cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and inclusive education for students with the most severe disabilities

This paper examines the role of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in fostering the successful inclusion of students with the most severe disabilities in general education. Best practices in AAC are identified and multiple examples of their implementation are presented. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to integrate AAC into daily school life as a means of fostering all students’ access to and participation in the general education curriculum. A primary premise is that inclusion must be more than just a place; it must constitute a context in which meaningful learning occurs. It is demonstrated that when administered appropriately, interventions involving uses of AAC can foster students’ access to the general education curriculum and acquisition of skills tailored to their individual and diverse needs.
The Influence of Material Parameters on Fast Neutron Radiation Damage of High Purity Germanium Detectors

High-purity germanium detectors containing differing concentrations of [H2], [Si] and [O2] have been irradiated with fast neutrons from a 238Pu 9Be source (average energy 4.2 MeV). Measurements of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) resolution of the 1.17 MeV 60Co photopeak have been carried out as a function of neutron flux, electric field, time after application of bias and detector thickness.
Resection arthroplasty, external fixation, and negative pressure dressing for first metatarsophalangeal joint ulcers.

BACKGROUND A frequent complication for the diabetic patient is neuropathic ulceration on the plantar surface of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint which can be difficult to manage. Debridement and resection arthroplasty with temporary external fixation and VAC dressing (Kinetic Concepts Inc, San Antonio, TX) is an alternative operative treatment to amputation. This study examined the outcomes of one center's experience with patients who have undergone this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study examined patients who underwent the procedure between March 2002 and March 2010. Information was obtained on relevant outcomes including: the initial procedure, secondary procedures on either foot, total time in external fixation, time until amputation, cause of ulceration and co-morbid conditions. During the study period, 16 patients underwent resection arthroplasty with external fixation for first MTP ulceration. Fourteen of these patients had underlying diabetes mellitus, one had Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and one had neuropathy of unknown cause. All were available for followup at the end of the study period. Median followup was 38 (range, 3 to 96) months. RESULTS At latest followup, six patients required amputation, either transmetatarsal or transtibial, to treat their recurring ulceration. CONCLUSION Resection arthroplasty with temporary external fixation appears to be a safe, effective and possible alternative to amputation for the treatment of neuropathic ulceration of the first MTP.
Symmetry at the foundations of quantum theory

Symmetry in its essence is the possibility of making a change that leaves some aspect of the situation unchanged, or, most succinctly, symmetry is immunity to possible change. This is the conceptual formulation of symmetry. It might also be called the qualitative formulation of symmetry, in contrast to the group-theoretical formulation, which might be called the quantitative formulation of symmetry, in contrast to the group-theoretical formulation, which might be called the quantitative formulation of symmetry. The latter is expressed in terms of transformations (or operations), transformation groups, equivalence relations, equivalence classes, symmetry transformations (or symmetry operations), and symmetry groups, and can be developed from the conceptual formulation. For the description and treatment of many applications of symmetry in physics the group-theoretical formulation is the appropriate one. But for the account of the fundamental manifestations of symmetry in physics it is the conceptual formulation that is the more suitable. Symmetry implications of the postulates of quantum theory are investigated.
Unsteady Viscous Flow Causing Rotor-Stator Interaction in Turbines, Part 1: Data, Code Pressure

A coupled experimental and computational study of the effects of the nozzle wake-rotor interaction is carried out to understand the cause and effects of the unsteady e ow in turbine rotors. The paper is organized in two parts. Part 1 deals with the experimental and numerical program and interpretation of the blade pressure e eld. The experiment was carried out in a low-speed turbine at 22.6% of the nozzle chord spacing between the rotor and the nozzle. The laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) data, acquired earlier, is integrated with the dynamic pressure measurements and numerical simulation to provide an integrated interpretation. A systematic study has been carried out to evaluatethe effect of the turbulence model and artie cialdissipation on the accuracy of thenumerical prediction. The steady e owe eld, unsteady pressure at design and off-design conditions on both blade surfaces, and the hub are presented, interpreted, and compared with the predictions from the Navier ‐Stokes code. The predictions are in a good agreement with the data. The second part deals with the integrated interpretation of the unsteady velocity and pressure e eld, as well as the e ow physics associated with the nozzle wake transport and decay.
Irrigated Tall Fescue–Legume Communities in the Southern Rocky Mountains

Short-term testing of perennial forages may not determine their long-term persistence and productivity. A study initiated in 1994 at New Mexico State University's Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde was continued from 1998 to 2001, comparing irrigated monoculture tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and tall fescue in binary mixtures with each of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.), or kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.) in three randomized complete blocks. Percentage of harvested grass in mixtures declined in midseason, but grass dry matter (DM) yield increased across the season. Grass DM yield averaged 7.78 and 4.79 Mg ha -1 yr -1 for the monoculture and mixtures, respectively. Seasonal distribution of kura clover and combined (kura + fescue) DM yield differed from other treatments causing year x harvest x treatment interactions. Cicer milkvetch-tall fescue performed poorly compared with the other treatments (mean annual yield 5.2 Mg ha -1 ). Mean annual yield (12.7 Mg ha -1 ) of the alfalfa-tall fescue mixtures was enough to enhance its usefulness over monoculture grass through reduced fertilizer inputs. The birdsfoot trefoil-tall fescue mixture also provided the benefit of reduced fertilizer requirements, but mean annual yield (8.2 Mg ha -1 ) equaled fertilized monoculture tall fescue. Kura clover-tall fescue average annual yields (14.1 Mg ha -1 ) equaled alfalfa-tall fescue. Stand longevity, reduced fertilizer inputs, and high yield and quality enhance the usefulness of kura clover in the southern Rocky Mountains. But, irregular seasonal distribution of kura clover between years may make forage budgeting difficult.
Robot-assisted shopping for the blind: issues in spatial cognition and product selection

Research on spatial cognition and blind navigation suggests that a device aimed at helping blind people to shop independently should provide the shopper with effective interfaces to the locomotor and haptic spaces of the supermarket. In this article, we argue that robots can act as effective interfaces to haptic and locomotor spaces in modern supermarkets. We also present the design and evaluation of three product selection modalities—browsing, typing and speech, which allow the blind shopper to select the desired product from a repository of thousands of products.
WE‐A‐217A‐11: Fast and Low‐Dose 4DCBCT for Small Animal Lung Ventilation Study

Purpose: To demonstrate that a fast and low‐dose 4DCBCT can be used to the lung ventilation of small animals for treatment assessment. As 4DCBCT scan goes faster, fewer projections are acquired and under‐sampling‐induced streaking artifacts will be rampant if the conventional reconstruction algorithm is used. The enabling method to be proposed is the PICCS algorithm, which is capable of reconstructing streak free images from vastly under‐sampled projections by using a high SNR prior image.Methods: A 20‐minute 4DCBCT scan of a mouse was performed and 7200 projections were acquired. By under‐sampling these projections, faster 4DCBCT scans with acquisition times equivalent of 4, 2, 1.4, and 1 minute are simulated. Both FBP and PICCS were used for imagereconstructing these faster scans and these images were compared with the original slow scan for performance evaluation. A non‐linear deformable registration algorithm was applied to the reconstructed dynamic images to generate lung ventilation maps. The fidelity of the generated lung ventilation maps was used as a metric for quantitative evaluation to determine the optimal scan time. Results: The qualitative evaluation shows unnoticeable differences between PICCS images from faster scans and FBP images from the original scan. The quantitative evaluation is ongoing to demonstrate the equivalence of PICCS images from faster scans and FBP images from the original slow scan, in terms of the accuracy of the extracted lung ventilation maps. Conclusion: The proposed method shows promises to accelerate small animal 4DCBCT scans by an order of magnitude (data acquisition time down to about 2 minutes) without impacting the faithfulness of the lung ventilation map. Significant radiation dose reduction (∼10) is also expected.
Rethinking Highway Effects on Population Change

Little systematic work has been undertaken to explain highway impacts on population change. In this study, the authors review the literature in regional economics and demographics in an attempt to shed light on the mechanisms by which investments in highway infrastructure influence population change. First, they categorize the indirect causal paths by which highways influence population change at the county and municipal levels. Then they propose a spatio-temporal approach to revisit highway effects on population change from the stage of highway development and areal characteristics specifically. Finally, it is concluded that at the county and municipal levels, the effect of highways on population change varies from preconstruction to postconstruction periods and across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Pathology Encountered at the Craniocervical Junction

The pathology encountered at the foramen magnum and upper cervical spinal canal causing neural dysfunction is extensive and complex. A working classification that considers the location, congenital and acquired abnormalities, and primary and secondary neoplastic pathology has been provided. Intradural and extradural lesions have been subclassified as have neural tumors. A simplified classification of abnormalities at the craniovertebral complex that considers the bony anatomy, biomechanics, and embryology of the region is also provided.
Synteny between the Pro+ marker and human glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase

Chinese hamster ovary cells with a specific auxotrophy for proline were fused with human cells from a variety of sources and the resulting hybrids analyzed for human genetic markers. Of 63 hybrid clones examined, 27 possessed both proline and cytoplasmic glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase markers; 36 had neither; and no clones were found possessing one and not the other. These results constitute evidence that the proline and glutamate oxalocetate transaminase markers are syntenic. Evidence for absence of synteny between these and a variety of other human genes is presented. Biochemical tracer experiments established that the proline biosynthetic pathway through glutamate has been restored in the Pro+ hybrids.
Angular measurement of the Cobalt-60 emitted radiation spectrum from a radiosurgery irradiator

The photon energy spectrum emanating from a Leksell Gamma Knife, Model 23004B, was measured between 0.250 and 3.5 MeV with the sources exposed. Measurements were made using a 2x2 inch NaI detector enclosed in a lead-shielded apparatus having a 1/4 inch diameter measurement aperture, which reduced the amount of radiation received by the crystal. All measurements were made one meter above the floor within a quadrant toward one side of the Gamma Knife couch. The measured spectra displayed the expected 60Co doublet of photon peaks at energies of 1.17 and 1.33 MeV. These peaks appeared in spectra beginning at approximately 50 degrees, as one proceeds from a point directly lateral to the source enclosure (0 degrees) toward the foot of the couch (90 degrees). The average photon energy of the spectrum shifts to lower values as the doublet decreases in magnitude with increasing angle until almost vanishing at an angle equal to 90 degrees. Inserting a 16 cm diameter plastic sphere phantom, provided with the Gamma Knife, into the radiation beams increases the low energy photon emissions appearing in the spectrum, especially for measurements at the foot of the couch. Implications for the design of shielding a treatment room containing the Gamma Knife, Model B, and estimation of the radiation exposure to personnel during an emergency procedure in the treatment room with the sources exposed are discussed.
Systemic Effects of Generalized Convulsive Status Epilepticus

Generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) is accompanied by a marked increase in plasma catecholamines. This produces a number of changes in general systemic physiology including hypertension, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, hyperglycemia, acidosis, and hyperpyrexia. If SE is stopped quickly, these changes are self-correcting and do not produce an increased risk of neuropathology. However, if seizures continue, many of the early physiologic changes reverse, and late status epilepticus is marked by hypotension, hypoglycemia, pulmonary edema and a continued acidosis and elevation of body temperature. Prevention of serious hypoglycemia, maintenance of adequate systemic blood pressure to provide adequate cerebral perfusion, and normalizing the body temperature will minimize or prevent neuropathologic sequelae to SE of extended duration.
Alveolar soft part sarcoma: a cytologic and immunohistochemical study

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is an uncommon soft tissue tumor that has seldom been studied by cytologic methods. The cytomorphologic features of two cases of this sarcoma are described. To enhance diagnostic accuracy in a suspected alveolar soft part sarcoma, the authors present the differential diagnosis and the application of immunocytochemical procedures to cytologic specimens.
Undergraduate Perceptions Regarding the Debrief Process in Adventure-Based Learning: Exploring the Credibility of the Sunday Afternoon Drive Debrief Model

Adventure-based learning (ABL) has the potential to help teachers promote prosocial learning environments (Stuhr & Baringer, 2005; Stuhr, Sutherland, & Ressler, 2012). Within ABL, a student-centered debrief is essential in helping students make sense of intra- and interpersonal relationships (Sutherland, Ressler, & Stuhr, 2012; Stuhr et al., 2012). This study was conducted to determine further insight into the use of the Sunday Afternoon Drive debrief model (Sutherland, 2011) that was created for facilitators to maximize the effectiveness of the student-driven debrief. Findings indicated that using the Sunday Afternoon Drive debrief model increased student-centered facilitation. Recommendations for teacher educators include how to best help novice facilitators successfully implement the Sunday Afternoon Drive debrief model by providing: examples of meaningful and complete debrief sessions; opportunities to lead the debrief process; and critique sessions to point out to teacher candidates what did and did not work well during the debrief.
A note on regularity of sets and of distance functions in Banach space

Abstract We show that in every infinite dimensional Banach space there is a compact set C and x in C such that C is regular at x (in the sense of nonsmooth analysis) but such that the associated distance function dC is not regular at x and neither is −dC.
Egg capsule structure and permeability in the viviparous shark, Mustelus canis

The structure and permeability characteristics of egg capsules of the viviparous matrotrophic elasmobranch Mustelus canis were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray microprobe elemental analysis, and through the use of modified Ussing chambers. The egg capsule surrounds the developing embryo during gestation and consists of a four or more orthogonally arranged laminae of fibrous material. SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of inner and outer capsular surfaces reveal that the capsule is 4.7 μm in thickness and possesses scattered calcium deposits along its inner and outer surfaces. Transcapsular permeability studies qualitatively demonstrate that capsules are readily permeable to fast green fcf (808 Da) and rose bengal (1,000 Da). Capsules are impermeable to insulin (5, 750 Da), lysozyme (14,300 Da) and bovine albumin (66,000Da). Glucose (P= 3.3 × 10−4 ± 1.2 × 10−4cm/sec[n = 120])and urea(P= 4.5 × 10−4 ± 2.3 × 10−4cm/sec [n = 139]) readily pass across the egg capsules. It is suggested that maternal-embryonic nutrient transfer primarily involves the transcapsualr passage of low (<5 kDa) molecualr weight components. These data are discussed in relation to the mechanisms of placental attachment in matrotrophic sharks. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The bioethics of stem cell research and therapy

Discussion of the bioethics of human stem cell research has transitioned from controversies over the source of human embryonic stem cells to concerns about the ethical use of stem cells in basic and clinical research. Key areas in this evolving ethical discourse include the derivation and use of other human embryonic stem cell–like stem cells that have the capacity to differentiate into all types of human tissue and the use of all types of stem cells in clinical research. Each of these issues is discussed as I summarize the past, present, and future bioethical issues in stem cell research.
Best-first branch-and bound on a hypercube

The branch-and-bound technique is a common method for finding exact solutions to difficult problems in combinatorial optimization. This paper will discuss issues surrounding implementation of a particular branch-and-bound algorithm for the traveling-salesman problem on a hypercube multi-computer.The natural parallel algorithm is based on a number of asynchronous processes which interact through a globally shared list of unfinished work. In a distributed-memory environment we must find a non-centralized version of this shared data structure. In addition, detecting termination of the computation is tricky; an algorithm will be presented which ensures proper termination. Finally, issues affecting performance will be discussed.
Physiologic Responses to Static, Dynamic and Combined Work

The main objective of the present study was to determine the effects on cardiovascular stress of tasks that have varying degrees of static and dynamic components (weight holding, manual lifting and stepping). Heart rate, oxygen consumption and blood pressure were used as indices of cardiovascular stress. The results showed that oxygen consumption and heart rate responses to manual lifting are significantly lower than those of stepping and higher than those of weight holding. A low frequency lifting task evoked significantly lower systolic blood pressure than a high frequency lifting task. This study supported the idea that a physiologic fatigue criterion (PFC) based on stepping should not be applied directly to tasks such as manual lifting. In addition, a PFC for manual lifting should not be based only on oxygen consumption or heart rate; it also should incorporate systolic blood pressure as one of the monitored stress factors in setting lifting standards.
Cholangiocarcinoma in association with Thorotrast exposure

Thorotrast is a colloidal suspension of thorium dioxide that was used as an intravascular contrast agent until the 1950's. It is retained by the reticuloendothelial system, and because it emits densely ionizing radioactivity thorium dioxide it is carcinogenic. Two patients with prior thorium dioxide exposure diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma and recently treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital are presented. Radiology, treatment, pathologic findings, and relevant literature are discussed.
The infection control practitioner and an expanding responsibility.

The infection control practitioner (ICP) has grown from the role of a tabulator of hospital infections to a seeker of the causes of and preventive measures against nosocomial infections. The ICP’s efforts have led to reduced risks and costs to the institution’s patients. The success of the ICP has led to attempts to integrate the infection control program into quality assurance and risk management programs’ not only to protect the patient but also to protect the hospital from legal action by patients. As legal liability increases, other areas of concern to the hospital administrators have taken on new significance. One of these areas is personnel health. As hospital administrators better understand the medical risks to their personnel and the legal risks to the hospital of hospitalacquired infections, they have turned to the ICP and infection control committees (ICCs) for advice in developing hospital policy. These policies are important because they provide a uniformity of approach that reassures the employee and provides for a legal defense by the hospital should an employee suffer damages from a possibly work-related infection. These policies may also be effective in reducing unnecessary interventions that cost time and money (e.g., lost work because of inappropriate prohibition from working). A special situation arises when the employee is pregnant, a not uncommon event because
Low Band Gap Polymers Based on Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene: Rational Design of Polymers Leads to High Photovoltaic Performance

This study centers upon the summarized four design criteria for conjugated polymer photovoltaic materials: high oxidation potential, low band gap, a planar symmetrical structure, and high molecular weight. Two polymer materials were synthesized to fulfill these design criteria, both based upon copolymers of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (BnDT) and 4,7-di(2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DTBT). Additional hexyl chains were added to one polymer on the 4 position of the DTBT unit, which increased the molecular weight of the polymer without detracting from its electrochemical or optical properties. Both polymers perform exceptionally well in preliminary bulk heterojunction solar cells, reaching power conversion efficiencies greater than 4%.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Glycoprotein G Interacts with DC-SIGN and L-SIGN To Activate ERK1 and ERK2

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) interaction with epithelial and dendritic cells (DCs) is known to require divalent cations, suggesting involvement of C-type lectins. RSV infection and maturation of primary human DCs are reduced in a dose-dependent manner by EDTA. Therefore, we asked whether RSV infection involves DC-SIGN (CD209) or its isoform L-SIGN (CD299) (DC-SIGN/R). Using surface plasmon resonance analysis, we demonstrated that the attachment G glycoprotein of RSV binds both DC- and L-SIGN. However, neutralization of DC- and L-SIGN on primary human DCs did not inhibit RSV infection, demonstrating that interactions between RSV G and DC- or L-SIGN are not required for productive infection. Thus, neither DC- nor L-SIGN represents a functional receptor for RSV. However, inhibition of these interactions increased DC activation, as evidenced by significantly higher levels of alpha interferon (IFN-α), MIP-1α, and MIP-1β in plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) exposed to RSV after neutralization of DC-and L-SIGN. To understand the molecular interactions involved, intracellular signaling events triggered by purified RSV G glycoprotein were examined in DC- and L-SIGN-transfected 3T3 cells. RSV G interaction with DC- or L-SIGN was shown to stimulate ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation, with statistically significant increases relative to mock-infected cells. Neutralization of DC- and L-SIGN reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. With increased DC activation following DC- and L-SIGN neutralization and RSV exposure, these data demonstrate that the signaling events mediated by RSV G interactions with DC/L-SIGN are immunomodulatory and diminish DC activation, which may limit induction of RSV-specific immunity.
Incidence of Allograft Vasculopathy in the TICTAC Trial as Compared to a Real World Cohort

Purpose Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV) is the leading cause of death following heart transplantation. We sought to compare the long-term incidence of CAV in the TICTAC trial population to patients (pts) transplanted subsequently at a single center. All pts were given TAC and MMF with complete discontinuation of steroids within 8-9 weeks post-transplantation in both groups. No induction therapy was utilized. Methods and Materials The TICTAC cohort (n=150) has been continuously followed since 2004 and enrollment ended in 2008. 216 additional pts have undergone transplantation since this time. CAV was quantitated by review of angiographic studies. Freedom from CAV was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier. Results In total there were 366 pts between the 2 cohorts. As compared to the TICTAC cohort, the post-TICTAC group had similar percentage of male pts and black race. The post-TICTAC group had several high risk characteristics including significantly higher utilization of pre-transplant VAD (31.5% vs. 12%, p figure 1 ] Conclusions The TICTAC trial had the inherent bias of any research trial and some patients were excluded from enrollment. The real-world 216 pt cohort following trial completion had a similarly low incidence of CAV as the trial population. We believe that the universal discontinuation of steroids may contribute to these salutary results.
Epitaxial Ferroelectric Heterostructures Fabricated by Selective Area Epitaxy of SrRuO3 Using an MgO Mask

Illustration of a new high-temperature hard-mask process based on traditional lithography and selective wet-etching of MgO. The hard mask is compatible with standard nano-lithography techniques and heat treatments in excess of 1000 °C. Here, this technique is applied to produce temperature-stable contacts that give rise to low leakage, improved fatigue properties, and excellent high-temperature stability in ferroelectric thin-film capacitors.
Examining the use of forceful language when designing exercise persuasive messages for adults: a test of conceptualizing reactance arousal as a two-step process.

This investigation tests a conceptualization of reactance as a two-step process. This conceptualization was recently tested with college students, but research testing this conceptualization among primarily adult samples does not currently exist. Psychological reactance theory (PRT) states that individuals exposed to a threat or elimination of a freedom will experience reactance and subsequently be motivated to restore the freedom. Specifically, it is hypothesized that individuals will perceive persuasive messages containing forceful language as a threat to their personal freedom, which will be followed by reactance, manifested in a latent variable composed of anger and negative cognitions. This hypothesis was tested within the context of persuasive messages aimed at encouraging members (N = 247) to participate in weight lifting or group exercise programs at a health and fitness center. Results support conceptualizing reactance as a 2-step process. In addition, results indicate that a primarily adult samp...
Increasing Time-on-Task in the Classroom:

M ost teachers agree that there aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish what needs to be done. The demands on teacher time have increased in recent years as teachers have been given more responsibility and more curricular content to cover. Teachers must make efficient and effective use of their instructional time with students. Special educators, who work with students who are already academically behind their nonspecial-education peers, in particular, must use instructional time wisely if the gap between special education and non-special-education students is to ever diminish (Englert, 1984b.) A discussion of effective time use for teachers who work with students with mild disabilities follows.
Membrane ultrafiltration of a nonionic surfactant

Aqueous solutions 1.65 × 10−4 to 1.10 × 10−2 molar in the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 are subjected to membrane ultrafiltration over the temperature range of 22 to 50°C in a continuous flow, thin channel cell, with channel Reynolds numbers from 50 to 1175. Data for the ultrafiltrate flux through the optimum polyelectrolyte complex membrane (of the three tested) are correlated by an equation involving the in-series resistances of the membrane and of the polarized boundary layer of the sufactant rejected by the membrane, with the latter resistance varied over a wide range. The correlations are used to estimate the required membrane area and resultant ultrafiltrate concentration of surfactant to achieve any specified water recovery using cells-in-series and cells-in-parallel operation. The gelation concentration and surfactant mass transfer coefficient are used to estimate water flux in the gel-polarization region.
Efficacy of pulse dye laser therapy for the treatment of ulcerated haemangiomas: a review of 78 patients.

Abstract Background . Haemangiomas are common vascular lesions occurring in up to 10–12% of infants by 1 year of age. Typically, these lesions are treated expectantly unless complicated by haemorrhage, ulceration, infection, or compromise of adjacent vital structures. Ulceration is a particularly difficult problem because of associated pain, infection, haemorrhage, and subsequent scarring. Materials and Methods . Seventy-eight children (54 girls, 24 boys) with ulcerated haemangiomas, from our vascular malformation clinic were enrolled in a prospective pulse dye laser treatment protocol from April of 1995 to November of 2001. The mean size of the ulcerated haemangiomas requiring treatment was 21 cm 2 . Lesions were treated with minimal debridement and the Cynosure pulse dye laser with a mean energy of 6.6 J, and a mean number of 173 pulses per treatment. Lesions were treated in a sequential pattern at 3–4 week intervals until cutaneous healing or involution of the haemangioma occurred. Results . Seventy-one of the 78 patients (91%) responded to laser therapy alone with a mean number of 2.0 treatments. Six patients with very large haemangiomas required oral steroids (2–3 mg/kg/day) in combination with the pulse dye laser. After failing to improve on steroid therapy, two patients required the addition of interferon to their treatment protocol. The mean follow up time is 15 months with no sign of recurrent ulceration or regrowth of the haemangiomas in our study population. Summary . Pulse dye laser therapy is a reasonably effective means of resolving the untoward complication of ulceration of haemangiomas. We report the largest series to date of ulcerated haemangiomas treated with this modality.
Finite sums of projections in purely infinite simple C*-algebras with torsion K0

Assume that A is a purely infinite simple C*-algebra whose K0 is a torsion group, namely, contains no free element. Then a positive element a ∈ A can be written as a finite sum of projections in A if and only if either a is a projection or kak > 1.
An adenosine-to-inosine tRNA-editing enzyme that can perform C-to-U deamination of DNA

Adenosine-to-inosine editing in the anticodon of tRNAs is essential for viability. Enzymes mediating tRNA adenosine deamination in bacteria and yeast contain cytidine deaminase-conserved motifs, suggesting an evolutionary link between the two reactions. In trypanosomatids, tRNAs undergo both cytidine-to-uridine and adenosine-to-inosine editing, but the relationship between the two reactions is unclear. Here we show that down-regulation of the Trypanosoma brucei tRNA-editing enzyme by RNAi leads to a reduction in both C-to-U and A-to-I editing of tRNA in vivo. Surprisingly, in vitro, this enzyme can mediate A-to-I editing of tRNA and C-to-U deamination of ssDNA but not both in either substrate. The ability to use both DNA and RNA provides a model for a multispecificity editing enzyme. Notably, the ability of a single enzyme to perform two different deamination reactions also suggests that this enzyme still maintains specificities that would have been found in the ancestor deaminase, providing a first line of evidence for the evolution of editing deaminases.
Transient Future Climate over the Western United States Using a Regional Climate Model

Regional climate models (RCMs) have improved our under- standing of the effects of global climate change on specific regions. The need for realistic forcing has led to the use of fully coupled global climate models (GCMs) to produce boundary conditions for RCMs. The advantages of using fully coupled GCM output is that the global-scale interactions of all compo- nents of the climate system (ocean, sea ice, land surface, and atmosphere) are considered. This study uses an RCM, driven by a fully coupled GCM, to examine the climate of a region centered over California for the time periods 1980-99 and 2080-99. Statistically significant increases in mean monthly tem- peratures by up to 7°C are found for the entire state. Large changes in pre- cipitation occur in northern California in February (increase of up to 4 mm day �1 or 30%) and March (decrease of up to 3 mm day �1 or 25%). However, in most months, precipitation changes between the cases were not statistically significant. Statistically significant decreases in snow accumulation of over 100 mm (50%) occur in some months. Temperature increases lead to decreases in snow accumulation that impact the hydrologic budget by shifting spring and summer runoff into the winter months, reinforcing results of other studies that used different models and driving conditions.
Physalia venom mediates histamine release from mast cells

A proteinaceous venom isolated from Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) nematocysts causes degranulation and histamine release from mesenteric mast cells and isolated peritoneal mast cells.
Determinants of intramyocellular triglyceride turnover: implications for insulin sensitivity.

Increased intramyocellular triglyceride (IMTG) content is found in both insulin-sensitive endurance-trained subjects and insulin-resistant obese/type 2 diabetic subjects. A high turnover rate of th...
NICHOLAS WOLTERSTORFF'S JUSTICE: RIGHTS AND WRONGS: AN INTRODUCTION

This introduction sets the stage for four papers on Nicholas Wolterstorff’s Justice: Rights and Wrongs, written by Harold Attridge, Oliver O’Donovan, Richard Bernstein, and myself. In his book, Wolterstorff defends an account of human rights. The first section of this introduction distinguishes Wolterstorff’s account of rights from the alternative account of rights against which he contends. The alternative account draws much of its power from a historical narrative according to which theory and politics supplanted earlier ways of thinking about justice. The second section sketches that narrative and Wolterstorff’s counter-narrative. The third section draws together the main points of Wolterstorff’s own account.
On the maximum entropy problem with autocorrelations specified on a lattice

The maximum entropy process with autocorrelations specified on a finite lattice is identified as a Gaussian autoregressive process with a special structure in its coefficients. The autoregressive coefficients can be obtained by means of a fast algorithm. This result extends Burg's (1967) well-known maximum entropy theorem, where the autocorrelation is constrained for consecutive lags. >
Fully single crystal silicon resonators with deep-submicron dry-etched transducer gaps

This paper reports on fully single crystal silicon (SCS) micromechanical resonators with deep-submicron vertical capacitive gaps. The microresonators are fabricated on low resistivity silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates and have SCS resonating structure and transducers. The deep-submicron high aspect-ratio transducer gaps are created through a novel processing technique that uses low-cost micron-resolution optical lithography. The mask features defining the width of the transducer gaps are created in a self-aligned manner by the thickness of a deposited sacrificial polysilicon layer, and the gaps are dry-etched using the Bosch process. High aspect ratio (/spl sim/20:1) trenches with width as small as 130 nm have been obtained using the Bosch process. Single crystal silicon capacitive beam resonators with frequencies up to 16 MHz and transducer gaps as small as 200 nm have been successfully fabricated and characterized.
Use of annual catch limits to avoid stock depletion in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (Northeast Pacific)

In total, 41 fish stocks in US ocean waters continue to be fished at unsustainable levels, and 46 fish stocks are overfished. In 2006, the US Congress required the implementation of annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures by 2010 to prevent overfishing, and by 2011 to recover overfished stocks. These requirements were modelled on the existing management system for Northeast Pacific groundfish, where more than 20 fish stocks and assemblages have been managed sustainably for 30 years. Science-based overfishing levels and acceptable biological catches (ABCs) have been implemented for each stock or assemblage, with buffers between the two to avoid overfishing. Total allowable catches are set at or below the acceptable biological catch. Suballocations of quotas by season, area, and gear type, along with in-season fishery closures based on extensive observer coverage and vessel monitoring, ensure that quotas are not exceeded. To comply with ACL requirements, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council has defined ABC as an ACL. We demonstrate the effectiveness of ACLs for successful management of Northeast Pacific groundfish, suggesting that their use in other US fisheries might reduce the risk of overfishing and enhance the recovery of overfished stocks.
Lysosomes in lymphoid tissue. II. Intracellular distribution of acid hydrolases.

Differential centrifugation and density gradient isopycnic centrifugation have been used to fractionate homogenates of rat spleen and, in a few experiments, of rat thymus and cervical lymph nodes. The fractions have been analyzed for proteins, DNA, RNA, cytochrome oxidase, esterase, and up to 11 acid hydrolases. The results obtained indicate that the hydrolases are associated, at least largely, with cytoplasmic particles of lysosomal nature, and suggest further that these particles belong to two, and possibly three, distinct populations, perhaps reflecting the cellular heterogeneity of the tissues. The populations are identified as: (a) the L19 population, the most important group, containing all 12 hydrolases and characterized by a modal density of about 1.19 in a sucrose—0.2 M KCl gradient; (b) the L15 population with a modal density of 1.15, a group of apparently incomplete lysosomes containing cathepsin D and a few other enzymes, but very poor in, or entirely devoid of, several acid hydrolases, including cathepsins B and C; (c) the L30 population, comprising all 12 enzymes and banding together with the nuclei at a density of 1.30 or higher. Lack of success in separating the latter group from the nuclei renders its significance unclear.
Probable zoonotic aortitis due to group C streptococcal infection

Human infections due to group C streptococcus (SGC) are unusual. Among them, vascular compromise, especially aortic involvement, is extremely rare. A case of microbial aortitis with aneurysm formation, likely secondary to a SGC soft tissue infection, in a 61-year-old patient who was caring for a purulent leg wound of his horse, is presented. He was successfully treated with antibiotics and in situ aortic replacement with a prosthetic graft and an omental wrap. He remains well almost 2 years after surgical intervention. Aortic infection caused by SGC is a rare condition that can be successfully treated with in situ prosthetic graft replacement.
Crystal chemical controls on the dissolution kinetics of the isostructural sulfates: Celestite, anglesite, and barite

Abstract The isostructural sulfates, barite (BaSO4), celestite (SrSO4), and anglesite (PbSO4), share the crystallographic space group Pnma. With their crystal structure and bulk stoichiometry invariant, we investigate controls on the kinetics of sulfate mineral dissolution. Dissolution rates were measured in hydrothermal mixed flow reactors with solutions of pH 2 to 10 and at 25–140°C. Data were analyzed using a first order rate law. In general, dissolution rates follow the order celestite > anglesite > barite. Although the chemistry of lead differs from strontium and barium, anglesite has intermediate reactivity. All minerals exhibit a similar pH dependence of dissolution where rates decline with increasing pH for the range 2 to 5 and are approximately independent of pH over the range of 5 to 9. Above pH 9, anglesite dissolution rate increases sharply with increasing pH. An analysis of the temperature dependence of dissolution at near-neutral pH shows that the reactivity trend is controlled by differences in the preexponential component of the rate constant. Thus, reaction frequency, not energetics, primarily determines relative reactivity and suggests steric and/or solvation controls on reaction rate. Dissolution rates at near-neutral pH correlate inversely with both ionic radius and average bond length of the structural divalent atom. This leads us to consider the nature of the aqueous metal complexes that are released to solution upon hydrolysis. We find a positive correlation between solvation number and dissolution rate. This correlation extends to describe reported rates of anhydrite (CaSO4) dissolution. Combining evidence, we suggest that rates of isostructural sulfate mineral dissolution are limited by the relative solvation affinity of the divalent metal atoms for near-surface water. Hydrolysis of the sulfate group is probably not rate-limiting since anionic hydration is extremely fast and approximates rates of aqueous diffusion. Dissolution rates are limited by the mineral component having the lowest solvation affinity. This model predicts dissolution rates of sulfate minerals within a solid-solution compositional series and may describe other minerals with strong anisodesmic character. Our study reiterates the role of near-surface solvent properties in controlling mineral reactivity in aqueous solutions.
A system for 3D error visualization and assessment of digital elevation models

A digital elevation model (DEM) can be created using a variety of interpolation or approximation methods, any of which may yield errors in the final result. We present DEMEV (DEM Error viewer), a visualization system that displays a DEM and possible errors in 3D, along with its associated contour or sparse data and/or a comparison DEM. The system incorporates several error visualizations. One method compares the test DEM to source data and highlights discrepancies (difference error) beyond a user-variable threshold. A novel, vertical cutting tool can slice the DEM to create a profile view that shows the surface of the test and comparison DEMs simultaneously, allowing the user to discern small errors between the two files in minute detail. The cutting tool is semi-transparent so that the profile is seen in the context of the 3D surface. Another novel error visualization uses height classes to display possible problems with slope in a DEM computed from contours. Other features of the system include visualizations for local curvature and slope, a display of computed statistics such as RMSE, total squared curvature, etc., in addition to typical GIS tools. The system is designed as an error-visualization tool; the above functions are displayed and readily available on the user interface. The system has been tested with USGS data files to show its efficacy.
Potential benefits of climate forecasting to agriculture

Climate variability leads to economic and food security risks throughout the world because of its major influences on agriculture. Accurate forecasts of climate 3‐6 months ahead of time can potentially allow farmers and others in agriculture to make decisions to reduce unwanted impacts or take advantage of expected favorable climate. However, potential benefits of climate forecasts vary considerably because of many physical, biological, economic, social, and political factors. The purpose of this study was to estimate the potential economic value of climate forecasts for farm scale management decisions in one location in the Southeast USA (Tifton, GA; 3123 0 N; 8331 0 W) for comparison with previously-derived results for the Pampas region of Argentina. The same crops are grown in both regions but at different times of the year. First, the expected value of tailoring crop mix to El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases for a typical farm in Tifton was estimated using crop models and historical daily weather data. Secondly, the potential values for adjusting management of maize (Zea maize L.) to different types of climate forecasts (perfect knowledge of (a) ENSO phase, (b) growing season rainfall categories, and (c) daily weather) were estimated for Tifton and Pergamino, Argentina (3355 0 S; 6033 0 W). Predicted benefits to the farm of adjusting crop mix to ENSO phase averaged from US$ 3 to 6 ha 1 over all years, depending on the farmer’s initial wealth and aversion to risk. Values calculated for Argentina were US$ 9‐15 for Pergamino and up to US$ 35 for other locations in the Pampas. Varying maize management by ENSO phase resulted in predicted forecast values of US$ 13 and 15 for Tifton and Pergamino, respectively. The potential value of perfect seasonal forecasts of rainfall tercile on maize profit was higher than for ENSO-based forecasts in both regions (by 28% in Tifton and 70% in Pergamino). Perfect knowledge of daily weather over the next season provided an upper limit on expected value of about US$ 190 ha 1 for both regions. Considering the large areas of field crop production in these regions, the estimated economic potential is very high. However, there are a number of challenges to realize these benefits. These challenges are generally related to the uncertainty of climate forecasts and to the complexities of agricultural systems. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Photoangioplasty An Emerging Clinical Cardiovascular Role for Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been studied and applied to various disease processes. The potential of PDT for selective destruction of target tissues is especially appealing in cardiovascular disease, in which other existing interventional tools are somewhat nonselective and carry substantial risk of damage to the normal arterial wall. Enthusiasm for photoangioplasty (PDT of vascular de novo atherosclerotic and, potentially, restenotic lesions) is fueled by more effective second-generation photosensitizers and technological advances in endovascular light delivery. This excitement revolves around at least 4 significant attributes of light-activated therapy: the putative selectivity and safety of photoangioplasty, the potential for atraumatic and effective debulking of atheromatous plaque through a biological mechanism, the postulated capability to reduce or inhibit restenosis, and the potential to treat long segments of abnormal vessel by simply using fibers with longer light-emitting regions. The available nonclinical data, coupled with the observations of a new phase I trial in human peripheral atherosclerosis, suggest a promising future for photoangioplasty in the treatment of primary atherosclerosis and prevention of restenosis.