cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TU-A-12A-05: Evaluating the Consistency of Lesion Volumetry in Chest CT After Substantial Dose Reduction

Purpose: To quantify how the choice of dose affects semi-automated lung lesion volume measurements on chest CT. Methods: We created a framework consisting of three parts: (1) software to simulate reduced-dose sinograms from real clinical CT scans, (2) semi-automated contouring tools for measuring lesion volumes, and (3) figures of merit to quantify reader performance. Three readers measured 35 lung lesions on images acquired with our routine chest protocol (Siemens Definition Flash, 120 kV, 250 reference mAs, B45f kernel) and four simulated fractions of the clinical protocol (25%, 10%, 3%, and 1%). To quantify reader performance, we compared the percent differences between clinical and reduced-dose volumes against 15% and 30% thresholds, inspired by a QIBA claim about the reliability of tumor volume change measurements. We analyzed the distribution of percent differences at each dose, as well as outliers in those distributions. Results: The 35 clinical lesions produced volumes ranging from 150 mm^3 to 22500 mm^3, corresponding to effective spherical diameters of 7 to 35 mm. The distributions of percent differences appeared consistent across the dose levels we considered, with the majority of absolute percent differences less than 15%. Some exceptions to this rule were smaller lesions that did not comply with QIBA’s definition of a clinically-relevant lesion. Conclusion: Our framework shows promise for quantifying the effects of dose on various clinical tasks. Based on the relatively small patient cohort in this study, the task of measuring clinicallyrelevant lesion volumes seemed to be independent of dose down to the 1% level (corresponding to a phantom CTDIvol value of 0.21 mGy), with the exception of a few outliers that did not comply with the QIBA definition of measurable, clinically-relevant lesions. For QIBA-compliant lesions, the dose level does not appear to affect reader performance.
IMMATURE PLATELET COUNT (IPC) AS A PREDICTOR OF ADVERSE CLINICAL OUTCOMES

Immature platelets contain mRNA that is translationally active, they can be easily detected using a hematoanalyzer and are known to be less responsive to the effects of antiplatelet drugs. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of elevated immature platelet count (IPC
The Surgically Created Arteriovenous Fistula: A Forgotten Alternative to Venous Access

The care of patients requiring lifelong intravenous access was revolutionized with the development of tunneled catheters and implantable ports. These devices are not without complications, however, and selected patients may benefit from alternative modalities to maintain access for such therapies as parenteral nutrition, phlebotomy, or chemotherapy. Use of surgically created arteriovenous (AV) fistulae as an alternative to central venous access has been described. This report reviews our experience using AV access for central venous access. An AV access database of more than 800 active patients was reviewed and all patients who had autogenous or synthetic AV fistulae created exclusively for central venous access between July 1, 2001, and December 31, 2003, were identified. Outcomes were assessed. A total of 853 new accesses were placed during the time period. Six fistulae in six patients (0.7%) were placed for central access. All patients (5 males, 1 female, mean age, 42.8 years) required access for intermittent parenteral nutrition or intravenous fluids secondary to short-gut syndrome (n = 5) or gastroparesis (n = 1). All patients had failed at least two prior catheter-based accesses before access placement was considered. Procedures were all brachial artery based and included autogenous brachiobasilic vein fistulae with elevation or transposition (n = 3), autogenous brachiocephalic fistula (n = 1), autogenous brachiobasilic graft with transposed greater saphenous vein (n = 1), and a prosthetic brachiobasilic graft with ePTFE (n = 1). There was one perioperative autogenous fistula thrombosis treated with thrombectomy and revision. A total of seven late revisions (thrombectomy, thrombectomy with venous outflow revision, fistula elevation, and 4 percutaneous angioplasties) in four patients were required. All fistulae were patent and functional at the end of the review period (mean follow-up, = 393 days; range, 35-757 days). Daily access was performed by family members (n = 2) or nurses (n = 4). One patient received small bowel transplantation and no longer required use of his patent fistula. One patient died of liver failure 382 days after fistula placement with a patent fistula. These results show that, while often forgotten and infrequently used, AV access can be a durable alternative to catheter-based venous access.
Activation for Catalysis of Penicillin-Binding Protein 2a from Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Bacterial Cell Wall

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has acquired a unique penicillin-binding protein (PBP), PBP 2a, which has rendered the organism resistant to the action of all available beta-lactam antibiotics. The X-ray structure of PBP 2a shows the active site in a closed conformation, consistent with resistance to inhibition by beta-lactam antibiotics. However, it is known that PBP 2a avidly cross-links the S. aureus cell wall, which is its physiological function. It is shown herein that synthetic fragments of the bacterial cell wall bind in a saturable manner to PBP 2a and cause a conformational change in the protein that makes the active site more accessible to binding to a beta-lactam antibiotic. These observations and measurements point to a novel strategy by nature to keep the active site of PBP 2a sheltered from the inhibitory activity of the antibiotics, yet it becomes available to the polymeric cell wall by a requisite conformational change for the critical cell wall cross-linking reaction.
Access to health care among older adults and receipt of preventive services. Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2002.

Abstract Background. Although most of the 34 million U.S. adults aged 65 years and older have health care coverage, many do not receive preventive care. To investigate why, we examined various barriers to access of health care and their effect on obtaining preventive care. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted of noninstitutionalized adults, aged 65 years or older, in states that participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 2002. Results. Of the 46,659 respondents aged 65 years and older, 93% had a regular care provider, 98% had a regular place of care, and 98% were able to obtain needed medical care. Those with a regular care provider or a regular place of care were more likely to receive clinical preventive services than those without either of these. Reasons for not obtaining needed medical care were cost (27%), too long a wait for an appointment (20%), no transportation or distance (9%), office not open when the individual could get there (8%), and other reasons (32%). Conclusions. Having a regular care provider or a regular place of care is associated with a significant likelihood of receipt of clinical preventive services among older adults. Efforts to eliminate barriers to health care access may increase older adults' receipt of such services.
CRT-116 Predictors of Inappropriate Activation of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory for Code STEMI

Patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) benefit from primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) if performed in a timely manner. Inappropriate activation (IA) of the cardiac catheterization laboratory is associated with significant time and financial costs. Patient
Analysis of cross-sectional image filters for evaluating nonaveraged optical microangiography images

Optical microangiography (OMAG) is a method that enables the noninvasive extraction of blood vessels within biological tissues. OMAG B-frames are prone to noise; therefore, techniques such as B-frame averaging have been applied to reduce these effects. A drawback of this method is that the total acquisition time and amount of data collected are increased; hence, the data are susceptible to motion artifacts and decorrelation. In this paper we propose using an image filter on a nonaveraged OMAG B-frame to reduce its noise. Consequently, B-frames comparable to the averaged OMAG B-frame are obtained, while reducing the total acquisition and processing time. The method is tested with two different systems, a high-resolution spectral domain and a relatively low-resolution swept-source optical coherence tomography system. It is demonstrated that the weighted average filter produces the lowest B-frame error; however, all filters produce comparable results when quantifying the en face projection view image.
The electrical P.D. across the integument of some neotenous urodele amphibians.

1. 1. An electrical P.D. (inside positive) was recorded in vivo across the integument of the neotenous urodeles Amphiuma means, Siren lacertina and Necturus maculosus and this was related to the sodium concentration in the external bathing media. 2. 2. Like in the frog, Rana pipiens, this P.D. in vivo was inhibited when amiloride was placed in the external solutions bathing Amphiuma and Siren but not Necturus. 3. 3. A P.D. and short-circuit current (SCC) was also observed across the skin of Amphiuma and Siren (but not Necturus) in vitro and this was also inhibited by amiloride. In contrast to the responses of the skin of fully metamorphosed amphibians vasotocin did not stimulate the SCC in these neotenous species. 4. 4. Substitution of sulfate for chloride in the external solution in vitro markedly increased the P.D. of frog skin but had no effect on that of Amphiuma or Siren. 5. 5. The results suggest that the exchanges of ions across frog skin are much greater than in the skin of Amphiuma or Siren. A mechanism for active transmural transport of sodium would appear to exist in the skin of these urodeles but the evidence for this in Necturus was equivocal.
Improved Technic for Demonstrating the Presence of Streptococcus salivarius on Eating Utensils

SummaryAn improved technic for demonstrating the presence of oral streptococci on washed glasses is presented. The procedure involves primary enrichment of swab cultures in azide broth followed by inoculation onto sucrose-crystal violet-postassium tellurite agar. The simplicity of the technic, the ease of preparation of the media involved and the readily distinguishable colonies formed by S. salivarius on the selective agar substrate makes this procedure applicable to routine examination of restaurant ware. The data obtained by such routine examinations has public health significance which cannot be too strongly emphasized.
Activation of p38 in C2C12 myotubes following ATP depletion depends on extracellular glucose

Muscle cells adjust their glucose metabolism in response to myriad stimuli, and particular attention has been paid to glucose metabolism after contraction, ATP depletion, and insulin stimulation. Each of these requires translocation of GLUT4 to the cell membrane, and may require activation of glucose transporters by p38. In contrast, AICAR stimulates glucose transport without activation of p38, suggesting that p38 activation may be an indirect consequence of accelerated glucose transport or metabolism. This study was designed to investigate the contribution of AMPK and p38 to ATP homeostasis and glucose metabolism to test the hypothesis that p38 reflects glycolytic activity rather than controls glucose uptake. Treating mature myotubes with rotenone caused transient ATP depletion in 15 min with recovery by 120 min, associated with increased lactate production. Both ACC and p38 were rapidly phosphorylated, but ACC remained phosphorylated while p38 phosphorylation declined as ATP recovered. AMPK inhibition blocked ATP recovery, lactate production, and phosphorylation of p38 and ACC. Inhibition of p38 had little effect. AICAR induced ACC phosphorylation, but not lactate production or p38 phosphorylation. Finally, removing extracellular glucose potentiated rotenone-induced AMPK activation, but reduced lactate generation, ATP recovery and p38 activation. Thus, glucose metabolism is highly sensitive to ATP homeostasis via AMPK activity, but p38 activity is dispensable. Although p38 is strongly phosphorylated during ATP depletion, this appears to be an indirect consequence of accelerated glycolysis.
Is surgery required for patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms without mural nodules

In this Practice Point commentary, we discuss the findings and implications of a study by Tanno et al. that prospectively followed 82 consecutive patients with branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) without mural nodules. Patients were followed using CT and/or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and the median follow-up period was 61 months. Remarkably, 84.1% of the lesions did not change significantly over the period of observation. Only 11% of the IPMNs grew >1 cm, and only 4.9% developed a mural nodule. Patients who showed significant progression underwent surgery; none of the patients managed in this way developed an invasive carcinoma. The authors suggest that branch-duct IPMNs without mural nodules can be followed using regular imaging and should be resected only if they cause symptoms, if they become >30 mm, if they are associated with dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, or if they contain a mural nodule.
The Pneumocystis Ace2 Transcription Factor Regulates Cell Wall-remodeling Genes and Organism Virulence

Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) β-glucans are major components of the organism cell wall; yet, the regulation of Pc cell wall genesis and remodeling is not well understood. Ace2 transcription factors, which are present in many fungi, regulate glucanases and other enzymes needed for cell wall remodeling. The cloning and heterologous expression of PcAce2 in ace2Δ Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated that PcAce2 can restore the defective glucanase and endochitinase gene expression of the mutant as well as regulate cell wall β-glucan biosynthetic genes. Furthermore, when a reconstructed yeast system was used, PcAce2 activated the transcription of the Pneumocystis gsc1 β-glucan synthetase, confirming the activity of a Pc transcription factor on a native Pneumocystis promoter and gene for the first time. We further observed that Pneumocystis binding to host extracellular matrix proteins and lung epithelial cells induced the phosphorylation (activation) of the PcAce2 transcription factor. Finally, we present a novel method that confirms the role of PcAce2 in modulating organism virulence using ace2Δ Candida glabrata infection in neutropenic mice. Together, these results indicate that the adherence of Pc to lung matrix proteins and epithelial cells leads to the activation of the Ace2 transcription factor, which regulates cell wall degradation and biosynthesis genes that are required for cell wall remodeling.
Optimal evacuation planning using staging and routing

Evacuation is an important disaster management tool. Evacuating a large region by automobile (the most commonly used mode) is a difficult task, especially as high levels of traffic congestion often...
RESTORATION FOR SAMPLED IMAGING SYSTEMS.

Digital image restoration requires some knowledge of the degradation phenomena in order to attempt an inversion of that degradation. Typically, degradations which are included in the restoration process are those resulting from the optics and electronics of the imaging device. Occasionally, blurring caused by an intervening atmosphere, uniform motion or defocused optics is also included. Recently it has been shown that sampling, the conversion of the continuous output of an imaging system to a discrete array, further degrades or blurs the image. Thus, incorporating sampling effects into the restoration should improve the quality of the restored image. The system transfer function (the Fourier transform of the point spread function), was derived for the Landsat Multi-Spectral Scanner (MSS) and Thematic Mapper (TM) systems. Sampling effects were included, along with the relevant optical, instantaneous-field-of-view and electronic filter data, in the system analysis. Using the system transfer function, a least-squares (Wiener) filter was derived. A Wiener filter requires the ratio of the power spectra of the scene and noise, which is often, for simplicity, assumed to be a constant over frequency. Our restoration includes models for the power spectra which are based on the study of several different types of Landsat scenes. The Wiener filter is then inverse Fourier transformed to find a restoration filter which is spatially windowed to suppress ringing. Visual evaluations are made of the restored imagery.
Re-memory and an African ecofeminist poetic of healing in Malika Ndlovu's poetry

Abstract This essay uses African ecofeminism as a lens for analyzing healing elements in the poetry of Malika Ndlovu. It argues that in using nature as a site for “re-memorying” an alternative African history and culture in the anthology born in africa but (2000), Ndlovu constructs an African ecofeminist poetic, aimed at healing the contemporary psychic wounds of colonization and apartheid. Drawing on Toni Morrison's and Pumla Dineo Gqola's formulations of “re-memory” – the way subjugated peoples reconstruct histories which have been destroyed by oppressive practices such as colonialism – I argue that Ndlovu's poetry uses nature as a generative site for “re-memorying” erased, pre-colonial African histories, as a way of healing trauma, and a method for countering the shame of miscegenation inscribed within “coloured” identity.
Emergency department management of house fire burns and carbon monoxide poisoning in children.

Fires continue to be a major killer of children, accounting for as many as 34% of fatal injuries in those younger than 16 years of age. Recent advances in burn care have improved to the extent that attention is being refocused on the initial resuscitation period as a time when significant improvements in mortality and morbidity may be achieved. Early invasive monitoring in selected patients may help children survive very severe burn injury. Carbon monoxide poisoning remains a common and controversial problem. Although it is clear that venous carboxyhemoglobin levels are similar to arterial levels, the treatment of children with significant poisoning has not been well studied. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be helpful in preventing serious central nervous system injury, but studies in children are lacking. Prevention of burns is far superior to treatment of burns. Language: en
Active human retrotransposons: variation and disease.

Mobile DNAs, also known as transposons or ‘jumping genes’, are widespread in nature and comprise an estimated 45% of the human genome. Transposons are divided into two general classes based on their transposition intermediate (DNA or RNA). Only one subclass, the non-LTR retrotransposons, which includes the Long INterspersed Element-1 (LINE-1 or L1), is currently active in humans as indicated by 96 disease-causing insertions. The autonomous LINE-1 is capable of retrotransposing not only a copy of its own RNA in cis but also other RNAs (Alu, SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA), U6) in trans to new genomic locations through an element encoded reverse transcriptase. L1 can also retrotranspose cellular mRNAs, resulting in processed pseudogene formation. Here, we highlight recent reports that update our understanding of human L1 retrotransposition and their role in disease. Finally we discuss studies that provide insights into the past and current activity of these retrotransposons, and shed light on not just when, but where, retrotransposition occurs and its part in genetic variation.
Competition between C−O Bond Scission and Retention in Methanol Reaction on Co-Covered Mo(110)

Methanol reaction on Co overlayers (1.0−1.3 ML) deposited on Mo(110) yields CO and H2 as the gaseous products. Isotopic labeling and vibrational studies show that molecular methanol desorption around 210 K competes with O−H bond scission to form methoxide. Methoxide is identified as the major surface intermediate at 250 K using electron energy loss spectroscopy. Vibrational data also indicate that methoxide decomposes to adsorbed CO by 350 K. The formation of C−O bond retention products such as CO on the Co overlayers is consistent with the intermediate Co−O bond strength and is characteristic of methanol reaction on other mid transition metal surfaces. However, C−O bond dissociation to produce atomic carbon and oxygen accounts for ∼54% of the total methanol reaction. The C−O bond dissociation pathway is attributed mainly to reaction at defects on the overlayer, based on comparison with studies of CO on Co(0001). The dependence of the CO yield on Co coverage suggests that there is no special reactivity as...
Thermal convection in a horizontal, eccentric annulus containing a saturated porous medium—an extended perturbation expansion

Abstract Thermal convection in a saturated porous medium confined between two horizontal, isothermal, eccentric cylinders is studied through the use of a regular perturbation expansion in terms of the Darcy-Rayleigh number ( R ). Terms up to O ( R 30 ) are computed. In particular, the Nusselt number ( Nu ) is expressed as a power series of R for various eccentricities. The above power series has, however, a limited radius of convergence. Various non-linear transformations are employed in order to extend the range of utility of the series. The results are used to demonstrate that the heat transfer in the annulus can be optimized by a proper choice of eccentricity. These results have a bearing on the design of thermal insulators.
Haploid and diploid survival differences demonstrate selection in scale insect demes

Black pineleaf scale insect populations are subdivided into genetically differentiated demes associated with individual pine trees. A comparison of sex ratios early and late in the life cycle demonstrated differences in the mortality experienced by haploid males and diploid females. Hatching ratios were significantly female-biased, and differential mortality increased this bias in ratios estimated just before adult male eclosion. The relative survival of males and females varied with overall mortality, causing a correlation between local densities and the surviving sex ratio. We suggest (a) that the genetic differentiation of scale demes results in part from selection pressures associated with individual pine trees, (b) that this differentiation entails an accumulation of locally adaptive traits within the scale subpopulation on each tree, (c) that expression of these adaptations in the haploid and diploid sexes may vary with their frequencies, and (d) that the surviving sex ratio thus offers a comparative measure of selection and the local adaptation achieved by the insects in individual demes.
On the non-separable theory of k-borel and k-souslin sets

Abstract The object of the paper is to extend the classical concepts of a Borel and Souslin set for non-separable metric spaces by allowing σ-discrete families of cardinality ⩽ k (k an infinite cardinal) to replace countable families in the standard definitions. This leads to the fruitful notions of a k-Borel and k-Souslin set. If the metric space has weight ⩽ k and k′ is any cardinal > k, then every k′-Borel set of the space is k-Borel and every k′-Souslin set is k-Souslin. Consequently, for separable metric spaces the k-Borel and k-Souslin sets coincide with the classical Borel and Souslin sets. The k-Borel sets of a space can be resolved into classes which form an increasing transfinite sequence of type ω(k+1), the first ordinal of cardinal k+1; and there exist spaces for which this sequence is strictly increasing. For k = ℵ 0 , this coincides with the standard Borel classification. Calling a subset of a space an extended Borel set (extended Souslin set) if it is a k-Borel (k-Souslin) subset for some k, we show that the family of extended Borel sets is intermediate to the families of Borel and Souslin sets, and that each Souslin set is a k-Souslin set for every infinite cardinal k. The main theorem of the paper is an extension of Lusin's First Separation Principle, and shows that any two disjoint extended Souslin sets in a complete metric space (not necessarily separable) can be separated by disjoint extended Borel sets.
Superiority of fixed-dose warfarin for chronic anticoagulation.

Abstract Background: Long-term anticoagulation for stroke prevention is a labor-intensive endeavor, requiring close monitoring of patients to maintain efficacy and avoid toxicity. Theoretically, fixed daily doses of warfarin may facilitate the establishment and maintenance of anticoagulation, with lesser fluctuations of the international normalized ratio (INR), and favor long-term compliance. This pilot project aimed at assessing the potential advantages of fixed daily dosing for chronic anticoagulation. Methods: We compared the experiences of two separate practices within the same institution. Clinic A exclusively uses fixed daily doses. Clinic B allows the use of variable doses. The anticoagulation records of 96 patients (47 from clinic A and 49 from Clinic B) were reviewed. The incidences of INRs outside target range, occurrence of dose changes or interventions, and magnitude of dose changes were recorded at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the institution of anticoagulation. Data were analyzed using Chi square analysis. Results: The demographic characteristics of both groups were comparable. Of the 576 INRs recorded during a period of 12 months, 316 were outside target range. There were 126 INRs outside target range in group A and 190 in group B (P
Analysis of the flow field of the krill, Euphausia pacifica

Velocity measurements were performed for the flow field generated by tethered krill Euphausia pacifica. The particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique was used to measure the velocity field in vertical planes aligned with the krill body axis. The krill generates a narrow jet-like flow behind and below the pleopods (roughly 25° below horizontal). The volume of fluid moving at greater than 10% of the maximum velocity near the pleopods is roughly 18 times larger than the volume of the krill. Thus, the hydrodynamic disturbance occupies a significantly larger region than the animal body. Other krill, sensing the flow disturbance, may take advantage of the flow induced by a neighbor to locate a mate or to draft for efficient propulsion.
Self-Report of Hypoglycemia and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: To establish the prevalence of self-reported hypoglycemia among ambulatory patients with diabetes and assess its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).Methods: This study was ...
Managing Alzheimer's patients.

Behavioral interventions are important in the management of patients with Alzheimer's disease, as reviewed by Marcia Barinaga in her News Focus of 6 November (p. [1030][1]). We do not agree, however, with her emphasis on the conceptual model of “regression toward infancy…backward march through development.” Alzheimer's patients are not children, despite superficial similarities. The physiological processes of learning in childhood and of skill loss with Alzheimer's disease are not the same. Learning in childhood is related, in part, to myelination of white matter tracts, but the dementia of Alzheimer's disease is not caused by demyelination, but by amyloid β protein deposition and loss of neurons and synapses. Moreover, the psychological processes underlying behavior in children are not the same as in Alzheimer's disease (for example, children often fail to cooperate because of inattention, Alzheimer's patients may not cooperate because of inability). Each Alzheimer's patient has a lifetime of experiences that determines their unique set of human qualities, qualities that are not lost, even as the memories of these experiences are lost. To see Alzheimer's patients as recipients of “developmental age appropriate activities” is to see them defined by their incapacities and not by their distinctive human qualities. To view Alzheimer's patients as children is to deny their individuality ([1][2]). 1. [↵][3]1. A. J. Heschl , The Insecurity of Freedom (Schocken, New York, 1958), pp. 24-38. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.282.5391.1030 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text"
PIPER: A Framework for Exploring the Privacy Implications of Pervasive Computing Applications in Their Physical Environments

Pervasive computing presents profound privacy risks for end users because its capabilities to monitor, control, and interact with the physical world. As a first step to support early evaluation of potential privacy violations, we introduce PIPER, a framework for the systematic modeling, analysis, and exploration of Privacy Implications in PERvasive computing systems and their physical environments. UML/OCL is used to model important structures and behaviors of these systems as well as data flow properties and privacy requirements. This framework facilitates consideration and explicit specification of the effects of actions in the physical environment and the tracing of data flow through both cyber and physical components of the system. Using this framework, privacy analysts and software engineers can communicate more objectively about privacy-related issues, identify faults in application logic, and examine the impact that changes to either applications or physical environments have on personal privacy in pervasive systems.
Stability and mineralization of organic phosphorus incorporated into model humic polymers

Abstract The stability of the phosphate ester linkage in phosphoserine (PS) and phosphoethanolamine (PE) was evaluated after incorporation of these compounds into model humic polymers. Humic polymers prepared by oxidation of a mixture of substituted phenols in the presence of either PS or PE resulted in model humic materials containing from 0.25 to 0.94% P, values within the range found for organic P in natural soil humic materials. The organic P contained in model humic polymers was resistant to hydrolysis with 1 n HC1 and 1 n NaOH and resistance of the P ester to hydrolysis with 6 n HCl was increased through incorporation into model humic polymers. Organic P in model humic polymers was also stabilized towards hydrolysis with acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterases. Less than 11% of the organic P in polymers containing PS and PE was hydrolyzed by acid or alkaline phosphatase. The incorporation of PE into a model humic polymer markedly reduced the amount of P mineralized during incubation in soil when compared to P mineralized in soils treated with PE. For all environmental conditions imposed during soil incubations (i.e. pH, aeration, temperature), only 20% of the P in model humic polymer containing PE was released during a 16-week period. In contrast, > 60% of the P in either PS and PE added individually to soils or PS and PE intimately mixed with preformed model humic polymer and then added to soils was released during the initial 7 days of soil incubation. The results suggest that a portion of the unidentified organic P in soils may arise from the incorporation of organic compounds containing both amine and phosphate ester functional groups into humic materials and that the organic P thus formed is resistant to both chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis.
Ethical and Empirical Considerations in the Identification of Learning Disabilities.

The authors encourage those in the field of school psychology to consider the use of learning disabilities assessment practices in relation to specific American Psychological Association and National Association of School Psychologists ethical codes and in regard to the American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, and National Council on Measurement in Education test standards. The authors also ask the field to consider the evidence regarding the role of response-to-intervention data and cognitive processing assessment in learning disabilities identification as the field continues its move away from the discrepancy model. The absence of an efficient and accurate method of learning disabilities identification may disproportionately affect children of lower socioeconomic status and minorities who may not be able to access services outside of the public school system. The authors posit that consideration of the issues presented in this article should help raise questions and...
Stimulation of muscle protein synthesis by long-term insulin infusion in severely burned patients.

Objective To determine if long-term (7 days) infusion of insulin can ameliorate altered protein kinetics in skeletal muscle of severely burned patients and to investigate the hypothesis that changes in protein kinetics during insulin infusion are associated with an increased rate of transmembrane amino acid transport from plasma into the intracellular free amino acid pool. Background Data In critically ill patients, vigorous nutritional support alone may often fail to entirely curtail muscle catabolism ; insulin stimulates muscle protein synthesis in normal volunteers. Methods Nine patients with severe burns were studied once during enteral feeding alone (control period), and once after 7 days of high-dose insulin. The order of treatment with insulin was randomized. Data were derived from a model based on a primed-continuous infusion of L-[ 15 N]phenylalanine, sampling of blood from the femoral artery and vein, and biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle. Results Net leg muscle protein balance was significantly (p < 0.05) negative during the control period. Exogenous insulin eliminated this negative balance by stimulating protein synthesis approximately 350% (p < 0.01). This was made possible in part by a sixfold increase in the inward transport of amino acids from blood (p < 0.01). There was also a significant increase in leg muscle protein breakdown. The new rates of synthesis, breakdown, and inward transport during insulin were in balance, such that there was no difference in the intracellular phenylalanine concentration from the control period. The fractional synthetic rate of protein in the wound was also stimulated by insulin by approximately 50%, but the response was variable and did not reach significance. Conclusions Exogenous insulin may be useful in promoting muscle protein synthesis in severely catabolic patients.
The hepatotoxicities of endotoxin and ethanol: Comparisons in vitro using the precesion-cut rat liver slice model

Using the precision-cut rat liver slice model, the in vitro toxicities of endotoxin and ethanol, independently and in combination, were evaluated. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by two measures: the leakage of LDH from slice to medium and the ability of slices to reduce a tetrazolium compound, MTT. Ethanol, in concentrations of 1% and greater, exhibited a time and dose dependent hepatotoxicity; MTT reductive capacity was more profoundly affected than LDH leakage. Endotoxin (0.1 to 100 micrograms/ml), however, had only a modest effect on MTT reduction and did not perturb LDH leakage. When combined in vitro, the toxicities of 2% ethanol and various concentrations of endotoxin were additive. Slices prepared from the livers of rats injected ip with endotoxin one day previously sustained considerably more injury (compared to normal rat liver slices) upon subsequent in vitro exposure to either endotoxin or ethanol. Prior in vivo exposure to ethanol, however, did not affect the subsequent in vitro toxicity of endotoxin. Thus, while endotoxin exhibits only subtle toxic effects upon liver slices in vitro, exposure to endotoxin in vivo renders the liver more susceptible to subsequent direct injury by endotoxin or ethanol.
Optimal topological design through insertion and configuration of finite-sized heterogeneities

In this paper, we develop a procedure for optimal topological design by sequentially inserting finite-sized non-spherical inclusions or holes within a homogeneous domain. We propose a new criterion for topology change that results in a trade-off problem to achieve the greatest/least change in the objective for the least/greatest change in the size of the inclusion/hole respectively. We derive the material derivative of the proposed objective, termed as the configurational derivative, that describes sensitivity of arbitrary functionals to arbitrary motions of the inclusion/hole as well as the domain boundaries. We specifically utilize the sensitivity to position, orientation and scaling of finite-sized heterogeneities to effect topological design. We simplify the configurational derivative to the special case of infinitesimally small spherical inclusions or holes and show that the developed derivative is a generalization of the classical topological derivative. The computational implementation relies on B-spline isogeometric approximations. We demonstrate, through a series of examples, optimal topology achieved through sequential insertion of a heterogeneity of fixed shape and optimization of its configuration (location, orientation and scale).
Video image analysis as a nondestructive measure of plant vigor for precision agriculture

Abstract Precision agriculture addresses spatial variability across a field in order to optimize application of fertilizer and other inputs on a site‐specific basis. Soil testing provides predictive information on patterns in soil fertility and other soil conditions, but plant vigor provides a more direct and integrative indication of plant response to soil properties and management. Spatial patterns in plant vigor also provide greater resolution of soil effects than is practical using soil testing. This paper describes recent experience in applying video image analysis in monitoring plant growth (i.e., percent ground cover) as an index of vigor in field situations. Using off‐the‐shelf technology, video images are recorded, digitized using an image capture computer board, then measured for percent ground cover using image analysis software. Results demonstrate that video image analysis is rapid and economical and can be used to detect patterns to guide subsequent soil sampling and mapping.
Chemical bonding in AlB2-type borides☆

Abstract The chemical bonding in AlB2-type metal diboride phases is considered from a crystal chemical viewpoint. The ability of metals to deform from a spherical shape appears to be very important in explaining why the diboride is formed by such a wide variety of metals. Crystal chemical parameters are used to compare relative bond strengths.
High spatial resolution in vivo 2D 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of human muscles with a band-selective technique

This report demonstrates a 2D (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) technique that can address some technical difficulties often encountered in MRS studies of human muscles. A preliminary application of this whole-slice technique in human skeletal muscles demonstrates clearly noticeable differences in (1)H metabolite spectra between different human muscles. This observation illustrates the importance of multi-voxel and high spatial resolution in a heterogeneous environment. This technique is robust, can be easily implemented on a commercial MR scanner, and should prove useful for investigators in both basic and clinical (1)H MRS studies.
Indirect Productivity Measurement

Caves, Christensen and Diewert [1982a] showed that the Tornqvist productivity index is superlative in a considerably more general sense than had been previously believed. We examine the allocative and technical efficiency hypotheses on which their finding rests. We show that the allocative efficiency hypothesis can be modified, which makes the Tornqvist index superlative in a wider sense than even Caves, Christensen and Diewert showed, since it is consistent with a type of allocative efficiency other than the standard cost minimization and revenue maximization hypotheses considered by Caves, Christensen and Diewert. We also show that if the technical efficiency hypothesis is relaxed, the CCD result may no longer hold, and the distance functions that form the basis of the Malmquist productivity indexes, and hence of the Tornqvist productivity index, must be calculated. We then show how to calculate the underlying distance functions, and we argue that there are real advantages to doing so.
History that splinters: education reforms and memory politics in the Republic of Georgia

Sudden collapse of Communism and uncertainty of the new order brought about renewed fascination with the national history. Much of the research on collective memory formation and identity-building in the post-Soviet space, however, paid disproportionate attention to the role of the state as the main locus of collective memory production. The method of qualitative inquiry proposed in this article, in a social constructivist vein, examines the formation of collective memory narratives and the visions of statehood from the ground up in the context of Georgia. Based on the analysis of the data derived from extensive interviews with 64 school teachers of history, as well as content analysis of nine textbooks, and several versions of the official curriculum plan, I suggest that societal views of history, are noticeably divided along the generational cleavage lines, forming four distinct categories of narratives that respond to and often contest the state-generated discourse, while informing the visions of state...
Heterogeneous catalysis: Scaling the rough heights

Scaling relations between the molecular structures of reactive intermediates and the strength of the bonds they form with flat surfaces have now been extended to also predict how bonding strength is affected by surface topography. These relations can be applied to design more efficient nanoparticle catalysts.
Physical behavior of asphaltenes

Asphaltenes are molecules which can undergo a thermodynamic liquid−liquid phase separation from sufficiently paraffinic solutions. The asphaltene-rich phase thus formed often has a high glass-transition temperature, and thus a fractal morphology results. Here, we report temperature and time-dependent neutron scattering studies which elucidate the solution behavior of asphaltenes. The temperature−composition dependence of the asphaltene precipitation phase boundary is shown to be consistent with that expected due to solution theory. We report temperature- and concentration-dependent viscosity data which demonstrate that the high viscosity of asphaltene-containing systems is due to their proximity to the glass transition and the reduction of viscosity with dilution is no more than a plasticization effect, or a reduction of the glass transition with dilution.
Slow muscle regulates the pattern of trunk neural crest migration in zebrafish

In avians and mice, trunk neural crest migration is restricted to the anterior half of each somite. Sclerotome has been shown to play an essential role in this restriction; the potential role of other somite components in specifying neural crest migration is currently unclear. By contrast, in zebrafish trunk neural crest, migration on the medial pathway is restricted to the middle of the medial surface of each somite. Sclerotome comprises only a minor part of zebrafish somites, and the pattern of neural crest migration is established before crest cells contact sclerotome cells, suggesting other somite components regulate the pattern of zebrafish neural crest migration. Here, we use mutants to investigate which components regulate the pattern of zebrafish trunk neural crest migration on the medial pathway. The pattern of trunk neural crest migration is aberrant in spadetail mutants that have very reduced somitic mesoderm, in no tail mutants injected with spadetail morpholino antisense oligonucleotides that entirely lack somitic mesoderm and in somite segmentation mutants that have normal somite components but disrupted segment borders. Fast muscle cells appear dispensable for patterning trunk neural crest migration. However, migration is abnormal in Hedgehog signaling mutants that lack slow muscle cells, providing evidence that slow muscle cells regulate the pattern of trunk neural crest migration. Consistent with this idea, surgical removal of adaxial cells, which are slow muscle precursors, results in abnormal patterning of neural crest migration; normal patterning can be restored by replacing the ablated adaxial cells with ones transplanted from wild-type embryos.
Clathrates in Separation Processes

(1972). Clathrates in Separation Processes. Separation and Purification Methods: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 371-407.
Overcoming obstacles and creating connections: Community building in Web-based learning environments

THE WEB, LIKE NO OTHER TECHNOLOGIES BEFORE IT, has received widespread acceptance and use across disciplines within higher education. Despite its broad application, satisfaction with the Web for purposes of instruction is not as prevalent. Many obstacles have presented themselves, creating barriers to satisfaction with the environment. Creating a community of learners is one strategy that has been recommended for increasing satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to present several strategies and techniques that have proven successful for community building in Web-based learning environments.
Two knockdown models of the autism genes SYNGAP1 and SHANK3 in zebrafish produce similar behavioral phenotypes associated with embryonic disruptions of brain morphogenesis

Abstract Despite significant progress in the genetics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), how genetic mutations translate to the behavioral changes characteristic of ASD remains largely unknown. ASD affects 1-2% of children and adults, and is characterized by deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication, and social interactions, as well as the presence of repetitive behaviors and/or stereotyped interests. ASD is clinically and etiologically heterogeneous, with a strong genetic component. Here, we present functional data from syngap1 and shank3 zebrafish loss-of-function models of ASD. SYNGAP1, a synaptic Ras GTPase activating protein, and SHANK3, a synaptic scaffolding protein, were chosen because of mounting evidence that haploinsufficiency in these genes is highly penetrant for ASD and intellectual disability (ID). Orthologs of both SYNGAP1 and SHANK3 are duplicated in the zebrafish genome and we find that all four transcripts (syngap1a, syngap1b, shank3a and shank3b) are expressed at the earliest stages of nervous system development with pronounced expression in the larval brain. Consistent with early expression of these genes, knockdown of syngap1b or shank3a cause common embryonic phenotypes including delayed mid- and hindbrain development, disruptions in motor behaviors that manifest as unproductive swim attempts, and spontaneous, seizure-like behaviors. Our findings indicate that both syngap1b and shank3a play novel roles in morphogenesis resulting in common brain and behavioral phenotypes.