cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fever, infection, and rejection after kidney transplant failure.

BACKGROUND Patients returning to dialysis therapy after renal transplant failure have high morbidity and retransplant rates. After observing frequent hospitalizations with fever after failure, it was hypothesized that maintaining immunosuppression for the failed allograft increases the risk of infection, while weaning immunosuppression can lead to symptomatic rejection mimicking infection. METHODS One hundred eighty-six patients with failed kidney transplants were analyzed for rates of hospitalization with fever within 6 months of allograft failure. Patients were stratified by the presence of full immunosuppression versus minimal (low-dose prednisone) or no immunosuppression, before hospital admission. Subsequent rates of documented infection and nephrectomy, as well as patient survival, were ascertained. RESULTS Hospitalization with fever within 6 months of allograft failure was common, occurring in 44% of patients overall. However, among febrile hospitalized patients who had been weaned off of immunosuppression before admission, only 38% had documented infection. In contrast, 88% of patients maintained on immunosuppression had documented infection (P<0.001). In both groups, dialysis catheter-related infections were the most common infection source. Allograft nephrectomy was performed in 81% of hospitalized patients with no infection, compared to 30% of patients with documented infection (P<0.001). Mortality risk was significantly higher in patients with concurrent pancreas transplants or who were hospitalized with documented infection. CONCLUSIONS Maintenance immunosuppression after kidney allograft failure was associated with a greater incidence of infection, while weaning of immunosuppression commonly resulted in symptomatic rejection with fever mimicking infection on presentation. Management of the failed allograft should include planning to avoid both infection and sensitizing events.
Hydrodynamic enhancement of larval settlement in the bivalve Mulinia lateralis (Say) and the polychaete Capitella sp. I in microdepositional environments

Abstract To test whether larval settlement patterns of the opportunistic bivalve Mulinia lateralis (Say) and the opportunistic polychaete Capitella sp. I are influenced by near-bottom flow, laboratory still-water and flume-flow experiments were conducted using a sediment-filled array consisting of depressions and compartments flush with the flume bottom. Compartments were filled with organic-rich mud or a low-organic, glass-bead mixture of a comparable grain size. Previous flume experiments have shown that larvae of both species settle in greater numbers in mud compared with glass beads. Depressions create a hydrodynamic environment that traps passive particles, permitting tests of the relative importance of active selection versus passive deposition of larvae in regions of microtopography. In both flow and still water, Capitella sp. I larvae consistently selected organic-rich mud over glass beads, regardless of whether treatments were flush or depressions. Settlement was higher, however, in depressions (3.8 cm in diameter and 2.8 cm deep) for a given sediment treatment, particularly in glass bead treatments in flow. In flow and still-water experiments, M. lateralis larvae also chose mud over glass beads but, in some instances, higher settlement occurred in glass bead depressions (a “poor” choice) compared to flush mud (a “good” choice). These results suggest that near-bottom flow influences settlement distributions of both species (i.e. settlement enhancement in depressions), but the effect may be greater for M. lateralis larvae. Higher settlement generally observed in mud depressions compared with glass bead depressions suggests that larvae of both species may have been able to “escape” from depressions if the substratum was unsuitable, although M. lateralis larvae were poorer swimmers than Capitella sp. I larvae and were more vulnerable to passive entrainment and retention in depressions. Similar experiments with smaller depressions (9 mm in diameter and 9 mm deep) showed no settlement enhancement in depressions for Capitella sp. I and enhancement in only one of two flow experiments with M. lateralis larvae, suggesting that the hydrodynamic, trapping effect may be scale dependent for both species.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in adults with cyanotic congenital heart disease

Abstract In carefully selected patients with cyanotic congenital heart defects, the response to systemic afterload reduction with ACE inhibitors appears favorable. A more comprehensive controlled trial to assess the hemodynamic and functional effects of ACE inhibitors in such patients should be undertaken.
Fossils and the mosaic nature of human evolution

These new fossils, dates, analyses, and interpretations lead to confirmation and refinement of the mosaic scheme of human evolution as proposed by early evolutionists such as Lamarck, Haeckel, and Darwin. Evolutionary changes in the body adapting our ancestors to bipedalism occurred before 3 million years ago, judging by the completeness of the adaptation in the late Pliocene-early Pleistocene hominids. The skeletons of these early hominids were not identical to those of modern humans, but locomotor behavior was probably human. At about 3 million years ago their brains were relatively small, although internal reorganization may have been taking place. By 2 million years ago a wider range of variation in brain size appears in the fossil record, with an average size somewhat larger than that in earlier hominids. Concomitant with this beginning of brain size increase was the reshaping of the pelvic region, perhaps related to an increase in birth canal size to accommodate larger-brained fetuses. Evidence for tool manufacturing, meat eating, shelter building, and probably food sharing also occurs at about this time, which signals the coming of a new adaptive strategy.
Stratigraphy and depositional environments of the Kanawha Formation (Middle Pennsylvanian), southern West Virginia, U.S.A.

Abstract The Kanawha Formation of southern West Virginia consists of up to 620 m of lithic sandstone and mudrocks with subordinate coal and impure limestone that accumulated in a subsiding foreland basin. The formation contains 26 of the state's 62 minable coal seams. It accounts for about 43% of the coal currently produced in West Virginia. Component sedimentary facies from 46 outcrop localities reflect alluvial, paludal, lacustrine, paralic and shallow marine environments. Internal and architectural facies attributes indicate more evidence for coastal and tidal-estuarine deposition than traditional deltaic models. Evidence for tidal processes includes bipolar paleocurrents, rhythmic textures and structures, and associated biogenic structures. A new, two-part model is presented that relates facies to changing coastal morphology during transgressive-regressive cycles. Eustatic sea level changes played a major role in basin-wide development of major coal zones and marine units. Lowstandss of sea level caused incisement of fluvial channels whereas rising sea level led to expansion of tidal plains and estuaries. Shoreface retreat produced ravinement surfaces and transgressive lags that now separate coastal plain and marginal marine facies from shallow subtidal facies. Coastal progradation began during highstands after estuarine sediment sinks had filled, and may have been intensified during falling sea level.
Polyamines and cellular metabolism in plants: transgenic approaches reveal different responses to diamine putrescine versus higher polyamines spermidine and spermine

Distribution of biogenic amines—the diamine putrescine (Put), triamine spermidine (Spd), and tetraamine spermine (Spm)—differs between species with Put and Spd being particularly abundant and Spm the least abundant in plant cells. These amines are important for cell viability and their intracellular levels are tightly regulated, which have made it difficult to characterize individual effects of Put, Spd and Spm on plant growth and developmental processes. The recent transgenic intervention and mutational genetics have made it possible to stably alter levels of naturally occurring polyamines and study their biological effects. We bring together an analysis of certain metabolic changes, particularly in amino acids, to infer the responsive regulation brought about by increased diamine or polyamine levels in actively growing poplar cell cultures (transformed with mouse ornithine decarboxylase gene to accumulate high Put levels) and ripening tomato pericarp (transformed with yeast S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase gene to accumulate high Spd and Spm levels at the cost of Put). Our analysis indicates that increased Put has little effect on increasing the levels of Spd and Spm, while Spd and Spm levels are inter-dependent. Further, Put levels were positively associated with Ala (α and β), Ile and GABA and negatively correlated with Gln and Glu in both actively growing poplar cell cultures and non-dividing tomato pericarp tissue. Most amino acids showed positive correlations with Spd and Spm levels in actively growing cells. Collectively these results suggest that Put is a negative regulator while Spd–Spm are positive regulators of cellular amino acid metabolism.
Far-field diffraction by a semi-infinite plane: perpendicular polarization*

Diffraction of an incident plane wave caused by a perfectly conducting, infinitesimally thick half-plane is considered in the far-field region for the case when the electric vector is polarized perpendicular to the axis of the edge. Measurements in all quadrants, with microwaves and a 0.059λ-thick screen, verify the theoretical solution of the problem due to Sommerfeld. A pronounced thickness effect is observed in the irradiance distribution when 0.18λ- and 0.37λ-thick planes are examined. The dependence with respect to polarization of the thickness effect in the diffraction pattern is discussed.
Nuclear thyroid hormone receptors: evidence for association with nucleolar chromatin.

Abstract When hypothyroid rat liver nuclei labeled in vivo with [125 I]L-triiodothyronine are incubated with micrococcal nuclease, the nuclear chromatin is digested and chromatin particles are released into the medium. The nuclease-treated nuclei contain intact nucleoli and a residual chromatin fraction. When this residual chromatin is purified, it contains only a small percentage of the initial nuclear DNA but is strikingly enriched in [125 I]L-triiodothyronine. This chromatin fraction has many of the characteristics of nucleolar chromatin including a high protein to DNA ratio, an abundance of nonhistone proteins, and a relatively high RNA to DNA ratio. An association of thyroid hormone receptors with a nucleolar component implicates this organelle in the early events of thyroid hormone action.
The psychology of Colombian street children.

This article calls into question the diverse perceptions of the street children in Colombia. Through the use of participant observations and the administration of the Bender-Gestalt, Kohs Block Des...
Radiation Sensitivity and Recoverability of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella on 4 Lettuce Types

ABSTRACTListeria monocytogenes or Salmonella was inoculated onto Boston, Iceberg, Green leaf, and Red leaf lettuces. Samples were γ-irradiated, and the radiation sensitivity of the inoculated bacteria determined. Recovery of bacteria from nonirradiated leaf pieces was also measured. Although the radiation sensitivity of L. monocytogenes was not influenced by the associated lettuce type, Salmonella was significantly less sensitive on Green leaf lettuce than on Boston, Iceberg, or Red leaf lettuces. For each pathogen, the recoverability from inoculated leaf pieces was significantly different among the 4 lettuce types; the pattern of recovery of L. monocytogenes was distinct from that of Salmonella. The antimicrobial efficacy of irradiation on inoculated lettuce was influenced by relatively subtle differences between lettuce types.
Helping group leaders sculpt the group process to the unique needs of college students.

(2009). Helping Group Leaders Sculpt the Group Process to the Unique Needs of College Students. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy: Vol. 59, Group Interventions in College Counseling Centers, pp. 553-562.
Studies on amino-acid esterase activity of lens.

The amino-acid esterase activity of calf and rabbit lens has been investigated. Although a number of amino-acid esters are hydrolysed, the evidence indicates that only one enzyme is present. This enzyme seems to cleave only those esters which have a free amino-group in an L -configuration, and it has an absolute requirement for Co++ or Mn++ ions. Studies on crude lens homogenates suggest that maximal activity is obtained at pH's greater than 7.6. An enzymatic method for determining the pK of amino-acid esters has been devised.
Simple regression formula for intraocular lens power adjustment in eyes requiring cataract surgery after excimer laser photoablation.

Purpose To develop a simple and accurate method for determining appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) power in cataract patients who had prior excimer laser photoablation for myopia or hyperopia, because laser vision corrective surgery interferes with traditional keratometry and corneal topography, rendering IOL power calculations inaccurate. Setting Private Practice in Century City (Los Angeles), California, and free-standing outpatient surgery centers with institutional review boards. Methods Based on the empiric experience of the senior author, an IOL power correction factor that was proportional to the prior laser photoablation was determined and applied to the IOL power calculated by the IOLMaster (Zeiss). It was necessary to add to the predicted IOL power in eyes with prior myopic laser ablation, whereas eyes having prior hyperopic laser vision correction required a reduction in the IOL power. The correction factor was applied to 30 eyes that required cataract surgery at some time after laser refractive surgery; 23 eyes had prior treatment for myopia, and the remaining 7 eyes had prior hyperopic laser ablation. A regression formula was generated from the IOL power correction factor that was used in the 30 eyes. Results Using the correction factor for 30 eyes, the mean deviation from the desired postcataract refractive outcome was −0.15 diopter (D) ± 0.29 (SD); 28 of 30 eyes were within ±0.5 D of the intended goal; the remaining 2 eyes were both −0.75 D from the desired optical result of cataract surgery. Fourteen of the 30 eyes were emmetropic. Conclusions A simple IOL power corrective adjustment regression formula allowed accurate determination of IOL power after laser refractive photoablation surgery. The weakness of the current method is that knowledge of the amount of prior laser vision correction is necessary.
Correcting Anisotropic Gradient Transport of k

The gradient transport model for k is extended to classes of turbulent flows for which the gradient transport hypothesis is relevant but the anisotropy of the Reynolds stress, to which the eddy diffusivity is proportional, is large and variable. In highly anisotropic turbulence the standard isotropic model used in engineering practice is fundamentally wrong and the conventional anisotropic approximation inadequate. The work is motivated by the important observations that the eddy diffusivity coefficient for a standard gradient transport model for various transported quantities is a factor of 3–10 times larger in highly anisotropic turbulence than that used in standard engineering models. While the conventional anisotropic eddy diffusivity approximation appears adequate for material conserved scalars it is inadequate for k. The problem is solved by addressing the anisotropy of the turbulent transport of k at the level of the underlying third order tensor. It is shown that, unlike the traditional transport models for k, the orientation of the anisotropy with respect to the direction of the gradient plays a crucial role not accounted for in conventional models used in engineering calculations. The new anisotropic eddy diffusivity tensor is quadratic in the anisotropy (the traditional model is linear in the anisotropy). It is shown that the new more rigorous anisotropic eddy diffusivity varies 300% more than the standard model comparing the isotropic limit to the value for the two-dimensional limit. The two-dimensional limit is important in strongly stably stratified flows, in pressure gradient or shock driven flows and in rotating flows. Using the simple shear and the homogeneous non-equilibrium Rayleigh Taylor turbulence the new anisotropic diffusivity tensor is validated in inhomogeneous Rayleigh Taylor turbulence at early and late times.
Electronic Word-of-Mouth Versus Interpersonal Word-of-Mouth: Are All Forms of Word-of-Mouth Equally Influential?

Customers are increasingly using social media channels in their purchase decisions. We explore the influence of interpersonal word-of-mouth (WOM) and various forms of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM). WOM is found to have more influence on behavioral intentions, trust in WOM, and attitude toward the firm compared to all eWOM channels explored. The influence of various eWOM channels is also compared. Independent sources (i.e., Facebook and yelp.com) are more influential than company-controlled sources of eWOM, such as customer testimonials on a firm website. This pattern is consistent across behavioral intentions, trust in WOM, and attitude toward the firm.
Modulation of silica-induced pulmonary toxicity by dexamethasone-containing liposomes.

Abstract Human exposure to silica (SI) is of great occupational concern because it is marked by pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. Our objective was to determine if early pharmacological intervention altered the inflammatory and fibrotic responses to silica in rats. Male Fisher-344 rats received intratracheal (IT) instillations of the anti-inflammatory steroid, dexamethasone (DEX), incorporated into a novel liposomal (LIP) delivery system (DEX–LIP), or buffer as control (HBSS) on Day −1 and every fourth day until euthanization. On Day 0, the DEX–LIP group received IT instillations of SI (10 mg/100g body wt, DEX–LIP–SI); half of the HBSS group received SI (10 mg/100g body wt, HBSS–SI) and the other half saline (HBSS–SAL). On Day 10 or 20, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed for cellular, biochemical, and functional analyses of inflammation and damage. HBSS–SI rats had significant elevations in the neutrophil cell count over HBSS–SAL rats at both times. DEX–LIP treatment markedly reduced these values, indicating that DEX–LIP protected against SI-induced inflammation. In contrast, DEX–LIP did not protect against biochemical (albumin concentration, and β-glucuronidase and lactate dehydrogenase activities) and functional (luminol-dependent chemiluminescence) indices of SI-induced damage. At Day 20, the DEX–LIP treatment significantly reduced the SI-induced increase in right lung/total body weight ratio and right lung hydroxyproline content, a biochemical index of fibrosis. This attenuation of fibrosis was confirmed histopathologically on preserved left lungs from these same animals. These results show that administration of liposomes containing dexamethasone attenuated SI-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in rats, and that this protection is independent of some biochemical and functional parameters of damage.
Calcium dependence of the stimulatory action of hypertonicity on renal medullary prostaglandin synthesis.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that hypertonic mannitol or NaCl increases the release of [ 3 H]arachidonate and immunoreactive prostaglandin E in inner medullary slices incubated in Ca 2+ -free media containing EGTA. By contrast, the stimulation of these parameters by ionophore A23187 and by arginine-vasopressin are abolished in Ca 2+ -free media plus EGTA. In the present study, the effects of Ca 2+ deprivation and the intracellular Ca 2+ antagonist TMB-8 ((8- N , N -diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate-HCl) were further examined to asses the Ca 2+ dependence of the actions of different stimuli of prostaglandin E synthesis in rat renal inner medulla. Ca 2+ -free media without EGTA abolished increases in [ 3 H]arachidonate and immunoreactive prostaglandin E release induced by ionophore A23187, but not those induced by arginine-vasopressin, suggesting that different pools of Ca 2+ subserve expression of the actions of these two stimuli. At low concentrations, TMB-8 (10–25 μM) inhibited increases in [ 3 H]arachidonate and immunoreactive prostaglandin E release induced by arginine-vasopressin, but did not influence effects of Ca 2+ plus ionophore A23187 or hypertonicity on these parameters. At higher concentrations (100–500 μM), TMB-8 suppressed effects of ionophore A23187, hyperosmolar NaCl and mannitol on immunoreactive prostaglandin E and [ 3 H]arachidonate release from slices. The effects of a sub-optimal inhibitory concentration of TMB-8 on ionophore A23187 actions were overcome by increasing Ca 2+ in the media from 1.5 to 5 mM. Ca 2+ deprivation, or concentrations of EGTA or TMB-8, that were effective in suppressing increases in immunoreactive prostaglandin E induced by ionophore A23187, arginine-vasopressin or hypertonicity, did not modify increases in immunoreactive prostaglandin E induced by exogenous arachidonate. Moreover, in microsomal fractions of inner medulla, TMB-8 suppressed Ca 2+ -dependent increases in phospholipase A 2 and C activities, an effect which was competitive with Ca 2+ . Thus, Ca 2+ deprivation and TMB-8 act at a step in the immunoreactive prostaglandin E synthetic pathway proximal to cyclooxygenase activity, and probably at the level of Ca 2+ -dependent acyl hydrolase activity. The results with TMB-8 indicate that an intracellular pool of Ca 2+ is involved in expression of the actions of hypertonicity to increase [ 3 H]arachidonate release and immunoreactive prostaglandin E in inner medulla.
Political ecology of exurban “lifestyle” landscapes at Christchurch's contested urban fence

Abstract This paper examines the relationship of planning ideals of sharply defining edges between urban density and greenspace and alternative urban greening arrangements as they are manifested in a case study of exurban “lifestyle blocks” on the fringes of Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. Exurban development outside Christchurch's urban growth boundary – called the “urban fence” – provides an example of tension between municipal attempts to curb sprawl and exurbanites’ desire to live in the dispersed settlements outside of urban boundaries. These struggles play out at different scales and in a range of different metropolitan contexts. This paper reports on the results of an ethnographic study of Christchurch urban fringe residents’ residential land-use narratives and practices. The paper focuses on landscape preferences and concerns of a sample of small-scale productive land users and explores the implications of their versions of urban greening in the context of policy visions for the urban edge. A political ecology interpretation highlights relationships in this case study between competing claims about fringe greening and fringe landscape practices. These contests over the landscapes of the urban edge illustrate ways that municipal and regional planning visions for the urban edge conflict with the ideals and practices of those residents and land use managers who might otherwise be some of the strongest supporters of urban greening initiatives. Competing discourses about the urban edge relate in different ways to concerns about abrupt urban containment and to practices that act on these concerns. I briefly discuss promising examples of edge greening in this case that may provide models for participatory management of contested and multi-use greenspace at the urban–rural fringe.
The Learning Organization: Management Theory for the Information Age or New Age Fad?.

Abstract This article examines the basic principles of learning organizations, a hot trend in management, and offers examples from and implications for library management practice. It draws parallels between the learning organization concepts and recent academic library reorganizations.
10th Annual Symposium on Complementary Health Care: Royal College of Physicians, London, UK, November 21–22, 2003

This is only a capsule report and is not meant to be exhaustive. For further information visit http://www.exeter.ac.uk/ FACT/sympo. Professor Edzard Ernst, Director, Complementary Medicine (Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, UK) served as Chairman. There was a Local Scientific Organizing Committee, an International Scientific Organizing Committee, several sponsors, and a main sponsor—HERBALIFE.
Should recognizers have ears

Abstract Recently, techniques motivated by human auditory perception are being applied in main-stream speech technology and there seems to be renewed interest in implementing more knowledge of human speech communication into a design of a speech recognizer. The paper discusses the author's experience with applying auditory knowledge to automatic recognition of speech. It advances the notion that the reason for applying of such a knowledge in speech engineering should be the ability of perception to suppress some parts of the irrelevant information in the speech message and argues against the blind implementation of scattered accidental knowledge which may be irrelevant to a speech recognition task. The following three properties of human speech perception are discussed in some detail: • limited spectral resolution, • use of information from about syllable-length segments, • ability to ignore corrupted or irrelevant components of speech. It shows by referring to published works that selective use of auditory knowledge, optimized on and in some cases derived from real speech data, can be consistent with current stochastic approaches to ASR and could yield advantages in practical engineering applications.
Protein-binding patterns of the antitumor antibiotic cryptophycin 52 as measured with a two-phase partitioning system

Exposure of murine leukemia L1210 cells to the antitumor antibiotic cryptophycin 52 (C52) resulted in a rapid and dose-dependent increase in cell-surface hydrophobicity, as measured with a two-phase partitioning system. This effect was not observed with inactive drug analogs that lacked an epoxy residue. While the C52 has distinctly hydrophobic properties, the drug does not uniformly bind to all proteins. Affinity for human high- and low-density lipoprotein and albumin was demonstrated, but the drug binds only to the albumin fraction of mouse plasma, in spite of the high HDL level in the latter species.
A KINEMATIC STUDY OF SUCTION FEEDING AND ASSOCIATED BEHAVIOR IN THE LONG‐FINNED PILOT WHALE, GLOBICEPHALA MELAS (TRAILL)

Analysis of videotaped feeding sequences provides novel documentation of suction feeding in captive juvenile long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas). Swimming and stationary whales were videotaped while feeding at the surface, mid-water, and bottom. The ingestion sequence includes a preparatory phase with partial gape followed by jaw opening and rapid hyoid depression to suck in prey at a mean distance of 14 cm (duration 90 msec), although prey were taken from much greater distances. Depression and retraction of the large, piston-like tongue generate negative intraoral pressures for prey capture and ingestion. Food was normally ingested without grasping by teeth yet was manipulated with lingual, hyoid, and mandibular movement for realignment; suction was then used to transport prey into the oropharynx. Whales frequently rolled or inverted before taking prey, presumably to avoid grasping and repositioning. Prey were sucked off the bottom or sides of the pool without direct contact; lateral suction was used to ingest items from the sides of the mouth.
CRT-151 Coronary Artery Calcium Score as a Predictor of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Following Revascularization

A quantitative association between pre-procedural coronary artery calcium (CAC) and revascularization outcomes has yet to be described. The objective of this study was to determine the association between pre-procedural CAC and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after patients have undergone
Development of mobile sensing apps for DSP applications

By exploiting the interactivity and processing power of mobile technologies, an immersive learning experience can be created. iJDSP and AJDSP are mobile graphical programming applications for simulation and visualization of signal processing concepts, developed to complement instruction to students from the STEM fields. In this paper, the enhanced sensing capabilities of modern mobile devices have been explored by developing DSP tools that allow interfaces to on-board and external sensors. An improvement in conceptual understanding by performing custom designed laboratory exercises using the proposed application was observed in the preliminary assessments.
Visualization-informed noise elimination and its application in processing high-spatial-resolution remote sensing imagery

Noise removal is perhaps one of the most fundamental and challenging tasks for extracting useful information from a spatial data set. One of the challenges is that there is no general agreement on the definition of noise that can be universally applied to all different domains. This paper proposes a novel technique called Visualization-Informed Noise Elimination (VINE) to support a customized noise removal through incorporation of domain knowledge. The VINE technique consists of three steps of consecutive operations. First, a k-mutual neighbor graph is derived from a spatial data set to model the spatial proximity among data points. Next, a fast partitioning method is employed to reassemble graph nodes into groups. Last, a 3-dimensional (3D) visualization model is created to provide a layered view of the partitioned data, which allows an informed identification and elimination of noise by tailoring to the requirements of a specific domain. The flexibility and customizability provided by this novel technique ensures an effective differentiation of noise from valid data and demonstrates various advantages over traditional methods with improved results. When adapted in post-classification smoothing of high-spatial-resolution remotely sensed images, this approach was able to discover and reassign noise (such as shadows often seen in high-spatial-resolution images) to its proper target class. By incorporating domain knowledge and making use of spatial contextual information, the VINE technique could produce results significantly superior to existing approaches such as majority filter and size-based noise removal.
Chemical and catalytic activity of copper nanoparticles prepared via metal vapor synthesis

Abstract Nanocrystalline particles of copper have been prepared using the solvated metal atom dispersion (SMAD) technique. Their chemical and catalytic reactivity have been tested in the Ullman reaction (aryl homocoupling) and the hydrogenation of CO 2 to form CH 3 OH. The powders obtained from different solvents have surface areas of 24–30 m 2 /g, particle sizes of 20–45 nm, and crystallite sizes of 8–12 nm. The order of activity found toward the aryl homocoupling reaction is Cu * /toluene > Cu * /THF > Cu * /pentane > Cu * /diglyme, with a maximum biphenyl yield of 90% at 150 °C after 6 h for the Cu * /toluene sample. For the CO 2 to CH 3 OH reaction, a maximum conversion of 80% was obtained for the Cu * /pentane/NC-ZnO sample. In general, the Cu * /nanocrystalline (NC)-ZnO samples show a larger conversion of CO 2 to methanol at 450 °C compared with NC-ZnO and NC-ZnO/CuO.
Tryptophan Determination in Tissue Homogenates and Biological Fluids Using HPLC-EC

Abstract A method for quantitating tryptophan in tissue homogenates and biological fluids using 6-hydroxy-tryptamine as internal standard is described. Tryptophan in CSF and free tryptophan in serum or plasma can be quantitated by directly injecting CSF or ultrafiltrate into the HPLC system with the internal standard. Serum, plasma, amniotic fluid, and saliva are deproteinized by addition of equal volume of acetonitrile. Urine samples are processed through Biorex-70 columns. Cross validation was done by comparing the values of column procedures with direct injection method.
Reducing atherothrombotic events in high-risk patients: recent data on therapy with statins and fatty acids.

Traditional treatment of atherosclerotic coronary heart disease by cardiovascular specialists, which has focused on “critical” stenoses, may be less effective in reducing morbidity and mortality than therapies that stabilize plaques and reduce thrombosis and sudden death. Recent data from clinical trials of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy and modification of dietary fat composition demonstrate that both these approaches can reduce clinical events. Although revascularization therapy is effective in reducing angina caused by high-grade stenotic lesions, this therapy is incomplete because the more-numerous “smaller” plaques that typically cause clinical events remain untreated. Two recent trials suggest that statin therapy may have benefits on stabilizing plaques in high-risk patients within a year. Additional benefit may also be provided by increasing dietary consumption of monounsaturated or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Both statin therapy and diets high in monounsaturated or omega-3 fatty acids appear to improve morbidity and mortality by modifying the underlying atherothrombotic disease process.
Building the Multidisciplinary Team for Management of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Optimal care of the patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) necessitates the involvement of multiple providers. Because the patient with HCC often carries 2 conditions with competing mortality risks (cancer and underlying cirrhosis), no single provider is equipped to deal with all of these patients' needs adequately. Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) have evolved to facilitate care coordination, reassessments of clinical course, and nimble changes in treatment plans required for this complex group of patients. Providers or sites that elect to manage patients with HCC thus are increasingly aware of the need to build their own MDT or communicate with an established one. The availability of new communication technologies, such as teleconferencing or teleconsultation, offers the possibility of MDT expansion into underserved or rural areas, as well as areas such as correctional facilities. Although the availability of resources for HCC patient care varies from site to site, construction of an MDT is possible in a wide spectrum of clinical practices, and this article suggests a blueprint for assembly of such collaboration. Research strategies are needed to explain how MDTs improve clinical outcomes so that MDTs themselves can be improved.
Improving the Development and Use of Biologically Based Dose Response Models (BBDR) in Risk Assessment

Biologically based dose-response (BBDR) models predict health outcomes (response) resulting from the presence of a toxicant at a biological target (dose). The benefits of BBDR models are many, and research programs are increasingly focusing on mechanistic research to support model development; however, progress has been slow. Impediments to progress include the complexity of dose response modeling, the need for a multidisciplinary team and consistent funding support, and difficulty in identifying and extracting the needed data. Of immediate concern is the lack of transparency of published models to the supporting data and literature, difficulty in accessing model code and simulation conditions sufficient to allow independent replication of results, and absence of well-defined quality criteria. Suggestions are presented to improve the development and use of BBDR models in risk assessment and to address the above limitations. Examples from BBDR models for methylmercury neurotoxicity and 5-fluorouracil embry...
Black Single Custodial Fathers: Factors Influencing the Decision to Parent

This pilot study combined narrative and quantitative data to explore the factors enabling and motivating single African American fathers to take full custody of one or more of their children. The s...
G408(P) Cytokine storm associated multi-organ failure with poor neurological outcome, during rituximab administration in a child with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and ebv related lymphoproliferative disease

We present the case of a 6 year old boy, with relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and subsequent matched unrelated bone marrow transplant. His Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) titres were significant 6 months post-transplant with evidence of EBV related lymphoproliferative disease. Following local protocols, Rituximab was used for therapy and within minutes of starting the infusion the patient suffered pyrexia, hypotension and seizures with subsequent multi-organ failure, due to a cytokine storm. Organ damage included fulminant hepatic failure, renal failure meriting dialysis, cardiac failure requiring inotropic support and a significant acute brain injury. There was significant neurological impairment with radiological and electrophysiological evidence of global brain cell damage. As a result of irreversible neurological injury, the focus of treatment was switched from curative to palliative. Cytokine storm is an immune mediated phenomenon, characterised by an overwhelming release of cytokines. This can produce a sepsis like response and may lead to multi-organ failure. Cytokines are normally produced by leucocytes as a response to an infective or inflammatory process and their main role is to induce leukopoeisis. Rituximab is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that has been useful in treating EBV related lymphoproliferative disease. Rituximab triggers the rapid release of cytokines that may lead to a cytokine storm with maximum levels within 2 h from the start of the infusion. Cytokine storms are characterised by overproduction of immune mediators that in turn lead to cellular overactivation, increased endothelial permeability, polymorphonuclear neutrophil adhesion and migration. As there is lack of regulatory intervention, tissue congestion with activated leucocytes ensues which eventually causes parenchymal injury. Although we report multi-organ failure in this case, lungs and gut are the organs that are more commonly affected. The incidence of cytokine storm in paediatric oncology patients is not known. It has been associated with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, graft-versus-host disease following haemopoetic stem cell transplant and the use of certain monoclonal antibodies. As in this case, results of the cytokine storm can be catastrophic, despite early recognition.
Modeling turbulent dispersion on the North Flank of Georges Bank using Lagrangian Particle Methods

Abstract Circulation and transport at the North Flank of Georges Bank are studied using a data-assimilative 3-D model of frontal dynamics under stratified, tidally energetic conditions over steep topography. The circulation model was used in real-time during a cross-frontal transport study. Skill is evaluated retrospectively, relative to CTD, ADCP, drifter, and fluorescent dye observations. Hydrographic skill is shown to be retained for periods of weeks, requiring only initialization from routine surveys and proper atmospheric heating subsequently. Transport skill was limited by the wind stress input; real-time forecast winds taken from an operational meteorological model produced cross-isobath Ekman transport which was not observed locally. Retrospective use of observed local wind stress removed this cross-frontal bias. The contribution of tidal-time motion to the dispersion of a passive tracer is assessed using an ensemble of passive particles. The particle release simulates an at-sea dye injection in the pycnocline, which is followed for four days. Non-advective vertical tracer transport is represented as a random walk process sensitive to the local eddy diffusivity and its gradient, as computed from the turbulence closure. Non-advective horizontal tracer transport is zero for these ensembles. Computations of ensemble variance growth support estimates of (Lagrangian) horizontal dispersion. Off-bank, ensembles are essentially non-diffusive. As an ensemble engages the mixing front, its vertical diffusivity rises by 3 orders of magnitude, and horizontal spreading occurs in the complex front. The resultant horizontal dispersion is estimated from the ensemble variance growth, in along-bank and cross-bank directions. It is partitioned, roughly, between that contributed by 3-D advection alone, and that initiated by vertical diffusion. Engagement in the mixing front occurred in the forecast ensemble as a result of Ekman drift produced by an erroneous wind prediction. In the hindcast, observed wind left the ensemble non-diffusive and compact, advecting parallel to the mixing front and experiencing some advective shear dispersion. Lagrangian dispersion is event-specific and both simulations here represent credible events with dramatically different ecological outcomes. The skill metrics used are less sensitive, indicating that metrics tailored to surface-layer phenomena would be more appropriate in a data-assimilative context. The hindcast is closer to truth, based on first principles (better information). The level 2.5 closure used is realistic in the ocean interior; the near-surface processes need further refinement, especially as both surface- and bottom-generated turbulence affect these events strongly.
Afibrinogenemia and a circulating antibody against fibrinogen in a Bichon Frise dog

A 1.5-year-old female Bichon Frise dog was evaluated for a life-threatening hemorrhagic condition that occurred after ovariohysterectomy, requiring 4 whole-blood transfusions. A hemostatic profile, including activated clotting time (ACT), one- stage prothrombin time (OSPT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), buccal mucosal bleeding time, and specific assays (heat-precipitation microhematocrit method and electroimmunoassay) for fibrinogen, were performed to investigate the coagulopathy. Clotting times for all tests having a fibrin clot endpoint (ACT, OSPT, APTT) and buccal mucosal bleeding time were prolonged. Plasma fibrinogen was not detected by heat-precipitation microhematocrit method or electroimmunoassay. Using the Ellis-Stransky method, a mixture of patient plasma and normal canine plasma with known fibrinogen content yielded substantially less than the calculated fibrinogen concentration, indicating the presence of an interfering substance. The interferent properties of the patient's plasma were retained following heat precipitation at 568C indicating the absence of a pyroglobulin or an abnormal fibrinogen molecule. Radial immunodiffusion assay using the patient's plasma and activated thrombin confirmed the existence of an inhibitor to the formation of fibrin. Western blot analysis using the patient's plasma identified an IgG antibody that reacted with the b- and c- but not the a-subunits of canine fibrinogen. Antibody was detected in samples taken 8, 16, and 68 days after the surgery; peak titers were evident at day 16. These results supported a diagnosis of afibrinogenemia with a circulating antibody inhibitor to fibrin clot formation that developed secondary to blood transfusion. (Vet Clin Pathol. 2005;34:148-155) � 2005 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Transcranial red and near infrared light transmission in a cadaveric model.

Background and Objective Low level light therapy has garnered significant interest within the past decade. The exact molecular mechanisms of how red and near infrared light result in physiologic modulation are not fully understood. Heme moieties and copper within cells are red and near infrared light photoreceptors that induce the mitochondrial respiratory chain component cytochrome C oxidase, resulting in a cascade linked to cytoprotection and cellular metabolism. The copper centers in cytochrome C oxidase have a broad absorption range that peaks around 830 nm. Several in vitro and in vivo animal and human models exist that have demonstrated the benefits of red light and near infrared light for various conditions. Clinical applications for low level light therapy are varied. One study in particular demonstrated improved durable functional outcomes status post-stroke in patients treated with near infrared low level light therapy compared to sham treatment [1]. Despite previous data suggesting the beneficial effect in treating multiple conditions, including stroke, with low level light therapy, limited data exists that measures transmission in a human model.
Some Notes on Hebraisms in the Yiddish ‘Megalle Temirin’

As is well known, Joseph Perl wrote two versions of his anti-Hassidic epistolary novel Megalle Temirin: the Hebrew version, published in 1817 to great controversy, and a Yiddish version which remained in manuscript for over a century until it was published by YIVO in 1937.1 Though many Yiddish works of the nineteenth century were, at the time, circulated only in manuscript, there seems to be no contemporary record of the Yiddish Megalle Temirin, leading some scholars to the conclusion that the work was not written by Perl.2 Recent scholarship, however, has definitively established Perl’s authorship of the work.3
Damage by the tarnished plant bug and alfalfa plant bug (Heteroptera: Miridae) to asparagus.

Tip die-back symptoms are common in asparagus and could be the result of feeding by tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) or the alfalfa plant bug, Adelphocoris lineolatus (Goeze). Various levels of adults of each species were caged on greenhouse plants for 1 week and removed and the plants were observed for symptoms of tip die-back. Plants were sacrificed 2 months later and evaluated for fern growth and fern and root dry weights. Both tarnished plant bugs and alfalfa plant bugs were capable of causing tip die-back symptoms in asparagus. Although the possibility of long-term damage cannot be ruled out, plants apparently recovered readily from damage. Moderate levels of damage can apparently be tolerated, even by young plants, and the economic injury level for mature plants is probably quite high.
Facts and Questions Concerning Career Training of the Psychology Major

What should psychology departments do for the one-half, or more, of their graduates who do not go to graduate school? Some thoughts about an unresolved problem.
Twin media: hypertext structure under pressure

This hypertext reports on issues in hypertext rhetoric and presentation that arise in composing a large argumentative hypertext associated with a book version of the same project. It concerns not the old navigation problem for the lost reader, but the construction problem for the uncertain author. The essay discusses link patterns, the intentions of readers and authors, and the pressure of book upon the structure of the hypertext. A hypertext does not need to be associated with a book to feel these pressures from our habits with other media. How can a long expository hypertext be made accessible, and argue for its views, without sacrificing the virtues of hypertextual presentation? The essay attempts to exemplify as well as discuss these issues.
Reading Adventures Online: Five Ways to Introduce the New Literacies of the Internet Through Children's Literature

The authors explore links between the Internet and children's literature and suggest ways to use the Internet effectively in instruction.