cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Posttranslational regulation of type I collagen in corneal endothelial cells.

Methods. The a2(I) collagen RNA structures of normal and modulated corneal endothelial cells were analyzed by SI nuclease protection analysis, whereas the nucleotide sequences were obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends technique. In situ hybridization of type I collagen was demonstrated with immunofluorescence; synthesis and degradation of the molecule were analyzed by pulse-chase experiments and then by immunoprecipitation with antiprocollagen I antibody. Results. The cDNA covering the 5'-untranslated region (DTK.) of a2(I) collagen RNA obtained from normal corneal endothelial cells and from modulated corneal endothelial cells that predominandy produce type I collagen demonstrate identical sequences in their 5' untranslated and coding sequences. In both mRNA, the length of die 5'-untranslated segment is 127 nucleotides. There were also two AUG codons; the second AUG codon, which is 17 nucleotides upstream from the translation initiation codon, is conserved, as observed in human and chicken a2(I) mRNA. When the sequence covering the 3'-UTR of corneal endothelial a2(I) mRNA was compared with that of <*2(I) mRNA obtained from the modulated cells, there were differences in only two nucleotides. The length of the 3'-untranslated segment of each mRNA is 297 nucleotides up to the consensus polyadenylation recognition site (AAUAAAAUAAA), which bodi cells use. Immunofluorescent staining of corneal tissue in vivo demonstrated that the corneal endothelium stains witih anti-type I collagen antibodies, but there is no staining in the underlying Descemet's membrane. In pulse-chase experiments, the newly synthesized type I procollagen, composed of proal(I) and proa2(I) chains as determined by V8 protease peptide mapping, reached die highest intracellular level at 45 minutes, after which its detection decreased. Cells chased for 120 minutes demonstrated no trace of type I procollagen in the cell layer; medium fractions showed no detectable type I procollagen during the entire 120-minute chase. Conclusions. These results suggest that type I collagen is synthesized in corneal endothelial cells and that such undesired expression is regulated at the posttranslational level, perhaps by intracellular degradation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1996;37:11-19.
Social Work Experience and Client Behavioral Change

This study examines the effects of social work experience upon client behavioral change. A 2 x 3 x 3 factorial design was implemented in order to ascertain the interaction between two levels of social work experience (experienced, inexperienced), three methods of group treatment (social learning, traditional group work, minimal treatment), and three modes of treatment group composition (referred groups, nonreferred groups, mixed groups). Throughout an 8-month period nonparticipant observers reported the mean proportionate incidences of prosocial, nonsocial, and antisocial behavior exhibited by 452 male adolescents. Longitudinal time-sampling data clearly indicate that experienced practitioners are more effective than are inexperienced ones at fostering positive behavioral changes. Nonetheless, the differential effects of leader experience are significantly influenced by contextual variable and, especially, by the compositional nature of the treatment group.
Development of algorithms for automated elucidation of spectral feature/substructure relationships in tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract A pattern-recognition/artificial-intelligence program, referred to as MAPS (method for analyzing patterns in spectra), is described for the identification of relationships that exist between the presence of substructures in molecules and the characteristic features they produce in mass spectrometry (MS) and MS/MS data. The MAPS algorithm discovers these relationships by intelligent analysis of a data base of MS and MS/MS spectra. The relationships found are expressed as rules, which may then be used to identify characterized substructures in “unknowns”. No prior knowledge of fragmentation pathways or rearrangements is assumed in the rule-generation process. While MAPS currently uses MS and MS/MS data, the approach (and much of the software) is equally suited to multiple-stage mass spectrometric data.
Learning not to think in a textbook-based mathematics class

Abstract This study coordinates anthropological and cognitive perspectives on one child's learning of the standard addition algorithm. Changes in the child's mathematical beliefs and constructions were analyzed as he moved from a experimental 2nd-grade mathematics class characterized by inquiry mathematics to a textbook-based third grade. Piagetian clinical interviews focusing on this mathematical understanding before, during, and after 8 weeks of instruction in third grade were coordinated with an interactional analysis of a typical textbook lesson selected from a larger microethnographic study of his classroom mathematical community. The resulting description of the social norms and mathematical practices of this community provide a background against which the child's mathematical development is examined. The analysis shows that he had abandoned his self-generated computational algorithms in favor of less understood conventional procedures.
Moments of the Momentum Density Correlation Functions in Simple Liquids

The fourth frequency moments of the longitudinal and transverse momentum correlation functions in a simple, classical liquid have been derived. Numerical results in the $k=0$ limit are given for a Lennard-Jones potential.
OXIDANT-INDUCED INJURY IN PYRUVATE KINASE (PK) DEFICIENT ERYTHROCYTES

Oxidant-induced hemolysis, the hallmark of hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt abnormalities/ generally is not appreciated in PK deficiency. In vitro, however, some patients with PK deficiency manifest oxidant sensitivity (increased sulfhemoglobin formation) in the presence of cyanide (CN) and ascorbate (Asc). The HMP shunt (glucose- 1-14C oxidation to 14CO2) of these PK deficient RBC's was stimulated by Asc to the same extent as were normal cells. CN enhanced the Asc-induced HMP stimulation in control cells, but inhibited the Asc effect in PK deficient RBC's. ATP was decreased significantly in PK deficient RBC's incubated with CN + Asc. Therapeutic salicylate levels (2 mM) also inhibited the Asc-induced HMP stimulation in PK deficient RBC's, but not in normal cells. These experiments suggest that inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in PK deficient reticulocytes deprives these cells of adequate ATP for accelerated glucose phosphorylation in the presence of an oxidant stress. Certain drugs (salicylates) or prolonged stasis in a hypoxic splenic environment presumably could inhibit oxidative phosphorylation, impair the ability of PK deficient RBC's to detoxify oxidants produced by bacteria and macrophages during infection, and thereby induce oxidant cell injury. Furthermore, this partially may explain the exacerbation of hemolysis seen in PK deficiency during infection.
Control of torque direction by spinal pathways at the cat ankle joint.

To study the biomechanics of the calcaneal ten-don's complex insertion onto the calcaneus, we measured torque-time trajectories exerted by the triceps surae and tibialis anterior muscles in eight unanesthetized decerebrate cats using a multi-axis force-moment sensor placed at the ankle joint. The ankle was constrained to an angle of 110° plantarflexion. Muscles were activated using crossed-extension (XER), flexion (FWR), and caudal cutaneous sural nerve (SNR) reflexes. Torque contributions of other muscles activated by these reflexes were eliminated by denervation or tenotomy. In two animals, minia-ture pressure transducers were implanted among tendon fibers from the lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscle that insert straight into the calcaneus or among tendon fibers from the medial gastrocnemius (MG) that cross over and insert on the lateral aspect of calcaneus. Reflexively evoked torques had the following directions: FWR, dorsiflexion and adduction; SNR, plantarflexion and abduction; and XER, plantarflexion and modest abduction or adduction. The proportion of abduction torque to plantarflexion torque was always greater for SNR than XER; this difference was about 50% of the magnitude of abduction torque generated by tetanic stimulation of the peronei. During SNR, pressures were higher in regions of the calcaneal tendon originating from MG than regions originating from LG. Similarly, pressures within the MG portion of the calcaneal tendon were higher during SNR than during XER, although these two reflexes produced matched ankle plantarflexion forces. Selective tenotomies and electromyographic recordings further demonstrated that MG generated most of the torque in response to SNR, while soleus, LG, and MG all generated torques in response to XER. Previous studies have shown that interneurons processing afferent information from both XER and SNR differentially excite the MG and LG motoneuron pools. Further, our data demonstrate that forces produced by this differential activation are preserved throughout the calcaneal tendon. We conclude that selective activation of the gastrocnemei permits the animal to take advantage of the complex mechanical insertion of MG and LG at calcaneus and, specifically, to generate different torques at the ankle joint in response to different reflex activations.
Anisotropic viscosity of a dispersion of aligned elliptical cylindrical clasts in viscous matrix

Abstract Self-consistent averaging, using an auxiliary solution for an elliptical anisotropic viscous inclusion in an anisotropic viscous host, provides estimates of the principal bulk viscosities of a dispersion of aligned elliptical viscous clasts in an isotropic or anisotropic viscous matrix. Analysis and results are for a two-dimensional analog of a composite rock with clasts that are cylinders with axes normal to the plane of flow. The ratio of principal viscosities, η n in clast parallel extension or shortening, η s in clast-parallel shear, m = η n / η s , is smaller than that obtained using an auxiliary solution in which the host is isotropic. Results for the limiting case of rigid clasts indicates that the latter procedure overestimates the stress concentration in axis-parallel extension or shortening at intermediate clast volume fraction, f . If the matrix is anisotropic, bulk anisotropy derives from both the shape anisotropy and the intrinsic anisotropy of the matrix, and unsymmetrical relations for the principal viscosities and m ( f ) result. The results suggest that rheological anisotropy in rocks with a planar fabric is greatly reduced if the components are lenticular in form rather than continuous layers. A general solution is given for an elliptical inclusion for the case that the principal axes of anisotropy in both the host and the inclusion are oblique to the axes of the elliptical section and the host is subjected to homogeneous stress far from the inclusion.
Self-aligned vertical p-n-p transistor : device characterization from room to cryogenic temperatures

Abstract High-performance p-n-p transistors have been fabricated utilizing the conventional self-aligned ion-implanted double-polysilicon approach. In the present profile and process design, heat cycle compatibility with the n-p-n transistor process was preserved. Device characteristics from room temperature down to cryogenic temperatures are presented. These transistors operated with high current gains of 47–57 at 300 K and ⩾ 10 at 84 K, respectively. Nearly ideal p-n-junction behavior with very low base leakage was observed over the entire temperature range. Excellent breakdown characteristics were also achieved. Under the active bias mode, no appreciable impact ionization current was detected for base-collector reverse voltage up to 5.25 V at all measurement temperatures. Devices built on this technology are suitable for broad-temperature-range and complementary-circuit applications.
The intracellular half-lives of nonreplicating nucleocapsids of DI particles of wild type and mutant strains of vesicular stomatitis virus

We have used defective interfering (DI) particles purified free of all infectious virus to determine the intracellular biological stability of nonreplicating nucleocapsids of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Following infection of BHK-21 cells or tc-7 cells with a low multiplicity of pure DI particles, we superinfected them at varying times afterward with a high multiplicity of infectious helper virus to allow replication of those DI particle nucleocapsids retaining biological activity. Careful quantitation of DI particles in the yields from each time point showed that the biological half-life of intracellular VSV Indiana wild type DI particle nucleocapsids was 6 hr in BHK-21 cells and 5.3 hr in tc-7 cells (not significantly different). However, a DI particle from a temperature-sensitive mutant (tsG31) of VSV exhibited a biological nucleocapsid half-life of 12.5 hr and a DI particle isolated following 5 years of persistent infection had a half-life of 18 hr. These findings have significance for the stability of DI particle activity in vivo during acute infections where virus and DI particles are not always present together in the same cells due to cycling interactions. The increased half-life of DI nucleocapsids after years of persistent infection contrasts with the decreased stability and debilitation generally observed in infectious virus from persistent infection. Finally, transcapsidation studies showed that the intracellular half-life differences between DI particles are due mainly to their RNA genomes rather than to the N protein which encapsidates them.
Molecular genetics of plant disease resistance

Plant breeders have used disease resistance genes (R genes) to control plant disease since the turn of the century. Molecular cloning of R genes that enable plants to resist a diverse range of pathogens has revealed that the proteins encoded by these genes have several features in common. These findings suggest that plants may have evolved common signal transduction mechanisms for the expression of resistance to a wide range of unrelated pathogens. Characterization of the molecular signals involved in pathogen recognition and of the molecular events that specify the expression of resistance may lead to novel strategies for plant disease control.
On-chip proteolytic digestion and analysis using "wrong-way-round" electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Rapid protein digestion and analysis using a hybrid microchip nanoelectrospray device and time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection are reported. The device consists of a planar glass chip with microfabricated channels coupled to a disposable nanospray emitter. Reactions between substrate and enzyme (trypsin), mixed off-chip and then immediately loaded into a sample reservoir on the device, are monitored in real time following the onset of electrospray. Protein cleavage products are determined at the optimum pH for generating tryptic fragments, directly from the digestion buffer using “wrong-way-round” electrospray, i.e., monitoring (MH)+ ions from basic solutions. Intense tryptic peptide ions are observed within a few minutes following sample loading on the microchip. Proteins were identified from low femtomole or even attomole quantities of analyte/spectrum using peptide mass fingerprinting, loading 0.1−2 pmol/μL of sample on the chip. The sequence coverage for analyzed proteins ranged from 70 to 95%. ...
ON THE MEAN THERMAL STRUCTURE OF TROPICAL CYCLONES

Abstract Radiosonde ascents made within the circulation of hurricanes are combined to arrive at the mean temperature and pressure-height distribution about the storm. The results are compared with a thermodynamic model of the tropical storm, with the mean wind field, and with two individual case studies of intense tropical cyclones.
Evaluation of the herpes simplex virus antiviral activity of pyrethrins

Pyrethrins, complex esters extracted from Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, exhibit only minimal in vitro activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV). Employing a guinea pig model of HSV genital infection, no in vivo activity could be demonstrated. Although purported to be an effective remedy for the treatment of genital herpes, we were unable to demonstrate efficacy for either the oral administration of an alcoholic solution of pyrethrins or the topical application of pyrethrins in mineral oil.
Ten‐year diagnostic consistency of bipolar disorder in a first‐admission sample

Ruggero CJ, Carlson GA, Kotov R, Bromet EJ. Ten-year diagnostic consistency of bipolar disorder in a first-admission sample. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 21–31. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objectives: A number of reports have examined the stability of the diagnosis of schizophrenia, but fewer studies have considered the long-term consistency of a bipolar diagnosis or factors that influence the likelihood of a diagnostic change. The present study sought to estimate how consistently a bipolar diagnosis was made across a 10-year period and factors associated with consistency, particularly demographic and clinical characteristics, childhood-related factors, and illness course. Methods: The sample included 195 first-admission patients presenting with psychosis who were assessed soon after hospitalization and at 6-month, 2-year, and 10-year follow-up and diagnosed with bipolar disorder on at least one of these assessments. Diagnoses were made using best-estimate procedures and were blind to all previous consensus diagnoses. Respondents who were consistently diagnosed with bipolar disorder were compared to those whose diagnosis shifted across assessments. Results: Overall, 50.3% (n = 98) of the 195 respondents were diagnosed with bipolar disorder at every available assessment, but 49.7% (n = 97) had a diagnostic shift to a non-bipolar disorder at least once over the course of the 10-year study. Childhood psychopathology and poorer illness course were among the few variables associated with increased odds of a change in diagnosis. Conclusions: Even with optimal assessment practices, misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder is common, with complex clinical presentations often making it difficult to consistently diagnose the disorder over the long term.
Wave Run-up on sloping structures

Relationships have been developed from laboratory experiments which show the effect of side slope, wave steepness (H/L), relative depth (d/L), and the structure porosity on wave run-up. Maximum wave run-up occurs, for the range of angles examined, at approximately 30°. As the wave steepness (H/L) increases, the wave run-up increases, and as the relative depth parameter (d/L) decreases, the wave run-up increases. The wave approach was restricted to the direction perpendicular to the axis of the structure.
A Political Life in Democratic Times: On a New Biography of Alexis de Tocqueville

Both of these books have important things to say about how we can analyze and evaluate modern gover nance, though both are essentially culture free and therefore, it might be argued, have either ignored the central problem of government today or to have smuggled it in through the back door (in one of those Xor M variables in Meier and O'Toole's equation). Neither could have provided a convincing overall answer to the Ditchley group's problem, and they do not fit well together. But both certainly could have provided part of the answer.
Pyridine nucleotide metabolism in stored human erythrocytes.

Abstract 1. 1. When erythrocytes were stored in acid-citrate-dextrose medium, NADH content increased up to 4 weeks and then decreased whereas NADPH declined slowly over an 8-week period. No significant change was observed in NAD+ or in NADP+. 2. 2. Essentially similar nucleotide patterns were observed when stored erythrocytes were washed and incubated for 2.5 h at 37° in a glucose-containing Tris-Ringer's medium before enzymatic analysis. The NADH rise appeared to be arrested at a time when the ability of these cells to produce lactate began to decrease. 3. 3. Cells suspended in glucose-free media contained less NADH than cells incubated with glucose, but the difference became smaller as erythrocytes stored for longer periods were used. At 6 weeks, no difference was detected. On the other hand, NADPH was always lower and NADP+ higher when cells of any storage age were incubated without substrate. 4. 4. After 8 weeks of storage, incubation of washed erythrocytes with inosine caused NADH and lactate production to increase and NAD+ to decrease. 5. 5. These results indicate that pyridine nucleotide levels generally reflect the metabolic state of stored human erythrocytes. There was no indication that these compounds are directly implicated in the development of the storage lesion.
effect of intravenous L-carnitine on carnitine homeostasis and fuel metabolism during exercise in humans

This study was undertaken to challenge the hypothesis that short-term administration of carnitine during exercise can modify skeletal muscle carnitine homeostasis and fuel metabolism in normal humans. With a randomized, blinded, crossover design, subjects received carnitine or placebo at the start of a bicycle ergometer exercise session. During the 2 hours after intravenous administration of 185 mumol/kg carnitine, carnitine kinetics could be described with a central compartment volume of distribution of 200 ml/kg, a total clearance from this compartment of 1.9 ml/min/kg, and a renal clearance of 1.3 ml/min/kg. Carnitine administration had no effect on muscle total carnitine content or the workload-dependent accumulation of acylcarnitines in skeletal muscle. Carnitine had no effect on the respiratory exchange ratio, muscle lactate accumulation, plasma lactate concentration, muscle glycogen utilization, or plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration during exercise. Thus the skeletal muscle carnitine pool is segregated from dramatic changes in the plasma carnitine pool, and short-term administration of carnitine has no significant effect on fuel metabolism during exercise in humans.
Constitutive expression of class 3 aldehyde dehydrogenase in cultured rat corneal epithelium

Mammalian Class 3 aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is normally associated with neoplastic transformation or xenobiotic induction by aromatic hydrocarbons in liver. However, Class 3 ALDH is constitutively expressed at it's highest specific activity in corneal epithelium. Tissue-specific, differential gene expression is often controlled by alternative, independent molecular pathways. We report here the development of an in vitro corneal epithelium culture system that retains constitutive high expression of the ALDH3 gene. This model system was used to establish, by enzymatic assays, Western and Northern analyses, histochemical and immunocytochemical staining, and 5′3′ RACE methodologies that constitutive and xenobiotic induction of Class 3 ALDHs occurs from a single gene. Our results also provide a plausible explanation for the very high Class 3 ALDH activity in mammalian cornea, as the primary mechanism of oxidation of lipid peroxidation-derived aldehydes. Further studies with corneal epithelium suggest the presence of additional mechanisms, other than Ah-receptor-mediated, by which the ALDH3 gene can be differentially regulated in a tissue-specific manner.
Feeling the forces: atomic force microscopy in cell biology

Atomic force microscopy allows three-dimensional imaging and measurements of unstained and uncoated biological samples in air or fluid. Using this technology it offers resolution on the nanometer scale and detection of temporal changes in the mechanical properties, i.e. surface stiffness or elasticity in live cells and membranes. Various biological processes including ligand-receptor interactions, reorganization, and restructuring of the cytoskeleton associated with cell motility that are governed by intermolecular forces and their mode of detection will be discussed.
intangibleCanvas: free-air finger painting on a projected canvas

With the advent of new sensing technologies, precision free-air interaction is becoming viable as a contender for the next generation of expressive, embodied interaction modalities. ZeroTouch [5], a novel multi-touch sensor that allows for free-air multi-finger, multi-object sensing, is one example of this next generation of free-air interfaces. We develop its use in a digitally-projected finger painting application, placing the see-through multitouch sensor in direct line-of-sight between an artist and a remote canvas. This allows the artist to reach through the sensor and paint on the intangibleCanvas as if it were directly in front of them. An iPad is employed as a multimodal workspace for color selection. We evaluate the system through an informal walk-up-and-play installation and comparative study, developing implications for interaction design using this type of precision free-air interface.
Disruption of Sag/Rbx2/Roc2 induces radiosensitization by increasing ROS levels and blocking NF-κB activation in mouse embryonic stem cells

Abstract SAG (sensitive to apoptosis gene; also known as RBX2 or ROC2) is a dual-function protein with antioxidant activity when acting alone or E3 ligase activity when complexed with other components of SCF (Skp1, cullins, F-box proteins) E3 ubiquitin ligases. SAG acts as a survival protein to inhibit apoptosis induced by a variety of stresses. Our recent work showed that SAG siRNA silencing sensitized cancer cells to radiation but the mechanism responsible remains elusive. Here we report that complete elimination of Sag expression via a gene-trapping strategy significantly sensitized mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to radiation, with a sensitizing enhancement rate of 1.5–1.6. Radiosensitization was associated with increased steady-state levels of intracellular ROS (including superoxide) 24 h after irradiation as well as enhancement of radiation-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, Sag elimination abrogated IκBα degradation leading to inhibition of NF-κB activation. Further detailed analysis revealed that IκBα is a direct substrate of SAG-SCFβ-TrCP E3 ubiquitin ligase. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that Sag elimination via gene disruption sensitizes ES cells to radiation-induced cell killing by mechanisms that involve increased steady-state levels of ROS and decreased activation of NF-κB.
Fluid Mechanical Analysis at Closure of the On-X Mechanical Heart Valve

Three-dimensional laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) was used to characterize the flow created by the On-X bileaflet mechanical heart valve (MHV) manufactured by Medical Carbon Research Institute (MCRI), Inc. (Austin, TX). The valve was mounted into a pneumatically driven single-shot chamber in the mitral position such that only the closure dynamics were simulated. Measurements taken 2 mm proximal to the valve housing showed a peak velocity of 1.8 m/s and maximum Reynolds Shear Stresses (RSS) of 17,500 dynes/cm2, which were found along the centerline of the valve in the hinge region 2 ms after valve closure. The large velocity and RSS gradients denote the presence of complex flow structures. These results provide an initial basis for understanding the impact of valve geometry on hemolysis and thrombosis associated with the On-X MHV.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Instruction generation for hybrid reconfigurable systems

Future computing systems need to balance flexibility, specialization, and performance in order to meet market demands and the computing power required by new applications. Instruction generation is a vital component for determining these trade-offs. In this work, we present theory and an algorithm for instruction generation. The algorithm profiles a dataflow graph and iteratively contracts edges to create the templates. We discuss how to target the algorithm toward the novel problem of instruction generation for hybrid reconfigurable systems. In particular, we target the Strategically Programmable System, which embeds complex computational units such as ALUs, IP blocks, and so on into a configurable fabric. We argue that an essential compilation step for these systems is instruction generation, as it is needed to specify the functionality of the embedded computational units. In addition, instruction generation can be used to create soft reconfigurable macros---tightly sequenced prespecified operations placed in the reconfigurable fabric.
We have never been positivist

The specter of positivism haunts critical urban studies, distracting us from the possibilities of creative, rigorous, critically engaged activist scholarship beyond the obsolete dichotomies of quantitative/qualitative methodologies and positivist/post-positivist epistemologies. Yet a genealogy of positivism shows that the movement was never as philosophically coherent, or as politically conservative, or as well-defined a research program as portrayed in our intellectual histories: we have never been positivist. The ‘post’ in post-positivist urban studies does not mark positivism’s antithesis, but instead refers to the variegated critical ontologies and epistemologies always discomfited by a positivism that never was. Creating space to move beyond the inherited myths of positivist and quantitative urban scholarship requires abandoning either/or differentiations in favor of the both/and possibilities of engaged pluralism.
Cervantes in Celati

Quando, nel 1975, Gianni Celati pubblica “Il tema del doppio parodico”, egli vi rivela l’importanza di Miguel de Cervantes come punto di riferimento per la propria scrittura, tracciando le linee della poetica che ispirera la sua produzione narrativa a partire dai Narratori delle pianure. L’articolo esamina la presenza di temi e modelli cervantini nei Narratori delle pianure attraverso l’analisi di tre elementi presenti sia nei racconti padani di Celati sia nel Don Quijote: (1) l’impossibilita di separare saggezza e follia, con conseguente risoluzione del reale in una somma di apparenze, (2) la riduzione del testo narrativo ad assemblaggio di racconti legati insieme da tenui fili strutturali e (3) la concezione del comico come pratica aliena da ogni crudelta, estranea ai rituali delle sentenze e delle punizioni. Attraverso riferimenti a Celati critico, Michel Foucault, Gilles Deleuze e Guy Debord, si intende qui dimostrare come il Don Quijote e i Narratori condividano un medesimo approccio alla rappresenta...
Common uses and cited complications of energy in surgery

Instruments that apply energy to cut, coagulate, and dissect tissue with minimal bleeding facilitate surgery. The improper use of energy devices may increase patient morbidity and mortality. The current article reviews various energy sources in terms of their common uses and safe practices. For the purpose of this review, a general search was conducted through NCBI, SpringerLink, and Google. Articles describing laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgeries using single or multiple energy sources are considered, as are articles comparing various commercial energy devices in laboratory settings. Keywords, such as laparoscopy, energy, laser, electrosurgery, monopolar, bipolar, harmonic, ultrasonic, cryosurgery, argon beam, laser, complications, and death were used in the search. A review of the literature shows that the performance of the energy devices depends upon the type of procedure. There is no consensus as to which device is optimal for a given procedure. The technical skill level of the surgeon and the knowledge about the devices are both important factors in deciding safe outcomes. As new energy devices enter the market increases, surgeons should be aware of their indicated use in laparoscopic, endoscopic, and open surgery.
Fourier transform u.v.-visible molecular luminescence spectrometry: Fluorescence excitation spectra

Abstract The analytical utility of Fourier transform spectrometry in the u.v.-vis region was investigated. Molecular fluorescence excitation spectra were acquired for four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons frozen in Shpol'skii solvents. Analytical figures of merit were determined for coronene, including a limit of detection of 2 ppb and a precision better than 13% RSD. The major sources of noise in FT/u.v. molecular fluorescence spectrometry are discussed, and results are compared to those reported earlier from wavelength dispersive instruments.
Frequency locking and synchronization of nanosecond-pulsed broad-area lasers

Pulsed lasers with pulse durations of nanosecond to millisecond are very important tools for free-space optical communication, LADAR, laser material processing, and optical sensing. Although Q-switched solid-state lasers or gas lasers are currently the most popular light sources for these purposes, pulsed semiconductor lasers have the potential for the above applications because of their compactness, accessibility of direct modulation, and inherently large electrical to optical conversion efficiency. The drawbacks with high-power semiconductor lasers are their poor beam quality and low coherence factors. This work addresses the above issues through experimental demonstration of frequency locking, wavelength tuning, and synchronization of nanosecond pulsed broad-area semiconductor lasers. Nanosecond optical pulses with the peak power of 25 W and the repetition rates of 4 KHz to 240 KHz are generated from a broad-area laser. An external cavity with a diffractive grating is used to reduce the linewidth of the laser from over 5 nm to less than 0.1 nm. The wavelength of the pulsed laser is tunable over more than 10 nm. We have conducted injection locking of a nanosecond pulsed broad-area laser with optical injection from a frequency-locked master laser. Successful injection locking strongly support the feasibility of synchronization and beam combination of pulsed broad-area lasers.
Significant boiling enhancement with surfaces combining superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic patterns

In this work we describe the manufacturing and characterization of patterned surfaces with large spatial contrast in wettability. We find drastic enhancement of pool boiling performance in water. In comparison to a hydrophilic SiO 2 surface with a wetting angle of 7°, surfaces combining superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic patterns can quadruple the heat transfer coefficient (HTC). Superhydrophilic surface with hydrophobic islands can increase the critical heat flux (CHF) by 80%. This performance enhancement is important for applications such as electronics cooling, because the increased HTC allows a greater amount of heat to be removed at a lower wall superheat.
Forgetting of a drug-conditional discrimination

Abstract Rats were trained on a drug-conditional discrimination to escape footshock in a T maze. Over a period of days rats learned to approach one goal box while under a pentobarbital drug state and another while under a saline drug state. Retention of this discrimination was then assessed with the rat under either a pentobarbital or saline state, after an interval of 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days or 60 days. The results indicated little forgetting overall, with better long-term retention of the drug discrimination when the rats were tested under the pentobarbital state than under the saline state.
Radio Frequency Fields Generated by the S-Band Communication Link on OV102

The Space Shuttle STS-3 mission carried a Plasma Diagnostics Package (PDP) whose instrumentation included an S-band antenna and detector. The PDP was maneuvered by the Remote Manipulator System arm through a computer controlled sequence in the Orbiter's X-Z plane, above the quad and hemi S-band communications antennas. Antenna field strength measurements were conducted during transmitter high power modes, and the results were compared to ground full scale measurements and predictions. A field strength 4.8 + or - 3 dB higher than predicted is noted. This RF field is primarily due to the quad PM transmitter, whose power output of 115 W compares with 15 W for the hemi.
Polarization-independent wavelength-multiplexing using thermally fixed photorefractive gratings in lithium niobate

We report on the feasibility of a polarization-independent multiplexer for two visible wavelengths region with a spectral separation of 2.4 nm and an angular separation of 4 deg. To construct this device, holographic gratings are recorded in an iron-doped lithium niobate crystal via the photorefractive effect. Thermal fixing is employed to avoid optical erasure and increase the lifetime of the recorded gratings. It is shown that the two polarization modes associated with each wavelength propagate collinearly outside the crystal. Furthermore, it is shown that the signal power depends only marginally on the incident polarization, and its variation is less than 5%. No polarization crosstalk is detected, and the wavelength crosstalk is suppressed by 8 to 11 dB.
A tandemly repeated sequence at the termini of the extrachromosomal ribosomal RNA genes in Tetrahymena

Abstract The extrachromosomal genes coding for ribosomal RNA (rDNA) in the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila were studied with respect to sequences occurring at their termini. The linear rDNA molecules had previously been shown to be palindromic (Karrer and Gall, 1976; Engberg et al. , 1976). Within the terminal rDNA fragment produced by restriction endonuclease digestion, a tandomly repeated hexanucleotide sequence 5′ (C-C-C-C-A-A) n 3′ was found, where n is between 20 and 70. This fragment was heterogeneous in length as judged by gel electrophoresis. The repeating sequence was preferentially synthesized when rDNA was used as the template by Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I. Initiation occurred at specific single-strand discontinuities, probably one-nucleotide gaps, found every few repeats on the C-C-C-C-A-A strand. At least one discontinuity is present on the G-G-G-G-T-T strand. Experiments with T4 DNA polymerase suggested that there are no free cohesive ends on the rDNA of the kind found in bacteriophage λ DNA. The orientation of the strands carrying the repeating hexanucleotide sequence was determined, and a model for the termini of the rDNA based on these findings is presented.
Comparative analysis of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in the US cancer and noncancer populations

Significance/background Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are often used with conventional medical treatments; hence healthcare providers need to understand factors influencing use and implications for patient care. Since estimates of use by cancer survivors vary widely (7–64%), population-level studies are needed to compare usage patterns. Purpose This study compares prevalence and patterns of CAM use in the US cancer population and the noncancer population. Factors that predict use of CAM providers, practices and products in relationship to symptom experience and purpose of use were identified. Methods A secondary analysis of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey data using STATA 9.2 software for population estimation was conducted. CAM use by cancer survivors ( N =2262; estimated cancer population=14.3 million) and individuals without cancer ( N =28,734; estimated population=191.5 million) was compared. Responses to 22 CAM use items in the NHIS Alternative Health Supplement were analyzed. Predisposing (gender, age, race, education, marital status), enabling (income, health insurance, provider-contact), and need factors (symptoms, co-morbidity, health status) in the CAM Healthcare Model were analyzed for ability to predict CAM use from a health service utilization perspective. Data analysis Binary and Multinomial Logistic Regression, the primary statistical models employed in the analysis, focused on between-subject differences in CAM use. A stepwise procedure was followed and potential predictor variables were excluded from the model if their p -value exceeded 0.10. Findings and implications Cancer and noncancer populations differ in their CAM use patterns, with cancer survivors more likely to use CAM. Predisposing, enabling and need factors were strong predictors of CAM use in both populations. Use was more prevalent among female, middle-aged, white, and well-educated people; women were specifically more likely to use CAM practices than men. A curvilinear relationship of use with age was noted suggesting a possible cohort effect. Higher income, private insurance, contact with conventional providers, pain and co-morbidity were strong predictors of CAM use. More than 39% of all cancer survivors used CAM, highlighting the need for oncology nurses and healthcare providers to assess use by their patients. Data will be compared with the soon to be released 2007 NHIS data set to determine trend patterns in CAM use over time.
In vitro fusion of newt macrophages

Spontaneous formation of multinucleate giant cells is often observed in in vitro cultures of peritoneal adherent macrophages from the newts, Notophthalmus viridescens and Taricha granulosa (urodele amphibians). The frequency of such giant cells in these cultures is increased by the addition of phorbol myristic acetate at the initiation of the cultures. This high frequency of multinucleate cells permitted us to evaluate whether multinucleate giant cells arise by cell fusion and/or by repeated nuclear division without cytokinesis. Cell fusion is readily detectable by scanning electron microscopy. To determine whether nuclear division without cytokinesis also occurs, some cultures were treated with colchicine to arrest mitotic figures; others were pulsed with tritiated thymidine to detect DNA synthesis. Mitotic figures were not seen in acridine orange-stained samples. In monolayers that were processed for autoradiography, only a few nuclei were marked with tritium. These observations suggest that nuclear division does not contribute significantly, if at all, to the formation of multinucleate giant cells from cultured newt peritoneal macrophages.
Growth of InBi single crystals

Large single crystals (up to 20 cm length and 4 cm diameter) of InBi were grown by hard and soft mold Bridgman, Czochralski and horizontal boat techniques. The crystals were characterized in terms of subgrain mis-orientation and dislocation densities. Dislocation densities were determined by etching in a Br2/methanol solution. Crystals of highest structural perfection with no observable subgrains and dislocation densities of 0.5−2×104/cm2 were obtained by the Czochralski technique with seeds oriented along 〈hk0〉 and pulling rates of 3–4cm/hour. Self-nucleated crystals grow rather exclusively with the c-axis perpendicular within 10 degrees to the growth direction.
Does Raising Type 1 Error Rate Improve Power to Detect Interactions in Linear Regression Models? A Simulation Study

Introduction Statistical interactions are a common component of data analysis across a broad range of scientific disciplines. However, the statistical power to detect interactions is often undesirably low. One solution is to elevate the Type 1 error rate so that important interactions are not missed in a low power situation. To date, no study has quantified the effects of this practice on power in a linear regression model. Methods A Monte Carlo simulation study was performed. A continuous dependent variable was specified, along with three types of interactions: continuous variable by continuous variable; continuous by dichotomous; and dichotomous by dichotomous. For each of the three scenarios, the interaction effect sizes, sample sizes, and Type 1 error rate were varied, resulting in a total of 240 unique simulations. Results In general, power to detect the interaction effect was either so low or so high at α = 0.05 that raising the Type 1 error rate only served to increase the probability of including a spurious interaction in the model. A small number of scenarios were identified in which an elevated Type 1 error rate may be justified. Conclusions Routinely elevating Type 1 error rate when testing interaction effects is not an advisable practice. Researchers are best served by positing interaction effects a priori and accounting for them when conducting sample size calculations.
Artifacts of change: An archaeology of school-based educational reform

During the last decade, there has been a renewed interest in school-based reform in the United States. At the center of this emerging discourse lies the question, what are reform-minded schools actually doing to alter the education found in their buildings? This paper represents an effort to contribute to these descriptive analyses of school-based reform projects. However, rather than ethnography, this paper draws upon the field of archeology to understand the substance of recent school-based efforts in the United States. In particular, it identifies and discusses several artifacts that are used as heuristic devices to understand the nature of school-based reform projects. First, the paper briefly explores the use of archeology as a means to understand school-based reform efforts. Next, it illuminates the nature of these efforts by examining various artifacts that have emerged from several of these projects. Finally, based upon illustrations, it examines the basic nature of these recent school-based efforts and the usefulness of archeology for understanding what is happening in these schools.
On the Budan-Fourier controversy

In this short note we deal with the theorems by Budan and Fourier regarding the solution of polynomial equations with rational coefficients [1].
Ultrahigh Resolution Ophthalmic Imaging with Optical Coherence Tomography

In vivo ultrahigh resolution, spectroscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) with 3µm axial resolution allows for an unprecedented visualization of microstructure relevant to pathology in the anterior eye and retina. The visualization of retinal morphology and intraretinal structures shown here demonstrate the potential for this technique to identify early structural and functional changes associated with retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Ultrahigh resolution OCT allows delineation of corneal morphology, including the corneal epithelium and endothelium. Ultrahigh resolution OCT also allows for the imaging of animal models of disease, such as transgenic mice, providing a powerful research tool to better understand disease pathogenesis and evaluate therapies.
Regression of Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Type II (Dense Deposit Disease): Observations in Six Children

Six children with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis Type II (MPGN II-dense deposit disease), who were followed an average of 14 years (3.5 to 22 years) and treated continuously with an alternate-day prednisone regimen, have been studied by successive renal biopsies over intervals of 2 to 14 years of disease. All have shown significant reduction in mesangial proliferation and improvement of capillary lumen patency. A change in position of the deposits, from the lamina densa to the lamina rara interna, was demonstrated ultrastructurally in four of the patients, accompanied by reduction in prevalence of deposit in three. This loss of dense deposits, characterized as a process of "dropping off," was complete in the free capillary walls of two of the patients.