cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Groundwater Doctrine and Water Withdrawals in the United States

Groundwater is a valuable natural resource which is directly related to food production, human and ecosystem health. In the US, 48% of irrigated agriculture relies on groundwater, but there is no systematic national program responsible for groundwater management. For this paper, each US state was classified based on its most prevalent groundwater doctrine: Absolute Ownership, Prior Appropriation, Reasonable Use, and Correlative Rights. The Koppen climate zone of each state, USGS runoff data and USGS county-level water use data from 1985 to 2015 were used to analyze how groundwater use varies with climate and groundwater doctrine. Semi-arid states, which all follow Prior Appropriation doctrine, have the highest average irrigation rate, while states following Reasonable Use doctrine have the lowest average rate, but the largest variability. Analysis of Covariance shows that in Prior Appropriation states, irrigation volume and area do not increase during warm, dry periods but in Absolute Ownership states irrigation volume does increase. Water use trend analysis shows that irrigated area and groundwater withdrawals have increased over the last 30 years in humid and temperate regions, while irrigated area has decreased in semi-arid regions. At the same time, irrigation rate and the fraction of irrigation coming from groundwater has increased everywhere, suggesting a potential shift in the preferred water source for irrigation. This data analysis will provide insights for future work on how water policy should respond to water scarcity in US.
Non-Fermi liquid behaviour at the orbital-ordering quantum critical point in the two-orbital model

The critical behaviour of a two-orbital model with degenerate dxz and dyz orbitals is investigated by multi-dimensional bosonization. We find that the corresponding bosonic theory has an overdamped collective mode with dynamical exponent z = 3, which appears to be a general feature of a two-orbital model and becomes the dominant fluctuation in the vicinity of the orbital-ordering quantum critical point. Since the very existence of this z = 3 overdamped collective mode induces non-Fermi liquid behaviour near the quantum critical point, we conclude that a two-orbital model generally has a sizable area in the phase diagram showing non-Fermi liquid behaviour. Furthermore, we show that the bosonic theory resembles the continuous model near the d-wave Pomeranchuk instability, suggesting that orbital order in a two-orbital model is identical to nematic order in a continuous model. Our results can be applied to systems with degenerate dxz and dyz orbitals such as iron-based superconductors and bilayer strontium ruthenates Sr3Ru2O7.
Approaches to Studying DNA Elements Associated with Light-Regulated Gene Expression in Conifers

In many angiosperms light regulates the expression of genes coding for the small subunit of ribulose bis-phosphate carboxylase (rbcS) and chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (cab). Upstream DNA sequences of the rbcS and cab genes, associated with transcriptional regulation, are reviewed and the possible role that these sequences have in conifer gene regulation are discussed. A DNA sequence associated with light-regulated gene expression in angiosperms, called box-II, was found in the upstream region of a larch rbcS gene. Using a double reporter system, we present a method that can assign a functional role to the box-II, as well as to other sequences in the upstream region of the larch rbcS gene. This double reporter system has potential in examining the upstream regions of both rbcS and cab genes for sequences that are associated with transcriptional regulation in conifers.
Eponyms in Vascular Neurosurgery: Comprehensive Review of 11 Arteries.

This review is the first comprehensive anatomic report of all venous eponyms used in vascular neurosurgery and provides the historical context of their authors as well as the surgical relevance of every structure. A PubMed literature review identified 13 individuals for whom 18 eponymous venous structures of the brain were named. These structures are the Batson plexus, veins of Breschet, Breschet sinus, vein of Dandy, vein of Galen, prosencephalic vein of Markowski, torcular Herophili, vein of Labbe, venous plexus of Rektorzik, vein of Rolando, basal vein of Rosenthal, sylvian veins, lateral lakes of Trolard, vein of Trolard, hypoglossal plexus of Trolard, petro-occipital vein of Trolard, venous circle of Trolard, and the vein of Vesalius. Eponyms provide a valuable shorthand that encompasses anatomic nuances, variabilities, and surgical relevance. In addition, they elucidate the historical context in which these structures were described and are an academic honor to our predecessors.
A Penalty Decomposition Algorithm with Greedy Improvement for Mean-Reverting Portfolios with Sparsity and Volatility Constraints

Mean-reverting portfolios with few assets, but high variance, are of great interest for investors in financial markets. Such portfolios are straightforwardly profitable because they include a small number of assets whose prices not only oscillate predictably around a long-term mean but also possess enough volatility. Roughly speaking, sparsity minimizes trading costs, volatility provides arbitrage opportunities, and mean-reversion property equips investors with ideal investment strategies. Finding such favorable portfolios can be formulated as a nonconvex quadratic optimization problem with an additional sparsity constraint. To the best of our knowledge, there is no method for solving this problem and enjoying favorable theoretical properties yet. In this paper, we develop an effective two-stage algorithm for this problem. In the first stage, we apply a tailored penalty decomposition method for finding a stationary point of this nonconvex problem. For a fixed penalty parameter, the block coordinate descent method is utilized to find a stationary point of the associated penalty subproblem. In the second stage, we improve the result from the first stage via a greedy scheme that solves restricted nonconvex quadratically constrained quadratic programs (QCQPs). We show that the optimal value of such a QCQP can be obtained by solving their semidefinite relaxations. Numerical experiments on S\&P 500 are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
An Overview of Resting State Functional Connectivity Studies of Major Depressive Disorder

The resting state paradigm is ubiquitous in clinical neuroimaging, being convenient and practical to run, and yielding robust and theoretically salient individual differences in functional connectivity. The richness of the data, and the consequential variety of analyses that can be performed is both a blessing and a curse, providing many potential leads but few decisive observations. The problems of this complexity are compounded when the method is applied to multidimensional phenotypes such as mood disorders. In particular, I explore several potential accounts of the nature of the underlying alteration(s) of functional connectivity in major depression, including structural deficits, Hebbian mechanisms, mood and arousal-related alterations and neurotransmitter-based mechanisms. Evidence for and against each mechanism is described, with methodological heterogeneity and state-related factors being emphasized as areas of particular significance for future work. In summary, I describe the considerable progress that has been made, outlining the many challenges but also successful attempts to make progress toward the goal of identifying replicable and generalizable markers of major depression.
Periodic Points of Ward-Veech Surfaces

For a non-arithmetic Veech surface, it is known that the set points having finite orbit under the Veech group, called the set of periodic points, is finite. However, few examples of these periodic point sets have been computed. In what follows, we compute new examples of periodic point sets for a family of non-hyperelliptic Veech surfaces with unbounded complexity and consider applications to classifying the holomorphic sections of certain surface bundles as well as applications to the study of infinitely generated Veech groups.
An investigation of the effect of a Kevlar-29 composite cover layer on the penetration behavior of a ceramic armor system against 7.62 mm APM2 projectiles

Abstract High hardness ceramics are commonly used in lightweight armor systems to defeat the intrusion of high-speed armor piercing (AP) projectiles. However, bare ceramic tiles are intrinsically brittle, and fragments of various sizes can be generated when subjected to impact, which can cause secondary impact to the wearer and surroundings. In a typical armor design, the ceramic tile is usually covered with a compliant thin sheet to mitigate fragments splattering. In this study, the effect of a Kevlar-29 composite cover layer on a bilayer ceramic/composite armor system is investigated through a combined approach of experimental testing and finite element (FE) simulation. In the experiments, 7.62 mm APM2 projectiles were used to impact single Kevlar-29 composite layer covered ceramic/composite armor systems at three different velocities: 884 m/s, 1070 m/s and 1164 m/s. The restraining effect of the cover layer on the ceramic fragments was clearly observed. A 3D FE model was further developed to analyze the covering effect through the definition of a cohesive surface behavior at the interface between the cover layer and the ceramic tile. The FE model successfully captured the peeling behavior of the cover layer and dominant fracture patterns in the ceramic tile. It shows that, the cover layer can improve the ballistic resistance of the armor system through two major mechanisms: the energy dissipation by itself and its effect on fracture process of the ceramic tile. A high bond strength at the interface can also improve the energy dissipating capability of the armor system.
Schmerzgrenzen um unser Selbst

Dieses erste Kapitel der Schmerzgrenzen um unser Selbst dient der Hinfuhrung zu den Hauptgedanken.
«UN PROBLEMA CON CUERNOS... EL PROBLEMA DE LA CIENCIA MISMA». LA CRÍTICA DE NIETZSCHE A LA RAZÓN CIENTÍFICA

Nietzsche’s reflections on Science show the relevance of his thinking both for general Philosophy and for Philosophy of Science. His extreme challenge is not driven by reasons alien to Science, but for the sake of its own rationality and critical approach, insofar as Nietzsche’s challenge is nothing more than the radicalization of this critical project. However, because of the gap that always occurs in critical reflection, the project is possible only by placing one’s own perspective in a position external to Science, a place that for Nietzsche is provided by art. Only from the standpoint of art can we discover not only the theoretical meaning of Science to life, but also the practical one, insofar as it may be useful to us in order to question Techno-Science’s domination in our daily living.
Lessons learned from the implementation of clinical messaging systems.

The Regenstrief Institute has designed and implemented two clinical messaging systems over the past six years, both called DOCS4DOCS®. These systems receive HL7 messages from data sources and deliver results to clinicians via the web, fax, or as HL7 directed to an EMR. This paper focuses on some of the lessons we have learned, both good and bad. We discuss important issues in clinical messaging including provider mapping, document delivery and duplicate prevention, creating uniform HL7 outbound feeds, user authentication, the problems of allowing Active-X controls, why automatic printing of documents is not important although a frequently requested feature, and assorted other pearls of wisdom we have acquired.
CAMPANHA DA VIA CAMPESINA INTERNACIONAL: SEMENTES PATRIMÔNIO DO POVO A SERVIÇO DA HUMANIDADE

Em junho de 2002, durante a realizacao da Conferencia Mundial da Organizacao das Nacoes Unidas para a Agricultura e a Alimentacao (FAO), em Roma, Italia, a Via Campesina Internacional decidiu implantar a campanha “sementes patrimonio do povo a servico da humanidade”. Essa campanha foi formalmente lancada em janeiro de 2003 durante a realizacao do Forum Social Mundial, em Porto Alegre (RS), no Brasil.
Computational study of breathing methods for inhalation exposure

This research uses an experimentally validated computational fluid dynamics model that includes a personal ventilation system, seated thermal manikin, and floor diffuser to assess the effect of breathing methods on two cases with personal ventilation systems and one without personal ventilation. The personal ventilation systems include a single round jet and a novel low-mixing co-flow nozzle that directs fresh air toward the breathing zone. First, experimental and computational air quality results were compared for the nostril and mouth using the same setup. Then, the effect of breathing on air quality profiles was determined and compared to experimental data. Next, the intake fraction was compared for the three cases when modeling four different breathing methods. The breathing methods include steady-state no breathing, steady-state inhalation, unsteady sinusoidal breathing, and an unsteady realistic profile. Based on the intake fraction, the results show that most breathing methods gave the same results...
The Aurora kinases: role in cell transformation and tumorigenesis.

Aurora kinases representing a novel family of serine/threonine kinases have been identified as key regulators of the mitotic cell division process. The three members of this kinase family, identified so far, referred to as Aurora-A, Aurora-B and Aurora-C kinases, are close homologues of the prototypic yeast Ipl1 and Drosophila aurora kinases, which are known to be involved in the regulation of centrosome function, bipolar spindle assembly and chromosome segregation processes. All three members of the mammalian kinase family have a catalytic domain that is highly conserved with a short C-terminal domain and an N-terminal domain of varying sizes. Following their discovery about five years ago, extensive research has focused on understanding the biological roles of these kinases and elucidation of their pathways, which regulate cell proliferation and maintenance of normal cellular phenotypes. Significant interest in the subject was generated since all three Aurora kinases family members were reported to be overexpressed in many human cancers, and elevated expression has been correlated with chromosomal instability and clinically aggressive disease in some instances. Ectopic overexpression of one member of the family, Aurora-A, was shown to induce oncogenic transformation in cells. Unlike most other putative oncogenes identified, so far, members of this kinase family are expressed and active at the highest level during G2-M phase of the cell cycle. Aurora kinases are localized at the centrosomes of interphase cells, at the poles of the bipolar spindle and in the midbody of the mitotic apparatus. Substrates identified for the Aurora-A and Aurora-B kinases, include a kinesin-like motor protein, spindle apparatus proteins, histone H3 protein, kinetochore protein and the tumor suppressor protein p53. Identification of Aurora kinases as RasGAP Src homology 3 domain binding protein, also implicates these kinases as potential effectors in the Ras pathway relevant to oncogenesis. Abnormal elevated expression of Aurora kinases detected in human cancer cells could help explain the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for the development of many cellular phenotypes associated with malignant cells. Identification of these mechanisms offers the possibility of designing novel targeted therapies for cancer in the future.
Structure-function correlations in the human medial rectus extraocular muscle pulleys.

Purpose. Fibroelastic pulleys function like the trochlea to fix the position and pulling direction of the recti extraocular muscles within the orbit. This study characterized the fine structure of the human medial rectus muscle pulley. Methods. Human medial rectus muscle pulley tissue was dissected at autopsy, immersed in aldehyde fixative solution, and processed for and examined with light and electron microscopy. Results. Pulley structures were located within posterior Tenon's fascia, closely surrounding the medial rectus muscle. Pulleys were comprised of a dense collagen matrix with alternating bands of collagen fibers precisely arranged at right angles to one another. This three-dimensional organization most likely confers high tensile strength to the pulley. Elastin fibrils were interspersed in the collagen matrix. Fibroblasts and mast cells were scattered throughout the relatively acellular and avascular collagen latticework. Connective tissue and smooth muscle bundles suspended the pulley from the periorbita. Smooth muscle was distributed in small, discrete bundles attached deeply into the dense pulley tissue. Conclusions. Fine structural observations confirm the existence and substantial structure of a pulley system in association with the medial rectus extraocular muscle. The presence of pulleys must be considered in models of the oculomotor plant. The cytoarchitecture and placement of pulleys suggest that they are internally rigid structures and are consistent with the idea that they determine functional origins for the extraocular muscles. However, the nature of the connective tissue-smooth muscle struts suspending the pulley system to the orbit supports the notion that the pulley position, and thus the vector force of the eye muscles, may be adjustable.
Comparative Models for Legal Education in the United States: Improved Admissions Standards and Professional Training Centers

This article suggests that legal educators and bar leaders in the United States should capture a clearer vision of their common purposes and lead United States legal education in a continuation of its historical evolution to promote the goal of preparing law students for the actual practice of law.Additionally, this article recommends continued adaptation through the consideration of successful features of the Western European models of legal education in which the academy, bench, bar, and even government work closely together to accomplish this difficult task of preparing and licensing lawyers for private and public service. Though incomplete, the MacCrate Report's description of a lawyer's education as a continuum is compelling. Finally, this article proposes that the lawyer's training should be more carefully shepherded, beginning as early as undergraduate studies and continuing through additional transitional training beyond today's law school curriculum.
Using Computer Technology to Monitor Student Progress and Remediate Reading Problems

School psychologists have used computers in daily practice for many years, predominantly for data management and report writing. However, as school psychologists move toward a more consultative mod...
Gender, Identity and Culture in Learning Physics.

Student engagement in science, as defined by Iva Gurgel, Mauricio Pietrocola, and Graciella Watanabe, is of great importance because a student’s perceived compatibility with science learning is highly influenced by personal identities, or how students see themselves in relations to the world. This can greatly impact their learning experiences. In this forum, I build on the work of Gurgel, Pietrocola, and Watanabe by exploring the relationships between engagement in physics and gender, and by looking at the expansive nature of the concept of culture. I expand the conversation by investigating ways in which learning science has impacted my own identity/worldview, particularly how it affects my personal teaching and learning experiences. I focus the conversation around the relationship between gender and the experience of learning science to further the dialogue concerning identity and how it impacts engagement in science. I also look at the role of didactic transposition in the perceived disconnect with science. I reveal my experiences and analysis through a personal narrative.
Brefeldin A rapidly disrupts plasma membrane polarity by blocking polar sorting in common endosomes of MDCK cells.

Recent studies showing thorough intermixing of apical and basolateral endosomes have demonstrated that endocytic sorting is critical to maintaining the plasma membrane polarity of epithelial cells. Our studies of living, polarized cells show that disrupting endocytosis with brefeldin-A rapidly destroys the polarity of transferrin receptors in MDCK cells while having no effect on tight junctions. Brefeldin-A treatment induces tubulation of endosomes, but the sequential compartments and transport steps of the transcytotic pathway remain intact. Transferrin is sorted from LDL, but is then missorted from common endosomes to the apical recycling endosome, as identified by its nearly neutral pH, and association with GFP chimeras of Rabs 11a and 25. From the apical recycling endosome, transferrin is then directed to the apical plasma membrane. These data are consistent with a model in which polarized sorting of basolateral membrane proteins occurs via a brefeldin-A-sensitive process of segregation into basolateral recycling vesicles. Although disruption of polar sorting correlates with dissociation of γ-adaptin from endosomes, γ-adaptin does not appear to be specifically involved in sorting into recycling vesicles, as we find it associated with the transcytotic pathway, and particularly to the post-sorting transcytotic apical recycling endosome. Movies available on-line
Self-Propagate Mal-Packets in Wireless Sensor Networks: Dynamics and Defense Implications

In this paper, based on our proposed mal-packet self-propagation models in wireless sensor networks, we use TOSSIM to study their propagation dynamics. We also present a preliminary study of the feasibility of mal-packet defense in sensor networks. Specifically, based on random graph theory and percolation theory, we propose the immunization of the highly-connected nodes in order to partition the network into as many separate pieces as possible, thus preventing or slowing down the mal-packet propagation. We study the percolation threshold of different network densities and the effectiveness of immunization in terms of connection ratio, remaining link ratio, and distribution of component sizes. We also present an analysis of the distribution of component sizes.
Preparation of carbon-supported Pt–Pd electrocatalysts with improved physical properties using electroless deposition methods

Abstract Surface modification of a carbon support preceding deposition of catalytic Pd seed nuclei has been used to prepare Pt–Pd catalysts by the electroless deposition (ED) of Pt (onto the Pd surface) from a solution containing PtCl62− and dimethylamine borane reducing agent. Functionalization of a carbon support with nitric acid to form surface carboxylic acid groups is followed by pre-treatment in a pH 14 bath to convert the acid moieties to the corresponding carboxylate (RCOO−) groups. The negative surface charge results in an electrostatic attraction between the carboxylate groups and positively charged Pd2+ cations during wet impregnation to produce smaller catalytic Pd seed nuclei which act as deposition sites for Pt in the ED process. Analysis by TEM after Pt deposition indicated the Pt–Pd particle sizes were smaller and had a more narrow size distribution than a series of Pt–Rh/C catalysts prepared earlier in which there had been no such modification of the carbon surface [K.D. Beard, M.T. Schaal, J.W. Van Zee, J.R. Monnier, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental 72 (2007) 262]. Cyclic voltammetry experiments indicated the Pt–Pd/C catalysts have different (bi)sulfate anion adsorption properties than conventional Pt/C electrocatalysts, suggesting a possible change in the d-band electronic structure of the surface atoms. However, oxygen reduction activity of Pt–Pd/C is only comparable to that of the Pt/C catalyst. Regardless, the results have implications for using ED methods to decrease the amount of Pt used for the oxygen electrode in low temperature fuel cells.
Urea signalling to immediate-early gene transcription in renal medullary cells requires transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor.

Signalling by physiological levels of urea (e.g. 200 mM) in cells of the mammalian renal medulla is reminiscent of activation of a receptor tyrosine kinase. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor may be transactivated by a variety of G-protein-coupled receptors, primarily through metalloproteinase-dependent cleavage of a membrane-anchored EGF precursor. In the murine inner medullary collecting duct (mIMCD3) cell line, urea (200 mM) induced prompt (1-5 min) tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor. Pharmacological inhibition of EGF receptor kinase activity with AG1478 or PD153035 blocked urea-inducible transcription and expression of the immediate-early gene, Egr-1. AG1478 blocked, either fully or partially, other hallmarks of urea signalling including Elk-1 activation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation. EGF receptor kinase inhibition also blocked the cytoprotective effect of urea observed in the context of hypertonicity-inducible apoptosis. EGF receptor transactivation was likely to be attributable to metalloproteinase-dependent ectodomain shedding of an EGF receptor agonist because both specific and non-specific inhibitors of metalloproteinases blocked the urea effect. Heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF), in particular, was implicated because the diphtheria toxin analogue and highly specific antagonist of HB-EGF, CRM197, also blocked urea-inducible transcription. In aggregate, these data indicate that signalling in response to urea in renal medullary cells requires EGF receptor transactivation, probably through autocrine action of HB-EGF.
Density of Salt Solutions: Effect of Ions on the Apparent Density of Water

The apparent density of water in aqueous solutions is analyzed by assuming that the volume occupied by the ions, in the absence of contact ion pairs, can be approximated reliably by spheres with appropriate ionic radii. X-ray data for ionic solutions are used to identify the ionic radii with crystal radii. Small corrections for the sizes of chloride and fluoride are made. Addition of ions to water changes the packing density of the water as well as the average hydrogen bond length. The slope of the apparent density of water versus concentration (taken at infinite dilution) varies from negative to positive for univalent electrolytes at 298 K, 1 atm. In the case of sucrose solutions, the apparent density of water does not change with sucrose concentration. For salts that have a positive slope of apparent water density with concentration, a maximum in apparent density as a function of concentration is generally observed depending on the solubility range. Apparent density maxima at room temperature are more f...
Unsupervised Anomaly Detection and Diagnosis for Liquid Rocket Engine Propulsion

The results of a comprehensive array of unsupervised anomaly detection algorithms applied to Space Shuttle main engine (SSME) data are presented. Most of the algorithms are based upon variants of the well-known unconditional Gaussian mixture model (GMM). One goal of the paper is to demonstrate the maximum utility of these algorithms by the exhaustive development of a very simple GMM. Selected variants will provide us with the added benefit of diagnostic capability. Another algorithm that shares a common technique for detection with the GMM is presented, but instead uses a different modeling paradigm. The model provides a more rich description of the dynamics of the data, however the data requirements are quite modest. We will show that this very simple and straightforward method finds an event that characterizes a departure from nominal operation. We show that further diagnostic investigation with the GMM-based method can be used as a means to gain insight into operational idiosyncrasies for this nominally categorized test. Therefore, by using both modeling paradigms we can corroborate planned operational commands or provide warnings for unexpected operational commands.
Ring chromosome 12 and severe oligospermia: a case report

Objective To describe an unusual presentation of ring chromosome 12, which manifested as severe azoospermia, resulting in male infertility. Design Case report. Setting In vitro fertilization center at a tertiary care hospital. Patient(s) A 27-year-old man diagnosed with unexplained azoospermia and ring chromosome 12 abnormality during a workup for primary infertility. Intervention(s) In vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Main Outcome Measure(s) To confirm the importance of obtaining karyotypes in individuals with severe oligospermia. Result(s) Full-term pregnancy after IVF using donor sperm. Conclusion(s) Severe oligospermia and male infertility should be included in the spectrum of findings found in ring chromosome 12.
Efficient nanoantenna simulation for IR energy harvesting and detection devices

A novel nanoatenna is designed for enhancing an IR energy harvesting device and realization of a focal plane array polarimetric IR detector. Instead of using a bulk semiconductor material for photovoltaic detection, the semiconductor p-n junction is scaled down and loaded at the antenna's terminal where the antenna field enhancement can be utilized. For infrared (IR) devices, a low-band gap material, Indium Gallium Arsenide Antimonide (InGaAsSb) is used and its electrical properties are analyzed in order to optimize it as the antenna load. For maximum power transfer between the antenna and the load, the impedance matching is established by optimizing the antenna geometrical and material parameters as well as utilizing a reactive shunt transmission line stub. In numerical simulations, the Drude model for metal is incorporated in the FEM code to account for plasmonic effects. Also to match the antenna to high load impedance, the antenna is operated at its anti-resonance mode. It is shown that the antenna loaded with InGaAsSb can present a field enhancement as high as 23.5 in a near-IR band. The performance of the IR harvesting device in terms of absorption efficiency is enhanced by 50%. Also the detectivity of the uncooled-IR detecting device made by such antenna and load is improved by a factor equal to the field enhancement factor (∼23).
Autonomy of Art or the Dignity of the Artwork

In this essay I want to show that while the concept of autonomy can hardly make a meaningful contribution to the understanding of contemporary artworks, the concept of the dignity of artwork can make such a contribution.
The Aggregation-Prone Mutant Huntingtin Protein in a Cellular Context - Approaches by Super-Resolution Imaging

The identities of toxic aggregate species in Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis remain ambiguous. While polyQ-expanded mutant huntingtin (Htt) is known to accumulate in compact inclusion bodies inside neurons, this is widely thought to be a protective coping response that sequesters misfolded conformations or aggregated states of the mutated protein. To define the spatial distributions of fluorescently-labeled Htt-exon1 species in the cell model PC12m (terminally differentiated into sympathetic-neuron-like cells with nerve growth factor), we employed highly sensitive single-molecule-based and stimulated emission depletion (STED) super-resolution fluorescence imaging modalities. In addition to inclusion bodies and the diffuse pool of monomers and oligomers, fibrillar aggregates ∼100 nm in diameter and up to ∼1-2 μm in length were observed for pathogenic polyQ tracts (expression experiments with 46 and 97 repeats) after targeted photo-bleaching of the inclusion bodies. These short structures bear a striking resemblance to fibers described in vitro. We identified a sharp cut-off behavior of maximum fibril length and documented the ensuing bundling of these fibers into denser arrangements of varying complexity, both in the cytosolic space and inside the neuritic processes.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with the pipeline embolization device.

Background The pipeline embolization device (PED) has been used for treatment of unruptured aneurysms. Little is known about the use of the PED in ruptured aneurysms. Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of the PED in ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Methods This is a case series with prospective data collection on 20 patients with freshly ruptured aneurysms who were treated with PED (with or without adjunctive coiling) at 2 cerebrovascular centers. Patients were loaded with aspirin and clopidogrel or received an infusion of tirofiban intraoperatively. Results Hunt and Hess grades were I in 7 patients (35%), II in 9 (45%), and III in 4 (20%). The mean duration from hemorrhage to PED placement was 7±7.0 days. A single device was used in all but 1 patient (95%). The procedure was staged in 20%. There was only 1 complication (5%); this was a fatal intraoperative aneurysm dome rupture that occurred during adjunctive coil deployment. Adjunctive coiling was used in 30%. No patient required an invasive procedure after PED placement. Follow-up angiography (mean, 5.3±4.2 months; range, 2-12 months) showed 100% occlusion in 12 (80%) and incomplete occlusion in 3 patients (20%). At latest follow-up, 19 patients achieved a favorable outcome (modified rankin scale 0-2). Conclusion In our preliminary experience, treatment of ruptured aneurysms with the PED was associated with low complication rates, high occlusion rates, and favorable outcomes. These findings suggest that PED may be a safe and effective option for patients with favorable Hunt and Hess grades and aneurysms difficult to treat with conventional methods.
Optical transmission of asymmetric coupled quantum wells under crossed electric and magnetic fields

Low-temperature optical-transmission measurements in asymmetric GaAs coupled quantum wells under crossed electric and magnetic fields suggest orbit-center-dependent energy subbands. The applied electric field brings the conduction subbands into resonance, monitored by comparing the relative intensity of spatially direct and indirect excitonic peaks. Under an applied magnetic field parallel to the plane of the quantum-well layers, the energy separation between the conduction subbands is either reduced or increased depending on the location of the orbit center. This is confirmed by observed shifts in the applied electric field that are required to bring the conduction electron-energy levels to resonance.
Relative strength of photodynamic biologic tissue glue in penetrating keratoplasty in cadaver eyes

Abstract Purpose: To compare the relative strength of photodynamic biologic tissue glue (PBTG) with that of 10-0 nylon sutures in closing penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) wounds in cadaver eyes. Setting: Corneal Research Laboratory, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Methods: A 7 mm central corneal trephination was performed on 8 recently enucleated human eyes. Each corneal button was removed and then resutured in its original position, using 4 interrupted 10-0 nylon cardinal sutures and PBTG (n = 7) or 16 interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures (n = 1). Wound.leak and incisional bursting pressures were determined. Results: The average pressure at which wound leak and iris prolapse occurred was 124 mm Hg (range 70 to 180) and 185 mm Hg (range 90 to 300), respectively. The pressure required to create wound leak increased as the time between glue application and pressurization of the globe lengthened (mean 22 minutes, range 5 to 60 minutes), indicating that the bonding and stability of the adhesive increased with time. In contrast, the control eye developed wound leak at 70 mm Hg and iris prolapse at 300 mm Hg. Conclusions: Photodynamic biologic tissue glue was comparable to sutures in providing adequate corneal wound strength in PKP in a cadaver eye model. Wound closure with PBTG may reduce the number of sutures required in corneal transplantation and decrease the incidence of suture-related complications and allograft rejection.
Model for Nonequilibrium Binding and Affinity Chromatography: Characterization of 8-Hydroxyquinoline Immobilized on Controlled Pore Glass Using a Flow Injection System with a Packed Microcolumn

This paper discusses the use of pulse techniques for analysis of zonal elution data for the determination of mass-transfer and axial dispersion constants for porous support materials with adsorption to the surface or to a surface-bonded phase. As an example, this paper considers the case of controlled pore glass (CPG) with a bonded phase that is used with microcolumns and a flow injection analysis system. For the CPG, axial dispersion in the form of eddy mixing can be described by l = 0.203, and the overall mass-transfer term, K(OL) = 3.9 x 10(-6) cm/s. Additionally, an affinity chromatography model was adapted to effectively describe systems employing CPG as the support material through modification of equations describing typical affinity chromatography systems and by inclusion of an axial dispersion term in the calculation of N. This model was used to predict breakthrough curves for cadmium adsorption by 8-hydroxyquinolinol immobilized on CPG packed in microcolumns. In general, the information from the model can be used to extract equilibrium-based constants (binding strengths and site capacities) from a nonequilibrium flow system. The data and model can also be employed in determining the performance for scaled-up extraction systems. The modified model is available in EXCEL spreadsheet format as Supporting Information.
Distribution of Calcium and Strontium in the Blood of the Laying Hen.

SummarySerum collected from a hen which had been given 25 μc Sr85 was separated on Sephadex G-25 column and found to contain Sr85 activity only in the non-protein fractions. On the other hand, the serum of a control hen showed the Ca to be present in both protein and non-protein fractions. These data suggest that, unlike Ca, Sr is not bound to proteins in the blood.
Stereoscopic Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging at 500 kHz

A new measurement technique for obtaining time- and spatially-resolved image sequences in hypersonic flows is developed. Nitric-oxide planar laser-induced fluorescence (NO PLIF) has previously been used to investigate transition from laminar to turbulent flow in hypersonic boundary layers using both planar and volumetric imaging capabilities. Low flow rates of NO were typically seeded into the flow, minimally perturbing the flow. The volumetric imaging was performed at a measurement rate of 10 Hz using a thick planar laser sheet that excited NO fluorescence. The fluorescence was captured by a pair of cameras having slightly different views of the flow. Subsequent stereoscopic reconstruction of these images allowed the three-dimensional flow structures to be viewed. In the current paper, this approach has been extended to 50,000 times higher repetition rates. A laser operating at 500 kHz excites the seeded NO molecules, and a camera, synchronized with the laser and fitted with a beam-splitting assembly, acquires two separate images of the flow. The resulting stereoscopic images provide three-dimensional flow visualizations at 500 kHz for the first time. The 200 ns exposure time in each frame is fast enough to freeze the flow while the 500 kHz repetition rate is fast enough to time-resolve changes in the flow being studied. This method is applied to visualize the evolving hypersonic flow structures that propagate downstream of a discrete protuberance attached to a flat plate. The technique was demonstrated in the NASA Langley Research Center s 31-Inch Mach 10 Air Tunnel facility. Different tunnel Reynolds number conditions, NO flow rates and two different cylindrical protuberance heights were investigated. The location of the onset of flow unsteadiness, an indicator of transition, was observed to move downstream during the tunnel runs, coinciding with an increase in the model temperature.
CD studies on films of amyloid proteins and polypeptides: quantitative g-factor analysis indicates a common folding motif.

Irrespective of the constituent protein, all amyloid fibrils show similar morphology in the electron microscope and x-ray diffraction patterns characteristic of a “cross-β” structure, with extended β-strands perpendicular to the fibril's long axis. Little is known about the amount or type of this structure. I have measured CD spectra of films formed from a number of amyloid proteins and polypeptides, and estimated their contents of extended secondary structure, by analysis of their g-factor spectra, the ratio of the CD and absorbance signals (P. McPhie, Analytical Biochemistry, 2001, Vol. 293, pp. 109–119). Amyloid films of Aβ-(1–40) peptide, β-2-microglobulin, insulin, and three homopolypeptides show very intense CD spectra, compatible with the presence of a β-helix-like structure, arranged in a common framework in the fibrils. The extent of this structure was estimated as 45–80% in the protein fibrils and 30–80% in the polypeptide fibrils. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Continuous arteriovenous hemodialysis: Effect of dialyzer geometry

Continuous arterio-venous hemodialysis (CAVHD) is an alternative to conventional hemodialysis for treating acute renal failure in critically ill patients [1, 2]. With this technique, a high flux dialyzer is connected to the arterial and venous blood circuit and dialysate is administered counter-current to the direction of blood flow [1, 2]. In this configuration, both diffusive clearance and ultrafiltration occur continuously but at relatively low blood and dialysate flow rates. Since CAVHD uses the patients' arterial blood pressure to circulate blood through the extracorporeal circuit, it is often better tolerated than standard hemodialysis in hemodynamically unstable patients [1]. Moreover, the large ultrafiltration capacity and diffusive clearances of CAVHD devices potentially permits control of fluid balance and biochemical manifestations of uremia [2]. A variety of high flux membranes of different composition are available in both parallel plate and hollow fiber configurations for use in CAVHD. Whereas the performance of parallel plates and hollow fiber dialyzers are roughly equivalent when used in high flow rate hemodialysis [3], dialyzer configuration may influence clearance during CAVHD. In particular, clearances could be limited in hollow fiber dialyzers, which have high flow resistance and consequently, a greater tendency for unstirred layers and/or flow mismatches between dialysate and blood at low flow rates [3]. Whether important differences exist between parallel plates and hollow fiber dialyzers with regard to performance in CAVHD is unknown. Thus, to evaluate the role of dialysis configuration in CAVHD, we performed a crossover study that sequentially used parallel plates and hollow fiber artificial kidneys in acute renal failure patients treated with CAVHD.
Computer analysis of drill point geometry

Abstract The difficulties in drill point geometry analysis are aggravated by the process of drill point design which now includes the hyperboloidal drill and ellipsoidal drill. This paper provides a tool based upon mathematical models for drill point and drill flute geometries which enables drill point geometry to be analyzed accurately and conveniently by computer. The explicit equations for the drill flank contour and the drill angles are derived and shown to be directly calculated from the grinding parameters. This methodology also enables one to calculate the shapes of cutting edges and chisel edges and their relationships with the grinding parameters. A flute contour is designed for the ellipsoidal drill to improve the excessive inclination angles of cutting edges near outside corners. The chisel edge shape is defined so that it can be measured quantitatively as well as qualitatively.
Translational diffusion of polystyrene in cyclohexane at infinite dilution from 283 to 348 K

The translational diffusion coefficients are reported for polystyrenes with molecular weights 2000, 4000, and 9000 in cyclohexane at infinite dilution from 283.2 to 348.2 K. The results suggest that the hydrodynamic radii stay constant to within ±3% and that the real chain for molecular weight 9000 at 308.2 K is well represented by a Gaussian or Monte Carlo model involving the idea of statistical steps. Furthermore, the success of Hildebrand's free-volume empiricism has led to a correlation between Dμ0/T and M which represents the observed diffusivities to within ±2%.
A Critical Select Bibliography of Literature on Internationalizing the Technical and Business Writing Classroom

Several global factors suggest the necessity of internationalizing the business and technical writing curriculum: increases in international business, in the number of workers employed by overseas businesses, in U.S. companies exporting products abroad, and in ethnically and culturally diverse population within our own borders. Despite these factors, however, many teachers in the business and technical writing classrooms are unsure of why they should internationalize their curriculum, or what methods to use to ensure that students benefit from such a curriculum. This critical bibliography provides a practical resource for teachers of business and technical writing who wish to internationalize their curriculum. The bibliography is divided into sections to provide practitioners with resources discussing the rationale for internationalization to specific assignments they may consider using in their classroom
Residency regulations--resisting our reflexes.

Dr. Danielle Ofri writes of feeling vaguely vertiginous from the regulations that govern house-staff training. She suggests that our energy should be directed toward making this octopus of a system...
A Bayesian Analysis of a Poisson Random Effects Model for Home Run Hitters

Abstract The problem of interest is to estimate the home run ability of 12 great major league players. The usual career home run statistics are the total number of home runs hit and the overall rate at which the players hit them. The observed rate provides a point estimate for a player's “true” rate of hitting a home run. However, this point estimate is incomplete in that it ignores sampling errors, it includes seasons where the player has unusually good or poor performances, and it ignores the general pattern of performance of a player over his career. The observed rate statistic also does not distinguish between the peak and career performance of a given player. Given the random effects model of West (1985), one can detect aberrant seasons and estimate parameters of interest by the inspection of various posterior distributions. Posterior moments of interest are easily computed by the application of the Gibbs sampling algorithm (Gelfand and Smith 1990). A player's career performance is modeled using a lo...
Chronic hematuria and localized bladder damage following combined cyclophosphamide and local radiotherapy

A 13-year-old white male had Ewing sarcoma of the right pubic and ischial bones. Initial therapy consisted of 5400 rads in seven weeks to the right side of the pelvis and 14 intravenous injections of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, CTX) at 500 mg/m/sup 2/; BCNU and Adriamycin maintenance therapy continued for a total of two years. He has now been disease-free for five years. Three months following the completion of the right pelvic radiotherapy (RT), while on intravenous CTX, severe hematuria appeared, which subsided, but at present he has continuous microscopic hematuria, as well as periodic episodes of gross hematuria. Serial cystocopies initially revealed thickening and hemorrhagic and edematous changes on the right (irradiated) side of the bladder, and recent multiple telangiectatic patches have been demonstrated as a late healing phase. This case demonstrates the additive toxicity to the bladder of CTX and RT, illustrating that the hemorrhagic cystitis can be extremely protracted lasting five years.