cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pressure-Gradient Dependent Diffusion and Crack Propagation in Lithiated Silicon Nanowires

Silicon is a promising material for use in lithium-ion battery electrodes due to its extremely high theoretical capacity. The difficulty associated with using silicon in these applications is due to the fact that it undergoes large volumetric expansions of up to 400% during lithiation; such extreme expansions generate high stresses that can lead to fracture and capacity loss. Previous attempts at modeling cracking in lithiated materials have entirely ignored or simplified the effects of pressure-gradients on the diffusive flux, which leads to an overestimation of the stress-state within the material. We have developed a method of studying lithiation-induced crack propagation in silicon nanowires that accounts for the effects of pressure-gradients within the material on the flux. Our approach consists of finite element simulations in which the pressure-gradients are computed numerically and used to calculate the flux vector. This method allows us to capture the effect of the crack-tip on the localized diffusion, which plays an important role in arresting crack growth. We have used our method to study the effects of charging rate and particle size on crack propagation in silicon nanowires. Three crack growth regimes have been observed depending on the charging rate and nanowire diameter - no growth, arrested growth, and complete growth - and they have been tabulated in a failure diagram.
The welfare effect of international asset market integration under nominal rigidities

Abstract This paper assesses the impact of integrating international asset markets when segmented markets are not the only distortion. Using a two-country general equilibrium model with nominal rigidities and monetary shocks, we show that integration is not universally beneficial. Instead, the welfare impact depends on the degree to which exchange rate fluctuations are passed through to consumer prices. While the integration is welfare neutral in the polar cases of complete or zero pass-through, this is not the case when pass-through is partial. When shocks are equally volatile in both countries, integration can be detrimental or beneficial depending on the degree of pass-through. When shocks are more volatile in one country, it benefits from integration compared with the more stable country.
Midventricular hypokinesis as a cardiac manifestation of anaphylaxis: a case report.

We report a case of anaphylaxis in which left midventricular hypokinesis was found by echocardiogram performed while the patient was hypotensive shortly after the onset of acute chest pain with S-T segment elevations. Cardiac injury was confirmed by elevation of cardiac enzymes. Repeated echocardiogram 2 days later demonstrated normal ventricular wall function and coronary angiogram demonstrated no angiographically apparent disease. We discuss possible mechanisms for cardiac injury and suggest mast cell–mediated coronary spasm as the most likely.
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: diagnosis and management in children and adults.

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening disorder caused most often by a phage group II Staphylococcus aureus infection. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is more common in newborns than in adults. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome tends to appear abruptly with diffuse erythema and fever. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a skin biopsy specimen, which can be expedited by frozen section processing, as staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome should be distinguished from life threatening toxic epidermal necrolysis. Histologically, the superficial epidermis is detached, the separation level being at the granular layer. The diffuse skin loss is due to a circulating bacterial exotoxin. The aetiological exfoliating toxin is a serine protease that splits only desmoglein 1. The exfoliative toxins are spread haematogenously from a localized source of infection, causing widespread epidermal damage at distant sites. Sepsis and pneumonia are the most feared complications. The purpose of this review is to summarize advances in understanding of this serious disorder and provide therapeutic options for both paediatric and adult patients. Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated that paediatric patients have an increased incidence of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome during the summer and autumn. Mortality is less than 10% in children, but is between 40% and 63% in adults, despite antibacterial therapy. Previously, intravenous immunoglobulin had been recommended to combat Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, but a recent study associates its use with prolonged hospitalization.
Effect of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors on non-analgesic actions of morphine

The present study investigates the results of pretreatment with five prostaglandin (PG) synthetase inhibitors on effects of morphine on body temperature, pupillary diameter, body movement and production of exophthalmos in rat. Hyperthermia, induced by a low dose of morphine, was inhibited in animals pretreated with any of the PG synthetase inhibitors. However, PG synthetase inhibitors had no clear effect on hypothermia induced by higher doses of morphine. The duration of morphine-induced catalepsy was attenuated by pretreatment with the PG synthetase inhibitors in a dose-related manner. The exophthalmos induced by all doses of morphine was either shortened in duration or inhibited by sulindac, paracetamol or ibuprofen. Morphine-induced mydriasis was either attenuated or inhibited by paracetamol, ibuprofen or meclofenamic acid. The results suggest that endogenous PGs play a role in morphine-induced hyperthermia, catalepsy, exophthalmos and mydriasis whereas a physiological role for PGs in morphine-induced hypothermia was not indicated.
Is there more than one prostaglandin E receptor subtype mediating hyperalgesia in the rat hindpaw

Abstract Five synthetic prostaglandin E analogs (11-deoxyPGE 1 , 17-phenyl- ol -trinor prostaglandin E 2 , enisoprost, MB28767 and misoprostol) have been evaluated for their ability to produce mechanical hyperalgesia in rats. The Randall-Selitto paw withdrawal model of mechanical hyperalgesia was used. Following intradermal injections (2.5 μl) into the dorsal surface of the hindpaw, each prostaglandin E analog produced a dose-dependent (1–1000 ng) decrease in nociceptive threshold (i.e. hyperalgesia). Hyperalgesia produced by 17-phenyl- ol -trinor prostaglandin E 2 and MB28767, was inhibited by the prostaglandin E 1 antagonist SC19220 (7.5 ng), while the hyperalgesia produced by 11-deoxyprostaglandin E 1 , enisoprost and misoprostol was not inhibited by this antagonist. Hyperalgesia produced by all five analogs was significantly attenuated or completely blocked by inhibiting stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein with guanosine 5′-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), adenyl cyclase with 2′5′-dideoxyadenosine and protein kinase A with WIPTIDE. These results suggest the presence of more than one prostaglandin E-receptor subtype, which mediate hyperalgesia, predominantly via the cAMP second messenger system, in the hindpaw of the rat.
17α -Substituted analogs of estradiol for the development of fluorescent estrogen receptor ligands

For the successful development of a high-affinity fluorophore-estradiol conjugate, the fluorophore must be attached to the estradiol molecule at a position that interferes least with its binding to the receptor. We have concentrated on 17 alpha substituents as models for fluorophore attachment, based on literature precedent and on our earlier work with small 17 alpha side chains. In this report, we describe syntheses and estrogen receptor binding affinities of 19 analogs of estradiol substituted in the 17 alpha position with larger side chains (of six to 11 carbons), some of which may be synthetically modified to link a fluorophore. These analogs were synthesized either by nucleophilic cleavage of estrone-17 beta-oxirane 3-benzyl ether and subsequent debenzylation (4 to 18), by cross-coupling of alkynes (21 to 24), by alkylation of 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol 3,17-bis(tetrahydropyranyl ether) and subsequent acidic hydrolysis (25 to 28), or by reacting estrone either with appropriate aryl/alkynyllithium reagents (29, 30, and 32) or with benzylmagnesium bromide (31). Relative binding affinities of these newly synthesized analogs were determined for estrogen receptor (rat uterus) using a standard competition assay. The results suggest that analogs with reduced mobility and/or more polarizable electron density in the side chain generally bind more strongly to the receptor. The relative affinities of several selected compounds were also determined in the presence of 4% dimethylformamide; some compounds bearing larger, nonpolar 17 alpha substituents showed dramatically improved affinities, while affinities for compounds with shorter nonpolar side chains remained largely unchanged. These binding affinity results should be useful in designing new high-affinity fluorescent ligands for the estrogen receptor.
Traitement chirurgical d’un anévrysme poplité infecté 12 ans après une exclusion-pontage

La persistance d’un flux sanguin dans des anevrysmes poplites traites par exclusion-pontage est assez commune. Certaines complications sont la resultante de la persistance d’une telle perfusion et incluent: elargissement de l’anevrysme, symptomes dus a la compression des structures de voisinage et rupture du sac anevrysmal. L’infection d’un anevrysme poplite precedemment exclu est un phenomene rare. Nous decrivons ici le cas d’un patient, presentant une infection d’un anevrysme poplite traite 12 ans auparavant par exclusion-pontage. Le traitement a ete une resection de l’anevrysme avec debridement des tissus infectes.
Autonomy, pluralism, play: Danto, Greenberg, Kant, and the philosophy of art history

Arthur Danto’s celebrated declaration of ‘‘the end of art’’ might seem to accommodate well the apparently openended aesthetic diversity of contemporary art. However, in his philosophy of art history, Danto treats the pursuit of autonomy as a misdirected philosophical concern, and denigrates the aesthetic pluralism of contemporary art as a matter of empty indifference. As a result, Danto not only fails to do justice to the explosion of artistic forms in recent decades, he contributes to their misconstrual. Accordingly, this paper revisits the opposition between autonomy and pluralism on which Danto’s philosophy of art history rests, arguing that artistic self-definition ought to be conceived, not as a misplaced conceptual problem, but rather as a distinctly aesthetic concern, integral to art practice and criticism. So understood, autonomy and pluralism do not stand opposed but rather mutually implicate one another, and the historical responsibility for artists to define the terms of their own work, rather than having been exhausted, persists amidst the broad field of formal possibilities presented by contemporary art’s complication with everyday life. Keywords: contemporary art; modernism; aesthetic judgment; the end of art (Published: 16 May 2013) Citation: Journal of Aesthetics & Culture, Vol. 5 , 2013 http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jac.v5i0.20226
The influence of soil‐applied fungicides and previous cropping on the development of violet root rot of sugar beet

SUMMARY The proportion of sugar-beet roots infected by Helicobasidium purpureum increased most rapidly in September and October. Violet root rot was not controlled by fungicides applied at drilling or in July. Heavily infected roots yielded 31% less sugar than healthy or lightly infected roots. Sugar beet following infected carrots lifted or ploughed in during July had no more violet root rot than when following barley or fallow, but the beet crop became heavily infected when it followed carrots left in the ground until December, whether they were then lifted or ploughed in. Eight varieties of sno-ar beet did nnt differ in siiscenrihilitv to violet root rot.
Optical imaging of epileptiform and functional activity in human cerebral cortex

Optical imaging of animal somatosensory, olfactory and visual cortices has revealed maps of functional activity. In non-human primates, high-resolution maps of the visual cortex have been obtained using only an intrinsic reflection signal. Although the time course of the signal is slower than membrane potential changes, the maximum optical changes correspond to the maximal neuronal activity. The intrinsic optical signal may represent the flow of ionic currents, oxygen delivery, changes in blood volume, potassium accumulation or glial swelling. Here we use similar techniques to obtain maps from human cortex during stimulation-evoked epileptiform afterdischarges and cognitively evoked functional activity. Optical changes increased in magnitude as the intensity and duration of the afterdischarges increased. In areas surrounding the afterdischarge activity, optical changes were in the opposite direction and possibly represent an inhibitory surround. Large optical changes were found in the sensory cortex during tongue movement and in Broca's and Wernicke's language areas during naming exercises. The adaptation of high-resolution optical imaging for use on human cortex provides a new technique for investigation of the organization of the sensory and motor cortices, language, and other cognitive processes.
Transesophageal echocardiography in critically ill patients: Feasibility, safety, and impact on management

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is being used with increasing frequency in critically ill patients in whom transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is often unsatisfactory in providing much needed information. We reviewed the indications, feasibility, and clinical impact of TEE in the intensive care setting at our institution. TEE was performed in 77 critically ill patients (age range 19 to 83 years) in whom TTE was inadequate or inconclusive. The general indications for performing a TEE were as follows: Hemodynamic instability (41%), possible endocarditis (34%), possible embolic source (21%), and possible aortic dissection (4%). In the subset of patients with hemodynamic instability, severe native mitral regurgitation was the most common underlying cause (25%), followed by hypovolemia after cardiac surgery (22%). TEE was feasible in all patients, 47% of whom were on mechanical ventilation. Two patients required stabilization before TEE, including a femoral artery-to-vein bypass in a patient with shock from a prosthetic valve obstruction. Complications, none of which proved to be fatal, occurred in two. Echocardiography led to a significant change in patient management in 46 of the 77 patients (60%), of which 48% was due solely to TEE. In these patients (n = 37), the TEE findings led to a change in medical management in 19% and to surgical intervention in 29%. While TTE remains the first line of diagnostic ultrasound and Doppler in critically ill patients, it can be technically difficult or inconclusive. In this setting, TEE provides a safe and powerful diagnostic tool that can help guide patient management.
Multicenter, multiyear study of safety and efficacy of flexible sigmoidoscopy during pregnancy in 24 females with follow-up of fetal outcome

Our objectives were to analyze the risks versus benefits of flexible sigmoidoscopy to the pregnant female and fetus. We retrospectively studied 24 consecutive pregnant patients admitted to four university hospitals during seven years who underwent 26 flexible sigmoidoscopies. Sigmoidoscopy indications included hematochezia in 11, diarrhea in 12, abdominal pain in 7, constipation in 2, and occult rectal bleeding in 1. Seven patients were in the first trimester of pregnancy, nine were in the second trimester, and eight were in the third trimester. Sigmoidoscopy provided helpful clinical information in all patients. Twelve patients had a lesion diagnosed by sigmoidoscopy, including reactivation of Crohn's colitis, reactivation of ulcerative colitis, infectious colitis, nonspecific colitis, bleeding internal hemorrhoids, pseudomembranous colitis, anastomotic ulcer, and newly diagnosed Crohn's colitis. In particular, nine of 11 patients with rectal bleeding had a lesion identified by sigmoidoscopy. No endoscopic complications occurred to any pregnant female. Two pregnant patients underwent repeat sigmoidoscopy without complications. Fetal outcome was ascertained in all but one pregnancy. Eighteen pregnant females delivered healthy infants (16 at full term, two at 35 or 36 weeks). Their mean Apgar scores were 8.8±0.4sd at 1 min, and 9.0±0.4sd at 5 min. One diabetic and hypertensive female suffered an involuntary abortion nine weeks after sigmoidoscopy, which appeared unrelated to the sigmoidoscopy. Four pregnancies were voluntarily aborted. This study suggests that flexible sigmoidoscopy does not induce labor or result in congenital malformations, that sigmoidoscopy is not contraindicated during pregnancy, and that sigmoidoscopy should be considered in medically stable pregnant patients with significant gastrointestinal bleeding. Sigmoidoscopy should be performed with maternal monitoring by electrocardiography and pulse oximetry and possibly with fetal monitoring, after obstetrical consultation and after stabilization of vital signs. Medical stabilization may require transfusion of blood products and supplemental oxygen administration.
The multiple roles of guanylate cyclase C, a heat stable enterotoxin receptor.

Purpose of review Guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) is a transmembrane receptor that is expressed primarily on intestinal epithelial cells. Activation of this receptor by its endogenous peptide ligands initiates cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent (cGMP) salt and water movement in the intestine. GC-C is targeted by the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin STa, which deregulates this pathway and causes secretory diarrhea. This review discusses current work on the physiological function of GC-C in the intestine. Recent findings Familial GC-C mutations demonstrate that epithelial cGMP signaling is critical to electrolyte and fluid balance in the neonatal intestine. Chronic deregulation of GC-C activity in early life increases susceptibility to a number of disorders, including obstruction and inflammatory bowel disease. Murine models indicate that GC-C regulates the composition of intestinal commensal microflora and that it suppresses bacterial infection and modulates colonic injury and inflammation. Therapeutic GC-C ligands are used to successfully treat constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and recent studies show that extracellular cGMP is an important mechanism of reducing abdominal pain associated with this disorder. Summary Originally identified as a target of E. coli enterotoxin STa, GC-C is an important regulator of physiological salt and water homeostasis and may directly impact a wide range of intestinal disorders.
Preclinical pharmacology of albumin-free B-domain deleted recombinant factor VIII

A second-generation recombinant factor VIII molecule was developed with an albumin-free formulation. In this modified form of factor VIII, the N- and C-terminal sections of the B-domain are retained and fused at serine 743 and glutamine 1638, resulting in a B-domain deleted factor VIII protein known as ReFacto (Genetics Institute, Andover, MA). Preclinical studies of ReFacto have focused on efficacy of the product for the hemophilia A patient population. The efficacy and pharmacokinetic profiles of ReFacto were similar to plasma-derived factor VIII in correcting the hemostatic defect of hemophilia A dogs. Both ReFacto and plasma-derived human factor VIII (Octonativ-M7, Pharmacia, Stockholm, Sweden) were found to associate with von Willebrand factor (vWF) after infusion into hemophilia A dogs as demonstrated by size exclusion chromatography. Infusion of either ReFacto or Octonativ-M7 quickly corrected factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIIIc), whole blood clotting time (WBCT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). No obvious differences were seen between ReFacto and Octonativ-M7. Both ReFacto and Octonativ-M7 treatment reduced secondary bleeding time to less than 6 minutes. The clearance was faster and the volume of distribution at steady state was larger for plasma-derived factor VIII compared with ReFacto. The half-life was similar between Octonativ-M7 and ReFacto. These data predict that ReFacto will be effective in correcting human factor VIII deficiency states.
Social Connectedness of Deaf Retirees

The intergenerational connectedness that has traditionally bound members of the Deaf community to each other is changing amidst the current technological and cultural landscape. This study explores perceptions of Deaf retirees concerning their usefulness to younger generations and their need to stay connected to each other despite increasing isolation due to implications of aging. Factors such as communication networks, transportation availability, proximity to families and friends, technology, and vital connections to the local residential school for children who are deaf are discussed as emergent themes from two focus groups conducted with 14 Deaf retirees. This exploratory study sought to discover how the dynamics between the generations have evolved and the positive and negative impact of such changes. The voices of the retirees in this study shed light on the complicating issues surrounding communication as a lifeline between generations of Deaf people who are native users of American Sign Language. ...
Intracranial complications of sinusitis: what is the role of endoscopic sinus surgery in the acute setting

Abstract Objective Intracranial complications of sinusitis (ICS) are uncommon in the antibiotic era. The role of neurosurgical drainage of ICS is fairly well established, but the role for acute surgical intervention for the sinus disease is not well defined. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with ICS to see if we could identify the role and effectiveness of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in the acute setting of ICS. Methods The study used a retrospective review of patients presenting to a tertiary care academic medical center for a 6-year period. Results Twenty-three patients were identified with ICS, including epidural (8), subdural (10), intracerebral abscesses (2), and meningitis (3). Males were more affected than females (7:1). Twenty patients were 21 years old or younger. Twenty-two patients (96%) had radiologic evidence of frontal sinusitis with prefrontal or frontal lobe ICS at presentation. Medical therapy alone was successful in avoiding craniotomy in only 3 of 8 cases. Endoscopic sinus surgery and intravenous antibiotics as initial treatment was successful in avoiding craniotomy in only 1 of 6 patients. Of 23 patients, 18 underwent neurosurgical procedures—9 emergent procedures for abscesses more than 1 cm and 9 delayed procedures for persistent disease despite ICS less than 1 cm at presentation. Conclusions Intracranial complications of sinusitis usually result from indirect spread of acute frontal sinusitis. The role of ESS in the initial treatment of ICS is not clear. In our series, ESS did not appear to alter the need for neurosurgical intervention, which was ultimately necessary in most patients with ICS, even with lesions less than 1 cm.
On the Relation between Energy-Conserving Low-Order Models and a System of Coupled Generalized Volterra Gyrostats with Nonlinear Feedback

In this paper we first prove the equivalence between the system of coupled Volterra gyrostats and a special class of energy-conserving low-order models. We then extend the definition of the classical Volterra gyrostat to include nonlinear feedback, resulting in a class of generalized Volterra gyrostats. Using this new class of gyrostats as a basic building block, we present an algorithm for converting a general class of energy-conserving low-order models that routinely arise in fluid dynamics, turbulence, and atmospheric sciences into a system of coupled generalized Volterra gyrostats with nonlinear feedback.
Telephone Calls Postdischarge From Hospital to Home: A Literature Review

The oncology population is particularly affected by hospital readmissions because hospitalized patients with cancer often have complex needs. The complexity and diversity of care requirements create substantial challenges in planning for appropriate postdischarge support. Implementing postdischarge telephone calls in the population of patients with cancer could offer a low-cost intervention to address the complex needs of patients during the transition from hospital to home. The goal of the current literature review is to provide an understanding about postdischarge telephone calls in patients with cancer. Findings from this review support the notion that discharge phone calls could improve care continuity for patients transitioning from hospital to home. The literature review outlines information related to telephone call content, timing, and structure for healthcare systems that want to use a postdischarge telephone intervention for patients with cancer. However, additional research is needed to develop and test cancer-specific protocols.
Free vibrations of a beam-mass system with elastically restrained ends

Abstract The vibration problem of a beam with an arbitrarily placed concentrated mass and elastically restrained against rotation at either end is solved by using Laplace transforms. The effects on eigenfrequencies of the system produced by varying the ratios of the concentrated mass to the mass of the beam, stiffness of the end spring to the stiffness of the beam and position of the mass to the total length of the beam are presented. The effect of neglecting the mass of the beam is considered.
The average spearman rank criterion correlation when ties are present

This note presents the average Spearman rank correlation betweenm independent rankings and an untied criterion ranking, corrected for ties in any or all of the independent rankings.
Sosa's Reflective Knowledge: How damaging is epistemic circularity?

The problem of epistemic circularity maintains that we cannot know that our central belief-forming practices (faculties) are reliable without vicious circularity. Ernest Sosa’s Reflective Knowledge (2009) offers a solution to this problem. Sosa argues that epistemic circularity is virtuous rather than vicious: it is not damaging. Contra Sosa, I contend that epistemic circularity is damaging. Section 1 provides an overview of Sosa’s solution. Section 2 focuses on Sosa’s reply to the Crystal-ball-gazer Objection. Section 2 also contends that epistemic circularity does not prevent us from being justified in (e.g.) perceptual beliefs, or from being justified in believing that (e.g.) sense perception is reliable. But, Sect. 3 argues that it does prevent us from being able to satisfactorily show that our central belief-forming practices (faculties) are reliable. That is, epistemic circularity prevents us from distinguishing between reliable and unreliable practices, from guiding ourselves to use reliable practices and avoid unreliable ones, and from defending reliable practices against skepticism. Hence, epistemic circularity is still damaging. The concluding section suggests that this has repercussions for Sosa’s analysis of the value of reflective knowledge.
MASS ESTIMATES USING BODY MORPHOLOGY IN STELLER SEA LIONS

: Analytical procedures developed from studies on phocids for relating body morphometrics (length and girth) to mass were applied to 390 Steller sea lions from the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. The equations relating body volume to mass were significant and had very high correlation coefficients for animals from about 60 to over 900 kg with a standard error of ±0.6% in fitted mass. There was a significant difference in these relationships for female sea lions studied in the 1970s and those examined in the 1980s. The latter sea lions were smaller and/or leaner than those collected in the 1970s.
Semiconductor Arrayed Waveguide Gratings with 200 nm Operating Range for Photonic Integrated Circuits

This paper describes the design and implementation of InP-based, arrayed waveguide grating multiplexers for coarse wavelength division that operate over a 200 nm range.
Stress intensity factors for near edge cracks by digital image analysis

Abstract Experimental stress intensity factors (SIFs) are evaluated for single, straight near edge cracks in a plate of finite width. The cracks are positioned at various angles and distances with respect to the edge of the plate. The far field stress is uniform tension parallel to the edge. Online digital image analysis procedures are used to extract photoelastic data from the whole field isochromatic fringe patterns. Two different techniques are used to obtain information on the near crack tip stress field: (1) Half fringe photoelasticity (HFP), which requires adjusting the load to keep the maximum fringe order less than 0.5 in the data extraction zone, and (2) Trace, a digital fringe sharpening procedure, which accurately produces traces of all half- and full-order fringes. The load is adjusted to yield multiple fringes in the field of data extraction. Experimental SIFs from HFP and Trace are compared to each other and to the numerical results that are determined by the boundary integral equation method.
Role of mesenchymal stromal cells in solid organ transplantation

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) originally isolated from bone marrow have been derived from almost every tissue in the body. These multipotent cells can be differentiated in vitro and in vivo into various cell types of mesenchymal origin, such as bone, fat, and cartilage. Furthermore, under some experimental conditions, these cells can differentiate into a wider variety of cell types. Upon systemic administration, ex vivo expanded MSCs preferentially home to damaged tissues and participate in regeneration processes through their diverse biological properties. In vitro and in vivo data suggest that MSCs have low inherent immunogenicity and modulate/suppress immunologic responses through interactions with different immune cells. Ease of isolation and ex vivo expansion of MSCs, combined with their intriguing differentiation and immunomodulatory potential, and their impressive record of safety in clinical trials make these cells prime candidates for cellular therapy. Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from bone marrow are currently being evaluated for a wide range of clinical applications including for treatment of immune dysregulation disorders such as acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In the future, MSCs might potentially provide novel therapeutic options for treatment/prevention of rejection and/or repair of organ allografts through their multifaceted properties.
Transient injection-locking of an unstable ring dye laser.

The transient injection-locking properties of an unstable ring resonator dye laser have been investigated. When a narrow line optical pulse was injected into the ring resonator, the energy emitted from the ring increased and the lasing spectrum narrowed to that of the injected pulse. However, the polarization control of the emitted radiation was incomplete.
Critical point for electron-hole droplets in strained Ge and Si

Abstract For Ge and Si under a high uniaxial stress, the split valence bands become non-parabolic. The effect of the non-parabolicity on the critical point of the electron-hole droplet in Ge(111) and Si(100) is investigated. The ground state properties of the droplet are also calculated.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs, Acetaminophen, and the Risk of Cardiovascular Events”

We thank Dr Kurth for his interest in our work.1 We agree that the results of the Physicians’ Health Study (PHS) support the conclusion that frequent use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may inhibit the benefit of aspirin on myocardial infarction.2 Dr Kurth cites evidence that NSAIDs compete with aspirin for cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 enzyme binding as the basis for their findings.3 Although this mechanism may be relevant, more recent experimental data and evidence from randomized trials of COX-2 selective inhibitors also highlight …
Metabolic protection of the reperfused canine endocardium by the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, dazoxiben

Abstract This study investigated whether dazoxiben, a thromboxane synthesis inhibitor, could reverse regional contractile dysfunction and protect against adenine nucleotide loss in the "stunned myocardium". Hearts from anesthetized dogs were "stunned" by 15 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 hr of reperfusion. Left ventricular segment shortening (%SS) and regional myocardial blood flow (RMBF) were measured by sonomicrometry and the radioactive microsphere technique, respectively. Local coronary venous blood was withdrawn and thromboxane A 2 and prostacyclin measured by radioimmunoassay. Transmural biopsies from the reperfused and nonischemic areas were taken at 3 hr following reperfusion for tissue metabolite analysis. During ischemia, %SS, RMBF and area at risk were decreased to similar levels in both control and dazoxiben-treated hearts indicating equivalent degrees of flow deprivation. During reperfusion, %SS recovered only partially and was not significantly improved by dazoxiben. Dazoxiben augmented peak prostacyclin production (123 ± 31% vs. 292 ± 49% of preocclusion values) following reperfusion, while it completely blocked thromboxane A 2 production. Dazoxiben attenuated the decline in endocardial ATP (69 ± 5% vs. 92 ± 9% normalized to the nonischemic zone) and total adenine nucleotides. The results indicate that dazoxiben may elicit a cardioprotective effect on energy metabolism in the reperfused heart, but this is dissociated from any improvement in regional contractile function.
Theory of Hedging on the Beef Futures Market

AS THE beef industry of the United States continues its increasing specialization, the problem of price variability becomes an increasing menace to the financial well-being of the beef producer. Of the total number of cattle on feed marketed today, 50 percent come from feedlots capable of handling over a thousand head each. Total capital investment in each of these organizations is in the order of one million dollars [3, p. 15]. Let us assume that a beef feeder has 1000 head of 1100-pound steers and that the market price drops 25 cents per hundredweight. Simple arithmetic shows that he has lost $2750. This example illustrates to a great extent the importance of price variation to the cattle feeder. The risks of price variability can be somewhat reduced. A study of methods of insuring against price variation is interesting, profitable, and worthwhile. Hedging on the newly formed beef futures market is one means of obtaining this insurance.
Effect of very low molecular weight henarin-derived oligosaccharides on lipoprotein lipase release in rabbits

Oligosaccharide fragments of heparin were prepared using flavobacterial heparinase. Following sizing, these oligosaccharide fractions were administered (i.v.) to rabbits and were examined for their ability to release lipoprotein lipase. The decasaccharides (dp = 10, Mr avg = 2,800) were the smallest oligosaccharides which resulted in substantial lipase release. The plasma lipase levels obtained with decasaccharides were comparable to low molecular weight heparin and one-third those obtained when heparin was administered at an equivalent dose. The peak plasma lipase concentration was observed 10 min following heparinization and fell off rapidly over the 60-min time course. The lipase release activity paralleled the in vivo pharmacokinetics of the heparin and decasaccharide sample as determined by monitoring their anti-Factor Xa activity. No activation of purified bovine milk lipoprotein lipase or plasma lipase was detectable at the concentrations studied, indicating that the increase in circulating lipolytic activity was due entirely to release. Lipoprotein lipase accounted for a major portion of the released activity with hepatic triglyceride lipase representing the remainder of the lipolytic activity. The sized decasaccharide sample was characterized with regards to its structure and anticoagulant activity. The decasaccharides exhibited reduced anticoagulant activity possibly making it a better drug candidate in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Economic environments and differentiation: A comparative study of informal sector economies in Nigeria

Abstract The paper examines the relative importance and source of informal sector differentiation in terms of firm characteristics and business behavior. Based on data from metal and wood-processing firms in the Nigerian cities of Lagos and Ibadan, the paper investigates branch-specific and locational differences among firms. Using multivariate analysis, the study demonstrates the primacy of the larger economic environment in which informal sector firms operate, and shows that locational factors are better predictors of firm characteristics and business behavior than industry-specific factors. The results suggest a shift in focus from economic sectors to regional economics. Implications for research and policy are discussed.
Dietary and other Modulators of Carcinogenesis

Nutritional or dietary status and interactions between carcinogens and nutrient absorption, storage or metabolism influence carcinogenesis in many experimental animal models and probably in people. Use of dose-response data to indicate a threshold exposure for carcinogenesis must include consideration of dietary and nutritional factors that may alter the dose response. Two models in rats in which there is clear evidence of dietary or nutritional modulation of chemical carcinogenesis are mammary tumors induced by 7, 12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) or N-nitrosomethyl-urea (NMU) and hepatocarcinomas induced by many compounds. Mammary tumorigenesis is increased by increasing dietary content of some, but not all, fats. The time in tumor development at which fats act varies. Their mechanisms of action are not known but appear to include effects on the hormonal mileu and possibly mammary gland cell turnover and response to hormones.Hepatocarcinogenesis by chemicals is increased by dietary deficiency of the lipo...
Great toe-to-hand transfer: Role of the preoperative lateral arteriogram of foot

This report correlates the results of the lateral angiogram of the foot with the operative dissection and eventual outcome in 29 patients in whom a great toe-to-hand transfer was performed to treat a traumatic loss of the thumb. Our angiographic findings were confirmed by surgical exploration and indicated that (1) in 20 (70%) of 29 patients the first dorsal metatarsal artery (FDMA) originated from the dorsalis pedis artery, dorsal to the midlongitudinal axis of the first metatarsal bone; (2) in 6 (20%) of 29 patients the FDMA originated from the dorsalis pedis artery, plantar to the midlongitudinal axis of the first metatarsal bone; (3) in the remaining 3 (10%) of 29 patients the arteriogram of the lateral foot indicated that the plantar metatarsal artery supplied the great toe in a dominant pattern, necessitating its use as the donor vessel; and (4) the measured lumenal diameters of the dorsal and plantar metatarsal arteries (mean diameter = 1.30 mm and 1.27 mm, respectively) did not significantly differ. The lateral views of the foot were helpful in permitting distinct identification of the location and size of the metatarsal arteries to the great toe.
Large-scale synthesis of nearly monodisperse CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals using air-stable reagents via successive ion layer adsorption and reaction.

Successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) originally developed for the deposition of thin films on solid substrates from solution baths is introduced as a technique for the growth of high-quality core/shell nanocrystals of compound semiconductors. The growth of the shell was designed to grow one monolayer at a time by alternating injections of air-stable and inexpensive cationic and anionic precursors into the reaction mixture with core nanocrystals. The principles of SILAR were demonstrated by the CdSe/CdS core/shell model system using its shell-thickness-dependent optical spectra as the probes with CdO and elemental S as the precursors. For this reaction system, a relatively high temperature, about 220−240 °C, was found to be essential for SILAR to fully occur. The synthesis can be readily performed on a multigram scale. The size distribution of the core/shell nanocrystals was maintained even after five monolayers of CdS shell (equivalent to about 10 times volume increase for a 3.5 nm CdSe na...
Early experience with needleoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy in children.

Abstract Background/purpose To validate its safety and efficacy, the authors evaluated their early experience with needleoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy in children. Methods Twelve consecutive children, older than 6 months, with unilateral (n = 8) or bilateral (n = 4) inguinal hernias underwent a needleoscopic herniorrhaphy. A 1.7-mm needle laparoscope was introduced through the umbilicus, and a grasper placed laterally was used for traction. A curved stainless steel awl introduced percutaneously anterolateral to the internal ring was used to pass a ligature circumferentially to complete an extraperitoneal high ligation of the sac (without handling the vas deferens and spermatic vessels in males). Four of 12 patients underwent their repair combined with other procedures. Children who underwent herniorrhaphy only were allowed immediate return to unrestricted activity. Data recorded with IRB approval included operating time, postoperative discomfort, recurrence, and complications. Results For herniorrhaphy only the mean operating time was 23 minutes (unilateral, n=5) or 46 minutes (bilateral, n=3). All were able to return to immediate unrestricted activity. None required any analgesics other than acetaminophen. There were no recurrences or complications. Conclusions Needleoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy in children is safe and effective. This technique potentially offers less risk of injury to cord structures with a superior cosmetic result.
α1‐Adrenergic Receptors in Neuronal Cultures from Rat Brain: Increased Expression in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

Neuronal cells in primary culture from 1-day-old brains of normotensive, Wistar-Kyoto strain (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats have been utilized to study the expression of α1-adrenergic receptors. Binding of a selective α1 antagonist, [125I]2-[β-(4-hydroxy-3-iodophenyl)-ethylaminomethyl]-tetralone ([125I]HEAT) to neuronal membranes prepared from primary brain cultures of WKY and SH rats was 75–80% specific, rapid, and time-dependent although the binding was 1.5–2 times higher in neuronal membranes from SH rat brain cultures. Kinetic analysis of the association and dissociation data demonstrated no significant differences between rat strains. Competition-inhibition experiments provided IC50 values for various antagonists and agonists in the following order: prazosin < phentolamine < yohimbine < phenylephrine < norepinephrine < propranolol, suggesting that [125I]-HEAT bound selectively to α1-adrenergic receptors. Scatchard analysis of the binding data provided straight lines for both strains of rats, indicating the presence of a homogeneous population of binding sites. It also showed that the increase in the binding in neuronal cells from SH rat brains over those from normotensive WKY controls was a result of an increase in the number of α1-adrenergic receptors. Incubation of neuronal cultures from both strains of rats with phenylephrine, an α1-adrenergic agonist, caused a time- and dose-dependent decrease in the binding of [125I]HEAT. This decrease was due to a decrease in the number of α1-adrenergic receptors. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the expression of α1-adrenergic receptors in neuronal cultures of SH rat brain was increased compared with neuronal cultures from normotensive controls. We suggest that the elevated number of these receptors in neurons from the brains of SH rats is an intrinsic property of these cells and therefore provides an etiological basis for the predisposition of these animals to the hypertensive state.
Association between Depression and Intima–media Thickness of Carotid Bulb in Asymptomatic Young Adults

Abstract Objective Although there is growing evidence that symptoms of depression influence the development of coronary artery disease, information on the underlying subclinical atherosclerotic process is scant in young adults. The study examined the association between symptoms of depression and subclinical atherosclerosis, determined by carotid intima–media thickness in asymptomatic young individuals. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in Bogalusa, Louisiana, a semi-rural biracial (black-white) community. A sample of 996 individuals aged 24 to 44 years (71% were white and 43% were male) enrolled in the Bogalusa Heart Study. The variables included symptoms of depression measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale; intima–media thickness of different segments of carotid artery by B-mode ultrasonography; measures of adiposity and glucose homeostasis, lipoproteins, and blood pressure; and cigarette smoking status. Results Both the adjusted and the unadjusted associations between depression score and carotid bulb intima–media thickness were significant, whereas similar associations with internal carotid and common carotid thickness were nonsignificant. In the multivariable regression model, after adjusting for all covariates, a positive effect of depression scores (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression score) and a negative effect of interaction between depression score ratio of total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were significant. In a subgroup analysis (among individuals with a ratio of TC/HDL ≤ 5) a positive effect of depression on carotid bulb intima–media thickness was significant, whereas the interaction between depression and ratio of TC/HDL was nonsignificant. In subsequent analysis, if individuals with a higher ratio of TC/HDL were included, both depression and negative interaction term were significant. Conclusion The observations show the detrimental effect of depression on subclinical vascular changes in asymptomatic young individuals. The findings underscore the need for considering depression in risk factor profiling. Further study is recommended to investigate the basis of a lower carotid bulb intima–media thickness among subjects with a high depression score and a high ratio of TC/HDL.
Explanation for the apparent inactivation of tyrosine aminotransferase in hepatoma cells by concanavalin A

Abstract Brief treatment of hepatoma cells in monolayer culture with concanavalin A causes a decrease in tyrosine aminotransferase specific activity that is thought to be a rapid, reversible inactivation of the enzyme (T.V. Gopalakrishnam and E.B. Thompson 1977 J. Biol. Chem. 252 , 2717–2725). We confirm this decrease, but attribute it to an increased leakage of cellular protein from concanavalin A-treated monolayer cultures during the harvesting procedure. If the cells are washed free of medium and lysed in , situ by freezing and thawing them, or by treating them with buffer containing a nonionic detergent, equal amounts of tyrosine aminotransferase are found in concanavalin A-treated and untreated cells. If cells are harvested by scraping them from the substrate, some tyrosine aminotransferase is lost into the buffer used to collect the cells. Treatment of cells with concanavalin A markedly increases the amount of enzyme lost during this procedure, and results in a low enzyme content in the washed cells. No inactivation occurs, however, because the total amount of tyrosine aminotransferase present in the cell pellet and the wash buffer is equal for treated and untreated cells.