cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature-dependent phase behaviour of tetrahydrofuran–water alters solubilization of xylan to improve co-production of furfurals from lignocellulosic biomass

Xylan is an important polysaccharide found in the hemicellulose fraction of lignocellulosic biomass that can be hydrolysed to xylose and further dehydrated to the furfural, an important renewable platform fuel precursor. Here, pairing molecular simulation and experimental evidence, we reveal how the unique temperature-dependent phase behaviour of water–tetrahydrofuran (THF) co-solvent can delay xylan solubilization to synergistically improve catalytic co-processing of biomass to furfural and 5-HMF. Our results indicate, based on polymer correlations between polymer conformational behaviour and solvent quality, that both co-solvent and aqueous environments serve as ‘good’ solvents for xylan. Interestingly, the simulations also revealed that unlike other cell-wall components (i.e., lignin and cellulose), the make-up of the solvation shell of xylan in THF–water is dependent on the temperature-phase behaviour. At temperatures between 333 K and 418 K, THF and water become immiscible, and THF is evacuated from the solvation shell of xylan, while above and below this temperature range, THF and water are both present in the polysaccharide's solvation shell. This suggested that the solubilization of xylan in THF–water may be similar to aqueous-only solutions at temperatures between 333 K and 418 K and different outside this range. Experimental reactions on beachwood xylan corroborate this hypothesis by demonstrating 2-fold reduction of xylan solubilization in THF–water within a miscible temperature regime (445 K) and unchanged solubilization within an immiscible regime (400 K). Translating this phase-dependent behaviour to processing of maple wood chips, we demonstrate how the weaker xylan solvation in THF–water under miscible conditions can delay furfural production from xylan, allowing 5-HMF production from cellulose to “catch-up” such that their high yield production from biomass can be synergized in a single pot reaction.
Using Mass Spectrometry to Characterize Permeation Half-Life of ICF Targets

A mass spectrometer-based system was developed to measure the collected gas permeating through the shell wall of a spherical ICF target. The resultant ion current was used to calculate the material's permeation half-life. This novel technique is simple, non-destructive, and suitable for measuring targets with short or long half-lives, i.e., very permeable or impermeable target materials, typically in less than 30 min. The technique is suitable for measuring permeation at ambient and elevated temperatures. The results acquired with the mass spectrometer measurements agreed well with those from destructive techniques.
Spurious Thrombocytopenia Due to EDTA-Independent Cold-Reactive Agglutinins

Spurious thrombocytopenia is an infrequent laboratory problem that may be confused with true thrombocytopenia, leading to inappropriate testing to determine the cause of the thrombocytopenia. Spurious thrombocytopenia has been associated most often with temperature-independent, ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-dependent antibodies. Two cases of spurious thrombocytopenia due to temperature-dependent, EDTA-independent agglutinins are reported. Modification of sample processing to maintain the sample near 37 degrees C was necessary to obtain accurate platelet counts. The initial blood cell histograms were abnormal in each case, leading to the diagnosis. However, in one case significant platelet agglutination was not flagged on a subsequent histogram. These cases illustrate that spurious thrombocytopenia may be caused by more than one type of agglutinin and that not all samples with in vitro agglutination are detected by blood cell histograms.
Distributions and Foliations

Given a nonvanishing vector field on a smooth manifold M, the results of Chapter 9 show that the integral curves of the vector field fill up M and fit together nicely like parallel lines in Euclidean space. In this chapter we explore an important generalization of this idea to higher-dimensional submanifolds. Given a smooth subbundle of the tangent bundle of M, called a distribution on M, we can ask whether there are k-dimensional submanifolds (called integral manifolds of the distribution) whose tangent spaces at each point are the given subspaces of the tangent bundle. The answer in this case is more complicated than in the case of vector fields: there is a nontrivial necessary condition, called involutivity, that must be satisfied by the distribution. The main theorem of this chapter, the Frobenius theorem, tells us that involutivity is also sufficient for the existence of an integral manifold through each point. At the end of the chapter, we give applications of the theory to Lie groups and to partial differential equations.
The Future of Marine Fish Culture

This book has reviewed the culture methods for a number of species. Considering value and demand, many of them seem to be candidates for commercial farming, but harsh biological and engineering realities limit the actual list. The best candidates spawn easily and do not have unusual dietary or environmental requirements.
Tetrahydrobiopterin, a cofactor for NOS, improves endothelial dysfunction during chronic alcohol consumption.

We sought to investigate mechanisms that may account for impaired nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent dilatation of cerebral arterioles during alcohol consumption. Our goals were to examine 1) the effect of exogenous application of a cofactor for NOS, i.e., tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) on the reactivity of pial arterioles during alcohol consumption; and 2) endothelial NOS (eNOS) protein in nonalcohol-fed and alcohol-fed rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed liquid diets with or without alcohol for 2-3 mo. We measured in vivo diameter of pial arterioles in response to NOS-dependent agonists (ACh and ADP) and a NOS-independent agonist (nitroglycerin) before and during application of BH4. Blood vessels were then harvested for Western blot analysis of eNOS protein. In nonalcohol-fed rats, ACh and ADP produced vasodilatation, which was impaired in alcohol-fed rats. Vasodilatation to nitroglycerin was similar in both groups of rats. Application of BH4 did not alter vasodilatation in nonalcohol-fed rats but improved impaired vasodilatation in alcohol-fed rats. Also, eNOS protein in cerebral cortex microvessels, the basilar artery, and aorta was not different between nonalcohol-fed and alcohol-fed rats. Thus impaired NOS-dependent vasodilatation during alcohol consumption does not appear to be related to an alteration in eNOS protein but may be related to a deficiency and/or alteration in the utilization of BH4.
Coronary Heart Disease

Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity, accounting for some 18 million deaths worldwide in 2015, and this is expected to grow to >23.6 million by 2030. The biggest cause of cardiovascular death is ischemic heart disease (IHD), for both men and women. Global CVD rates rose by 12.5% between 2005 and 2015, with deaths attributable to IHD increasing by 16.6% to 8.9 million deaths, whilst age-standardised mortality rates fell by 12.8%, reflecting improved survival. IHD is largely attributable to atherosclerosis, a complex, chronic inflammatory process, determined by both genetic and environmental factors. Advances in the understanding of atherosclerotic plaque morphology, acute alterations in plaque morphology associated with acute coronary thrombotic events, and the complex interplay with a prothrombotic milieu and inflammation, have led to the concept of a “vulnerable patient”, rather than just a vulnerable plaque. There remains an important, ongoing need to further reduce mortality and morbidity from IHD, and an appreciation of the pathophysiology of IHD is essential to enable this.
Aging: Antagonistic Pleiotropy Supported by Gut Eating.

Summary A new study has found that, in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, biomass conversion from the intestine to yolk, mediated by autophagy and insulin/IGF-1 signaling, promotes reproduction in early life but aging in late life.
Prospective Immunophenotyping of CD8+ T Cells and Associated Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer Treated With Metastasis-Directed SBRT.

Purpose This study examined the effects of metastasis-directed stereotactic body radiation therapy (mdSBRT) on CD8+ T-cell subpopulations and correlated post-mdSBRT immunophenotypic responses with clinical outcomes in patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer (OPCa). Methods and Materials Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were prospectively isolated from 37 patients with OPCa (≤3 metastases) who were treated with mdSBRT. Immunophenotyping identified circulating CD8+ T-cell subpopulations, including tumor-reactive (TTR), effector memory, central memory (TCM), effector, and naive T cells from samples collected before and after mdSBRT. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess whether changes in these T-cell subpopulations were potential risk factors for death and/or progression. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival. Cumulative incidence for progression and new distant metastasis weas estimated, considering death as a competing risk. Results Median follow-up was 39 months (interquartile range, 34-43). Overall survival at 3 years was 78.2%. Cumulative incidence for local progression and new distant metastasis at 3 years was 16.5% and 67.6%, respectively. Between baseline and day 14 after mdSBRT, an increase in the TCM cell subpopulation was associated with the risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.22 [95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.47]; P = .033), and an increase in the TTR cell subpopulation was protective against the risk of local progression (hazard ratio, 0.80 [95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.98]; P = .032). Conclusions An increase in the TTR cell subpopulation was protective against the risk of disease progression, and an increase in the TCM cell subpopulation was associated with the risk of death in patients with OPCa treated with mdSBRT. Disease control may be further improved by better understanding the CD8+ T-cell subpopulations and by enhancing their antitumor effect.
Economic analysis of production and export performance of litchi in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar

This study in aimed at economic analysis of production and export performance of litchi in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar with specific objectives of determining the production and export trend and estimating the cost of production and farm profitability of litchi in the study area. A total of eight villages in the two sampled block viz.,Mushahari andMuraul blocks were selected randomly for the study. Altogether 120 litchi grower farmers which were classified in to small, medium and large farmers, in these 40, 40 and 40 respondents were sampled, respectively. Cost concepts and farm profitability measures were used to analyse the primary data and compound growth rate and export performance measures the secondary data. The study reveals that the growth rates in area, production and productivity is positive and found 2.76, 3.82 and 0.98, per cent ,respectively in India while in Bihar it is recorded 1.19, 3.02 and 1.75 per cent and negative rate -0.19, -2.07 and -2.03 per cent, respectively in Muzaffarpur. The sample average for total cost of cultivation was 42730.86, gross return was 178267.55 and per hectare net profit at total cost was 135536.69.The growth rate analysis indicate that the export of litchi from muzaffarpur and from India increased by -1.64 and 6.34 per cent per annum during the period of 2001-02 to 2015-16. Per kg price realized for exported litchi during the above period was increased by 17.55 per cent per annum.The problems faced by growers about production were lack of technical know- how irregular fruit setting financial difficulties. The study, therefore, suggest that the litchi growers should be educated to use the recommended FYM and fertilizer application, which will help to increase the per cent level and litchi of production.
Licorice Root Associated With Intracranial Hemorrhagic Stroke and Cerebral Microbleeds

Chinese Licorice root "gan zao" (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is an ancient, medicinal herb utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its presumably antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and expectorant properties. One of the major biologically active components is glycyrrhizin, which when hydrolyzed to glycyrrhetinic acid in the human body, possesses significant hypertensive effects due to interaction with the enzyme 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2.1 Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid also show antithrombotic properties, as orally active, direct inhibitors of blood coagulation factor Xa as well as of thrombin.2 To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of intracranial hemorrhagic stroke associated with Chinese Licorice Root, and first reported case of cerebral microbleeds (CMB) associated with it as well.
Solvent-Free Strategy To Encapsulate Degradable, Implantable Metals in Silk Fibroin

Implantable electronics hold enormous clinical potential for diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative and cardiac diseases and abnormalities. Transient devices are attractive alternatives to conventional silicon electrodes, as they can provide short-term electrical stimulation/recording followed by complete device degradation, mitigating the need for removal surgeries. Packaging transient metals is inherently challenging as they degrade upon contact with aqueous conditions. Development of new transient metal packaging strategies is a critical step toward transient device development. In this fundamental work, a solvent-free compression molding approach to encapsulate magnesium, a resorbable metal, in silk fibroin protein is reported. Silk fibroin was selected because of its processing versatility, desirable mechanical properties, compatibility with biological environments, and controllable degradation behavior in aqueous environments. The silk/magnesium composites were fabricated via compression moldi...
Analysis of copper alloys as an introduction to data analysis and interpretation for General Chemistry courses

The work herein presents a laboratory experience designed to foster clear connections between chemistry concepts, experimental measurements, and laboratory techniques. The experience consists of three different experiments to be completed in sequence over several laboratory sessions. First the density of the samples is determined, then the specific heat capacity is measured, and finally the cooling curves are determined for the analytes. The experimental work covers fundamental concepts in chemistry (i.e., density, calorimetry, and first-order kinetics), and guides students to develop an overarching comprehension of the chemical and physical properties of the analytes. The analytes are copper alloys with other metals (i.e., Sn, Zn, and Al) with variable chemical compositions. These alloys are robust (i.e., thermally stable, durable), and allow for the collection of reproducible data under the proposed experimental design, as shown in the work herein. The discussion of student-gathered data and results supports the feasibility of the laboratory experience for its implementation in General Chemistry laboratory programs.
Comparison of Incident Cardiovascular Event Rates Between Generic and Brand l-Thyroxine for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism.

Abstract Objective To determine whether levothyroxine (L-T4) preparation (generic vs brand) affected hospitalization for cardiovascular events. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis using a large administrative claims database, OptumLabs Data Warehouse, creating two 1-to-1 propensity score–matched cohorts initiating generic or brand L-T4. Patients were followed for a mean of 1.0±1.2 years (range, 0-9.3 years). We included 87,902 propensity score–matched patients (43,951 patients per cohort) initiating generic or brand L-T4. Variables included in matching were age, sex, race/ethnicity, residence region, selected comorbidities, and Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score. Patients with previous use of any thyroid preparation, amiodarone, or lithium were excluded. Primary outcomes were the event rates for hospitalizations for incident atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, or stroke. Results In the generic L-T4 cohort, 35,242 (80.2%) were women and 7327 (16.7%) were 65 years of age or older; in the brand L-T4 cohort, 34,633 (78.8%) were women and 8092 (18.4%) were 65 years of age or older. We found no differences in event rates (events per 1000 person-years) for 4 outcomes comparing generic and brand L-T4 therapy: (1) atrial fibrillation (1.82 vs 2.19; hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; 95% CI, 0.90-1.65; P=.19); (2) myocardial infarction (2.12 vs 1.83; HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.64-1.17; P=.35); (3) congestive heart failure (2.27 vs 2.00; HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.66-1.18; P=.41); and (4) stroke (3.10 vs 2.38; HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59-1.00; P=.05). Stratification by age group revealed no differences. Conclusion In patients with newly treated hypothyroidism, cardiovascular event rates were similar for generic and brand L-T4.
High-grade B-cell lymphoma: a term re-purposed in the revised WHO classification

The designation high-grade B-cell lymphoma traditionally has been used as a general term for B-cell lymphomas that are morphologically aggressive with many mitotic figures, often a starry-sky pattern, and a high proliferation rate as shown by Ki-67 expression. These morphological features correlate with aggressive clinical behaviour. In the 2017 revision of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of lymphomas, the term high-grade B-cell lymphoma has been re-purposed. Most cases in this category include so-called double and triple-hit lymphomas in the subgroup designated high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements. A smaller subset of cases are designated as high-grade B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (NOS). This group is stated to be heterogeneous and includes neoplasms without double/triple-hit genetics as well as neoplasms that do not readily fit within the categories of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma NOS or Burkitt lymphoma. In most cases, accurate diagnosis can be achieved by integration of morphological, immunophenotypic and conventional cytogenetic and/or fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) results. However, a few cases of high-grade B-cell lymphoma show overlapping features with different entities and can cause diagnostic difficulties. The WHO scheme is generally based on a 'snapshot' of current knowledge and, in our opinion, does not entirely capture the current state of knowledge of high-grade B-cell lymphomas. In this article, we review the topic of high-grade B-cell lymphoma as is currently described in the WHO classification, address recent developments, discuss difficulties one can encounter when applying the WHO scheme in daily practice, and we present some suggestions for the diagnostic workup of high-grade B-cell lymphomas.
Tools for probing host-bacteria interactions in the gut microenvironment: From molecular to cellular levels

Healthy function of the gut microenvironment is dependent on complex interactions between the bacteria of the microbiome, epithelial and immune (host) cells, and the surrounding tissue. Misregulation of these interactions is implicated in disease. A range of tools have been developed to study these interactions, from mechanistic studies to therapeutic evaluation. In this Digest, we highlight select tools at the cellular and molecular level for probing specific cell-microenvironment interactions. Approaches are overviewed for controlling and probing cell-cell interactions, from transwell and microfluidic devices to engineered bacterial peptidoglycan fragments, and cell-matrix interactions, from three-dimensional scaffolds to chemical handles for in situ modifications.
Thrust into the Spotlight: COVID-19 Focuses Media Attention on Nursing Homes.

Objective This study sheds light on the agenda setting role of the media during the COVID-19 crisis by examining trends in nursing home (NH) coverage in four leading national newspapers-The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and Los Angeles Times. Methods Keyword searches of the Nexis Uni database identified 2,039 NH-related articles published from September 2018 to June 2020. Trends in the frequency of NH coverage and its tone (negative) and prominence (average words, daily article count, opinion piece) were examined. Results Findings indicate a dramatic rise in the number of NH articles published in the months following the first COVID-19 case, far exceeding previous levels. NH coverage became considerably more prominent, as the average number of words and daily articles on NHs increased. The proportion of negative articles largely remained consistent, though volume rose dramatically. Weekly analysis revealed acceleration in observed trends within the post-COVID-19 period itself. These trends, visible in all papers, were especially dramatic in The New York Times. Discussion Overall, findings reveal marked growth in the frequency and number of prominent and negative NH articles during the COVID-19 crisis. The increased volume of coverage has implications for the relative saliency of NHs to other issues during the pandemic. The increased prominence of coverage has implications for the perceived importance of addressing pre-existing deficits and the devastating consequences of the pandemic for NHs.
Using an Index of Admission Obstacles with Constrained Optimization to Increase the Diversity of College Classes

Today, postsecondary institutions in the US typically wish to enroll entering classes that are both academically qualified and diverse. Although the definition of diversity varies from school to sc...
Cardiac Fibroma with Asymptomatic Ventricular Arrhythmia in an Adolescent with Gorlin's Syndrome

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), also referred to as Gorlin's syndrome, is an autosomal dominant inherited condition that predisposes affected individuals to various tumors such as cardiac fibromas. Though technically benign, cardiac fibromas may result in malignant arrhythmias and sudden death. The pertinent literature pertaining to pediatric cases of cardiac fibromas and their clinical features were reviewed. We present the case of an asymptomatic teenage with de novo NBCCS who was diagnosed with both NBCCS and cardiac fibroma later in life. The patient was noted to have clinically significant ventricular arrhythmias that were eliminated with tumor resection. There are no established best practice guidelines for the management of cardiac fibromas in patients with NBCCS. Given the risk of sudden arrhythmic death, the presence of ventricular arrhythmias should prompt strong consideration of tumor resection.
Optimal Timing of Imaging in Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy for the Detection of Delayed Emptying

424 Objectives: To evaluate various imaging time points in a standard protocol for Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy (GES) for detection of Gastric Emptying Delay (GED). This could potentially lead to protocol optimization by shortening the total study interval while maintaining its diagnostic potential. Methods: Gamma camera conjugate imaging was performed in the anterior and posterior views at time points 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 4-hours as per established Miami Method (MIA) and National Standard Protocol (NSP), in accordance with the consensus guidelines of the ANMS/SNMMI Societies. Patients (N=1002) received a standardized low-fat egg-white meal, of a specific caloric content, radiolabeled with 1 mCi of Tc-99m Sulfur Colloid. Quantitative analysis was performed based on the geometric mean calculation of the decay-corrected counts at each imaging time point, expressed as percent emptying or percent retention. GES data was then collected and analyzed for GED with emphasis on the 2, 2.5 and 4-hour time points. Results: In our large GES patient cohort, 51/167 (30%) and 97/255 (38%) of patients who had GED at 2 and 2.5 hours respectively, per combined MIA and NSP, normalized at 4 hours as defined by less than 10% retention. In, 80/835 (9.6%) and 37/414 (8.9%) patients with normal Gastric Emptying (GE) at 2 and 2.5 hours respectively, per combined NSP and MIA, the GES became abnormal with > 10% retention at 4 hours. Greater than 90% (normal) GE was found in 93/1002 (9.3%) at 2 hours and 249/1002 (24.8%) at 2.5 hours of patients respectively. A threshold value of 80% GE at 2 hours, found in 216/1002 (22%) of patients, was predictive of GE > 90% at 4 hours with 100% certainty. Conclusions: Based on our patient population, the 4-hour scintigraphy is very important in detecting GED studies at 2 and 2.5 hours that become normal with 10% retention at 4 hours; these findings further support the ANMS/SNMMI recommendations. Furthermore, GE value of 80% at 2 hours can be used as threshold in determining predictively normal GE (
A visual analytic framework for graphs

Visual Analytics is the science of analytical reasoning through visual interaction. Graphs are ubiquitous: high-throughput "omics" sciences generate data to study pathways and computer networks use graphs to analyze communications. Graphs are also particularly amenable to visual representation. It is no surprise that graph visual analytics has received a lot of attention as evidenced by the large number of tools and algorithms developed for this purpose. These systems can be very informative, but usually constrain the reader in realizing their full value for the following reasons: they are unable to be scaled or modified for changing and increasing data and they do not support missing attributes and uncertainty in datasets. This dissertation presents several components within a visual analytic framework to address these problems. To support scalable and modifiable methods for graph visual analytics, we introduce a visual analytic graph algebra and its atomic operators, which include selection and aggregation. We demonstrate an implementation of the algebra through a plugin on a widely used visualization tool, Cytoscape. We then use Cytoscape and the algebra to create visualizations to replicate previous statistical studies on high-throughput biological datasets. Next, we present optimization techniques to accelerate the visual exploration and discovery process for repeat workflows. Within our framework, we present a multi-modal graph exploration tool, GreenTrellis to address interaction challenges with large graphs. GreenTrellis links multiple graph signature scatterplots to characterize the graph at different node localities. We present several rich signature representations based on different characteristics and show how they can be used in different analytic tasks through example and user study. Interacting with real world data is messy, data collection often results in missing data; furthermore, the user may have a degree of uncertainty about a desired query. We develop a pattern-matching based algorithm to predict values for missing attributes at nodes. Finally, we introduce a probabilistic framework within the visual analytic algebra that incorporates uncertainty in the queries and provides a probabilistic assessment of the likelihood of the final obtained outcomes.
A Hierarchical Multi-Output Nearest Neighbor Model for Multi-Output Dependence Learning

Multi-Output Dependence (MOD) learning is a generalization of standard classification problems that allows for multiple outputs that are dependent on each other. A primary issue that arises in the context of MOD learning is that for any given input pattern there can be multiple correct output patterns. This changes the learning task from function approximation to relation approximation. Previous algorithms do not consider this problem, and thus cannot be readily applied to MOD problems. To perform MOD learning, we introduce the Hierarchical Multi-Output Nearest Neighbor model (HMONN) that employs a basic learning model for each output and a modified nearest neighbor approach to refine the initial results.
Languageless Places and Poetic Language: The Boundless Desire of Cannibal Clément X

Free from borders and limits, languageless places are imagined in the Western tradition either as sub-human, nightmarish spaces of chaos or divine points of origin and destination. A good example of this phenomenon appears in the works of Hesiod, who will allow me to set up the relationship between cannibalism and poetic language. Recall that, in Hesiod’s Theogony, poetic language is itself presented as the medium through which the languageless past and future may be represented and ordered. Before they grant the gift of making poetry to shepherds, the muses call them “mere bellies”.1 But Hesiod tells what happened when the muses “breathed into me a divine voice to celebrate things that shall be and things that were aforetime.”2 It is through his transformation from a mere belly to a mortal with a divine voice that Hesiod captures the essence of the relationship between poetic language and the languageless place, whether it be the nearly divine Golden Age of the Works and Days or the hollow caves of the Theogony in which monstrous, hyper-animal creatures eat raw flesh. My paper explores the elemental passion for the languageless place in two distinct ways: 1) In the realm of representation, as an inherent feature of poetic language; and 2) Beyond the realm of representation, as an attribute of the psychopathological cannibal. By looking at the differences between represented and enacted desires for languagelessness, I hope to show how the figurative word, or what we might call poetic language, becomes the fragile marker of humanness. Poetic language in this sense comes to condense and reflect upon the central role that language in general plays in the psychical and intellectual fulfillment, as well as the social concord, of human beings.
Dioxin- and Ah receptor-dependent protein binding to xenobiotic responsive elements and G-rich DNA studied by in vivo footprinting.

Abstract DNA-protein interactions before and after transcriptional activation of the carcinogen- and dioxin-inducible enhancer of the murine CYP1A1 gene were detected in vivo by treatment with dimethyl sulfate followed by ligation-mediated, polymerase chain reaction-aided genomic sequencing. Following 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) treatment of mouse Hepa-1 hepatoma cells, evidence of protein binding was detected at the sequence 5' CACGCNA/T 3' within two previously defined xenobiotic response elements (XREs). The observed XRE footprint was similar to that previously identified by in vitro methylation protection footprints and attributed to the binding protein for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin the Ah receptor. No XRE footprinting was observed in Hepa-1 mutant cells possessing a defective Ah receptor. Unexpectedly, evidence of protein binding was also detected at a G-rich DNA sequence immediately adjacent to one of the XREs. Footprinting of the G-rich sequence element, like that of XRE1 and XRE2, was dependent on the presence of a functional Ah receptor. The Ah receptor is therefore able to bind to its own DNA target sites in vivo and is also required for the binding of a second factor to the G-rich element.
Reaction of human skin chymotrypsin-like proteinase chymase with plasma proteinase inhibitors.

Abstract The ability of plasma proteinase inhibitors to inactivate human chymase, a chymotrypsin-like proteinase stored within mast cell secretory granules, was investigated. Incubation with plasma resulted in over 80% inhibition of chymase hydrolytic activity for small substrates, suggesting that inhibitors other than alpha 2-macroglobulin were primarily responsible for chymase inactivation. Depletion of specific inhibitors from plasma by immunoadsorption using antisera against individual inhibitors established that alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-AC) and alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1-PI) were responsible for the inactivation. Characterization of the reaction between chymase and each inhibitor demonstrated in both cases the presence of two concurrent reactions proceeding at fixed relative rates. One reaction, which led to inhibitor inactivation, was about 3.5 and 4.0-fold faster than the other, which led to chymase inactivation. This was demonstrated in linear titrations of proteinase activity which exhibited endpoint stoichiometries of 4.5 (alpha 1-AC) and 5.0 (alpha 1-PI) instead of unity, and SDS gels of reaction products which exhibited a banding pattern indicative of both an SDS-stable proteinase-inhibitor complex and two lower Mr inhibitor degradation products which appear to have formed by hydrolysis within the reactive loop of each inhibitor. At inhibitor concentrations approaching those in plasma where inhibitor to chymase concentration ratios were in far excess of 4.5 and 5.0, the rate of chymase inactivation by both serpin inhibitors appeared to follow pseudo-first order kinetics. The "apparent" second order rate constants of inactivation determined from these data were about 3000-fold lower than the rate constants reported for human neutrophil cathepsin G and elastase with alpha 1-AC and alpha 1-PI, respectively. This suggests that chymase would be inhibited about 650-fold more slowly than these proteinases when released into plasma. These studies demonstrate that although chymase is inactivated by serpin inhibitors of plasma, both inhibitors are better substrates for the proteinase than they are inhibitors. This finding along with the slow rates of inactivation indicates that regulation of human chymase activity may not be a primary function of plasma.
Studying the Origin of the Kuroshio with an Array of ADCP-CTD Moorings

Abstract : Our long-term scientific goals are to understand the dynamics and identify mechanisms of small-scale processes--i.e., internal tides, inertial waves, nonlinear internal waves (NLIWs), and turbulence mixing--in the ocean and their interaction with mesoscale processes such as western boundary currents. We aim to develop improved parameterizations of mixing for ocean models. For this study, our focus is on the origin of the Kuroshio, the interaction among internal tides, internal waves, mesoscale eddies, and the Kuroshio, and the interaction of oceanic processes with the complex topography in Luzon Strait. The primary objectives of this observational program are to quantify the origin of the Kuroshio and quantify its properties at the origin and as it evolves downstream. An array of three or four subsurface moorings will be maintained for about 1 year northeast of the Philippines, where the strong Kuroshio enters Luzon Strait. Each mooring will have an ADCP and a chain of CTD sensors to measure the velocity field, temperature, and salinity in the upper 600 m. We propose to service the moorings and conduct a shipboard survey every 6 months. Our long-term velocity, temperature, and salinity observations will help identify the origin and properties of the Kuroshio before it enters Luzon Strait. We will compare our observations with glider observations and with downstream mooring observations east of Taiwan to quantify the evolution of the Kuroshio.
Conceptual set covering: improving fit-and-split algorithms

Abstract Many learning systems implicitly use the fit-and- split learning method to create a comprehensive hypothesis from a set of partial hypotheses. At the core of the fit-and-split method is the assignment of examples to partial hypotheses. To date, however, this core has been neglected. This paper provides the first definition and model of the fit-and-split assignment problem. Extant systems perform assignment nearly arbitrarily, implicitly using, for example, greedy set covering. This paper also presents Conceptual Set Covering (CSC), a new assignment algorithm. An extensive empirical evaluation over a wide range of learning problems suggests that CSC can improve any fit-and-split learning system.
Lead Poisoning in a Child With a Gunshot Wound

Lead poisoning has infrequently resulted from gunshot wounds with retained lead particles in adults. This has not been previously found in children. The case of an 8-year-old boy in whom lead poisoning developed soon after a gunshot wound is reported. The child had no symptoms directly related to lead poisoning, but he received chelation therapy. The case demonstrates the need to consider lead poisoning in children with retained particles following gunshot wounds.
Capturing Signals from Fast‐relaxing Spins with Frequency‐Swept MRI: SWIFT

Sweep imaging with Fourier transformation, SWIFT, is a relatively new addition to the class of ultra-short T2-sensitive MRI sequences. It reverses the recent paradigm of pulsed NMR methodology by exploiting features of continuous-wave experiments from the early days of NMR. Images are produced by collecting projections of the object in a radial manner. Each projection is excited by a frequency sweep in the presence of a field gradient. MR signal is acquired in gaps in the frequency-swept pulse, in a time-shared manner. Signals are excited sequentially in time and space, leading to phase variation. Phase variation due to the frequency-swept excitation is removed by correlation of the received data with the pulse waveform. The result is equivalent to FID excitation using a short hard pulse. The phase evolution time of signal prior to acquisition is as low as a few microseconds for high bandwidth SWIFT, so signals from spins with extremely short T2s (tens of microseconds) are preserved. Here we describe the SWIFT sequence and signal processing procedures, along with some applications, including magnetization-prepared imaging of the human brain, in vitro imaging of bone and cartilage, in vitro dental imaging, and high-resolution phase imaging of in vitro rat brain. Keywords: NMR; MRI; frequency modulation; frequency sweep; adiabatic pulses; musculoskeletal imaging; radial MRI
Calcium-mediated interactions between the antidiuretic hormone and renal plasma membranes.

Abstract The antidiuretic hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase system has been characterized in a purified preparation of porcine renal plasma membranes. Adenylate cyclase activity was linear over a plasma membrane protein concentration from 30 to 300 µg, and maximal enzyme activity occurred at approximately 7 x 10-4 m ATP. Activation of the system by sodium fluoride was about 10-fold and was produced by 10 to 12 mm sodium fluoride. The adenylate cyclase was stimulated approximately 3-fold by the antidiuretic hormone. One-half maximal stimulation by hormone was measured at 2.2 x 10-8 m antidiuretic hormone. Calcium exhibited an inhibitory effect upon antidiuretic hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase at concentrations of the metal ion above 10-6 m, but it produced little or no inhibition in the sodium fluoride-stimulated system. The chelating agent, ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'tetraacetic acid, at a concentration of 1 mm, completely inhibited antidiuretic hormone-stimulated adenyl cyclase. The activity of the chelator-inhibited enzyme was completely restored by increasing concentrations of calcium. Binding of tritiated antidiuretic hormone to the renal plasma membranes was measured by centrifugation techniques and by filtration through Millipore filters. Both methods demonstrated that binding of the hormone to the membranes occurred at a level of approximately 0.5 pmole of antidiuretic hormone per mg of protein when the hormone was added at a concentration that produced half-maximal stimulation of adenylate cyclase. The rates of association and dissociation for the interaction between the antidiuretic hormone and renal plasma membranes were measured. Binding equilibrium was reached after approximately 10 min at 37°. Dissociation of tritiated bound hormone was shown to be 100% complete after approximately 30 min. Graphical analysis of the time course of dissociation demonstrated that the kinetics of the reaction follows a simple first order rate equation. Neither adrenocorticotropic hormone nor calcitonin exchanged with antidiuretic hormone at its binding site, indicating that the receptor sites exhibit a specificity for the antidiuretic hormone. Calcium ion concentrations in the millimolar range inhibited the rate and level of binding of ADH to renal plasma membranes with complete inhibition reached at 10 mm calcium. However, ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid at the same concentration at which it completely inhibited adenylate cyclase activity had no effect upon the binding of antidiuretic hormone to the membranes. These results suggest that calcium plays multiple regulatory roles with millimolar concentrations inhibiting binding to membrane receptor sites and lower calcium concentrations mediating at a locus within the membrane matrix between the receptor site and the site occupied by adenylate cyclase.
Layered structure of bacterial aggregates produced in an upflow anaerobic sludge bed and filter reactor.

The ultrastructure of bacterial granules that were maintained in an upflow anaerobic sludge bed and filter reactor was examined. The reactor was fed a sucrose medium, and it was operated at 35 degrees C. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the granular aggregates were three-layered structures. The exterior layer of the granule contained a very heterogeneous population that included rods, cocci, and filaments of various sizes. The middle layer consisted of a slightly less heterogeneous population than the exterior layer. A more ordered arrangement, made up predominantly of bacterial rods, was evident in this second layer. The third layer formed the internal core of the granules. It consisted of large numbers of Methanothrix-like cells. Large cavities, indicative of vigorous gas production, were evident in the third layer. On the basis of these ultrastructural results, a model that presents a possible explanation of granule development is offered. Images
A Reflective Teaching Road Map for Pre-service and Novice Early Childhood Educators

Teaching requires skillful and continual analysis of student performance. The need for self-questioning and self-analysis is heightened as historically used teaching practices may hold only limited effectiveness in today's currently diverse classrooms. A reflective teacher looks beyond day-to-day practices and commonly held beliefs to investigate teaching practices and assign meaning to student performance. Reflectivity centers on the responsibility of the teacher for the student's response to instruction and enables the teacher to make effective instructional decisions. Reflective analysis enables teachers to make appropriate instructional decisions; however, the skills to make such analysis may take instruction and experience, and, therefore elude many pre-service and novice teachers. In this article, we present guidelines and strategies to facilitate reflective behaviors appropriate for pre-service and novice teachers. Suggested guidelines are based on the mnemonic "CAR" (Context, Attention, Response). Guiding questions, known as "CAR-keys" were developed to provide a specific model for instructional decision making.
Regional and global forcing of glacier retreat during the last deglaciation

The ongoing retreat of glaciers globally is one of the clearest manifestations of recent global warming associated with rising greenhouse gas concentrations. By comparison, the importance of greenhouse gases in driving glacier retreat during the most recent deglaciation, the last major interval of global warming, is unclear due to uncertainties in the timing of retreat around the world. Here we use recently improved cosmogenic-nuclide production-rate calibrations to recalculate the ages of 1,116 glacial boulders from 195 moraines that provide broad coverage of retreat in mid-to-low-latitude regions. This revised history, in conjunction with transient climate model simulations, suggests that while several regional-scale forcings, including insolation, ice sheets and ocean circulation, modulated glacier responses regionally, they are unable to account for global-scale retreat, which is most likely related to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations.
Monolithically integrated SiGe/Si PIN-HBT front-end transimpedance photoreceivers

The demand for monolithically integrated photoreceivers based on Si-based technology keeps increasing as low cost and high reliability products are required for the expanding commercial market. Higher speed and wider operating frequency range are expected when SiGe/Si heterojunction is introduced to the circuit design. In this paper, a monolithic SiGe/Si PIN-HBT front-end transimpedance photoreceiver is demonstrated for the first time. For this purpose, mesa-type SiGe/Si PIN-HBT technology was developed. Fabricated HBTs exhibit f/sub max/ of 34 GHz with DC gain of 25. SiGe/Si PIN photodiodes, which share base and collector layers of HBTs, demonstrate responsivity of 0.3 A/W at /spl lambda/=850 nm and bandwidth of 450 MHz. Based on these devices, single- and dual-feedback transimpedance amplifiers were fabricated and they exhibited the bandwidth of 3.2 GHz and 3.3 GHz with the transimpedance gain of 45.2 dB/spl Omega/ and 47.4 dB/spl Omega/, respectively. Monolithically integrated single-feedback PIN-HBT photoreceivers were implemented and the bandwidth was measured to be /spl sim/0.5 GHz, which is limited by the bandwidth of PIN photodiodes.
Doubling the CO2 Concentration Enhanced the Activity of Carbohydrate-Metabolism Enzymes, Source Carbohydrate Production, Photoassimilate Transport, and Sink Strength for Opuntia ficus-indica.

After exposure to a doubled CO2 concentration of 750 [mu]mol mol-1 air for about 3 months glucose and starch in the chlorenchyma of basal cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica increased 175 and 57%, respectively, compared with the current CO2 concentration of 370 [mu]mol mol-1, but sucrose content was virtually unaffected. Doubling the CO2 concentration increased the nocturnal malate production in basal cladodes by 75%, inorganic phosphate (Pi) by 32%, soluble starch synthase activity by 30%, and sucrose-Pi synthase activity by 146%, but did not affect the activity of hexokinase. Doubling CO2 accelerated phloem transport of sucrose out of the basal cladodes, resulting in a 73% higher dry weight for the daughter cladodes. Doubling CO2 increased the glucose content in 14-d-old daughter cladodes by 167%, increased nocturnal malate production by 22%, decreased total amino acid content by 61%, and increased soluble starch synthase activity by 30% and sucrose synthase activity by 62%. No downward acclimation of photosynthesis during long-term exposure to elevated CO2 concentrations occurs for O. ficus-indica (M. Cui, P.M. Miller, P.S. Nobel [1993] Plant Physiol 103: 519-524; P.S. Nobel, A.A. Israel [1994] J Exp Bot 45: 295-303), consistent with its higher source capacity and sink strength than under current CO2. These changes apparently do not result in Pi limitation of photosynthesis or suppression of genes governing photosynthesis for this perennial Crassulacean acid metabolism species, as occur for some annual crops.