cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm involving the superficial temporal artery in a pediatric patient

Abstract Introduction Superior temporal artery pseudoaneurysms were first described by Thomas Bartholin in 1740, and since then approximately 400 cases have been reported in the literature. It is estimated that of aneurysms that are surgically repaired, traumatic aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, and arteriovenous (AV) fistulas of the superficial temporal artery (STA) account for 0.5%–2.0%. Of these, only a few reported are in the pediatric population. Case An otherwise healthy 16-year-old male presented to UNM Pediatric Surgery Clinic with a small temporal mass in January 2020. He had previously been punched in the side of the head in August 2019 and noticed the mass after the bruising and swelling in the area had subsided. The mass was then determined to most likely be a posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm of the temporal artery, based on exam showing a 1 cm soft, mobile, pulsatile mass. A CT angiogram of the head and neck confirmed. Observation, IR intervention, and surgical removal were discussed with the patient and his mother in clinic, and they opted for surgical removal. In February 2020, he underwent an excision of left superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm under general anesthesia. Intraoperatively, it was noted that a part of the superficial temporal vein was densely adherent to the pseudoaneurysm, and was small inferior to the pseudoaneurysm, and engorged superiorly, concerning for a possible fistula formation. This was not confirmed intraoperatively, but a portion of the left superficial temporal vein had to be excised as there was no clear plane between the pseudoaneurysm and the vein. Pathology results did not demonstrate a fistula formation, but did confirm a pseudoaneurysm of the STA.
Photoreceptor phosphodiesterase (PDE6): activation and inactivation mechanisms during visual transduction in rods and cones

Rod and cone photoreceptors of the vertebrate retina utilize cGMP as the primary intracellular messenger for the visual signaling pathway that converts a light stimulus into an electrical response. cGMP metabolism in the signal-transducing photoreceptor outer segment reflects the balance of cGMP synthesis (catalyzed by guanylyl cyclase) and degradation (catalyzed by the photoreceptor phosphodiesterase, PDE6). Upon light stimulation, rapid activation of PDE6 by the heterotrimeric G-protein (transducin) triggers a dramatic drop in cGMP levels that lead to cell hyperpolarization. Following cessation of the light stimulus, the lifetime of activated PDE6 is also precisely regulated by additional processes. This review summarizes recent advances in the structural characterization of the rod and cone PDE6 catalytic and regulatory subunits in the context of previous biochemical studies of the enzymological properties and allosteric regulation of PDE6. Emphasis is given to recent advances in understanding the structural and conformational changes underlying the mechanism by which the activated transducin α-subunit binds to—and relieves inhibition of—PDE6 catalysis that is controlled by its intrinsically disordered, inhibitory γ-subunit. The role of the regulator of G-protein signaling 9–1 (RGS9-1) in regulating the lifetime of the transducin-PDE6 is also briefly covered. The therapeutic potential of pharmacological compounds acting as inhibitors or activators targeting PDE6 is discussed in the context of inherited retinal diseases resulting from mutations in rod and cone PDE6 genes as well as other inherited defects that arise from excessive cGMP accumulation in retinal photoreceptor cells.
Toward Optimizing Electrospun Nanofiber Fuel Cell Catalyst Layers: Polymer–Particle Interactions and Spinnability

We investigate the effect of the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) carrier polymer concentration on the microstructure and rheological properties of catalyst inks for electrospun polymer–electrolyte membran...
In memoriam- Dr. Robert Hodgson Heptinstall.

This manuscript is a brief biography and reminiscence of Dr. Robert H. Heptinstall, a preeminent nephropathologist who had a major and formative impact on the field of nephropathology, and on nephrology in general. In his tour-de-force textbook of renal pathology, he brought the assessment of diseases of the kidney into the modern era. This textbook, now Heptinstall’s Textbook of Renal Pathology, will extend his seminal influence well into the future.
Autoantibodies against the replication protein A complex in systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases.

Replication protein A (RPA), a heterotrimer with subunits of molecular masses 70, 32, and 14 kDa, is a single-stranded-DNA-binding factor involved in DNA replication, repair, and recombination. There have been only three reported cases of anti-RPA in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren syndrome (SjS). This study sought to clarify the clinical significance of autoantibodies against RPA. Sera from 1,119 patients enrolled during the period 2000 to 2005 were screened by immunoprecipitation (IP) of 35S-labeled K562 cell extract. Antigen-capture ELISA with anti-RPA32 mAb, immunofluorescent antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and western blot analysis with purified RPA were also performed. Our results show that nine sera immunoprecipitated the RPA70–RPA32–RPA14 complex and all were strongly positive by ELISA (titers 1:62,500 to 1:312,500). No additional sera were positive by ELISA and subsequently confirmed by IP or western blotting. All sera showed fine speckled/homogeneous nuclear staining. Anti-RPA was found in 1.4% (4/276) of SLE and 2.5% (1/40) of SjS sera, but not in rheumatoid arthritis (0/35), systemic sclerosis (0/47), or polymyositis/dermatomyositis (0/43). Eight of nine patients were female and there was no racial predilection. Other positive patients had interstitial lung disease, autoimmune thyroiditis/hepatitis C virus/pernicious anemia, or an unknown diagnosis. Autoantibody specificities found in up to 40% of SLE and other diseases, such as anti-nRNP, anti-Sm, anti-Ro, and anti-La, were unusual in anti-RPA-positive sera. Only one of nine had anti-Ro, and zero of nine had anti-nRNP, anti-Sm, anti-La, or anti-ribosomal P antibodies. In summary, high titers of anti-RPA antibodies were found in nine patients (1.4% of SLE and other diseases). Other autoantibodies found in SLE were rare in this subset, suggesting that patients with anti-RPA may form a unique clinical and immunological subset.
Chebyshev Approximation on the Unit Disk

We consider the problem of rational Chebyshev approximation of an analytic function on the unit disk, and survey known results related to nearly-circular error curves and to the Caratheodory-Fejer (CF) method for near-best approximation. The real CF (or Chebyshev-CF) method for approximation of a continuous real function on an interval is also described.
Plasma lipoproteins and coronary arteriography in subjects in the program on the surgical control of the hyperlipidemias. Preliminary report.

Abstract Coronary arteriographic findings, plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels, and cigarette smoking history are reported for the first 101 male post myocardial infarction survivors who have been entered into the POSCH clinical trial. Estimates of the extent of stenosis in the major coronary arteries were made using 4 models ranging from a simple determination of the number of the 3 major vessels having significant (i.e. 50% or greater stenosis) disease to more complex methods of determining overall extent of disease in 14 major segments of the coronary arteries. Age was shown to be an important factor in the extent of vessel disease. When controlling for age, plasma cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were shown to be related to the extent of disease, especially in Type II hyperlipoproteinemia subjects. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that age and LDL-cholesterol had positive associations and HDL-cholesterol had an inverse association with the coronary artery disease indices. In this comparatively “healthy” subgroup of the overall population of first MI survivors the major CHD risk factors are limited to plasma lipids and cigarette smoking. This preliminary report of 10% of the recruitment objective of the project supports the currently held views of the lipid—atherosclerosis hypothesis regarding the effects of age, total plasma cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol on the extent of coronary atherosclerotic plaques, as determined by coronary arteriography.
A new method for cell permeabilization reveals a cytosolic protein requirement for Ca2+ -activated secretion in GH3 pituitary cells.

Abstract Ca2+ is a major regulator of exocytosis in secretory cells, however, the biochemical mechanisms underlying regulation remain to be identified. To render the secretory apparatus accessible for biochemical studies, we have developed a cell permeabilization method (cell cracking) which utilizes mechanical shear. GH3 pituitary cells subjected to cracking were permeable to macromolecules but retained a normal cytoplasmic ultrastructure including secretory granules. Incubation of the permeable cells at 30-37 degrees C with 0.1-1.0 microM Ca2+ and millimolar MgATP resulted in the release of the secretory proteins, prolactin (PRL) and a proteoglycan, but not lysosomal enzymes. Extensively washed permeable cells were incapable of releasing PRL in response to Ca2+ and MgATP addition. However, addition of cytosol was found to restore Ca2+-activated, MgATP-dependent PRL release. The cytosolic factor responsible for activity was thermolabile and protease sensitive. The protein was partially purified, and its molecular mass was estimated to be equivalent to that of a globular protein of 200-350 kDa by molecular sieve chromatography. Inhibitors of calmodulin or protein kinase C (trifluroperazine, calmidazolium, H-7) failed to inhibit Ca2+-activated PRL release, and the required cytosolic protein could not be replaced by purified calmodulin, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, protein kinase C, or calpactin I. Further purification and characterization of the cytosolic protein should reveal the nature of biochemical events involved in regulated secretory exocytosis.
Chapter 12. Pulmonary and Anti-Allergy Agents

Publisher Summary Asthma has been characterized as a disease associated with chronic inflammation, which may underlie the prevalent bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthmatics. Antagonism of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is a novel therapeutic approach to reduce the airway hyperresponsiveness. A soluble form of ICAM-1, which is normally membrane bound, potently inhibits human rhinovirus infection. Neural control of the airway caliber and the indirect effects of neurotransmitters, contributing to airway inflammation, continue to be investigated. Important advances in the understanding of the role of peptides, adrenergic receptors, and muscarinic receptors and autoreceptors in the airways have been made. Overexpression of a human chimeric α subunit of the high affinity IgE receptor (FcERI) has presented the opportunity for identifying specific antagonists of the IgE/FcERI binding interaction, which may prove to be effective in the treatment of allergic diseases. This chapter discusses the regulators of lipid mediators, such as leukotriene antagonists and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, as well as inhaled β-agonists. Those agonists are effective bronchodilators and have achieved wide therapeutic use against asthma.
Image-guided Radiotherapy Of Esophageal Cancer By Helical Tomotherapy: Acute Toxicity And Preliminary Clinical Outcome

Background: Helical tomotherapy is a novel intensity-modulated radiotherapy modality with a helical 360° radiation delivery system and CT imaging ability. The purpose of this report is to review our initial experiences and to assess the toxicity and efficacy of helical tomotherapy for esophageal cancer. Methods: Twenty patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (T3-4 and/or N+ and/or M1a/b) were treated with helical tomotherapy. Radiotherapy included simultaneous 50 Gy to gross tumorous areas and 45 Gy to areas of suspected subclinical disease. All received combination chemotherapy. Ten patients underwent surgical resection after completion of chemoradiation. Ten patients were ineligible for surgery. Results: The treatment was well-tolerated. There were no treatment-related deaths or Grade 4 toxicity. Grade 3 toxicities were noted in 9 of 20 patients (45%). Down-staging was noted in 7 of 10 patients (70%) who underwent surgery. The median follow-up time was 24.5 months. Eight patients, including 3 with surgery and 5 without surgery, have died. The 1-year overall survival rates for the entire group, patients with and without surgical resection are 80.0%, 100.0% and 60.0% respectively (log-rank p = 0.244, surgery versus no surgery). Conclusion: The regimen of combined chemoradiation by helical tomotherapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer is well-tolerated. The toxicity profile compares favorably with that of protocols based on conventional approach and the preliminary indications of efficacy are encouraging.
Conflict in Yemen: From Ethnic Fighting to Food Riots

Yemen is considered a global terrorist base for Al-Qaeda and in recent years rampant violence is threatening social order. Here we show that the socio-economic origins of violence recently changed. Prior to 2008, violence can be attributed to inter-group conflict between ethnically and religiously distinct groups. Starting in 2008, increasing global food prices triggered a new wave of violence that spread to the endemically poor southern region with demands for government change and economic concessions. This violence shares its origins with many other food riots and the more recent Arab Spring. The loss of social order and the opportunities for terror organizations can be best addressed by directly eliminating the causes of violence. Inter-group violence can be addressed by delineating within-country provinces for local autonomy of ethnic and religious groups. The impact of food prices can be alleviated by direct food price interventions, or by addressing the root causes of global food price increases in US policies that have promoted conversion of corn to ethanol and commodity speculation. Addressing the food prices is the most urgent concern as a new bubble in food prices has been projected to begin before the end of 2012.
Maintenance Immunosuppression: New Agents and Persistent Dilemmas

Since the approval of cyclosporine in 1983, only 3 drugs, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus; and sirolimus, have been approved for maintenance immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients. All 3 agents decrease the incidence of early acute allograft rejection. An increase in intermediate and long-term graft survival has not been shown. However, survival data from these clinical trials should be interpreted with caution because the studies were not designed for this purpose. All 3 drugs have significant, albeit different, safety profiles. It remains to be seen whether, the lower incidence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia seen in tacrolimus-treated patients will reduce the incidence and severity of the cardiovascular disease experienced by renal transplant recipients. Sirolimus causes severe hyperlipidemia, and the long-term consequences both on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and on lipid-associated renal injury have yet to be determined. Tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil appear to increase graft survival in pancreas-kidney recipients but their efficacy in another high-risk group, African-American recipients, has not yet been clearly shown. However, the trend toward improved graft survival in African-American recipients treated with tacrolimus is encouraging. Steroid-withdrawal remains a goal in the posttransplant period. The available data from steroid-withdrawal and steroid-avoidance clinical trials are mixed. Steroid withdrawal can be achieved in about 50% of patients on a cyclosporine-based immunosuppression regimen. Steroid-withdrawal under coverage of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil or Neoral (Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ) may be more successful than that achieved in patients receiving Sandimmune (Novartis Pharmaceuticals). Further studies are needed in this area.
Platelet Thrombus Formation and Hemostasis Are Delayed in the Microcirculation of Copper-Deficient Rats

The role of dietary copper in platelet thrombus formation and hemostasis was studied in the cremaster muscle microcirculation. Male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed purified diets that were either copper-adequate (94 mumol Cu/kg diet) or copper-deficient (0 mumol Cu/kg diet) for 1, 3 or 5 wk. The rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital, and the cremaster was spread in a Krebs-filled tissue bath. Fluorescein isothiocyanate tagged to bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) was injected intra-arterially. After a 20-min equilibration, blue light (1.8 W/cm2, 450-490 nm) was used to activate the FITC-BSA and induced platelet thrombus formation within the vasculature. In vivo television microscopy was used to quantify the thrombus formation. In rats fed the copper-deficient diet for 3 or 5 wk, platelet thrombus formation induced by photoactivation was significantly (P < 0.05) delayed and prothrombin time was significantly longer but the number of circulating platelets was significantly greater than in age-matched rats fed the copper-adequate diet. Bleeding time, measured after micropuncture of a second-order venule, was significantly longer but hematocrit was significantly lower in rats fed the copper-deficient diet than in those fed the copper-adequate diet. The results demonstrate that platelet-mediated hemostasis is depressed in dietary copper deficiency and that this may be due to a decrease in hematocrit, a decrease in the activity of a coagulation factor and/or an alteration of platelet function.
Intraobserver and interobserver variability of the amniotic fluid index

Objective: We assessed intraobserver and interobserver variations in the performance of the amniotic fluid index. Study Design: A total of 34 women in the third trimester with intact membranes were examined twice by each of three examiners. The amniotic fluid index was measured once by each of the three examiners in order, then repeated by each examiner in the same order. Numeric displays on the video terminal screen were covered so that the examiners were blinded to actual measurement values. Results were recorded on hard copy for later data analysis. A senior investigator supervised all examinations to monitor consistency of technique. Results: Overall, the coefficient of variation for amniotic fluid index measurements varied from 10.8% within examiners to 15.4% between examiners. Both between and within variation of absolute differences increased as the amniotic fluid index value increased, while the percent difference decreased. Simply repeating the test by the same examiner will decrease the coefficient of variation significantly. Conclusion: Although intraobserver and interobserver variability cannot be eliminated, its impact can be minimized by use of the same examiner for serial studies. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1993;168:1309-13.) Key words: Intraobserver variability, interobserver variability, amniotic fluid index.
Bacterial Variability within an Iron-Silica-Manganese-rich Hydrothermal Mound Located Off-axis at the Cleft Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge

Terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (T-RFLPs) and traditional clone library analysis were used to identify and assess the spatial variability of microbial communities within an active diffusely venting hydrothermal mound found 4 km off-axis at the Cleft Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge. T-RFLP fingerprints were generated from three subsamples taken from different depths of a sediment core. The top and center subsamples were dominated by phylotypes clustering with the proposed ζ -Proteobacteria. The bottom of the core was dominated by a phylotype clustering in the Nitrospina group within the δ -Proteobacteria. Cluster analysis of T-RFLP fingerprints from the center of the core shows a similar community structure with those from iron-dominated microbial mat communities collected from NW Eifuku Seamount in the Mariana Island Arc and from Loihi Seamount, Hawaii. Our study demonstrates that off-axis diffuse hydrothermal activity generates microbial communities that can potentially affect their habita...
Alain Badiou, Jacques Lacan and the Ethics of Teaching.

This paper argues that Badiou's and Lacan's theorizations of ethics offer a way to formulate an ethics of teaching and to explore what such an ethics might look like when teachers encounter events that disrupt their quotidian lives. Relying on the work of Badiou and Lacan, the paper critiques mainstream approaches to the ethics of teaching and sketches an alternative pedagogical ethics.
Passive mitigation of roll stall for low aspect ratio wings

Abstract This investigation addresses an issue with the lateral stability and control of Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) which is created by the presence of ‘roll stall’ and its effects on the aircraft’s stability derivatives. This behavior is a result of the developing tip vortex asymmetry of a low aspect ratio (LAR) wing in sideslip which creates an asymmetric spanwise load and a resulting roll moment. Experimental wind tunnel results indicate that roll stall produces a roll stability derivative, , for both the MAV models tested as well as canonical tapered flat wing cases; furthermore, even at small sideslip angles, the cross-coupled derivative links the longitudinal aerodynamics and the lateral loads of LAR wings, effects which are not present for large aircraft. The roll stall creates nonlinearites in lateral loads in an angle of attack regime in which the lift variation is linear; thus, control techniques for MAVs must consider the fact that lateral and longitudinal equations of motion can not necessar...
Environmental aspects of tritium

Abstract The potential radiological implications of environmental tritium releases must be determined in order to develop a programme for dealing with the tritium inventory predicted for the nuclear power industry which, though still in its infancy, produces tritium in megacurie quantities annually. Should the development of fusion power generation become a reality, it will create a potential source for large releases of tritium, much of it in the gaseous state. At present about 90% of the tritium produced enters the environment through gaseous and liquid effluents and is deposited in the hydrosphere as tritiated water. Tritium can be assimilated by plants and animals and organically bound, regardless of the exposure pathway. However, there appears to be no concentration factor relative to hydrogen at any level of food chains analysed to date. The body burden, for man, is dependent on the exposure pathway and tissue-bound fractions are primarily the result of organically bound tritium in food.
The frequency factor for outer-sphere electrochemical reactions

Abstract The conventional formulation of the frequency factor A n e for outer-sphere electrochemical reactions based on a “collisional” model is compared with an alternative “encounter preequilibrium” treatment whereby A n e is determined by the effective frequency of surmounting the free energy barrier within a previously assembled precursor state. The latter model is shown to provide a more appropriate description for electrochemical reactions under most conditions, in harmony with analogous considerations for homogeneous redox processes. Noticeably (ca. 20-fold) larger values of A n e are derived from the encounter preequilibrium as compared to the collisional model. Numerical relationships between the kinetics of corresponding electrochemical and homogeneous reactions and of competing inner- and outer-sphere electrochemical pathways that are significantly different from the conventional relations are also predicted on the basis of the encounter preequilibrium model. The relationships between A n e and experimental frequency factors obtained from the temperature dependence of electrochemical rate constants are also considered in the light of these considerations.
Hemolymph-free amino acids and related nitrogenous compounds of Crassostrea virginica infected with Bucephalus sp. and Minchinia nelsoni

Abstract 1. 1. Seventeen free amino acids and related amines were detected in the normal oyster hemolymph. Free taurine, alanine, glycine and serine were found in high concentrations. Phosphoethanolamine, β-alanine, ornithine, phosphoserine, arginine, lysine and glutamic acid were present in moderate amounts, while leucine, isoleucine, γ-aminobutyric acid, aspartic acid, threonine and methionine existed in low and trace quantities. 2. 2. The total concentration as well as composition of normal oyster hemolymph-free ami amino acids and amines varied with seasons and geographic locations at which the oysters were maintained. 3. 3. In general the depletion of β-alanine, ornithine, arginine, lysine, leucine and isoleucine was accompanied by concomitant increases in free taurine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, threonine and phosphoserine in the infected oyster hemolymph.
RecA-independent recombination between direct repeats of IS50

Recombination between the IS50 sequences that flank Tn5 has been found to occur readily after the transformation of E. coli recA strains with a plasmid that contains direct repeats of these sequences. Analysis of mutants of IS50 indicates that the polypeptide encoded by IS50 that is required for transposition is also required for the recombination. Surprisingly, the mechanism of recombination appears to be similar to general homologous recombination rather than site-specific recombination. This IS50 recombination system may be responsible for resolving transient cointegrate structures containing direct repeats of IS50 or Tn5 during the transposition of IS50 and Tn5.
Cervical meningocele and associated spinal anomalies

Simple meningoceles are infrequent forms of dysraphism and are often benign. They have been associated with other spinal anomalies. The uncommon cervical meningocele may have a higher propensity to be associated with other spinal anomalies. Four patients with cervical meningocele are presented with radiographic evaluation and clinical course. Multiple abnormalities were documented radiographically and operatively, including hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, hydromyelia, lipomeningomyelocele, tethered cord, thickened filum terminale, diastematomyelia, Klippel-Feil syndrome, and thoracic hemivertebrae. Prior to the development of any late neurological abnormality from associated spinal anomalies, magnetic resonance imaging is recommended early in a child born with a simple meningocele.
A novel approach to fabricating fuel compacts for the next generation nuclear plant (NGNP)

The next generation nuclear plant (NGNP) is a combined complex of a very high temperature reactor (VHTR) and hydrogen production facility. The VHTR can have a prismatic or pebble bed design and is powered by TRISO fuel in the form of a fuel compact (prismatic) or pebble (pebble bed). The US is scheduled to build a demonstration VHTR at the Idaho National Laboratory site by 2020. The first step toward building of this facility is development and qualification of the fuel for the reactor. This paper summarizes the research and development efforts performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) toward development of a qualified fuel compact for a VHTR.
Educational legislation in colonial Zimbabwe (1899-1979)

(2003). Educational legislation in colonial Zimbabwe (1899-1979) Journal of Educational Administration and History: Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 137-151.
Application of the convolution formalism to the ocean tide potential: Results from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)

A computationally efficient approach to reducing omission errors in ocean tide potential models is derived and evaluated using data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission. Ocean tide height models are usually explicitly available at a few frequencies, and a smooth unit response is assumed to infer the response across the tidal spectrum. The convolution formalism of Munk and Cartwright (1966) models this response function with a Fourier series. This allows the total ocean tide height, and therefore the total ocean tide potential, to be modeled as a weighted sum of past, present, and future values of the tide-generating potential. Previous applications of the convolution formalism have usually been limited to tide height models, but we extend it to ocean tide potential models. We use luni-solar ephemerides to derive the required tide-generating potential so that the complete spectrum of the ocean tide potential is efficiently represented. In contrast, the traditionally adopted harmonic model of the ocean tide potential requires the explicit sum of the contributions from individual tidal frequencies. It is therefore subject to omission errors from neglected frequencies and is computationally more intensive. Intersatellite range rate data from the GRACE mission are used to compare convolution and harmonic models of the ocean tide potential. The monthly range rate residual variance is smaller by 4-5%, and the daily residual variance is smaller by as much as 15% when using the convolution model than when using a harmonic model that is defined by twice the number of parameters.
Fits of Monte Carlo distributions to data

This paper is devoted to likelihood fits to binned data in which the contents of the bins are simple counts of independent events. It addresses the case where the distribution to be fitted is the sum of distributions of events due to different physical processes, and the prediction of each one of these processes is given by a distribution of events generated by a Monte Carlo program, binned like the real events. This paper suggests a method to analyze the properties of these individual processes. It also gives an example of its use in the analysis of jet production in e+e− interactions.
The use of potassium ferricyanide in neural fixation

The present study suggests a mixture of buffered osmic acid and 1.5% potassium ferricyanide as a post-fixation to improve the fixation of neural tissue. This procedure results in an improved preservation of membranes as well as cytoplasm and cytoplasmic organelles. It is to be emphasized that the quality of the initial perfusion is the primary determinant of quality of the fixation, but the addition of 1.5% potassium ferricyanide to post-fixation fluid makes good fixation better and allows data to be gathered from otherwise unusable material.
Alcohol-related Symptoms in Heterogeneous Families of Hospitalized Alcoholics

Heterogeneity in the clinical symptoms of alcohol abuse was examined in 243 men and 305 women from families of hospitalized alcoholics, who had demonstrated different patterns of inheritance of susceptibility to alcoholism. Discriminant analysis was utilized to identify nine alcoholic symptoms that distinguished male relatives of alcoholic men from those of alcoholic women. Inability to abstain from alcohol, fighting and reckless driving while intoxicated, and alcohol treatment other than Alcoholics Anonymous were more prevalent in families of male probands. Male relatives of female probands experienced later onset of loss of control over drinking associated with benders, and cirrhosis and feelings of guilt. Female relatives of alcoholic men and women showed a marked predominance of the latter (Type 1) features, whereas male relatives had different clinical features, depending on the associated mode of inheritance.
Instability and Flow Localization During Compression of a Flow Softening Material

Materials that flow soften exhibit plastic instability during compressive deformation when Considere's criterion is satisfied, i.e., when there is no increase in the force required to cause deformation. Further, theories developed by Hart and Jonas et al. show that the flow localization can occur during plastic instability. The strains at which the onset and termination of flow localization occur depend on the strain-rate sensitivity of the material. Flow localization initiates earlier and terminates later for a strain-rate sensitive material in comparison to a rate insensitive material. However, in an apparent contradiction, the deformation is more homogeneous in a strain-rate sensitive material. T.~ the results of an investigation, using computer simulation, to visualize the deformation during constant strain-rate compression of flow softening materials with different strain-rate sensitivity. The effect of strain-rate sensitivity on the initiation and termination of plastic instability and flow localization due to mechanical damage, geometric nonuniformities, and friction were studied. Parameters developed to describe the extent of inhomogeneity during deformation are used to explain the conclusions made by Jonas et al.
The biochemistry of angiosperm pollen development

Recent work concerning the regulation of pollen and pollen tube development at the biochemical level in angiosperms has been reviewed, commencing with the microspore immediately after meiosis and terminating with the entry of the pollen tube into the embryo sac. Some of the topics that have been considered are, (1) the role of the tapetum in pollen development, (2) gene activity in the microspore and pollen grain prior to anthesis, (3) DNA synthesis in the microspore and pollen tube, (4) the types of RNA and protein synthesized in the pollen tube including the biochemistry of the vegetative and generative nuclei and finally, (5) the interactions between pollen and pistil after pollination.
Harmonic phase angle as a concentration-independent measure of nanoparticle dynamics.

Purpose: The harmonic spectrum of magnetic nanoparticles contains valuable information about the quantity and environment of the particles. Harmonic amplitudes have been used to produce quantitative images and ratios of these amplitudes have been used to monitor changes in the particle environment. Harmonic phase angles have not yet been utilized in these pursuits. The authors explore harmonic phase angle as a concentration-independent means of remotely monitoring the dynamic magnetization of nanoparticles. Methods: A magnetic nanoparticle spectrometer was used to explore the impacts of viscosity and excitation frequency and amplitude on the phase angle of magnetization harmonics. A dynamic model, which accounts for particle relaxation times, was used to model some results. Results: Harmonic phase angle can undergo large changes when a nanoparticle’s Brownian motion is altered. Excitation parameters and particle characteristics have a profound effect on the extent of these changes. Conclusions: Phase angle can allow for monitoring of various impacts on a nanoparticle’s Brownian motion. When combined with other concentration-independent metrics, such as ratios of harmonic amplitudes, valuable information about the particle’s environment can be gathered.
Vaccine Refrigerator Regulator with Data Logger & Back-up Power Supply

Abstract Introduction Many vaccines require a storage temperature between 2-8 °C throughout thesupply cold chain. Multiple studies conducted at healthcare facilities worldwide document an endemicfailure to properly store vaccines, risking the efficacy of local vaccination programs.This “weak link” at the end of the cold chainis largely due to both the widespread use of inadequate domestic refrigerators for vaccine storage, and electrical power interruptions. The required specialized refrigeration equipment and backup power systemareboth prohibitively expensive for smaller facilities. Prompted by this finding, the authors sought an affordable solution for small-scale vaccine storage applications. Methods The solution presented is an aftermarketappliance designed toaccompany a wide range of domestic refrigerators.After undergoing an initial calibration step, the device effectively overridesthe refrigerator's native thermostat(s) and assumes thermoregulatory control. All interfaces between the device and the refrigerator are strictly external, allowing for installation by a layperson. Wireless temperature sensor measurements are frequently logged to a removable USB thumb drive to provide vaccine temperature traceability. The device is further equipped to charge an external battery while grid power is available, and upon grid failure automatically source refrigeration power froman attached external inverter. Results The regulator device successfullymaintained a 2-8 °C environment for all properly stored vaccine vials. Furthermore, it successfully adapted to and compensated for the individual operational characteristics of various refrigerators, and flagged those unsuitable for vaccine storage. Back-up power outage resiliency is recorded at16-25 hours for 18-28ft 3 sized household refrigerators using a 160Ah battery.The cost of manufacturing the device is estimated at $250 per unit. Discussion The Baylor/Rice regulator device provides an affordable refrigeration control and temperature monitoring system suitable for converting household refrigerators into effective vaccine refrigerators. The device will also be useful in areas subject to electrical grid failure.
A Preliminary Study on Applying the Conditional Modeling to Automatic Dialect Classification

This paper addresses the advances in unsupervised dialect classification. There are no transcripts for both the training data and the testing data. In this study, we view the classification problem in speech in an recognition-based way instead of the conventional generative model-based approach and try to bypass the unknown transcript problem. The new algorithm is based on conditional model. The new algorithm has two notable advantages: first, it can train a statistical model without transcripts, so it can work in our transcript-free classification problem; second, the conditional model in the new algorithm can allow arbitrary feature representations, therefore, it can encode more discriminative features than the generative models such as Hidden Markov Model (HMM), which has to use the independent and local features due to the model restrictions. The conditional model used in the study is the Conditional Random Fields (CRF). Further study on combining the generative model and conditional model is presented. In the Spanish dialect classification evaluation, the CRF and the combined modeling technique show some interesting results.
Experimental evidence for the effects of polyphenolic compounds from Dictyoneurum californicum Ruprecht (Phaeophyta: Laminariales) on feeding rate and growth in the red abalone Haliotus rufescens Swainson

The effects of polyphenolic compounds from brown algae on grazing and growth rate of the California red abalone Haliotis rufescens Swainson were examined. Abalone consumed three phenolic-poor algal species, Laminaria sinclarii (Harvey) Farlow, Macrocystis pyrifera Agardh, and Nereocystis luetkeana Postels et Ruprecht (mean phenolic content = 0.52% dry mass), at a greater rate than two phenolic-rich species, Dictyoneurum californicum Ruprecht and Cystoseira osmundacea Agardh (mean phenolic content = 4.60% dry mass). This inverse relationship between phenolic content and consumption rate also existed after the algae were macerated and the liquid portion of the blended slurry incorporated in agar discs. However, the correlation between grazing rate and phenolic content imprpve d in this latter experiment, thus suggesting that abalone grazing was deterred significantly by the morphology of L. sinclarii and, to a lesser extent, of M. pyrifera. Polyphenolics extracted from D. californicum reduced abalone grazing rates by 90% when incorporated into agar discs at a concentration of 6 mg·ml−1. Although abalone were unable to maintain body mass when fed ad libitum on macerated M. pyrifera incorporated into agar discs, polyphenolics from D. californicum further inhibited shell growth when added to the discs at 5 mg·ml−1. The abalone ate less of the phenol-containing discs than of the discs lacking phenolics. Our results support findings of several prior studies that polyphenolic compounds from brown algae deter grazing by coastal zone herbivores in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
Photodarkening and bleaching in amorphous silicon nitride

UV‐induced enhancement of the subgap optical absorption has been observed in thin films of chemically vapor deposited silicon nitride. The threshold for this process is ∼4 eV. Visible light bleaches out much of the enhanced absorption and 200–400 °C thermal anneals remove the rest, leaving the optical properties of the nitride in the ‘‘as‐grown’’ state. The characteristics of this creation and bleaching process suggest that UV light ‘‘optically dethermalizes’’ the distribution of carriers in localized band tail states. Correlation of our data with recent electron spin resonance results suggests that many of the trapped carriers may be singly occupied silicon dangling bonds.
Review of "Learning Kernel Classifiers: Theory and Algorithms by Ralf Herbrich." MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass., 2002. ISBN 026208306X, 384 pages; and Review of "Learning with Kernels: Support Vector Machines, Regularization Optimization and Beyond by Bernhard Scholkopf and Alexander J. Smola." IT Press, Cambridge, Mass., 2002, ISBN 0262194759, 644 pages.

Pattern recognition is arguably the critical first step in intelligence - be it natural or artificial. Science could not exist if humans were not able to spot regularities. Only subsequently do we analyze and classify them, and ultimately come up with underlying descriptions, some of which eventually make it to the lofty status of natural laws. Of course evolution did NOT ENDOw humans (or animals for that matter) with the ability to recognize patterns so we could build grandiose scientific edifices, rather we need that ability at the most elementary level. Humans simply cannot function in everyday life without pattern recognition capabilities and when those capabilities are impaired, as in patients with Alzheimer's disease for example, the result is nothing less than tragic.
The α2-adrenergic antagonist idazoxan counteracts prepulse inhibition deficits caused by amphetamine or dizocilpine in rats

Rationale Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is the reduction in startle response magnitude when intense stimuli are closely preceded by other weak stimuli. Animal models used to investigate sensorimotor gating deficits include both the stimulation of dopamine receptors (e.g., amphetamine or apomorphine) and the blockade of NMDA-glutamate receptors (e.g., dizocilpine or phencyclidine).
Non-marine diatoms from late Wisconsin perched deltas in Taylor Valley, Antarctica

Abstract Late Wisconsin perched deltas in Taylor Valley, Antarctica, and environs contain numerous, well-preserved diatoms characteristic of antarctic inland waters. Twenty-seven non-marine species and fragments of the marine species were encountered. Of the non-marine species, six (Achnanthes taylorensis, Navicula airdevronsixii, Navicula deltaica Navicula papilio, Navicula quaternaria, and Nitzschia westii) are new. In various combinations, the 37 species form six floral assemblages. One assemblage is restricted to deltas in nearby Ferrar Valley, three are related to delta age or elevation within Taylor Valley, and one contains poorly preserved fragments of marine species. The significance of the sixth assemblage is not clear because it occurs in deltas of widely varying age, elevation, and geographic location. Many of the diatoms found in the deltas occur today in lakes that are characterized by highly variable ionic concentration and composition (from nearly fresh to super-saline). These saline lakes are not synonymous with a marine environment. For this reason, the species indicate non-marine rather than fresh-water or marine paleoenvironments. Glacial Lake Washburn, in which the Taylor Valley deltas were deposited, was non-marine. Occasional fragments of marine diatoms are attributed to reworking of older Ross Sea drift. The ice dam that blocked Lake Washburn in Taylor Valley between about 21 200 B.P. and about 8340 B.P. was apparently grounded, consistent with the contention that a former grounded ice sheet filled McMurdo Sound and the Ross Sea. The non-marine nature of the Taylor Valley deltas refutes the hypothesis (Miagkov et al., 1976) that sea level in the Ross Sea region was about 308 m higher than it is today at 17 000–21 200 B.P. We suggest that similar deltas in nearby Salmon Valley were deposited in small non-marine lakes dammed by ice-cored moraines deposited by the last Ross Sea glaciation. This interpretation is in contrast to the hypothesis (Miagkov et al., 1976) that the Salmon Valley deltas, which contain many of the same non-marine diatom species found in Taylor Valley deltas, formed in sea water along the ice-sheet edge during a general lowering of sea level caused by tectonism.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B: A Potential Leptin Resistance Factor of Obesity

Indirect evidence implicates leptin resistance in the pathogenesis of the lipotoxicity that complicates obesity and results in the metabolic syndrome. In this issue of Developmental Cell, two groups identify protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as a cause of leptin resistance through dephosphorylation of Jak2.
Subtypes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Review of Findings

SUMMARYMost studies of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) have been based on patients recruited from primary or tertiary care settings. Patients from such settings might not be typical of patients in the general population and may not accurately reflect the heterogeneity among individuals diagnosed with this condition. The current paper reviews four community-based studies that examined subtypes of individuals with CFS. Distinctions between subtype groups based on sociodemographics, illness onset and duration, stressful precipitating events, symptom frequency, and comorbidity characteristics are made with respect to outcome measures of fatigue and symptom severity, functional ability, and psychiatric comorbidity.
Fine structure of the rhombencephalic tela of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana

The posterior rhombencephalic tela choroidea of the bullfrog was examined by electron microscopy. This membrane, the pia-ependymal roof of the caudal hindbrain, contains a large central region characterized by cuboidal ependymal cells which surround sizable microscopic apertures -- the interependymal pores. Ultrastructurally ependymal cells of this area are characterized by infrequent apical microvilli and cilia. They contain irregularly shaped nuclei and few cytoplasmic organelles that are largely apical in position. The most striking feature is an abundance of cytoplasmic filaments forming an extensive cytoskeleton. Laterally these cells are joined by numerous elaborate desmosomes. The majority of the ependymal cells have a basal lamina consisting of single, double, or triple laminae lying parallel to the basal plasma membrane. Several unusual specializations are seen at the margins of the interependymal pores. The ependymal cells have lateral cytoplasmic processes that form the actual border of each pore. These processes originate from the apical surface of the cell and partially enclose an elaborate network of basal lamina associated with the interependymal pores. These findings demonstrate microscopic apertures in the roof of the fourth ventricle in the bullfrog that are associated with an unusual form of supportive ependyma.