cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biological applications of the SAS system: an overview.

Abstract The SAS system provides biologists with a flexible, easy to use software package for data analysis. Through a combination of data management tools, a wide variety of pre-programmed procedures for sorting, graphing, and statistical analysis and a sophisticated programming language, SAS software can perform all analytical needs for most problems. The recent availability of SAS software on mainframes other than IBM, and more recently on the microcomputer, means that most scientists can have access to the software. In this review we discuss the structure of the SAS language and demonstrate its power in the analysis of biological problems. Although to a lesser extent now than originally, the SAS system is statistically oriented and a working knowledge of statistics is recommended before using its statistical capabilities. However, all biologists will find its data management and summarization capabilities very useful.
Endovascular occlusive intervention in the management of trauma.

This report summarizes a 10-year experience (1978–1987) in a metropolitan hospital with 102 patients sustaining a variety of complex or inaccessible vascular injuries. Management included the application of occlusive interventional arteriographic techniques. Regional injuries included head and neck (56%), trunk (13%), and extremity (32%). Techniques of vascular occlusion were often performed in conjunction with the initial arteriographic evaluation and were comprised of particulate embolization (42%), placement of mechanical devices (36%), or tissue adhesives (1%), or a combination (21%). There were no deaths in this series and the only complications included four cases of dislodgement of the occlusive agent. We demonstrate that endovascular occlusion is a useful, safe and efficacious procedure in selected patients with complex, inaccessible or life-threatening vascular trauma.
The dynamic properties, temperature transitions, and thermal stability of poly (etherether ketone)-thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer blends

Differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical measurements, and thermal gravimetric analysis techniques have been used to thermally characterize blends of poly(etherether ketone)-thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) based on hydroxybenzoic and hydroxynaphthoic acid (HBA/HNA). Based upon differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical measurements, these blends have been shown to be incompatible in the entire range of concentration. For these blends the glass transition temperature of both components does not change much with composition. Dynamic mechanical measurements performed under torsional and flexural modes of testing and different samples geometries indicate that the dynamic properties depend a lot on the above two factors. Anisotropy in these blends was studied by performing dynamic measurements in flow and transverse directions. The effect of orientation is found to be predominant. Dynamic mechanical properties tend to improve in the flow direction, whereas in the transverse direction they are found to decrease with increasing LCP concentration.
Intermetal Oxygen, Sulfur, and Selenium Atom Transfer Reactions Involving Titanium Porphyrin Complexes

The reaction of (octaethylporphyrinato) titanium (IV) perchalcogenido complexes (OEP)Ti([eta][sup 2]-X[sub 2])(X = O,S,Se) with (tetratolylporphyrinato)titanium(II) acetylene complexes (TTP)Ti([eta][sup 2]-PhC[triple bond]CPh) or (TTP)Ti([eta][sup 2]-EtC[triple bond]CEt) in C[sub 6]D[sub 6] results in oxygen, sulfur, or selenium atom transfer processes which produce (TTP)Ti[double bond]X and (OEP)Ti[double bond]X. These reactions are formally two-electron processes in which X-X bond cleavage has occurred and [eta][sup 2]-X[sub 2][sup 2][sup [minus]] is reduced to 2 X[sup 2][sup [minus]] and Ti(II) is oxidized to Ti(IV).
Observation of surface photons on periodic dielectric arrays.

The first observation to the authors’ knowledge of electromagnetic surface waves in a two-dimensional dielectric crystal is reported. By using the coherent microwave transient spectroscopy technique, surface waves are shown to exist at frequencies within the photonic band gap for certain lattice terminations. Energy at gigahertz frequencies is coupled into the surface mode using a prism coupling technique. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions.
Comparison of two isometric handgrip protocols on sympathetic arousal in women.

Abstract Isometric handgrip is commonly used in stress research because the task reliably increases sympathetic arousal. Various handgrip protocols have been used; they vary in handgrip strength, duration of grip, and the number of cycles of handgrip and rest. However, most protocols require the calibration of a maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) prior to the handgrip task, which is not always convenient (i.e., in a functional magnetic resonance imaging study). Here, we wanted to test whether two handgrip protocols with different strength, duration and cycle protocols would reliably elicit sympathetic arousal in the absence of calibrating an MVC. Sixty-two healthy naturally cycling women and women on hormonal contraception participated in one of the two isometric handgrip protocols using a hand therapy ball of medium resistance. Women completed one of the following handgrip protocols: 1) 30% of a perceived maximum voluntary contraction for 3 min or 2) 3 cycles of maximum voluntary contraction for 18 s with a one minute rest in between. All handgrip blocks were counterbalanced with a control condition. Sympathetic arousal was measured throughout the session via pupil diameter changes and salivary alpha-amylase. Results indicate that in the absence of calibrating an MVC, the handgrip tasks elicited different changes in sympathetic arousal. Pupil dilation responses increased significantly in the handgrip versus control blocks only in participants in the 18-s protocol. Additionally, more participants exhibited a salivary alpha-amylase response to the handgrip block in the 18-s condition compared to the 3-min condition. Thus, these results suggest that neuroimaging and behavioral studies with isometric handgrip should be able to successfully induce sympathetic nervous activity with the 18-s paradigm, regardless of the handgrip device and the ability to calibrate an MVC.
Incidence Rate and Outcome of Gram‐Negative Bloodstream Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Bacterial infections are common complications of solid organ transplantation (SOT). In this study, we defined the incidence, mortality and in vitro antimicrobial resistance rates of Gram-negative bloodstream infection (BSI) in SOT recipients. We identified 223 patients who developed Gram-negative BSI among a cohort of 3367 SOT recipients who were prospectively followed at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2007. The highest incidence rate (IR) of Gram-negative BSI was observed within the first month following SOT (210.3/1000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 159.3-268.3]), with a sharp decline to 25.7 (95% CI: 20.1-32.1) and 8.2 (95% CI: 6.7-10.0) per 1000 person-years between 2 and 12 months and more than 12 months following SOT, respectively. Kidney recipients were more likely to develop Gram-negative BSI after 12 months following transplantation than were liver recipients (10.3 [95% CI: 7.9-13.1] vs. 5.2 [95% CI: 3.1-7.8] per 1000 person-years). The overall unadjusted 28-day all-cause mortality of Gram-negative BSI was 4.9% and was lower in kidney than in liver recipients (1.6% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.001). We observed a linear trend of increasing resistance among Escherichia coli isolates to fluoroquinolone antibiotics from 0% to 44% (p = 0.002) throughout the study period. This increase in antimicrobial resistance may influence the choice of empiric therapy.
NED-2: A decision support system for integrated forest ecosystem management

NED-2 is a Windows-based system designed to improve project-level planning and decision making by providing useful and scientifically sound information to natural resource managers. Resources currently addressed include visual quality, ecology, forest health, timber, water, and wildlife. NED-2 expands on previous versions of NED applications by integrating treatment prescriptions, growth simulation, and alternative comparisons with evaluations of multiple resources across a management unit. The NED-2 system is adaptable for small private holdings, large public properties, or cooperative management across multiple ownerships. NED-2 implements a goal-driven decision process that ensures that all relevant goals are considered; the character and current condition of forestland are known; alternatives to manage the land are designed and tested; the future forest under each alternative is simulated; and the alternative selected achieves the owner's goals. NED-2 is designed to link with the NedLite package for field data collection using a handheld PDA, and is constructed to be easy to link to third-party applications. The NED process is being field tested to demonstrate its utility and identify weaknesses. Results of case studies are summarized for two owners, a private individual and the City of Baltimore, Maryland, and its reservoir lands.
Stretch and anesthetic dependency of atrial natriuretic peptide release demonstrated by an ultrastructural assay

Using an ultrastructural assay developed to quantify the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide-containing granules, release of the hormone, in response to different degrees of atrial distension, is directly demonstrated at the cellular level. The ultrastructural assay developed uses an in situ tannic acid perfusion technique to arrest the exocytosis of atrial granules in the anesthetized rat. Secretory granules, which retain the capacity to undergo exocytosis throughout a 30-minute tannic acid perfusion, accumulate at the cell surface in a state of fusion with the plasma membrane, with the core contents retained. Quantification of arrested granules thus provides a measure of the rate of granule release and allows the responses to different stimuli to be assessed. By altering the height of the perfusate, perfusion pressure and hence the degree of distension of the right atrium can be increased, and this causes a proportional rise in the release of secretory granules from individual myocytes. An anesthetic regime incorporating fentanyl citrate was found to increase significantly the rate of granule release, and this was further augmented by atrial distension. Quantification of the numbers of cytoplasmic granules under the same conditions did not reveal a reduction in granules. This is thought to be because only a small pool of granules is recruited for exocytosis, and granule production may continue during the perfusion period. Our assay of atrial secretory granule release allows the effect of a variety of stimulatory and inhibitory agents to be assessed directly at the cellular level and provides an independent comparison with previous biochemical data from whole animal and isolated organ studies. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evaluating the potential for overpressures from the ignition of an LNG vapor cloud during offloading

Abstract Ignition of natural gas (composed primarily of methane) is generally not considered to pose explosion hazards when in unconfined and low- or medium-congested areas, as most of the areas within LNG regasification facilities can typically be classified. However, as the degrees of confinement and/or congestion increase, the potential exists for the ignition of a methane cloud to result in damaging overpressures (as demonstrated by the recurring residential explosions due to natural gas leaks). Therefore, it is prudent to examine a proposed facility’s design to identify areas where vapor cloud explosions (VCEs) may cause damage, particularly if the damage may extend off site. An area of potential interest for VCEs is the dock, while an LNG carrier is being offloaded: the vessel hull provides one degree of confinement and the shoreline may provide another; some degree of congestion is provided by the dock and associated equipment. In this paper, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software FLACS is used to evaluate the consequences of the ignition of a flammable vapor cloud from an LNG spill during the LNG carrier offloading process. The simulations will demonstrate different approaches that can be taken to evaluate a vapor cloud explosion scenario in a partially confined and partially congested geometry.
Finding refuge: The estuarine distribution of the nemertean egg predator Carcinonemertes errans on the Dungeness crab, Cancer magister

Abstract Parasites can significantly impact ecosystems by altering the distributions and population sizes of their host organisms. Some hosts are thought to find refuge from parasitism by entering habitats where their parasites cannot survive. The nemertean worm Carcinonemertes errans is an egg predator that infects the Dungeness crab, Cancer magister, throughout the host's range. To determine if C. magister experiences a refuge from C. errans within estuarine environments, we examined the distribution of C. errans on Dungeness crabs within Oregon's Coos Bay Estuary. Year-round sampling over a three-year period also allowed us to test for temporal variation in the parasite's distribution. We found that parasite prevalence, mean intensity, and parasite density of C. errans infecting C. magister varied along a clear estuarine gradient, with crabs nearest the ocean carrying the heaviest parasite loads. Larger crabs were more heavily infected with worms, and seasonal infection patterns were observed at some sites within the bay. Crabs sampled from coastal waters near the estuary carried significantly more worms than did crabs from the bay, suggesting that the estuary is acting as a spatiotemporal parasite refuge for this important fishery species.
Configurational characterization of the 1-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopropyl radical

Abstract Reductive debromination of 1-bromo-1-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopropane-1-13C produced the labeled radical, the EPR spectrum of which showed a 13Cα = 40.9 G, a Hβ(4H) = 27.0 G, and g = 2.00228, thereby confirming it to be planar, or nearly so.
Modification of the surface characteristics of anodic alumina membranes using sol–gel precursor chemistry

Abstract The objective of the work reported here was to characterize the surface properties of anodic alumina membranes using streaming potential measurements and to modify those properties using sol–gel reactions to deposit titania or silica on the membrane surface. The zeta potential of the pore surface was determined from streaming potential measurements that were performed in KCl solutions of different pH. The isoelectric point of unmodified anodic alumina membranes was found to be at pH ∼8. Membranes whose surface properties had been modified showed zeta potentials in neutral or basic electrolyte that were lower than those observed for unmodified membranes. The isoelectric point for both SiO 2 and TiO 2 modified membranes was found to be at pH ∼6.5–7. However, the surface modifications appeared to be unstable in acidic solution, with zeta potentials of modified membranes returning to values observed for the unmodified membranes after exposure to electrolyte solutions at pH less than ∼6.
Toward a Global Climatology of Severe Hailstorms as Estimated by Satellite Passive Microwave Imagers

AbstractAn 8-yr climatology of storms producing large hail is estimated from satellite measurements using Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E). This allows a unique, consistent comparison between regions that cannot be consistently compared using ground-based records because of varying data collection standards. Severe hailstorms are indicated most often in a broad region of northern Argentina and southern Paraguay and a smaller region in Bangladesh and eastern India. Numerous hailstorms are also estimated in the central and southeastern United States, northern Pakistan and northwestern India, central and western Africa, and southeastern Africa (and adjacent waters). Fewer hailstorms are estimated for other regions over land and scattered across subtropical oceans. Very few are estimated in the deep tropics other than in Africa. Most continental regions show seasonality with hailstorms peaking in late spring or summer. The South Asian monsoon alters the hailstorm clim...
Three new modes of luminescence in the leiognathid fish Gazza minuta: Discrete projected luminescence, ventral body flash, and buccal luminescence

Three new modes of luminescence are described for Gazza minuta (Bloch) (Perciformes: Leiognathidae) as observed in specimens collected in the Philippines in April and May, 1982: discrete projected luminescence (DPL), ventral body flash, and buccal luminescence. DPL sharply contrasts with previously reported modes of diffuse luminescence in leiognathids (counterillumination and opercular flash) in being a pair of bright collimated beams of light emanating from the fish in an anteroventral direction. The brightness, coherence, directionality, and control of DPL suggest striking similarities to luminescence in anomalopid (flashlight) and monocentrid (pinecone) fishes and perhaps in certain apogonids (cardinalfishes). The structural correlate for DPL is a small clear patch of skin lying at the posterior margin of each opercular cavity. Luminescence from the internally located light organ traverses transparent bone and translucent muscle before passing through the clear skin of the patch area. Behavioral and anatomical observations of ventral body flash and buccal luminescence are also presented. These new modes of luminescence indicate a much greater than expected diversity of luminescent behaviors in leiognathids, perhaps greater than that of any other organism yet studied. The internal location of the light organ is recognised as providing the potential for this diversity.
Critical Factors Affecting Field Determination of Hot-Mix Asphalt Density Using Nonnuclear Devices

Nonnuclear methods for the measurement of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) density offer the ability to take numerous density readings in a short time period, without the need for intensive licensing, training, and maintenance efforts common to nuclear gauges. The Pavement Quality Indicator (PQI) and the PaveTracker use electrical impedance to estimate density. Early models of these gauges were deemed inadequate for quality control and quality assurance testing, but improvements have been made to each. In this project, a ruggedness study was performed to evaluate the effects of gauge model, temperature, moisture, use of sand to fill surface voids, gauge orientation, number of replicate measurements, and gauge placement on two nonnuclear gauges. Significant factors arising from the ruggedness study were further investigated. Two 12.5-mm mixes and one 37.5-mm mix were evaluated, using 42 test locations. Gauge orientation was significant, suggesting that the test method protocol should specify gauge orientation with re...
Influence of breed and hormones on production of milk proteins by mammary explants from prepubertal heifers.

Abstract Effects of hormone treatment and breed on lactogenic responses were studied in organ culture of mammary tissue obtained from prepubertal Angus or Holstein heifers. Donor animals were treated with injections of estradiol and progesterone for 7 d and were killed on d 15 after initial injection. Explants were cultured for up to 96h in a basal medium containing insulin, hydrocortisone, and triiodothyronine or a stimulatory medium, further supplemented with prolactin. Concentrations of α-lactalbumin and α s1 -casein were measured in media and explant homogenates by radioimmunoassay, as an index of lactogenesis. In selected cultures, 3 H-labeled amino acids were added to assess de novo protein synthesis. Addition of prolactin to medium elicited marked increases in accumulation of α s1 -casein but had less effect on content of α-lactalbumin or [ 3 H]protein in media or explant homogenates. Explants from Holstein heifers consistently produced more α-lactalbumin, casein, and total protein than those from Angus heifers, reflecting their inherent superiority in ability to produce milk. Breed differences were more readily detected among cultures exposed to prolactin. Demonstration of breed differences in biosynthetic capacity of mammary tissue suggests a possible means for early selection of dairy heifers.
Abstract 3048: High frequencies of centrosome amplification in MMTV-Her2/Neu pre-malignant mammary lesions and in Her2+ breast cancer cells suggest that centrosome amplification is involved in Her2-dependent breast cancer biogenesis

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Centrosome amplification (CA) is a major force in cancer initiation and progression, as it generates aneuploidy and chromosome instability. Observations in breast tumors show that adenocarcinomas have a higher frequency of centrosome defects when compared to normal breast tissue. Similar phenotypes are also found in pre-malignant lesions and in pre-invasive in situ ductal carcinoma, suggesting that these aberrations occur early in breast carcinogenesis. Identification of the pathways and regulatory molecules involved in the generation of CA is essential to understanding the role of CA in breast tumorigenesis. Our published results showed that CA is specific to the Her2 effector Ras at mammary pre-malignancy and in tumorigenesis. Due to the strong association between Her2 over-expression and CA in human breast cancers, our goal is to identify cell and centrosome cycle regulators that are de-regulated by aberrant Her2 signaling in human and mouse mammary epithelial cells. Our results show breast cancer cells over-expressing Her2 and pre-malignant mouse mammary hyperplasias expressing Her2/Neu harbor CA. In Her2+ cells that display a plethora of genetic alterations, this process is dependent on Her2, as revealed by shRNA and shRNA downregulation of Her2. Human breast cancer cells expressing Her2 show up-regulation of cyclin D1 and other important centrosome regulatory molecules. In fact, abrogation of Cdk4 or Cdk6, catalytic partners of cyclin D1 reduced the frequencies of CA in Her2+ cells. In contrast, downregulation of Cdk2 did not affect CA. We want to elucidate the mechanism responsible for CA in Her2+ breast cancers. Cells overexpressing Her2 also display increased frequencies of binucleation, suggesting a defect in cytokinesis. We propose that in Her2+ cells, Cdk4 signals CA through either by hyperphosphorylation of NPM at Thr199, a site that negatively regulates centrosome duplication, and/or through the Rb/E2F pathway. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3048. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3048
What Historical Theorists Haven't Shown*

Summary This paper defends the descriptive theory of reference against recent criticisms. Saul Kripke has argued through a series of counterexamples that the descriptive theory may assign a referent to a speaker's use of a name when there is no referent, and may assign the wrong referent, or no referent at all, when there really is a referent. These conclusions follow, however, only if the speaker is not permitted to use subordinating descriptions, by means of which he borrows his reference from others. It is argued that the descriptive theory can easily accomodate the use of subordinating descriptions and, on general grounds, defend their prominence in the determination of reference. The immediate consequence is that Kripke's counterexamples do not pose a serious problem for the descriptive account. Resume Cet article defend la theorie descriptive de la reference contre de recentes critiques. Saul Kripke lui a objecte, par une serie de contre-exemples, qu'elle peut assigner aľusage d'un mot par un locuteur une reference alors quil ňy en a pas, ou peut lui assigner une fausse reference, ou pas de reference du tout alors quil y en a en realite une. Mais ces conclusions ne sont valables que si ľon ne permet pas au locuteur ľusage de descriptions subordonnantes grâce auxquelles il emprunte sa reference a?on;autres. Ľauteur montre que la theorie de la description peut facilement scar;accommoder de ľusage de descriptions subordonnantes et defend, pour des raisons generales, leur importance dans la determination de la reference. La consequence immediate en est que les contre-exemples de Kripke ne posent plus de serieux problemes pour la theorie descriptive. Zusammenfassung In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die sog. deskriptive Referenztheorie gegen kritische Argu-mente aus neuerer Zeit verteidigt. Saul Kripke hat aufgrund von Gegenbeispielen eingewendet, dass die deskriptive Theorie bei der Verwendung eines Namens durch einen Sprecher zu einer Zuschreibung eines Referenzobjekts fuhren kann, wo tatsachlich kein solches vorhanden ist, und dass sie ein falsches Referenzobjekt Oder gar keines zuordnen kann, wenn wirklich eines vorhanden ist. Diese Behauptung trifft jedoch nur dann zu, wenn dem Sprecher nicht erlaubt wird, unterordnende Beschreibungen zu verwenden, mit Hilfe von welchen er seine Referenz bei andern entlehnt. Es wird gezeigt, dass die deskriptive Theorie ohne weiteres die Verwendung von unter-ordnenden Beschreibungen einbeziehen und aus allgemeinen Grunden ihre vorherrschende Rolle bei der Bestimmung der Referenz behaupten kann. Als unmittelbare Folge dieser Auffassung ergibt sich, dass Kripkes Gegenbeispiele keine unuberwindlichen Schwierigkeiten bereiten.
The effects of Bordetella avium infection on elastin and collagen content of turkey trachea and aorta

Turkey poults were inoculated at hatch with the "W" isolate of Bordetella avium. At 17 d of age, serum copper levels and ceruloplasmin activities were determined. The trachea and aorta were analyzed for collagen and elastin content in an attempt to relate these structural proteins to the clinical observations of tracheal ring distortion and cardiac dysfunction associated with bordetellosis. Serum copper levels and ceruloplasmin activity were elevated in the B. avium-infected poults and indicated enzyme activity sufficient for elastin and collagen cross-link formation. In the infected poults, crude elastin content was increased significantly (0.67% infected vs 0.59% control) in the trachea but not in the aorta (13.12% infected vs 12.68% control). However, collagen content in infected poults (69.7 hydroxyproline residues per 1,000 amino acid residues) was decreased in the trachea compared to the controls (97 hydroxyproline residues per 1,000 amino acid residues), whereas collagen and elastin cross-links (HLNL, hydroxy-lysinohydroxy-norleucine, moles per mole of collagen per 300 residues hydroxyproline) were increased in the trachea of infected poults (2.85 in infected vs 1.80 in control) and also increased (DHLNL, dihydroxy-lysinohydroxy-norleucine, moles/mole of collagen/300 residues hydroxyproline) in the aorta (0.49 in infected vs 0.39 in control) of infected poults. The differences in collagen and elastin content, in association with differences in the cross-linking, appeared to be the cause of tracheal collapse that is characteristic of B. avium infection and also may have an adverse influence on cardiovascular function.
Laparoscopic enterolysis and placement of an intestinal sling before radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer

We present an interesting application of laparoscopy in a man who was otherwise not a candidate for radiotherapy because of an adherent loop of small bowel in the proposed treatment field. Laparoscopic enterolysis was performed and the involved segment was displaced out of the pelvis; a synthetic mesh was placed to serve as a sling to prevent caudal migration back into the pelvis. The patient had a rapid recovery and subsequently completed a full course of radiotherapy. The experienced laparoscopist may find this a good alternative to open surgery in patients with a fixed loop of small bowel who require radiation therapy for pelvic malignancies.
Scale model experimentation: using terahertz pulses to study light scattering

We describe a new class of experiments involving applications of terahertz radiation to problems in biomedical imaging and diagnosis. These involve scale model measurements, in which information can be gained about pulse propagation in scattering media. Because of the scale invariance of Maxwell's equations, these experiments can provide insight for researchers working on similar problems at shorter wavelengths. As a first demonstration, we measure the propagation constants for pulses in a dense collection of spherical scatterers, and compare with the predictions of the quasi-crystalline approximation. Even though the fractional volume in our measurements exceeds the limit of validity of this model, we find that it still predicts certain features of the propagation with reasonable accuracy.
A framework in which to teach (technical) communication to computer science majors

We describe a framework in which to consider designing an entire course for Computer Science majors that covers both technical communications as well as more general communication issues. By utilizing abstraction, we're able to fashion a framework that allows instructors to design specific course elements that meet their needs or priorities. We take advantage of many other efforts reported upon in the past that discuss processes that students can follow in developing effective communication artifacts, blend writing or speaking assignments into individual courses, or talk about communication-intensive courses.
Complete oxidation of solid phase sulfides by manganese and bacteria in anoxic marine sediments

During the physical or biological reworking of surficial marine sediments, metal oxides are often brought into contact with both solid and dissolved sulfides. Experiments simulating these mixing processes demonstrate that in natural sediments Mn-oxides can completely oxidize solid phase sulfides to SO4− under anoxic conditions. The major source of sulfur is probably acid volatile sulfide. Minerals containing Mn+4 are apparently more effective than Mn+3 in driving the oxidation. There is slight or no evidence for complete sulfide oxidation by Fe-oxides under similar conditions. The reaction is inhibited by DNP (dinitrophenol) and azide, implying biological mediation by a group of chemolithotrophic bacteria such as the thiobacilli, having a well-organized cytochrome system, oxidative phosphorylation coupled with sulfide oxidation, and possibly aulolrophic CO2 fixation. Lack of sensitivity to chlorate suggests that a No3− reductase complex is not involved. Because of metal reduction and the overall stoichiometry of reaction, this sulfide oxidation causes a rise in pH in contrast to oxidation by O2. Alkalinity is also simultaneously depeleted by Mn, Ca carbonate precipitation. Both manganoan kutnahorite and manganoan calcite are observed to form rapidly (days) during Mn reduction. The oxidation of sulfides by Mn-oxides is likely to be important, but highly variable, in organic-rich shelf sediments and environments such as hydrothermal vents where sulfidic plumes contact oxidized metals. A substantial Proportion of sedimentary sulfide may be oxidized and Mn reduced by this pathway, particularly in bioturbated sediments. The relative roles of lithotrophic (S) and heterotrophic (C) Mn-reduction in marine sediments are presently unknown.
Conditions which affect initiation of animal cell division by trypsin and thrombin.

It has been well documented that trypsin or thrombin initiate proliferation of quiescent secondary chick embryo cells. However, there has been less certainty about the ability of these proteases to initiate division of quiescent mammalian cells. Accordingly, we studied the conditions under which quiescent chick embryo (CE), mouse embryo (ME), and human diploid foreskin (HF) cells respond to trypsin or thrombin Extended culture of these cell strains in serum-free medium increased the initiation of cell division by both proteases. Under these conditions, CE cell number was increased 90% over controls by trypsin and 70% by thrombin. In contrast, quiescent ME and HF cells both responded better to thrombin than trypsin, giving maximal increases, respectively, of 70 and 40% over controls with thrombin and 22 and 14% with trypsin. Calf serum inhibited the initiation of these cell strains, particularly the ME cells, by both trypsin and thrombin. This inhibition of initiation could be attributed to decreased proteolytic activity in the case of trypsin, but not thrombin In contrast to the cell strains tested, quiescent cultures of the 3T3 cell line showed no detectable increase in cell number with trypsin or thrombin in the absence of serum, and only a slight increase in cell number with thrombin in the presence of serum. However, in the presence of plasma, 3T3 cell number increased up to 20% with thrombin Initiation of cell division by proteases has been reported and confirmed mostly for early passage cell strains rather than cell lines. Our experiments with CE cells indicate that this is possibly the result of a rapid decline in protease responsiveness upon serial subculture. With these cells we found a decline in response first to trypsin, then thrombin, and finally serum Throughout these studies, we compared the ability of trypsin and thrombin to initiate cell division under various conditions. We found several differences between the two proteases, indicating that they initiate cell division by somewhat different mechanisms.
Oxidized low-density lipoprotein alters the effect of matrix stiffness on the formation of endothelial networks and capillary lumens

AbstractFormation of new blood vessels is essential for vascular repair and remodeling, and it is known that biomechanical properties of extracellular matrix play a major role in this process. Our earlier studies have also shown that exposing endothelial cells to oxidized modification of low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) increases endothelial stiffness and facilitates their ability to form cellular networks, suggesting that it facilitates endothelial angiogenic potential. The goal of this study, therefore, was to test the interrelationship between matrix stiffness and oxLDL in the regulation of angiogenesis. Our results show that, as expected, an increase in matrix stiffness inhibited endothelial network formation and that exposure to oxLDL significantly facilitated this process. We also show, however, that oxLDL-induced facilitation of endothelial networks was observed only in stiff (3 mg/mL) but not in soft (1 mg/mL) collagen gels, resulting in blunting the effect of matrix stiffness. Also unexpectedly, ...
Supersymmetric Path Integrals

The supersymmetric path integral is constructed for quantum mechanical models on flat space as a supersymmetric extension of the Wiener integral. It is then pushed forward to a compact Riemannian manifold by means of a Malliavin-type construction. The relation to index theory is discussed.
HST Multicolor (255–1042 nm) Photometry of Saturn's Main Rings: I: Radial Profiles, Phase and Opening Angle Variations, and Regional Spectra

Abstract The main rings of Saturn were observed with the Planetary Camera of the WFPC2 instrument on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) from September 1996 to December 2000 as the ring opening angle to Earth and Sun increased from 4° to 24°, with a spread of phase angles between 0.3° and 6° at each opening angle. The rings were routinely observed in the five HST wideband UBVRI filters (F336W, F439W, F555W, F675W, and F814W) and occasionally in the F255W, F785LP, and F1042M filters. The emphasis in this series of papers will be on radial color (implying compositional) variations. In this first paper we describe the analysis technique and calibration procedure, note revisions in a previously published Voyager ring color data analysis, and present new results based on over 100 HST images. In the 300–600 nm spectral range where the rings are red, the 555/336-nm ratio increases by about 14% as the phase angle increases from 0.3° to 6°. This effect, never reported previously for the rings, is significantly larger than the phase reddening which characterizes other icy objects, primarily because of the redness of the rings. However, there is no discernible tendency for color to vary with ring opening angle at a given phase angle, and there is no phase variation of color where the spectrum is flat. We infer from this combination of facts that multiple intraparticle scattering, either in a regolith or between facts of an unusually rough surface, is important in these geometries, but that multiple interparticle scattering in a vertically extended layer is not. Voyager color ratios at a phase angle of 14° are compatible with this trend, but calibration uncertainties prevent their use in quantitative modeling. Overall ring average spectra are compatible with those of earlier work within calibration uncertainties, but ring spectra vary noticeably with region. We refine and subdivide the regions previously defined by others. The variation seen between radial profiles of ratios between different wavelengths suggests the presence of multiple compositional components with different radial distributions. We present new radial profiles of far-UV color ratio (F336W/F255W) showing substantial global variations having a different radial structure than seen between 555 and 336 nm. We constrain radial variation in the strength of a putative 850-nm spectral feature to be at the percent level or less. There seem to be real variations in the shape of regional ring spectra between 800 and 1000 nm.
Restriction of ectopic eye formation by Drosophila teashirt and tiptop to the developing antenna.

In Drosophila, the retinal determination network comprises a set of nuclear factors whose loss-of-function phenotypes often include the complete or near total elimination of the developing eye. These genes also share the ability of being able to induce ectopic eye formation when forcibly expressed in nonretinal tissues such as the antennae, legs, halteres, wings, and genitals. However, it appears that the ability to redirect and transform tissue fates is limited; not all tissues and cell populations can be forced into adopting an eye fate. In this report, we demonstrate that ectopic eye formation by teashirt and its paralog tiptop, a potential new eye specification gene, is restricted to the developing antennae. Of interest, tiptop appears to be a more effective inducer of retinal formation than teashirt. A genetic screen for interacting proteins failed to identify paralog-specific relationships suggesting that the differences between these two genes may be attributed instead to structural differences between the duplicates. We also demonstrate that in addition to being expressed in coincident patterns within the developing eye, both paralogs are transcribed at very similar levels. Developmental Dynamics 238:2202–2210, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Performance prediction of weldline structure in amorphous polymers

The presence of a weldline generally reduces the mechanical strength of injection molded parts. A typical remedy to eliminate the problem of weak weldline structure has been to increase the melt temperature. This, however, is not an acceptable solution in some situations. A general solution to the weak weldline problem requires an in-depth understanding of the thermomechanical history of the injection molding process. A theoretical model for the strength of weldlines is presented that provides a comprehensive physical insight of the bonding process at the weldline interface. The model is based on the self-diffusion of molecular chains across the polymer-polymer interface and the frozen-in orientation that remains parallel to the interface. Both factors are analyzed separately and then superimposed to predict the strength of weldlines from known processing conditions and geometry. Experimental results show good correlation with predictions.
Stochastic Technology and Prices: Comment

In a recent article Paris and Easter (PE) propose a nonlinear mathematical programming structure and solution procedure for examining production with stochastic prices and technology. Stochastic prices are handled with a mean-variance-type objective function. Stochastic technology is handled with chance constraints. The proposed solution procedure involves solving a sequence of quadratic programming problems that they claim will converge in the limit to the optimal solution. Based on this claim, they offer the procedure as a means by which to obtain close approximations of the optimal solution. This comment demonstrates that the proposed solution method cannot converge in the limit to the optimal solution except in special cases of limited interest. The implication is that the procedure cannot be relied on generally by researchers to obtain close approximations. The demonstration follows a brief review. The allocation problem PE propose and seek to solve is written:
Celiac Artery Avulsion Secondary to Blunt Trauma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 70-year-old male presented with a celiac artery avulsion following a motor vehicle collision. He was hemodynamically stable and complained of severe abdominal pain. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a central supramesocolic retroperitoneal hematoma. There was concern for discontinuity of the celiac artery. At laparotomy, using a left medial visceral rotation, the celiac artery was found completely disrupted and both ends were ligated. He was discharged on post-operative day eleven, without complications. Celiac artery avulsion is reported in 0.01-0.1% of patients sustaining abdominal vascular injuries. This is only the second reported case of blunt celiac artery avulsion. J Med Cases. 2013;4(5):280-283 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc1009e
Efficient Imaging Strategies For Next-Generation Radio Arrays

The performance goals of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) are such that major departures from prior practice for imaging interferometer arrays are required. One class of solutions involves the construction of large numbers of stations, each composed of one or more small antennas. The advantages of such a “large-N” approach are already documented, but attention has recently been drawn to scaling relationships for SKA data processing that imply excessive computing costs associated with the use of small antennas. In this paper we examine the assumptions that lead to such scaling laws, and argue that in general they are unlikely to apply to the SKA situation. A variety of strategies for SKA imaging which exhibit better scaling behaviour are discussed. Particular attention is drawn to field-of-view issues, and the possibility of using weighting functions within an advanced correlator system to precisely control the field-of-view.
Colon cancer screening and surveillance controversies

Purpose of reviewTo discuss new colorectal cancer screening tests and highlight controversies regarding colon screening and surveillance.Recent findingsNew screening guidelines were published in 2008. Tests that primarily detect early cancer include sensitive guaiac fecal occult blood test or fecal
Tenolysis and Capsulectomy After Hand Fractures

There are well established operative procedures for salvage of function after fracture healing. When hand therapy measures have not achieved a satisfactory range of motion, it is reasonable to remove any hardware, if present, and lyse tendon adhesions that prevent tendon gliding. The exact cause of restricted motion and the location of adhesions are not always predictable preoperatively, so the surgeon should anticipate additional procedures such as dorsal/palmar capsulectomies in combination with extensor and/or flexor tenolysis. The use of local anesthesia for direct patient input during the procedure offers great advantages. In the ideal situation there should be a demonstrable functional need in a compliant patient with a well healed fracture and workable articular surfaces. Competent hand therapy should be available postoperatively. The patient's main risk is worsening of the situation if surgery is unsuccessful. A marginal finger with poor neurovascular status may be better served by going to arthrodesis or even amputation. Tenolysis and capsulectomy, when indicated, are useful procedures in the salvage of these difficult problems.
School impairment in adolescents with chronic pain.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess and describe school functioning among adolescents presenting for evaluation in a tertiary care pediatric chronic pain clinic. Adolescents (n = 220, aged 12–17) and their parents participated in the study, providing self-reported data on school attendance, school performance, and perceived academic competence. Participants' schools provided official attendance records, descriptions of accommodations implemented to address the student's pain problems in the school setting, and teacher ratings of academic competence. Results show that many adolescents with chronic pain miss a significant amount of school, experience a decline in grades, and perceive pain to interfere with their school success. Various indicators of school impairment are highly intercorrelated, suggesting that impairment or success in 1 domain is typically associated with similar patterns in other domains of school functioning. However, as a group, adolescents with pain are viewed by themselves and their teachers as academically competent. Strong correlations emerged between different reporters of school functioning indicators such as attendance, suggesting that reliance on parent or adolescent reporting may be sufficient when assessing these domains. Findings underscore the importance of broadly assessing school functioning in adolescents with chronic pain. Perspective This study extends our understanding of school functioning among adolescents with chronic pain. It highlights the need to assess both school attendance and performance in this population as well as how schools respond to pain problems. Devising summary indicators of school impairment can be useful in both clinical and research contexts.
Computing conformational free energy by deactivated morphing

Despite the significant advances in free-energy computations for biomolecules, there exists no general method to evaluate the free-energy difference between two conformations of a macromolecule that differ significantly from each other. A crucial ingredient of such a method is the ability to find a path between different conformations that allows an efficient computation of the free energy. In this paper, we introduce a method called “deactivated morphing,” in which one conformation is morphed into another after the internal interactions are completely turned off. An important feature of this method is the (shameless) use of nonphysical paths, which makes the method robustly applicable to conformational changes of arbitrary complexity.