cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphologische Befunde menschlicher Autopsieaugen nach Implantation von Ridley-Intraokularlinsen

Hintergrund. Die erfolgreiche Implantation der ersten Kunstlinse 1949/50 durch Sir Harold Ridley stellte den Anfang einer neuen Ara der operativen Augenheilkunde dar. Material und Methode. Zwei Bulbi eines Patienten, implantiert mit original Ridley-Intraokularlinsen, wurden mittels der Miyake-Apple-posterioren Fototechnik und histologisch untersucht. Ein Implantat wurde rasterelektronenmikroskopisch beurteilt. Ergebnisse. Beide Linsen gewahrleisteten eine klare optische Achse und waren histologisch gesichert endokapsular implantiert. Das Implantat des rechten Auges zeigte eine Dezentrierung nach inferior, die linke Linse war ideal zentriert. Die Hinterkapsel zeigte auch Jahre postoperativ nur dezente Epithelproliferationen. Die Rasterelektronenmikroskopie zeigte eine glatte Oberflache der explantierten Linse. Schlussfolgerung. Bei diesem Patienten gewahrleisteten Ridley-Linsen 22 und 18 Jahre postoperativ eine effektive visuelle Rehabilitation mit beidseitigem Visus 1,0. Erstaunlicherweise fand sich bei diesem Ridley-Modell ein Optikdesign mit annahernd scharfer Kante ahnlich dem Optikrand einiger moderner Faltlinsen. Das Ausbleiben einer Nachstarbildung ist unseres Erachtens zum Teil auf dieses Design zuruckzufuhren. Auch 22 Jahre nach Implantation zeigte die Ridley-Linse rasterelektronenmikroskopisch eine hohe Verarbeitungsqualitat. Viele schon fruhe Konzepte Sir Harold Ridleys wie das Prinzip der Hinterkammerlinse und der endokapsularen Implantation sind heute der Standard der modernen Kataraktchirurgie.
Poor airway function in early infancy and lung function by age 22 years: a non-selective longitudinal cohort study

Summary Background Together with smoking, the lung function attained in early adulthood is one of the strongest predictors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We aimed to investigate whether lung function in early adulthood is, in turn, affected by airway function measured shortly after birth. Methods Non-selected infants were enrolled at birth in the Tucson Children's Respiratory Study between 1980 and 1984. We measured maximal expiratory flows at functional residual capacity (Vmax FRC ) in 169 of these infants by the chest compression technique at a mean of 2·3 months (SD 1·9). We also obtained measurements of lung function for 123 of these participants at least once at ages 11, 16, and 22 years. Indices were forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF 25–75 ), both before and after treatment with a bronchodilator (180 μg of albuterol). Findings Participants who had infant Vmax FRC in the lowest quartile also had lower values for the FEV 1 /FVC ratio (−5·2%, p 25–75 (−663 mL/s, p 1 (−233 mL, p=0·001) up to age 22, after adjustment for height, weight, age, and sex, than those in the upper three quartiles combined. The magnitude and significance of this effect did not change after additional adjustment for wheeze, smoking, atopy, or parental asthma. Interpretation Poor airway function shortly after birth should be recognised as a risk factor for airflow obstruction in young adults. Prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease might need to start in fetal life.
A simple derivation of edmonds' algorithm for optimum branchings

Edmonds [1] has given an algorithm for constructing a maximum-weight branching in a weighted directed graph. His proof that the algorithm is correct is based on linear programming theory, and establishes as a by-product that a certain polyhedron has integer vertices. Here we give a direct combinatorial proof of the correctness of the algorithm.
A self consistent Monte Carlo method for the transient response of laser excited photoconductors

Abstract We use a bipolar Ensemble Monte Carlo embedded within a circuit solver to include the nonlinear transport of photogenerated electron-hole plasmas. All the usual carrier-carrier and carrier-phonon scattering mechanisms are included within a static screening model to incorporate non-ohmic behaviour. A one dimensional Poisson solver combines nonuniform field effects brought about by charge redistribution. Unlike previous EMC simulations for photoconductive circuits, we allow for transient changes in the net mobile charge within the photoexcitation region, by appropriately modifying the supercharge associated with each particle. Using this time varying supercharge scheme, we test an N + -N-N + structure under both dc and transient conditions.
Concomitant proliferation and caspase-3 mediated apoptosis in response to low shear stress and balloon injury.

Background Arterial remodeling occurs as a response to hemodynamic change and direct vessel wall injury through the process of neointimal hyperplasia (NH). A concomitant response of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and apoptosis exists. The purpose of this study is to assess the cellular response of vessels following exposure to low shear stress (τ) and balloon injury in order to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying vascular injury. Our hypothesis is that the combination of low τ and balloon injury results in NH approximating that seen in clinical arterial restenosis, and that quantitative analysis of VSMC proliferation and apoptosis correlates with the associated increase in arterial remodeling. Methods and Results New Zealand White rabbits underwent surgery on the carotid artery creating low τ ( n =11), balloon injury ( n = 11), combined low τ and balloon injury ( n =11), and sham ( n = 13) groups. Experiments were terminated at 1, 3, and 28 d. Day 1 and 3 arteries were analyzed with immunohistochemistry for apoptotic markers, terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and activated caspase-3, and a cellular proliferation marker, accumulated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), as well as immunoblot analysis for activated caspase-3 and PCNA at day 3. There was significantly greater apoptosis in the combined group as compared with the other groups assessed by quantitative TUNEL and activated caspase-3 levels at both days 1 and 3. Similarly, an increase in cellular proliferation assessed by PCNA expression, was significantly greater in the combined group as compared with the other groups. At 28 d there was no difference in NH observed in the low τ (26 ± 3 μm) and balloon injury (51 ± 17 μm) groups. However, significantly more NH was observed in the combined group (151 ± 35 μm) as compared with the other groups. Conclusions An increase in VSMC apoptosis via a caspase-3 dependent pathway is up-regulated by 24 h in the face of combined low shear stress and balloon-induced vessel wall injury. Paradoxically, this increase in VSMC apoptosis is associated with a significant increase in neointimal thickening at 28 d. The concomitant increase of both apoptosis and proliferation are indicative of a robust arterial remodeling response.
Highly doped GaInAs using diethylberyllium by MOCVD for InP-based heterostructure bipolar transistor applications

Diethylberyllium has been used to produce high hole concentrations in latticematched Galnas grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Doping concentrations from p = 1 × 1019 up to 7.7 × 1019 cm−3 have been achieved at 500°C. To our knowledge, this is the highest doping level achieved by MOCVD in this material system. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis showed a significant inclusion of oxygen in the as-grown material. Using beryllium-doped Galnas as the base layer, we have demonstrated InP-based heterostructure bipolar transistors. This shows diethylberyllium to be a promising p-type dopant for MOCVD applications.
Myocyte Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 Contributes to Blunted β-Adrenergic Response in Failing Human Hearts by Decreasing Ca2+ Transients

Background— Human heart failure (HF) usually exhibits blunted response to β-adrenergic receptor (AR) stimulation. Here, we examined whether expression of nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2, or inducible NOS) contributes to this loss of inotropic reserve in human HF. Methods and Results— Failing human hearts were obtained at transplantation. Contraction and [Ca2+]i measurements were performed in isolated cardiac myocytes and trabeculae. In HF myocytes and muscle, isoproterenol (ISO), a β-AR agonist, led to small inotropic and lusitropic responses. Specific inhibition of NOS2 by aminoguanidine (AG) or L-NIL dramatically increased the ISO-induced inotropy and lusitropy, such that the ISO+AG response in HF approached that seen with ISO alone in nonfailing human myocytes or muscles. Ca2+ transient data directly paralleled these results, indicating that altered cellular Ca2+ handling is responsible. In nonfailing human hearts, NOS2 inhibition had no effects. In addition, NOS2 inhibition also had no effect in 30% of ...
Robust EKF-Based Wireless Congestion Control

Many of the recently proposed high performance congestion control protocols rely on an estimation of the available link bandwidths. Specially, XCP and VCP need an explicit knowledge of the link bandwidth. However, wireless networks are characterized by bandwidth variations due to the openness of air links. Experiments have clearly shown that operating over variable bandwidth wireless links can lead to a significant performance degradation of congestion control protocols. Such degradation is typically measured in terms of oscillatory behavior. In this paper, we propose the use of an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to filter out the impact of bandwidth variations from the operation of wireless congestion control protocols. Our EKF-based Bandwidth Estimation (EBE) scheme can predict link capacity by monitoring the persistent queue size of a wireless link thereby eliminating the need for direct measuring of the real-time bandwidth. We implement EBE in NS-2 and integrate it with XCP and VCP protocols. Through extensive simulation studies, we demonstrate significant performance improvements of both protocols as the result of using EBE.
The Influence of Androgens in a Female Turkey

Abstract WITH numerous references to the influence of androgenic hormone in chickens, little mention is made of the responses in turkeys. One female Broad Breasted Bronze turkey was observed for a number of months while male sex hormone was being administered. This turkey was approximately six months old when the hormone was first given, and the treatment was continued for a little more than six months. Two pellets of testosterone were implanted subcutaneously, but adsorption apparently was so slow that intramuscular injections of testosterone propionate were given in addition. Injections were given twice weekly, and throughout most of the period the dosage was 8 mg. per injection. (Two female turkeys were started on the experiment, but fighting soon became so intense between them that one bird was removed from the pen and discontinued from the experiment.) The first indication of a response to the hormone was a slight reddening of Locals . . .
On C4H versus vibrationally excited CO in IRC + 10216

The identification of the 114,221-MHz line in the spectrum of the evolved carbon star IRC +10216 with a blend of the rotational transition of C4H and the first rotational transition of vibrationally excited CO is investigated. A spectrum of the source was obtained using an 11-m telescope in the range covering the N = 12 to 11 and 11 to 10 spin-doublet rotational transitions of C4H. Two peaks of equal intensity and width are found in each band, suggesting a spin rotation constant of 1.06 for the 12 to 11 doublet and 1.09 for the 11 to 10 doublet, and excluding the possibility that vibrationally excited CO made any contribution to the 12 to 11 doublet. An additional survey of the regions from 103.8 to 107.5 and 113.3 to 117.0 GHz has revealed no new lines stronger than 0.1 K in the spectrum of IRC +10216.
Functional Characterization of ProSAAS SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES WITH 7B2

Prohormone convertases (PC) 1 and 2, enzymes found primarily in neuroendocrine tissues, are thought to mediate the proteolytic cleavage of many peptide precursors. To date, endogenous binding proteins for both PC2 (7B2) and PC1 (proSAAS) have been identified. Although 7B2 represents a potent inhibitor of PC2, the most important function of 7B2 as regards this enzyme appears to be the absolute requirement of PC2 for 7B2 in the generation of active enzyme, recently corroborated through production of a null animal that lacks PC2 activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether proSAAS exerts effects on PC1 other than inhibition, and to establish functional similarities and differences between 7B2 and proSAAS. We first asked whether the N-terminal domain of proSAAS (proSAAS-(1–180)) could stabilize PC1 activity, similar to the effect of the N-terminal domain of 7B2 on PC2. Recombinant His-tagged proSAAS-(1–180) had no effect on PC1 activity in vitro and was unable to protect PC1 from thermal denaturation. Transient cotransfection of proSAAS-(1–225) cDNA with PC1 cDNA into HEK 293 cells reduced the amount of PC1 activity detected in the medium. Surprisingly, cotransfection of proSAAS-(1–180) cDNA, encoding a protein that lacks the inhibitory C-terminal domain peptide, also reduced the activity of PC1 detected in the medium, but the mass of PC1 secreted into the medium was increased, suggesting a proSAAS-mediated inactivation reaction. Similar results were observed in CHO/PC1 cells stably transfected with pro-SAAS-(1–180). Stable transfection of SAAS cDNAs into AtT-20 cells was used to examine the role of proSAAS in a neuroendocrine setting. Unlike 7B2, proSAAS-(1–225) was able to slow convertase-mediated processing of proopiomelanocortin and proenkephalin; however, similarly to 7B2, proSAAS expression did not result in any accumulated differences in the content of cellular processed peptide. In summary, although both proSAAS and 7B2 potently inhibit PC enzymes via a C-terminal peptide, their intracellular interactions with PCs appear to differ significantly, with each binding protein exhibiting unique properties.
Ultrastructure of the nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial (Clara) cell of mammalian lung. III. A study of man with comparison of 15 mammalian species.

Two morphologic characteristics have been used to define the nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial cell: (1) abundance of agranular endoplasmic reticulum (AER) and (2) numerous membrane-bound ovoid granules. In this study, we examined lobectomy specimens from three nonsmoking humans: one male (9.5 yr) and two females (62 and 43 yr) for comparison with lung specimens from mammalian species used as experimental models in lung research. Following fixation by airway infusion at constant pressure (20 cm), lung tissue was processed by a selective embedding technique and bronchioles of known anatomic location were studied by electron microscopy. Nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial cells of man contained numerous membrane-bound granules (averaging 6 per cell) in the apical cytoplasm and abundant granular endoplasmic reticulum (GER). AER was not observed. Granules averaged 0.3 μm in diameter and contained a fine granular matrix and parallel tubular arrays. After comparing these features in man with those of fifteen ot...
The effects of power plant condenser cooling water entrainment on the amphipod. Gammarus sp.

Abstract The abundant Hudson River amphipod Gammarus sp. was examined for viability before and during entrainment in the Indian Point cooling water system. The mean per cent survivial of Gammarus sp. sampled during ΔT's of 7.1–8.3°C and ambient temperatures of 24.9–26.0°C was 98.5 and 97.4 per cent for the two intake stations and 90.1 and 96.8 per cent for the discharge canal stations D-1 and D-2 respectively. A statistically significant (α = 0.05) difference was detected between the survival of Gammarus sp. at the intake stations and discharge station D-1. located near the upper end of the discharge canal. Entrained Gammarus sp. experience increased initial and latent mortalities during periods of condenser chlorination. Comparison of the abundances of entrained Gammarus sp. during day and night sampling periods reveals a significantly higher occurrence during darkness. Temperature bioassays indicate that the thermal tolerance of Gammarus sp. is dependent on exposure time and ambient temperature. The temperature resulting in a 50 per cent mortality of Gammarus sp. for 30 min exposure times increased approximately 11 C as ambient temperatures increased from 2.5 to 25.8°C. Consequently, Gammarus sp. was capable of surviving ΔT's of greater magnitude as the ambient temperature to which they were acclimated decreased. Temperature bioassays indicated that Gammarus sp. should be able to tolerate all projected time-temperature exposure combinations encountered during entrainment through the cooling water system.
A Phenomenological Model for Boiling Heat Transfer and the Critical Heat Flux in Tubes Containing Twisted Tapes

Abstract New critical heat flux (CHF) and boiling heat transfer data were obtained in the subcooled and low quality regions using refrigerant 113. These data were obtained in a 0.61 cm round tube containing a twisted tape having a twist ratio of 6.25. The new CHF data, plus water data from the literature, were compared to a modified version of the CHF predictive model based on bubble crowding and coalescence in the bubbly layer [Weisman and Pei, Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 26 , 1463–1478 (1983), Weisman and Illeslamlou, Fusion Tech. 13 , 654—659 (1988)]. Reasonably good predictions were obtained within the range of the model. It was also found that the Yang and Weisman [ Int. J. Multiphase Flow 17 , 77–94 (1991)] extension of the CHF model to boiling heat transfer held for swirling flow.
OPTIMIZING A REACTOR COOLANT CHANNEL FOR MINIMUM BLOWER POWER

Abstract Equations are given for the calculation of the optimum coolant cross-sectional area in the active part of a nuclear reactor and the optimum degree of surface extension of the fuel element walls, when the entrance temperature of the coolant and the admissible clad temperature are fixed. The problem is solved from a purely thermodynamic point of view. The results may be applied especially to reactors with a high flow resistance in the non-active part of the primary circuit. The introduction of some dimensionless numbers allows presentation in generally valid diagrams.
Active pixel and photon counting imagers based on poly-Si TFTs: rewriting the rule book on large area flat panel x-ray devices

The near-ubiquity of large area, active matrix, flat-panel imagers (AMFPIs) in medical x-ray imaging applications is a testament to the usefulness and adaptability of the relatively simple concept of array pixels based on a single amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) TFT coupled to a pixel storage capacitor. Interestingly, the fundamental advantages of a-Si:H thin film electronics (including compatibility with very large area processing, high radiation damage resistance, and continued development driven by interest in mainstream consumer products) are shared by the rapidly advancing technology of polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) TFTs. Moreover, the far higher mobilities of poly-Si TFTs, compared to those of a- Si:H, facilitate the creation of faster and more complex circuits than are possible with a-Si:H TFTs, leading to the possibility of new classes of large area, flat panel imagers. Given recent progress in the development of initial poly-Si imager prototypes, the creation of increasingly sophisticated active pixel arrays offering pixel-level amplification, variable gain, very high frame rates, and excellent signal-to-noise performance under all fluoroscopic and radiographic conditions (including very low exposures and high spatial frequencies), appears within reach. In addition, it is conceivable that the properties of poly-Si TFTs could allow the development of large area imagers providing single xray photon counting capabilities. In this article, the factors driving the possible realization of clinically practical active pixel and photon counting imagers based on poly-Si TFTs are described and simple calculational estimates related to photon counting imagers are presented. Finally, the prospect for future development of such imagers is discussed.
Getting Higher: Co-Occurring Drug Use Among Marijuana-Using Emerging Adults

The most widely used illicit drug in the United States continues to be marijuana, and its use among emerging adults continues to increase. Marijuana use can result in a range of negative consequences and has been associated with other drug use in adolescents and emerging adults. This study examined the relationship between marijuana use frequency and the use of six other drug classes (opiates, cocaine, stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalants, and sleep medications) among emerging adults. A cross-sectional interview design was used with a community sample of 1,075 emerging adults in the northeastern United States. Using logistic regression analysis controlling for age, ethnicity, gender, and frequency of binge alcohol, daily marijuana use was found to be associated with a significant increase in the expected odds of opiate, cocaine, stimulant, hallucinogen, inhalant, and tobacco use. The findings identify a subgroup of emerging adult marijuana users—those who use daily—that may be vulnerable to additional neg...
Comparative analysis of PAH:DNA adducts formed in lung of mice exposed to neat coal tar and soils contaminated with coal tar.

7H-Benzo[c]fluorene (benzo[c]fluorene) is a major DNA adduct forming component of coal tar in lung of mice. The present study evaluated the types of PAH:DNA adducts formed from different neat coal tar samples and soils contaminated with coal tar. Mice were fed diets containing coal tar either neat or as a contaminant in an environmental soil sample for 14 days, and the types of chemical:DNA adducts formed in lung were evaluated using 32P-postlabeling and HPLC analysis. Three major DNA adducts derived respectively from benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]F), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), and benzo[c]fluorene were detected in three of the four neat coal tar samples evaluated. In contrast, only a single major DNA adduct derived from benzo[c]fluorene was observed with the remaining tar sample. Ingestion of coal tar contaminated soil resulted in DNA adducts primarily derived from benzo[c]fluorene and B[b]F; a B[a]P derived DNA adduct was not detected. The DNA adducts derived from benzo[c]fluorene and B[b]F but not B[a]P were ...
Natural convection flow of a non-Newtonian fluid between two concentric vertical cylinders

The natural convection of a homogeneous incompressible fluid of grade three between two infinite concentric vertical cylinders is studied. We consider the effect of the non-Newtonian nature of the fluid on the skin friction and heat transfer. Some numerical experimentation is presented to show the effect on the velocity and temperature profiles as the dimensionless parameters are varied.
Compressive response and failure of balsa wood

Abstract Balsa wood is a natural cellular material with excellent stiffness-to-weight and strength-to-weight ratios as well as superior energy absorption characteristics. These properties are derived from the microstructure, which consists of long slender cells (tracheids) with approximately hexagonal crosssections that are arranged axially. Parenchyma are a second type of cells that are radially arranged in groups that periodically penetrate the tracheids (rays). Under compression in the axial direction the material exhibits a linearly elastic regime that terminates by the initiation of failure in the form of localized kinking. Subsequently, under displacement-controlled compression, a stress plateau is traced associated with the gradual spreading of crushing of the cells through the material. The material is less stiff and weaker in the tangential and radial directions. Compression in these directions crushes the tracheids laterally but results in a monotonically increasing response typical of lateral crushing of elastic honeycombs. The elastic and inelastic properties in the three directions have been established experimentally as a function of the wood density. The microstructure and its deformation modes under compression have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy. In the axial direction it was observed that in the majority of the tests, failure initiated by kinking in the axial–tangential plane. The local misalignment of tracheids in zones penetrated by rays ranged from 4° to 10° and axial compression results in shear in these zones. Measurement of the shear response and the shear strength in the planes of interest enabled estimation of the kinking stress using the Argon–Budiansky kinking model. The material strength predicted in this manner has been found to provide a bounding estimate of the axial strength for a broad range of wood densities. The energy absorption characteristics of the wood have also been measured and the specific energy absorption was found to be comparable to that of metallic honeycombs of the same relative density.
Evaluation of Aortic Valve Disorders Using Stress Echocardiography

Stress echocardiography is a safe and valuable test to aid in the diagnosis and management of patients with aortic valve disorders. In patients with suspected severe aortic stenosis (AS) and low aortic gradients secondary to low cardiac output, dobutamine echocardiography distinguishes those patients with contractile reserve (CR) from those without it. By increasing the stroke volume in subjects with CR, true severe AS patients have an increase in transaortic gradients without a significant change in the valve area, whereas patients with pseudostenosis have an increase in the gradients with concomitant increase in the aortic valve area to >1 cm(2). Patients without CR are indeterminate in their AS status and have a poor prognosis. The presence of CR is also important in patients suffering from aortic insufficiency, as it may predict the development of symptoms, myocardial dysfunction, or death in the asymptomatic phase of the disease, and the potential for left ventricular functional recovery after valve replacement. Finally, both exercise and dobutamine echocardiography can help in the assessment of valve malfunction or mismatch in patients with aortic valve prostheses experiencing exercise intolerance by correlating the symptoms with the change in the aortic gradients induced during stress testing.
Changes in the background activity of the electroencephalogram according to age

Spectral analysis of the background activity of the EEG was performed in 295 healthy children, 4--11 years old, using the relative powers of theta (3.5--7.0 c/sec), slow alpha (7.5--9.0 c/sec) and fast alpha (9.5--12.5 c/sec) bands. Non-parametric regression functions of spectral parameters were estimated using Rosenblatt's method. The correlation with age is best represented by the logarithmically transformed value of fast alpha activity in the occipital leads (r = 0.5783 for O2 and 0.5657 for O1). Differences between corresponding points of the two hemispheres are small. The fast alpha activity is slightly more prominent in central leads up to 8 years of age but becomes dominant occipitally after that age. In the maturation of the EEG there are significant differences between boys and girls: the mean percentage of slower activity is higher, and of faster activity is lower, in girls than boys. Thus the EEG maturation in girls up to 11 years seems to be retarded compared with boys.
Twisted Film, or: How I Learned to Stop the Movie and Teach the Truth

Abstract The 1996 blockbuster Twister both entertained and exasperated geographers. Misrepresentations and unsafe field practices resonated deeply; still, the film possesses relevance for educators. Science-based reviews illuminating on-screen inconsistencies and pseudoscience might surprise students accepting movies at face value. This article uses a disaster movie to teach beneficial concepts, definitions, and insight by identifying, elaborating on, and correcting important ideas, dialogue, and terminology. It includes experienced commentary on storm chasing. Chasers must work together using latest technologies to remotely sense environments of future tornadoes during minutes preceding formation. Unlike movies, the mantra for students chasing should be “safety first.”
Artificial groundwater recharge, I. Circular recharging area

Abstract Artificial groundwater recharge is of increasing importance as an essential component of water-management programs. The fluctuation of the water table in response to recharge depends on the size and shape of the recharging area, on the duration and the type of variation of the recharge rate, and on the hydraulic and geometric parameters of the underlying aquifer. Numerial solutions describing the formation of groundwater mounds are obtained by applying the Douglas-Jones predictor-corrector method to the second-order, nonlinear, partial-differential equation characterizing the unsteady flow in an unconfined aquifer beneath a circular uniformly recharging area. An advantage of using the method is that the predictor-corrector equations result in a tridiagonal set of simultaneous equations which can be solved rapidly in a digital computer. Furthermore, the method is computationally stable.
Monitoring the channel process of a stream restoration project in an urbanizing watershed: a case study of Kelley Creek, Oregon, USA

Pacific Northwest (PNW) streams in the United States were impacted by the 20th century development, when removal of instream structure and channelization degraded an aquatic habitat. The lower Kelley Creek in southeast Portland, USA was channelized during the 1930's Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects. Stream restoration reintroduced pool-riffle sequences and heterogeneous substrates to protect salmonids while mitigating impacts from flooding. We investigated whether the restored pool-riffle morphology changed substantially following effective discharge events. We examined channel forms for four reaches representing three time periods—pre-development (two reference reaches), development and restoration. We conducted thalweg profiles, cross-sections and pebble counts along the reaches to examine how channel geometry, residual pool dimensions and particle size distribution changed following effective discharge events. The effective discharge flows altered the restoration reach more substantially than the reference reaches. The restoration reach decreased in median particle size, and its cross-sectional geometry aggraded near its margins. However, the residual pool morphology remained in equilibrium. Richardson Creek's reference reach degraded at the substrate level, while Kelley Creek's reference reach remained in equilibrium. The restoration reach's aggradation may have resulted from sedimentation along the nearby Johnson Creek. In contrast, Richardson Creek's degradation occurred as upstream land use may have augmented flows. Stream channels with low gradient pool-riffle morphologies are ideal for salmonid spawning and rearing and should be protected and restored within urban corridors. The findings of our study suggest that the connectivity of streams and the dynamic fluvial geomorphology of stream channels should be considered for stream restoration projects in humid temperate climates. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Strategy for Database Searching in Spin Liouville Space by NMR Ensemble Computing

Quantum computing by nuclear magnetic resonance using pseudopure spin states is bound by the maximal speed of quantum computing algorithms operating on pure states. In contrast to these quantum computing algorithms, a novel algorithm for searching an unsorted database is presented here that operates on truly mixed states in spin Liouville space. It provides an exponential speedup over Grover's quantum search algorithm with the sensitivity scaling exponentially with the number of spins, as for pseudopure state implementations. The minimal decoherence time required is exponentially shorter than that for Grover's algorithm.
Prophylactic internal fixation of the femur in metastatic breast cancer

Three hundred and thirty-eight patients with breast cancer have been reviewed. About half of the patients with skeletal metastases developed femoral involvement, usually bilateral. Certain impending femoral fractures can be presaged, and in these patients prophylactic internal fixation has reduced the incidence of pathologic fractures in femora so affected by metastatic disease from 32% to 9%.
A performance ratings framework for the evaluation of electronic voting systems: project highlights: exploratory research

This paper outlines the highlights of the DG-funded year-long project on performance-ratings for voting system evaluation. It describes recent work on evaluating voting systems with respect to privacy, and on a performance evaluation of an implemented system. It ends with a summary of plans for the next few months.
A radical scavenger edaravone inhibits matrix metalloproteinase-9 upregulation and blood–brain barrier breakdown in a mouse model of prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays key roles in the brain pathophysiology, especially in blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown. Therefore, inhibiting MMP-9 activity may be a promising therapy for protecting brains in cerebrovascular diseases. Here we show that in a mouse prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion model, a clinically proven radical scavenger edaravone suppressed MMP-9 and reduced BBB damage in cerebral white matter. Prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion was induced by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis in male adult C57BL/6J mice (10 weeks old). After 7 days of cerebral hypoperfusion, white matter region (e.g. corpus callosum) exhibited significant BBB leakage, assessed by IgG staining. Correspondingly, immunostaining and western blotting showed that MMP-9 was upregulated in the white matter. Edaravone treatment (3mg/kg, i.p. at days 0 and 3) inhibited both BBB leakage and MMP-9 increase. Under the early phase of cerebral hypoperfusion conditions, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) mainly contribute to the MMP-9 increase, but our immunostaining data showed that very little OPCs expressed MMP-9 in the edaravone-treated animals at day 7. Therefore, in vitro studies with primary rat OPCs were conducted to examine whether edaravone would directly suppressed MMP-9 expressions in OPCs. OPC cultures were exposed to sub-lethal CoCl2 for 7 days to induce prolonged chemical hypoxic stress. Prolonged chemical hypoxic stress increased MMP-9 expression in OPCs, and radical scavenging with edaravone (10μM for 7 days) ameliorated the increase. Taken together, our proof-of-concept study demonstrates that radical scavengers may provide a potential therapeutic approach for white matter injury by suppressing BBB damage.
HLA-DR is a procoagulant

Numerous incidents of thromboembolic complications have been documented in cancer patients and in recipients of mismatched organ transplants. Tumor procoagulants have also been implicated in the process of metastasis. Two protein bands of 35,000 and 28,000 daltons isolated from human ovarian carcinoma possessed procoagulant activity. The 35,000 dalton protein had an amino terminal sequence identical to that of the major histocompatibility antigen HLA-DR. Further, isolation of the protein using immunoaffinity column chromatography with monoclonal antibody to HLA-DR resulted in the isolation of procoagulant activity. The immunoaffinity purified protein enhanced thrombin generation in recalcified normal plasma approximately 20- fold. HLA-DR procoagulant activity was completely inhibited by Staphylococcal enterotoxin A. We propose that the procoagulant nature of HLA-DR may contribute to thrombotic disorders in several cancers and in association with graft rejection. The ability of enterotoxin A to inhibit this procoagulant may lead to development of future therapeutic strategies.
Laser induced fluorescence (LIF) lifetime studies of terbium-doped DPA

We have used a high-repetition-rate, pulsed, 266nm microchip laser and a low-repetition-rate, frequency doubled, tunable dye laser (266nm) to study the fluorescence lifetime of the line spectra of terbium doped dipicolinate in distilled water. Our results are related to the detection of endospores in the environment.
Natural enrichment of ferritin mRNA in mRNP particles.

Abstract We have investigated the distribution of ferritin mRNA in polysomes and in mRNP particles from rat liver and HeLa cells by translation in wheat germ lysates. Our results indicate that the relative abundance of ferritin mRNA in both compartments is much higher than previously estimated. In mRNP particles from both tissues, ferritin appears to be one of the most abundant species.
Significance of spikes recorded on electrocorticography in nonlesional medial temporal lobe epilepsy

Whether spikes recorded by intraoperative electrocorticography imply active epileptogenicity has not been adequately addressed. We performed preresection and postresection electrocorticography on 47 patients with nonlesional medial temporal lobe epilepsy who were undergoing surgery for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy. A standard anteromedial temporal lobectomy was performed on all patients, with no additional resection, regardless of electrocorticographic findings. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I (no seizures or rare seizures) and Group II (recurrent seizures). Recorded spikes were analyzed for distribution and spike discharge rate. On preresection electrocorticography, 83% of Group I and 82% of Group II had spikes in the anterior temporal lobe. The spike discharge rate was equally distributed between high frequency and low frequency for both groups (not significant). Although spikes localized to the posterior temporal neocortex were seen more in Group II (64%) than Group I (39%), this was not a significant difference (p > 0.1). Most of these patients had a low-frequency spike discharge rate. On postresection electrocorticography, 80% of Group I and 75% of Group II had residual spikes. The majority of these had a low-frequency spike discharge rate and were localized to the margin of resection. We found no correlation between residual spikes on preresection and postresection electrocorticography and outcome. These findings do not support the role of intraoperative electrocorticography in guiding mesial temporal lobe resection.
Medical management of hyperthyroidism.

Radioiodine is considered the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism, but in some situations, methimazole therapy is preferred, such as in cats with pre-existing renal insufficiency. Methimazole blocks thyroid hormone synthesis, and controls hyperthyroidism in more than 90% of cats that tolerate the drug. Unfavorable outcomes are usually due to side effects such as gastrointestinal (GI) upset, facial excoriation, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, or liver enzyme elevations; warfarin-like coagulopathy or myasthenia gravis have been reported but are rare. Because restoration of euthyroidism can lead to a drop in glomerular filtration rate, all cats treated with methimazole should be monitored with BUN and creatinine, in addition to serum T4, complete blood count, and liver enzymes. Transdermal methimazole is associated with fewer GI side effects, and can be used in cats with simple vomiting or inappetance from oral methimazole. Hypertension may not resolve immediately when serum T4 is normalized, and moderate to severe hypertension should be treated concurrently with atenolol, amlodipine, or an ACE inhibitor. Alternatives to methimazole include carbimazole, propylthiouracil, or iodinated contrast agents.
Repetition priming and repetition suppression: Multiple mechanisms in need of testing

In our Discussion Paper, we reviewed four theoretical proposals that have the potential to link the neural and behavioral phenomena of Repetition Suppression and Repetition Priming. We argued that among these proposals, the Synchrony and Bayesian Explaining Away models appear to be the most promising in addressing existing data, and we articulated a series of predictions to distinguish between them. The commentaries have helped to clarify some of these predictions, have highlighted additional evidence supporting the Facilitation and Sharpening models, and have emphasized dissociations by repetition lag and brain location. Our reply addresses these issues in turn, and we argue that progress will require the testing of Repetition Suppression, changes in neural tuning, and changes in synchronization throughout the brain and over a variety of lags and task contexts.
Constant-Bandwidth Scanning of the Czerny Turner Monochromator

For the convenience of monochromator users, the constant-bandwidth operation of a Czerny–Turner monochromator is reviewed and clarified for continuously variable and for discretely variable slit widths. A procedure for selecting the discrete slit widths that are necessary for nearly constant-bandwidth scanning is presented.
The Origins of Modern Divorce

High rates of marital dissolution and easy access to divorce are not unprecedented, historically or cross-culturally. But contemporary divorce in North America and Western Europe has different origins and features than divorce in previous cultures. The origins of modern divorce patterns date back more than 200 years, to the invention of the historically unprecedented idea that marriage should be based on love and mutual affection. Ironically, then, the fragility of modern marriage stems from the same values that have elevated the marital relationship above all other personal and familial commitments: the concentration of emotion, passion, personal identity, and self-validation in the couple relationship and the attenuation of emotional attachments and obligations beyond the conjugal unit. The immediate causes of divorce may range from factors as diverse as the personal psychological characteristics of one or both spouses to the stresses of economic hardship and community disintegration. But in a larger perspective, the role of divorce in modern societies and its relatively high occurrence both flow from the same complex of factors that have made good marriages so much more central to people's happiness than through most of the past, and deterioration of a marital relationship so much more traumatic.
Absence of natural intracellular retinoids in mouse bone marrow cells and implications for PML-RARA transformation

The X-RARA fusion proteins have reduced sensitivity to all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), and have been proposed to act by decreasing retinoid-dependent transcription required for myeloid maturation.1, 2, 3 We therefore sought to determine whether maturing myeloid cells are exposed to natural retinoid ligands in vivo. Surprisingly, we detected a paucity of natural retinoids capable of transactivating RARA-dependent transcription in adult mouse bone marrow cells, and the trace activity we observed tended to be in erythroid-lineage cells, rather than in myeloid-progenitors. This suggests that the resistance to retinoid-mediated transactivation likely has a limited role in X-RARA-dependent leukemogenesis because natural retinoids are largely absent during normal myeloid maturation.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STANDARD FIRE TEST TO HEAVY CLAY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURE1

This paper points out the origin and basis of the fire-test procedure, listing five places where fire tests of building walls can be made and the type of work done at these various laboratories. Some data are given to show the need and general trend of research work in heavy clay products leading to better fire resistance.
Cardiovascular Devices and Platelet Interactions Understanding the Role of Injury, Flow, and Cellular Responses

The objectives of the 2011 Platelet Colloquium were to gain a better understanding of the role of platelets and inflammatory cells in the response to cardiovascular device–associated injury; to describe the relationship between cardiac devices, shear stress, and alterations in platelet biology and function; and to review evidence derived from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations supporting therapies to modify platelet and inflammatory cell–associated responses to device-related injury. Accordingly, this review summarizes the evidence for translating basic scientific concepts underlying circulatory and device-associated vascular injury to the clinical development and use of cardiac devices, supplemented by findings from the literature. Insights for platelet receptor activation, inflammatory cell biology, endothelial dysregulation, and the effects of biomechanical stress on coagulation and hemostatic proteins were examined to better determine the pathobiology, incidence, and possible prevention of adverse events in patients receiving cardiac devices. ### Shear Stress and Platelet Activation Hemodynamics play a key role in thrombus formation. Pathophysiological shear stress induces activation of platelets and the endothelium, increases platelet–leukocyte interactions, and promotes thrombin generation. The initial tethering of rolling activated platelets, subsequent stable adhesion, and aggregation each are influenced by shear stress on the vessel wall, which can range from 11.4 to 30.4 dyne/cm2 in large arteries and up to 380 dyne/cm2 at critical areas of arterial stenosis.1 Along a diseased vessel, shear forces will vary dramatically within short distances, increasing as the lumen narrows and then decreasing in the poststenotic vascular segment.2 Several platelet membrane proteins serve as mechanosensors, most notably glycoprotein (GP) Ib and its ligand, von Willebrand factor (vWF).3 vWF circulates as highly adhesive multimers (ultralarge vWF) that are cleaved by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif member 13 (ADAMTS-13). Depletion or accumulation of ultralarge vWF, as a consequence of inappropriate ADAMTS-13 proteolysis, results in pathological bleeding …
Design and construction of adaptive devices for the disabled: design education with marker potential

The author discusses the objectives of a course in design of devices for the disabled. The course must present a structured program of design methodology, which involves group activities and several opportunities for writing and oral presentation. It should also involve an open-ended client-based project which involves a simple mechanical system amenable to stress analysis and graphical representation. The author discusses project identification and selection, and what the students are expected to do during the design process.
Spatial-temporal characteristics of perceptual organization following acquired brain injury

Objective: To assess characteristics of perceptual organization following brain injury. Research design: A repeated measures between groups design. Methods: Perceptual thresholds were compared between 10 persons with brain injury and 10 demographically matched healthy control subjects. Ten young control subjects were also tested to evaluate effects of normal ageing on these processes. Participants viewed stimuli on a computer monitor in which regularities existed in either the spatial or temporal domain. Psychophysical measurements were made of perceptual thresholds, as well as time required to process stimuli. Results: Relative to age-matched control subjects, patients were impaired on all measures, with greatest deficits in conditions that contained a temporal component. Impairment did not occur with normal ageing. Conclusions: These results reflect cognitive impairment resulting from reduced cortical integrative function as well as reduced information processing speed. Such deficits at this level of pr...