cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural Abnormalities of the Microvasculature and Elastic Fibers in the Skin of Juvenile Diabetics

We examined by electron microscopy the calf and buttock skin of 15 juvenile diabetics, 9–36 years old, to determine whether microangiopathy was present. We found in 14 of 15 buttock specimens, and in all 15 calf skin specimens, that the vascular walls were thickened by the peripheral deposition of a belt of basement membrane-like material admixed with variable amounts of collagen (reticulin) fibrils. In addition there appeared to be an increased amount of unidentified material, most likely basement membrane, deposited within the vascular wall itself. We also found age-related elastic fiber abnormalities in the dermis and in the arterioles which were identical to those observed in normal, nondiabetic aged individuals 50–93 years old, We suggest that the vascular and elastic fiber abnormalities in diabetic skin may represent a manifestation of accelerated aging rather than being related to the various underlying metabolic derangements in diabetes.
Error analysis and modelling of non-linear stress-strain behaviour in measuring dynamic mechanical properties of polymers with the Rheovibron

Abstract The Rheovibron is widely used for measuring the dynamic mechanical properties of polymers. Poor reproducibility and data variation which have been considered inherent to the Rheovibron operation necessitate both instrument modifications and modelling of the instrument operation for quantitative interpretation of the experimental data. The instrument modifications that have been made in this study include electronic modifications, a new clamp design that eliminates sample mounting and slippage problems, and the design of an environmental chamber, which, along with a nitrogen purge, eliminates moisture condensation on the sample at low temperatures. A previously-developed mathematical model for the instrument has also been extended to account for the effect of the static stress and the stress rate imposed on the sample during measurement. Based on a simple constitutive relation for non-linear stress-strain behaviour of polymers, this model has been applied to a number of polymeric materials including polyethylene, polyimide, poly (ethylene terephthalate), and polypropylene, among others. The instrument modifications and modelling of the influence of static stress and the stress rate imposed on the sample during dynamic mechanical testing allows for reproducible (within 5%) and accurate use of the Rheovibron.
On the differential equations of species in competition.

It is shown that the ordinary differential equation commonly used to describe competing species are compatible with any dynamical behavior provided the number of species in very large.
HIV epidemiology and the effects of antiviral therapy on long-term consequences

Twenty-seven years have now elapsed since the first description of AIDS in homosexual men in San Francisco, USA. Since those early reports in 1981, millions of people have died from this disease and millions are living with HIV infection worldwide. The rate of new cases of HIV infection has stabilized in some parts of the developed world, but in other areas of the world, especially in Africa, south-east Asia and eastern Europe, the number of newly infected individuals continues to rise alarmingly. Despite international commitment, there is still much to be done to improve access to antiretroviral drugs in areas of greatest need, especially sub-Saharan Africa. The availability of antiretroviral drugs is a key factor in limiting the pandemic and prolonging the lives of those infected, but a more universal, targeted approach, incorporating prevention, early diagnosis, counselling and treatment, will only succeed in stemming the spread of the virus. In the face of the apparent inability to control the increasing rate of new infections there are some positive signs in the battle against HIV/AIDS. In developed countries, the introduction of antiretroviral drugs has resulted in a significant reduction in AIDS-related mortality and improved survival. As access to antiretroviral drugs in the developing world improves, it is hoped that these trends will begin to be reflected worldwide. As HIV/AIDS shifts from a fatal to a chronic disease, however, a new range of health complications and threats to mortality are beginning to arise.
Natural image classification in nonlinear network model

We study the non-linear behavior of the KIII model for natural image classification. The KIII model is designed to be a dynamic computational model that simulates the sensory cortex. The KIII model has been explored for rudimentary pattern recognition and classification in noisy environment. We extend the study of KIII models in understanding whether self-organized neural populations can be exploited into perceptual and memory producing systems such as in natural image classification. Our goal is to obtain a quantitative index on how well the KIII model behaves when it is assigned the task to identify and distinguish one class of natural image from the other based on color and texture features. For twenty training data, twenty validation data and eighty test data set for four image classes, we obtain 80% correct classification using the KIII. We compare a standard non linear neural network tools such as back propagation for the classification of the same set of natural images and obtain 65% correct classification. We conclude that dynamic neural computational models such as KIII may be suitable candidates for natural image classification.
Myb protein binds to human immunodeficiency virus 1 long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences and transactivates LTR-mediated transcription.

Abstract The protooncogene c-myb encodes a nuclear transcription factor that binds to DNA in a sequence-specific manner and transactivates transcription of several viral and cellular genes. The expression of c-myb is induced in mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes and is constitutively expressed in several CD4+ T-cell and myeloid cell lines, all of which constitute excellent targets for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and replication. We looked for the presence of Myb-binding motifs in human retroviral long terminal repeats (LTRs) and tested for Myb binding to HIV-1 LTR sequences by using a highly purified recombinant Myb protein. Our results show that HIV-1 LTR contains one high-affinity Myb-binding site along with two or more low-affinity binding sites. DNase I protection analysis as well as oligonucleotide competition experiments indicate that this binding is sequence specific. Introduction of purified Myb protein directly into HeLa cells harboring HIV-1 LTR chloramphenicol acetyltransferase vectors indicates that Myb protein transactivates HIV-1 LTR-mediated transcription. Thus, Myb protein binding to HIV LTR sequences may constitute one of the signals that regulates HIV-1 transcription.
Measuring Tie Strength

Little attention has been given to the measurement of the concept of tie strength. Using survey data on friendship ties, we apply multiple indicator techniques to construct and validate measures of tie strength. We conclude that: (1) there may be two distinct aspects of tie strength, having to do with the time spent in a relationship and the depth of the relationship; (2) a measure of "closeness" or intensity is the best indicator of strength; (3) there are difficulties with frequency and duration of contact as indicators of strength; (4) predictors of strength (e.g., kinship, neighboring) are not especially strongly related to the concept; and (5) the constructed measures of strength, particularly the one of "time spent," are valid in that they are related to predictor variables in anticipated directions. Tie strength is probably the network concept that has attracted the most research attention and the one that has led to the most in the way of substantive contributions. Research using the concept was initiated by the publication of Granovetter's (a) paper entitled "The Strength of Weak Ties," and Granovetter (c) has recently provided an overview of many of the studies that have invoked the concept. Substantive successes have been especially visible in the literature on the process of social mobility, where variations in tie strength have been shown to be systematically related to the outcomes of job search efforts, but there have been applications to other substantive concerns as well. These accomplishments based on the tie strength concept are notable ones. We find, however, an important gap in this literature. Little sustained attention has been given to the measurement of the concept of tie strength, and the (presumably differential) accuracy of the different mea*This paper was presented at the 1983 annual meeting of the American Sociological Association, session on Network Analysis. We thank Lois Verbrugge for help in understanding nuances of the data sources, and Mark Granovetter, Edward 0. Laumann, and Rachel Rosenfeld for helpful comments. Address correspondence to Peter V. Marsden, Department of Sociology, Hamilton Hall 070A, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. C) 1984 The University of North Carolina Press
Tonic-Clonic Seizures in a Postpartum Patient: Case Report

Eclamptic seizures are a known complication of pregnancy; less well publicized is the patient with late postpartum eclampsia. Late postpartum eclamptic seizures are convulsions that occur more then 48 hours after delivery. Because 40% of patients who have late postpartum eclampsia do not experience preeclampsia, clinical awareness is essential for early treatment and care.
The role of facilitated volunteered geographic information in the landscape planning and site design process

Over the last 40 years there has been a movement to increase opportunities for public participation in the decision and policy-making processes for design and planning projects. The emergence of online digital mapping systems and enhancements in Web technology to support sharing and collaboration have allowed the general public to generate their own spatial content via Web applications and other geospatially enabled devices. The resulting data from this recent phenomenon has been called Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI). When facilitated through digital mapping interfaces, VGI can provide landscape architects and allied design professionals with local, detailed and spatial information that can be used to create a more informed design solution. This paper describes several digital interfaces the author has developed to elicit facilitated-VGI (f-VGI) over the past decade, and examines their use in community design projects and their lessons for implementing future f-VGI initiatives.
Ipsilaterally projecting retinal ganglion cells in Xenopus laevis: An HRP study

The routes of ipsilaterally projecting retinal ganglion cell axons in the visual pathway of young postmetamorphic Xenopus laevis were studied by anterograde and retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). In the retina, most cells heavily labeled from injections in ipsilateral thalamus are large multipolar ganglion cells. They are found exclusively in the posterior half of the retina, and their axons occupy a central position in the optic nerve head. Immediately behind the eye, axons of ipsilaterally projecting axons leave the core of the nerve and regroup around the circumference of the nerve. The nerve increases in diameter in the region where the fibers reorganize, and pigmented processes are seen in this region of the nerve. At the point where the optic nerve enters the brain case through the optic foramen, the fibers undergo a second reorganization which results in a laminar arrangement of ipsilaterally projecting axons at the ventral margin of the intracranial portion of the nerve. As soon as the nerve touches the brain, uncrossed axons begin to turn toward the ipsilateral side rather than proceeding further towards the midline of the chiasm. These uncrossed axons keep their internal topographical order at least at the beginning of the marginal tract. All ipsilaterally projecting axons run at the rostral edge of the marginal tract at the lateral wall of the brain until they reach their terminal fields in the thalamic visual nuclei.
Caregivers' differing needs across key experiences of the advanced cancer disease trajectory.

Familial caregivers are providing increasing amounts of care to advanced cancer patients. Increased understanding of caregivers’ needs is vital in providing necessary support to lessen caregiver burden and morbidity. Current literature has identified caregiver and patient needs at broad stages of the cancer trajectory; however, such broad stages may be too general to inform a practice of targeting specific interventions when they have the greatest utility. This study examines a variety of particular needs across a number of more discrete illness-related transition experiences specifically in the advanced cancer disease trajectory. One hundred fifty-nine female informal caregivers of people with advanced cancer completed a needs assessment survey. Analyses of these cross-sectional retrospective-report data reveal that cancer caregiver needs vary across specific key experiences occurring within the broader stages of illness identified by current literature. Furthermore, caregivers have unique needs during bereavement. While the sample characteristics are demographically limited, this study provides preliminary evidence that the broad stages are not specific enough increments for effectively examining caregiver needs, and supports the need for more precise distribution of cancer-related information at more discrete times in the illness course.
Physical environment of the home and adolescent injury risk

Abstract Objectives The home environment is one of the most significant contextual factors that contributes to young children's unintentional injury risk, but there are very limited data concerning risks present in the homes of adolescents. This study was designed to offer descriptive data on aspects of the home physical environment that might contribute to adolescent injury risk in the United States. Methods A diverse sample of 42 adolescents ages 14–16 participated. Researchers completed an inspection of the adolescents' home, searching for various safety-related hazards. Results Homes tended to be safe in some domains (e.g., presence of smoke detectors), but had substantial risk in other domains. For example, over 90% of homes were without functioning carbon monoxide detectors; 29% had unlocked firearms present; 21% had exposed electrical cords; and 31% had alcohol present and unlocked. Conclusions Although residential environment risks are viewed to be most concerning for very young children, over 30% of fatal adolescent injuries occur in the home. Results suggest there are substantial risks to adolescent safety in the home environment.
Functional Interaction between RNA Polymerase α Subunit C-Terminal Domain and σ70 in UP-Element- and Activator-Dependent Transcription

We show that the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase (RNAP) alpha subunit C-terminal domain (alphaCTD) functionally interacts with sigma(70) at a subset of UP-element- and activator-dependent promoters, we define the determinants of alphaCTD and sigma(70) required for the interaction, and we present a structural model for the interaction. The alphaCTD-sigma(70) interaction spans the upstream promoter and core promoter, thereby linking recognition of UP-elements and activators in the upstream promoter with recognition of the -35 element in the core promoter. We propose that the alphaCTD-sigma(70) interaction permits UP-elements and activators not only to "recruit" RNAP through direct interaction with alphaCTD, but also to "remodel" RNAP-core-promoter interaction through indirect, alphaCTD-bridged interactions with sigma(70).
Enhancing Our Collective Research Acumen by Using an Epidemiological Perspective

Nearly 50 million Americans report some level of disability in activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living. Public health officials advocate for a fresh perspective on disability by considering disability through an epidemiological approach. Should occupational therapists perform this research, and what are the benefits for our profession if we do? This article advocates for enhancing our research knowledge base by including an epidemiological perspective in our research design. The benefits to occupational therapy of this research include (1) increased understanding of the extent and nature of occupational performance disability, (2) advancement of the scope and depth of research for prevention and intervention programs, and (3) improved visibility of the profession as informants for public health policy. Suggestions for preparing researchers to perform these studies and students and practitioners to interpret the studies are provided.
Nucleoside antibiotics. IV. Metabolic fate of adenosine and cordycepin by Cordyceps militaris during cordycepin biosynthesis.

Abstract The uptake and metabolism of uniformly 14C-labeled adenosine and the effect of cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) and its 5′-phosphates on Cordyceps militaris have been studied. The uptake of [14C]adenosine by C. militaris was more rapid than the subsequent in vivo phosphorylation, conversion to cordycepin and incorporation into RNA. The distribution of 14C in cordycepin, the acid-soluble pool and RNA of cordycepin-producing cultures of C. militaris 24 h after the administration of [14C]adenosine was 24, 18 and 15%, respectively. Radioactive adenine, adenosine, AMP, ADP and ATP were isolated from the acid-soluble pool of C. militaris. A very small amount of uniformly 14C-labeled cordycepin was found in the acid-soluble pool. The purine nucleotides, AMP, GMP, IMP and XMP were isolated from the hydrolyzed RNA. Cell-free extracts of C. militaris rapidly hydrolyzed the 5′-mono- and 5′-triphos phates of cordycepin. Cordycepin and cordycepin 5′-monophosphate were not deaminated by adenosine aminohydrolase or AMP aminohydrolase. The 40 000 × g supernatant from C. militaris phosphorylated adenosine, 2′-deoxyadenosine, the pyrrolopyrimidine nucleoside antibiotics and psicofuranine but not cordycepin, uridine or cytidine. Ribosephosphate pyrophosphokinase from C. militaris was strongly inhibited by cordycepin 5′-triphosphate. Cordycepin 5′-monophosphate inhibited 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate amidotransferase. These studies in vitro suggest that these same enzymes that are inhibited by cordycepin 5′-mono- and 5′-triphosphates in Bacillus subtilis, pigeon liver and Ehrlich ascites tumor cells are also inhibited in C. militaris. Uniformly 3H-labeled cordycepin was not taken up by C. militaris. A 3′-ribonucleotide reductase, similar to the 2′-ribonucleotide reductase of Lactobacillus leichmannii and Escherichia coli, could not be demonstrated with cell-free extracts of C. militaris with adenosine, AMP, ADP or ATP as substrates. 3-Deoxyribose 5-phosphate was not a substrate for the biosynthesis of cordycepin in vitro.
A combinatorial interpretation for two transformations of series that commute with compositional inversion

Abstract For a formal power series g(t) = 1 [1 + ∑ n=1 ∞ h n t n ] with nonnegative integer coefficients, the compositional inverse f (t) = t · f(t) of g (t) = t · g(t) is shown to be the generating function for the colored planted plane trees in which each vertex of degree i + 1 is colored one of hi colors. Since the compositional inverse of the Euler transformation of f(t) is the star transformation [[g(t)]−1 − 1]−1 of g(t), [2], it follows that the Euler transformation of f(t) is the generating function for the colored planted plane trees in which each internal vertex of degree i + 1 is colored one of hi colors for i > 1, and h1 − 1 colors for i = 1.
Methods of Delaying Sexual Maturity of Pullets 2. Restricting Energy Consumption

Abstract In three experiments, delay of sexual maturity of broiler breeder pullets has consistently resulted in increased production of total eggs, increased percentage of settable eggs, and increased average egg weight. When the delay was accomplished by restricting energy intake to about two thirds of voluntary consumption the pullets were considerably leaner at time of maturity. Birds delayed in reaching maturity by the use of declining daylength were fatter at time of maturity, but this did not appear to be detrimental in terms of egg production or percent settable eggs. In periods of extremely hot weather, however, greater mortality occurred in those groups which were more obese at time of maturity. When restricted energy and declining daylength were both imposed the beneficial effects on productivity were additive. Energy restriction was accomplished equally well by diets of relatively high or low energy density when feed intake was restricted to permit two-thirds of voluntary energy intake of a control group. The skip-a-day program, in which the entire ration was restricted to approximately two-thirds of the control group, proved to be an equally satisfactory method of delaying maturity. The low-lysine or low-protein programs did not delay maturity appreciably or improve egg production over full-fed controls when all groups received constant daylength.
Dynamic 3D cell culture via a chemoselective photoactuated ligand

A new strategy to create a dynamic scaffold for three-dimensional (3D) cell experiments based on a photo-activated cell adhesive peptide ligand is described. After polymerization, the inert matrix becomes cell adhesive by chemoselective modification through the conjugation of oxyamine-terminated ligands. Furthermore, spatial and temporal control of cell culture within the 3D matrix was achieved by the use of a biospecific photoprotected peptide and visualized by confocal microscopy.
Purification and characterization of a novel cutinase from nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) pollen

Abstract Cutinase from pollen grains of Tropaeolum majus was purified by Sephadex G-100 gel filtration, QAE-Sephadex chromatography, and isoelectric focusing. The purified enzyme was homogeneous as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence and absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 40,000 by both Sephadex G-100 gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This cutinase was found to be a glycoprotein containing about 7% carbohydrate and the isoelectric point of this enzyme was 5.45. It catalyzed hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl esters of C2 to C18 fatty acids with similar Km and V. The purified cutinase showed an optimum pH of 6.8 with cutin as the substrate, whereas with p-nitrophenyl esters of fatty acids the optimum pH was 8.0. This enzyme did not show any metal ion requirement. Unlike the previously studied fungal cutinases, the present pollen enzyme was strongly inhibited by thiol-directed reagents such as N-ethylmaleimide and p-hydroxymercuribenzoate whereas it was totally insensitive to the active serine-directed reagent, diisopropylfluorophosphate. The purified pollen cutinase showed preference for primary alcohol esters, but it did not catalyze hydrolysis of tripalmitoyl or trioleyl glycerol at significant rates. The properties of the pollen enzyme are, in general, in sharp contrast to those of the fungal cutinase, and the present results strongly suggest that the pollen enzyme belongs to a new class of cutinases. Another esterase which preferentially hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl acetate was also found in the extracellular fluid. This enzyme, separated from cutinase, showed a pI of 5.6 and it was sensitive to diisopropylfluorophosphate, but not to SH-directed reagents.
Police stress as a professional self-image

Abstract This article examines what appears to be an original and recent strategy of police professionalization in the United States—an emphasis on police stress as a means of gaining professional legitimacy and prestige as well as a means of bringing coherence to a number of conceptions surrounding the tasks of, and role expectations for, the police. A focus on police stress provides a vehicle for organizing the disparate crime control and peacekeeping elements of law enforcement into a single whole. Because the notions of stress, danger, and service are concepts with which the public are readily able to sympathize and because the public recognizes the stress-related aspects of traditional professions such as medicine, law, and the ministry, especially the responsibility of those in these professions for the lives and welfare of others, the idea of police stress would seem to enhance the public's acceptance of the police claim to professional status. Unfortunately, the social and political conditions underlying police work inhibit such acceptance.
Predetermination of Temperatures in Resistance Welds

ONE of the most important variables in the resistance welding process is the temperature obtained in the region of the weld. If this temperature is too low, the parts will not unite; and if it is too high, a burned weld will result. Besides the necessity for the proper temperature at the surfaces to be joined, it is often essential to bring a considerable portion of the bodies to a plastic temperature in order that the pressure exerted by the electrodes can be transmitted to the surfaces to be joined. Furthermore, the temperature gradients and the rates of heating and cooling have an important bearing on the final quality of the weld. Consequently, it is desirable to have some method by which these quantities can be calculated.
Effect of complete competition control and annual fertilization on stem growth and canopy relations for a chronosequence of loblolly pine plantations in the lower coastal plain of Georgia

Abstract Stem growth, developmental patterns and canopy relations were measured in a chronosequence of intensively managed loblolly pine stands. The study was located on two distinct sites in the lower coastal plain of Georgia, USA and contained a factorial arrangement of complete control of interspecific competition (W) and annual nitrogen fertilization (F). The W treatment increased growth rate for several years, while the F treatments led to sustained growth increases. The combination of the W and F treatments resulted in more than 180 Mg ha −1 stem biomass production at age 15 which is more than double the production of control treatment. Stem biomass production is continuing to increase through age 15 as indicated by the current annual increment in stem biomass continuing to exceed the mean annual increment in stem biomass. The F treatment decreased wood quality by decreasing whole tree latewood specific gravity from 0.565 to 0.535 and by lengthening the transition from juvenile to mature wood from 4 to 5 years. Increased rates of stem growth in response to cultural treatments were largely mediated by increased leaf area, with strong functional relationships between leaf area index and current annual increment. However, growth efficiency (stem production per unit of leaf area) decreased with stand age. These results indicate that nutrient amendments are necessary for sustaining high rates of stand development on relatively nutrient poor lower coastal plain soils.
What is Debate for? The Rationality of Tibetan Debates and the Role of Humor

In this essay, I examine the mode of operation and aim of debates in the Tibetan Buddhist traditions. I contrast the probative form of argument that was privileged by the Indian tradition to the more agonic practice favored by Tibetan scholastics. I also examine the rules that preside over this dialectical practice, which is seen by the Tibetan tradition as essential to a proper scholastic education. I argue, however, that the practice of debates cannot be reduced to this dialectical model, for it has an important performative aspect not easily encompassed by the rules. I examine this aspect of Tibetan debates, focusing particularly on the role of humor. I conclude with a few remarks on the type of rationality entailed by the importance of humor and of other rhetorical elements involved in Tibetan debates.
Partnership Long-Term Care Insurance: Lessons for CLASS Program Development

The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act was a voluntary public insurance strategy intended to help people pay for long-term care. CLASS was passed as part of health reform to overcome aspects of private long-term care insurance market failure but came under close scrutiny from both its supporters and its detractors. Experience with the long-term care insurance market and State Partnership Programs provide insights about how to make CLASS fiscally viable. A CLASS program that offered one set of options to cover front-end risk (e.g., 1 to 3 years) and another set to cover catastrophic risk (after a high deductible) could have been offered as an alternative to the basic CLASS “long and lean” benefit model with all enrollees joined into a single risk pool. This would have broadened the risk pool and lowered premium costs under the program.
Evaluating community tobacco use prevention coalitions

Abstract The present project describes an objective evaluation system for tobacco use prevention coalitions in Mississippi. From in-person interviews with coalition leaders (N=29), telephone interviews with coalition members (N=183), information from monitors, and monthly reports, the evaluator rated each coalition from 5 (exceptional) to 1 (bad) on 24 criteria, then summed the scores to ascertain an actual overall letter grade for each coalition. Each coalition received the grade and specific suggestions for improvement. Coalitions graded D or D- were placed on probation, with 6 months to improve before funding was cut. The present scoring procedure allowed the tobacco prevention coalitions to have specific, detailed feedback about how to improve.
Effect of progesterone, estrogen withdrawal and secondary estrogen treatment of mannosylphosphoryldolichol synthesis in chick oviduct membranes.

Abstract Oviduct membranes from chicks treated with diethylstilbestrol have a fully induced level of an enzyme that transfers mannose from GDP-Man to form mannosylphosphoryldolichol (Lucas J.J. and Levin E. (1977) J. Biol. Chem. 252, 4330–4336). Withdrawal of diethylstilbestrol for 5 days causes a decrease in oviduct weight, lysozyme and 60% of the mannosyltransferase activity. Chicks withdrawn from treatment for 10 days followed by a secondary stimulation with diethylstilbestrol exhibit a more rapid increase in the mannosyltransferase activity than chicks that have not been previously treated with diethylstilbestrol. Further experiments indicate that the decrease in mannosyl-phosphoryldolichol synthesis after hormonal withdrawal may be the result of decreased levels of endogenous dolichyphosphate in the membrane preparations.
Presentation and outcome of purpura fulminans associated with peripheral gangrene in 12 patients at Mayo Clinic

Background Dermatologists may be called to assist in the diagnosis and management of purpura fulminans. Methods This retrospective case series details the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients presenting with purpura fulminans associated with peripheral gangrene between 1989 and 2004. Results All 12 patients presented with sudden onset of purpuric patches and evolving gangrene of the extremities in association with a shock syndrome (hypotension, oliguria). Eleven patients had disseminated intravascular coagulation. The cause of purpura fulminans was infectious in 9 patients, surgical in two, and cancer in one. Three patients died (25%) within a week of onset of purpura fulminans. Of the 9 surviving patients, 8 required amputation of at least one limb. Four patients required amputation of all 4 limbs. Limitations Retrospective study design, varying clinical descriptions, and potential referral bias are limitations. Conclusion Purpura fulminans in association with symmetric peripheral gangrene is an ominous clinical presentation.
Turbulence structure in the axisymmetric free mixing layer

The turbulence structure of the mixing layer of a 12.7-cm axisymmetric air jet discharging into a large room has been experimentally investigated at an exit speed of 30 m/s. Streamwise evolutions of the profiles of mean velocities f/and V\ the fluctuation intensities «/', v', and w'; and the Reynolds stress t/tThave been documented for the two asymptotic initial conditions: laminar and fully developed turbulent boundary layers. Even though these profiles achieve similarity well before the end of the potential core, the evolutions of the mixing layer width and peak values of u', v', w', and iaTshow that the effects of the initial condition continue to persist until the end of the layer (Rex = 10). The transverse separations between the peaks of w', v', uv and the mixing layer center have been discussed on the basis of their spatial distributions over the extent of the 'preferred mode' coherent structures educed in an axisymmetric mixing layer.
Phylogenetic evolution and biogeography of Southeast Asian shrews (genus Crocidura: Soricidae)

Genetic variation of 20 species of shrews from the Malay peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, the Philippines and Sulawesi was assessed by allozyme electrophoresis at 32 loci. According to Mantel's tests, the genetic differentiation of these species of shrews is not a function of the geographic distance separating them (r = 0·09, NS), but is correlated to the water depth surrounding the islands where they live (r = 0·49,P < 0·01). The results are just the reverse if the correlations are computed for the Sunda Shelf taxa only. In this case, the sampled populations show an isolation-by-distance relationship (r = 0·32;P < 0·01), while no significant correlation with water depth was detected (r = 0·20;P = 0·07). Qualitative predictions based on eustatic sea level variation and water depth were formulated as a model of historic connections between the islands. This palaeogeographic model was tested through Brooks Parsimony Analysis. The assumption of a simple vicariant evolution of the shrews was rejected, but several concordant patterns indicate that the phylogeny of these mammals was indeed shaped by these events. Homoplasies demonstrated that the SE Asian species ofCrocidurainclude composite zoogeographic histories. Sulawesi, for example, supports at least six species, five of which are closely related, while the last one,C. nigripes, is more closely related to a Bornean taxon. This pattern was interpreted as the result of a first wave of colonizers which subsequently radiated, followed by a more recent, second colonization event from Borneo. The overall small genetic distance found within the assemblage of the five old endemics (DN = 0·151 ± 0·041) suggests that the radiation was not accompanied by extensive differentiation, although from a karyological point of view, they exhibit unusual variations when compared to other IndomalayanCrocidura. By contrast, the four species found on Sumatra are more differentiated (DN = 0·221 ± 0·063) and never form sister-group relationships in any phylogenetic reconstruction; each one is more closely related to different taxa living outside Sumatra. This suggests that they are probably remnants of an important centre of dispersal for the entire Malay Archipelago. The standard genetic distance averaged among all Southeast Asian species (DN = 0·235 ± 0·094) is about half that measured within Palearctic or African taxa. Such an overall lower mean level of genetic variability is consistent with the hypothesis of a relatively recent colonization of the Malay Archipelago by shrews of the genusCrocidura.
Edge effects in phase-shifting masks for 0.25-µm lithography

The impact on image quality of scattering from phase-shifter edges and of interactions between phase-shifter and chrome edges is assessed using rigorous electromagnetic simulation. Effects of edge taper in phase-shift masks, spacing between phase-shifter and chrome edges, small outrigger features with a trench phase-shifter, and of the repair of phase defects by etching to 360 degree(s) are considered. Near field distributions and diffraction efficiencies are examined and images are compared with more approximate results from the commonly used Hopkins' theory of imaging.
Blue shadows: physical, physiological, and psychological causes

The apparent blueness of outdoor shadows has two main causes: the illumination of the shadows by blue skylight and the enhancement of the perception of blue by simultaneous color contrast. Other physiological mechanisms, such as brightness contrast and afterimages, can also affect the perception of a shadow's blueness. Preferential scattering by the cornea does not seem to make a major contribution. Despite these effects, color constancy causes most people to observe an empirically blue shadow as colorless.
Occupation as an Independent Risk Factor for Binge Drinking

Background: Understanding associations between binge drinking and occupation is important from economic and public health perspectives. Objective: While unadjusted differences in binge drinking by occupation have been reported previously, this study tests these differences after adjusting for important common determinants. Methods: To assess the relationship between occupation and binge drinking after adjusting for worker characteristics, a probit model was fit to data from 29,785 working-age respondents to the 2005 California Health Interview Survey. Unadjusted and adjusted marginal effects are reported. Professionals, the largest employed category, were the referent. Results: Professionals had a binge drinking risk of 16.6%. Before adjustment, workers in several occupational groups had higher risk compared to professionals, including those in installation (15.2 percentage points higher; 95% CI: 9.2, 21.1), construction (14.8 percentage points higher; 95% CI: 10.4, 19.2), and sales (6.9 percentage points...
An N-Server Cutoff Priority Queue

We consider a multi-priority, nonpreemptive, multi-server queueing system, with Poisson arrivals and negative exponential service times. In order to save available servers for higher priority customers, the system deliberately queues arriving lower priority customers whenever the number of busy servers equals or exceeds a given priority-dependent cutoff number. A queued, priority i customer enters service the instant there are fewer than the respective cutoff number of servers busy and all higher priority queues are empty. We derive several performance measures for the waiting time of the ith priority class: its mean, its second moment, and its distribution in transforms. We also extend the analysis to systems in which any subset of priority levels may overflow to some other system rather than join infinite capacity queues.
Detecting Evidence of Hematophagy in Dry Museum Specimens of Clerada apicicornis (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae: Rhyparochrominae)

A method for nondestructive testing of museum specimens for evidence of hematophagy is described. This test was positive for 5 of 20 specimens in a series of Clerada apicicornis Signoret. Biased sampling revealed that specimens with dark masses visible through the pale abdominal wall were most likely to test positively. Positive results were obtained with long dried museum specimens, including one collected in 1881. One of five specimens labeled “attacking Rhodnius prolixus ” gave evidence of blood in the abdominal contents. This apparent kleptohematophagy suggests the need for further investigation of the biology of C. apicicornis as it may relate to the epidemiology of Chagas' disease.
AN ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE MAGNETOMETER-FOR TIME-VARYING FIELDS

Abstract Equipment is described utilizing electron paramagnetic resonance for measuring the instantaneous value of the pulsed magnetic field of the University of Illinois 300 MeV Betatron in the range 3000 to 6400 gauss. The measurement of a time-varying field is reduced to the determination of a microwave frequency. An accuracy of 0.1 % is achieved.
Auditory Evoked Potentials in Gliomas of the Brain Stem

To the Editor. —Brain-stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) play a significant role in evaluating auditory pathways and give the clinician an objective assay of the integrity of brain-stem auditory function. The test is often used as a screening tool for patients whose clinical picture is suggestive of structural abnormalities of the posterior fossa. Abnormalities may be produced by demyelinative disease, vascular disease, trauma, or tumors. The test is extremely sensitive in detecting gliomas of the brain stem.1Patients with such gliomas and normal BAEPs have not been described.2We describe two patients with brain-stem gliomas and normal BAEPs. In one of them, test results became abnormal as the disease progressed. Report of Cases.—Case 1. —A 30-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with a one-month history of right-sided facial numbness that progressed to include paresthesia of the right uppper extremity (RUE).
High-resolution thermoacoustic tomography of biological tissue

A study of pulsed-microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography in biological tissues is presented. A backprojection algorithm based on rigorous theory is used to reconstruct the cross-sectional image from the thermoacoustic measurement in a circular configuration that encloses the sample under study. The results demonstrate the possibility of application in detecting small tumors buried in biological tissues using microwave absorption contrast and ultrasound spatial resolution. Finally, the method is compared with laser-induced thermoacoustic tomography.
Type I collagen-phosphophoryn interactions: specificity of the monomer-monomer binding.

Abstract It has been postulated that phosphophoryn (PP) molecules bind specifically to type I collagen fibrils as the key event in inducing matrix mineralization in dentin. The nature and specificity of the collagen molecule–PP interaction has been examined by rotary shadowing–electron microscopy of mixtures of native, monomeric lathyritic rat skin collagen and purified rat incisor PP. An antibody to the amino-telopeptide of the collagen α1(I)-chain was used to determine the N-terminal end of the collagen molecules. Solutions of collagen and PP in 0.01 M ammonium formate (+/− antibody) were mixed and spread in 70% glycerol–30% 0.01 M ammonium formate on freshly cleaved mica surfaces using the sandwich technique. After rotary shadowing with Pt and backcoating with a carbon film, the spreads were viewed in a JEOL 1200EX TEM. The PP appeared as 15-nm diameter globules, the collagen as semi-flexible 270 nm filaments. At neutral pH and low PP/collagen mixing ratios, a single interaction site was evident, centered at approximately 210 nm from the N-terminus. The binding interaction induced a local conformational change in the collagen, bending the molecule and reducing its effective length. The sequence within the collagen–PP-binding domain has a net-positive charge but contains both positively and negatively charged groups.
Comparing the effectiveness of different presentation formats for workshops on introductory library skills

Abstract Internet access to library electronic databases significantly increased user demand for library instruction. As the supplier of user education services, there has been rising interest among librarians in the cost and effectiveness of alternative presentation formats. This article describes our experiment to compare the difference in effectiveness between a real-time hands-on lecture/demonstration with a high active learning component, and an eclectic format that combines the traditional “passive” lecture format with an “active” hands-on component. We administer pre-and postsurveys to the different classes and find that the eclectic format is associated with significantly higher student retention of material.
Oxygen underlayer formation on titanium by “static mode” laser fluorescence and Auger spectroscopy

Abstract A new method for the determination of adsorbate structures based on detailed considerations of relative sputtering yields of the adsorbate and substrate is presented. The method uses Auger spectroscopy to determine, in the present work, the ion-induced desorption cross section of oxygen adsorbed on polycrystalline titanium as a function of monolayer coverage. Laser fluorescence spectroscopy is employed to measure the sputtering yields of titanium as a function of oxygen coverage. Since the origin of sputtered atoms is largely (> 85%) in the surface layer, the relative sputtering yields allow one to decide that oxygen adsorbs as an underlayer for coverages below two monolayers and that the third layer adsorbs as a weakly bound overlayer on polycrystalline titanium at room temperature. TRIM computer calculations confirm these conclusions in that the underlayer structural model is in much closer accord with the experimental yields than are calculations assuming an overlayer model.
Modes of extensional tectonics

Although hundreds of papers have been devoted to the geometric and kinematic analysis of compressional tectonic regimes, surprisingly little has been written about the details of large-scale strain in extended areas. We attempt, by means of quantitative theoretical analysis guided by real geological examples, to establish some ground rules for interpreting extensional phenomena. We have found that large, very low-angle normal faults dominate highly extended terranes, and that both listric and planar normal faults are common components of their hanging walls. The very low-angle normal faults may have displacements from a few kilometres up to several tens of kilometres and we regard their hanging walls as extensional allochthons, analogous (but with opposite sense of movement) to thrust-fault allochthons. Differential tilt between imbricate fault blocks suggests listric geometry at depth, whereas uniformly tilted blocks are more likely to be bounded by planar faults. The tilt direction of imbricate normal-fault blocks within large extensional allochthons is commonly away from the transport direction of these sheets, but in many cases tilts are in the same direction as transport, thus limiting the usefulness of the direction of tilting as a transport indicator. The presence of chaos structure, a structural style widely recognised in the Basin and Range Province, implies large scale simple shear on very low-angle normal faults and does not necessarily form as a result of listric faulting.
Congenital isolated pulmonic regurgitation.

The electrocardiogram of an 18-year-old asymptomatic girl with proved isolated pulmonic regurgitation showed right-sided conduction delay and rS in V1, which apparently are characteristic. Inhalation of an isotope with pulmonary artery sampling suggested the degree of pulmonic reflux by the amount of indicator recovered due to retrograde flow.
Performance of an Artificial Neural Network Model in the Prediction of Lower Torso Muscle Recruitment Patterns

The prediction of muscle forces around the low back is a key aspect in the calculation of spinal loads. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are suited to handle this prediction problem, and have been employed in the past in similar efforts. This paper evaluates the performance of an ANN in predicting trunk muscle forces, whose values were estimated from measurements of myoelectric activity during various high-magnitude static trunk exertions. Sensitivity of the ANN to its two user-adjustable parameters, Muscle Self-Inhibition and Muscle Inhibition, is also evaluated. Results indicate moderate agreement between predicted forces and forces estimated from measured myoelectric activity (average R2s in the 0.50s), although some muscles were well predicted (R2s in the 0.80s). The model iterations resulting from variations in the ANN Inhibition parameters varied only slightly in terms of prediction performance levels, suggesting that this particular ANN model may be limited by other factors, including inter-indivi...