cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relapsed thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura presenting as an acute cerebrovascular accident

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an uncommon but severe disorder that classically presents with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), thrombocytopenia, and fluctuating neurological changes. Previously, it was impossible to make a diagnosis of TTP in the absence of thrombocytopenia or microangiopathic hemolysis (MAHA). We describe two cases of relapsing TTP that presented with acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA) without concurrent thrombocytopenia or MAHA after initial classical presentation of TTP. In both cases, the diagnosis of TTP as the cause of the CVA was attributed to severe deficiency of the von Willebrand factor cleaving protease, ADAMTS13 in plasma (11 and 12%, normal 79-127%). Each patient had a dramatic clinical improvement in response to therapeutic plasma exchange. The experience in these two cases suggests that TTP should be considered as a potential cause among patients presenting with a CVA, particularly if the patients have a history of TTP.
Risk of Entrapment at Low-Head Dams

AbstractThis study examines the dangerous countercurrent that can form at the downstream face of a low-head dam for certain flow conditions, utilizing computational fluid dynamics software and laboratory observations. The objective of this project was to identify easily measured parameters that can be used to accurately distinguish between the possible high-risk and low-risk states of flow. The research was carried out on two common low-head dam shapes (ogee-crested and flat-topped) and three dam heights (0.61, 1.52, and 3.05 m) with simulations performed for various upstream and downstream water depths. It was found that the combination of parameters (hu−hd)/P (named the risk factor) was capable of defining transition points between states of flow, and therefore the low-risk and high-risk conditions. With regard to the ogee-crested dam simulations, it was found that the most dangerous flow conditions occurred at risk factors between 0.09 and 0.80. For the flat-topped dams tested, the high-risk conditions...
Aerosols detection for urban air pollution monitoring

In the context of reducing the impact of atmospheric pollution on public health in cities. Previous studies have shown that optical sensors aboard satellites may be sensitive to the level of pollution because of the relation between radiances and aerosol loading and especially particulate matter (PM). The purpose of this paper is to add to this evidence by studying cloud-free satellite images and ground measurements, and then to show that urban aerosols concentrations variations can be detected and quantified by the means of satellite images. We used the radiative transfer model (6S). We simulated the reflectance at pixel level in the Landsat-TM bands. The effects and contributions of parameters (H 2 O content, O 3 content, albedo, aerosols and atmosphere optical thickness) are studied thanks to experimental design approach. Change in aerosol loading is the major contributor to change in reflectance. We thus demonstrate and quantify the sensitivity of reflectance to PM. We find that channel TM4 (∼815 nm) of Landsat is the appropriate band. However, when taking into account the gain of the sensor, we recommend TM1. On TM1 image, a difference of 71 DN (digital number) represents a variation of 120 μg/m 3 . The minimal concentration variation detectable is around 2.6 μg/m 3 . Results from observations (ground measurements and DN on satellites images) are in good agreement with simulations. In particular, an empirical model that converts DN into [PM] confirms simulations.
Identification of CG-1, a Natural Peptide Antibiotic Derived from Human Neutrophil Cathepsin G:

Cathepsin G is a neutral serine protease of the granzyme B family which is found in human PMN, cells known to be important in the defense of the periodontium against periodontal bacteria. We propose that cathepsin G serves as a "pro-antibiotic" containing peptide domains which express selective antibiotic properties. In this study, we used HPLC to separate the low-molecular-weight peptides derived from the ultrafiltrate of a granule extract from unstimulated PMN. One of the peptides exhibited intense bactericidal activity as determined by radial diffusion overlay assay (against Escherichia coli ML-35P), an amino-terminal sequence "RVSSFLPWIR...", and a 3.1-kDa molecular mass determined by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. The sequence and mass are consistent with the C-terminus of cathepsin G deduced by cDNA analysis. These findings support the hypothesis that antibiotic peptides derived from cathepsin G occur naturally in human PMN. Since this is the first naturally occurring antibiotic peptide derived from cathepsin G, we designate it "CG-1".
Estimate of flavor number from SU(5) grand unification

Abstract We analyze the fermion mass matrix generated by a 45 of Higgs in SU(5) and find it equally as good as for the usual 5 . One interesting prediction is that the flavor number must be f=12 to obtain acceptable mass ratios.
Belief in AIDS as a Form of Genocide: Implications for HIV Prevention Programs for African Americans

The purpose of this article is to examine factors associated with belief that AIDS is a form of genocide and trust in federal government reports on AIDS in a cross-sectional sample of 1,054 black church members. Reports in both the professional literature and mass media have documented fears that AIDS is a form of genocide unleashed on black Americans, and distrust of reports on AIDS.Results from this study demonstrate that a substantial number of participants believe that belief in genocide is not accounted for by levels of AIDS knowledge. Belief in genocide may be a modern urban legend that need not be a barrier for AIDS education. Implications for development of AIDS education sensitive to the cultural context of African Americans are described.
Particle multiplicity dependence of high-energy photon production in a heavy-ion reaction.

The production of high-energy photons in an intermediate energy heavy-ion reaction (65 MeV/nucleon $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$${+}^{93}$Nb) is studied by characterizing the events, which produce the photons, by the forward and backward, light and heavy, charged particle production. While the absolute yield of high-energy photons increases with increasing charged particle multiplicity, the spectral shape is found to be almost independent of multiplicity. This indicates that the fundamental photon production mechanism is insensitive to the impact parameter but that the production process is more probable for the more violent collisions. This is expected for an incoherent nucleon-nucleon bremsstrahlung mechanism but not for a statistical mechanism. This work also provides a comparison of two observables that have been suggested as impact parameter selectors: the high-energy photon yield and the charged particle multiplicity. We find that the photon yield, binned by particle multiplicity, does not scale as would be expected if both techniques truly measured the impact parameter. This observation can be explained by large fluctuations in the particle multiplicity at fixed impact parameter.
The concept ‘model’ and its potential role in mathematics education

Under the general term ‘mathematical models’ is now subsumed a sufficiently diversified collection of distinct types of models to merit categorization and an attempt at a unified definition. In this study a broad ‘working definition’ for the concept ‘model’ is proposed; basic types of models are identified and illustrated, and the impact of conscious instruction of models on mathematics education is analysed.
Milk of calcium in a pancreatic pseudocyst

A 46-year-old man with a history of chronic alcohol use was found to have milk of calcium that had developed in a pancreatic pseudocyst. This was found incidentally on abdominal computed tomography during a workup for abnormal liver enzymes. Milk of calcium in the pancreas has been described only twice in the literature using plain abdominal radiographs and computed tomography. To our knowledge, this case report is the first to describe magnetic resonance findings of this entity.
Relative durations of the tertiary series and stages in New Zealand

Summary A stratigraphic column showing relative lengths of the Tertiary series and stages of New Zealand is presented. Estimates of the relative durations were derived through comparisons of estimates made by five leading New Zealand paleontologist-stratigraphers based upon their concepts of evolutionary changes, thickness of sedimentary sections, and distribution of rock units.
Critiquing the Culture of Computer Graphing Practices.

This paper is a critique of current approaches to the development of computer graphing and graph visualization programs. Developers of these programs model the user as an individual problem solver who is reliant on perceptual skills to create and interpret graphed information. Such a model of graphing is ill-suited to meet the complex needs of real users, a supposition that is supported by work in two major areas of graphing theory and research: the sociology of science and the educational research of mathematics and scientific students. These areas have not been traditionally cited when planning computer graphing or visualization programs or when assessing their usability. A review of the literature in these fields reveals that an over-reliance on a user's perceptual skills is unlikely to result in successful graph practices.
STUDIES ON A CERTAIN SPREADING FACTOR EXISTING IN BACTERIA AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR BACTERIAL INVASIVENESS

Invasive strains of staphylococcus and streptococcus contain a soluble factor which markedly increases tissue permeability and enhances the infections produced by these organisms, by other bacteria, and by vaccine virus as well. The non-invasive strains of the same species of staphylococci and streptococci do not contain this factor. The enhancing substance elaborated locally by organisms passes into the circulating blood and bringing about a general increase of tissue permeability may act to enhance local infections elsewhere. The factor is similar in the phenomena it elicits to the spreading factor extracted from many animal tissues, especially from testicle.
Monitoring of the Adult Patient on Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) provides mechanical support to the patient with cardiac or cardiopulmonary failure. This paper reviews the physiology of VA ECMO including the determinants of ECMO flow and gas exchange. The efficacy of this therapy may be determined by assessing patient hemodynamics and device flow, overall gas exchange support, markers of adequate oxygen delivery, and pulsatility of the arterial blood pressure waveform.
A gene for a dioxygenase-like protein determines the production of the DF signal in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

SUMMARY The DF signal molecule regulates the production of both yellow pigments (xanthomonadins) and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. These two bacterial products are crucial to the epiphytic survival and pathogenicity of this pathogen on its plant hosts. Previous work suggested that DF is a butyrolactone, which the Streptomyces bacteria are known to utilize as signals. pigB is one of seven transcriptional units in the X. c. pv. campestris xanthomonadin gene cluster, and its inactivation results in the loss of DF signal, xanthomonadin and EPS production. Here, determination and analysis of the pigB DNA sequence reveals the presence of two open reading frames, the first (xanB1) encoding a putative reductase/halogenase, and the second (xanB2) showing the highest level of identity to Streptomyces genes encoding putative pteridine-dependent dioxygenase-like proteins. We show that xanB2 (but not xanB1) is needed for production of the DF signal, and that some Streptomyces strains produce functional analogues of DF. A role for xanB2 in the biosynthesis of DF is proposed.
Breaking up with Deleuze: desire and valuing the irreconcilable

In this article, Eve Tuck grapples with Gilles Deleuze’s conceptualization of desire, finding it simultaneously generative and unsatisfying. Recognizing that Deleuze will not ‘say’ what Tuck wants him to say about desire – that it is smart, and constitutes expertise – Tuck reasons that there is only one thing she can do: break up with Deleuze. The article is organized into several break‐up rituals, and in each of the rituals, the author works to understand, interrogate, expand, and extend conceptualizations of desire. In these ways, an articulation of what it means to value the irreconcilable is presented.
Cellular discrimination based on spectral analysis of instrinic fluorescence

The increasing need for highly polychromatic approaches to flow cytometry, coupled with rapid technological advances, have driven the design and implementation of commercial instruments that measure up to 19 parameters using multiple lasers for excitation, an intricate optical filter/mirror arrangement, and analysis using fluorescence compensation approaches. Although such conventional multiparameter flow cytometers have proven highly successful, there are several types of analytical measurements that would benefit from higher density of spectral information and a more flexible approach to spectral analysis including, but certainly not limited to: spectral deconvolution of overlapping spectra, fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements, metachromic dye analysis, cellular autofluorescence characterization, and flow based Raman spectroscopy. For these purposes, we have developed a high resolution spectral flow cytometer using an EMCCD camera with 1600 by 200 pixels, which is capable of detecting less than 200 fluorescein molecules with a spectral resolution of less than 3 nm. This instrument will enable high throughput characterization of single cell or particle emission spectra. For proof of principle instrument operation, we have begun characterization of intrinsic cellular autofluorescence, which is the major source of background for cell-based fluorescence assays. Specifically, we will describe recent work on the high resolution spectral characterization of autofluorescence for several commonly used cell types. Autofluorescence emission is known to cover over almost the entire spectrum from 300 to nearly 800 nm. These emissions are attributed to flavins, elastin, Indolamine dimers and trimers, NADH and collagen among other molecules. We will show that several unique autofluorescence spectra arise in the different cell lines thereby suggesting the possibility of discrimination of cell types based on intrinsic fluorescence.
Protecting the Past Albert Robida and the Vieux Paris Exhibit at the 1900 World's Fair

The 1900 Paris World’s Fair prided itself on the modernity of its exhibits. Paradoxically, however, one of its most successful attractions proved to be Le Vieux Paris, a picturesque model city built along the Seine to ‘bring Old Paris back to life’. Designer Albert Robida chose not only to create a picturesque and entertaining model of life in old France, but to construct the exhibit as a locus of cultural memory. In it he glorified French accomplishments, while attempting to redress his contemporaries’ neglect of their shared architectural and literary heritage. Using the popular exhibit as a device for celebrating national achievement, he inspired widespread appreciation of French heritage, thereby invigorating a nascent conservation moment.
The influence of soil erosion on fertility losses and on potato yield

The amounts of organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium removed in the eroded material from a Collington sandy loam are reported.
Morphology of synapses formed by cholecystokinin-immunoreactive axon terminals in regio superior of rat hippocampus.

Abstract Immunocytochemical and electron microscopic methods were used to examine neurons in regio superior of rat hippocampus displaying cholecystokinin octapeptide-like immunoreactivity. Cholecystokinin-immunoreactive synaptic terminals and somata are found in all layers of regio superior but are most numerous in stratum pyramidale. The vast majority of terminals form symmetric synaptic contacts onto the somata and proximal dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal cells and onto smaller dendrites which may also arise from pyramidal cells. A very small number of Cholecystokinin-immunoreactive terminals form synapses that appear asymmetric and contact dendritic shafts or spines. The somata of some pyramidal cells receive symmetric synapses from Cholecystokinin-immunoreactive terminals that are joined by cytoplasmic bridges to form parts of pericellular baskets. These and adjacent pyramidal cell somata are also contacted by terminals that are not immunoreactive for cholecystokinin. No cholecystokinin-positive terminals contacted the initial segments of pyramidal cell axons. Cholecystokinin-immunoreactive cells are found in all layers of regio superior. Their somata receive a few symmetric synapses, most of which are formed by terminals not immunoreactive for cholecystokinin. Their dendrites receive a greater number of both symmetric and asymmetric contacts, some of which are immunoreactive for cholecystokinin. We conclude the following: (1) The localization of cholecystokinin immunoreactivity in synaptic terminals contacting the somata and dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal cells is consistent with the suggestion that cholecystokinin acts as a neurotransmitter at these sites and at sites in other parts of the cerebral cortex. (2) Results from the present and previous studies suggest that cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity may co-exist with γ-aminobutyrate in some non-pyramidal neurons of regio superior. (3) Cholecystokinin-immunoreactive terminals arise mainly from non-pyramidal cells intrinsic to the hippocampus, one class of which appears to be a type of basket cell.
Moving stable solitons in Galileon Theory

Abstract Despite the no-go theorem Endlich et al. (2011) [6] which rules out static stable solitons in Galileon theory, we propose a family of solitons that evade the theorem by traveling at the speed of light. These domain-wall-like solitons are stable under small fluctuations—analysis of perturbation shows neither ghost-like nor tachyon-like instabilities, and perturbative collision of these solitons suggests that they pass through each other asymptotically, which maybe an indication of the integrability of the theory itself.
Temporal correlation between the appearance of testis-specific DNA-binding proteins and the onset of transcription of the testis-specific histone H1t gene

The histone H1t gene is transcribed only in testis. Northern blot analyses reveal that transcription of the H1t gene occurs first in pachytene primary spermatocytes. Thus, there is a temporal correlation between onset of transcription of the gene and synthesis of histone H1t in primary spermatocytes during spermatogenesis. Previous studies revealed that replacement of most H1t and core histones occurs during the midspermatid stage of spermiogenesis by transition proteins TP1 and TP2. In this paper we extend our study of the specific binding of testis nuclear proteins to a unique sequence element within the H1t promoter. The relatively tight binding is competed with an excess of homologous DNA but not with a mutated element. Testis proteins from prepubertal animals do not bind to the 18-bp promoter element out proteins from enriched populations of primary spermatocytes do bind. Therefore, the temporal correlation between onset of transcription of the H1t gene and the time when the specific H1t promoter-binding proteins are detected in primary spermatocytes suggests that the DNA-binding proteins might be germinal cell-specific transcription factors that participate in formation of an active H1t transcription initiation complex. These studies present the first analysis of binding sites for testis nuclear proteins from primary spermatocytes within the promoter of a gene expressed only during this stage of spermatogenesis.
The Center for Holistic Birth: An Organized Step Back in Time When Birthing Worked

Childbearing Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program When pregnancy is allowed to progress naturally, most of the time a woman will give birth to her newborn with no complications. However, in the current healthcare climate, a woman is faced with many interventions during pregnancy that are changing the climate of birth in many institutions across the country. Medical professionals order inductions and other interventions, patients do not know what these inductions and interventions are for, and nurses are caught in the middle. How do we change the current climate? Proposed Change To incorporate an evidence‐based holistic approach to the healthcare climate by using Jean Watson's Nursing Theory to affect patients and remind them of their innate abilities. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation After meeting with departments throughout the institution to discuss the foundation of the program, referrals from various sources started. Patients will meet with the certified nurse‐midwife (CNM) multiple times during their pregnancies depending on their gestations, free of cost. They discuss resources for education and formulate a birth path. Meetings also cover different birthing options and practices and allow patients to explore what is right for them. After the last meeting before delivery, the CNM writes up a summation of the meetings that took place with the patient and attaches a copy of the patient's birth path. This information is attached to the patient's prenatal chart, which allows staff the opportunity to view it at the time of the patient's admission. Implications for Nursing Practice Holistic birth is not equated with natural birth; however, as the program has grown it has become increasingly apparent that women want to experience the most they can from their deliveries, regardless of what drew them to the program initially. The epidural and cesarean delivery rates are significantly lower in the program, and another important trend has risen to the surface. Women who participate in this program feel empowered to ask questions, challenge the status quo, and be active participants in the decisions regarding their births. All of this has culminated into a satisfying, rewarding experience, regardless of the outcome.
Metrics of separation performance in chromatography. Part 1. Definitions and application to static analyses

Earlier introduced metrics of separation performance are described in a systematic way. After providing the definitions of the metrics suitable for a broad variety of applications, the study focuses on static analyses (isothermal GC, isocratic LC, etc.) and their general separation performance. Statistically expected number of resolved (adequately separated) single-component peaks is treated as the ultimate metric of general separation performance of chromatographic analysis. That number depends on the peak capacity of the analysis and the number of components in a test mixture. The peak capacity, in turn, depends on the separation capacity of a column and the lowest separation required by the data-analysis system for resolving poorly separated peaks. The separation capacity is a special case of a broader metric of the separation measure which is a function of column efficiency, solute separability, and the level of the solute interaction with a column stationary phase. The formulae for theoretical prediction of all these metrics for arbitrary pairs of peaks in static analyses are derived. To provide a better insight into the basic metrics of the separation performance, additional metrics such as the solute discrimination (relative difference in solute velocities), utilization of separability (solute discrimination per unit of their separability), specific separation (the separation per unit of separability), and others are defined and found for static analyses.
Proton NMR measurements of the local magnetic field in the paramagnetic metal and antiferromagnetic insulator phases of λ-(BETS) 2 FeCl 4

Measurements of the $^{1}\mathrm{H}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{NMR}$ spectrum of a small $(\ensuremath{\sim}4\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}\mathrm{g})$ single crystal of the organic conductor $\ensuremath{\lambda}\text{\ensuremath{-}}(\mathrm{BETS}{)}_{2}{\mathrm{FeCl}}_{4}$ are reported with an applied magnetic field ${\mathbf{B}}_{0}=9\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{T}$ parallel to the $a$ axis in the $ac$ plane over a temperature $(T)$ range $2.0--180\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. They provide the distribution of the static local magnetic field at the proton sites in the paramagnetic metal (PM) and antiferromagnetic insulator (AFI) phases, along with the changes that occur at the PM-AFI phase transition. The spectra have six main peaks that are significantly broadened and shifted at low $T$. The origin of these features is attributed to the large dipolar field from the $3d\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ ion moments (spin ${S}_{d}=5∕2$). Their amplitude and $T$ dependence are modeled using a modified Brillouin function that includes a mean field approximation for the total exchange interaction $({J}_{0})$ between one ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ ion and its two nearest neighbors. A good fit is obtained using ${J}_{0}=\ensuremath{-}1.7\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. At temperatures below the PM-AFI transition temperature ${T}_{\mathrm{MI}}=3.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, an extra peak appears on the high frequency side of the spectrum and the details of the spectrum become smeared. Also, the rms linewidth and the frequency shift of the spectral distribution are discontinuous, consistent with the transition being first order. These measurements verify that the dominant local magnetic field contribution is from the ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ ions and indicate that there is a significant change in the static local magnetic field distribution at the proton sites on traversing the PM to AFI phase transition.
Mirror "base-off" conformation of coenzyme B12 in human adenosyltransferase and its downstream target, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase.

Human adenosyltransferase synthesizes coenzyme B12, for the target mitochondrial B12 enzyme, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. It binds B12 in the “base-off” conformation in both the Co2+ and Co3+ oxidation states as revealed by UV−visible and EPR spectroscopy although it lacks the signature DXHXXG motif found in other B12 proteins that bind the cofactor in this conformation. The “base-off” conformation, which is rare at physiological pH, mirrors that in the target enzyme, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, which utilizes the product, AdoCbl. However, the coordination environment for cobalt in the two proteins is distinct, which is reflected in an ∼40-fold difference in their affinity for the cofactor.
Multiple Views of the Family and Adolescent Social Competencies.

This research examined the linkages between congruence in perceptions of family functioning and adolescent competencies with a sample of 223 first-year college students, their mothers, and their fathers. The primary goal was to explore further the nature and importance of perceptual congruence as related to adolescent social competencies with a more informative analytic strategy than has been used in most past research (one that controls for individual perceptions of family members and takes into account direction of differences among family members), and with more comprehensive, multimethod assessments of adolescent competencies. Our congruence analyses portrayed a more complex picture of congruence and divergence than has emerged from previous studies, and highlight the importance of examining interaction patterns in future research. It is noteworthy, however, that individual perceptions of family members were more important than was congruence in relation to adolescent social competencies. The possibility that congruence effects may be more apparent when the focus is on more specific rather than global measures and on developmental as well as family interaction processes is suggested.
Sexual agreements among gay male couples.

Many gay male couples make agreements about whether or not to permit sex with outside partners, yet little is known about the development and maintenance of these agreements, their impact on relationships, and whether they are an effective HIV prevention strategy. Using semi-structured, qualitative interviews, 39 gay male couples were asked about their sexual agreements and about other relationship dynamics that might affect their agreements. Analysis revealed a wide range of agreement types, all of which are presented along a continuum rather than as discrete categories. For couples with open agreements, most placed rules or conditions limiting when, where, how often, and with whom outside sex was permitted. Although motivations for having agreements varied, HIV prevention did not rank as a primary factor for any couple. Most couples had congruous agreements; however, a small number reported discrepancies which may increase HIV transmission risk. How couples handled breaks in their agreements also varied, depending on what condition was broken, whether it was disclosed, and the partner’s reaction. Additional results include differences in agreement type and motivations for having an agreement based on couple serostatus. Overall, agreements benefited couples by providing boundaries for the relationship, supporting a non-heteronormative identity, and fulfilling the sexual needs of the couple. Future prevention efforts involving gay couples must address the range of agreement types and the meanings couples ascribe to them, in addition to tempering safety messages with the relationship issues that are important to and faced by gay couples.
Stably Stratified Interfacial-Layer Turbulence from Large-Eddy Simulation

Abstract The structure of the interfacial layer capping the atmospheric boundary layer is not well understood. The dominant influence on turbulence within the interfacial layer is the stable stratification induced by the capping inversion. A series of 26 high-resolution large eddy simulation runs ranging from neutral, inversion-capped to free-convection cases are used to study interfacial layer turbulence. The interfacial layer is found to be similar in many aspects to a classic stable boundary layer. For example, the shapes of interfacial layer spectra and cospectra, including the locations of the spectral peaks, agree with previous observations from nocturnal PBLs. The eddy diffusivities, variances, structure-function parameters, and dissipation rates within the interfacial layer, suitably nondimensionalized using local scaling, also agree with observations from nocturnal PBLs. These results may lead to improved models of the interfacial layer and entrainment, and may also have implications for remote s...
Serum "thyroglobulin" in thyroidal carcinoma.

ABSTRACT The butanol-insoluble radioiodine (BII131) in the serum of 34 patients given therapeutic doses of radioiodine was analyzed. In addition to the 2 recognized iodoprotcins—one associated with the serum albumin (compound X) and one located between the electrophoretically separated alpha globulins (thyroglobulin)—2 additional “thyroglobulins” in the serum were observed. One of these was associated with the alpha1 globulins, the other with the alpha2 globulins. In a series of 24 patients with carcinoma of the thyroid, the albumin type and the alpha-globulin types of radioiodinated serum protein were found with about equal frequency. So far, in our experience, the alpha-globulin BII131 has not been detected in any patient not having carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Only the albumin type of radioiodinated protein was found in the scrum in 8 patients with exophthalmic goiter, 1 with Hashimoto's disease and 1 with a normal thyroid gland. Unexpectedly, quantitative analysis of the serum BII131 revealed that,...
Archeology of Intangible Heritage

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: da Silva Vaz and Francisco Year: 2008 Pages: 191 Publisher: Peter Lang ISBN: 9781433102189 (soft cover).
Preparing for an Uncertain Future: Lessons from a Florentine Classroom.

Classrooms reflect societies, and affect them. In Florence, Italy, classroom patterns may be appropriate for "postindustrial " society.
EROSION RATES IN THE SOUTHERN OREGON COAST RANGE: EVIDENCE FOR AN EQUILIBRIUM BETWEEN HILLSLOPE EROSION AND SEDIMENT YIELD

The relationship of hillslope erosion rates and sediment yield is often poorly defined because of short periods of measurement and inherent spatial and temporal variability in erosion processes. In landscapes containing hillslopes crenulated by alternating topographic noses and hollows, estimates of local hillslope erosion rates averaged over long time periods can be obtained by analysing colluvial deposits in the hollows. Hollows act as local traps for a portion of the colluvium transported down hillslopes, and erosion rates can be calculated using the age and size of the deposits and the size of the contributing source area. Analysis of colluvial deposits in nine Oregon Coast Range hollows has yielded average colluvial transport rates into the hollows of about 35 cm3cm~1yr~1 and average bedrock lowering rates of about 007 mm yr ' for the last 4000 to 15000 yr. These rates are consistent with maximum bedrock exfoliation rates of about 0-09 mm yr ' calculated from six of the hollows, supporting the interpretation that exfoliation rates limit erosion rates on these slopes. Sediment yield measurements from nine Coast Range streams provide similar basin-wide denudation rates of between 0-05 and 0-08 mm yr -1 , suggesting an approximate steady-state between sediment production on hillslopes and sediment yield. In addition, modern sediment yields are similar in basins varying in size from 1 to 1500 km2, suggesting that erosion rates are spatially uniform and providing additional evidence for an approximate equilibrium in the landscape.
Literature and medicine: Garcia Marquez' Love in the Time of Cholera

Arguably the greatest novel ever written about aging, Gabriel Garcia-Marquez’ Love in the Time of Cholera (2) may be a challenging text for those who need to read it most: the young, the would-be rational, and the impatient. To say that many health care professionals fall into these categories is not to fault them but merely to describe them. Who being young can know what it is like to be old? Who trained in western scientific medicine dares not try to be rational? And who caught up in the task-oriented imperative of contemporary medicine can truly claim the virtue of patience? Even before managed-care initiatives so greatly increased the pressure, physicians were famously time-driven, trained to seek efficiency in all things, care of patients prominently among them. To such persons, the thought of reading a novel may seem a profligate waste of time. Why spend hours reading about what never happened? This question has been eloquently answered over the years by those who use literature in medical education. (3-9) For Love in the Time of Cholera the best answer is that what this novel offers cannot easily be found in traditional medical texts about aging.
Optomotor anemotaxis polarizes self-steered zigzagging in flying moths

Experiments with oriental fruit moth males, Grapholita molesta (Busck), provide evidence that a pheromone plume in zero wind elicits an endogenous, self-steered programme of counterturning (zig- zagging) flight, and that wind experienced in flight establishes the polarity of the counterturns; they become aligned so that displacement occurs toward the source, even after the wind is stopped In zero wind, males located a pheromone source more frequently when they had experienced a wind after having already taken flight before the wind was stopped (46%) compared with those that took flight later and therefore only experienced wind while they were in contact with the ground (14%) Furthermore, males placed in a stationary pheromone plume in zero wind located the source, eventually, on 21% of occasions The flight tracks of these males, as well as those having experienced a wind only while on the ground, often exhibited repetitive counterturns (zigzags) of c. 180-200'. However, the counterturns meandered around the flight tunnel, the inter-reversal track angles having no consistent direction Sometimes the males displaced down-tunnel in the stationary plume, sometimes up, eventually locating the source and performing a courtship display The inter-reversal track angles of males countertuin- ing in wind, on the other hand, displayed a consistent orientation of c 60Â to either side of the wind line, resulting in consistent upwind displacement toward the source. With no pheromone present, with or without wind, counterturns were not observed
Evaluation of different levels of hydration using a new physiological strain index

A physiological strain index (PSI), based on rectal temperature (Tre) and heart rate (HR), was recently suggested for evaluating heat stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the PSI for d...
Functional Expression in Xenopus Oocytes of Gap-junctional Hemichannels Formed by a Cysteine-less Connexin 43

Gap-junctional channels are formed by two connexons or gap-junctional hemichannels in series, with each connexon conformed by six connexin molecules. As with other membrane proteins, structural information on connexons can potentially be obtained with techniques that take advantage of the highly specific thiol chemistry by positioning Cys residues at locations of interest, ideally in an otherwise Cys-less protein. It has been shown that conserved Cys residues located in the extracellular loops of connexins are essential for the docking of connexons from adjacent cells, preventing the formation of functional gap-junctional channels. Here we engineered a Cys-less version of connexin 43 (Cx43) and assessed its function using a Xenopus oocyte expression system. The Cys-less protein was expressed at the plasma membrane and did not form gap-junctional channels but formed hemichannels that behave similarly to those formed by Cx43 in terms of permeation to carboxyfluorescein. The carboxyfluorescein permeability of Cys-less hemichannels was increased by protein kinase C inhibition, like the wild-type Cx43 hemichannels. We generated a protein with a single Cys in a position (residue 34) thought to face the channel pore and show that thiol modification of the Cys abolishes the carboxyfluorescein permeability. We conclude that Cysless Cx43 forms regulated functional hemichannels, and therefore Cys-less Cx43 is a useful tool for future structural studies.
Biocompatibility of NDGA-polymerized collagen fibers. I. Evaluation of cytotoxicity with tendon fibroblasts in vitro.

The material properties of tendon type I collagen fibers polymerized with nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) are equivalent to native tendon, suggesting that NDGA crosslinking may provide a viable approach to stabilizing collagenous materials for repairing ruptured, lacerated, or surgically transected fibrous tissues, such as tendon and ligament (Koob & Hernandez, Biomaterials, in press). Using standard cytotoxicity tests, the present study evaluated the biocompatibility of these fibers with cultured bovine tendon fibroblasts. Primary fibroblasts obtained from calf digital extensor tendons were exposed to NDGA, reaction products generated from the polymerization protocol, and the crosslinked fibers. NDGA was cytotoxic to these cells at concentrations above 100 μM. NDGA oxidation products were similarly cytotoxic. At concentrations below 100 μM, fibroblast viability was not affected by NDGA or its oxidation products. At these lower concentrations, fibroblast proliferation was unaffected compared to controls not exposed to NDGA. Fibers crosslinked with NDGA contained no unreacted NDGA, but they did contain soluble reaction products that were cytotoxic to tendon fibroblasts in both the elution and the direct contact tests. Washing the fibers in 70% ethanol and phosphate-buffered saline eliminated cytotoxicity of the fibers. Ethanol simultaneously sterilized the fibers. Tensile tests established that the ethanol/phosphate buffer wash did not adversely affect the material properties of the fibers. The results of these experiments indicate that NDGA-crosslinked fibers can be rendered nontoxic to tendon fibroblasts and may provide a novel approach for producing biologically based, biocompatible, tendon bioprostheses. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 56: 31–39, 2001
Complete fundoplication is not associated with increased dysphagia in patients with abnormal esophageal motility

Abnormal esophageal motility is a relative contraindication to complete (360-degree) fundoplication because of a purported risk of postoperative dysphagia. Partial fundoplication, however, may be associated with increased postoperative esophageal acid exposure. Our aim was to determine if complete fundoplication is associated with increased postoperative dysphagia in patients with abnormal esophageal motor function. Medical records of 140 patients (79 females; mean age 48 +/- 1.1 years) who underwent fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were reviewed retrospectively to document demographic data, symptoms, and diagnostic test results. Of the 126 patients who underwent complete fundoplication, 25 met manometric criteria for abnormal esophageal motility (#30 mm Hg mean distal esophageal body pressure or #80% peristalsis), 68 had normal esophageal function, and 33 had incomplete manometric data and were therefore excluded from analysis. Of the 11 patients who underwent partial fundoplication, eight met criteria for abnormal esophageal motility, two had normal esophageal function, and one had incomplete data and was therefore excluded. After a median follow-up of 2 years (range 0.5 to 5 years), patients were asked to report heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and overall satisfaction using a standardized scoring scale. Complete responses were obtained in 72%. Sixty-five patients who underwent complete fundoplication and had manometric data available responded (46 normal manometry; 19 abnormal manometry). Outcomes were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. After complete fundoplication, similar postoperative heartburn, swallowing, and overall satisfaction were reported by patients with normal and abnormal esophageal motility. Likewise, similar outcomes were reported after partial fundoplication. This retrospective study found equally low dysphagia rates regardless of baseline esophageal motility; therefore a randomized trial comparing complete versus partial fundoplication in patients with abnormal esophageal motility is warranted.
Evaluation of interfacial mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composites using the microindentation method

Abstract A general parametric study using nonlinear finite element analysis for the microindentation test for composite interfacial shear strength measurement was performed. The effects of material parameters such as matrix and interphase properties and interphase thickness on the interfacial shear stress distribution and load—displacement data were evaluated. The finite element results were compared to those of the shear lag analyses and an empirical derivation. It was found that the empirical derivation agrees reasonably well with the nonlinear finite element analysis when the fiber volume fraction is between 0.3 and 0.5. The shear lag analysis is accurate only when the fiber volume fraction is low. The interfacial shear stress is sensitive to local fiber volume fraction and interphase properties. Accurate interfacial shear strength can be obtained if a more stringent test procedure is adopted.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide and corneal innervation: a developmental study in the rat.

The development of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive (CGRP-LI) nerves was studied in neonatal and adult rat corneas stained immunohistochemically according to an avidin biotin peroxidase procedure. At birth, rat corneas already contained dense plexuses of CGRP-LI nerve fibers. Most of the nerves entered the cornea in 12–15 prominent stromal nerve bundles located at regular intervals around the circumference of the cornea. Fibers in these bundles entered the epithelium approximately midway between the limbus and the center of the cornea and supplied extensive central and pericentral areas of the tissue. In addition, smaller numbers of axons entered the cornea individually and in small fascicles located in between the larger bundles and supplied mainly peripheral territory. In the epithelium, the CGRP-LI nerves formed a complex, highly anastomotic meshwork that ramified uniformly throughout central and peripheral areas of the tissue. Fibers in the plexus gave origin to numerous short, stout terminal axons that extended into the adjacent epithelium in all directions with no preferred orientation. During the first week of neonatal life, several changes in CGRP-LI innervation occurred: (1) the innervation density of the central and pericentral cornea increased relative to the peripheral cornea; (2) intraepithelial axons became progressively longer, increased in branching complexity, and oriented preferentially towards the center of the cornea; and (3) a dense innervation of the corneoscleral limbus and, in particular, the branches of the marginal artery, developed. Midway through the second week of life, immature versions of Corneal epithelial “leashes,” the dominant feature of the adult corneal innervation, were first observed. Over the next 10 days, the leash formations in the central and pericentral cornea gradually became more complex and gave rise to greater numbers of terminal axons, compared to developing leashes in the peripheral cornea. The mature pattern of corneal CGRP-LI innervation was reached on day 21 and remained constant (except for compensatory growth-related elongation of axons) for at least the first 6 months of life. Transection of the ophthalmomaxillary nerve or neonatal administration of the sensory neurotoxin capsaicin resulted in the total loss of CGRP-LI staining from the cornea. In contrast, removal of the superior cervical ganglion had no effect on corneal CGRP-LI staining. The extraordinary density and complexity of the CGRP-LI innervation of the rat cornea demonstrated at all stages of development in this study suggests that these nerves may play important roles in corneal sensory, reflex, and trophic functions.
Optimal layered architectures of wireless networks

A general wireless networking problem is formulated to jointly optimize end-to-end user rates, routes, link capacities, transmitted power, and power allocation across subcarriers and fading states. It has been recently shown that such general wireless networking problems in the presence of fading, while non-convex, have zero Lagrangian duality gap. In this paper the optimality of two different layered architectures is derived as a consequence of this result.
Quasi stochastic approximation

In recent work it was shown that a deterministic analog of stochastic approximation can be formulated to obtain a Q-learning algorithm for approximate optimal control of deterministic and stochastic systems. This paper provides a general foundation for “quasi-stochastic approximation” in which all of the processes under consideration are deterministic, much like quasi-Monte-Carlo for variance reduction in simulation. Applications to root finding and to TD-learning are described, and numerical results are presented.
Is there a rationale to use highly cross-linked polyethylene in posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty?

The use of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is controversial.