cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age-related seasonal patterns of emergency department visits for acute asthma in an urban environment

Abstract Study objective Asthma morbidity is greater in younger patients. The reasons are not fully understood, although identifying demographic patterns of seasonality may help determine causes and potential prevention. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between age and seasonal asthma periodicity in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Methods We conducted a retrospective study of ED visits from 1991 to 2000 in 11 municipal hospitals in New York City, with 911 receiving facilities. There were 673,141 patients who presented to the ED during the study period and had a primary diagnosis of acute asthma. Results Distinct seasonal patterns were observed, with the highest number of visits occurring in the fall and the fewest in the summer. Seasonal fluctuations of ED visits were highest in children aged 13 years or younger (coefficient of variation [CV] 37.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 37.5% to 38.1%), with a peak in CV occurring at approximately age 7 years (CV 43.3%; 95% CI 43.0% to 43.6%). Less variability was noted with increasing age, and the population aged 30 years and older appeared to be the least susceptible to seasonal influences (CV 11.7%; 95% CI 11.3% to 12.1%). Although the total number of asthma visits decreased by more than 30% from 1991 to 2000, the CVs for each year remained within a relatively narrow range of 24.2% to 30.5%. Conclusion In an urban population, seasonal variability of asthma episodes requiring ED visits are closely linked to age, which may be important in understanding the causes of asthma and developing disease-management strategies for the prevention of asthma episodes.
Soft x-ray laser interferometry unveils plasmas with index of refraction greater than one

We report clear evidence of the existence of multiply ionized plasmas with index of refraction greater than one at soft x-ray wavelengths. Moreover, it is shown to be a general phenomenon affecting broad spectral regions in numerous highly ionized plasmas. The experimental evidence consists of the observation of anomalous fringe shifts in soft x-ray laser interferograms of laser-created Al plasmas probed at 14.7 nm and of Ag and Sn laser-created plasmas probed at 46.9 nm. The comparison of measured and simulated interferograms shows that these anomalous fringe shifts result from the dominant contribution of low charge ions to the index of refraction. This usually neglected bound electron contribution can affect the propagation of soft x-ray radiation in plasmas and the interferometric diagnostics of plasmas for many elements and at different wavelengths.
The ultrastructure of the hepatopancreatic caeca of Gammarus minus (crustacea, amphipoda)

The hepatopancreatic caeca of the freshwater amphipod Gummarus minus are four tapered blind pouches lined with a simple columnar epithelium bearing an apical surface of regular microvilli and resting on a basement membrane. This epithelium is enclosed by a tonic, striated muscularis. Each caecum consists of three regions. The distal zone is formed of embryonic cells having a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio and giving rise to the other cell types. The second or differentiation zone consists of regular tall columnar cells of two morphological types:(1) light staining R-cells which have a large number of lipid droplets and few Golgi bodies; (2) basophilic F-cells which have numerous distended Golgi bodies. The more proximal secretory zone forms the majority of each diverticulum. This mature zone is formed from R-cells and large, basophilic, vacuolated B-cells which differentiate from F-cells. The secretory cell sequence appears to be E-cell - F-cell - B-cell with secretion being apocrine in nature. The exact relationship of Rcells to the other cell types is questionable, but the R-, F - and B-cells all appear to be able to absorb and store nutrients. Within the Malacostraca the hepatopancreatic epithelium of Amphipoda more closely approximates that of Decapoda than that of the Isopoda.
Resilience of youth in transition from out-of-home care to adulthood ☆

Youth in transition from out-of-home care to adulthood are a vulnerable sub-population of the foster care system. In addition to the trauma of maltreatment, and challenges associated with out-of-home care, these youth face the premature and abrupt responsibility of self-sufficiency as they leave care for independent living. The purpose of this study was to identify personal and interpersonal factors that contribute to resilience of young adults who left out-of-home care of a large urban child welfare system during a one year period. Sixty percent of the eligible young adults participated in a computer-assisted self-administered interview about their self-sufficiency including: educational attainment, employment, housing, parenthood, health risk behavior, criminal activity, and perceived levels of social support, spiritual support, community support, and global life stress. This study explored the relationship between support systems, life stress, and the young adults' resilience reflecting key outcomes. The study's findings indicated that females, older youth, and youth with lower perceived life stress had higher resilience scores. Implications for child welfare practice, policy, theory, and research advance knowledge about young adults in transition from out-of-home care.
The Brownian bridge synoptic model of habitat selection and space use for animals using GPS telemetry data

a b s t r a c t The growing application of GPS telemetry in wildlife studies created need for analytical methods to meet both practical and theoretical concerns when conducting analyses of habitat or resource selection. We devised a new analysis approach of individual-based movement models for estimation of resource selec- tion based on probability of use. We merged the Brownian bridge model of space use with the synoptic model of habitat selection to describe and estimate patterns of habitat selection from GPS telemetry data. In doing so, our approach implicitly defines availability based on movement data when conducting analysis of GPS telemetry data. To do so, we employed a step-by-step approach, based on sequential triplets of observations of the animals' movements. Availability was portrayed as a circular normal dis- tribution at every middle GPS location, based on the existing Brownian bridge model of space use. This middle observation within the sequential triplet also reflected habitat selection, estimated by maxi- mum likelihoods, based on the deviation from otherwise random movement between the first and third observations. This approach allowed each triplet across time to be treated as independent, identically distributed observations when estimating habitat selection. To demonstrate the utility of the model, we analyzed GPS location data collected from free-ranging mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) in the Cascade Mountains of the western United States to evaluate patterns of habitat selection while foraging during late spring and early summer. Slope of the terrain was the primary factor influencing resource selection by mountain goats in our study, with females selecting steeper areas closer to escape terrain than males. Finally, we derived a resource selection function applicable over a broad geographic extent to evaluate sites for potential release of mountain goats to augment the population in Washington, which has declined over the last 50 years.
Theoretical and Experimental Study on Ion-Pair Formation and Partitioning of Organic Salts in Octanol/Water and Dichloromethane/Water Systems

A good linear correlation (r = 0.945) of the octanol/water and dichloromethane/water log P‘ values has been found for quaternary amines with organic counterions. Monte-Carlo simulation based potential of mean force curves (PMF) for medium and large quaternary amine cations, and small and medium size anions show partially different characters in dichloromethane (DCM) solvent. The PMFs show, with one exception, both locally stable contact and solvent-separated ion-pair arrangements. The solvent-separated form is at least as stable as the contact ion-pair. Consideration of two water molecules at the interaction sites of the ionic heads remarkably lowers the activation free energy toward the formation of the contact ion arrangement. The quaternary substitution of the nitrogen prevents hydrogen bonding to the cation at its most positive site. Secondary acceptor sites can still be important, but at larger separations the water molecules always formed strong hydrogen bonds only at the −COO- and −SO3- anionic sit...
Whether to Retest the Lipids of HIV-Infected Patients: How Much Does Fasting Bias Matter?

This paper aids in the diagnosis and treatment of lipid abnormalities by enhancing understanding of lipid values among HIV-infected patients. An elicited loss function highlights the importance of true low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. In clinical settings, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides are often measured. Interpreting the resulting values can be problematic because of uncertainty due to the unknown period of fasting before the patient's blood was drawn. This results in uncertainty in the LDL cholesterol values, which are often calculated from other lipid values rather than measured directly. To model true LDL cholesterol, a four-level Bayesian hierarchical model is analyzed using Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques and elicited prior distributions. In turn, this yields expected-loss-minimizing treatment decisions for individual patients.
Bimetallic PtAu cluster-derived catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NO by propylene

Abstract The selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide by propylene in the presence of excess oxygen has been investigated over a series of silica supported Pt and PtAu catalysts. Cluster-derived catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation using a Pt 2 Au 4 (CC t Bu) 8 organometallic cluster precursor, and compared to catalysts obtained by incipient wetness impregnation using individual Pt and Au salts. The addition of Au by co-impregnation resulted only to a small shift (20–25 °C) in the light-off of propylene towards higher temperatures. A markedly different catalytic behavior was observed in the case of cluster-derived catalysts, where a 150 °C delay was observed both in the temperature of maximum NO reduction and the light-off of propylene in the presence and in the absence of NO. Most importantly, the selectivity towards N 2 increased by 50% compared to the monometallic Pt catalysts. The results of characterization studies indicate that the monometallic Pt/SiO 2 and the co-impregnated PtAu/SiO 2 samples have similar metal particle sizes. A more narrow particle size distribution was observed with the cluster-derived bimetallic sample.
Environmentally safe removal/disposal of Coomassie Brilliant Blue from gel destain and used gel stain

Gel destaining following Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) staining involves the use of toxic reagents. Here we demonstrate the efficacy of various paper adsorbents in adsorbing CBB. Kimwipes adsorbed the best, followed by Teri towels, multifold towels, and Whatman numbers 1 and 3 filter papers. Three Kimwipes completely adsorbed the dye released from a CBB-stained mini-gel. Nonradioactive destain solution can, therefore, be recycled for destaining CBB-stained gels. Stain removal with Kimwipes helps in reducing destain use and in reducing organic liquid waste, and it is 7.5-fold cheaper compared with an available method for CBB disposal. Following this, we determined the suitability of this procedure to remove the dye from a used CBB staining solution awaiting proper disposal by our Institutional Safety Office. The dye from a 0.05% CBB staining solution could be removed in 5 to 10 min using 75 Kimwipes. The CBB-adsorbed Kimwipes did not release the stain when squeezed dry even after incubation in various salts over 1 week and in water for 5 weeks. The CBB removed allows its easy disposal as solid waste and will not leach out from solid landfills. Thus, stain removal with Kimwipes helps in disposing CBB in an environmentally friendly manner and allows recycling of destaining solution.
Kinetic mechanism of quinone oxidoreductase 2 and its inhibition by the antimalarial quinolines

Quinone oxidoreductase 2 (QR2) purified from human red blood cells was recently shown to be a potential target of the quinoline antimalarial compounds [Graves et al., (2002) Mol. Pharmacol. 62, 1364]. QR2 catalyzes the two-electron reduction of menadione via the oxidation of N-alkylated or N-ribosylated nicotinamides. To investigate the mechanism and consequences of inhibition of QR2 by the quinolines further, we have used steady-state and transient-state kinetics to define the mechanism of QR2. Importantly, we have shown that QR2 when isolated from an overproducing strain of E. coli is kinetically equivalent to the enzyme from the native human red blood cell source. We observe ping-pong kinetics consistent with one substrate/inhibitor binding site that shows selectivity for the oxidation state of the FAD cofactor, suggesting that selective inhibition of the liver versus red blood cell forms of malaria may be possible. The reductant N-methyldihydronicotinamide and the inhibitor primaquine bind exclusively to the oxidized enzyme. In contrast, the inhibitors quinacrine and chloroquine bind exclusively to the reduced enzyme. The quinone substrate menadione, on the other hand, binds nonspecifically to both forms of the enzyme. Single-turnover kinetics of the reductive half-reaction are chemically and kinetically competent and confirm the inhibitor selectivity seen in the steady-state experiments. Our studies shed light on the possible in vivo potency of the quinolines and provide a foundation for future studies aimed at creating more potent QR2 inhibitors and at understanding the physiological significance of QR2.
White dwarfs, the Galaxy and Dirac's cosmology

The additive and multiplicative versions of Dirac's cosmological hypothesis relating the gravitational constant variation with elapsed time and number of particles populating the universe is invoked to account for the deficiency or absence of white dwarfs fainter than about 0.0001 solar luminosity. An estimate is made of white dwarf luminosity in accordance with the two evolutionary models, and it is conjectured that some old white dwarfs with high space velocities may be on the verge of gravitational collapse. Lack of a special mechanism to produce the vast numbers of black holes or other dead stars accounting for 'missing matter' in the vicinity of the sun and in the galactic halo is noted in Dirac's multiplicative model. Results indicate that either Dirac's theory is untenable, or that radiation and heating are of some unknown nature, or that the process of creation of new matter requires a corresponding input of energy.
Space-based multi-hop networking

Many emerging applications will incorporate multiple spacecraft that form communications networks necessary to achieve coverage, latency and throughput requirements. Such networks may arise in the context of a space science mission consisting of distributed spacecraft performing multi-point sensing, or a global surveillance system serving military needs. Constellations of sensor spacecraft significantly benefit from incorporation of cross-link communications capabilities, thereby forming networks, by enabling continuous access to any/all spacecraft via a single ground contact, real-time coordinated observations, and autonomous in situ processing within a spatial neighborhood of spacecraft. Space-based networks may also be employed as relay infrastructure supporting (Earth, Moon, other planet) surface users engaged in various applications, such as space exploration. In this paper, we present an ''L2 mesh'' protocol for space-based sensor networks. Because of the large inter-spacecraft distances, directional antennas are used, with a single transceiver per spacecraft to achieve low cost. Orbital motion induces a dynamic albeit predictable geometry (and topology) among the spacecraft. One or more ground (base) stations are used; multiple ground stations are often required to ensure continuous network connectivity. Offered traffic patterns are general anycast to ground stations, and reverse-direction dissemination (for spacecraft commanding or ''forward'' relay). We present a technique that derives the link activation schedule (transmit/receive mode and communications neighbor selection) and route paths used for multi-hop relay through the network, leveraging the Florens and McEliece algorithm for tree networks. Highly efficient communications are achieved; in particular, the inherent tree structure enables accommodation of propagation delays that otherwise degrade the large delay-bandwidth links comprising space networks. An illustrative example is presented. Simulations demonstrate that the algorithm provides high throughput and low latency performance over general network configurations. An extension to the networking method is described that is traffic adaptive.
The effect of intermediate graphitization on the mechanical and fracture behavior of 2-D C/C composites

Abstract Impregnation and recarbonization effectiveness during the processing of carbon-carbon composites is largely enhanced by subjecting them to intermediate graphitization cycles. The effect of an intermediate graphitization cycle on the fracture toughness of a 2-D C/C composite has been investigated. Two materials have been considered. Both composites are reinforced with plain woven fabrics of carbon yarns, and their matrices are derived from the same resin. The only difference is that one of the composites has undergone an extra intermediate graphitization cycle. Flexural tests were conducted on multiple geometrically identical, un-notched and notched specimens of each composite in the translaminar and crosslaminar directions. The current study reveals that an intermediate graphitization has increased the fracture toughness of the C/C composite by about one fold, as measured by both the critical energy release rate at the onset of crack extension, GPic, and the critical value of the J integral, Jic. This is accompanied by about a 25% loss in the translaminar flexural strength and a 25% decrease in the translaminar stiffness. A considerable decrease in the notch sensitivity of the C/C composite under investigation is also observed. The increase in the fracture toughness due to the intermediate graphitization of the C/C composite is also manifested in a more diffusive fracture path. The intermediate graphitization has also decreased the crosslaminar flexural strength by about 23% and the crosslaminar flexural modulus by about 15%.
Detector Relative Efficiencies in the Presence of Laplace Noise

The closed-form solution for Neyman-Pearson optimal detectorperformance for Laplace noise affords a rare opportunity for smalland intermediate sample relative efficiency studies. Indeed, the Laplace noise solution is the only known closed-form description fora non-Gaussian optimal detector of the type considered. Weillustrate numerically that, for stringent detector requirements,convergence of detector relative efficiencies to the correspondingasymptotic values can be quite slow. Three types of asymptoticefficiencies are considered in this comparison of the optimal, linear,and sign detectors.
Demographic, social and economic variables that affect lower extremity injury outcomes

While behavioral, demographic and vocational factors are commonly know as risk factors for sustaining a traumatic injury, less is known about the social, demographic and economic determinants of outcome following injury. The Lower Extremity Assessment Project (LEAP) identified a prospective cohort of 601 patients who were admitted to eight level I trauma centers in the United States for treatment of severe lower extremity trauma. Prospective data was accumulated on these individuals throughout their initial hospitalization and at regular follow-up intervals including a cohort at seven years post-injury. The results of the LEAP investigations showed that even at five to seven years following injury, reconstruction for the treatment of injuries to the lower extremity typically result in functional outcomes equivalent to those of the amputation. Clearly, factors other than the traditional variables such as fracture healing, joint function, and ability to ambulate have a profound effect on the patient's estimation of improvement. The purpose of this report is to summarize the data from the LEAP study and other investigations related to demographic, social and behavioral factors which impact outcome following lower extremity injury.
Lactic acid does not directly activate hypothalamic-pituitary corticotroph function.

The role that metabolic products play in regulating the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during strenuous exercise is speculative. This investiga- tion examined the extent to which lactic acid, a major metabolite of anaerobic exer- cise, directly affects hypothalamic-pituitary function. Specifically, P-endorphin secre- tion was measured from AtT-20 (D-16) mouse corticotroph tumor cells treated either acutely (15 min - 180 min) or chronically (1 day - 3 day) with physiologic levels of lactate (0.5 x M to 5 x lo-* M) or lactate in combination with the corticotroph releasing factors: corticotroph releasing hormone (CRH), arginine vasopressin (AVP), norepinephrine and/or epinephrine. Findings with AtT-20 cell cultures were shown to be representative of responses in primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary. Lactic acid did not alter the spontaneous release of P-endorphin by AtT-20 cells under either acute or chronic conditions. While CRH, norepinephrine, and epinephrine evoked significant increases in P-endorphin release, lactate, in combination with these se- cretagogues did not alter their effects. Similarly, lactic acid failed to alter basal or stimulated release of P-endorphin by primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary. The addition of lactate (3 x lo3 M) to rat hypothalamic explants did, however, produce a modest but significant reduction in spontaneous CRH release, suggesting that lactate may facilitate the return to basal secretion following exercise. The present findings show that physiologic concentrations of lactate have no effect, either alone or in combination with other pituitary secretagogues, on corticotroph secretion. Whereas a physiologic action for lactate within the hypothalamus is possible, the present find- ings indicate that lactate is an inhibitor of CRH release. Thus, lactate does not appear to play a direct role in the profound activation of the HPA axis that occurs in response to strenuous exercise. (P.S.E.B.M. 1999, Vol 2201
Strange Edifices, Counter-Monuments: Rethinking Time and Space in W. G. Sebald's Austerlitz

The article foregrounds the critical potential linked to the active manipulation of space and time in Sebald's Austerlitz. Sebald's understanding of space as temporally layered and the tendency to slow down the narrative tempo through a complex narrative structure and densely textured sentences in which multiple narrative perspectives and temporalities overlap, are part of an “aesthetics of delay” that contributes to intensify the reflection on memory central to his prose.
Volume cracker: a bimanual 3D interaction technique for analysis of raw volumetric data

Analysis of volume datasets often involves peering inside the volume to understand internal structures. Traditional approaches involve removing part of the volume through slicing, but this can result in the loss of context. Focus+context visualization techniques can distort part of the volume, or can assume prior definition of a region of interest or segmentation of layers of the volume. We propose a new bimanual 3D interaction technique, called Volume Cracker (VC), which allows the user to crack open a raw volume like a book to analyze the internal structures. VC preserves context by always displaying all the voxels, and by connecting the sub-volumes with curves joining the cracked faces. We discuss the design choices that we made, based on observations from prior user studies, input from domain scientists, and design studios. We also report the results of a user study comparing VC with a standard desktop interaction technique and a standard 3D bimanual interaction technique. The study used tasks from two categories of a generic volume analysis task taxonomy. We found VC had significant advantages over the other two techniques for search and pattern recognition tasks.
A solid-state pH sensor based on a Nafion-coated iridium oxide indicator electrode and a polymer-based silver chloride reference electrode

Abstract As an alternative to the glass pH electrode, an entirely solid-state pH sensor (pH-sensing and reference electrodes) has been developed based on an annealed permselective polymer(Nafion tm TM)-coated iridium oxide pH indicator electrode and a polymer-modified silver-silver chloride reference electrode. When a solution of Nafion is coated onto the iridium oxide surface and annealed at 210°C, it becomes permselective to cations. The membrane thus transports protons, but attenuates the effects of anionic oxidizing or reducing (redox) species that interfere with the response of an uncoated electrode. The reference-electrode design involves coating a silver-silver chloride surface with a chloride-ion-containing polymer (e.g., triethylamine quaternized polychloromethylstyrene). The chloride ion is trapped within this polymer layer by encapsulating it with a Nafion outer layer. After annealing, the Nafion membrane effectively blocks chloride-ion diffusion to the test solution and maintains a constant chloride-ion activity on the silver chloride surface; thus a constant electrode potential is maintained. Several sensor designs based on coated wires, cermets and alumina ceramics have been evaluated for pH response and stability. Distinctive features of the solid-state technology include glass-free construction, chemical resistance and high impact strength.
Dental caries and composition of bones and teeth of white rats: Effect of dietary mineral supplements

The ash, calcium, phosphorus, carbon dioxide and magnesium in the teeth of white rats and in certain bones, were studied in relation to a drastically altered calcium, phosphorus and magnesium content of the diet and in relation to the dental caries experience. The dietary mineral variations affected the composition of certain of the calcified tissues, particularly those which were being calcified during the experimental period. Chemical changes in the teeth and bones, however, did not relate to the dental caries experience. There was no evidence that the CO2:PO4 ratio of dental tissues was a factor in the dental caries experience. A striking and consistent reduction in dental caries occurred as a result of adding Na2HPO4 to a basal cariogenic skim milk powder diet. The cariostatic effect of CaCO3 was equivocal. There was no reduction in caries when MgCO3 or Mg3(PO4)2 were dietary supplements.
Contractility and its control in peritrich ciliates.

SYNOPSIS A review of the recent literature on the structure and physico-chemical properties of the myoneme and its specialization, the spasmoneme, of peritrich ciliates was made. Myonemes are composed of tightly packed bundles of 3–5 nm microfibrils which parallel, more or less, the long axis of the bundle and are of indefinite length. The presence of contractility in these ciliates is correlated with the presence of myonemes. Associated with the microfibrils is a system of membrane-bound tubules and saccules continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This system is known to accumulate calcium. Myonemes differ from muscles in their structure, solubility properties, birefringence pattern, and in the time during the contraction-relaxation cycle at which they require energy. They may be related more closely to the cytochalasin B-sensitive microfibrils of higher organisms than to muscles. Contraction of extracted stalks can be induced solely by raising the calcium ion concentration above a certain threshold. Thus the calcium-accumulating myoneme-associated ER would appear to play an important role in the control of myoneme contractility. A specialization at the interface between the myoneme and the ER membranes is described as it appears in Vorticella and Opercularia. This structure, called a linkage complex, is found both in the body myonemes and the spasmoneme and links the membranes of the ER to the microfibrils. It also has microfilaments that pass from the ER-myoneme interface to the surface membranes. The uniqueness of this structure and its location suggests that it may play a role in controlling the movements of calcium between the ER and myoneme and also in transmission of messages from the pellicular membranes, possibly the alveolar sacs, to the ER.
Estimating surface water flow speeds using time-frequency methods

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation implicitly assumes that the backscattered returns arise from stationary isotropic targets. When objects move during the SAR integration time, signal anomalies appear that distort, displace and smear moving targets in the image. Although these anomalies degrade the image, they provide the information that allows analysis of the underlying target motion. Joint time-frequency analysis (JTFA) exploits these signal anomalies to estimate the motion of typical point targets. However, the weak, transient returns from water surface scatterers complicate standard JTFA estimates of water surface speeds. A time-frequency representation is applied based on the Capon-s spectral estimation technique that allows joint analysis of multiple azimuth lines, thereby increasing the signal-to-clutter ratio of weak scatterers. The authors compare the time-frequency estimate, employing single-phase-centre SAR data, to along-track interferometric SAR estimates of the same flow and show that both the methods produce comparable results. The authors derive the JTFA equations and estimate water surface speed for data collected at a specific imaging geometry. This study highlights the feasibility of using a single-phase-centre SAR system to determine the motion of slow moving distributed targets representative of water flow.
Comment: A woman's place

Physics will not be a fair field until unconscious gender biases are acknowledged and tackled head on, says Sherry Towers
Texture Classification Using The Hough Transform

Texture is one of the important image characteristics and is used to identify objects or regions of interest. The problem of texture classification has been widely studied. Some texture classification approaches use Fourier power-spectrum features, while others are based on first and second-order statistics of gray level differences. Periodic textures that consist of mostly straight lines are of particular interest. In this paper, a new approach based on the Hough method of line detection is introduced. This classification is based on the relative orientation and location of the lines within the texture. Experimental results will also be presented.
Safety and efficacy of purified factor IX concentrate and antifibrinolytic agents for dental extractions in hemophilia B

This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of combined treatment with epsilon-aminocaproic acid or tranexamic acid and monoclonal antibody purified factor IX (MAb factor IX) for prophylaxis against bleeding in eight hemophilia B patients undergoing nine dental extraction procedures. All patients achieved excellent hemostasis without clinical evidence of thrombosis. There were no significant changes in hemoglobin or hematocrit or in markers of hemostatic system activation (prothrombin fragment F1+2, fibrinopeptide A, and fragment B beta 15-42) after surgery. Thus, a highly purified factor IX concentrate and antifibrinolytic therapy can be effectively and safely combined in hemophilia B patients undergoing dental extractions.
In Vitro and In Vivo Equivalence Testing of Nanoparticulate Intravenous Formulations

The topic of bioequivalence evaluation of nanoparticulate intravenous formulations is one that has been intensely debated in recent times since the release of the specific recommendations by many regulatory authorities worldwide. Product specific bioequivalence guidelines for many of the nanoparticulate systems where therapeutic molecules are directly coupled (human albumin bound paclitaxel nanosuspension), functionalized (iron- carbohydrate preparations) or entrapped/coated to a carrier (doxorubicin liposomal formulations), have been approved by the drug regulatory agencies. These current regulatory procedures include complete characterization of the generic formulation in terms of its physicochemical characteristics, pharmacokinetics disposition and/or non clinical testing with respect to the reference formulation. The concept of in vitro equivalency is emerging as a valuable tool in these guidances as generic product differing in in vitro parameters can result in a different biopharmaceutical profile with respect to pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. Furthermore, in case of systems with entrapped drug, classical pharmacokinetic parameters alone may only ensure the equivalent clearance of test and reference product from systemic circulation but may fail to detect the extent to which the nanoparticles are taken up by different target organs and, consequently, the safety and efficacy effects. Hence, additional tissue distribution study in preclinical study models has reflected in recent guidances. Understanding and interpretation of these regulatory requirements thus presents most critical component of a generic product development cycle. This article reviews these current regulatory procedures with special emphasis on in vitro population bioequivalence (POP BE) and preclinical testing of generic formulations.
Regulation of dendritic-cell differentiation by bone marrow stroma via different Notch ligands

Notch is a major factor mediating interaction between hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and bone marrow stroma (BMS). However its contribution to dendritic cell (DC) differentiation is controversial. We found that main Notch ligands Delta-1 and Jagged-1 had the opposite effect on DC differentiation. Delta-1 promoted generation of fully differentiated DCs, whereas Jagged-1 stimulated accumulation of DC precursors but prevented their transition to terminally differentiated DCs. BMS expressed a substantially higher level of Jagged-1 than Delta-1. Just the opposite expression pattern was observed in spleen stroma (SS). The BMS effect on DC differentiation was similar to that of Jagged-1, whereas the effect of SS was similar to the effect of Delta-1. Down-regulation of Jagged-1 in BMS substantially increased DC differentiation. Experiments in vivo with adoptive transfer of DC precursors further supported the different roles of BMS and SS in DC development. Jagged-1 and Delta-1 equally activated CBF-1/RBPJκ transcription factor, which is a major Notch target. However, they produced a different pattern of activation of Notch target gene Hes1. Overexpression of Hes1 resulted in increased DC differentiation from HPCs. Thus, this study not only revealed the different role of Notch ligands in DC differentiation but also may provide a new insight into regulation of DC differentiation by BMS.
Formation and plasmonic properties of silicon nanowire arrays produced by chemical etching

We have investigated the formation of silicon nanowire arrays by the use of a simple chemical etching approach. The etching characteristics of silicon nanowire arrays using wafers with diverse doping levels and several orientations have been examined. Furthermore, the etching solution, etching time and temperature were also considered in order to optimize the etching conditions to produce thinner and more orderly silicon nanowire arrays in registry with the substrate. Since this process takes advantage of a silver catalyst, we have also investigated various ways of forming the initial silver catalyst on the silicon surfaces, and we show that electroless Ag deposition, as well as e-beam thin film deposition of Ag, results in successful, highly aligned and ordered Si nanowire arrays after the etching step. In addition, we have also performed Surfaced Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) measurements on the nanowire arrays and on nanowires removed from the substrate.
Immoderation: comparing the Christian Right in the US and pro-Islamic movement-parties in Turkey

This article will discuss the “immoderation” of religious political actors – defined as the continuation of a relatively closed and rigid worldview – through a cross-religious comparison of the Christian Right coalition within the Republican Party in the US with the pro-Islamic movement-parties in Turkey. By adapting a “most different systems approach”, this study will question the similar evolution of two religious political actors in two dissimilar political regimes. In particular, it will question the processes and types of immoderation by looking into (1) “behavioural immoderation”, immoderation for the strategic purpose of forming a small yet ideologically pure supporter base, and into (2) “ideological immoderation”, immoderation as a result of a continued advocacy for a moral role for the state without a full embrace of political pluralism. In this, it will argue that religious political actors are strategic actors who try to guarantee their organizational survival amidst changing costs and benefits...
Acute abdominal pain as a result of a ruptured hematosalpinx: a rare complication of an unusual müllerian anomaly.

Abstract Case Report A 15-year-old virgin Caucasian female presented to the emergency room with a 40-hour history of acute left lower quadrant abdominal pain and nausea. Evaluation suggested a left pelvic kidney with obstructed ureter being the etiology. Her pain continued to escalate so further workup with laparoscopy was performed. This demonstrated a left pelvic sidewall hemi uterus with ruptured hematosalpinx. This is an unusual clinical presentation of a mullerian anomaly not previously documented. Discussion The differential diagnosis of acute unilateral abdominal pain in adolescent females should include mullerian anomalies. The incidence of this diagnosis is low but the evaluation and treatment can be performed in an expeditious manner if the diagnosis is considered. The laparoscopic excision of a unilateral noncommunicating uterine horn is a valid and recommended treatment approach of this rare malformation.
Factors Affecting Rate of Vulcanization of Chloroprene Plastic Polymers

Abstract These tests have clearly shown the desirability of compounding this polymer with zinc oxide, magnesia, and rosin, and have demonstrated that these three ingredients when used together have a desirable effect that cannot be obtained with, or even predicted from, the results obtained with any one of them alone or the combination of any two of them. It has been shown further that, although it is possible to obtain good vulcanized products from this polymer without the addition of sulfur, a great increase in the rate of cure and substantial improvement in physical properties of vulcanized products result from the use of as little as 0.5 per cent of sulfur on the weight of the polymer. it is further shown that pine tar and rosin oil may be substituted for rosin but that they are somewhat less efficacious. The authors postulate that the value of rosin, pine tar, and rosin oil is probably due to the organic acids that they contain. Coumarone resin and brown factice are shown to be desirable compounding ...
Interpersonal identity formation in conversations with close friends about dating relationships.

Abstract The present study explores how close same-sex friendship groups participate in the co-construction of identities in the interpersonal domain during young adulthood. Participants included 24 same-sex college student friendship triads (12 male and 12 female; 72 total participants) who took part in semi-structured group interviews that elicited stories about conversations with their friends about dating relationship problems. Qualitative thematic analysis revealed five common responses to dating problems evidencing identity work in the context of friends’ conversations. These responses included relating the issue to one’s own experiences, providing validation and encouragement, joking about the problem, offering advice, and providing concrete instrumental support. Results are interpreted with regard to gender differences and similarities as well as the social context of college and developmental context of emerging adulthood. The findings identify ways in which young adults are actively co-constructing and re-evaluating their interpersonal identities within conversations with close same-sex friends.
Strongly interacting fermions

It is shown that strongly interacting Fermi systems, such as /sup 3/He, transition metals, and the heavy-fermion systems can be consistently described within the ''induced''-interaction Fermi-liquid formalism. The general limiting features of the model are considered. In agreement with the Gutzwiller (half-filled case) solution to the Hubbard model, there is a localization of excitations as F/sub 0//sup s/ and F/sub 1//sup s/..-->..infinity. Some of the large m/sup */ originate from a large ''dynamic'' mass, m/sub lambda/ for f electrons, which is then shown to be further increased by many-body effects. In disagreement with the Gutzwiller solution in the half-filled case, but in agreement with the less-than-half-filled case, the compression modulus goes to a finite value as F/sub 0//sup s/,F/sub 1//sup s/..-->..infinity, so that: in a jellium model: the Debye frequency FTHETA/sub D/ has a finite value. The implication of the spin-dependent parameter F/sub 0//sup a/ going to a finite limit are discussed. In particular, it is shown that ferromagnetic ordering cannot occur in the case of a short-ranged potential.
Upregulation of striatal dopamine-2 receptors in Brattleboro rats with prepulse inhibition deficits

Background Brattleboro rats (BRATs) have natural deficits in prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response similar to those exhibited by schizophrenia patients, which are reversed by antipsychotics. We sought to determine whether they also have increases in striatal dopamine-2 (D2) receptors found in some studies examining the brains of schizophrenia patients. Methods Several days after startle testing, the brains of BRAT and Long Evans (LE) rats were removed, and D1 and D2 receptor levels were measured by autoradiography. Results PPI was lower in BRATs consistent with previous reports. D2, but not D1, receptor binding was significantly higher in the nucleus accumbens shell and the dorsomedial caudate of BRAT compared with LE rats, consistent with some findings in schizophrenia patients. Furthermore, individual rat PPI was inversely correlated with D2 binding density. Conclusions These findings suggest that the dopamine system in BRATs is dysregulated and these abnormalities may contribute to the PPI deficits observed in these rats.
What Should Science Reference Librarians Do with Books Classified as Science That Aren't Science: Revisiting the Well-Known Worlds in Collision by Immanuel Velikovsky as a Case Study

Students browsing the science sections in their library may naturally assume that all of the books are scientifically valid and accurate. Science collections may also contain books that may not now be accurate, either because they are out-of-date or never belonged there. While out-of-date knowledge can sometimes be beneficial, invalid books can only mislead. The well-known book Worlds in Collision by Immanuel Velikovsky is a case study on how librarians can handle such books. For these books, an explanatory note can be placed on the book's online catalog entry or even in the book. The book can also be weeded from the collection or reclassified. Each one of these putative treatments has potential advantages and disadvantages.
Spontaneous adsorption of ferrocenes on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite edges

Abstract The spontaneous adsorption of ferrocene and eight derivatives have been examined electrochemically on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite edges. All compounds give surface coverages of ca. 2×10−8 mol/cm2. Three of the adsorbed compounds give oxidation waves significantly more negative than their solution counterparts, in contrast with the other six derivatives.
Asymmetric aryl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (ArPOSS) with enhanced solubility

Abstract Four new asymmetric Polyhedral Oligomeric SilSesquioxanes (POSS) with the formula (Aryl)Phenyl7Si8O12, where Aryl = 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 9-phenanthrenyl, and 1-pyrenyl, have been synthesized in reasonable yield and high purity. These compounds were characterized with 1H, 13C, 29Si NMR and elemental combustion analysis. These compounds possess polycyclic aromatic functionality, which disrupts symmetry to improve solubility in organic solvents and aromatic polymers, without significant impact on thermal stability.
Solving imperfect-information games

Imperfect-information games model settings where players have private information. Tremendous progress has been made in solving such games over the past 20 years, especially since the Annual Computer Poker Competition was established in 2006, where programs play each other. This progress can fuel the operationalization of seminal game-theoretic solution concepts into detailed game models, powering a host of applications in business (e.g., auctions and negotiations), medicine (e.g., making sophisticated sequential plans against diseases), (cyber)security, and other domains. On page 145 of this issue, Bowling et al. ( 1 ) report on having computed a strategy for two-player limit Texas Hold'em poker that is so close to optimal that, at the pace a human plays poker, it cannot be beaten with statistical significance in a lifetime. While strong strategies have been computed for larger imperfect-information games as well ( 2 – 6 ), this is, to my knowledge, the largest imperfect-information game essentially solved to date, and the first one competitively played by humans that has now been essentially solved.
Marked Dopaminergic Cell Loss Subsequent to Developmental, Intranigral Expression of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) shows potent neuroprotective as well as neurorestorative actions on the adult neurons impacted in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Long-term pharmaco-physiological effects of GDNF on developing dopaminergic (DA) neurons have not yet been explored because of technical difficulties in producing prolonged cell type-specific delivery of this neurotrophic factor in mammalian embryonic brain. The current studies used our previously characterized 9.0-kb tyrosine hydroxylase promoter to produce transgenic mice with neuronal cell type-specific expression of GDNF in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and locus coeruleus (LC). These mice were used to test the parsimonious hypothesis that increased developmental expression of GDNF in SNc and LC would significantly enhance the number of postmitotic adult neurons. To our surprise, adult transgenic mice carrying the TH9.0kb-GDNF hybrid gene showed dramatic reductions in both the numbers and the volumes of SNc-DA and LC-noradrenergic (NA) neurons by quantitative morphometric analysis. The decrease in the number of DA neurons was apparent as early as postnatal day 2, the period before the major naturally occurring apoptotic cell death in midbrain. Aged transgenic mice exhibited no further significant deficits in motor behaviors. These data suggest that continuous, early developmental GDNF expression exerts physiological effects on newly differentiated, immature dopamine neurons that differ from those observed on more mature and adult DA neurons. Further elucidation of the mechanisms underlying differential GDNF actions will greatly improve the pharmacological efficacy of GDNF in fetal neural transplantation as well as adult neuronal gene therapy in PD patients.