cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An index to characterize the spatial distribution of land use within watersheds and implications for river network nutrient removal and export

The spatial distribution of land use and associated nutrient inputs may influence the efficacy of in-stream nutrient removal however, the effect of source location on N removal and watershed N export has not been quantified. We present the skewness index, a metric to quantify the spatial distribution of land use within watersheds. Using this index and a river network nitrogen removal model, we quantified the effect of varying the location of developed land use within two watersheds on nutrient removal and export. The quantity and location of developed land use as well as runoff affected nitrogen removal and export. Because river network nitrogen removal is bypassed when sources are skewed towards the watershed mouth, varying the location of land use alone can double aquatic nitrogen removal. Nutrient sources skewed towards the distant headwaters maximized in-stream removal which in turn can reduce watershed export.
Screening cornea donors for antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus. Efficacy of ELISA testing of cadaveric sera and aqueous humor

Coded cadaveric sera from 35 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), from 45 cadavers at high risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and from 262 cadavers without known signs or risk of AIDS were assessed using three commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kits and Western blot analysis. Greater than 94% sensitivity and 99% specificity was achieved with each of the ELISA test kits using cadaveric sera. The Western blot method gave 97.1% sensitivity compared with the autopsy-proven diagnosis of AIDS. Positive results were obtained on sera from AIDS cadavers even if the time of blood draw was delayed 35 hours from death and the time of sera preparation was delayed up to 176 days. False-negative or false-positive ELISA results did not appear to correlate with hemolysis or any parameter of sera preparation. In contrast to the high sensitivity in testing sera, only 16 to 26% of aqueous humor samples from AIDS cadavers were ELISA-positive and 79% were positive by Western blot. These results indicate that three commercially available ELISA test kits are an effective means of screening cadaveric sera for antibodies to HIV, but that aqueous humor cannot be reliably substituted for cadaveric sera to screen potential cornea donors by an ELISA assay.
Synthesis and atomic and electronic structure of new Si-Ge-C alloys and compounds

The synthesis and characterization of completely novel binary and ternary alloy semiconductors and ordered phases based on C, Si, and Ge are discussed in this review. Metastable compound semiconductors with ordered structures, which include stoichiometric SiGe, Si{sub 4}C, Si{sub 3}GeC{sub 4} (sphalerite), Ge{sub 4}C, (Si{sub 2}Ge)C{sub x}, and (Ge{sub 2}Si)C{sub x} (x = 5%), are described. Materials systems include diamond-structured silicon-germanium solid solutions with dissolved carbon (Si{sub 1{minus}x{minus}y}Ge{sub x}C{sub y}), monocrystalline Ge{sub 1{minus}x}C{sub x} hybrids of Ge, and C-diamond and related Si-containing random alloy systems. The Si{sub 4}C and Ge{sub 4}C materials incorporate the corresponding tetrahedra that are linked together to form a diamond-cubic structure related to Si. The Si{sub 3}GeC{sub 4} phase is related to sphalerite and (Si{sub 2}Ge)C{sub x} had a new P{anti 3}m1 structure formed by Ge-Si-Si ordering along the diamond {l_angle}111{r_angle} direction. These compounds offer the prospect of band gaps wider than that of Si; in some cases, the band gaps are expected to become direct. This report emphasizes an approach that combines novel precursor chemistries and modern deposition techniques (ultrahigh-vacuum chemical-vapor deposition) to develop heteroepitaxial, device-quality inorganic materials. Important highlights of recent research based on conventional deposition methods are also summarized.
Parametric variability analysis for multistage analog circuits using analytical sensitivity modeling

Process variations play an increasingly important role on the success of analog circuits. State-of-the-art analog circuits are based on complex architectures and contain many hierarchical layers and parameters. Knowledge of the parameter variances and their contribution patterns is crucial for a successful design process. This information is valuable to find solutions for many problems in design, design automation, testing, and fault tolerance. In this article, we present a hierarchical variance analysis methodology for multistage analog circuits. Starting from the process/layout level, we derive implicit hierarchical relations and extract the sensitivity information analytically. We make use of previously computed values whenever possible so as to reduce computational time. The proposed approach is particularly geared for the domain of design and test automation, where multiple runs on slightly different circuits are necessary. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method provides both accuracy and computational efficiency when compared with prior approaches.
Escape reflex development during posterior regeneration in the earthworm, Eisenia foetida

Morphological and electrophysiological correlates of giant nerve fiber development were examined during posterior segmental regeneration in the earthworm, Eisenia foetida. Seven days after amputation of the last 40 segments a small undifferentiated tail bud was evident. Tactile stimulation of this bud evoked all-or-none lateral giant fiber (LGF) spikes in original (substrate) segments adjacent to the bud, suggesting an early expansion of the LGF sensory field into the bud. This idea was further supported by experiments involving selective cutting of (and electrical recording from) ventral nerve cord and segmental nerves in the substrate segment immediately adjacent to the bud. By 12–16 days after amputation, segmental delineation of the bud was completed, lateral and medial giant fibers were evident in cross sections of the bud, and all-or-none giant fiber spikes were detected in surface recordings from the bud. LGF spikes, evoked by touching any of the bud segments, were readily conducted (velocity ≅ 1.0 m/s) along the bud and into substrate segments. During the next few weeks, giant fiber conduction velocities increased gradually in the bud and eventually were comparable to those in normal posterior segments. The patterns of conduction velocity increases during posterior segmental regeneration closely paralleled those of normal post-embryonic development in posterior segments.
Cysteine Reactivity as a Probe of the Proteome

The study of protein folding and stability is typically conducted with purified proteins by methods that are exacting but lack the ability to analyze complex mixtures of proteins. To study proteins in their native environments inside a cell or isolated organelle, such as a nucleus, we have recently developed a powerful method that combines shotgun labelling with LC/MS/MS. Cysteine is a reactive but hydrophobic amino acid that can be fluorescently labelled in isolated nuclei with time resolution under stress conditions (changes in temperature). Quantitative kinetic analyses of spectra allow us to identify regions in hundreds of proteins, including nuclear lamins implicated in diseases such as Progeria, to understand the folding and interactions in situ. Select protein domains are also studied in solution, demonstrating the close correspondence to more traditional methods.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
An error-correction code for quaternary data transmission

A trend toward development of nonbinary digital transmission systems has been growing for several years. Much effort has been expended on attempts to optimize digital transmission efficiency, either in terms of speed, reliability, or some other parameter.
Flow structure of a turbulent thermal plasma jet

Abstract The flow structure of a commercial plasma spray torch operating with argon in atmospheric air has been examined. Conditional mean velocities and turbulence intensity measurements were made in the turbulent plasma jet produced by a swirl-stabilized d.c. arc using laser doppler anemometry. Velocity measurements conditional on fluid originating from plasma jet and from the entrained air were obtained by alternately seeding only the plasma gas and the surrounding air. These results strongly imply that an engulfment-type entrainment mechanism takes place in turbulent plasma jets as opposed to a simple diffusion process. Turbulence measurements indicate that the velocity fluctuations are non-isotropic, contrary to what has been assumed in most numerical work. The swirl number (the ratio of angular to axial momentum) was also measured for the plasma jet and found to be 0.04. The results of this paper should be useful in furthering our understanding of the fluid mechanics in a plasma jet, as well as the momentum and heat transfer to injected plasma spray particles, and as a needed database for future numerical work.
Limited proteolysis analysis of the ribosome is affected by subunit association

Our understanding of the structural organization of ribosome assembly intermediates, in particular those intermediates that result from mis-folding leading to their eventual degradation within the cell, is limited due to the lack of methods available to characterize assembly intermediate structures. Because conventional structural approaches, such as NMR, X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM, are not ideally suited to characterize the structural organization of these flexible and sometimes heterogeneous assembly intermediates, we have set out to develop an approach combining limited proteolysis with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) that might be applicable to ribonucleoprotein complexes as large as the ribosome. This study focuses on the limited proteolysis behavior of appropriately assembled ribosome subunits. Isolated subunits were analyzed using limited proteolysis and MALDI-MS and the results were compared to previous data obtained from 70S ribosomes. Generally, ribosomal proteins were found to be more stable in 70S ribosomes than in their isolated subunits, consistent with a reduction in conformational flexibility upon subunit assembly. This approach demonstrates that limited proteolysis combined with MALDI-MS can reveal structural changes to ribosomes upon subunit assembly or disassembly, and provides the appropriate benchmark data from 30S, 50S and 70S proteins to enable studies of ribosome assembly intermediates.
When does a choice of coping strategies help? The interaction of choice and locus of control

Undergraduate student volunteers either were given a choice of coping strategies or were assigned to a coping strategy which was used to help them tolerate the cold pressor. Subjects who were given a choice of coping strategies reported their strategy to be more credible and perceived a greater sense of control than subjects who were not given a choice. Improved pain tolerance, however, did not result directly from being given a choice. Increases in pain tolerance depended on locus of control. Subjects who had a high internal health locus of control reported a greater strength of self-efficacy and demonstrated increased pain tolerance following a choice of strategies. In comparison, subjects who reported a more external health locus of control did not benefit from receiving a choice. This study has implications for our understanding of the role of choice in therapy and for improving the effectiveness of our interventions with individuals.
How do you kill 86 mammoths? Taphonomic investigations of mammoth megasites

Abstract A series of Eurasian archaeological sites formed between about 40 – 15 ka feature unusually large numbers of mammoth remains with abundant artefacts and, often, mammoth bone dwellings. None of these mammoth megasites is dated prior to the appearance of modern humans in Eurasia. This unusual type of site begs for taphonomic explanation. The large number of individual mammoths and the scarcity of carnivore toothmarks and gnawing suggest a new ability to retain kill mammoths and control of carcasses. Age profiles of such mammoth-dominated sites with a large minimum number of individuals differ statistically at the p Loxodonta africana populations that died of either attritional or catastrophic causes. However, age profiles from some mammoth sites exhibit a chain of linked resemblances with each other through time and space, suggesting the transmission of behavioral or technological innovation. I hypothesize that this innovation may have been facilitated by an early attempted domestication of dogs, as indicated by a group of genetically and morphologically distinct large canids which first appear in archaeological sites at about 32 ka B.P. (uncal). Testable predictions of this hypothesis are generated based on ethnographic data.
Ultrahigh-resolution paleomagnetic record from ODP Leg 169S, Saanich Inlet, British Columbia: initial results

Abstract The Holocene section in Saanich Inlet, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is 50–70 m thick. Cores from Saanich Inlet obtained during Leg 169S of the Ocean Drilling Program afford an excellent opportunity to obtain an ultrahigh-resolution paleomagnetic and environmental magnetic record for the Holocene and Late Pleistocene of western Canada. We have used an automated, long-core cryogenic magnetometer to study over 380 m of continuous u-channel samples from ODP Sites 1033 and 1034, the two sites that constitute Leg 169S. Holocene records of paleomagnetic inclination and intensity show excellent intra-site correlation and can be used to fine-tune the lithologic correlation among cores from each site. The Late Pleistocene magnetic records provide a means of intra-site correlation of the otherwise featureless marine clay. Near the Holocene/Late Pleistocene boundary, both sites contain a magnetic intensity feature that is interpreted as a Missoula-type flood event on the Fraser River. The composite Holocene inclination records from the two sites are quite similar and provide a means of comparing current age-models that are based on radiocarbon dating of material from each site. This comparison shows only minor differences in the available age-models. It also provides strong evidence that the sediments of Saanich Inlet represent a reliable record of geomagnetic field behavior.
Stem cell marker (Nanog) and Stat-3 signaling promote MicroRNA-21 expression and chemoresistance in hyaluronan/CD44-activated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells

MicroRNAs are often associated with the pathogenesis of many cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In particular, microRNA-21 (miR-21) appears to have a critical role in tumor cell survival, chemoresistance and HNSCC progression. In this study, we investigated matrix hyaluronan (HA)-induced CD44 (a primary HA receptor) interaction with the stem cell markers, Nanog and Stat-3, in HNSCC cells (HSC-3 cells). Our results indicate that HA binding to CD44 promotes Nanog-Stat-3 (also tyrosine phosphorylated Stat-3) complex formation, nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation. Further analyses reveal that miR-21 is controlled by an upstream promoter containing Stat-3 binding site(s), while chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that stimulation of miR-21 expression by HA/CD44 signaling is Nanog/Stat-3-dependent in HNSCC cells. This process results in a decrease of a tumor suppressor protein (PDCD4), and an upregulation of i nhibitors of the apoptosis family of proteins (IAPs) as well as chemoresistance in HSC-3 cells. Treatment of HSC-3 cells with Nanog- and/or Stat-3-specific small interfering RNAs effectively blocks HA-mediated Nanog-Stat-3 signaling events, abrogates miR-21 production and increases PDCD4 expression. Subsequently, this Nanog-Stat-3 signaling inhibition causes downregulation of survival protein (IAP) expression and enhancement of chemosensitivity. To further evaluate the role of miR-21 in tumor cell-specific functions, HSC-3 cells were also transfected with a specific anti-miR-21 inhibitor in order to silence miR-21 expression and block its target functions. Our results demonstrate that anti-miR-21 inhibitor not only upregulates PDCD4 expression but also decreases IAP expression and enhances chemosensitivity in HA-treated HNSCC cells. Together, these findings indicate that the HA-induced CD44 interaction with Nanog and Stat-3 has a pivotal role in miR-21 production leading to PDCD4 reduction, IAP upregulation and chemoresistance in HNSCC cells. This novel Nanog/Stat-3 signaling pathway-specific mechanism involved in miR-21 production is significant for the formation of future intervention strategies in the treatment of HA/CD44-activated HNSCC.
The effect of disruption of the T-tubules on calcium efflux from frog skeletal muscle

Abstract 1. 1. It is known that when frog muscles which have been stored in a Ringer solution containing 0·4 M glycerol are returned to ordinary Ringer's their T-tubules are disrupted. 2. 2. The breaking up of the T-tubules does not produce any marked change in the rate of calcium efflux. 3. 3. This suggests that most of the outward transport of calcium in frog muscle goes on across the surface membrane.
Urinary conduit diversion in advanced gynecologic malignancies

Abstract Fifteen patients with renal failure, uremia and/or injury to the urinary tract due to the extension of the cancer had urinary conduit diversion. All patients were beyond the possibility of radical surgical resection. Untreated patients with renal failure or injury to the urinary tract have benefited from urinary conduit diversion prior to curative or palliative radiation treatment. In patients with recurrent cancer and injury to the urinary tract, life condition was improved. In the group with recurrent cancer and renal failure, survival was not significantly modified.
The ecocultural niche of families with mentally retarded children: Evidence from mother-child interaction studies

Abstract This critique of the literature on interaction between mentally retarded children and their parents is based on two frameworks needed for understanding family functioning: the theory of Vygotsky , which has been applied to studies of adult-child interaction as contexts for cognitive development and which provides a way to account for the participants' goals; and the ecocultural niche framework, in which the larger context of family interaction is considered. The literature on interaction in families with retarded children is critically examined for evidence regarding econiche factors and parent-child interaction. We ask whether studies to date have looked at these families in ecoculturally valid ways or with a consideration of participants' goals. We suggest directions for future research that would utilize the two frameworks.
New strategy for chemical modification of hyaluronic acid: preparation of functionalized derivatives and their use in the formation of novel biocompatible hydrogels.

Biodegradable materials for spatially and temporally controlled delivery of bioactive agents such as drugs, growth factors, or cytokines are key to facilitating tissue repair. We have developed a versatile method for chemical crosslinking high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid under physiological conditions yielding biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogels. The method is based on the introduction of functional groups onto hyaluronic acid by formation of an active ester at the carboxylate of the glucuronic acid moiety and subsequent substitution with a side chain containing a nucleophilic group on one end and a (protected) functional group on the other. We have formed hyaluronic acid with amino or aldehyde functionality, and subsequently hydrogels with these hyaluronic acid derivatives and bifunctional crosslinkers or mixtures of the hyaluronic acid derivatives carrying different functionalities using active ester- or aldehyde-mediated reactions. Size analysis of the hyaluronic acid derivatives showed that the chemical modification did not lead to fragmentation of the polysaccharide. Hydrogels formed with hyaluronic acid derivatized to a varying degree and crosslinked with low- or high-molecular-weight crosslinkers were evaluated for biodegradability by digestion with hyaluronidase and for biocompatibility and ectopic bone formation by subcutaneous implantation in rats. Several hydrogel formulations showed excellent cell infiltration and chondro-osseous differentiation when loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). Synergistic action of insulin-like growth factor-1 with BMP-2 promoted cartilage formation in this model, while addition of transforming growth factor-beta and BMP-2 led to rapid replacement of the matrix by bone.
Framing Breastfeeding and Formula-Feeding Messages in Popular U.S. Magazines

Media framing of infant feeding has the ability to influence knowledge and views of the barriers, benefits, and solutions inherent in breastfeeding or formula-feeding. This study examined how seven popular U.S. parenting, general women's, and African American magazines framed breastfeeding and formula-feeding messages to determine whether a sense-making approach was used and the extent to which visual images portrayed feeding practices. Analysis included 615 articles published from 1997 to 2003 that referred to infant feeding. Text and images were analyzed. The magazines provided more information on breastfeeding than formula feeding. Parenting magazines included more advice than barriers or benefits. African American magazines presented more breastfeeding benefits, and general women's magazines contained the least infant-feeding information. Messages were focused on individualized breastfeeding barriers and advice, seldom covered social and environmental issues, and placed much of the responsibility of infant feeding on the mother, while the role of social and partner support was diminished. Bottle-feeding images were nearly as common as breastfeeding images. Findings can be used by public health practitioners to increase the likelihood of reaching certain target audiences through popular magazines.
Incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Into a Business Course: A Shared Experience

The author discusses how corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability were incorporated into a business course by using 4 assignments, a project with a CSR question, 7 ethics cases, and 17 ethics scenarios tied to a corporate code of ethics. The author also discusses student evaluation of CSR learning experience, strengths and weaknesses of the assignments, and teaching tips. Because these materials are not discipline-specific, instructors in any discipline may adopt them with minimal modification and preparation time. Helping students appreciate the strategic and economic significance of CSR and sustainability is an important step because these issues will likely define business strategy and performance globally in the next decade.
Transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of cor triatriatum in children

Four children with cor triatriatum underwent intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. Two patients had cor triatriatum alone and two had associated complex congenital heart disease. Transesophageal echocardiography provided optimal imaging of these defects and provided unique information that facilitated surgical management in these children.
Coping patterns of in vitro fertilization nurse coordinators: Strategies for combating low outcome effectance

Abstract Data were gathered concerning coping strategies that nurse coordinators working in the field of in vitro fertilization would use to meet typical work-related stressors. Causality orientation—or tendency to perceive oneself as autonomous, controlled or helpless—was also measured. It was hypothesized that nurses using problem-focused/disengaged strategies, such as thinking about therapeutic successes or trying not to dwell on stressors, and who were high in autonomy, would be most effective in coping with situations where control over outcomes is limited. Statistical analyses revealed a group of nurses following the coping pattern described in the hypothesis. These individuals reported less work-related stress than other nurse coordinators.
Duhem in different contexts: Comments on Brenner and Martin

These comments consist of reflections on the papers Anastasios Brenner and R. N. D. Martin presented at the Conference on Pierre Duhem: Historian and Philosopher of Science. I argue they present nicely complementary accounts of Duhem's turn to history of science: Brenner emphasizes reasons internal to Duhem's philosophical concern with scientific methodology while Martin highlights reasons derived from the broader context of Duhem's engagement with religious controversies of his culture. I go on to suggest that seeing Duhem in this broader perspective can help us cope with the conflicts between science and religion in our own culture.
Large-angle inelastic electron-helium scattering in the unrestricted Glauber approximation

The work of Gau and Macek on large-angle inelastic electron-hydrogen scattering in the unrestricted Glauber approximation is extended to electron-helium scattering. "Unrestricted" in this context means that we do not make the additional approximation of purely transverse linear-momentum transfer. Once again, we find at large angles for $1^{1}S_{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2^{1}P_{1}$ collision-induced transitions the electron-nucleus interaction dominates and has a ${q}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ behavior in the differential cross section. Further, we calculate the orientation parameter ${O}_{1\ensuremath{-}}^{\mathrm{col}}$.
Dosimetric challenges for residential radon epidemiology.

Radon concentration alone may not be an adequate surrogate to measure for lung cancer risk in all residential radon epidemiologic lung cancer studies. The dose delivered to the lungs per unit radon exposure can vary significantly with exposure conditions. These dose-effectiveness variations can be comparable to spatial and temporal factor variations in many situations. New technologies that use surface-deposited and implanted radon progeny activities make more accurate dose estimates available for future epidemiologic studies. This work was made possible, in part, by grant R01 CA85942 from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. Salary support for Drs. Steck and Field was provided in part by grant numbers R01 ES05653 and P30 ES05605 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH and grant number R01 CA85942 from the National Cancer Institute, NIH.
Eliciting public values for complex policy decisions

Several approaches exist to illuminate and clarify public values relevant for making public policy decisions. These include surveys, indirect and direct value elicitation, focus groups and public involvement. This paper describes a new approach, called the public value forum, which combines elements of focus groups and direct multiattribute value elicitation techniques. Two public value forums were conducted with selected members of the West German public to elicit values relevant for setting long term energy policies. The purposes of conducting the value forums were to examine the feasibility of eliciting values from laypeople and combining them with factual assessments of experts, to determine the extent to which values elicited formally conflict with values elicited informally, and to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the public value forum. The results indicate that the public value forum is feasible, that the participants felt comfortable with the procedure and that they were eager to resolve inconsistencies between their intuitive judgments and the multiattribute models. There was substantial conflict between the formally and informally elicited values. However, the participants were able to resolve those conflicts in the course of the value forum, tending towards more moderate alternatives in the process. The public value forum provided useful information for the policy process and education for the participants. However, because it is expensive and time consuming, its main application may involve small samples of opinion leaders and stakeholder representatives, rather than large representative samples of the general public.
Spontaneous regression of pulmonary leiomyomas during pregnancy

Multiple pulmonary nodular densities simulating metastastic cancer were discovered in a routine chest roentgenogram of a 30-year-old pregnant woman. Lung biopsy revealed nodules composed of smooth muscle and collagenous tissue containing entrapped glandular elements. The lesions were initially interpreted as multiple pulmonary fibroleiomyomatous hamartomas (MPFLH). During pregnancy and the post-partum period, the pulmonary nodules regressed spontaneously. Critical analysis of the published cases as well as our own case indicates that multiple pulmonary fibroleiomyomatous hamartomas (MPFLH) cannot be distinguished from benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) by either clinical, roentgenographic, or pathologic criteria and that all represent pulmonary metastases from a primary uterine neoplasm. The spontaneous regression of the pulmonary nodules in the present case as well as the increased risk for development of progressive pulmonary insufficiency in the pre-menopausal patients indicates an apparent hormonal dependence. Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy appears to be the treatment of choice.
The theta-Laguerre calculus formulation of the Li/Keiper constants

The Riemann hypothesis is equivalent to the nonnegativity of a sequence of real constants {@l"k}"k"="1^~, that are certain logarithmic derivatives of the Riemann xi function evaluated at unity. We re-express these constants using the theta-Laguerre calculus. By using integral representations, we reformulate the coefficients {@l"k}"k"="1^~ together with a closely related sequence {a"j}"j"="0^~. We present a decomposition of the quantities a"j into superdominant and subdominant components and give an upper bound on the former and an asymptotic lower bound for the latter. Sufficient estimation of these quantities would lead to confirmation of the Riemann hypothesis.
Imagen de pseudofracturas en osteomalacia en estudio PET con FDG

We present the case of a 42 year old man, with a history of multiple fractures and generalized pain for two years. A three phase bone scan, demonstrated multiple fractures involving the ribs, both ankles and feet. After going through a battery of tests which included an FDG PET scan (to exclude an occult malignancy), the patient was diagnosed with osteomalacia and hyperparathyroidism. The FDG PET scan, demonstrated multiple foci of increased FDG uptake throughout the axial skeleton, in a pattern highly suggestive of pseudofractures, rather than osseous metastases.
Associative recall properties of the trion model of cortical organization

We developed a cooperative model of the cortical column incorporating an idealized subunit, the trion (which represents a localized group of neurons), and a discrete time step for firing. We found that networks composed of a small number of trions (with symmetric interactions) supported up to thousands of quasi-stable, periodic firing patterns (MPs) which could be selected out with only small changes in interaction strengths using a Hebb-type algorithm. Here we report a study of the associative recall properties showing striking features: By considering all possible initial firing patterns (for a given set of network connections), we find 1) It takes on the average only 2–5 time steps to recall an MP. 2) Many of the MPs can be individually accessed by thousands of different initial patterns. The variety of examples presented illustrate the rich, general nature of the model.
Experimental variables in the synthesis of brookite phase TiO2 nanoparticles

Abstract Nanocrystalline brookite titanium dioxide particles have been prepared under ambient condition sol process. Titanium tetrachloride was the precursor in water with isopropanol as the co-solvent in hydrochloric acid. The formed gel mass was peptized and crystallized under refluxing condition. The effect of various parameters, such as temperature, time, water to alcohol ratio, and pH of the sol on the phase obtained were investigated. The refluxing temperature of 83 °C with the refluxing time of 15 h led to the formation of pure brookite phase as indicated by X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Whereas, lower temperature of 70 °C gave a mixture of rutile and anatase phases, and higher temperature of 100 °C gave mixture of rutile and brookite phases. Addition of hydroxypropyl cellulose yielded a more uniform particle size along with higher surface area. The water to alcohol ratio had minimal effect, when taken in the ratio of 1:2 or above, on the brookite phase formation.
Numerical predictions and experimental measurements of residual stresses in fatigue crack growth specimens

Abstract Controlling macro residual stress fields in a material while preserving a desired microstructure is often a challenging proposition. Processing techniques which induce or reduce residual stresses often also alter microstructural characteristics of the material through thermo-mechanical processes. A novel mechanical technique able to generate controlled residual stresses was developed. The method is based on a pin compression approach, and was used to produce well-controlled magnitudes and distributions of residual stresses in rectangular coupons and compact tension specimens typically used in fatigue crack growth testing. Residual stresses created through this method were first computationally modeled with finite element analysis, and then experimentally reproduced with various levels of pin compression. The magnitudes and distributions of residual stresses in experimental specimens were independently assessed with fracture mechanics methods and good correspondence was found between residual stresses produced using the pin compression and processing techniques. Fatigue crack growth data generated from specimens with low residual stresses, high residual stresses resulting from processing, and high residual stresses introduced through the new pin compression technique were compared and validated. The developed method is proposed to facilitate the acquisition and analysis of fatigue crack growth data generated in residual stresses, validate residual stress corrective models, and verify fatigue crack growth simulations and life predictions in the presence of residual stresses.
Assay for mouse tissue enzymes: Levels of activity and statistical variation for 29 enzymes of liver or brain

Abstract Automated methods for optimal rapid quantitation of the levels of 29 enzymes in the liver and brain of C57BL 6J mice using a miniature fast analyzer (MFA) are described. Enzyme assays were developed by varying reagent concentrations and pH until we obtained the highest activities with the lowest coefficient of variation for the 29 selected enzymes while maintaining linearity with protein concentration and time. Our techniques should be readily adaptable to the commercial prototypes of the MFA and other automated assay systems, for other strains or species, and a variety of applications such as the study of dietary effects or other types of perturbations or experimental manipulations on certain enzyme pathways. Using the described methods, we define the mean normal activity of 29 enzymes as well as the associated statistical parameters used to define these ranges of activity in C57BL 6J populations. These values are in turn useful in the identification of abnormal activities during routine analysis. The methods described are presently being incorporated into a mutagenesis test system to detect chemically induced mutations expressed as altered enzyme activity.
Effect of Laboratory Error on the Identification of Persons with Hypercholesterolemia in an Employee Health Service

Cholesterol is a major risk factor for eoronary heart disease. Of 117 employees seen consecutively in the Tennessee State Employee Health Service voluntary screening program, 86 (74%) had Cholesterol levels above the reference range reported by a commercial clinical laboratory. This was three times greater than the calculated expected number of 29 (25%, 17 at moderate risk, 12 at high risk for eoronary disease). Age and sex adjustment using Lipid Research Clinic guidelines reduced the number with elevated Cholesterol to 55 (47%, 24 at moderate risk, 31 at high risk). Split sample Cholesterol assays run independently by the commercial laboratory and a university laboratory showed excellent correlation (r = 0.99, commercial laboratory = 1.0 (university laboratory) + 10.8), but a systematic difference of 12.4 mg/dL (SD = 6.4 mg/dL, paired-t = 9.63, p < 0.00001) between the two laboratories. Further adjustment for this difference reduced the number with elevated cholesterol to 41 (36%, 26 at moderate risk, 15 at high risk). This experience illustrates how small systematic laboratory errors in cholesterol determination can greatly exaggerate the number of persons reported to have clinically important cholesterol elevations. Clinical laboratories should report age and sex adjusted cholesterol reference ranges and provide clients periodic quality assurance reports that their measurements of cholesterol levels are accurate.
Using Local Affine Invariants to Improve Image Matching

A method to classify tentative feature matches as inliers or outliers to a transformation model is presented. It is well known that ratios of areas of corresponding shapes are affine invariants [6]. Our algorithm uses consistency of ratios of areas in pairs of images to classify matches as inliers or outliers. The method selects four matches within a region, and generates all possible corresponding triangles. All matches are classified as inliers or outliers based on the variance among the ratio of areas of the triangles. The selected inliers are used to compute a homography transformation. We present experimental results showing significant improvements over the baseline RANSAC algorithm for pairs of images from the Zurich Building Database.
Coupled Field Analyses in MEMS With Finite Element Analysis

We deal with the design and analysis of a horizontal thermal actuator common in MEMS applications using Finite Element Analysis; with the objective of exploring means to improve its sensitivity. The influence of variables like voltage and the dimensions of the cold arm of the actuator unit were examined by comprehensive, coupled thermal-stress analyses. Simulation results from this study showed that the sensitivity of the actuator increases with the applied voltage as well as the width of the cold arm of the thermal actuator. An important observation made from this study is that the size and thermal boundary conditions at the fixed end of the actuator primarily control the stroke and the operating temperature of the actuator for a given potential difference between cold and hot arms. The coupled field analyses also provided a design tool for maximizing the service voltage and dimensional variables without compromising the thermal or structural integrity of the actuator.
Estimating the Burden of Pneumococcal Pneumonia among Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Techniques

Background Pneumococcal pneumonia causes significant morbidity and mortality among adults. Given limitations of diagnostic tests for non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia, most studies report the incidence of bacteremic or invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), and thus, grossly underestimate the pneumococcal pneumonia burden. We aimed to develop a conceptual and quantitative strategy to estimate the non-bacteremic disease burden among adults with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) using systematic study methods and the availability of a urine antigen assay.
Perfluorooctylbromide: a new contrast agent for CT, sonography, and MR imaging.

Etude preliminaire de cette nouvelle classe de contrastes radio-opaques jusque ici utilises sous la forme d'emulsions pour opacifier le tube digestif et les bronches
First university course in computer graphics

Abstract A university level, fourth generation, first course in computer graphics has been designed and presented in three formats: • • over a full semester at a major private university • • over a full semester on site in a corporate setting • • during a single, intensive week in a corporate setting In all three formats, course content has included a history of computer graphics, output primitives, 2D and 3D transformations, 3D concepts and representations, windowing and clipping, 3D viewing, fractals, sweep representations, constructive solid geometry, quadtrees and octrees, hidden-element removal, modelling and displaying light intensities, surface shading, segmentation, modelling, curved surfaces, display devices and hard copy devices, graphics workstations, display processors, graphics software and standards, interactive input devices and techniques, input functions, color models and user interface design. The first two presentation formats have included a major graphics software system development requirement including polygon management, transformation routines, the viewing pipeline, clipping, scan conversion, hidden surface removal and one or more student-selectable options. The third format has permitted minor laboratory experience with a developed graphics software system.
Facilitators and barriers to implementing antimicrobial stewardship strategies: Results from a qualitative study

Background Many hospitals have implemented antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and have included in their programs strategies such as prior authorization and audit and feedback. However there are few data concerning the facilitators and barriers that ASPs face when implementing their strategies. We conducted a qualitative study to discern factors that lead to successful uptake of ASP strategies. Methods Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted from June-July 2013 with 15 ASP member pharmacists and 6 physicians representing 21 unique academic medical centers. Results Successful implementation of ASP strategies was found to be related to communication style, types of relationships formed between the ASP and non-ASP personnel, and conflict management. Success was also influenced by the availability of resources in the form of adequate personnel, health information technology personnel and infrastructure, and the ability to generate and analyze ASP-specific data. Types of effective strategies commonly cited included audit and feedback; prior authorization, especially with an educative component; and use of real-time alert technology and guidelines. Conclusions Several factors may influence ASP success in the implementation of their strategies. ASP members may use these findings to improve upon the success of their programs.
Choosing appropriate covariance matrices in a nonparametric analysis of factorials in block designs

The standard nonparametric, rank-based approach to the analysis of dependent data from factorial designs is based on an estimated unstructured (UN) variance–covariance matrix, but the large number of variance–covariance terms in many designs can seriously affect test performance. In a simulation study for a factorial arranged in blocks, we compared estimates of type-I error probability and power based on the UN structure with the estimates obtained with a more parsimonious heterogeneous-compound-symmetry structure (CSH). Although tests based on the UN structure were anti-conservative with small number of factor levels, especially with four or six blocks, they became conservative at higher number of factor levels. Tests based on the CSH structure were anti-conservative, and results did not depend on the number of factor levels. When both tests were anti-conservative, tests based on the CSH structure were less so. Although use of the CSH structure is concluded to be more suitable than use of the UN structur...
A “How-to” Guide for the Education Thesis/Dissertation Process

Considering each stage of the process makes it a little more accessible and a little less daunting.
A synopsis of the Malagasy endemic genus Megistostegium Hochr. (Hibisceae, Malvaceae)

Koopman M. M. 2011. — A synopsis of the Malagasy endemic genus Megistostegium Hochr. (Hibisceae, Malvaceae). Adansonia, ser. 3, 33 (1): 101–113.
Unusual Unilateral Blunt Chest Trauma without Rib Fractures Leading to Pulmonary Laceration Requiring Pneumonectomy

A 16-year-old youth was involved in an unusual automobile accident which resulted in brant chest trauma localized to the right hemithorax. There were no rib fractures on the side of injury, but contusion of the right lung with severe and persistent right hemothorax necessitated a thoracotomy, whereupon multiple deep lacerations were found involving all the lobes of the right lung. In addition, there was disruption of the bronchi and major vessels, and right pneumonectomy was performed. This is the first reported case of pneumonectomy being required for rang laceration complicating brant chest trauma. Postoperatively there were two episodes of spontaneous pneumothorax in the contralateral pleural space, as well as a transient air leak into the pneumonectomy space. The possible mechanisms for the lung injury and the postoperative tension disorders are described.
Aortokoronare Bypassdysfunktion – Wertigkeit klinischer, laborchemischer und elektrokardiographischer Parameter

The recurrence of symptoms after coronary artery bypass surgery is often caused by bypass-dysfunction. In this study we tried to determine factors related to the long-term patency of arterial and venous bypass grafts. We evaluated all patients with bypass grafts undergoing coronary angiography in the year 1998 at our hospital (163 patients, mean age 67 years, mean interval since the operation 79 months, a total of 341 venous bypasses (VBP), 386 peripheral venous anastomoses and 85 arterial (LIMA = left internal mammarial artery) bypasses. The data were collected by a retrospective analysis of the hospital records. Statistics were performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-U test. After an interval of 53 months LIMA-bypasses were patent without stenosis in 92%. Symptoms were caused in only 2% by a dysfunction of the LIMA-graft. The patency of venous bypass grafts decreased with time (5 years after the operation 74% were patent without stenosis, 5-10 years 56%, more than 10 years 35%, p 30, p = 0.05) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate after 2 hours (79% patent VBP with an ESR 49 mm, p = 0.02). The function of VBP after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)-procedure depends primarily upon the interval since the operation. In addition, we found correlations with clinical presentation, resting-ECG, body-mass-index and erythrocyte-sedimentation rate as a possible marker of inflammation in bypass-atherosclerosis. Therefore, inflammatory processes seem to play an important role in the development of venous graft dysfunction.
The structure of hypergroup measure algebras

A close analogue for some hypergroup measure algebras of the structure semigroup theorem of J. L. Taylor for convolution measure algebras is constructed: a structure semihypergroup representation is made for the hypergroup measure and its spectrum. This is done for those hypergroup measure algebras that satisfy a condition known as the structure-strong condition. This condition is that the norm-closure of the linear span of the spectrum of the hypergroup measure algebra is a commutative B*-algebra. Then examples of hypergroups whose measure algebras satisfy this condition are given. They include the space of B-orbits of G, where B is a finite solvable group of automorphisms on a locally compact abelian group G. (The hypergroup measure algebra may be identified with the algebra of B-invariant measures on G.) Other examples are the algebra of central measures on a compact, connected, semisimple Lie group, and the algebra of rotation invariant measures on the plane.