cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Project-based Spiral Curriculum for Introductory Courses in ChE: Part 2. Implementation.

The detailed implementation of a novel, project-based, spiral curriculum for the first year of chemical engineering is presented. We discuss the teaching methods used and compare them to those in the existing conventional sequence of courses. We give illustrative examples of the projects used to improve student motivation and involvement with the material. Results of a preliminary assessment using an end-of-year problem-solving competition point to improvements in the students' ability to apply fundamentals to integrated problems.
Panel Session on Four Models of Industry/Academia Interface

I’m happy to be organizing the panel entitled “Four Models of Industry/Academia Interface.” I think that both industry and academia have made pretty significant contributions to software engineering education. However, I think if you added up all the students who have become practitioners, who have gone through Continuing Education Programs or Retraining-type programs at IBM, AT&T, Boeing Computer Services, Hewlett-Packard and Digital, you would probably give the academic people a run for their money, in terms of actual completions through the program and the generation of people doing software engineering. Until recently, many companies not only offered their own courses, but wrote their own texts and designed their own curriculum. Only recently, we have begun to see software engineering courses commonly offered with a few degree programs.
Paget’s Carcinoma of the Breast

Paget’s carcinoma is one of the few diseases that demonstrates the direct relationship among patient awareness, early detection, and successful outcome. This article presents the pathogenesis, diagnosis, mammographic findings, and treatment of Paget’s carcinoma.
Modeling pKas of unfolded proteins to probe structural models of unfolded state

Modeling unfolded states of proteins has implications for protein folding and stability. Since in unfolded state proteins adopt multiple conformations, any experimentally measured quantity is ensem...
Timing Is Everything

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation is typically done on patients with stable lung diseases like COPD, but research is now supporting that pulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial for patient9s days after an acute exacerbation of COPD. The purpose of this research was to investigate pulmonary rehabilitation patient charts to see if there is a lag time between order dates and the dates that patients start pulmonary rehabilitation. Methods: The research design used to complete this project was by collecting historical data by chart review. The information that was collected were ages, sex, insurance company, order date for pulmonary rehabilitation, date starting pulmonary rehabilitation, how many sessions they attended pulmonary rehabilitation, patient9s insurance companies and how many visits the insurance would allow for pulmonary rehabilitation, how many days/weeks between order date and start of rehabilitation, and hospital admissions after pulmonary rehabilitation if applicable. Permission was granted by the University Institutional Review Board (IRB), as well as the hospital prior to data collection. Results: Fifty patient charts were reviewed, the average timeline between the dates that the pulmonary rehabilitation was ordered till the time that the patient started rehabilitation was 6.6 weeks. This result shows that there are some large waiting period patients are waiting to start treatment. The least amount of time that a patient waited was 2 weeks and the longest amount of time that an individual waited to start rehabilitation from the time it was ordered was 31 weeks. Seven of the 50 patients never started pulmonary rehabilitation. Insured patients on average waited 4 weeks between the order dates till the start of pulmonary rehabilitation, while patients that were uninsured/self-paid waited 4.5 weeks on average. Of the 50 patient9s charts that were reviewed, 6 of them had been readmitted to the hospital for an exacerbation of COPD while waiting to start pulmonary rehabilitation. Conclusions: The limitations in this study was the inability to know why there is the long period of time between patients receiving the order to be treated at a pulmonary rehabilitation facility and the time they start. Finding the reason or reasons for this prolonged time will only help health care professionals to help patients faster and give them the confidence they need to manage their disease and reduce the amount of readmission to the hospital.
Combined In-Pixel Linear and Single-Photon Avalanche Diode Operation With Integrated Biasing for Wide-Dynamic-Range Optical Sensing

This article presents a fully integrated, wide linear dynamic range (DR) optical sensor array combining linear and single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) operation within each pixel. A pulse-counting readout scheme provides in-pixel digitization in an area-efficient manner for both the operation modes, enabling fully parallel measurement across the array. The proposed dual-mode optical sensor array alternately requires high-voltage (10–20 V) and low-voltage supply (2–5 V) for reverse bias of the photodiodes, which is provided by a reconfigurable, closed-loop high-voltage charge pump in the same substrate. An $8\times 8$ array architecture along with the dual-mode bias generator is fabricated in a general purpose 180-nm CMOS process and demonstrates 129-dB DR while maintaining linear photoresponse operating with a dual-mode frame rate of 20 Hz. We present a pixel design methodology for implementing a dual-mode optical sensor scalable to an array format, as well as high-voltage dc–dc conversion in a low-voltage CMOS process.
The development of T-cell malignancies in patients with pre-existing myeloproliferative neoplasms: a report of three cases

Secondary acute myeloid leukaemia complicating the natural disease course of pre-existing Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (PN-MPN) is well documented and associated with treatment challenges and significant morbidity. The incidence of a T-cell malignancy developing in patients with pre-existing PN-MPN is uncommon, with one case documented in the literature. We present two cases of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and one case of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) that developed in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF), respectively. All malignancies were advanced at diagnosis and exhibited disease progression, regardless of the mutational status of the underlying ET/PMF, presence of cytogenetic abnormalities, type of T-cell neoplasm or systemic chemotherapy utilised. The median time to diagnosis of AITL or T-ALL from the onset of MPN was 4.5 years (range: 6 months-10 years). This single institutional case series demonstrates the possibility of an association between T-cell neoplasms and PN-MPNs.
The LBO-SBO Relationship

Since the beginning of the private equity industry in the 1980s, it has evolved and adopted new strategies and methods for generating returns to investors. As the industry grew, deals became harder to find as the buyer market grew immensely and what deals remained appeared picked over. Enter the secondary buyout (SBO). This strategy involves one financial sponsor buying a portfolio company from another financial sponsor. This thesis attempts to fill a gap in the field of research in two ways. First, this thesis analyzes the difference in value creation using a longitudinal and matched-sample approach. This approach is unique in that I will only analyze data for which information on the SBO, the preceding LBO, and the following exit are all available. Second, this thesis looks specifically at the relationship between LBOs and SBOs in an attempt to provide a practical application of the analysis. Additionally, most studies stray away from performing analysis on the U.S. market due to the limited data availability, but this approach ignores one of the largest private equity markets in existence. This thesis will look solely at U.S. buyouts. I find no significant difference in the relative change in enterprise value from acquisition to exit for LBOs or SBOs. Further, there is a statistically significant negative relationship between the holding period and annualized change in EV for both LBOs and SBOs. Finally, while the results were not significant, there is a slight negative relationship between the EV change of LBOs to the EV change of SBOs.
Abscess Size and Depth on Ultrasound and Association with Treatment Failure without Drainage.

Author(s): Russell, Frances M.; Rutz, Matt; Rood, L. Ken; McGee, Justin; Sarmiento, Elisa J. | Abstract: Introduction: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) occur along a continuum from cellulitis to abscess. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is effective in differentiating between these two diagnoses and guiding acute management decisions. Smaller and more superficial abscesses may not require a drainage procedure for cure. The goal of this study was to evaluate the optimal abscess size and depth cut-off for determining when a drainage procedure is necessary.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of adult patients with a SSTI who had POCUS performed. Patients were identified through an ultrasound database. We reviewed examinations for the presence, size, and depth of abscess. Medical records were reviewed to determine acute ED management and assess outcomes. The primary outcome evaluated the optimal abscess size and depth when a patient could be safely discharged without a drainage procedure. We defined a treatment failure as a return visit within seven days requiring admission, change in antibiotics, or drainage procedure.Results: A total of 162 patients had an abscess confirmed on POCUS and were discharged from the ED without a drainage procedure. The optimal cut-off to predict treatment failure by receiver operating curve analysis was 1.3 centimeters (cm) in longest dimension with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 37% (area under the curve [AUC] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-0.76), and 0.4cm in depth with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 68% (AUC 0.83, 95% CI, 0.74-93).Conclusion: This retrospective data suggests that abscesses greater than 0.4 cm in depth from the skin surface may require a drainage procedure. Those less than 0.4 cm in depth may not require a drainage procedure and may be safely treated with antibiotics alone. Further prospective data is needed to validate these findings and to assess for an optimal size cut-off when a patient with a skin abscess may be discharged without a drainage procedure.
Reusable shopping bags: insights on psychological factors leading to consumers’ (sustainable) practices

The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice of reusing Lululemon shopping bags by consumers, allowing for insight on psychological factors leading to the sustainable practices. An onl...
Using Student Insights for Ideas on Video Creation for Chemistry Classes

Creation of videos is one of the many ways faculty and teachers have had to cope with the limitations of teaching chemistry laboratory at this time of COVID-19 restrictions. In this communication, I describe ideas for videos generated by students in a class I taught entitled “Teaching of Biology”. The students were required to interview different faculty about a course they had previously taken and develop two course improvements to add value to that class. In one of our class discussions, the students initially suggested the idea of creating short videos of laboratory activities for introductory chemistry. This was well before our restrictions to be on campus. Then, as part of their thought process for course improvements in chemistry, several students proposed additional types of videos that they felt would add value to chemistry classes based on their experiences as students in those courses. In this work, I provide the specific suggestions of the students and discuss the value of incorporating students’ ideas for videos in chemistry lecture and laboratory classes.
Prevalence of leisure participation in older adults with and without pain: A secondary data analysis of the 2014 Health and Retirement Study:

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of leisure activities in adults ages 50 and over and to examine if pain changes that prevalence.MethodsWe completed a secondary ana...
Building a Lattice for School Leadership: The Top-to-Bottom Rethinking of Leadership Development in England and What It Might Mean for American Education

This report examines the educational leadership development system in England over the last 15 years to identify ideas American leaders and policymakers might learn from looking cross-nationally. The report describes the rise of the National College for School Leadership in England, which spearheaded much of the early policy development and enactment and the subsequent governmental shift towards a more decentralized policy of fostering school networks. Supovitz envisions the potential assimilation of these two movements into an integrated lattice for school leadership. The lattice for school leadership in England is the careful integration of formal and social learning opportunities for leaders. It features a centrally developed, high-quality leadership development program combined with lateral social networks. These complementary elements of leadership development are carefully enmeshed in a system that provides clear responsibilities for multiple levels of leadership within schools, incentives for identifying and grooming leadership within schools, pathways for leadership progression, and certification for leader attainments. All of these elements are supported by an accountability structure that emphasizes the contribution of school leadership and teaching in school improvement.
Numerical modelling of solitary wave and structure interactions using level-set and immersed boundary methods by adopting adequate inlet boundary conditions

Solitary waves are often used to replicate tsunami waves and, therefore, the study of their propagation and interactions with structures could help to understand the impacts of tsunami waves on inf...
Increasing Capacity to Detect Clusters of Rapid HIV Transmission in Varied Populations-United States.

Molecular cluster detection analyzes HIV sequences to identify rapid HIV transmission and inform public health responses. We describe changes in the capability to detect molecular clusters and in geographic variation in transmission dynamics. We examined the reporting completeness of HIV-1 polymerase sequences in quarterly National HIV Surveillance System datasets from December 2015 to December 2019. Priority clusters were identified quarterly. To understand populations recently affected by rapid transmission, we described the transmission risk and race/ethnicity of people in clusters first detected in 2018–2019. During December 2015 to December 2019, national sequence completeness increased from 26% to 45%. Of the 1212 people in the 136 clusters first detected in 2018–2019, 69% were men who have sex with men (MSM) and 11% were people who inject drugs (PWID). State-by-state analysis showed substantial variation in transmission risk and racial/ethnic groups in clusters of rapid transmission. HIV sequence reporting has increased nationwide. Molecular cluster analysis identifies rapid transmission in varied populations and identifies emerging patterns of rapid transmission in specific population groups, such as PWID, who, in 2015–2016, comprised only 1% of people in such molecular clusters. These data can guide efforts to focus, tailor, and scale up prevention and care services for these populations.
Smart Waste Bin

The waste management process includes steps from waste collection to its final disposal. Waste management is required to avoid adverse effects of the waste on human beings. When dry and wet waste mixed, it breakdowns into landfills and creates some dangerous greenhouse gases. Thus, the segregation of waste is an important process under waste management. Segregating waste helps to turn away it from landfill ensuring it’s recycled properly. Mixed dry waste like glass and paper can be turned into new different products. This prevents the energy and resources needed to create different products from raw material. If waste not segregated and disposed of properly it results in huge damage to the environment. This work proposes a smart waste bin for household applications. Arduino UNO, Arduino Nano, servo motors, and batteries are used for implementation. The benefits of this work are 1. The waste segregation results in simplified waste management and thus protect the environment. 2. The economic value of waste is best realized when it is separated and 3. It helps in reducing the health problems caused to the waste separating workers by decreasing the chances of getting infected. In India, there is limited work carried in the field of segregation of dry and wet wastes in a single bin at a household level. We propose a smart waste bin that is low-cost, easy to use for a segregation system at households. The collected waste can directly be sent for processing. Smart Waste Bin employs different sensors to differentiate wet and dry waste. Experimental results show that the segregation of waste into wet and dry waste has been implemented successfully.
What is BioMusic? Toward Understanding Music-Making and Its Role in Life

If we believe that our world (including us) is most fundamentally understood as a manifestation of information, then the exploitation of sound/time represents robust opportunities for life systems to cocreate meaning and to build relationships. Co-created meaning informs relationships, builds culture, and contributes to a greater complexity exponentially. Indeed, to grasp the complexity of the communicative nature of the world requires a deep, detailed probe into the embedded layers of sound/time. These exist not only within the human context but also within the context of other living beings. And they help to define multiples of relationships between the individual and the external world. This is an exercise by its very nature at the intersection of science and music; an exercise that presents robust opportunities for collaboration by many disciplines. That intersection is BioMusic.
Reconstitution of the mitochondrial non-selective Na+/H+ (K+/H+) antiporter into proteoliposomes.

Abstract Mitochondria contain two Na+/H+ antiporters, one of which transports K+ as well as Na+. The physiological role of this non-selective Na+/H+ (K+/H+) antiporter is to provide mitochondrial volume homeostasis. The properties of this carrier have been well documented in intact mitochondria, and it has been identified as an 82,000-dalton inner membrane protein. The present studies were designed to solubilize and reconstitute this antiporter in order to permit its isolation and molecular characterization. Proteins from mitoplasts made from rat liver mitochondria were extracted with Triton X-100 in the presence of cardiolipin and reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles. The reconstituted proteoliposomes exhibited electroneutral 86Rb+ transport which was reversibly inhibited by Mg2+ and quinine with K0.5 values of approximately 150 and 300 microM, respectively. Incubation of reconstituted vesicles with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide resulted in irreversible inhibition of 86Rb+ uptake into proteoliposomes. Incubation of vesicles with [14C]dicyclohexylcarbodiimide resulted in labeling of an 82,000-dalton protein. These properties, which are also characteristic of the native Na+/H+ (K+/H+) antiporter, lead us to conclude that this mitochondrial carrier has been reconstituted into proteoliposomes with its known native properties intact.
A new threshold-based policy for label switched path (LSP) set-up in MPLS networks

In this paper, a new policy is introduced to determine and adapt the MPLS network topology based on the current traffic load. The objective of the new policy is to minimize the costs involving bandwidth, switching and signaling. The new policy is based on a threshold criterion and requires only the knowledge of some parameters locally stored in the source router. The value of the threshold depends on the cost coefficients and on the length (number of intermediate hops) of the LSP. The new policy also performs a filtering control to avoid oscillations which occur due to highly variable traffic. The new policy has been evaluated by simulation and numerical results show its effectiveness and the according performance improvement.
Layoff announcements and employment guarantee announcements: How do shareholders respond?

The effect of layoff announcements on the shareholder returns of 154 firms that announced layoffs in 1993‐1994 was examined with event study methodology. As expected, the returns to these firms were negative. Further, the returns to the firms that announced layoffs for “reactive” reasons were more negative than the returns to the firms that announced layoffs for “proactive” reasons. The effect of employment guarantee announcements on the shareholder returns of 13 firms that announced employment guarantees in 1993‐1994 and on the returns of 63 firms that made similar announcements throughout the 1990 s was examined. Returns of these samples also responded negatively to the announcements. When the response to the two types of announcements was compared, however, there was no clear conclusion regarding which type of announcement drew a more negative response.
Interrelations of Sporadic E and Ionospheric Currents

Abstract Several different electric current systems in the ionosphere at about 100 km altitude have been postulated from studies of quiet and disturbed variations of the geomagnetic field. Almost all of these ionospheric current systems are related to different types of sporadic E ( E s ), although the mechanism involved in the relationship is not the same in each case. It is suggested that equatorial E s is a kind of irregularity in the equatorial electrojet due to vertical drifts. E s occurring in temperate latitudes is postulated to be mainly a thin patchy layer which is due to vertical drift motions of charged particles caused by wind shears; however, occasionally a thick cloud is formed by descending ionization from the upper ionosphere. In both cases E s is affected by the solar daily quiet ionospheric current. In high latitudes predominant types of E s , such as slant, retardation and auroral types, together with the disturbed ionospheric currents, are due to charged particles penetrating into the lower ionosphere from outside the earth's atmosphere, as can be clearly seen during geomagnetic bays. This interrelation also occurs occasionally at the time of geomagnetic sudden commencements. Retardation type of E s and so-called night- E are thick patchy layers, and auroral E s is formed by field-aligned clouds, all of which are caused mainly by electron impact. These interrelations of E s and ionospheric currents are discussed in the present article and an estimation of structures and causes responsible for the different types of E s is presented.
Radiative Transfer in the Atmosphere and Ocean: Basic State Variables and the Radiative Transfer Equation

Introduction In this book we are mostly concerned with the flow of radiative energy through atmospheres and oceans. We will ignore polarization effects, which means that we disregard the Q, U , and V components of the Stokes vector and consider only the first (intensity) component I . This approach is known as the scalar approximation , in contrast to the more accurate vector description. In general, this approximation is valid for longwave radiation where thermal emission and absorption dominate scattering processes. However, at shorter wavelengths where scattering is important, the radiation is generally partially polarized. For example, polarization is a basic part of a description of scattering of sunlight in a clear atmosphere or in pure water (so-called Rayleigh scattering). Generally, a coupling occurs between the various Stokes components, and an accurate description requires the full Stokes vector representation. Of central importance in the theory is the scalar intensity , which plays as central a role in radiative transfer theory as the wave function plays in quantum theory. Its full specification as a function of position, direction, and frequency variables conveys all of the desired information about the radiation field (except for polarization). In this chapter, we define the basic state variable of the theory, the scalar intensity. We first review the most basic concepts of geometrical optics, those of pencils and beams of light. We then define the various state variables in a transparent medium, involving flow of radiative energy in beams traveling in specific directions and over a hemisphere.
Adaptation pools and excitation receptive fields of rat retinal ganglion cells

Electrophysiological experiments on a variety of animals and psychophysical studies on man indicate that light adaptation spreads laterally across the retina. The evidence suggests that the magnitude of this spread is greater than can be attributed to scattered light (Rushton, 1965a, b; Easter, 1968; Cleland and Enroth-Cugell, 1968; Barlow and Andrews, 1967; Burkhardt and Berntson, 1972; Enroth-Cugell and Shapley, 1973; Green, Tong and Cicerone, 1977), implying that adaptive signals are neurally pooled. There is not, however, general agreement about whether the adaptive summation area is the same as or smaller than the size of the ordinary receptive field. The studies on goldfish (Easter, 1968) and frogs (Burkhardt and Berntson, 1972) show that the adaptation pool is narrower than the response receptive field. The work of Cleland and Enroth-Cugell (1968) and Enroth-Cugell and Shapley (1973) on the cat show that response summation areas and adaptation summation areas are the same size. These conclusions are based on experiments using different methods. Easter (1968) placed a small suprathreshold flashing test in the receptive field of a goldfish ganglion cell. Another small spot was placed in various positions, and at each position its intensity was adjusted to reduce the response to the test to threshold. The intensity required at each position defined the adaptation receptive field. in the frog. Burkhardt and Berntson (1972) used similar methods to plot adaptation receptive fields for test spots centered in the receptive fields of retinal ganglion cells. The findings of Cleland and Enroth-Cugell (1968) and Enroth-Cugell and Shapley (1973) in the cat were based on the size of Ricco’s law summation areas for response and adaptation. Since different methods have been used on different animals, it is hard to know whether to ascribe various resuhs to differences between methods or differences between the retinas of mammals and cold blooded vertebrates. A recent study of ours (Green, Tong and Cicerone. 1977) seemed to imply that rats have smaller adaptation pools than excitation receptive fields. In Green ef al., a small steady adaptation spot was placed within the rat ganglion cell receptive field, and its effect on the receptive field sensitivity profile was measured. The adaptation spot was found to produce a local decrease in sensitivity at and around the adapting spot. The experiments reported here were designed to determine the spatial extent of adaptive pooling by directly measuring the adaptation receptive field of rat retinal ganglion cells using the same methods that Easter (1968) and Burkhardt and Bemtson (1972) had used on cold-blooded retinas.
A diagnostic approach to smooth muscle tumours of the uterus

Abstract Most uterine smooth muscle neoplasms are easy to diagnose as benign or malignant. The constituent cells of these neoplasms phenotypically resemble the smooth muscle cells of the normal myometrium (‘standard' smooth muscle differentiation). The vast majority of leiomyomas feature a low mitotic index, cytologically bland, uniform cells and no necrosis. In contrast, the majority of the much less common leiomyosarcomas feature a high mitotic index, cytologically bizarre cells and necrosis. A minority of smooth muscle proliferations of the uterus pose problems. Those with standard smooth muscle differentiation may feature the puzzling combinations of mitotic index, marked cytological atypia and necrosis. In addition, non-standard smooth muscle differentiation may be encountered. The authors set out guidelines for predicting the clinical behaviour of these problematic neoplasms using a multivariate classification rule employing mitotic index, cytological atypia and the presence or absence of necrosis having a certain pattern.
Doing Comparative Rhetoric Responsibly

To be means to communicate dialogically. When dialogue ends, everything ends. Thus dialogue, by its very essence, cannot and must not come to an end. —Mikhail Bakhtin (252) I begin, with this epigr...
Insights into the dynamics of specific telomeric single-stranded DNA recognition by Pot1pN.

The N-terminal oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding fold domain of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe protection of telomeres 1 (Pot1) protein, Pot1pN (residues 1–187 of full-length Pot1), specifically recognizes telomeric single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) via a complex series of molecular interactions that are punctuated by unusual internucleotide hydrogen bonds. While the structure of ssDNA-bound Pot1pN provides an initial model for understanding how the Pot1pN–ssDNA complex is assembled and how specific nucleotide recognition occurs, further refinement requires knowledge of the ssDNA-free state of Pot1pN and the dynamic changes that accompany the binding of ssDNA. Using NMR strategies, we found that ssDNA-free Pot1pN adopts a similar overall protein backbone topology as ssDNA-bound Pot1pN does. Although the backbone structure remained relatively unchanged, we observed unexpected differential dynamic changes within the ssDNA-binding pockets of Pot1pN upon binding of cognate ssDNA. These studies support a model in which conformational selection and induced fit play important roles in the recognition of ssDNA by Pot1pN. Furthermore, the studies presented here provide a more comprehensive understanding of how specific nucleotide recognition is achieved by the telomere-end protection family of essential proteins.
On the Structure of the Topological Phase of Two-dimensional Gravity

Abstract The topological phase of two-dimensional gravity is re-examined. The correlation functions of the naturally occuring operators in the minimal topological model are computed, using topological methods, in genus zero and genus one. The genus-zero results agree with recent results obtained in exact solutions of “matrix models”, suggesting that the two approaches to two-dimensional gravity are equivalent. The coupling of two-dimensional topological gravity to topological sigma models is investigated. The CP1 model appears to be almost as simple as the pure topological gravity theory. General, model-independent properties of the correlation functions are obtained which hold in coupling to arbitrary topological field theories and can serve as a qualitative definition of the topological phase of two-dimensional gravity. A number of facts that are familiar in the usual phase of string theory, such as the relation between vanishing of the canonical line bundle of a Kahler manifold and scale invariance of the corresponding field theory, have simpler echoes in the topological phase.
Evaluation of advanced glycation end-products in diabetic and inherited canine cataracts

Background The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) increases in the human cataract and should correlate with increased DNA damage and proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs). The purpose of this study was to measure and immunolocalize RAGE in normal and cataractous canine LECs, and to determine whether there was a correlation between RAGE and DNA damage (gadd45), cell-cycle regulation (p21), and LEC proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PCNA).
Unusual features of the nuclear envelope in human spermatogenic cells

Different types of human germ cells show unusual features of the nuclear envelope. Spermatogonial nuclei demonstrate two kinds of modifications. The first one is a series of intranuclear flattened cisterns, parallel to each other and to the inner aspect of the nuclear envelope. The second one is a nuclear envelope protrusion into the cytoplasm occupied by a double membrane-limited vesicle. Pores are found on the membrane of the vesicle facing the interior of the nucleus. In spermatocytes the nuclear pores are concentrated over certain areas and completely absent from others. In the regions where they are absent a single cytoplasmic cistern of rough endoplasmic reticulum is closely apposed to the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope. Early modifications of the nuclear surface appear in spermatids before the attachment of the acrosomic vesicle and may indicate an active role of the nuclear envelope in the morphogenesis of the acrosome. In round spermatids nuclear pores are absent from the area which is first related to the Golgi and later covered by the acrosomal cap. Single or multiple layers of cytoplasmic annulate lamellae are closely associated with the nuclear envelope over the pore rich areas. Frequently there are intranuclear accumulations of dense material adjacent to the annulate lamellae-nuclear pore complex. The chromatoid body is usually present on the cytoplasmic side of this complex. In the elongating spermatids most annulate lamellae are free in the cytoplasm, often in relation with Golgi and chromatoid body remnants near the axial filament. Few stacks of annulate la-mellae are noted adjacent to the pore rich nuclear regions. It is suggested that the described modifications are related to an active nuclear-cytoplasmic interaction.
Correlation filters for target detection in a Markov model background clutter

The performance of distortion-invariant correlation filters in the presence of background clutter is addressed. Background images are modeled as Markov noise processes, and a synthesis procedure for the optimal filter is described. It is shown that spatially filtering the training set images eliminates the need for the inversion of large noise covariance matrices, thus leading to a computationally efficient filter realization. The effect of errors (in the estimation of clutter correlation coefficient) on filter performance is theoretically analyzed, and a bound on the relative degradation of the SNR due to such errors is presented.
Raman induced Kerr effect spectroscopy using pulsed lasers

Abstract We examine the sensitivity of a coherent Raman spectrometer measuring optically heterodyned Raman induced Kerr effect spectra (OHD-RIKES) with pulsed lasers. Theoretically we show that an optimum OHD RIKES spectrometer is 103 more sensitive than quasi-cw stimulated Raman gain spectroscopy (SRGS). Experimental tests of OHD-RIKES using a pulsed probe laser confirm the estimated signal-to-noise ratios. With higher power lasers this technique will provide sufficient sensitivities to detect particle densities as low as 1011 cm-3.
Predicting the rate of trace-organic compound removal by natural biofilms

Abstract This study examined the ability of a mechanistic biofilm kinetic model to predict the rate at which natural biofilms removed trace concentrations of p -cresol and a 2,4- d ester. Natural biofilm samples were obtained by colonizing Teflon strips at a river site (a bacterial biofilm) and at two pond sites (mixed algal-bacterial biofilms). Biofilm density, biofilm thickness, and intrinsic microbial rate constants were calculated independently. Mass transport parameters were obtained from existing equations. Although the biofilm model treated the two types of biofilms as if they were homogeneous, the tested biofilm kinetic model successfully predicted the rates at which p -cresol and the 2,4- d ester were removed by natural biofilms when the experimental reactors were operated under a wide range of biological and mass transport conditions.
Paleomagnetic and rock magnetic results from the Twin Creek Formation (Middle Jurassic), Wyoming

Abstract A magnetization which passes the fold test has been observed in 73 limestone samples (10 sites) from the Middle Jurassic Twin Creek Formation. The pole calculated from the site mean poles is located at 68.4°N, 145.0°E ( K = 31.8 , A 95 = 8.7° ). This pole lies in a segment of the North American apparent polar wander (APW) path for which there are only a few reliable poles in the literature. The results corroborate earlier studies which conclude that the Jurassic segment of the APW path does not include the present north pole. However, the position of the Twin Creek pole suggests that significantly more APW took place prior to the late Jurassic than previous studies indicated.
Lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the skin: light microscopic and ultrastructural studies.

A case of lymphomatoid granulomatosis involving the lung and skin (Liebow's disease) in a 71-year-old man is presented. The principal symptomatic features consisted of cutaneous involvement of the lower extremities. Secondary pseudomonas infection ultimately led to a below-the-knee amputation of the left leg. Several biopsies of the skin were studied with the light and electron microscope. The dermis showed a vasculitis with focal and diffuse infiltrations of pleomorphic cells, predominantely of the reticulohistiocytic group. The histiocytes showed variable degrees of differentiation; some appeared to be distinctly neoplastic rather than reactive. The cells seem to be different from mycosis cells as well as from those histiocytes encountered in histiocytosis X.
Metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma regression after cytoreductive nephrectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION previously healthy 69-year-old woman sought medical attention for stomach pain and distenAsion associated with a 10-pound weight loss. There was no hematuria, fevers, chills, night sweats, or fatigue. Past medical history was significant for hypertension. In 1989, she required a temporary colostomy after a partial colectomy secondary to a colonic perforation. Family history was significant for a brother with glioblastoma multiforme, and her mother had kidney disease of unknown etiology. She did not report any previous chemical exposure but is a current smoker with a 45-pack year history of tobacco abuse. Initial kidney, ureter, and bladder imaging was done and suggested constipation. Pain control was achieved with an aggressive bowel regimen and pain medication, but the sensation of abdominal fullness persisted. On presentation to our clinic, vital signs were normal except for a 10-pound weight loss over a 3-week period. Physical examination revealed a left large, palpable, flank mass that was tender to palpation but no other palpable adenopathy. Her initial laboratory evaluation was significant for hemoglobin 10.3 g/dL, creatinine 1.17 mg/dL, calcium 10.0 mg/dL, albumin 4.0 g/dL, and lactate dehydrogenase 543 U/L (100-210 U/L). A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen revealed a 13.6 11.6 9.9 cm heterogeneous left renal mass (Fig. 1) with bulky retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, left renal vein thrombus, a nonocclusive inferior vena caval tumor thrombus, ipsilateral adrenal gland
The Reflective Entrepreneur: A Deweyan Ethics Perspective on Reflection as a Pathway to Virtuousness

Technology entrepreneurs often raise enormous sums of money from investors who expect greater than 10x returns on those investments. Entrepreneurs who succeed become overnight successes, the rock s...
Functional Characterization of the 11 Non-ATPase Subunit Proteins in the Trypanosome 19 S Proteasomal Regulatory Complex ,

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is responsible for selective degradation of short-lived and dysfunctional proteins in eukaryotes. The recently demonstrated presence of a functional 26 S proteasome in Trypanosoma brucei led to the identification and isolation of genes encoding all 11 non-ATPase (Rpn) subunit proteins in the trypanosome 19 S regulatory complex. Using the technique of RNA interference, expression of individual RPNgenes was disrupted in the procyclic form of T. brucei, resulting, in each case, in intracellular accumulation of polyubiquitinated protein, cell arrest at the G2/M phase, and eventual cell death. With the exception of Rpn10, depletion of individual Rpn proteins disrupted also trypanosome 19 S complex formation, with the complex virtually depleted in the cell lysate. This functional and structural essentiality of 10 of the 11 Rpn proteins in T. brucei differs significantly from that observed in other organisms. When Rpn10 was deficient in trypanosomes, a 19 S complex without Rpn10 was still formed, whereas cell growth was arrested. This structural dispensability but functional indispensability of Rpn10 may constitute another unique aspect of the proteasomes in T. brucei.
Hot electron transport parallel to strong magnetic fields in gallium arsenide

Abstract Electrical conductivity of very lightly doped n-type gallium arsenide parallel to strong magnetic fields was studied in electric fields up to 1kV/cm. At 4K, conductivity is dominated by impact ionization of shallow donor levels, which are deepened by the magnetic field. Large effects of magneto-impurity resonances are observed. Measurements near liquid nitrogen temperatures indicate that parallel magnetic fields induce a transition from sublinear to superlinear conductivity.
Super-high-resolution transfer printing for full-color OLED display patterning

a transfer printing method for patterning of thin polymer layers. A hard stamp with raised feature is brought into contact with a spin coated organic film under elevated pressure and temperature to break the films. The patterned film is then transfer printed onto devices. We use this method to print red/green/blue sub-pixel arrays with pattern size as small as 12 µm at a resolution of 530 ppi to demonstrate its ability for full- color organic light-emitting display fabrication.
Interstitium: Site of Steroid Synthesis in the Ovary of the Long Term Hypophysectomized Hamster

The ovaries of hamsters hypophysectomized (H) on the afternoon of proestrus synthesize in vitro substantial amounts of progesterone for as long as 20 days post-H (Taya and Greenwald, 1979b). The purpose of the present study was to identify by histochemistry and ultrastructure the ovarian cell type which still possessed the enzymes capable of steroidogenesis despite the long term absence of gonadotropins. After Day 6 post-H, the ovaries contained interstitium and viable and atretic small preantral follicles. The viable preantral follicles were histochemically devoid of Δ 5 -3β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β -HSDH). Histochemically, there were no appreciable changes in lipids in the interstitial gland cells (IGC) until Day 20 post-H, followed by a slight decrease by Day 30. The 3β -HSDH activity in the IGC showed no appreciable changes until Day 6 and thereafter decreased gradually until Day 30. Trace amounts of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were found in the IGC until Day 6 and thereafter the enzyme was undetectable. The IGC contained only trace amounts of acid phosphatase until Day 10, followed by a gradual increase by Day 30. A single i.p. injection of 5 μg ovine LH on Day 10, 20 or 30 resulted 3 h later in dramatic increases in the concentration of serum progesterone and ovarian progesterone and testosterone but not estradiol-17β . Concomitantly, the depletion of lipid droplets in viable interstitial cells was observed by histochemical and ultrastructural criteria. However, lipid accumulations in degenerating interstitial cells and atretic granulosa cells were unaffected by LH treatment. These data indicate that the interstitium is an active steroidogenic tissue for at least 30 days post-H and that LH can rapidly stimulate synthesis and secretion of progesterone and testosterone by the interstitium in long term hypophysectomized hamsters.
A comparison of the hemodynamic effects of ventricular and sequential A-V pacing in patients with heart block.

Abstract A comparison was made of the effects of ventricular pacing and sequential A-V pacing at individually determined optimal P-R intervals in ten patients with A-V block. At heart rates 10 beats per minute faster than sinus rate, the average cardiac output increased from 4.6 to 5.7 L. per minute (24 per cent, p
Glucocorticoid regulation of hepatic cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors in vivo and its relationship to induction of tyrosine aminotransferase.

Abstract Regulation of rat hepatic cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors was studied using our newly developed exchange assay. Injecting 1 mg of dexamethasone or corticosterone into 150–250 g adrenalectomized rats caused a rapid decline in glucocorticoid receptor binding. Glucocorticoid receptor levels were depressed 80–90% in less than 15 min after hormone treatment, and remained low for about 24–48 h after glucocorticoid administration. 80–90% of glucocorticoid receptor binding was regenerated by 48 h, and complete binding was recovered by 72 h. Regenerated glucocorticoid receptor binding (48–72 h after first hormone injection) could be re-depressed by a second injection of the hormone. Similar results were obtained using normal (intact) rats. Optimum induction of tyrosine aminotransferase activity was obtained within 2 h following the first hormonal injection. Induction of tyrosine aminotransferase activity (measured 2 h after a second injection of the glucocorticoid) correlated with glucocorticoid receptor levels. Thus, 1 mg of dexamethasone or corticosterone greatly enhanced the liver tyrosine aminotransferase activity in the adrenalectomized rats (not previously hormone treated) and in adrenalectomized rats previously injected (48–72 h) with 1 mg of the glucocorticoid hormone. Enhancement of tyrosine aminotransferase activity was lowest 16–24 h after the first hormone injection (when receptor levels were extremely low). These results indicate that the induction of liver tyrosine aminotransferase activity by glucocorticoid hormones is correlated with cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor levels.
GeoMACH: Geometry-Centric MDAO of Aircraft Configurations with High Fidelity

This paper presents GeoMACH: Geometry-centric MDAO of Aircraft Configurations with High fidelity. GeoMACH is an open-source aircraft design tool suite under development that is planned to support MDAO with a large number of design variables. First, the overall GeoMACH architecture is described, including a proposed method for streamlined data transfer between disciplines. GeoMACH’s efficient and lightweight B-spline engine is then introduced as it forms the basis for the geometry-centric approach to MDAO. Next, GeoMACH’s OML and structural modelers are presented, which provide parametric aircraft modeling tools that span a configuration-level design space. OMPUTATIONAL tools have undoubtedly had a profound influence on the commercial aircraft design process, but their full potential is far from realized. In terms of impact, design methods such as multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) have lagged behind analysis tools, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA), both of which are now well-integrated into practical aircraft design. CFD and FEA solvers improve with every advance in algorithms and hardware, enabling a more accurate prediction of the ‘perfect’ design; yet, equally important are the design methods and processes that use these tools to find that ‘perfect’ design.