cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State-of-the-art intra-procedural imaging for the mitral and tricuspid PASCAL Repair System

Advanced intra-procedural imaging techniques have been integral to technical and procedural success transcatheter devices. A novel leaflet approximation therapy, the PASCAL Transcatheter Valve Repair System (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) has demonstrated high procedural success, acceptable safety, and significant clinical improvement in patients with severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation and has CE mark approval in Europe with pivotal trials underway in the USA. This review outlines the pre-procedural imaging views and advanced transoesophageal imaging protocols both mitral and tricuspid valve device implantation.
Demographics of US pediatric contact dermatitis registry providers.

Background Children are as likely as adults to be sensitized and reactive to contact allergens. However, the prevailing data on pediatric allergic contact dermatitis are quantitatively and qualitatively limited because of a narrow geographic localization of data-reporting providers. Objective The aim of the study was to present the first quarter results from the Loma Linda Pediatric Contact Dermatitis Registry focused on registered providers who self-identified as providing care for pediatric allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) within the United States. Methods The US providers were invited to join the registry via completion of an online, secure, 11-question registration survey addressing demographics and clinical practice essentials. The presented results reflect data gathered within the first quarter of registry recruitment; registration is ongoing. Results Of 169 responders from 48 states, the majority of providers were female (60.4%), academic (55.6%), and dermatologists (76.3%). Based on individual provider averages, the minimum cumulative number of pediatric patch-test evaluations performed each year ranged between 1372 and 3468 children. Conclusions The Pediatric Contact Dermatitis Registry provides a description of the current leaders in the realm of pediatric ACD and gaps, which are in need of attention. The registry allows for a collaborative effort to exchange information, educate providers, and foster investigative research with the hope of legislation that can reduce the disease burden of ACD in US children.
Tetrahedron perspective number 2

Abstract The history of ciguatera research at the University of Hawaii during the past 35 years revolves around the search for a molecular structure and strays upon some unexpected paths, far removed from the original goal.
Paronychia caused by HB-1 organisms.

Paronychia, common infections of the nail fold, are usually attributed to Staphylococcus aureus or group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, although a number of other bacteria, viruses, and fungi have occasionally been isolated from these lesions. HB-1 organisms, gram-negative, non-sporeforming rods with distinctive colonial morphology and growth requirements, only rarely infect normal infants and children.1 The association of these bacteria with superficial rather than deep infections is an even rarer occurrence.1 We would like to describe an otherwise normal child who developed a paronychia due to HB-1 bacteria, an association which, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported. CASE REPORT D.F., a 7-year-old boy, presented to St. Louis County Hospital with tenderness and swelling around his left fifth fingernail of two days9 duration.
Piecewise Execution of Nested Data-Parallel Programs

The technique of flattening nested data parallelism combines all the independent operations in nested apply-to-all constructs and generates large amounts of potential parallelism for both regular and irregular expressions. However, the resulting data-parallel programs can have enormous memory requirements, limiting their utility. In this paper, we present piecewise execution, an automatic method of partially serializing data-parallel programs so that they achieve maximum parallelism within storage limitations. By computing large intermediate sequences in pieces, our approach requires asymptotically less memory to perform the same amount of work. By using characteristics of the underlying parallel architecture to drive the computation size, we retain effective use of a parallel machine at each step. This dramatically expands the class of nested data-parallel programs that can be executed using the flattening technique. With the addition of piecewise I/O operations, these techniques can be applied to generate out-of-core execution on large datasets.
State-Business Relations and Economic Development in Africa and India

1. State Business Relations and Economic Development in Africa and India: The Analytical Issues Kunal Sen Part 1: Measuring Effective State Business Relations 2. Measuring State-Business Relations in Sub-Saharan Africa Dirk Willem te Velde 3. Measuring State-Business Relations in India Massimiliano Cali, Siddhartha Mitra and Purnima Purohit Part 2: Effective State Business Relations and Economic Development in Africa 4. State Business Relationships and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa Kunal Sen and Dirk Willem te Velde 5. State-Business Relations and Firm Performance in Zambia Mahvash Saeed Qureshi and Dirk Willem te Velde 6. State-Business Relations and Firm Performance in Ghana Charles Ackah, Ernest Aryeetey, and Ezekiel Clottey 7. State Business Relations and Economic Growth: the case of Mauritius Sawkut Rojid and Boopen Seetanah 8. Particularistic concertation: State-business relations and state formation in colonial Malawi Henry G.Chingaipe Part 3: Effective State Business Relations and Economic Development in India 9. Do Effective State Business Relations Matter for Economic Growth in India? Massimiliano Cali and Kunal Sen 10. State-Business Relations and Productivity in Indian Industry Vinish Kathuria, Rajesh S N Raj and Kunal Sen 11. Industrializing West Bengal? A Case of Institutional Stickiness Deepita Chakravarty and Indranil Bose 12. State Business Relations and Performance of Manufacturing Sector in Andhra Pradesh G. Alivelu, K. Srinivasulu and M. Gopinath Reddy
9 - Optical State-Preparation of Atoms

This chapter discusses some guidelines for the experimentalist interested in performing a state-selected experiment using lasers. As this is meant to be a practical guide, an attempt is made to be fairly self-contained, quoting results from the literature as they are needed. Some knowledge is necessarily assumed, however, in particular regarding atomic structure and spectroscopic notation, and the fundamentals of the interaction between atoms and electromagnetic fields. In addition, some familiarity with the nature of quantum coherence will be useful. Discussion in this chapter is limited to optical pumping in atomic beams, with a strong slant toward collision experiments. A complete review of optical pumping, as it is applied across atomic and molecular physics, would go far beyond the scope of this work. There is a large amount of literature relating to optical pumping in vapor cells, and also cooling and trapping of atoms, that there is simply not enough space to discuss
Experimental studies of the phase transition in YbIn 1 − x Ag x Cu 4

We report measurements of the low-temperature specific-heat coefficient $\ensuremath{\gamma}{=C}_{p}(T)/T,$ cell volume $V(T),$ Hall coefficient ${R}_{H}(T),$ and valence ${z=2+n}_{f}$ [where the Yb hole occupation ${n}_{f}(T)$ was determined from $\mathrm{Yb}{\ensuremath{-}L}_{3}$ x-ray absorption] of single crystals of ${\mathrm{YbIn}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ag}}_{x}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{4}.$ Alloying ${\mathrm{YbInCu}}_{4}$ with Ag increases the temperature ${T}_{s}(x)$ of the first-order isomorphic phase transition and causes it to terminate at a critical point at ${x}_{c}=0.195$ and ${T}_{c}=77\mathrm{K}.$ The variation of $V(T)$ near the critical point is well described by a mean-field equation of state. The phase transition involves a large change in the Kondo temperature, and the transition temperatures ${T}_{s}(x)$ are of order of the Kondo temperatures ${T}_{K}^{+}(x)$ of the high-temperature state. The cell volume is found to vary proportionally to $1\ensuremath{-}{n}_{f}(T).$ At low temperatures, well away from the transition, the Wilson ratio of the susceptibility \ensuremath{\chi}(0) and specific heat coefficient \ensuremath{\gamma} falls within 20% of the value predicted for a Kondo impurity, and $1\ensuremath{-}{n}_{f}(0)$ and \ensuremath{\chi}(0) are roughly proportional as predicted from the Anderson model. The temperature dependence ${n}_{f}(T)$ for temperatures away from the phase transition also fits the predictions of the Kondo model. The small volume discontinuity $\ensuremath{\Delta}{V/V}_{0}$ observed at ${T}_{s}$ suggests that the phase transition is not due to a Kondo volume collapse. The large Hall coefficients ${R}_{H}(T)$ observed for $xl{x}_{c}$ and $Tg{T}_{s}(x)$ suggest instead that a low carrier density in the high-temperature state plays a key role in the phase transition.
Evaluation of Patients with Acoustic Neuroma with Dynamic Posturography

The purpose of the present work was to consider the use of posture tests in patients who had known acoustic tumors. The results suggest that it might be possible to determine whether the tumor is on the inferior or superior branch of the vestibular nerve. This would have clinical significance for planning a surgical approach to the tumor. (OTOLARYNGOL HEAD NECK SURG 1993;109:392–8.)
Responsiveness of dark-adaptation threshold to vitamin A and β-carotene supplementation in pregnant and lactating women in Nepal

BACKGROUND Impaired dark adaptation occurs commonly in vitamin A deficiency. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine the responsiveness of dark-adaptation threshold to vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation in Nepali women. DESIGN The dark-adapted pupillary response was tested in 298 pregnant women aged 15-45 y in a placebo-controlled trial of vitamin A and beta-carotene; 131 of these women were also tested at 3 mo postpartum. Results were compared with those for 100 nonpregnant US women of similar age. The amount of light required for pupillary constriction was recorded after bleaching and dark adaptation. RESULTS Pregnant women receiving vitamin A had better dark-adaptation thresholds (-1.24 log cd/m(2)) than did those receiving placebo (-1.11 log cd/m(2); P: = 0. 03) or beta-carotene (-1.13 log cd/m(2); P: = 0.05) (t tests with Bonferroni correction). Dark-adaptation threshold was associated with serum retinol concentration in pregnant women receiving placebo (P: = 0.001) and in those receiving beta-carotene (P: = 0.003) but not in those receiving vitamin A. Among women receiving placebo, mean dark-adaptation thresholds were better during the first trimester (-1.23 log cd/m(2)) than during the second and third trimesters (-1.03 log cd/m(2); P: = 0.02, t test). The mean threshold of nonpregnant US women (-1.35 log cd/m(2)) was better than that of all 3 Nepali groups (P: < 0.001, t test, for all 3 groups). CONCLUSIONS During pregnancy, pupillary dark adaptation was strongly associated with serum retinol concentration and improved significantly in response to vitamin A supplementation. This noninvasive testing technique is a valid indicator of population vitamin A status in women of reproductive age.
Improved high-rate space-time codes via concatenation of expanded orthogonal block code and M-TCM

In this paper, we propose a new technique for designing an improved high-rate space-time code. The proposed code construction is based on a typical concatenation of a space-time block code and an outer TCM/MTCM encoder. However, unlike the existing STB-MTCM schemes which are rate-lossy, the proposed technique produces higher-rate space-time codes by expanding the cardinality of the available orthogonal space-time signal points before concatenating with an outer M-TCM encoder. The set partitioning concept is then employed to realize large coding gains. Here, we present design examples for the 2-transmitter and 3-transmitter cases. The new space-time codes considerably outperform the existing designs. Furthermore, signal orthogonality is exploited to keep decoding complexity of the proposed construction relatively low.
Similarity methods in signal processing

A signal may contain information that is preserved by certain transformations of the signal. For example, the information phase-modulated signal is not altered by amplitude scaling of the signal. Many processing techniques have been developed to exploit such similarities. In the past, these algorithms have been developed in isolation without regard to common principles of invariance that tie them together. Similarity methods are presented as a unified method of designing processing algorithms invariant to specified transformations. These methods are based upon groups of continuous transformations known as local Lie groups and lead to a quasilinear partial differential equation. Solution of this partial differential equation specifies the form the signal processing operations must take. This form can then be applied using engineering judgment for algorithmic implementation. The paper presents an extended tutorial on Lie groups and similarity methods and quasilinear differential equations drawn from the mathematical literature. This is followed by several examples of signal processing interest that demonstrate that the similarity techniques may be applicable in certain kinds of signal processing problems.
Facial Perceptions: Age's Influence on People's Perceptions of Facial Modifications

A 2x7 between-subject experiment examined the affect of age on people’s perceptions of facial modifications. Researchers instructed participants aged 18-60 to complete two online surveys. One survey contained 10 modified faces (facial piercings and neck tattoos) and the second survey contained 10 non-modified faces. Participants were instructed to look at each face and rate the face using a 5 point Likert scale on five traits: Trustworthiness, Attractiveness, Confidence, Intelligence and Friendliness. Modified faces were rated higher and perceived more positively than the non-modified faces by participants in all age groups. There was an effect of modification on age groups one (18-23 years old), two (24-29 years), five (30-35 years) and six (36-41 years) for the traits Attractiveness and Confidence. These findings suggest people’s perception of strangers’ is influenced by their own age at the time of the encounter and the age of the faces.
Intracranial pressure during epileptic seizures.

Abstract A comatose 31-year-old male with presumed viral encephalitis and frequent partial motor seizures was paralyzed with pancuronium in an attempt to reduce recurrent elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) was continuously monitored with a Richmond Bolt and 5 electrographic seizures originating in the left frontal area were recorded. Each ictal episode was associated with stable blood pressure and an increase of ICP. The average seizure duration was 78 ± 17 sec (mean ± S.D.) and the average maximum increase of ICP above baseline during the seizures was 6.5 ± 0.6 mm Hg with average peak ICP of 16.0 ± 0.86 mm Hg. A simple mathematical model predicts the rate of increase of ICP, the peak ICP, the phase difference between maximum spike frequency and maximum ICP, and the rate at which ICP returns to pre-ictal values after termination of the seizure. The predicted values of ICP closely approximate the experimentally derived data. Therefore, the time course of the ICP appears to be determined by the frequency of the fundamental units of abnormal synchronized activity (the epileptigenic spike) and the CSF pressure-volume dynamics existing at the time of the seizure. An average increment of ICP per spike can be calculated for each seizure. The model also predicts that patients may develop high ICPs due to prolonged seizures. Prolonged unrecognized seizures may occur in patients who are therapeutically paralyzed as demonstrated by the case described here.
DUAL CHART DRIVE FOR GRASS POLYGRAPH

A modification of a polygraph in which a second chart drive is incorporated to allow simultaneous recording at two different chart speeds is described. The auxiliary chart drive is of the same type as the original, having ten speeds and operating independently of the original. Specific uses of the two-chart system are discussed.
Pontine reticular formation neurons: relationship of discharge to motor activity

The discharge correlates of pontine reticular formation units were investigated in unrestrained cats. In agreement with previous investigations using immobilized preparations, we found that these cells had high rates of activity in rapid eye movement sleep, and responded in waking to somatic, auditory, and vestibular stimuli at short latencies, many having polysensory responses and exhibiting rapid "habituation." However, despite the sensory responses of these cells, most unit activity could not be explained by the presence of sensory stimuli. Intense firing occurred in association with specific movements. Units deprived of their adequate somatic, vestibular, and auditory stimuli showed undiminished discharge rates during motor activity. Discrete sensory stimuli evoked sustained unit firing only when they also evoked a motor response. We conclude that activity in pontine reticular formation neurons is more closely related to motor output than to sensory input.
The correlation between 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoate dehydrogenase (13-HODE dehydrogenase) and intestinal cell differention

Abstract The enzyme 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoate dehydrogenase (13-HODE dehydrogenase) catalyzes the NAD+-dependent oxidation of 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid to 13-oxooctadecadienoic acid. In that the oxygenation of linoleic acid is increasingly being shown to be involved in the regulation of cellular function, this enzyme is poised to play a key role in the expression of the biological activity of these compounds. We have measured the activity of 13-HODE dehydrogenase in rat intestinal cells at various stages of differentiation. The specific activity of 13-HODE dehydrogenase shows a strong positive correlation with the degree of differentiation of intestinal mucosal cells from both the small and large intestines. In the small intestine the gradient of activity parallels that of alkaline phosphatase, while in the colon the incorporation of 3H-deoxythymidine and 13-HODE dehydrogenase are inversely related. Since the expression of 13-HODE dehydrogenase is most likely not associated with the nutritive function of the intestinal tract, these data raise the possibility the enzyme plays a role in the process of cellular differentiation.
The Recovery Time Course of the Endothelial Cell Glycocalyx In Vivo and Its Implications In Vitro

Compelling evidence continues to emerge suggesting that the glycocalyx surface layer on vascular endothelial cells plays a determining role in numerous physiological processes including inflammation, microvascular permeability, and endothelial mechanotransduction. Previous research has shown that enzymes degrade the glycocalyx, whereas inflammation causes shedding of the layer. To track the endogenous recovery of the glycocalyx in vivo, we used fluorescent microparticle image velocimetry (micro-PIV) in mouse cremaster muscle venules to estimate the hydrodynamically relevant glycocalyx thickness 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after enzymatic or cytokine-mediated degradation of the layer. Results indicate that after acute degradation of the glycocalyx, 5 to 7 days are required for the layer to endogenously restore itself to its native hydrodynamically relevant thickness in vivo. In light of these findings, and because demonstrable evidence has emerged that standard cell culture conditions are not conducive to providing the environment and/or cellular conditions necessary to produce and maintain a physiologically relevant cell surface glycocalyx in vitro, we sought to determine whether merely the passage of time would be sufficient to promote the production of a hydrodynamically relevant glycocalyx on a confluent monolayer of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Using micro-PIV, we found that the hydrodynamically relevant glycocalyx was substantially absent 7 days postconfluence on HUVEC-lined cylindrical collagen microchannels maintained under standard culture conditions. Thus, it remains to be determined how a hydrodynamically relevant glycocalyx surface layer can be synthesized and maintained in culture before the endothelial cell culture model can be used to elucidate glycocalyx-mediated mechanisms of endothelial cell function.
Substance Abuse Among Puerto Rican and Dominican Gang Members in a Small City Setting

SUMMARY Joining a gang increases an adolescent's risk for substance abuse. To better understand the contextual development of drug use behavior, this retrospective ethnographic study describes a sample of 76 young small-city mainland Puerto-Rican and Dominican males who joined gangs when they were younger. Data is presented and discussed on the drug abuse behavior including their drug using progression and the context in which such use occurs. The young average age of onset 11.2 (sd = 2.6) combined with the rapid progression to more dangerous drugs, which generally occurs within six years, demonstrates the elevated risk associated with small city gang membership. Differences in the patterns of drug use were also found between the English and Spanish speaking groups. The authors discuss the implications of the study findings on the development of interventions. Recommendations address future research possibilities on drug abuse within Latino gangs.
Use and Delivery of Learning Objects in K-12: The Public Television Experience.

Driven by economic efficiencies and the object-oriented paradigm of computer programming, learning objects are the current buzz-word in mediated instruction. Considerable work with learning objects has been undertaken by the Department of Defense and universities with Department of Defense contracts, but the concept of learning objects extends to the K-12 school environment. Public television, with its long history of providing video resources, has embraced the concept of learning objects and has been actively repurposing its vast video libraries to conform to the learning object model. These efforts do not focus on technical standards, data interchange protocols and scalable architectures, but they do offer concrete evidence of the instructional considerations and uses of learning objects in K-12 classrooms
Ceftazidime pharmacokinetics in preterm infants: Effects of renal function and gestational age

Objective: The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the effects of gestational age on ceftmidlme pharmacoklnetics in the preterm infant, (2) to relate these effects to changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and (3) to establish appropriate dosage recommendations for preterm infants on day 3 of life. Methods: Multiple-dose pharmacoklnetics of ceftazidlme (administered twice daily in a 25 or 50 mg/kg body weight intravenous dose) were evaluated in 136 preterm infants on day 3 of life. Blood samples were collected from an arterial catheter 0, ‘12, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours after the intravenous dose. An HPLC method was used to determine ceftazidlme concentrations in serum. The GFR was studied simultaneously by means of the 24-hour continuous lnulin infusion technique. Rewlts: The total body clearance, volume of distribution, and elimination serum half-life of cefiazidime (mean f SD) were 55.7 + 34.4 ml/hr (37.3 + 11.9 ml/hr/kg), 496 f 228 ml (350 f 96 ml/kg), and 6.95 + 2.32 hours, respectively. The mean + SD peak and trough levels were 114.9 f 39.4 and 33.9 + 17.8 mg/L. All infants had a serum trough level above 5 mg/L. Clearance and volume of distribution of ceftazidle and GFR increased significantly with increasing gestational age, whereas serum trough levels and serum half-life of ceftazidlme decreased significantly with increasing gestational age. Ceftazidie clearance increased significantly with increasing GFR Prenatal exposure to indomethacln resulted in significantly lower GFR values and ceftazidlme clearances. Conclusions: Dosage recommendations for ceftazidlme administration in preterm infants during the first week of life should be based on gestational age and GER Additional adjustments in dosage are indlcated in preterm infants who are exposed prenatally to lndomethacin. (CLIN PHARMA COL THER 1995;58:650-9.)
Real-time phase-contrast x-ray imaging: a new technique for the study of animal form and function

Despite advances in imaging techniques, real-time visualization of the structure and dynamics of tissues and organs inside small living animals has remained elusive. Recently, we have been using synchrotron x-rays to visualize the internal anatomy of millimeter-sized opaque, living animals. This technique takes advantage of partially-coherent x-rays and diffraction to enable clear visualization of internal soft tissue not viewable via conventional absorption radiography. However, because higher quality images require greater x-ray fluxes, there exists an inherent tradeoff between image quality and tissue damage. We evaluated the tradeoff between image quality and harm to the animal by determining the impact of targeted synchrotron x-rays on insect physiology, behavior and survival. Using 25 keV x-rays at a flux density of 80 μW/mm-2, high quality video-rate images can be obtained without major detrimental effects on the insects for multiple minutes, a duration sufficient for many physiological studies. At this setting, insects do not heat up. Additionally, we demonstrate the range of uses of synchrotron phase-contrast imaging by showing high-resolution images of internal anatomy and observations of labeled food movement during ingestion and digestion. Synchrotron x-ray phase contrast imaging has the potential to revolutionize the study of physiology and internal biomechanics in small animals. This is the only generally applicable technique that has the necessary spatial and temporal resolutions, penetrating power, and sensitivity to soft tissue that is required to visualize the internal physiology of living animals on the scale from millimeters to microns.
Particle Size Distribution in Aluminum Manufacturing Facilities

As part of exposure assessment for an ongoing epidemiologic study of heart disease and fine particle exposures in aluminum industry, area particle samples were collected in production facilities to assess instrument reliability and particle size distribution at different process areas. Personal modular impactors (PMI) and Minimicro-orifice uniform deposition impactors (MiniMOUDI) were used. The coefficient of variation (CV) of co-located samples was used to evaluate the reproducibility of the samplers. PM2.5 measured by PMI was compared to PM2.5 calculated from MiniMOUDI data. Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and concentrations of sub-micrometer (PM1.0) and quasi-ultrafine (PM0.56) particles were evaluated to characterize particle size distribution. Most of CVs were less than 30%. The slope of the linear regression of PMI_PM2.5 versus MiniMOUDI_PM2.5 was 1.03 mg/m3 per mg/m3 (± 0.05), with correlation coefficient of 0.97 (± 0.01). Particle size distribution varied substantively in smelters, whereas it was less variable in fabrication units with significantly smaller MMADs (arithmetic mean of MMADs: 2.59 μm in smelters vs. 1.31 μm in fabrication units, p = 0.001). Although the total particle concentration was more than two times higher in the smelters than in the fabrication units, the fraction of PM10 which was PM1.0 or PM0.56 was significantly lower in the smelters than in the fabrication units (p < 0.001). Consequently, the concentrations of sub-micrometer and quasi-ultrafine particles were similar in these two types of facilities. It would appear, studies evaluating ultrafine particle exposure in aluminum industry should focus on not only the smelters, but also the fabrication facilities.
Studies on isolated gut mucosal lymphocytes in inflammatory bowel disease. Detection of activated T cells and enhanced proliferation to Staphylococcus aureus and lipopolysaccharides.

To determine whether a defective proliferation of gut mucosal lymphocytes is a contributory factor to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease, we assessed their reactivity toward mitogens and bacterial antigens. Spontaneous replication of intestinal lymphoid cells was higher than that of patient-matched peripheral blood lymphocytes. That gut mucosal lymphocytes appear to be activatedin loco was confirmed by a striking, time-dependent increase in the number of stable E rosettes generated by culturing unstimulated Crohn's disease intestinal lymphoid cells. The responses of lymphocytes from inflamed and normal mucosa to polyclonal mitogens were not only comparable to each other, but to those of corresponding peripheral lymphocytes, as well. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with Crohn's disease showed less proliferation toBacteroides and lipopolysaccharide antigens than did those from control individuals, but replicated similarly in response toStaphylococcus aureus and the enterobacterial common antigen: In contrast, when cultured withStaphylococcus aureus or with lipopolysaccharides, gut mucosal lymphocytes from Crohn's disease proliferated 3–5 times more than did those from normal mucosa, while lymphoid cells from both sources were equally stimulated by the Kunin antigen. Overall, this study found no evidence for a defective proliferative capacity of immune competent cells at the gut mucosal level in inflammatory bowel disease.
Hard-sphere kinetic theory analysis of neutron scattering data in neon

Kinetic model calculations of QTRT (wave-number-dependent-triplerelaxation-time model) are compared with neutron scattering data for gaseous and liquid neon. It is seen that QTRT predicts quite well the density fluctuations in the frequency region of the collective mode excitations. However, its estimate of the non-propagating density fluctuations is substantially smaller than that of the experiment, thus indicating the inadequacy of hardsphere kinetic theory in describing the dynamics of density fluctuations in real gases. Qualitative agreement between the experimental points and the predicted QTRT values exists at the higher liquid density. Potential-dependent effects in the dynamic structure factor seem more pronounced for the fluid states near the critical density.
Revisiting the hierarchy of urban areas in the Brazilian Amazon: a multilevel approach

The Legal Brazilian Amazon, while the largest rainforest in the world, is also a region where most residents are urban. Despite close linkages between rural and urban processes in the region, rural areas have been the predominant focus of Amazon-based population-environment scholarship. Offering a focus on urban areas within the Brazilian Amazon, this paper examines the emergence of urban hierarchies within the region. Using a combination of nationally representative data and community based surveys, applied to a multivariate cluster methodology (Grade of Membership), we observe the emergence of sub-regional urban networks characterized by economic and political inter-dependency, population movement, and provision of services. These networks link rural areas, small towns, and medium and large cities. We also identify the emergence of medium-size cities as important nodes at a sub-regional level. In all, the work provides insight on the proposed model of ‘disarticulated urbanization’ within the Amazon by calling attention to the increasing role of regional and sub-regional urban networks in shaping the future expansion of land use and population distribution in the Amazon. We conclude with a discussion of implications for increasing intra-regional connectivity and fragmentation of conservation areas and ecosystems in the region.
Analogy and technology in Darwin's vision of nature

One of the most significant analogies in the history of science is Charles Darwin's comparison of nature with plant and animal breeding. The analogy of artificial and natural selection is the hallmark of all of Darwin's accounts of organic evolution his last notebook on transmutation, his early drafts of 1842 and 1844, his epistolary summaries of his theory,' and his later published works. It is one of those flourishes that give his writings their enduring appeal. Darwin's use of the analogy certainly sets him apart from Alfred Russel Wallace;2 and he sought to maintain that analogy even at some cost. In the 1860s, when the use of analogy seemed to put his doctrine in jeopardy and he accepted Wallace's criticism that the analogical presentation invited misunderstanding, Darwin still felt that the "connection" between artificial and natural selection was a genuine advantage.3 Twentieth-century students have had a variety of insights into Darwin's use of the breeding analogy in his doctrine of nature. The analogy has been recognized as a rhetorically effective reflection of
A Picosecond Study of the Photophysics of CdS Clusters Grown in situ in Reversed Micelles

A study of the dynamics of the electronic states of CdS semiconductor clusters grown in situ in reversed micelles via picosecond pump-probe technique reveals efficient transient bleaching of the excitonic absorption. This effect is attributable mainly to hole localization near the trapped electron, with no evidence of electron ejection (forming a solvated electron) detectable despite the apparent proximity of the cluster to the included water pool. Bleaching efficiency is cluster-size dependent, and recovery kinetics are governed by the nature of the particle surface. Similar decay behavior is observed in cluster fluorescence. Generally, the decay is characterized by two components, the faster attributed to recombination of a mobile, detrapped electron with a trapped hole, and the slower to an exchange interaction between trapped carriers. The observed strong multiexponentionality of the decay results from a distribution in trap energy levels, as well as from a distribution of distances between traps on the cluster surface. By varying preparation conditions, particles of different sizes with different surface defects can be grown in reversed micelles in a reproducible way so that their electronic properties can be controlled.
PREVENTION OF AUTOIMMUNE DIABETES BY TREATMENT WITH ANTI-LFA-1 AND ANTI-ICAM-1 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in humans and mouse models is caused by a T cell-mediated destruction of the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans. The interaction between T cells and their antigens or targets is assisted by adhesion molecules on the surfaces of lymphocytes and counterreceptors on antigen-presenting or other cells. One such pair of molecules thought to be of importance in IDDM is lymphocyte function-related antigen-1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) because culture of islet cells with cytokines results in the expression of ICAM-1 on islet cells in vitro. To understand the importance of this interaction in the development of autoimmune diabetes, we have studied the ability of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against LFA-1 and/or ICAM-1 to prevent disease in multidose streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (MDSDM). Treatment with both anti-LFA-1 and anti-ICAM-1 mAbs reduced the development of hyperglycemia and insulitis in this model. Treatment with the anti-LFA-1 and anti-ICAM-1 mAbs caused modulation of LFA-1 and ICAM-1 expression on splenocytes, respectively. In mice that were undergoing streptozotocin-induced diabetes, ICAM-1 was found on capillary endothelial cells and on cells surrounding the islets but was not expressed at detectable levels on islet endocrine cells. Thus, interaction between ICAM-1 and LFA-1 is involved in the development of autoimmune diabetes in MDSDM. It is unlikely that ICAM-1 molecules mediate adherence between T cells and islet cells themselves. Our results suggest that treatment with anti-ICAM-1 and anti-LFA-1 mAbs prevents localization of T cells to the islets rather than causing functional impairments of the lymphocytes. The actual sites of interaction between the T cells involved in MDSDM and ICAM-1 are unknown, but may occur on cells that normally express ICAM-1 in the islet or may occur outside the islet itself.
The use of MODIS data and aerosol products for air quality prediction

The Center for Space Research (CSR) is exploring new approaches to integrate data collected by the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor, flown on NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites, into a real-time prediction methodology to support operational air quality forecasts issued by the Monitoring Operations Division (MOD) of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Air pollution is a widespread problem in the United States, with over 130 million individuals exposed to levels of air pollution that exceed one or more health-based standards. Texas air quality is under assault by a variety of anthropogenic sources associated with a rapidly growing population along with increases in emissions from the diesel engines that drive international trade between the US and Central America. The challenges of meeting air quality standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency are further impacted by the transport of pollution into Texas that originates from outside its borders and are cumulative with those generated by local sources. In an earlier study, CSR demonstrated the value of MODIS imagery and aerosol products for monitoring ozone-laden pollution that originated in the central US before migrating into Texas and causing TCEQ to issue a health alert for 150 counties. Now, data from this same event are re-analyzed in an attempt to predict air quality from MODIS aerosol optical thickness (AOT) observations. The results demonstrate a method to forecast air quality from remotely sensed satellite observations when the transient pollution can be isolated from local sources. These pollution sources can be separated using TCEQ's network of ground-based Continuous Air quality Monitoring (CAM) stations.
Short-term consumption of sucralose, a nonnutritive sweetener, is similar to water with regard to select markers of hunger signaling and short-term glucose homeostasis in women

Nonnutritive sweeteners have been used to lower the energy density of foods with the intention of affecting weight loss or weight maintenance. However, some epidemiological and animal evidence indicates an association between weight gain or insulin resistance and artificial sweetener consumption. In the present study, we hypothesized that the nonnutritive sweetener sucralose, a trichlorinated sucrose molecule, would elicit responses similar to water but different from sucrose and sucrose combined with sucralose on subjective and hormonal indications of hunger and short-term glucose homeostasis. Eight female volunteers (body mass index, 22.16 ± 1.71 kg/m(2); age, 21.75 ± 2.25 years) consumed sucrose and/or sucralose in water in a factorial design. Blood samples were taken at fasting and 30 and 60 minutes after treatment followed by a standardized breakfast across treatments, and blood samples were taken 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after breakfast. Plasma was analyzed for glucose, insulin, glucagon, triacylglycerols (TAG), and acylated ghrelin. Perceptions of hunger and other subjective measurements were assessed before each blood sample. No differences were detected in subjective responses, circulating triacylglycerol, or glucagon concentrations among treatments over time. Significant differences were observed in insulin, glucose, and acylated ghrelin concentrations over time only between sucrose-containing treatments and non-sucrose-containing treatments regardless of sucralose consumption. Therefore, sucralose may be a relatively inert nonnutritive sweetener with regard to hunger signaling and short-term glucose homeostasis.
Thresholding based on histogram approximation

The authors propose two automatic threshold-selection schemes, based on functional approximation of the histogram. The first method is based on minimising the sum of square errors, and the second one is based on minimising the variance of the approximated histogram. Experimental results show that, on average, the latter scheme gives better results than the former one, at a small extra computational cost. A 'goodness' measure is proposed to measure the effectiveness of the two schemes, and to compare them against the entropy-based approach and the moment-based approach.
BIOSSIM—A structured machine-independent biological simulation language

Abstract BIOSSIM is a revised and extended biochemical simulation language which has been rewritten in structured (machine-independent) FORTRAN to facilitate maintenance and modification. Its original capability to translate chemical reactions into differential equations and solve them has been greatly enhanced by provision to represent reactions at equilibrium and individual enzymes by primarily algebraic means, and by the capability to incorporate FORTRAN subroutines to modify or manipulate the solutions of the differential equations in order to more realistically represent physiological inputs to complex biological systems. Computational efficiency has been greatly enhanced by adaptation of the Gear stiff differential equation solver, which here runs effectively on computers of 32 bit wordlength, permitting minicomputer usage. Computational efficiency may be further improved by translating relatively small parts of the program into assembly language.
The New West in the Context of Extractive Commodity Theory: The Case of Bison Brucellosis in Yellowstone National Park.

Abstract Extractive commodity theory suggests that rural communities’ transformation from “Old West” to “New West” economies should produce populations that are supportive of environmental initiatives and trusting of environmental groups. Using the Yellowstone-area bison-brucellosis conflict as a case, we explore this possibility as well as the influence of age, sex, percent of life lived in the community and perception of Montana’s economic composition on the New West’s support for environmental initiatives and trust of information sources. Surveys were sent to two New West communities in Montana that were embroiled in the 1996–1997 bison controversy. One hundred and twenty-four of 225 surveys were returned (55%). The results indicate that respondents were supportive of protecting bison, trusting of information sources associated with the ranching industry, and that only perception of the economic composition of Montana was consistently related to these variables. The theoretical implications of this study are explored.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anal canal is a rare condition with increasing incidence rates in the United States population in the past several decades. This review article provides a complete overview of the etiology, anatomy and the approach to the multidisciplinary management of the patient with anal SCC. Chemoradiation therapy for the treatment of SCC of the anal canal provides excellent disease control and survival while preserving anal sphincter function in the majority of patients. The surgeon plays a key role in the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease. Surgical salvage with APR for disease persistence or recurrence in carefully selected patients can result in reasonable 5-year survivals.
Perceived Apparel Quality Revisited: Testing of Its Structural Dimensions from the Perspective of the Generation Y Female Consumers

Abstract The perceived quality is defined as “the customer’s judgment about a product’s overall excellence or superiority” (Zeithaml, 1988, p. 3). The importance of perceived product quality in the consumer decision-making process includes its crucial role in affecting purchase intention or choices (Brucks, Zeithaml, and Naylor, 2000; Teas and Agarwal, 2000), consumer satisfaction (Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry, 1994), and as one of the core/primary facets of customer-based brand equity (Netemeyer et al., 2004). College-aged consumers have shown their growing purchasing power for apparel products (Mintel International Group Ltd., 2006). The buying power of college students in the U.S. retailing industry reached $200 billion a year (Gardyn, 2002). Due to their purchase power in the marketplace, it is important for marketers and retailers to better understand this segment’s apparel quality perception during their purchase decision making process. However, little research effort has been paid to their per...
Feedback between deglaciation, volcanism, and atmospheric CO2

Abstract An evaluation of the historical record of volcanic eruptions shows that subaerial volcanism increases globally by two to six times above background levels between 12 ka and 7 ka, during the last deglaciation. Increased volcanism occurs in deglaciating regions. Causal mechanisms could include an increase in magma production owing to the mantle decompression caused by ablation of glaciers and ice caps or a more general pacing of when eruptions occur by the glacial variability. A corollary is that ocean ridge volcanic production should decrease with the rising sea level during deglaciation, with the greatest effect at slow spreading ridges. CO 2 output from the increased subaerial volcanism appears large enough to influence glacial/interglacial CO 2 variations. We estimate subaerial emissions during deglaciation to be between 1000 and 5000 Gt of CO 2 above the long term average background flux, assuming that emissions are proportional to the frequency of eruptions. After accounting for equilibration with the ocean, this additional CO 2 flux is consistent in timing and magnitude with ice core observations of a 40 ppm increase in atmospheric CO 2 concentration during the second half of the last deglaciation. Estimated decreases in CO 2 output from ocean ridge volcanoes compensate for only 20% of the increased subaerial flux. If such a large volcanic output of CO 2 occurs, then volcanism forges a positive feedback between glacial variability and atmospheric CO 2 concentrations: deglaciation increases volcanic eruptions, raises atmospheric CO 2 , and causes more deglaciation. Such a positive feedback may contribute to the rapid passage from glacial to interglacial periods. Conversely, waning volcanic activity during an interglacial could lead to a reduction in CO 2 and the onset of an ice age. Whereas glacial/interglacial variations in CO 2 are generally attributed to oceanic mechanisms, it is suggested that the vast carbon reservoirs associated with the solid Earth may also play an important role.
Competitive binding of Fe3+, Cr3+, and Ni2+ to transferrin.

Competitive binding of Fe3+, Cr3+, and Ni2+ to transferrin (Tf) was investigated at various physiological iron to Tf concentration ratios. Loading percentages for these metal ions are based on a two M n+ to one Tf (i.e., 100% loading) stoichiometry and were determined using a particle beam/hollow cathode–optical emission spectroscopy (PB/HC-OES) method. Serum iron concentrations typically found in normal, iron-deficient, iron-deficient from chronic disease, iron-deficient from inflammation, and iron-overload conditions were used to determine the effects of iron concentration on iron loading into Tf. The PB/HC-OES method allows the monitoring of metal ions in competition with Fe3+ for Tf binding. Iron-overload concentrations impeded the ability of chromium (15.0 μM) or nickel (10.3 μM) to load completely into Tf. Low Fe3+ uptake by Tf under iron-deficient or chronic disease iron concentrations limited Ni2+ loading into Tf. Competitive binding kinetic studies were performed with Fe3+, Cr3+, and Ni2+ to determine percentages of metal ion uptake into Tf as a function of time. The initial rates of Fe3+ loading increased in the presence of nickel or chromium, with maximal Fe3+ loading into Tf in all cases reaching approximately 24%. Addition of Cr3+ to 50% preloaded Fe3+–Tf showed that excess chromium (15.0 μM) displaced roughly 13% of Fe3+ from Tf, resulting in 7.6 ± 1.3% Cr3+ loading of Tf. The PB/HC-OES method provides the ability to monitor multiple metal ions competing for Tf binding and will help to understand metal competition for Tf binding.