cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recurrent case of pregnancy-induced atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (P-aHUS).

Pregnancy-induced atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (P-aHUS) is a rare condition characterised by microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and renal failure. It accounts for approximately 7% of total HUS cases. Here, we present a case of recurrent P-aHUS in a 25-year-old Hispanic woman. Pregnancy was the clear trigger in both instances, and the disease manifested in first week of the postpartum period. Because of her significant obstetric history, a multidisciplinary approach was adopted to monitor her second pregnancy antepartum and post partum. As the patient developed recurrence of P-aHUS 4 days after her delivery, she was immediately administered eculizumab within few hours of disease manifestation. The patient normalised her haematological parameters within 1 week but sustained dialysis-requiring renal failure for a total of 6 weeks. This case highlights the advances as well as the ongoing uncertainties, especially with respect to the use of eculizumab, in this rare but morbid disease.
Effects of moisture content and saccharide distribution on the stickiness of syrups

Abstract This study aimed to understand how moisture content and saccharide distribution impact the physicochemical properties of condensed saccharide solutions and their implications on stickiness. Using different types of starch hydrolysates and sugars, 6 binder formulations that differed in saccharide distribution were studied in terms of moisture, glass transition temperature (Tg), rheology, and stickiness. Results indicated that the Tg, shear moduli, and viscosity all decreased with moisture content, whereas the stickiness profile followed a bell-shaped pattern. Binders with higher average molecular weight generally exhibited elevated Tg and viscoelasticity, with the maximum stickiness and adhesive failure occurring at higher moisture range. Maltodextrin significantly raised the sticky point of the binder system, while allulose exerted a strong plasticizing effect that drastically shifted the stickiness profile. The addition of vegetable oil significantly reduced cohesiveness and facilitated adhesive failure.
WP:NOT, WP:NPOV, and Other Stories Wikipedia Tells Us: A Feminist Critique of Wikipedia’s Epistemology

Wikipedia has become increasingly prominent in online search results, serving as an initial path for the public to access “facts,” and lending plausibility to its autobiographical claim to be “the ...
Innominate vein stenosis causing raised intracranial pressure and blindness.

Abstract Central venous stenosis causing elevated intracranial pressure is a rare and potentially reversible cause of blindness in patients undergoing hemodialysis. We present the case of a 69-year-old man with progressive vision loss and raised intracranial pressure that was successfully treated with an innominate vein stent.
CASPER: CAD Framework for a Novel Transistor-Level Programmable Fabric

A recently proposed TRAnsistor-level Programmable (TRAP) fabric can enable seamless on-die integration of high-density reconfigurable logic with custom ICs. However, state-of-the-art CAD tools are developed for either ASICs or FPGAs and do not support the new architecture. To this end, we present CASPER − a novel CAD framework for implementing designs on the TRAP fabric. CASPER begins with characterizing an ASIC-esque cell library in order to leverage the industry-leading logic synthesis tools for TRAP. We then systematically remodel the TimberWolf and the Versatile Place and Route (VPR) tools to facilitate TRAP-specific design placement and routing, respectively. In addition, we develop a robust programming bitstream generation tool for TRAP. Lastly, we fabricate a 65nm prototype TRAP chip and implement ten ISCAS-85/MCNC benchmark circuits on it. Our evaluation results validate the proposed CAD framework and provide a comparative overhead analysis between TRAP and FPGA.
Lowering the risk of Parkinson's disease with GLP-1 agonists and DPP4 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes.

Author(s): Bayram, Ece; Litvan, Irene | Abstract: This scientific commentary refers to ‘Diabetes medications and risk of Parkinson’s disease: a cohort study of patients with diabetes’, by Brauer etal. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa262).
Care Life Expectancy: Gender and Unpaid Work in the Context of Population Aging

Amid growing concern regarding the potential added burden of care due to population aging, we have very little understanding of what is the burden of care in aging populations. To answer this question, we introduce a novel metric that encompasses demographic complexity and social context to summarize unpaid family care work provided to children, elderly, and other family members across the life cycle at a population level. The measure (Care Life Expectancy), an application of the Sullivan method, estimates the number of years and proportion of adult life that people spend in an unpaid caregiving role. We demonstrate the value of the metric by using it to describe gender differences in unpaid care work in 23 European aging countries. We find that at age 15, women and men are expected to be in an unpaid caregiving role for over half of their remaining life. For women in most of the countries, over half of those years will involve high-level caregiving for a family member. We also find that men lag in caregiving across most countries, even when using the lowest threshold of caregiving. As we show here, demographic techniques can be used to enhance our understanding of the gendered implications of population aging, particularly as they relate to policy research and public debate.
Patient-reported outcome scores following patellar instability surgery-high prevalence does not equal high responsiveness: a systematic review

The purpose of this study was to determine the utilization and responsiveness of common patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients undergoing surgery for patellar instability. Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of studies reporting outcomes following surgical intervention for patellar instability was conducted using Pubmed, Cochrane, OVID Medline, and Google Scholar. Subgroup analysis of articles reporting at least two PROs with baseline and follow-up data were used to evaluate responsiveness of instruments using relative efficiency and effect size. From the search, 2,848 unique articles were found, of which 178 were included in final analysis (7,122 patients, mean age 22.6, 63.6% female). The most commonly used PRO was the Kujala score (79.2%), followed by the Lysholm (34.8%), and Tegner (30.9%). Seventy-nine articles were eligible for subgroup analysis. The Kujala had a higher relative efficiency than ten of the 14 instruments to which it was compared but had lower relative efficiency compared to the IKDC and Lysholm scores. The Banff Patella Instability Instrument (BPII) and the Norwich score, condition-specific tools, were unable to be fully assessed due to rarity of use and lack of comparisons. The hypothesis that the Kujala score is the most commonly used PRO for patellar instability, although other instruments offer greater efficiency was supported by our results. The IKDC and Lysholm scores had similar effect sizes but higher relative efficiencies than the Kujala, thus suggesting better responsiveness. This analysis adds useful information for surgeons on the effectiveness of the most common PRO’s for evaluating patellofemoral instability outcomes. Level III.
Tailored Cigarette Warning Messages: How Individualized Loss Aversion and Delay Discounting Rates Can Influence Perceived Message Effectiveness.

Current text-only cigarette warning labels (long-term, loss-framed messages) may not motivate positive changes in smoking behavior. The current project was a cross-sectional study examining the effects of tailored cigarette warnings on perceived message effectiveness (PME) in adult smokers (n = 512) conducted using Amazon Mechanical Turk (M-Turk) in January–February 2020. Participants were an average age of 40.7 (SD = 11.6), with the majority of the sample being female (62.2%) and White (88.9%). Participants reported smoking an average of 14.6 cigarettes/day (SD = 9.2) with an average FTND score of 4.6 (SD = 2.2). Participants were asked to complete a tobacco use history questionnaire, and mixed gambles and delay discounting tasks before random assignment to one of five message groups. The groups were based on a 2 (gain versus loss framing) ×2 (short-term versus long-term framing) between-subject design; a fifth group served as the control group. All experimental messages reported higher PME scores than the control (p values < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.88–2.48). Participants with shallower delayed reward discounting and lower loss aversion rates reported higher total PME scores, p values < 0.05. Our findings also suggest that loss aversion rates vary widely among smokers and that individuals are more responsive to messages congruent with their behavioral economic profile. Specifically, smokers who viewed messages congruent with their loss aversion and delay discounting rates reported higher PME scores than those who viewed incongruent messages (p = 0.04, Cohen’s d = 0.24). These preliminary findings suggest that anti-smoking campaigns may best impact smokers by tailoring messages based on individual loss aversion and delay discounting rates versus a one-size-fits-all approach.
Taking Project-Based Learning Online

We present a case study of a university course using project-based learning, collaborative small teams, and the Scrum project management framework. The course was moved entirely online in Fall 2020 due to COVID-19. Students in the course were unable to come to campus and so were distributed widely across time zones with concentrations in North America and Asia. Students had access to a set of tools arranged specifically for the class, including: a WordPress website, the LearnDash learning platform to organize resources and activities, Slack for class and for individual teams to facilitate communications, and Asana for individual teams to track project progress. Students also brought other tools of their choice (e.g., Google docs, WeChat, Notion). None of the tools were institutionally based, with the exception of an institutional Zoom account that was used for six whole class sessions as well as by individual teams for their collaboration meetings. Students were assessed based on team projects, as well as individual short papers. Additional data from Slack and Asana allowed the instructors to follow the progress of each team throughout the semester and to offer guidance along the way. We review the course activity data, examine areas for improvement, and pose suggestions for improving the learning experience.
Closing the gap: The employment and unemployment effects of minimum wage policy in Puerto Rico

Abstract This paper examines the dynamic effect of minimum wage policy on employment and unemployment using multivariate time series techniques. The particular minimum wage policy being considered occurred in Puerto Rico in 1974 when it was decided to close the minimum wage gap between the island and the United States incrementally by 1980. Multivariate transfer functions are specified with the intent of distinguishing between minimum wage policy effects and structural changes brought about by the post-1974 recessions. The results suggest that minimum wage policy gave rise to more significant unemployment than disemployment effects. The pattern of labor mobility supports that suggested by the development literature in which labor flows from uncovered to covered sectors. However, given the structure of welfare programs on the island, it is likely that flows from the covered to the non-market sector also took place.
Retention of 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine in vitro—: A source of experimental error

Abstract Anomalous results of dose-survival curves from studies in vitro with the nucleoside analogue 1-β- d -arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) led to a consideration of distribution of drug between cells and overlying culture media. The investigations presented here, using both a biological and a radioisotope technique, demonstrate that approximately 0.5 to 1 per cent of an initial dose of ara-C is released within 1 hr into the media from treated cells and the culture dish after an initial wash.
Instructions to Authors modifications

I am excited to join Dan Vaughn as Editor-in-Chief of JMMT. We have made some changes to the Instructions to Authors with the addition of Resident/Fellow's case problem with a 2,000 words maximum of manuscript length. We hope to attract the unusual cases with validated diagnostic findings and treatment outcomes. To streamline the manuscripts and avoid additional authors' work at the end of the review process, the maximum length of Research and systematic reviews and meta-analyses manuscripts is now standardized to 4,000 words and the case study reports to 3,000 words. Authors will also need to include in the abstracts the level of evidence for their Research/Case Report manuscript. We encourage authors also to submit video files of techniques, which can be published online, would the manuscript be accepted for publication. Make sure to ensure blinding of the manuscript during the submission process by excluding authors' names, institution name, Institutional Review Board name and names in the acknowledgements' section of the manuscript submitted for review. We strive to keep the review process blinded. JMMT is also seeking Index into Medline. At the moment JMMT manuscripts titles and abstracts are available on PubMed starting from year 2007 until present. Finally, JMMT manuscript submissions doubled from 2011 to 2013 with a rejection rate at about 40% for the last three years. Thank you for all for submitting your research work to JMMT!
CrowdPath: A Framework for Next Generation Routing Services Using Volunteered Geographic Information

Our proposed system CrowdPath is based on the hypothesis that people know their commute area better than conventional routing services that use traditional digital roadmaps and shortest path algorithms. The knowledge and experiences of drivers reflected in volunteered commute routes may provide better routes. By leveraging such available volunteered geographic information (VGI), our goal is to investigate next-generation routing services to further reduce travel time, fuel consumption, and improve navigation. Previous related work summarizes GPS tracks into a landmark graph which is used for answering routing queries. In contrast, CrowdPath directly queries a collection of map-matched GPS tracks to recommend paths from a source location to a destination. Our evaluation using real GPS tracks illustrates the promise of CrowdPath in significantly reducing travel time compared to routes from common routing providers. In the future, CrowdPath may be extended to adapt route recommendations by start time and provide safe paths using volunteered crime and accident reports.
A mixed-methods approach to developing a self-reported racial/ethnic discrimination measure for use in multiethnic health surveys

Objective: The development of measures of self-reported racial/ethnic discrimination is an active area of research, but few measures have been validated across multiple racial/ethnic and language groups. Our goal is to develop and evaluate a discrimination measure that is appropriate for use in surveys of racially and ethnically diverse populations. Methods: To develop our measure, we employ a mixed-methods approach for survey research, drawing from both qualitative and quantitative traditions, including literature review, cognitive testing, psychometric analyses, behavior coding as well as two rounds of field testing using a split-sample design. We tested our new measure using two different approaches to elicit self-reported experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination. Results: Our new measure captures four dimensions of racial/ethnic discrimination: 1) frequency of encounters with discrimination across several domains (eg, medical care, school, work, street and other public places); 2) timing of exposure (eg recent, lifetime); 3) appraisal of discrimination as stressful; and 4) responses to discrimination.
Not Quite Free? Irish Postcoloniality and the Career of Pat O'Callaghan

This paper explores the career of the Irish Olympian Pat O'Callaghan. He won successive hammer-throwing titles in the 1924 and 1928 Olympics as a representative of the independent Irish state. The paper argues that in these Olympics, O'Callaghan can be considered as representing a postcolonial state, in line with much scholarship on other aspects of Irish culture. However, the Irish later fell into a dispute with the International Amateur Athletics Federation and the International Olympic Committee, which were largely steered by the British in dealing with contentious issues over the Irish border, and the Irish were thus effectively banned from the 1936 games. The paper concludes with a discussion over the nature of postcolonial identities in sport, and the complexities around the issue in relation to the constant mediation over what national identities mean within the context of rule-making by international sporting bodies.
Whipple's disease of the central nervous system.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of the Whipple's disease of the central nervous system (CNS). CNS involvement in Whipple's disease occurs in three circumstances: (1) neurological involvement with systemic disease, (2) neurological relapse in patients treated for systemic disease, and (3) neurological disease without systemic disease. The most characteristic primary presentation associated with CNS Whipple's disease is the triad of cognitive changes, ophthalmoplegia, and myoclonus. The dementia of Whipple's disease usually occurs subacutely to chronically. It may or may not be associated with systemic symptoms of weight loss, diarrhea, arthralgias, and other overt manifestations of systemic disease. Neuroimaging abnormalities are thought to occur in at least half of the patients with CNS Whipple's disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is the most sensitive neuroimaging study and has most commonly shown focal increased T2 or fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal involving the hypothalamus, uncus, and medial temporal lobes. After neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is the most specific means of investigating patients for involvement of the CNS by Whipple's disease.
A Critical Guide to Vehicles in the Park

The 1958 debate in the pages of the Harvard Law Review between Lon Fuller and H.L.A. Hart is one of the landmarks of modern jurisprudence. And although much of the debate was about the relative merits of Hart's version of legal positivism and Fuller's brand of natural law theory, the debate also contained the memorable controversy about the fictional rule prohibiting vehicles from the park. By examining this debate, and by largely removing it from the surrounding controversy over positivism and natural law, we can still gain valuable insights about legal rules, legal interpretation, and the nature of legal language.
A stochastic mesh method for pricing high- dimensional American options

High-dimensional problems frequently arise in the pricing of derivative securities – for example, in pricing options on multiple underlying assets and in pricing term structure derivatives. American versions of these options, ie, where the owner has the right to exercise early, are particularly challenging to price. We introduce a stochastic mesh method for pricing high-dimensional American options when there is a finite, but possibly large, number of exercise dates. The algorithm provides point estimates and confidence intervals; we provide conditions under which these estimates converge to the correct values as the computational effort increases. Numerical results illustrate the performance of the method.
CHORANGIOMA ASSOCIATED WITH ARTERIOVENOUS ANEURYSM: A STUDY ON HAMARTOMA.

Abstract A case of chorangioma is presented. By means of postpartum injection of the placenta with a radiopaque mass of barium sulfate in gelatin, the lesion was shown to be associated with an arteriovenous shunt, to our knowledge the first such demonstration in the literature. Of several possible effects upon the fetus (polycythemia, hypervolemia, polyhydramnios, and cardiomegaly) the present case, a full-term baby with a normal postpartum course, showed only enlargement of the heart which soon regressed. Chorangiomas differ in no essential respects from hemangiomas in bodily sites, and, as such, meet the criteria of hamartomas or neodysplasias. The concept of hamartoma is discussed briefly in terms of structural, architectural, and functional facets. The technique of postpartum injection of the fetoplacental circulation is described briefly.
THE EFFECT OF GREEN CANE HARVESTING ON A SUGAR MILL

The main consequence of processing green cane is expected to be an increase in the quantity of leaves and tops accompanying the cane. This affects recovery of sugar, the effective capacity of the mill and milling costs. Other consequences such as the potential for receiving fresher cane are considered. An attempt is made to estimate the magnitude of some of these effects. There are two scenarios to consider. In the more common case, the objective is to produce clean fresh cane and the issue is managing the extraneous matter content of the cane. In the second case, where a mill wishes to maximise the biomass input for cogeneration or by-product purposes, the leaves and tops have significant value and are required at the mill. To achieve maximum profitability in both cases, the options of incentives, cane payment system changes and separating the leaves and tops before processing are considered.
Fault protection architecture for the command and data subsystem on the Cassini spacecraft

Cassini is a NASA/JPL spacecraft that is planned to be launched in 1997 for a 10.7 year mission (6.7 in transit, 4 in orbit) to the planet Saturn. This paper focuses on one subsystem on the spacecraft, the Command and Data Subsystem (CDS). Overviews are presented of the Cassini and CDS avionics and then the internal fault protection architecture for the subsystem is described. This description covers fault detections, error filtering, event activation rules, and response triggering for the following key subsystem regions: (1) Command and Data Electronics Assemblies, (2) 1553B Bus and Remote Terminal Communication Interface Units, (3) Remote Engineering Units, and (4) Solid State Recorders.
Methods and applications of HPLC–AMS

Pharmacokinetics of physiologic doses of nutrients, pesticides, and herbicides can easily be traced in humans using a 14 C-labeled compound. Basic kinetics can be monitored in blood or urine by measuring the elevation in the 14 C content above the control predose tissue and converting to equivalents of the parent compound. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is an excellent method for the chemical separation of complex mixtures whose profiles aAord estimation of biochemical pathways of metabolism. Compounds elute from the HPLC systems with characteristic retention times and can be collected in fractions that can then be graphitized for AMS measurement. Unknowns are tentatively identified by co-elution with known standards and chemical tests that reveal functional groupings. Metabolites are quantified with the 14 C signal. Thoroughly accounting for the carbon inventory in the LC solvents, ionpairing agents, samples, and carriers adds some complexity to the analysis. In most cases the total carbon inventory is dominated by carrier. Baseline background and stability need to be carefully monitored. Limits of quantitation near 10 amol of 14 C per HPLC fraction are typically achieved. Baselines are maintained by limiting injected 14 C activity
Presence and distribution of trace elements in new jersey streambed sediments

: The distribution of trace elements in New Jersey streambed sediments is described with respect to physiographic provinces and major drainage areas. Samples were collected during 1976–1993 at 295 sites distributed throughout New Jersey. Copper, chromium, lead, and zinc were detected with the greatest frequency and at the highest concentrations of the elements. Concentrations of most trace elements were significantly higher in streambed sediments from the New England (glaciated) and Piedmont physiographic provinces - the provinces with the lowest and highest percentages of urban land use, respectively - than in sediments from the other provinces. High trace-element concentrations in the New England (glaciated) province reflect previous mining of extensive magnetite deposits, whereas those in the Piedmont province most likely reflect urban land use. Significantly lower trace-element concentrations in streambed sediments from the Coastal Plain are attributable to the low pH of the streamwater, the lack of iron and manganese available to form coatings that scavenge trace elements, and the relatively low percentage of urban land use in the province. Trace-element concentrations were related to land use, population, or point sources in the drainage basin specific to the sampling location by using logistic regression. Results of this analysis indicate a relation between arsenic and agricultural land use; chromium and physiographic province; and copper, lead, and zinc and population density.
An unusual presentation of a lid varix.

Abstract Background A varix usually refers to any abnormally distended vein, artery, or lymphatic vessel. Although orbital varices are a common finding, isolated eyelid varices are rare. Orbital and lid varices may be associated with additional venous malformations elsewhere in the body. The varices can be induced by the Valsalva maneuver that leads to increased pressure on the jugular vein. Because of the passive nature of the venous system, varices can also be induced by prone posture or stooping. Patients with ophthalmic varices may present with proptosis or complain of visual disturbance. Case A 39-year-old Asian woman presented to our clinic for a comprehensive eye examination, with complaints of discomfort while lying down, bending, or crying. She experienced a sensation of fullness in the right upper eyelid that seemed to have worsened gradually over the prior 9 years since her last pregnancy. Lid examination found a firm, palpable, nontender mass present within the right superior nasal lid after stooping. When filled, the induced lid mass could be visualized by ultrasound scan. The mass resolved when the patient sat upright. Conclusion Lid varices are rare and usually visually benign. Ligation of small sections of the varix, as appropriate, may achieve the desired cosmetic effect and improve patient comfort. The varix usually does not recur after removal. Venography is used to evaluate the extent and supply of the varix before surgery. Cavernous hemangioma, a similar presentation, should be differentiated as it carries significant visual morbidity. Careful differential diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography is essential with a new-onset or spontaneous varix.
UV radiation field inside dense clouds: its possible existence and chemical implications

Interstellar UV radiation cannot penetrate into the interior of dense clouds, and cosmic ray ionization is thought to be the sole driver of the gas phase chemistry. However, cosmic ray energy deposition also involves electronic excitation of the absorbing gas. It appears, therefore, possible that emissions resulting from these excitations might maintain a significant flux of chemically effective UV photons in the interior of dense clouds. The present investigation is concerned with this possibility, taking into account a simplified approach. This approach involves a consideration of Lyman and Werner band photons of molecular hydrogen and their relevance to C and CO chemistry. The results of this investigation suggest that a chemically significant flux of UV photons may exist inside dense clouds due to cosmic ray excitation of the various band systems of hydrogen. These photons would recover C I from the CO reservoir in dense clouds via photodissociation at an order of magnitude faster rate than that possible in connection with the reaction of CO with He(+).
Conversion of methanol to 2,2,3-trimethylbutane (triptane) over indium(III) iodide.

InI_3 is able to catalyze the conversion of methanol to a mixture of hydrocarbons at 200 °C with one highly branched alkane, 2,2,3-trimethylbutane (triptane), being obtained in high selectivity. The mechanism for InI_3-catalyzed reactions appears to be basically the same as that proposed for the previously studied ZnI_2-catalyzed system in which sequential methylation of olefins is followed by competing reactions of the resulting carbocation: proton loss to give the next olefin vs hydride transfer to give the corresponding alkane. Although the reaction conditions and typical triptane yields achievable with ZnI_2 and InI_3 are quite similar, the two systems behave rather differently in a number of important particulars, including significant differences between the detailed product distributions. Most of the differences in behavior can be ascribed to the stronger Lewis acidity of InI_3, including the ability to activate some alkanes, the higher activity for methylation of arenes, and the fact that methanol conversion can be observed at somewhat lower temperatures with InI_3 than with ZnI_2.
Nanoparticle Ligand Presentation for Targeting Solid Tumors

Among the many scientific advances to come from the study of nanoscience, the development of ligand-targeted nanoparticles to eliminate solid tumors is predicted to have a major impact on human health. There are many reports describing novel designs and testing of targeted nanoparticles to treat cancer. While the principles of the technology are well demonstrated in controlled lab experiments, there are still many hurdles to overcome for the science to mature into truly efficacious targeted nanoparticles that join the arsenal of agents currently used to treat cancer in humans. One of these hurdles is overcoming unwanted biodistribution to the liver while maximizing delivery to the tumor. This almost certainly requires advances in both nanoparticle stealth technology and targeting. Currently, it continues to be a challenge to control the loading of ligands onto polyethylene glycol (PEG) to achieve maximal targeting. Nanoparticle cellular uptake and subcellular targeting of genes and siRNA also remain a challenge. This review examines the types of ligands that have been most often used to target nanoparticles to solid tumors. As the science matures over the coming decade, careful control over ligand presentation on nanoparticles of precise size, shape, and charge will likely play a major role in achieving success.
Dynamic analysis of bearingless tail rotor blades based on nonlinear shell models

The unique structural features of helicopter bearingless rotors call for the development of design and modeling methodologies for laminated composite flex-structures. Indeed, the flex-structure should be flexible enough to replace the flap, lead-lag, and feathering bearings, while maintaining high strength and stiffness in the axial direction. Laminated composite materials are a material of choice for such an application. Chordwise deformations, transitional zones between different cross sections and localized compressive stresses are all likely to be present in the flex-structure, rendering the validity of a beam model questionable. In this article a nonlinear anisotropic shallow shell model is developed that accommodates transverse shearing deformations, and arbitrarily large displacements and rotations, but strains are assumed to remain small. The displacement-based shell model has six degrees of freedom at each node and allows for an automatic compatibility of the shell and beam models, the model is validated by comparing its predictions with several benchmark problems. A four-bladed composite bearingless tail rotor system is analyzed in detail using the shell model and compared with the predictions of a beam model. Significant differences are observed between the two models, especially in the torsional behavior.
Evaluating pterygium severity: a survey of corneal specialists.

PURPOSE Accurate and reliable evaluation techniques are essential for clinical and epidemiologic studies. This survey of corneal specialists was designed to lay a foundation for the further development of methods for evaluating and staging pterygium. METHODS In a self-administered, mailed questionnaire, 213 corneal specialists rated the importance of nine symptoms, nine signs, and nine clinical tests for the severity of primary pterygium. Severity was defined as the present need for surgical intervention. RESULTS The most important factors for determining primary pterygium severity were the extent of encroachment onto the cornea, decreased visual acuity, restricted ocular motility, and increased rate of growth. Many patient symptoms were rated as moderately to highly important. The questionnaire was shown to have good response reliability by test-retest comparisons. Cronbach's alpha was 0.89, which indicates very good internal consistency reliability. CONCLUSION The survey identifies the priorities of experts in determining the severity of pterygium. More precise and clearly defined evaluation methods will enhance future clinical and epidemiologic studies of pterygium. The ranked list of pterygium signs, symptoms, and tests can serve as a guide for developing pterygium evaluation methods in the future. There is a need for a method that accurately and precisely quantifies the distance of pterygium encroachment onto the cornea and the pterygium progression rate. Furthermore, there is a need for an assessment of patient symptoms.
The Radial Brightness Distribution of the Sun at 3. 2 mm as Determined from the June 30, 1973 Total Solar Eclipse and a Reanalysis of the March 7, 1970 Total Solar Eclipse

The radial brightness distribution of the Sun at 3.2 mm is recalculated for the 7 March, 1970 total solar eclipse by an improved method. The results from the first contact of the 30 June, 1973 total eclipse are also analyzed. Limb brightening is apparent for the 1970 eclipse when all four contacts are averaged. The 1973 eclipse indicates strong limb brightening, although the detailed shape differs from the 1970 eclipse.
Ovarian Carcinoid: Management of Primary and Recurrent Tumors

We present a case of Stage I ovarian carcinoid tumor recurrent in the peritoneal cavity and review the pertinent literature concerning the management of this disease. Based on the data in the gynecologic and general surgery literature, it appears that primary complete cytoreductive surgery usually affords a high cure rate. Reexploration and attempt at complete resection of this slow-growing tumor appears to provide significant and prolonged palliation and is indicated for recurrent disease.
Rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as a parotid gland mass in pediatric patients: fine-needle aspiration biopsy findings.

BACKGROUND The head and neck region is one of the most common locations of rhabdomyosarcoma. Salivary gland involvement is usually secondary to advanced disease, and presentation as a primary salivary gland tumor is very rare. METHODS Three cases of rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as parotid masses, in 2 boys (ages 3 and 7 years) and a girl (age 5 years), were retrieved from the files of 2 institutions. RESULTS The three patients presented with parotid gland enlargement. Clinically, the enlargements appeared to be inflammatory, and they were treated unsuccessfully with antibiotics. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed on all three patients. The cytologic features varied from one case to another; one case had features of a small round cell tumor, another was composed of a monomorphic population of spindle cells in a metachromatic stroma, and the third case was composed mostly of spindle cells with moderate cellular pleomorphism. Immunohistochemical studies performed in two of the cases confirmed the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma, and ultrastructural studies were confirmatory in the other case. The patients are alive; 2 of them have had no evidence of disease after 6 and 9 years of follow-up, and the third, the most recent patient, has just finished adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS With the increased use of FNAB for the evaluation of salivary gland masses in children, the authors believe that it is important to recognize the occurrence of rhabdomyosarcoma in this location. Immunohistochemical studies have proved helpful in differentiating rhabdomyosarcoma from other parotid gland tumors and can be readily done on cytologic preparations. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 1998;84:245-251. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
The controlling influence of cell‐surface electrical potential on the uptake and toxicity of selenate (SeO42–)

Root elongation in wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Atlas 66) was inhibited by micromolar activities of SeO 4 2-. SeO 4 2- inhibition was enhanced by supplementation of the rooting medium with CaCl 2 , MgCl 2 , SrCl 2 , or the reduction of pH. These solute treatments, as well as the addition of tris (ethylenediamine)cobalt 3+ , enhanced the uptake of Se by the roots. The results are interpreted to reflect an elevated PM-surface activity of SeO 4 2- caused by solute-induced reductions of plasma membrane (PM) surface negativity. (PM-surface electrical potential is sometimes measured electrophoretically as the zeta potential.) This study complements an extensive literature documenting the suitability of an electrostatic model (Gouy-Chapman-Stern), based almost entirely upon experiments with cations rather than anions. The close correspondence among uptake, intoxication, and model-computed SeO 4 2- activity at the PM surface adds credibility to the model and its evaluated parameters. The model may be useful for the interpretation of other plant-anion interactions, and phosphate and sulphate nutrition in acidic soils are considered as examples.
The homeobox gene HEX regulates proliferation and differentiation of hemangioblasts and endothelial cells during ES cell differentiation

In this report we have investigated the role of the homeobox gene Hex in the development and differentiation of the blast colony-forming cell (BL-CFC), a progenitor with hemangioblast characteristics generated in embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived embryoid bodies (EBs). Molecular analysis showed that Hex is expressed in mesoderm, in populations that contain BL-CFCs, and in blast cell colonies, the progeny of the BL-CFCs. Hex-/- EBs displayed a defect in macrophage development but generated higher numbers of BL-CFCs than did wild-type EBs. In addition to differences in these progenitor populations, we also found that endothelial cells from the Hex-/- EBs showed enhanced proliferative potential compared with those from wild-type EBs. Forced expression of Hex at the onset of ES cell differentiation resulted in reduced EB cellularity, fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1) expression, and BL-CFC development. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Hex functions at multiple stages of development within the differentiating EBs and uncover a novel role for this transcription factor as a negative regulator of the hemangioblast and the endothelial lineage. (Blood. 2005;105: 4590-4597)
Orographic influences on the multiscale statistical properties of precipitation

[1] A case study consisting of three consecutive orographic thunderstorms that occurred on 27 June 1995 in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is examined from the perspective of relating the surrounding meteorological forcings and underlying orography to the multiscale structure of the rainfall fields. The statistical framework for this multiscale characterization is cascade based and offers a parsimonious parameterization, which can be used in future studies for the purposes of stochastically downscaling rainfall fields. Sequences of radar-derived rainfall maps provide data with which to characterize the multiscale statistical structure and variability of the rainfall. In this case study, rainfall falling at higher topographic elevations was shown to be more intermittent and more organized than rainfall at lower elevations. This trend is contrary to previous studies analyzing the multiscale structure of orographic rainfall and is argued to be the direct result of differing meteorological factors for this type of storm such as the presence of warm rain processes and leeside orographic forcing.
Bupropion for Smokers Hospitalized with Acute Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract Purpose Smoking cessation after myocardial infarction reduces cardiovascular mortality, but many smokers cannot quit despite state-of-the-art counseling intervention. Bupropion is effective for smoking cessation, but its safety and efficacy in hospitalized smokers with acute cardiovascular disease is unknown. Methods A five-hospital randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial assessed the safety and efficacy of 12 weeks of sustained-release bupropion (300 mg) or placebo in 248 smokers admitted for acute cardiovascular disease, primarily myocardial infarction and unstable angina. All subjects had smoking counseling in the hospital and for 12 weeks after discharge. Cotinine-validated 7-day tobacco abstinence, cardiovascular mortality, and new cardiovascular events were assessed at 3 months (end-of-treatment) and 1 year. Results Validated tobacco abstinence rates in bupropion and placebo groups were 37.1% vs 26.8% (OR 1.61, 95% CI, 0.94-2.76; P =.08) at 3 months and 25.0% vs 21.3% (OR, 1.23, 95% CI, 0.68-2.23, P =.49) at 1 year. The adjusted odds ratio, after controlling for cigarettes per day, depression symptoms, prior bupropion use, hypertension, and length of stay, was 1.91 (95% CI, 1.06-3.40, P =.03) at 3 months and 1.51 (95% CI, 0.81-2.83) at 1 year. Bupropion and placebo groups did not differ in cardiovascular mortality at 1 year (0% vs 2%), in blood pressure at follow-up, or in cardiovascular events at end-of-treatment (16% vs 14%, incidence rate ratio [IRR]1.22 (95% CI: 0.64-2.33) or 1 year (26% vs 18%, IRR 1.56, 95% CI 0.91-2.69). Conclusions Bupropion improved short-term but not long-term smoking cessation rates over intensive counseling and appeared to be safe in hospitalized smokers with acute cardiovascular disease.
Inhibition of active sodium transport by cytochalasin B in rat jejunum in vitro.

Abstract The effects of cytochalasin B on electrophysiological properties and sodium transport in rat jejunum in vitro are described. Stripped paired rat jejunal segments were maintained in Ussing chambers with Leibovitz's (L-15) tissue culture medium bubbled with 100% oxygen. L-15 medium contains galactose as the only sugar, and an assortment of amino acids and cofactors to nourish the tissue. Electrophysiological parameters of short-circuit current ( I sc ) and transepithelial potential difference could be maintained for up to 4 h in control tissues. Upon application of cytochalasin B (20 μg/ml), on the mucosal side, I sc and potential difference fell within 1 h from 1.93 ± 0.12 to 1.09 ± 0.14 (mean ± S.E.) μequiv./cm 2 per h and from 5 to 2.5 mV. Tissue resistance remained unchanged at approx. 110 Ω·cm 2 for up to 4 h. 22 Na net flux was 4.1 ± 0.9 μ equiv./cm 2 per h during the last control period and fell to zero within 1 h after cytochalasin B treatment. Transmission electron micrographs revealed no gross morphological changes at this dose. Absorptive junctional morphology was apparently not altered by cytochalasin B treatment, a finding which was consistent with the stable transepithelial electrical resistance observed during exposure to this drug. Active sodium transport processes coupled to hexose, amino acid, and chloride movements are all possible in L-15 medium. However, following exposure to 20 μg/ml cytochalasin B, all net sodium transport is completely inhibited. The data are consistent with the hypothesis of a common regulator for active sodium transport processes which is modulated through structural changes in cytoskeletal organization.
Constraints to nitrogen fixation by cryptogamic crusts in a polar desert ecosystem, Devon Island, N.W.T., Canada.

Polar desert ecosystems, which dominate the landscape throughout much of the High Arctic, are environmentally stressed and limited in their development. Scattered intermittently over these landscapes are areas of cryptogamic crust development that are associated with increased vascular plant abundance. Since nutrient limitation, especially nitrogen, is significant in these ecosystems, I wished to examine the role of these cryptogamic crusts in the supply of fixed nitrogen and the constraints to that fixation. Nitrogen fixation rates (as measured by acetylene reduction) were highest in sites with a well-developed cryptogamic crust, lowest in sites with only bare mineral soil, and intermediate in sites with a partially developed crust. Highest rates of acetylene reduction (i.e., nitrogen fixation) were seen within a few days of snowmelt (late June to early July) and declined as the season progressed, until near the end of the growing season (1-5 August) when rates were approximately 50% of early season rates. Late season precipitation events restored acetylene reduction rates to near original levels. In manipulative experiments, acetylene reduction rates dropped dramatically as crust moisture content declined and rates increased as soil surface temperature increased to 24?C. A significant finding was that acetylene reduction at 3?C was 40% of that found at 12 to 13?C. Thus, there is a potential for nitrogen accumulation even during the colder periods of the growing season. As calculations show, the quantity of nitrogen fixed by these cryptogamic crusts was adequate to support the nitrogen needs of the mosses and vascular plants of these developing ecosystems.
Signal fading curves from computed urban acoustic wave fields

Future US Army ground sensors in urban terrain will process acoustic signals to detect, classify, and locate sources of interest. Optimal processing will require understanding of the effects of the urban infrastructure on sound propagation. These include multi-path phenomena that must be accounted for in sensor placement and performance algorithms. This work applies Fourier analysis to urban acoustic wave-field data from three-dimensional high-performance computations to generate statistical measures of signal fading caused by scattering. The work calculates these measures from ratios of Fourier transforms of wave-field signals with and without scattering to isolate the structure-induced scattering.
The upper atmosphere research satellite

The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) will provide, for the first time, data on a global basis for the study of the physical processes acting witin and upon the stratosphere, mesosphere, and lower thermosphere. Specifically, the areas of scientifc study to be addressed are energy input and loss, photochemistry, dynamics, and the coupling among processes and between atmospheric regions. The UARS is a single observatory consisting of a multimission modular spacecraft (MMS) and an instrument module containing 10 scientific instruments. The satellite will be Shuttle launched and placed in a 57 deg inclined orbit at 600 km altitude. A Central Data Handling Facility (CDHF) will receive data from the satellite and process these data into atmospheric quantities for use by the science team. The 'processed' data will be stored at the CDHF and will be available via communication lines for analysis by the investigators at their home laboratories using remote computers. Together with other satellite programs, balloons, sounding rockets, and laboratory efforts, UARS will make available the opportunity for extensive coordination of data devoted to solar terrestrial study.