cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical outcomes and histology findings after tonsillectomy in children with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis syndrome

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate ( a ) specific histologic findings in children with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome who had tonsillectomy and ( b ) to assess any improvement of symptoms after tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. Materials and Methods This project is a retrospective study performed at “Aghia Sophia” Children's Hospital (Athens, Greece), between May 2007 and July 2008. Nine children were recruited into this study. Patients with defined diagnostic criteria for PFAPA syndrome till 14 years of age undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy were included in the study. Results Nine children met our inclusion criteria in the PFAPA group, of which 5 were male (55.56%) and 4 were female (44.44%), with ages ranging between 2.5 and 5 years at the age of surgery (mean, 3.4 years). The length of follow-up ranged from 6 to 19 months. Eight (88.89%) of 9 patients had complete remission of symptoms immediately after surgery. The histologic and immunohistochemical examination showed features of chronic tonsillar inflammation. Conclusions ( a ) No specific findings were observed in the tonsils of PFAPA patients; ( b ) we could not find any difference in tonsillar histology between PFAPA and chronic tonsillar inflammation; and ( c ) tonsillectomy is an effective treatment for PFAPA syndrome, improving patients and parental quality of life.
Line broadening in multiphoton processes with a resonant intermediate transition

It is found that the line width of the excitation spectrum for multiphoton ionization is broadened much more severely than the cascade fluorescence originating from the resonant intermediate level. These results derive from the mutual effects of the ionizing and resonating transitions, which are not properly accounted for in perturbative treatments. In general, the ionization line shape can be expressed as the sum of two Lorentzian components, each with different degrees of broadening. This line shape reduces to that of the resonating transition in the limit of vanishing intensities. Moreover, the fluorescence line shape may also exhibit a second component whose amplitude may become important under certain conditions.
New bipartisan Senate Oceans Caucus announced

The U.S. Senate has a new Oceans Caucus, which held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, 13 September 2011, when it announced its focus: to “increase awareness and find common ground in responding to issues facing the oceans and coasts, which support millions of jobs in America.” The House of Representatives has had an Oceans Caucus for almost 10 years. Caucus members are listed below. The caucus is looking for additional senators to join, especially those representing the Great Lakes region. If your senators are not members of the caucus and you would like them to be, contact their office and let them know. AGU public affairs can provide you with more information on how to connect with your senators; check us out at http://www.agu.org/sci_pol/
Near-field beamforming array for detecting elastic waves in the Earth

A near-field beamforming array is investigated for use in a radar system that is part of a hybrid elastic/electromagnetic technique for detecting land miens. The radar is used to measure the displacement of the surface of the earth and land miens due to elastic waves in the earth. The beamforming array is used to obtain a sufficiently small spatial resolution for the measurement of the displacement while allowing an adequate standoff distance for the radar. Both theoretical and experimental models are developed to investigate the viability of the beamforming array.
Xerogel-Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Explosives Detection

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can be utilized as artificial recognition elements for target chemical analytes of interest. Molecular imprinting involves arranging polymerizable functional monomers around a template followed by polymerization and template removal. The selectivity for the target analyte is based on the spatial orientation of the binding site and covalent or noncovalent interactions between the functional monomer and the analyte. The polymer materials of particular interest are sol-gel-derived xerogels. To allow for increased target recognition, the xerogel has specific functional groups, which allow for polymer interactions with the template molecule (and target analyte). In a sensor format, the recognition event is monitored with some form of transduction. MIP technology is still in its infancy and limitations such as non-specific binding may be overcome utilizing surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) as an integrated transduction method for enhanced sensor performance. The objective of the present work is to create a sensitive and selective MIP-SERS sensing platform for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT).
High-temperature dehydrogenation of defective silicalites

Abstract It has been previously shown that upon heating samples of silicalite-1 containing hydroxyl nests to temperatures exceeding 873 K, the IR bands characteristic of these nests (∼3400 cm−1) decrease in intensity. The disappearance of these signals has been attributed to dehydration of the silanol groups. Using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), we show that the product of the dehydroxylation of hydroxyl nests in silicalite-1 is hydrogen and not water. The samples are characterized using N2 adsorption isotherms, 29Si-MAS-NMR spectroscopy and optical spectroscopy. We propose that the disappearance of hydrogen from the hydroxyl nests is accompanied by the formation of bisperoxysilyl groups (Si–O–O–Si). Ultraviolet–visible light spectroscopy (UV–vis) measurements support this model due to an increase in an UV absorption band at ∼260 nm with increasing temperatures. Electronic structure calculations are also employed to support the energetic feasibility of this reaction mechanism. Silicalite-1 samples made with tetraethyl-orthosilicate show a number of differences in their IR and UV–vis spectra compared to samples made with colloidal silica. It appears that the source of silica plays an important role in the structure of the internal defects.
Cross-talk between dyslipidemia and renin-angiotensin system and the role of LOX-1 and MAPK in atherogenesis studies with the combined use of rosuvastatin and candesartan.

Abstract There is increasing evidence of cross-talk between dyslipidemia and renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in atherogenesis. Both dyslipidemia and RAS activation enhance the expression of a newly described receptor for oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1). We postulated that the blockade of dyslipidemia with rosuvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor and RAS with candesartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, would have a synergistic inhibitory effect on LOX-1 expression and atherogenesis. Apo-E knockout mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet (1% cholesterol, HC-diet) alone, or HC-diet with rosuvastatin (1 mg/(kg d)), candesartan (1 mg/(kg d)) or with both. Twelve weeks later the extent of atherosclerosis was determined by Sudan IV staining. Apo-E knockout mice on HC-diet had extensive atherosclerosis. Both rosuvastatin and candesartan decreased the extent of atherosclerosis (by 23 and 26%, respectively), despite the HC-diet; however, the combination of rosuvastatin and candesartan reduced atherosclerosis further (by 67%). Rosuvastatin decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol by over 50%, whereas candesartan had no effect. LOX-1 protein expression was found to be markedly up-regulated in HC-diet-fed apo-E knockout mice. While rosuvastatin and candesartan each had a small inhibitory effect on the expression of LOX-1 in the atherosclerotic tissues, the combination totally blocked the up-regulation of LOX-1. P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression and phosphorylation were increased in apo-E knockout mice, attenuated by rosuvastatin or candesartan alone, and completely blocked by the combination of the two agents. P44/42 MAPK expression and phosphorylation were not affected by the HC-diet, rosuvastatin, candesartan, or their combination. This study demonstrates the potent effect of rosuvastatin and candesartan on atherogenesis, as well as on the expression of LOX-1 and on the activation of p38 MAPK, but not p44/42 MAPK.
School-Family-Community Partnerships: Applying Epstein's Theory of the Six Types of Involvement to School Counselor Practice:

This article investigates school counselor involvement in partnerships using Epstein's six types of school-family- community involvement interactions (i.e., parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision-making, and collaborating with the community). Findings show more involvement in parenting and collaborating with the community interactions and reveal a new partnership interaction practiced by school counselors. Recommendations for school counselors and areas for future research are discussed.
No-till Induced Increase in Organic Carbon Reduces Maximum Bulk Density of Soils

Compaction can be a problem in some no-till (NT) soils, but accumulation of soil organic C (SOC) with time may reduce the soil's susceptibility to compaction. Relationships between SOC and soil maximum bulk density (BD max ), equivalent to maximum soil compactibility, have not been well documented, particularly in NT systems. We assessed near-surface BD max using the Proctor test under long-term (> 19 yr) moldboard plow (MP), conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and NT conditions in the central Great Plains and determined its relationships with SOC, particle size distribution, and Atterberg consistency limits. The experiments were located on silt loam soils at Hays and Tribune, KS, and loam soils at Akron, CO, and Sidney, NE. The near-surface BD max of the MP soil was higher than that of the NT soil by 13% at Sidney, while the near-surface BD max of the CT was higher than that of the NT soil by about 6% at Akron, Hays, and Tribune. Critical water content (CWC) for BD max in the NT soil was higher than in the CT and MP soils except at Tribune. The BD max decreased with increase in CWC (r = -0.91). The soil liquid limit was higher for NT than for MP by 82% at Sidney, and it was higher than for CT by 14,9, and 31% at Akron, Hays, and Tribune, respectively. The SOC concentration in NT soil was higher than in MP by 60% at Akron and 76% at Sidney, and it was higher than in CT soil by 82% at Hays. The BD max decreased (r = -0.64) and the CWC increased (r = 0.60) with an increase in SOC concentration. Across all soils, SOC concentration was a sensitive predictor of BD max and CWC. This regional study showed that NT management-induced increase in SOC improves the soil's ability to resist compaction.
Validation of a sensitive LC-MS assay for quantification of glyburide and its metabolite 4-transhydroxy glyburide in plasma and urine: an OPRU Network study.

Abstract Glyburide (glibenclamide, INN), a second generation sulfonylurea is widely used in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). None of the previously reported analytical methods provide adequate sensitivity for the expected sub-nanogram/mL maternal and umbilical cord plasma concentrations of glyburide during pregnancy. We developed and validated a sensitive and low sample volume liquid chromatographic–mass spectrometric (LC–MS) method for simultaneous determination of glyburide (GLY) and its metabolite, 4-transhydroxy glyburide (M1) in human plasma (0.5 mL) or urine (0.1 mL). The limits of quantitation (LOQ) for GLY and M1 in plasma were 0.25 and 0.40 ng/mL, respectively whereas it was 1.06 ng/mL for M1 in urine. As measured by quality control samples, precision (% coefficient of variation) of the assay was
The ethics of relationality: Judith Butler and social critique

This article takes up the work of Judith Butler in order to present a vision of ethics that avoids two common yet problematic positions: on the one hand, the skeptical position that ethical norms are so constitutive of who we are that they are ultimately impossible to assess and, on the other hand, the notion that we are justified in our commitment to any ethical norm that appears foundational to our identity. With particular attention to the trajectory of Butler’s project from The Psychic Life of Power to Giving an Account of Oneself, the article discusses the shortcomings of these two positions and the virtues of the alternative account that Butler develops during this period.
A hybrid approach to calculating Coulombic interactions: An effective and efficient method for optimization of simulations of many ions in quadrupole ion storage device with SIMION

Abstract SIMION is a versatile and user-friendly tool for developing and optimizing instrumentation designs for mass spectrometry. As its new 8.1 versions running on 64-bit platforms became available last year, more complicated simulations with heavier computational loads became possible on generally available, affordable desktop systems. Even with faster software and hardware, efficient algorithms are needed to handle space charge driven processes in the large number of ions limit. With the new SIMION version, we have developed a “hybrid” algorithm that lightens the computational load required for these simulations by calculating the total dynamical force by efficiently and effectively approximating two-body Coulomb interactions. The algorithm defines an “active region” near the ion in consideration. In the active region, the total force is calculated as the sum of the two-body ion–ion interactions only in the neighborhood of the ion. In the other region, nonlocal ions are grouped to form “charge diffused clouds” and the force is calculated for ion–cloud Coulomb interactions. The algorithm was evaluated against the results obtained by the method that include all explicit two-body interactions on the entire simulation domain with varying parameters in the model. The results from the use of our algorithm accurately compare with the more calculation intense explicit two-body approach while dramatically increasing the performance. Our algorithm is able to increase the performance of simulations on larger scales with many more ions than we have considered.
The duality of database structures and design techniques

Attempting to pair database structures with database design techniques that seem incompatible yields some fascinating concepts about the world of database, including foreign keys and multiple relationships.
Patellar calcar: MRI appearance of a previously undescribed anatomical entity

The femoral calcar is a constant anatomical structure within the proximal femur representing a condensation of bone trabeculae. It is our impression that a similar structure is present within the patella. The purpose of this retrospective study was to define the prevalence, appearance, location, and configuration of the patellar calcar on MRI examinations. One hundred consecutive unenhanced knee MRIs were retrospectively reviewed by two readers who were blinded to the clinical indication. The patellar calcar was defined as a dark signaling, linear or curvilinear structure subjacent to the patellar articular surface. If present, the patellar calcar was assigned to a “well seen,” “moderately well seen,” or “faintly seen” category. Location of the calcar within the patella, orientation, configuration, and thickness were recorded. Confounding variables, such as marrow edema, patellar chondromalacia, bipartite patella, or postoperative changes were also recorded. The patellar calcar was visualized in 81 out of 100 (81 %) MRIs. When detected, the calcar was well seen in 20 out of 81 (25 %), moderately well seen in 35 out of 81 (43 %), and faintly seen in 26 out of 81 (32 %). The anteroposterior width of the calcar measured at its thickest segment was: 1 mm in 10 out of 81 (12 %). The patellar calcar was seen in the majority of knee MRIs and had a consistent imaging appearance. The calcar may be obscured by degenerative arthrosis of the patella and rarely may mimic patellar stress fracture or osteochondritis dissecans. Radiologists and clinicians should be familiar with this normal anatomical structure.
Adaptation of gastric mucosa to chronic alcohol administration is associated with increased mucosal expression of growth factors and their receptor.

In our previous study we found that chronic, intragastric administration of ethanol to rats produces adaptation of the gastric mucosa to subsequent challenge with an acute dose of 50% ethanol. The mechanism of this mucosal tolerance remains unexplained. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) stimulate cells growth and proliferation in the gastric mucosa with noted trophic effect, protect the gastric mucosa against acute injury and accelerate healing of injured mucosa. Many of these effects are exerted through EGF and TGFα action on their common receptor (EGFR). The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of chronic alcohol administration on cell proliferation and gastric mucosal expression and distribution of EGF, TGFα and EGFR. Chronic administration of ethanol (1 ml, 50% ethanol, twice daily) significantly increased the extent of gastric mucosal mucous and proliferative cell zones, the number of proliferating (DNA synthesizing) cells and mucosal expression...
Regulation of Cell Death by Transfer RNA

Abstract Significance: Both transfer RNA (tRNA) and cytochrome c are essential molecules for the survival of cells. tRNA decodes mRNA codons into amino-acid-building blocks in protein in all organisms, whereas cytochrome c functions in the electron transport chain that powers ATP synthesis in mitochondrion-containing eukaryotes. Additionally, in vertebrates, cytochrome c that is released from mitochondria is a potent inducer of apoptosis, activating apoptotic proteins (caspases) in the cytoplasm to dismantle cells. A better understanding of both tRNA and cytochrome c is essential for an insight into the regulation of cell life and death. Recent Advances: A recent study showed that the mitochondrion-released cytochrome c can be removed from the cell-death pathway by tRNA molecules. The direct binding of cytochrome c by tRNA provides a mechanism for tRNA to regulate cell death, beyond its role in gene expression. Critical Issues: The nature of the tRNA–cytochrome c binding interaction remains unknown. The q...
Categorical approaches to non-commutative fuzzy logic

In this paper we consider what it means for a logic to be non-commutative, how to generate examples of structures with a non-commutative operation @? which have enough nice properties to serve as the truth values for a logic. Inference in the propositional logic is gotten from the categorical properties (products, coproducts, monoidal and closed structures, adjoint functors) of the categories of truth values. We then show how to extend this view of propositional logic to a predicate logic using categories of propositions about a type A with functors giving change of type and adjoints giving quantifiers. In the case where the semantics takes place in Set(L) (Goguen's category of L-fuzzy sets), the categories of predicates about A can be represented as internal category objects with the quantifiers as internal functors.
Evaluation of genotypic and phenotypic methods for differentiation of the members of the Anginosus group streptococci

The terminology and classification of the Anginosus group streptococci has been inconsistent. We tested the utility of 16S rRNA gene and tuf gene sequencing and conventional biochemical tests for the reliable differentiation of the Anginosus group streptococci. Biochemical testing included Rapid ID 32 Strep, API Strep, Fluo-Card Milleri, Wee-tabs, and Lancefield antigen typing. Altogether, 61 Anginosus group isolates from skin and soft tissue infections and four reference strains were included. Our results showed a good agreement between 16S rRNA gene and tuf gene sequencing. Using the full sequence was less discriminatory than using the first part of the 16S rRNA gene. The three species could not be separated with the API 20 Strep test. Streptococcus intermedius could be differentiated from the other two species by β-galactosidase (ONPG) and β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase reactions. Rapid ID 32 Strep β-glucosidase reaction was useful in separating S. anginosus strains from S. constellatus. In conclusion, both 16S rRNA gene and tuf gene sequencing can be used for the reliable identification of the Anginosus group streptococci. S. intermedius can be readily differentiated from the other two species by phenotypic tests; however, 16S rRNA gene or tuf gene sequencing may be needed for separating some strains of S. constellatus from S. anginosus.
Violence and serial rape

This paper is the third part of a series on the self-reported accounts of 61 incarcerated respondents who admit to serial rape. Respondents were interviewed using a methodology employing other convicted felons as interviewers. While the results show several descriptions of murder and necrophilia, overall, however, violence was selective and used sparingly by carrer rapists contrary to popular perspectives about rape. One implication of this finding is that “fear entrepreneurs” sensationalize the crime of serial rape. Research is called for examining the effects of sensationalized stranger rape and victim resistance.
Chapter 18 Autoimmune diseases, serologic testing, and immune complex assessment

Etude de differentes maladies autoimmunes en comparant les caracteristiques de chacune. Une evaluation de la performance de differentes techniques de detection d'autoanticorps ou d'anticorps en general a ete realisee
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, leucocytes

Four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were evaluated for specific reactions to various catfish peripheral blood leucocytes and anterior kidney cells. The MAb 9E1 served as a standard and positive control for all test reactions because of its defined reactivity with channel catfish immunoglobulin and immunoglobulin bearing cells. Of the four MAbs, two have been characterized as being specific for a non-immunoglobulin marker on lymphocytes, thus marking T lymphocytes and two were specific for catfish neutrophils. Morphological, flow cytometric and functional analysis of the reactive cells verified these findings.
Emergency state control of slow speed dynamics

Abstract The results and conclusions are given of a study of the real-time cotrol frequency, line loading, bus voltages, load shedding and power plant mechanical power during slow-speed dynamic emergency conditions resulting from the loss of major generation and/or tieline support.
EVALUATING EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM DESIGNS

In reaction to claims that educational systems in the USA are not responding well to the needs of learners, school districts have responded with a highly diverse set of ‘reform activities’ ranging from increased focus on incremental improvements in programs to a variety of structural changes. A few educators began to ‘think systemically’, that is, they began to take systems principles into account as change efforts were designed and planned. Such educators have been able to obtain both guidance and encouragement from system philosophers, designers, and practitioners who are spearheading the emergence of a new technology concerned with the design of social systems. But, the challenge of rethinking how systems that redesign themselves might be evaluated has received too little attention. Like the mismatch believed to exist between current educational practice and the needs of learners, there is also a mismatch between traditional evaluation theory and practice and the need for new theory, models, and methodology for evaluating new system designs. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a framework for evaluating educational system designs. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical modeling with application to tracking marine debris

This paper describes different numerical models of ocean circulation the output of which can be applied to study patterns and pathways of drifting marine debris. The paper focuses on model output that is readily available rather than on numerical models that could be configured and run locally. These include operational models from the US Navy (the Navy Layered Ocean Model (NLOM), Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM), and Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM)), data assimilating reanalysis models (the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA), the Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE) models), and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ocean reanalysis (Ocean Reanalysis System, ECMWF/ORA-S3). The paper describes the underlying physics in each model system, limitations, and where to obtain the model output.
Where is precedent set? An exploratory geovisualization of State Supreme Court cases

Vast data warehouses of legal documents and court decisions present an opportunity for data visualization and analysis, yet court decisions have rarely been visualized geographically. We explore the potential for geographic visualization of judicial case data by mapping a state-level standardized score calculated from 135 State Supreme Court abortion cases published in the USA between 1973 and 2013, and again from 228 redistricting cases published between 1962 and 2013. We observe substantial variation in Z-scores across the USA, with geographic patterning of high values observed for redistricting cases, but not for abortion cases. The resulting maps suggest that the geovisualization of court decisions may aid the generation and testing of hypotheses about whether or not certain states disproportionately set legal precedent and subsequently influence the national discourse on a given issue. This type of geovisualization may also have implications for forum shopping and other geographically explicit legal ...
Reversible sporicidal action of cuprous ions

At 10 mM, Cu+ was highly protective against killing of spores of Bacillus megaterium ATCC 19213 by H2O2, while at higher concentrations, from 15–100 mM, killing was augmented. In contrast, Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Co2+ or Co3+ ions acted only protectively. Cu+ itself was sporicidal in the absence of H2O2 or ascorbate, and its sporicidal action did not depend on generation of highly reactive oxygen species. It appeared that killing involved either inhibition of germination or copper toxicity to germinated cells in that Cu+-inactivated spores did not germinate readily but chemical decoating of the cells prior to plating on a solid medium resulted in reversal of the sporicidal effect.
Andrew Herod, Labor Geographies: Workers and the Landscapes of Capitalism. New York: Guilford Press, 2001. xvi + 340 pp. $25.00 paper.

The question “Is there a new labor studies?” dominated the discussion of a workshop on the subject of teaching the labor movement held at New School University in November 2000. Common observations about the dominance of economic paradigms, corporate influence in the academy, and the rise of area studies were addressed, and emphasis was laid on the flowering of local, identity-inspired histories, a trend that has become somewhat controversial in the larger field of labor studies. Some who are involved in concrete union organizing and nuts-and-bolts industrial relations have seen such an emphasis on place-specific cultural history as suggestive of a defeatist attitude, hallmark of a post-union society and world. In this context it was apropos of John Russo (Center for Working Class Studies, Youngstown State University) to mention the importance of recent work being done by several geographers who have paid much attention to the importance of place-specific labor activities which in shaping local landscapes have had far-reaching effects.
The VuSystem: a programming system for visual processing of digital video

In computer-participative multimedia applications, the computer not only manipulates media, but also digests it and performs independent actions based on media content. We present a design approach that applies the programming techniques of visualization systems to the development of computer-participative multimedia applications. We describe an implementation based on this approach, and report performance measurements that demonstrate it is practical. We conclude by describing three applications written with the system, and suggest future directions for research in the area.
Interactions of the Subunits of Smooth Muscle Myosin Phosphatase

Myosin phosphatase from smooth muscle consists of a catalytic subunit (PP1c) and two non-catalytic subunits, M130 and M20. Interactions among PP1c, M20, and various mutants of M130 were investigated. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, PP1c was shown to bind to the NH2-terminal sequence of M130, 1-511. Other interactions were detected, i.e. PP1c to PP1c, M20 to the COOH-terminal fragment of M130, and dimerization of the COOH-terminal fragment of M130. Mutants of M130 were constructed to localize the PP1c and light chain binding regions. Results from the two-hybrid system indicated two binding sites for PP1c on M130: one site in the NH2-terminal 38 residues and a weaker site(s) in the ankyrin repeats region. Inhibition of PP1c activity with phosphorylase a by the M130 mutants also was consistent with the assignment of these two sites. Overlay assays showed binding of phosphorylated light chain to the ankyrin repeats, probably in the COOH-terminal repeats. Activation of PP1c with phosphorylated light chain required binding sites for PP1c and substrate, plus an additional sequence COOH-terminal to the ankyrin repeats. Thus, activation of phosphatase and binding of PP1c and substrate are properties of the NH2-terminal one-third of M130.
Heterodyne quadrature interferometer for simultaneous measurements of plasma density along several chords

An interferometer has been developed with which it is possible to make simultaneous measurements of plasma density along several chords. A single Bragg cell and laser are used, and the phase detection is in quadrature in order to obtain unambiguous and uniformly sensitive readings.
Reproductive Causes of Hypocalcemia

Reproductive causes of hypocalcemia include puerperal tetany (eclampsia) and mild hypocalcemia during whelping. This article reviews the pathophysiology, signalment, clinical signs, and treatment of eclampsia in the bitch and queen. The second part of the article focuses on the consequences and treatment of hypocalcemia prior to and during whelping in dogs and cats.
Radiographically occult endobronchial obstruction in bronchogenic carcinoma.

Abstract purpose: While central endobronchial tumors may become radiographically detectable when they cause significant endobronchial obstruction, the incidence of radiographically undetectable obstruction is not known. This study prospectively examined the incidence of radiographically undetectable completely obstructing lesions encountered during routine diagnostic bronchoscopy. patients and methods: Patients referred for bronchoscopy at the San Diego Veterans Administration Medical Center because of suspected bronchogenic carcinoma formed the population base. Chest radiographs were interpreted routinely 24 hours prior to bronchoscopy. Patients found to have complete endobronchial obstruction during bronchoscopy were included in the analysis. results: Eighty-one completely obstructing lesions were found in 77 patients. No radiographic signs of obstruction were found in 36 (44%) completely obstructing endobronchial lesions. There was no difference in the rate of radiographically occult tumors based on cell type. Obstruction of segmental bronchi was more likely to be undetectable than obstruction of more proximal airways. Chest radiographs were normal in 13 (16%). All 13 had risk factors for and symptoms suggestive of bronchogenic carcinoma. conclusion: Complete endobronchial obstruction due to bronchogenic carcinoma can occur frequently in patients at risk for lung cancer. The significant incidence of radiographically undetectable complete obstruction has implications for the diagnosis, staging, and assessment of treatment of lung cancer.
General index coding with side information: Three decoder case

The problem of general index coding with side information is investigated for the case of three receivers. We view the problem as a special case of lossy source coding with side information at the decoders, and we find the optimal rate.
Apparent viscosity of starch and xanthan gum extruded with crosslinking agents

Abstract Mixtures of starch and xanthan gum were extruded in a conical twin-screw extruder with injection of adipoyl chloride to obtain extrudates with high apparent viscosity in distilled water. Process variables including temperature, moisture content, starch amylose content and nozzle diameter were varied to obtain extrudates with different rheological properties. Flow characteristics were evaluated in distilled water and in 1% NaCl solutions. The extrudates had rheological properties different from unextruded starch-xanthan gum mixtures. Generally, the degree of pseudoplasticity and apparent viscosity of the solutions changed. Possible degradation products of the polysaccharides were monitored by NMR spectroscopy.
Sperm Antigen 6 Is the Murine Homologue of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Central Apparatus Protein Encoded by the PF16 Locus

A cDNA encoding sperm antigen 6 (Spag6), the murine homologue of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii PF16 protein-a component of the flagella central apparatus-was isolated from a mouse testis cDNA library. The cDNA sequence predicted a 55.3-kDa polypeptide containing 8 contiguous armadillo repeats with 65% amino acid sequence identity and 81% similarity to the Chlamydomonas PF1 protein. An antipeptide antibody generated against a C-terminal sequence recognized a 55-kDa protein in sperm extracts and localized Spag6 to the principal piece of permeabilized mouse sperm tails. When expressed in COS-1 cells, Spag6 colocalized with microtubules. The Spag6 gene was found to be highly expressed in testis and was mapped using the T31 radiation hybrid panel to mouse chromosome 16. Mutations in the Chlamydomonas PF16 gene cause flagellar paralysis. The presence of a highly conserved mammalian PF16 homologue (Spag6) raises the possibility that Spag6 plays an important role in sperm flagellar function.
Linear noise attenuation using local radial trace median filtering

The radial trace transform offers an attractive vehicle to remove ground-roll and coherent linear noise in prestack gathers. A common technique employed is to model the noise by applying a low-pass filter in the radial domain and then subtract the inverse-transformed “modeled noise” from the original input gather. Interpolation is a key component of the radial transform, and in most practical cases it can severely limit its performance. In other words, if the sampling in the radial domain is not dense enough, then the application of the transform will result in missing data. Moreover, dense sampling along with a constant-velocity interval still is not a sufficient condition to overcome these problems.
Using integer programming for balancing return and risk in problems with individual chance constraints

Abstract In this paper, we study probabilistically constrained problems involving individual chance constraints, random univariate right-hand sides, and risk tolerances defined as decision variables which affect part of the objective function. Built on the concept of efficient points, we formulate the problems as mixed-integer programs by using binary variables to determine an optimal risk tolerance for each chance constraint. We develop two benchmark approaches, both of which solve chance-constrained programs with fixed risk values in a bisection algorithm or by enumeration. We specify our approaches for a minimum cost flow problem and a network capacity design problem, both of which involve chance constraints for bounding the risk of demand shortages. We test instances with diverse size and complexity of the two network problems, and demonstrate the computational efficacy as well as give managerial insights.
Human colon tumor cell line LS174T drug metabolizing system.

The effects of culture variables on the specific content and activity of various enzymes of the drug mmetabolizing system were assessed in colon tumor cell line LS174T. The NADH reduced cytochrome b5 (cyt b5)4 spectrum of these cells was similar to rat liver cyt b5. When released from the membrane by trypsin and concentrated, the cyt b5 was found to cross react with rabbit antibody to rat liver cyt b5 and human liver cyt b5. The enzyme activities were found stable over limited cell passages with control values of 0.03 and 0.13 µol/min/mg protein for NADPH and NADH cytochrome c (cyt c) reducing activity, 0.05 nmol cyt b5 and 0.013 nmol cytochrome P450 per milligram of microsomal protein. Phenobarbital/hydrocortisone showed a consistent, but not always significant increase in the NADPH and NADH cyt c reduction and benzanthracene an increase in the NADH cyt c reducing activity and cyt b5 content. Griseofulvin lowered the NADH cyt c reducing activity. Delta-aminolevulinic acid (0.5 mM) caused a significant decrease in the specific activity of all enzymes, as judged by a student's t test, with a p<0.001.
Hepatic Artery Embolization for Liver Metastasis of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Following Imatinib and Sunitinib Therapy

The purpose of the study is to determine the efficacy of hepatic artery embolization (HAE) as a therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in patients who are refractory to imatinib and sunitinib. After institutional review board approval, a retrospective review revealed 11 patients with GIST metastatic to the liver who underwent 15 HAEs between February 2002 and May 2013. These patients were stratified into two groups according to the previous treatment: (a) those treated with HAE as second-line treatment after failing first-line imatinib (n = 3) and (b) those treated with HAE as third-line therapy after failing first-line imatinib and second-line sunitinib (n = 8). Initial therapeutic response, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety were evaluated. Initial therapeutic response rates at 3 months after HAE were 27.3 % (95 % confidence interval (CI), 6.0–61.0 %) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST) version 1.0 and 45.5 % (95 % CI, 16.7–76.6 %) by modified RECIST (mRECIST). The median OS and PFS after HAE were 14.9 and 3.9 months in group A and 23.8 and 3.4 months in group B, respectively. No procedure-related mortality or major complication was observed. HAE is an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic option for GIST liver metastases. Although larger studies are necessary, HAE should be considered as an alternative or adjuvant to third-line or even second-line systemic treatment.
High-energy gamma rays from reactions induced by E/A=15 MeV heavy-ion beams.

The production cross sections and angular distributions of high-energy \ensuremath{\gamma} rays have been measured for the reactions of $^{86}+\mathrm{Z}\mathrm{r}$, $^{40}+\mathrm{C}\mathrm{a}$, and $^{40}+\mathrm{Z}\mathrm{r}$ at E/A=15 MeV. The high-energy \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray cross section and spectral shape are consistent with previous studies. The source velocity of \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray emission for the three reactions is close to that of the nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass frame. The multiplicity of low-energy \ensuremath{\gamma} rays in coincidence with high-energy \ensuremath{\gamma} rays has been measured for the first time.
2D modeling and preliminary in vitro investigation of a prototype high gradient magnetic separator for biomedical applications

Abstract High gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) of magnetic materials from fluids or waste products has many established industrial applications. However, there is currently no technology employing HGMS for ex-vivo biomedical applications, such as for the removal of magnetic drug- or toxin-loaded spheres from the human blood stream. Importantly, human HGMS applications require special design modifications as, in contrast to conventional use where magnetic elements are permanently imbedded within the separation chambers, medical separators need to avoid direct contact between the magnetic materials and blood to reduce the risk of blood clotting and to facilitate convenient and safe treatment access for many individuals. We describe and investigate the performance of a magnetic separator prototype designed for biomedical applications. First, the capture efficiency of a prototype HGMS separator unit consisting of a short tubing segment and two opposing magnetizable fine wires along the outside of the tubing was investigated using 2D mathematical modeling. Second, the first-pass effectiveness to remove commercially available, magnetic polystyrene spheres from human blood using a single separator unit was experimentally verified. The theoretical and experimental data correlated well at low flow velocities ( 0.05 T). This prototype separator unit removed >90% in a single pass of the magnetic spheres from water at mean flow velocity ≤8.0 cm/s and from blood mimic fluids (ethylene glycol–water solutions) at mean flow velocity ≤2.0 cm/s. In summary, we describe and prove the feasibility of a HGMS separator for biomedical applications.
Radioreceptor assay of haloperidol tissue levels in the rat

Abstract The levels of apparent haloperidol-like biological activity in serum and brain were estimated by a radioreceptor assay (RRA) involving competition for binding of [3H]-spiroperidol to a membrane preparation of calf caudate nucleus. The RRA was found to be capable of measuring haloperidol sensitively to 3 pmol/ml serum and 140 pmol/g brain. With the RRA technique, recovery of haloperidol from serum or brain was 90–100%. Excellent correlations were found among results obtained with the RRA, by a corroborative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method, and by radioimmunoassay. Correlations between serum and brain levels in individual animals were quite close, and dose versus tissue level and time course versus tissue level relationships were demonstrated. Since the binding assay method is simple and evidently reliable, it provides a highly versatile addition to chemical assay methods. It is particularly well suited to experiments which attempt to correlate tissue drug levels with behavioral or clinical effects.
Photocleavage of benzyl-sulfide bonds

The nucleoside transport inhibitor 6-[(4-nitrobenzyl)thio]-9-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)purine, NBMPR, has been used successfully in photoaffinity labeling. We have studied the mechanism for photocleavage of the benzyl-sulfur bond by using substituted benzyl phenyl sulfides as analogues of NBMPR. This has enabled us to enhance the photoreactivity of the benzyl-sulfur bond. We have also performed «radical clock» studies with a hexenyl side chain to trap reactive intermediates. The mechanistic interpretation from the substituent and side chain studies is that the benzyl-sulfur moiety is photocleaved via a homolytic pathway
Cuff Pressure Oscillations in the Measurement of Relative Blood Pressure

The continuous relative blood pressure measure obtained with a partially-inflated arm blood-pressure cuff operates under the same principle as the oscillometric method of blood pressure determination. In psychophysiological studies the rise in blood pressure seen, for example, in response to an emotion-evoking question, produces a rise in cuff pressure, along with any of three pulse-amplitude changes: a decrease, no change, or an increase. These seemingly paradoxical responses which accompany an increase in blood pressure may be explained by considering the relationship of cuff pressure to the cuff pressure for maximum oscillations. Experiments were conducted in which cuff pressure and its oscillations were recorded. Indications of an increase in blood pressure, and the pulse-amplitude changes resulting there from, were obtained at different cuff pressures in the same subject. The results confirm the hypothesis that with cuff pressure below the point of maximum oscillation, an increase in blood pressure results in a decrease in pulse amplitude. With a cuff pressure just above the point of maximum oscillations, an increase in blood pressure results in an increase in pulse amplitude.
Gadd45 modulation of intrinsic and extrinsic stress responses in myeloid cells.

Gadd45 proteins modulate signaling in response to physiological and environmental stressors. Expression of gadd45 genes is rapidly induced by different stressors, including differentiation-inducing cytokines and genotoxic stress. Induction of gadd45 genes at the onset of myeloid differentiation suggested that Gadd45 protein(s) play a role in hematopoiesis, yet no apparent abnormalities were observed in either the bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood compartments of mice deficient for either gadd45a or gadd45b. However, under conditions of hematological stress, including acute stimulation with cytokines, myelo-ablation and inflammation, both gadd45a-deficient and gadd45b-deficient mice exhibited deficiencies. This is discussed within the context of what is known about Gadd45 proteins in stress signaling, hematopoietic development and the innate immune response. Furthermore, myeloid enriched BM cells from gadd45a and gadd45b deficient mice were observed to be more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation (UVC), VP-16 and daunorubicin (DNR) induced apoptosis compared to wild-type (WT) cells, displaying defective G2/M arrest following exposure to UVC and VP-16, but not to DNR. Novel mechanisms that mediate the pro-survival functions of Gadd45 in hematopoietic cells following UV irradiation were demonstrated, involving activation of the Gadd45a-p38-NF-κB survival pathway and Gadd45b mediated inhibition of the stress response MKK4-JNK apoptotic pathway. The ramifications regarding the pathogenesis of different leukemias and the response of normal and malignant hematopoietic cells to chemo- and radiation-therapy, as well as other challenges to the hematopoietic compartment, are discussed. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 26–31, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Magneto-optical and structural properties of DIG/T (T Fe, Co, Dy) multilayers

Abstract We investigated (Bi, Al)-doped Dy 3 Fe 5 O 12 /T (T = Fe, Co, Dy) multilayer thin films prepared by magnetron sputtering and subsequent processing by multipulse rapid thermal annealing. These multilayer garnet samples have very square hysteresis loops, large coercivity and nanoscale size grains. Large effective Kerr rotations were found in the blue wavelength region.
Explaining Perceptual Entitlement

This paper evaluates the prospects of harnessing “anti-individualism” about the contents of perceptual states to give an account of the epistemology of perception, making special reference to Tyler Burge’s (2003) paper, “Perceptual Entitlement”. I start by clarifying what kind of warrant is provided by perceptual experience, and I go on to survey different ways one might explain the warrant provided by perceptual experience in terms of anti-individualist views about the individuation of perceptual states. I close by motivating accounts which instead give a more prominent role to consciousness.
Self-Organizing-Queue Based Clustering

In this letter, we consider the problem of clustering, given the similarity matrix of a set of data points or nodes; this problem is a.k.a. graph clustering. Spectral clustering techniques are typically used to solve this problem. The performance of the existing spectral clustering techniques is not satisfactory for many applications. To improve the performance, we take a bio-inspired approach to the graph clustering problem and enable fictitious queues with self-organizing capability to group similar nodes into the same cluster; we call the resulting scheme, Self-Organizing-Queue (SOQ) clustering scheme. Experimental results have demonstrated the superiority of our SOQ scheme over the existing spectral clustering techniques and K-means algorithm.