cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arumbera Sandstone: A Possible Late Proterozoic-Early Cambrian Deltaic Complex, Central Australia: ABSTRACT

A detailed investigation of the Arumbera Sandstone was undertaken in the northeastern Amadeus basin, central Australia, where the unit forms distinctive strike ridges with orange-white cliffs and dark reddish slopes. The Arumbera is divisible into four informal, readily mappable units. Approximately 80% of the "average" stratigraphic section is composed of recessive, pale-red, thin to medium-bedded, fine to medium-grained arkose with major proportions of siltstone and mudstone. These sediments are interpreted as a complex assemblage of coastal and nearshore marine environments including tidal flats, tidal channels, estuaries, and beaches. Evidence includes: (1) predominance of alpha, beta, and xi cross-stratification with common herringbone laminae, hummocky cross-strata, planar foreshore stratification, and flaser bedding; (2) bimodal paleocurrents; (3) records of intermittent subaerial exposure; and (4) rare to abundant marine trace fossils. The remaining 20% of the Arumbera is composed of cliff-forming orange-white thick-bedded, fine to medium-grained arkose and lithic arkose with pebble to cobble conglomerate. This facies probably is a fluvial sheet sandstone. It is characterized by: (1) pi and omicron cross-stratification; (2) general paucity of mudrocks, but abundant shale pebbles; (3) unimodal, northeast-oriented paleocurrents; (4) wedging channel-sand bodies; (5) absence or extreme rarity of trace fossils; (6) sheet-like geometry; and (7) decrease in maximum grain size to the northeast. The Arumbera probably was deposited in a coastal environment unrestricted by vascular land plants, but perhaps analogous in other ways to the delta of the modern Godavari River of India. Evidence includes: (1) a pronounced depocenter for the unit in the central part of the study area (thickness northeasterly from 216 to 1,123 m in 80 km); (2) unidirectional paleocurrents from fluvial sheet sands that radiate to the north, northeast, east, and southeast; (3) fluvial and coastal deposits in vertical, repetitive succession; and (4) east and northeast-trending zones of thicker deposits within fluvial sheet sands which may be distributary lobes. End_of_Article - Last_Page 559------------
Enhanced permeation of polar compounds through human epidermis. I. Permeability and membrane structural changes in the presence of short chain alcohols

The influence of alcohol chain length on polar compound permeation in human skin was investigated to further understand alcohol-enhanced permeation mechanisms. Both thermodynamic and kinetic variables associated with the enhanced permeation of mannitol were ascertained in the presence of high concentrations of short chain alcohols. Permeation of mannitol through human epidermis in the presence of 75% (v/v) alcohol-saline mixtures was determined in symmetric, side-by-side diffusion cells at 32 degrees C. Permeability coefficients increased with increasing alcohol chain length (iso-propanol > ethanol > methanol). Uptake of mannitol into the epidermal tissue increased in the presence of the short chain alcohols, but was independent of alcohol chain length. In addition, mannitol solubility decreased in the presence of the short chain alcohols, but again was independent of alcohol chain length. Therefore, increased mannitol permeability with increasing alcohol chain length could not be attributed to thermodynamic variables. Changes in the amount and conformation of stratum corneum lipids and proteins were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Stratum corneum lipid conformation and mobility was not significantly altered in the presence of the short chain alcohols. However, decreased absorbance of the alkyl chain suggested lipid extraction, which increased with increasing alcohol chain length. Stratum corneum protein conformation was altered in the presence of the short chain alcohols. Decreased infrared absorbance of the Amide I band maximum suggested extraction of stratum corneum proteins, which increased with increased alcohol chain length. These results suggest a correlation between enhanced permeation and extraction of lipids as well as proteins from human skin in the presence of 75% (v/v) aqueous alcohol solutions.
Potential errors in the use of the Murphy and Riley method for determination of phosphorus in soil extracts

Abstract The Murphy and Riley method for phosphorus (P) determination is used with almost all commonly used soil P extractants, but few tests for the effects of extractants itself on the indicator species have been reported. In practice, it is important to know the period of stability of the indicator species and the range of P and extractant concentrations that produce reliable results. In this study, a series of tests was conducted over a range of extract volumes to determine indicator species stability and to identify factors affecting it. Three soil P extradants (Mehlich‐3, Bray‐I, and Modified Truog) and three soils were tested at different levels of extract volume, solution pH, and P concentration. In our tests, Bray‐I and Modified Truog did not interfere with the stability of the indicator species under conditions commonly used for soil P determinations. Mehlich‐3 caused fading of the blue color at low P concentrations and precipitation of a blue compound at high P concentrations. This instability ...
APPLICATION OF NOVEL HEMOSTATIC AGENT DURING LAPAROSCOPIC PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determined if QuikClot®, a novel hemostatic agent made of a granulated mineral substance, could be used to control renal parenchymal bleeding and collecting system leakage during open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: After obtaining renal hilar vascular control 2 domestic female pigs underwent bilateral open and 4 underwent unilateral laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. After excision of the lower pole without cautery the hemostatic agent was applied to the cut surface of the kidney and hilar vascular control was released. Additional QuikClot® was added until complete hemostasis was achieved. One week postoperatively the animals were sacrificed and the operated kidneys were harvested for ex vivo retrograde pyelograms and histopathological analysis.Results: All partial nephrectomies were performed without complication. Mean operative and warm ischemia times were 62 and 16 minutes, respectively. An average of 23% of renal mass by weight was resected with a mean b...
Stages and Tools for Multinational Collaboration: The Perspective from the Coordinating Center of the International Consortium of Orthopaedic Registries (ICOR)

National and regional orthopaedic registries are an important resource for addressing the growing safety and effectiveness concerns associated with orthopaedic implants worldwide. Unfortunately, even the largest single-country registries or large regional registries are not large or diverse enough to address the needs of a variety of stakeholders such as patients, clinicians, regulatory agencies, payers, and manufacturers. The International Consortium of Orthopaedic Registries (ICOR) is a robust initiative whose aim is to overcome the limitations of individual registries and create an infrastructure for multinational, multiregional evaluations of orthopaedic devices and procedures through a network of international registries1. To enhance multinational/multiregional collaboration, ICOR will rely on several levels/methods available for creating research networks. One of the most recognized methods is the creation of large, centralized databases. While the centralized registry seems attractive because of its capacity to reduce the efforts needed to conduct research across multiple data holders, there are many security, proprietary, operational, legal, and patient-privacy concerns associated with this approach2,3. This approach often requires sharing identifiable information such as a national identifier (for example, a Social Security number), name, and mailing address. Even if data are de-identified, there is still a risk of re-identification based on the unique combination of multiple patient factors that are needed for the conduct of longitudinal studies. This limitation can hamper the coordination of data contained in multiple registries. In addition, this method is particularly limiting at early stages of collaborative research work, when confidence building and trustful partnerships are critical components of success. Many decentralized approaches for collaboration that protect each individual data holder and allow comprehensive device/technology evaluations with little or no loss of efficiency are available to ICOR researchers. These approaches can in general be described as distributed research network methods, such as those described for …
Comparison of Dopamine β-hydroxylase activity in normal rat adrenal medulla and rat pheochromocytoma cells

Abstract Dopamine β-hydroxylase activity is reportedly negligible in malignant rat adrenal cell lines. However, in two pheochromocytoma cell lines, PC12 and PCG2, considerable amounts of this catecholamine enzyme exist but its characteristics differ from the enzyme found in normal rat tissue in two ways. First, in normal adrenal medullary tissue, dopamine β-hydroxylase activity increases linearly with increasing protein concentration. Second, there is a stringent requirement for copper. Concentrations of copper above or below the optimum inhibit enzymatic activity. In contrast, in pheochromocytoma cells, dopamine β-hydroxylase exhibits a sigmoidal response with increasing tissue content. At dilute protein concentrations where considerable dopamine β-hydroxylase activity is observed in normal adrenal medullary extracts, enzymatic activity is negligible in the pheochromocytoma cell lines. As the protein concentration is increased, activation of the enzyme occurs, and enzymatic activity increases linearly with further increases in protein concentration. At very high concentrations of protein, enzymatic activity plateaus. For both PC12 and PCG2 cells, dopamine β-hydroxylase activity shows minimal copper dependency, suggesting that endogenous inhibitors present in normal tissue are absent in these malignant cell lines. Under conditions of maximum activation, the activity of the enzyme in PC12 cells becomes equivalent to that in normal rat adrenal medulla but remains 45-fold greater than that in PCG2 cells.
On the three-dimensional Boussinesq problem for an elastic nonlocal medium

Abstract After determining the nonlocal elastic moduli and the constitutive equations used, a brief review of the Kelvin problem in nonlocal setting is given. The Westergaard procedure of transition from the classical Kelvin problem to the classical Boussinesq problem is discussed, and applied to the nonlocal case using Fourier's exponential transformation. An example illustrating the application of the method to calculate the stress system in a nonlocal half-space is given.
Event-related potentials in children at risk for schizophrenia during two versions of the continuous performance test.

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from children of schizophrenic parents, children of parents with affective disorders, and children of parents without a history of psychiatric illness. ERPs were elicited during two versions of the continuous performance test (CPT), which differed in their level of processing complexity. The data were recorded from electrodes located at midline frontal, central, parietal, and occipital scalp sites. Diagnostic assessments of the parents were performed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Lifetime Version and Research Diagnostic Criteria. Clinical assessments of the children were made with a modified version of the Global Assessment Scale. ERP amplitudes for six electrophysiological events were compared among groups for target and nontarget stimuli using analyses of variance of both factor score and baseline to peak measures. There was one isolated between-group finding: frontal negative slow wave recorded at Fz was of greater magnitude in the high risk (HR) than in either the psychiatric (PC) or normal control (NC) groups. Since only a small percentage of children at risk will eventually develop schizophrenia, ERP amplitude deviance and frequency distribution analyses were also performed and compared among groups. ERP component amplitudes did not distinguish the groups when each component was considered separately. Deviance analyses, using a combination of the amplitudes of the six ERP components, also did not provide evidence of a deviant subgroup within any of the three groups. There appeared to be no relationship between ERP component amplitudes and behavioral adjustment in adolescence. Some evidence of a relationship between deviant attentional functioning and ERP component amplitude was found, but the pattern of findings within the attentionally deviant HR subgroup was opposite to that found for the HR group as a whole and more consistent with the pattern found for the NC group.
Management of Asthma in Pregnancy

Asthma is currently considered to be a disorder with many inflammatory characteristics. Effective control of asthma is imperative to avoid the adverse effects of maternal hypoxaemia, hypocarbia or hypercarbia, with a reduction of fetal oxygenation. Medications considered appropriate for use throughout gestation include the combination of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate and terbutaline, which can be sufficient for many pregnant women. Overuse of β-agonists must be avoided during gestation, as unappreciated maternal hypoxaemia with fetal distress may occur. Sodium cromoglycate (cromolyn sodium) is appropriate for mild asthma, and can be used prophylactically before animal exposure or exercise. Theophylline is appropriate, but its role is diminishing. A short course of oral prednisone can help prevent the need for emergency therapy if regular medications are not adequate and severe coughing or wheezing has occurred. Data on safety during pregnancy are not available for nedocromil sodium, another anti-inflammatory medication. There is now evidence that avoidance of status asthmaticus is associated with nearly normal pregnancy outcomes, even in women with severe asthma.
ω-3 fatty acids attenuate glomerular capillary hydraulic pressure in rats with renal ablation

ω-3 fatty acids attenuate glomerular capillary hydraulic pressure in rats with renal ablation. To clarify the emerging role of ω-3 fatty acids (FAs) in the regulation of the renal microcirculation, we recently performed micropuncture studies in normal rats maintained on diets enriched with ω-3 FAs. Although those studies suggested that ω-3 FAs alter the renal microcirculation in normal rats, it was not apparent whether this dietary maneuver could modulate intrarenal hemodynamics in the setting of renal disease. Therefore, the present renal micropuncture studies were performed in nephrectomized rats maintained on control diets or diets enriched with ω-3 FAs. ω-3 FAs abrogated glomerular capillary (56.2 ± 0.8 vs. 63.9 ± 2.0mm Hg) and transcapillary hydraulic pressure (40.9 ± 1.4 vs. 50.6 ± 1.3mm Hg) compared to untreated rats. This effect was attributable to (1) a reduction in mean arterial pressure (138 ± 3 vs. 163 ± 2mm Hg) and (2) a decrease in efferent arteriolar resistance (0.43 ± 0.06 vs. 0.98 ± 0.19 dyn × seconds × cm -5 × 10 10 ). Sclerosis index and albuminuria were also lessened by this dietary maneuver. To further characterize the mechanism of altered renal arteriolar resistance, we then explored the effects of ω-3 FAs on renal prostaglandin synthesis and angiotensin II-stimulated phospholipid turnover. A significant decrease in the urinary excretion of the renal vasoconstrictor, TXA 2 (12.8 ± 2.3 vs. 35.1 ± 14.0 ng/24 hr), was induced by treatment with ω-3 FAs. Moreover, angiotensin II-stimulated phospholipid turnover was attenuated in intact glomeruli pretreated with ω-3 FAs. We conclude that ω-3 FAs exert favorable effects on experimental renal injury by eliciting a salutary effect on the renal microcirculation of rats subjected to subtotal renal ablation. Moreover, the similarities between these findings and those obtained with sustained inhibition of angiotensin II converting-enzyme suggest that these compounds act through parallel pathways of inhibition.
Anti-inflammatory protein tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated protein 6 (TSG-6) promotes early gingival wound healing: an in vivo study.

Background: Human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α–stimulated protein 6 (TSG-6). TSG-6 modulates proinflammatory cytokine cascades and enhances tissue repair. This study tests the effects of recombinant human TSG-6 (rhTSG-6) on gingival wound healing within the first 2 days post-surgery.Methods: After gingival resection in 120 Sprague-Dawley rats, 2 µg rhTSG-6 in 5-µL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or the same volume of only PBS solution was injected into gingival tissue approximating the surgical wound. Control animals did not receive injections. Tissue biopsies and blood were collected at 1 to 2, 6 to 8, 24, and 48 hours post-surgery (n = 10 per group). Specimens were analyzed via histologic analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantification and comparison of inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Wound photographs were taken for a double-masked clinical assessment at each time period. W...
The Doctrine of Provocation and the Reasonable Person Test: an Essay on Culture Theory and the Criminal Law

Cet article examine la notion tres controversee de personne ordinaire/ raisonnable a partir de la doctrine juridique de la provocation, basee elle-meme sur la notion de choix contraint. L'article montre en quoi les sciences sociales et comportementales divergent sur ce point avec le droit et la jurisprudence, detaches de la theorie culturelle
Assessment of palliative care training in gynecologic oncology: A gynecologic oncology fellow research network study

Objective Palliative care is recognized as an important component of oncologic care. We sought to assess the quality/quantity of palliative care education in gynecologic oncology fellowship.
Reversal of Associations between Spanish Language Use and Mammography and Pap Smear Testing

Latina women are less likely to utilize cancer screening services than are non-Latina White women. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between preferred language (English vs. Spanish) and receipt of mammography and Pap-smear testing among US Latinas and non-Latinas. Cross-sectional analysis of the 2008 and 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys. While Latinas responding to the BRFSS in English or in Spanish had unadjusted lower odds of receiving mammography testing, in multivariable analysis Latinas responding-in-Spanish had 2.20 times the odds (OR = 2.20, 95 % CI, 1.90–2.55) of reporting mammography compared to non-Latinas. Similarly, Latinas responding-in- Spanish had lower unadjusted odds of receiving Pap-smear testing. However, Latinas responding-in-Spanish had 2.37 times the odds (OR = 2.37 CI, 2.04–2.75) of reporting having received Pap smear testing compared to non-Latinas in multivariate analysis. The results of this paper further confirm the “reversed associations” among Latinas and mammography and Pap smear testing described in previous studies and suggest that in addition to insurance status, preferred language may be a key variable contributing to the reversal phenomenon observed among Latinas.
Congruences ofp-adic Integer Order Bernoulli Numbers

In this paper we establish some new congruences ofp-adic integer order Bernoulli numbers. These generalize the Kummer congruences for ordinary Bernoulli numbers. We apply our congruences to prove irreducibility of certain Bernoulli polynomials with order divisible bypand to get new congruences for Stirling numbers.
SOLUTION PHASE SYNTHESIS OF A DIVERSE LIBRARY OF BENZISOXAZOLES UTILIZING THE [3 + 2] CYCLOADDITION OF IN SITU GENERATED NITRILE OXIDES AND ARYNES

A library of benzisoxazoles has been synthesized by the [3 + 2] cycloaddition of nitrile oxides with arynes and further diversified by acylation/sulfonylation and palladium-catalyzed coupling processes. The eight key intermediate benzisoxazoles have been prepared by the reaction of o-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates and chlorooximes in the presence of CsF in good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. These building blocks have been used as the key components of a diverse set of 3,5,6-trisubstituted benzisoxazoles.
Magnetic Materials for Three-Dimensional Damascene Metallization: Void-Free Electrodeposition of Ni and Ni70Fe30 Using 2-Mercapto-5-benzimidazolesulfonic Acid

Superconformal filling of submicrometer trenches with electrodeposited Ni is demonstrated using a NiSO 4 -NiCl 2 -FeSO 4 electrolyte containing 2-mercapto-5-benzimidazolesulfonic acid (MBIS). The process offers the ability to build three-dimensional magnetically active structures that may be easily integrated with other state-of-the-art metallization schemes. MBIS acts to inhibit Ni(Fe) electrodeposition, although under certain conditions rapid, autocatalytic breakdown accompanies the onset of Ni deposition. Optimal trench filling is associated with the positive feedback process, moderated by electrolyte internal-resistance losses, and manifests as a hysteretic voltammetric response on planar electrodes for an MBIS concentration ∼100 μmol/L. On freshly immersed substrates, trench filling is characterized by an initial period of uniform growth followed by the development of a v-notch geometry associated with transient depletion of MBIS within the recessed feature. Interestingly, the finest submicrometer features are filled while only minimal deposition occurs on the neighboring free surface. Continued growth of the MBIS derived v-notch geometry also results in void-free filling of the larger features by geometrical leveling. The same behavior is observed for soft magnetic alloys, such as Ni-rich Ni-Fe alloys. Preliminary experiments indicated that MBIS does not significantly perturb the low coercivity of Ni-Fe alloys, an important attribute for prospective technical applications.
A statistical model for estimating oxides of nitrogen emissions from light duty motor vehicles

Abstract Motor vehicle emission rate models for predicting oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) emissions are insensitive to vehicle modes of operation such as cruise, acceleration, deceleration, and idle, because they are based on average trip speed. Research has shown that NO x emissions are sensitive to engine load; hence, load-based variables need to be included in emissions models. Ongoing studies attempting to incorporate these `modal' variables have experienced difficulties with: (1) incomplete and/or non-representative data sets of emissions test data vis-a-vis the modal operating profiles of the tested vehicles; (2) lack of information for predicting on-road operating parameters of vehicles; and (3) non-representative vehicles recruited for emissions tests. The objective of this research was to develop a statistical model for predicting NO x emissions from light-duty gasoline motor vehicles. The primary end use of this model is forecasting, rather than explanation of the factors that affect NO x emissions, which brings to bear different requirements from the statistical model. The three challenges noted above are addressed by: (1) analyzing a data set of more than 13 000 hot-stabilized laboratory treadmill tests on 19 driving cycles (specific speed versus time testing conditions), and 114 variables describing vehicle, engine and test cycle characteristics; (2) making the models compatible with empirical data on how vehicles are being operated in-use; and (3) developing statistical weights to account for the differences in model year distributions between the emissions testing database and the current national on-road fleets. The NO x emissions model is estimated using ordinary least-squares regression techniques, with transformed response variable and regression weights. Tree regression is employed as a tool for mining relationships among variables in the data, with particular focus on identifying useful interactions among discrete variables. Details of the model development process are presented, as well as results for the final model showing the predicted emissions algorithm for the current motor vehicle fleet in Atlanta, GA metropolitan region.
Electron surface waves in a plasma slab with uniform ion density

Electron surface waves in a metal bound plasma slab have been detected and analyzed. In this work it is shown that the presence of a matrix sheath between the central quasineutral region and the metal walls allows for the propagation of surface waves analogous to those found in dielectric bound plasmas. Measurements of the dispersion relations and eigenfunctions of asymmetric and symmetric, electrostatic, surface, and body waves are made via particle-in-cell simulation of a plasma slab with sheaths. The plasma slab has finite temperature electrons and fixed ions of uniform density. The sheaths consist of electron free, fixed, uniform ion regions (“matrix sheath”) of thickness ∼λDe. A linearized Vlasov theory is developed for comparison with the simulation. It is shown that the long wavelength approximation (kλDe≪1) is not valid even for long wavelengths in the propagation direction. Collisionless damping of both surface and body waves is measured which compares well with theoretical estimates.
1617 LACTIC ACIDOSIS IN REYE'S SYNDROME

Plasma lactate was measured in 22 children with Reye's syndrome (R.S.) and was compared with the neurologic state at time of sampling. A five stage coma scale was used (lethargy, stupor, light coma, decorticate state, decerebrate state). Mean plasma lactate for the 5 stages was 1.94 (± 0.33), 3.38 (± 0.33), 4.94 (± 0.82), 10.5 (± 0.87), and 12.38 (± 0.71) respectively (normal range 0.4-1.4 meq/L). Separation between all except the second and third groups was highly significant (p<0.0005) and a linear trend due to the clinical state was noted (F1,22=137.9 p<0.0001). Plasma pyruvate, measured in 6 cases, was elevated in proportion to lactate, with a normal mean lactate-pyruvate ratio of 16:1. Lactate values could not be explained by differences in glucose load. All patients demonstrated a metabolic acidosis which was compensated in most cases. Plasma lactate accounted for most of the observed base deficit in a majority of our patients (mean of 81%, range 10 to 100%). Blood ammonia correlated with severity of the encephalopathy early in the course only (p<0.05). It has been suggested that lactic acidemia in R.S. is related to tissue hypoxia or hypoperfusion (Shannon et al., Pediatrics 56:999, 1975). This did not appear to be the case in our patients. Lactic acidemia was an invariable finding even in mild cases, and is best explained on the basis of dysfunction of mitochondria, leading to a defect in pyruvate metabolism. It is an excellent objective parameter of severity of the illness in R.S.
A Theory for the Proton Transport of the Influenza Virus M2 Protein: Extensive Test against Conductance Data

A theory for calculating the proton flux through the influenza virus M2 channel is tested here against an extensive set of conductance data. The flux is determined by the rate constants for binding to the His37 tetrad from the two sides of the membrane and the corresponding unbinding rate constants. The rate constants are calculated by explicitly treating the structure and dynamics of the protein. Important features revealed by previous studies, such as a gating role for Val27 at the entrance to the channel pore, and channel activation by viral exterior pH, are incorporated in this theory. This study demonstrates that the conductance function of the M2 proton channel can now be quantitatively rationalized by the structure and dynamics of the protein.
A comparison of modeling approaches for steady-state unconfined flow

Abstract The Dupuit-Forchheimer, the fully saturated flow, and the variably saturated flow models, are compared for problems involving steady-state, unconfined flow through porous media. The variably saturated flow model is the most comprehensive of the three and requires more parameters. The performances of the three models are compared for different soil properties, problem dimensions, and flow geometries. There are certain types of problems where the simpler models may yield satisfactory results. For soils with large pores and/or broad pore-size-density functions, the variably saturated flow model solutions to steady-state problems approach those of the fully flow model, owing to the manner in which the soil-water retention curve and relative permeability function, respectively, affect the variably saturated flow model solutions. For problems of significant size, the fully saturated flow model may be sufficient, as the effects of the vadose zone are relatively diminished. For problems with radial symmetry (e.g. steady flow to a well), the fully saturated flow model performs well because the variably saturated flow model is relatively insensitive to the parameters describing the soil properties, as the amount of vadose zone flow, compared with the total flow, is relatively insignificant in such problems.
Safety and efficacy of solvent/detergent‐treated antihaemophilic factor with an added 80 °C terminal dry heat treatment in patients with haemophilia A

Plasma-derived factor VIII concentrates remain an important resource for haemophilia A patients. To improve the safety of these preparations, various methods of viral removal and inactivation have been used that are designed to eliminate both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. There have been rare reports that some viral inactivation processes altered the immunogenicity of some concentrates, leading to the development of factor VIII inhibitors in previously treated haemophilia A patients. This study evaluated the safety, efficacy and lack of neo-antigenicity of a highly purified factor VIII preparation which undergoes both solvent/detergent treatment and final dry heat treatment at 80 degrees C for 72 h. The study included: (i) a single blind, single-dose crossover pharmacokinetic study in 18 previously treated patients, comparing sibling lots of the unheated preparation (Koate(R)-HP) and the heat-treated preparation (Koate(R)-DVI), and (ii) an extended home treatment programme for 36 patients at two haemophilia treatment centres primarily to assess immunogenicity. Clinical parameters were assessed at regular intervals. The results confirm that Koate(R)-HP and Koate(R)-DVI are bioequivalent, and that Koate(R)-DVI is safe and efficacious for treatment of acute bleeding episodes and for surgery. Furthermore, the heat-treated preparation is not associated with the development of inhibitors in previously treated patients.
Exploring the impact of essential IT skills on career satisfaction and organisational commitment of information systems professionals

Knowledge competency and career satisfaction are essential ingredients that increase organisational commitment of key information systems professionals. The study suggested that organisational knowledge and skills both asserted a positive influence on career satisfaction and commitment, while technical skills reflected a negative effect. Human resource strategies are provided for managers and Information Technology (IT) professionals.
Effects of evaporative enrichment on the stable isotope hydrology of a central Florida (USA) river

The d 07 O characteristics of water masses contributing to ~ow in the Econlockhatchee River basin\ a subtropical low!gradient watershed in central Florida\ were monitored to assess the potential for applying hydrograph separation models in the watershed[ Daily sampling for a 1!month period in autumn 0881 revealed ranges in precipitation of 5=53 to 9=06-\ in sur_cial groundwater of 2=18 to 1=89-\ and in river water of 1=57 to 0=30-[ Results indicated that river d 07 O was consistently more enriched than either groundwater or precipitation by about 0-\ prompting the hypothesis that evaporative enrichment signi_cantly altered the d 07 O of river water[ Additional monitoring and mass!balance modelling of the entire basin "519 km 1 # and a subcatchment "69 km 1 # showed that evaporative e}ects could account for the observed enrichment[ Although some enrichment occurred in headwater swamps and wetlands\ the _eld data and modelling results supported the hypothesis that evaporation from the river channel signi_cantly altered the d 07 O of river water[ Enrichment elsewhere in the hydrological cycle\ such as during throughfall or temporary storage in wetlands or stormwater management ponds\ may have contributed to the observed signal of evaporation\ but could not be distinguished from headwater or river evaporation[ It appears that a su.cient isotopic signal exists in central Florida precipitation to apply hydrograph separation models\ but that evaporative isotopic enrichment should be included as a modelling element[ Copyright 1999 John Wiley + Sons\ Ltd[
Finite element stabilization parameters computed from element matrices and vectors

Abstract We propose new ways of computing the stabilization parameters used in the stabilized finite element methods such as the streamline-upwind/Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG) and pressure-stabilizing/Petrov–Galerkin (PSPG) formulations. The parameters are computed based on the element-level matrices and vectors, which automatically take into account the local length scales, advection field and the Reynolds number. We describe how we compute these parameters in the context of first a time-dependent advection–diffusion equation and then the Navier–Stokes equations of unsteady incompressible flows.
Polyphase code design for Orthogonal Netted Radar systems

Orthogonal netted radar systems (ONRS) can fundamentally improve radar performance by using a group of specially designed orthogonal signals. A novel hybrid algorithm is proposed to numerically optimize such orthogonal polyphase code sets. The proposed algorithm integrates a statistical simulated annealing algorithm with the traditional iterative code selection method and is demonstrated to be effective for the design of polyphase signals used in ONRS. Some of the design results are presented and discussed. The effect of Doppler frequency shift on the performance of the designed signals is also investigated.
Distal Tibial Rotation Osteotomies Normalize Frontal Plane Knee Moments

Background: Torsional deformities of the lower extremity are common in children and are often corrected with rotational osteotomy. The effects of torsional abnormalities, and the effects of corrective osteotomy, are not well understood. A study of children with isolated idiopathic tibial torsional pathology undergoing a single corrective procedure may assist in understanding the biomechanics of torsional deformities and the effect of surgical correction. Methods: Preoperative and postoperative gait analyses were performed for eight subjects (eleven sides) with idiopathic excessive inward tibial torsion and ten subjects (fourteen sides) with excessive outward tibial torsion. Sagittal ankle and frontal knee moments were assessed and compared with those for age-matched controls. Results: Preoperatively, subjects exhibited abnormal frontal knee moments at push-off. Subjects with inward tibial torsion demonstrated excessive internal valgus moments, and subjects with outward tibial torsion demonstrated reduced internal valgus or relative internal varus moments compared with the control subjects. Ankle power was significantly reduced in the inward torsion group but not in the outward torsion group. Surgical correction of the torsional deformities normalized frontal plane knee moments in both inward and outward torsion groups and restored ankle power in the inward torsion group. Conclusions: In the present study, excessive tibial torsion adversely affected frontal knee moments and was associated with other kinematic and kinetic abnormalities. Corrective osteotomies improved all variables studied here and restored many to the values found in the control group. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Transcriptional program of early sporulation and stationary-phase events in Clostridium acetobutylicum

DNA microarray analysis of Clostridium acetobutylicum was used to examine the genomic-scale gene expression changes during the shift from exponential-phase growth and acidogenesis to stationary phase and solventogenesis. Self-organizing maps were used to identify novel expression patterns of functional gene classes, including aromatic and branched-chain amino acid synthesis, ribosomal proteins, cobalt and iron transporters, cobalamin biosynthesis, and lipid biosynthesis. The majority of pSOL1 megaplasmid genes (in addition to the solventogenic genes aad-ctfA-ctfB and adc) had increased expression at the onset of solventogenesis, suggesting that other megaplasmid genes may play a role in stationary-phase phenomena. Analysis of sporulation genes and comparison with published Bacillus subtilis results indicated conserved expression patterns of early sporulation genes, including spo0A, the sigF operon, and putative canonical genes of the σH and σF regulons. However, sigE expression could not be detected within 7.5 h of initial spo0A expression, consistent with the observed extended time between the appearance of clostridial forms and endospore formation. The results were compared with microarray comparisons of the wild-type strain and the nonsolventogenic, asporogenous M5 strain, which lacks the pSOL1 megaplasmid. While some results were similar, the expression of primary metabolism genes and heat shock proteins was higher in M5, suggesting a difference in metabolic regulation or a butyrate stress response in M5. The results of this microarray platform and analysis were further validated by comparing gene expression patterns to previously published Northern analyses, reporter assays, and two-dimensional protein electrophoresis data of metabolic genes (including all major solventogenesis genes), sporulation genes, heat shock proteins, and other solventogenesis-induced gene expression.
Fire and restoration of piñon–juniper woodlands in the western United States: a review

Abstract Pinons and junipers, that dominate many semi-arid landscapes in the western United States, have invaded some sagebrush and grassland areas and possibly increased in density since EuroAmerican settlement. Exclusion of fire by livestock grazing and intentional suppression is thought to have been a cause of these changes. National assessments suggest that many woodlands have missed one or more low-severity surface fires and are thus in poor condition, requiring restoration. We undertook a systematic review of seven questions about fire history, fire severity, and the role of fire in these woodlands to evaluate the scientific basis for the national assessment. First, unless pinons and junipers record fire by means of fire scars, it will be difficult to reconstruct fire history. Evidence suggests that most species of pinons and junipers can record fire by means of scars, but scars may be uncommon or absent in some cases and common in others. This variability in scarring has competing explanations that are poorly substantiated. Second, evidence exists for at least three modes of low-severity surface fires in these woodlands: (1) spreading surface fires, (2) patchy surface fires of small extent, and (3) an absence or near absence of surface fires. Methodological problems limit our ability to assess how common each mode is, but spreading, low-severity surface fires were likely not common. Third, there are no reliable estimates of mean fire intervals for low-severity surface fires in these woodlands because of methodological problems. Fourth, fires can kill small trees in true savannas and grasslands, helping to maintain a low tree density, but in most pinon–juniper woodlands low-severity surface fires do not consistently lower tree density and may become high-severity fires. Fifth, nearly all observed fires since EuroAmerican settlement in these woodlands were high-severity fires. In only two studies is there sufficient information to allow a conclusion about whether high-severity fires have or have not increased since settlement, and in these cases the authors conclude they have not. Sixth, the fire rotation for high-severity fires is estimated in only two studies, 400 years in one case, 480 years in the other. Finally, fires may in some cases burn with mixed severity. In conclusion, national fire plans and assessments of the condition and health of pinon–juniper woodlands in the western United States are based on premature and likely incorrect conclusions about the natural fire regime in pinon–juniper woodlands. Local research is essential, at the present time, if effective, scientifically based restoration prescriptions are to be derived.
Indoor wideband time/angle of arrival multipath propagation results

Most current indoor propagation experiments measure the time of arrival of characteristics of multipath reflections without regard to the angle of arrival. Because of the increasing number of systems that are used indoors and which use multiple antenna systems to combat multipath interference, a need exists for indoor propagation data which takes the angle of arrival into account. A system is described which was used to collect simultaneous time and angle of arrival data in two indoor environments. A total of 65 data sets were taken in two buildings of different construction. The (7 GHz) data confirmed the temporal model proposed by Saleh and Valenzuela (1987), and showed a unique clustering pattern in angle, which consisted of clusters uniformly distributed in angle, with members of the clusters following a Laplacian distribution.
The UF family of hybrid phantoms of the developing human fetus for computational radiation dosimetry

Historically, the development of computational phantoms for radiation dosimetry has primarily been directed at capturing and representing adult and pediatric anatomy, with less emphasis devoted to models of the human fetus. As concern grows over possible radiation-induced cancers from medical and non-medical exposures of the pregnant female, the need to better quantify fetal radiation doses, particularly at the organ-level, also increases. Studies such as the European Union’s SOLO (Epidemiological Studies of Exposed Southern Urals Populations) hope to improve our understanding of cancer risks following chronic in utero radiation exposure. For projects such as SOLO, currently available fetal anatomic models do not provide sufficient anatomical detail for organ-level dose assessment. To address this need, two fetal hybrid computational phantoms were constructed using high-quality magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography image sets obtained for two wellpreserved fetal specimens aged 11.5 and 21 weeks post-conception. Individual soft tissue organs, bone sites and outer body contours were segmented from these images using 3D-DOCTOR TM and then imported to the 3D modeling software package Rhinoceros TM for further modeling and conversion of soft tissue organs, certain bone sites and outer body contours to deformable nonuniform rational B-spline surfaces. The two specimen-specific phantoms, along with a modified version of the 38 week UF hybrid newborn phantom, comprised a set of base phantoms from which a series of hybrid computational phantoms was derived for fetal ages 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 38 weeks post-conception. The methodology used to construct the series of phantoms accounted for the following age-dependent parameters: (1) variations in
Cuticle microstructure as a new tool in systematic paleontology

Fossil decapod cuticle has received little systematic study. The purpose of the present note is to survey the cuticle architecture of eleven extant decapod crabs arrayed within ten families, and to develop a classification scheme of cuticle types suitable for describing fossil and Recent decapod cuticle morphology.
Organizational Stabilities of Bulk Neat and Well-Mixed, Blended Polymer Samples Coalesced from Their Crystalline Inclusion Compounds Formed with Cyclodextrins

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic starches containing α-1,4-linked glucose units. Commonly available α-, β-, and γ-CDs have six, seven, and eight glucose units, respectively. They are well known for forming noncovalent inclusion complexes (ICs) with a variety of guest molecules, including many polymers, by threading and inclusion into their relatively hydrophobic interior cavities, which are roughly cylindrical, with diameters of ∼0.5–1.0 nm. Warm water washing of crystalline CD-ICs containing polymer guests insoluble in water or treatment with amylase enzymes serve to remove the host CDs and result in the coalescence of the guest polymers into solid bulk samples. When guest polymers are coalesced from their CD-ICs by carefully removing the host CD lattices, they are observed to solidify with structures, morphologies, and even conformations that are distinct from bulk samples made from their solutions and melts. In addition, molecularly mixed, intimate blends can be obtained upon coalescence of two or more normally immiscible polymer guests from their common CD-ICs. Not only are the organizations and behaviors of bulk polymer samples significantly modified on coalescence from their CD-ICs, but both are also maintained for significant periods of time even when heated above their Tgs and Tms, where their chains are mobile. Here, we discuss the long-time, high temperature stabilities of the organizations and properties of bulk polymers coalesced from their crystalline CD-ICs. While random-coiling of their initially coalesced, largely extended, separated, and unentangled chains may be relatively rapid, we conclude that the subsequent slow establishment of homogeneous melts or phase-segregated blends results from the extremely sluggish center-of-mass diffusion that must accompany full entanglement of their chains. Apparently, the process of entangling the largely separated and not fully interpenetrating randomly coiled chains initially coalesced from their CD-ICs is particularly slow, much slower in fact than the center-of mass diffusion of polymer chains in their fully entangled melts. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1543–1553, 2009
Corpus Luteum of Pregnancy in the Rat—Ultrastructural and Cytochemical Observations

The corpus luteum of the rat was examined with the electron microscope at 2, 6, 7, 10, 12, 17, and 20 days of pregnancy. In addition, the old corpus luteum of pregnancy was studied 3 days after parturition as was the new corpus luteum of lactation. Increases in the amount of smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum during the course of pregnancy are documented. The possible correlation of this increase with the increase in rate of progesterone secretion during pregnancy is discussed. Mitochondria in lutein cells from early pregnancy are spherical and contain many short tubular or vesicular cristae. At later stages of pregnancy, mitochondria tend to be more elongated and contain lamellar cristae. Lysosomes are present in lutein cells throughout pregnancy, as demonstrated by electron microscope cytochemical methods. At 14 days of pregnancy and later, a second population of granulesis produced which does not contain lysosomal enzymes. The possibility