cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serial viscoelastic and traditional coagulation testing in horses with gastrointestinal disease

Objective Objectives of this study were to compare the ability of serial thromboelastography, Sonoclot, and traditional coagulation panels to detect coagulopathies associated with disease category, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), complications, and nonsurvival in horses with gastrointestinal disease. Design Prospective clinical evaluation. Setting University referral hospital. Animals One hundred twenty-one horses admitted as emergencies for gastrointestinal disease and 28 healthy adult horses. Intervention Blood samples were collected ≤4 times from emergency horses (admission and if surviving and hospitalized on days 2–4) and once from healthy horses. Thromboelastography (with and without tissue factor activation), Sonoclot, and a traditional coagulation panel were performed on each sample. Measurements and Main Results Emergency horses were grouped based on disease category (ie, nonstrangulating medical, nonstrangulating surgical, strangulating, and inflammatory), survival to discharge, SIRS at admission, requirement for exploratory celiotomy, ileus, diarrhea, fever, thrombophlebitis, and laminitis. Changes over time were evaluated individually and compared between disease groups. Horses with gastrointestinal disease had dynamic changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis during the first 4 days of hospitalization that were correlated with disease category, SIRS, complications, and fatality. The multivariate logistic regression model for nonsurvival included activated partial thromboplastin time on day 2 and LY30 on day 3 (overall model significance P 85.6 s on day 2 and 9.38 times higher if LY30 was >1% on day 3. Conclusions Horses with gastrointestinal disease have activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Magnitude of change in these parameters is small and predictive value moderate, making application of these tests to direct therapy in clinical patients difficult. Effect of specific treatments (eg, surgery) on these tests and coagulation has not been determined. Further studies are required to determine if these tests could be used to help monitor response to treatment in individual animals or specific disease states.
Occlusion boundary detection using pseudo-depth

We address the problem of detecting occlusion boundaries from motion sequences, which is important for motion segmentation, estimating depth order, and related tasks. Previous work by Stein and Hebert has addressed this problem and obtained good results on a benchmarked dataset using two-dimensional image cues, motion estimation, and a global boundary model [1]. In this paper we describe a method for detecting occlusion boundaries which uses depth cues and local segmentation cues. More specifically, we show that crude scaled estimates of depth, which we call pseudo-depth, can be extracted from motion sequences containing a small number of image frames using standard SVD factorization methods followed by weak smoothing using a Markov Random Field defined over super-pixels. We then train a classifier for occlusion boundaries using pseudo-depth and local static boundary cues (adding motion cues only gives slightly better results). We evaluate performance on Stein and Hebert's dataset and obtain results of similar average quality which are better in the low recall/high precision range. Note that our cues and methods are different from [1] - in particular we did not use their sophisticated global boundary model - and so we conjecture that a unified approach would yield even better results.
HIF-1 alpha and VEGF expression after transient global cerebral ischemia.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were studied in rat cerebral cortex after reversible global cerebral ischemia produced by cardiac arrest and resuscitation. Immunoblot analysis showed a significant induction of HIF-1α protein after 1 hour of recovery from cardiac arrest which remained elevated for at least 12 hours. Upregulation of VEGF mRNA and protein were also observed but this was delayed in comparison to the HIF- 1α response. VEGF188 and VEGF164 mRNA levels were increased at 12-48 h of recovery from cardiac arrest but returned to basal expression after 7 days. Changes in VEGF120 mRNA expression did not reach statistical significance. Correspondingly, VEGF protein levels increased by about double at 24 and 48 hours of recovery but returned to basal levels after 7 days. These results suggest that cardiac arrest and resuscitation triggers HIF-1α induction, which might be at least in part responsible for the stimulation of VEGF expression.
Stereoselectivity in the aldol reaction: the use of chiral and achiral oxazolines as their boron azaenolates

Abstract Chiral oxazolines, as their boron enolates derived from various boron triflates, react with aldehydes to give erythro -selectivity (97% + %) with enantiomeric purities of 50–60%. Achiral oxazolines as their boron enolates derived from diisopinocampheylborane give, on reaction with aldehydes, β-hydroxy esters with high threo -selectivity (90+%) in 77–85% ee. A variety of structurally different oxazolines were also studied and many show high erythro -selectivity.
Judicial Minimalism, the Mandate, and Mr. Roberts

Chief Justice John Roberts’s decision in NFIB v. Sebelius holding the individual mandate exceeded the scope of Congress’s power to regulate commerce but could nonetheless survive as a constitutional exercise of the taxing power caught most commentators by surprise. Post-decision reports that Roberts changed his vote at some point during deliberations fueled speculation his opinion was politically motivated. Ignored in most post-decision commentary is the extent to which Chief Justice Roberts’s NFIB opinion is consistent with his own stated judicial philosophy and his record on the bench. The key elements of his opinion, including his Commerce Clause analysis and adoption of a “saving construction” to preserve the statute’s constitutionality are of a piece with his prior opinions as a Justice and Circuit Court judge and his accounts of the proper judicial role. This decision provides further confirmation that the Chief Justice is, above all else, a conservative judicial minimalist in his approach to deciding cases.
In defense of proper functionalism: cognitive science takes on Swampman

According to proper functionalist theories of warrant, a belief is warranted only if it is formed by cognitive faculties that are properly functioning according to a good, truth-aimed design plan, one that is often thought to be specified either by intentional design or by natural selection. A formidable challenge to proper functionalist theories is the Swampman objection, according to which there are scenarios involving creatures who have warranted beliefs but whose cognitive faculties are not properly functioning, or are poorly designed, or are not aimed at truth. In this paper, we draw lessons from cognitive science in order to develop a novel argument for the conclusion that the Swampman objection fails against proper functionalist theories of warrant. Our argument not only shows that the underlying, central intuition motivating Swampman-like scenarios is false but also motivates proper function as a necessary condition for warrant, thereby lending support to the claim that any theory of knowledge that lacks a proper function requirement is false.
High concentrations of N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) selectively activate NMDA receptors on mouse spinal cord neurons in cell culture

We examined the membrane action of the endogenous dipeptide and putative neurotransmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) on the excitatory amino acid receptors of cultured mouse spinal cord neurons using electrophysiological methods. Responses to NAAG (1 microM-5 mM) were compared to those elicited by N-methyl-D-aspartate (1 microM-1 mM) and L-glutamate (0.5–500 microM). Under voltage clamp, concentration- response curves of agonist-evoked currents demonstrated that NAAG was much less potent than either L-glutamate or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), so that inward currents could be evoked only at NAAG concentrations above 300 microM. Analysis of the dipeptide by high- pressure liquid chromatography showed no evidence of contamination by excitatory amino acids, suggesting that NAAG has an intrinsic, although weak, neuroexcitatory action on spinal neurons. Previous studies have shown that activation of NMDA receptors produces a voltage-dependent response. The current-voltage relationship of responses evoked by NAAG was also voltage-dependent. The peptide-activated conductance decreased with hyperpolarization in the presence of extracellular Mg2+, such that little inward current could be evoked at a membrane potential of -80 mV. In addition, responses to NAAG were completely antagonized by 250 microM DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, a specific NMDA-receptor antagonist. Application of NAAG in Mg2+-free medium resulted in an inward current with a large increase in membrane current noise. The spectral density function of this current noise could be fitted with a single Lorentzian with a decay time constant near 5 msec and a calculated single-channel conductance of 50–60 pS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Emerging technologies in educational institutions: assets and potential risks

This article is a review of some aspects of research on electronic portfolios with a critical analysis of the pros and cons of the invasive use of new technologies for education. Besides the creation and conceptual composition of educative portfolios that help teachers grow professionnally, this instrument implies a formatting around artifacts posited as proofs of competence, which support an uncritical realist ontology that has its limitations. Thus networked learning and personal learning environments stimulate reflective teacher learning, but possibly lead portfolio users to confuse the indicator of performance with the actual competence. Portfolio creation takes much time on other activities that could be most beneficial (and could be complementary), such as shared reflection on personal belief systems. Universalist stands and standardisation seem to take the fore while educative humane value go back stage. The new wave of distance learning creates new risks in terms of depth and quality as well as health, related to the daily use of pulsed microwaves and radio frequencies. It is suggested that a mode of control independent from the financial milieux that capitalize on these innovations should be created.
The Impact of Genetics and Other Factors on Intra- and Post-partum Pain

In an attempt to provide some explanation for the observed differences in pain perception and analgesic requirements during labor and delivery between women, the idea that genetic variability is an important factor has emerged over the past decade. Bearing in mind the challenges posed when evaluating pain during childbirth as a phenotype, recent findings in the field of genetics and obstetric anesthesia are presented in this review; in particular those related to differences in labor analgesia requirements between women, the response to opioids after cesarean delivery, as well as theories on why post-cesarean pain may be different from other types of post-surgical pain.
The strong liouville property for a class of random walks

We prove that the positive harmonic functions for symmetric or centered probability measures on countable groups of polynomial growth are constant.
Large-format multiband QWIP focal plane arrays

A 640×512 pixel, long-wavelength cutoff, narrow-band (Δλ/λ~10%) quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) focal plane array (FPA), a four-band QWIP FPA in the 4-15 μm spectral region, and a broad-band (Δλ/λ~42%) QWIP FPA having a 15.4 μm cutoff have been demonstrated. In this paper, we discuss the electrical and optical characterization of these FPAs, and their performance. In addition, we discuss the development of a very sensitive (NEDT~~10.6 mK) 640×512 pixel thermal imaging camera having a 9 μm cutoff.
Selectively Receptor-Blind Measles Viruses: Identification of Residues Necessary for SLAM- or CD46-Induced Fusion and Their Localization on a New Hemagglutinin Structural Model

Measles virus (MV) enters cells either through the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule SLAM (CD150) expressed only in immune cells or through the ubiquitously expressed regulator of complement activation, CD46. To identify residues on the attachment protein hemagglutinin (H) essential for fusion support through either receptor, we devised a strategy based on analysis of morbillivirus H-protein sequences, iterative cycles of mutant protein production followed by receptor-based functional assays, and a novel MV H three-dimensional model. This model uses the Newcastle disease virus hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein structure as a template. We identified seven amino acids important for SLAM- and nine for CD46 (Vero cell receptor)-induced fusion. The MV H three-dimensional model suggests (i) that SLAM- and CD46-relevant residues are located in contiguous areas in propeller beta-sheets 5 and 4, respectively; (ii) that two clusters of SLAM-relevant residues exist and that they are accessible for receptor contact; and (iii) that several CD46-relevant amino acids may be shielded from direct receptor contacts. It appears likely that certain residues support receptor-specific H-protein conformational changes. To verify the importance of the H residues identified with the cell-cell fusion assays for virus entry into cells, we transferred the relevant mutations into genomic MV cDNAs. Indeed, we were able to recover recombinant viruses, and we showed that these replicate selectively in cells expressing SLAM or CD46. Selectively receptor-blind viruses will be used to study MV pathogenesis and may have applications for the production of novel vaccines and therapeutics.
Seawater corrosion behavior of laser surface modified Inconel 625 alloy

Abstract Seawater corrosion behavior of laser surface processed Inconel 625 alloy was investigated. Three laser surface modified samples were prepared, one by laser melting, and the other two by laser melt/particle injection processing with tungsten carbide (WC) and titanium carbide (TiC) particles, respectively. Particle injection involved embedding the carbide particles into a laser melted surface and resulted in a metal matrix-particulate composite surface layer which was both hard and wear-resistant. While Inconel 625 is a corrosion resistant alloy suitable for marine applications, and WC and TiC are generally inert to chemical attack, results from this study showed that laser surface modification produced microstructures that were susceptible to seawater corrosion to varying degrees. Nominal corrosion was observed in the dendritic structure produced by laser melting of the alloy surface. In the particle injected samples, the WC particulate phase in contact with the Inconel alloy matrix showed different kinds of attack, while the TiC particulate phase showed none. In both particle injected samples, resolidification of the Inconel alloy melt produced significant departures in composition and microstructure from those of the base alloy. Eutectic and dendritic carbides and, in WC, interphase carbides were some of the resolidification byproducts that formed in the matrix surrounding the particulate. Alloyed with solute elements from the base alloy, each product phase contributed to unique forms of corrosion. A qualitative analysis of the corrosion behavior of the injected samples showed that corrosive damage was more severe in the WC injected sample than in the TiC injected sample and in the laser melted sample. This paper describes the processing, microstructural and compositional characterization, and seawater corrosion behavior of the laser surface modified samples, and attempts to explain the observations as a consequence of the formation of galvanic cells.
Synthesis and characterization of Pt(II) and Pd(II) PTA and DAPTA complexes

Abstract A series of four-coordinate air stable and water soluble cis- and trans-Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes containing two PTA or DAPTA ligands (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane; DAPTA = 3,7-diacetyl-1,3,7-triaza-5-phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) with the general formulas, [PtR2(PTA)2], [M(Me)X(PTA)2], [Pt(Et)X(PTA)2], [MR2(DAPTA)2], [MX2(DAPTA)2], and [M(Me)X(DAPTA)2] (where M = Pt or Pd; R = Me, Et, C CR (R = Ph, SiMe3); X = Cl, Br, I) were prepared by ligand displacement starting from [M(R)2(COD)], [M(R)(X)(COD)] or precursors or metathesis reactions utilizing [MCl2(PR3)2] precursors in good yields (63%–90%). The complexes were characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR, MS, and elemental analysis experiments and in some cases by X-ray crystallography studies. Complexes, cis-[PtMe2(PTA)2] (cis-1), trans-[Pt(Me)Cl(PTA)2] (trans-3a), trans-[PtCl2(PTA)2] (trans-4), trans-[Pt(C CPh)2(PTA)2] (trans-6), and trans-[PtI2(DAPTA)2] (trans-13c) were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The molecular structures reveal, in general, distorted square planar geometries at the metal center. For the DAPTA complexes, both syn- and anti-conformations of the DAPTA rings were observed depending upon the nature of the groups at the metal center.
Analytic evaluation of the self-energy and outer-vertex corrections to the decay rate of orthopositronium in the Fried-Yennie gauge.

In this paper, the order-\ensuremath{\alpha} contributions of the self-energy and outer-vertex graphs to the decay rate of orthopositronium in the Fried-Yennie gauge are obtained in analytic form.
Duration and Dose-Dependency of Female Sexual Receptivity Responses to Seminal Fluid Proteins in Aedes Albopictus and Ae. Aegypti Mosquitoes

Male mosquitoes transfer seminal fluid proteins (hereafter 'SFPs') during mating. These proteins can have profound effects on female behavior in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti and the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. SFPs are thought to be responsible for female refractoriness to mating in both species. However, only limited information is available about the duration of induced refractoriness or the quantity of SFPs required to be effective in Ae. albopictus. Here, we tested the duration of the effect of SFPs on female refractory behavior for both Aedes species. Additionally, we determined the lowest SFP dose required to induce female refractory behavior in Ae. aegypti. Virgin females were injected intra-thoracically with doses ranging from 0.25 to 0.008 equivalents of one male's SFP amount. Our results demonstrate high sensitivity of female Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to SFPs of their own species, with the majority of females becoming refractory at doses ≥ 0.031 male-equivalents after injection into the hemocoel. This effect was long-lasting in both species; none of the injected females were inseminated when presented with males of their own species 30 to 34 days post-injection, whereas most saline-injected control females mated at this time point. These results will aid future work to characterize individual SFPs involved in post-mating refractoriness in these two species. Moreover, they show that as is the situation in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, and unlike Drosophila melanogaster, sperm are not required for the maintenance of a sexual refractoriness response in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus.
Time series analysis of the transcriptional responses of Biomphalaria glabrata throughout the course of intramolluscan development of Schistosoma mansoni and Echinostoma paraensei

Successful colonization of a compatible snail host by a digenetic trematode miracidium initiates a complex, proliferative development program requiring weeks to reach culmination in the form of production of cercariae which, once started, may persist for the remainder of the life span of the infected snail. How are such proliferative and invasive parasites able to circumvent host defenses and establish chronic infections? Using a microarray designed to monitor the internal defense and stress-related responses of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata, we have undertaken a time course study to monitor snail responses following exposure to two different trematode species to which the snail is susceptible: the medically important Schistosoma mansoni, exemplifying sporocyst production in its larval development, or Echinostoma paraensei, representing an emphasis on rediae production in its larval development. We sampled eight time points (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 days p.i.) that cover the period required for cercariae to be produced. Following exposure to S. mansoni, there was a preponderance of up-regulated over down-regulated array features through 2 days p.i. but by 4 days p.i. and thereafter, this pattern was strongly reversed. For E. paraensei, there was a preponderance of down-regulated array features over up-regulated features at even 0.5 days p.i., a pattern that persists throughout the course of infection except for 1 day p.i., when up-regulated array features slightly outnumbered down-regulated features. Examination of particular array features revealed several that were up-regulated by both parasites early in the course of infection and one, fibrinogen related protein 4 (FREP 4), that remained significantly elevated throughout the course of infection with either parasite, effectively serving as a marker of infection. Many defense-related transcripts were persistently down-regulated, including several fibrinogen-containing lectins and homologs of molecules best known from vertebrate phagocytic cells. Our results are consistent with earlier studies suggesting that both parasites are able to interfere with host defense responses, including a tendency for E. paraensei to do so more rapidly and strongly than S. mansoni. They further suggest mechanisms for how trematodes are able to establish the chronic infections necessary for their continued success.
Optimal bacteriophage mutation rates for phage therapy

The mutability of bacteriophages offers a particular advantage in the treatment of bacterial infections not afforded by other antimicrobial therapies. When phage-resistant bacteria emerge, mutation may generate phage capable of exploiting and thus limiting population expansion among these emergent types. However, while mutation potentially generates beneficial variants, it also contributes to a genetic load of deleterious mutations. Here, we model the influence of varying phage mutation rate on the efficacy of phage therapy. All else being equal, phage types with historical mutation rates of approximately 0.1 deleterious mutations per genome per generation offer a reasonable balance between beneficial mutational diversity and deleterious mutational load. We determine that increasing phage inoculum density can undesirably increase the peak density of a mutant bacterial class by limiting the in situ production of mutant phage variants. For phage populations with minimal genetic load, engineering mutation rate increases beyond the mutation-selection balance optimum may provide even greater protection against emergent bacterial types, but only with very weak selective coefficients for de novo deleterious mutations (below approximately 0.01). Increases to the mutation rate beyond the optimal value at mutation-selection balance may therefore prove generally undesirable.
Modelling of depth phases and source processes of some central Aleutian earthquakes

Abstract Short-period synthetic seismograms are computed to determine the relative amplitudes and arrival times of P, pP, pwP (water surface reflection), and sP phases. Except along nodal planes of upgoing p, pwP is of greater amplitude than sP. For central Aleutian earthquakes, pwP dominates over sP and pP at North American stations for thrust mechanisms and modelled crustal structures. The pwP phase is clearly identified in three Aleutian events and can be used to constrain focal depths. Complex fracturing processes are identified in two of the events. In simple events, smaller phases which are consistent from station to station can be identified as sub-surface reflections and used for modelling the structure of the forearc.
Analysis of productivity in lysis‐deficient lambda expression systems

The integrated state of lambda in the host chromosome in lysogeny can be combined with its extrachromosomal replication in the lytic state to achieve high cloned gene productivities. Our previous studies on lambda expression systems(21,22) have shown 100% segregational stability of the cloned gene in lysogeny and cloned gene product levels up to 15% of total cell protein in a mutant lytic state. However, the expression phase of systems based on Escherichia coli JM109 and JM105 showed partial lysis of the productive culture despite a mutation in the lysis gene S of the lambda vector resulting in extracellular release of the cloned gene product. In the current study, we have eliminated partial lysis in the expression phase of lambda systems and conducted a detailed comparative analysis of these systems in relation to maximization of cloned gene productivity. The elimination of partial cell lysis by using a nonpermissive strain Y1089 did not enhance product yields vs. earlier systems that exhibited partial lysis. The elimination of nonessential lambda protein production by construction of a new vector NP326 did not yield higher product yields presumably because of the small fraction of these proteins in the lytic state. Temperature induction of the lysogen Y1089(NM1070) resulted in higher product levels than direct infection of Y1089 by the phage vector at a high multiplicity. Using infection experiments, we found the promoter lacUV5 in the vector lambdaZEQS to yield threefold higher product levels than lac in NM1070, suggesting possible further enhancement of productivity with stronger promoters. The occurrence or absence of partial lysis in lambda systems could be used beneficially to achieve extracellular or intracellular product as desired. The large capacity of lambda vectors for insert DNA suggests potential applications in obtaining highly amplified levels of operons and multienzyme systems.
Economic Development in Latin America and the Methodenstreit: Lessons from History of Thought

Latin America has experimented with two development strategies over the last two centuries. The first is "outward-oriented" development based on exports of primary commodities, while the second relies on domestic industrialization from within. A consensus that both models failed to achieve sustainable development in Latin America opened space for rethinking development theory and policy at the beginning of twenty-first century. Nevertheless, the debate lacks the understanding that history is non-linear, which explains why peripheral countries are emulating core countries to promote development. This paper argues that the recurrent inadequacy of development theory is due in part to the dichotomy between history and economics that emerged with the Methodenstreit � a debate about what method was most adequate to undertake social analyses. Development theory presupposes historical specificity, its raison d'etre being the belief that underdeveloped economies function differently than their developed counterparts. A meaningful theory of development relies on a shift from abstractions based on human nature to historically grounded principles.
Auditory/Vibratory Perception of Syllabic Structure in Words by Profoundly Hearing-Impaired Children

Sixty monosyllabic, disyllabic, and trisyllabic words were recorded and presented at different times through earphones and vibrators to 20 normal-hearing adults and to 20 profoundly hearing-impaire...
Effect of atmospheric conditions on protein tyrosine phosphorylation in stallion sperm

individual variation of samples following cryopreservation. Cholesterol is known to play an important role as cryoprotectant in semen freezing. Egg yolk of greater rhea (Rhea americana) is known to have 4.54 times more cholesterol than the chicken egg yolk. The aim of this work was to compare the use of two commercial extenders using chicken egg yolk and substituting Rhea egg yolk to chicken egg yolk, in order to maximize the cryoprotectant effect of cholesterol. Semen was collected six times from each of six Criollo breed stallions during the non-breeding season using a Hannover model artificial vagina and an estrous mare. The ejaculate was evaluated for total and progressive motility; concentration was determined with a Neubauer counting chamber. Sperm morphology slides were stained with Cerovsky stain. After evaluation, semen samples were divided in two aliquots and diluted 1:1 in one of the centrifugation extenders: A (extender with glycerol) or B (extender with methylformamide). The semen samples were centrifuged at 400 g for 10min and 90–95% of the supernatant (extender plus seminal plasma) was removed. All samples were re-suspended to a final concentration of 100 106 sperm/ml either in extender A with or without rhea egg yolk or extender B with or without rhea egg yolk. Extended semen were packaged into 0.5-ml straws and frozen 3 cm above liquid nitrogen level for 20 min. Samples were then plunged into liquid nitrogen and stored at 196C. Semen samples were examined earliest one week after freezing for total and progressive motility and for physical and functional membrane integrity (HOST and CFDA-PI fluorescence). Differences between treatments were computed using Prism5 (GraphPad, USA) and an analysis of the 2x2 factorial design was done using the Bonferroni test as post-test; the significance was set at 5%. Both extenders, with or without Rhea egg yolk, showed no significant difference in total or progressive motility, although there was a difference (P 1⁄4 0.05) between extenders when different extenders were compared, no matter if they were supplemented with Rhea egg yolk or not. Membrane integrity was not significantly different. The present results show that Rhea americana egg yolk might be an alternative supplement to stallion semen extenders, although there is no improvement of semen quality in comparison to egg yolk.
Evaluating the performance of individual-based animal movement models in novel environments

Abstract Simulating animal movement in spatially explicit individual-based models (IBMs) is both challenging and critically important to accurately estimating population dynamics. A number of different approaches have been developed that make different assumptions about how individuals move in their environment and use different mathematics to translate movement cues into a behavioral response. Properly calibrated movement models should produce realistic movement in both conditions encountered during calibration and in novel conditions; however, most studies to date have not tested movement models in novel conditions. We compared four distinct movement approaches or sub-models (restricted-area search, kinesis, event-based, and run and tumble) using an IBM loosely based on a small pelagic fish (e.g. Engraulidae) that simulated growth, mortality, and movement of a cohort on a 2-dimensional grid. We trained the sub-models with a genetic algorithm in one set of environmental conditions and then tested them in other three environments. The sub-models generally performed well in novel environments, except restricted-area search and event-based that needed to be trained in environments with gradients similar to the test environment. Also, run and tumble produced near-random distributions in all training environments except the one with the steepest habitat quality gradient, and it produced random distributions in all novel test environments. In selecting a movement sub-model, researchers should consider the assumptions of potential sub-models, the observed movement patterns of the species of interest, and the shape and steepness of the underlying habitat quality gradient.
Co-detection of chimeric BCR/ABL (target) and β-actin (control) messenger RNA in individual CFU-GM colonies derived from CML patients using the polymerase chain reaction

Abstract In order to quantitate the magnitude of the normal and Philadelphia (Ph′) chromosome-positive(+) progenitor cells for various research and clinical settings/studies, we have applied the highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for examining the cells contained in individual hematopoietic colonies for chimeric bcr/abl mRNA, a specific molecular marker for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Thus, individual 14-day CFU-GM colonies, obtained by growth of bone marrow cells from CML patients were removed from methylcellulose cultures and total RNA from each colony was isolated. First-strand complementary DNAs (cDNA) corresponding to all mRNAs in the sample were obtained by using random hexamers in a reverse transcription (RT) reaction. cDNA then served as the substrate in the PCR. To ensure the integrity of the RNA extracted from each colony, β-actin and bcr/abl cDNA sequences were amplified in the same reaction vessel. Using this method, we have examined the colonies grown from threee CML patients and found that 5 out of 5, 9 out of 9 and 8 out of 9 colonies contained a bcr/abl transcript. This method is simple, highly sensitive and should facilitate studies comparing the expression of various oncogenes in normal and leukemic hematopoietic progenitor cells.
Whitecaps: spectral reflectance in the open ocean and their contribution to water-leaving radiance

The reflectance of white caps in the open ocean is obtained with a 6-channel spectral radiometer, extended from the bow of a ship, at wavelengths; 410, 440, 510, 670 and 860 nm. In addition to reflectance data, air/water temperature, wind speed and direction are obtained as well as GPS information in order to characterize ocean surface conditions. A visual reference for sea surface conditions measured by the radiometer is recorded using a video camera mounted beside the radiometer. By measuring a small area of the water surface over time, the presence and spectral influence of whitecaps can be quantified.Using this technique the spectral reflectance of individual whitecaps can be measured and tracked through their complete life cycle. Also, integration over a larger time series of ocean surface reflectance data provides a measurement of the augmented or extra contribution from white water reflectance to the water leaving radiance observed by ocean color satellites. Estimates of the augmented reflectance are subsequently correlated to sea surface state, and include the frequency of occurrence and spectral contribution from various levels of white water reflectance as whitecaps grow and decay.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
EPITHELIAL-MESENCHYMAL TRANSFORMATION OF EMBRYONIC CARDIAC ENDOTHELIAL CELLS IS INHIBITED BY A MODIFIED ANTISENSE OLIGODEOXYNUCLEOTIDE TO TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR BETA 3

During early cardiac development, the progenitor cells of the heart valves and membranous septa undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Previous studies have shown that this transformation depends on the activity of a transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) molecule produced by the heart. In the present study, we have used modified antisense oligodeoxynucleotides generated to nonconserved regions of TGF beta 1, -2, -3, and -4 to examine the possible roles of these members in this transformation. A phosphoramidate-modified oligonucleotide complementary to TGF beta 3 mRNA was capable of inhibiting normal epithelial-mesenchymal transformation by 80%. Unmodified oligonucleotides to TGF beta 3, modified oligonucleotides to TGF beta 1, -2, and -4, and two modified control oligonucleotides were unable to inhibit the transformation. These data demonstrate that a specific member of the TGF beta family, TGF beta 3, is essential for the epithelial-mesenchymal cell transformation.
Thermomechanical modeling of polycrystalline SMAs under cyclic loading, Part III: evolution of plastic strains and two-way shape memory effect

Abstract In this paper, the evolution of plastic strains and Two-Way Shape Memory effect (TWSM) of polycrystalline NiTi Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) with respect to cyclic thermally induced transformation cycles are investigated. Experimental results of the cyclic thermally induced phase transformation under constant applied load are first presented. It is observed that the accumulation of plastic strains continues beyond a large number of cycles (2000), while TWSM is saturated and remains stable after 100–300 transformation cycles, depending on the magnitude of the applied load. Motivated by the experimental observations, and based on the general framework established in the first two parts of this series of four papers on SMAs (Z. Bo, D.C. Lagoudas, International Journal of Engineering Science, submitted; D.C. Lagoudas, Z. Bo, International Journal of Engineering Science, submitted), evolution equations for the accumulation of plastic strains and plasticity related back and drag stresses, which govern the evolution of TWSM, are proposed. Finally, model predictions are compared with experimental data, and a procedure for the determination of material constants used in the present model is discussed. Combined with the formulation developed in Parts I and II, the cyclic thermomechanical response of SMAs undergoing complete transformation cycles can be fully characterized using the present model. In Part IV of this series of four papers on SMAs, modeling of minor hysteresis loops of SMAs will be investigated.
Why Larger Offspring at Lower Temperatures? A Demographic Approach

Many exothermic animals produce larger offspring at lower temperatures. Consideration of the trade-off between offspring size and number predicts greater optimal offspring size when offspring survival is lower. Using simple demographic reasoning, we argue that optimal offspring size is larger when developmental time is longer (e g., at lower temperatures). Earlier start of reproduction at higher temperature shortens the exposure of organisms to mortality factors. Then, a reduction in mortality will have a smaller effect on survival to reproduction and, thus, a smaller effect on fitness. In addition, the offspring produced earlier have a higher reproductive value. Thus, a reduction in clutch size, which allows a female to produce larger offspring, is both more costly and less rewarding at high temperature. We found the optimal size at birth for semelparic reproduction. For iteroparic reproduction we consider two numerical examples: an artificial data set and real data on obligate asexual and cyclic parthen...
Patients' acceptance of a switch from dorzolamide to brinzolamide for the treatment of glaucoma in a clinical practice setting.

Abstract Background: The first topically active carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, dorzolamide, was developed to circumvent the adverse systemic effects of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. However, its use has been associated with ocular discomfort. Objective: The present study examined the acceptability of brinzolamide, as measured by patients' ratings and stated preferences, in patients with glaucoma previously treated with dorzolamide in the clinical practice setting. Methods: This was a prospective, open-label, noncomparative study conducted shortly after the approval of brinzolamide. Ophthalmologists in private practice in the continental United States were asked to select patients currently using dorzolamide as their sole or combination therapy for glaucoma. Patients underwent a screening assessment in which they were asked to rate their ocular comfort with dorzolamide on a scale from 1 to 6. Brinzolamide was then substituted for dorzolamide, and patients returned for a follow-up visit ∼1 to 3 months later. At this visit, patients were asked about ocular comfort, their preferred medication, and whether they thought ocular comfort influenced their adherence to treatment. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at both visits. Results: Valid visit dates (ie, both baseline and follow-up dates) were available for 447 of 501 patients from 68 of 73 sites (range, 1–40 patients per site). Because not all measurements were available for all patients at each visit, the sample size varied for each measurements. Demographic data were not available. The switch to brinzolamide resulted in a mean decrease in IOP of ∼0.8 mm Hg (P 274 397 ) reported an improvement of ≥1 grade in their comfort rating with brinzolamide versus dorzolamide. The mean (± SD) improvement in comfort rating was 1.43 ± 1.48 grades (P 173 399 ) answered affirmatively. Fifty-nine percent ( 251 424 ) preferred brinzolamide to dorzolamide. At the end of the study, based on patient preference, physician judgment, and other factors, 73% of responding patients ( 301 410 ) continued with brinzolamide therapy. Conclusions: In this study, the switch from dorzolamide to brinzolamide resulted in overall improvements in comfort and ocular hypotensive efficacy. However, studies using a more rigorous randomized, controlled, crossover design are needed to support these observations.
Plant Relocations: A Philosophical Reflection

A philosophically satisfactory analysis of the plant relocation problem must resist an immediate move to the practical. Such "pragmatism" takes too much for granted. In order to counter the pragmatic temptation, I insist on raising certain moral questions that are natural to those affected by a plant closing. But to answer these questions, or even determine their legitimacy, moral philosophy is not enough. We must proceed to the theoretical question, what is the function of a capitalist in a capitalist society? This consideration suggests a noncapitalist economic model that would resolve the plant relocation problem. From this model, the viability of which is supported by the remarkable Mondragon experiment, we can deduce a series of general prescriptions for activists and a specific agenda for legislative reform. Only after this ground has been covered can the problem of a specific plant relocation be adequately addressed.
Analyzing factors associated with major complications after adenotonsillectomy in 4776 patients: Comparing three tonsillectomy techniques:

Objective: To compare the rates of major complications (postoperative hemorrhage requiring return to the operating room or cauterization in the emergency department and dehydration requiring intravenous fluids or readmission) in a large cohort of children undergoing adenotonsillectomy by three different techniques.Study Design: Case series with chart review, case-controlled study.Setting: Regional children's hospital.Subjects and Methods: Subjects comprised patients aged 1 to 18 years undergoing adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, or adenotonsillectomy by microdebrider, coblator, or Bovie over a 36-month period. Major complications identified were compared to two case-matched controls to try to identify patients at risk for major postoperative complications.Results: The overall complication rate was 80 of 4776 (1.7 ± 0.4% [percent ± 95% confidence interval]). Of the 3362 patients who received either an adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy alone, 80 had a complication (2.3 ± 0.5%). Major complication rates differ...
Online mathematics manipulation for the visually impaired

Mathematics manipulation accessibility is a newly discussed and introduced research area extending the general mathematics accessibility approaches on the web. This project goes further beyond what researchers already started in mathematics rendering accessibility approaches; so that the final outcome we aim into is allowing visually impaired students to have some manipulation controls over the rendered mathematical algebraic expressions; i.e. solving an equation, have a complete history of doing mathematics (algebra) in steps they perform to reach what they are looking for, exactly the same as giving them a pencil and a piece of paper to do whatever they see appropriate to get a final simplified equation or result.
Clinical Faceoff: Routine Electrodiagnostic Testing is Not Helpful in the Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

T here is substantial variation in the way that electrodiagnostic tests are used, and continued debate regarding the value of such tests (Table 1). In this Clinical Faceoff, I ask two expert hand surgeons to debate the issue of routine electrodiagnostic testing prior to surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Brent Graham is Chief of the Orthopaedic Division at the Toronto Western Hospital, will be the next Editor-InChief of the Journal of Hand Surgery, American Volume, and creator of a diagnostic tool for carpal tunnel syndrome based on symptoms and signs alone. Dr. Warren Hammert is Professor of Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgery at the University of Rochester.
Reduction of CO2 using a Rhenium Bipyridine Complex Containing Ancillary BODIPY Moieties

Abstract The reduction of carbon dioxide to chemical fuels such as carbon monoxide is an important challenge in the field of renewable energy conversion. Given the thermodynamic stability of carbon dioxide, it is difficult to efficiently activate this substrate in a selective fashion and the development of new electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction is of prime importance. To this end, we have prepared and studied a new fac-ReI(CO)3 complex supported by a bipyridine ligand containing ancillary BODIPY moieties ([Re(BB2)(CO)3Cl]). Voltammetry experiments revealed that this system displays a rich redox chemistry under N2, as [Re(BB2)(CO)3Cl] can be reduced by up to four electrons at modest potentials. These redox events have been characterized as the ReI/0 couple, and three ligand based reductions – two of which are localized on the BODIPY units. The ability of the BB2 ligand to serve as a non-innocent redox reservoir is manifest in an enhanced electrocatalysis with CO2 as compared to an unsubstituted Re-bipyridine complex lacking BODIPY units ([Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl]). The second order rate constant for reduction of CO2 by [Re(BB2)(CO)3Cl] was measured to be k = 3400 M−1 s−1 at an applied potential of −2.0 V versus SCE, which is roughly three times greater than the corresponding unsubstituted Re-bipyridine homologue. Photophysical and photochemical studies were also carried out to determine if [Re(BB2)(CO)3Cl] was a competent platform for CO2 reduction using visible light. These experiments showed that this complex supports unusual excited state dynamics that precludes efficient CO2 reduction and are distinct from those that are typically observed for fac-ReI(CO)3 complexes.
Critical rf magnetic fields for some type-I and type-II superconductors

The critical rf magnetic field H/sub c//sup rf/ of several type-I and type-II superconductors has been measured between 90 and 300 MHz and near T/sub c/ has been found to approach the ideal superheating field in nearly all cases. However, in the same samples the dc critical field shows little evidence of superheating. The temperature dependence of H/sub c//sup rf/ suggests that rf-stimulated vortex nucleation occurs in the type-I materials.
Blind full-range frequency offset estimation for differential OFDM

This paper proposes a novel blind carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimator for differential OFDM. By separating the normalized CFO into integral and fractional parts, our CFO estimation is carried out in two successive stages. In the first stage, we take advantage of differential coding and the finiteness of signal constellation to derive a channel-independent cost function whose minimization leads to an accurate estimate of the fractional part. It is proved that under certain mild assumptions, the identifiability of the fractional part can be guaranteed with probability one. After compensating the fractional part, the second stage estimates the remaining integral part with the aid of a judiciously designed initial block of differential coding. Combining these two stages, the proposed estimator is shown capable of offering full-range CFO estimation without relying on any training or virtual subcarriers. Another salient feature of the proposed estimator is that accurate CFO estimation can be achieved with two received data blocks only, making it very attractive especially for short-burst communications. The merits of our CFO estimator have been confirmed by theoretical analysis as well as corroborating simulations.