cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synergism and antagonism between two trematode species in the snail Lymnaea rubiginosa.

Abstract Synergism and antagonism between two trematode species in the snail Lymnaea rubiginosa. Internationaljournal for Parasitology 3: 729–733. Sporocysts of Trichobilharzia brevis in the snail exerted a synergistic effect on sporocysts of Echinostoma hystricosum : The rate of infection with E. hystricosum was much higher in snails harboring T. brevis than in control snails with no other infection. Rediae of E. hystricosum and sporocysts of T. brevis were antagonistic, the predatory rediae consuming the sporocysts and ultimately eliminating T. brevis from the snail. Once a snail was occupied by E. hystricosum it could not be superinfected by T. brevis.
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of conjugated estrogens in tablets

Analyse directe des œstrogenes conjugues, plus rapide et plus specifique que l'analyse par chromatographie gazeuse ou par HPLC des œstrogenes libres apres hydrolyse enzymatique
Pregnenolone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate inhibit GABA-gated chloride currents in Xenopus oocytes expressing picrotoxin-insensitive GABAA receptors

We examined the effects of picrotoxinin, pregnenolone sulfate (PS) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) responses in Xenopus oocytes injected with wild type α1, β2 and γ2 GABAA receptor subunits and in oocytes injected with wild type α1 and β2 subunits and a mutated γ2 subunit that eliminates picrotoxin sensitivity. All three agents inhibited GABA currents in oocytes injected with wild type subunits. Oocytes injected with the mutated γ2 subunit showed no inhibition of GABA responses by picrotoxinin at concentrations up to 100 μM. PS and DHEAS inhibited GABA currents at similar concentrations in both sets of oocytes. These results indicate that PS and DHEAS do not require a functional picrotoxin site for inhibition of GABA responses.
Mandibular rim excision in seven dogs.

Objective— To describe a surgical technique for excision of minimally invasive mandibular tumors at the level of the premolar and molar teeth, and report outcome in 7 dogs that had mandibular rim excision. Study Design— Case series. Animals— Dogs (n=7) with a mandibular tumor at the level of the premolar and molar teeth. Methods— Using an intraoral approach to the mandible, buccal, and lingual mucosal incisions are made to obtain a 10 mm clean margin beyond neoplastic tissue. After subperiosteal soft tissue elevation, a curvilinear rim mandibulectomy is performed, leaving the mandibular canal and ventral cortex intact, followed by osteoplasty. The remaining attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa are sutured over the bony defect. Results— Seven dogs were treated (1997–2008) for odontogenic and early malignant neoplasms involving the mandible by mandibular rim excision. All dogs had healed, healthy gingival covering over the surgical defect, very good postoperative function, and good quality of life. Conclusion— Mandibular rim excision, with preservation of the ventral cortex and mandibular canal content, can be a good option for treatment of early odontogenic and malignant lesions of the mandible in medium to large breed dogs. Clinical Relevance— In medium to large dogs with minimally invasive mandibular neoplasia, mandibular rim excision should be considered as a viable surgical option.
On the Use of Lexeme Features for Writer Verification

Document examiners use a variety of features to analyze a given handwritten document for writer verification. The challenge in the automatic classification of a pair of documents to belong to the same or different writer, are both (i)The task of proper selection and extraction of features from the handwritten document and (ii)The use of a proper model that is capable of utilizing the true discriminatory power of these features for classification. This paper describes the use of content specific skeleton based features for characters and pairs of characters (bigrams) and ascertains their discriminatory power. A triangulation skeletonisation procedure is first used to obtain the skeleton of the character(s), and features are computed from the skeleton. Experiments and results are conducted on content specific features extracted for two most frequently occurring bigrams (th, he), and characters (d and f). A neural network based on a Bayesian formulation was used to ascertain the discriminability power of these features. To combine these features with previously existing writer verification features, an alternative Naive Bayes model is also described and evaluated. From the results obtained, we conclude that bigram th has the highest discriminatory power followed by character d, f and bigram he. Also the paper highlights the significant increase in performance of writer verification(^ 15% more) with the use of Bayesian neural networks as against the Naive Bayes model.
Synthesis of novel tritium labeled oxamyristic acids

Syntheses of [3H]-labeled 13-oxa (5) and 6-oxa (9) myristic acids with specific activity of 137 Ci/mmol and 105 Ci/mmol respectively, starting from the corresponding acetylenic precursors, 12-methoxy-10-dodecynoic acid (4) and 5-(3-octynyloxy)pentanoic acid (8) are described. The precursor 4 is readily obtained in high yield by alkylation of the lithium salt of methyl propargyl ether with 9-iodononanoic acid, whereas 8 is obtained by alkylation of 3-octyn-1-ol with t-butyl-5-bromovalerate under phase transfer conditions, followed by acid catalysed removal of the t-butyl group.
Modification of Tight Junction Structure and Permeability by Nutritional Means

The relative abundance of various claudin proteins of LLC-PK(1) renal epithelial tight junctions (TJs) is modulated by culturing the cells in a medium that is sharply reduced in the sulfur-containing amino acids, cysteine, cystine, and methionine. The functional result is an epithelial barrier that has a higher transepithelial electrical resistance and a decreased paracellular leak to D-mannitol (i.e., improved barrier function). This is accomplished without affecting the culture's confluent cell density, its short circuit current, or its hallmark differentiated property, Na(+)-dependent sugar transport. The implications of being able to enhance epithelial TJ barrier function by nutritional means are discussed, particularly in light of the ability of methionine-restrictive diets to enhance life span and forestall age-related morbidity.
Potential applications of piston generated unsteady expansion waves

An analysis of unsteady, centered expansion waves is performed, where the flow is generated by impulsively withdrawing a piston from a gas at constant speed. Primary interest is in stagnation quantities, such as pressure, temperature, and density, which have a surprising variation. They decrease in the early part of the expansion, have a minimum when the Mach number is unity, and then proceed in the supersonic region to increase to values well in excess of their respective values ahead of the expansion. If the piston's motion is then impulsively stopped, a strong shock wave is generated. For a period of time, the flowfield between the piston and shock wave is uniform and motionless. The gas in this region is characterized by a low density and a high temperature. Two possible applications are thus suggested. First, chemical kinetic rate studies can be performed in the hot gas between the piston and the shock wave. Second, condensation processes can be studied in the low temperature gas ahead of the shock wave, while evaporation of the newly formed clusters can be analyzed in the hightemperature gas behind the shock wave.
Moving difference (MDIFF) non-adiabatic rapid sweep (NARS) EPR of copper(II).

Abstract Non-adiabatic rapid sweep (NARS) EPR spectroscopy has been introduced for application to nitroxide-labeled biological samples (Kittell et al., 2011) [1] . Displays are pure absorption, and are built up by acquiring data in spectral segments that are concatenated. In this paper we extend the method to frozen solutions of copper-imidazole, a square planar copper complex with four in-plane nitrogen ligands. Pure absorption spectra are created from concatenation of 170 5-gauss segments spanning 850 G at 1.9 GHz. These spectra, however, are not directly useful since nitrogen superhyperfine couplings are barely visible. Application of the moving difference (MDIFF) algorithm to the digitized NARS pure absorption spectrum is used to produce spectra that are analogous to the first harmonic EPR. The signal intensity is about four times higher than when using conventional 100 kHz field modulation, depending on line shape. MDIFF not only filters the spectrum, but also the noise, resulting in further improvement of the SNR for the same signal acquisition time. The MDIFF amplitude can be optimized retrospectively, different spectral regions can be examined at different amplitudes, and an amplitude can be used that is substantially greater than the upper limit of the field modulation amplitude of a conventional EPR spectrometer, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio of broad lines.
Bacteriopmage typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures from incidents of suspected laboratory cross-contamination

Bacteriophage typing was performed on 235 Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures submitted from 31 laboratories. In each instance, either the attending physician questioned the misdiagnosis of tuberculosis or the laboratory supervisor suspected that laboratory cross-contamination had occurred. Phage typing data confirmed these suspicions. Phage typing is a useful adjunct in the investigation of suspected cross-contamination of laboratory cultures of M. tuberculosis.
Automatic segmentation of pulmonary fissures in x-ray CT images using anatomic guidance

The pulmonary lobes are the five distinct anatomic divisions of the human lungs. The physical boundaries between the lobes are called the lobar fissures. Detection of lobar fissure positions in pulmonary X-ray CT images is of increasing interest for the early detection of pathologies, and also for the regional functional analysis of the lungs. We have developed a two-step automatic method for the accurate segmentation of the three pulmonary fissures. In the first step, an approximation of the actual fissure locations is made using a 3-D watershed transform on the distance map of the segmented vasculature. Information from the anatomically labeled human airway tree is used to guide the watershed segmentation. These approximate fissure boundaries are then used to define the region of interest (ROI) for a more exact 3-D graph search to locate the fissures. Within the ROI the fissures are enhanced by computing a ridgeness measure, and this is used as the cost function for the graph search. The fissures are detected as the optimal surface within the graph defined by the cost function, which is computed by transforming the problem to the problem of finding a minimum s-t cut on a derived graph. The accuracy of the lobar borders is assessed by comparing the automatic results to manually traced lobe segments. The mean distance error between manually traced and computer detected left oblique, right oblique and right horizontal fissures is 2.3 ± 0.8 mm, 2.3 ± 0.7 mm and 1.0 ± 0.1 mm, respectively.
Tri-modal confocal mosaics detect residual invasive squamous cell carcinoma in Mohs surgical excisions

For rapid, intra-operative pathological margin assessment to guide staged cancer excisions, multimodal confocal mosaic scan image wide surgical margins (approximately 1 cm) with sub-cellular resolution and mimic the appearance of conventional hematoxylin and eosin histopathology (H&E). The goal of this work is to combine three confocal imaging modes: acridine orange fluorescence (AO) for labeling nuclei, eosin fluorescence (Eo) for labeling cytoplasm, and endogenous reflectance (R) for marking collagen and keratin. Absorption contrast is achieved by alternating the excitation wavelength: 488 nm (AO fluorescence) and 532 nm (Eo fluorescence). Superposition and false-coloring of these modes mimics H&E, enabling detection of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). The sum of mosaic Eo+R is false-colored pink to mimic the appearance of eosin, while the AO mosaic is false-colored purple to mimic the appearance of hematoxylin in H&E. In this study, mosaics of 10 Mohs surgical excisions containing invasive SCC, and five containing only normal tissue were subdivided for digital presentation equivalent to 4 × histology. Of the total 50 SCC and 25 normal sub-mosaics presented, two reviewers made two and three type-2 errors (false positives), respectively. Limitations to precisely mimic H&E included occasional elastin staining by AO. These results suggest that confocal mosaics may effectively guide staged SCC excisions in skin and other tissues.
Dynamical Evidence for a Massive, Young Globular Cluster in NGC 1569*

Recent high-resolution observations with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) reveal that star clusters of extraordinary luminosity and compactness are commonly found in a variety of starburst systems. There has been much speculation that these clusters represent present-day analogs of young globular clusters. Using the HIRES echelle spectrograph on the Keck 10 m telescope, we obtained high-dispersion optical spectra of one of the "super star clusters" (cluster "A") in the nearby dwarf galaxy NGC 1569. The size of the cluster is known from published HST images. The line-of-sight velocity dispersion (σ* = 15.7 ± 1.5 km s-1) has been measured from a cross-correlation analysis of its integrated spectrum at visual wavelengths. If the cluster is gravitationally bound and the velocities are isotropic, application of the virial theorem implies that the cluster has a total stellar mass of (3.3 ± 0.5) × 105 M☉. This object's mass, mass density, and probable mass-to-light ratio after aging 10-15 Gyr are fully consistent with the typical values of Galactic globular clusters. Our result strongly suggests that at least some of the luminous, compact, young star clusters being discovered with HST will indeed evolve into normal globular clusters of the type seen in the Milky Way.
Stable isotope-labeled excipients for drug product identification and counterfeit detection.

Purpose: Counterfeit drug products have become a major problem worldwide and a number of techniques to detect counterfeit products or reduce the potential for counterfeiting have been investigated. This study examined the use of stable isotope-labeled excipients in solid dosage forms as a method to identify drug products and to detect counterfeits. Methods: 2H- and 13C-glucose were used as model excipients and incorporated in wet granulated formulations at a variety of different isotopic ratios. The ratios of 2H/1H and 13C/12C in each product were then determined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Results: Results demonstrated the ability to detect the isotope-labeled glucose in both granules and tablets. Conclusions: It was possible to use the isotope ratios to differentiate between specific batches of granules, demonstrating the potential of this technique for in-product, batch-specific identification.
Comment on "Symplectic quantization, inequivalent quantum theories, and Heisenberg's principle of uncertainty"

In Phys. Rev. A 70, 032104 (2004), M. Montesinos and G. F. Torres del Castillo consider various symplectic structures on the classical phase-space of the two-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator. Using Dirac's quantization condition, the authors investigate how these alternative symplectic forms affect this system's quantization. They claim that these symplectic structures result in mutually inequivalent quantum theories. In fact, we show here that there exists a unitary map between the two representation spaces so that the various quantizations are equivalent.
An Empirical Demonstration of Multiple Resources

Earlier work by Gopher, Brickner, and Navon (1982) suggested that evidence for multiple processing resources can be demonstrated only if both task difficulty and task priorities are manipulated in dual task studies. To further investigate their approach, ten subjects performed both single and dual task versions of a tracking task and a vowel insertion task, the latter modified to increase either motor load or cognitive load. Dual task trials required equal task emphasis on the favoring of one task over another. As expected, a difficulty by priority interaction was found in the motor load but not in the cognitive load condition, suggesting multiple resources. Performance Operating Characteristics for these data suggested that more than two resources were being utilized by these tasks. Language: en
Production of a Higgs pseudoscalar plus two jets in hadronic collisions

We consider the production of a Higgs pseudoscalar accompanied by two jets in hadronic collisions. We work in the limit that the top quark is much heavier than the Higgs pseudoscalar and use an effective Lagrangian for the interactions of gluons with the pseudoscalar. We find that the pseudoscalar amplitudes are nearly identical to those for the scalar case, the only differences being the overall size and the relative signs between terms.
Identification of a genetic interaction between the tumor suppressor EAF2 and the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) signaling pathway in C. elegans and prostate cancer cells

The tumor suppressor EAF2 is regulated by androgen signaling and associated with prostate cancer. While EAF2 and its partner ELL have been shown to be members of protein complexes involved in RNA polymerase II transcriptional elongation, the biologic roles for EAF2 especially with regards to the development of cancer remains poorly understood. We have previously identified the eaf-1 gene in Caenorhabditiselegans as the ortholog of EAF2, and shown that eaf-1 interacts with the ELL ortholog ell-1 to control development and fertility in worms. To identify genetic pathways that interact with eaf-1, we screened RNAi libraries consisting of transcription factors, phosphatases, and chromatin-modifying factors to identify genes which enhance the effects of eaf-1(tm3976) on fertility. From this screen, we identified lin-53, hmg-1.2, pha-4, ruvb-2 and set-6 as hits. LIN-53 is the C. elegans ortholog of human retinoblastoma binding protein 4/7 (RBBP 4/7), which binds to the retinoblastoma protein and inhibits the Ras signaling pathway. We find that lin-53 showed a synthetic interaction with eaf-1(tm3976) where knockdown of lin-53 in an eaf-1(tm3976) mutant resulted in sterile worms. This phenotype may be due to cell death as the treated worms contain degenerated embryos with increased expression of the ced-1:GFP cell death marker. Further we find that the interaction between eaf-1 and lin-53/RBBP4/7 also exists in vertebrates, which is reflected by the formation of a protein complex between EAF2 and RBBP4/7. Finally, overexpression of either human EAF2 or RBBP4 in LNCaP cells induced the cell death while knockdown of EAF2 in LNCaP enhanced cell proliferation, indicating an important role of EAF2 in controlling the growth and survival of prostate cancer cells. Together these findings identify a novel physical and functional interaction between EAF2 and the Rb pathway.
An essential and NSF independent role for α-SNAP in store-operated calcium entry

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) by calcium release activated calcium (CRAC) channels constitutes a primary route of calcium entry in most cells. Orai1 forms the pore subunit of CRAC channels and Stim1 is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident Ca2+ sensor. Upon store-depletion, Stim1 translocates to domains of ER adjacent to the plasma membrane where it interacts with and clusters Orai1 hexamers to form the CRAC channel complex. Molecular steps enabling activation of SOCE via CRAC channel clusters remain incompletely defined. Here we identify an essential role of α-SNAP in mediating functional coupling of Stim1 and Orai1 molecules to activate SOCE. This role for α-SNAP is direct and independent of its known activity in NSF dependent SNARE complex disassembly. Importantly, Stim1-Orai1 clustering still occurs in the absence of α-SNAP but its inability to support SOCE reveals that a previously unsuspected molecular re-arrangement within CRAC channel clusters is necessary for SOCE. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00802.001
Disaggregated Remaining Reserves to Annual Production Ratios

One frequently sees ratios - often abbreviated as R/P's - of the remaining oil and gas reserves to the annual production for a specified producing sector, geographical subdivision, nation, or even the world. Inferences of the remaining life of the producing sector treated are then drawn from these R/P's. These inferences are, however, highly problematic. The reason is that the annual production in the R/P's is an aggregation of production drawn from reserves added to an inventory in prior history, usually over many years, of the producing sector. In any year, some production likely comes from reserves found when the producing sector was discovered, some from recent additions to the producing sector's inventory of reserves, and the rest from reserve additions between those two extremes. A more meaningful planning tool to assess the future of a producing sector would be a disaggregated R/P unlike the usual aggregated R/P. A disaggregated R/P is a ratio of the new reserves added in a year in a producing sector to the start-of-a-year annual production rate from the new reserves added in each year. Thus, disaggregated R/P's mirror the choices made regarding how proportionately fast or slow rates of production are developed for each new reserves addition in the history of a producing sector. Here we invent and use a mathematical model to deduce disaggregated, as opposed to aggregated, R/P's. We show how disaggregated R/P's can be interpreted. But, no doubt, the most important showing is the coincidental diagnosis that conventional aggregated R/P's as predictors have unavoidable afflictions that are, hopefully, terminal.
Predictors of peer helpfulness: Implications for youth in residential treatment

Sociometric measures were used to predict peer helpfulness of youth in a residential treatment center. Seventeen female adolescents with conduct disorders were asked to choose three peers in their group who were most popular, similar, well-liked, and competent. These sociometric measures were correlated with the frequency in which each peer was nominated as most and least helpful in several problem scenarios representing actual situations encountered in residential settings. A multiple linear regression analysis indicated that “popularity” was the best predictor of peer helpfulness across the problem scenarios. Discussion focused on the impact of popularity on treatment strategies for youth in residential placement.
Using Fisher Information Matrix Summary Statistics to Assess the Value of Collaborative Positioning Opportunities

In this paper, we consider the value of node collaboration for positioning. In particular, we look at the question of whether or not it is possible to assess the value of a collaborative opportunity using a low-complexity calculation. Using concepts from the optimal design of experiments, we consider the usage of Fisher information matrix summary statistics to provide these low-complexity calculations. These statistics are then evaluated for their abilities to help predict the post-collaboration availability and performance of a positioning solution, as well as their ability to aid in collaborator selection. The analysis is performed for both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight environments. We show that the summary statistics are useful in assessing the value of collaborative positioning opportunities and discuss their strengths, weaknesses, and computational complexities.
Grain growth and microstructural evolution in a two-dimensional two-phase solid containing only quadrijunctions

Recently, Cahn [l] performed a thermodynamic analysis for the stability of microstructures in a twodimensional two-phase solid in which the volume fractions are not conserved, i.e., they have the same composition, and hence long-range diffision and Ostwald ripening are not involved. In his theory, the microstructural stability was analyzed based on the energetic ratios of grain boundaries to the interphase boundary, i.e. 1~. = IJ../u_~ and R, = er+,/c+ where o,, and app are the grain boundary energies of the a and p phases, respectively, and oap is the interphase boundary energy. It is shown that for 0 s R = s 0, aaa trijunctions are stable; otherwise, they are unstable with respect to the nucleation of p grains. Similarly, p p p trijunctions are stable for 0 s R p s fi and are unstable with respect to the nucleation of a grains for R ,, > 0. a a p and a p p trijunctions are stable under the conditions of 0 ?: R, < 2 and 0 < R, < 2. More interestingly, he found that the quadrijunctions aPaP will become stable if the condition Ri + Ri -2 4 is satisfied [l]. Following Cahn’s work, Holm et al. performed Monte Carlo simulations on the same system, i.e., a two-phase solid in which the volume fractions are not conserved [2]. They showed that quadrijunctions can indeed be stable within a certain range of the values for R, and R, as predicted by Cahn’s thermodynamic analysis. More surprisingly, based on their simulations, they predicted that the grain growth in a system with only quadrijunctions may be frozen [2]. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the stability and evolution kinetics of quadrijunctions in a model two-dimensional two-phase solid in which the volume fractions are CONSERVED, using a continuum difuse-interface grain growth model, i.e., by numerically solving a set of coupled continuum time-dependent partial differential equations. We have applied this model to grain growth in single-phase systems [3-51 and to coupled grain growth and Ostwald ripening in two-phase solids [6]. It should be emphasized that most two-phase solids in real applications belong to the case of conserved volume fractions.
Biliary tract cholescintigraphy using technetium-99m-labeled disofenin.

Abstract Technetium-99m-labeled disofenin is a new iminodiacetic acid analog for imaging the biliary tract and the gallbladder. Biliary cholescintigraphy with 99mTc-disofenin was performed on 148 patients referred for evaluation of hepatobiliary tract disease. Four millicuries was administered intravenously to nonjaundiced patients and 7 mCi to jaundiced patients. Scintigraphy was performed on patients in supine position and was accomplished via a large-field-of-view camera with a low-energy, all-purpose collimator. Technetium-99m-labeled disofenin rapidly cleared the blood which permitted excellent images of the biliary system with minimal interference from renal activity in only 11% of the patients. Of the 34 patients confirmed operatively and histologically to have acute cholecystitis, 32 had positive 99mTc-disofenin cholescintigram, a sensitivity rate of 94%. Only 2 of the 8 patients with chronic cholecystitis had positive scan with nonvisualization of the gallbladder. This is not surprising, since scintigraphic study may be normal in patients with chronic cholecystitis if the cystic duct is patent. A normal biliary tract was detected in 63% of our jaundiced patients ( 25 40 ), thus excluding biliary tract disease. Radioactivity was definitely identified in the gastrointestinal tract when the serum bilirubin level was as high as 27.3 mg/100 ml, thus differentiating hepatocellular disease from complete extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction. However, in 6 patients (15%), 99mTc-disofenin cholescintigram could not differentiate between liver disease and biliary tract obstruction. It is concluded that 99mTc-disofenin has rapid blood clearance, which permits satisfactory images of the biliary system in a variety of hepatobiliary diseases encountered in routine clinical practice. It is particularly sensitive in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.
Detection of coronary artery disease in orthotopic heart transplant recipients with 64-detector row computed tomography angiography.

Cardiac transplant recipients develop coronary artery disease in the form of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), and still undergo annual left heart catheterizations for detection at most centers. We prospectively enrolled 20 cardiac transplant recipients scheduled for annual left heart catheterization with X-ray coronary angiography (XRA) to also undergo electrocardiographically gated coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA), which was performed on a 64-detector computed tomography scanner. CTA detected more CAV vs XRA in 4 patients and less CAV in 0 patient, resulting in good overall agreement between the two modalities (κ = 0.69). CTA may be superior to conventional catheter-based angiography to identify non-obstructive vessel wall disease that may go unrecognized with catheter-based angiography alone.
Time-resolved diagnostics in a pulsed, electron beam-generated plasma

Time-resolved ion flux and energy distributions were measured at an electrode located adjacent to a pulsed, electron beam-generated plasma produced in argon. A Langmuir probe was also used to determine time-dependent electron temperature and plasma density. Temporal variations in the incident Ar/sup +/ and Ar/sup +2/ ion energy and flux were correlated to changes in the electron temperature and plasma density. The evolution of the plasma density and ion flux is understood by considering the loss mechanisms of each ion species.
A CONCEPT EXPLORATION METHOD FOR DETERMINING ROBUST TOP-LEVEL SPECIFICATIONS

In the early stages of design of complex systems, it is necessary to explore the design space to determine a suitable range for specifications and identify feasible starting points for design. A Robust Concept Exploration Method (RCEM) is developed to improve efficiency and effectiveness while making these early design decisions. An integrated design process is used to introduce quality consideration into the choice of robust top-level design specifications. This is achieved by integrating Taguchi's robust design principles and the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) into one multiobjective mathematical construct, namely, the compromise Decision Support Problem. The proposed approach is demonstrated for determining top-level specifications for airframe geometry and the propulsion system in the design of an integrated airframe/propulsion High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) system. The focus in this paper is on illustrating the approach rather than on the results per se.
Fibrocytes and the pathogenesis of diffuse parenchymal lung disease

Fibrosis is fundamental to the pathogenesis of many chronic lung diseases, including some lung infections, airway diseases such as bronchiectasis and asthma, and most of the diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the prototypical fibrotic lung disease, is amongst the most common diffuse parenchymal lung diseases and is characterized by progressive decline in lung function and premature death from respiratory failure. The clinical management of patients with this illness is hampered by our current inability to predict clinical deterioration and lack of an effective therapy. Fibrocytes are a population of bone marrow-derived circulating progenitor cells that home to injured tissues and differentiate into fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, thus contributing to scar formation. We summarize the evidence supporting the role of these cells in the pathogenesis of fibrotic lung diseases.
Competition in oxygen-linked anion binding to normal and variant human hemoglobins.

The two-state model of Monod, Wyman and Changeux has been used extensively in analysis of the functional behavior of human hemoglobin. Within the context of this model, the cooperativity, pH dependence of oxygen binding, and anionic regulation of oxygen affinity are all considered to be due to shifts in the equilibrium between low affinity (T) conformational states and high affinity (R) confor-mational states. The heterotropic effectors, such as protons, carbon dioxide, inorganic anions, and organic polyphosphates, are considered to be principally active in causing shifts in the alloste-ric equilibrium constant L. For both simple anions, such as chloride, and strong effectors, such as inositol hexaphosphate, the allosteric equilibrium constant L increases with increasing concentrations of the effector.
Systematics, distribution, and bibliography of the frog Leptodactylus validus Garman, 1888 (Amphibia: Leptodactylidae)

Abstract Recent molecular studies demonstrate that the species Leptodactylus pallidirostris and L. validus are conspecific. Leptodactylus pallidirostris was previously considered to occupy portions of mainland South America (Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana), whereas L. validus was considered to occur only on the islands of Trinidad, Tobago, and certain Lesser Antillian islands. The purpose of this paper is to summarize information for the currently understood single species Leptodactylus validus.
Efficacy of Different β-Lactams against an Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain in the Rat Intra-Abdominal Abscess Model

Although standard-inoculum MICs were within the susceptible range for all compounds, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, and cefpirome were significantly less effective than imipenem or the combination of cefoperazone and sulbactam in the treatment of rat intra-abdominal abscesses due to an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Approaches and efficacy of artificial insemination in felids and mustelids.

Two of the most diverse and species-rich families in the order Carnivora (containing 280 species) include Felidae (cats) and Mustelidae (commonly called weasels). According to a current taxonomic classification system, the family Felidae consists of 41 felid species, most of which are listed as threatened or endangered with extinction [1]. The family Mustelidae consists of 59 species (including weasels, ferrets, minks, badgers, otters, wolverines), with the North American black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) being the most endangered [1]. Ex situ breeding programs exist for many of these rare carnivores, and one of the highest priorities is the retention of existing gene diversity to ensure species integrity, health and reproduction. Tools associated with ‘assisted reproduction’ offer multiple advantages for species propagated under the auspices of an organized genetic management plan (e.g., the Species Survival Plan or SSP#; Table 1) [2,3]. Because cooperating institutions (usually zoos) breed animals on the basis of the genetic value of individuals and computerized calculations of
Identification of a Tissue-Specific, C/EBPβ-Dependent Pathway of Differentiation for Murine Peritoneal Macrophages

Macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) are distributed throughout the body and play important roles in pathogen detection and tissue homeostasis. In tissues, resident macrophages exhibit distinct phenotypes and activities, yet the transcriptional pathways that specify tissue-specific macrophages are largely unknown. We investigated the functions and origins of two peritoneal macrophage populations in mice: small and large peritoneal macrophages (SPM and LPM, respectively). SPM and LPM differ in their ability to phagocytose apoptotic cells, as well as in the production of cytokines in response to LPS. In steady-state conditions, SPM are sustained by circulating precursors, whereas LPM are maintained independently of hematopoiesis; however, both populations are replenished by bone marrow precursors following radiation injury. Transcription factor analysis revealed that SPM and LPM express abundant CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)-β. Cebpb −/− mice exhibit elevated numbers of SPM-like cells but lack functional LPM. Alveolar macrophages are also missing in Cebpb −/− mice, although macrophage populations in the spleen, kidney, skin, mesenteric lymph nodes, and liver are normal. Adoptive transfer of SPM into Cebpb −/− mice results in SPM differentiation into LPM, yet donor SPM do not generate LPM after transfer into C/EBPβ-sufficient mice, suggesting that endogenous LPM inhibit differentiation by SPM. We conclude that C/EBPβ plays an intrinsic, tissue-restricted role in the generation of resident macrophages.
Parallelization of the 3D Unified Curvilinear Coastal Ocean Model: Initial Results

The Unified Curvilinear Ocean Atmospheric Model (UCOAM) is a Large Eddie Simulation (LES) CFD model capable of running both ocean and atmospheric simulations. It is the only environmental model in existence today using a full, 3D curvilinear coordinate system, which results in increased accuracy and resolution. UCOAM is a petascale model: it is capable of resolving sub-km scale fluctuations requires large arrays (1010 elements, the curvilinear system requires large number of arrays (~100); communication occurs along all 3 axes, and full simulations will generate TBytes of data. Consequently, this model requires parallelization. To facilitate UCOAM computations and data management, we have developed a new parallel framework capable of distributing the computations across arbitrary 3D processor arrangements, manages the complexity of the staggered grid variables, and performs communications along all axes, including diagonal and tridiagonal neighbors. To facilitate computations, we have developed computational environment (CE) based on the Cyber infrastructure Web Application Framework (Cyber Web) which supports the development of web services and portals. In this paper we discuss the design and architecture of the parallel framework and supporting CE infrastructure, as well as challenges associated with parallelizing this novel model. We include the first initial parallel results for a small (105 nodes) 1 meter resolution seamount test case that shows scaling of the parallel model.
Multiple mass-market applications as components

Truly successful models for component-based software development continue to prove elusive. One of the few is the use of operating system, database and similar programs in many systems. We address three related problems in this paper. First, we lack needed models. Second, we do not know the conditions under which such models can succeed. In particular, it is unclear whether the notable success with operating systems can be replicated. Third, we do not know whether certain specific models can succeed. We are addressing these problems by evaluating a particular model that shares important characteristics with the successful operating system example: using compatible PC packages as components. Our approach to evaluating such a model is to engage in a case study that aims to build an industrially successful system representative of an important class of systems. We report on our use of the model to develop a computational tool for reliability engineering. We draw two conclusions. First, this kind of model has the potential to succeed. Second, even today, the model can produce significant returns, but it clearly carries considerable risks.
Measuring Tax Progressivity: Compatible Global and Local Indexes:

This paper analyzes two complementary measures of tax progressivity. Relative Share Adjustment (RSA) is the ratio of after-tax to before-tax shares of income for particular groups. RSAg, a global measure, is the log of RSA averaged over all groups, weighted by group population. It is equal to the absolute change in inequality resulting from the tax, as measured by Theil's index of income inequality. Values for the indexes are computed through application of alternative tax functions to simulated lognormal income distributions. The results highlight the contrasts in the distributional effects of different tax structures of similar overall progressivity.
Considerations for patient selection for focal therapy

Focal therapy for prostate cancer is a nascent and emerging field. As such, the patient selection criteria for this new treatment paradigm are evolving in parallel to both the technology on which t...
Tailoring treatment for aphasia to the right time after stroke

It is challenging to evaluate language of patients in the first few days of stroke because of the variability of their deficits, making the diagnosis of aphasia a moving target. I have become inter...
Trauma symptoms, internalized stigma, social support, and sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive gay and bisexual MSM who have sought sex partners online

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) remain the highest risk group for HIV infection. One reason is the increased use of the Internet to meet potential sex partners, which is associated with greater sexual risk behavior. To date, few studies have investigated psychosocial predictors of sexual risk behavior among gay and bisexual men seeking sex partners online. The purpose of the current study was to test a conceptual model of the relationships between trauma symptoms indexed on the event of HIV diagnosis, internalized HIV stigma, and social support on sexual risk behavior among gay and bisexual MSM who seek sex partners online. A sample of 142 gay and bisexual MSM recruited on- and offline completed a comprehensive online assessment battery assessing the factors noted above. A number of associations emerged; most notably internalized HIV stigma mediated the relationship between trauma-related symptoms indexed on the event of HIV diagnosis and sexual risk behavior with HIV-negative and unknown serostatus sex partners. This suggests that gay and bisexual MSM who are in greater distress over their HIV diagnosis and who are more sensitive to HIV stigma engage in more HIV transmission risk behavior. As sexual risk environments expand with the increasing use of the Internet to connect with others for sex, it is important to understand the predictors of sexual risk behavior so that tailored interventions can promote sexual health for gay and bisexual MSM seeking sex online.
The Perfect Graph Conjecture on Special Graphs — A Survey

We discuss several basic techniques for proving the strong perfect graph conjecture on special classes of graphs. Our discussion is primarily based on the neighborhood structure of these graphs. By combining these techniques we are able to prove the conjecture for more general graphs. The main classes of graphs we consider are claw-free graphs, 3-chromatic graphs, and (K4-e)-free graphs.
Paraverterral sympathetic nerve block a method for the safe and painless conduct of labor

Summary In all, seventy cases of labor were carefully observed and followed, and their pains were relieved by single or multiple paravertebral sympathetic blocks and perineal pudendal blocks. The method is safe and simple and without sequelae, and can be done without elaborate equipment or extensive technical training. It seems to definitely speed the dilatation of the cervix without the many tiny lacerations so frequently seen post partum. Spontaneous delivery is the rule. Contraindications to this procedure have been indicated. The first results from the management of labor by this method are gratifying, and furtber study is needed and is indicated.
Communication and Bereavement

This entry examines the role that communication plays in the grieving process following the death of a loved one. Regardless of the type of death, most bereaved individuals use communication as a way to make sense of their loss, reach out to others for support, and cope with the myriad of emotions that are inherent to the grieving process. Through talk and other forms of communication, mourners try to impose order and coherence at a time when life is chaotic and unpredictable. This entry examines the scholarly history of grief and bereavement, overviews the existing research regarding communication and grief, and ends with a discussion on future areas of research regarding communication and grief. Keywords: family communication; grief; healthcare; health communication; social support
Host Plants Used by Gypsy Moths Affect Survival and Development of the Parasitoid Cotesi melanoscela

The effects of short-term phenological changes in different tree species on development and survival of the gypsy moth parasitoid Cotesia melanoscela (Ratz.) are examined. Larvae stung by C. melanoscela and an unstung control group were allowed to develop on foliage from four tree species (red maple, mockernut hickory, American beech, and white oak) started on five different dates during a 16-d period after bud break. Survival of Cotesia larvae declined Significantly with start date on all four species; however, white oak supported high wasp survival for most of the period. Wasp development time also increased significantly with increasing start date on each species. Stung larvae suffered significantly higher mortality from causes other than wasp emergence than did control larvae. The implications for underestimating mortality attributable to parasite attack are discussed. In particular, C. melanoscela probably causes significantly greater mortality of gypsy moth larvae than estimated from parasite emergence.
The correlation analysis of protein and eating quality of rice

Eating quality of rice was evaluated by the National Standard method,and the correlation of protein and eating quality of rice was studied.It was concluded that the eating quality of rice had negative linear correlation with the protein content(p0.05) .It means that the cooked rice with low protein content is usually more palatable than the similar cultivars with high protein content.The palatability parameters of rice were arranged with the influence caused by the protein content of rice as flavor,taste,brightness,aroma and appearance.Albumin content decreased the eating quality of rice more significantly than other three protein components,and globulin content had no evident correlation with the eating quality of rice.
Long‐term durable remission by cladribine followed by rituximab in patients with hairy cell leukaemia: update of a phase II trial

Nucleoside analogues are highly active in patients with hairy cell leukaemia (HCL); however, patients continue to relapse. This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of cladribine followed by rituximab in patients with untreated HCL (N = 59), relapsed HCL (N = 14) and HCL variant (HCLv, N = 7). Cladribine 5·6 mg/m(2) was given intravenously (IV) daily for 5 d and was followed approximately 1 month later with rituximab 375 mg/m(2) IV weekly for 8 weeks. Complete response rate in patients with untreated HCL, relapsed HCL and HCLv was 100%, 100% and 86%, respectively. With a median follow up of 60 months, 5-year failure-free survival (FFS) in patients with untreated HCL, relapsed HCL and HCLv was 95%, 100% and 64%, respectively. Median duration of response to the cladribine followed by rituximab was significantly longer than the first-line cladribine single agent in patients who received this treatment as second-line treatment (72 months vs not reached, P = 0·004). Almost all patients (94%) achieved negative minimal residual disease (MRD) after the treatment. Positive MRD during the follow up did not necessarily result in clinically relevant relapse. Cladribine followed by rituximab is highly effective even in patients with relapsed disease and HCLv, and can achieve durable remission.
Race-ing Queerness Normative Intimacies in LOGO’s DTLA

We argue that the representations of sex, love, and relationships in the television series Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) mirrors existing racialized, gendered, sexualized, and classed hierarchies of ...
Learning, Teaching and Assessing Dance in Physical Education

Many physical educators have limited dance experience and may lack the skills, knowledge and confidence to teach dance in their school programs. Yet, including dance units in physical education curriculums can provide positive experiences for students who may not enjoy traditional instruction. This article provides step-by-step instructions for physical educators to learn and teach dance steps. Included are considerations for finding music, sample dance steps, dance sequences, and implementing PE Metrics to assess the performance of students in grades 3 through 12. Alignment to the student outcomes in dance, according to SHAPE America's National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education, is also presented.