cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A hybrid numerical method for interfacial fluid flow with soluble surfactant

We address a significant difficulty in the numerical computation of fluid interfaces with soluble surfactant that occurs in the physically representative limit of large bulk Peclet number Pe. At the high values of Pe in typical fluid-surfactant systems, there is a transition layer near the interface in which the surfactant concentration varies rapidly, and large gradients at the interface must be resolved accurately to evaluate the exchange of surfactant between the interface and bulk flow. We use the slenderness of the layer to develop a fast and accurate 'hybrid' numerical method that incorporates a separate, singular perturbation analysis of the dynamics in the transition layer into a full numerical solution of the interfacial free boundary problem. The accuracy and efficiency of the method is assessed by comparison with a more 'traditional' numerical approach that uses finite differences on a curvilinear coordinate system exterior to the bubble, without the separate transition layer reduction. The traditional method implemented here features a novel fast calculation of fluid velocity off the interface.
Pre-Clinical Testing of Aerosolized Inhaled Milrinone Using a Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer

Purpose Inhaled milrinone (MIL) has been used empirically to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance and improve right ventricular dysfunction without systemic adverse effects; however characterization of this process is not reported in the literature. We sought to characterize aerosolized MIL particle size, nebulization degradation profile, and quantification of drug delivery using a vibrating mesh nebulizer connected to a mechanical ventilator circuit in preparation for a human heart failure clinical trial. Methods and Materials Mass Spectrometry was performed on nebulized MIL samples and saline controls. A pharmaceutical grade impactor was used for aerodynamic particle size studies. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine final mass median aerodynamic particle size (MMAD), geometric standard deviation (GSD), and fine particle fraction (FPF). Nebulized MIL recovered at the end of an endotracheal tube (ETT) in a mechanical ventilator circuit was quantified using HPLC. All studies were performed in triplicate. Results Mass Spectrometry did not reveal MIL degradation products or formation of new drug compounds. Aerodynamic MMAD for nebulized MIL followed a Gaussian curve distribution. [ figure 1 ] MMAD = 4.22 μm with GSD = 2.29 μm and FPF = 0.62 +/− 0.7. 22.9% of nebulized MIL was recovered at the end of the ETT. Conclusions Nebulizing MIL using a vibrating mesh nebulizer attached to a mechanical ventilator circuit is feasible, results in delivery of a consistent unaltered drug product, and generates a respirable aerosol with size properties ideal for both pulmonary and systemic drug delivery.
Attempts to locate residues in complementarity-determining regions of antibody combining sites that make contact with antigen

Abstract From collected data on variable region sequences of heavy chains of immunoglobulins, the probability of random associations of any two amino-acid residues in the complementarity-determining segments was computed, and pairs of residues occurring significantly more frequently than expected were selected by computer. Significant associations between Phe 32 and Tyr 33, Phe 32 and Glu 35, and Tyr 33 and Glu 35 were found in six proteins, all of which were mouse myeloma proteins which bound phosphorylcholine (= phosphocholine). From the x-ray structure of McPC603, Tyr 33 and Glu 35 are contacting residues; a seventh phosphorylcholine-binding mouse myeloma protein also contained Phe 32 and Tyr 33 but position 35 had only been determined as Glx and thus this position had not been selected. Met 34 occurred in all seven phosphorylcholine-binding myeoma proteins but was also present at this position in 29 other proteins and thus was not selected; it is seen in the x-ray structure not to be a contacting residue. The role of Phe 32 is not obvious but it could have some conformational influence. A human phosphorylcholine-binding myeloma protien also had Phe, Tyr, and Met at positions 32, 33, and 34, but had Asp instead of Glu at position 35 and showed a lower binding constant. The ability to use sequence data to locate residues in complementarity-determing segments making contact with antigenic determinants and those playing essentially a structural role would contribute substantially to the understanding of antibody specificity.
Toward spatio-temporal models of biogeophysical fields for ecological forecasting

We are now in an era of intensive earth observation. Orbital platforms generate myriad remote sensing datastreams across a range of spatial, temporal, spectral, and radiometric resolutions. The number and variety of "eyes in the skies" are scheduled to increase significantly over the next few years. This veritable data deluge necessitates new ways of thinking about transforming remote sensing data into information about ecological patterns and processes. These datastreams hold the promise for environmental decision support. Effective use of remote sensing datastreams to characterize and monitor landscape dynamics requires analysis of the temporal variations in spatial patterns. We can distinguish four main phases in the analysis of image time series (Henebry and Goodin 2002): (1) change detection---perceiving the differences; (2) change quantification---measuring the magnitudes of the differences; (3) change assessment---determining whether the differences are significant; and (4) change attribution---identifying or inferring the proximate cause of the change. There is a critical need for theories and tools that will enable efficient and reliable characterization of spatio-temporal patterns contained in image time series. Such tools ought to be based on ecological expectations of land surface dynamics, analogous to climatological expectations. Ecological expectations would summarize across specific regions the typical temporal development of spatial pattern in biogeophysical fields. To make ecological forecasting an operational possibility (Clark et al. 2001; Maier et al. 2001), there is need for computational strategies to establish and to update complex spatio-temporal baselines that will enable prediction of the usual and the identification, quantification, and assessment of the unusual. Beyond computational considerations, there is an urgent need for environmental scientists to dialogue with computer scientists to develop effective and robust spatio-temporal models of biogeophysical fields for database and datamining applications aimed at the investigation of these baselines and their associated anomalies in datastreams. One objective in our Biodiversity and Ecosystem Informatics (BDEI) project is to sponsor an international cross-disciplinary workshop to examine the challenges facing the development and implementation of the next generation of spatio-temporal data models. This workshop is to held 8-10 April 2002 at the San Diego Supercomputer Center. We shall report the results at the dg.o conference. Here we offer some background on principal issues and a list of questions to be examined at the workshop.
Output-interference theory of dual-task deficits in memory development

Abstract A conflict currently exists between the resources hypothesis about memory development and evidence favoring the view that there are specialized capacity pools that develop independently of each other. To initiate the process of resolving this disagreement, we propose an interference explanation of a major source of supportive data for the resources hypothesis, namely, dual-task studies of memory development. This interference position explains dual-task deficits and their development as instances of output interference between otherwise independent systems, especially that form of output interference known as response competition. Two experimental paradigms are described that allow investigators to pit the interference and resource hypotheses against each other.
Operation logic and functionality of automatic dose rate and image quality control of conventional fluoroscopy

New generation of fluoroscopic imaging systems is equipped with spectral shaping filters complemented with sophisticated automatic dose rate and image quality control logic called ''fluoroscopy curve'' or ''trajectory''. Such fluoroscopy curves were implemented first on cardiovascular angiographic imaging systems and are now available on conventional fluoroscopy equipment. This study aims to investigate the control logic operations under the fluoroscopy mode and acquisition mode (equivalent to the legacy spot filming) of a conventional fluoroscopy system typically installed for upper-lower gastrointestinal examinations, interventional endoscopy laboratories, gastrointestinal laboratory, and pain clinics.
Usefulness of technology adoption research in introducing an online workbook

Abstract Many foreign language faculty identify technologies that they would like to introduce in their classes, but few are aware of the theoretical models that can help them choose and introduce those innovations more effectively. Such models have received limited attention in the computer-assisted language learning (CALL) literature, and have failed to adequately explore the complementarity between global and fine-grained approaches to adoption. To fill these gaps, the present paper introduces a novel integration of three adoption theories (Diffusion of Innovations, Technology Acceptance Model, and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology), providing a more robust explanation of the factors affecting technology adoption than current models offer individually. The integrated theories are applied to guide faculty adoption of a seemingly simple yet ultimately complex CALL technology (an online Spanish workbook) in a multi-section introductory college Spanish program. An analysis of that adoption process serves to illustrate the value of synthesizing global and fine-grained theoretical models to better explain adoption processes in any CALL context, while also identifying areas for development in adoption theories. Finally, this study offers guidelines for planning and implementing innovative technologies as well as directions for future research.
Molecular Genetic Manipulation of Vector Mosquitoes

Genetic strategies for reducing populations of vector mosquitoes or replacing them with those that are not able to transmit pathogens benefit greatly from molecular tools that allow gene manipulation and transgenesis. Mosquito genome sequences and associated EST (expressed sequence tags) databases enable large-scale investigations to provide new insights into evolutionary, biochemical, genetic, metabolic, and physiological pathways. Additionally, comparative genomics reveals the bases for evolutionary mechanisms with particular focus on specific interactions between vectors and pathogens. We discuss how this information may be exploited for the optimization of transgenes that interfere with the propagation and development of pathogens in their mosquito hosts.
Thoracic neurenteric cyst in an adult: case report.

Objective and importance Neurenteric cysts are very rare (particularly in the adult age group) congenital intraspinal cysts of endodermal origin. The patient described was a 48-year-old man who was diagnosed as having an isolated thoracic neurenteric cyst at the T5-T6 level, without a mediastinal enterogenous cyst. Radiological studies demonstrated multiple anterior vertebral column abnormalities. Clinical presentation The patient presented with a long history of mild midback pain. During the 2 years preceding admission, his midback pain worsened and he experienced right intercostal pain in the midthoracic area. Several months before admission, he noticed right lower extremity weakness, which led him to undergo neurological evaluation and radiological studies. Intervention Thoracic spine x-rays revealed marked thoracic scoliosis and multiple vertebral abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging and myelography revealed an intradural extramedullary cystic mass at the T5-T6 level, severely compressing the spinal cord from the ventral side. Thoracic laminectomy was performed and the cystic lesion was completely removed, with disconnection of the ventral tract. Conclusion This is an unusual presentation, at this age, of a congenital intraspinal cyst in the thoracic area. Such cysts must investigated for early diagnosis and treatment. A neurenteric cyst should be suspected particularly if the cyst is associated with anterior vertebral column abnormalities.
Interfemale transfer of eggs and ovaries in the frog.

Abstract Ovulated eggs taken from the body cavity of a female frog could be transferred to another female, where they proceeded through the remaining phases of egg transport. Some of these eggs cleaved normally after insemination. In one experiment, eggs of one species (Rana clamitans) were enveloped in the jelly of another species (R. pipiens) after transfer. None of these eggs cleaved after insemination by spermatozoa of either species. Glass beads were introduced into the body cavity of pituitary stimulated ovarectomized females (R. pipiens). Jelly-coated beads were obtained from the ovisacs of the females after having been transported through the oviduct. Ovaries were also transferred from one female to another. Eggs which were ovulated from the transferred ovaries, in the recipient female, in some cases fertilized normally (intra-species transfer).
The American Right to Health

The human right to health has strong American roots. In his 1944 State of the Union address, not long before D-Day, Franklin Roosevelt told Congress, "We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence." He called on Congress to adopt a "second Bill of Rights," a bill of economic security, which included "The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health." President Truman continued FDR's fight for the right to health, telling Congress in his 1948 State of the Union address--the same year the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations--that "Our first goal is to secure fully the essential human rights of our citizens." Regarding health, "Our ultimate aim must be a comprehensive insurance system to protect all our people equally against insecurity and ill health." In 1965 President Johnson traveled to the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, to sign Medicare into law in Truman's presence as a tribute to his dedication to this cause. In their thoughtful essay, "Bioethics and Human Rights: Access to Health-Related Goods," John Arras and Elizabeth Fenton persuasively argue that only a political process can adopt and implement the right to health. FDR, Truman, and Johnson would certainly agree. Although American-born, the right to health has had much more support internationally than domestically. A 1947 report of UNESCO's philosophers' committee, for example, listed fifteen "norms" that it found were widely shared by cultural and religious traditions (including Confucian, Islamic, and Hindu traditions) around the world, including "the right to protection of health." Since the UDHR was adopted, we have become accustomed to having human rights declared internationally by treaty and thereafter promulgated nationally by legislation that enacts specific entitlements. In this framework, a national health care plan of the kind proposed by Roosevelt and Truman (and now by President Obama) would be a statutory enactment of America's vision of the right to health. No specific insurance scheme, delivery system, or benefit package is required by the international right to health, but a national health plan must be universally accessible. Senator Ted Kennedy predicted to thunderous applause at the Democratic National Convention that Barack Obama would "break the old gridlock and guarantee that every American will have decent, quality health care as a fundamental right and not just as a privilege. …
Neutronics aspects of position-sensitive neutron scintillator detectors using wavelength-shifting readout fibers

Abstract Recent investigations in using wavelength-shifting fibers with scintillator screens for two-dimensional position sensitive neutron detection have shown this method to be effective and affordable. However, hydrogen and carbon atoms in the readout fibers scatter many neutrons traveling into the scintillator and affect the detector's efficiency and position resolution. In this work we seek to quantify these effects for various neutron energies using Monte Carlo simulations of different geometrical cases and suggest methods for mitigating negative effects from neutron scattering.
OUTLINE OF A SOCIOEVOLUTIONARY THEORY OF THE EMOTIONS

Following Darwin, Plutchik's psychoevolutionary theory defines emotions as adaptive reactions to stimuli. While his ‘stimulus’ stands as an unanalyzed psychological construct, he does explicate four existential problems of life ‐ territoriality, hierarchy, temporality, and identity ‐ each of which can present itself as positive or negative, as an opportunity or a problem. Plutchik's four existential problems can be generalized into Fiske's (1991) four elementary relations of the social life ‐ market pricing, authority ranking, communal sharing, and equality matching, respectively. A set of propositions is presented, according to which the predicted values of particular emotions are proportional to power functions of the products of pairs of social relations variables. With the measurement of just eight social relations variables, the general, formal, socioevolutionary theory makes it possible to predict the level of each of the eight primary emotions and of the 28 secondary emotions that are mixed pairs of primary emotions. The possibility that jealousy is a mix of three primary emotions ‐ fear, sadness, and surprise ‐ is discussed.
Mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive condition that is untreatable in up to 90% of patients, is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly worldwide. The two forms of AMD, wet and dry, are classified based on the presence or absence of blood vessels that have disruptively invaded the retina, respectively. A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying wet AMD has led to several robust FDA-approved therapies. In contrast, there are no approved treatments for dry AMD. In this review, we provide insight into the critical effector pathways mediating each form of the disease. A recurring theme that spans most aspects of AMD pathogenesis is defective immune modulation in the classically immune-privileged ocular haven. Interestingly, the latest advances in AMD research also highlight common molecular disease pathways with other neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, the therapeutic potential of intervening at known mechanistic steps of AMD pathogenesis is discussed.
Chemotactic responses of tumor cells to products of resorbing bone

To explore possible mechanisms for the metastasis of malignant cells to bone, a model of tumor cell migration was developed, using Walker carcinosarcoma or malignant lymphoma cells. It was found that bone contains a factor that is strongly chemotactic for tumor cells. This factoor is released by a variety of agents that induce resorption of bone.
‘Good’ students and ‘involved’ mothers: Latin@ responses to normalization pressures in schools

Drawing from two in‐depth qualitative studies, we used a sociocultural lens for a cross‐case analysis examining how Latin@s’ participation in schools is affected by ideological messages that subordinately position them in terms of their ethnicity, class, and immigrant status. We identified a range of dynamic responses to the school’s normalization pressures: (1) echando ganas [giving it their all] in school while labeled ‘at risk’, (2) living through school with perceived success, and (3) threatening the school’s normalization process. This paper emphasizes the need to create inclusive spaces that acknowledge, reward, and support the efforts and agency of students and parents that go beyond school‐prescribed normalization practices.
Hypocholesterolemia and Affective Disorders

The authors' specific aim was to assess hypocholesterolemia in 203 patients hospitalized because of affective disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder) compared with 1,595 self-referred subjects in an urban supermarket screening and with 11,864 subjects in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II, a national probability sample. Low plasma cholesterol concentrations ( 0.1); age and plasma cholesterol were positively associated (P = 0.01). None of the psychoactive drugs had a significant independent association with the patients' low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Plasma cholesterol in patients hospitalized with affective disorders is shifted markedly downward toward hypocholesterolemic concentrations (< 160 mg/dL). There is no evidence that low plasma cholesterol could cause or worsen affective disorders.
Photon Switching by Quantum Interference

We describe a four-state atomic system that absorbs two photons, but does not absorb one photon. As a switch, in the ideal limit, it operates at an energy cost of one photon per switching event.
The histone methyltransferase MLL1 permits the oscillation of circadian gene expression

Circadian rhythms rely on a molecular clock that effects specific gene expression. Recently it has become clear that there is a tight connection between circadian gene transcription and histone acetylation. Histone methyltransferase MLL1, and its product histone H3K4me3, are now shown to cycle at clock-responsive promoters. The former binds key circadian transcription factors and is required for rhythmic gene expression and chromatin modification.
Preparation and condensation of D-glucopyranose N-phenylcarbamates and N-methyl-N-phenylcarbamates

Abstract A number of tri- and tetra-( N -phenylcarbamate) and - N -methyl- N -phenyl-carbamate derivatives of methyl α- D -glucopyranoside were prepared and found resistant to acid hydrolysis. Alcoholysis and hydrolysis of the corresponding derivatives of cellulose gave oligomeric products and some loss of protecting groups. The fully substituted derivatives of benzyl β- D -glucopyranoside were resistant to hydrogenolysis. D -Glucopyranose 2,3,4-tri-( N -phenylcarbamate) and -( N -methyl- N -phenylcarbamate) were prepared from 1,6-anhydro-β- D -glucopyranose and, on treatment with phosphoric anhydride, gave in the first case a crosslinked polymer with a small percent of phosphorus and in the second one a monomeric diphosphate. Although carbanilates are able to act as participating groups, the reported method for polymerizing D -glucopyranose 2,3,6-tri- O -( N -phenylcarbamate) is not general for closely related compounds.
Cardiopulmonary Dynamics during Arteriovenous Perfusion: Cardiac Output, Pulmonary Arterial Resistance, and Right Ventricular Stroke Work

The effects of arteriovenous perfusion on myocardial performance, pulmonary circulatory dynamics, and organ preservation were studied in dogs in order to evaluate the applicability of arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for partial respiratory support. Studies were made on normally oxygenated dogs, on dogs made hypoxic by oxygen deprivation and ventilatory depression, and on dogs with pulmonary injury and moderate pulmonary hypertension induced by injection of oleic acid into the right ventricle. The latter two groups were included to assess the changes that occur in cardiopulmonary dynamics in the presence of hypoxia and pulmonary hypertension. A microchannel membrane oxygenator was employed to provide partial respiratory support to the group of animals with pulmonary injury. The results indicate that no deleterious hemodynamic changes occurred in any of the groups of animals with arteriovenous flow for periods of up to 5 hours at rates corresponding to 20 to 35% of the total cardiac output. Adequate systemic oxygenation was provided by the microchannel oxygenator at these rates of arteriovenous perfusion.
Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclones of 1988

Abstract A summary of the 1988 season is presented. Included are season statistics, comparisons with activity in recent years, and tracks of tropical storms and hurricanes.
The effectiveness of weighted scoring rules when pairwise majority rule cycles exist

Abstract Many studies have evaluated the probabilities that weighted scoring rules (WSRs) select the Condorcet winner or match the complete ranking by pairwise majority rule (PMR) in three candidate elections. This study considers situations in which PMR cycles exist, to evaluate the associated probabilities that WSRs select the Condorcet winner or match the complete ranking of a modified PMR relation. This modified relation reverses the PMR relationship on the pair with the smallest majority rule advantage. Evidence indicates that the WSRs that maximize these probabilities when a Condorcet winner exists also maximize the associated probabilities when a PMR cycle exists.
Role of Surgery in Small Cell Lung Cancer

NOMENCLATURE Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is estimated to account for approximately 13% of newly diagnosed lung cancers. 1 It is considered distinct from non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), due to different biological and clinical patterns. Specifically, SCLC is known to have a more aggressive biology with rapid growth and early spread, as well as a common association with paraneoplastic syndromes. Of all histologic types of lung cancer, SCLC is the most sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation, but prognosis remains poor, with an overall median survival following treatment of 10 months and a 5-year survival of 5%. 2 SCLC is seen almost exclusively in smokers and is characterized by a rapid tumor doubling time, high growth fraction, and early development of metastases. The majority of patients present with extrathoracic metastases, but more sensitive imaging and screening modalities have resulted in better detection of early disease. The first staging of SCLC by severity was introduced by the Veterans’ Administration Lung Study Group (VALSG) in the 1950s. In that classification, limited disease (LD) was characterized by tumor confined to the ipsilateral hemithorax that can be safely included in a single radiation port. More widespread cancer was termed extensive disease (ED). Approximately 40% of all new SCLC diagnoses are LD, 1 which historically has improved survival compared with ED, with a median survival of 16 months and a 12% 5-year survival following chemoradiotherapy. 2 In 1989, after the introduction of TNM staging, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) described LD SCLC as consistent with TNM stages IA to IIIB, with ED describing patients with distant metastases. 3 Additionally in the IASLC nomenclature at that time, supraclavicular, hilar, and mediastinal nodes were included in LD. These modifications have been found to be somewhat more prognostic than
X-ray Crystallographic Studies of the Products of Oxidative Additions of Iodine to Cyclic Trinuclear Gold(I) Complexes: Directional Effects for Au-I.I-Au Interactions.

The crystal structures of cyclic trinuclear organogold compounds, Au(3)I(n)()(CH(3)N=COCH(3))(3) (n = 2, 4, 6) reveal that pairs of iodine atoms are added successively to each of the gold atoms in the triangular complexes. Deep red needles of Au(3)I(6)(CH(3)N=COCH(3))(3).CH(2)Cl(2) crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with a = 14.762(4) A, b = 8.723(3) A, c = 22.278(6) A, and beta = 91.58(2) degrees at 123 K with Z = 4. Refinement of 6591 reflections and 164 parameters yielded R = 0.055. The structure consists of columns of the molecular units united by weak iodine.iodine interactions which range in length from 3.636(2) to 3.716(2) A. Within the molecular unit, all iodine.iodine distances are well beyond the sum of their van der Waals radii and fall in the range from 3.965(2) to 4.211(2) A. The gold coordination is significantly distorted from planarity with I-Au-I angles of ca. 163 degrees. In Au(3)I(6)(CH(3)N=COCH(3))(3) the intermolecular I.I interactions are significantly shorter than the intramolecular I.I contacts. Red parallelepipeds of the tetraiodo complex, Au(2)I(4)Au(CH(3)N=COCH(3))(3), crystallize in the triclinic space group Po, with a = 7.404(2) A, b = 9.278(2) A, c = 16.331(3) A, alpha = 80.77(3) degrees, beta = 78.68(3) degrees, and gamma = 81.85(3) degrees at 123 K with Z = 2. Refinement of 4963 reflections and 124 parameters yielded R = 0.048. No noteworthy intermolecular contacts are present in this compound. Orange-red hexagonal plates of the diiodo complex, AuI(2)Au(2)(CH(3)N=COCH(3))(3), crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with a = 9.309(4) A, b = 13.597(4) A, c = 14.899(5) A, and beta = 101.26(3) degrees at 123 K with Z = 4. Refinement of 4133 reflections and 121 parameters yielded R = 0.064. This structure consists of discrete molecular units displaying no noteworthy inter- or intramolecular contacts.
Cupulae in Shark Neuromasts: Composition, Origin, Generation

Cupulae on the surface of the sensory epithelium of canal neuromasts of the shark lateralis system have been demonstrated. They are mounds of mucoid material secreted primarily by the supporting cells of the neuromast epithelium. Individual columns of mucus in fixed, stained sections produce striations perpendicular to the neuromast surface. The hair of the sensory cell is embedded in mucus at the bases of coalescing columns produced by a group of surrounding supporting cells. There is evidence that mucus production is continuous and is accompanied by regeneration of secretory cells and elimination of necrotic cells at the distal surface. It follows that cupular material is being discarded either intermittantly or continually, along with trapped cell debris and other detritus.
Watering blue palo verde (Cercidium floridum) affects berry maturation of parasitic desert mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum) during an extreme drought in the Mojave Desert

Abstract Resources available to parasites are often dependent on resources available to hosts. If a resource is limiting to parasites because it is limiting to hosts, supplementing that resource for hosts should affect parasites. Water availability is a limiting factor for plant productivity in many desert systems. We watered blue palo verde ( Cercidium floridum ) with desert mistletoe ( Phoradendron californicum ) infestations during a drought in the Mojave Desert during winter of 2002–2003. Mistletoe berries were monitored over a 19-week period on nine trees receiving no water, nine trees receiving “normal” water, and nine trees receiving 10× normal water. No differences were seen in overall berry numbers between treatments. However, berry crops on mistletoe plants parasitizing watered palo verdes matured and numbers declined faster than berry crops on control trees. There were no differences between plants watered a moderate amount and those watered a magnitude more, suggesting that berry maturation may be limited by a factor other than water in wet years, or that palo verde do not uptake significantly more water than is typically present. Future research is needed to conclusively determine factors limiting desert mistletoe berry maturation.
VPS33B: let there be α-granules

Comment on Lo et al, page [4159][1] Genesis of platelet dense granules has been studied largely by characterization of molecular defects in patients with syndromes that include dense granule defects. In contrast, little is known about α-granule formation. Lo and colleagues now describe an
Isolation of Antigenic Components from the Lyme Disease Spirochete: Their Role in Early Diagnosis

Patients with early Lyme disease produce IgM antibodies to a 41,000-dalton polypeptide of Borrelia burgdorferi. With advancing disease, IgG antibodies recognize a larger number of spirochetal polypeptides. Sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment of spirochetes at a concentration of 0.03% resulted in an outer envelope (OE) fraction in the supernatant and a protoplasmic cylinder (PC) flagellar fraction in the pellet. Shearing of the PC pellet followed by ultrafiltration and dialysis resulted in a flagellin-enriched fraction. From the OE and flagellin-rich fractions, individual polypeptides with Mr of 66,000, 41,000, and 31,000/34,000 daltons were eluted in microgram quantities after electrophoresis. The flagellin-enriched fraction as well as the eluted polypeptides were used as antigens in the ELISA. The flagellin-enriched fraction was superior to the standard ELISA antigen. The 41-kilodalton (kDa) flagellin antigen was not useful. Antigens of 66 kDa and 31/34 kDa were confirmed to be part of the late antibody response.
Vapor-liquid equilibria for the ternary system N 2 + CO 2 + n-C 4 H 10 at 250 and 270 K 1

The system studied was nitrogen + carbon dioxide +n-butane at 250 and 270 K and at pressures from 1.5 to 14 MPa. The Peng-Robinson equation was used to model the results, since it is the most widely accepted equation of state in the gas processing industry. In general, the predictions are most accurate at low and moderate pressures and poorest at high pressures, especially near the critical region.
Inter-class resource sharing using statistical service envelopes

Networks that support multiple services through "link-sharing" must address the fundamental conflicting requirement between isolation among service classes to satisfy each class' quality of service requirements, and statistical sharing of resources for efficient network utilization. While a number of service disciplines have been devised which provide mechanisms to both isolate flows and fairly share excess capacity, admission control algorithms are needed which exploit the effects of inter-class resource sharing. In this paper, we develop a framework of using statistical service envelopes to study inter-class statistical resource sharing. We show how this service envelope enables a class to over-book resources beyond its deterministically guaranteed capacity by statistically characterizing the excess service available due to fluctuating demands of other service classes. We apply our techniques to several multi-class schedulers, including generalized processor sharing, and design new admission control algorithms for multi-class link-sharing environments. We quantify the utilization gains of our approach with a set of experiments using long traces of compressed video.
A measurement of the isospin purity of the singlet deuteron

Abstract The isospin selective 6 Li(d, pn) reaction shows spectral peaking (characteristic of 1 S 0 ) for the 3.56 MeV ( T = 1) state in contrast to the much broader spectral shape (characteristic of 3 S 1 ) seen for the ( T = 0) ground state and 2.18 MeV state of 6 Li.
Cancer mortality among northern georgia carpet and textile workers

Proportionate cancer mortality was analyzed among white male carpet and textile workers in five northwest Georgia counties for the years 1970-1984. Compared with other Georgians, carpet and textile workers had higher proportions of lymphocytic leukemia (proportionate cancer mortality ratio [PCMR] = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.4-5.4]) and testicular cancer (PCMR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.0-7.5). The excess mortality from lymphocytic leukemia was even higher when the analysis was limited to workers deemed most likely to work directly in production areas (PCMR = 4.2; 95% CI = 1.7-8.7). Further studies are needed to determine if the observed excesses are the result of workplace exposures.
Chicken trunk neural crest migration visualized with HNK1

The development of the nervous system involves cells remaining within the neural tube (CNS) and a group of cells that delaminate from the dorsal neural tube and migrate extensively throughout the developing embryo called neural crest cells (NCC). These cells are a mesenchymal highly migratory group of cells that give rise to a wide variety of cell derivatives: melanocytes, sensory neurons, bone, Schwann cells, etc. But not all NCC can give rise to all derivatives, they have fate restrictions based on their axial level of origin: cranial, vagal, trunk and sacral. Our aim was to provide a thorough presentation on how does trunk neural crest cell migration looks in the chicken embryo, in wholemount and in sections using the unique chicken marker HNK1. The description presented here makes a good guideline for those interested in viewing trunk NCC migration patterns. We show how before HH14 there are few trunk NCC delaminating and migrating, but between HH15 through HH19 trunk NCC delaminate in large numbers. Melanocytes precursors begin to enter the dorsolateral pathway by HH17. We found that by HH20 HNK1 is not a valid good marker for NCC and that HNK1 is a better marker than Sox10 when looking at neural crest cells morphology and migration details.
The importation, transmission, and moderation of stress in the family system

Despite its importance in community psychology, the stress process is still viewed primarily as an individual-level phenomenon, little research being conducted on the dynamics of stress in a social system such as the family. Propositions derived from a model of family stress were tested using data from a cross-sectional survey of family triads (father, mother, and adolescent). Two measures of distress were related significantly to both macro-and microstressors, and perceived social support did not buffer this relationship. Stressors endogenous to the family were significantly associated with those exogenous to the family (stressor importation hypothesis); contrary to prediction, this relationship did not vary across family members or family types (high vs. low cohesion). Distress in some family members was significantly associated with stressors experienced by other family members (stress transmission hypothesis); this relationship did not vary across family types but did vary across family members to some extent in that stress was transmitted from adolescents to parents to a greater degree than vice versa.
Privatization of Public Services: Organizational Reform Efforts in Public Education and Public Health

The public health and the public education systems in the United States have encountered problems in quality of service, accountability, and availability of resources. Both systems are under pressure to adopt the general organizational reform of privatization. The debate over privatization in public education is contentious, but in public health, the shift of functions from the public to the private sector has been accepted with limited deliberation.We assess the benefits and concerns of privatization and suggest that shifting public health functions to the private sector raises questions about the values and mission of public health. Public health officials need to be more engaged in a public debate over the desirability of privatization as the future of public health.
Investigation of a severity-based classification of mood and anxiety symptoms in primary care patients.

Background: Current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) classifications describe spectrums of symptoms that define mood and anxiety disorders. These DSM classifications have been applied to primary care populations to establish the frequency of these disorders in primary care. DSM classifications, however, might not adequately describe the underlying or natural groupings of mood and anxiety symptoms in primary care. This study explores common clusters of mood and anxiety symptoms and their severity while exploring the degree of cluster congruency with current DSM classification schemes. We also evaluate how well the groupings derived from these different classifying methods explain differences in patients9 health-related quality of life. Methods: Study design was cross-sectional, using a sample of 1333 adult primary care patients attending a university-based family medicine clinic. We applied cluster analysis to responses on a 15-item instrument measuring symptoms of mood and anxiety and their severity. We used the PRIME-MD to determine the presence of DSM-III-R disorders. The SF-36 Health Survey was used to assess health-related quality of life. Results: Cluster analysis produced four groups of patients different from groupings based on the DSM. These four groups differed from each other on sociodemographic indicators, health-related quality of life, and frequency of DSM disorders. Cluster membership was associated in three of four clusters with a clinically significant and progressive decrease in mental and physical health functioning as measured by the SF-36 Health Survey. This decline was independent of the presence of a DSM diagnosis. Conclusions: A primary care classification scheme for mood and anxiety symptoms that includes severity appears to provide more useful information than traditional DSM classifications of disorders.
Giant aneurysms of coronary arteries and saphenous vein grafts: angiographic findings and histopathological correlates.

Abstract Introduction: Giant aneurysms that develop in native coronary arteries or saphenous vein grafts are morphologically defined as abnormally expanded outpouching vascular structures >4 cm in diameter. The location, morphology, and content of giant aneurysms account for adverse cardiovascular effects. Methods: Two cases of giant aneurysms were studied comprehensively by noninvasive and invasive cardiac methods and subsequent histopathology. The first patient had a giant aneurysm that developed over a course of several years in a saphenous vein graft whereas the second patient had a giant aneurysm occurring within a native coronary artery. Accompanying clinical and angiographic findings are described. Results: Atherosclerosis and thrombosis were among the prominent histopathological findings. Conclusions: Atherosclerosis and associated thrombosis within giant aneurysms result in obstruction of flow, distal embolization, and development of acute coronary syndromes including recurrent ischemic chest pain, unstable angina, and acute myocardial infarction. The options for clinical management of giant coronary or vein graft aneurysms include surgical excision, percutaneous coil occlusion and stent deployment, or medical approach.
Prenatal diagnosis of autosomal dominant microcephaly and postnatal evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging

A case of fetal autosomal dominant microcephaly was prenatally diagnosed with ultrasonography in a woman with previously undiagnosed microcephaly. At the time of initial ultrasonographic assessment, the mother was identified to have a markedly small cranium, consistent with maternal microcephaly. The ultrasonographic examination showed the fetal head size to be four standard deviations below the mean for gestational age. Gestational dating from the other biometric parameters and from the last menstrual period was consistent with 31 weeks' gestation. Neurosonographic evaluation of the fetus revealed no obvious structural abnormalities. Serial ultrasonographic examinations at 35 and 38 weeks' gestation showed no changes in the fetal head size. A 2.64 kg male fetus was delivered at term. Neonatal assessment showed the fetal head circumference to be less than the second percentile for gestational age. Neurologic assessment of the neonate with magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal development of the brain, with small cerebellar and cerebral hemispheres, and pachygyria. These images are compared with the magnetic resonance images of the mother. Our findings of maternal and fetal microcephaly are consistent with autosomal dominant microcephaly. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the prenatal diagnosis of autosomal dominant microcephaly.
Physical activity, fear avoidance, and chronic non-specific pain: A narrative review.

Summary Background Chronic non-specific pain (CNSP) and physical inactivity have become increasingly prevalent in the United States; however, the associations between the two remain unclear. The lack of clarity may be due to the presence of a third variable, the individual's pain coping strategy. Objectives We had three specific aims. 1) To review the associations between fear-avoidance beliefs and behaviors, and levels of physical activity and disability. 2) To review the theoretical mechanisms behind chronic non-specific pain and the potential mediating role of physical activity. 3) Finally, to report the most commonly recommended interventions for fear-avoidant individuals suffering with chronic pain. Conclusions Further investigation is needed to fully understand the associations between physical activity, chronic non-specific pain, and fear avoidant beliefs and behaviors. Precise relationships notwithstanding, there is strong evidence to suggest that physical activity is an integral piece to the chronic non-specific pain puzzle. For this reason, it is incumbent upon clinicians to strongly recommend participation in regular, yet properly progressed, physical activity to chronic non-specific pain sufferers.
Registration of vascular 3D data sets obtained from multiple-view reconstructions

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) vessel data from CTA or MRA are not always available prior to or during endovascular interventional procedures, whereas multiple 2D projection angiograms often are. Therefore, we are developing methods for combining vessel data from multiple 2D angiographic views obtained during interventional procedures to provide 3D vessel data during these procedures. Multiple projection views of vessel trees are obtained. Vessel regions to be analyzed are selected. One of the 2D images is selected as a common image. Initial pairwise imaging geometry relationships are calculated from the gantry information, and 3D vessel centerlines are calculated using pairwise epipolar constraints. The imaging geometries of each of the other views (relative to that of the common image) are then iteratively refined so as to minimize the differences between all pairwise calculated 3D vessel centerlines, and an average centerline is calculated. Without refinement, the average difference between the centerlines is approximately 9 mm, whereas after refinement, the average difference is approximately 1 mm. In addition, the average centerline is smoother. Our results indicate that this technique will provide more reliable vessel centerlines without increasing dose to the patient.
Determinants of the inflation rate in the United States: A VAR investigation

Abstract This article investigates major determinants of the inflation rate in the United States. For this investigation, we use a vector autoregressive model that includes major variables interacting with the price level in the macroeconomy. Our results suggest that changes in the money supply, the wage rate, the budget deficit and energy prices are important determinants of the inflation rate in the United States. Further, the relative contribution of these factors to the variance of the forecast error of the price level is consistent with a more dominant impact for monetary changes on the inflation rate. This presents a channel through which Fed officials can counter successfully demand and supply shocks that have potential inflationary effects on the United States economy.