cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Student-directed learning in a community geriatrics advanced pharmacy practice experience.

Objectives. To assess a community geriatrics advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) that aimed to improve students' attitudes towards older adults and provide a student-directed learning experience. Design. Students provided blood pressure monitoring and medication counseling to older adults living in a low-income residential facility as part of a required 6-week ambulatory care service-learning APPE. Pre-experience and post-experience essays on students' perceptions of the elderly and their intended and actual learning were retrospectively reviewed using a qualitative process to determine whether the course objectives were met. Assessment. Many students initially described older adults in factual terms or using negative descriptors. Most expressed a desire to increase their knowledge of diseases commonly occurring in and drugs commonly prescribed for the elderly or to improve specific skills. Many students initially had difficulty articulating clear and measurable learning objectives and appropriat...
Glycomics analysis of mammalian heparan sulfates modified by the human extracellular sulfatase HSulf2.

Background The Sulfs are a family of endosulfatases that selectively modify the 6O-sulfation state of cell-surface heparan sulfate (HS) molecules. Sulfs serve as modulators of cell-signaling events because the changes they induce alter the cell surface co-receptor functions of HS chains. A variety of studies have been aimed at understanding how Sulfs modify HS structure, and many of these studies utilize Sulf knockout cell lines as the source for the HS used in the experiments. However, genetic manipulation of Sulfs has been shown to alter the expression levels of HS biosynthetic enzymes, and in these cases an assessment of the fine structural changes induced solely by Sulf enzymatic activity is not possible. Therefore, the present work aims to extend the understanding of substrate specificities of HSulf2 using in vitro experiments to compare HSulf2 activities on HS from different organ tissues. Methodology/Principal Findings To further the understanding of Sulf enzymatic activity, we conducted in vitro experiments where a variety of mammalian HS substrates were modified by recombinant human Sulf2 (HSulf2). Subsequent to treatment with HSulf2, the HS samples were exhaustively depolymerized and analyzed using size-exclusion liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (SEC-LC/MS). We found that HSulf2 activity was highly dependent on the structural features of the HS substrate. Additionally, we characterized, for the first time, the activity of HSulf2 on the non-reducing end (NRE) of HS chains. The results indicate that the action pattern of HSulf2 at the NRE is different compared to internally within the HS chain. Conclusions/Significance The results of the present study indicate that the activity of Sulfs is dependent on the unique structural features of the HS populations that they edit. The activity of HSulf2 at HS NREs implicates the Sulfs as key regulators of this region of the chains, and concomitantly, the protein-binding events that occur there.
Massively parallel finite element analysis of coupled, incompressible flows: A benchmark computation of baroclinic annulus waves

Coupled, three-dimensional, time-dependent, incompressible flows in a differentially heated, rotating annulus are simulated using a parallel implementation of the Galerkin finite element method on the Connection Machine 5 (CM-5) supercomputer. The development of baroclinic annulus waves is computed and found to be consistent with previous experimental reseults. The implementation of a repeated spectral bisection element-partitioning technique significantly increases the computation speed over a strategy which randomly maps elements to processors, yielding sustained calculation rates of 8.1 GFLOPS on 512 processors of the CM-5.
Electrooxidation mechanisms of hexamethylbenzene and 1,5-dichloroanthracene

Summary Electrooxidation of hexamethylbenzene in acetonitrile involves the reversible loss of two electrons to form the pentamethylbenzyl cation, which reacts rapidly (kf⋍300 sec−1) with the solvent to form the easily hydrolyzed pentamethylbenzyl nitrilium ion. This nitrilium ion undergoes a further two-electron oxidation at a more anodic potential. Electrooxidation of 1,5-dichloroanthracene involves reversible loss of one electron to form the radical cation, which reacts rapidly (kf⋍200 sec−1) with the solvent. This product then loses a second electron at a less anodic potential. If the radical cation escapes the chemical reaction, a more anodic potential is required to remove the second electron. In the presence of ethanol, the radical cation couples, and the final stable product is 1,1′, 5,5′-tetrachlorobianthronyl.
Dual-band infrared capabilities for imaging buried object sites

We discuss dual-band infrared (DBIR) capabilities for imaging buried object sites. We identify physical features affecting thermal contrast needed to distinguish buried object sites from undisturbed sites or surface clutter. Apart from atmospheric transmission and system performance, these features include: object size, shape, and burial depth; ambient soil, disturbed soil and object site thermal diffusivity differences; surface temperature, emissivity, plant-cover, slope, albedo and roughness variations; weather conditions and measurement times. We use ground instrumentation to measure the time-varying temperature differences between buried object sites and undisturbed soil sites. We compared near surface soil temperature differences with radiometric infrared (IR) surface temperature differences recorded at 4.7 +/- 0.4 micrometers and at 10.6 +/- 1.0 micrometers . By producing selective DBIR image ratio maps, we distinguish temperature-difference patterns from surface emissivity effects. We discuss temperature differences between buried object sites, filled hole sites (without buried objects), cleared (undisturbed) soil sites, and grass-covered sites (with and without different types of surface clutter). We compared temperature, emissivity-ratio, visible and near-IR reflectance signatures of surface objects, leafy plants and sod. We discuss the physical aspects of environmental, surface and buried target features affecting interpretation of buried targets, surface objects and natural backgrounds.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Histopathologic and immunophenotypic profile of subglottic hemangioma: Multicenter study☆

Abstract Objective Subglottic hemangioma (SGH) is a rare tumor of childhood often associated with airway compromise. Recently, the possibility that many SGH may be congenital hemangiomas rather than classical infantile hemangiomas (IH) has been raised, with important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. We present the largest, multi-institutional study, to date, with immunophenotypic characterization of SGH. Methods Biopsy proven SGH samples were retrieved from the archived files of three tertiary referral children's hospitals. Relevant demographic and clinical data corresponding to each of the specimen was collected. Standard hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE with three of the PHACES variety. 16/19 specimens were histologically diagnostic of classical IH by HE 1/19 was too small for histological diagnosis, but contained GLUT1-positve capillaries; 1/19 was inflamed granulation tissue by histology and was GLUT1-negative; the final 1/19 was inflamed fibrous tissue, negative for GLUT1. Conclusions This multi-institutional pathologic assessment confirms that most subglottic hemagiomas examined were histologically and immunohistochemically confirmed to be IH and similar to IH located in other anatomic locations. GLUT-1 immnohistochemical staining is a valuable tool for confirmatory diagnosis in these patients.
Mathematical methodology in the thought of charles S, Peirce

Abstract It is fitting that the celebration of Peirce's New Elements of Mathematics should be taking place in New York City, where Peirce was often to be found attending mathematical meetings at Columbia University and where he consulted the resources of the old Astor Library for the production of many of his writings. This paper considers Peirce—a lifelong student of logic—as he examined scientific and mathematical methodology on all levels, in ages past as well as in the then-contemporary literature. Peirce hoped to create an exact philosophy by applying the ideas of modern mathematical exactitude. He developed a semiotic pattern of mathematical procedure with which to test validity in all areas of investigation.
Not an Exceptional Country: Russia and the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-2009

What began as a downturn in the US housing sector in summer 2007 mushroomed into a global financial crisis by September 2008—the most severe since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Initially, Western European governments, including the Russian government, blamed the crisis on US financial excesses and felt that their economies would remain immune from the contagion. However, this proved to be a false comfort. The subprime-induced contagion spread to Europe with unprecedented ferocity, rapidly engulfing the entire continent. This essay explains why Russia, deemed to be the most immune, succumbed so quickly to the contagion, and includes lessons policymakers can learn from the Russian experience to better insulate their economies from the vagaries of the global financial markets.
Measuring “dose” and “response” with multtvariate data using partial least squares techniques

Existing statistical methodology is weak in exploiting the multiplicity of measurement in complex uncontrolled human teratology studies of “dose” and “response”. We describe a study of the neurobehavioral effects of moderate levels of prenatal alcohol exposure which examines 13 alternate measures of alcohol exposure (reflecting timing and variability of maternal alcohol consumption) with respect to hundreds of outcome measures over seven years of elapsed time. We demonstrate how one fundamental statistical tactic, the modeling of crosscorrelation matrices by Partial Least Squares, has permitted us to address the problem of jointly studying dose and response in terms of the salience of alcohol exposure for the outcome measures and of the outcome deficits for estimation of dose. Using this technique we summarize the apparently distinct mechanisms of alcohol exposure (in regard to timing and variability of dose) with respect to 474 outcomes organized in 15 blocks of variables at 5 ages.
Putting out Fire with Gasoline: Testing the Gamson Hypothesis on Media Reliance and Political Activity

This study extends the Gamson Hypothesis, which asserts that trust and self-efficacy affect political activity, by examining how reliance on mainstream and alternative sources of political information interact with trust, self-efficacy, and political activity. Overall, this study supports the Gamson Hypothesis: Dissidents (those high in self-efficacy and low in political trust) are more likely to protest the government than Assureds (high levels of trust and efficacy), who are more likely to engage in more conventional political activities. Dissidents avoid online newspapers and broadcast news sites and instead turn to more polarizing sources, such as radio talk shows and political blogs. On the other hand, Assureds rely on mainstream sources such as broadcast television online and avoid more partisan sources such as political Web sites and talk radio.
Concerning an index of mortality

The possibility of constructing a mortality index from age data suggested the hypothesis that mortality is directly related to the fertility ratio and inversely related to the percentage of old persons. The measures of mortality selected were life expectations at birth, at one year, and at five years. A sample of 21 nations was chosen, primarily in terms of the quality of their life tables and age data. The formula that yielded the highest correlation (r = -0.861) was obtained for life expectation at one year and a mortality index based on the following categories (numbers refer to years of age in the female population, only): (0—14) (total population)/(15–74) (75 and over). Tests on other populations gave even higher correlations. Correlations for male populations are slightly lower in all cases. Instructions and suggestions for computation are provided. The index is most appropriate for populations not heavily influenced by migration and with incomplete registration systems.
The clear speech effect for non-native listeners

Previous work has established that naturally produced clear speech is more intelligible than conversational speech for adult hearing-impaired listeners and normal-hearing listeners under degraded listening conditions. The major goal of the present study was to investigate the extent to which naturally produced clear speech is an effective intelligibility enhancement strategy for non-native listeners. Thirty-two non-native and 32 native listeners were presented with naturally produced English sentences. Factors that varied were speaking style (conversational versus clear), signal-to-noise ratio (-4 versus -8 dB) and talker (one male versus one female). Results showed that while native listeners derived a substantial benefit from naturally produced clear speech (an improvement of about 16 rau units on a keyword-correct count), non-native listeners exhibited only a small clear speech effect (an improvement of only 5 rau units). This relatively small clear speech effect for non-native listeners is interpreted as a consequence of the fact that clear speech is essentially native-listener oriented, and therefore is only beneficial to listeners with extensive experience with the sound structure of the target language.
Time-delay bias errors in estimating frequency response and coherence functions from windowed samples of continuous and transient signals

Abstract An investigation is reported of the bias effect introduced by time delays when frequency response and coherence functions are estimated from windowed time samples. The magnitude of the bias error for both functions is shown to be dependent on both the nature of the data capture window and the amount of delay. The bias is found to be more severe for random data processed through a Hanning window than through a “boxcar” window. For transient signals that are fully captured through a boxcar window, the bias error is shown to be zero. Experimental investigation verifies the derived estimates for both boxcar and Hanning windows.
Examination of the oral cavity and identification of normal variants

The purpose of this article is to systematically describe the techniques that are used in examining the oral cavity. A detailed explanation of how each area of the mouth should be examined is provided and common variations of normal anatomy are illustrated.
Effect of repeated administration of dexfenfluramine on feeding and brain fos in mice

Abstract The present study examines whether repeated administration of dexfenfluramine (DFEN) to mice is associated with progressive attenuation of its anorectic action and induction of Fos-immunoreactivity (Fos-ir) in some brain regions, both known effects in rats. ICR:Cd-1 mice were adapted to receiving for 30 min daily a sweetened milk gelatin dessert in addition to ad libitum access to chow. Mice were then injected with either DFEN (5–10 mg/kg) or saline vehicle every other day. These doses of DFEN acutely suppressed intake by ∼50% and this action was sustained for at least eight injections. The anorectic effect of DFEN was no different between drug-naive and DFEN-pretreated mice under conditions that produce complete tolerance in rats. In addition, unlike in rats, the acute anorectic effect of m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) was unaffected by prior DFEN treatment. Mice were perfused after the intake test on the final experimental day and their brain processed for Fos-ir. DFEN induced Fos-ir in brain regions analogous to those reported in rats and, also, as in rats, DFEN pretreatments reduced substantially the Fos-ir induced by acute DFEN in regions including central nucleus of amygdala, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, and the paraventricular hypothalamus (magno- and parvocellular divisions; PVN). Thus, while DFEN pretreatments reduce the effects of DFEN in many brain regions in both rats and mice, mice are unlike rats insofar as there is no tolerance to the anorectic action, at least in the nondeprivation protocol used here.
Spontaneous Peritonitis: A Reappraisal

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis occurs frequently in cirrhotic patients. In order to define more accurately the spectrum of this disease, 55 cases of spontaneous peritonitis were compared with 56 controls (patients with negative ascitic fluid cultures). Of several presenting symptoms, only vomiting (p less than 0.01), fever (p less than 0.05), and severe gastrointestinal bleeding (p less than 0.05) were more prevalent in cases than controls. There were no physical signs and no laboratory studies that separated the two groups except for elevated serum amylases in controls. Studies of peritoneal fluid were rarely helpful and cell counts overlapped in the cases and controls. Spontaneous peritonitis is usually seen in patients with severe liver disease, but there are few distinctive symptoms, signs, or laboratory findings. The mortality rate is high, and it is uncertain from our data that antibiotic therapy alters this prognosis.
Classification and codebook design for a vector quantizer

This paper presents a classified vector quantizer based on Peano scanning. The Peano scanning, which is used to reduce the dimensionality of the data provides a 1D algorithm to classify an image block. The class of the block is determined based on its Peano scanning value from a look up table (LUT) of representative Peano scanning values and their associated classes. The Peano scanning algorithm is easily implemented in hardware and the class can be determined in a logarithmic time proportional to the number of entries in the LUT when using a binary search algorithm on the sorted LUT. Moreover, the class look up table is easily implemented in real time. An effective algorithm to generate all the codebooks of the classes simultaneously in a systematic way based on the greedy tree growing algorithm is also presented. The monochromatic images encoded in the range of 0.625 - 0.813 with a 16 dimensional input vectors are shown to preserve the edge integrity and quality as determined by subjective and objective measures.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
ARTIFICIAL ACIDOSIS IN TRYPANOSOMA LEWISI INFECTIONS, AND ITS BEARING ON THE PATHOGENIC ACTION OF TRYPANOSOMA EQUIPERDUM

When the alkali reserve is artificially lowered in rats infected with Trypanosoma lewisi, the number of parasites in the blood is increased. The increase is large in the early stages of the disease, and becomes less marked as the number crisis is approached. Near the crisis, and after it, a lowered alkali reserve does not affect the number of trypanosomes. It has been shown that the observed increase does not result from a contraction of the capillaries of the inner organs, which would throw a large number of trypanosomes into the peripheral circulation; nor is the increase due to a greater reproductive activity on the part of the trypanosomes. The increase must, therefore, be due to an inhibition of the destructive forces of the host. It is suggested that the known production of organic acids by the pathogenic trypanosomes plays a similar role in inhibiting the destructive mechanism of the host, and is therefore of significance in the pathogenic activity of these organisms.
Susceptibility testing of drugs and organisms not in NCCLS guidelines

Abstract Laboratories occasionally recover potential bacterial pathogens from patient cultures for which antimicrobial susceptibility testing standards do not exist in NCCLS documents. The laboratory is then placed between two conflicting obligations: to provide treatment guidance to the clinician and to report only reliable and accurate results. Because the predictive value of susceptibility test results generated by nonstandard methods is questionable, most experts prefer not to perform and report such test results. Instead, they recommend that an authoritative source be used to provide treatment suggestions to the physician and that susceptibility testing should not be routinely done. If the treatment outcome cannot be predicted based on the medical literature, a dilution method may be used to provide a MIC without an interpretation, and the laboratory must include a strong disclaimer that clearly indicates to the reader of the report that the result is non-standardized and may not be predictive of clinical outcome.
One parameter contaminated binormal model (CBM) for analysis of difficult-to-fit ROC data

Introduction. Perception experiments collecting rating method ROC data sometimes result in operating points at only relatively high specificities for some treatment-reader combinations. In the extreme, no operating points are internal to the feasible space of many parametric models (i.e. for all points, FP = 0). Dorfman & Berbaum 1 developed a contaminated binormal model (CBM) to account for ROC data that have few false-positive reports even though many healthy subjects are sampled. Unfortunately, CBM can give very different ROC curve shapes for similar ROC points and when there are no internal operating points, the ROC curve shape will often differ substantially from that obtained when there are internal operating points. Materials and Methods. We eliminate the CBM limiting case by adding a small constant to each cell of the rating data matrix 2,3 and to set μ, the difference between the visible signal and noise distributions, to the same high value for all conditions. 1 Results. We illustrate the resulting ROC curves using an example dataset from Schartz et al. 4 All observed ROC points become internal. The fitted ROC curves are similar to those of the limiting CBM and empirical ROC, but all curves using the same μ have the same shape and never cross. ROC accuracy parameters such area, partial area, and sensitivity at any fixed specificity correspond perfectly. Conclusions. Constraining the CBM to a fixed large μ provides a more effective way to apply it to difficult-to-fit data.
Physical basis for a pressure‐dependent yield criterion for polymers

Abstract : A previously empirical pressure-dependent yield criterion for polymeric solids is derived from linear thermoelasticity and equilibrium thermodynamics. The assumption of a critical value of the mechanical component of the internal energy density at the onset of plastic deformation leads to an explicit expression for the yield condition in terms of the stress invariants and thermomechanical properties of the material Order of magnitude agreement between the linear theory and published experimental data is obtained for a variety of polymers, suggesting a possible physical basis for pressure-dependent yielding.
Management and Outcome of a Non-iatrogenic, Nearly Circumferential, Full-thickness Retroperitoneal Rectal Tear in a Horse

An 8-year-old Quarter Horse stallion presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of acute colic and a suspected rectal tear. Clinical examination revealed a nearly circumferential retroperitoneal full-thickness rectal tear. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and medical management of the tear continued for 6 weeks. Multiple attempts at direct suturing of the tear were unsuccessful. Despite intensive medical management, the horse was not able to defecate, and the tear did not heal adequately, so the horse was humanely euthanized. Necropsy revealed complete obliteration of the muscular layers of the rectum with only a small area of rectal mucosa intact dorsally. There is limited information available on the management of circumferential rectal tears. Based upon this experience and other historical reports, a poor prognosis may be expected for circumferential full-thickness retroperitoneal rectal tears involving the ventral aspect of the rectum.
Analysis of Response Times in 802.11 Industrial Networks

Nowadays there is an ever increasing interest towards the use of wireless LANs in industrial environments, mainly because they do not require cabling, feature good connectivity and performance, and can be operated on by control applications in a very similar way to conventional Ethernet. However, WLANs have several drawbacks when compared to wired networks, the most severe being caused by the random access mechanism that worsen their determinism noticeably. In this paper a thorough analysis is carried out about the statistical distribution of response times in a real 802.11 g network, which can be used to characterize this solution when used to support non-critical real-time traffic.
An experimental model of the growth of neighboring voids during ductile fracture

Abstract We have examined aspects of the strain-induced growth behavior of pairs of neighboring voids using a macroscopic model consisting of a uniaxial tensile specimen containing pairs of opposing blind-end holes. Experimental measurements have been made of the thinning behavior of the inter-hole ligament for hole-ends spaced initially 0.5 D, 1.0 D, and 2.0 D apart, where D is the hole diameter. These results indicate that deformation causes the interhole ligament to thin at a rate which increases with increasing strain and decreasing hole spacing. When compared to predictions of the growth of isolated voids (based on the Rice-Tracey analysis [1,5]), our results indicate void interaction effects accelerate ligament thinning and become pronounced with decreasing void spacing (≤ 1.0 D) and increasing applied strain (e1≥ 0.2) even in uniaxial tension.
Physical-based model of fish movement in fish extraction facilities

Abstract Fish collection or diversion facilities are structures designed to remove fish from a channel where they may be endangered from pumps, power plants, or irrigation systems. The Tracy Fish Collection Facility in the Central Valley of California (USA) collects endangered and economically important species before they can enter the Delta Mendota Canal. We describe the structure, sensitivity, and preliminary validation of a model that moves fish through this louver-type fish collection facility. The model is individual-based and moves fish subject to fundamental physical forces in the flowing medium and simple obstacle avoidance behaviors. Fluid dynamics are obtained by solving the Navier–Stokes equations. The primary model output is the salvage efficiency of the facility design. Monte Carlo simulation showed that the mean salvage efficiency is within the variability of field estimates. The most sensitive variables of the model are the initial cross-channel position of the fish and its initial energy reserves. The implications of our results for future collection facility designs are discussed.
Abortogenic activity of antiserum to alpha-foetoprotein

ALPHA-FOETOPROTEIN (AFP), a glycoprotein of molecular weight 70–72,000, is synthesised by the yolk sac and by perivascular parenchymal cells of the mammalian foetal liver and gastrointestinal tract1–3. Increased levels of AFP occur in maternal and foetal sera during pregnancy4,5, and indirect evidence suggests some production of AFP by the chorionic tissues6. Increase of AFP in amniotic fluid has been correlated with neural tube defects, anencephaly, hydrocephaly, congenital nephrosis and foetal death7–10. The specific function of AFP has not been determined, but oestrogen-binding and immunoregulation during pregnancy have been implicated11,12. Smith13 noted an effect of rabbit antiserum to rat AFP when injected into pregnant rats. We now report evidence for a specific abortogenic activity of rabbit antiserum to murine AFP (anti-AFP) when administered during gestation in the laboratory mouse.
Anaerobic precipitation of manganese and co-existing metals in mine impacted water treated with crab shell-associated minerals

Abstract The chemical and physical treatment mechanisms by which crab shell removes metals from mine impacted water (MIW) were evaluated under anaerobic and biologically limited conditions in closed systems and kinetic tests. Raw (R-SC20) and deproteinized (DP-SC20) crab shell were tested and compared to limestone to quantify the contribution of chitin-associated minerals and proteins to alkalinity generation and metal precipitation. Single-metal closed systems (initial Mn and Fe = 0.18 mM and Al = 0.34 mM) containing 5 g/L of either R- or DP-SC20, yielded an increase in pH from 3 to 9.2–10.2, generation of 0.83–1.87 mM of alkalinity, and resulted in ⩾95% removal of metals within 72 h. In contrast, 5–125 g limestone/L only raised the pH to 7.8–8.3, produced lower alkalinity (0.56–0.63 mM), and resulted in less metal removal (⩽85%). In kinetic tests with 5 g-DP-SC20/L, removal of ⩾95% of the initial metal load was achieved after 0.5, 6, and 48 h for Al, Fe, and Mn, respectively. Geochemical calculations (PHREEQC) indicate that limestone-treated systems were close to equilibrium with calcite (CaCO3), whereas octacalcium phosphate (Ca4H(PO4)3) appears to be a controlling phase in systems treated with R- and DP-SC20. The probable mechanisms for Mn removal are the precipitation of rhodochrosite (MnCO3) and/or sorption. In the case of Al and Fe, geochemical calculations point to the precipitation of hydroxides; however, visual observations in Fe systems suggest the formation of green rust, a precursor of other, more stable phases like goethite or lepidocrocite. Several factors may account for the faster changes observed with R- and DP-SC20 compared to limestone: increased dissolution and degree of supersaturation, the presence of phosphates, the release of organic compounds, and a significantly larger surface area. These results are the first to verify and quantify the capacity of crab shell-associated minerals to treat MIW under biologically limited conditions.
Causes of the 20 October 1991 Oakland Hills conflagration

The meteorologic and topologic causes of the 20 October 1991 Oakland Hills conflagration are described here qualitatively. A 3 GW example fire, 100 m in diameter, is used to show the impact of the 10 m/s wind and strong inversion layer at 600 m that existed on 19 October. It is concluded that the dry, high speed NE wind, coupled with the inversion layer and the local topography channeled the hot products of pyrolysis and combustion, along with flaming debris, through a high fuel load region downwind and downslope of the initial fire, thus causing the unusually rapid initial fire spread and consequent conflagration.
The impact of exchange-rate volatility on export growth: Some theoretical considerations and empirical results

Abstract This paper (i) examines the theoretical relationship between exchange-rate volatility and export growth and (ii) tests for the empirical impact of such volatility on real export growth of 11 OECD countries. We argue that, theoretically, exchange-rate volatility can have an impact on trade in either a positive or negative direction. Empirical results are provided for the managed-rate and flexible-rate periods. Both nominal and real measures of exchange rates are used in two specifications of volatility: absolute percentage changes and standard deviations. Of 33 regressions presented, only three support the hypothesis that exchange-rate volatility impedes export performance.
Solubility of nitrogen in liquid lithium and thermal decomposition of solid Li3N

Abstract The solubility of nitrogen in liquid lithium was determined from 195 to 441°C by direct sampling and equilibrium nitrogen pressure over solid Li 3 N were measured at eight temperatures between 660 and 778° C. The solubility data may be represented by log 10 S = 3.323 − 2107 T −1 , where S is in mol% Li 3 N and T is in K. From a thermodynamic analysis of the combined solubility and decomposition data, the standard free energy of formation of solid Li 3 N was estimated to be ΔG ° f ( kcal / mol ) = 33.2 × 10 −3 T − 39.1. For dilute solutions of Li 3 N in lithium, the Sieverts' law constant, K S = N Li3N p 1 2 , is given by In K S ( atm −1 2 ) = − 13.80 + 14 590 T −1 , where N Li 3 N is the mole fraction of Li 3 N and p is the nitrogen pressure. The system Li-Li 3 N appears to conform to a simple eutectic diagram in which the eutectic point occurs at ≈ 0.05 mol % Li 3 N and 180.3° C. The melting point of Li 3 N was found to be (813 ± 1)° C . Implications of the results of this study regarding the compatibility of liquid lithium with the strucutral materials of interest to fusion reactors are discussed.
Residential area evaluation using GIS technique: A case study — Part of Bhubaneswar city

To evaluate a planning area or to implement plan procedures, planners need database in the form of land use, population density, housing density and point information regarding various facilities. At present planning tasks are carried out by manual methods where analytical capabilities are limited. Therefore, there is a need for reliable data as well as comprehensive database information indicating physical factors and good analytical tools. In a development plan various standards are specified in zoning regulations for the development of a city. To get an overall view, how these standards are implemented on the ground in planning period, a GIS application can be useful in analysing various amenity standards with respect to population and distances. In this study, for part of Bhubaneswar, basic data was generated from 1988 aerial photographs and other related information was gathered through field survey and secondary sources. The derived information in the form of a map has been entered into computer through digitization. Vector information was later converted into a raster form for the analysis. As per the planning standards catchment areas were created for limited facilities/services like schools, parks, play ground and accessibility to bus stop from main road. The population actually served by these facilities were calculated and compared with the existing planning standards. This particular study demonstrates the use of GIS in one of the planning tasks especially analyzing the residential areas as per the set standards such that improvement schemes can be proposed accordingly in the deficient areas.
Effect of high-flux astronomical sources on the constellation-X microcalorimeter spectrometer

Abstract We study the effects of high flux on transition-edge sensors by using a non-linear microcalorimeter model with parameters suitable for the Constellation-X mission. A photon event list was created that simulated the flux and spectrum of the Crab nebula incident on the detector when folded through the Constellation-X optics and filters. Simulations show that even at Crab levels of flux, the Con-X microcalorimeter does not “latch” into the normal state.
Chronic renal dysfunction late after liver transplantation

With the increasing success of liver transplantation, more patients are developing late complications such as renal dysfunction. The goal of the current study was to assess the prevalence of renal dysfunction years after liver transplantation and to identify patients at risk for the development of this complication. Of the 527 liver transplantations performed at our institution between April 1990 and October 1998, 353 had pretransplantation and posttransplantation glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determinations by iothalamate clearance. From this entire group, 198 patients had actual 4-year follow-up and 52 had actual 6-year follow-up. In addition, 191 of these patients had intensive follow-up with GFR measurements pretransplantation and at 1 and 3 years posttransplantation (complete follow-up group). All patients received either tacrolimus- or cyclosporine-based immunosuppression. The overall mean GFR levels in both of these groups was acceptable and was not different in cyclosporine- versus tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens. Renal dysfunction was progressive, with 27.5% of patients in the intensive group having a GFR < 40 mL/min/body surface area 5 years after transplantation. GFR pretransplantation did not correlate well with late renal function; however, GFR at 1 year identified patients with subsequent renal dysfunction. The cumulative incidence of renal failure for the entire group was 6.25% at 7 years and 10% at 10 years. Renal dysfunction is a major late complication after liver transplantation. The GFR at 1 year correlates best with late renal function. Patients with a low GFR at 1 year (< 40 mL/min/BSA) are a high-risk group that might benefit from early therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing subsequent renal failure.
Neuronal activity is required for the development of specific cortical interneuron subtypes

Electrical activity has been shown to regulate development in a variety of species and in various structures, including the retina, spinal cord and cortex. Within the mammalian cortex specifically, the development of dendrites and commissural axons in pyramidal cells is activity-dependent. However, little is known about the developmental role of activity in the other major cortical population of neurons, the GABA-producing interneurons. These neurons are morphologically and functionally heterogeneous and efforts over the past decade have focused on determining the mechanisms that contribute to this diversity. It was recently discovered that 30% of all cortical interneurons arise from a relatively novel source within the ventral telencephalon, the caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE). Owing to their late birth date, these interneurons populate the cortex only after the majority of other interneurons and pyramidal cells are already in place and have started to functionally integrate. Here we demonstrate in mice that for CGE-derived reelin (Re)-positive and calretinin (Cr)-positive (but not vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-positive) interneurons, activity is essential before postnatal day 3 for correct migration, and that after postnatal day 3, glutamate-mediated activity controls the development of their axons and dendrites. Furthermore, we show that the engulfment and cell motility 1 gene (Elmo1), a target of the transcription factor distal-less homeobox 1 (Dlx1), is selectively expressed in Re(+) and Cr(+) interneurons and is both necessary and sufficient for activity-dependent interneuron migration. Our findings reveal a selective requirement for activity in shaping the cortical integration of specific neuronal subtypes.
Near-Death Utopias: Now or Later?

By viewing near-death experiences (NDEs) in the context of the quest for an ideal society, Kellehear offered hope for positive social change and insight into the social, rather than purely personal, meanings of the NDE. However, his approach raised issues of the interpretive research process generally. As with any research, near-death studies are influenced by investigators' questions, interests, and assumptions. Despite the reasoning behind Kellehear's position, he grounded his analysis not in the data, but rather in his typology of ideal societies. I suggest we look first for indications of ideal social order in near-death narratives and only later compare them with types of utopias.
Lack of MRI neurohypophyseal bright signal in a child with congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Sir, Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (CNDI) is a rare disease characterized by the inability of the kidney to respond to arginine vasopressin (AVP). The absence of the neurohypophyseal ‘bright signal’ on T1 sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered as an argument in favour of the diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus (CDI). This observation is challenged as we hereby present a case of a child diagnosed with CNDI and who did not present MRI pituitary bright signal. A 6-month-old male presented with failure to thrive, polyuria and polydypsia. Family history revealed that the mother, 35 years of age, had been presenting polydypsia and polyuria, and she was investigated at the age of 6 years with no concluding diagnosis. The patient’s physical exam showed a weight of 5215 g (−3 DS) and clinical signs of dehydration. The patient’s plasma sodium level was 155 mmol/L, osmolality 305 mOsm/kg and urine osmolality 150 mOsm/kg. Brain MRI showed in T1 sequences the absence of the posterior pituitary bright signal suggesting the diagnosis of CDI (Figure 1). The child was treated with synthetic AVP analogue 1-desamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) without improvement, which led to the consideration of CNDI. The diagnosis was confirmed by an elevated serum level of AVP of 214 pmol/L (reference value ≤4.34 pmol/L) and by genetic analysis demonstrating and T106C mutation in the V2R (X-linked CNDI). The child was treated with thiazide diuretic and increased fluids with restricted sodium intake. This resulted in catch-up growth and improved neurological development. A follow-up MRI was performed 6 months after the start of therapy with the same technique. At that time, the child’s weight had improved to 9310 g (−1.5 DS) corresponding to a gain of 22 g per day, and he did not present any clinical signs of dehydration and had a normal plasma level of sodium (140 mmol/L). MRI showed that the bright signal was still absent. Fig. 1 Sagittal T1 image shows absence of the posterior pituitary bright signal. Brain MRI was also performed on the child’s mother presenting the same gene mutation (R106C). As expected in CNDI, the posterior pituitary bright signal was present on T1 images (Figure 2). Fig. 2 Sagittal T1 image shows presence of the posterior pituitary bright signal.
Analysis of Reactor Experiments for Neutrino Oscillations

Data from four reactor experiments is analyzed without using any calculated ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}$ spectrum. ${N}_{e1}$ and ${N}_{e2}$, for ${e}^{+}$ observed with $2.2l{E}_{e1}l6.7$ MeV and $4.4l{E}_{e2}l6.7$ MeV, are extracted and $\frac{{N}_{e1}}{{N}_{e2}}$ is found to be 2.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5, 5.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6, and 8.20\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.35 for the 6.5-, 8.7-, and 11.2-m experiments, respectively. In pairs, these numbers differ by 3-8 standard deviations. No distance-independent ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}$ spectrum accounts for all the data with a confidence level (C.L.) g0.0028. Oscillations with three (two) $\ensuremath{\nu}$'s yield fits to all data with C.L.=0.061 (0.033) and to the high-statistics experiments with C.L.\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.31 (0.18).
Increased incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding following implantation of the HeartMate II LVAD.

Background: The HeartMate II (HMII) Left Ventricular Assist System (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA), an axial continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD), has been approved for use in bridge-to-transplant patients and is under investigation for destination therapy. To avoid device-related thromboembolic complications, antiplatelet, and anticoagulation therapy are routinely administered. A worrisome frequency of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding events has been observed. Methods: A retrospective review of all 33 patients undergoing long-term LVAD implantation between June 1, 2006 and July 31, 2008 at our institution for any indication was conducted. Anticoagulation consisted of heparin (intravenous or subcutaneous) followed by transition to Coumadin therapy to a target INR of two to three. Antiplatelet therapy consisted of low-dose aspirin and dipyridamole. Results: Twenty patients received the HMII and 13 patients received other devices. Eight (40%) HMII recipients suffered at least one episode of GI bleeding while no GI bleeding occurred in recipients of other devices (p = 0.012). Of 17 total bleeding episodes, no definitive source could be identified in 11 instances (65%). Conclusions: Although definitive source identification remains elusive, we believe that the majority of bleeding arises in the small bowel, possibly due to angiodysplasias, similar to the pathophysiology encountered in patients with aortic stenosis and GI bleeding. As we move toward wider use of the HMII and other axial continuous-flow devices in both bridge-to-transplant patients and for destination therapy, more studies will be necessary to understand the mechanisms of this obscure GI bleeding and develop treatment strategies to minimize its development. (J Card Surg 2010;25:352-356)
The Repertoire of T-Cell Receptors in Systemic Sclerosis

Certain T cell subsets are increased in systemic sclerosis patients, particularly V delta 1+ gamma delta T cells in the blood and lungs and CD8+ alpha beta T cells in the lungs. The repertoires of T cell antigen receptor (TCR) V delta 1, V alpha, and V beta gene families were examined by two methods of analysis. First, the relative abundance of V alpha and V beta gene transcripts was determined in the blood and bronchoalveolar fluid of the patients. Second, the diversity of the junctional regions in TCR V delta 1 transcripts and in different V alpha and V beta gene families was analyzed. Limited V delta 1-C delta junctional region lengths were observed in the patients compared with controls. This was confirmed by sequence analysis of V delta 1-C delta junctional regions after subcloning amplified products in a bacterial vector. Evidence for selection of the V delta 1+ T cells in the tissues of patients came from the findings that the same V delta 1-C delta junctional sequences persisted in an individual patient over time and that identical junctional sequences were isolated from multiple sites. A restricted diversity of the junctional region lengths was also detected in a number of V alpha and V beta gene families, particularly within bronchoalveolar CD8+ T cell subset. These data suggest that the oligoclonal expansion of the corresponding alpha beta and gamma delta T cells is antigen-driven and may be important in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.
New fluorochromes, compatible with high wavelength excitation, for flow cytometric analysis of cellular nucleic acids

The spectroscopic properties of three new dyes, EK4, VL772, and LL585, free and bound to nucleic acids, are presented, with particular emphasis on their potential use in flow cytometry. Two of these dyes, EK4 and LL585, exhibit red fluorescence, while dye VL772 exhibits yellow fluorescence. Dye LL585 exhibits specificity for DNA, relative to RNA, and a marked enhancement of fluorescence efficiency upon binding to DNA, needed for a red fluorescent DNA-specific stain for flow cytometry. The dye penetrates live cells, although uniformity of nuclear fluorescence, as evidenced by DNA flow histograms, is better if the cells are first permeabilized with Triton X-100. Dye VL772 exhibits yellow fluorescence and little DNA-RNA discrimination, but may prove useful in conjunction with dye LL585 when simultaneous assay of cellular RNA and DNA is desired. Dye EK4 shares properties of the other two dyes but fluoresces with much less efficiency. Dyes LL585 and VL772, used singly, as a pair, or in combination with blue-fluorescing DNA specific dyes, such as bisbenzimidazole derivatives, should permit new, convenient analyses of the content and organization of cellular nucleic acids.