cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression and catalytic activities of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) Fyn and Lck in peripheral blood T cells from elderly humans stimulated through the T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex

Abstract Optimal signal transduction through the T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex requires the coordinated activities of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) Fyn and Lck in addition to protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) such as CD45. Although T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) exhibit age-related reductions in tyrosine phosphorylations of cellular proteins, it is unknown if the reductions represent abnormalities in PTKs or PTPases. In the current studies, immune complex kinase assays showed that the stimulation of peripheral blood T (PBT) cells from young humans with cross-linked anti-CD3e mAb OKT3 induced increased Fyn catalytic activity while anti-CD3 stimulation failed to induce significant increases in Lck activation. By contrast, Fyn activation in anti-CD3 stimulated PBT cells from a substantial proportion of elderly humans was reduced compared to anti-CD3 stimulated PBT cells from young humans. Also, we failed to find any increase in anti-CD3 stimulation of Lck activity in PBT cells from elderly subjects that could compensate for the decline in Fyn activity. However, no age-related alterations were detected in PBT cell expression of Fyn or Lck that might contribute to the changes in enzymatic activity. The results of other experiments demonstrated that the functional activities of PTPases in PBT cells from elderly subjects were equivalent to PBT cells from young subjects. These observations suggest that aberrant regulation of TCR/CD3 coupled PTKs may contribute to the age-related defects in signaling cascades and immune responsiveness of human T cells.
Sets of everywhere singular functions

In this paper we present a simple general method for demonstrating that in certain function spaces various sets consisting of functions that exhibit at every point a prescribed kind of singularity form a coanalytic but not Borel set. We illustrate this method by providing new proofs that the set of nowhere differential continuous functions on [0,1] is (coanalytic but) not Borel and similarly for the set of continuous functions on [0,1] which fail everywhere to have a unilateral derivative (including ± ∞) -- the so called Besicovitch functions. These results were originally proved by Mauldin, [Mau] and unpublished, respectively. We also give a new example of a coanalytic not Borel set, namely the set of integrable functions with everywhere divergent Fourier series. Finally, we formulate an abstract theorem, which includes as simple instances all the above and other similar examples.
Acute neurokinin-1 receptor antagonism fails to dampen airflow limitation or airway eosinophilia in an experimental model of feline asthma

ObjectivesFeline allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lower airways that may manifest with acute, life-threatening clinical signs. Tachykinins released from sensory nerves and ...
An innovative high frequency microdischarge detection technique

Today's modern electrical devices are increasingly subject to, and must withstand, high frequency stressing. Such stressing contributes to accelerated aging of electrical insulation and has resulted in premature failure of components. In order to understand the aging mechanisms (i.e. erosion) and make valid conclusions regarding the service lifetime of components used under high frequency conditions, the electrical insulation must be examined under the same high frequency conditions as that it will be used. Conventional electrical techniques used to detect partial discharges are limited to below 2 kHz applied ac test voltages. In order to stress electrical insulation and examine the microdischarge activity for frequencies up to 100 MHz, a new technique was developed. This technique uses series resonance to achieve high frequency sinusoidal steady state ac test voltage and a bridge type test cell to detect the resulting microdischarge activity. Calibration and simulations support the critically damped single output pulse per discharge events temporal resolution of >
Enfrentamientos en el Cabildo entre miembros de la elite de San Miguel de Tucumán en 1654: la elección del teniente de gobernador

Este trabajo tiene por objeto presentar el analisis de las discusiones que se desatan en el cabildo de San Miguel con motivo de la eleccion del teniente de gobernador en 1654. El problema que este caso plantea sera abordado desde dos dimensiones indisolublemente unidas. Una dimension social donde se plantea quienes son los personajes que se enfrentan y que moviliza sus intereses y una dimension politica desde la cual podremos conocer un poco mas acerca de las caracteristicas de este cargo y los continuos enfrentamientos que desata la eleccion de estos funcionarios. Finalmente podremos observar como en un momento de relativa calma pero de grandes necesidades economicas es en el cabildo donde se ponen de manifiesto los enfrentamientos de los hispano-criollos. Estos manejan el poder a traves de solidaridades, disputas y mecanismos clientelares entre ellos, con los indios de sus encomiendas y con las esferas del poder politico y religioso. Ante nuevos acontecimientos en los valles que involucran una problematica comun, estos mismos hombres van a mostrarse aliados desempenando diferentes cargos en el cabildo.
The surface potentials produced by electric sources in stratified spherical and prolate spheroidal volume conductors

The exact Green's function solution for the surface potential produced by a point dipole current source immersed in a stratified prolate spheroidal or spherical volume conductor is given. The transmission matrix approach used allows a systematic calculation for any number of stratifications or dipole locations. Numerical results are given for prolate spheroidal and spherical models of the human head.
Surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea.

Despite the effectiveness of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), patient acceptance and tolerance remain a significant problem. Consequently, surgery remains a highly desirable option for many patients and should be considered. Several major surgical advances have improved significantly the understanding and treatment of OSA since the first tracheotomy performed by Kuhlo [1] for the treatment of upper airway obstruction in ‘‘Pickwickian’’subject. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) was initially described by Ikematsu [2] and later popularized by Fujita [3]. UPPP improves oropharyngeal obstruction andisthemostcommonlyperformedprocedureforthe treatment of OSA. With the increased recognition of hypopharyngeal airway obstruction as a major contributing factor of OSA, genioglossus and hyoid advancement were later developed [4,5] to improve surgical treatment outcomes. In the early 1980s, numerousinvestigatorsreportedthatsurgicaladvancement of the mandible can improve OSA [6–8]. To maximize the extent of mandibular advancement, concurrent maxillary advancement was subsequently advocated [9]. Maxillomandibular advancement also has been noted to widen the retropalatal airway, which further improves the outcomes. Currently, UPPP, genioglossus and hyoid advancement, and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) are used widely to improve upper airway obstruction in OSA. Of the available surgical interventions, MMA has been shown to havethe highest success rate [9–11]. Several years ago, radiofrequency (RF) energy was investigatedasapotentialtreatmentofOSAbyablationofthe excessive upper airway tissues [12–15]. Based on the initial animal study and subsequent human clinical trials, RF has been shown to improve OSA [15,16].
Gatifloxacin (AM-1155, CG 5501) susceptibility testing interpretive criteria and quality control guidelines for dilution and disk (5-μg) diffusion methods

Gatifloxacin (formerly AM-1155 and CG5501), a new 8-methoxy fluoroquinolone, has an expanded spectrum of activity against Gram-positive cocci and some anaerobic bacteria. This compound was tested against 600 recent clinical strains of rapidly growing aerobic species to establish susceptibility testing interpretive criteria for the reference broth microdilution and standardized disk (5-microgram) diffusion methods of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). These strains included 285 Enterobacteriaceae (17 species), 165 staphylococci, 49 enterococci, and 101 nonfermentative Gram-negative bacilli. Based on achievable serum levels with projected gatifloxacin dosing regimens, MIC break points of or = 18 mm) for susceptibility and > or = 8 micrograms/mL (< or = 14 mm) for resistance were selected. The absolute agreement between tests was 94.3% with no very major false-resistant errors. The quality control ranges (MIC and zone diameters) for the NCCLS recommended strains were determined in a nine-laboratory NCCLS protocol as follows: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 = 0.008-0.03 microgram/mL and 31-37 mm; Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 = 0.12-1 microgram/mL; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 = 0.5-2 micrograms/ml and 21-27 mm; Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 = 27-33 mm and S. aureus ATCC 29213 = 0.03-0.12 microgram/mL. Gatifloxacin appears to be a promising new fluoroquinolone with acceptable susceptibility testing methods for routine clinical laboratory use.
Molecular aspects of phosphate transport in Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli transports inorganic phosphate (Pi) by the low-affinity transport system, Pit. When the level of the external Pi is lower than 20 microM, another transport system, Pst, is induced with a Kt of 0.25 microM. An outer-membrane porin, PhoE, with a Km of about 1 microM is also induced. The outer membrane allows the intake of organic phosphates which are degraded to Pi by phosphatases in the periplasm. The Pi-binding protein will capture the free Pi produced in the periplasm and direct it to the transmembrane channel of the cytoplasmic membrane. The channel consists of two proteins, PstA and PstC, which have six and five transmembrane helices, respectively. On the cytoplasmic side of the membrane the channel is linked to the PstB protein, which carries a nucleotide (probably ATP)-binding site. PstB probably provides the energy required by the channel to free Pi. The Pst system has two functions in E. coli: (i) the transport of Pi, and (ii) the negative regulation of the phosphate regulon (a complex of 20 proteins mostly related to organic phosphate transport). It is remarkable that these two functions are not related, since the repressibility of the regulon depends on the integral structure of Pst (PiBP + PstA + PstC + PstB) and not on the Pi transported. Another gene of the pst operon, phoU, produces a protein involved in the negative regulation of the Pho regulon, but the mechanism of this function has not been explained. Thus the regulatory function of the Pst system remains obscure. Its basal level, present when Pi is abundant, is sufficient to repress the Pho regulon but the negative regulatory function is lost upon Pi starvation.
The Posthospital Phase of Myocardial Infarction Identification of Patients with Increased Mortality Risk

A prospective follow-up study was carried out on 100 patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction in order to develop a method for identifying those patients who are at high risk of late cardiac death. Variables, which were recorded just prior to the patient's hospital discharge after the acute attack, included six rhythm parameters from a six-hour tape ECG recording, three indices of severity of the acute coronary event, and seven nonspecific variables. Seventy-nine of the 100 patients survived a two-year follow-up, and 17 of 21 patients who died succumbed from cardiac-related problems. A stepwise discriminant analysis program was used to derive a formula which would predict the likelihood of surviving two years after a myocardial infarction. The population was divided into two groups on the basis of the presence (Group A, N = 67) or absence (Group B, N = 29) of ventricular premature beats on the initial ECG tape recording. In Group A, 91% of both the survivors and nonsurvivors were correctly ide...
Diethyl pyrocarbonate inactivation of human placental aldehyde reductase II.

Abstract Diethyl pyrocarbonate inactivated aldehyde reductase II ( l -gulonate: NADP + 6-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.19) from human placenta. A concentration of 0.5–1.0 mM diethyl pyrocarbonate caused 40–65% loss of activity. The inactivation of the enzyme by diethyl pyrocarbonate was reversed by hydroxylamine and was accompanied by a large change in the absorbance of the protein at 242 nm, but not at 278 nm, indicating that only the histidine residues were modified. NADPH, but not glucoronate afforded significant protection to the enzyme from inactivation by diethyl pyrocarbonate. With 0.2–1.0 mM diethyl pyrocarbonate, 4–5 histidine residues were modified with a pseudo-first-order rate process. A double log plot of the fraction of the unmodified residues indicates that only one functional histidine residue is essential for the catalytic activity of aldehyde reductase II.
Large-Scale Discovery and Characterization of Protein Regulatory Motifs in Eukaryotes

The increasing ability to generate large-scale, quantitative proteomic data has brought with it the challenge of analyzing such data to discover the sequence elements that underlie systems-level protein behavior. Here we show that short, linear protein motifs can be efficiently recovered from proteome-scale datasets such as sub-cellular localization, molecular function, half-life, and protein abundance data using an information theoretic approach. Using this approach, we have identified many known protein motifs, such as phosphorylation sites and localization signals, and discovered a large number of candidate elements. We estimate that ~80% of these are novel predictions in that they do not match a known motif in both sequence and biological context, suggesting that post-translational regulation of protein behavior is still largely unexplored. These predicted motifs, many of which display preferential association with specific biological pathways and non-random positioning in the linear protein sequence, provide focused hypotheses for experimental validation.
Smart Targeted Planning of VSC-Based Embedded HVDC via Line Shadow Price Weighting

In this paper, a novel approach to incorporate voltage source converter-based embedded HVDC for improving power system economic dispatch efficiency is proposed. An analytical formulation is presented to quantify the economic benefits of embedded HVDC by modeling its flow control as an injection-extraction pair in the economic dispatch of the transmission grid. A computationally efficient algorithm is proposed to rank the potential locations of such embedded HVDC. The algorithm is based on expected economic dispatch cost reduction weighted by the historical line shadow prices. The use of a distribution of historical data as a means of weighting also allows for incorporation of diurnal and seasonal influences on congestion patterns. Numerical case studies using the proposed method of locating the embedded HVDC suggest promising results in choosing the location of improved flow control devices.
Effect of the Micro-Porous Layer-Gas Diffusion Layer Interface on Water Transport in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

An investigation of the liquid water saturation across the cross-section of an operating polymer electrolyte fuel cell is performed to analyze the saturation discontinuity predicted by numerical models. Numerical models have predicted a discontinuity in the liquid water saturation at the interface of the micro-porous layer and the coarser macroporous region of the gas diffusion layer. High-resolution through plane neutron radiography is used to acquire the water content distribution across the thickness of the gas-diffusion layer and study the effects of the interface. The measured liquid water profiles indicate no obvious discontinuity in the liquid water saturation across the cross-section of the bi-layer gas diffusion layer when large areas are averaged spatially. Evidence of the discontinuity is found when small spatial averaging is used in certain locations. Other locations show no evidence of the discontinuity. Scanning electron microscopy is used to examine the microstructure of two types of the bi-layer diffusion media. The images show that the approximation of the interface as a sudden, distinct feature may not be appropriate. The results suggest that a model that considers the existence of an interfacial region in the diffusion media may be appropriate, in which the properties vary continuously.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Altered CD161bright CD8+ Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT)-Like Cell Dynamics and Increased Differentiation States among Juvenile Type 1 Diabetics

Type 1A diabetes (T1D) is believed to be caused by immune-mediated destruction of β-cells, but the immunological basis for T1D remains controversial. Microbial diversity promotes the maturation and activation of certain immune subsets, including CD161bright CD8+ mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and alterations in gut mucosal responses have been reported in type 1 diabetics (T1Ds). We analyzed T cell populations in peripheral blood leukocytes from juvenile T1Ds and healthy controls. We found that proportion and absolute number of MAIT cells were similar between T1Ds and controls. Furthermore, while MAIT cell proportions increased with age among healthy controls, this trend was not observed among long-standing T1Ds. Additionally, the CD27- MAIT cell subset is significantly increased in T1Ds and positively correlated with HbA1c levels. However, after T1Ds are stratified by age, the younger group has significantly increased proportions of CD27- MAIT cells compared to age-matched controls, and this proportional increase appears to be independent of HbA1c levels. Finally, we analyzed function of the CD27- MAIT cells and observed that IL-17A production is increased in CD27- compared to CD27+ MAIT cells. Overall, our data reveal disparate MAIT cell dynamics between T1Ds and controls, as well as signs of increased MAIT cell activation in T1Ds. These changes may be linked to hyperglycemia and increased mucosal challenge among T1Ds.
Studies in histochemistry. XLVIII. Dry mass of mast cells measured by interference microscopy and x-ray absorption.

Abstract Both interference microscopy and X-ray absorption measurements were made of the dry mass of mast cells from the peritoneal cavity of the rat. On cells isolated in a sucrose density gradient and transferred to Hanks' solution, interference measurements on each of 97 cells from 4 rats gave a corrected mean dry mass per unit area of 8.8 ± 0.2 ( g 10 −13 μ 2 ), and, calculated for spherical cells, a corrected mean total dry mass per cell of 2.0 ± 0.1 (g 10−10). In another group of 81 cells from 4 different rats, the cells were treated in vitro with 1 to 3 μg/ml of the histamine liberator, 48 80 . Corresponding data for this group were found to be 7.3 ± 0.1 and 1.8 ± 0.1, respectively. The difference between the mean values of dry mass per unit area of the two groups is significant, but for total dry mass per cell it is not. Both interference and X-ray absorption mesurements were made on peritoneal mast cells from the same rat. The corrected mean dry mass per unit area by interferometry of 15 cells was 9.8 ± 0.5 ( g 10 −13 μ 2 ), which is also greater than the corresponding value of the cells treated with 48 80 . However, the corrected mean total dry mass per cell was 2.0 ± 0.1 (g 10−10) which is close to the corresponding mean value of the cells treated with 48 80 . Thus it appears that 48 80 in vitro does not cause loss of dry mass from those mast cells which remain intact. The mean total dry mass per cell obtained from the X-ray measurements, 2.3 ± 0.1 (g 10−10), was fairly close to the value obtained by interferometry, 2.0 ± 0.1 (g 10−10). Phase contrast and interference microscopy indicated that the mast cell in Hanks' solution is spherical with a central spherical nucleus. The density of the latter appears to be less than that of the surrounding cytoplasm.
Timing fast and slow constant velocity movements

Abstract This study investigated the timing of fast and slow constant velocity movements. Experiment 1 employed movement time-distance combinations resulting in constant velocities of 7.5 and 50 cm/sec. The findings demonstrated that the faster constant velocity movements produced less variability in timing errors. Experiment 2 directly compared timing accuracy under free and fixed start conditions and utilized an angular rotation task with average velocities of 10 and 100 deg/sec. Response timing was more accurate at the fast velocity movements but was not affected by whether the movement was produced under constant velocity conditions (free start) or initiated from a fixed starting position. Collectively, the findings show that reductions in timing error occur as a function of increases in average velocity even when the initial impulse is removed from the timed portion of the response.
Interstitial and vacancy mediated transport mechanisms in perovskites: A comparison of chemistry and potentials

Abstract Perovskites are important materials for fast-ion conduction applications and have been used extensively as model systems for irradiation studies, two situations where understanding defect mobility is critical for predicting performance. Using long-time scale simulation methods, we examine point defect mobility in perovskites as a function of the chemistry of the perovskite and the empirical potential used. We find that, while the basic mechanisms are the same regardless of these factors, the energies associated with the mechanisms vary significantly. We identify diffusion pathways for each type of interstitial, finding relatively complex behavior for A cation interstitials, which can diffuse one-dimensionally, and oxygen interstitials, which exhibit a two-dimensional diffusion mechanism. We further find that several cation defects are immobile with a preference to transform into antisite complexes rather than migrate. These results provide new insight into the migration behavior of point defects in perovskites and complex oxides more generally.
Public actions taken to address water quality and quantity issues in the northwestern USA since 2002

The purpose of this paper is to document voluntary actions the general public has taken to address water quality and quantity concerns in the northwestern USA over the last 10 years. These actions have been attributed primarily to educational outreach efforts targeted at the general public by the five land grant universities in the region. Data were collected using mail-based surveys conducted at five-year intervals in 2002, 2007 and 2012. Each survey contained between 45 and 60 questions and was mailed to 2,200 randomly chosen residents of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Return rates in excess of 50% were received for each survey ensuring that the results are statistically valid. The 2002 survey results were used as base line data. More than 85% of the region’s adults have made lifestyle changes to address water quantity issues. For instance, 70% have installed at least one water-saving appliance in their home, 49% report that they have reduced water use in their yards, 64% have reduced water use in their home, and 32% have reduced the amount of water used washing their cars. Conversely, only 13% have not made voluntary changes to address the amount of water used. Almost 82% of adults have acted to improve water quality. Voluntary water quality actions taken include: changed the disposal of household wastes (60%), reduced the use of fertilizers and pesticides in yards (46%), and changed the disposal of used motor oil (65%). Less than 19% of adults have not voluntarily addressed water quality issues in their homes. This study demonstrates that public education used to cause positive voluntary actions is very effective and may work better than the regulatory approach in this region of the USA.
Maximum-likelihood estimation of the parameters of a multivariate normal distribution☆

Abstract This paper provides an exposition of alternative approaches for obtaining maximum- likelihood estimators (MLE) for the parameters of a multivariate normal distribution under different assumptions about the parameters. A central focus is on two general techniques, namely, matrix differentiation and matrix transformations. These are systematically applied to derive the MLE of the means under a rank constraint and of the covariances when there are missing observations. Derivations using induction and inequalities are also included to illustrate alternative methods. Other examples, such as a connection with an econometric model, are included. Although the paper is primarily expository, some of the proofs are new.
Kinetic mechanisms to alter walking speed

A mechanism to modulate speed during human walking has not yet been proposed in the literature, even though changing walking speed is likely a necessary attribute of everyday ambulation. To understand how joint kinetics modulate walking speed 12 normal adults walked Fast (1.4m/s), Slow (1.0m/s), Accel (1.0-1.4m/s) and Decel (1.4-1.0m/s) trials while full body 3D kinematics and kinetics were collected. Reduced sagittal ankle plantarflexor moments were observed in Accel trials during early single limb stance (p<0.001) and increased sagittal plantarflexor moments were seen in Decel trials during early single limb stance (p<0.001) compared to steady speed walking. Modulating the sagittal ankle moment altered the center of pressure location and either attenuated (Accel) or accentuated (Decel) the early stance braking impulse to accelerate or decelerate the center of mass. The onset of walking speed changes occurred at approximately 15% of the gait cycle and did not support the concept of "controlled falling". Sagittal ankle push-off power appears a consequence of increased walking speed, but not the causative factor to increase walking speed.
Drug and surfactant transport in Cyclosporine A and Brij 98 laden p-HEMA hydrogels

Surfactants are commonly incorporated into hydrogels to increase solute loading and attenuate the release rates. In this paper we focus on understanding and modeling the mechanisms of both surfactant and drug transport in hydrogels. Specifically, we focus on Brij 98 as the surfactant, Cyclosporine A (CyA) as the hydrophobic drug, and poly-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (p-HEMA) as the polymer. The models developed here are validated by experiments conducted with gels of different thicknesses and surfactant loadings. Also the model is compared with prior experimental studies in literature. The model predicts that the percentage surfactant as well as drug release scales as 1/(surfactant loading)(0.5), and thus a four fold increase in surfactant loading leads to a two fold reduction in percentage release for both drug and surfactant at a given time. The models for the surfactant and drug release are fitted to the experimental data to obtain values of 1.44 x 10(-14) m(2)/s for CyA diffusivity and 414.4 for the partition coefficient between drug concentration inside the micelle and that in the gel. These models can be very helpful in tuning the drug release rates from hydrogels by controlling the surfactant concentration. The results also show that Brij 98 loaded p-HEMA exhibit an extended release of CyA and so contact lenses made with this material can be used for extended ocular delivery of CyA, which is an immunosuppressant drug commonly used for treatment of various ocular ailments.
Biographical dictionary of the Confederacy

"Scholarly and of broad general interest. Its balanced treatment provides the reader with concise yet accurate information, and its application of statistics to the study pf collective biography and political leadership will prove of interest to the student and scholar of the Civil War. . . . Recommended for public and academic libraries." Booklist
Multifractal Measures, Especially for the Geophysicist

This text is addressed to both the beginner and the seasoned professional, geology being used as the main but not the sole illustration. The goal is to present an alternative approach to multifractals, extending and streamlining the original approach in Mandelbrot (1974). The generalization from fractal sets to multifractal measures involves the passage from geometric objects that are characterized primarily by one number, namely a fractal dimension, to geometric objects that are characterized primarily by a function. The best is to choose the function ρ(α), which is a limit probability distribution that has been plotted suitably, on double logarithmic scales. The quantity α is called Holder exponent. In terms of the alternative function f(α) used in the approach of Frisch-Parisi and of Halsey et al., one has ρ(α) = f(α) − E for measures supported by the Euclidean space of dimension E. When f(α) ≥ 0, f(α) is a fractal dimension. However, one may have f(α) 1 to be a critical dimension for the cuts. An “enhanced multifractal diagram” is drawn, including f(α), a function called τ(q) and D q .
"Organizational Equity, Justice, and Individual Public Service Motives"

In this paper we explore public service motivation--“motives and actions in the public domain that are intended to do good for others and shape the well-being of society” (Perry & Hondeghem, 2008)-...
Acquiring Skills in New Procedures and Technology: The Challenge and the Opportunity

The process of acquiring new surgical skills beyond the period of residency training should include selection of a complete educational experience founded on a disease-based approach rather than an isolated intervention. Deliberate practice and avoidance of automaticity through the establishment of learning goals that exceed the current level of performance should help in developing expertise. The Division of Education of the American College of Surgeons (Chicago, Ill) has undertaken steps to support surgeons' efforts in acquiring skills in new procedures and technologies. A major area of focus is verifying the knowledge and skills of surgeons at the completion of experiential courses. The division is developing a model to establish a network of ACS-Accredited Education (Skills) Centers. A comprehensive and well-designed approach is essential to support surgeons' efforts to acquire new skills to provide the best care to patients.
Three-parameter, elastic foundation model for analysis of adhesively bonded joints

Abstract A novel three-parameter, elastic foundation model is proposed in this study to analyze interface stresses of adhesively bonded joints. The classical two-parameter, elastic foundation model of adhesive joints models the adhesive layer as a layer of normal and a layer of shear springs. This model does not satisfy the zero-shear-stress boundary conditions at the free edges of the adhesive layer due to the inherent flaw of the two-parameter, elastic foundation model, which violates the equilibrium condition of the adhesive layer. To eliminate this flaw, this study models the adhesive layer as two normal spring layers interconnected by a shear layer. This new three-parameter, elastic foundation model allows the peel stresses along the two adherend/adhesive interfaces of the joint to be different, and therefore, satisfies the equilibrium condition of the adhesive layer. This model regains the missing “degree of freedom” in the two-parameter, elastic foundation model of the adhesive layer by introducing the transverse displacement of the adhesive layer as a new independent parameter. Explicit closed-form expressions of interface stresses and beam forces are obtained. The new model not only satisfies all boundary conditions, but also predicts correctly which interface has the strongest stress concentration. The new model is verified by continuum models existing in the literature and finite element analysis. The new three-parameter, elastic foundation model provides an effective and efficient tool for analysis and design of general adhesive joints.
Platelet reference ranges for neonates, defined using data from over 47,000 patients in a multihospital healthcare system.

Identifying a platelet count as abnormal (thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis) can facilitate recognizing various disease states. However, the published reference ranges for platelet counts in neonates may be imprecise, as they were generated from relatively small sample sizes and compiled before modern platelet enumeration methods. We derived new neonatal reference ranges for platelet counts and mean platelet volume (MPV) measurements using electronic data accumulated during a recent 6-year period from a multihospital healthcare system. Platelet counts were obtained between the first and the 90th day after birth, from 47 291 neonates delivered at 22 to 42 weeks gestation. The first platelet counts obtained in the first 3 days of life, increased over the range of 22 to 42 weeks gestation. In those born ⩽32 weeks gestation, the lower reference range (5th percentile) was 104 200 μl−1, but it was 123 100 μl−1 in late-preterm and -term neonates. Advancing postnatal age had a significant effect on platelet counts; during the first 9 weeks, the counts fit a sinusoidal pattern with two peaks; one at 2 to 3 weeks and a second at 6 to 7 weeks. The upper limit of expected counts (95th percentile) during these peaks were as high as 750 000 μl−1. The figures herein describe reference ranges for platelet counts and MPV determinations of neonates at various gestational ages during their first 90 days. Expected values differ substantially from the 150 000 μl−1 to 450 000 μl−1 range previously used to define neonatal thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis. The new definitions will render the diagnoses of neonatal thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis less commonly than when the old definitions were used, because the new ranges are wider than 150 000 μl−1 to 450 000 μl−1.
FDG uptake in colonic villous adenomas

Colonic adenomas constitute 70-80% of all colorectal polyps, and their clinical significance relates primarily to their relationship with colorectal cancer. The malignant potential of the polyps detected by FDG-PET is unknown, as not all the colonic lesions identified by FDG-PET represent colorectal malignancies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rate of FDG-PET positivity within colonic villous adenomas. A pathology database search was performed to identify all patients diagnosed with colonic villous adenoma between June 1, 1996 and December 1, 2000. Patients with a pathologic diagnosis of colonic villous adenoma and who also had a FDG-PET study up to 1 month before colonoscopy were included in this study. FDG-PET findings were compared with pathological features. Of more than 4,000 patients, six patients were diagnosed with colonic adenoma on subsequent colonoscopy following FDG-PET study. Based on the pathological findings, these 6 patients had a total of 2 villous and 9 tubulovillous adenomas. Five of the 6 patients showed foci of increased FDG uptake in the region of the colon that corresponded to the villous adenoma(s) detected on colonoscopy, which accounted for a true-positive rate of 83.3% (5/6 subjects). Focal lesions in the colon seen on FDG-PET examinations need to be investigated further, even though some of these will prove to be villous adenomas rather than colorectal carcinomas. Future studies in a larger number of patients are needed to evaluate the relationship of histopathological features of colonic polyps and detectability of these lesions by FDG-PET.
Molecular identification and characterization of a protein lymphokine exhibiting macrophage migration inhibition activity

Abstract Lymphocytes activated specifically with antigen or nonspecifically with lectins produce lymphokines, which modulate the immune response. Few lymphokines have been identified at the molecular level or purified to homogeneity. These studies describe our procedures to identify a protein responsible for macrophage migration inhibition activity (MIF) produced by concanavalin A-stimulated murine spleen cell cultures. MIF-active material was adsorbed onto insolubilized hog gastric mucin and specifically eluted with a solution of d -glucose and l -fucose. This eluate, derived from a stimulated leukocyte culture supernatant which exhibited molecular weight heterogeneity, displayed two zones of MIF activity when subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The MIF activity in the zone of slower mobility with an Rf equal to 1.2 times that of horse heart myoglobin, was obtained by preparative electrophoresis as a single radioactive labeled component. Electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate demonstrated that this component is composed of a single polypeptide of 21,000 daltons.
Catheter ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia in children: a time to freeze, and a time to burn.

Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is a well-established therapy for most supraventricular tachycardias in children, including atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT). The excellent results of RF ablation have been verified in large cohorts of children in both the retrospective Pediatric Radiofrequency Ablation Registry and the multicenter Prospective Assessment after Pediatric Cardiac Ablation. 1,2 However, RF ablation for AVNRT carries a small risk of inadvertent injury to the AV node, with resulting permanent heart block. This is a dreaded complication, particularly as the targeted arrhythmia is troublesome but not life threatening. With the emergence of catheter-based cryoablation systems, many have adopted this approach for children with AVNRT because of its potential advantages. The ability to “cryomap” or assess the result of a lesion while the effects are still reversible represents perhaps the most desirous aspect for interventional electrophysiologists. Initial reports of cryoablation for treatment of AVNRT in children demonstrated the safety of the technique, but they also revealed lower acute success rates and higher recurrence rates compared with the results of RF ablation reported in the large multicenter trials. 3‐5 In a study in this issue of Heart Rhythm, Collins et al 6 directly compare radiofrequency energy and cryothermal energy for catheter ablation of AVNRT in 117 children at a single high-volume center. This group has been a leader in our efforts to better understand the aspects of AVNRT unique to children. In the present study, they confirm that both RF ablation and cryoablation can successfully and safely treat AVNRT in children. The 95% success rate of cryoablation in this study was high, with only one true failure requiring crossover to RF ablation for procedural success. The two other failures were aborted procedures because of malfunction of the cryoablation console and first-degree heart block induced with catheter manipulation. The latter may be due to the size and stiffness of the current generation of cryoablation catheters. With continued use and refinement, cryoablation of AVNRT in children likely will attain the high success rate currently enjoyed by RF ablation (100% in the present study). The recurrence rates were 2% for RF ablation and 8% for cryoablation, but this study was too small to detect a significant difference between groups. Nonetheless, the results are consistent with the higher recurrence rates reported in previous studies evaluating cryoablation. 4,7
A rapid in vitro drug‐sensitivity assay in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

Leukemic myeloid, myelomonocytic, and monocytic cells will incorporate radiolabeled sulfate into newly synthesized macromolecules. A liquid culture technique was developed to examine the in vitro effects of chemotherapeutic agents on the incorporation of radiolabeled sulfate into cells of patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). Cells recovered from bone marrow or peripheral blood of 25 patients with ANLL were incubated in vitro for one hour with saline (control) or a variety of chemotherapeutic agents. Cells were washed free of the drug and grown in liquid cultures containing nutrient medium and /sup 35/SO4. The percent of /sup 35/SO4 incorporated into the drug treated as compared with control cells was determined after one, three, and seven days of culture. Patients whose drug-treated cells incorporated less than 30% of /sup 35/SO4 when compared with the control after three or seven days of culture achieved a complete response to these agents in vivo. Thus, the in vitro effects of various chemotherapeutic agents on the incorporation of /sup 35/SO4 into cells obtained from patients with ANLL may help predict clinical response to these agents in vivo.
Directed assembly of cylinder-forming block copolymers into patterned structures to fabricate arrays of spherical domains and nanoparticles

The first demonstration of the directed assembly of cylindrical microdomains of a block copolymer into nonregular, patterned structures, as well as the subsequent formation of registered 1D arrays of spherical microdomains and nanoparticles, is presented. Directed assembly of pure cylinder-forming polystyrene-block-poly(t-butylacrylate) copolymer, which can undergo a cylinder-to-sphere morphological transition via thermolysis, on lithographically defined linear, circular, or angled chemical nanopatterns resulted in long-range-ordered cylindrical domains that were registered to the underlying nanopattern. Thermolysis of the cylindrical domains yields registered arrays of spherical domains, which are difficult to pattern with advanced lithographic techniques. The spherical domains maintain uniform size in all patterns studied, including 45° corners. In situ synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles within the spherical microdomains created linear, circular, and angled nanoparticle 1D arrays, register...
The endgame of postmodernism within the momentum of modernity

Abstract The dominant culture of the West as well as movements opposing it are increasingly absorbed by the consciousness-obliterating dynamism of technology. Because the projects of postmodernist art magnify the images and artefacts produced in the course of modernization, they explicate the thrust of technicism and disclose the inordinate discipline required not to change the prevailing technological momentum but to remain conscious of it. Their fatalistic diagnosis of modernity and their consequent unconstrained irony are so unbearable that academic interpreters of modernization implicitly renounce the manoeuvres of postmodernist projects even as they deign to appreciate them.
A One-Step Homogeneous Immunoassay for Cancer Biomarker Detection Using Gold Nanoparticle Probes Coupled with Dynamic Light Scattering

A one-step homogeneous immunoassay for the detection of a prostate cancer biomarker, free-PSA (prostate specific antigen), was developed using gold nanoparticle probes coupled with dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. A spherical gold nanoparticle with a core diameter around 37 nm and a gold nanorod with a dimension of 40 by 10 nm were first conjugated with two different primary anti-PSA antibodies and then used as optical probes for the immunoassay. In the presence of antigen f-PSA in solution, the nanoparticles and nanorods aggregate together into pairs and oligomers through the formation of a sandwich type antibody−antigen−antibody linkage. The relative ratio of nanoparticle-nanorod pairs and oligomers versus individual nanoparticles was quantitatively monitored by DLS measurement. A correlation can be established between this relative ratio and the amount of antigen in solution. The light scattering intensity of nanoparticles and nanoparticle oligomers is several orders of magnitude higher tha...
Psoriasis and its treatment with adalimumab.

Importance of the field: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin condition affecting 2 – 3% of world's population. It affects patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and results in a significant financial burden. Adalimumab is the first fully human monoclonal antibody approved in the US and European countries for the treatment of psoriasis along with other immunomediated diseases.Areas covered in this review: We evaluate outcomes such as efficacy, safety, and quality of life associated with adalimumab in the treatment of psoriasis via a review of the published literature from the past 10 years.What the reader will gain: This review presents the effects, causes, types and treatment options for psoriasis with a focus on adalimumab with the goal of providing evidence-based guidance in choosing the appropriate therapy for the treatment of psoriasis.Take home message: Adalimumab treatment in two forms 40 mg/every other week and 40 mg/week was reported to be effective and safe compared with placebo and me...
Variability of hazardous air pollutants in an urban area

Abstract The variability of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) is an important factor in determining human exposure to such chemicals, and in designing HAP measurement programs. This study has investigated the factors which contribute to HAP variability in an urban area. Six measurement sites separated by up to 12 km collected data with 3 h time resolution to examine spatial variability within neighborhoods and between neighborhoods. The measurements were made in Columbus, OH. The 3 h results also were used to study temporal variability, and duplicate samples collected at each site were used to determine the component of variability attributable to the measurement process. Hourly samples collected over 10 days at one site provided further insight into the temporal resolution needed to capture short-term peak concentrations. Measurements at the 6 spatial sites focused on 78 chemicals. Twenty-three of these species were found in at least 95% of the 3 h samples, and 39 chemicals were present at least 60% of the time. The relative standard deviations for most of these 39 frequently detected chemicals was 1.0 or lower. Variability was segmented into temporal, spatial, and measurement components. Temporal variation was the major contributor to HAP variability for 19 of the 39 frequently detected compounds, based on the 3 h data. Measurement imprecision contributed less than 25% for most of the volatile organic species, but 30% or more of the variability for carbonyl compounds, trace elements, and particle-bound extractable organic mass. Interestingly, the spatial component contributed less than 20% of the total variability for all the chemicals except sulfur. Based on the data with hourly resolution, peak to median ratios (hourly peak to 24 h median) averaged between 2 and 4 for most of the volatile organic compounds, but there were two species with peak to median ratios of about 10.
Particle dispersion in a turbulent round jet

Abstract Particle dispersion and particle velocities were measured with laser sheets and a position sensitive photomultiplier tube to track particles. Monodisperse hexadecane droplets were injected onto the centerline of a turbulent air jet. Their radial dispersion, axial velocities, and times of flight were measured as functions of axial position. The time and length scales of the jet were varied through the control of the jet exit velocity and nozzle diameter. Nozzle diameters of 7 and 12.6 mm were used. Reynolds numbers were in the range of 10,000–32,400. Two different droplet diameters were used viz., 60 and 90 μm. A significant range in the Kolmogorov, turbulent, and acceleration Stokes numbers was covered. The times-of-flight were used to analyze the dispersion measurements in terms of Lagrangian statistics. Dispersion data at long times of flight for a range of nozzle diameters, particle diameters and exit velocities were analyzed to obtain the Lagrangian particle diffusivity. The non-dimensional diffusivities or Peclet numbers were found to approach a value that was similar to the Eulerian Peclet number for scalar transport in a jet. Furthermore, the particle dispersion increased linearly with time at long times from their release in the jet.