Slabs, SMS, and Semantic Dependence

What does it mean for one linguistic expression to be ‘short for’ an- other? This paper claims that ‘short for’ constitutes a psychological rather than formal relationship. To develop this definition, I will turn to later Wittgenstein, seeking to adjudicate a debate between Wittgenstein and his interlocutor in Philosophical Investigations: while the interlocutor claims that a builder’s cry of “Slab!” must be ‘short for’ “Bring me a slab,” Wittgenstein calls this view into question. Their debate puts forth two plausible definitions of the ‘short for’ relationship, one based on formal necessity and the other on mental behavior. We will evaluate these definitions by examining a case study which was not available to Wittgenstein: the variable uses of texting abbreviations. Texters’ use of such abbreviations independently from their parent phrases discredits the logical definition of ‘short for’. Through an examination of how non-texters use the same abbreviations, I propose an alternate definition of ‘short for’ centered around the act of mentally translating between one phrase and another

Clutter Detection and Surface/Subsurface Slope Determination by Combination of Repeat-Pass Sounder Orbits Applied to SHARAD Data

Nadir-looking low-frequency radar sounders cannot easily resolve off-nadir surface returns from the subsurface nadir echoes. Cross-track surface echoes (also named "clutter ") with time delays synchronized with subsurface returns are renowned for being a major challenge for scientists, as they can affect the analysis of orbital radar sounders data. We present a method for clutter discrimination and surface/subsurface slope estimation using data acquired from radar sounders in closely spaced repeated orbits configuration. The method takes advantage of cross-track signal migration to discriminate off-nadir clutter from subsurface signal returns received at the nadir. The migration of the off-nadir signals is also used to determine the clutter direction of arrival (DOA) as well as the surface/subsurface cross-track slopes. The effectiveness of the method has been proven on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO)'s Shallow Radar (SHARAD) dataset and provides a proof-of-concept demonstration for the surface clutter discrimination when radar sounders repeated-passes data are available

The importance of oligosulfides in the attraction of fly pollinators to the brood-site deceptive species Jaborosa rotacea (Solanaceae).

Premise of research. Brood-site deceptive flowers use dishonest signals?especially floral odors that mimic oviposition substrates?to attract and deceive saprophilous insects to pollinate them. In this work, we recorded the pollinators of the sapromyiophilous species Jaborosa rotacea (Solanaceae) endemic to southern South America. Then, we characterized the floral volatiles of this species, and finally, we carried out field experiments to decouple the effects of scent and color as attractants for saprophilous flies. Methodology. We made direct observations of pollinators in a natural population of J. rotacea.We characterized floral volatiles by means of gas chromatography?mass spectrometry. Subsequently, we used a mixture of 2 oligosulfides (dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide), which our analyses revealed were the main constituents of the floral scent ofJ. rotacea, as baits to determine the attractiveness of this olfactory signal to flies in a geographical region whereJ. rotaceais not present. Finally, we used the same foul-scented baits in arrays of artificial flowers resembling those of J. rotacea to assess the dual importance of olfactory and visual cues in fly attraction. Pivotal results. Pollination of J. rotaceaoccurs when saprophilous flies belonging to the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae?with similar body dimensions to the anther-stigma distance in these flowers?acquire and deposit pollen in the flowers in a nototribic mode. Our chemical analyses revealed that J. rotacea floral scent is chemically simple and features 2 oligosulfide compounds (dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide) commonly found in carrion-mimicking flowers. We found that saprophilous flies belonging to the same families that we recorded as pollinators of J. rotaceain its native South American habitat were attracted to foul-scented baits in temperate North America. The flies? visitation frequencies (recorded as approaches and landings on the artificial flowers) depended significantly on the presence of the foul-scented baits. Conclusions. These results support the hypothesis that oligosulfides are universally effective signals by which deceptive flowers may effect pollen dispersal by attracting flies that use carrion or carnivore feces as brood sites. Keywords:brood-site deceptive flowers, Diptera, Jaborosa rotacea, oligosulfides, scent mimicry, Solanaceae.Fil: More, Marcela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico - Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (p); Argentina;Fil: Cocucci, Andrea Aristides. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico - Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (p); Argentina;Fil: Raguso, Robert A.. Cornell University; Estados Unidos de América

Pediatric Sinogenic Subdural Empyema: Case Report and Operative Technique

Intracranial complications of sinusitis in the pediatric age are rare but potentially life threatening. They usually occur with nonspecific symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting rather than a classic neurological presentation, but they may evolve in few hours, leading to significant morbidity with permanent brain damage and sometimes to death. For this reason, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. Our case demonstrates a sinogenic subdural empyema in an immunocompetent young boy who reached our Emergency Department due to a continuous right-sided headache, unresponsive to pain relievers. The clinical history and the diagnostic process are described: at first, laboratory exams, neurologic and otolaryngological assessment were performed, together with a cranial CT scan showing an inflammatory involvement of the right frontal, ethmoidal and maxillary sinuses. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was initiated. After a few hours the patient showed a sudden worsening of his clinical conditions: he was drowsy with left lower extremity hyposthenia and ipsilateral deep tendon reflexes absence. Considering the patient’s aggravated clinical presentation an emergent MRI with contrast enhancement was conducted, showing left midline shift, a widening of the liquor space on the right frontal and parietal convexity and noticeable meningeal enhancement after contrast injection. After a Neurosurgical and ENT evaluation the patient was taken to the operating room for a combined craniotomy and trans-nasal endoscopic drainage of the empyema. We present the surgical procedure with a pictorial step-by-step description. After the surgical procedure the patient’s condition gradually improved. He regained full neurological function, was accompanied by a rehabilitation team on recovering full force on the left extremities. At discharge the patient had no apparent neurological deficits. Subdural empyema is a rare but severe complication of pediatric sinusitis. Early diagnosis with combined medical and surgical therapies play a key role to reduce morbidity and mortality

Fat-free mass change to weightchange ratio during refeeding following lungtransplantation

Abstract. : Malnutrition occurs frequently prior to lung transplantation (LTR), but patients gain weight after LTR. The study aimed to determine the ratio changes of fat-free mass (ΔFFM): changes of body weight (ΔBW) during refeeding. A total of 37 LTR patients were measured for weight and FFM and body fat by bioimpedance analysis at 1 month post-LTR, then annually for 3 years. Linear regressions determined the ratio ΔFFM:ΔBW during refeeding. ΔFFM was: year- 1=1.822+0.389* ΔBW, r 2=0.397; yr-2=0.611+0.246* ΔBW, r 2=0.441; yr-3=-0.17+0.208 * ΔBW, r 2=0.319. Refeeding during year-1 in thin subjects resulted in a ratio ΔFFM:ΔBW of 0.389, whereas the change in ratio ΔFFM:ΔBW during year- 2 and 3 was 0.246 and 0.208, respectively. Refeeding resulted in a larger ratio ΔFFM:ΔBW in thin subjects versus normal and overweight subjects. Thus, refeeding in underweight LTR patients is geared to normalizing depleted FFM, whereas later FFM gains were similar to FFM gains in normal and overweight subject

UWB processing applied to multifrequency radar sounders. The case of MARSIS and comparison with SHARAD

We readapt ultrawideband (UWB) processing to enhance the range resolution of the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) up to a factor of 6 (25 m). The technique provides for the estimation of radar signature over a wider spectrum via the application of wellknown super-resolution (SR) techniques to adjoining subbands. The measured spectra are first interpolated and then extrapolated outside the original bands. The revised algorithm includes the estimation and removal of ionospheric effects impacting the two signals. Because the processing requires the realignment of the echoes at different frequencies, we derived the maximum tolerable retracking error to obtain reliable super-resolved range profiles. This condition is fulfilled by low-roughness areas compared to MARSIS wavelength, which proves to be suitable for the application of our processing. Examples of super-resolved experimental products over different geological scenarios show the detection of shallow dielectric interfaces not visible from original MARSIS products. Our results are validated by comparison with the Shallow Radar (SHARAD) data acquired at the crossovers, demonstrating the potential of the method to provide enhanced imaging capabilities

Prevalence of low fat-free massindex and high and very high body fat mass index following lungtransplantation

Abstract. : The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of low fat-free mass index (FFMI) and high and very high body fat mass index (BFMI) after lung transplantation (LTR). A total of 37 LTR patients were assessed prior to and at 1 month, 1 year and 2 years for FFM and compared to 37 matched volunteers (VOL). FFM was calculated by the Geneva equation and normalized for height (kg/m2). Subjects were classified as FFMI "low”, ≤17.4 in men and ≤15.0 in women; BFMI ”high”, 5.2-8.1 in men and 8.3-11.7 in women; or "very high” >8.2 kg/m2 in men and >11.8 kg/m2 in women. In 23 M/14 F, body mass index (BMI) was 22.3±4.4 and 20.1±4.9 kg/m2, respectively. The prevalence of low FFMI was 80% at 1 month and 33% at 2 years after LTR. Prevalence of very high BFMI increased and was higher in patients than VOL after LTR. The prevalence of low FFMI was high prior to and remained important 2 years after LTR, whereas BFMI was lower prior to and higher 2 years after LT

Diagnóstico interdisciplinar de un paciente pediátrico

La detección pediátrica y su debida derivación a odontología, permitió llegar a un diagnostico adecuado y temprano para la asistencia integral del niño. De esta manera se optimiza el trabajo y no se somete al paciente a excesivas consultas y prácticas que demoran el tratamiento definitivo.Facultad de Odontologí

Soil fungal effects on floral signals, rewards, and aboveground interactions in an alpine pollination web

This is the published version. The definitive version is available at www3.interscience.wiley.com.• Premise of the study: Plants interact with above- and belowground organisms; the combined effects of these interactions determine plant fitness and trait evolution. To better understand the ecological and evolutionary implications of multispecies interactions, we explored linkages between soil fungi, pollinators, and floral larcenists in Polemonium viscosum (Polemoniaceae). • Methods: Using a fungicide, we experimentally reduced fungal colonization of krummholz and tundra P. viscosum in 2008–2009. We monitored floral signals and rewards, interactions with pollinators and larcenists, and seed set for fungicide-treated and control plants. • Key results: Fungicide effects varied among traits, between interactions, and with environmental context. Treatment effects were negligible in 2008, but stronger in 2009, especially in the less-fertile krummholz habitat. There, fungicide increased nectar sugar content and damage by larcenist ants, but did not affect pollination. Surprisingly, fungicide also enhanced seed set, suggesting that direct resource costs of soil fungi exceed indirect benefits from reduced larceny. In the tundra, fungicide effects were negligible in both years. However, pooled across treatments, colonization by mycorrhizal fungi in 2009 correlated negatively with the intensity and diversity of floral volatile organic compounds, suggesting integrated above- and belowground signaling pathways. • Conclusions: Fungicide effects on floral rewards in P. viscosum link soil fungi to ecological costs of pollinator attraction. Trait-specific linkages to soil fungi should decouple expression of sensitive and buffered floral phenotypes in P. viscosum. Overall, this study demonstrates how multitrophic linkages may lead to shifting selection pressures on interaction traits, restricting the evolution of specialization.National Science Foundation (DBI-0603049 and DEB-0316110 to C.G. and DEB-0746106 to R.A.R.)