cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ureteral Stone Mimics Appendicitis: A Point-of-care Ultrasound Case Report.

Author(s): Shavor, Cindy; Pagenhardt, Justine; Sun, YuanYuan; Kraft, Clara; End, Bradley; Minardi, Joseph | Abstract: Introduction: Abdominal pain is a common complaint in the emergency department. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a rapid modality to evaluate for the etiology.Case Report: A teenage male presented with symptoms concerning for appendicitis. POCUS revealed a non-peristalsing, non-compressible, tubular structure containing an echogenic stone. This was determined to be a ureteral stone within a dilated ureter, not appendicitis.Conclusion: We propose a syndromic sonographic approach to right lower quadrant pain (RLQ) that includes the gallbladder, right kidney, bladder, and right adnexa, in addition to RLQ landmarks. This case emphasizes the value of such an approach to avoid diagnostic error.
Controlled Nanoscale Cracking of Graphene Ribbons by Polymer Shrinkage

Controlled cracking of two-dimensional layered materials (2DLMs) can dramatically alter their crystallographic orientation, energy band gap, sheet resistance, and phonon softening. Previously, grap...
High Altitude Limits of Living Things.

West, John B. High altitude limits of living things. High Alt Med Biol 00:000–000, 2021.—The tolerance of animals to high altitude is generally limited by the low partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) i...
Identifying Citizens’ Needs by Combining Artificial Intelligence (Ai) and Collective Intelligence (Ci)

Around the world, public leaders want new ways to understand the needs of their citizens, improve governance, and solve public problems. Many new approaches to public engagement tend to focus on two innovations. The first involves artificial intelligence (AI), which offers unprecedented abilities to quickly process vast quantities of data to deepen insights into public needs. The second is collective intelligence (CI), which provides means for tapping into the “wisdom of the crowd.” Both have strengths and weaknesses, but little is known on how organizations could use them in combination to radically transform and enable more responsive governance. By examining five uses of tools with AI and CI elements, this report demonstrates the potential of these technologies for identifying and responding to citizens’ needs. It outlines the context, development, outcome, and implications of each case. The analysis finds that, while AI and CI tools remain nascent, greater emphasis on planning and improved partnerships can improve the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Abdominal Wall Defects

The abdominal wall is an anatomically complex structure that serves the important role of supporting and protecting abdominal and retroperitoneal structures. Its essential muscular layers function toward this goal and to enable twisting and flexing of the trunk. Abdominal wall or ventral hernias are defined as a protrusion of intra-abdominal or preperitoneal contents through the abdominal wall fascia and musculature. They are caused by weaknesses and defects in the abdominal wall, and can be spontaneous from slow architectural deterioration of the muscular aponeuroses or acquired from previous surgical incisions. They are most easily categorized by their location on the abdominal wall.
Alcohol Advertising in Magazines: Effects of Price, Demographics, and Audience Size

In 2003, the alcohol beverage industry spent more than $1.6 billion on advertising in measured media outlets, including $394 million on ads placed in magazines. Industry critics assert that some of these activities intentionally target adolescent audiences and thereby contribute importantly to social problems associated with underage alcohol consumption. Several recent studies attempt to demonstrate targeting of youth by evaluation of audience compositions for magazines and other media. Some of these studies claim that magazine audiences with more than 15% underage youth result in "overexposure" to alcohol ads, and critics allege that this exposure demonstrates targeting of underage youth. This paper examines annual count data for alcohol ads placed in 28 magazines in 2001-2003. Specifying a demand function for advertising space, Poisson and negative binomial regressions are estimated conditional on magazine characteristics and readership demographics, including the percent of youth in the audience. The explanatory variables also include real prices of standardized advertisements, a measure of audience size, and a control variable for "exposure" in the count data model (annual issues). The analysis fails to demonstrate that alcohol advertisers are targeting youth. Adult audience size and price are key variables affecting advertising placement decisions. Implications of the findings for regulation of alcohol advertising are examined.
Verbal aspect and negation in Russian and Czech

This article compares aspectual usage in contexts of negation in Russian and Czech narratives. It examines the four possible aspectual correspondences: Russian imperfective : Czech imperfective (common), Russian perfective : Czech perfective (common), Russian imperfective : Czech perfective (frequent), and Russian perfective : Czech imperfective (infrequent). The data is argued to support the hypothesis that aspect in Czech primarily expresses a distinction in totality, whereas aspect in Russian expresses a distinction in temporal definiteness. Aspectual usage in contexts of negated repetition is also examined. The question of grounding is considered in light of the comparative data, and it is found that previous views of grounding with regard to aspect and negation can be replaced by a more nuanced sense of grounding that accommodates variation across languages. Finally, data from other Slavic languages are adduced, which indicate that the differences discussed between Czech and Russian are symptomatic of the overall east-west division in Slavic aspect established by Dickey (2000).
A Tail of Transdifferentiation

Salamanders have the enviable ability of being able to regenerate an amputated limb or tail. These amphibians have proven to be a valuable model of tissue regeneration. In his Perspective, Stocum discusses the first unequivocal evidence that salamander tail regeneration involves the ability of neural precusor cells of ectodermal origin to transdifferentiate into mesodermal cell types.
Intestinal Absorption of Phosphate in the Chick: Effect of Vitamin D3 and Other Parameters

The effect of various parameters, including vitamin Ds, on the intestinal absorption of T-phosphate in the chick was investigated. Translocation was determined by the in situ ligated loop technique and measurements were made of radionuclide leav ing the intestinal lumen (absorption), accumulation by scraped mucosa (in gut tissue) and that entering the blood (transferred to body). It was observed, initially, that 1ZP was rapidly translocated across all segments of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) and vitamin D3 positively affected the total process in each segment. Because of the ease of showing a responsiveness to vitamin D3 by the ileum, the subsequently de scribed results were obtained with this segment. In a time course experiment, it was noted that 32Paccumulation by mucosa proceeded at a more rapid rate than the release of radionuclide to blood, indicating that the latter was the limiting step. The absorptive process was saturable as shown by a study in which increasing levels of stable phosphate were present in the absorption fluid. An effect of vitamin D3 on the transfer of 32Pfrom mucosa to body was evident, as well as an effect on the uptake phase. Arsenate, EHDP and L-phenylalanine inhibited 32Ptranslocation, but primarily in the vitamin Ds-repleted chicks. This suggested, as did the study of the effect of various levels of stable phosphate, that 32Pinteracts with some intestinal component in the transport path. Since NaEGTA (a Ca-chelator) and thorough washing of the ileal lumen did not alter 32Pabsorption and mucosal uptake, it was evident that "Pi was not absorbed as a coion to calcium. A direct relationship between serum Ca levels and the degree of S2Pabsorption became evident, although this correlation (r = 0.82) might be fortuitous. Vitamin D3, when given to rachitic chicks, elicited an enhanced 32Pabsorption at 16 hours; the appearance of vitamin D-dependent CaBP was evident at 12 hours. Studies on the nature of 3AP in mucosal tissue after absorption indicated that the radionuclide was largely indistinguish able from ortho-phosphate, and that only a small fraction was present as phospholipid-HP. No phosphate binder in mucosal supernatant fluid, analogous to CaBP, was detected under the specific conditions employed. J. Nutr. 103: 586-599, 1973.
The beneficial effects of tree nuts on the aging brain

Dietary patterns may play an important role in protecting the brain from the cellular and cognitive dysfunction associated with the aging process and neurodegenerative diseases. Tree nuts are showing promise as possible dietary interventions for age-related brain dysfunction. Tree nuts are an important source of essential nutrients, like vitamin E, folate, and fiber. Tree nuts also contain a variety of components, such as phytochemicals like flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acids, as well as monounsaturated and omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids that have the potential to combat age-related brain dysfunction. Evidence is accumulating that suggests that tree nuts and their bioactive constituents have the potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, as indicated by decreased lipid peroxidation in vivo and reduced production of the free radical nitric oxide and the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha in vitro. Also, tree nut consumption might have the ability to mitigate some of the cognitive decline associated with aging. Here we review the current knowledge of how the consumption of nuts may improve brain health, specifically focusing on walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and pecans.
War and Wages : The Strength of Instrumental Variables and Their Sensitivity to Unobserved Biases

An instrument manipulates a treatment that it does not entirely control, but the instrument affects the outcome only indirectly through its manipulation of the treatment. The idealized prototype is the randomized encouragement design, in which subjects are randomly assigned to receive either encouragement to accept the treatment or no such encouragement, but not all subjects comply by doing what they are encouraged to do, and the situation is such that only the treatment itself, not disregarded encouragement alone, can affect the outcome. An instrument is weak if it has only a slight impact on acceptance of the treatment, that is, if most people disregard encouragement to accept the treatment. Typical applications of instrumental variables are not ideal; encouragement is not randomized, although it may be assigned in a far less biased manner than the treatment itself. Using the concept of design sensitivity, we study the sensitivity of instrumental variable analyses to departures from the ideal of random ...
Existence and uniqueness of v -asymptotic expansions and Colombeau’s generalized numbers

Abstract We define a type of generalized asymptotic series called v -asymptotic. We show that every function with moderate growth at infinity has a v -asymptotic expansion. We also describe the set of v -asymptotic series, where a given function with moderate growth has a unique v -asymptotic expansion. As an application to random matrix theory we calculate the coefficients and establish the uniqueness of the v -asymptotic expansion of an integral with a large parameter. As another application (with significance in the non-linear theory of generalized functions) we show that every Colombeau's generalized number has a v -asymptotic expansion. A similar result follows for Colombeau's generalized functions, in particular, for all Schwartz distributions.
Frontalis midline dehiscence: an anatomical study and discussion of clinical relevance

Summary Hypothesis The frontalis muscle has a midline dehiscence that has not been well described. The anatomic characteristics of the muscles of the central forehead are important to effectively treat rhytids in this area, e.g. with botulinum toxin. Methods Anatomical dissections of 21 cadaver foreheads. Results For males, the midline attenuation point occurred in a range from 1.4 to 6cm above the horizontal orbital rim plane, with the mean being 3.5±1.6cm. The mean angle of the left muscle belly in the male cadavers was 26.0±17.4° off the midline, while the right was 36.4±14.9°. Overall average angulation was 62.4° (Figure 4). The mean distances between left and right muscle bellies at 4cm, 5cm and 6cm superior to the orbital rim were 1.2cm, 1.9cm and 3.1cm, respectively. The mean distance of dehiscence in the midline from the horizontal reference plane of the female cadavers was 3.7±1.8cm, with a range of 1.3 to 6.0cm. The left frontalis belly formed an angle with the midline of 15.9±16.6°, while the right belly formed an angle of 22.3±20.1°, with an overall average angle of 38.2°. The interbelly distances at 3, 4, 5 and 6cm were 0.4cm, 0.9cm, 1.7cm and 2.6cm, respectively. One third of females had no midline frontalis dehiscence at 6cm above the orbital rims. Conclusions The anatomic characterization of the midline frontalis muscle dehiscence permits more intelligent placement of chemotherapeutic agents when treating forehead rhytids.
The Static Intrapelvic Pressure of the Hydronephrotic Kidney

SummaryThe static intrapelvic pressure of the hydronephrotic kidney varies from 7.5 mm to 27.5 mm Hg. at various intervals from 3 to 63 days. Because of the technical accuracy of the Null Point Manometer employed in this study the readings reported here are considered exact for anesthetized rabbits at the moment of hydronephrosis at which they were determined.
The Perfectionists and the Weather: The Oneida Community's Quest for Meteorological Utopia, 1848–1879

There has always been-and, modern environmentalism notwithstanding, there no doubt remains-much about the environment that people would willingly alter if they could. Visions of a perfect earthly future have routinely incorporated a reconstructed earth. Not least have they described the transformation of features so often and so stubbornly unsatisfactory in many ways as weather and climate. Writers in classical antiquity who tried to imagine a terrestrial paradise purged its weather of everything dangerous or merely disagreeable, from extreme temperatures and tempestuous winds to overcast skies. Early Christian representations of the Garden of Eden gave it the same mild and moderate climate as medieval Europeans ascribed to the "Land of Cockaigne": "There is no heat or cold, water or fire, wind or rain, snow or lightning, thunder or hail. Neither are there storms. Rather, there is eternally fine, clear weather ... It is always a wonderfully agreeable May." Two geographers who made a study of the utopian novel found that the genre characteristically presents the weather as "either an equable given or something totally under man's control.", But there is a second and quite different way in which meteorological utopia can be sought. It does not depend on the perfecting of the elements by divine or natural favor or by human effort. It tries to make the weather unobjectionable without altering it physically. What will be abolished in this kind of paradise is not the weather that people think bad, but their reasons for thinking it bad. The causes of complaint lie not in the weather itself, it is assumed, but in human beings, their attitudes, and their social and technological arrangements. If those attributes and arrangements are reformed, dissatisfaction with weather would disappear.. An unnamed character in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Blithedale Romance (1852) expresses this point of view. He and several companions are riding through a surprise April snowstorm to join a newly founded utopian community outside of Boston. He reproaches the narrator, Miles Coverdale, for grumbling about the weather. They can never consider themselves "regenerated men," he admonishes Coverdale, until they feel as thankful for "a February northeaster" as they do for "the softest breeze of June."2
Studies in dialogue and discourse: II. Types of discourse initiated by and sustained through questioning

A sociolinguistic approach to the study of language is described. Three types of discourse are defined empirically, each of them initiated and sustained by questions. It is provosed that these types are linguistic expressions or “realizations” of authority relationships between speakers. In the first, Chaining, a conversation is extended through successive questions by the initial questioner; in the second, Arching, it is extended by the respondent's questions; in the third, Embedding, there are two responses to the question. The general hypothesis about the relationship of the linguistic structure of discourse to differentials between speakers in power and authority is examined through an analysis of natural conversations in first-grade classrooms. The findings provide consistent support for this hypothesis. When adults initiate a conversation with a question, they retain control over its course by successive questioning, i.e., by Chaining: when children ask an adult a question, the adult regains control by responding with a question, i.e., by Arching. Children question each other through a more balanced use of Chaining and Arching that might be thought of as either more egalitarian or more competitive.
E, R, and $gamma$

By γ, we mean the rule, “From ├ A and ├ Ā V B, infer ├ B”.1 This rule has played an important and a controversial role in a set of relevant logics free of certain well-known paradoxes of implication, like AĀ-→B and A-→(B-→B). Among these logics we count the pioneering systems of strenge Implikation presented by Ackermann in [1],2 as well as the Anderson-Belnap systems E of entail-ment and R of relevant implication.3
Pretreatment effects on nitrite-induced methemoglobinemia: Saline and calcium channel antagonists

Abstract This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of pretreatment with calcium channel antagonists (nimodipine or verapamil) on the formation of methemoglobin produced by sodium nitrite. Unexpectedly, the pretreatment of animals with control injections of physiological saline 2 hours before the nitrite administration reduced the amount of methemoglobin found in the blood 25 minutes later. When either of the calcium channel antagonists was given 2 hours before the administration of sodium nitrite, the saline effect was eliminated. When the injections of physiological saline or either of the calcium channel blockers were divided 24 hours before the nitrite administration, all reduced the amount of methemoglobin formed relative to rats that received no pretreatment. A tentative hypothesis is that the reduction of the nitrite-induced methemoglobin can be induced by the stress of handling and intraperitoneal injection and that this stress effect can last at least 24 hours. It is likely that whatever stress-related mechanism is involved in reducing methemoglobin levels, this effect can be reduced by the presence of “L channel” voltage-sensitive calcium antagonists or their active metabolites.
Multi- Versus Single-Level Dynamic Synthesis/Design and Operation/Control Optimizations of a PEMFC System

As primary tools for the development of energy systems, optimization techniques have been studied for decades. However, for large-scale synthesis/design and operation/control optimization problems, it may turn out that it is impractical to solve the entire problem as a single optimization problem. In this paper, a multi-level optimization strategy, dynamic iterative local-global optimization (DILGO), is utilized for the synthesis/design and operation/control optimization of a 5 kWe PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) system. The strategy decomposes the system into three subsystems: a stack subsystem (SS), a fuel processing subsystem (FPS), and a work and air recovery subsystem (WRAS) and, thus, into three optimization sub-problems. To validate the decomposition strategy, the results are compared with a single-level dynamic optimization, in which the whole system is optimized together. In addition, for the purpose of comparison between different optimization algorithms, gradient-based optimization results are compared with those for a hybrid heuristic/gradient-based optimization algorithm.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The Effects of Anabolic Steroids on Rat Tendon An Ultrastructural, Biomechanical, and Biochemical Analysis

Forty-eight male rats were randomly separated into four groups: a control group, a group treated with anabolic steroids, a group treated with daily exercise, and a group treated with both steroids and exercise. At 6 weeks, biomechanical, ultrastructural, and biochemical testing was performed on the Achilles tendons of half of the rats in each group. The remaining rats continued in the experimental protocol, but steroid administration was discontinued. Similar testing was then performed on the remaining rats at 12 weeks. Testing showed anabolic steroids produced a stiffer tendon that absorbs less energy and fails with less elongation; tendon strength was unaffected. Effects were entirely reversible on discontinuation of the steroids. Light microscopic analysis revealed no changes in the appearance of the fibrils. No change in fibril diameter or shape was noted on electron microscopic analysis. Biochemical testing revealed no change in qualitative immunofluorescence staining with Type III collagen or fibronectin. Abuse of anabolic steroids is a widespread problem among competitive athletes; consequently, complications after their use are seen with increasing frequency. Knowledge of the effects of these drugs on tendon and the musculotendinous unit may prove helpful in counseling athletes who use anabolic steroids.
Energy-optimal distributed algorithms for minimum spanning trees

Traditionally, the performance of distributed algorithms has been measured in terms of time and message complexity.Message complexity concerns the number of messages transmitted over all the edges during the course of the algorithm. However, in energy-constrained ad hoc wireless networks (e.g., sensor networks), energy is a critical factor in measuring the efficiency of a distributed algorithm. Transmitting a message between two nodes has an associated cost (energy) and moreover this cost can depend on the two nodes (e.g., the distance between them among other things). Thus in addition to the time and message complexity, it is important to consider energy complexity that accounts for the total energy associated with the messages exchanged among the nodes in a distributed algorithm. This paper addresses the minimum spanning tree (MST) problem, a fundamental problem in distributed computing and communication networks. We study energy-efficient distributed algorithms for the Euclidean MST problem assuming random distribution of nodes. We show a non-trivial lower bound of Omega(log n) on the energy complexity of any distributed MST algorithm. We then give an energy-optimal distributed algorithm that constructs an optimal MST with energy complexity O(log n) on average and O(log n log log n) with high probability. This is an improvement over the previous best known bound on the average energy complexity of Omega(log2 n). Our energy-optimal algorithm exploits a novel property of the giant component of sparse random geometric graphs. All of the above results assume that nodes do not know their geometric coordinates. If the nodes know their own coordinates, then we give an algorithm with O(1) energy complexity (which is the best possible) that gives an O(1) approximation to the MST.
Effects of MK-801 on vicarious trial-and-error and reversal of olfactory discrimination learning in weanling rats

The effects of dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) on vicarious trial-and-error (VTE), and on simultaneous olfactory discrimination learning and its reversal, were observed in weanling rats. The term VTE was used by Tolman (The determiners of behavior at a choice point. Psychol. Rev. 1938;46:318-336), who described it as conflict-like behavior at a choice-point in simultaneous discrimination learning. It takes the form of head movements from one stimulus to the other, and has recently been proposed by Amsel (Hippocampal function in the rat: cognitive mapping or vicarious trial-and-error? Hippocampus, 1993;3:251-256) as related to hippocampal, nonspatial function during this learning. Weanling male rats received systemic MK-801 either 30 min before the onset of olfactory discrimination training and its reversal, or only before its reversal. The MK-801-treated animals needed significantly more sessions to acquire the discrimination and showed significantly fewer VTEs in the acquisition phase of learning. Impaired reversal learning was shown only when MK-801 was administered during the reversal-learning phase, itself, and not when it was administered throughout both phases.
Effective physician-nurse communication: a patient safety essential for labor and delivery

Effective communication is a hallmark of safe patient care. Challenges to effective interprofessional communication in maternity care include differing professional perspectives on clinical management, steep hierarchies, and lack of administrative support for change. We review principles of high reliability as they apply to communication in clinical care and discuss principles of effective communication and conflict management in maternity care. Effective clinical communication is respectful, clear, direct, and explicit. We use a clinical scenario to illustrate an historic style of nurse-physician communication and demonstrate how communication can be improved to promote trust and patient safety. Consistent execution of successful communication requires excellent listening skills, superb administrative support, and collective commitment to move past traditional hierarchy and professional stereotyping.
The Value of A Tree: Public Debates of John Muir and Gifford Pinchot

(1998). The Value of A Tree: Public Debates of John Muir and Gifford Pinchot. The Historian: Vol. 60, No. 4, pp. 757-778.
Lack of tolerance to contrast-reducing actions of chlordiazepoxide with repeated reward reductions

In each of eight cycles of repeated reward reduction, the performance of rats given brief access to 32% sucrose for 3 days, and then 4% sucrose for 2 days, was compared to rats that received 4% on all 5 days. Shifted rats consumed less than unshifted rats following each shift, with little evidence of diminution of negative contrast across the eight shifts. Acute administration of chlordiazepoxide (CDP, 8 mg/kg) on the second postshift day reduced contrast on each shift with no evidence of tolerance development to these anticontrast actions (Experiment 1a). Acute administration of CDP on the first postshift day had no effect on contrast through the first four shifts, but reliably reduced contrast on the following four shifts (Experiment 2a). There was tolerance to the sedative effects of CDP, as measured in an open field (Experiments 1b and 2b). The data thus show: a) that contrast is not lost with repeated shifts; b) no tolerance develops to the anticontrast actions of CDP and, instead, CDP gains anticontrast actions, in regard to initial contrast occurrence; c) but, concurrently, tolerance does develop to the sedative effects of CDP in an open field.
Inferring a Photospheric Velocity Field from a Sequence of Vector Magnetograms: The Minimum Energy Fit

We introduce a technique for inferring a photospheric velocity from a sequence of vector magnetograms. The technique, called the minimum energy fit, demands that the photospheric flow agree with the observed photospheric field evolution according to the magnetic induction equation. It selects from all consistent flows the one with the smallest overall flow speed by demanding that it minimize an energy functional. Partial or imperfect velocity information, obtained independently, can be incorporated by demanding a velocity consistent with the induction equation that minimizes the squared difference with flow components otherwise known. The combination of low velocity and consistency with the induction equation are desirable when using the magnetogram data and associated flow as boundary conditions of a numerical simulation. The technique is tested on synthetic magnetograms generated by specified flow fields and is shown to yield reasonable agreement. It also yields believable flows from magnetograms of NOAA Active Region 8210 made with the Imaging Vector Magnetogram at the Mees Solar Observatory.
Highly selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase enhances S-antigen-induced uveitis

Purpose. Investigated the effect of N-3-aminomethylbenzylacetamidine (1400W), a highly selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), on the effector phase of EAU. Methods. Sixteen Lewis rats were sensitized with bovine retinal S-antigen; ten of them injected subcutaneously with 1400W (20mg/kg) three times a day, from day 11 through day 13 following the injection of S-antigen. Five of the ten rats were also injected intraperitoneally with polyethyleneglycol- modified superoxide dismutase (SOD 1000 IU) twice a day from day 7 through day 13. Six rats received intraperitoneal and/or subcutaneous injections of normal saline from day 7 through day 13. The eyes were enucleated on day 14. The intensity of the inflammatory lesion was assessed by a histological score. The thickness of the choroidal and photoreceptor layers was measured. Results. The histological score was higher in the 1400W-treated rats (26 ± 2.1) than in the saline- (20.5 ± 8; p < 0.0001) or 1400 W/SOD-treated rats (20.5 ± 4.9...
Characterization of the contributions of Hp-MMP 9 to the serum acute phase protein response of lipopolysaccharide challenged calves

Background: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a costly feature of modern cattle production. Early and accurate detection of BRD may prove useful in the successful management of this disease. The primary objective of the study was to define the time course of covalent complexes of neutrophil, haptoglobin (Hp) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Hp-MMP 9) in serum after intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in comparison to traditional markers. Our hypothesis was that serum concentrations of neutrophil Hp-MMP 9 provides information distinct from traditional acute phase protein markers. To characterize the neutrophil responses to lipopolysaccharide (E. coli; O111:B4; 2.5 μg/kg body weight), nine healthy, Jersey calves (65-82 days of age; 74.5±13.1 kg) were challenged and physiologic parameters, peripheral blood cell counts and serum cortisol (C), Hp-MMP 9, Hp, alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), serum amyloid A (SAA) were obtained starting 24 hours before to 96 hours post-LPS challenge. Results: Physiologic parameters (temperature, pulse, respiratory rate) and attitude assessed at each time point indicated that LPS challenge resulted in rapid onset of depression, tachypnea, leukopenia, neutropenia and lymphopenia within 1 hour. Serum C concentrations were significantly increased by 1 hour post-LPS. Serum Hp-MMP 9 complexes were detectable in serum by 0.5 hours and peaked at 16 h, serum total Hp remained <10 μg/mL until 8 hours post LPS infusion and were significantly greater than baseline by 12 hours post-LPS infusion. Serum amyloid A concentrations increased significantly by 8 hours post LPS. Serum concentrations of AGP increased significantly by 16 hours post LPS. Serum concentrations of Hp, SAA and AGP remained significantly greater than baseline out to 96 hours post-LPS. The total systemic exposure to traditional makers is significantly greater than from Hp-MMP 9 Conclusion: Using a well described model for acute phase protein responses, the data demonstrate that serum neutrophil Hp-MMP 9 complexes appear sooner and decline more rapidly than other acute phase proteins (APP). Since Hp-MMP9 is stored pre-formed, it provides information specifically addressing the LPS-induced activation of bovine neutrophils. Contributions of Hp-MMP 9 to the serum acute phase protein response may provide useful information, independent of hepatic responses, in diagnosis of acute inflammation.
Research at Project UHV on the Performance of Contaminated Insulators Part II - Application to Practical Design

Results of full-scale tests on V-suspension strings up to 50 standard insulators (about 24-ft long) are presented and the need of such tests is demonstrated. Because of pronounced nonlinearity on standard insulator strings, the use of large disc insulators is recommended for UHV line insulation. A practical design method for anti-contamination design is developed on a statistical basis.
Maximal isometric strength and fiber type composition in power and endurance athletes.

The relationship between maximum isometric strength and muscle fiber type composition was examined in seven endurance and eight power trained athletes. Knee extension strength and ankle extension strength was assessed on 10 separate days and muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius muscles. The percent composition of slow twitch (ST) fibers and fast twitch (FT) fibers was determined from the biopsy samples. Correlation between maximal knee extension strength and percent ST fibers of the vastus lateralis was found to be 0.80 (n = 8,p less than 0.05) for the power group and 0.63 (n = 7,N.S.) for the endurance group. Corresponding correlation coefficients for the relationship between ankle extension strength and gastrocnemius percent ST fibers were -0.94 (p less than 0.01) and -0.19 (N.S.), respectively. The results suggest that the relationship to be expected between muscle fiber type composition and maximum isometric strength may well depend upon the muscle group under study as well as the type of athlete in terms of specific training adaptations.
Lateral tarsorrhaphy in management of facial palsy

A simplified, effective technique for lateral tarsorrhaphy to protect the cornea can provide symptomatic relief from corneal exposure secondary to facial palsy. This technique is especially useful in patients with cerebropontine angle tumors who have reduced eyelid closure and reduced tear production from effects on the parasympathetic fibers. The technique is designed to reduce corneal exposure with a reasonable cosmetic appearance and to allow for subsequent separation of the tarsorrhaphy.
Site-specifically labeled photoprotein-thyroxine conjugates using aequorin mutants containing unique cysteine residues: applications for binding assays (Part II).

The jellyfish Aequorea victoria produces a protein, aequorin, which belongs to the class of Ca2+-dependent photoproteins known for their ability to emit visible light. This property of aequorin has allowed for its as a bioluminescent label in binding assays for a variety of analytes. Due to the excellent detection limits we demonstrated in assays for small peptides using a fusion protein between the peptide of interest and the photoprotein, our next goal was to expand the range of possible analytes for producing homogeneous populations of conjugates with the aequorin label to those that were nonpeptidic in nature. Recently, we prepared and characterized four aequorin mutants containing unique cysteine residues at various positions in the polypeptide chain. In the work reported here, the four aequorin mutants were each conjugated with a maleimide-activated methyl ester derivative of thyroxine, a hormone frequently determined to evaluate thyroid function. The thyroxine−aequorin mutant conjugates were charac...
Operations of a spaceflight experiment to investigate plant tropisms

Plants will be an important component in bioregenerative systems for long-term missions to the Moon and Mars. Since gravity is reduced both on the Moon and Mars, studies that identify the basic mechanisms of plant growth and development in altered gravity are required to ensure successful plant production on these space colonization missions. To address these issues, we have developed a project on the International Space Station (ISS) to study the interaction between gravitropism and phototropism in Arabidopsis thaliana. These experiments were termed TROPI (for tropisms) and were performed on the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) in 2006. In this paper, we provide an operational summary of TROPI and preliminary results on studies of tropistic curvature of seedlings grown in space. Seed germination in TROPI was lower compared to previous space experiments, and this was likely due to extended storage in hardware for up to 8 months. Video downlinks provided an important quality check on the automated experimental time line that also was monitored with telemetry. Good quality images of seedlings were obtained, but the use of analog video tapes resulted in delays in image processing and analysis procedures. Seedlings that germinated exhibited robust phototropic curvature. Frozen plant samples were returned on three space shuttle missions, and improvements in cold stowage and handing procedures in the second and third missions resulted in quality RNA extracted from the seedlings that was used in subsequent microarray analyses. While the TROPI experiment had technical and logistical difficulties, most of the procedures worked well due to refinement during the project.
The organic chemistry of a fossil—III. The hydrocarbons and their geochemistry☆☆☆

Abstract The following aromatic hydrocarbons were isolated from a fossil crinoid of Jurassic age: anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene and alkyl derivatives, 1,2-benzpyrene, 3,4-benzpyrene, perylene, anthanthrene, 1,12-benzperylene, hexahydro- meso -naphthodianthrene, hexahydro- meso -anthrodianthrene and alkyl derivatives, and substituted meso -anthrodian-threnes. Several compounds, presumably aromatic hydrocarbons, of undetermined structure were also found. The eight- and nine-ring hydrocarbons are structurally and genetically linked to the fringelite pigments of the same fossil. A proposed sequence of consecutive irreversible and reversible redox reactions can explain the presence or absence of certain compounds in this complex assemblage of geochemical products.
Exact spatiotemporal wave and soliton solutions to the generalized (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with linear potential

Exact extended traveling wave and spatiotemporal soliton solutions to the generalized (3+1)-dimensional Schrodinger equation with distributed coefficients and linear potential are found. We obtain solutions for four combinations of the temporal dependence of the coefficients: constant and sinusoidal diffraction coefficients and constant and sinusoidal external electric fields. A number of stable periodic soliton solutions are obtained whose signal does not decrease with time in the absence of an externally induced loss.
The mixed volume optimization problem

Abstract The mixed volume optimization problem is to determine the point of duality Q for a given convex set K that minimizes the “mixed volume” of the associated polar set (K ∗ ;Q) . In the plane, the mixed volumes translate as the area and length; in space, the mixed volumes include the volume, surface area, and mean width. In this paper, the geometric optimization problems associated with minimizing mixed volumes are examined from two perspectives: enumerative search and symbolic computation. The problem of minimizing the polar area through an enumerative search is first considered. The dual polygon (P m ∗ ;Q) is constructed for an arbitrary point of duality Q∈Pm° by using an algebraic correspondence between the edges of Pm and the vertices of (P m ∗ ;Q) , and the area of (P m ∗ ;Q) , A(P ∗ m ;Q) , is calculated and minimized using naive search techniques. A result due to Santalo is applied to verify the minimizing solution, and computational tests are described for various classes of randomly generated polygons. Statistical evidence indicates that a “good” approximation to the minimum area polar polygon occurs when the duality point is located at the center-of-gravity of Pm. The polar area problem is then investigated using symbolic procedures. Explicit symbolic expressions for the polar area and length functionals are computed and solved directly using the differential optimality conditions and Newton's iterative method of solution. The mixed volume and surface area functionals are formulated and solved using numerical products, and the mean width functional is described. Examples are used throughout to illustrate the methodology.
Telomere maintenance in childhood primitive neuroectodermal brain tumors.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs), including medulloblastoma (PNET/MB) and supratentorial PNET (sPNET), are the most common malignant brain tumors of childhood. The stabilization of telomere lengths by telomerase activation is an important step in carcinogenesis and cell immortalization. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, is a telomerase inhibitor with antiproliferative and anticarcinogenic effects against different types of cancer. In this study, we used real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to measure the mRNA expression of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in 50 primary PNET samples (43 PNET/MB, 7 sPNET), 14 normal human brain samples, and 6 human PNET cell lines. Compared to normal human cerebellum, 38/50 (76%) primary PNET samples had ≥5-fold upregulated hTERT mRNA expression. We then examined PNET cell lines for telomerase activity using a quantitative telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP), and for telomere length using terminal restriction fragment analysis. While a positive correlation between hTERT mRNA expression and telomerase activity was detected in PNET cell lines, no correlation was found between telomerase activity and telomere length. Treatment of PNET cell lines with EGCG resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of telomerase activity at micromolar levels. Although EGCG displayed strong proliferation inhibitory effects against TRAP-positive PNET cell lines, it had no significant effect against TRAP-negative D425 cells. These results provide evidence for a possible role of telomerase in the pathogenesis of most PNETs and indicate that subsets of PNETs maintain telomere length by alternative mechanisms. Inhibition of telomerase function represents a novel experimental therapeutic strategy in childhood PNETs that warrants further investigation.
Reflection spectra of distorted cholesteric liquid crystal structures in cells with interdigitated electrodes

We studied the appearance of second- and third-order Bragg reflections in cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) in cells where the electric field was perpendicular to the helical axis. Second-order reflections with reflectance values as large as 80% of the first-order one were observed in the gap regions of alignment cells with interdigitated electrodes for CLC mixtures with pitches in the range 0.5-1.0 μm upon application of a field. The characterization was enabled by local probing of the CLC using a microspectrophotometer. LC cells that are transparent in the visible spectrum in the off-state and become colored upon application of a field due the second- or third-order reflection band appearance were demonstrated. The spectral position of the higher-order Bragg reflections can also be tuned by adjusting the magnitude of the electric field.
Dynamic performance of a sub-optimal controller

Abstract The dynamic characteristics of a sub-optimal controller for a dual-source heat-pump system for space heating are explored. Simulation results indicate that the controller, through its adaptive gain and the feedback path, is able to respond effectively to changing loads. Optimization of the system parameters has been investigated by carrying out sensitivity tests. The results are combined to show the effect of several different parameters on the purchased energy requirements. It is found that by sub-optimally controlling the heat pump, the purchased energy requirements for domestic heating can be significantly reduced. Application of the sub-optimal controller to other building service systems is illustrated with an example.
pleuropulmonary actinomycosis associated with a systemic-to-pulmonary artery fistula and contralateral metastatic back mass

We report a case of systemic-to-pulmonary artery fistula associated with thoracic actinomycosis and with metastatic hematogenous dissemination to the soft tissues of the back. The difficulty in diagnosing thoracic actinomycosis may predispose to the increased incidence of hematogenous spread of this disease. Although resection of pulmonary tissue including the infectious mass was required in previous cases, resection of the pleural mass alone was curative in this patient when combined with penicillin therapy.
A Pharmacy Business Management Simulation Exercise as a Practical Application of Business Management Material and Principles

Objective. To implement a pharmacy business management simulation exercise as a practical application of business management material and principles and assess students’ perceived value. Design. As part of a pharmacy management and administration course, students made various calculations and management decisions in the global categories of hours of operation, inventory, pricing, and personnel. The students entered the data into simulation software and a realistic community pharmacy marketplace was modeled. Course topics included accounting, economics, finance, human resources, management, marketing, and leadership. Assessment. An 18-item posttest survey was administered. Students’ slightly to moderately agreed the pharmacy simulation program enhanced their knowledge and understanding, particularly of inventory management, cash flow statements, balance sheets, and income statements. Overall attitudes toward the pharmacy simulation program were also slightly positive and students also slightly agreed the pharmacy simulation program enhanced their learning of pharmacy business management. Inventory management was the only area in which students felt they had at least “some” exposure to the assessed business management topics during IPPEs/internship, while all other areas of experience ranged from “not at all” to “a little.” Conclusion. The pharmacy simulation program is an effective active-learning exercise and enhanced students’ knowledge and understanding of the business management topics covered.
Daytime mechanisms of reaggregation in imported willow leaf beetle,Plagiodera versicolora, larvae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract The roles that leaf quality, the presence of siblings, trails, vision and touch play in reaggregation by imported willow leaf beetle larvae were examined. Larvae responded positively to the presence of siblings, their secretions, and faeces while reaggregating. Larvae do not have to see or touch siblings in order for reaggregation to occur and leaf quality does not appear to be involved in reaggregation. There were differences in behaviour of 4- and 8-day-old larvae: 4-day-old larvae responded positively to the presence of siblings whereas 8-day-old larvae did not, and under natural conditions 4-day-old larvae are found in aggregations whereas 8-day-old larvae are solitary.
Development of 275 kV Oil-Filled Cable Insulated with Polypropylene Laminated Paper (PPLP)

In 1969, we started R & D on a polypropylene laminated paper (PPLP) as a new low-loss insulating paper for oil-filled (OF) cables. Through the material research and the trial manufacture of 215 kV OF cable and four years of long-term field test, PPLP has reached the stage of commercial use.