cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linear polarization sensitivity specifications for spaceborne instruments

The radiometric accuracy of space-borne instruments such as radiometers and spectroradiometers which make measurements of the earth and other celestial objects can be compromised by the linear polarization sensitivity (LPS) induced by the optical system. Most of these optical systems contain optical elements whose reflectance or transmission is polarization dependent, such as diffraction gratings, folding and scanning mirrors, dichroic filters, and optical fibers. Optical system incorporating such elements generally display linear polarization sensitivity; different linear polarization states incident with equal radiometric power will be measured as different power levels. If the incident polarization state is unknown, the linear polarization sensitivity cannot be compensated during the data reduction. The light reflected from the earth and other planets and moons is usually partially linearly polarized, but in a random distribution. Thus, to make accurate radiometric measurements of these bodies, a radiometer or spectrometer should have a low level of linear polarization sensitivity. This paper contains a mathematical description of LPS, contains references to systems which have imposed a LPS specification, describes some of the sources of LPS, describes how to model LPS by polarization ray tracing, and discusses methods to reduce the LPS of an optical system.
Acute intrauterine hypoxia increases amniotic fluid prostaglandin F metabolites in the pregnant sheep

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Amniotic fluid infection promotes cytokine release, prostaglandin production, and premature labor. In several tissues local hypoxia also activates the secretion of cytokines. Many patients initially seen in premature labor carry small-for-gestational-age fetuses, a condition associated with intrauterine hypoxia. The purpose of our study was to determine whether a reduction in placental blood flow and subsequent acute hypoxia affects prostaglandin secretion by the placenta. STUDY DESIGN: We chronically catheterized six pregnant sheep at 120 days of gestation. We placed catheters in the maternal and fetal femoral arteries and in the amniotic fluid cavity. A flow probe and snare were placed around the common uterine artery. RESULTS: A 30-minute uterine circulation occlusion of 30% of its control value produced an increase in prostaglandin F metabolite from 790 ± 157 to 944 ± 184 pg/ml within 10 minutes ( p p p > 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that the prostaglandin increase in amniotic fluid in response to intrauterine hypoxia could eventually lead to premature labor. Whether the increase in prostaglandins is mediated by changes in cytokines is unknown at the present time.
Carboxysomal carbonic anhydrases: Structure and role in microbial CO2 fixation.

Cyanobacteria and some chemoautotrophic bacteria are able to grow in environments with limiting CO2 concentrations by employing a CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM) that allows them to accumulate inorganic carbon in their cytoplasm to concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than that on the outside. The final step of this process takes place in polyhedral protein microcompartments known as carboxysomes, which contain the majority of the CO2-fixing enzyme, RubisCO. The efficiency of CO2 fixation by the sequestered RubisCO is enhanced by co-localization with a specialized carbonic anhydrase that catalyzes dehydration of the cytoplasmic bicarbonate and ensures saturation of RubisCO with its substrate, CO2. There are two genetically distinct carboxysome types that differ in their protein composition and in the carbonic anhydrase(s) they employ. Here we review the existing information concerning the genomics, structure and enzymology of these uniquely adapted carbonic anhydrases, which are of fundamental importance in the global carbon cycle.
Baryon magnetic moments in quark models with anomalous quark moments

The magnetic moments of the baryon octet are investigated within a class of nonrelatvistic quark models. The class of models considered have baryon wave functions which are dominated by the usual pure {ital S}-wave, 56-dimensional represenation of {ital SU}(6), but small anomalous quark moments and admixtures of nonzero orbital angular momentum are allowed. The effect of two-body exchange moments is alos considered. It is found that models within this class can account for the observed moments only if the quarks have anomalous magnetic moments which are not proportional to the ir charges. In particular, the magnitude of the ratio of the up quark magnetic moment to the down quark magnetic moment, {vert_bar}{mu}{sub {ital u}}/{mu}{sub {ital d}}{vert_bar},is less than 2. The allowed range of values for {mu}{sub {ital u}}/{mu}{sub {ital d}} is shown to be consistent with an estimate calculated using the chiral quark model. If exchange moments are neglected, then the baryon wave functions must all contain some admixtures of nonzero relative orbital angular momentum and they must break {ital SU}(3) flavor symmetry. The strange quark magnetic moment is more negative than the {Lambda}{sup 0} moment. Finally, it is argued that the inclusion of small exchange moments of a particularmore » type can significantly reduce the amount of configuration mixing needed. {copyright} 1995 Academic Press, Inc.« less
Recombinant bone morphogenic protein-2 in orthopaedic surgery: a review

Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) are pleiotropic regulators of bone volume, skeletal organogenesis and bone regeneration after a fracture. They function as signaling agents to affect cellular events like proliferation, differentiation and extracellular matrix synthesis. Clinically utilized rhBMP-2 combines rhBMP-2 with an osteoconductive carrier to induce bone growth and acts as a bone graft substitute. rhBMP-2, initially released in 2002, has been used primarily in spinal fusions in the lumbar and cervical regions. Recently, the application of rhBMP-2 has extended into the orthopedic trauma setting with increased application in open tibia fractures. This review outlines the history of development, molecular characteristics, toxicity and clinical applications.
The paradox of moral focus

Abstract When we evaluate moral agents, we consider many factors, including whether the agent acted freely, or under duress or coercion. In turn, moral evaluations have been shown to influence our (non-moral) evaluations of these same factors. For example, when we judge an agent to have acted immorally, we are subsequently more likely to judge the agent to have acted freely, not under force. Here, we investigate the cognitive signatures of this effect in interpersonal situations, in which one agent (“forcer”) forces another agent (“forcee”) to act either immorally or morally. The structure of this relationship allowed us to ask questions about both the “forcer” and the “forcee.” Paradoxically, participants judged that the “forcer” forced the “forcee” to act immorally (i.e. X forced Y), but that the “forcee” was not forced to act immorally (i.e. Y was not forced by X). This pattern obtained only for human agents who acted intentionally. Directly changing participants’ focus from one agent to another (forcer versus forcee) also changed the target of moral evaluation and therefore force attributions. The full pattern of judgments may provide a window into motivated moral reasoning and focusing bias more generally; participants may have been motivated to attribute greater force to the immoral forcer and greater freedom to the immoral forcee.
Nitric oxide attenuates cardiomyocytic apoptosis via diminished mitochondrial complex I up-regulation from cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract Objective This study tested the hypothesis that cardioplegic solution supplemented with a nitric oxide donor agent attenuates postischemic cardiomyocytic apoptosis by reduction of mitochondrial complex I up-regulation during global cardiac arrest under cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods Twenty-four anesthetized dogs supported by total vented bypass were divided evenly into 4 groups (n = 6) and subjected to 60 minutes of hypothermic ischemia followed by 4°C multidose crystalloid cardioplegic solution infusion. Hearts received either standard crystalloid cardioplegic solution (control), crystalloid cardioplegic solution supplemented with 2 mmol/L l-arginine (l-Arg group), crystalloid cardioplegic solution supplemented with 400 μmol/L N G -monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA group), or crystalloid cardioplegic solution supplemented with 100 μmol/L of NO donor compound (3-morpholinosydnonimine; SIN-1 group). After 60 minutes of cardioplegic arrest, the heart was reperfused for a total of 240 minutes after discontinuation of bypass. The occurrence of cardiomyocytic apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling and Western blot analysis of caspase-3. Results The occurrence of cardiomyocytic apoptosis was significantly reduced in SIN-1 and l-Arg groups compared with the control group. Mitochondrial complex I mRNA was up-regulated in the control group, and its expression was significantly higher in the l-NMMA group but significantly reduced in the SIN-1 and l-Arg groups. Western blot analysis of Bcl-2 and cytochrome c, an index of mitochondrial damage in postischemic myocardium, revealed a similar pattern. Conclusion Nitric oxide–supplemented crystalloid cardioplegic solution diminished postischemic cardiomyocytic apoptosis after global cardiac arrest under cardiopulmonary bypass, possibly via prevention of mitochondrial complex I up-regulation.
An analysis of self-assessment and self-reinforcement in a self-managed token economy with mentally retarded children

Abstract While there are numerous studies which have examined classroom self-control procedures with children and adolescents, few studies have investigated whether these techniques can be used in classrooms of mentally retarded children. In those studies using a mentally retarded population, the specific components of the self-control procedures have not been examined. The present study examined the effects of training self-assessment and self-reinforcement in the self-management of a token economy with five moderately to midly retarded children. The separate effects of the self- assessment and self-reinforcement components were assessed. Results showed that all children displayed substantially improved levels of on-task behavior and maintained these levels throughout training in self-management. Four of the five children were successful in achieving highly accurate self-assessment. It was also found that training in both components of self-management, self-assessment and self-reinforcement, may not be necessary to maintain accurate self-management with mentally retarded children.
PALATABILITY STUDIES AS INFLUENCED BY CONSUMER DEMOGRAPHICS AND CHEVON CHARACTERISTICS

Chevon is utilized as a major meat source in many parts of the world but is consumed mostly by certain ethnic populations (Hispanics, Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis and groups from the West Indies and Africa) in the U.S. The sensory attributes of chevon from goats of different ages, weights, sex and body conformation were evaluated by a consumer panel with previous chevon consumption experiences. Tenderness scores were not affected (p> 0.05) by panelist age, sex or ethnic grouping. Income and education influenced perception of tenderness and flavor (p< 0.05). Flavor was affected (p< 0.05) by age (kid or yearling) of male goats while acceptability was affected by live weight classification (p< 0.05). Chevon was moderately accepted by a majority of the panelists.
Experiments on the stability of two types of spiral flow

Abstract An experimental study has been carried out of spiral flows between concentric rotating cylinders when gap between them is small. The axis of the cylinders is vertical and a radial thermal gradient may be applied between the cylinders. The resulting convective flow is axial and has a cubic profile symmetric about the center of the gap. Another form of spiral flow results from the application of an axial pressure gradient. This flow has a parabolic profile. Each type of flow and combinations of the two are used to study the effect of the profile on the stability with respect to the transition to Taylor vortices. It is found that the position of the inflection point of the profile is very important in determining the stability curve. When the parabolic flow is large enough to displace the inflection point beyond the region of the gap, the stability curve is determined by the parabolic flow and is uneffected by the thermal gradient. This holds true even when the Rayleigh number becomes comparable to the Taylor number. Data is presented for the stability curve in the region of angular velocities −2 Ω 2 Ω 1 in the range of thermal gradients −25°C/cm R
Elevational Ranges of Birds on a Tropical Montane Gradient Lag behind Warming Temperatures

Background Species may respond to a warming climate by moving to higher latitudes or elevations. Shifts in geographic ranges are common responses in temperate regions. For the tropics, latitudinal temperature gradients are shallow; the only escape for species may be to move to higher elevations. There are few data to suggest that they do. Yet, the greatest loss of species from climate disruption may be for tropical montane species. Methodology/Principal Findings We repeat a historical transect in Peru and find an average upward shift of 49 m for 55 bird species over a 41 year interval. This shift is significantly upward, but also significantly smaller than the 152 m one expects from warming in the region. To estimate the expected shift in elevation we first determined the magnitude of warming in the locality from historical data. Then we used the temperature lapse rate to infer the required shift in altitude to compensate for warming. The range shifts in elevation were similar across different trophic guilds. Conclusions Endothermy may provide birds with some flexibility to temperature changes and allow them to move less than expected. Instead of being directly dependent on temperature, birds may be responding to gradual changes in the nature of the habitat or availability of food resources, and presence of competitors. If so, this has important implications for estimates of mountaintop extinctions from climate change.
Kaa: policy-based explorations of a richer model for adjustable autonomy

Though adjustable autonomy is hardly a new topic in agent systems, there has been a general lack of consensus on terminology and basic concepts. In this paper, we describe the multi-dimensional nature of adjustable autonomy and give examples of how various dimensions might be adjusted in order to enhance performance of human-agent teams. We then introduce Kaa (KAoS adjustable autonomy), which extends our previous work on KAoS policy and domain services to provide a policy-based capability for adjustable autonomy based on this richer notion of adjustable autonomy. The current implementation of Kaa uses a combination of ontologies represented in OWL and influence-diagram-based decision-theoretic algorithms to determine what if any changes should be made in agent autonomy in a given context. We have demonstrated Kaa as part of ONR-sponsored research to improve naval de-mining operations through more effective human-robot interaction. A brief comparison among alternate approaches to adjustable autonomy is provided.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage: tests of association with apolipoprotein E and elastin genes.

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) and elastin (ELN) are plausible candidate genes involved in the pathogenesis of stroke. We tested for association of variants in APOE and ELN with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a population-based study. We genotyped 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on APOE and 10 SNPs on ELN in a sample of 309 Caucasian individuals, of whom 107 are SAH cases and 202 are age-, race-, and gender-matched controls from the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. Associations were tested at genotype, allele, and haplotype levels. A genomic control analysis was performed to check for spurious associations resulting from population substructure. At the APOE locus, no individual SNP was associated with SAH after correction for multiple comparisons. Haplotype analysis revealed significant association of the major haplotype (Hap1) in APOE with SAH (p = 0.001). The association stemmed from both the 5' promoter and the 3' region of the APOE gene. APOE e2 and e 4 were not significantly associated with SAH. No association was observed for ELN at genotype, allele, or haplotype level and our study failed to confirm previous reports of ELN association with aneurysmal SAH. This study suggests a role of the APOE gene in the etiology of aneurysmal SAH.
Evaluation of the emerging scholars program at Columbia University (abstract only)

The Columbia Emerging Scholars Program (CESP) in Computer Science is a Peer Led Team Learning (PLTL) approach to bringing undergraduates new to the discipline together with peer mentors to work on computational problems, and to expose them to the broad array of disciplines within computer science. CESP demonstrates that computer science is necessarily a collaborative activity that focuses more on problem solving and algorithmic thinking than on programming. In spring 2012 the computer science department at Columbia University completed the 9th iteration of CESP, with 104 women and 36 men having completed the program to date. Female enrollment at Columbia during the past four years has increased from 9% to 23%, but did CESP play a part in this increase? This poster presents our evaluation data, which indicates that CESP increased enrollment in the computer science major, especially for women. Students who took CESP along with the introduction to computer programming course in 2009-10 were three times more likely to major in computer science the following year than the students who took introduction to programming without CESP. 47% of CESP students subsequently chose the computer science major. In addition, survey results indicated that a large majority of students intended to take another computer science course, were enthusiastic about the program, and found the workshop topics exciting and engaging. Participants reported that they learned more about computer science in CESP, and would recommend CESP to others.
Mutations in the GTP Cyclohydrolase I and 6-Pyruvoyl-Tetrahydropterin Synthase Genes

Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiencies are highly heterogeneous disorders, with more than 30 molecular lesions identified in the past 2 years in the GTP cyclohydrolase I and 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase genes. The spectrum of mutations causing a reduction of these two biosynthetic enzymes is reviewed. Only three mutations, two present homozygously, are reported in the GTP cyclohydrolase I gene to cause the rare autosomal recessively inherited form of hyperphenylalaninemia. Most of the other mutations, which are scattered over the entire coding region for the six exon-containing GTP cyclohydrolase I gene, are observed in a heterozygous state with the wild-type allele and are associated with the dominant DOPA-responsive dystonia. Compound heterozygous or homozygous mutations spread over all six exons encoding the 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase cause an autosomal recessively inherited variant of hyperphenylalaninemia, mostly accompanied by a deficiency of dopamine and serotonin.
Adding intelligence to PACS

We have integrated several classes of intelligent software modules into our existing PACS. The first class can be categorized as general decision-making routines and include study routing, comparison image retrieval, study migration, storage management, and fault tolerance algorithms. These algorithms are rule based. The second class include user interface routines that allow radiologist to operate a PACS workstation within their own knowledge domain. Thus, window and level operations are translated into options to improve visualization of soft tissue or bone. The third class of intelligent modules are performance optimization algorithms and include optimizing file retrieval speed from a distributed PACS, optimizing T1-T2 contrast for various brain lesions in MR images, and automatic contrast and brightness adjustment of images displayed on PACS workstations. The effects of these intelligent algorithms on our PACS operation has been improved system reliability and study availability, and has made workstations easy to use. Currently, we are developing a general framework for the development of a knowledge-based multi-media distributed database management system for PACS which will support abstract and approximate query processing.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pollination Ecology of Pedicularis punctata Decne. (Scrophulariaceae) in the Kashmir Himalaya

The pollination ecology of Pedicularis punctata was studied in the Pir Panjal Range of the Kashmir Himalaya in the summer of 1989. Its nectarless, rostrate, long-tubed flower was found to be pollinated exclusively by Bombus foragers vibrating pollen while the stigma contacted pollen in the pollinator's cervical crevice. Workers of Bombus tunicatus and B. flavothoracicus comprised 95% of its pollinators. Pollen-foraging fidelity of its pollinators was greatest where diversity of Bombus-pollinated plant species in three plant communities was least. Foragers on other plants carried virtually no Pedicularis pollen. P. punctata is a mid-season blooming species similar in its pollination syndrome to comparable species in other geographic regions. The enigmatic function of its long, nectarless corolla tube, even more exaggerated in other Asiatic species, requires further investigation.
SecA, the Motor of the Secretion Machine, Binds Diverse Partners on One Interactive Surface

In all living cells, regulated passage across membranes of specific proteins occurs through a universally conserved secretory channel. In bacteria and chloroplasts, the energy for the mechanical work of moving polypeptides through that channel is provided by SecA, a regulated ATPase. Here, we use site-directed spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to identify the interactive surface used by SecA for each of the diverse binding partners encountered during the dynamic cycle of export. Although the binding sites overlap, resolution at the level of aminoacyl side chains allows us to identify contacts that are unique to each partner. Patterns of constraint and mobilization of residues on that interactive surface suggest a conformational change that may underlie the coupling of ATP hydrolysis to precursor translocation.
CD44 Expression in Intraoral Salivary Ductal Papillomas and Oral Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma

CD44 is a transmembrane adhesion molecule which has been previously shown to be useful in the differentiation of benign papillary lesions from invasive carcinoma in several different areas including sinonasal mucosa and breast tissue. CD44 expression has previously been shown to be lost in invasive carcinoma and retained in benign papillary lesions in both of the above locations. In addition, studies have evaluated oral mucosal lesions for CD44 expression and found a loss with invasive squamous cell carcinoma when compared to normal epithelium, hyperplasia, and squamous papillomas, which stained particularly strongly. To the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated CD44 expression when comparing salivary ductal papillomas in comparison to oral papillary SCCA. In this study 18 cases of intraductal papilloma were compared to 19 cases of oral papillary SCCA. Within the ductal papilloma group, all cases stained either absent (6 %), weakly (33 %), or moderately (61 %) with 76 % expressing the stain diffusely and 24 % focally. In comparison, the papillary squamous cell carcinoma cases expressed the CD44 moderately (26 %) or strongly (74 %) with 100 % showing diffuse staining. Thus, the CD44 expression was contrary to expectation based on previous studies, which we hypothesize is due to the extremely well differentiated nature of papillary SCCA which expressed CD44 staining compatible with levels previously reported with oral squamous papillomas than invasive carcinoma.
A triangular element based on Reissner‐Mindlin plate theory

A new triangular plate blending element based on the Reissner-Mindlin theory is developed through a mixed formulation emanating from the Hu-Washizu variational principle. A main feature of the formulation is the use of a linear transverse shear interpolation scheme with discrete constraint conditions on the edges
The Role of Visual Perception in the Reproduction of Bender-Gestalt Designs

Summary Four groups (controls, organics, acute and chronic schizophrenics) of 14 Ss each were matched for age, sex and intelligence. The principal tasks involved (1) reproducing the designs and (2) matching according to similarity a series of 8 design-choices with varying degrees of distortion from most-like to least-like the stimulus designs. The results confirmed the hypotheses (1) that perception of the B-G designs does not significantly differentiate between normal subjects and subjects manifesting psychopathology while (2) there exists a significant difference regarding reproduction of the designs between the groups. These findings are considered to be in agreement with current conceptualization of perception.
A preliminary evaluation of BMI status in moderating changes in body composition and eating behavior in ethnically-diverse first-year college women

Abstract The present pilot investigation explored whether BMI status at college entry moderated changes in body composition and eating behavior in a sample of 134 first-time, first-year undergraduate females (40% Black/African American). Participants had their body measurements [i.e. weight, BMI, hip and waist circumference (WC), percent body fat (PBF)] assessed and completed self-report measures of binge eating, night eating, and intuitive eating at both the beginning of the fall and the beginning of the spring semesters of their first year. Results for the 83 completers revealed that overweight/obese students (N = 28) experienced greater gains in weight (p
Differentiating microbial and stabilized β-glucosidase activity relative to soil quality

Previous research has shown that β-glucosidase activity can detect soil management effects and has potential as a soil quality indicator, but mechanisms for this response are not well understood. A significant amount of hydrolytic enzyme activity comes from extracellular (abiontic) activity that is bound and protected by soil colloids. This study was conducted to determine how management affects the kinetics of this enzyme (Km, substrate affinity, and Vmax, maximum reaction velocity) and its degree of stabilization on soil colloids. Soils were sampled from three sites in Oregon, with a paired comparison within each site of a native, unmanaged soil, and a matching soil under agricultural production (>50 years). Microwave radiation (MW) stress was used to denature the β-glucosidase fraction associated with viable microorganisms in these soils as an estimate of abiontic activity. Total activity and Vmax were decreased by both management and MW. The results showed that β-glucosidase activity is sensitive to soil management on a variety of soils and environments (135 vs. 190, 80 vs. 111 and 80 vs. 134 μg PNP g−1 h−1 for managed and unmanaged treatments, respectively, at the three study sites in Oregon). The evidence suggests that this sensitivity to management is not (or minimally) due to differences in isoenzymes (Km generally was unaffected) but rather due to an overall reduction in the amount of enzyme present (Vmax decreased) and that this reduction in activity is reflected more from the activity of enzymes in the stabilized fraction than that associated with viable microbial population. Although β-glucosidase activity after MW irradiation appears to be limited as a soil quality indicator, it maybe useful as research tool to separate abiontic from microbial activity ‘biomass’ β-glucosidase activity correlated with microbial biomass C (r=0.42, P<0.05) but MW irradiated, abiontic, activity did not (r=−0.20NS).
Medical Refugees and the Future of Health Tourism

Health tourism presents American policymakers with a perplexing situation, which requires an examination of the implications of such tourism on trade and economics, especially when considering the role of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). Currently, the issue of health tourism, or the means by which consumers seek health services abroad, and its policy implications has yet to gain the attention of policymakers in the United States and the international community. By reviewing existing literature and relevant international treaties, it becomes apparent that the expanding popularity of health tourism necessitates exploring the potential implications of health tourism. Further, in assessing its impact, policymakers must examine questions related to quality, performance, and accountability of those facilities hosting health tourists.
Long term cloud-resolving numerical simulations of the Western Pacific ocean-atmosphere coupled system

What is the role of the salt stratification in the maintenance of high sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the Western Pacific? In order to investigate the salinity effect on the ocean temperature over that region, two 70-day coupled simulations were performed, with and without salt-stratification and freshwater flux, using a cloud-resolving model (CRM) coupled to an ocean model with high horizontal and vertical resolution. No evidence was found that, at least in such a timescale, the salt-stratification helps the maintenance of high SSTs over the Western Pacific.
Surgical Approach and Outcomes in Patients with Lithium-Associated Hyperparathyroidism

Patients receiving lithium therapy are at elevated risk of developing hyperparathyroidism. In lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism (LAH), the incidence of multiglandular disease (MGD) is unclear, and the need for routine bilateral cervical exploration remains controversial. Therefore, in LAH patients, surgical approaches, pathologic findings, cure rates, and factors associated with persistent or recurrent disease were investigated. Retrospective analysis of 27 patients with LAH undergoing parathyroidectomy with the intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay. The median postoperative follow-up was 7 months; 17 patients had >6 months follow-up. Cervical exploration was unilateral in 9, bilateral in 18 (3 were converted from unilateral). Sixteen patients (62 %) had MGD, 12 with four-gland hyperplasia and 4 with double adenomas. Ten patients (38 %) had a single adenoma. Twenty-five (93 %) of 27 patients had initially successful surgery. Of the 17 patients with >6 months follow-up, two had persistent disease and two experienced recurrent disease. All patients with a single adenoma remain free of disease. Three (75 %) of four patients with persistent/recurrent disease had MGD and were receiving lithium at the time of surgery. Patients with persistent/recurrent disease were older (p = 0.01) and had experienced a longer duration of hypercalcemia (p = 0.04). LAH patients have a high incidence of MGD, and bilateral exploration is frequently necessary. With access to the intraoperative PTH assay, it is reasonable to initiate a unilateral approach because many patients will harbor single adenomas and can be reliably rendered normocalcemic. Patients with MGD remain at higher risk of persistent/recurrent disease.
Celiac Disease: Advances in Treatment via Gluten Modification

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals carrying the prerequisite genetic markers HLA DQ2 or DQ8. These genetic markers are present in approximately 30% of the population, and the worldwide prevalence of CD is estimated to be approximately 1%–2%. Currently a gluten-free diet is the only treatment for CD, but novel therapies aimed at gluten modification are underway. This review will discuss gluten-based therapies including wheat alternatives and wheat selection, enzymatic alteration of wheat, oral enzyme supplements, and polymeric binders as exciting new therapies for treatment of CD.
Optical properties of layered superconductors near the Josephson plasma resonance

We study the optical properties of strongly anisotropic crystals with spatial dispersion and show that the usual Fresnel approach becomes invalid near frequencies where the group velocity of the wave packets inside the crystal vanishes. Near these special frequencies the reflectivity depends on the atomic structure of the crystal provided that disorder and dissipation are very low. This is demonstrated explicitly by a detailed study of layered superconductors with identical or two different alternating junctions in the frequency range near the Josephson plasma resonance. Accounting for both inductive and charge coupling of the intrinsic junctions, we show that multiple modes are excited inside the crystal by the incident light, we determine their relative amplitude by the microscopic calculation of the additional boundary conditions, and finally obtain the reflectivity. Spatial dispersion also provides a method to stop light pulses, which has possible applications for quantum information processing and the artificial creation of event horizons in a solid.
Detection of a scattering layer inside a three-layered scattering medium

Temporal profiles of transmitted and backscattered pulses from a three layered random medium were measured. Using wave-diffusion telegraphic equation and best fitting algorithms, the properties of the middle layer of slightly different optical parameters from the surrounding media were determined. The thickness and the transport mean free path were found using the transmitted pulses while the location and the aborption length of the layer were found using the backscattered pulses.
A path-dependent cycle counting method for variable-amplitude multi-axial loading

Abstract A path-dependent maximum range (PDMR) cycle counting method is presented in this paper for performing fatigue evaluation of engineering components under variable-amplitude and arbitrary multi-axial conditions. For a given multi-axial time history, PDMR method can be used to reliably extract the following parameters that are important for modeling multi-axial fatigue damage: (a) Path-independent reference effective stress or strain ranges which are defined as distances in a mapped stress or strain space. (b) Path-dependent effective stress or strain ranges which are defined as path lengths in completing the corresponding reference stress or strain ranges in an incremental sense in the same stress or strain space. (c) Histogram of both path-independent reference effective stress or strain ranges and their corresponding path lengths that can be consistently used to measure out-of-phase induced fatigue damage in arbitrary multi-axial loading. The effectiveness of PDMR method has been validated by its ability in correlating multi-axial fatigue data available in the literature. Its fracture mechanics basis is also illustrated. Under uniaxial loading conditions, PDMR method recovers exactly the same rainflow counting results.
Whole Organ Transplantation and Glucose Regulation

Pancreas transplantation has gained clinical acceptance since its initial application more than 30 years ago. A constellation of surgical, pharmacologic, and metabolic alterations occur with transplantation, particularly if pancreatic transplantation is performed in addition to renal transplantation in a uremic diabetic. Increasingly sophisticated studies have allowed analysis of the performance of the transplanted organ and have enhanced our basic understanding of insulin’s complex interplay in peripheral glucoregulatory processes.
A comparison of two oxygen transfer strategies: Bentley Univox and the Bard HF 5000.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oxygen transfer performance of two membrane oxygenators: Bentley Univox and the Bard HF 5000. This evaluation was based on the comparison between: (1) the oxygen transfer slope; (2) the gas phase-arterial oxygen gradients; (3) the degree of blood shunting; (4) the maximum oxygen transfer; and (5) the diffusing capacity calculated for each membrane. The data were examined at both absolute values and relative to each device's membrane surface area. In absolute terms, the HF 5000 performed better than the Univox in each category. However, when surface area was taken into account, the Univox was clearly more efficient with regard to oxygen transfer. We conclude from this evaluation that the Univox does not offer a satisfactory oxygen transfer 'buffer' for larger, more metabolically active patients (297ml/min for the Univox and 447ml/min for the HF 5000). The trade-offs that were made between design and performance features, with the Univox, were unacceptable.
Dynamical behavior of U-shaped double layers: cavity formation and filamentary structures

Observations from the Polar and FAST satellites have revealed a host of intriguing features of the auroral accelerations processes in the upward current region (UCR). These features include: (i) large-amplitude parallel ( ) and perpendicular ( ) fluctuating as well as quasi-static electric fields in density cavities, (ii) fairly large-amplitude unipolar parallel electric fields like in a strong double layer (DL), (iii) variety of wave modes, (iv) counter-streaming of upward going ion beams and downward accelerated electrons, (v) horizontally corrugated bottom region of the potential structures (PS), in which electron and ion accelerations occur, (vi) filamentary ion beams in the corrugated PS, and (vii) both upward and downward moving narrow regions of parallel electric fields, inferred from the frequency drifts of the auroral kilometric radiations. Numerical simulations of U-shaped potential structures reveal that such observed features of the UCR are integral parts of dynamically evolving auroral U-shaped potential structures. Using a 2.5-D particle-in-cell (PIC) code we simulate a U-shaped broad potentialstructure (USBPS). The dynamical behavior revealed by the simulation includes: (i) recurring redistribution of the parallel potential drop (PPD) in the PS, (ii) its up and downward motion, (iii) formation of filaments in the potential and density structures, and (iv) creation of filamentary as well as broad extended density cavities. The formation of the filamentary structures is initiated by an ion-beam driven instability of an oblique ion mode trapped inside a broad cavity, when it becomes sufficiently thin in height. The filaments of the PS create filamentary electron beams, which generate waves at frequencies above the lower hybrid frequency, affecting plasma heating. This results in plasma evacuation and formation of a cavity extended in height. The waves associated with filamentary electron beams also evolve into electron holes. The transverse and parallel scale lengths of the regions with large and as well as their magnitudes are compared with satellite data.
Characterization of thermal cut-off mechanisms in prismatic lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells that are subjected to electrical abuse, overcharge and external short-circuit in particular, exhibit a rapid increase in cell temperature that could potentially lead to catastrophic disassembly of the cell. For this reason these cells are integrated or combined with one or more safety components that are designed to restrict or even prevent current flow through the cell under abusive conditions. In this work, the characteristics of these components in several prismatic Li-ion cells are studied by monitoring the impedance (Z) at 1 kHz and the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the discharged cells as a function of temperature. All the cells studied were found to use polyethylene-based shutdown (SD) separators that were irreversibly activated within a narrow temperature range between 130 and 135°C. In some cells irreversible cut-off was also provided by a current interrupt device (CID) or a thermal fuse. Both these devices had a circuit-breaker effect, causing the impedance of the cell to rise infinitely and the OCV to drop to zero. In addition to these irreversible cut-off mechanisms, some cells also contained internal or external positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) devices that could provide current-limiting capability over a very wide temperature range. The interdependence of the thermal behavior of these components on each other and on other thermally dependant processes like cell venting, separator meltdown and weld joint failure are also discussed.
Annual adult survival in several new world passerine birds based on age ratios in museum collections

We estimated annual survival from proportions of first-year and older birds in museum collections of several species of North American and Neotropical passerine birds (Order Passeriformes). The quality of estimates of survival from museum specimens depends on accurate aging, usually based on plumage markers, and unbiased collecting. The advantages of an age-ratio approach are broad temporal and geographic sampling, large sample sizes, reduced bias from adult dispersal, and access to species and areas not readily sampled in mark–recapture studies. Biases in estimated survival due to sex- and age-based biases in collecting are discussed in detail. Survival estimates were higher in tropical compared to temperate populations/species in Pyrocephalus, Icterus, Pheucticus, and Cyanocompsa, but not Catharus. In seven of nine North American species, estimates of survival from museum collections exceeded those obtained in local MAPS mark–recapture studies. Generalizations concerning adult survival rates in natural populations continue to be elusive, but the use of a variety of estimation approaches will enrich the empirical database and strengthen confidence in perceived patterns of life-history traits.
War and Sex: A Brief History of Men's Urge for Battle. By John V. H. Dippel. (Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2010. Pp. 466. $27.00.)

It is refreshing to see an author try to offer a grand synthesis regarding the impact of war on gender relations. In War and Sex, the independent scholar John V. H. Dippel argues that war and milit...
TI nulling and contrast conditions with a 0.15 mmol/kg dosage of MultiHance as compared to the standard 0.2 mmol/kg gadolinium dosage in patients with myocardial infarcts

It is known that utilizing the proper inversion time (TI) is essential when diagnosing myocardial infarction. Many factors play a role in acquiring optimal nulling of the myocardium. Recently, higher relaxivity contrast agents have been advocated for use in infarct imaging. Specifically, MultiHance® (gadobenate dimeglumine) has higher relaxivities (r1 and r2, 9.71 and 12.51) compared to standard gadolinium (gadopentetate dimeglumine) (r1 and r2, 4.91 and 6.31). Will this higher relaxivity allow a lower dosage of contrast to be used to maintain a comparable TI null time compared to the conventional gadolinium dosage and how does it affect contrast?
Persuasive social approval cues in print advertising: Exploring visual and textual strategies and consumer self-monitoring

This study focuses on exploring the persuasion effects of social approval cues in both visual and textual formats in print advertising. It also examines the moderation role of a consumer dispositional factor – self-monitoring orientation – on the effectiveness of visual and textual cues. Through a controlled experiment involving four versions of a fictitious ad, this study demonstrates that social approval cues in either visual or textual format can significantly increase consumers' brand evaluation and purchase intention. Furthermore, it shows that the effectiveness of social approval cues can vary across different combinations of visual and textual presentations, either enhancing or diminishing the overall persuasion outcomes. These observed effects of social approval cues occur only for high self-monitors, but not for low self-monitors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in relation to advertising strategies and research.
Volume Scattering of Radiation in Packed Beds of Large, Opaque Spheres

A simple model is proposed for radiative properties of close-packed large, opaque spheres that accounts for nonvanishing volume of the particles, i.e., volume scattering as opposed to point scattering. It is based on the mean-beam-length concept applied to an assembly of particles, as illustrated by Mills
Inhibition of Leukocyte Adherence Enables Venular Control of Capillary Perfusion in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: Vasoactive molecules can diffuse from venules to dilate closely paired arterioles and enhance capillary perfusion. Venular control of capillary flow has been found to be dependent on nitric oxide (NO), which might be scavenged rapidly in diabetic microvasculature due to the presence of activated leukocytes. This study attempts to improve venular control of capillary flow using fucoidan, which inhibits venular leukocyte adhesion.Methods: Microvascular red blood cell velocity was measured in the mesentery of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, with and without fucoidan treatment, and in normal rats. Arteriolar pathways leading to branching capillaries were videotaped to measure the percent of the surrounding area occupied by a venule (% pairing). Microvascular wall NO was measured using fluorescent diaminofluorescein-2-diacetate in diabetic rats, with and without fucoidan treatment.Results: In normal rats, close pairing of venules to arterioles resulted in faster capillary flow. However, after ...
Analysis of site-specific phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein during cell cycle progression.

Abstract Differential phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein plays a pivotal role in cell cycle regulation. The retinoblastoma protein is specifically phosphorylated during the cell cycle by cyclin-dependent kinase complexes which intersect with many cellular signaling networks. Since the loss of the retinoblastoma signaling pathways occurs in a wide variety of human tumors, understanding the significance of site-specific phosphorylation can clarify the role of selected cyclin-dependent kinase complexes during cell cycle progression. Here we describe the phosphospecificity and cellular characterization of a panel of polyclonal antibodies that recognize unique phosphorylation sites within the retinoblastoma protein. These reagents were used to validate authentic cellular retinoblastoma phosphorylation sites at amino acids 780, 795, and 807/811 correlating with the G1–S transition.
Doppler assessment of renal blood flow velocity waveforms in the anemic fetus before and after intravascular transfusion for severe red cell alloimmunization

Image-directed pulsed Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated a decrease in the pulsatility index of the renal artery in 9 anemic fetuses (less than 30 weeks, menstrual age) soon after intravascular transfusion. The pulsatility index returned to pretransfusion values the day following the transfusion. End diastolic blood velocity in the renal artery could not be measured before the transfusion, was detectable immediately after the procedure, and was again nonmeasurable one day after the transfusion. These data suggest an increase in renal blood flow in the anemic fetus soon after intravascular transfusion to eliminate excess fluid.