cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Secondary accumulation of gangliosides in lysosomal storage disorders

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) known as gangliosides have been documented to accumulate in a wide range of lysosomal storage disorders, including those with and without primary defects in ganglioside degradation. The same two gangliosides, GM2 and GM3, are often found elevated in diseased neurons whereas in normal mature neurons both are essentially undetectable. Altered expression of these two gangliosides does not appear to result solely from cellularity changes or gliosis since immunocytochemical studies show that both GM2 and GM3 reside in vesicular structures within affected neurons. Elevated expression of one of these gangliosides (GM2) has also been found to closely correlate with the growth of ectopic dendrites on susceptible neurons, a phenomenon that uniquely characterizes many lysosomal diseases. Understanding the precise role of the endosomal-lysosomal system in the overall homeostatic control of GSL expression in neurons can be expected to provide key insight into both the function of gangliosides and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying lysosomal disease.
Structure and use of male territorial headbob signals by the lizard Anolis carolinensis

Abstract Abstract. Anolis carolinensis was found to have three stereotyped and distinct headbob patterns, referred to as types A, B and C. Each type had two variants, one in which the dewlap appeared mid-display, and a second in which dewlap extension was absent. Display types A, B and C comprised all of the headbob signalling during two contexts: (1) the advertisement context, when males were isolated (male-alone); and (2) the aggressive context, when each male was paired (male-male) during territorial contests. During the advertisement context, the mean display rate was 0·3/min; half of the displays were performed singly, the rest in bursts (volleys) of two to six displays/volley. Dewlap extension accompanied 97% of the displays, and all three types of displays were used with similar frequency. During the male-male context, mean display rate varied inversely with inter-male separation distance, being 1·4, 2·0 and 3·8/min at distances greater than 100 cm, within 20-100 cm and less than 20 cm, respectively. At large inter-male separation distances (> 60 cm), long volleys (containing four to nine displays) were common, type C displays predominated, and dewlap extension accompanied 92% of the displays. At short inter-male separation distances ( A. carolinensis headbob display behaviour. Recommendations are made for the abandonment of functional labels on patterns of display behaviour (e.g. assertion display and challenge display), regardless of taxon studied.
Histopathological and ultrastructural changes in simulated large colonic torsion and reperfusion in ponies.

Summary This investigation examines the histological and ultrastructural lesions of the colonic mucosa during terminal experimental infarction and subsequent reperfusion. Four ponies were anaesthetised and subjected to surgical torsion of the colon. Biopsies were collected at hourly intervals for 3 h, at which point the torsions were corrected. Circulation was re-established for 2 h and the bowel was re-biopsied at hourly intervals. The ponies were killed while under anaesthesia. During the 3 h experimental infarction, the bowel became macroscopically thickened and dark purple. Histologically, the mucosa degenerated from Grade 0 to Grade 3. Ultrastructurally, there was progressive micro-vascular distension with erythrodiapedesis and damage to the interstitial cells. Spaces developed between the bases and sides of the columnar epithelial cells and sloughing followed subsequently. During the 2 h reperfusion interval, the mucosa continued to degenerate rapidly to a Grade 5, and was characterised by extensive interstitial damage, oedema, cellular swelling, necrosis and mitochondrial damage. The results showed that the experimentally infarcted colonic mucosa degenerated sequentially. Following circulatory reestablishment, continued rapid mucosal degeneration characteristic of reperfusion injury occurred. Reperfusion injury is probably responsible, at least in part, for the often poor outcome of infarcted bowel in horses following surgical correction.
Geometric modifications to simple microchannel design for enhanced mixing

The ability to control mixing of reagents in MEMS systems is crucial for many biological and chemical analysis applications. However mixing in these microfluidic devices is a challenge because the flows are laminar corresponding to very low Reynolds number. In this paper, mixing of two aqueous reagents is studied in a "tau" shaped microchannel by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The baseline microchannel geometry has three branches: two inlets and one outlet. All the branches are 200 mum wide and 120 mum deep, which is a typical scale for mass produced disposable devices. Computational study has shown that, by splitting one of the branches of the "tau" shaped microchannel into half such that the net flow rate at the outlet remains the same as the baseline case, significantly enhances mixing. The two split inlets impinge the microchannel lateral flow from opposite directions. Also, by adding well shaped cavities at the split inlets further enhances the mixing. A detailed computational study is presented to show two different ways of employing split flow technique. Also a detailed study is done to investigate parameters like number of geometric splits, distance between the split inlets and impact of adding well shaped cavities to the best two-way split flow design for enhanced mixing.
Stochastic Modelling of Grain Drying: Part 3. Analysis of Crossflow Drying

Abstract In Part 3 of the papers on stochastic dryer model- ling of grain drying, the MSU stochastic drying model is used to investigate the distribution of the kernel moisture content during the crossflow drying of maize. It is shown that the standard deviation of the moisture content gradually increases during the drying process, and becomes larger when the drying temperature is increased or the airflow rate is decreased. A grain-inverter placed in a crossflow dryer is demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on the grain quality by decreasing the value of the standard deviation of the moisture content of the grain leaving the dryer.
Modelling Beauveria bassiana horizontal transmission.

Summary 1 We modelled horizontal transmission of Beauveria bassiana in Colorado potato beetle (CPB) between larval cadavers and soil inhabiting prepupae. 2 The rate of disease transmission, based on the probability of a prepupa contacting sporulating cadavers on the soil surface, is a non-linear function of cadaver density and also dependent upon temperature. 3 The spatial pattern of cadavers is needed to estimate prepupal contacts with cadavers. Observational field studies determined Johnson distributions to model the spatial pattern of cadavers and prepupae in the field. The model also implicitly incorporates within-field larval spatial pattern into estimates of field-level horizontal transmission. 4 Potential for horizontal transmission is higher in simulations using weather data from the warmer year of 1995, than in simulations of the cooler growing season of 1993. 5 Simulations of CPB populations under northern Maine climatic conditions recorded in 1993 and 1995 suggest that horizontal transmission can range from 3 to 24% depending upon the timing of primary infection of larvae in the field. 6 Two simulated sequential applications of B. bassiana targeted at peak first instars resulted in maximum horizontal infection in both years. 7 Sensitivity analysis suggests that horizontal transmission is most sensitive to changes in the proportion of cadavers that sporulate and least sensitive to changes in the time between larval death and the onset of cadaver sporulation. 8 Field validation of the model indicates good prediction of one measure of horizontal infection, the proportion of prepupae which eventually sporulated after being released in controlled field experiments.
Thymic dysplasia (“Swiss agammaglobulinemia”)

A therapeutic attempt at immunologic reconstitution of an infant with thymic dysplasia (“Swiss agammaglobulinemia”) by means of a maternal bone marrow transfusion is recorded. The result, a fatal graft versus host (GVH) reaction, was characterized (1) clinically by edema, erythema, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly, (2) in laboratory tests by acute, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, and a decrease in serum protein, and (3) pathologically, by edema, histiocytic infiltration, and erythrophagocytosis. Therapeutic possibilities in such patients are discussed.
Empirical trials in treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The assortment of diagnostic tests that are currently available for detecting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are invasive, costly and not readily available to community-based physicians. In contrast, a short course of high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as an empirical trial is an attractive alternative. This simple diagnostic test has been demonstrated to be accurate and cost-effective in patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD and those with noncardiac chest pain. Early studies in patients with extraesophageal manifestations of GERD have yielded promising results. Cost assessment of the PPI empirical trial revealed significant cost savings, mainly due to a marked decrease in utilization of invasive diagnostic tests. Thus the PPI empirical trial should be considered as the initial diagnostic step in patients with the disease spectrum of GERD.
Microprocessor Controlled Digital Period Meter

A microprocessor controlled digital period meter has been developed and tested operationally on a reactor at Argonne National Laboratory. The principal of operation is the mathematical relationship between asymptotic periods and pulse counting circuitry. This relationship is used to calculate and display the reactor periods over a range of ±1 second to ±999 seconds. The time interval required to update each measurement automatically varies from 8 seconds at the lowest counting rates to 2 seconds at higher counting rates. The paper will describe hardware and software design details and show the advantages of this type of Period Meter over the conventional circuits.
Chemosurgical excision of subungual squamous cell carcinoma

Chemosurgery and wound healing by secondary intention is an excellent method of treatment for subungual carcinoma. It allows for complete ablation of the tumour with maximal preservation of tissue, eliminating the need for amputation, in the absence of bone involvement. As most nail bed carcinomas occur on the thumb, by avoiding distal phalanx amputation one can prevent considerable disability. Because chemosurgery traces out every infiltrating band of tumour, bone involvement can be accurately detected. Amputation, if necessary, could then be carried out to achieve cure. Despite the age of our patients (averaged age 64.6 years), all surgical sites healed well with good range of motion at the adjacent interphalangeal joint.
Glueball mass predictions of the valence approximation to lattice QCD

We evaluate the infinite volume, continuum limit of glueball masses in the valence (quenched) approximation to lattice QCD. For the lightest scalar and tensor states we obtain masses of $1648\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}58$ MeV and $2267\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}104$ MeV, respectively.
Genomic and phenotypic differentiation among Methanosarcina mazei populations from Columbia River sediment

Methanogenic archaea are genotypically and phenotypically diverse organisms that are integral to carbon cycling in anaerobic environments. Owing to their genetic tractability and ability to be readily cultivated, Methanosarcina spp. have become a powerful model system for understanding methanogen biology at the cellular systems level. However, relatively little is known of how genotypic and phenotypic variation is partitioned in Methanosarcina populations inhabiting natural environments and the possible ecological and evolutionary implications of such variation. Here, we have identified how genomic and phenotypic diversity is partitioned within and between Methanosarcina mazei populations obtained from two different sediment environments in the Columbia River Estuary (Oregon, USA). Population genomic analysis of 56 M. mazei isolates averaging <1% nucleotide divergence revealed two distinct clades, which we refer to as 'mazei-T' and 'mazei-WC'. Genomic analyses showed that these clades differed in gene content and fixation of allelic variants, which point to potential differences in primary metabolism and also interactions with foreign genetic elements. This hypothesis of niche partitioning was supported by laboratory growth experiments that revealed significant differences in trimethylamine utilization. These findings improve our understanding of the ecologically relevant scales of genomic variation in natural systems and demonstrate interactions between genetic and ecological diversity in these easily cultivable and genetically tractable model methanogens.
Effectiveness of Bevacizumab With First-Line Combination Chemotherapy for Medicare Patients With Stage IV Colorectal Cancer

Purpose Clinical trials have shown that adding bevacizumab to cytotoxic chemotherapy improves survival for patients with colorectal cancer, although its effectiveness in the Medicare population is uncertain. Patients and Methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) -Medicare linked database, we identified 2,526 patients with stage IV colorectal cancer diagnosed between 2002 and 2007 who received first-line combination chemotherapy with a fluoropyrimidine and either irinotecan (33%) or oxaliplatin (67%). Thirty-six percent of patients received bevacizumab with first-line therapy. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were bevacizumab-associated toxicities, including the incidence of stroke, myocardial infarction, and GI perforation. Results In the primary cohort inclusive of patients diagnosed between 2002 and 2007, bevacizumab with combination chemotherapy was associated with improved overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.93), ...
Rickets with alopecia: An inborn error of vitaminD metabolism

Rickets with alopecia, an inborn error of vitamin D metabolism, is described in two sisters. The rachiticdisorder began during the first year of life and was refractory to 50,000 IU of vitamin D 2 /day. Surprisingly, both children had marked elevations in serum concentrations of 1,25-(OH) 2 D. Although the molecular basis for this disorder is not evident to date, intestinal end-organ unresponsiveness to exceedingly high levels of 1,25-(OH) 2 D was present, in addition to hyporesponsiveness of bone to these high levels of the hormone, since normocalcemia was maintained despite elevated serum levels of PTH. Therapy with oral 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 failed to reverse the disorder, but oral phosphorus supplements resulted in significant radiographic and clinical improvement.
Hepatobiliary pruritus: What are effective treatments?

Pruritus is a common symptom in patients with hepatobiliary disease. Numerous treatments have been attempted. We review published therapeutic trials for hepatobiliary pruritus and utilize statistical analysis to evaluate treatment results. Randomized placebo-controlled studies show cholestyramine, rifampin, naloxone, S-adenosylmethionine, prednisolone, and propofol to be effective. Suggestions for future studies of the treatment of hepatobiliary puruitus are proposed.
Analytical determination of bandgaps in photonic crystals

A new approach for the analytical calculation of band structures in one-dimensional periodic media, such as photonic crystals and superlattices, is reported based on the recently reported differential transfer matrix method (DTMM). The media analyzed in this paper can have arbitrary profile of refractive index. A closed form dispersion equation is obtained and simplified under different assumptions. Several numerical cases are discussed.
An integrated approach to the Superplastic Forming of lightweight alloys: towards sustainable manufacturing

This paper brings to light the sustainability aspects of forming lightweight materials using the superplastic forming technique, emphasising the long-term potentials in reducing the adverse impact of the transportation industry on the environment. This is carried out by a qualitative sustainability assessment of both process and material, with regard to the various elements of the comprehensive 6R approach. And in an effort to further refine and enhance its sustainability role, a comprehensive integrated approach to the superplastic forming of lightweight materials is presented. This approach uniquely accounts for and blends the process/material interaction on the pre-forming, forming and post-forming levels.
Parinaud’s oculoglandular syndrome attributable to an encounter with a wild rabbit

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and histopathologic findings in a patient with Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome attributable to Francisella tularensis obtained from an encounter with a wild baby rabbit. METHODS: In an 18-year-old man, the clinical course, laboratory findings, and histopathologic findings are described. RESULTS: Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with unilateral granulomatous conjunctivitis, painful preauricular, and submandibular lymphadenopathy combined with systemic symptoms of general malaise and fever. CONCLUSION: Tularemia is one etiology of Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome. It is caused by Francisella tularensis and is usually transmitted to humans via infected animal blood or through an insect bite, most often a tick. For treatment, intramuscular streptomycin is the drug of choice.
Prodrugs as therapeutics

Prodrugs are bioreversible derivatives of drug molecules used to overcome some barriers to the utility of the parent drug molecule. These barriers include, but are not limited to, solubility, permeability, stability, presystemic metabolism and targeting limitations. The patent literature shows a dramatic increase in numbers of prodrug patents (> 2000% increase in 2002 compared to 1993), with claims for cancer treatment comprising 37% of these. This increase is largely due to the rise from North American-based multinationals and some smaller drug delivery companies mirroring the overall trend. In 2001 and 2002, 14% of all new approved chemical drugs were prodrugs. It appears that prodrugs to overcome barriers to the delivery of problematic drug candidates are becoming an integral part of the drug discovery paradigm.
Sliding filaments and mitotic spindle organization

Mitosis depends upon the action of the mitotic spindle, a subcellular machine that uses microtubules (MTs) and motors to assemble itself and to coordinate chromosome segregation. Recent work illuminates how the motor-driven poleward sliding of MTs - nucleated at centrosomes, chromosomes and on pre-existing MTs - contributes to spindle assembly and length control.
Assessing Student Perceptions of Positive and Negative Social Interactions in Specific School Settings.

This study explored the use of student-marked school maps, a practitioner-friendly method for assessing student perceptions of positive and negative peer interactions in specific school settings. Two hundred eighty-two third- through fifth-grade students from a Midwestern U.S. elementary school participated. Descriptive analyses were used to determine the key school locations reported by students where cooperative and conflictual peer interactions occurred. In general, students reported the playground, classroom, gym, library, and cafeteria as places where students get along most regularly and the playground, restroom, and cafeteria as the most conflict-prone locations. Results from Pearson's chi-square analyses indicated the presence of grade-level differences in student responses. No gender differences were found. Students also were able to identify possible reasons that explain why their classmates do and do not get along in various school settings. Findings suggest that the methods used in this study ...
Chronic neuropeptide Y infusion during lactation suppresses pup growth and reduces the length of lactational infertility in rats.

In lactating rats, food restriction potentiates the already high levels of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY). To investigate the role that high levels of NPY might play in the prolongation of lactational infertility that typically accompanies a food restricted lactation we investigated the effects of chronic central infusions of NPY in ad libitum-fed lactating females. First, we compared the effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of NPY from Days 12–19 postpartum at a dose of 14.4 μg/day with a similar treatment in nonlactating females. In subsequent experiments we examined the effects of NPY infusions into the lateral ventricle at doses of 6 or 20 μg/day or unilaterally into the medial preoptic area at a dose of 1 μg/day from either Days 12–19 or 7–21 postpartum. Effects on food intake; female body weight; and, where appropriate, litter weight and length of lactational diestrus were compared between NPY and vehicle-treated females. As expected NPY infusion produced a robust increase in body weight and food intake in nonlactating females that was accompanied by a suppression of cyclicity. By contrast NPY treatment in lactating rats resulted in a marked decrease in litter growth and an earlier termination of lactational diestrus.
A 1.56mW 50MHz 3rd-order filter with current-mode active-RC biquad and 33dBm IIP3 in 65nm CMOS

A novel inverter-based-integrator filter design is proposed that relaxes the UGB requirement of the OTAs by decoupling the integration capacitance from the feedback loop. The proposed scheme allows the entire filtering operation to take place in the current domain reducing power supply limitations. Further, in the design the load acts as the compensation capacitance to the OTAs allowing the majority of the current to flow into the load, increasing the overall power efficiency. As a proof of concept, a 3rd order lowpass filter is designed and implemented in an IBM 65nm CMOS process. The measured prototype designed for a 50MHz bandwidth achieves an IIP3 of +33dBm and 1.8X better FOM over state-of-art while drawing 1.3mA from a 1.2V supply, is capable of driving a lpF load, and occupies 6X smaller area.
Three new Eunotia (Bacillariophyta) species from Acadia National Park, Maine, USA

Three new species in the diatom genus Eunotia were found in the freshwater ponds and streams of Acadia National Park, Maine, USA. Eunotia novaeangliae sp. nov. belongs to the E. incisa group, species with nose-like apices and terminal raphe fissures distant from the ends. It is most similar to E. tenelloides in that species cluster, although differs in the valve shape, geographical distribution, several ultrastructural details and slight but consistent differences in valve dimensions and striae density. Eunotia panda sp. nov. is in the E. bilunaris group, species with slight even curvature and smooth margins of the valves. However, E. panda can be distinguished from E. bilunaris by dorsally slightly recurved apices with rounded ends, ultrastructural details and noticeably constant valve width. Eunotia spatulata sp. nov. is most similar to E. eurycephala , but differs from that taxon by having straighter and significantly larger valves with more swollen apices. All three taxa were sufficiently abundant in the samples collected from the park that they could be found in both SEM and LM microscopes. Eunotia novaeangliae and E. panda have both been illustrated in other publications before but not named. All three species occurred in waters of low conductivity and pH, typical for the genus. Acadia National Park appears to be a hotspot for Eunotia species diversity, and further study of the oligotrophic waters of this site is certainly warranted.
Activation of protein kinase C in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HEP3B) cells increases erythropoietin production.

Some investigators have reported previously that phorbol esters inhibit in vitro erythropoietin production stimulated by hypoxia; whereas others have reported that phorbol esters enhanced Epo production during exposure to hypoxia. We have demonstrated in the present experiments that hypoxia significantly increased diacylglycerol levels in cultured human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep3B) cells. 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-ras-glycerol (OAG) and N-(6-phenylhexyl)-5-chloro-l-naphthalenesulfonamide (SC-9), two well-known protein kinase C activators, significantly increased medium levels of erythropoietin as well as erythropoietin messenger RNA levels in normoxic Hep3B cells. A potent protein kinase C inhibitor, chelerythrine chloride, significantly decreased hypoxia-induced increases in medium levels of erythropoietin as well as erythropoietin messenger RNA levels in Hep3B cells. A cis-unsaturated free fatty acid, oleic acid, significantly enhanced OAG-induced medium levels of erythropoietin in normoxic Hep3B cells, whereas a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, mepacrine, significantly decreased hypoxia-induced erythropoietin production in Hep3B cells. These results provide strong support for a positive role for protein kinase C in the hypoxic regulation of erythropoietin production.
Evaluation of a Geospatial Annotation Tool for Unmanned Vehicle Specialist Interface

Map-based interfaces have been developed to support collaborative control of unmanned vehicles (i.e., robots). Annotation on the map (or geospatial annotation) has been proposed as an effective way to support team collaboration; however, there is a lack of research focused on the design of geospatial annotation tools to promote usability and task performance. The utility of location reference in geospatial annotations for communication and information sharing is the focus of this article. Two annotation tool designs were developed. The annotation contents were directly anchored on the map in the first design, whereas in the second design annotations were summarized in a separate panel on the interface. Evaluation participants followed instructions from a simulated team leader and assigned unmanned vehicles to different tasks for two simulated scenarios that include searching for victims and collecting hazardous materials samples. The results demonstrate the potential of using geospatial annotations to enr...
Selecting linear-score distributions for modelling milk-culture results

The data for this cross-sectional retrospective study are from surveys of 65 dairy-cattle herds in central New York, USA sampled between February, 1993 and March, 1995. The objective was to identify probability distributions of logarithmically transformed somatic-cell counts (linear score) for use in a simulation model of mastitis and milk quality. Probability density functions were estimated using maximum-likelihood estimators for the linear score of individual-cow compositemilk samples culture negative and culture positive for the pathogens Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus non-agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, and coagulase-negative staphylococci for the complete dataset and by bulk-tank somatic-cell count group (< 500 000, ≥ 500 000 SCC/ml). Based on the rankings of three goodness-of-fit tests (Anderson-Darling, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and x2), the Weibull distribution (among the three top-ranking distributions for 14 out of 15 cases) may be used to model the individual-cow linear-score response by culture-result-specific bulk-tank somatic-cell count group. A β distribution was among the three top-ranking distributions for nine out of 15 culture-result-specific bulk-tank somatic-cell count groups and has a logical relationship to linear score because it is defined on a fixed interval. On the other hand, the normal distribution had a poorer fit than the Weibull and at least two other distributions for all culture negative and coagulase-negative staphylococci samples. We do not assume that the underlying biological processes are fully explained by either Weibull or β distribution—but modelling the linear score for the above culture results with these distributions provided an adequate fit to the survey data, reduced the need for two-sided truncation that open intervals needed, and had errors that did not appear to be systematically positive or negative.
Ozone-induced lipid peroxidation and membrane leakage in isolated rat alveolar macrophages: protective effects of taurine

Abstract Preincubation of alveolar macrophages in the presence of taurine resulted in a significant elevation of the intracellular content of this nutrient. Ozone exposure was associated with further increases in free intracellular taurine content. This mobilization of taurine seems to be a defense response to oxidants, since taurine supplementation decreased oxidant injury resulting from exposure of these cells to 0.45 ppm ozone for 30 min. Results indicate that taurine enrichment (100, 250, or 500 μ M extracellular taurine) enhanced the ability of ozone-exposed cells to exclude trypan blue dye, decreased lipid peroxidation, lessened the ozone-induced decline in total ATPase, and decreased the leakage of glutathione. Taurine supplementation also decreased protein leakage and lessened the ozone-induced decline in Na+ / K+ ATPase but only with 100 μ M extracellular taurine (i.e., the plasma level of this nutrient). These data suggest that taurine is mobilized from the bound to free state in response to ozone exposure and that it acts to protect alveolar macrophages from ozone-induced damage. The data are consistent with the theory that taurine acts as a membrane stabilizer and/or an antioxidant.
Stress concentration around a part-through hole weakening a laminated plate

A quasi-three-dimensional-elasticity type theory, based on the assumptions of transverse inextensibility and layerwise constant shear-angle, is presented, in the context of an assumed quadratic displacement potential energy approach, for analyzing an edge-loaded laminated plate weakened by the presence of a part-through hole. Numerical results, obtained using the C-deg-type triangular finite element, indicate the existence of severe cross-sectional warping in the vicinity of the hole and plate boundaries. Furthermore, the three-dimensional nature of the stress concentration factor in the neighborhood of the hole boundary is clearly exhibited. Besides, very high stress concentration factors are found in the layer weakened by the part-through hole. The numerical results presented should serve as bench-mark solutions for future comparisons.
Parallel programming of rank modulation

Rank modulation is a technique for representing stored information in an ordered set of flash memory cells by a permutation that reflects the ranking of their voltage levels. In this paper, we consider two figures of merit that can be used to compare parallel programming algorithms for rank modulation. These two criteria represent different tradeoffs between the programming speed and the lifetime of flash memory cells. In the first scenario, we want to find the minimum number of programming rounds required to increase a specified cell-level vector l0 to a cell-level vector corresponding to a target rank permutation τ, with no restriction on the maximum allowable cell level. We derive lower and upper bounds on this number, denoted by t1*(τ, l0). In the second scenario, we seek an efficient programming strategy to achieve a cell-level vector l(τ) consistent with the target permutation τ, such that the maximum cell level after programming is minimized. Equivalently, this strategy maximizes the number of information update cycles supported by the device before requiring a block erasure. We derive upper bounds on the minimum number of programming rounds required to achieve cell-level vector l(τ), denoted by t1(τ, l0), and propose a programming algorithm for which the resultant number of programming rounds is close to t2*(τ, l0).
Effects of Ionizing Radiation on a 256-Stage Linear CCD Imager

The total dose effects of gamma radiation on an unhardened 256-stage linear CCD imager have been investigated. Key device parameters were monitored and the primary failure mechanisms identified. Additional structural design rules for radiation hard CCD's were formulated. The performance of a threshold insensitive input technique was evaluated.
Bayesian supervised learning with non-Gaussian latent variables

We describe a Bayesian learning scheme for the hierarchal Bayesian linear model, which is based on the Gaussian scale mixture (GSM) modeling of the distribution of the latent variable. The proposed method takes advantage of the hierarchal Gaussian structure for a simple Monte-Carlo sampling algorithm. Particularly, with a single hidden scale parameter controlling the distribution of the latent variables, it leads to an efficient algorithm without explicit matrix inversion.
Glucose-induced Alterations of the Metabolism of an Isolated Capillary Preparation

A preparation of blood capillaries was isolated from the rete mirabile of the eel swim bladder. The capillaries, incubated for two hours at 37° C. in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer with 5 mM glucose, contained 29.3 ± 4.6 nmoles of sorbitol per gram and released in the medium 725 ± 60 nmoles of fructose per gram. When glucose in the medium was raised from 5 to 30 mM, capillary sorbitol and medium fructose rose by approximately 100 per cent. There were no accompanying changes in capillary water content as determined by the ratio of wet weight to dry weight and by the difference between water-3H space and inulin-l4C space. Respiration of cap Diary tissue was lower at 30 mM glucose than at 5 mM glucose. The addition of 30 mM mannitol to a medium containing 30 mM glucose did not restore the oxygen uptake by capillary tissue to values obtained with a medium containing 5 mM glucose alone. It is concluded that the polyol pathway is operative in vertebrate blood capillaries. At high medium glucose concentration, the activity of the pathway is enhanced, respiration is depressed, and water content is unchanged.
Rare earth elements as reactive tracers of biogeochemical weathering in forested rhyolitic terrain

article Rareearthelements (REEs) were evaluatedaspotentialtracers of biogeochemicalweathering atpedon,hillslope, and catchment scales in the Jemez River Basin Critical Zone Observatory (JRB-CZO), Valles Caldera National Pre- serve, NM, USA. We investigated time series of REE patterns in precipitation, soil pore water, groundwater, and stream water, and related these data to REE composition of soil, rock and atmospheric dust. REE signatures in stream waters are dynamic, reflecting processes that occur along hydrologic flowpaths during transport to the stream, including organic matter complexation, primary and secondary mineral weathering, water/soil/bedrock interaction, and atmospheric deposition. Strong compositional similarities for the REE between soil waters and stream waters during the initial snowmelt are consistent with shallow subsurface flows to streams. Most (bio)
Estrogen receptor β and oxytocin interact to modulate anxiety-like behavior and neuroendocrine stress reactivity in adult male and female rats.

Abstract The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is activated in response to stressors and is controlled by neurons residing in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Although gonadal steroid hormones can influence HPA reactivity to stressors, the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. It is known, however, that estrogen receptor β (ERβ) inhibits HPA reactivity and decreases anxiety-like behavior in rodents. Since ERβ is co-expressed with oxytocin (OT) in neurons of the PVN, an ERβ-selective agonist was utilized to test the whether ERβ decreases stress-induced HPA reactivity and anxiety-like behaviors via an OTergic pathway. Adult gonadectomized male and female rats were administered diarylpropionitrile, or vehicle, peripherally for 5 days. When tested for anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze (EPM), diarylpropionitrile-treated males and females significantly increased time on the open arm of the EPM compared to vehicle controls indicating that ERβ reduces anxiety-like behaviors. One week after behavioral evaluation, rats were subjected to a 20 minute restraint stress. Treatment with diarylpropionitrile reduced CORT and ACTH responses in both males and females. Subsequently, another group of animals was implanted with cannulae directed at the lateral ventricle. One week later, rats underwent the same protocol as above but with the additional treatment of intracerebroventricular infusion with an OT antagonist (des Gly-NH 2 d(CH 2 ) 5 [Tyr(Me) 2 , Thr 4 ] OVT) or VEH, 20 min prior to behavioral evaluation. OT antagonist treatment blocked the effects of diarylpropionitrile on the display of anxiety-like behaviors and plasma CORT levels. These data indicate that ERβ and OT interact to modulate the HPA reactivity and the display of anxiety-like behaviors.
Relating the hydraulic properties of a fractured rock mass to seismic attributes : Theory and numerical experiments

Numerical experiments are conducted to establish how the properties of a seismic signal are related to the hydraulic properties of a fractured rock mass. A hybridized reflectivity method is developed and used to compute a 1D synthetic seismogram for a geologic section which consists of a series of layers with one of the layers consisting of fractures. Seismic attributes, notably instantaneous amplitude, frequency and bandwidth are computed for a reflected seismic energy from a fractured zone with known distribution of fracture parameters: fracture length, aperture and spacing. The permeability of the fractured zone is computed using a discrete fracture model. The synthetic seismogram is computed using the Modified Displacement Discontinuity Model (MDD), which accounts for fracture opening and finite lengths of fractures. A significant correlation is established between the seismic attributes and fractured rock mass permeability. All the seismic attributes tend to increase with increase in permeability. The correlation is significant enough to establish a meaningful empirical relation between seismic attributes and fracture permeability.
Cardiovascular and ventilatory responses to exercise breathing 100 per cent oxygen

Five young male subjects worked at loads corresponding to 25, 50, and 67 per cent of their maximum oxygen uptake while breathing either room air or 100 per cent oxygen. Cardiac output, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen uptake, and ventilation were measured during these steady state conditions. Ventilatory volumes decreased progressively at increasing work loads while breathing oxygen. Heart rate was lower, while cardiac output and stroke volume tended to be higher at each work load while breathing oxygen when compared with values obtained with air breathing at the same work level. Diastolic and mean blood pressures were also higher when working under hyperoxia although the differences became less as the level of work increased.
The effect of thromboxane receptor blockade versus thromboxane synthase inhibition on canine arterial graft patency

Abstract This study compared the effects of a thromboxane synthase inhibitor, thromboxane receptor antagonist, and cyclooxygenase inhibitor in a canine arterial graft patency model. Fifty-six dogs were divided into a control (no treatment) and five treatment groups: thromboxane synthase inhibitor (U63557A; 15 mg/kg/tid); thromboxane receptor antagonist (SQ29548; 0.02 mg/kg/hr); high-dose aspirin (325 mg/day; low-dose aspirin (1 mg/kd/day; and aspirin plus dipyridamole (325 mg/day aspirin; 3 mg/kg/day dipyridamole). Drugs were orally administered except for thromboxane receptor antagonist, which was delivered intravenously by minosmotic pumps. After 24 hours of drug treatment, bilateral femoral artery prosthetic grafts (4 mm diameter × 7 cm; 1 polytetrafluoroethylene and 1 Dacron) were implanted. Patency was determined after 1 week. Dogs were classified before operation according to their epinephrine-enhanced arachidonate-stimulated platelet aggregation response. Polytetrafluoroethylene and Dacron graft patency rates were equivalent in all groups. Overall graft patency was significantly improved from 42% (control) to 94% by both high-dose aspirin and thromboxane receptor antagonist ( p p 2 and prostaglandin H 2 formation (high-dose aspirin) or blocked their combined platelet receptor (thromboxane receptor antagonist). Thromboxane synthase inhibitor may be ineffective because prostaglandin H 2 production is allowed. These data suggest that activation of the platelet thromboxane A 2 -prostaglandin H 2 receptor is an essential event in early arterial graft thrombosis. (J VASC SURG 1990;12:119-25.)
Monte Carlo analysis of the backscattering of radiation from a sphere to a plane

Abstract A Monte Carlo method is described for computing the backscattering of radiation from a sphere situated above an emitting plane. Numerical results are given and compared with analytic bounds for this problem which were previously reported in this journal.
The “Planning Approach” in Public Economy

I. Introduction. Scope of the discussion, 246.— II. The meaning of "collective demand/" 247.— III. Rational consumers' choice requires knowledge of terms on which alternatives are offered, 248.— Compulsory payment introduces an arbitrary element, 249.— Minimum requirement for maximizing consumers' satisfactions and minimizing their sacrifices, 249.— Voting on projects and revenue plans, 249.— Difficulty of defining "purpose," 250.— The problem of "ceteris paribus" 251.— Special difficulties in mixed systems, 251.— IV. Democracy no solution, 252.— Reversing a line of expenditure, 252.— Possibility of government's performing any function not denied, 253.
Photo-Driven Expulsion of Molecules from Mesostructured Silica Nanoparticles

Azobenzene derivatives act as both impellers and gatekeepers when they are tethered in and on mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Continuous excitation at 457 nm, a wavelength where both the cis and trans conformers absorb, produces constant isomerization reactions and results in continual dynamic wagging of the untethered terminus. The 2 nm diameter pores are loaded with luminescent probe molecules, azobenzene motion is stimulated by light, and the photoinduced expulsion of the probe from the particles that is caused by the motion is monitored by luminescence spectroscopy. The light-responsive nature of these materials enables them to be externally controlled such that the expulsion of dye molecules from the mesopores can be started and stopped at will. These results open the possibilities of trapping useful molecules such as drugs and releasing them on demand.
African American ethnicity and anti-retroviral therapy as determinants of cutaneous photosensitivity among HIV-positive patients in a specialized dermatology clinic1

AFRICAN AMERICAN ETHNICITY AND ANTI-RETROVIRAL THERAPY AS DETERMINANTS OF CUTANEOUS PHOTOSENSITIVITY AMONG HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS IN A SPECIALIZED DERMATOLOGY CLINIC Adam J Mamelak, MD, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States, Ruby Nguyen, PhD, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States, Donna Bilu, BS, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States, Ciro Martins, MD, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
Transition from a traditional code team to a medical emergency team and categorization of cardiopulmonary arrests in a children's center.

Objectives To study the effect of an intervention on prevention of respiratory arrest and cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) and to characterize ward CPAs by preceding signs and symptoms and initial cardiac rhythm. Design A before-and-after interventional trial (12 months preintervention and 12 months postintervention). Setting A tertiary care, academic children's hospital. Participants Admitted patients who subsequently had either the code team or pediatric medical emergency team (PMET) called or who had a respiratory arrest or CPA on the wards. Intervention Transition from a traditional code team to a PMET that responds to clinically deteriorating children in noncritical care areas. Outcome Measures Combined rate of respiratory arrests and CPAs, rate of CPAs, and rate of respiratory arrests on the wards and agreement between independent reviewers on categorization of CPAs. Results There was no change in the rate of CPAs on the wards. However, there was a 73% decrease in the incidence of respiratory arrests (0.23 respiratory arrests/1000 patient-days pre-PMET vs 0.06 post-PMET,P = .03). There was 100% agreement between reviewers on categorization of CPAs. Conclusions Transition to a PMET was not associated with a change in CPAs but was associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of ward respiratory arrests. We also describe children who may have benefited from the PMET but whose data were not captured by current outcome measures. Finally, we present a new method for categorization of ward CPAs based on preceding signs and symptoms and initial cardiac rhythm.
Caudate body (CB) sign: New early CT sign of hyperacute anterior cerebral circulation infarction

This case series describes the caudate body (CB) sign noted in computed tomography (CT) scans of patients who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) clinically manifesting symptoms suggestive of anterior cerebral circulation infarction. This sign has the advantage of early appearance, side-to-side comparison, and high conspicuity. Two of the presented cases demonstrate the CB sign in the absence of other established signs typically seen with early cerebral infarction. Five additional cases demonstrate this sign in conjunction with previously described criteria. The CB sign may allow earlier detection of hyperacute infarction leading to more rapid initiation of thrombolytics to minimize ischemic injury.
A Study of the Relationship among Type and Quality of Implementation of Science Teaching Strategy, Student Formal Reasoning Ability, and Student Engagement.

The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between the type and quality of science teaching strategy and student engagement. Teachers and their students in middle and high schools were observed on ten occasions. A total of 60 observations were made of all teachers and ten of each of their students. During each observation period, the type and quality of implementation of teaching strategy was identified and student engagement was rated. Data collected were examined by regression analyses. The results indicated that the type and quality of implementation of teaching strategies did significantly and positively relate to student engagement. Analyzed individually, the type of teaching strategy predicted 12 per cent of the variance in engagement, while the quality of teaching strategy predicted 35 per cent. Overall, the type and quality of teaching strategy predicted 37 per cent of the variance in engagement. The data also showed that the more indirect the teaching strategy, the greater the students' involvement in learning tasks.