cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical manifestations of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Puerto Rico, 1990-1991

The aim of the study reported here was to demonstrate that dengue hemorrhagic fever occurs in Puerto Rico, that it is underreported, and that this underreporting is due partly to underdiagnosis in hospitals. Surveillance for severe dengue identified 986 hospitalizations for suspected dengue in 1990-1991. At the time, on the basis of available clinical and laboratory data, the surveillance system routinely identified 20 DHF cases, including three with dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Our subsequent review of these 986 patients' hospital records identified 102 whose records supported a clinical diagnosis of DHF (88) or DSS (14). Of the 102, there were 57 with positive virologic or serologic results for dengue and that met the World Health Organization criteria for DHF (fever, hemorrhagic manifestations, thrombocytopenia, and excessive capillary permeability). This group of 57 patients had a mean age of 38 years, contained a preponderance of males (34, 59.3%), included eight cases of DSS, and involved two (3.5%) fatalities (in females 16 and 55 years old). Hemorrhagic manifestations were mild; hemoconcentration, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT) levels were frequently encountered. The median duration of hospitalization was five days. The clinical description of these laboratory-positive DHF cases in Puerto Rico is consistent with previous descriptions of DHF in the medical literature; but the patients' age distribution is similar to the pattern typically found in the Americas (where all age groups tend to be affected), as opposed to Southeast Asia (where mostly younger children are affected). The number of DHF cases identified by our study was nearly three times that reported through the established surveillance system. Our findings indicate that recognition and reporting of DHF by local clinicians needs to be improved.
Suppression of CFU-eo formation by bone marrow stromal cells and IL-4

Abstract Rationale To determine the relative roles of stromal cells and T lymphocytes in regulation of eosinophilopoiesis. Methods Colony forming units-eosinophil cultures (CFU-eo) were established by placing euthymic (+/+) or athymic (nu − /nu − ) BALB/c mice bone marrow cells in methylcellulose with IL-5. Bone marrow stromal cells were cultured with or without IL-1 and supernatants collected. CFU-eo were evaluated in the presence of IL-4 or stromal cell supernatants. Stromal cell production of IL-4 was evaluated by intracellular staining and ELISA. Results CFU-eo in euthymic BALB/c mice was decreased by addition of 100 units/ml (p Conclusions CFU-eo colony formation is suppressed by IL-4 in the bone marrow. Stromal cells produce IL-4 and IL-4 production is increased by exposure to IL-1. This regulatory mechanism dampens bone marrow eosinophil production and does not require the presence of T lymphocytes.
A simple cold stage for the scanning electron microscope.

Abstract A simple cold stage design is described for the Cambridge scanning electron microscope which permits the direct observation of frozen biological samples.
Occurrence of theoretically correct responses during rotation of the Ames window

It has been hypothesized (Graham, 1963) that reversals in the Ames window are the outcome of a resolution of ambiguous differential angular velocity cues by linear perspective cues. This theory was tested. A parallel projection of the window on an opal glass screen was used as the stimulus. Ss almost always reported two apparent reversals per rotation. The long vertical side of the figure was always apparently in front of the short vertical side. These results were interpreted to be in line with theoretical expectations.
The formation of infilled craters on Mars: Evidence for widespread impact induced decompression of the early martian mantle?

Flat-floored craters have long been recognized on Mars with early work hypothesizing a sedimentary origin. More recently, high-resolution thermal inertia measurements show that these craters contain some of the rockiest materials on the planet, inconsistent with poorly consolidated sedimentary materials. In this study, the distribution, physical properties (morphology and thermal inertia), and composition of these craters are thoroughly investigated over the entire planet. The majority of the ∼2800 rocky crater floors identified are concentrated in the low albedo (0.1–0.17), cratered southern highlands. These craters were infilled at ∼3.5 Ga and are associated with the highest thermal inertia values and some of the most mafic materials identified on the planet. Although several processes may have led to the formation of the crater floors, the most likely scenario is volcanic infilling through fractures created by the impact event. The primitive magma source directly results from decompression melting of the martian mantle by the removal of the crustal material excavated by the impactor. Volcanic infilling of craters by decompression melting appears to only have occurred in early martian history when the lithosphere was still relatively thin and the thermal gradient was high. This process was widespread and responsible for the eruption of significant volumes of primitive material, inside and likely outside of craters. Impact induced decompression melting of the martian mantle accounts for the unusual infilling of martian craters and is a widespread planetary process that has gone previously undocumented.
Policy Lifeboats for Anticipated (and Continuing) Storms: The Politics of Education in Turbulent Economic Times

In today's mood of crisis in American education, impatient business leaders and reformers applaud the “Noah Principle” applied to education. … “No more prizes for predicting rain. Prizes only for b...
Identification and characterisation of cell types accumulating GABA in rat retinal cultures using cell type specific monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract Monolayer and reaggregate cultures have been established from neonatal rat retina. After 7 days in culture, 60 nM [3H]γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was used to identify cells with a high affinity uptake mechanism for GABA. Approximately 80% of the process-bearing cells were found to be labelled. These cells were identified as amacrine cells by double-labelling experiments combining [3H]GABA uptake with immunocytochemical labelling with monoclonal antibody HPC-1 which in retina is specific for amacrine cells. The ability of cultures to synthesize GABA from glutamate was investigated at various times. Little synthesis was observed during the first few days in culture. This lag was followed by an increase in the amount of synthesis until 3 weeks of culture. When clumps and reaggregate cultures of retinal cells were examined by [3H]GABA uptake, a time-dependent redistribution of labelled cells was observed. After 20 h in culture, GABA-positive cells were distributed over the whole cell mass. Over the next few days, the labelled cells became more common on the outer edge of the aggregates and less common in inner regions. By 7 days of culture, no labelled cell bodies were found on the inside of the aggregates, although such cells could be labelled by [3H] d -aspartate. The results provide positive identification of a subclass of retinal cells in culture, and show that at least one aspect of retinal histogenesis is not dependent upon extra-retinal tissues or the position imposed by the temporal order of retinal cell birth.
Outcomes after pancreatectomy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: An institutional experience

Purpose To evaluate the experience with pancreatectomy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) at a single academic institution. Methods A prospective pancreatic database was reviewed and identified 43 patients with IPMN who were managed operatively. Clinicopathologic features and predictors of outcome were examined. The World Health Organization pathologic classification of IPMN was utilized. Results IPMN was diagnosed in 21% of patients who underwent pancreatic resection for solid or cystic mass lesions. Ninety-five percent of patients were symptomatic. Patients were managed with total pancreatectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, central pancreatectomy, or enucleation. Nine patients had adenomas, 14 had borderline neoplasms, 10 had carcinoma in situ, and 9 had invasive carcinoma. Overall, 23 patients (53%) had lesions with main duct involvement. Frozen section transection margins were positive for malignancy in 2 patients. With a mean follow-up of 17 months, the 5-year disease-specific survival for patients with main duct involvement was 67%. The 5-year disease-specific survival for patients with benign lesions was 100%, and 61% for patients with malignant lesions ( P = .02). The presence of symptoms, increased CA 19-9, and tumor size were not predictive of malignancy. Increased serum bilirubin concentrations were predictive of malignancy ( P = .03). Main duct involvement was also associated with malignancy ( P Conclusions Cancer is found in 65% of patients with IMPN involving the main duct. Based on our data, patients with symptomatic, main duct involvement, especially those with an increased serum bilirubin, should be offered resection. Alternatively, patients with side branch IPMN may be managed conservatively.
Mouse leukotriene A4 hydrolase is expressed at high levels in intestinal crypt cells and splenic lymphocytes

LTA4 hydrolase (EC 3.3.2.6) is a dual-function enzyme that is essential for the conversion of leukotriene A4 (LTA4) to leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and also possesses an aminopeptidase activity. To characterize the expression of this unusual enzyme, we have cloned the mouse LTA4 hydrolase cDNA. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed 92% identity with the human sequence. Cloning and analysis of genomic sequences of mouse LTA4 hydrolase indicated that it is a single-copy gene spanning over 40kb and containing 20 exons. LTA4 hydrolase is widely expressed, with the highest levels of expression occurring in the small intestine, followed by the spleen. In situ hybridization revealed that LTA4 hydrolase is localized in the crypt cells of the small intestine, white pulp of the spleen, bronchiolar epithelium of the lung, myocardium, adrenal cortex, epithelium of the seminal vesicles, proximal tubules and the collecting ducts of the kidney, and occasional hepatocytes. Thus the widespread distribution of LTA4 hydrolase in various cell types in the tissues suggests that LTB4 may possess biological activities other than those known at present. It is also plausible that the widespread occurrence of LTA4 hydrolase in various tissues may correspond more with its function as an aminopeptidase than its function as an LTA4 hydrolase.
An in-car safety campaign for children in Southern Derbyshire.

Part of my role as the Paediatric Emergency Liaison Nurse for Southern Derbyshire is to co-organise the annual ‘‘Rideout’’. This is a campaign where health care professionals and police officers combine forces to promote the need for ‘and correct use of’ children’s car seats. The event is run in June of each year to coincide with the National Child Safety Week. ‘‘Each year, over 5500 children are killed or injured while travelling unrestrained in the rear of cars, and of these deaths and injuries, about two thirds could have been prevented by the proper use of child restraints’’ (RoSPA). These statistics have been the driving force behind the ‘‘Rideout Campaign’’ in Southern Derbyshire. Each year during National Child Safety Week, a team of health care professionals and police officers have spent time promoting the use of child car restraints and assisting parents and carers to check their own. Derbyshire Constabulary devoted three traffic officers and their cars to the five days of the event. Our aim was for a traffic officer to be paired with at least one health care professional. Volunteers were recruited from the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, Children’s Hospital, Minor Injuries Units and various community staff. Some staff incorporated this as part of their working day, including myself. Others participated in their own time. Staff were able to volunteer for whole or half days and for as many days as they were able to. Through goodwill and management support a
Reactivity of positronium atoms toward some cobalt(III) complexes in aqueous solutions

The reactions of thermal positronium atoms were studied with a variety of cobalt(III) complexes in aqueous solutions and the rate constants for these processes determined. The rate constants for the interaction of the complex ions [Co(III)(NH3)5X] where X = NH3, OH−, H2O, OH−, H2O, NO2−, F−, Cl−, Br−, OAc, o-phthalate and p-phthalate with Ps were found to be ksolute = 2·65, 2·74, 5·90, 5·37, 1·94, 15·7, 31·5, 5·35, 2·56 and 4·53 × 109 l/mole sec, respectively. The rate constant for the reaction of [Co(CN)6]3− with Ps-atom is considerably smaller; ksolute = 0·18 × 109 l/mole sec. The data are discussed in terms of modern theories of electron transfer mechanisms.
New view of strategy: An interview with C.K. Prahalad

Abstract ‘Strategic intent’, ‘core competence’ and ‘strategy as stretch and leverage’, are all management concepts that have become associated with C.K. Prahalad and his frequent co-author, Gary Hamel, most often in the pages of the Harvard Business Review, but also in other journals and books. These ideas now form the basis of much new thinking about competitiveness by strategic managers. With the publication in 1994 of Competing for the Future, C.K. Prahalad and Gary Hamel create a new view of strategy in one overall statement developing earlier HBR concepts like foresight, strategic architecture, global pre-emption and ‘the need to forget’. Then, with new ideas like opportunity space, opportunity horizon, corporate challenge, and expeditionary marketing, the authors present a new language system to capture these ideas. Interviewed in Michigan by EMJ's editor, Paul Stonham, C.K. Prahalad points first that Competing for the Future is about ‘democratizing’ strategy — how to engage a large number of people in creating a strategic direction, and that managers are now receptive to exploring ways of revitalizing companies. Continuing of the corporation, profitable growth, and ability to change, are all essential criteria for competitiveness. Wealth creation involves leveraging resources and creating new investment opportunities all the time. Shareholders and investors recognize this. C.K. Prahalad has views on the cultural springs of success, on innate competitive advantage, and on acquisitions as one of a number of alternative modes to acquire competence. He declines to be drawn into a close comparison of large and small companies, but prefers to focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. He points to the decreasing unilateral role of governments in international trade and finance, and to the need for innovative companies to search the global market for managerial talent. Business schools still produce functionally-biased managers; they should concentrate in future on producing at least four skills in their potential managers: teamwork, resolution of complex conflicts, languages, and operationalizing concepts. Finally, hinting in the interview of the next phase of his work, C.K. Prahalad does not lessen the anticipation of his readers.
Development of thin film TiNi/Pb(Zr,Ti)O 3 heterostructures

Thin film layers of shape memory alloys and ferroelectric ceramics can produce a family of smart heterostructures capable of performing both sensing and actuating functions. Important issues in the synthesis of these active structures are the ability to generate the appropriate crystalline phases of each material while producing defect-free homogeneous high-quality films. The compatibility of sol-gel-processed Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) thin films with thin film shape memory effect TiNi substrates were investigated Thin film TiNi was deposited on quartz substrates by physical sputter deposition utilizing a TiNi target in a ultrahigh-vacuum chamber, which was followed by in- site vacuum annealing. The ferroelectric tetragonal phase of PZT was deposited on TiNi by sol-gel and spin-coating processes followed by a 600 degree(s)C anneal for 5 m in air. The heterostructures obtained were nominally defect-free, unlike those obtained through deposition onto bulk TiNi substrates.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Does This Patient Have Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

In the physical examination of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the only maneuver of demonstrated value is abdominal palpation to detect abnormal widening of the aortic pulsation. Palpation of AAA appears to be safe and has not been reported to precipitate rupture. The best evidence on the accuracy of abdominal palpation comes from 15 studies of patients not previously known to have AAA who were screened with both abdominal palpation and ultrasound. When results from these studies are pooled, the sensitivity of abdominal palpation increases significantly with AAA diameter (P<.001), ranging from 29% for AAAs of 3.0 to 3.9 cm to 50% for AAAs of 4.0 to 4.9 cm and 76% for AAAs of 5.0 cm or greater. Positive and negative likelihood ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a cutoff point for AAAs of 3.0 cm or greater are 12.0 (95% CI, 7.4-19.5) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.65-0.81), respectively, and for AAAs of 4.0 cm or greater are 15.6 (95% CI, 8.6-28.5) and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.38-0.67). The positive predictive value of palpation for AAA of 3.0 cm or greater in these studies was 43%. Limited data suggest that abdominal obesity decreases the sensitivity of palpation. Abdominal palpation specifically directed at measuring aortic width has moderate sensitivity for detecting an AAA that would be large enough to be referred for surgery but cannot be relied on to exclude AAA, especially if rupture is a possibility.
The Cytoplasmic C-terminal Fragment of Polycystin-1 Regulates a Ca2+-permeable Cation Channel

The cytoplasmic C-terminal portion of the polycystin-1 polypeptide (PKD1(1-226)) regulates several important cell signaling pathways, and its deletion suffices to cause autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. However, a functional link between PKD1 and the ion transport processes required to drive renal cyst enlargement has remained elusive. We report here that expression at the Xenopus oocyte surface of a transmembrane fusion protein encoding the C-terminal portion of the PKD1 cytoplasmic tail, PKD1(115-226), but not the N-terminal portion, induced a large, Ca(2+)-permeable cation current, which shifted oocyte reversal potential (E(rev)) by +33 mV. Whole cell currents were sensitive to inhibition by La(3+), Gd(3+), and Zn(2+), and partially inhibited by SKF96365 and amiloride. Currents were not activated by bath hypertonicity, but were inhibited by acid pH. Outside-out patches pulled from PKD1(115-226)-expressing oocytes exhibited a 5.1-fold increased NP(o) of endogenous 20-picosiemens cation channels of linear conductance. PKD1(115-226)-injected oocytes also exhibited elevated NP(o) of unitary calcium currents in outside-out and cell-attached patches, and elevated calcium permeability documented by fluorescence ratio and (45)Ca(2+) flux experiments. Both Ca(2+) conductance and influx were inhibited by La(3+). Mutation of candidate phosphorylation sites within PKD1(115-226) abolished the cation current. We conclude that the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail of PKD1 up-regulates inward current that includes a major contribution from Ca(2+)-permeable nonspecific cation channels. Dysregulation of these or similar channels in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease may contribute to cyst formation or expansion.
Meningiomas presenting as nasal polyps.

Two extracranial meningiomas in the nasal cavity presenting clinically as nasal polyps are described. One of them is thought to be a primary nasal meningioma. To our knowledge, no similar case has been described. The histogenesis of primary extracranial meningiomas is discussed.
A contextualist reply to the direct argument

The Direct Argument for the incompatibility of moral responsibility and determinism is designed to side-step complaints given by compatibilist critiques of the so-called Transfer Argument. I argue that while it represents an improvement over the Transfer Argument, it loses some of its plausibility when we reflect on some metalogical issues about normal modal modeling and the semantics of natural language. More specifically, the crucial principle on which the Direct Argument depends appears doubtful where context plays a role in evaluation of normative claims.
Changing Climate: Geothermal Evidence from Permafrost in the Alaskan Arctic

Temperature profiles measured in permafrost in northernmost Alaska usually have anomalous curvature in the upper 100 meters or so. When analyzed by heat-conduction theory, the profiles indicate a variable but widespread secular warming of the permafrost surface, generally in the range of 2 to 4 Celsius degrees during the last few decades to a century. Although details of the climatic change cannot be resolved with existing data, there is little doubt of its general magnitude and timing; alternative explanations are limited by the fact that heat transfer in cold permafrost is exclusively by conduction. Since models of greenhouse warming predict climatic change will be greatest in the Arctic and might already be in progress, it is prudent to attempt to understand the rapidly changing thermal regime in this region.
Persons with developmental disabilities exposed to interpersonal violence and crime: strategies and guidance for assessment

PURPOSE. Persons with developmental disabilities are frequently exposed to interpersonal violence and crime, directed at themselves and others, and are in need of specific interventions tailored to their unique needs. CONCLUSIONS. What may be different in comparison to other survivors are the ways therapeutic interventions are adapted so that fears and ongoing concerns can be effectively expressed and addressed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Persons with developmental disabilities may benefit from a variety of interventions in the treatment of intrapsychic trauma after exposure to interpersonal violence and crime. Search terms: Assessment, developmental
The tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 is a negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorbing activity: increased resorption and osteopenia in mev/mev mutant mice

Abstract Naturally occuring inactivating mutations of the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) in mice give rise to the motheaten (me) phenotype. me/me mice have multiple hematopoietic abnormalities, suggesting that this phosphatase plays an important role in hematopoiesis. SHP-1 binds to and is activated by several hematopoietic surface receptors, including the colony-stimulating factor type 1 receptor. We have examined the role of SHP-1 in osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function using mice with the viable motheaten (mev/mev) mutation, which has markedly decreased SHP-1 activity. Histomorphometric analysis of 6-week-old mev/mev mice and control littermates showed a marked osteopenia with an increase in bone resorption indices. The number of formed osteoclast-like cells (OCLs) in cocultures of mev/mev hematopoietic cells with normal osteoblasts was significantly increased. In contrast, the number of OCLs formed in the coculture of normal bone marrow cells with the mev/mev osteoblasts was not significantly different from controls. The bone-resorbing activity of mev/mev OCLs and authentic osteoclasts was also found to be increased. Finally, Western blotting of proteins from mev/mev and control OCLs revealed an overall increase in tyrosine phosphorylation in the mev/mev lysates. These in vivo and in vitro results suggest that SHP-1 is a negative regulator of bone resorption, affecting both the formation and the function of osteoclasts.
The connectivities of line and total graphs

Sharp lower bounds for the point connectivity and line connectivity of the line graph L(G) and the total graph T(G) of a graph G are determined. The lower bounds are expressed in terms of the point connectivity k, line connectivity λ, and minimum degree δ of G. It is also shown that 2λ is an upper bound for k(T(G)) and that λ(T(G))= 2δ = δ(T(G)). In each case the realizable values beyond the lower bound are determined.
Intersections Between Nativity, Ethnic Density, and Neighborhood SES: Using an Ethnic Enclave Framework to Explore Variation in Puerto Ricans’ Physical Health

Although past research has demonstrated a “health disadvantage” for Puerto Rican adults, very little is known about correlates of health among this group. Given Puerto Ricans’ unique experiences of migration and settlement, an ethnic enclave framework that integrates nativity, ethnic density, and neighborhood SES may offer insight into factors influencing Puerto Ricans’ health. This study uses a sample of 449 adult mainland- and island-born Puerto Ricans living in New York City and Chicago. The data, collected as a part of the MIDUS Survey of Minority Groups, are stratified by neighborhood ethnic density and neighborhood SES, allowing for the examination of the individual and joint influences of neighborhood characteristics on physical health. Results revealed that ethnic density and neighborhood SES were not independently or interactively related to physical health for mainland-born Puerto Ricans. However, the interaction between ethnic density and neighborhood SES was related to self-reported health, functional limitations, and health symptoms for island-born Puerto Ricans. Island-born Puerto Ricans living in ethnically dense, low SES neighborhoods reported worse health than island-born Puerto Ricans living in other types of neighborhoods. This may be a result of isolation from resources both within and outside the neighborhood.
Fast dynamic process migration

Dynamic process migration supports load sharing and processor fault tolerance. We present the new freeze free algorithm for process migration, which uses six techniques to: reduce process migration latency by an order of magnitude to 19.9 ms, effectively eliminate message freeze times, and to support processor fault tolerance. The freeze free algorithm resumes execution after the transfer of four items: the combined process control and execution state, the current code page, the current heap page, and the current code page. The algorithm effectively eliminates message freeze time by separating the process state from the communication state, and thus allows message processing to proceed in parallel with process migration. The algorithm eliminates old host residual dependencies by flushing old host resident, modified data; while the process executes in parallel on the new host. The paper analyzes the costs in both the process migration latency period and the cross-network demand paging operations, and identifies further cost reductions. This paper demonstrates that small overhead is needed for good load sharing system speedup by measuring the impact of increasing overhead an speedup.
Academic Performance, Career Potential, Creativity, and Job Performance: Can One Construct Predict Them All?

This meta-analysis addresses the question of whether 1 general cognitive ability measure developed for predicting academic performance is valid for predicting performance in both educational and work domains. The validity of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT; W. S. Miller, 1960) for predicting 18 academic and work-related criteria was examined. MAT correlations with other cognitive tests (e.g., Raven's Matrices [J. C. Raven, 1965]; Graduate Record Examinations) also were meta-analyzed. The results indicate that the abilities measured by the MAT are shared with other cognitive ability instruments and that these abilities are generalizably valid predictors of academic and vocational criteria, as well as evaluations of career potential and creativity. These findings contradict the notion that intelligence at work is wholly different from intelligence at school, extending the voluminous literature that supports the broad importance of general cognitive ability (g).
Empirical identification of the criteria for effective affirmative action programs.

Legislation prohibits discrimination in most social activities. Organizations have implemented affirmative action programs to comply with the law and to attempt to reduce discrimination. Research indicates, however, that discrimination still exists. Research must therefore identify the key factors that make affirmative action programs truly effective. The authors designed this study to capture the policies of personnel and affirmative action officers in institutions of higher learning regarding criteria for effective affirmative action programs. The research identified 13 potential criteria. The results suggest that attitudinal and procedural factors — e.g., commitment from higher administration, receptive attitudes of key personnel, formal and informal grievance procedures — were the most important criteria for program effectiveness. The institution type — i.e., public versus private — and size — number of students — have no moderating effects.
Defocus blur discrimination in natural images with natural optics.

The lens system in the human eye is able to best focus light from only one distance at a time. Therefore, many objects in the natural environment are not imaged sharply on the retina. Furthermore, light from objects in the environment is subject to the particular aberrations of the observer's lens system (e.g., astigmatism and chromatic aberration). We refer to blur created by the observer's optics as ''natural'' or ''defocus'' blur as opposed to ''on-screen'' blur created by software on a display screen. Although blur discrimination has been studied extensively, human ability to discriminate defocus blur in images of natural scenes has not been systematically investigated. Here, we measured discrimination of defocus blur for a collection of natural image patches, sampled from well-focused photographs. We constructed a rig capable of presenting stimuli at three physical distances simultaneously. In Experiment 1, subjects viewed monocularly two simultaneously presented natural image patches through a 4-mm artificial pupil at 618 eccentricity. The task was to identify the sharper patch. Discrimination thresholds varied substantially between stimuli but were correlated between subjects. The lowest thresholds were at or below the lowest thresholds ever reported. In a second experiment, we paralyzed accommodation and retested a subset of conditions from Experiment 1. A third experiment showed that removing contrast as a cue to defocus blur had only a modest effect on thresholds. Finally, we describe a simple masking model and evaluate how well it can explain our experimental results and the results from previous blur discrimination experiments.
Conditions for correction of linear and quadratic field-dependent aberrations in plane-symmetric optical systems

The Abbe sine condition and the recently developed pupil astigmatism conditions provide a powerful set of relationships for describing imaging systems that are free from aberrations that have linear and quadratic dependence on field, to all orders in the pupil. We have proved both of these conditions and applied them to axisymmetric imaging systems. We now extend our approach to plane-symmetric systems. Still using Hamilton's characteristic functions, we derive the general sine conditions and the pupil astigmatism conditions that describe plane-symmetric systems that are free of all aberrations with linear and quadratic field dependence.
Space, movement and heritage planning of the historic cities in Islamic societies: Learning from the Old City of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Traditional historic cities in Islamic societies of Asia and Africa are fast disappearing and/or losing relevance. There is a clear need for heritage planners to plan for what is left and to integrate these historic cities with the bigger cities that surround them. This study on movement dynamics of people and cars in relation to spatial configuration, described using space syntax, was undertaken in the Old City of Jeddah to understand and learn how accessibility and the density of people and activities can be used for retaining the viability and vitality of this and other historic cities. The study reports several findings that are potentially relevant to heritage planning. However, further studies are needed to understand the importance of the findings in relation to different social and symbolic realities of Islamic societies before specific spatial strategies can be identified for heritage planning in this and other historic cities.
Nitric Oxide Signaling Mediates Stimulation of L-Type Ca2+ Current Elicited by Withdrawal of Acetylcholine in Cat Atrial Myocytes

A perforated-patch whole-cell recording method was used to determine whether nitric oxide signaling participates in acetylcholine (ACh)-induced regulation of basal L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) in cat atrial myocytes. Exposure to 1 microM ACh for 2 min inhibited basal ICa,L (-21 +/- 3%), and withdrawal of ACh elicited rebound stimulation of ICa,L above control (80 +/- 13%) (n = 23). Stimulation of ICa,L elicited by withdrawal of ACh (but not ACh-induced inhibition of ICa,L) was blocked by either 50 microM hemoglobin; 30 microM ODQ or 10 microM methylene blue, inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase; 10 microM W-7, a calmodulin inhibitor; or 10 microM L-NIO, an inhibitor of constitutive NO synthase (NOS). In cells incubated in 5 mM L-arginine, ACh-induced rebound stimulation of ICa,L was enhanced compared with control responses. Histochemical assay (NADPH diaphorase) indicated that atrial myocytes express constitutive NOS. NO-donor, spermine/NO (SP/NO), >1 microM stimulated basal ICa,L. SP/NO-induced stimulation of ICa,L was inhibited by 50 microM hemoglobin, 30 microM ODQ, or 5 microM H-89, an inhibitor of PKA, and was unchanged by 50 microM MnTBAP, a peroxynitrite scavenger. When ICa,L was prestimulated by 10 microM milrinone, an inhibitor of cGMP-inhibited phosphodiesterase (type III) activity, SP/NO failed to further increase ICa,L. In cells incubated in pertussis toxin (3.4 microg/ml for 6 h; 36 degrees C), ACh failed to affect ICa,L, but 100 microM SP/NO or 10 microM milrinone still increased basal ICa,L. These results indicate that in cat atrial myocytes NO signaling mediates stimulation of ICa,L elicited by withdrawal of ACh but not ACh-induced inhibition of basal ICa,L. NO activates cGMP-induced inhibition of phosphodiesterase (type III) activity. Upon withdrawal of ACh, this mechanism allows cAMP to recover to levels above control, thereby stimulating ICa,L. Pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins couple M2 muscarinic receptors to NO signaling. NO-mediated stimulation of ICa, L elicited by withdrawal of ACh may be an important mechanism that rapidly restores cardiac pacemaker and contractile functions after cholinergic suppression of atrial activity.
cEBP Homologous Protein Expression in Macrophages Regulates the Magnitude and Duration of IL-6 Expression and Dextran Sodium Sulfate Colitis.

Cellular stress enhances inflammatory cytokine gene expression by inducing cEBP homologous protein (CHOP). Engaging cell stress via thapsigargin induced CHOP and selectively prolonged lipopolysaccharide-stimulated interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages from wild-type (WT) but not CHOP knockout (KO) mice. To determine the impact of this mechanism in vivo we employed dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in irradiated mice reconstituted with bone marrow from WT or CHOP KO mice. WT recipients of CHOP KO bone marrow exhibited more rapid recovery from disease than did mice reconstituted with WT bone marrow as reflected in increased survival, reduced clinical scores, and colonic histopathology. No differences in mesenteric lymph node cell populations were observed between mice with WT or CHOP KO bone marrow during colitis. CD11b+ macrophages infiltrating the lamina propria were, however, reduced in DSS-treated mice reconstituted with CHOP KO bone marrow. CHOP expression was ob...
Iron deficiency and anemia.

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrition disorders worldwide, affecting a large proportion of children and women in the developing world. In addition, iron deficiency is probably the only nutrient deficiency of significant prevalence in virtually all developed countries. Iron is element 26 in the periodic table and has an atomic weight of 55.85. In aqueous solution, iron exists in two oxidation states, either Fe2+, the ferrous form, or Fe3+, the ferric form. Iron changes between these forms, enabling it to serve as a catalyst in redox reactions by donating or accepting electrons. Iron-containing compounds play key roles in oxygen and energy metabolism. Iron is one of the most extensively investigated and understood nutrients. Although the burden and causes of iron deficiency are well-established, the challenge remains for the adequate prevention and control of iron deficiency. This will require greater effort in embarking on public-health measures that are feasible and cost-effective (1).
Response availability in the A-B, A-C paradigm

To test the availability of List-1 responses following A-B, A-C learning, Ss were asked to identify each List-1 response embedded in a set of six synonyms. No identification errors were made by the 16 Ss employed.
Secret Key Rates of QKD Systems Over Time-Varying Free-Space Optical Channel

We study SKRs of QKD systems over time-varying FSO channels under strong turbulence. A channel predictive method is proposed to improve corresponding SKRs. The results show that the higher SKR can be obtained for better prediction accuracy.
P4.132 Reducing Harassment of Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Low Income Setting: Tripartite Approach in Bangladesh

Background Female Sex Workers (FSWs) intervention is one of the most focused programmes in Bangladesh. FSWs are socially very much stigmatised and their rights are seriously violated. Police and other law enforcing agencies often raid their settings and put into gaol. But the concerned beneficiaries are reluctant to support them. With supports from HIV activists, some FSWs organised themselves and formed a self help group (SHG). Group members feel more empowered than other general FSWs with increased self esteem. They have started working for protecting their own rights. Being service provider, Save the Children assisted them in installing a tripartite approach through ensuring effective linkage among SHG, lawyers agency and local police which helps FSWs getting access to legal support by their own effort. Methods In this approach, SHG of FSWs, lawyers agency and local police centre are working together when a sex worker is imprisoned. These three parties have a memorandum of understanding for some activities which will ensure mutual benefit. Selected SHG members will contact with local police centre as well as lawyers focal person when a sex worker is captured. The lawyer agency engages lawyers for getting bail of the sex worker with nominal fee. And the motivated local police person avoid in raiding sex workers setting unnecessarily. Results This tripartite approach has started giving excellent result. It started working in favour of sex workers’ community. The self esteems and confidences of sex workers’ have significantly increased among FSW community especially in the SHG working area. This also helps changing the attitudes of influential people of the society. Conclusions Any good approach really works if all concerned stakeholders play their role at the right moment and in an appropriate way. This approach is one of the most successful examples in reducing harassments to the FSWs.
Longitudinal Course of Disease in a Large Cohort of Myositis Patients With Autoantibodies Recognizing the Signal Recognition Particle

Objective Patients with immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) often have autoantibodies recognizing the signal recognition particle (SRP) or HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR). Here, we studied a cohort of anti-SRP patients to identify factors associated with disease severity and clinical improvement; we also compared the severity of weakness in those with anti-SRP versus anti-HMGCR autoantibodies. Methods All anti-SRP patients in the Johns Hopkins Myositis Cohort from 2002 to 2015 were included. Longitudinal information regarding proximal muscle strength, creatine kinase (CK) levels, and immunosuppressive therapy was recorded at each visit. Univariate and multivariate multilevel regression models were used to assess prognostic factors influencing recovery. Strength in the anti-SRP patients was compared to strength in 49 previously described anti-HMGCR subjects. Results Data from 37 anti-SRP patients and 380 total clinic visits were analyzed. Younger age at onset was associated with more severe weakness at the first visit (P = 0.02) and all subsequent visits (P = 0.002). Only 50% of patients reached near-full or full strength after 4 years of treatment, and most of these continued to have elevated CK levels. Rituximab appeared to be effective in 13 of 17 anti-SRP patients. Anti-SRP patients were significantly weaker than those with anti-HMGCR autoantibodies (−1.3 strength points; P = 0.001). Conclusion Younger age at onset is associated with more severe weakness in anti-SRP myositis. Furthermore, even among anti-SRP patients whose strength improved with immunosuppression, most had ongoing disease activity as demonstrated by elevated CK levels. Finally, anti-SRP patients were significantly weaker than anti-HMGCR patients, providing evidence that these autoantibodies are associated with distinct forms of IMNM.
Temporal Control of Aptamer Biosensors Using Covalent Self-Caging To Shift Equilibrium.

Aptamer-based sensors provide a versatile and effective platform for the detection of chemical and biological targets. These sensors have been optimized to function in multiple formats, however, a remaining limitation is the inability to achieve temporal control over their sensing function. To overcome this challenge, we took inspiration from nature’s ability to temporally control the activity of enzymes and protein receptors through covalent self-caging. We applied this strategy to structure-switching aptamer sensors through the installation of a cleavable linker between the two DNA fragments that comprise the sensor. Analogous to self-caged proteins, installation of this linker shifts the equilibrium of the aptamer sensor to disfavor target binding. However, activity can be restored in a time-resolved manner by cleavage of the linker. To demonstrate this principle, we chose a photocleavable linker and found that installation of the linker eliminates target binding, even at high target concentrations. Ho...
Characteristics of H1N1 Hypotype HA1 Gene at The Season of Influenza Pandemic

[Objective]To indentify the variability of H1N1 hypotype HA1 gene at the season of influenza pandemic between 2008 and 2009 in Shenyang City.[Methods]The H1N1 hypotype isolation of influenza virus from Shenyang was sequenced the amplification of HA1 gene by one-step method of PT-PCR,then deduced the amino acid sequence and constructed the tree of phyletic evolution.[Results]Of 177 throat swab samples of influenza-like illness,29 strains of influenza virus(16.4%) were isolated,21 were H1N1 Hypotype.Assayed HA1 sequence10 from the 21 strains,compared with vaccine strain of A/Brisbane/59/2007 recommended by WHO,the homology could reach 94.2%~97.0%,the mutation of amino acid appeared at the site of 99,202,208,211 and 230.[Conclusion]A certain variation of influenza virus occurred in Shenyang between 2008 and 2009,and it caused the influenza pandemic of H1N1 hypotype in that season.
Radiolytic Synthesis of Bimetallic Nanoparticles with High Aspect Ratio

Abstract : We present a technique to synthesize high aspect ratio metallic nanostructures based on the radiolysis method. In our experiments, we use gamma rays to irradiate aqueous solutions containing Ag and Pt ions and a water-soluble polymer. The aspect ratio of the nanoparticles is controlled by varying the radiation dose rate, the type of polymer, and the type of counter ions. Transmission electron microscopy shows that wire-like structures composed of grains with a face centered cubic (fcc) structure can be formed with a length of up to 3.5 micrometers and typical diameters between 5 and 12nm. X-Ray absorption spectroscopy shows that Ag and Pt do not form an alloy, but remain segregated.
OSTEOGENIC SARCOMA OF THE ILIUM; REPORT OF A CASE ASSOCIATED WITH OSTEOBLASTIC PROSTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA.

A case is reported of a man, sixty-six years old, who had a biopsy-proved osteogenic sarcoma of the ilium in the absence of Paget's disease and, after seven months, osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions in the spine and pelvis as well as metastases to the lungs. At autopsy, a large mass arising from the left iliac crest was identified as osteogenic sarcoma. Several pleural and pulmonary metastases of this tumor were present. Microscopically, a well differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate was also identified with metastases in the vertebrae, pelvis, and tissues adjoining the osteogenic sarcoma. The following were considered as possible explanations for the findings in this case: (1) both neoplasms were unrelated; (2) they originated independently but their growth was influenced by each other's presence; (3) both neoplasmas arose independently from a common stimulus; (4) both neoplasmas originated from the same cells, but underwent two patterns of differentiation; and (5) the tumors were related in a cause-and-effect manner, that is, metastases from the adenocarcinoma of the prostate stimulated the development of an osteogenic sarcoma through their effect on bone. Future cases showing osteoblastic bone lesions in the presence of osteogenic sarcoma should bring to mind the possibility of a complicating metastatic carcinoma.
Espectros en el archivo: Cementerio de papel de Fritz Glockner y el retorno del pasado reprimido al Palacio Negro de Lecumberri

Este articulo estudia la novela Cementerio de papel (2002) donde se teje un thriller detectivesco en torno a un asesinato sucedido bajo la cupula del Archivo General de la Nacion (Lecumberri). Con el traslado y la apertura de los expedientes de la antigua Direccion Federal de Seguridad retornan a la antigua prision las viejas victimas y sus victimarios, solo que ahora en forma de espectros del pasado. La obra se mueve, asi, dentro del binomio carcel/archivo, presentando a Lecumberri como un espacio vivo desde donde empezar una busqueda por la justicia y la verdad, sin caer en la melancolia o el victimismo. This essay examines the novel Cementerio de Papel [ Paper Cemetery ] (2002), a detective thriller about a murder that took place under the dome of the Archivo General de la Nacion [National General Archive] (Lecumberri). The relocation and opening of the files of the former Direccion Federal de Seguridad [Federal Security Bureau] in the former prison comes along with the return of victims and victimizers, only now they come back as ghosts of things past. The novel works with the binomial jail/archive, featuring Lecumberri as a live space from which to begin a search for justice and truth, without sinking into melancholy or victimhood.
What is perceptual organization for

Perceptual organization has typically been viewed as a description of the image in compact or convenient form. We interpret it as a primitive explanation of the processes that generated the image, based on constraints derived from the discovery of regularities that are unlikely to be accidental. Deeper explanations are constructed by labeling, elaborating, and refining the primitive one. This interpretation of primitive perception has significant implications for perception at all levels, and for the relation between perception and cognition.
The IMD Essence and Concepts

Let us define an elementary event as a something that may occur or may not occur. Such an elementary event automatically carries a measure of its existence or a certainty.