cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marked Pulmonary Function Abnormalities in a Case of HIV-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension

Recent reports have suggested an association between primary pulmonary hypertension and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This appears to be an accelerated syndrome, associated with a relatively brief duration of symptoms, yet prominent right ventricular failure and severe pulmonary hypertension on presentation. We present a case of a primary pulmonary hypertension in a 35-year-old HIV-seropositive hemophiliac. His accelerated clinical course is consistent with previously reported cases of HIV-related pulmonary hypertension. However, this patient's pulmonary function tests revealed marked hyperinflation, a decreased diffusing capacity, and no airflow obstruction. To our knowledge, this very unusual constellation of pulmonary function changes has not been described previously in this syndrome.
Response of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenesis-related genes to stepwise increases in inspired oxygen in neonatal rat lungs

Response of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenesis-related genes to stepwise increases in inspired oxygen in neonatal rat lungs
Chemically ignited thermonuclear reactions—A near-term means for a high specific impulse—High thrust propulsion system

Abstract The combination of metallic shells imploded with chemical explosives and the recently proposed magnetic booster target inertial fusion concept, could make possible the fissionless ignition of small thermonuclear explosions. In the magnetic booster concept a very dense but magnetically confined thermonuclear plasma of low yield serves as the trigger for an inertially confined thermonuclear plasma of high yield. For the most easily ignitable fusion reaction, the DT reaction, this could lead to a fissionless bomb propulsion system, with the advantage to have a much smaller yield of the pure fusion bombs as compared to either fission- or fission-induced fusion bombs, previously proposed for propulsion. Typically, the proposed propulsion concept should give a specific impulse of ∼ 3000 secs, corresponding to an exhaust velocity of ∼ 30 km/sec. If the energy released in each pure fusion bomb is of the order of 10 18 erg or the order of 100 tons of TNT, and if one fusion explosion per second takes place, the average thrust is of the order 10 3 tons. The propulsion system appears ideally suited for the fast economical transport of large spacecraft within the solar system.
Plural-scattering deconvolution of electron energy-loss spectra recorded with an angle-limiting aperture

Abstract We examine the validity of Fourier-logarithmic deconvolution for removing plural-scattering peaks from a transmission-electron energy-loss spectrum, in the case where the spectrum has been recorded in the presence of an angle-limiting collection aperture. Experimental results indicate that the procedure is accurate to better than 3% within the plasmon-loss region, for apertures commonly used in a transmission electron microscope. This degree of accuracy implies that the fraction Fn of electrons which pass through the aperture (after inelastic scattering of order n) obeys the relation Fn≈(F1)n. Computer calculations of the angular distributions of double and triple scattering support this relationship, taking the single-scattering distribution to be Lorentzian and the collection semi-angle to be large compared to the characteristic angle θE. Extending our analysis to the deconvolution of inner-shell ionization edges, the error in the subtraction of double (plasmon+inner-shell) scattering is predicted to be less than 10% for edge energies below 5 keV, assuming 10 mrad collection semi-angle and 100 keV incident electrons.
Fish use of tidal creek habitats in two southern California salt marshes

Fish assemblages from small intertidal creeks (first-order) and from larger subtidal creeks (third- and fourth-order) were sampled seasonally for 1 year at Tijuana Estuary and Sweetwater Marsh in southern California, USA. First-order creeks were dominated by Gillichthys mirabilis, Fundulus parvipinnis, and Clevelandia ios at both sites. At Sweetwater Marsh, species composition and species richness differed between creek orders, as did size structure of F. parvipinnis, one of the most abundant marsh residents; a greater proportion of small juveniles was collected from first-order creeks. At Tijuana Estuary, the larger system, elevations of first-order creeks were higher and fish use of creeks was lower than at Sweetwater Marsh. Shallow habitats are used extensively by several marsh residents, and may provide nursery habitat for juvenile F. parvipinnis. Intertidal creeks should be considered in designs of marsh restoration projects where the creation of habitat for resident fishes is a priority.
The agricultural ladder: Agrarian ideology and the changing structure of U.S. agriculture

Abstract ‘Land to the tiller’ is woven intimately into the ideological and institutional fabric of the United States. Yet in the late nineteenth century tenancy and landlordism were endemic. Thereafter, the agricultural ladder metaphor was popularized to depict the mobility ‘rungs’ by which tenants could climb to full ownership. Tenancy persisted and even grew, however, until basic structural features of U.S. agriculture changed during and after the 1930s. Though empirical evidence that the ladder functioned as hypothesized is lacking, it appears to have served ideologically to prepare the nation for part-owner-operatorship — the ascendant tenure form in the new structure of agriculture. An analysis of the historical literature and agricultural census data from 1900 to 1978 is presented to support this interpretation.
Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism in a Homebound Population

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a source of morbidity and mortality for high risk populations. The incidence of VTE has been characterized in many populations, but the incidence in homebound patients, a growing demographic, is unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of VTE occurring at home in a cohort of patients enrolled in the Mount Sinai Visiting Doctor’s Program (VDP), a home-based primary care program. The medical records of patients enrolled in the VDP over a 4 year period were examined. Incident VTE in a home setting was defined as the diagnosis of any symptomatic deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism that did not occur during a hospitalization, within 4 weeks of a medical hospitalization, or within 12 weeks of a hospitalization for surgery. Functional status was abstracted for all patients, when available. Of 1,910 patients active during the study period, 39 cases of at-home VTE were identified (8.0 per 1,000 person years [95 % CI = 7.6–8.3]). Of these events, 30 of 39 were confirmed by radiological testing and considered definite, and 9 were considered probable. There was no statistically significant difference in age, race, or sex between the patients with and without VTE. In conclusion the estimated incidence of symptomatic VTE in a homebound population is low. There is insufficient evidence to support routine surveillance or prophylaxis strategies for VTE in homebound patients.
The initial behavior of 218Po in indoor air

Abstract The chemical and physical properties of 218 Po, immediately following its formation from 222 Rn decay, are important in determining its behavior in indoor atmospheres and play a major part in determining its potential health effects. In 88% of the decays, a singly charged, positive ion of 218 Po is obtained at the end of its recoil path. The modes of neutralization, small ion recombination, electron transfer, and electron scavenging are reviewed. In typical indoor air, the ion will be rapidly neutralized. The neutral molecule can then become incorporated in ultrafine particles formed by the radiolytic processes in the recoil path. The evidence for these particles is presented.
Salient spectral geometric features for shape matching and retrieval

This paper introduces a new method for extracting salient features from surfaces that are represented by triangle meshes. Our method extracts salient geometric feature points in the Laplace–Beltrami spectral domain instead of usual spatial domains. Simultaneously, a spatial region is determined as a local support of each feature point, which is correspondent to the “frequency” where the feature point is identified. The local shape descriptor of a feature point is the Laplace–Beltrami spectrum of the spatial region associated to the points which are stable and distinctive. Our method leads to the salient spectral geometric features invariant to spatial transforms such as translation, rotation, and scaling. The properties of the discrete Laplace–Beltrami operator make them invariant to isometric deformations and mesh triangulations as well. With the scale information transformed from the “frequency”, the local supporting region always maintains the same ratio to the original model no matter how it is scaled. This means that the spatial region is scale-invariant as well. Therefore, both global and partial matching can be achieved with these salient feature points. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method with many experiments and applications.
Effects of signaled shifts in water reinforcement

The effects of introducing a compound discriminative stimulus at the time of shifting magnitude of water reward were investigated in the runway. Forty rats received either 2- or 8-sec access to water reward, and then all subjects received the larger reward. During the shift, a random half of each main group was exposed to a compound light-and-tone stimulus and the other half was not. A significant PCE was obtained only when the compound stimulus was present at the time of the shift.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Polymer Fine Particles. Physical and Mechanical Properties

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the atomistic details of nanometer scale polyethylene (PE) particles to gain insight into the properties and behavior of ultra fine polymer powders. From the nano-sized particles generated with up to 60000 atoms using an efficient MD method, structure and a variety of structural and physical characteristics were computed by averaging over sets of microstates at particular temperatures. The melting point, glass transition temperature, and heat capacity of the particles as a function of polymer chain length and particle size were obtained by monitoring the molecular volume and total energy. The results of our simulations predict an interesting reduction of the melting point and significantly smaller compressive modulus in comparison with the bulk system.
Potential scattering of charged particles in the field of a low-frequency laser

The problem of scattering of a charged particle (an electron) by a potential in the presence of single-mode classical electromagnetic field (a laser) in the dipole approximation is considered. No expansion in the strength of the field is made, but an expansion in the frequency of the field is carried out. This problem has been considered previously by Kroll and Watson, who showed that, if only the first two orders in $\ensuremath{\omega}$ are retained, then the scattering is describable by an on-shell $T$ matrix obtained in the absence of the field. They show this to be an essentially classical result. A different method is used to obtain their result and the next order in $\ensuremath{\omega}$ which yields the first off-shell correction is obtained. Far off-shell contributions are found in this order.
Perturbation calculation using Thomas-Fermi model

Abstract The possible perturbation calculation using TF [Thomas-Fermi] potential for heavy atoms is discussed together with the criteria for its validity. This simplifies mathematics involved in the TF potential by using the Coulomb potential instead.
Newer restorative materials for the older adult

SUMMARY Because of the recently introduced glass ionomer cements and improvements in composite materials we have greatly improved our capability to deliver functional and esthetic dentistry and are in a better position today, than ever before, to supply comprehensive functional as well as esthetic dental treatment.
Four Giant Scyllarid Phyllosoma Larvae From the Florida Straits With Notes On Smaller Similar Specimens

[Bei Planktonfangen in der Meerenge von Florida wurden vier grosse scyllaride Phyllosomen erbeutet. Sie werden hier beschrieben. Ihre Herkunft, Wanderbewegungen und Gattungszugehorigkeit werden erortert. Ferner werden Angaben uber zahlreiche kleinere Phyllosomen gemacht, welche vermutlich der gleichen Gattung angehoren. Offenbar kommt in dem fruheren oder spateren Auftreten von Gattungsvertretern eine Mischung weit entfernter Populationen zum Ausdruck. Ein solcher Sachverhalt wurde die Theorie der Wanderung von Phyllosomen mit Ozeanstromungen unterstutzen., Bei Planktonfangen in der Meerenge von Florida wurden vier grosse scyllaride Phyllosomen erbeutet. Sie werden hier beschrieben. Ihre Herkunft, Wanderbewegungen und Gattungszugehorigkeit werden erortert. Ferner werden Angaben uber zahlreiche kleinere Phyllosomen gemacht, welche vermutlich der gleichen Gattung angehoren. Offenbar kommt in dem fruheren oder spateren Auftreten von Gattungsvertretern eine Mischung weit entfernter Populationen zum Ausdruck. Ein solcher Sachverhalt wurde die Theorie der Wanderung von Phyllosomen mit Ozeanstromungen unterstutzen.]
Enabling AUV mapping of free-drifting icebergs without external navigation aids

This paper documents improvements in the method for offline estimation of iceberg geometry as presented by Kimball and Rock [1]. The method removes the AUV's inertial position from the equations, allowing the mission to be completed without ship-based navigation aids. This is a substantial operational advantage. Additionally, it differs from [1] in that it treats each sonar return individually, instead of abstracting multiple readings to a single point, removing a potential source of bias. Finally it reformulates the problem to simplify greatly the estimation optimization by reducing the number of needed estimation parameters. Together, these changes yield speed increases of roughly three orders of magnitude, with no loss in accuracy. The method is demonstrated via full simulation of an AUV operating around a free drifting iceberg. Additionally, an underwater sea cliff in Monterey Canyon is used as an iceberg surrogate to test the method on field data.
Discussion: Psychoanalysis in the Community

In this discussion of papers by Ehrensaft, Gin, and Fernando, the author reviews some of the dilemmas and opportunities that arise when community-based therapeutic work is taken up with a psychoanalytic perspective.
An empirical analysis of strategic competition and firm values the case of R&D competition☆

Abstract We operationalize a firm's competitive strategy through a new empirical measure, and develop a framework for empirical analysis of the market value of strategic behavior. Using this framework, we study announcement effects of R&D spending. The announcing firm's stock prices are positively influenced by a change in spending, and negatively by our competitive strategy measure (CSM). Competitors' stock prices are positively influenced by the interaction between the market's reaction to the announcing firm and the CSM. Our results are consistent with positive effects of ‘accommodating’ competition with strategic substitutes, and nonpositive effects of ‘tough’ competition with strategic complements.
Neuroinflammation not associated with cholinergic degeneration in aged-impaired brain

Degeneration of the cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain and elevation of inflammatory markers are well-established hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease; however, the interplay of these processes in normal aging is not extensively studied. Consequently, we conducted a neuroanatomical investigation to quantify cholinergic neurons and activated microglia in the medial septum/vertical diagonal band (MS/VDB) of young (6 months) and aged (28 months) Fisher 344 × Brown Norway F(1) rats. Aged rats in this study were impaired relative to the young animals in spatial learning ability as assessed in the Morris water maze. Stereological analysis revealed no difference between aged and young rats in the total numbers of cholinergic neurons, demonstrating that loss of cholinergic neurons is not a necessary condition to observe impaired spatial learning in aged rats. In this same region, the total number of activated microglia was substantially greater in aged rats relative to young rats. Jointly, these data demonstrate that aging is characterized by an increase in the basal inflammatory state within the MS/VDB, but this inflammation is not associated with cholinergic neuron death.
Finite element evaluation of out-of-position failure modes of the knee-thigh-hip complex in frontal car crashes

Safety has been increased for the upper region of the body, such as head and thorax with the introduction of airbags; however, the percentage of injuries to the lower extremities in car crashes has increased. Though lower extremity injuries are usually not life threatening, they can have long lasting physical and psychosocial consequences. A validated knee-thigh-hip (KTH) finite element (FE) model of a 50th percentile male was used to investigate injury mechanisms during frontal car crashes at different occupant positions. An initial muscle force was activated to achieve different lower limb movements starting from an initial seated position. Simulations of frontal impacts were then performed with the KTH joints at different angles of thigh flexion, adduction and abduction. Failure mechanisms from simulations were compared to results found in the literature to ensure the model provides a useful tool for predicting fractures in the lower limb resulting from out-of-position frontal vehicle crashes.
Electromagnetic ion/ion instabilities and their consequences in space plasmas: A review

This paper reviews recent research on the theory and computer simulations of electromagnetic ion/ion instabilities and their consequences in space plasmas. Ion/ion instabilities are growing modes in a collisionless plasma driven unstable by the relative streaming velocity v(0) of two distinct ion components such that v(0) is parallel or antiparallel to the uniform background magnetic field. The space physics regimes which display enhanced fluctuations due to these instabilities include the solar wind, the terrestrial foreshock, the plasma sheet boundary layer, and distant cometary environments.
Entrapment and release kinetics of furosemide from pegylated nanocarriers

Abstract This study was designed to test the hypothesis that furosemide (Fur) can be entrapped into surfactant free pegylated nanocarriers (NCs) for controlled drug release. To test this hypothesis, Fur-loaded NCs were prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion method. A 23 factorial design was used to optimize the effect of three formulation variables [amounts of Fur (X1), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (X2) and poly-ɛ-caprolactone-polyethylene glycol (X3)] on particle mean diameter (Y1), polydispersity index (PDI, Y2), and percent drug encapsulation efficiency (EE%, Y3). The NCs were characterized for morphology, thermal behavior, optical properties, crystallinity, and drug release kinetics using electron microscopy (EM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The optimum formula produced with 6 mg of Fur, 7 mg of PLGA, and 1 mg of PCL–PEG corresponded to 183.26 nm, 0.26, and 88.29% as Y1, Y2 and Y3 values, respectively. DSC thermograms, FTIR spectra and PXRD diffractograms indicated that Fur was encapsulated in its polymorphic crystalline form I within the NCs polymeric matrix. This was further confirmed by a comparative study between native Fur, Fur nanocrystal and Fur loaded NCs using scanning EM, PXRD and drug release kinetics. The release kinetics of the optimized formula fit the Higuchi model indicating that the drug was released by diffusion in 12 h. These results indicate that pegylated Fur-loaded NCs could be successfully prepared with high EE% and sustained release profile intended for the inner ear drug delivery.
Risk of Venous Thrombosis in Carriers of a Common Mutation in the Homocysteine Regulatory Enzyme Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase.

Background: Elevated levels of homocysteine are an independent risk factor for venous thrombosis. A common mutation in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), an enzyme required for efficient homocysteine metabolism, creates a thermolabile (tl-) enzyme with reduced activity that may predispose to hyperhomocysteinemia. Methods and Results: To assess whether this common mutation is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism, a polymerase chain reaction-based genotyping assay was used to compare the prevalence of this mutation in a group with thrombosis versus several control groups. Of the 331 thrombosis subjects, 47% were heterozygous and 11% homozygous for tl-MTHFR. In comparison, heterozygotes constituted 42–47% and homozygotes 15–16% of each of three control groups (totaling 593 subjects). There was no significant difference in the tl-MTHFR homozygote frequency or allele frequency between the thrombosis and control study groups. Although the prevalence of the factor V R506Q (Leiden) mutation causing activated protein C resistance was significantly higher in the thrombosis (19%) than in the control groups (4–9%), the concomitant presence of tl-MTHFR with factor V R506Q did not contribute to any excess thrombotic risk. Conclusions: Although the tl-MTHFR mutation may predispose to hyperhomocysteinemia, a known risk factor for venous thrombosis, this common genotype is not a direct genetic risk factor for venous thrombosis, either alone or in combination with the factor V R506Q mutation.
The Philosophes and Religion: Intellectual Origins of the Dechristianization Movement in the French Revolution

From Alphonse Aulard to Peter Gay historians have been fascinated with the attitudes of the philosophes toward religion. 1 In the present essay attention falls on a neglected aspect of the question, the impact of the philosophes ' ideas on the dechristianization movement in the French Revolution. Dechristianization means the attempt to suppress Christianity either by legislation or by force. In the Revolution, dechristianization took the following forms: aggressive anti-clericalism, prohibition of any Christian practice or worship either in public or private life, closing of the churches, the formation of a revolutionary calendar to replace the Christian one, and the establishment of new religious cults—the Cult of Reason and the Cult of Supreme Being. It is argued here that a direct influence can be traced from the philosophes to the dechristianizers of the Revolution. The dechristianizer did not belong to any clearly defined sociological group. He was an aristocrat like Anacharsis Cloots, or bourgeois such as Jacques Rene Hebert and Pierre Chaumette. 2 Their ideas were nurtured from the deistic and atheistic writings of the philosophes .
Plasma volume in fasted pregnant rats

Abstract The effect of a two day fast on maternal plasma volume and plasma protein concentration was explored in pregnant rats. Fasting between days 17 and 19 of gestation prevented the rise in plasma volume observed in ad libitum fed rats. Plasma protein concentration declined between day 17 and day 19 in both fasted and not fasted rats. Placental weight was not reduced by fasting during this stage of gestation. Fetal weight in the fasted group was 91% of the fetal weight of the ad libitum fed group. These results show that acute undernutrition, like longer term food or protein restriction, can prevent adequate plasma volume expansion and slow fetal growth.
Long Range Cross-Spectral Face Recognition: Matching SWIR Against Visible Light Images

Short wave infrared (SWIR) is an emerging imaging modality in surveillance applications. It is able to capture clear long range images of a subject in harsh atmospheric conditions and at night time. However, matching SWIR images against a gallery of color images is a very challenging task. The photometric properties of images in these two spectral bands are highly distinct. This work presents a novel cross-spectral face recognition scheme that encodes images filtered with a bank of Gabor filters followed by three local operators: Simplified Weber Local Descriptor, Local Binary Pattern, and Generalized Local Binary Pattern. Both magnitude and phase of filtered images are encoded. Matching encoded face images is performed by using a symmetric I-divergence. We quantify the verification and identification performance of the cross-spectral matcher on two multispectral face datasets. In the first dataset (PRE-TINDERS), both SWIR and visible gallery images are captured at a close distance (about 2 meters). In the second dataset (TINDERS), the probe SWIR images are collected at longer ranges (50 and 106 meters). The results on PRE-TINDERS dataset form a baseline for matching long range data. We also demonstrate the capability of the proposed approach by comparing its performance with the performance of Faceit G8, a commercial face recognition engine distributed by L1. The results show that the designed method outperforms Faceit G8 in terms of verification and identification rates on both datasets.
The cdc25 protein contains an intrinsic phosphatase activity

Genetic and biochemical studies have indicated that the cdc25 protein controls the entry into mitosis by triggering tyrosine dephosphorylation of the cdc2 protein kinase. We show that the isolated cdc25 protein can catalyze dephosphorylation of several model phosphatase substrates, including p-nitrophenyl phosphate and two distinct tyrosine-phosphorylated peptides. The cdc25-dependent cleavage reaction closely resembles dephosphorylation by known tyrosine phosphatases: the reaction requires a reducing agent, shows high sensitivity to sodium vanadate, and proceeds efficiently in the presence of metal chelators. Moreover, the phosphatase activity of the cdc25 protein is eliminated by treatment with N-ethylmaleimide or by alteration of a single conserved cysteine residue by site-directed mutagenesis. These observations indicate that the cdc25 protein can function as a tyrosine phosphatase in the absence of any other protein.
Radiobiological speculations on therapeutic total body irradiation

Abstract Unexpected total body irradiation (TBI) of human beings, involved in nuclear warfare or in accidents in nuclear reactors can be lethal. In the 1950s, bone marrow transplantation was discovered as a potentially life saving procedure after TBI in the dose range of 5.0 to 12.0 Gy. Since that time, deliberate or “therapeutic” TBI has been used to condition patients with a lethal bone marrow disorder for bone marrow replacement. The therapeutic ratio of TBI followed by bone marrow transplantation is small. Many potentially lethal complications can occur, such as acute TBI side effects, late TBI side effects or immunological complications of bone marrow transplantation such as graft versus host disease or graft rejection. The benefits of TBI and bone marrow transplantation are that they offer a chance for cure of previously lethal bone marrow disorders. The optimal parameters for TBI remain to be defined. The review discusses the current clinical and experimental animal data, as they relate to the future definition of less toxic TBI procedures with a better therapeutic ratio. Different TBI procedures are required for patients with malignant vs. non-malignant disorders or for patients with histoincompatible vs. histocompatible bone marrow donors.
Structure, Growth Kinetics, and Ledge Flow during Vapor−Solid−Solid Growth of Copper-Catalyzed Silicon Nanowires

We use real-time observations of the growth of copper-catalyzed silicon nanowires to determine the nanowire growth mechanism directly and to quantify the growth kinetics of individual wires. Nanowires were grown in a transmission electron microscope using chemical vapor deposition on a copper-coated Si substrate. We show that the initial reaction is the formation of a silicide, η′-Cu3Si, and that this solid silicide remains on the wire tips during growth so that growth is by the vapor−solid−solid mechanism. Individual wire directions and growth rates are related to the details of orientation relation and catalyst shape, leading to a rich morphology compared to vapor−liquid−solid grown nanowires. Furthermore, growth occurs by ledge propagation at the silicide/silicon interface, and the ledge propagation kinetics suggest that the solubility of precursor atoms in the catalyst is small, which is relevant to the fabrication of abrupt heterojunctions in nanowires.
Identification of sulfated mucopolysaccharides including heparin in the lesional skin of a patient with mastocytosis.

Comparison of the [ 35 S]mucopolysaccharides extracted after in vitro incubation of skin biopsy specimens from nonlesional and lesional sites of a patient with mastocytosis showed that lesional sites incorporated sulfate into heparin. After in vitro incorporation of the [ 35 S]sulfate, the tissues were extracted sequentially by a 3-step procedure which utilized high salt concentrations, enzymatic digestion and base hydrolysis to liberate essentially all the counts. The extracted [ 35 S]mucopolysaccharides were separated from free [ 35 S]sulfate, histamine, protein, and hyaluronic acid by ion-exchange chromatography utilizing Dowex 1. The [ 35 S]mucopolysaccharide extracts of the nonlesional skin were completely degraded by treatment with chondroitinase ABC, as they are predominantly dermatan sulfate with small amounts of chondroitin sulfates. The absolute quantity of sulfated mucopolysaccharides after Dowex 1 chromatography in micrograms of uronic acid per mg wet weight of starting tissue was higher in the lesional than the non-lesional specimen, while the specific incorporation of [ 35 S]sulfate per microgram of uronic acid was the same. Approximately one-half of the [ 35 S]mucopolysaccharides obtained in the 3 sequential extracts of lesional tissue was resistant to degradation by chondroitinase ABC as determined by gel filtration before and after enzyme treatment, indicating the presence of sulfated mucopolysaccharides in addition to chondroitin and dermatan sulfates. Heparinase treatment of the chondroitinase ABC-resistant [ 35 S]mucopolysaccharides followed by gel filtration revealed an equal distribution of label between heparin and heparinase-resistant material presumed to be heparan sulfate. Heparin was also directly demonstrated in extracts of lesional mastocytosis skin by chemical and functional criteria.
Coronary artery ostium occlusion--a rare manifestation of endocarditis.

A 74-year-old male with past medical history of coronary artery disease, bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement and myeloproliferative disorder presented with fever and acute decompensated heart failure. Blood cultures grew S taphylococcus aureus . Transespohageal echocardiogram (TEE) revealed large mobile …
Sun proteins enlighten nuclear movement in development.

Regulation of nuclear movement is a critical event in neurogenesis and neuronal migration during brain development. In this issue of Neuron , Zhang et al. identify a role for SUN and the KASH-domain-containing nuclear membrane proteins as the long-sought linker between microtubules and the nucleus during brain development.
Acetate Binding at the Photosystem II Oxygen Evolving Complex: An S2-State Multiline Signal ESEEM Study

Previously, using acetate deuterated in the methyl hydrogen positions, we showed that acetate binds in close proximity to the Mn cluster/ tyrosine dual spin complex in acetate-inhibited photosystem II (PSII) preparations exhibiting the “split” EPR signal arising from the S2− interaction [Force, D. A.; Randall, D. W.; Britt, R. D. Biochemistry 1997, 36, 12062−12070]. By using paramagnetic NO to quench the paramagnetism of , we are able to observe the ESEEM spectrum of deuterated acetate interacting with only the Mn cluster. A good fit of the ESEEM data indicates two 2H dipolar hyperfine couplings of 0.097 MHz and one of 0.190 MHz. Modeling of these dipolar interactions, using our “dangler” 3 + 1 model for the S2-state of the Mn cluster, reveals distances consistent with direct ligation of acetate to the Mn cluster. As acetate inhibition is competitive with the essential cofactor Cl-, this suggests that Cl- ligates directly to the Mn cluster. The effect of acetate binding on the structure of the Mn cluster ...
Synthesis and structural characterization of [BseMe]Ni(PPh3)(NO), a nickel complex with a bent nitrosyl ligand

Abstract The nickel nitrosyl compound [BseMe]Ni(PPh3)(NO) has been synthesized by the reaction of Ni(PPh3)2(NO)Br with potassium bis(2-seleno-1-methylimidazolyl)hydroborate, [BseMe]K. X-ray diffraction studies demonstrate that (i) the B–H group of the [BseMe] ligand interacts with the nickel center and (ii) the nitrosyl ligand is bent, with Ni–N–O bond angles of 149.1(3)° and 153.1(3)° for the two crystallographically independent molecules. The bent nature of the nitrosyl ligand in [BseMe]Ni(PPh3)(NO) is in marked contrast to the linearity observed for the tris(2-seleno-1-mesitylimidazolyl)hydroborato counterpart [TseMes]NiNO (180.0°). Density functional theory geometry optimization calculations demonstrate that the Ni⋯H–B interaction is not responsible for causing the nitrosyl ligand to bend, but rather the difference between [TseMes]NiNO and [BseMe]Ni(PPh3)(NO) is due to the [TseMes] ligand allowing the former molecule to adopt a structure with C3 symmetry. In contrast, the steric and electronic asymmetry of [Se2P] donor array of the [BseMe] and PPh3 ligand combination prevents [BseMe]Ni(PPh3)(NO) from having C3 symmetry and the nitrosyl ligand bends to stabilize the occupied M–N σ∗ antibonding orbital.
Cd2+ responses of cultured human blood cells.

Cd/sup 2 +/ cytotoxicity, uptake, and partitioning, and Cd/sup 2 +/-induced metallothioneine synthesis were studied in cultured peripheral human blood cells. Mononuclear cells were found to resist relatively high levels of Cd/sup 2 +/. Few cells were killed below 50 ..mu..M Cd/sup 2 +/. Above this value, survival decreased exponentially with dose. The mean LD50 for mononuclear cells cultured in Cd/sup 2 +/ for 40 hr was 100 ..mu..M. Polymorphonuclear cells (granulocytes) were found to be more resistant, with a significantly higher threshold and LD50, and a more complex dose response. Most of the Cd/sup 2 +/ incorporated by blood cells was taken up by nucleated cells. Despite their greater resistance, polymorphonuclear cells incorporated more Cd/sup 2 +/ at higher doses (50 to 150 ..mu..M) than did mononuclear cells. No Cd/sup 2 +/ was bound to metallothioneine in polymorphonuclear cells following exposure to Cd/sup 2 +/ for even extended periods of time (18 hr) at high doses of /sup 109/Cd/sup 2 +/ (25 ..mu..M). Instead Cd/sup 2 +/ appeared in a Sephadex G-75 peak of approximately 60,000 Da, as well as in the void peak. No significant amount of preexisting metallothioneine (MT) or metallothioneine mRNA was found in the mononuclearmore » cells. However, MT synthesis was induced rapidly following exposure to Cd/sup 2 +/. (/sup 109/Cd/sup 2 +/)MT appeared within 1 hr following exposure to 50 ..mu..M /sup 109/Cd/sup 2 +/, and MT synthesis rates measured from (/sup 35/S)cysteine incorporation were found to be maximal within 4 hr.« less
A borehole camera system for imaging the deep interior of ice sheets

The design and first deployment is described for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory–California Institute of Technology ice borehole camera system for acquisition of down-looking and side-looking images in a borehole made by a hot-water drill. The objective of the system is to acquire images in support of studies of the basal dynamics and thermodynamics of West Antarctic ice streams. A few sample images, obtained during the 2000/01 Antarctic field season, are shown from the basal layers of Ice Stream C.
Wrinkle-free mounting of sections from gelatin embedded brains.

Abstract Sections from gelatin embedded brains will not wrinkle or pucker when mounted on slides if the sections are first passed through an acetone, ammonia, acetate buffer-ethanol sequence. Species to species differences are adjusted for by altering the salt concentration and/or the pH of the acetate buffer.
A Note on Birnbaum's Theory of the Likelihood Principle

Abstract The principles of sufficiency and conditionality are shown by Birnbaum [1] to imply the principle of likelihood. But in his formulation it is necessary to adopt in the continuous case, a definition of sufficiency which differs from the conventional definition. The objections against the new definition are set out and it is shown that the conventional definition can be adhered to by taking into consideration that in practice there is always a finite limit to the accuracy with which the values assumed by a continuous random variable can be observed.
Overview of Heparin and Protamine Management and Dosing Regimens in Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients

Compared with adults, infants and children who undergo cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery present with a myriad of anticoagulation considerations. Inadequate anticoagulation during cardiopu...
Trophoblast-macrophage interactions: a regulatory network for the protection of pregnancy.

Problem Macrophages are one of the first immune cells observed at the implantation site. Their presence has been explained as the result of an immune response toward paternal antigens. The mechanisms regulating monocyte migration and differentiation at the implantation site are largely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that trophoblast cells regulate monocyte migration and differentiation. We propose that trophoblast cells ‘educate’ monocytes/macrophages to create an adequate environment that promote trophoblast survival. Method of study CD14+ monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood using magnetic beads. Co-culture experiments were conducted using a two-chamber system. Monocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cytokine levels were determined using multiplex cytokine detecting assay. Results Trophoblast cells increase monocyte migration and induce a significant increase in the secretion and production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α] and chemokines (growth-related oncogen-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, RANTES). Furthermore, the response of monocytes to LPS was different in monocytes pre-exposed to trophoblast cells. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that trophoblast cells are able to recruit and successfully educate monocytes to produce and secrete a pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine profile supporting its growth and survival. Furthermore we demonstrate that trophoblast cells can modulate monocytes response to bacterial stimuli.
Phenomenological observations of lamellar orientation effects on the creep behavior of Ti-48At.%Al PST crystals

Abstract The anisotropy in creep behavior of a PST crystal was examined using crystals of the composition Ti–48Al in three different orientations, φ =0°, 45° and 90°, in the temperature range of 700–815°C. In addition, a fully lamellar Ti–48Al polycrystal of similar lamellar spacing was also tested under identical conditions for comparison. Significant anisotropy was observed at all the three temperatures of test. In both primary and secondary stages, the 0° PST material was consistently the strongest and the 45° the weakest, with the polycrystal behaving much like the 45° PST crystals. The anisotropy could not be rationalized based on either Schmid factor differences or α 2 anisotropy. The beneficial effects of orientation are observed to be similar to those of alloying additions of C or Si. It is anticipated that fully lamellar textured polycrystals will be significantly superior to polycrystalline materials having a random grain orientation in both primary and secondary-stage creep behavior.
The Effect of State-endorsed Arbitration Institutions on International Trade

During the past two decades, the study of new institutional economics (NIE), with a focus on international and domestic legal-economic institutions, has made a considerable contribution to the unde...
Staged sentinel lymph node biopsy before mastectomy facilitates surgical planning for breast cancer patients.

Abstract Background In patients with breast cancer who choose mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, the sentinel lymph node (SLN) status on permanent histology may complicate treatment if a metastasis is found. The purpose of this study was to determine how performing an SLN biopsy (SLNB) before the definitive operation would influence subsequent surgical procedures. Methods Our SLN database was searched for patients who underwent staged SLNB with subsequent mastectomy between 2001 and 2004. Results Twenty-five patients with 27 breast cancers underwent SLNB before mastectomy. Of them, 9 of 27 (33%) were node positive. All 9 patients underwent modified radical mastectomy. Three node-positive patients did not undergo immediate reconstruction. Of the remaining 6 node-positive patients, 5 underwent reconstruction with autologous tissue rather than a tissue expander. In contrast, 6 of 16 (37%) node-negative patients underwent reconstruction with a tissue expander. Conclusions Staged SLNB assists in selecting the appropriate operation in patients who are considering immediate reconstruction.
The pros and cons of globalization

Abstract Analysis suggests that future freer globalized trade will (1) likely benefit both rich and poor regions, (2) probably give measured percentage gains to poor places that exceed those to rich places, (3) possible exacerbate real income inequality between rich and poor, and more certainly (4) bring more lifetime uncertainty along with enlarged material gains. A backlash to freer trade, economic history suggests, will lead to weaker productivity advance, enhanced degree of monopoly, and to aggravated crony-capitalism and plutocratic lobbyist democracy.
Ultrasound Image Despeckling/Denoising Based on a Novel Multi-transducer Architecture

In the present paper we have focused our efforts in de-noising/despeckling methods for ultrasound images based on a novel multi -- transducer architecture. Frequency compounding schemes have been implemented and tested in two different images and the results are compared with the state of the art software based methods for ultrasound image despeckling. Signal -- to -- noise ratio, SNR, peak -- signal -- to -- noise ratio, PSNR, mean square error, MSE, and the mutual information measures were used to assess the performance of each method. Furthermore, a general scheme for ultrasound image processing based on the notion of sup resolution technique that combines multiple low resolution, LR, images of the same scene to produce one high resolution, HR, image, used in camera technology, is proposed. The nature of the system's architecture has made possible the use of simple but effective compounding techniques for speckle reduction while at the same time sup resolution approach may produce ultrasound images of better quality and higher resolution. Last but not least, the article provides an insight to the major problems and drawbacks of ultrasound imaging systems and how the proposed architecture is capable of effectively dealing with these problems.
Eye tracking based perceptual image inpainting quality analysis

The objective of image inpainting is to perform a seamless completion of missing areas in images. Evaluating the perceptual quality of an inpainting algorithm must rely on features of the Human Visual System. Using eye-tracking experiments, we show that there is a strong correlation between inpainting quality and visual attention. By comparing gaze densities within and outside the hole regions of inpainted images, we show that discernible artifacts due to inpainting attract an unusual amount of visual attention. The gaze density within the hole, normalized with the gaze density of the same region from the unmodified image, provides a useful measure in comparing different inpainting processes and corroborates well with subjective rankings.
The Natural Occurrence of Ethionine in Bacteria

Two unknown radioactive areas appeared after radioautography and two dimensional paper chromatography of culture medium in which Escherichia coli was grown. These materials were studied by paper chromatography and paper electrophoresis of several derivatives and identified as ethionine and ethionine sulfone, the latter an artifact. Chromatographic coincidence of the unknowns and their derivatives with authentic materials establishes the identification. Ethionine was found in cellular extracts and in the growth media of Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aerobacter aerogenes but not in Scenedesmus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or bovine lymphosarcoma cells. Ethionine was synthesized by resting E. coli cultures from radioactive sulfate and from radioactive methionine. Growing cells labeled ethionine within 1 minute after addition of radioactive sulfate to cultures. Levels of radioactivity in ethionine increased with time. No incorporation of this amino acid could be detected in the cellular proteins formed under the conditions of this study.
International insurance audits and governance

Purpose – This paper aims to assess 12 audit procedures that deemed challenging to insurance audits. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses grounded theory as a framework for conducting series of semi-structured interviews with six technical audit partners, two from Big Four and four from non-Big Four. The interview agendas are drawn from the 12 audit approaches suggested by Practice Notes 20 (The Audit of Insurance in the United Kingdom) issued by the Auditing Practices Board (UK). Findings – Without an audit standard, practitioners will exercise excessive professional judgments and deviate from audit approaches. Research limitations/implications – Though the findings are solely drawn from the insurance sector rather than a wide spectrum of sectors, they have huge ramifications to accounting and audit professions, stakeholders and regulators. Practical implications – This paper reveals differences in audit approaches between the theoretical context and practical perspective. Social implications – ...
Quick! Teach this patient about insulin.

b: p W here do you begin when you learn that Mr. Green, no on insulin with newly diagnosed type I diabetes, will be ischarged in two hours? Or what if you are working in a busy medical clinic hen a physician requests "immediate" insulin teaching for a hyperglycemic patient? How can you compress diabetes teaching and still provide the basic skills and essential information? How can you evaluate your teaching effort when you have only a short amount of time with the patient? Obviously, the pressure is less when, after the patient starts insulin, he stays in the hospital long enough for you to determine what he knows and then to pace your teaching to his ability to learn. At the eleventh hour, however, the most realistic goal is to teach survival skills only. Acutely, the patient needs information that will enable him to safely control his blood sugar at home. Plus, in the acute situation, the patient is overwhelmed and can absorb only a limited amount of new information.