cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research activities at the national hurricane and experimental meteorology laboratory

NHEML is the primary NOAA element responsible for research covering a broad spectrum of problems in tropical meteorology. Particular emphasis is placed upon basic studies of hurricanes and tropical cyclones. This research is directed towards better predictions of hurricane genesis, intensification, and motion to improve warnings to the public. NHEML is also responsible for basic studies to determine the extent to which hurricanes can be beneficially modified by man (Project STORMFURY). Furthermore, NHEML conducts field programs and basic studies of tropical cumulus clouds to advance the knowledge of convective storm processes and to understand interactions between the convective scale, the mesoscale, and the synoptic scale in the tropics. The purpose of this work is to improve prediction of convective and mesoscale events in the tropics and to determine the effectiveness of precipitation enhancement on an area-wide basis at low latitudes. The laboratory, therefore, is also the focal point of NOAA's mission in the beneficial modification of tropical storms and in convective precipitation management from tropical clouds. NHEML conducts field programs with sophisticated instrumented aircraft to gather specialized high resolution data in support of the research programs described. The NOAA RFC research aircraft, as well as DoD and NASA aircraft, are used in hurricane field programs. Lighter, leased aircraft, together with the NOAA aircraft, are used in field programs related to tropical cumulus clouds and precipitation enhancement studies (Florida Area Cumulus Experiment). The planning and execution of these field programs, as well as the analysis and evaluation of the resulting data, are major efforts of the laboratory and require a wide variety of scientific and technical skills. A second major activity of NHEML is mathematical simulation modeling to advance understanding of tropical cyclones, convective and mesoscale processes, and scale interactions. This work supports and provides insight to interpretation of the data obtained in the laboratory's field programs and is a critical part of the NHEML effort.
Cone contributions to the photopic spectral sensitivity of the zebrafish ERG.

Microspectrophotometry studies show that zebrafish (Danio rerio) possess four cone photopigments. The purpose of this study was to determine the cone contributions to the zebrafish photopic increment threshold spectral-sensitivity function. Electroretinogram (ERG) b-wave responses to monochromatic lights presented on a broadband or chromatic background were obtained. It was found that under the broadband background condition, the zebrafish spectral-sensitivity function showed several peaks that were narrower in sensitivity compared to the cone spectra. The spectral-sensitivity function was modeled with L − M and M − S opponent interactions and nonopponent S- and U-cone mechanisms. Using chromatic adaptation designed to suppress the contribution of the S-cones, a strong U-cone contribution to the spectral-sensitivity function was revealed, and the contributions of the S-cones to the M − S mechanism were reduced. These results show that the b-wave component of the ERG receives input from all four cone types and appears to reflect color opponent mechanisms. Thus, zebrafish may possess the fundamental properties necessary for color vision.
Using Public Relations Strategies to Prompt Populations at Risk to Seek Health Information: The Hanford Community Health Project

The Hanford Community Health Project (HCHP) addressed health concerns among “downwinders” exposed to releases of radioactive iodine (I-131) from the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in the 1940s and 195...
Abdominal wall component release is a sensible choice for patients requiring complicated closure of abdominal defects

Abdominal wall component release (AWCR) is an operation that frequently restores the abdominal wall integrity in both sick and anatomically complex patients. The patients reported herein are different from the widely reported but somewhat less complex trauma patient, such as following damage control laparotomy. AWCR has acceptable postoperative outcomes in terms of infection, hernia, and fistula rates. We describe the application of AWCR in 63 consecutive patients, in whom only 11 (17%) had complementary prosthesis use. Unlike many previous reports of AWCR in trauma patients, 47 (75%) of these patients had permanent stomas. These patients had undergone a total of 103 prior abdominal operations (mean 1.7 operations, range 0–7); 29 patients had cancer (46%), 11 of which were recurrent, and 16 patients (22%) had serious complications of prior surgery. Interestingly, 20 patients (32%) had both prior abdominal operations and underlying cancer. In a median follow-up of 32 months (range 16–120 months), only 15 patients (5 of whom had a stoma) developed recurrent abdominal wall hernias with 5 of those being peristomal. No correlation was found between prior abdominal operations, intestinal stomas, and contamination source at time of surgery with recurrence of hernia (p > 0.05). The 41 patients (86%) with an intact abdominal wall (free of recurrent hernia) had a median follow-up of 27 months (range 13–117 months). Twelve patients (19%) had a source of abdominal/abdominal wall contamination present at the time of AWCR. Only 1 of the 11 patients in whom complementary prosthesis was used developed infection. Other infectious complications were noted in 12 patients (19%), including fistula in 1 patient who required reoperation. AWCR offers acceptable results in very high-risk patients with tolerable postoperative infection rates.
Sulfur mustard induces an endoplasmic reticulum stress response in the mouse ear vesicant model

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is a cell survival pathway upregulated when cells are under severe stress. Severely damaged mouse ear skin exposed to the vesicant, sulfur mustard (bis-2-chloroethyl sulfide, SM), resulted in increased expression of ER chaperone proteins that accompany misfolded and incorrectly made proteins targeted for degradation. Time course studies with SM using the mouse ear vesicant model (MEVM) showed progressive histopathologic changes including edema, separation of the epidermis from the dermis, persistent inflammation, upregulation of laminin γ2 (one of the chains of laminin-332, a heterotrimeric skin glycoprotein required for wound repair), and delayed wound healing from 24 h to 168 h post exposure. This was associated with time related increased expression of the cell survival ER stress marker, GRP78/BiP, and the ER stress apoptosis marker, GADD153/CHOP, suggesting simultaneous activation of both cell survival and non-mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. Dual immunofluorescence labeling of a keratinocyte migration promoting protein, laminin γ2 and GRP78/BIP, showed colocalization of the two molecules 72 h post exposure indicating that the laminin γ2 was misfolded after SM exposure and trapped within the ER. Taken together, these data show that ER stress is induced in mouse skin within 24 h of vesicant exposure in a defensive response to promote cell survival; however, it appears that this response is rapidly overwhelmed by the apoptotic pathway as a consequence of severe SM-induced injury.
Does successful bridging with the implantable left ventricular assist device affect cardiac transplantation outcome

Abstract Objectives: We sought to determine whether cardiac transplant recipients who required a bridge to transplantation with an implantable left ventricular assist device had a different outcome than patients who underwent transplantation without such a bridge. Methods: A retrospective study of 256 cardiac transplants from 1992 to 1996 included 53 patients who received the HeartMate left ventricular assist device and 203 patients who had no left ventricular assist device support. Results: Left ventricular assist device transplants increased from 8% of all transplants in 1992 ( n = 63) to 32% in 1995 ( n = 65) and 43% in 1996 ( n = 14 year to date). Patients with and without left ventricular assist device had similar age and sex distributions. Left ventricular assist device recipients were larger (body surface area 1.96 vs 1.86 m 2 , p = 0.004). They were more likely to have ischemic cardiomyopathy (70% vs 45%, p = 0.001) and type O blood group (51% vs 34%, p = 0.06). All patients with left ventricular assist device and 42% of those without had undergone previous cardiac operations by the time of transplantation (mean number per patient 1.5 vs 0.3, p 10% in 66% of left ventricular assist device group vs 15% of control group, p p = 0.002). There was no difference in length of posttransplantation hospital stay (median 15 days for each) or operative mortality (3.8% vs 4.4%). Mean follow-up averaged 22 months. No significant difference was found in Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. One-year survival was 94% in the left ventricular assist device group and 88% in the control group (difference not significant). Comparison of posttransplantation events showed no significant difference in actuarial rates of cytomegalovirus infection (20% vs 17%) or vascular rejection (15% vs 12%) at 1 year of follow-up. Similar percentages of patients were free from cellular rejection at 1 year of follow-up (12% vs 22%, p = 0.36). Conclusions: Left ventricular assist device support intensified the donor shortage by including recipients who otherwise would not have survived to transplantation. Bridging affected transplant demographics, favoring patients who are larger, have ischemic cardiomyopathy, have had multiple blood transfusions and complex cardiac operations, and are HLA sensitized. Successfully bridged patients wait longer for a transplant than do UNOS status I patients without such a bridge, but they have similar posttransplantation hospital stay, operative mortality, and survival to those of patients not requiring left ventricular assist device support. (J THORAC CARDIOVASC SURG 1996;112:1275-83)
Microscopic origin of spin-orbit splitting in the nuclear shell model

Abstract A microscopic theory to explain nuclear spin-orbit splitting within the framework of the nonrelativistic Schroedinger dynamics of the nucleon-nucleon interaction is presented. It is applied to 16O and 40Ca, yielding results which are in essential agreement with experiment.
A reduced grid for a parallel global ocean general circulation model

Abstract A limitation of many global climate models with explicit finite-difference numerics is the timestep restriction caused by the decrease in cell size associated with the convergence of meridians near the poles. To keep the longitudinal width of model cells as uniform as possible, we apply a “reduced” grid to a three-dimensional primitive equation ocean-climate model. With this grid the number of cells in the longitudinal direction is reduced at high latitudes. The grid consists of subgrids which interact at interfaces along their northern and southern boundaries, where the resolution changes by a factor of three. We extend the finite-difference techniques to these interfaces, focusing on the conservation required to perform long time integrations, while preserving the staggered spatial arrangement of variables and the numerics used on subgrids. The common alternative used to reduce the timestep restriction caused by the spherical grid is the filtering of high-frequency modes from the high-latitude solution. The reduced grid allows an increased timestep while eliminating the need for filtering and reduces execution time per model step by roughly 20%. We implement the reduced grid model for parallel computer architectures with two-dimensional domain decomposition and message passing, with speedup results similar to those of the original model. We present results of model runs showing small effects on the solution and sizable improvements to the execution time.
Analysis of Flax and Cotton Fiber Fabric Blends and Recycled Polyethylene Composites

Manufacturing composites with polymers and natural fibers has traditionally been performed using chopped fibers or a non-woven mat for reinforcement. Fibers from flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) are stiff and strong and can be processed into a yarn and then manufactured into a fabric for composite formation. Fabric directly impacts the composite because it contains various fiber types via fiber or yarn blending, fiber length is often longer due to requirements in yarn formation, and it controls the fiber alignment via weaving. Composites created with cotton and flax-containing commercial fabrics and recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were evaluated for physical and mechanical properties. Flax fiber/recycled HDPE composites were easily prepared through compression molding using a textile preform. This method takes advantage of maintaining cotton and flax fiber lengths that are formed into a yarn (a continuous package of short fibers) and oriented in a bidirectional woven fabric. Fabrics were treated with maleic anhydride, silane, enzyme, or adding maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAA-PE; MDEX 102-1, Exxelor® VA 1840) to promote interactions between polymer and fibers. Straight and strong flax fibers present problems because they are not bound as tightly within yarns producing weaker and less elastic yarns that contain larger diameter variations. As the blend percentage and mass of flax fibers increases the fabric strength, and elongation generally decrease in value. Compared to recycled HDPE, mechanical properties of composite materials (containing biodegradable and renewable resources) demonstrated significant increases in tensile strength (1.4–3.2 times stronger) and modulus of elasticity (1.4–2.3 times larger). Additional research is needed to improve composite binding characteristics by allowing the stronger flax fibers in fabric to carry the composites load.
Modeling the intermittent user of word processing technology

Noncomputer professional users of word processing technology are sometimes referred to as intermittent users. The purpose of this research was to understand the word processing characteristics and needs of this important group of users. We developed a model that describes their word processing performance and carried out two controlled experiments. Our study indicates that intermittent users prefer and perform better with a menu-driven interface. In addition, we found that even a rudimentary help system can be a great aid to the intermittent user
Finite element and Monte Carlo modeling of the electrical and thermal properties of high areal density MR read-back heads

The current density distribution in magnetoresistive read-back heads with abutted permanent magnets was studied by using finite element modeling. The parasitic junction resistance was calculated as a function of reader width and stripe height. The Joule heat, which was generated by the local current density, was subsequently used as a heat source for a subsequent calculation of the local temperature rise in the active sensor area. The effect of the dispersion in reader width and stripe height on the average temperature rise was studied by Monte Carlo simulations. The thermal modeling predictions were in agreement with the experimental data from actual read-back heads. The thermal modeling was further used to study the trends in the bias current and voltage as a function of areal density.
COMPARISON OF THE HOT ELECTRON-DIFFUSION RATES FOR GaAs AND InP.

The diffusion coefficients, parallel and transverse to the electric field, have been computed at 300 and 500 K for GaAs, and at 500 K for InP, by a Monte-Carlo method, and the results are presented.
Mercury and dentists.

Weighing new evidence against potential neurotoxicity The new behavioural study among dentists by Ritchie et al , reported in this issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , found no adverse effects associated with low exposure to mercury in urine, hair, or nails, that assess subjective symptoms as well as more objective measures of psychomotor performance. The new study laudably addresses the World Health Organisation's request for chronic Hgo exposure studies that are useful in defining a threshold of effect below 25 μg/l and are not limited by insufficient statistical power and inconsistent measures of exposure and outcome.1 The study highlights the potential for neurotoxicity from low exposure to Hgo among dentists who work with amalgam restorations containing 50% Hgo, and stimulates discussion on methodological issues in study design that might increase sensitivity to detect adverse effects. Though few associations were noted, the negative results must be weighed with positive evidence for a lower threshold even applicable to the general population, because dentists incur exposures that are comparable to that in the general population. For example, in a US national sample of 6925 dentists participating in the American Dental Association Health Screen Program (1990–96), the distribution of urinary Hg was skewed; 90% had concentrations under 6.0 μg/l.2 In a Washington State sample of 2196 dentists (1998–2000), the mean urinary concentration was 2.5 μg/l (range 0–67). The new study also reported mean urinary concentrations of 2.56 μg/l that agree with previous reports. It is noteworthy that two estimates among the general population are comparable to that of dentists with broad ranges (0–34 and 1–18 μg/l) and similar mean urinary concentrations of 3.1 and 9.0 μg/l respectively. The study also undertook a more comprehensive evaluation of exposure …
Use of a second endothermic reaction to desensitize a tubular reactor

We investigate the application of three different sensitivity criteria, first to the case of one (exothermic) reaction (methanol dehydration) so that the use of the criteria can be illustrated (and a basis for comparison may be etablished) and second to a system in which a second (endothermic) reaction (methanol dissociation) is possible so that a reasonable solution may be reached regarding its desensitization. To this end, kinetic data taken from microreactor studies of two such reactions (one endothermic and the other exothermic) were used.
Research Note: Family Business Consultants—Who We Are, What We Do, and How We Do It

This research note compares data from two surveys of members of the Family Firm Institute conducted during 1990 and 1991 and relates these data to the issues confronting family business as an emerging field. One survey, sent to all Family Firm Institute members, requested demographic data and information pertinent to the Family Firm Institute strategic planning committee. The second survey, sent to those members of Family Firm Institute who self-identified as service professionals, was designed to investigate practice methodology. Prospects for the development of the field are discussed.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in primary care: prevalence and relationships with physical symptoms and medical utilization.

Abstract Objective This study estimates the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and describes the relationships among PTSD status and health indices in a civilian primary care patient sample. Methods Participants ( N =232) completed a paper-and-pencil survey of life events, PTSD symptoms, physical symptoms and health functioning. Utilization was assessed from medical records. Results Nine percent of the participants met the criteria for full PTSD (based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria) and another 25% were defined as partial PTSD. The full-PTSD group evidenced higher rates of medical utilization, more intense physical symptoms and poorer health functioning than the no-PTSD group. The partial-PTSD group more closely resembled the full-PTSD group. Conclusions This study, although limited by sample size and diagnosis by questionnaire vs. diagnostic interview, suggests research directions for enhancing our understanding of PTSD among civilian primary care patients and for developing appropriate interventions that can be conducted in the primary care setting.
Consistent Sets of Secondary Structures in Proteins

Ab initio predictions of secondary structures in proteins have to combine local predictions, based on short fragments of the protein sequence, with consistency restrictions, as not all locally plausible predictions may be simultaneously true. We use the fact that secondary structures are patterns of hydrogen bonds and that a single residue can participate in hydrogen bonds of at most one secondary structure. Consistency of fixed-sized pieces of secondary structures is the easiest to approximate and we formalize it as 1-2 matching problem. Consistency of entire secondary structures is a version of set packing. We also investigate how to form a simple problem if we add the requirement that the secondary structure and the loops that connect them fit together in a metric space. Every problem that we investigated is MAX-SNP hard and it has a constant factor approximation. Computational experience suggests that in biological instances, we can find nearly optimal solutions using heuristics.
Effects of Age, Physical Training, and Physical Fitness on Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in Older Track Athletes at Twenty‐Year Follow‐up

OBJECTIVE: To compare current coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factor values in older athletes with mid-life measures and to examine the associations between changes in CHD risk factors with aging, physical training, and physical fitness. DESIGN: Prospective study with three longitudinal evaluation points: initial (T1), 10-year (T2), and 20-year (T3). Subjects were selected because of their elite status in Masters track competition. SETTING: University and medical center laboratories PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 60 to 92 years of age and included 21 of the initial 27 subjects. At T3, subjects were divided into three groups, based on physical activity levels: high intensity (H), remained elite in national and international competition (n = 9); moderate intensity (M) continued frequent rigorous endurance training but rarely competed (n = 10); and low intensity (L) greatly reduced their training volume and intensity (n = 2). MEASUREMENTS: Smoking history; family history of coronary or cerebrovascular disease; resting blood pressure; resting electrocardiogram (ECG); serum total cholesterol, plasma glucose; body weight, % body fat, body mass index, waist:hip ratio; training pace and mileage; maximal oxygen consumption VO2 max). MAIN RESULTS: Several risk factors (smoking, diabetes, obesity) were never present, and the prevalence of other risk factors (family history of cardiovascular disease, abnormal resting ECG) remained low through T3 (≤ 14% of subjects). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure remained low without medication, but diastolic blood pressure measurements had the greatest redistribution between evaluation periods of any risk factor (r = .16, P = .479, T1 to T2). Mean total cholesterol was lower at T2 (-13%, P = .005) and T3 (-14%, P = .019) compared with T1. Change in VO2 max was correlated with changes in body weight (r = -.44, P = .048) and % fat (r = -.52, P = .015) from T1 to T2, whereas age was correlated to changes in systolic blood pressure (r = -.61, P = .003) and total cholesterol (r = -.49, P = .023) from T2 to T3. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CHD risk factors remained low, and mean risk factor values remained low and generally stable in older athletes who had maintained habitual exercise training. J Am Geriatr Soc 45:1446–1453, 1997.
Infinite-Dilution Viscoelastic Properties of Star Polystyrene with Nine Arms

The storage and loss shear moduli, G′ and G″, have been measured for solutions of a star polystyrene with average number of arms 8.7 and weight-average molecular weight 5000000, by use of the Birnboim—Schrag multiple-lumped resonator. The frequency range was 106 to 6060 Hz and the concentration range 0.001 to 0.013 g/ml. Decalin and di-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate were used as solvents at their respective Θ temperatures, 15 and 21°C, and α-chloronaphthalene as a good solvent at 25°C. The extrapolated intrinsic moduli agree well with the predictions of the Zimm—Kilb theory as evaluated by Osaki and Schrag if the hydrodynamic interaction parameter h* is taken as 0.40 in the Θ solvents and 0.25 in α-chloronaphthalene. The product h*αη, where αη is the expansion factor of the excluded-volume effect as evaluated from the intrinsic viscosity, is about 0.40 instead of 0.21 as observed for linear polymers. The origin of this unexpectedly large value is unclear. The terminal relaxation time is smaller by a factor of 12 to 14 than that of a linear polymer of the same molecular weight; the storage modulus at a given low frequency and concentration, and the steady-state compliance, are correspondingly much smaller than for a linear polymer.
Mating responses in the yeast Hansenula holstii

Fertility among compatible stocks of the yeastHansenula holstii increased when cells of both sexes were incubated for 24–48 hr on a medium that restricted vegetative growth before mass-mating.
Composition and Abundance of Stink Bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in Corn

The species composition and abundance of stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in corn, Zea mays L., was determined in this on-farm study in Georgia. Seven species of phytophagous stink bugs were found on corn with the predominant species being Nezara viridula (L.) and Euschistus servus (Say). All developmental stages of these two pests were found, indicating they were developing on the corn crop. The remaining five species, Oebalus pugnax pugnax (F.), Euschistus quadrator (Rolston), Euschistus tristigmus (Say), Euschistus ictericus (L.), and Acrosternum hilare (Say), were found in relatively low numbers. Adult N. viridula were parasitized by the tachinid parasitoid Trichopoda pennipes (F.). There was a pronounced edge effect in distribution of stink bugs in corn. Population dynamics of N. viridula and E. servus were different on early and late-planted corn. Oviposition by females of both stink bug species occurred in mid-to-late-May and again mid-to-late-June in corn, regardless of planting date. In early planted fields, if stink bug females oviposited on corn in mid-July, the resulting nymphs did not survive to the adult stage in corn because ears were close to physiological maturity and leaves were senescing. Density of stink bug adults in early planted corn was relatively low throughout the growing season. In late-planted corn, females of both stink bug species consistently laid eggs in mid-to-late-July on corn with developing ears. This habitat favored continued nymph development, and the resulting adult population reached high levels. These results indicate that corn management practices play a key role in the ecology of stink bugs in corn agroecosystems and provide information for designing management strategies to suppress stink bugs in farmscapes with corn.
Syndrome of the rectus abdominis muscle mimicking the acute abdomen

The syndrome of the rectus abdominis muscle is a disorder of unknown etiology that produces rupture or tear of the epigastric artery, and stretches the rectus cutaneous medialis nerve, producing excruciating pain. The disorder is misdiagnosed in 60% to 93% of cases. We report two cases that presented as acute abdomen. One helpful diagnostic test was the lidocaine test, accomplished by subcutaneous injection of lidocaine into the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle near the rectus cutaneous medialis nerve; the procedure provided immediate pain relief and the patients remained asymptomatic. In addition to helping establish a diagnosis quickly the lidocaine test may spare the patient the unnecessary morbidity or mortality of more invasive procedures.
Existence and Lagrangian duality for maximizations of set-valued functions

The maximization with respect to a cone of a set-valued function into possibly infinite dimensions is defined; some existence results are established; and a Lagrangian duality theory is developed.
COSTS OF COURT USAGE IN SEVENTEENTH- AND EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY OTTOMAN ANATOLIA: COURT FEES AS RECORDED IN ESTATE INVENTORIES

This article investigates the costs of court usage in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Ottoman Anatolia, with the help of the data collected from twenty-five court registers of Cankiri and Kastamonu. It utilizes the information available for the fees charged by the two courts for dividing the estates of deceased among their heirs. The findings of this article indicate not only that the courts charged for specific services substantially more than what was dictated in official price compilations, but also that the amounts that they charged increased significantly during the period of 60 years covered in this essay. Cet article examine les couts de l'utilisation de tribunal dans Anatolie pendant l'epoque ottomane au dix-septieme- et dix-huitieme siecles. Ceci est accompli avec l'aide d'information trouvee dans vingt-cinq registres des tribunaux de Cankiri et de Kastamonu. L'article utilise l'information disponible au sujet des honoraires charges par le deux tribunaux pour diviser les proprietes du decede parmi ses heritiers. Ces resultats indiquent non seulement que les tribunaux ont charge pour les services beaucoup plus que ce qui a ete dicte dans les compilations officielles des prix, mais aussi que les montants qu'ils ont chargees augmente considerablement pendant la periode de 60 ans discute dans cet essai.
Rhetoric of Myth, Magic, and Conversion: A Prolegomena to Ancient Irish Rhetoric

Ancient Ireland presents an interesting case for rhetorical study. While the island is usually considered a part of geographic Europe, it long resisted the influence of cultural Europe. Unlike Britain, for example, Ireland was never conquered by Rome, and its pre-literate culture flourished beyond the fall of the Empire. Consequently, the Irish maintained a mythopoetic rhetoric based in narrative. Their stories recounted not only the deeds of their heroes, but also their words. And, like ancient Greece, ancient Ireland also had a class of sophistic rhetors, the Druids. When Patrick arrived around the end of the fourth century, he eschewed the Ciceronian rhetoric of Augustine and instead adapted Christian theology to fit Irish rhetoric.
Assessment of a linear accelerator for segmented conformal radiation therapy

Segmented conformal radiation therapy is a new computer‐controlled treatment technique under investigation in which the target volume is subdivided into thick transverse segments each of which is then treated individually by rectangular transverse abutting fields. In order to obtain uniform dose at abutments, the machine isocenter remains fixed in the patient and field edges are defined by independently moving focused collimator jaws to give matching geometric divergence. Mechanical variation in jaw and gantry positioning will create some dose variation at field abutments. Film dosimetry was used to study the radiation field positioning accuracy and precision of a commercial linear accelerator. A method of field position calibration was developed using multiple nonabutting fields exposed on the same radiograph. Verification of collimator jaw calibration measurements was performed using multiple abutting fields exposed on a single radiograph. Measurements taken over 5 months of clinical accelerator operation studied the effects of simple jaw motion, simple gantry motion, and combined jaw/gantry motion on jaw position precision and accuracy. The inherent precision and accuracy of radiation field positioning was found to be better than ±0.3 mm for both jaws with all types of motions except for the Y2 jaw under combined jaw/gantry motion. When the ability to deliver abutting beams was verified in clinical mode, the average dose variation at abutments was less than 6% at all gantry angles except for one. However, due to acceleratorsoftware limitations in clinical mode, the settings for collimator positions could not take advantage of the maximum accuracy of which the hardware is capable. Improved software should allow positioning accuracy which would significantly reduce the dose variation at abutments. The results demonstrate that the mechanical precision of the accelerator is suitable for delivery of segmented conformal therapy treatments.
Patch clamping by numbers.

Abstract Many ion channels are recognized as amenable targets for a range of disease states and conditions. However, the process of discovering drugs is highly influenced by the chemical doability, the biological confidence in rationale of the approach and the ‘screenability’. To date, the absence of informative high throughput technologies for ion channel screening has resulted in ion channels remaining a largely unexplored class of drug targets. This, however, is about to change – a large increase in the number of data points per day should be achieved by the introduction of automated ‘high throughput’ patch clamp machines.
Developing Reagents and Conditions to Induce Mesoderm Subsets from ES Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation can serve as a model to investigate early stages of development. Nishikawa and colleagues, in a recent issue of Stem Cells (Era et al., 2007), have used selectable markers to detect lineage-specific gene expression and dissect the induction of mesoderm subsets in ES cell cultures.
The separate profile structures of the functional calcium pump protein and the phospholipid bilayer within isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes determined by X-ray and neutron diffraction

The detailed profile structure of the isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane was studied utilizing a combination of X-ray and neutron diffraction. The water and lipid profile structures within the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane were determined at 28 A resolution directly by neutron diffraction and selective deuteration of the water and lipid components. The previously determined electron density profile structure of the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane at 12 A resolution was subjected to model refinement analysis constrained by the neutron diffraction results, thereby providing unique higher resolution calculated lipid and protein profile structures. It was found that the lipid bilayer profile structure of the isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane is asymmetric, primarily the result of more lipid residing in the inner versus the outer monolayer of the sarcoplasmic reticulum lipid bilayer. The asymmetry in the lipid composition was necessarily coincident with a complimentary asymmetry in the protein mass distribution between the two monolayers in order to preserve the overall cross-sectional area of lipid and protein throughout the lipid bilayer region of the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane profile structure. Approximately 50% of the mass of the total protein was found to be localized externally to the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane lipid bilayer protruding from the outer lipid monolayer into the extravesicular medium. The structural features of the protein protrusion appear to be rather variable depending upon the environment of the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. This highly asymmetric structural organization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane profile is consistent with its primary function of unidirectional calcium transport.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae infections and antifungal susceptibility studies by colorimetric and broth macrodilution methods

Saccharomyces cerevisiae was isolated in large numbers from operative specimens from two patients with perforated bowel and peritonitis and from the blood of another patient treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Susceptibility studies were performed on these three isolates and another 29 isolates that colonized or caused infection in a total of 19 patients seen over the last decade. All isolates had low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for amphotericin B (MIC90 of < or = 0.02 microgram/ml) and flucytosine (MIC90 of 0.2 microgram/ml), and a broader range of MIC values for itraconazole (MIC90 of 0.8 microgram/ml) and fluconazole (MIC90 of 4 micrograms/ml). A colorimetric method using Alamar blue reagent showed good concordance with the standard broth macrodilution method for amphotericin B, flucytosine, and fluconazole, but less good concordance for itraconazole. Serious infections with S. cerevisiae probably should be treated with amphotericin B, with or without the addition of flucytosine.
Considering legacy as a multi-dimensional construct: the legacy of the Olympic Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) requires cities that bid for the Olympic Games to formulate a legacy strategy. This case follows a sport professional tasked with developing an Olympic bid for their city. Specifically, the case considers various legacy outcomes including: destination image, tourism, cost, venues, housing, and social legacies. The case is written with anonymity of the actual city so that the instructor can adapt the case to a specific city. The case is particularly useful for courses covering sport tourism, stakeholder management, event management, or sport economics and finance.
Self-employment, earnings, and mobility in Peninsular Malaysia☆

Abstract This study tests several hypotheses about self-employment in LDCs that derive from the common view of the self-employed as part of the informal sector of a dualistic labor market. The empirical findings based upon Malaysian survey data reject the hypotheses that the self-employed earn less than wage employees, ceteris paribus, and that the self-employed in urban areas are typically recent migrants. An alternative interpretation of the determinants of self-employment is suggested based upon these findings.
Ultrasonic inspection technique for composite doubler/aluminum skin bond integrity for aircraft

As part of the FAA's National Aging Aircraft Research Program to foster new technologies for civil aircraft maintenance and repair, use of bonded composite doublers on metal aircraft structures has been advanced. Research and validation of such doubler applications on U.S. certified commercial aircraft has begun. A specific composite application to assess the capabilities of composite doublers was chosen on a L-1011 aircraft for reinforcement of the corner of a cargo door frame where a boron-epoxy repair patch of up to 72 plies was installed. A primary inspection requirement for these doublers is the identification of disbonds between the composite laminate and the aluminum parent material. This paper describes the development of an ultrasonic pulse-echo technique using a modified immersion focus transducer where a robust signal amplitude signature of the composite/aluminum interface is obtained to characterize the condition of the bond. Example waveforms and C-scan images are shown to illustrate the ultrasonic response for various transducer configurations using a boron-epoxy/aluminum skin calibration test sample where disbonds and delaminations were built-in. The modified focus transducer is compatible with portable ultrasonic scanning systems that utilize the weeper or dripless bubbler technologies when an ultrasonic inspection of the boron-epoxy composite doublers installed on aircraft is implemented.
Light-Scattering Studies on Bile Acid Salts II: Pattern of Self- Association of Sodium Deoxycholate, Sodium Taurodeoxycholate, and Sodium Glycodeoxycholate in Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions

The pattern of self-association of the bile salts sodium deoxycholate, sodium glycodeoxycholate, and sodium taurodeoxycholate was investigated in aqueous electrolyte solutions by the light-scattering technique. The turbidity of the bile salt solutions was obtained over the concentration range of 0-20 mg/ml at 25 degrees. These data were analyzed according to a monomer-micellar equilibrium model and a stepwise association model. Comparison of the light-scattering data with these models suggests that the monomer-micellar model may be inappropriate. Analysis of the data according to the stepwise association model suggests that the dihydroxy bile salts associate to form dimers, trimers, and tetramers in addition to a larger aggregate which varies in size depending on the degree of conjugation of the bile salt.
Whole genome deoxyribonucleic acid microarray analysis of gene expression in ectopic versus eutopic endometrium.

Objective To use DNA microarrays to identify differentially expressed genes in eutopic endometrium compared with ectopic endometrium. Design Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Setting University Medical Center and Research Laboratory. Patient(s) Eleven women with endometriosis. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Differential gene expression. Result(s) Seven hundred seventeen of the 53,000 probes on the whole human DNA microarrays were changed by twofold or greater in ectopic versus eutopic endometrium. Families of genes that were expressed differentially include genes that code for proteins associated with the immune system and inflammatory pathways, cell adhesion, cell-cell junctions, the extracellular matrix and its remodeling, cytoskeletal proteins, and signal transduction pathway components, among others. Conclusion(s) The altered immune environment may allow survival of endometriotic cells that enter the abdominal cavity. Alterations of cell adhesion–associated genes may contribute to the adhesive and invasive properties of ectopic endometrium, and changes in signal transduction pathways support a change in the communication among cells of the endometrial explant compared with eutopic endometrium. These families of differentially expressed genes provide multiple opportunities for the development and testing of new hypotheses regarding endometriosis.
Pemphigus vegetans in association with human immunodeficiency virus.

A 23-year-old black man presented with a 2-year history of blistering eruptions involving the skin and mucous membranes. Risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection included sexual encounters with prostitutes. He had no additional past medical history and denied any family history of autoimmune blistering disorders. Over the last 2 years the patient had undergone multiple admissions at various medical centers with a diagnosis of pemphigus vegetans (PV). He was treated with a variety of topical and systemic medications, including steroids and antimicrobials, but he always relapsed within a few months. The patient presented to the Metropolitan Hospital Center with malaise, blisters, and vegetative lesions of several days’ duration. On physical examination, erosions, pustules, nodules, and verrucous, vegetating papules were noted in the axillae, groin ( Fig. 1), scrotal, and anal areas. There were erosions and crusts on the lower lips. The tongue showed mild desquamation and had a cerebriform appearance ( Fig. 2). Paronychial crust and scale were noted on the hands and feet and an intact vesicle was noted on one finger. Inguinal, submandibular, cervical, and axillary lymphadenopathy was present. Hyperpigmented macules and patches were noted on the trunk and extremities. Figure 1. Erosions, crust, and verrucous papules in the groin Download figure to PowerPoint Figure 2. Cerebriform appearance of the tongue in association with crusts and erosions on the lips Download figure to PowerPoint A biopsy specimen of a verrucous papule from the left axilla showed marked spongiosis, intraepidermal acantholysis, and numerous eosinophils within the acantholytic vesicle ( Fig. 3). In addition, there was a marked superficial dermal infiltrate with eosinophils, plasma cells, and lymphocytes. A biopsy specimen of a pustule in the left axilla showed marked spongiosis, intraepidermal vesicle formation, superficial dermal edema, perivascular infiltration with lymphocytes and plasma cells, and exocytosis of neutrophils and eosinophils in the dermis and epidermis. Figure 3. Histopathology of vegetating lesion showing acantholysis and a dense eosinophilic infiltrate (hematoxylin and eosin, ×100) Download figure to PowerPoint Direct immunofluorescence showed immunoglobulin G (IgG) and weak C3 on the intercellular junctions in the epidermis. Indirect immunofluorescence showed a high titer (>1 : 1280) of circulating antibodies with an intercellular pattern. Viral culture from the mouth and skin was negative for herpes simplex virus. Bacterial culture from the skin of the groin was positive for Proteus mirabilis. Blood cultures were negative. Laboratory tests on admission showed a normocytic anemia, and the CD4 count was 372 cells/mm3 (normal, 537–1571 cells/mm3 ). The urine on admission was positive for opiates and cocaine. The results of HIV-1 testing by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay and immunoblotting were positive.
Labelling of intestinal brush border membrane proteins in vivo using diazotised[125I]iodosulfanilic acid.

Abstract Membrane proteins of the intestinal brush border were labelled in vivo by intraluminal injection of diazotised [125I]iodosulfanilic acid, a highly polar molecule. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of brush border membranes labelled in this manner showed 20 protein bands, 11 of which contained significant radioactivity. The most heavily labelled proteins had molecular weights greater than 150 000, indicating that they were the most exposed to the intestinal lumen. Little radioactivity was detected in proteins with molecular weights of less than 94 000. The majority of these smaller proteins were likely to have been brush border core proteins. The evidence that diazotised [125I]iodosulfanilic acid bound primarily to brush border membrane proteins when administered in this way, was: (a) the specific activity of brush border proteins was up to 3-fold greater than that of total cell particulate proteins (pelleted at 27 000 × g from mucosal homogenates); (b) principal peaks in the gel radioactivity profile of total cell particulate proteins corresponded to the most heavily labelled proteins of the isolated brush border membrane; and (c) brush border core proteins showed minimal radioactivity in vivo, but considerably higher radioactivity when brush border membranes were labelled in vitro. A small amount of label was absorbed across the intestinal mucosa. However, secondary labelling of brush border proteins by this absorbed label was minimal, since the specific activity of brush border proteins in jejunum adjacent to the labelled loop was only 0.22% of the level for those proteins in the labelled segment. Since this technique did not affect the cellular morphology, enzyme activity or biochemical integrity of the membrane, it should prove useful as a means of accurately studying in vivo turnover rates of brush border membrane proteins.
Fluid therapy in the neonate: not your mother's fluid space.

Fluid therapy is one of the most commonly used therapeutic modalities in critical care. Water is the milieu of life. All cellular functions occur in water and depend on proper osmolality. With few exceptions, cells only survive if surrounded by a fluid reservoir in the form of the interstitium. Fluid balance, including total body water and interstitial and cellular osmolarity, are extremely important in maintaining cellular health. When normal physiology is not overly disrupted and when there is adequate renal function, gross errors in fluid therapy are forgiven. When renal function is severely compromised, as is true in many critical neonates, or when the special limitations the neonate must deal with during the transition from fetal physiology are ignored, mistakes in fluid therapy can have devastating consequences, however. As with all therapeutic interventions, fluid therapy should be based on an understanding of the patient’s physiology and an educated guess about the pathophysiology occurring at the time. No one fluid therapy plan is suitable for all cases. Fluid therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than having one fluid plan forced on all cases. Nevertheless, the starting point of the fluid plan should be universal so that gross errors in formulation are avoided. This article outlines a fluid plan based on neonatal physiology that can form the starting point in formulating fluid therapy for the critical neonate.