cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary artery hemodynamics in primary pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Objectives. The present investigation compared and contrasted steady and pulsatile pulmonary hemodynamics at rest and during exercise in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension and normal control subjects. Background. A complete description of the relation between pressure and flow in the pulmonary circulation includes both steady and pulsatile hemodynamic behavior. Patients with primary pulmonary hypertension provide a unique opportunity to study the effects of primary alterations in pulmonary vasculature on pulmonary artery vascular hydraulic load. Methods. Catheter tip pressure and velocity recordings from the main pulmonary artery in 8 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension and 10 control subjects were used to derive the pulmonary artery input impedance spectrum and the extent of pulse wave reflection at rest and during exercise. Results. As expected, in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, mean pulmonary artery pressure (50 ± 10 mm Hg) and pulmonary vascular resistance (880 ± 446 dynes·s·cm−5) were markedly elevated at rest and remained so during exercise (mean pressure 71 ± 15 mm Hg, mean resistance 750 ± 530 dynes·s·cm−5). Pulmonary artery characteristic impedance was elevated at rest and did not change with exercise (rest 55 ± 25 dynes·s·cm−5; exercise 66 ± 33 dynes·s·cm−5). Measures of arterial wave reflection indicated that the extent of wave reflection in the pulmonary bed in those with primary pulmonary hypertension is large at rest (reflection coefficient 0.89 ± 0.09) and that the composite reflected wave arrived during the midportion of right ventricular ejection. Although the extent of wave reflection decreased with exercise (reflection coefficient 0.81 ± 0.10, p Conclusions. In addition to the expected abnormalities in steady measures of pulmonary artery hemodynamics at rest in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, rest and exercise measures of oscillatory behavior (characteristic impedance and pulse wave reflection) are perturbed. Measures of steady and pulsatile behavior, particularly wave reflection, appear to have an important role in the exercise response of these patients.
Detection of Major T Cell Epitopes on Human Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor by Overriding Immune Heterogeneity in Patients with Graves’ Disease

To examine the major immunogenic regions of the human TSH receptor (hTSHR), we examined 14 patients with Graves' disease and 14 healthy control subjects for their peripheral blood T cell proliferative responses to 29 synthetic peptides representing the entire ectodomain of the hTSHR (TSHR-ecd). By combining an analytical approach encompassing the grading of peptide-induced responses and nonparametric testing, we obtained evidence for highly significant differences (P = < 0.000001) in the patient group compared with minor differences in the control group (P = 0.045). To account for this difference, we identified four major T cell epitopes (amino acid 247-266, 202-221, 142-161, and 52-71), by multiple comparison analysis, in the patient group. Furthermore, we demonstrated by radiolabeled PCR that the responding T cells were clonally expanding. These findings demonstrate that despite likely differences in human leukocyte antigen type among patients with Graves' disease, several distinct hTSHR epitopes elicited significant responses in the immune system of patients with Graves' disease, and that such patients are most often poorly tolerant to particular epitopes of the TSH receptor ectodomain, The data support the notion of TSHR peptide antigens overriding human immune heterogeneity in patients with Graves' disease, and raise the possibility of applying analog peptide blockade to suppress T cell responsivity.
Mississippi River Flood of 2008: Observations of a Large Freshwater Diversion on Physical, Chemical, and Biological Characteristics of a Shallow Estuarine Lake

High nitrogen (N) loading to coastal aquatic systems can be expressed as increased algal production and subsequent low dissolved oxygen. In April, 2008, predictions for extreme flood stage for the Lower Mississippi River triggered the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway, a major release valve for the river. The spillway diverted approximately 8 km3 of water over one month of operation into Lake Pontchartrain with a concomitant 10000 t of NO3-N. Satellite imagery, physical, water quality, and chlorophyll a (chl a) measurements show that the Mississippi River plume mixed with < 40% of the lake during this time, and much of the nutrient load was transported to the coastal ocean. Nitrate, dissolved reactive phosphorus (P), and dissolved silica (Si) concentrations were 4.8, 5.0, and 3.2 times higher, respectively, within the river plume when compared with those of the lake water. Despite the high nutrient concentrations within the river plume, phytoplankton biomass, evidenced by chl a concentrations, was low. Much of the nutrient load appeared to bypass the lake and was transported to the coastal ocean during the opening of the diversion. The potential removal of a total of 7.6% of the N load from the Mississippi River during the one month of flood level flow may have been a contributing factor in the lower than predicted hypoxia zone off the Louisiana coast during the summer of 2008.
MISSED BILATERAL BLADDER PERFORATION DURING PUBOVAGINAL SLING PROCEDURE

More than 13 million women in the United States suffer from stress incontinence. Bladder neck suspension, pubovaginal slings and tension-free vaginal tape are currently the most commonly used techniques for treating this condition. Allografts (eg cadaveric fascia lata), xenografts of porcine dermal collagen and synthetic tapes made of polypropylene mesh have been shown to be efficacious, dependable and safe.1 Sabre (Mentor Corp., Santa Barbara, California), a bioreabsorbable sling for treating stress incontinence, was recently introduced. The sling was developed from biodegradable copolymers of polylactic acid and polycaprolactone. The sling system is composed of 2 self-anchoring tapes of 15 cm length and a 2 1 cm central strip for implantation in the suburethral region. To our knowledge a near complete inadvertent intravesical placement of the sling material for a prolonged period after surgery has not been reported. We report a missed bladder perforation discovered after the Sabre bioreabsorbable sling was found completely intact 10 months following its placement for slingplasty in a 47-yearold woman. CASE REPORT A 47-year-old female presented with chronic persistent left lower abdominal discomfort and stress urinary incontinence following placement of a Sabre pubovaginal sling performed elsewhere for stress urinary incontinence. Flexible cystourethroscopy demonstrated the presence of 2 foreign bodies, 1 at the left anterolateral wall and 1 at the right posterior wall close to the right ureteral orifice (see figure). Both foreign bodies were cystoscopically consistent with the sling material. The patient underwent open cystotomy and removal of the foreign bodies from the bladder because of intractable pelvic pain and persistent incontinence. With the patient in the dorsal lithotomy position the bladder was approached extraperitoneally via the previous Pfannenstiel incision. The space of Retzius was entered and the bladder was mobilized and opened by cystotomy. The left anterolateral wall of the bladder and the right posterior wall close to the right ureteral orifice were well visualized. A circumcising incision was placed around the points of entry of the sling foreign body into the bladder as they were densely adherent to the bladder muscle. The cystotomy was extended toward the right ureteral orifice, which was protected by a 5Fr ureteral stent. Both limbs of the sling were then extracted in total. The cystotomy was subsequently closed in 2 layers with absorbable suture material and the surgical incision was closed in the usual fashion. Histopathological examination of the foreign bodies was consistent with Sabre sling material. The patient was completely relieved of intractable pelvic pain and lower abdominal discomfort, with stress incontinence persisting at 4-month followup. To date, the patient has refused additional surgery. DISCUSSION
Wound Care in Horses

Care of equine wounds in the field can be a challenging endeavor. Many times, wound care is complicated by chronicity or by prior inappropriate care in addition to the great degree of tissue trauma that occurred when the horse was wounded. Recognizing involvement of synovial structures, loss of skin, and damage to bone are critical in the initial examination of wounds and will guide future care. Education of clients is also important in that preparing them for possible outcomes during healing may help improve compliance and proper treatment of wound. Owners and trainers often perform much of the daily care and monitoring of equine wounds and thus can greatly assist or impede the progress. Bandaging is important to management of equine wounds-especially on the limbs-and is sometimes overlooked because of its labor-intensive nature and the desire for a spray, ointment, or salve that will heal the wound. The practitioner that improves and utilizes his or her understanding of the wound-healing process in concert with his or her knowledge of local anatomy will be the one who is best equipped to care for wounds in ambulatory practice.
Multisite clinical outcome trial to evaluate performance of the thinprep pap test

Abstract Objective: To determine the relative sensitivity and specificity of the ThinPrep Pap Test, compared with the conventional Pap test in multisite study. Histology–cytology correlation was evaluated to determine specificity of the test. Methods: A total of 7,933 evaluable patients at eight separate clinical sites was screened for cervical abnormalities using the ThinPrep Pap Test. Results were compared with a historical control cohort of 16,261 patients from a similar patient population and with a similar patient profile who had received conventional Pap test screening. Results: Cytology results for each method showed that the ThinPrep Test significantly increased detection of low-grade intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) (112%) and high-grade intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) (116%), compared with the conventional Pap test. The atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)/LSIL ratio was reduced in the ThinPrep group (1.2:1), compared with the conventional test group (2.1:1). Histology results confirm that increased sensitivity was not due to reduced specificity. ThinPrep reduced the SBLB rate to 10.5%, compared with the conventional Pap test rate of 18.5%. However, the ThinPrep rate of unsatisfactory specimens was 0.9%, compared with the conventional method. Cytology: ThinPrep Pap Test (TP) compared to conventional Pap Test (C Pap) Cytology ThinPrep C Pap % Change P value (N = 7,934) % (N = 16,260) % NEG 6,535 81.6 14,380 07.9 −7.1 ASCUS 588 7.3 1,015 6.2 18.4 NS AGUS 47 0.6 130 0.8 −26.7 NS LSIL 489 6.1 471 2.9 112.2 HSII 257 3.2 243 1.5 116.1 CANCER 18 0.22 21 0.13 75.8 NS Histology correlation LSIL Pap histology ThinPrep C Pap HSIL Pap histology ThinPrep C Pap N (335) % N (229) % N (231) % N (208) % NEG 104 31.1 72 31.5 NEG 20 8.7 17 8.2 CIN I 171 51.1 115 50.2 CIN I 32 13.5 41 19.7 CIN, II, III 59 17.6 42 18.3 CIN II, III 169 73.5 139 66.8 CANCER 1 0.2 0 0 CANCER 10 4.3 11 5.3 Conclusions: In a multisite clinical outcomes trial, the ThinPrep Pap Test demonstrated significantly increased detection of low-grade and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Histology–cytology correlation data suggest that the increase in IISIL and LSIL detection represented a true increase in sensitivity without a loss of specificity. ThinPrep improved overall specimen adequacy.
Kinetic Mechanisms of Polyphosphate Glucokinase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Polyphosphate glucokinase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose using inorganic polyphosphates [poly(P)] or ATP. The steady-state kinetic mechanisms of the poly(P)- and ATP-dependent glucokinase reactions were investigated using initial velocity, product inhibition, and dead-end inhibition analyses. In the poly(P)-dependent reaction, the enzyme follows an Ordered Bi Bi sequential mechanism with poly(P) binding to the enzyme first and glucose 6-phosphate dissociating last. Polyphosphate is utilized nonprocessively with a preference for longer chains due to higher kcat/Km values. The lack of inhibition at high poly(P) concentrations suggests that binding of poly(P) as a product is not favorable. In the ATP-dependent glucokinase reaction, the data are also consistent with an Ordered Bi Bi sequential mechanism, with ATP binding to the enzyme first and glucose 6-phosphate leaving last. At high concentrations, ATP displays competitive substrate inhibition with respect to gluco...
Thermodynamics of amide hydrogen bond formation in polar and apolar solvents.

Abstract We present the initial findings of a theoretical study of hydrogen bond formation between two formamide molecules in water and in carbon tetrachloride. These systems were chosen as the simplest models for secondary structure formation in the polar environment near the protein surface and the apolar environment of the protein interior. We have employed thermodynamic simulation methods to obtain absolute binding free energies and free energy profiles for the formation of peptide hydrogen bonds in the two solvents. We find that the amide hydroden bond is stable by 8·4 kcal/mol in CCl4, and by 0·3 kcal/mol in water. Our results indicate also that the hydrogen-bonded dimer is 2·2 kcal/mol more stable in water than it is in CCl4. We compare our results with those from experiment, and discuss their use in interpreting mechanisms of protein folding.
Exchange and anisotropy noise in position entropy solids

Abstract Site ordered crystalline materials (zero position entropy) show, below a magnetic ordering temperature, the phenomenon of a magnetic phase state, that is to say, phase relationships exist between the magnetic interactions as well as the relative directions of ordered magnetic moments. On introduction of positional entropy (site disorder, defect, or amorphous materials), fluctuations from site to site of magnetic interactions are created (interaction fluctuation or noise state). In this paper the phenomenology of noise states is classified according to the relative importance of fluctuations from site to site of anisotropy (anisotropy noise) and exchange (exchange noise) interactions, focusing on crystalline site disordered intermetallics of relatively high moment concentration. Perhaps the best telltale sign for the dominance of anisotropy or exchange noise is the nature of the magnetization-field behavior which tends to be inelastic in the former (anisotropy noise, creating magnetic hardness type behavior) and elastic in the latter (exchange noise, reminiscent of metamagnetism). Extreme cases with respect to the relative importance of anisotropy and exchange noise are exemplified and discussed on representative examples. Also comparisons are drawn with “magnetic order” in amorphous intermetallics. A distinction between anisotropy and exchange noise allows for a better understanding of the complex behavior of such systems as Y 6 Mn 23− x Fe x or PrMn 2− x Al x , for which new information is given, as well as for several related cases, reported earlier in the literature.
Respiratory deposition and early distribution of inhaled vegetable oil aerosols in mice and rats.

Abstract Female mice or rats were exposed to small-particle aerosols (mass median diameter 2.1 μm) of vegetable oil containing an inert radiol-labeled tracer. The level of radioactivity in the exposure chamber was monitored, and the amounts inhaled were determined from estimates of average respiratory minute volumes of the animals and the duration of exposure. By counting the radioactivity in head, lung, trachea, esophagus, stomach and duodenum, the deposition and early distribution in these organs were calculated. Of the calculated amount inhaled, the percentage found following whole-body exposure of mice was: head, 9.1%; lung, 3.8%; stomach, 59%; esophagus, 4.7%, and duodenum, 7.0%. Comparable figures for rats were: head, 3.1%; lung, 9.9%; stomach, 13%; esophagus, 0.4%, and duodenum, 1.9%. The amounts in the trachea were generally negligible in both species.
A SPECTRUM FOR α-REGULAR UNKNOTS

The conformation space of α-regular knots, that is, of spatial polygons which are both equilateral and equiangular, has been investigated by both chemists and mathematicians for quite some time. More recently, the study of α-regular stick numbers, the minimum number of sticks needed to create an α-regular polygon representing a given knot, has also gained some traction. In most of these studies, the value of the angle α has been a fixed constant, playing a secondary role to the number of edges in the polygon or its knot type. In this paper, we consider the entire spectrum of minimal α-regular stick numbers for a knot as a function of α. In particular, we compute this spectrum for the special case of the unknot.
Effects of hypertonic peritoneal dialysis solutions on neutrophil superoxide production.

. Superoxide produced by neutrophils plays an important role in the killing of bacterial pathogens. The effects of glucose-containing peritoneal dialysis solutions on superoxide production by canine and human neutrophils were studied. A significant decrement in superoxide generation was noted with the 2.27% and 3.86% glucose solutions. The results suggest that hypertonic peritoneal dialysis solutions curtail neutrophil superoxide generation.
Late-breaking trials at the ACC scientific sessions: Insights and controversy

Introduction The Annual Scientifi c Sessions of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) included an unusually large number of late-breaking clinical trials with profound implications for clinical practice. The ACC meeting, held in Chicago, also provoked considerable controversy that is likely to resonate for many years to come. This perspective reviews the top-line results for several of the important clinical trials presented at the ACC meeting and discusses their implications for practitioners.
Maternal Mortality With Cesarean Delivery: A Literature Review

Objective We sought to determine the present-day risk of maternal death with cesarean delivery. Methods We reviewed the recent literature (years in analysis: 1975-2001) identified in a literature search and included data from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Findings There were no publications with an ideal trial design and adequate power to establish the relationship between maternal mortality and method of delivery. Three studies, including the one randomized control trial included in analysis, and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists data suggest no significant difference in maternal mortality with cesarean delivery as compared with vaginal delivery. Conclusions The strongest publications suggest there may not be an increased risk of maternal death with cesarean delivery as compared with vaginal delivery; however, there are inadequate data to accurately demonstrate the present-day risk of maternal death with cesarean delivery.
Phase Coarsening as a Relaxation Phenomenon

Phase coarsening, also known as Ostwald ripening, is generally treated as a growth phenomenon in which the average particle size increases during isothermal aging. However, coarsening is a relaxation process driven by a reduction in the excess interfacial energy of a two-phase structure. This viewpoint introduces a single temporal offset parameter that relates the experimental clock to the asymptotic time scale. Analysis of ripening as a relaxation phenomenon permits accurate determination of the kinetics that is less sensitive to particle morphology. Implications of this approach on measurement and interpretation of ripening kinetics will be discussed.
Recombination luminescence in irradiated silicon-effects of thermal annealing and lithium impurity†

Use of luminescence in irradiated silicon to determine the thermal stability of the defects responsible for the recombination. It is found that the defect responsible for the zero-phonon line at 0.97 eV has an annealing behavior similar to that of the divacancy and that the zero-phonon line at 0.79 eV anneals in a manner similar to the G-15 or K-center. Annealing at temperatures up to 500 C generates other defects whose luminescence is distinct from that seen previously. Addition of lithium to the material produces defects with new characteristic luminescence. Of particular importance is a defect with a level at E sub g -1.045 eV.
An Evaluation of the NERJIT Priority Rule in a Kanban-Controlled Flowshop

Significant progress in production and information technologies and innovations in management of operations during the last couple of decades have made the production of small lots and deployment of Just-In-Time (JIT) concepts in flowshops possible. As a result, some researchers and practitioners have been seeking to improve the performance of non-repetitive systems using JIT concepts. In this process, the JIT concepts that were originally designed for mass production have been modified to adapt JIT to non-repetitive systems. This article uses a priority rule that is based on real-time demand and production information for sequencing jobs in a kanban-controlled flowshop. The analysis of the effect of this priority rule; the number of kanbans; the length of the withdrawal cycle; First-Come, First-Served (FCFS); and Shortest Processing Time (SPT) on four performance measures—customer wait time, total inventory, input stock-point inventory, and output stock-point inventory, shows that the use of this priority rule results in a significant reduction of customer wait time and a slight decrease in inventory.
Development and Comparison of Sampling Techniques for a Broad Range, Semiquantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detection of Bacterial DNA in the Equine Uterus

Abstract Microbial culture from a double-guarded culture swab is commonly used to diagnose infectious endometritis. The objective of this study was to develop a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to detect a broad range of bacteria from equine uterine samples. Twenty-seven mares with a clinical history of endometritis had a double-guarded culture swab collected for analysis by qPCR and microbial cultures. An additional 12 mares had a uterine biopsy sample collected for qPCR analysis, microbial culture, and histopathology. Subsequently, a double-guarded culture swab for microbial culture and a cytology brush sample were also collected. The qPCR assay detected bacterial DNA in nine of 27 mares from a double-guarded swab and six of 12 mares from an endometrial biopsy. Positive microbial growth was detected in nine of 27 mares and four of 12 mares from a double-guarded culture swab. Bacterial DNA was detected in two of 27 mares and two of 12 mares without subsequent microbial growth. The simple presence of an organism's DNA allows for detection by nonculture-based systems, both live and dead organisms can be identified. In conclusion, the qPCR assay was determined to be a sensitive diagnostic technique for identifying pathogens associated with infectious endometritis. The primary application of the qPCR assay is detection of potential pathogenic bacteria in the uterus of a mare suspected of having infectious endometritis when a traditional microbial culture is negative. Further work is warranted to determine if mares positive for bacterial DNA and negative for microbial culture are affected clinically.
SU-GG-T-421: Study of Response of Plastic Scintillation Detectors in Small Field 6 MV Photon Beams

Purpose: The plastic scintillation detector(PSD) has many advantages over other detectors in small field dosimetry due to its high spatial resolution, excellent water equivalency and instantaneous readout. This study investigates the relative response of PSDs in a 6 MV photon beam for various field sizes by Monte Carlo simulations.Method and Materials: Two PSDs are modeled: BC‐400 (f1mm×4mm) and BCF‐12 (f1mm×2mm). A plastic optical fiber stem of length 3 cm coupled to the detectors is included in the simulation. Two orientations of the PSD are studied when positioning the detector at 10 cm depth in the 6 MV beam: (1) the axis of the PSD is perpendicular to the incident beam; (2) the axis of the PSD is parallel to the incident beam and the tip of the detector is pointing to the radiation source. The response of the detectors is calculated as the detector dose per unit water dose for various field sizes ranging from 10×10 cm2 down to 0.5×0.5 cm2. With the parallel orientation of the PSD, the off‐axis dose profiles in the 0.5×0.5 cm2 photon beam are calculated from the simulation results of the PSDs and compared to the dose profile from a CC01 chamber (cavity only) simulation and the dose profile calculated in water only. Results: In perpendicular orientation, the response of BCF‐12 shows only 0.5 % variation from 10×10 cm2 to 0.5×0.5 cm2, while the response of BC‐400 shows more than 3 % deviation at 0.5×0.5 cm2 due to longer sensitive region. In parallel orientation of PSD, the response of both PSDs varies less than 0.4 % for the same range of field sizes. The dose profiles from PSD simulations (parallel orientation) are very close to that of water. Conclusion:PSDs are excellent dosimeters for small field measurement. Supported by the NCI (1R01CA120198‐01A2)
Qualification testing of general electric 50 A h nickel—cadmium cells with new separator and new positive-plate processing

Abstract Forty-two 50 A h aerospace nickel—cadmium cells were delivered to Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) by General Electric (GE) in February, 1985, for
Overview of the role of ERCP in the management of diseases of the biliary tract and the pancreas

As the fourth decade of ERCP and its related techniques is entered and all that has been achieved in its evolution is reflected upon, a number of technological, clinical, and research milestones can be identified along with the experts who developed them. They showed the clinical gastroenterologist how to learn, perfect, and apply the wide range of therapeutic modalities encompassed by the ERCP umbrella. ERCP has grown from a limited esoteric procedure, performed by a few, to a mainstream modality for diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of benign and malignant ampullary, biliary, and pancreatic disorders. It has taken surprisingly long to subject some of the applications of endoscopic therapy of biliary and pancreatic disease to the same scientific evaluation as alternative treatments, define patient populations and their associated risk profiles, and to understand how positive, negative, and unplanned treatment outcomes are determined by patient, technical, and physician influences. Training requirements for physicians wishing to acquire and maintain the necessary skills needed to perform high-quality ERCP have been defined but remain a contentious area in endoscopic practice and education. ERCP is currently used for the management of bile duct stones, benign and malignant biliary obstruction, benign and malignant pancreatic neoplasms and diseases of the major and minor papilla, acute and chronic pancreatitis, bile duct injuries, pancreatic duct disruption and pseudocysts, pain syndromes considered to be of pancreatic, biliary, or sphincter of Oddi origin, certain congenital and acquired hepatic conditions affecting the biliary tract, and bleeding or infection suspected of being of hepatic, biliary, or pancreatic origin. This wide range of indications has grown with clinical experience based on empirical judgment, case reports, case series, prospective studies, and randomized controlled trials. The precise role of ERCP in these varied clinical settings has not, however, always been well characterized in terms of difficulty, success, risk of associated morbidity, overall outcome, and patient satisfaction in comparison with the most suitable alternatives, which are often surgical. Past research has allowed us to reach the current level of ERCP usage with considerable benefit to our patients but definition of risk-benefit has been lacking and is desirable in all of the settings in which ERCP is applicable. Future research, whether carefully performed prospective or retrospective analyses of databases, cohort studies, or randomized controlled trials, must concentrate on precise definition of patient populations, cost-benefit, and risk-benefit in order to clarify the role of ERCP in the setting being tested.
Neonatal viability in the 1990s: held hostage by technology

The emergence of new obstetrical and neonatal technologies, as well as more aggressive clinical management, has significantly improved the survival of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. This development has heightened concerns about the limits of viability. ELBW infants, weighing less than 1,000 grams and no larger than the palm of one's hand, are often described as “miracles” of late twentieth century technology. Improved survivability of ELBW infants has provided opportunities for long-term follow-up. Information on their physical and emotional development contributes to developing standards of practice regarding their care.
The effect of antilymphocyte serum on fetal rat intestine transplanted as free subcutaneous homografts

Abstract Fetal small bowel homografts of 4 cm were transplanted as free subcutaneous grafts in rats. One group received no immunosuppressive therapy and rejected the grafts by 8 days after initial vascularization. Two groups received rabbit anti-rat lymphocyte serum. They were rejected more slowly, and normal architecture was clearly seen at 26 days after transplantation, while some mucosa was recognizable 76 days after transplantation. The feasibility of this form of transplantation clinically is discussed and the suggestion made that intestinal transplants in humans should be initially undertaken only for accessory feeding.
Reclaiming Deviance as a Unique Course from Criminology Revisited

The sociology department in which I work, like many others, has addressed emerging student concern with employment-related education by offering a minor in criminal justice studies (CJS), which is comprised of various courses dealing with criminological theory, law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The recently developed CJS course on theories of crime creates the issue of theoretical overlap with a long-standing sociology of deviance course offered by the department. For instructors teaching in departments offering both deviance and criminological theory courses, I advocate separating the curriculum of deviance from criminological theory while maintaining some crosspollination. This essay describes the importance of seperating deviance and criminological theory courses and provides a model of course in each.
A Repressive Role for Prohibitin in Estrogen Signaling

Nuclear receptor-mediated gene expression is regulated by corepressors and coactivators. In this study we demonstrate that prohibitin (PHB), a potential tumor suppressor, functions as a potent transcriptional corepressor for estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). Overexpression of PHB inhibits ERalpha transcriptional activity, whereas depletion of endogenous PHB increases the expression of ERalpha target genes in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that PHB is associated with the estrogen-regulated pS2 promoter in the absence of hormone and dissociates after estradiol treatment. We demonstrate that PHB interacts with the repressor of estrogen receptor activity (REA), a protein related to PHB, to form heteromers and enhance the protein stability of both corepressors. Interestingly, the corepressor activity of PHB is cross-squelched by the coexpression of REA (and vice versa), suggesting that PHB and REA repress transcription only when they are not paired. We further demonstrate that coiled-coil domains located in the middle of PHB and REA are responsible for their heteromerization, stabilization, and cross-squelching actions. Finally, ablation of PHB function in the mouse results in early embryonic lethality, whereas mice heterozygous for the PHB null allele exhibit a hyperproliferative mammary gland phenotype. Our results indicate that PHB functions as a transcriptional corepressor for ERalpha in vitro and in vivo, and that its heteromerization with REA acts as a novel mechanism to limit its corepressor activity.
Microglia as a Pharmacological Target in Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases of the Brain

Following an eclipse of scientific inquiry regarding the biology of microglia that lasted 50 years, recognition toward the end of the 20th century of their neuropathogenic role in HIV-associated dementia and in neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative diseases fueled a renaissance of interest in these resident macrophages of the brain parenchyma. Results of a large number of in vitro studies, using isolated microglial cells or glial/neuronal cell cultures, and parallel findings emerging from animal models and clinical studies have demonstrated that activated microglia produce a myriad of inflammatory mediators that both serve important defense functions against invading neurotropic pathogens and have been implicated in brain damage in infectious as well as neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This review provides a brief background regarding the physiological and pathophysiological roles of microglia and highlights current pharmacological approaches that target activated microglia with the goal of ameliorating infectious and neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. Although this aspect of the field of neuroimmunopharmacology is in its infancy, it holds great promise for developing new treatments and prevention of diseases that are, in many cases, epidemic throughout the world.
"A imitacion del hilo del laberinto de Perseo": El nexo narrativo de las ficciones laberinticas en Sierra Morena

In the labyrinth that emerges from the wilderness of Sierra Morena, Cervantes creates an iconoclastic artifice that highlights the theoretical and aesthetic concepts of both the imitation and invention of literature. In the labyrinthine Sierra Morena, Don Quixote attempts to imitate Amadis and Orlando, yet through his hybrid mimesis, he becomes an inventor of narrative labyrinths. The prolific allusions to labyrinths are not only emblematic of the narrative threads that are intricately interlaced throughout Sierra Morena and Don Quixote, but they also evince Cervantes' invention of the first modern novel, which may be termed a metalabyrinth of fictions.
The Hand in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

The upper extremity was evaluated in 68 symptomatic individuals previously diagnosed as having Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Consistent patterns of motor and sensory involvement were found noted as well as a predictable progression of neuromuscular deficits. Improved understanding of the clinical behaviour of this disorder is necessary to develop better treatment strategies.
Maturity and fertility of rhesus monkey oocytes collected at different intervals after an ovulatory stimulus (human chorionic gonadotropin) in in vitro fertilization cycles

In rhesus monkeys undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF), a midcycle injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) substitutes for the LH surge and induces preovulatory oocyte maturation. The time interval between injection and oocyte collection, ideally, allows for the completion of oocyte maturation without ovulation, which would reduce the number of oocytes available for harvest. To evaluate the influence of this time interval on oocyte parameters following hCG administration, we conducted a series of gonadotropin treatment protocols in 51 animals in which the interval from hCG administration to follicular aspiration was systematically varied from 27 to 36 hr. Follicle number and size, evaluated prior to hCG administration by sonography, did not vary significantly or consistently with preovulatory maturation time. Oocytes were harvested by laparotomy or laparoscopy, and scored for maturity before insemination. The percentage of mature, metaphase II (MII) oocytes at recovery increased significantly with increasing preovulatory time and was inversely proportional to that of metaphase I (MI) oocytes. However, oocyte yield tended toward a progressive decrease with increasing preovulatory maturation times from a high of 27 oocytes at 27 hr to a low of 17 oocytes/animal at the 36 hr time interval. Fertilization levels declined significantly from a high of 50% at 27 hr to a low of 30% at 36 hr. Thus, although higher percentages of mature oocytes were recovered at the longer time intervals, optimal oocytes/embryo harvests were realized after the shorter time intervals (27 and 32 hr) and are most compatible with the goal of achieving high yields of fertile oocytes and embryos following gonadotropin stimulation in rhesus monkeys.
Digestive Enzyme Secretion, Intuition, and the History of Science: Part II

A companion paper explored the role of intuition in the genesis of an alternative theory for the secretion of pancreatic digestive enzymes, looking through the lens of three philosophers/historians of science. Gerald Holton, the last scholar, proposed that scientific imagination is shaped by a number of thematic presuppositions, which function largely below awareness. They come in pairs of opposites that alternately gain cultural preeminence. The current paper examines three thematic presuppositions inherent to both the generally accepted model for digestive enzyme secretion and most consciousness-centered views of higher-level cognition—discreteness, reduction, and simplicity. Since they often build on each other, together they are referred to as the simplicity worldview. Also considered are the three opposite thematic assumptions inherent to both the alternative model for digestive enzyme secretion and intuition-friendly views of higher-level cognition—the continuum, holism, and complexity—together referred to as the complexity worldview. The article highlights the potential importance to scientific knowledge of this currently less favored worldview.
A Numerical Investigation on the Response of Load Relieving Notches Subjected to Shock Wave Loading

Abstract Hydrocode simulations were conducted to analyze the non-linear response of 1100-O aluminum plates with semi-circular notches. Plates with constant notch depth and notch root radius were loaded (normal to the notch-tip plane) to the same shock stress while the notch spacing was varied. The resulting stress distributions were analyzed at specific locations between adjacent notches and then the maximum tensile stress developed was determined for different notch spacing. The results show that the maximum tensile stress developed in the target material was found to be a function of notch spacing. Contrary to the case for quasi-static loading where a decrease in notch spacing leads to a decrease in maximum stress, it was determined that the resulting maximum tensile stress for the shock wave loading case decreases when the notch spacing is increased. Numerical results obtained were validated using plate impact experiments. A macrocrack was observed in the vicinity of the maximum tensile region for the smallest notch spacing, while no macrocrack was observed for the largest spacing.
Characterization and control of cure of polymer coatings on optical disks

Polymer coatings are used extensively in optical disk technology, the majority being acrylate based formulations which are transparent and tough. For example, the servo pattern for tracking can be generated by a photopolymer process (2P), where a thin acrylate-based coating system is cured between a `stamper' and a treated glass substrate. In this study, we have extended this technology beyond current servo geometries to generate the small structures (0.6 micron pitch features) that are required for future substrates using the blue laser. The fidelity of replication is measured by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) techniques. Acrylate based polymer lacquer coatings are also applied (by spin coating) to optical disks and compact disks to provide handling and anti-static protection. The term `corrosion protective coating 1' (PC1) refers to the coating on the film side of the disk and `scratch resistent protective coating 2' (PC2) refers to the anti-static, anti-scratch coating applied to the substrate side of the polymer disk. A number of analytical techniques have been developed to monitor the cure of these acrylate based systems. These include infrared spectroscopy, microhardness, various thermal methods (DMTA, TGA, TGA-MS) and extraction techniques. The usefulness of these techniques is discussed in terms of formulation optimization, cure optimization, and accelerated aging tests that reveal failure mechanisms.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Kolmogorov Complexity and Chaotic Phenomena

Abstract Born about three decades ago, Kolmogorov complexity theory (KC) led to important discoveries that, in particular, give a new understanding of the fundamental problem: interrelations between classical continuum mathematics and reality (physics, biology, engineering sciences,…). Specifically, in addition to the equations, physicists use the following additional difficult-to-formalize property: that the initial conditions and the value of the parameters must not be abnormal. We will describe a natural formalization of this property, and show that this formalization in good accordance with theoretical physics. At present, this formalization has been mainly applied to the foundations of physics. However, potentially, more practical engineering applications are possible.
Inhibition of anitbacterial activity of cycloserine by alpha-alanine.

SummaryAlpha-alanine inhibits antibacterial activity of cycloserine on staphylococci. The inhibition appears to be of a competitive nature. This amino acid does not inhibit activity of the antibiotic on other organisms studied. Alpha-alanine does not interfere with the action of other antibiotic agents.
Observations of Nonlinear Phenomena in Rotordynamics

Observations, analysis and understanding of nonlinear rotordynamic phenomena observed in aircraft gas turbine engines and other high-speed rotating machinery over the course of the author's career are described. Included are observations of sum-and-difference frequency response; effects of roller bearing clearance; relaxation oscillations; subharmonic response; chaotic response; and other generic nonlinear responses such as superharmonic and ultra-subharmonic response.
An embedded sensing approach to monitoring parking lot occupancy

Embedded sensor networks are transforming the computing landscape, enabling a host of new applications that are fundamentally changing the way we monitor both the natural and built environment. In this paper, we focus on the latter, with an application of embedded sensing technology to parking lot occupancy monitoring. With a focus on reliability and cost effectiveness, our solution relies on paired sets of inexpensive sonar rangefinders and an in situ vehicle detection algorithm. We present the design and implementation of this system, along with detailed experimental results from a campus parking lot study.
Miscalculation in the South Atlantic: The origins of the Falkland War

(1983). Miscalculation in the South Atlantic: The origins of the Falkland War. Journal of Strategic Studies: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 5-35.
Can the World Afford to Condone the ‘Divided States of Syria’?

After more than three years of corrosive wars, Syria no longer exists as a nation-state. It has been replaced by disparate entities and precarious arrangements – to the detriment of the Syrian population. The ‘Divided States of Syria’ are in large part the result of the survival strategy of the regime, aided by the futile pursuit of a ‘political solution’ by the international community. As the tragedy deepens, the recovery of Syria becomes more difficult, and the implications for regional stability increase in gravity. The West – the United States in particular – has abstained from forceful engagement. Yet, the price to pay today may in retrospect pale in light of the political, strategic and moral catastrophes that the current reserved approach is enabling.
A market mechanism for participatory global query: A first step of enterprise resources self-allocation

The problem of Database Query has always been considered from the user's side. That is, the databases are always treated merely as the object of search, rather than being a subject or willing participants of an information exchange. This paradigm works when all participating databases belong to a single authority (such as a company) under which their participation is definitive and their contents completely open for the querying. Traditional single databases, federated databases, and even the new XML-based Internet databases subscribe to this user-oriented paradigm. However, emerging information enterprises are increasingly collaborative in nature, since they tend to involve, on a real-time and on-demand basis, a large number of databases belonging to many different organizations whose participation is conditional and case-by-case; e.g., drilling through supply chains. These collaborative queries deserve a new paradigm that equally account for the provider side. Research has shown that market-style self-allocation of users to providers is a promising approach to support such a paradigm. However, previous results of artificial markets are insufficient for global database query. Therefore, we develop an artificial market model to provide a Two-Stage Collaboration solution, where the first stage establishes optimal participation of databases for a search task, and the second executes the task in a traditional database query manner. The proposed model employs a new agent-based, peer-to-peer publish and subscribe approach to self-allocating database resources in an information enterprise. This approach promises to lead eventually to allocating other classes of information resources, as well. New results include (1) an agent model using a Metadatabase and an Agent-Base to create and manage large number of custom agents, (2) a peer-to-peer negotiation method, and (3) an open common schema design. The paper also provides an implementation scheme for developing the artificial market. Laboratory tests show that such a mechanism is feasible for large scale matching and negotiation as required by the first stage. The second stage employs mainly previous results established in the field.
Cardiac mitochondrial damage and inflammation responses in sepsis.

Background and Purpose: Studies in sepsis suggest that mitochondria mediate multiple organ dysfunction, including cardiac failure; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. This ...
On the Tao-Thouless theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect

Abstract The Tao-Thouless theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect is shown to involve a difficulty: their Green function is not an approximate solution to the functional-derivative Green function formalism.
Analysis of the dynamic response of multielement semiconductor lasers

We present a derivation of the dynamic response of a semiconductor laser consisting of more than one active element. We show that the amplitude and phase of the modulated cavity adiabatically follows the complex resonance of the composite cavity; and using this relation, plus linearized carrier equations, we calculate the parameters characterizing the modulation response of the composite system. In the process, "effective" differential gain constants and linewidth enhancement factors arise which take the place of the corresponding parameters in single-element lasers. In the case of a two-section laser, we show that frequency chirping under modulation is present except under special conditions; we identify those conditions and show how chirping can be avoided.