cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Endothelial Barrier Function

The vascular endothelium, consisting of a monolayer of endothelial cells and extracellular matrix, represents the major barrier to exchange of liquid and solutes across the vessel wall. Thus, minute changes in the endothelial monolayer with respect to its permeability to plasma proteins can have marked effects on the tissue fluid balance and can lead to edema. The paracellular and transcellular pathways control endothelial barrier function. Under physiological conditions, the endothelial barrier is described as being restrictive in that only small molecules (<3 nm) can move through the barrier via the paracellular route, whereas macromolecules are actively transported via the transcellular pathway. This restrictive barrier is required to establish the transendothelial oncotic pressure gradient that maintains tissue fluid homeostasis. Endothelial permeability to albumin, the main plasma protein, is the primary determinant of the oncotic pressure gradient and hence maintains the barrier function of the endothelium. The transcellular pathway, by transporting albumin through the endothelial cell, contributes to maintenance of the barrier function of the endothelium. This pathway is comprised of cargo-containing plasmalemmal vesicles, the caveolae. Recent data indicate that the formation, fission, and transport of caveolae in endothelial cells are dynamic processes that are regulated by coherent actions of the albumin-binding proteins caveolin-1 and dynamin. The activity of these proteins is positively regulated by Src-mediated phosphorylation. Pro-inflammatory mediators and growth factors, by binding endothelial cell-surface receptors, initiate a series of events that lead to the opening of intercellular junctions, thereby allowing passage of albumin across the endothelial monolayer by the paracellular route, disrupting the barrier function of the endothelium. Activation of the small-guanosine-5′-triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein RhoA has been shown to play a primary role in regulating paracellular permeability by modulating the integrity of the intercellular junctional protein complexes. This review focuses on the distinct contributions of caveolae-mediated transcellular and Rhomediated paracellular pathways and their respective roles in regulating endothelial permeability.
CR2 ligands modulate human B cell activation.

A considerable body of evidence from this and other laboratories indicates that complement receptor type 2 (CR2) modulates B cell activation and growth. In the present studies we have examined the effects of three different types of CR2 ligands, i.e., monomeric, aggregated, and latex-bound C3dg; mAb to different CR2 epitopes; and UV-inactivated, non-transforming EBV (EBVUV) for their actions on highly purified, high density resting tonsil B cells. Although none of these ligands induced B cells to enter the cell cycle or synergized with either anti-mu or low m.w. B cell growth factor in triggering B cell mitogenesis, aggregated C3dg, latex-bound C3dg, the OKB7 anti-CR2 mAb, and EBVUV-enhanced thymidine incorporation by phorbol ester-activated tonsil B cells. Such enhancement was not T cell or monocyte dependent. The major action of the CR2 ligands thus seems to be to enhance the transition of B cells activated by certain stimuli from the G1 to the S phase of the cell cycle. In contrast to the action of aggregated and latex-bound C3dg, monomeric C3dg was inhibitory for phorbol ester and aggregated C3dg-induced B cell activation. The HB-5 anti-CR2 mAb, which reacts with a different epitope on CR2 from that of OKB7, did not synergize with PMA in B cell activation. These data provide additional evidence for a role for the CR2 in the control of B cell growth and provide a useful model for studying the CR2-mediated signals that affect the growth of B cells.
Baby Sign but not Spontaneous Gesture Predicts Later Vocabulary in Children with Down Syndrome

Early spontaneous gesture, specifically deictic gesture, predicts subsequent vocabulary development in typically developing (TD) children. Here, we ask whether deictic gesture plays a similar role in predicting later vocabulary size in children with Down Syndrome (DS), who have been shown to have difficulties in speech production, but strengths in spontaneous gesture and baby sign use. We compared the gestures and baby signs produced by twenty-three children with DS (Mage = 2;6) and twenty-three TD children (Mage = 1;6), in relation to their expressive spoken vocabulary size one year later. Children with DS showed significant deficits in gesture production, particularly for deictic gestures, but strengths in baby sign production, compared to their typically developing peers. More importantly, it was the baby signs produced by children with DS, but not deictic gestures, that predicted their spoken vocabulary size one year later. Our results further highlight the important role baby signs can play in language development in children with developmental disorders.
The Solar-Hydrogen Energy Economy: Beyond the Age of Fire

Abstract The concept of a solar-hydrogen energy economy is defined and discussed. This new approach to energy-use patterns is contrasted with the existing carbon-combustion economy. Social, economic and environmental problems associated with the carbon-combustion are considered with regard to potential solutions offered by solar-hydrogen technologies. An heuristic model for the accomplishment of a solar-hydrogen economy over a period of several decades is considered and essential steps and developmental conditions associated with the model are highlighted.
How unions affect management decisions: Evidence from public schools

This paper explores empirically the formal mechanism by which unions can influence management decisions on resource allocation and, thus, affect productivity. Instead of using a dummy variable to capture all union effects, contracts are broken down into various provisions to test whether they constrain management decisions. Analysis of data from New York school districts reveals that the number of provisions as well as specific provisions included in a contract significantly affect internal budgetary allocations.
Oxidative coupling of methane in a modified γ-alumina membrane reactor

Methane oxidative coupling experiments were conducted in a porous γ-alumina membrane reactor using Mn–W–Na/SiO2 catalyst, and its performance was compared with a packed reactor operated at similar conditions. The γ-alumina membrane tube was thermally stabilized by treating the membrane tube with La(NO3)3 aqueous solution and calcining at 900°C. Non-uniform oxygen permeation was achieved by partially coating the outer surface with a high-temperature glaze. C2 yields up to 27.5% were obtained in the membrane reactor. The experimental results clearly demonstrated that it was beneficial to distribute the feed of oxygen along the reactor length for the methane oxidative coupling reactions. Although the membrane reactor showed lower methane conversion at the same reaction conditions, it gave higher C2 selectivity and C2 yield at similar methane conversions. The helium flow rate was varied in the membrane and co-feed reactors to keep the temperature, methane flow rate, and oxygen flow rate constant. At the same methane conversion the membrane reactor gave 10% higher C2 yield and 30% higher C2 selectivity than the co-feed reactor. At similar C2 yield and C2 selectivity, the methane conversion of the membrane reactor was 15% lower than that of a co-feed reactor. The oxygen flow rate was varied in the membrane and co-feed reactors to keep conversion constant at the same temperature, methane flow rate, and helium flow rates. At the same methane conversion, the membrane reactor gave about 3% higher C2 yield and selectivity than the co-feed reactor. Higher helium flow rate gave higher C2 selectivity and yield, whereas changing methane flow rate did not significantly affect the reactor performance.
EXTRACTION OF OLIGOSACCHARIDES DURING COOKING OF WHOLE SOYBEANS

Raffinose and stachyose present in soybeans have been reported to cause flatulence. The objective of this work was to study the aqueous extraction of whole soybeans during water cooking to determine optimum conditions for maximum removal of oligosaccharides with minimum loss of protein. Chief variables were bean to water ratio (1:3, 1:5, 1:7.5 and 1:10) and pH. Residual oligosaccharides in the soybeans were determined by silylation followed by GLC analysis. During 20 min boiling in water, a 1:10 ratio resulted in 33% oligosaccharide extraction (g per 100g original oligosaccharide) with 1% protein loss (g per 100g original protein) while a 1:3 ratio gave only 7.7% oligosaccharide removal with 0.9% protein loss. When the time was extended to 60 min, a 1:10 ratio resulted in 59% extraction with 2.6% protein loss and 12% total solids loss (g per 100g original soybean solids). With the latter treatment, sucrose fell from 6.5 to 3.0% dry basis and fructose fell from 1.6% to 1.0%. Addition of 0.5% NaHCO3 to the tap water (initial pH 8.1) increased ohgosaccharide removal but trebled protein loss to 6.8% while addition of HCI to initial pH 4.3 gave about the same protein loss and oligosaccharide removal as tap water.
Estimating the arrival times of photon-limited laser pulses in the presence of shot and speckle noise

Maximum-likelihood (ML) receivers are frequently used to optimize the timing performance of laser-ranging and laser-altimetry systems in the presence of shot and speckle noise. Monte Carlo method was used to examine ML-receiver performance with return signals in the 10-5000-photoelectron (pe) range. The simulations were performed for shot noise only and for shot and speckle noise. The results agree with previous theory for signal strengths greater than about 100 pe's but show that the theory can significantly underestimate timing errors for weaker received signals. Sharp high-bandwidth features in the detected signals are shown to improve timing performance only if their signal levels are greater than 4-5 pe's.
Coalition-Building and the Politics of Electoral Capture During the Nixon Administration: African Americans, Labor, Latinos

In November of 1968, Richard Nixon became only the second Republican in four decades to win control of the Executive Office. For helpful comments, we would like to thank Shana Bass, Michael Brown, Scott James, David Mayhew, Corey Robin, Joel Silbey, Pam Singh, Stephen Skowronek, Tom Sugrue, Rick Valelly, and the anonymous reviewers for Studies in American Political Development. Unlike the administration of his party's predecessor, Dwight Eisenhower, Nixon's presidency would ultimately display a willingness to aggressively confront the then-dominant New Deal order of the Democratic party and, in the process, attempt to forge a new electoral majority. In many ways, Nixon's efforts were shaped by historical and institutional circumstances. The civil rights movement of the early 1960s had successfully pushed Democratic party leaders to take legislative action against racial discrimination in the southern United States, effectively shattering their party's century- old alliance with white segregationists in the region. Meanwhile, efforts by the Supreme Court and Democratic legislators to provide substantive civil rights in areas of the country outside of the South strained their party's relationship with urban and blue-collar white-ethnic voters.See Thomas J. Sugrue, The Origins of the Urban Crisis: Race and Inequality in Postwar Detroit (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1996), esp. chap. 8; and Jonathan Rieder, Canarsie: The Jews and Italians of Brooklyn Against Liberalism (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1985). Nixon courted these disaffected Democrats in the 1968 campaign through both the “Southern Strategy” and appeals to the so-called “Silent Majority,” a symbolic reference meant to contrast his supporters from the civil rights activists “blamed” for disrupting more traditional ways of life.
On the determining equations for the nonclassical reductions of the heat and Burgers' equation

Abstract The determining equations for the nonclassical reductions of the heat and Burgers' equations are considered. It is shown that both systems belong to a Burgers' equation hierarchy. Each system is written in terms of the same matrix Burgers' equation that is linearized via a matrix Hopf–Cole transformation. In essence, it is shown that both systems can be solved simultaneously. Their respective solutions are then presented in a very compact form.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: Organohalogen derivative isolated from Senecio jacobaea (Tansy Ragwort)

Abstract Senecio jacobaea (Tansy Ragwort) has previously been reported to contain 6 hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Utilizing high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) plus mass spectrometry, 3 additional pyrrolizidine alkaloids are described, including a second chlorinated pyrrolizidine alkaloid. These additional pyrrolizidine alkaloids, through a variety of products, appear to pose an increased human health hazard.
Sustainability Development-Eco-revolutionary Paradigms from Binary to Continuum Constructs

Sustainable development and eco-revolution represent competing paradigms of progress, one emphasizing reform while the other emphasizes revolution with respect to an economy that is sustained by a restorative ecology. The first paradigm contends that a regenerative economy and restorative ecology are achievable only by a series of reforms while the second paradigm contends that the desired economy and ecology are achievable only via abrupt and decisive revolutionary change. This article argues that between the binary paradigmatic heuristic, there is a series or a parliament of possibilities between the two poles.
Somatostatin inhibition of intrinsic factor secretion from isolated guinea pig gastric glands.

The aim of our study was to examine the direct effect of somatostatin on histamine-and pentagastrin-stimulated intrinsic factor (IF) release in collagenase-dispersed guinea pig gastric glands. The effect of somatostatin (10-11M to 10−6M) on half-maximal doses of histamine (10−6 M), pentagastrin (10−6 M), and both histamine and pentagastrin together was tested. All tested concentrations of histamine significantly stimulated IF release. Pentagastrin (10−10M to 10−6 M) inconsistently stimulated IF release. The quantity of IF release stimulated by histamine and pentagastrin together was approximately the additive sum of that produced by either agent alone. Somatostatin M) inhibited histamine-stimulated (W6M) IF release by 69.9 ± 7.2% and the combination of histamine (10−6 M) and pentagastrin (10−6 M) by 64.2 ± 9.,1%. This is the first in vitro demonstration that somatostatin inhibits IF release.
Description of a Drift Chamber System Employed in an Experiment at Brookhaven National Laboratory

We have designed and constructed a drift chamber1 system containing /m=~/250 wires for use in a double arm magnetic spectrometer experiment at the Brookhaven National Laboratory AGS. Our basic experimental constraints were the need for (i) good detection efficiency (ii) a reasonably linear relationship between drift time and position (iii) long term stability in a high particle flux environment and (iv) ease of construction. In addition we also constructed our own electronics for reading out this drift time information with much the same set of restrictions.
Vital sign radars: Past, present, and future

The research of vital sign radars using microwave technologies grows rapidly in recent years. Such type of radars, whether using continuous-wave (CW), ultra-wideband (UWB), or other types of signals, spurred interests and new applications because of the capability of detecting respiration and heartbeat without any sensor device contacting the body. Several applications that may potentially save lives or improve healthcare have been suggested. Since 1975 when the experimental demonstration of this noncontact vital sign detection concept was first reported, it has been nearly 40 years. One might be wondering what have been achieved in the past four decades, why this technology has not been transformed to real products around us, and what might happen next. This presentation intends to address the questions by reviewing the past research accomplishments of vital sign radars and envisioning the future trends in both research and commercialization.
Endogenous digitalis-like substance in plasma of volume-expanded dogs

Considerable evidence supports the hypothesis that renal sodium excretion is partly regulated by a humoral agent released or activated by extracellular fluid volume (ECFY) expansion1, including the demonstration of biological activities in extracts of plasma and urine which support the natriuretic hormone (NH) hypothesis2–4. NH is a low molecular weight peptide formed from a precursor in plasma5, which inhibits sodium transport (anti-natriferic activity) in isolated toad bladder, an analogue of the distal renal tubule and collecting duct. Other evidence indicates that NH can inhibit renal (Na++ K+) ATPase6, which suggests that it might be an endogenous digitalis-like substance. Although an immunoreactive ouabain-like substance has been demonstrated in amphibian plasma7, none has been reported in mammals. To identify an endogenous digitalis-like substance, we used an approach suggested by the work of Spector and his collaborators, who demonstrated that biological substances which bind to the same receptors as drugs, such as endogenous opioids8 and benzodiazepines9, may compete with antibodies specific for the drugs. Hough and Edwardson10 showed that antibodies to thaumatin, a sweet-tasting plant protein, also bind non-protein sweet substances in a linearly related fashion to the sweetness of the compound, suggesting that the antibody binding site may be similar to the sweet taste receptor. Based on these observations, we postulated that if NH were an endogenous digitalis-like substance, it might bind to antibodies specific for digitalis glycosides. We report here the preliminary isolation of a substance in plasma of dogs which competes with digoxin for two specific digoxin antibodies and is an inhibitor of (Na+ + K+) ATPase activity. Increased amounts of this factor are found in plasma of volume-expanded dogs, suggesting it is the putative NH.
A mathematical model of drug resistance: Heterogeneous tumors

A mathematical model is developed to describe the growth and control of a heterogeneous tumor. The main aspect of the model is that it takes into account induced drug resistance. The mathematical model is a system of two ordinary differential equations that describes the growth of the cancer along with the effects of chemotherapy. The model is analyzed to determine what some of the critical parameters are; how we determine an effective treatment; how combination chemotherapy should be delivered; and how this model may help us develop more effective cancer chemotherapeutic treatments.
Reinstatement of Dermacentor kamshadalus Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae) as a valid species parasitizing mountain goats and sheep in the United States, Canada, and Russia.

Reexamination of Dermacentor albipictus (Packard, 1869) holdings stored in the United States National Tick Collection revealed several collections of a morphologically distinct Dermacentor species. Comparison of these specimens with other Dermacentor taxa showed that they are identical to an old taxon originally described as Dermacentor variegatus kamshadalus Neumann, 1908. For more than a century, this taxon was known only from the male holotype specimen collected in Russia, and the name was considered a junior synonym of D. albipictus. D. kamshadalus is reinstated here to a full species rank, and its male is redescribed and its female and nymph are described for the first time. Adults of D. kamshadalus can be distinguished from those of D. albipictus by a short spur on trochanters I, shorter spurs on coxae I, shorter dorsal cornua, more numerous perforations on spiracular plates, less numerous and shorter setae on idiosoma, especially around spiracular plates, and considerably paler coloration of the conscutum and scutum. The nymph of D. kamshadalus can be differentiated from that of D. albipictus by shorter spurs on coxae I and the numerous perforations on the spiracular plates. Adults and nymphs of D. kamshadalus are recorded from the United States, Canada, and Russia, where they have been collected from mountain goats, Oreamnos americanus (de Blainville), bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis Shaw, and sheep, Ovis sp. of which the species was not stated.
Chemical access to the vomeronasal organs of a plethodontid salamander

Plethodontid salamanders have unique nasolabial grooves that may function as "capillary tubes" to convey chemicals to the vomeronasal organ when these animals nose-tap. 3 H-proline was placed at the base of these grooves in Plethodon cinereus, and autoradiography revealed large concentrations of radioactive material in the vomeronasal organs. There was no significant accumulation of radioactive material in the main olfactory epithelium. Salamanders with blocked nasolabial grooves lacked significant accumulation of material in their nasolabial grooves or vomeronasal epithelia, although some salamanders had radioactive material in the posterior portion of their vomeronasal organ that had entered through the internal nares. Anteriorly placed vomeronasal organs situated adjacent to the posterior limits of the nasolabial grooves may insure that nose-tapping primarily stimulates the vomeronasal sensory epithelium.
Prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents: the role of the severity of obesity

The present study was performed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its risk factors in obese children and adolescents. The study included 352 obese children and adolescents (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 95th percentile) aged between 2 and 19 years. The diagnosis of MS was made according to the criteria adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) guidelines. BMI z-scores were calculated to assess the degree of obesity. The prevalence of MS and risk factors were determined. Determinants of MS were examined using regression analysis. The prevalence of MS was 41.8%. The age at onset of obesity, sedentary life-span, fasting blood levels of glucose, insulin, triglyceride, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were higher, while levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and the number of actively spent hours were lower in cases with MS (p 3 when compared to those with z-scores between 2 and 3. The results from this study indicate that, although the correlation between MS and the BMI z-score was weak, the BMI z-score may be an effective parameter in identifying obese children and adolescents at risk for MS. Screening the cases with BMI z-scores ≥ 2 for MS is important for establishing an early diagnosis.
Interaction between moving cellular solidification front and graphite particles during centrifugal casting

Abstract Particle pushing phenomena during solidification in the melt containing a particle lighter than the melt under the influence of centrifugal forces is described. This phenomena is observed in centrifugally cast copper alloys originally containing an average of 7 vol% graphite particles, cast in a 9.5-cm outer diameter mold rotating at 800 and 1900 rpm. A model to calculate the critical interface velocity, depending on the centrifugal force and the location of the cellular interface where the particle interacts with the interface, is proposed, and the particle pushing criterion is discussed. It is found that as the particle velocity increases with increasing the rotational speed of the mold, the effect of the particle velocity on the critical interface velocity increases; in addition the critical interface velocity is lowest at the tip of the cellular interface, and increases with distance from the tip of the interface. The critical interface velocity calculated in copper alloy containing 5 μm graphite cast in a 9.5-cm outer diameter mold rotating at 800 rpm (1.5×10 −3 m s −1 ) is higher than the interface velocity calculated for casting in a mold rotating at 1750 rpm (5×10 −4 m s −1 ) obtained numerically by Kang and Rohatgi (C.G. Kang, P.K. Rohatgi, Met. Trans. 27B (1996) 277). The fact that the actual interface velocity is lower than the critical interface velocity leads to pushing of particles by the growing dendrites in the last freezing interdendritic regions, as observed experimentally.
Detection of cell surface antigen in cancer of renal pelvis and ureter

Abstract Thirty-five patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis or ureter of all stages and grades were studied for presence or absence of ABO(H) antigens utilizing an improved technique for staining and preserving the slides. Seventy per cent of the grade I tumors retained their antigens. Patients with antigen present had a longer duration of disease free interval. Specific red cell adherence (SRCA) may predict the clinical course of patients with low-stage, low-grade transitional cell carcinomas and may be helpful in selecting patients for optimal therapy.
Concurrent CP/M-86 and recent advances in operating systems

Abstract When the first personal computers were being designed, CP/M was proposed as an operating system to match their low cost, small memory and small disc storage. Concurrent CP/M-86 allows simultaneous execution of realtime application software. The structure of the operating system is described. The development of the user interface is sketched. Concurrent CP/M has also been extended with a graphics interface. Future trends in concurrency are suggested.
Retrospective analysis of 2D patient-specific IMRT verifications.

We performed 858 two-dimensional (2D) patient-specific intensity modulated radiotherapy verifications over a period of 18months. Multifield, composite treatment plans were measured in phantom using calibrated Kodak EDR2 film and compared with the calculated dose extracted from two treatment planning systems. This research summarizes our findings using the normalized agreement test (NAT) index and the percent of pixels failing the gamma index as metrics to represent the agreement between measured and computed dose distributions. An in-house dose comparison software package was used to register and compare all verifications. We found it was important to use an automatic positioning algorithm to achieve maximum registration accuracy, and that our automatic algorithm agreed well with anticipated results from known phantom geometries. We also measured absolute dose for each case using an ion chamber. Because the computed distributions agreed with ion chamber measurements better than the EDR2 film doses, we normalized EDR2 data to the computed distributions. The distributions of both the NAT indices and the percentage of pixels failing the gamma index were found to be exponential distributions. We continue to use both the NAT index and percent of pixels failing gamma with 5%∕3mm criteria to evaluate future verifications, as these two metrics were found to be complementary. Our data showed that using 2%∕2mm or 3%∕3mm criteria produces results similar to those using 5%∕3mm criteria. Normalized comparisons that have a NAT index greater than 45 and/or more than 20% of the pixels failing gamma for 5%∕3mm criteria represent outliers from our clinical data set and require further analysis. Because our QA verification results were exponentially distributed, rather than a tight grouping of similar results, we continue to perform patient-specific QA in order to identify and correct outliers in our verifications. The data from this work could be useful as a reference for other clinics to indicate anticipated trends in 2D verifications under various conditions.
AN ALARMING RATE OF UNNECESSARY MONITORING IN THE PRACTICAL USE OF THE LATEST STANDARDS OF ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY (PULSE) TRIAL

Continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring is ubiquitous in hospitals. An unintended consequence of the increasingly widespread use of monitoring is a cacophony of alarms, 72-99% of which are false. Frequent false alarms have caused staff to ignore or deactivate alarms, which has resulted in
Leonard Weiss' contributions to research in industrial organization

A funny thing happened to me on the way to the Littauer Economies Library at Harvard as I prepared to re-read articles by Leonard Weiss that I had not perused for years. As I entered the hall, two young men, probably assistant professors (although it is difficult at my age to tell the difference from graduate students) were discussing their teaching. One remarked, “You know, I find it much easier to organize the materials by mathematical topics. Then you can hang on economics application A, B, C, or as many as you can think of.”
30-Year Outcome of Anatomic Correction of Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery From the Pulmonary Artery

![Figure][1] We developed a technique for correction of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) at infancy consisting of direct anatomic reimplantation of the left coronary ostium in the left sinus of Valsalva (arrows) (A) . This technique avoids using
Enhancement of the Fluorimetric Properties of Some Carboxyl Substituted Anthracenes by Complexation with Bovine Serum Albumin

Abstract A study has been conducted of the fluorimetric properties of substituted anthracenes, following complexation with bovine serum albuinin(BSA). It was found that although protein binding of the ligands enhances their fluorimetric properties, it fails to do so for their phosphorimetric properties. BSA would serve well in post column reactors for HPLC detectors, but not in pre-column systems.
Atomic Force Microscopy of Human Hair Cuticles: A Microscopic Study of Environmental Effects on Hair Morphology

We have used an atomic force microscope to provide quantitative real-time analysis of human hair morphologic changes under ambient conditions. This form of microscopy combines the lateral resolution of an electron microscope and the flexibility of a light microscope. Three experiments were performed: a study of hair morphology in air versus water, a kinetic study of hair hydration, and a determination of how pH changes affect hair morphology. The overlapping keratinized cells that form the hair cuticle spread out between 50 and 150% when hydrated, compared to a total shaft diameter change of 10%. This hydration reaches a saturation point within the first few minutes after immersion. Also, hair swells much more at higher pH.
Modification of radiation-induced carcinogenesis in mice by misonidazole and WR-2721.

Abstract The effects of the radiosensitizer misonidazole (MISO) and the radioprotector WR-2721 on radiation-induced carcinogenesis in C3Hf/Kam mice were investigated. The right hind legs were exposed to graded single doses of gamma-rays. MISO and WR-2721 were given i.p. 30 min before irradiation at a dose of 1 mg/g and 0.4 mg/g, respectively. The RCD50, or radiation dose inducing tumors in 50% of the irradiated legs, was determined 650 days after treatment. The same animals were also checked for the effect of these drugs on hair loss and radiation induced leg contractures. MISO enhanced radiation carcinogenesis by a factor of 1.43, whereas WR-2721 reduced it by a factor of 1.75. These effects on carcinogenesis correlated well with the modifying effects of the two agents on radiation-induced hair loss (early damage) and leg contractures (late damage).
Estimate of the global volume of surgery in 2012: an assessment supporting improved health outcomes.

Abstract Background It was previously estimated that 234·2 million operations were performed worldwide in 2004. The association between surgical rates and population health outcomes is not clear. We re-estimated global surgical volume to track changes over time and assess rates associated with healthy populations. Methods We gathered demographic, health, and economic data for 194 WHO member states. Surgical volumes were obtained from published studies and other reports from 2005 onwards. We estimated rates of surgery for all countries without available data based on health expenditure in 2012 and assessed the proportion of surgery comprised by caesarean delivery. The rate of surgery was plotted against life expectancy to describe the association between surgical care and this health indicator. Findings We identified 66 countries reporting surgical data between 2005 and 2013. We estimate that 312·9 million operations (95% CI 266·2–359·5) took place in 2012—a 33·6% increase over 8 years; the largest proportional increase occurred in countries spending US$400 or less per capita on health care. Caesarean delivery comprised 29·8% (5·8 million operations) of the total surgical volume in poor health expenditure countries compared with 10·8% (7·8 million operations) in low health expenditure countries and 2·7% (5·1 million operations) in high health expenditure countries. We noted a correlation between increased life expectancy and increased surgical rates up to 1533 operations per 100 000 people, with significant but less dramatic improvement above this rate. Interpretation Surgical volume is large and continues to grow in all economic environments. A single procedure—caesarean delivery—comprised almost a third of surgical volume in the most resource-limited settings. Surgical care is an essential part of health care and is associated with increased life expectancy, yet many low-income countries fail to achieve basic levels of service. Improvements in capacity and delivery of surgical services must be a major component of health system strengthening. Funding None.
Origins of Persistent Interaction among Localized Corrosion Sites on Stainless Steel

The origins of persistent interactions among localized corrosion sites were investigated using multielectrode arrays (MEA). MEAs consisted of one hundred 250 μm diam AISI 316 stainless steel wires configured into 5 X 20 close-packed rectangle and 5 X 5 far-spaced configurations. Experiments were conducted in dilute chloride solutions and elevated temperatures to accentuate interactions. Interactions between early dominating pits and the adjacent electrode surface were found to develop as regions of enhanced or suppressed pitting susceptibility triggered by concentration and potential fields developed during growth of large pits, respectively. Transient aggressive species accumulation around active pits was also found to cause surface damage to electrodes that persisted for long periods after primary pits were repassivated and solutions extensively stirred. Oxide film alteration, mixed metal sulfide inclusion damage, and surface contamination were all considered to be possible origins of persistent interactions. Mn(Fe,Cr)S inclusions were implicated to be the origin of such persistent interactions. Persistent interactions were completely suppressed by nitric acid treatment, which is believed to remove or modify susceptible Mn(Fe,Cr)S inclusions.
Home owning in the 1990s

H rousing is widely accepted as an important ele.ment of personal consumption. Because the typical American household spends more than 25 percent of its disposable income on housing, changes in housing market conditions receive significant attention. While shelter is as essential as food and security, housing provides more than mere shelter. Consumption of housing also gives access to local public goods and amenities, as well as a sense of social identity. Homeownership is often elevated in importance to that of housing consumption itself. Indeed, a major element of the "American dream" is owning a home. For a large segment of Americans, home.ownership is a primary form of personal investment (savings). But homeownership generates utility for households beyond the potential pecuniary advantages of asset ownership. Historically, property ownership has bestowed community recognition as well as other rights and privileges, such as the right to vote or other forms of participation in the political process. Homeownership also connotes stability and remains an important symbol of status, a badge of accreditation. It is among the key indicators of credit worthiness.
Field efficacy against the grape root borer Vitacea polistiformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) and persistence of Heterorhabditis zealandica and H. bacteriophora (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae) in vineyards.

Abstract Field efficacy and persistence of Heterorhabditis zealandica strain X1 and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora strain GPS11 applied at different times for the control of the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis were evaluated from 2001 to 2003 in two vineyards in Ohio and one in Georgia and from 2005 to 2007 in two vineyards in Ohio. Pheromone trapping and pupal case surveys were used to confirm the presence of borers in the vineyards. Nematode applications were targeted at the larval stages of the grape root borer. Percent control based on the number of emerging adults in Ohio ranged from 55% to 92% and in Georgia from 55% to 78%. Overall no significant differences were found in the numbers or timings of nematode application indicating effective control of all GRB instars and a broad window of opportunity for the application of nematodes. The ability of H. zealandica to persist in the soil profile for a period of 1 year was minimal in Ohio and none in Georgia. In contrast, H. bacteriophora persistence in Ohio was positive for all treatments up to 1 year post-treatment and in one case up to 21 months post-treatment. These studies demonstrate the potential of H. bacteriophora strain GPS11 for long-term conservation approach in vineyards for the management of the grape root borer.
Using Memory Map Timings to Discover Information Leakage to a Live VM from the Hypervisor

In this paper we present a technique for detecting information leaked from the hypervisor to the guest OS via statistical analysis of the amount of time required to map and unmap a page in memory. Analysis of these timings allows a guest to determine the number of co-located VMs on the same physical hardware as well as determine whether or not the VM is being monitored by Virtual Machine Introspection.
An effective educational program to reduce the frequency of needle recapping.

We developed an educational program that reported the rate of needle recapping to healthcare workers, in conjunction with emphasis on appropriate disposal procedures. Over 12 months, the rate of recapping needles used for venipuncture and for percutaneous medication injections fell from 61% to 16% (p less than .0001). Over the same period, the recapping of needles used primarily for intravenous (IV) administration fell from 44% to 33% (p = .03). Re-evaluation of the rate of recapping eight months later showed a continuation of these lowered rates. Needlestick injuries were too few in number during the study period to detect any change accompanying the decreased recapping rate. We conclude that programs that report back to employees their rate of recapping can significantly reduce this activity in the disposal of needles used for venipuncture and for percutaneous medication injections. While such reporting may reduce the rate of recapping of needles used for IV administration, the effect is not nearly so marked. Modifications in design remain the most promising approach to preventing needlestick injuries from recapping needles used for IV administration.
Linkages between atmospheric mercury deposition and the methylmercury content of marine fish

Enhanced Hg deposition to productive marine systems may result in concurrent increases in monomethyl Hg (MMHg) concentrations of marine fish. Consequently, it is important to understand what effects an increasing Hg supply may have on the marine food chain. A simple ocean model is employed to estimate the fraction of total Hg inputs which is required to sustain “average” marine fish MMHg concentrations annually. Calculations show that upwelling zones require 20% of total annual Hg inputs, coastal zones 5%, and open-ocean regions only 0.02%. The value for coastal areas is similar to that calculated for the acidified basin of Little Rock Lake, Wisconsin, a small fresh water seepage lake. These calculations point to Hg source strength and rates of particle scavenging as being key factors in controlling the rate of transport to sites of methylation (and subsequent entry into the marine food chain). If biological variables (scavenging rates, primary productivity) remain constant while anthropogenically-derived Hg deposition increases, it is likely that concentrations in marine biota (including fish) will rise in accord.
Compound semiconductor growth by metallorganic molecular beam epitaxy (MOMBE)

Abstract The replacement of elemental sources with gaseous precursors allows many of the advantages of metallorganic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) to be combined with those of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). This technique has come to be known as metallorganic molecular beam epitaxy (MOMBE) or alternatively chemical beam epitaxy (CBE). While retaining many desirable properties of the parent techniques, however, new challenges are created by this combination, particularly in the area of growth chemistry. This article will review the status of semiconductor deposition by MOMBE, paying particular attention to the areas of impurity contamination and precursor selection. At present, MOMBE has been applied primarily to deposition of III–V materials; consequently this article will focus on these materials. Many of the issues reviewed in this article are applicable to other material systems as well. Basic equipment design, growth efficiency, contamination control, dopant incorporation, selective epitaxy and the role of hydrogen are all discussed.
Circulating cell-free DNA levels increase variably following chorionic villus sampling

Objective Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal plasma results from degradation of fetal and/or placental cells. Our objective was to determine if chorionic villus sampling (CVS) causes increased release of fetal and/or maternal DNA. Methods Fifty-two pregnant women were recruited prior to CVS, performed for clinical indications, at 10 5/7 to 13 2/7 weeks. Maternal blood was collected before and within 15 min after CVS. cffDNA was extracted from plasma. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and the Y chromosome sequence DYS1 were used as measures of total and fetal DNA, respectively. All samples were analyzed in triplicate without knowledge of fetal gender. Results Sensitivity of DYS1 detection in male fetuses was 100% (n = 30); specificity in female fetuses was 100% (n = 22). While a majority of women had > 50% post-procedure increases in both fetal and total DNA, some showed post-procedure decreases. However, overall median proportional increases were not statistically significant. Gestational age (GA), placental location, and individual CVS operator did not correlate with changes in DNA levels. Conclusions While there were no statistically significant overall changes in DNA levels after CVS, as-yet undiscovered variables may influence the extent of post-procedure release of cell-free DNA in the circulation of pregnant women. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Persistence of spilled oil in a Texas salt marsh

Analysis of a crude oil spilled at Harbor Island, Texas, USA, has shown rapid loss of low molecular weight alkanes and more volatile aromatics. Persistence of higher molecular weight n-alkanes (greater than C22) and of the alkyl-substituted naphthalenes and phenanthrenes has been observed with concentrations decreasing slowly towards background levels. During the 24-month study, only slight differences in the carbon isotopic composition of the whole crude extract were noted when compared with the original oil. Changes in δ13C of the order of 0·5ℵ were observed in the hexane and benzene eluates of a column chromatographic separation of the oil. This stability of the isotopic ratio is supportive of its use in the tracking of petroleum pollutants. Extrapolation of concentration decreases lead us to expect thatbaseline levels will not be achieved for at least another five years. Since this wasa small spill, and was weathered under harsh conditions, the potential long-term effect of a large spill in a salt marsh is emphasised.
Comparison and extensions of control methods for narrow-band disturbance rejection

Techniques for designing and implementing algorithms for the control of periodic narrowband disturbances are discussed, and the strong similarities between the different methodologies are shown. The analysis of linear time invariant feedback systems results in a suggestion of how to extend two of the LQ-based multiple-input, multiple-output methodologies to achieve improved performance and stability robustness properties. In the analysis of the adaptive feedforward methods, it is concluded that the popular filtered-x LMS algorithm is useful for implementation, but is best analyzed from a classical linear time invariant feedback perspective. This perspective results in a suggestion of how to extend the multiple error LMS algorithm to achieve improved performance and stability robustness. Stability bounds of the adaptive feedforward approaches are derived in terms of allowable model error. >
Regional differences in relationships between apparent white matter integrity, cognition and mood in patients with ischemic stroke

White matter changes are one potential etiology of behavioral changes in cerebrovascular disease. Whole brain diffusion tensor imaging-fractional anisotropy (DTI-FA) as a measure of apparent white matter integrity is related to cognitive function in cerebrovascular disease. However, white matter changes are not uniform, nor are their effects. We examine the relationship between regional differences in DTI-FA and cognition and mood in an ischemic-stroke sample. Participants were 108 patients, 3-6 months post stroke. Working memory, basic attention, recall, language, visuo-spatial, psychomotor, and encoding skills, and mood were assessed via neuropsychological evaluation. DTI scans were performed on a 1.5 T GE magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated for frontal, temporal, occipital, and parietal regions using automated masks. Frontal and parietal FAs were more strongly and consistently related to cognitive and mood scores than were FA values from whole brain or temporal or occipital regions. This research contributes to our understanding of the etiology of cognitive and mood deficits in cerebrovascular disease.
Prevalence and correlates of increased lung/heart ratio of thallium-201 during dipyridamole stress imaging for suspected coronary artery disease.

Abstract There is little information concerning the prevalence and clinical correlates of increased pulmonary thallium-201 uptake during dipyridamole thallium-201 stress imaging. Accordingly, the clinical characteristics and quantitative thallium-201 findings were correlated with quantitative lung/heart thallium-201 ratio in 87 patients undergoing dipyridamole thallium-201 stress testing. Nineteen patients (22%) had an elevated ratio (>0.51). These patients were more likely to have had an infarction, to be taking β blockers, and have a lower rate-pressure product after dipyridamole administration than those with a normal ratio (p It is concluded that the prevalence of increased lung/heart thallium-201 ratio with dipyridamole thallium-201 stress imaging is similar to that seen with exercise stress imaging. As with exercise thallium-201 imaging, increased pulmonary thallium-201 uptake may be a marker of functionally more significant coronary artery disease.