cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermophysics of the planet Mercury

Recent observations of the thermal emission of Mercury at microwave and infrared frequencies now permit a determination of the thermal and electrical properties of the subsurface of the planet. Radar and optical measurements show that the rotation period is 58.65 days, 2/3 of the orbital period. Several negative spectrographic searches verify that the effects of an atmosphere need not be taken into account in computing surface and subsurface temperatures. The observed thermal emission from the planet can then be interpreted from models similar to those developed for study of the Moon but adapted to the peculiar diurnal insolation of Mercury. The observations of Epstein et al. (1970) at 3.3 mm and of Klein (1970a) at 3.75 cm, when interpreted together with recent laboratory measurements of thermal properties of terrestrial and lunar rock powders, indicate that the ratio of electrical to thermal skin depth is 0.9 ± 0.3 times the wavelength in centimeters. Further results of this analysis of the subsurface are: Density = 1.5 ± 0.4 g cm-3; Electric loss tangent = 0.009 ± 0.004; Inverse thermal inertia = (15 ± 6) × 10−6 erg-1 cm2 s1/2 K; Equatorial midnight temperature = 100 ± 15K. The microwave data generally conform to the predictions of the thermophysical models of Mercury developed by Morrison and Sagan (1967), including a suggestion that variations having mean periods of 50 days and 35 days are present in addition to the classical phase effect with period about 116 days. The time-averaged microwave temperature of the planet appears to increase ∼ 25 % from millimeter to decimeter wavelengths; this increase suggests that radiation plays an important role in the transport of heat in the subsurface. All of the conclusions of this review indicate that the thermophysical behavior of Mercury closely approximates that expected for the Moon, were it placed in the orbit of Mercury.
The Role of Abnormal Vitreomacular Adhesion in Age-related Macular Degeneration: Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography and Surgical Results

Purpose To assess the incidence of vitreomacular adhesion and traction in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and to evaluate surgical treatment in a subset of patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) nonresponsive to anti-neovascular growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. Design Retrospective observational case-control and interventional case series. Methods Spectral optical coherence tomography, combined with simultaneous scanning laser ophthalmoscope (Spectral OCT/SLO), was performed in 170 eyes of 94 elderly patients, 61 with exudative AMD, 59 with nonexudative AMD, and 50 control eyes. The presence of hyaloid adhesion to the posterior pole, and vitreomacular traction (VMT) were determined. Five patients with VMT underwent surgical hyaloid removal. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal thickness were evaluated as outcomes. Results Hyaloid adhesion was present in 17 eyes with exudative AMD (27.8%), 15 eyes with nonexudative AMD (25.4%), and eight control eyes (16%). Significant difference was found among the groups ( P = .002). Among the eyes with hyaloid adhesion, VMT was shown in 10 eyes (59%) with exudative AMD, two eyes (13%) with nonexudative AMD, and one control eye (12%). VMT was associated with the severity of AMD ( P = .0082). The area of hyaloid adhesion was significantly smaller than and concentric to the area of CNV complex in eyes with exudative AMD. Eyes with VMT that underwent surgery experienced a modest improvement of BCVA and decrease of retinal thickness. Conclusions Hyaloid adhesion to the macula is associated with AMD, and frequently causes VMT in eyes with CNV. Tractional forces may antagonize the effect of anti-VEGF treatment, and cause pharmacological resistance in a subpopulation of patients. Future studies are needed to define the role of vitreoretinal surgery in such cases. Spectral OCT/SLO allows careful diagnosis and follow-up.
Practical Aspects of Insulin Pen Devices

Insulin pen devices have several advantages over the traditional vial-and-syringe method of insulin delivery, including improved patient satisfaction and adherence, greater ease of use, superior accuracy for delivering small doses of insulin, greater social acceptability, and less reported injection pain. In recent years, pens have become increasingly user-friendly, and some models are highly intuitive to use, requiring little or no instruction. Despite this progress, uptake of these devices in the United States has not matched that in many other areas of the world. There is a need for improved awareness of the current characteristics of insulin pen devices among United States health care professionals. Knowledge of the design improvements that have been incorporated into pens, both to address patient needs and as a result of the improved technology behind the device mechanics, is essential to promoting the use of insulin pen devices. This review highlights some of the practical aspects of pen use and discusses the factors to be considered when selecting among different insulin pens.
Pipe friction factors for concentrated aqueous solutions of polyacrylamide

Abstract Experimental friction factor results are presented for aqueous solutions of polyacrylamide (Separan AP-273) for concentrations of 1500 ppm, 2000 ppm and 2500 ppm in laminar and turbulent flow through tubes of 2.21 cm and 1.30 cm inside diameter. The solutions studied show a highly non-Newtonian behavior with values of the flow behavior index varying from 0.45 to 0.90. The measured friction factors are slightly lower than the maximum drag reduction asymptote proposed by Virk. For the concentrated viscoelastic solutions the generalized Reynolds number provides a better presentation of the data than the Reynolds number based on the apparent viscosity. In such a presentation there is no influence of pipe diameter or solution concentration on the friction factor. A power law approximation for the friction factor in terms of the generalized Reynolds number was determined using present experimental data. This expression may be used to represent the maximum drag reduction asymptote.
CHOOSING A BOOK: ARE BOB SUMMARIES HELPFUL?

ABSTRACT The author reviewed 37 different back‐of‐the‐book (BOB) summaries to evaluate how helpful these summaries might be for adolescent readers selecting a book for recreational reading. Specifically, they analyzed BOB summary features, including length and organization, story grammar focus, accuracy of story portrayal and related aspects of usefulness for book choice. Teacher education students also provided information for this review as they participated in a related course task. Results indicate that BOB summaries focus largely on plot events and do so accurately. Reader reactions showed that they valued the accuracy of the summary and found the predictive nature of the summary to be helpful. Results demonstrate the potential value in using BOB summaries in the classroom.
Unfolding the Practical Knowledge of an Expert Strength and Conditioning Coach

To define the professional knowledge base used in practice, the purpose of this study was to reveal the content of practical knowledge of an expert strength and conditioning coach. A qualitative case study design was used. The participating coach met a list of criteria typically associated with expert coaches. Data collection included observations, interviews, and document analyses. Following the data analysis, ten major knowledge categories emerged, which were separated into the Foundational Practical Knowledge and Applied Practical Knowledge clusters. It appeared that the participant's set of practical knowledge was structured in several layers and was only partially built on the Foundational Disciplinary Knowledge originating from formal education. Analysis suggested that most aspects of the participant's practical knowledge were developed through field experience, real-life practices, and other professionals. The present study suggests that coaching educational programs should be expanded and modified...
A new generation of nonlinear finite element analysis techniques

This article surveys the development of nonlinear contact and solution-control capabilities in an industrial finite element code, ANSYS 5.4. Various techniques for enhancing the ease-of-use and robustness of the capabilities are discussed. Among these are the use of solution feedback and automatic adjustments, consistent tangent, and a combined penalty function and Lagrange multiplier method for contact analysis. It is argued that a future direction for finite element code development should be to provide easy-to-use nonlinear capabilities so that inexperienced finite element users can solve nonlinear problems independently without assistance from other sources such as high-end analysts or experienced users.
Some aspects of modeling dependence in copula-based Markov chains

Dependence coefficients have been widely studied for Markov processes defined by a set of transition probabilities and an initial distribution. This work clarifies some aspects of the theory of dependence structure of Markov chains generated by copulas that are useful in time series econometrics and other applied fields. The main aim of this paper is to clarify the relationship between the notions of geometric ergodicity and geometric @r-mixing; namely, to point out that for a large number of well known copulas, such as Clayton, Gumbel or Student, these notions are equivalent. Some of the results published in the last years appear to be redundant if one takes into account this fact. We apply this equivalence to show that any mixture of Clayton, Gumbel or Student copulas generates both geometrically ergodic and geometric @r-mixing stationary Markov chains, answering in this way an open question in the literature. We shall also point out that a sufficient condition for @r-mixing, used in the literature, actually implies Doeblin recurrence.
Categorization and individuation in the cross-race recognition deficit : Toward a solution to an insidious problem

Abstract Recent theory and evidence suggest that the Cross-Race Effect (better recognition for same-race (SR) faces than for cross-race (CR) faces) is due to social-cognitive processes of categorization of out-group members, causing perceivers to attend to category-specifying information of CR faces at the expense of individuating information. Three experiments seek to extend this social-cognitive explanation of the CRE by investigating the extent to which the Cross-Race Effect can be reduced by inducing perceivers to individuate rather than categorize CR faces. In all three experiments, participants who received warning of the Cross-Race Effect prior to encoding, and instructions to individuate out-group members, showed no CRE. Experiment 2 suggests that this elimination of the CRE was not due merely to increased motivation to process all stimuli. This is one of few empirical displays of an elimination of the CRE outside of visual training. Moreover, these results are congenial with Levin’s (2000) feature-selection model, which suggests that the CRE is due to differential social cognitions about in-group and out-group members, rather than to differences in perceptual expertise. By eliciting individuation of out-group members at encoding, the CRE can be eliminated.
String pair production in a time-dependent gravitational field

We study the pair creation of point particles and strings in a time-dependent, weak gravitational field. We find that, for massive string states, there are surprising and significant differences between the string and point-particle results. Central to our approach is the fact that a weakly curved spacetime can be represented by a coherent state of gravitons, and therefore we employ standard techniques in string perturbation theory. String and point-particle pairs are created through tree-level interactions between the background gravitons. In particular, we focus on the production of excited string states and perform explicit calculations of the production of a set of string states of arbitrary excitation level. The differences between the string and point-particle results may contain important lessons for the pair production of strings in the strong gravitational fields of interest in cosmology and black hole physics.
Technical Communique: Improvement of system order reduction via balancing using the method of singular perturbations

In this paper we first present several alternative techniques for system order reduction based on system balancing by employing the method of singular perturbations. The techniques obtained have the same robustness accuracy evaluated with respect to the H"~ norm of the reduced-order system as the two techniques existing in the control literature known as the direct truncation and balancing residualization methods. The newly proposed techniques preserve the exact DC gain as the original system, and produce very good to excellent accuracy at low and medium frequencies. We also present a simple formula that fixes the DC gain for the direct truncation method. In the second part of the paper we propose how to perform order-reduction of a balanced system using theory of singular perturbations that can produce very good accuracy at high frequencies, particularly for systems that have lightly damped highly oscillatory modes. The result obtained for such kind of systems requires that the modes with higher Hankel singular values should be neglected and those with smaller Hankel singular values should be retained. This is a counter-intuitive result in the spirit of H"~ theory, but an intuitive result in the spirit of theory of singular perturbations. The second part of the paper raises an important question about validity of the system robustness estimate based on the H"~ norm for linear systems with lightly damped highly oscillatory modes.
Expression of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins in the rat kidney : effects of long-term diabetes

Recent studies have shown that the renal synthesis of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) is altered in insulin-deficient diabetes mellitus, suggesting that these changes may be implicated in the alterations in renal function and morphology that accompany diabetes. To investigate the time course and the precise cellular distribution of changes in IGFBP expression, we used quantitative in situ hybridization to analyze renal IGF-I and IGFBP-1 to -5 messenger RNA (mRNA) localization and levels from 2 days to 6 months after the onset of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. There was an immediate sharp decline in IGF-I mRNA levels in the outer medulla that persisted for up to 3 months and a much smaller reduction in IGF-I mRNA levels in the medullary thick ascending limbs (MTALs). In nondiabetic animals, IGFBP-1 mRNA is most abundant in the MTALs. Immediately after the induction of diabetes, however, there was a greater than 2-fold increase in cortical IGFBP-1 mRNA and a 75% decrease in IGFBP-1 mR...
Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in the Athlete: A Clinical Review

Context:Exertional rhabdomyolysis is a relatively uncommon but potentially fatal condition affecting athletes that requires prompt recognition and appropriate management.Evidence Acquisition:A search of the PubMed database from 2003 to 2013 using the term exertional rhabdomyolysis was performed. Further evaluation of the bibliographies of articles expanded the evidence.Study Design:Clinical review.Level of Evidence:Level 3.Results:Exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) is a relatively uncommon condition with an incidence of approximately 29.9 per 100,000 patient years but can have very serious consequences of muscle ischemia, cardiac arrhythmia, and death. The athlete will have pain, weakness, and swelling in the muscles affected as well as significantly elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK). Hydration is the foundation for any athlete with ER; management can also include dialysis or surgery. Stratifying the athlete into high- or low-risk categories can determine if further workup is warranted.Conclusion:Exerti...
Lectins and antibodies as tools for studying cellular interactions

Specific interactions between multiple cell types are critical for a variety of processes central to the development, homeostasis and immune defense of multicellular organisms. Studies designed to elucidate how cells communicate through physical encounters have exploited exogenously supplied factors to bypass intrinsic recognition mechanisms and facilitate cellular conjugation. In this review, we compare the relatively nonspecific agglutinating properties of lectins and the selective cell targeting capabilities of antibodies and bispecific antibody constructs for studying cell-cell interactions in immunobiology. In addition, we discuss a novel system for inducing cellular interactions which closely resembles native receptor-mediated conjugation. In this system, surrogate receptors promote specific cell-cell interactions without hindering endogenous receptor-ligand interactions at the cell-cell interface which may be important in mediating physiologic cellular responses.
Vaginal fetal fibronectin as a predictor of spontaneous preterm delivery in the patient with cervical cerclage.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of vaginal fetal fibronectin as a screening test for spontaneous preterm birth in patients with cervical cerclage. Study design A historic cohort of 117 patients who underwent cervical cerclage placement between 1996 and 2002 were identified. All patients were followed up in a maternal-fetal medicine faculty practice in a university setting. Serial fetal fibronectin samples of vaginal secretions were collected every 2 to 3 weeks, starting at 22 weeks of gestation and continuing until 32 weeks or delivery, whichever came first. Results There were 81 singleton, 23 twin, 12 triplet, and 1 quadruplet pregnancies. There were 61 ultrasound-indicated, 47 prophylactic, and 9 emergency cerclages that were placed. Most cerclages were of the modified Shirodkar type (95%) with a median gestational age at cerclage placement of 16.6 weeks. Overall, 33.3% of gestations were delivered spontaneously before 37 weeks of gestation; 17.1% of gestations were delivered spontaneously before 34 weeks. For deliveries within 2 weeks and 3 weeks of a single fetal fibronectin assessment, the test had a sensitivity of 50% and 48.3%, a specificity of 90% and 91.1%, a positive predictive value of 16.3% and 28.6%, and a negative predictive value of 97.9% and 96%, respectively. Subgroup analysis by number of fetuses (singleton, twin, and higher order multiple gestations) revealed similar values. For delivery before 34 weeks of gestation, fetal fibronectin had a sensitivity of 50%, a specificity of 78.4%, a positive predictive value of 33.3%, and a negative predictive value of 88%. Conclusion This study is the first to evaluate the use of vaginal fetal fibronectin assessments to screen for preterm birth in patients who had undergone cervical cerclage procedures. We conclude that this test has similar validity to predict spontaneous preterm delivery in these high-risk pregnancies, as in previously published cohorts.
Internal bremsstrahlung from P32 and Y90

Abstract The internal bremsstrahlung spectra of the allowed beta emitter P 32 and the first forbidden beta emitter Y 90 have been studied with a scintillation spectrometer and compared with available calculations. The experimental spectrum of P 32 does not agree exactly with Knipp, Uhlenbeck and Bloch's theory for allowed beta transitions. The deviations are not very large but they are significant and can be explained very well by the Coulomb corrections proposed by Lewis and Ford. The observed spectrum of Y 90 is in considerable disagreement with the extension of Knipp, Uhlenbeck and Bloch's theory for first forbidden beta transitions with tensor interactions. The Coulomb corrections in this case is quite inadequate to account for the deviation. The observed photon excess may be arising from detour transitions; an assumption supported by calculations of Lewis and Ford.
Dynamic silica assembly for fabrication of nanoscale polymer channels

Nanoscale polymer silica hybrid nanochannel array of average channel size of ∼50 nm were fabricated by electrokinetically induced silicification reaction within a polymer template. The uniform growth of silica can be realized by appropriate combination of reactant concentration and electric field strength. The formed silica leads to the reduction in channel size, and provides substantial reinforcement to the polymer nanostructure. Such nanochannel arrays may be a useful platform for a variety of biomedical applications.
Morphological identification of ganglion cells expressing the α subunit of type II calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase in the macaque retina

Expression of the α subunit of type II calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (αCamKII) distinguishes the koniocellular neurons of the primate lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) from the primary parvo- and magnocellular neurons, but whether the same neurochemical signature distinguishes the retinal ganglion cells providing them input is not known. We find that, in the retina, αCamKII expression also differentiates two primary groups of ganglion cell, both characterized by broad, sparsely branching dendritic trees and cell bodies intermediate in size between the parvo- and magnocellular-projecting ganglion cells. Cells in the first group have three or four primary dendrites, a thick axon, and a rounded cell body and likely are made up of multiple types. In contrast, ganglion cells in the second group demonstrate a highly regular morphology, with strictly two primary dendrites and a thinner axon emanating from a smaller, elliptical cell body. This cell resembles the “large sparse” ganglion cell identified by others in retrograde labeling from the LGN and represents about 2% of all ganglion cells. In the optic nerve, αCamKII+ axons are also intermediate in size and form a bimodal distribution, correlating with the axonal sizes of the two groups of ganglion cell. For the LGN, we describe a group of αCamKII+ axon terminals with morphology consistent with terminals from retinal ganglion cells. These terminals form long, filamentous contacts with αCamKII+ relay cells and increase in frequency from the dorsal to the ventral koniocellular regions. Our results indicate that ganglion cells expressing αCamKII represent multiple projections to the brain, at least one of which provides input to one or more koniocellular regions of the LGN. J. Comp. Neurol. 481:194–209, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
L-Ascorbic-1-14C acid catabolism in the rhesus monkey.

So far as we are able to ascertain, a study of the catabolism of ascorbic acid in the rhesus monkey (Macacca mulatta) has not been previously reported. We wish to make a preliminary report of the excretion of radioactivity in the expired air and the urine of a monkey following intramuscular injection of L-ascorbic-1-14C acid.
L-GLUTAMIC ACID AND SUCCINIC ACID FERMENTATION BY BREVIBACTERIUM FLAVUM NO. 1996

It has been recognized that the conversion from L-glutamic acid fermentation to succinic acid fermentation can be performed with Brevibacterium flavum No. 1996.Succinic acid can be directly produced from glucose at a high yield of 28.3% for initial glucose in submerged culture (35.8% for consumed glucose).The optimal aeration rate and the optimal concentration of C.S.L. for the succinic acid production were 0.4 to 0.7×10-6 of Kd (g-mol/cc. min. atm.) and 1.0 to 2.0% of C.S.L., respectively.The activity of succinic decomposing enzyme in cell grown under the succinic acid producing condition was more feeble than that under the L-glutamic acid producing condition.Among the L-glutamic acid producing bacteria, genus Brevibacterium was able to perform this conversion of fermentations, while genus Bacillus was not.
An Intuitive Derivation of Heron's Formula

From elementary geometry we learn that two triangles are congruent if their edges have the same lengths, so it should come as no surprise that the edge lengths of a triangle determine the area of that triangle. On the other hand, the explicit formula for the area of a triangle in terms of its edge lengths, named for Heron of Alexandria (although attributed to Archimedes [4]), seems to be less commonly remembered (as compared with, say, the formulas for the volume of a sphere or the area of a rectangle). One reason why Heron's formula is so easily forgotten may be that proofs are usually presented as unwieldy verifications of an already known formula, rather than as expositions that derive a formula from scratch in a constructive and intuitive manner. Perhaps the derivation that follows, while not truly elementary, will render Heron's formula more memorable for its symmetric and intuitive factorization. The first step of this derivation is to recall that the square of the area of a triangle is a polynomial in the edge lengths. More generally, suppose that T is a simplex in RT with vertices xo, xi, ... , x,, where x0 = 0, the origin. Let A denote the n x n matrix whose columns are given by the vectors xl, ..., xn, and suppose that the xi are ordered so that A has positive determinant. The volume of T is then given by det(A) = n! V(T), implying that
E-Government Service Offerings and Website Content of Florida's Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Most metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) maintain websites to support their mission of comprehensive transportation planning. Websites can add value to several agency functions, including public involvement, intergovernmental coordination, and information dissemination. This research project reviewed the websites of all 26 MPOs in Florida. Websites were rated on several facets of their functionality and content. The study concluded that all Florida MPOs are meeting or exceeding the minimum electronic availability standards set by Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users and public notification standards of Florida State Statute. However, the functionality and the content of these websites were generally lower than those found on local government websites. Specifically, many MPO websites were not deploying business tools, raw data download capability, and Web 2.0 technology. Other findings include the need for dedicated MPO domain names, reduced size of plan documents, and direct contact between professional staff and the public.
Relationship of total body fat mass to weight-bearing bone volumetric density, geometry, and strength in young girls

Understanding the influence of total body fat mass (TBFM) on bone during the peri-pubertal years is critical for the development of future interventions aimed at improving bone strength and reducing fracture risk. Thus, we evaluated the relationship of TBFM to volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), geometry, and strength at metaphyseal and diaphyseal sites of the femur and tibia of young girls. Data from 396 girls aged 8-13 years from the "Jump-In: Building Better Bones" study were analyzed. Bone parameters were assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at the 4% and 20% distal femur and 4% and 66% distal tibia of the non-dominant leg. Bone parameters at the 4% sites included trabecular vBMD, periosteal circumference, and bone strength index (BSI), while at the 20% femur and 66% tibia, parameters included cortical vBMD, periosteal circumference, and strength-strain index (SSI). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess associations between bone parameters and TBFM, controlling for muscle cross-sectional area (MCSA). Regression analyses were then repeated with maturity, bone length, physical activity, and ethnicity as additional covariates. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare bone parameters among tertiles of TBFM. In regression models with TBFM and MCSA, associations between TBFM and bone parameters at all sites were not significant. TBFM explained very little variance in all bone parameters (0.2-2.3%). In contrast, MCSA was strongly related (p<0.001) to all bone parameters, except cortical vBMD. The addition of maturity, bone length, physical activity, and ethnicity did not alter the relationship between TBFM and bone parameters. With bone parameters expressed relative to total body mass, ANCOVA showed that all outcomes were significantly (p<0.001) greater in the lowest compared to the middle and highest tertiles of TBFM. Although TBFM is correlated with femur and tibia vBMD, periosteal circumference, and strength in young girls, this relationship is significantly attenuated after adjustment for MCSA. Nevertheless, girls with higher TBFM relative to body mass have markedly diminished vBMD, geometry, and bone strength at metaphyseal and diaphyseal sites of the femur and tibia.
Removal of char particles from fast pyrolysis bio-oil by microfiltration

Abstract Bio-oil formed by the fast pyrolysis of biomass has tremendous potential as a renewable feedstock to make liquid transportation fuels. However, the presence of char particles in the bio-oil causes problems in storage and end-use. Currently there is no well-established technology to remove char particles less than 10 μm in size. This study focuses on the application of a liquid-phase microfiltration process to remove char particles from bio-oil down to slightly sub-micron levels. Tubular ceramic membranes of nominal pore sizes 0.5 and 0.8 μm were employed to carry out the microfiltration, which was conducted in the cross-flow mode at temperatures ranging from 38 to 45 °C and at three different trans-membrane pressures varying from 1 to 3 bars. Microscopic and ash content analysis of the feed and permeate streams were conducted to determine the efficacy of the process. The results demonstrated the removal of the major quantity of char particles with a significant reduction in overall ash content of the bio-oil. Water extraction and gas chromatography were employed to characterize the chemical composition of the bio-oil, and no significant change was observed due to the microfiltration process. Results of fouling analysis obtained from longer runs of bio-oil through the membranes are also presented in this study. The results clearly showed that the cake formation mechanism of fouling is predominant in this process. A membrane cleaning protocol for the fouled membrane was developed, comprising successive treatments with methanol, sodium hydroxide, and acetic acid.
Increased prevalence of antiheparin platelet factor 4 antibodies in patients may be due to contaminated heparin.

During the period of November 2007 to January 2008, an increased prevalence of adverse reactions to heparin was noted. These adverse events have been attributed to the presence of purposeful contaminant, oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS) from April 2007 to May 2008. An analysis of dialysis patients' plasma obtained in 2006 and 2007 consistently had a low (5%) prevalence of AHPF4 antibodies. Blood samples from 78 patients on maintenance hemodialysis, who were potentially exposed to OSCS-contaminated heparin, were analyzed for the presence of all AHPF4 antibodies using a commercially available ELISA kit from GTI. Although there was no change in the platelet count of these patients, 15 of 78 patients (19.2%) studied had an increased prevalence of AHPF4 antibodies. Subtyping of the all platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies documented showed a higher prevalence of immunoglobulin G antibodies as compared to their previously determined antibodies. These observations suggest that the OSCS contaminant in the re...
Total synthesis of anhydro levuglandin D2

Abstract Total synthesis of anhydro levuglandin D 2 [9-acetyl-8-formyl-5(Z),9(E),11(E)-hepta-decatrienoic acid] confirms the structure assigned to this 9,10-seco prostanoic acid product from solvent induced rearrangement of the prostaglandin endoperoxide PGH 2 in aqueous solution.
Selenium and Mercury Interactions with Emphasis on Fish Tissue

This review addresses the effects of mercury (Hg) in fish as it relates to the health of the fish themselves as well as potential risks of toxicity in wildlife and humans that consume fish. In particular, it addresses selenium (Se) as a bioindicator of susceptibility to harmful effects of Hg exposures and evaluates how Se moderates the toxic effects of Hg in a variety of test animals, emphasizing the importance of these potential effects in fish. A major conclusion of this review is that Hg toxicity risks to animal life cannot be accurately assessed without considering the moderating effects of Se. Therefore, Se:Hg molar ratios and their mathematical inverse are important factors that need to be considered when assessing risks from Hg exposures because exposures are related directly to toxicity outcome. In addition, actual measurement of both beneficial nutrients (e.g., Se, omega-3 fatty acids) and contaminants (e.g., Hg, polychlorinated biphenyls [PCB]) in fish tissue, rather than gross associations betw...
The complete Duhemian underdetermination argument: scientific language and practice

Abstract Current discussion of scientific realism and antirealism often cites Pierre Duhem’s argument for the underdetermination of theory choice by evidence. Participants draw on an account of his underdetermination thesis that is familiar, but incomplete. The purpose of this article is to complete the familiar account. I argue that a closer look at Duhem’s The aim and structure of physical theory (1914) suggests that the rationale for his underdetermination thesis comes from his philosophy of scientific language. I explore how an understanding of physical laws as symbolic is meant to support the thesis. In the course of my argument, I point out that Duhemian underdetermination is not meta-practical but grounded in the practice of science, specifically in the scientist’s use of instruments and measurement techniques. Measurement has a significant limitation, according to Duhem: it always involves approximation and a degree of experimental error. Consequently, it cannot overcome the gap between the ordinary, concrete language of observation and the (abstract and symbolic) mathematical language of science. Moreover, Duhem argues that the use of instruments in experiment invokes whole groups of theories. I contend that, ultimately, this reliance on auxiliary assumptions—which makes possible the use of instruments—is the foundation of his thesis and that recognizing this completes the familiar account of his underdetermination argument.
THE MEASUREMENT OF EFFECTIVE POPULATION NUMBER

Abstract : The effective population number can be defined either in terms of the amount of increase in homozygosity (inbreeding effective number) or the amount of gene frequency drift (variance effective number). Under many circumstances these are the same, but not in general. The effective number is considered in terms of an idealized population in which each individual parent has an equal expectation of progeny. The effective number of an actual population is defined as the size of an idealized population with the same amount of inbreeding or random gene frequency drift as the population under consideration. Formulae are given for determining both kinds of effective numbers when the population is monoecious (including self fertilization) and when there are separate sexes. The formulae are summarized along with special cases of interest. (Author)
Concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in subcellular fractions of liver, kidney, prostate, and muscle in the male dog.

Testosterone-1,2-3H was infused intravenously at a constant rate to four adult male dogs over a period of 120 min, at which time the plasma concentration of testosterone-3H reached a plateau indicating a state of equilibrium in all body compartments. The specific activity of plasma testosterone at the end of the constant infusion was determined. Parts of the liver, kidney, striated muscle, and the prostate were removed, homogenized, and fractionated by ultracentrifugation. The concentration (per 100 mg of protein) of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in each fraction was then calculated from the concentration of testosterone-3H and dihydrotestosterone-3H divided by the specific activity of the plasma testosterone-3H. Of all the organs, the prostate had the highest concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, and the subcellular fraction with the highest concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone was the microsomal fraction of the prostate. Furthermore, the concentration of dihydrotestosterone exceeded the concentration of testosterone only in that fraction. The concentration of dihydrotestosterone in plasma was below the sensitivity of the method employed. The data are interpreted to indicate the presence of a material with a high affinity for testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the cells of the prostate, most markedly at the microsomal fraction. The higher concentration of dihydrotestosterone in this fraction may be interpreted as suggesting that this is the site of conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
TESTING THE ABILITY OF CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER TO ACCURATELY REPORT THE EFFECTS OF MEDICATION ON THEIR BEHAVIOR

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often treated with central nervous system stimulants, making the evaluation of medication effects an important topic for applied behavior analysts. Because assessment protocols emphasize informant reports and direct observations of child behavior, little is known about the extent to which children themselves can accurately report medication effects. Double-blind placebo-controlled procedures were used to examine whether 6 children with ADHD could recognize the effects of their medication. The children were given math worksheets to complete for 15 min during each of 14 sessions while on medication and placebo. Children completed a self-evaluation form at the end of each session, and ratings were compared to observed behavior and academic performance. Results indicated that 3 children were able to accurately report their medication status at levels greater than chance, whereas the accuracy of reports by all children was related to dosage level, differences in behavior, and the presence of adverse effects. The implications of these results for placebo-controlled research, self-monitoring of dosage levels, and accuracy training are discussed.
Strategic Voting and Legislative Redistricting Reform: District and Statewide Representational Winners and Losers

Political elites are generally reluctant to alter the status quo unless a change will benefit them. Scholars have found that institutions, and the rules governing them, tend to evolve in ways that maintain equilibrium, preserving the status of winners. Are voters—when presented the opportunity—more likely than elites to alter political institutions? Using survey data, the authors explore mass support in the American states for changing how legislative districts are drawn. They find evidence that representational losers at statewide and district levels are more likely to vote for reforms to create nonpartisan redistricting in ballot issue contests, while electoral winners oppose reform. They argue that ordinary voters—like elected officials—may exhibit a similar instrumental rationale, using a self-interested calculus when serving as policy makers for a day. Beyond theorizing about conditions under which the mass public might engage in strategic voting, the analysis has implications for practical election ...
Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal: a review of the aetiology, presentation, staging, prognosis and methods available for treatment

Anal cancer is an uncommon malignancy, with the majority of cases comprised of squamous cell carcinomas. The increasing incidence of this disease reflects a rise in the transmission of the human papillomavirus, the causative organism of most tumours. Abdominoperineal resection (APR), once the primary mode of treatment, has been supplanted by sphincter-saving combination chemoradiation as the first-line therapy. However, surgeons continue to play a role in the multidisciplinary management of patients with anal cancer for diagnosis and post-treatment surveillance. Sentinel node biopsy may identify patients with clinically and radiographically negative inguinal lymph nodes who will benefit from groin irradiation. In very select cases, the controversial means of local excision has been employed as primary treatment, often in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy. The management of persistent or recurrent anal cancers following primary chemoradiation remains a concern, for which only salvage APR currently offers the possibility of a cure. The introduction of human papillomavirus vaccines presents the exciting potential for the eradication of the disease.
Non-linear diffusion: Bison on the hoof and on the rail in the United States

Abstract This paper puts forth a non-linear, post-structural conception of geographical diffusion by utilizing the example of American bison. In doing so, this approach stands in contrast to canonical theories of diffusion (notably neoclassical economics and political economy), which portray diffusion as a steady progression of development. In reviewing the history of bison diffusion during the 20th century, the impact of several factors is evident. These include environmental, cultural, economic, governmental, health and material factors. Each of these variables has taken several distinct forms, thereby enlarging the number of actors involved in the species’ redistribution. The impact of each variable has waxed and waned over the years. Consequently, a series of heterogeneous networks has formed, which have simultaneously undercut the importance of certain variables and formed the basis for new channels of bison diffusion. The non-linear nature of diffusion emerges from the different temporalities of these networks. In an alternating fashion, this process of network-building has guided bison onto public, private, and tribal lands.
The differential impact of depressive symptom clusters on cognition in a rural multi-ethnic cohort: a Project FRONTIER study.

Objective To examine the differential impact of depressive symptom clusters on neuropsychological functioning in a rural-dwelling, multi-ethnic cohort. Methods Data were analyzed for 184 participants (70% female, 46% Hispanic) who are part of an ongoing rural healthcare study, Project FRONTIER. Previously published factor scores of dysphoria, meaninglessness, apathy, and cognitive impairment from the GDS-30 were entered as predictor variables in linear regression models with RBANS Index raw scores as outcome variables. Results In the total sample, Dysphoria, Meaninglessness, and Cognitive Impairment were significantly associated with Immediate Memory, Language, Attention and Delayed Memory; Dysphoria was also significantly related to Visuospatial skills. When examined by gender and ethnicity, however, the findings varied with dysphoria being most related to cognitive status among men and dysphoria, meaninglessness, and cognitive impairment being most significantly related to cognitive status among women. When examined by ethnicity, dysphoria, meaninglessness, and cognitive impairment were most strongly associated with immediate and delayed memory in Hispanics. Conclusions In this study of rural-dwelling adults and elders, depressive symptom clusters were differentially associated with poorer cognition with the most consistent findings being between depressive symptoms of dysphoria and meaninglessness and the cognitive domains of immediate and delayed memory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nature discourses in the residential yard in Minnesota

The residential yard is a relatively unexamined context of nature discourses. We analyzed residents’ nature discourses in their yards that emerged during group discussions about yard care choices in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota, USA. We found the following nature discourses: nature as a lawn management type, ecological actor, aesthetic attributes, and limited time and maintenance, and nature in relation to human function. However, participants used the term nature as though it had an agreed upon meaning. These nature discourses are one example of the complexity of homeowner conceptualizations of their yards. The presence of multiple nature discourses discussed as a single idea highlights the need to refine broad references to nature in public outreach messages that seek to promote urban ecosystem quality through yard care choices. Also, the discourse of nature as ecological actor in the yard may be a starting place for communication about ecosystem functions.
Designing Work Within and Between Organizations

The design of work has been and will continue to be a central problem challenging organization theory and practice. The system of arrangements and procedures for doing work affects all workers every day throughout the world. Work is changing dramatically. In an increasingly global and knowledge-intensive economy, work design is no longer contained within an organization; it often transcends the boundaries of organizations and countries. These changes call for a renewed research focus on work design. Building on configuration and complexity perspectives, we propose a framework for studying work design. We argue that three issues require attention to advance the knowledge of work design: (1) defining the boundaries of work systems, (2) examining how the system is nested in a hierarchy within and between organizations, and (3) determining interactions between the elements of a work system. We propose a method of frontier analysis for identifying equifinal designs-the set of equally effective work designs for different combinations of inputs (situations or contexts) and outputs (performance criteria). When work designs are examined longitudinally, these methods permit an examination of adaptation processes on changing fitness landscapes, suggesting how work systems may increase, decrease, or sustain their relative performance over time.
A Model of the Emission Diagnostic Light Signal

We propose to consider emission signals of different physical nature within the framework of a common generalized model of random impulsive stream. We develop an algorithm for the detection and selection of the informative component of emission light signals in the presence of interference during its photoelectric recording. We also present the block diagram of a device aimed at the selection of light emission signals and realizing the proposed algorithm.
Expression of antigen-specific, major histocompatibility complex-restricted receptors by cortical and medullary thymocytes in situ

We have examined the distribution of the antigen-specific, major histocompatibility complex-restricted receptor on mouse thymocytes in situ, using immunohistochemical techniques and the monoclonal antibody KJ16-133. This antibody reacts with the beta chain of the receptors on about 20% of peripheral murine T cells. Of the cortical thymocytes reacting with KJ16-133, cells with only cytoplasmic staining were most frequently observed. Such cytoplasmic staining was not observed in the medulla. Occasional cortical cells had low levels of surface expression, which was almost invariably patched in the region of contact with epithelial cell processes. KJ16-133+ medullary thymocytes had high levels of uniform surface labeling. These results suggest that thymic selection of MHC restriction and/or tolerance may occur in the cortex, where the receptors on maturing thymocytes interact with MHC proteins on epithelial cells.