cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recognizing large-cell transformation of mycosis fungoides

Background Although patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) typically experience an indolent disease course, a minority undergo a process of large-cell transformation (LCT), which often heralds more aggressive disease and shortened survival. Regrettably, most dermatologists are unfamiliar with LCT, and even fewer understand how to recognize it clinically. Because a diagnosis of LCT typically triggers more aggressive therapy and/or referral to cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) centers, it is paramount for clinicians to be able to recognize suspect lesions visually. Objective LCT is diagnosed histologically; however, diagnostic biopsy is performed only if transformed lesions are suspected clinically. Because the literature provides little information on what clinical features should lead to suspicion of LCT, we sought to identify and categorize the presentations of LCT to aid in its recognition. Methods We identified 14 patients with biopsy-proven LCT confirmed by a board-certified dermatopathologist experienced with this diagnosis. The clinical presentations of LCT, timing of its evolution, and treatment regimens were evaluated by chart and photograph review. Results We devised 3 categories that clinically represent LCT: (1) LCT occurring as a new, solitary nodule within a classic MF patch or plaque, (2) LCT occurring as abrupt onset of multiple scattered papules and/or nodules without spontaneous resolution, and (3) LCT occurring within new or enlarging tumors. Limitations A larger number of reviewed cases might reveal additional clinical presentations of LCT. Conclusions Dermatologists may use our categories of clinical indicators to recognize and diagnose LCT earlier, allowing implementation of more aggressive treatment regimens when appropriate.
Different Methodologies in the Assessment of Identity: Congruence Between Self-Report and Interview Techniques?.

Convergent-divergent validity and reliability estimates for clinical interview and self-report measures of ego identity were obtained. Twenty-three males and 25 females completed an extended version of the Ego Identity Interview [H. D. Grotevant, W. Thorebecke, and M. C. Meyer (1982) “An Extension of Marcia's Identity Status Interview into the Interpersonal Domain,”Journal of Youth and Adolescence 11: 33–48] and the extended version of the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status [H. D. Grotevant and G. R. Adams (1984) “Development of an Objective Measure to Assess Ego-Identity in Adolescence: Validation and Replication,”Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 13: 419–438]. While the two measures were expected to converge, little convergence was observed. The findings suggest that the two measures may be (a) assessing relatively distinct forms of ego identity, or (b) that the ego-identity construct as measured by the process (exploration) and outcome (commitment) dimensions needs further theoretical examination.
A Covalent Linkage between the Gene 5 DNA Polymerase of Bacteriophage T7 and Escherichia coli Thioredoxin, the Processivity Factor FATE OF THIOREDOXIN DURING DNA SYNTHESIS

Gene 5 protein (gp5) of bacteriophage T7 is a non-processive DNA polymerase, which acquires high processivity by binding to Escherichia coli thioredoxin. The gene 5 protein-thioredoxin complex (gp5/trx) polymerizes thousands of nucleotides before dissociating from a primer-template. We have engineered a disulfide linkage between the gene 5 protein and thioredoxin within the binding surface of the two proteins. The polymerase activity of the covalently linked complex (gp5-S-S-trx) is similar to that of gp5/trx on poly(dA)/oligo(dT). However, gp5-S-S-trx has only one third the polymerase activity of gp5/trx on single-stranded M13 DNA. gp5-S-S-trx has difficulty polymerizing nucleotides through sites of secondary structure on M13 DNA and stalls at these sites, resulting in lower processivity. However, gp5-S-S-trx has an identical processivity and rate of elongation when E. coli single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB protein) is used to remove secondary structure from M13 DNA. Upon completing synthesis on a DNA template lacking secondary structure, both complexes recycle intact, without dissociation of the processivity factor, to initiate synthesis on a new DNA template. However, a complex stalled at secondary structure becomes unstable, and both subunits dissociate from each other as the polymerase prematurely releases from M13 DNA.
Microsurgical anatomy of the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves.

Objective To study the microsurgical anatomy of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) with respect to anatomic landmarks, and to identify their vascular supplies. Methods The microsurgical anatomy of the anterior neck, the course of the right and left SLN and RLN and their variations were studied in 21 cadavers. Fresh cadavers were perfused with colored silicon dye to investigate the microvasculature in detail. Results SLN originates from the inferior vagal ganglion at the C2 level and descends medially toward the thyrohyoid membrane. It branches into an external and an internal branch deep to the internal carotid artery at the C3 level. The external branch, along with the cricothyroid artery, descends deep to the superior thyroid artery toward the cricothyroid muscle. Accompanied by the superior laryngeal artery, the internal branch passes deep to the loop of the superior thyroid artery and pierces the thyrohyoid membrane. Both nerves reside in the fascia covering longus colli muscles and are supplied by their accompanying arteries. The loop of RLN is found at the T1-T3 level on the right, and more caudally at the T3-T6 level on the left, entering the larynx between C5-C7 levels on both sides. RLN receives arterial supply from the esophageal and tracheal branches of the inferior thyroid artery proximally, and by the inferior laryngeal artery distally. Conclusion Incidental intraoperative injury to the SLN and RLN potentially could be avoided by understanding the detailed course of each nerve with respect to the surrounding anatomic landmarks and by recognizing their blood supplies.
Rate parameters and gradient correlations for gradient-elution chromatography

Rate parameters and gradient correlations of proteins are very important to engineering investigations of gradient-elution chromatography. Before carrying out computer simulations for gradient process, these rate parameters and gradient correlations must be determined from experimental data. This work presents a systematic method for estimating and determining these parameters and correlations using experimental data and computer-simulation results based on isocratic runs. The values determined were then employed in gradient-elution studies by putting them into the rate model to perform computer simulations. Experimental runs under gradient conditions using the parameters and correlations just referred to were carried out in a DEAE Sepharose CL-6B ion-exchange chromatography. Comparisons between the experimental data and the simulation results show good agreement.
Estimation of some partially specified nonlinear models

Abstract This paper presents a procedure for analyzing a partially specified nonlinear regression model in which the nuisance parameter is an unrestricted function of a subset of regressors. The procedure does not require parameteric modeling of the nuisance parameter but assumes that the model can be transformed into a partially specified linear equation by inverting some nonlinear functions. The model parameters are estimated by applying Robinson's (1988a) procedure and the estimator is show to be √N-consistent and asymptotically normal. One attraction of the estimator is that is to computationally simple, requiring no more than least squares regressions. A simulation study indicates that the estimator has practical values.
Materials science: Strong teeth, strong seeds

A full account of the relationships between tooth form, structure and function remains out of reach. Viewing teeth from an engineering materials perspective offers a way to help crack the problem.
The cell free synthesis of bovine lutropin β subunit

Summary RNA prepared from bovine pituitary glands directs the synthesis of trichloroacetic acid-insoluble proteins in the wheat germ cell-free system. Antisera specific to bovine lutropin (LH) beta subunit precipitated a product with a molecular weight of approximately 17,000, suggesting a precursor. Its specificity was demonstrated by the failure of antisera to other pituitary hormones, including LH alpha and thyrotropin (TSH) beta, to successfully precipitate it and also by its competition with unlabeled LH β for the beta antisera. The addition of microsomal membranes resulted in the partial processing of this 17,000 dalton protein to a product of higher molecular weight (Mr∼ 19,000), suggesting glycosylation.
The effects of sighing on the cardiovascular system

Elicitation of high-amplitude oscillations in the cardiovascular system may serve to dampen psychophysiological reactivity to emotional and cognitive loading. Prior work has used paced breathing to impose clinically valuable high-amplitude ∼ 0.1 Hz oscillations. In this study, we investigated whether rhythmical sighing could likewise produce high-amplitude cardiovascular oscillations in the very low frequency range (0.003-0.05 Hz). ECG, respiration, skin conductance, and beat-to-beat blood pressure were collected in 24 healthy participants during baseline, 0.1 Hz paced breathing, and 0.02 Hz paced sighing (1 sigh every 50s, with normal breathing interspersed). Results showed that each sigh elicited a strong, well-defined reaction in the cardiovascular system. This reaction did not habituate when participants repeatedly sighed for 8.5 min. The result was a high-amplitude 0.02 Hz oscillation in multiple cardiovascular parameters. Thus, paced sighing is a reliable method for imposing very low frequency oscillations in the cardiovascular system, which has research and clinical implications that warrant further study.
Bacterial vaginosis and STI risk: Allsworth et al

158 American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition associated with a shift in the normal flora of the vagina. Sometimes this shift is accompanied by a symptomatic vaginal discharge that prompts the patient to seek medical care. Additionally, several studies have linked BV with an increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Notable new research by Allsworth and Peipert analyzes different diagnostic strategies for the assessment of BV in an effort to identify patients at increased risk for STIs. The participants in our Journal Club were eager to determine whether categorization of BV severity would provide a marker that enhanced detection of previously undiagnosed STIs? There are 2 methods for classifying BV in patients: the Nugent score, which is often used in research settings, and Amsel’s criteria, which is a useful clinical tool. Nugent scoring is based on stratifying and estimating the prevalence of certain types of Gram-positive and Gramvariable rods from a vaginal fluid Gram stain. With Amsel’s criteria, 3 of 4 —a positive whiff test, the presence of thin white/gray discharge, ph 4.5, or more than 20% clue cells per HPF—indicate BV. The Nugent scores are often reserved for research trials because they have been shown to be more sensitive and specific than Amsel’s criteria. In this study, both the Amsel’s and Nugent criteria were used to assess BV severity. A statistically significant correlation between BV severity and incident STI was only identified in patients with high Nugent scores ( 9). However, Journal Club participants agreed that, although the Nugent score resulted in a more accurate diagnosis of BV, it is too cumbersome a test for the average clini-
Re: Warraich Q, Esen U. 2009. Perimortem caesarean section. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 29:690-693.

Dear Sir,After reading the interesting and fascinating review by Warraich and Esen (2009), I did a search on this topic on PubMed, with the search terms ‘perimortem caesarean section’ and ‘Nigeria’...
Phased graphs and graph energies

We define a phased graph G to yield an adjacency matrix A(G) having general magnitude-1 values in the same locations as the usual unphased case, but subject to the restriction that A be Hermitian. Some characteristics of such phased graphs and their eigenspectra are contemplated and to some extent described. Different graph energies are defined as suitable sums over adjacency-matrix eigenvalues, with “occupation-number” coefficients \({\in \{0,1, 2\}}\).
Infrared Spectra of Some Biochemical Substances in Water

Infrared spectra in water as a solvent are presented for some substances of biochemical interest, including members of the citric acid cycle. Use is made of a barium fluoride cell in conjunction with a transmittance screen. An example is given of the use of such spectra to show a chemical change attendant upon the dissolution of an unstable compound. The spectra of α-ketoglutaric acid in the solid state and in aqueous solution are given as examples showing typically distinct differences between spectra observed in water solution and in the solid state.
“Making a Lion into a Pussycat”: Working with Difficult Group Members

Objectives: The primary objective of this activity is to identify the role of interpersonal communication skills in the small group process. Secondary objectives include engaging students in a brainstorming activity and providing an opportunity for groups to determine ways to work with difficult group members Courses: Small-Group Communication, Business and Professional Communication, Hybrid Course
The effect of irrigation regime and subsoiling on yield and quality of three potato cultivars

A study was conducted on sand and loam soils to evaluate the response of three potato cultivars to subsoiling and irrigation frequency. Subsoiling was of little benefit on the loam soil. On the sand, subsoiling promoted deep rooting and allowed potatoes to avoid water stress usually associated with four days between irrigations. Russet Burbank was much more sensitive to water stress than was Nooksack or Lemhi, especially in the percentage of tubers not graded U.S. No. 1. Benefits from subsoiling may be inadequate to justify the cost if a reliable high-frequency irrigation system is available.
Breathing new life into insect-resistant plants.

Expressing insecticidal proteins from sources other than Bacillus thuringiensis in crop plants should reduce the likelihood for development of insect resistance to toxins.
DYNAMICS OF WASHING-OUT DIALYZERS WITH HOLLOW-FIBER MEMBRANES

Abstract On the basis of a diffusion analysis, the radial diffusion through a hollow fiber membrane and the degree of washing-out have been defined and computed as functions of the capillary geometry. The case of vitamin B12 washing-out from an axial flow through modified cellulose hollow fiber capillaries has been evaluated. The result is in agreement with experimental data within 14 percent.
Group-Identity Completion and the Symbolic Value of Property

Building on symbolic self-completion theory, we conceptualize group identity as a goal toward which group members strive, using material symbols of that identity. We report four studies showing that the value placed on such material symbols (e.g., a building) depends on commitment to group identity, the extent to which a symbol can be used to represent in-group identity, and situational variability in goal strength induced through group-identity affirmation or threat. Our results suggest that property derives value from its capacity to serve as an effective means in the pursuit of group-identity goals. Implications for intergroup conflict are discussed.
The optimum utilization and appropriate responsibilities of allied health professionals.

A number of issues related to the optimum utilization and appropriate responsibilities of allied health professionals are raised based upon the perspective of the experience of the U.S. in recent years. Various definitions and concepts related to these issues are presented in order to assess the state of both training and use of allied health professionals in diverse settings. It is suggested that idiosyncratic needs and solutions in specific cultural contexts do not allow a generalizable conclusion to be drawn, although several principles can be put forward. The experience in the development and training of allied health professionals in the U.S. is analyzed using a variety of frameworks, including structural-organizational models as well as an historical approach. An empirical example of the extent and level of responsibilities of a variety of types of allied health professionals is offered, and the role of associated practice characteristics is observed to impinge upon role performance, giving an insight into the problems and potentials of these manpower resources. Finally, a discussion of the western model as a paradigm for allied health professional training and utilization in the global context is considered, and various strategies and suggestions for the future are offered.
Symmetrizing, filtering and abel inversion using fourier transform techniques

Abstract Fourier-transform techniques are used to perform the Abel inversion. Noisy and asymmetric data are filtered in the frequency domain and symmetrized by using phase-correction methods which have been developed in Fourier spectroscopy. A procedure which allows the degree of asymmetry to be distinguished from random noise is described.
Low and high temperature asymmetric forms of pig kidney and rabbit muscle phosphofructokinases and reversible, temperature-dependent transitions.

Abstract Previous viscometric studies from this laboratory (Johnson, C. S., Vogtmann, L., and Deal, W. C., Jr. (1976) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.73, 391–395) have shown that at 3.5 ° C, pig kidney phosphofructokinase (PFK) is markedly asymmetric and rabbit muscle PFK is moderately asymmetric. The present viscometric and ultracentrifugal studies show that both enzymes are also asymmetric at near-physiological temperatures, that both exist in high-temperature and low-temperature forms, and that the high-temperature forms of both are less asymmetric and more dissociated than the low-temperature forms. The risults also show that the transitions from low- to high-temperature forms are reversible if the exposure to 35 °C is short enough that no irreversible chemical modification occurs. For pig kidney PFK, intrinsic viscosity values of 34.0, 25.6, and 13.8 ml/g were obtained at 3.5, 20 and 35 °C, respectively, whereas rabbit muscle PFK yielded values of 6.9, 6.2, and 5.2 ml/g at the corresponding temperatures. These data clearly show a decrease in asymmetry with increase in temperature. However, both enzymes are still asymmetric at the higher temperature, inasmuch as most globular macromolecules have intrinsic viscosity values in the range of 3 to 4 ml/g, regardless of molekular weight. Studies from 1 to 45 ° C at a fixed protein concentration (4.8 mg/ml) showed that pig kidney PFK has reduced viscosity values of 51.0 ml/g (low-temperature form) and 20.4 ml/g (high-temperature form) in plateau regions of the viscosity graph at the temperature extremes; the mid-point of the transition between the two forms is at about 22–24 °C. Rabbit muscle PFK at 4.2 mg/ml reproducibly gave corresponding reduced viscosity values of 6.9 and 4.8 ml/g for the low- and high-temperature forms, respectively; the transition mid-point between the two forms is at about 16 °C. The first reported sedimentation velocity studies of rabbit muscle PFK at near-physiological temperature (35 °C) show that with near-physiological protein concentration (1.25 mg/ml), the enzyme is in a much more dissociated form, s20,w(weight average) = 14. 5 S; s20,w(peak leading edge) = 17 S, than that previously reported at lower temperatures, s20,w(fastest peak) = 23–30 S. Similarly, the first sedimentation studies on the pig kidney enzyme indicate a lower sedimentation coefficient at 35 ° C (s0.39%20,w = 48 S) than at 3.5 ° C(65 S).
Determination of Mercury in Coal by Isotope Dilution Cold-Vapor Generation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

A method based on isotope dilution cold-vapor inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-CV-ICPMS) has been developed for high-accuracy determinations of mercury in bituminous and sub-bituminous coals. A closed-system digestion process employing a Carius tube is used to completely oxidize the coal matrix and chemically equilibrate the mercury in the sample with a 201Hg isotopic spike. The digestates are diluted with high-purity quartz-distilled water, and the mercury is released as a vapor by reduction with tin(II) chloride. Measurements of 201Hg/202Hg isotope ratios are made using a quadrupole ICPMS system in time-resolved analysis mode. The new method has some significant advantages over existing methods. The instrument detection limit is less than 1 pg/mL. The average blank (n = 17) is 30 pg, which is roughly 1 order of magnitude lower than the equivalent microwave digestion procedure. The detection limit in coal is blank limited and is approximately 40 pg/g. Memory effects are very low. The relative reproducibility of the analytical measurements is approximately 0.5% for mercury concentrations in the range 10-150 ng/g. The method has been used to measure mercury concentrations in six coal reference materials, SRM 1632b (77.4 ng/g), SRM 1632c (94.3 ng/g), BCR 40 (433.2 ng/g), BCR 180 (125.0 ng/g), BCR 181 (135.8 ng/g), and SARM 20 (252.6 ng/g), as well as a coal fly ash, SRM 1633b (143.1 ng/g). The method is equally applicable to other types of fossil fuels including both crude and refined oils.
Terahertz Metamaterial Devices

Compared to the neighboring infrared and microwave regions, the terahertz regime is still in need of fundamental technological advances. This derives, in part, from a paucity of naturally occurring materials with useful electronic or photonic properties at terahertz frequencies. This results in formidable challenges for creating the components needed for generating, detecting, and manipulating THz waves. Considering the promising applications of THz radiation, it is important overcome such material limitations by searching for new materials, or by constructing artificial materials with a desired electromagnetic response. Metamaterials are a new type of artificial composite with electromagnetic properties that derive from their sub-wavelength structure. The potential of metamaterials for THz radiation originates from a resonant electromagnetic response which can be tailored for specific applications. Metamaterials thus offer a route towards helping to fill the so-called "THz gap". In this work we discuss novel planar THz metamaterials. Importantly, the dependence of the resonant response on the supporting substrate enables the creation of active THz metamaterials. We show that the resonant response can be efficiently controlled using optical or electrical approaches. This has resulted in the creation of efficient THz switches and modulators of potential importance for advancing numerous real world THz applications.
Multiplex sequencing by hybridization.

One of the limitations of classical sequencing by hybridization (SBH) is the inefficient use of probes in the "all k-mers" array. This limitation occurs due to the relatively short length (roughly ...
Effects of panel zone deformations on seismic response

Abstract This paper shows that joint panel zone shear deformations may have a significant effect on the structure strength and stiffness and on the distribution of inelastic deformations in a frame structure subjected to earthquake excitations. If panel zones are strong in shear, frame behavior is as predicted from conventional rigid frame analysis with inelastic deformations concentrated in plastic hinge regions in beams or columns. If panel zones are weak in shear, the joints are weak links in which inelastic deformations are concentrated and the beams and columns will not develop their bending strength under lateral loading. As a consequence the structure strength and stiffness may be reduced considerably. Since designs with weak joints are becoming the rule rather than the exception, due consideration should be given to the effects of joint shear deformations on frame behavior.
Natural resources and open space in the residential decision process: a study of recent movers to fringe counties in southeast Michigan

Within many metropolitan areas of the United States, there is great diversity in the type and location of housing available to homebuyers. Of this diversity, new single-family homes built at the urban fringe have become the subject of much criticism in planning circles because of the potential impacts such development can have on agricultural, forest, and other lands valued for their natural resource qualities. To better understand the underlying decisions upon which these prevailing patterns of development are based, we asked new homebuyers about the importance of home, lot, neighborhood, and community features in their recent decision to purchase a home at the urban fringe. Two samples of residents living in fringe areas of the Detroit metropolitan area of southeast Michigan were studied to examine homebuying decision making. A general population mail survey was used to study individuals who purchased a single-family home within the past 7 years, and to contrast them with less recent homebuyers. Focus groups were also used to sample a smaller, more selected group of individuals who purchased homes in open space subdivisions within the same fringe area. Using the general population sample, demographic, geographic, and neighborhood preference variables were analyzed along with homebuying choice factors to identify segments of the population who found natural and openness neighborhood features important in their home purchase decisions. Focus groups were used to further explore how homeowners thought about and valued natural, open characteristics of the landscape. Together, these studies showed that preferences for natural and openness features were not universally important across homeowners in urban fringe areas. While respondents with high household incomes and those living in rural townships tended to rate natural and openness features higher than other income and geographic groups, as a preference factor in homebuying decisions, natural and openness features were generally overshadowed by considerations for neighborhood and housing design, schools, and access. Nor did natural and openness preferences necessarily relate to sprawl-minimizing behaviors, as findings showed that these features tended to be rated as more important by homeowners who also preferred large lot, auto-oriented neighborhoods. While focus group participants living in open space neighborhoods placed great importance on naturalness and openness in their purchase decision, these new homebuyers are a fairly small fraction of all new homebuyers in the metropolitan area. Together, these findings indicate that land use policies in urban fringe areas that attempt to preserve natural and rural features might need further consumer support in order to sustain or expand these housing market segments that aim to preserve the original character of the area. Otherwise, traditional development strategies that market homes based solely on home and neighborhood features, schools, and access to transportation may win out.
Degeneration and alteration of axons and intrafusal muscle fibers in spindles following tenotomy.

The effect of tenotomy (cutting of distal and proximal tendons) on the spindles in soleus muscle of adult rats was examined by light and electron microscopy in tissue obtained 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 14 days after surgery. Degenerative changes in the spindles progressed with time; also, the degree of alteration observed in a spindle varied with its position in the muscle, i.e., the earliest and most extensive changes occurred in spindles situated near the tendons. The disorganization and breakdown of myofibrils in the intrafusal muscle fibers were observed 3 days after tenotomy and continued with longer periods after surgery. The progression of morphological changes included alteration in fiber outline and the external lamina of the intrafusal muscle fibers and changes in the extracellular environment within the spindle capsule. The intrafusal muscle fibers of some spindles were shortened, apparently due to the loss of their polar ends, and degenerated axons which apparently supplied the intrafusal muscle fibers were also observed. Completely necrotic intrafusal fibers were absent. A possible relationship between the observed morphologic alterations and an adjustment of the spindle to muscle shortening is discussed.
The relationship between alkaline phosphatase and pyrophosphatase activity in quail bone.

SummaryThe pyro- and alkaline phosphatase activities of quail bone appear to be catalyzed by a single enzyme. The activities could not be separated after ion-exchange chromatography or gel filtration. The pH optima for pyro- and alkaline phosphatase were 8.0 and 10.7, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase activity was stimulated by magnesium. Optimal stimulation of pyrophosphatase activity occurred at a pyrophosphate to magnesium ratio of 2.5. Both enzymatic activities were not markedly affected by high concentrations of fluoride.
Distortion of locally biholomorphic maps of the N-Ball

Distortion Bounds mappings, in linear invariant families of locally hiholomorphic mappings from the n-Ball into Cn are established. Coordinate-free methods yield a short and straightforward proof of the distortion theorem. The n-dimensional versions of linear-invariant families, the order of a family and the Koebe transform are introduced. A method for generating many examples of linear-invariant families is presented.
Man versus model of man: just how conflicting is that evidence?

Abstract The distributions of the values for four of the five cues in Libby's 1976 study were quite markedly skewed. When these values were rescaled by a simple normalizing transformation, the results changed remarkably: Instances of model outperforming expert jumped from 23 to 72%. As a consequence, Libby's data can hardly be invoked as “conflicting evidence”.
Programmable inner-product enhanced associative processor array

Associative Processors have become popular because of their ability to perform parallel operations in massive scale. The use of Associative Processors especially for MPEG4/H.263 video coding was found to have low power consumption. However they lack the ability to perform computationally intensive block transforms. The paper discusses requirements for video processing and shows how Associative Processors are more suited for video coding than RISC architectures. We highlight the various drawbacks of using Associative Processors for video coding and propose a new Distributed Arithmetic based enhancement to the architecture that provides greater flexibility in the implementation of video coding algorithms. These modifications help in faster computation of DCT and simulations of the proposed enhancement show that MPEG 4 simple profile encoder can be implemented in less than 10 MIPS.
The Politics of Resentment and the Tyranny of the Minority: Rethinking Victimage for Resentful Times

The victimage ritual is a familiar concept to rhetorical scholars. Victimage, as understood by Kenneth Burke and Robert L. Ivie, is a curative rhetoric aimed at easing the guilt associated with symbolic life. By putting Friedrich Nietzsche's theory of the victimage ritual as enumerated in On the Genealogy of Morals in conversation with Burke and Ivie, this essay expands received wisdom by arguing that victimage in presidential rhetoric is often as much about prolonging resentment and guilt as it is at easing these emotions.
Carrying and spine loading

The advantages and disadvantages of different methods of carrying objects on spine loading are still not fully understood. Previous studies have either examined the effects of carrying using physiological measures or examined isolated spine segments using biomechanical models. Additionally, most studies have been restricted to only a small number of carrying conditions. Very few studies have attempted to examine the various factors influencing spine loading together. To improve understanding of interacting factors on carrying, this study assessed the lumbar spine loads of 16 subjects as they assumed six styles of carrying at two weight levels and two activity levels (walking vs. standing). Concurrent with each trial, a subject-specific biomechanical model was used to assess spine forces over the full lumbar spine. Most carrying methods in the trials resulted in relatively low levels of spine loading. Anterior/posterior (A/P) shear loading was the only spine-loading dimension that reached biomechanically m...
Hepatic transplantation survival: Correlation with adenine nucleotide level in donor liver

The hypothesis was tested that human donor livers with higher ATP content and energy charge achieve better results after hepatic transplantation. Biopsies were obtained from 25 donor livers immediately prior to implantation and analyzed for adenine nucleotides using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results were correlated with organ histology, transplant function and outcome. Significantly higher concentrations of ATP (4.22 +/- 2.87 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.69 nmoles per mg protein, p less than 0.01), ADP (8.75 +/- 2.96 vs. 4.49 +/- 1.95 nmoles per mg protein, p less than 0.01) and energy charge (0.43 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.21 +/- 0.04, p less than 0.02) were found in successful (n = 20) relative to failed (n = 5) livers. No significant differences were found in AMP, xanthine or hypoxanthine for the two groups, although the average values were higher in failed livers. Fifteen recipients with liver ATP concentration above 2 nmoles per mg protein and energy charge above 0.3 recovered well. Five other successful patients with lower ATP concentration (0.70 +/- 0.39 nmoles per mg protein) and energy charge (0.20 +/- 0.03) had postoperative courses complicated by infection or prolonged hyperbilirubinemia. In five patients whose livers failed, all had low ATP content and energy charge. Of these, three received a replacement liver and two died shortly after the transplantation. The study demonstrates a direct correlation between high ATP content and good posttransplant outcome.
Detailed Real-Time Urban 3D Reconstruction from Video

The paper presents a system for automatic, geo-registered, real-time 3D reconstruction from video of urban scenes. The system collects video streams, as well as GPS and inertia measurements in order to place the reconstructed models in geo-registered coordinates. It is designed using current state of the art real-time modules for all processing steps. It employs commodity graphics hardware and standard CPU's to achieve real-time performance. We present the main considerations in designing the system and the steps of the processing pipeline. Our system extends existing algorithms to meet the robustness and variability necessary to operate out of the lab. To account for the large dynamic range of outdoor videos the processing pipeline estimates global camera gain changes in the feature tracking stage and efficiently compensates for these in stereo estimation without impacting the real-time performance. The required accuracy for many applications is achieved with a two-step stereo reconstruction process exploiting the redundancy across frames. We show results on real video sequences comprising hundreds of thousands of frames.
Instructional Modifications, Adaptations, and Accommodations of Coteachers Who Loop: A Descriptive Case Study

When teachers move to the next grade with their students, they are sometimes referred to as teachers who loop with the children. In this descriptive case study, the authors describe the experiences of two teachers who collaborate with others as they move with a class of students from third to fourth grade (i.e., looping). The classroom context, coteaching procedures, and outcomes combine to illustrate how children with disabilities are provided access to the general education curriculum in an urban multicultural school. Results show both academic gains and social benefits for the students involved in this classroom. The concepts of coteaching and looping may inform teacher educators who prepare general and special education teachers to comply with state and federal mandates on behalf of students with disabilities in the general education setting, students who are learning English as a second language, and students who may be at risk for failure.
Cardiac preservation utilizing hyperbaric oxygen and hypothermia.

SUMMARY Hearts are removed from the donor animal utilizing hypothermia of 28°C. and ligation of the inferior and superior vena cava, pulmonary veins, pulmonary artery, and the aorta. The average time for removal has been approximately four minutes. These hearts are then placed in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber which is maintained at a temperature of 2°C. Hyperbaric oxygen pressure of 3 atmospheres is then established in the chamber, and the hearts remain in the chamber for a period of 24 hours. Upon removal from the chamber the hearts are placed in the neck of the recipient animal by the technique of Marcus, Wong and Luisada. 3 The media used in the chamber has been either lactate Ringer's or normal saline fortified with glucose. The temperature has been maintained at 2°C. After circulation has been reinstituted in the heart by implantation into the neck with the aorta anastomosed to the distal carotid artery, the proximal carotid artery anastomosed to the left atrial appendage, and the pulmonary artery anastomosed to the proximal jugular vein, the heart is massaged until it is warmed and fibrillates. It is then defibrillated and allowed to carry on its normal function with a normal sinus rhythm. In our studies thus far, 75 per cent of the hearts have fibrillated upon rewarming and have been capable of being defibrillated with normal sinus rhythm maintained. We feel that the practical application of this work lies in the fact that hearts may be capable of preservation over a 24 hour period by this technique for implantation as necessary.
Basement Membrane Matrices in Tissue Development

The complex structures and functions of basement membranes are beginning to be resolved. Basement membranes are the extracellular matrices that underlie epithelial and endothelial cells and surround peripheral nerve and muscle cells. Although only observable by electron microscopy, basement membranes have important biologic functions in development, in the maintenance and repair of differentiated tissues, and in regulation of the passage of macromolecules and cells to and from the vasculature and tissues or into the urine (1). Composed primarily of collagen IV, laminin, entactin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan, basement membranes have been found to contain additional forms of collagen IV and variants of laminin as well as several growth factors. Studies on certain autoimmune diseases of the kidney and skin confirm that basement membranes contain tissue-specific components. In addition, it is clear that in the same tissue the amount and type of components can vary with development. Such complexity is further confirmed in the report in this issue by Sannes and colleagues which describes a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan whose distribution varies with development in the lung (2). The diversity in composition of basement membranes, which are nearly ubiquitous, thus allows for significant regulatory effects on cell differentiation and development.
16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 increases survival of murine intestinal stem cells when given before photon radiation

A variety of prostaglandins (PG) protect the gastric and intestinal mucosa when given before damaging agents such as absolute ethanol, acidified taurocholate, boiling water, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAI). A synthetic prostaglandin, 16, 16-dimethyl PGE2, shown to be cytoprotective at physiologic levels to the above agents was given to mice 1 hr before or 15 min after 137Cs gamma (gamma) whole-body irradiation. The survival of intestinal stem cells measured by their ability to form in situ colonies of regenerating epithelium was increased when 16, 16-dimethyl PGE2 was given before but not after 137Cs gamma irradiation. The maximum degree of 16, 16-dimethyl PGE2-induced radioprotection was seen when the drug was given 1 hr before irradiation. No radioprotection was seen when the interval between drug and irradiation was 3 hr or longer. When the time between 16, 16-dimethyl PGE2 and irradiation was kept at 1 hr, the degree of radioprotection was dependent on the PG drug dose. There was a steep rise in the number of surviving cells at low doses of PG. These results imply that tumors which secrete PGE2 may in part be protected from the lethal effects of ionizing photon radiation.
Towards a real-time application to reveal entrainment among people

The use of wireless technology and advanced signal processing for personalized healthcare is extremely promising. A relevant application appears to be the field of group dynamics, in which the study of a heart-rate measure, the RR interval time series, can reveal valuable information about individuals, as well as the group as a whole. In this paper, we present the results of computing the wavelet coherence among the RR interval time series of a group of people during a Kundalini yoga meditation session, revealing entrainment among them during specific activities and additional important information, such as patterns of heart rate variability that are common to all members of the group. We propose a novel method to study the connections among people in real time, underlying the bounds in the accuracy as a function of the delay introduced.
Can microRNAs act as biomarkers of aging

Aging can be defined as a progressive decline in physiological efficiency regulated by an extremely complex multifactorial process. The genetic makeup of an individual appears to dictate this rate of aging in a species specific manner. For decades now, scientists have tried to look for tiny signatures or signs which might help us predict this rate of aging. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a unique class of short, non-coding RNAs that mediate the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression ranging from developmental processes to disease induction or amelioration. Recently, they have also been implicated to have a role in aging in C.elegans. Based on the fact that there is a considerable similarity between aging in C.elegans and humans, these recent findings might suggest a possible role of miRNAs as bio-markers of aging. This mini-review brushes through the possibilities towards this direction.
Discrete dimensions in agoraphobia: A factor analytic study

One hundred and one patients meeting DSM-III criteria for agoraphobia with panic rated their avoidance of 21 situations. Factor analysis of the ratings revealed five factors: two that were purely agoraphobic, involving travel or transportation and shopping; one that was agoraphobic but with social features; another that was agoraphobic with claustrophobic features; and a somewhat heterogeneous factor. The results were compared with an earlier analysis by Johnston, Johnston, Wilkes, Burns & Thorpe (1984) of ratings of the same situations and with the Fear Questionnaire of Marks & Mathews (1979).
Age Patterns in the Development of Children's Gender-Role Stereotypes.

This study examined the effect of the positive/negative quality of a gender-role stereotype on the age at which very young children are willing to associate the behavior with a member of a particular sex. The results indicate that, in comparison to 5- and 6-year olds, 4-year-old children are reluctant (1) to associate positive gender-role stereotypes with opposite-sex figures as well as (2) to accept negative stereotypes as characteristic of their own sex. In addition, a majority of the children in the sample associated with their own sex the gender-role stereotypes that are highly valued in the preschool and the school environment.
E−H Bond Activation Reactions (E = H, C, Si, Ge) at Ruthenium: Terminal Phosphides, Silylenes, and Germylenes

The placement of a strongly trans-influencing ligand on a ruthenium center opposite an anchoring silyl group of the tetradentate tripodal tris(phosphino)silyl ligand, [SiPPh3]− ([SiPPh3]− = tris(2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)silyl), has been explored. Installation of alkyl or terminal phosphide ligands trans to the anchoring silyl group affords the complexes [SiPPh3]RuR (R = Me (2), CH2Ph (4), PPh2 (5), PiPr2 (6)). Complexes 2, 4, and 5 are thermally unstable. Complexes 2 and 4 decay to the cyclometalated complex [SiPPh2P′Ph]Ru (3), whereas complex 5 decays to the cyclometalated phosphine adduct [SiPPh2P′Ph]Ru(PHPh2) (7). Complex 3 is found to effect E−H (E = H, C, Si, Ge) bond activation of substrates such as secondary silanes and germanes to yield the structurally unusual silylene complexes [SiPPh3]Ru(H)(SiRR′) (R = R′ = Ph (10a), R = Ph R′ = Me (10b)) and the germylene complex [SiPPh3]Ru(H)(GeR2) (R = Ph) (11) via double E−H activation transformations. Both theory and experiments suggest electrophilic ch...
QT analysis: a complex answer to a ‘simple’ problem

Prolongation of the QT interval on a surface electrocardiogram is a biomarker for a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia. It is used by drug developers and regulatory agencies as a measure of drug safety. Heart rate or RR interval (the inverse of heart rate) correction of the QT interval is necessary because of the QT interval shortening that accompanies physiologic decreases in the RR interval. When a drug alters the RR interval, it is important to distinguish a QT change that is due to a drug effect versus an artefact of a heart rate change. A two-step off-drug subject-specific QT correction analysis is discussed. At the first step, a linear mixed model based only on the placebo (off-drug) RR/QT data produces a correction coefficient that can be applied to a generic formula, and QT intervals are corrected for heart rate on both placebo and treatment period data using that formula. At step two, the heart rate corrected QT interval (QTc) is then compared between placebo and treatment groups at a pre-specified heart rate (usually 60 bpm) based on another linear mixed model. This two-step QT analysis implicitly assumes the slope of log(QT) versus log(RR) is unchanged by drug. Practically, it is important to understand how much this assumption can bias the QT prolongation estimates if it is not valid. We propose a one-step off-on-drug subject-specific QT correction analysis that would pool placebo and treatment period RR/QT data and derive different subject specific coefficients for the treatment and placebo data based on a linear mixed model, which can avoid the unchanged slope assumption. It is also a known unbiased and the most efficient method. The applications of both methods are demonstrated through the QT analysis of haloperidol, a neuroleptic known to prolong QTc. Both theoretical and empirical results show that, although the two-step off-drug QT correction analysis is biased, the bias is small in the case of haloperidol (0.1-0.2 ms). The two-step off-drug QT correction analysis is shown to be almost as efficient as our one-step off- and on-drug QT analysis.
Bit allocation for dependent quantization with applications to MPEG video coders

The problem of efficient bit allocation in a dependent coding environment is addressed. Techniques of optimal bit allocation for independently coded signal blocks are extended to the more general dependent coding scenarios. Of particular interest is the topical MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) video coder. It is shown how a certain monotonicity property of dependent operational rate-distortion (R-D) curves, verified through MPEG simulations, can be exploited in formulating fast ways to obtain optimal and near-optimal solutions (in the R-D sense) for the MPEG bit allocation problem. >