cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Examination and Evaluation of Murmurs.

1. Vincent J. Gonzalez, MD, MS* 2. William B. Kyle, MD* 3. Hugh D. Allen, MD* 1. *Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX * Abbreviations: PDA: : patent ductus arteriosus VSD: : ventricular septal defect Murmurs are an exceedingly common physical examination finding in pediatric patients. It is imperative that all pediatricians know how to perform a complete cardiac examination and understand the components of benign versus pathologic murmurs. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Review and perform a complete cardiac examination in the pediatric patient. 2. Understand the various heart sounds and how they correlate with the underlying physiology of the cardiac cycle. 3. Accurately describe a murmur and be able to discern between innocent and pathologic murmur findings. The evaluation of murmurs in the pediatric patient has remained a subject of both interest and anxiety for decades. Murmurs are one of the most common physical examination findings in children, and most youth will have a murmur at some point in their life. Given that most murmurs are innocent, it is prudent to differentiate these benign murmurs from those representing underlying cardiac disease. However, with advancements in medical technology and the widespread availability of echocardiography, there is concern about a concomitant decline in cardiac examination skills. This not only has come at great financial expense to the health-care system but also may result in unnecessary increased parental or patient anxiety. In addition to the physical examination, a targeted cardiac history is essential in determining whether to reassure or raise concern when evaluating the pediatric patient with a murmur. Special attention should be given to the family history; maternal pregnancy information, including the presence of gestational diabetes or drug/toxin exposures in utero, history of prematurity, growth, and feeding patterns; comorbid conditions; and developmental milestones. For older children it is also important to characterize any history of palpitations, presyncope or syncope, chest discomfort, and activity intolerance. Taking this into account, this review is designed to provide an overview of the cardiac physical examination in the …
Insulin allergy

While immunologic responses to insulin such as cutaneous reactivity and antibody against insulin are common significant clinical problems related to those immunologic reactions are uncommon. Immunologic responses that have been described included Gell and Coombs type I, II, and IV. The antigen may be the result of any of several factors: insulin as a heterologous protein, altered tertiary structure of insulin, presence of non-insulin protein contaminants, or pharmaceutical formulation additives.
Dorsal Root Entry Zone (DREZ) Lesion

This chapter describes dorsal root entry zone (DREZ ) lesion in relation to brachial plexus avulsion . Deafferentation pain is difficult to treat and can sometimes be intractable to medical management. DREZ lesion has an 85 % success rate at 2 years in treating neuropathic pain following brachial plexus avulsion.
Comparison of Traditional, Step-Ahead, and Peer Mentoring on Protégés' Support, Satisfaction, and Perceptions of Career Success: A Social Exchange Perspective

This study applied social exchange theory as a conceptual framework to examine the effectiveness of various types of mentors and mentor support on proteges' satisfaction with their mentors, jobs, and perceived career success. Participants were 142 ethnically diverse proteges in informal mentoring relationships. It was found that role modeling, reciprocity, and vocational support predicted proteges' satisfaction with their mentors. Vocational support was a significant predictor of proteges' job satisfaction and perceived career success. Proteges were more satisfied with, had higher job satisfaction, and reported that traditional mentors provided significantly more vocational and role modeling support than peer or step-ahead mentors.
Isolation of a novel human alpha (1,3)fucosyltransferase gene and molecular comparison to the human Lewis blood group alpha (1,3/1,4)fucosyltransferase gene. Syntenic, homologous, nonallelic genes encoding enzymes with distinct acceptor substrate specificities.

Abstract Biochemical and genetic evidence indicates that the human genome may encode four or more distinct GDP-fucose:beta-D-N-acetylglucosaminide 3-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase (alpha(1,3)fucosyltransferase) activities. Genes encoding two of these activities have been previously isolated. These correspond to an alpha(1,3/1,4)fucosyltransferase thought to represent the human Lewis blood group locus and an alpha(1,3)fucosyltransferase expressed in the myeloid lineage. We report here the molecular cloning and expression of a third human alpha(1,3)fucosyltransferase gene, homologous to but distinct from the two previously reported human fucosyltransferase genes. When expressed in transfected mammalian cells, this gene determines expression of a fucosyltransferase capable of using N-acetyllactosamine to form the Lewis x epitope, and alpha(2,3)sialyl-N-acetyllactosamine to construct the sialyl Lewis x moiety. This enzyme shares 91% amino acid sequence identity with the human Lewis blood group alpha(1,3/1,4)fucosyltransferase, yet exhibits only trace amounts of alpha(1,4)fucosyltransferase activity. Polymerase chain reaction analyses were used to demonstrate that the gene is syntenic to the Lewis locus on chromosome 19. These analyses also excluded the possibility that this DNA segment represents an allele of the Lewis locus that encodes alpha(1,3)fucosyltransferase but not alpha(1,4)fucosyltransferase activity. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that this gene encodes the human "plasma type" alpha(1,3)fucosyltransferase, and suggest a molecular basis for a family of human alpha(1,3)fucosyltransferase genes.
Dorsal horn-enriched genes identified by DNA microarray, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry

Background Neurons in the dorsal spinal cord play important roles in nociception and pain. These neurons receive input from peripheral sensory neurons and then transmit the signals to the brain, as well as receive and integrate descending control signals from the brain. Many molecules important for pain transmission have been demonstrated to be localized to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Further understanding of the molecular interactions and signaling pathways in the dorsal horn neurons will require a better knowledge of the molecular neuroanatomy in the dorsal spinal cord.
Heterotrophic bacterioplankton in the Arabian Sea:: Basinwide response to year-round high primary productivity

Heterotrophic bacterial abundance and productivity were measured during "ve and four cruises, respectively, in the northwest Arabian Sea as part of the US JGOFS Process Study, which provided a new view of seasonal bacterial dynamics in that part of the basin in#uenced by monsoonal forcing. In this paper, surface layer data are used to address two questions concerning the in#uence of the monsoon cycle on bacterial dynamics: (1) Is there a bacterial bloom in the SW Monsoon? and (2) Is bacterial production low during the oligotrophic Spring Intermonsoon? An extensive comparison of epi#uorescence microscopy and #ow cytometry, unprecedented at this scale, detected essentially the same heterotrophic bacterial populations and distributions, with some between-cruise di!erences. Use of the two methods allowed us to extend our observations in space and time. Bacterial productivity, both in the surface layer and integrated over the euphotic zone, was elevated less than 2-fold during the Southwest Monsoon. Levels of bacterial abundance and production were low during the Northeast Monsoon, then increased in March during the Spring Intermonsoon. There was some stimulation of abundance or production inshore in response to coastal upwelling. In general, the basin was enriched in bacterial biomass '510 cells l throughout the year, relative to other tropical regimes, presumably in response to overall high PP and DOC levels. Seasonally uniformDOC levels may be regulated in part by intense bacterial utilization rates, but also re #ect seasonal consistency in PP. 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Adansonian Analysis and Deoxyribonucleic Acid Base Composition of Serratia marcescens

Colwell, R. R. (Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.), and M. Mandel. Adansonian analysis and deoxyribonucleic acid base composition of Serratia marcescens. J. Bacteriol. 89:454–461. 1965.—A total of 33 strains of Serratia marcescens were subjected to Adansonian analysis for which more than 200 coded features for each of the organisms were included. In addition, the base composition [expressed as moles per cent guanine + cytosine (G + C)] of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) prepared from each of the strains was determined. Except for four strains which were intermediate between Serratia and the Hafnia and Aerobacter group C of Edwards and Ewing, the S. marcescens species group proved to be extremely homogeneous, and the different strains showed high affinities for each other (mean similarity, ¯S = 77%). The G + C ratio of the DNA from the Serratia strains ranged from 56.2 to 58.4% G + C. Many species names have been listed for the genus, but only a single clustering of the strains was obtained at the species level, for which the species name S. marcescens was retained. S. kiliensis, S. indica, S. plymuthica, and S. marinorubra could not be distinguished from S. marcescens; it was concluded, therefore, that there is only a single species in the genus. The variety designation kiliensis does not appear to be valid, since no subspecies clustering of strains with negative Voges-Proskauer reactions could be detected. The characteristics of the species are listed, and a description of S. marcescens is presented.
Contrasting Effects of Polycations on Plaquing Efficiency of Encephalomyocarditis Virus Variants

Abstract Polycation treatment of L cell monolayers affected plaquing efficiency of both the r+ and r variants of the encephalomyocarditis virus. Plaque formation by r+ variant was decreased markedly by three structurally different types of synthetic basic polymers, diethylaminoethyl dextran, hexadimethrene (polybrene), and basic polyamino acids. In contrast, these same substances increased substantially the number of plaques formed by the r variant. The effect on the two variants was observed when polycations were applied to the cells before or simultaneously with the introduction of virus. The molar concentration and size of the polymer proved important. Thus, basic polyamino acids of low molecular weight were significantly more inhibitory for the r+ variant than were those of high molecular weight. On the other hand, plaquing efficiency of the r variant was increased by relatively large polyamino acids, but not by polymers of small size. Basic polyamino acids inhibited r+ plaque formation to a greater degree at low than at high pH values. However, plaquing efficiency of the r variant in polycation-treated cultures was not affected by changes in pH. Basic polymers appear to bind to cell membranes and affect either attachment or uptake of the viruses. The evidence suggests that the substances influence by different mechanisms the interaction of the r+ and r variants with cells.
Die Ernährung des Menschen

Eine der leitenden Ideen dieses Werkes besteht in der jetzt ziemlich gut bewiesenen Vermutung, das es bei der Ernahrung nicht genugt, das die notigen Nahrungsbestandteile zur Verfugung stehen, sondern das sie sich auch im richtigen Verhaltnisse zueinander befinden mussen. Dieser Ideengang entwickelte sich hauptsachlich aus Beobachtungen an Ratten. Wird diesen Tieren eine qualitativ richtig zusammengestellte Nahrung (ad libitum) zur Verfugung gestellt, so sehen wir doch oft Ernahrungsfehler entstehen. Man ware geneigt anzunehmen, das diese Tiere nur mehr Nahrung zu sich zu nehmen brauchten, um alle Bestandteile in richtigen Mengen zu erhalten. In der Praxis dagegen zeigt sich, das dies nicht der Fall ist. Mag das Tier noch so sehr seine Nahrungsaufnahme vergrosern, das Verhaltnis der einzelnen Komponenten zueinander kann sich nicht andern, wenn eine konstant zusammengesetzte Nahrung verabreicht wird. Diese zu grose Verdunnung gewisser Komponenten kann wohl auch in der menschlichen Ernahrung vorkommen und ein ziemlich unklares atiologisches Bild ergeben.
Analytic Approximation of Finite-Maturity Timer Option Prices

We develop an approximation technique for pricing finite-maturity timer options under Heston-like stochastic volatility models. By approximating the distributions of the accumulated variance and the random variance budget exceeding time, we obtain analytic expressions for timer option prices under zero correlation. For nonzero correlation, we use a simple linear combination approximation which matches the asymptotic correlation behavior. Numerical analysis using the Heston model shows that the method is fairly accurate, especially when the volatility of variance is small or the maximum maturity is large.
5‐HT2A and D2 receptor blockade increases cortical DA release via 5‐HT1A receptor activation: a possible mechanism of atypical antipsychotic‐induced cortical dopamine release

Atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs), all of which are relatively more potent as serotonin (5-HT)(2A) than dopamine D(2) antagonists, may improve negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia, in part, via increasing cortical dopamine release. 5-HT(1A) agonism has been also suggested to contribute to the ability to increase cortical dopamine release. The present study tested the hypothesis that clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and perhaps other atypical APDs, increase dopamine release in rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) via 5-HT(1A) receptor activation, as a result of the blockade of 5-HT(2A) and D(2) receptors. M100907 (0.1 mg/kg), a 5-HT(2A) antagonist, significantly increased the ability of both S:(-)-sulpiride (10 mg/kg), a D(2) antagonist devoid of 5-HT(1A) affinity, and R:(+)-8-OH-DPAT (0.05 mg/kg), a 5-HT(1A) agonist, to increase mPFC dopamine release. These effects of M100907 were abolished by WAY100635 (0.05 mg/kg), a 5-HT(1A) antagonist, which by itself has no effect on mPFC dopamine release. WAY100635 (0.2 mg/kg) also reversed the ability of clozapine (20 mg/kg), olanzapine (1 mg/kg), risperidone (1 mg/kg), and the R:(+)-8-OH-DPAT (0.2 mg/kg) to increase mPFC dopamine release. Clozapine is a direct acting 5-HT(1A) partial agonist, whereas olanzapine and risperidone are not. These results suggest that the atypical APDs via 5-HT(2A) and D(2) receptor blockade, regardless of intrinsic 5-HT(1A) affinity, may promote the ability of 5-HT(1A) receptor stimulation to increase mPFC DA release, and provide additional evidence that coadministration of 5-HT(2A) antagonists and typical APDs, which are D(2) antagonists, may facilitate 5-HT(1A) agonist activity.
Thyroid hormone and blood pressure regulation

Thyroid hormone has well-recognized effects on the cardiovascular system and blood pressure regulation. Blood pressure is altered across the entire spectrum of thyroid disease. The effects of hyperthyroidism include increased cardiac output, contractility, tachycardia, widened pulse pressure, decreased systemic vascular resistance, and increased basal metabolic rate. The manifestations of hypothyroidism are in marked contrast to those of hyperthyroidism and include decreased cardiac output, narrow pulse pressure, increased systemic vascular resistance, and decreased metabolic rate. Although thyroid hormone affects almost all tissues of the body and mediates changes in homeostasis, adaptations of the cardiovascular system can result in changes in blood pressure to accommodate the new demands on the system. In this paper, we review the direct and indirect thyroid hormone-mediated effects on blood pressure.
Outpatient Prostatectomy: Too Much Too Soon or Just What the Patient Ordered

Objectives To evaluate the feasibility of performing a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) as an outpatient procedure while maintaining patient satisfaction and safety. Herein we report our experience, selection criteria, and discharge criteria for outpatient RARP. Methods We performed a prospective study with 11 patients undergoing extraperitoneal RARP. These patients were counseled before the procedure that they would go home the same evening of the procedure. The patients were then surveyed by a third party shortly after they returned home, using the Patient Judgement System-24, a previously validated instrument for patient satisfaction. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, and outcomes were collected for analysis. Results All patients were successfully discharged the same day of surgery. Mean patient age was 62.2 years with a mean body mass index of 26 kg/m 2 . Mean operative time was 117.6 minutes, console time was 76.7 minutes, and estimated blood loss was 168.2 mL. Mean indwelling catheter time was 7.5 days. No complications occurred in this series of patients. Satisfaction was unanimously high in all patients surveyed, with most scores over 90% on the Patient Judgement System-24. No patient reported any ill effects from the shortened stay or felt rushed to leave the hospital. Conclusions The early experience with extraperitoneal RARP as a same day surgery is promising. Preoperative patient counseling and selection is paramount. Patient satisfaction is not adversely affected by the shortened stay. Surgeon experience, assessment of intraoperative findings, and adequate postoperative assessment are essential.
Writing teachers’ perceptions of the presence and needs of second language writers: An institutional case study

Abstract First-year composition in U.S. higher education has been a major site of L2 writing research. Despite the historical division between mainstream first-year composition and L2 writing, there has been an increasing interest in integrating insights from L2 writing research into the professional literature in rhetoric and composition and writing program administration. Yet, a majority of composition courses are taught by those who are not specialists in these fields, and their level of awareness is yet to be examined. To investigate writing teachers’ perceptions of the presence and needs of L2 writers, we conducted a perception survey of teachers of both mainstream and L2 sections of first-year composition courses. The findings show that writing teachers do recognize the presence and needs of L2 writers, and more than a few teachers were enthusiastic about working with this student population. At the same time, many teachers—including those who taught L2 writing sections—did not make any special provisions to address the unique needs of L2 writers. The findings also show that teachers’ ability to address L2 writers’ needs were constrained by program policies, lack of common teaching and assessment materials, and professional preparation opportunities. This study suggests the need to better understand the specific needs of teachers in order to address the needs of their students.
Thiorphan potentiation of stress-induced analgesia in the mouse

Abstract Experiments were done to examine the analgesic effect of thiorphan alone or in combination with stres in mice. Analgesia was assessed by measuring jump latencies from a 55°C hot plate. Thiorphan exhibited weak analgesic properties evidenced by significant increases in jump latencies only after 300 mg/kg i.p. Additional experiments were done to see the effect of i.c.v. administration of thiorphan in the mouse hot plate test. Control experiments revealed that either i.c.v. saline or sham caused naloxone reversible analgesia which was potentiated by thiorphan (100 mg/kg i.p.). Immobilization stress-induced analgesia was also potentiated by thiorphan (100 mg/kg i.p.) and antagonized by naloxone (10 mg/kg i.p.). The results suggest that stress-induced analgesia in the mouse is associated with an endogenous opioid mechanism which is potentiated when enkephalin degradation is inhibited by thiorphan.
The next round: Game theory and public choice perspectives

Abstract The Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations proved to be unduly lengthy because of the absence of an adequate negotiating framework to resolve complex new issues. Although solutions have been found for many issues with the conclusion of the Round, others remain to be addressed, and emerging issue will require resolution. With a new Round scheduled to start relatively soon, it is useful to identify a negotiating framework that may hasten future discussions. Game theory and public choice are used as analytical tools to illustrate various scenarios that may help policy makers and negotiators identify, with particular reference to agriculture, the likely main issues, bargaining positions and possibilities for compromise. The complexity of the issues, the divergence of positions between countries, the absence of a dominant leader in world trade, and the emergence of trade and negotiating blocs which lack a unified position are, however, factors that may make the next round of multilateral trade negotiations as protracted as the Uruguay Round. Discussion and research concerning the issues are required to facilitate the negotiation process.
Carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of anti‐inflammatory drugs: Phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone and indomethacin

The 13C nmr chemical shifts of phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, indomethacin and indole-3-acetic acid are reported. The assignments of various carbon resonances are made on the basis of the substitution effects on benzene shifts, multiplicities generated in SFORD spectra, nuclear overhauser enhancement for protonated carbons, and the comparison with analogous compounds.
Geophysical, remote sensing, GIS, and isotopic applications for a better understanding of the structural controls on groundwater flow in the Mojave Desert, California

Abstract Study region Mojave Desert, USA. Study focus An integrated (near-surface geophysics, remote sensing, isotopic analyses) study was conducted in the Mojave River Basin and Morongo Groundwater Basin to investigate potential effects that the Helendale Fault [HF] and basement uplifts might have on groundwater flow in the Mojave Desert. New hydrological insights for the region The HF traces were mapped using LiDAR and Geoeye-1 imagery (surface) and magnetic profiles (subsurface). Shallow basement parallel to and west of the HF was detected using the Vertical Electrical Soundings (VESs). Conductive water-saturated breccia was detected along the HF using the Very Low Frequency (VLF) electromagnetic measurements. Isotopic analyses (δD and δ 18 O) for groundwater samples from productive shallow wells, and springs sampled west of the HF and the basement uplift are less depleted (Group I: Fifteenmile Valley Groundwater sub-basin [FVGS]; average δD: −86.8‰; δ 18 O: −11.8‰) than samples east of the basement uplift (Group II: Lucerne Valley Groundwater sub-basin [LVGS]; average δD: −95.0‰; δ 18 O: −12.1‰), whereas samples proximal to, the fault have compositions similar to Group I but show evidence for mixing with Group II compositions (Group III; average δD: −88.8‰; δ 18 O: −11.5‰). Findings are consistent with the HF channeling groundwater from the San Bernardino Mountains with basement uplifts acting as barriers to lateral groundwater flow and could be applicable to similar settings across the Mojave Desert and elsewhere worldwide.
Prediction of Preeclampsia-Bench to Bedside

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) constitute the most common medical condition seen during gestation, effecting 1 in 10 pregnancies in the USA. Traditionally, preeclampsia (PE) is defined as a new onset of hypertension and either proteinuria or end-organ dysfunction after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive woman. Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening condition with widespread underlying endothelial dysfunction, and accompanying inflammation, vasoconstriction, and platelet activation. Women with preeclampsia are at an increased risk for life-threatening complications and progression to eclampsia. Worldwide, 10 to 15 % of maternal deaths are from preeclampsia and related complications. Traditionally, diagnosis of preeclampsia is made based upon presence of risk factors and clinical criteria. Diagnosis is challenging in asymptomatic women early in pregnancy as well as in nulliparous women as they lack obstetric history; however, it is well known that women with previous preeclampsia have a 14.7 % risk of the condition in the second pregnancy. Prediction of those at risk and early diagnosis is crucial to enable close surveillance of high-risk women in order to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. There has been much advance in our understanding of the pathogenesis of PE and in the field of angiogenic markers. However, no one test meets the criteria for a good biomarker. A multiparametric approach appears to be optimal as we await newer systems biology approaches to give us better insight into the pathogenesis of the disease.
The midgut epithelium of the American cockroach: Acid phosphomonoesterase activity during the formation of autophagic vacuoles

Abstract Ultrastructural examination of the midgut epithelium of Periplaneta americana (L.) has shown that starvation causes a cyclic change in the number of autophagic vacuoles. A peak in number of vacuoles occurs 4 days after starvation is initiated. Correlated with these changes is a rise and fall of acid phosphatase activity with a peak identical to that of the vacuoles on day 4. Histochemical localization of the enzymatic activity within the vacuoles suggest that they are autophagic in nature. The midgut acid phosphatase has been partially purified and characterized.
Identification of a development-specific protein in sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Abstract Sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum contained a major protein of about 36, 000 daltons which was not detected in vegetative cells. The protein accumulated rapidly during sclerotial formation and ultimately comprised about 35–40% of the mature sclerotial protein. The protein did not decrease in concentration in sclerotial residue or appear in vegetative cells when sclerotia germinated myceliogenically. In contrast, the concentration of the protein decreased in sclerotia undergoing carpogenic germination and a small amount of the protein was present in the resultant apothecia. This development-specific protein was purified to near homogeneity as judged by one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel analysis. However, at least two other minor protein bands were detected by two-dimensional gel analysis which may be modified forms of the major protein. The protein had an isoelectric point of 6.0 and contained all 20 amino acids commonly present in proteins.
A Person-Oriented Approach to Characterizing Beginning Teachers in Alternative Certification Programs:

In this article, the authors argue for the use of ecological models of development in studies of teachers prepared through alternative certification (AC) programs. Previous studies of candidates in AC programs have focused on variables that describe their demographic characteristics. An ecological approach focuses on persons and situates their desires and attitudes toward teaching as shaped by their particular life circumstances and personal histories. This approach was applied to a large-scale study of individuals enrolled in California’s teacher internship program. The results are the development of six typological profiles that capture some of the complexities behind why individuals choose to enter teaching through AC routes.
Past and Next Generation Semiconductor DFB lasers and The Beginnings of Optoelectronic Integrated CIrcuits (OEICs)

The development of high power laser diodes at Xerox PARC and SDL, Inc. was not the primary initial goal of either company. Instead, a winding road led to the powerful, efficient reliable lasers of today. Article not available.
Examining Intercultural Growth for Business Students in Short-Term Study Abroad Programs: Too Good to Be True?.

Changes in ethnocentrism, intercultural communication apprehension, international awareness and activities were examined in business students participating in a 16-day consulting program abroad and compared to a control group of students at the home university. Anticipated changes in the study abroad students were found; however, when compared to the control group, the changes had little significance. Study abroad students had higher ethnocentrism, intercultural communication apprehension and lower intercultural awareness prior to going abroad; thus, the study abroad experience brought the STSA participants to the post-test levels of the control group. Implications for STSA programs and directions for future research are discussed.
Buffering functions of mangroves in the 2004 tsunami

Abstract The complex nature of coastal ecosystems and their protection require a deeper understanding of land cover change and dynamics. Although a number of ecological studies have been conducted to realise this important objective, little information is available regarding the quantification of this land cover change. The role of mangroves as living barriers was under appreciated prior to the 2004 tsunami event. In this paper, we investigate the buffering functions of mangroves in the 2004 tsunami by employing the methodology developed in our companion paper. We focus more on mangrove distribution patterns in different buffer zones before and after the 2004 tsunami. The presence of mangroves before and after the event was statistically significant for the North (χ 2 =154.08, p≤ 0.001) and Upper South (χ 2 =62.25, p≤ 0.001). We observed positive linear relationships suggesting a loss of mangrove resulted into a gain of barren and sand land cover as a result of a devastating impact from the 2004 tsunami e...
Structure of a bifunctional membrane-RNA binding protein, influenza virus matrix protein M1

Matrix protein (M1) of influenza virus is a bifunctional protein that mediates the encapsidation of RNA-nucleoprotein cores into the membrane envelope. It is therefore required that M1 binds both membrane and RNA simultaneously. The X-ray crystal structure of the N-terminal portion of type A influenza virus M1-amino acid residues 2-158-has been determined at 2.08 A resolution at pH 4.0. The protein forms a dimer. A highly positively charged region on the dimer surface is suitably positioned to bind RNA while the hydrophobic surface opposite the RNA binding region may be involved in interactions with the membrane. The membrane-binding hydrophobic surface could be buried or exposed after a conformational change.
Meteoric ion production near Jupiter

Meteoric ion layer formation within the Jovian atmosphere is examined with attention to metallic ion production in the lower ionosphere. The Fe(+) impact ionization rate within the Jovian atmosphere peaks above the mesopause with a magnitude of approximately 0.5 cu cm/sec and is much less than the ambient ionosphere photoionization rates near the late afternoon Pioneer 10 ionosphere occultation. Charge exchange of the ablated neutral Fe atoms with ambient ions can result in an Fe(+) production rate of about 10 cu cm/sec. Ignoring transport, steady state Fe(+) density maxima of about 10,000 or 1,000,000 cu cm can be maintained when Fe(+) loss is through radiative association or radiative recombination respectively. Even if an estimated lower limit to the incident meteoroid flux is used based on a meteoroid spatial density which does not vary with distance from the sun, the corresponding Fe(+) peak densities are 1,000 and 500,000 cu cm, respectively. Meteoric ion densities may thus be important in the Jovian lower ionosphere.
Vibrational structure of the S{ 2 / - } luminescence in scapolite

An analysis has been made of the strong yellow luminescence of S 2 − in the silicate mineral scapolite. The emission spectrum is dependent upon excitation wavelength, indicating that S 2 − occupies several different sites. The vibrational constants for the ground state average 609 cm−1 for ω″0, while ω″0χ″0=2.2cm−1. For the excited state ω′0=399cm−1 and ω′0χ′0=1.0cm−1. The intensities of the vibrational bands are described by a simple harmonic oscillator calculation.
A Time of Change

As aspects of computing undergo massive transformation, the Computer Society and the profession itself are at a special inflection point. The Society is adapting to these changes to remain valuable and useful to you, its members.
Ontogeny of the estrogen inducibility of uterine peroxidase

Abstract The estrogen inducibility of the enzyme, peroxidase (donor: hydrogen-peroxidase oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.7), in the uterus of the 3–22 day old rat was studied and compared to the ability of estrogen to stimulate increases in uterine weight. Neither estradiol nor diethylstilbestrol were able to effect significant increases in uterine weight or peroxidase content in 4 or 7 day old rats. Around 11–13 days of age the uterus becomes sensitive to both estrogens as indicated by both significant estrogen stimulation of uterine weight and induction of uterine peroxidase 20 h after either estrogen. Since diethylstilbestrol, which does not readily bind to α-fetoprotein, is also incapable of stimulating uterine weight or inducing peroxidase in the 4 and 7 day old animal it is likely that the insensitivity of the early postnatal uterus to estrogen is not due to the high circulating levels of a-fetoprotein. At the same age that the uterus becomes sensitive to the effects of estrogen it also becomes sensitive to progesterone inhibition of the estrogen-stimulation. These studies indicate that the inducibility of uterine peroxidase correlates very well with the estrogen stimulation of uterine weight in the postnatal rat and that the ontogeny of hormonal sensitivity of the uterus appears rather abruptly, within a period of several days.
Postpartum spontaneous coronary dissection presenting with ventricular fibrillation.

Summary Background Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of acute coronary syndromes; and one quarter of these patients present during the post-partum period. Furthermore, ventricular fibrillation is a rare presentation of this disease entity. Case A 32-year-old woman presented 3 days post Cesarean-section delivery with chest pain, ischemic electrocardiogram changes, and ventricular fibrillation arrest. The patient was taken for cardiac catheterization and found to have a left anterior coronary artery dissection necessitating 6 stents to restore flow to the vessel. Conclusion We report the first case of survival after ventricular fibrillation arrest of a woman presenting with spontaneous coronary dissection in the post-partum period. Our case underscores the importance of recognizing ventricular fibrillation as a first presenting sign of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in the post-partum period.
Determining the Finance Charge Under the Truth in Lending Act

Determination of the finance charge is central to the Truth in Lending disclosure scheme. The author analyzes difficulties encountered in drafting the finance charge provisions, judicial and administrative interpretations of the statutory provisions, and application of the concept to various types of transactions. He concludes that, despite imperfections in the statute and regulation, the present provisions are about the best that can be expected given the varieties of credit transactions and differences in state law provisions regulating such transactions.
Induction of intellectual gains in blind children

Abstract Twenty blind children (5–10 years old) were taught the concept of seriation by a learning set procedure. Ten of the children were also taught a simple classification concept to see if developing both abilities would produce more general intellectual gains. Children in a control group had training sessions matched in timing and extent, but differing in content. The results indicate that mastery of the concepts of seriation and classification can be accelerated through training. Training also affected WISC and SIT IQ scores; for these measurements, the seriation-classification group showed the greatest increase. Training had no effect on measures of psychological and social adjustment. The findings suggest that learning set training of Piagetian concepts can be effective in overcoming some conceptual deficiencies found in blind children. It may be profitable to test similar procedures with other children who are biologically mature but lagging in conceptual development.
Tecnociência comercialmente orientada ou investigação multiestratégica

The model of the interactions between scientific activities and values (M-CV) provides tools to criticize the scientific activities that are currently predominant in scientific institutions, and to identify some alternative possibilities for research that are not receiving due recognition in them. Most importantly, M-CV helps us to identify a deep incoherence in the common self-interpretation of the modern scientific tradition, and also to recognize that there are available two competing coherent interpretations - 'commercially oriented technoscience' and 'multi-strategy research' - that maintain continuity with the great cognitive successes of modern science.
Use of mailed urine specimens in diagnosing urothelial carcinoma by cytology and DNA image analysis.

Objective To evaluate the usefulness of urine specimens collected via a mailer system and analyzed by cytology and DNA ploidy for the detection of urothelial carcinoma (UC). Study Design We retrospectively reviewed the diagnoses of 91 mailed urine specimens received from 72 patients, 67% of whom had a history of UC. The specimens were fixed in an equal volume of 50% ethanol solution before being mailed. The cytologic findings were interpreted in conjunction with DNA ploidy image analysis. We compared these initial diagnoses with those of follow-up examinations, including biopsies, cystosopic findings and urinary cytology/DNA ploidy analyses. In addition, to examine the quality of the mailed samples, 3 cytopathologists performed a blinded assessment of cytologic slides of 20 mailed and 17 fresh urinary samples for bacterial overgrowth, urothelial degeneration, and presence of proteinaceous material and crystals. Results Follow-up was available for 68 of the 91 mailed specimens. The sensitivity for detecting UC using mailed urine specimens that were analyzed by both cytology and DNA ploidy was 61 %, while specificity was 92%. The levels of bacterial overgrowth and urothelial degeneration in the mailed specimens were not significantly greater than in the fresh specimens (p > 0.05). The levels of proteinaceous material and crystals were significantly higher in the mailed specimens (p < 0.05). Conclusion The results of combined cytology and DNA ploidy image analysis by using mailed urine samples were comparable to those of fresh urine specimens for the detection of UC reported in previous publications. The increase in crystals and proteinaceous material did not impede diagnostic interpretation. The mailing system is a reliable and convenient method of monitoring and triaging patients with UC or related symptoms.
In situ observations of giant appendicularians in Monterey Bay

Giant appendicularians (Bathochordaeus sp., Urochordata, Appendicularia) were observed in midwater in Monterey Canyon, Monterey Bay, California, from manned submersibles, Deep Rover, Alvin and MIR I, and with video from a ROV. Bathochordaeus utilizes secreted mucus structures to feed, but these structures and the orientation of the animal to the feeding-filter differ significantly from those of other genera in the Family Oikopleuridae. A continuously secreted sheet of mucus (unlike the episodically produced structured houses of other appendicularians) envelops both the body and the feeding-filter, protecting the animal from predators and scavenging large particles from the water feeding-filter, protecting the animal from sheet is occasionally up to 2 m in diameter, and large amounts of particulate material accumulate on this surface over time. We calculate that an individual can maintain the mucus sheet at specific depth horizons for as long as 30 days, collecting and impeding the downward flux of particulates. Eventually the sheet is disturbed or separates from the animal and feeding-filter due to its sediment burden, and collapses into a compacted mass which sinks rapidly (±800 m day− to the sea bed to depths of at least 3500 m. The obvious importance of these often common, large, filter-feeding appendicularians in water column ecology and vertical flux will require further investigation.
An Evaluation of Detectors for a Cerenkov Ring-Imaging Chamber

We report results from an ongoing study of single photon detectors for use in a ring-imaging Cerenkov counter. New results on the operation of parallel plate avalanche gaps is presented.
Endogenous and ectopic expression of noggin suggests a conserved mechanism for regulation of BMP function during limb and somite patterning

The gene noggin, originally cloned in Xenopus, encodes a secreted factor expressed in the Spemann organizer, where it functions to oppose the ventralizing influence of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Noggin protein acts by binding directly to BMPs, thereby preventing them from interacting with their receptors. Here we describe the pattern of expression of the chicken noggin gene during somite and limb development, two tissues in which BMPs have been postulated to play essential patterning roles. We find that noggin is expressed in dynamic restricted patterns consistent with an important role in the modulation of BMP signaling. Using a replication competent retrovirus we have ectopically expressed noggin in developing somitic and limb bud mesoderm and observed phenotypes consistent with complete block of BMP activity. This includes suppression of lateral somite differentiation and, in the limb, complete inhibition of chondrogenesis and local suppression of programmed cell death. In addition, we find that ectopic noggin expression in the limb has no effect on anteroposterior limb pattern, suggesting that BMPs are unlikely to play a significant role in this process. Taken together,, our results indicate that noggin is a key regulator of vertebrate limb and somite patterning and suggest that the antagonistic Noggin-BMP interaction is a widely used mechanism to modulate BMP signaling during multiple inductive events in vertebrate embryogenesis.
Generation of countable pulses by high concentrations of subcountable sized particles in the sensing volume of optical counters

Abstract It is shown by analysis and has been confirmed by experiment that large numbers of subcountable particles in the sensing zone of single particle optical counters generate spurious counts in the counting range of the instrument. A statistical theory has been developed which is capable of predicting the size distribution and number of the spurious pulses from the concentration and particle size of the subcountable aerosol. The theory has been extended to atmospheric aerosols obeying the distribution law dN dD p = 0.41 φD −4 , and it is shown that the many subcountable particles present in atmospheric aerosols can account for the false mode often observed when single particle optical counters are used to size concentrated urban aerosols. It is also shown that the numerous subcountable residue particles present in the atomized polystyrene latex aerosols can generate spurious pulses in the lower channels, thereby affecting the accuracy of this calibration method.
Seasonal and interannual variability in the circulation of Puget Sound, Washington: A box model study

Abstract A prognostic, time‐dependent box model of circulation in Puget Sound, Washington is used to study seasonal and interannual variations in residence times and interbasin transports. The model is capable of reproducing salinity variability in the Sound at seasonal timescales, and is shown to have hindcast skill at interannual timescales. Modelled transports vary as much between years as between seasons. The largest seasonal feature is a sharp transport drop in late autumn into the deep Main Basin of the Sound, which is shown to be caused by increased river flow into Whidbey Basin. The high degree of transport variability leads to large interannual differences in residence times; for instance, for Whidbey Basin the residence time varies from 33 to 44 days in the period between 1992 and 2001 and for southern Hood Canal it varies from 64 to 121 days. This indicates that residence time estimates based on a year or less of data may not yield representative values. A forcing sensitivity study shows that i...
The utility of non-β-lactam antimicrobial MICs as markers to distinguish oxacillin-resistant from oxacillin-susceptible strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis

Abstract Among 6,068 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis , 75.5% were oxacillin-resistant. Oxacillin-susceptible strains were more frequently susceptible to erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin, and tetracycline than oxacillin-resistant strains. With the exception of erythromycin, non-β-lactam MICs were less discriminatory for identifying oxacillin-resistant strains with oxacillin MICs ⩽2 μg/ml than for those with oxacillin MICs ⩾4 μg/ml.
Micromechanical determination of the tensile strength of flocculated artificial marine cohesive sediment

Abstract Strength characteristics of the flocculated aggregates (flocs) of clay minerals in an aqueous marine environment are important in many modeling applications, such as penetration of heavy objects in the cohesive seafloor, hydrodynamic transport of coastal and seafloor sediments, dredging, and remote sensing among many. Measuring floc strength accurately has been a difficult task due to the fragile, amorphous, and transient nature of the flocs. Here, we describe a micromechanical technique that was used to measure the tensile strength of soft flocculated aggregates produced from simulated marine clay sediments. In this study, artificial flocs similar to the ones that are found on and near the seabed, were prepared using Na-montmorillonite, guar gum, and sea salt. Using the micromechanical technique the average tensile strength of the flocs was found to be 667 ± 189 Pa. The range of tensile strength values is consistent with the nature of the flocs and the measurement technique.