes, inoculated with N. acridophagus produced fewer spores than similarly inoculated corn earworms, but spore production was similar in these insects when they were inoculated with N. cuneatum. Standard bioassay procedures showed that spores of both microsporidians were some-what more virulent when they were produced in corn earworms than when they were produced in grasshoppers. Spores of these microsporidians might be produced more efficiently in corn earworm larvae than in grasshoppers.
Biogenesis, structure, and immune-suppressive effects of virus-like particles of a Drosophila parasitoid, Leptopilina victoriae

Abstract Drosophila melanogaster larvae are attacked by virulent strains of parasitoid wasps. Females of Leptopilina heterotoma produce virus-like particles (VLPs) that efficiently destroy lamellocytes, a major larval immune effector cell type. We report here that L. victoriae, a closely related wasp species, also produces VLPs that trigger immune suppression responses in fly hosts. We compare the ability of immune suppression of the two parasitoids using a mutant host strain hopscotchTumorous-lethal (hopTum-l). hopTum-l larvae have two defects of hematopoietic origin: overproliferation of hemocytes and constitutive encapsulation of self-tissue by lamellocytes. The encapsulation phenotype is suppressed weakly by L. victoriae and strongly by L. heterotoma. In vitro studies on hopTum-l lamellocytes show that VLP-containing fluid from either wasp species induces lamellocyte lysis, but with different kinetics. Previously undocumented precursors of L. victoriae VLPs are synthesized in the long gland and are first visible within canals connecting secretory cells to the long gland lumen. VLP assembly occurs in the lumen. VLPs show multiple electron-dense projections surrounding a central core. Maturing particles appear segmented, singly or in arrays, embedded in the reservoir matrix. In sections, mature particles are pentagonal or hexagonal; the polygon vertices extending into spikes. Our results suggest that L. victoriae is likely to promote immune suppression by an active mechanism that is mediated by VLPs, similar to that used by L. heterotoma.
Modulation of cytochrome P-450IA1-mediated mutagenicity, DNA binding and metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene by Chinese medicinal herbs

Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) and Scutellaria barbata (SB) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating liver, lung and rectal tumors. We previously showed that they inhibited mutagenesis, DNA binding and metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) bioactivated by Aroclor 1254-induced rat hepatic S9. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of OD and SB on the cytochrome P-450IA1-mediated mutagenicity of BaP in Salmonella typhimurium TA100 using beta-naphthoflavone (beta NF)-induced rat hepatic S9. We also determined the effects of OD and SB on cytochrome P-450IA1-linked ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity in beta NF-induced hepatic microsomes. In addition, we studied the effects of these two herbs on BaP metabolite binding to calf thymus DNA and using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) we investigated the effects of OD and SB on the metabolism of BaP by beta NF-induced S9. Our experimental results showed that OD and SB inhibited the mutagenicity of BaP in the presence of either non-induced or beta NF-induced S9. SB significantly inhibited BaP binding to DNA. These effects correlated with the inhibition of cytochrome P-450IA1-linked EROD activity in beta NF-induced microsomes and with an inhibition of beta NF-induced S9 mediated metabolism of [3H]BaP as determined by HPLC. These results suggest that OD and SB may possess antimutagenic activity by inhibiting P-450IA-mediated metabolism of BaP.
Microdissection genotyping of archival fixative treated tissue for gaucher disease

The genetic diagnosis of Gaucher disease by molecular methods is complicated by the existence of a highly homologous transcribed pseudogene (96% identity) that is found in close proximity to the true gene on chromosome 1q21. In addition, the pseudogene sequence can mimic disease-causing mutations in the true gene. Selective polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the true gene can be accomplished in extracted DNA from fresh-frozen samples by designing oligonucleotide primers to hybridize to defined regions that are not present in the pseudogene. This standard molecular approach, which entails amplification of relatively long segments of intact DNA, is not feasible in archival, paraffin-embedded, solid-tissue specimens in which the negative effects of chemical fixation result in DNA strand scission and breakdown of nucleic acid. A novel approach, specifically created for use with archival, fixative-treated tissue specimens, was developed for detection and characterization of common mutations of Gaucher disease. Three separate robust PCR reactions were formulated, 2 for selective amplification of portions of only the true gene exons 2 and 9, with a third reaction targeting exon 10, wherein both the true and pseudogene were coamplified. In the latter, DNA sequencing was used to determine the presence of true and pseudogene allele content in addition to identification of base sequence alterations. This method, requiring a single, 4-microm-thick histologic section, was successfully applied to archival paraffin block tissue specimens that had been in storage for up to 75 years. It was capable of accurately genotyping common Gaucher disease mutations as well as discovering a novel mutation and genetic polymorphism. We recommend our approach when only fixative-treated tis sue is available for molecular genotyping.
Sources of Proterozoic mafic dyke swarms: constraints from ThTa and LaYb ratios

Abstract Th Ta and La Yb ratios in mafic dykes provide an important constraint on their magma sources and magma evolution. These element ratios clearly indicate at least three sources must be available for some swarms and that few swarms can be accounted for by only one source. Some dyke magmas appear to reflect mixing of mantle plume sources with Ta-depleted Archean subcontinental lithosphere. Systematic secular compositional changes in Th Ta or La Yb ratios are not observed in dyke swarms ranging in age from 2.45 to 1.14 Ga from the southern Superior Province, and in the giant Mackenzie swarm (1.27 Ga) there is no change in either element ratio as a function of distance from an inferred plume source. Paleoproterozoic dyke swarms range from those dykes with low Th Ta and La Yb ratios, indicating a strong contribution of depleted or primitive mantle, probably in a plume source, to picrite/norite dykes with very high ratios, perhaps indicative of a source in the Archean subcontinental lithosphere. There is an overall shift in composition of dykes from high Th Ta ratios in the Paleoproterozoic to low ratios in the Neoproterozoic, reflecting a decrease in importance of Archean subcontinental lithospheric sources and an increase in importance of plumes containing enriched mantle components (recycled sediments and oceanic lithosphere). The delayed appearance of enriched mantle components in dyke sources until the Neoproterozoic may reflect the time it takes to recycle oceanic lithosphere through the lower mantle, beginning in the Late Archean.
Leveraging digital backchannels to enhance user experience in electronically mediated communication

Rendezvous is a conference call solution that leverages Voice over IP, enterprise calendaring, instant messaging, and rich client functionality to enhance the user experience and effectiveness of distributed meetings. We describe the service, and two of its user experience innovations -- the conference call proxy and iHelp -- which function as digital backchannels. We present results from a preliminary user evaluation, and discuss our notion of digital backchannels with respect to the social translucence framework.
Disregulation of leukosialin (CD43, Ly48, sialophorin) expression in the B-cell lineage of transgenic mice increases splenic B-cell number and survival.

Abstract Leukosialin (also known as Ly48, CD43, and sialophorin) is a major cell surface sialoglycoprotein found on a variety of hematopoietically derived cells. The precise function of this molecule is poorly understood but it has been implicated in cell proliferation and intercellular adhesion. We developed a transgenic mouse model to assess leukosialin's function in vivo. Our approach was to alter mouse CD43 (mCD43) expression in the B-cell lineage where it is tightly regulated, by expressing it in peripheral B cells where it is normally absent. To drive expression of leukosialin in mature B cells, the immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer was fused to the mCD43 gene. mCD43-immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer transgenic mice display splenomegaly due to increased numbers of B cells. Transgenic B cells show a striking increase in their ability to survive in vitro compared to B cells from nontransgenic control mice. This prolonged survival is reflected in a decreased susceptibility to apoptosis. These observations suggest that mCD43 plays an important role in the regulation of B-cell survival. The alteration of the temporal expression, or "disregulation," of a gene in transgenic mice provides a general strategy for elucidating the in vivo role of other molecules involved in cell signaling and adhesion.
Teeth and trauma: res ipsa loquitur in a case of intubation

On 4/24/91, plaintiff MC was admitted to the community hospital for a cholecystectomy. Both Dr. L, a board certified anesthesiologist, and nurse anesthetist KT were responsible for MC’s anesthesia. Prior to surgery, Dr. L asked MC if she had any loose teeth, partials, dentures, or capped teeth and the locations thereof. Dr. L told MC that it was necessary to inquire about these matters because a crown could be knocked loose during anesthesia. General anesthesia was considered appropriate for MC’s surgery by Dr. L, and she began general induction by first using performing endotracheal intubation on the patient. After intubation, MC was anesthetized, and the surgery was completed without incident. However, the next day, 4/25/91, MC noticed that the inside of her lower lip was “cut up pretty bad,” and that a tooth was loose in the upper left side of her mouth. In an effort to treat this problem, about a month later MC visited Dr. T, a dentist, who informed MC that her “no. 11 tooth” was broken inside of the gum area. Dr. T attempted to treat this problem by affixing a crown, but this effort was unsuccessful. After several other efforts, ultimately the tooth was removed, along with some bone, in 1992. MC then brought suit against, amongst others, anesthesiologist Dr. L for medical malpractice in relation to her broken tooth as well as subsequent efforts and costs to treat that problem. She based her entire case solely on the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur to establish Dr. L’s negligence. Defendant Dr. L offered the expert testimony of Dr. C, who indicated that in his professional opinion, there is an “inherent risk” that a patient’s teeth could be damaged during general anesthesia. Further, he indicated that damage to the teeth of patients occurs in a “fixed percentage” of patients even when the appropriate anesthesia standard of care is met in the operating room. Although MC objected to the admission of these statements, the trial court admitted them into evidence. Dr. L also introduced testimony by nurse anesthetist KT, who stated that there is always a risk of damaging a patient’s teeth during intubation in the process of providing general anesthesia. In opposition, MC introduced testimony from dentist Dr. T. Dr. T’s testimony indicated that in his opinion as a practicing dentist, MC’s tooth would not have been damaged during her cholecystectomy “unless there was [sic] some extraordinary circumstances.” Further, Dr. T indicated that he was not aware of some “fixed percentage” of patients that may suffer injury to their
Formulas for the Derivatives of the Complex Index of Refraction with Respect to Δ, ψ, φ, and d

Formulas are given for the partial derivatives of the complex index of refraction n with respect to the ellipsometric angles Δ and ψ, the angle of incidence φ, and the thickness of a surface film d. The formulas are very useful in a study of the propagation to n of systematic errors in data obtained with an ellipsometer and are easily adapted to either machine or hand calculation.
A multiscale variational approach to the kinetics of viscous classical liquids: The coarse-grained mean field approximation

A closed kinetic equation for the single-particle density of a viscous simple liquid is derived using a variational method for the Liouville equation and a coarse-grained mean-field (CGMF) ansatz. The CGMF ansatz is based on the notion that during the characteristic time of deformation a given particle interacts with many others so that it experiences an average interaction. A trial function for the N-particle probability density is constructed using a multiscale perturbation method and the CGMF ansatz is applied to it. The multiscale perturbation scheme is based on the ratio of the average nearest-neighbor atom distance to the total size of the assembly. A constraint on the initial condition is discovered which guarantees that the kinetic equation is mass-conserving and closed in the single-particle density. The kinetic equation has much of the character of the Vlasov equation except that true viscous, and not Landau, damping is accounted for. The theory captures condensation kinetics and takes much of the character of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation in the weak-gradient short-range force limit.
The activated electro-oxidation of sulphur dioxide on smooth platinum

Abstract The electrochemical behaviour of sulphur dioxide in sulphuric acid solutions at a platinum rde is characterized. Cycling the potential in these solutions between about −0.10 and 1.2 V sce results in activation of the electrode so that diffusion-controlled SO 2 oxidation currents can be observed in the double layer region of platinum. Without activation, SO 2 oxidation proceeds noticeably only in the potenial region of surface oxide formation. Evidence is presented which indicates that activation results from formation of a catalytic layer of sulphur species. The catalytic activity of this layer decays with time in the course of SO 2 oxidation. The formation of sulphur oxides through oxidation of adsorbed sulphur and the formation of platinum oxides complicate the voltammetric behaviour of the system.
Sir William Bowman: his contributions to physiology and nephrology.

The use of eponyms in medicine is most common among Western European countries. While in some instances it is the name of a patient that has been used to describe a disease (Christmas disease) or that of the location in which a finding was first noted (Balkan nephropathy), in general it has been the name of the author credited with the first reported observation that has been employed [1, 21. As a rule, the profession is not equally familiar with the thousands of eponyms that have been used sometime or another, but are now relegated to medical dictionaries or forgotten altogether. In general, it is the ones used in anatomy that are better remembered and used in the common language of medicine. One can only speculate why within the discipline of anatomy only a few of the many authors who first described a structure are immortalized with the adoption and continued use of their name into the universal anatomic nomenclature. One factor that appears to contribute to the acceptance of an anatomic eponym is the functional significance of the observation made and the link it provides to theretofore unexplained phenomena, as opposed to those eponyms that are mere descriptive morphologic observations. This most likely accounts for the acceptance of "Bowman's capsule," intimately familiar to every nephrologist and so well remembered by most graduates of medical school. Who was William Bowman, why was his relatively simple observation of a membrane so important, and what were his notions of the kidney and its functions as a whole?
Irradiation creep mechanisms: An experimental perspective☆

Abstract An extensive review was conducted of a variety of radiation-induced microstructural data, searching for microstructural records of various irradiation creep mechanisms. It was found that the stress-affected evolution of dislocation microstructure during irradiation is considerably more complex than envisioned in most theoretical modelling studies, particularly in the types of interactive feedback mechanisms operating. Reasonably conclusive evidence was found for a SIPA-type mechanism (stress-induced preferential absorption) operating on both Frank loops and network dislocations. Stress-induced preferential loop nucleation (SIPN) processes may also participate but are thought to be overshadowed by the stronger action of SIPA-type processes operating on Frank interstitial loops. It was not possible to discern from microstructural evidence between second-order SIPA and first-order SIPA mechanisms, the latter arising from anisotropic diffusion. Evidence is presented, however, that validates the operation of stress-induced preferential unfaulting of Frank loops and stress-induced growth of previously stressed material following removal of applied stress. Dislocation glide mechanisms are also participating but the rate appears to be controlled by SIPA-type climb processes. Applied stresses are shown to generate very anisotropic distributions of Burgers vector in the irradiation-induced microstructure.
Systematics of ground-state quadrupole moments of odd-A deformed nuclei determined with muonic M x rays

The ground-state quadrupole moments of $^{151}\mathrm{Eu}$, $^{153}\mathrm{Eu}$, $^{159}\mathrm{Tb}$, $^{163}\mathrm{Dy}$, $^{167}\mathrm{Er}$, $^{177}\mathrm{Hf}$, $^{179}\mathrm{Hf}$, $^{191}\mathrm{Ir}$, and $^{193}\mathrm{Ir}$ were determined by measuring the quadrupole hyperfine-splitting energies of muonic $M$ x rays. The results are $Q=0.903(10)e$ b for $^{151}\mathrm{Eu}$, $Q=2.412(21) e$ b for $^{153}\mathrm{Eu}$, $Q=1.432(8) e$ b for $^{159}\mathrm{Tb}$, $Q=2.648(21) e$ b for $^{163}\mathrm{Dy}$, $Q=3,565(29) e$ b for $^{167}\mathrm{Er}$, $Q=3.365(29) e$ b for $^{177}\mathrm{Hf}$, $Q=3.793(33) e$ b for $^{179}\mathrm{Hf}$, $Q=0.816(9) e$ b for $^{191}\mathrm{Ir}$, and $Q=0.751(9) e$ b for $^{193}\mathrm{Ir}$. The present quadrupole moments, compared with values obtained from electronic-atom hyperfine measurements, show that the Sternheimer correction factors used in the rare-earth electronic-atom analysis are unreliable. Systematics of deformation parameters ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}$ calculated from the present quadrupole moments for odd-$A$ nuclei, and from $B(E2)$ values of Coulomb excitation measurements for even-$A$ nuclei, also indicate that the largest deformation change so far known exists between $^{151}\mathrm{Eu}$ and $^{153}\mathrm{Eu}$. Except at the onset of nuclear deformation, the deformation parameters of the odd-$A$ nuclei are quite consistent with those of the even-$A$ neighbors.
Accessible image file formats: the need and the way (position paper)

Accessibility is one of the key checkpoints in all software's products, applications & websites. Accessibility with digital images has always been a major challenge for the industry. Images form an integral part of certain type of documents & most of the Web 2.0 compliant websites. Audience challenged with blindness and many dyslexics only makes use of screen readers/ text readers/narrator software programs to access the computer and computer displayed information. Such audience cannot view digital images/pictures. Hence drafting accessible documents or designing accessibility enhanced websites containing digital images representing figures, diagrams, map, snaps etc is a challenges. There are various published best practices for accessibility of documents or website containing images so that they can be better understood by the visually impaired users. But these are truly not enough to cover all kind of practical scenarios and this paper positions a need for a more innovative solutions. The paper also proposes accessibility enhanced image formation technique with relevant modification required in screen readers/narrator software programs and positions its edge over the existing methods.
Pair potentials for fcc metals

Long-range pair potentials are presented for the fcc metals Ni, Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Cu, and Al. Experimental data considered in deriving the potentials include the sublimination energies and stacking-fault energies as well as the lattice parameters, elastic constants, and vacancy-formation and -migration energies. A volume-dependent energy term has been included in the potentials. By scaling the potentials with respect to lattice spacing and a characteristic binding energy, a striking similarity can be seen between the various potentials. These potentials have been used to calculate a variety of point-defect properties including self-interstitial geometries and migration energies. In addition the migration energy of helium and its binding energy to a vacancy have been calculated.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 154*

Nuclear structure information available to August 1978 has been reviewed. The level properties obtained from various reaction and decay experiments are shown in the drawings. For odd-odd nuclei, ground and isomeric states are described by p-n coupled Nilsson orbitals. Experimental methods, references, and comments are given in the text.
Abnormal permeability of inner and outer mitochondrial membranes contributes independently to mitochondrial dysfunction in the liver during acute endotoxemia

Objective This study was designed to determine the role played by the mitochondrial permeability transition in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial damage and dysfunction in a representative systemic organ during the acute phase of endotoxemia. Design A well-established, normotensive feline model was employed to determine whether pretreatment with cyclosporine A, a potent inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition, normalizes mitochondrial ultrastructural injury and dysfunction in the liver during acute endotoxemia. Setting The Ohio State University Medical Center research laboratory. Subjects Random source, adult, male conditioned cats. Interventions Hemodynamic resuscitation and maintenance of acid-base balance and tissue oxygen availability were provided, as needed, to minimize the potentially confounding effects of tissue hypoxia and/or acidosis on the experimental results. Treatment groups received isotonic saline vehicle (control; n = 6), lipopolysaccharide (3.0 mg/kg, intravenously; n = 8), or cyclosporine A (6.0 mg/kg, intravenously; n = 6) or tacrolimus (FK506, 0.1 mg/kg, intravenously; n = 4) followed in 30 mins by lipopolysaccharide (3.0 mg/kg, intravenously). Liver samples were obtained 4 hrs posttreatment, and mitochondrial ultrastructure, function, and cytochrome c, Bax, and ceramide contents were assessed. Measurements and main results As expected, significant mitochondrial injury was apparent in the liver 4 hrs after lipopolysaccharide treatment, despite maintenance of regional tissue oxygen availability. Namely, mitochondria demonstrated high-amplitude swelling and exhibited altered respiratory function. Cyclosporine A pretreatment attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced mitochondrial ultrastructural abnormalities and normalized mitochondrial respiratory control, reflecting protection against inner mitochondrial membrane damage. However, an abnormal permeability of outer mitochondrial membranes to cytochrome c was observed in all lipopolysaccharide-treated groups and was associated with increased mitochondrial concentrations of Bax and ceramide. Conclusions These studies confirm that liver mitochondria are early targets of injury during endotoxemia and that inner and outer mitochondrial membrane damage occurs through different mechanisms. Inner mitochondrial membrane damage appears to relate to the mitochondrial permeability transition, whereas outer mitochondrial membrane damage can occur independent of the mitochondrial permeability transition. Preliminary evidence suggests that Bax may participate in lipopolysaccharide-induced outer mitochondrial membrane damage, but further investigations are needed to confirm this.
Use of U-500 insulin in the treatment of severe insulin resistance

Abstract Background: Glycemic control is essential in the management of diabetes. However, many patients with diabetes are not achieving therapeutic targets, partly because they are receiving insufficient doses of insulin. This is particularly problematic in patients with severe insulin resistance, defined as insulin requirement >200 units/kg per day (>3 units/kg per day for pediatric patients). It is difficult to use U-100 forms of insulin at doses >200 units/kg per day because of the volume of insulin being administered subcutaneously. U-500, a concentrated form of insulin, may be useful in the treatment of these patients. Objective: Current practice regarding the use of U-500 insulin has been published elsewhere. This article presents an updated algorithm for the administration and dosing of U-500 insulin, based on clinical experience with severe forms of insulin resistance. Guidelines are provided for dose escalation of U-500 insulin. Methods: We reviewed the results of treatment with U-500 insulin in patients with severe insulin resistance. We analyzed the results, updated a pre-existing algorithm, provided additional practical information on the administration and dosing of U-500 insulin, and compared the cost of U-500 with that of U-100 insulin. Results: To date, we have treated 56 patients (age range, 9–54 years) with severe insulin resistance using U-500 insulin. Doses ranged from 1.5 to 566 units/kg per day. Based on the pharmacodynamic properties of U-500 insulin, this concentrated form must be administered and dosed differently than regular U-100 insulin. U-500 insulin cost more than U-100 insulin on a per-milliliter basis, but cost less in the end because of the lower volumes of insulin required and fewer syringes and pump cartridges needed to administer U-500 insulin. Conclusions: In our experience, U-500 insulin is a useful tool in the management of patients with severe insulin resistance. U-500 insulin alleviates the volume-related problems associated with U-100 insulin, making treatment with higher doses of insulin (≥200 units per day) more effective with U-500 insulin than with U-100 insulin.
Biasing evolving generations in learning classifier systems using information theoretic measures

This paper presents information-theoretic ideas to modify the course of evolution in Learning Classifier Systems. This approach exploits the possibilities that individuals in each generation contain potentially useful information that is not currently utilized. In particular, we look at the Sufficiency measure of a rule as an information theoretic indicator. We propose the modification of the XCS algorithm using this in the early formative stages of each run in view of these additional indicators of usefulness. The probability of selection during that period would be based on sufficiency.Preliminary simulation results show that the new approach reduces the effort needed to solve the 20-input multiplexer problem.
The Fermi bubbles as starburst wind termination shocks

The enhanced star formation in the inner 100 pc of the Galaxy launches a superwind at ~1600 km s$^{-1}$ for M82-like parameters. The ram pressure of the wind is very low compared to more powerful starburst winds. I show that halo gas stops the wind a few kpc from the Galactic Centre. I suggest that the termination shock accelerates cosmic rays, and that the resulting Inverse Compton gamma rays are visible as the Fermi Bubbles. The Bubbles are then wind bubbles, which the starburst can inflate within 10 Myr. They can remain in steady state as long as the starburst lasts. The shock may accelerate PeV electrons and EeV protons. The Bubbles may be analogues of galactic wind termination shocks in the intergalactic medium. I discuss the advantages and problems of this model. I note that any jets from Sgr A* must burrow through the starburst wind bubble before reaching the halo gas, which could affect the early evolution of such jets.
Power and robustness of Aitchison's test for complete subcompositional independence in closed arrays

This paper examines some aspects of the power and robustness of the test for complete subcompositional independence proposed by Aitchison (1982). Although the computed test statistics commonly do not approach being χ2 distributed throughout their range, the upper tail of their distribution does mimic the χ2 distribution sufficiently to yield a quite robust test when variates are drawn from identical distributions with different distribution parameters or even when variates are drawn from different distributions. But the magnitude of correlations among the variables and the proportion of correlated to independent variables that compose the closed data vectors affect the power of the test.
Vessel Target Location Estimation During the TIPS Procedure

Abstract Creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) requires passage of a needle toward a moving target that is only seen transiently by X-ray prior to needle passage. Intraoperative, 3D target localization would facilitate target access and improve the safety of the procedure. The clinical assumption is that patients undergoing the TIPS procedure possess rigid, cirrhotic livers that undergo only intraoperative translation without significant deformation or rotation. Based upon this assumption, we hypothesize that the position of any unseen, 3D target point within the liver can be determined intraoperatively by precalculation of the relative positions of the target point to a different 3D point that can be tracked intraoperatively. This paper examines this hypothesis using intraoperatively acquired, biplane, X-ray images of seven patients. In six, we tracked the effects of cardiac and respiratory motion, and in three the effects of needle pressure. Methods involved reconstruction of 3D vessel bifurcation and other trackable intrahepatic points from biplane angiograms, measurement of liver deformation by examining changing distances between these 3D points over time, and comparison of expected to actual displacements of these points with respect to a fixed reference point in the liver. We conclude that, for the rigid livers associated with patients undergoing TIPS, that there is less intraoperative deformation than previously reported by other groups addressing healthy liver deformation, and that the location of an unseen target can be predicted within 3 mm accuracy.
The plasma wake of mesosonic conducting bodies. Part 2. An experimental parametric study of the mid-wake ion density peak

An experimental investigation of the disturbed flow field created by conducting bodies in a mesosonic, collisionless plasma stream is reported. The mid-wake region is investigated, where, for bodies of the order of a Debye length in size, the focused ion streams converge to form a significant current density peak on the wake axis. A parametric description is obtained of the behavior of the amplitude, width, and position of this peak. The results also indicate that portions of the axial ion peak are created by additional mechanisms and that body geometry affects the mid-wake structure only when the sheath is sufficiently thin to conform to the shape of the body.
Recombinant Expression of a Putative Amidase Cloned from the Genome of Listeria monocytogenes that Lyses the Bacterium and its Monolayer in Conjunction with a Protease

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive, non-spore forming, catalase-positive rod that is a major bacterial food-borne disease agent associated with uncooked meats, including poultry, uncooked vegetables, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized milk. The bacterium may be carried by animals without signs of disease, can replicate at refrigeration temperatures, and is frequently associated with biofilms. There is a need to discover innovative pathogen intervention technologies for this bacterium. Consequently, bioinformatic analyses were used to identify genes encoding lytic protein sequences in the genomes of L. monocytogenes isolates. PCR primers were designed that amplified nucleotide sequences of a putative N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase gene from L. monocytogenes strain 4b. The resultant amplification product was cloned into an expression vector, propagated in Escherichia coli Rosetta strains, and the recombinant protein was purified to homogeneity. Gene and protein sequencing confirmed that the predicted and chemically determined amino acid sequence of the recombinant protein designated PlyLM was a putative N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase. The recombinant lytic protein was capable of lysing both the parental L. monocytogenes strain as well as other strains of the bacterium in spot and MIC/MIB assays, but was not active against other bacteria beyond the genus. A microtiter plate assay was utilized to assay for the ability of the recombinant lysin protein to potentially aid with digestion of a L. monocytogenes biofilm. Protease or lysozyme digestion alone did not significantly reduce the L. monocytogenes biofilm. Although the recombinant protein alone reduced the biofilm by only 20%, complete digestion of the bacterial monolayer was accomplished in conjunction with a protease.
1D and 2D PIC-MCC Simulations of DC Discharges Between Planar Electrodes

Summary form only given. DC glow discharges in argon and helium (p=0.1-1 torr; I=10-6-10-2 A) have been simulated using the PIC-MCC methodology using 1d-3v and 2d-3v models. The theory for glow discharges is presented. PIC results are analyzed and compared qualitatively and quantitatively with theory. The matrix sheath approximation, assumed in theory, is shown to be a good assumption. The positive column temperature and density predicted by theory are compared to quantities calculated in PIC. Comparison of theoretical quantities with PIC quantities is quite favorable, considering the differences in the models
NMR study of molecular motion in oriented long‐chain alkanes. II. Oriented mats of polyethylene single crystals

Measurements of the NMR second moment of a uniaxially oriented sample of polyethylene single crystals in the range of temperatures from −196°C to 130°C and its dependence on the alignment angle γ between the orientation axis (preferential direction of the molecular chains) and the NMR magnetic field are presented. The experimental results are discussed mainly with respect to the high temperature relaxation, called the α process, in polyethylene. They are compared to theoretical predictions made for a number of mechanisms of molecular motion in Part I of this work. Only one of the mechanisms considered is found to be in quantitative agreement with experiment, the mechanism here referred to as flip-flop motion. This consists of thermally activated rotational jumps of the crystalline chain segment between folds around its axis between two equilibrium sites in the lattice. Each rotational jump through 180° is accompanied by a shift of the molecule along its axis by one CH2 group. The discussion of the low-temperature relaxation of polyethylene, the γ process, is based partly on the above measurements and partly on measurements of second moments for unoriented polyethylene samples varying widely in morphology and noncrystalline content. The decrease of the second moment observed with these samples between −196°C and 20°C is taken as a measure of the intensity of the γ process. A linear correlation is found between the decrease in the second moment, designated ΔS, and the noncrystalline content, 1 − αm; this can be represented by ΔS = 1.4 + 22.1(1 − αm). It is shown that neither the crankshaft mechanism not the kink mechanism is able to account quantitatively for this result. The model of a chain end moving in a vacancy fails to adequately describe the angle dependence of ΔS in oriented polyethylene single crystals. The “sandwich model” of a polyethylene single crystal, in which the crystalline core is covered by noncrystalline surface layers, is in better agreement with observations.
A comrade-matrix-based derivation of the different versions of fast cosine and sine transforms

AComrade-Matrix-BasedDerivationoftheDi erentVersionsofFastCosineandSineTransformsAlexanderOlshevskya,Vadim Olshevskyband JunWangcaDepartment of Electrical andComputerEngineering, Georgia Instituteof Technology,Atlanta,Georgia 30332bDepartment of Mathematics,Universityof Connecticut,Storrs, Connecticut,06269cDepartmentof ComputerScience,Georgia StateUniversity,Atlanta, Georgia, 30303ABSTRACTThepap erprovidesafullyself-containedderivationoffastalgorithmstocomputediscreteCosineandSinetransforms I - I I based on the concept of the comrade matrix.The comrade matrices asso ciated with di erentversions of the transforms di er in only a few b oundary elements; hence, in each case algorithms can b e derivedin a uni ed manner.Keywords:Discrete Cosine Transform, Discrete Sine Transform, Fast Fourier Transform, Comrade Matrix1. INTRODUCTION1.1.PreliminariesThe FFT is, without doubt, the most imp ortant algorithm in applied mathematics and engineering.As CharlesVanLoanwritesinhisbook6:"ThefastFouriertransform(FFT)isoneofthetrulygreatcomputationaldevelopments of this century.It has changed the face of science and engineering so that it is not an exaggerationto saythat life as weknowit would b e very di erent without FFT."The FFT uses complex arithmetic.There exist real-arithmetic analogues of the FFT, namely the DiscreteCosine Transform(DCT) and the Discrete Sine Transform(DST). Some references for these these transforms canb e found in4and.3In this pap er, four versions of the cosine and sine transform are considered.For these realarithmetic transforms there also exist many applications { ranging from adaptive ltering to sp eech and imagecompression.There are several di erent mathematical techniques which can b e used to derive fast algorithms for thesetransforms:p olynomial,matrixfactorization,andothers.However,noneofthemseemtosuggestatrans-parentapproach:algorithmsforeachtransform areypicallyderiveddi erently,withsomewhatpainstakingcomputation.In this pap er this disadvantage is removed.1.2.TheFastourierTransform1.2.1. De nitions andthe divide-and-conqueralgorithmThe Discrete Fourier Transform of a sequencefungN1n=0is the sequenceUde ned by2664U0U1...UN13775=1pN266666411WN2NN11W2N42(N1)N...1WN1N2(1)(1)(3777775|{z}FNuuu(1)whereWN=e2iN.The sine and cosine transforms of the sequencefungare de ned in a similar manner, witha di erent matrix in place ofFn.The matrices for each transform are listed in Table 1.