cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Structures and Properties of Membrane Lipids

The previous chapter briefly described the historical development of the concept that the lipid bilayer forms the structural basis of all biomembranes. It is important to understand the detailed structure of the lipid bilayer as well as the thermodynamic principles underlying its stability in order to approach an understanding of biological membranes. In addition, some phospholipids spontaneously organize in structures which are not bilayers, such as the inverted hexagonal HII phase, and these lipids have been postulated to play specialized roles within membranes (see 303,267). In this chapter we will survey the structures and thermodynamics of lipid-water systems, with the emphasis on those features which give some insight into the properties of biological membranes.
Herbs and Alternative Remedies

Pregnancy can be an ideal time to use herbal and alternative remedies. Herbs are often mild preparations of natural compounds that can be just perfect for some of the discomforts and illnesses during pregnancy. But there are many concerns by providers regarding the safety and efficacy of herbal and alternative remedies. Using the most up-to-date data from evidence-based medicine as well as traditional medicine, this chapter outlines those herbal and alternative remedies that are safe and effective for patients, and describes doses, situations, and efficacy for their use. Since herbs and supplements do not have FDA oversight, individual preparations can vary significantly in their contents and impurities. Providers and patients can find guidance on product purity and integrity from sources such as ConsumerLab.com. The safety and efficacy of hypnosis and meditation as alternative remedies for the problems and discomforts in obstetrics are also presented.
Failure of intravenous fluid therapies to decrease serum sodium levels in elderly hospitalized patients.

Elderly patients may have a tendency to develop hyponatremia due to sensitivity to stimuli that release ADH as well as an impaired ability to excrete a water load. We evaluated changes in serum sodium in elderly hospitalized patients who received various forms of intravenous fluid therapies. All patients were required to have a baseline serum sodium of 136–145 meq/L. Fourteen patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 82.9 ± 6.8 years (mean ± SEM). Thirty-six % were nursing home residents. Seventy-nine % were females. Seventy-two % received half normal saline and the remainder received normal saline as intravenous fluid therapy. The patients received a mean of 1098 ± 145 mL of intravenous fluid per day, in addition to oral fluids. Mean follow up period was 5.9 days (3–10 days). Mean baseline serum sodium was 140.2 ± 0.7 meq/L and mean follow up serum sodium was 141.4 ± 0.9 meq/L. The mean baseline BUN was 25 ± 3.6 mg/dL and mean follow u BUN was 19.6 ± 3.4 mg/dL. The mean baseline serum creatinine was 0.9 ± 0.1 mg/dL and mean follow up creatinine was 0.9 ± 0.1 mg/dL. The postintravenous fluid therapy serum sodium in the group receiving half normal saline was 141.7 ± 0.7 meq/L and 140.8 ± 3 meq/L in the normal saline group. No significant difference was observed between the pre and post fluid therapy for any of these paramenters (p > 0.05). Mean baseline plasma renin activity was 1.6 ± 0.7 ng/ml/hour and fifty-seven % had PRA of less than 1 ng/ml/hour. Mean plasma aldosterone was 8.5 ± 1.8 ng/mL and forty-two % were less than 5.5 ng/mL. Plasma ADH and ANP was 5.7 ± 3.4 pg/mL and 83.6 ± 26.9 pg/mL, respectively. Mean serum and urine osmolalities were 290 ± 3.1 mOsm/kg and 471 ± 57.7 mOsm/kg, respectively. No patient developed hyponatremia and 7 of the 14 patients experienced an increase in serum sodium during the follow up period. We conclude that many elderly patients hospitalized for acute medical illnesses either maintain a stable serum sodium or experience an increase in serum sodium. This occurs because total fluids administered to these patients are generally insufficient.
Severe Neonatal Manifestations of Infantile Liver Failure Syndrome Type 1 Caused by Cytosolic Leucine-tRNA Synthetase Deficiency.

Background: Deleterious mutations in cytosolic leucine-tRNA synthetase (LARS) cause infantile liver failure syndrome, type 1 (ILFS1), a recently recognized, rare autosomal recessive disorder (OMIM151350). Only six families with ILFS1 have been reported in the literature. Patients with ILFS1 are typically diagnosed between 5 and 24 months of age with failure to thrive, developmental delays, encephalopathy, microcytic anemia, and chronic liver dysfunction with recurrent exacerbations following childhood illnesses. Neonatal manifestations of this disorder have not been well documented.
Therapeutic implications of perivascular invasion in the context of high-density brain microvascular networks: A study on recursive pattern formation in malignant glioma.

2057 Background: Malignant glioma cells use distinct brain structures for tumor growth and invasion. However, the cellular mechanisms and biological consequences of malignant glioma growth patterni...
Group Threat at the Ground Level: Support for Ethnically Radical Parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly:

Ethnic settlement patterns and other forms of everyday interethnic social contact have the potential to influence voter preferences for ethnic tribune parties who position themselves as the most st...
Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration and Optic Nerve Biopsy

Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is an important procedure in the management of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) who do not respond to medical treatment. Traditional surgical approaches for fenestration have limitations. Furthermore, when tumors in the intraconal space medially and superiorly are encountered, complex surgical approaches with significant morbidity have been used. We present our surgical approach to these conditions with a technique that is quick, safe, and efficient.
Abstract 1985: Reassessment of exosome composition

The heterogeneity of small extracellular vesicles and the presence of non-vesicular extracellular matter is a major obstacle to the study of exosomes. Here we employ two complementary methods, high-resolution density gradient fractionation and direct immunoaffinity capture, to demonstrate separation of small extracellular vesicles from non-vesicular material, and exosomes from other types of small extracellular vesicles. Cells secrete Argonaute 1-4 independently of exosomes. Extracellular RNA and RNA-binding proteins are differentially expressed between exosome and non-vesicle compartments. Exosomes do not possess a cytoskeleton and exclude glycolytic enzymes. Annexin A1 is a novel and specific membrane-associated protein marker of microvesicles shed directly from the cell plasma membrane, distinct from exosomes in vitro and in vivo. Small extracellular vesicles are not vehicles of active DNA release. Instead we propose a new model for active secretion of extracellular DNA through an autophagy- and multivesicular endosome-dependent but exosome-independent mechanism. A reassessment of exosome composition is necessary. Citation Format: Dennis K. Jeppesen, Jeffrey L. Franklin, James N. Higginbotham, Qin Zhang, Robert J. Coffey. Reassessment of exosome composition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1985.
Input-output data-driven control through dissipativity learning

Data-driven control offers an alternative to traditional model-based. Most present data-driven control strategies either involve model identification or need to assume availability of state information. In this work, we develop an input-output data-driven control method through dissipativity learning. Specifically, the learning of the subsystems' dissipativity property using one-class support vector machine (OC-SVM) is combined with the controller design to minimize an upper bound of the $L_{2}$ -gain. The data-driven controller synthesis problem is then formulated as quadratic-semidefinite programming with linear and multilinear constraints, solved via the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). The proposed method is illustrated with a polymerization reactor.
Minority Stress and Drinking: Connecting Race, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation:

We carried out a constructivist grounded theory-based qualitative exploration on the relations between intersectional minority stress and drinking among a community sample of 20 Latinx and African ...
A comparison of methods to determine patent foramen ovale size

BACKGROUND Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is implicated in the pathogenesis of clinical conditions such as cryptogenic stroke and migraine with aura. This study evaluated the challenges of sizing a PFO with different contemporary imaging modalities and assessed the relationship between PFO size and severity of the right-to-left shunt (RLS). METHODS Patients who were referred to interventional cardiology with the diagnosis of a PFO and had undergone intra-procedural balloon sizing (n = 147), transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) imaging (n = 67), or intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE) imaging (n = 73) at the time of workup were included in this study. TEE and ICE were used to obtain PFO length and height during normal respiration. A sizing balloon was used to obtain PFO width and height after the septum primum was opened with balloon inflation. RESULTS The mean PFO length measured by TEE and ICE differed significantly (n = 27, 13.0 ± 4.1 vs. 9.9 ± 3.2 mm, p = .001). The mean PFO height measured by TEE and ICE (n = 27, 1.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.7 ± 0.6 mm, p = .04), TEE and sizing balloon (n = 56, 1.5 ± 1.2 vs. 10.5 ± 4.2 mm, p < .0001), and ICE and sizing balloon (n = 66, 1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 9.1 ± 3.7 mm, p < .0001) also differed significantly. A poor correlation existed between anatomic PFO length or height and functional Spencer TCD grade RLS flow with Valsalva, irrespective of the imaging modality used. CONCLUSIONS The determination of a PFO size is dependent on the imaging modality used. Sizing balloon demonstrates a larger width or height than ultrasound imaging methods, such as TEE and ICE, because a PFO remains closed most of the time, leading the echocardiogram to underestimate the potential PFO size. Additionally, PFO length and height correlate poorly with the functional RLS grade. These findings imply that ultrasound-based size characterization should not be used to determine whether a PFO should be closed.
Mutual Fund Alpha: Is It Managerial or Emotional?

This paper presents an examination on the impact of investor sentiment on mutual fund alpha. Using the Baker and Wurgler index, I find that investor sentiment plays an important role in explaining ...
Analysis on Accuracy of Theoretical Model of Low-order Movement of Conductor

The accurate and reasonable theoretical model of conductor vibration is one of necessary conditions for analyzing dynamics characteristics of conductor accurately. In this paper, low-order nonlinear dynamics characteristics, such as first-order natural frequency and steady state response of four-bundle and 8-bundles LGJ-500/45, has been analyzed by both theoretical (including traditional theoretical model and one in this paper) and test ways and compared to get the differences between them, which verified the validity of the conductor vibration model based on curved beam model. The result shows that the characteristics obtained from the model in this paper is more accurate that compared with the traditional model. Most importantly, conclusions in this paper provides theoretical and test basis for the further research on vibration of conductors.
The relationship between serum vancomycin trough and patient age: examining the performance of a high dose regimen.

Background: Vancomycin dosing practices are not well standardized in the pediatric population. Furthermore, vancomycin pharmacokinetics may be heterogeneous across pediatric age categories and similar doses can produce different serum trough levels. In this study, we sought to characterize the relationship between higher initial doses and resultant initial troughs in different pediatric age categories, in order to evaluate attainment of goal troughs as suggested by current guidelines. Methods: As part of a quality improvement initiative, we developed hospital-wide dosing guidelines for pediatric patients 1 month to 18 years of age, using empiric 15mg/kg every 6 hours (standard …
Learning Improper Fractions with the Number Line and the Area Model

Number lines and area models are both used pervasively in teaching fractions. Prior studies found that second and third graders demonstrated better magnitude knowledge of proper fractions after a 1...
Hypomagnesemia at the time of autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is associated with an increased risk of failure.

Magnesium is an essential element that is involved in critical metabolic pathways. A diet deficient in magnesium is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. Few studies have reported whether a serum magnesium level below the reference range (RR) is associated with prognosis in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Using a retrospective approach in DLBCL patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplant (AHSCT), we evaluated the association of hypomagnesemia with survival. Totally, 581 patients eligible for AHSCT with a serum magnesium level during the immediate pre-transplant period were identified and 14.1% (82/581) had hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia was associated with an inferior event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to patients with a serum magnesium level within RR; median EFS: 3.9 years (95% CI: 1.63–8.98 years) versus 6.29 years (95% CI: 4.73–8.95 years) with HR 1.63 (95% CI: 1.09–2.43, p = 0.017) for EFS, and median OS: 7.3 years (95% CI: 2.91—upper limit not estimable) versus 9.7 years (95% CI: 6.92–12.3 years) with HR 1.90 (95% CI: 1.22–2.96, p = 0.005) for OS months 0–12, respectively. These findings suggest a potentially actionable prognostic factor for patients with DLBCL undergoing AHSCT.
The effect of vegetation barriers at reducing the transmission of Salmonella and Escherichia coli from animal operations to fresh produce

Abstract Due to the recent outbreaks of Salmonella and Escherichia coli in fresh produce in the United States, the transfer of foodborne pathogens between animal feeding operations and fresh produce continues to be a considerable risk. The purpose of this study was to determine if the establishment of a vegetation barrier (VB) on small-scale sustainable farms could prevent the transmission of Salmonella and E. coli to nearby fresh produce fields. A 5-layer VB (31 × 49 m) was constructed between a dairy farm, a poultry farm, and a nearby produce field. Fresh produce (i.e., romaine lettuce and tomato), animal feces, and environmental (i.e., air, soil, and barrier) samples were collected for 15 months from 2018 to 2019. Four replicates of soil and fresh produce samples were taken from three plots located 10 m, 61 m, and 122 m away from the respective animal locations and processed for Salmonella and E. coli. Air and vegetative strip samples were sampled at 15-day intervals. Multiple colonies were processed from each positive sample, and a total of 143 positive Salmonella (n = 15) and E. coli (n = 128) isolates were retrieved from the soil, produce, air, and fecal samples. Interestingly, 18.2% of the Salmonella and E. coli isolates (n = 26) were recovered from fresh produce (n = 9) samples. Surprisingly, Salmonella isolates (n = 9) were only found in fecal (n = 3) samples collected from the dairy pasture. Data analysis suggests that the VB is an effective tool at reducing the transmission of E. coli and Salmonella from animal farms to fresh produce fields. However, based on phenotypic and genotypic testing, it is clear that fecal samples from animal farms are not the only source of pathogen contamination. This indicates that the environment (e.g., soil and wind), as well as the initial setup of the farm (e.g., proximity to service roads and produce plot placement), can contribute to the contamination of fresh produce. Our study recommends the need for more effective bioremediation and prevention control measures to use in conjunction with VBs to reduce pathogen transmission.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Branded Drugs With Market Demand and Insurance.

Abstract Objectives Cost-effectiveness analysis of branded pharmaceuticals presumes that both cost (or price) and marginal effectiveness levels are exogenous. This assumption underlies most judgments of the cost-effectiveness of specific drugs. In this study, we show the theoretical implications of letting both factors be endogenous by modeling pharmaceutical price setting with and without health insurance, along with patient response to the prices that depend on marginal effectiveness. We then explore the implications of these models for cost-effectiveness ratios. Methods We used simple textbook models of patient demand and pricing behavior of drug firms to predict market equilibria in the drug and insurance markets and to generate calculations of the cost-effectiveness ratios in those settings. Results We found that ratios in market settings can be much different from those calculated in cost-effectiveness studies based on exogenous prices and treatment of all patients at risk rather than those who would demand treatment in a market setting. We also found that there may be considerable similarity in these market cost-effectiveness ratios across different products because drug firms with market power set profit-maximizing prices. Conclusions We found that market cost-effectiveness ratios will always indicate an excess of benefits over cost. Insurance will lead to less favorable ratios than without insurance, but when insurers bargain with drug firms, rather than taking their prices as given, cost-effectiveness ratios will be more favorable.
Laboratory Diagnosis and Susceptibility Testing

This chapter talks about laboratory diagnosis and susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Clinical microbiology laboratories currently have a number of methods available that provide an accurate and rapid laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis. Mycobacterial culture of stool specimens may be of value in intestinal tuberculosis cases, but these are rare. This type of culture has been requested to detect M. avium-M. intracellulare infections in patients with AIDS; however, given that intestinal involvement with M. avium-M. intracellulare is thought to be a component of disseminated disease, a blood culture for mycobacteria is the specimen of choice in this setting. When colonies resembling mycobacteria are observed, an acid-fast smear and subculture for identification and susceptibility testing should be made. Nucleic acid probe testing or another comparable molecular method of identification can be performed on colonies as soon as they appear, and the definitive identification can be made if results are consistent with M. tuberculosis complex (M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. bovis BCG, M. africanum, M. microti, and “M. canetti”). Cultures are essential to exclude the possibility of mixed infections, which exist although are rare; in some instances, for further characterization or identification (most amplification tests give results only at the M. tuberculosis complex level); and, most importantly, for complete antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Susceptibility tests should be performed on all isolates of M. tuberculosis complex recovered from previously untreated patients and also on isolates from patients on therapy who have positive acid- fast smears or cultures after 2 months of treatment.
Comments About Neutron Feedback NPL Driven ICF

The use of a neutron-feedback-coupled Nuclear-Pumped Laser (NPL) driver for ICF would greatly enhance the overall system efficiency. In this case neutrons from the target implosion create nuclear reactions in the laser medium, providing the energy input to the laser. Thus the recycle energy to the laser does not go through an electrical conversion cycle, greatly increasing the system efficiency. Electrical energy is generated in a conventional fashion from energy deposited in the blanket as the energetic neutrons are thermalized.
A General Optimization Model for Multi-Tool Manufacturing Systems

The life of cutting tools used in machining centers is modeled using probabilistic methods. An approximate expression for the renewal function is used to establish an optimum scheduled tool replacement interval and an optimum set of cutting conditions to obtain a minimum production cost
Trees, Ecophilia, & Ecophobia: A Look at Arboriculture along the Front Range Cities of Colorado

This essay is an ecocritical exploration of arboriculture, but it hovers within borderlands, or rather, biotones of theory (ecocriticsm) and praxis (pruning trees in an urban space), scholarly and creative non-fiction, image and text. It exposes the tension between ecophilia and ecophobia in an urban context, and moreover confronts the complex irrationality of planting trees (out of love) in the grasslands (out of an aversion to such an expansive biome). It aims to bring these ideas to the reader--and the reader to these ideas--through presenting a locus of intellectual and emotive energy.
THE EFFECT OF FULL BODY VERSUS PARTIAL BODY GRAPHIC LABELING ON BEVERAGE PACKAGING

Through the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, the shelf presence of full body graphic labels versus partial body graphic labels on plastic beverage bottles was examined and evaluated. Eye tracking was used to collect phenomenological data atop the stimuli, while a shopping checklist was used to collect purchase preference. A post-experiment survey was also conducted in order to gather qualitative data regarding possible purchase influences. Data revealed that both label sizes drew an equivalent amount of visual attention; however, consumers selected partial body labels more often than full body labels, regardless of the flavour of the beverage or their age group. Paper presents a unique methodology of comparing attention between the two label styles on plastic beverage bottles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency Analysis: The Fourier Transform

In this chapter, the frequency representation of periodic signals is extended to aperiodic signals. The Fourier transform is obtained from the Fourier series representation by a limiting process, and the concept of line spectrum for periodic signal is generalized to the Fourier spectrum for all possible signals. The frequency response of systems is obtained using the eigenfunction property of LTI systems. When determining the Fourier transform a special class of signals are those with Laplace transforms having region of convergence containing the jΩ j Ω -axis. Considering the inverse relation between time and frequency, duality between the direct and the inverse Fourier transform is applied when the Laplace connection cannot be used. The Fourier transform has properties similar to those for the Laplace transform and the Fourier series. Modulation and convolution are the two more important properties: modulation is basic in signal transmission, and convolution in linear filtering. Material in this chapter is fundamental in communications and analog filter design. MATLAB is used to illustrate the theory.
Tandem genetic duplications in a derivative of phage lambda. II. Evidence for structure and location of endpoints.

Abstract Five DNA addition mutants arising spontaneously from a derivative (t del33) of bacteriophage λ have been studied by electron microscopy of the DNA heteroduplexes. The DNA addition in each mutant forms a loop that has a variable location when the other strand in the heteroduplex comes from the parental phage. On the DNA map of the parental phage the length of the region in which the loop appears is equal to the length of the DNA addition. This behavior is expected if the DNA addition is a duplication in tandem of t del33 DNA. Finding such a movable loop provides a proof of the tandem duplication structure. Other tests, based on forming three other types of DNA heteroduplexes, also are consistent with this structure. As shown in the preceding article, the tandem duplication structure can explain why an addition mutant in a recombination-proficient host produces a series of phages whose DNA lengths differ, each from the next, by an amount equal to the primary DNA addition. To find the endpoints of the duplicated region, one can use heteroduplexes formed from two addition mutants that have partially overlapping duplications. In these heteroduplexes loops form at fixed positions. Approximate locations of the five duplications are given. There are two findings of interest. First, the locations of the duplications are widely distributed. Second, some of the duplications may share common endpoints, but this remains to be established by more sensitive methods.
A review of earth-based radar mapping of the moon

Lunar radar mappings carried out in the late 1960s and 1970s have provided several valuable insights into lunar surface processes. These radar mappings used the delay-Doppler technique and needed the narrow antenna beams now available with large radio telescopes. Two-element radar interferometers have provided resolution of the delay-Doppler ambiguity at meter wavelengths and provided topographic information at centimeter wavelengths. These techniques have provided high resolution lunar radar maps at 3.8-cm, 70-cm, and 7.5-m wavelengths, a set of wavelengths which span the window available for earth-based radar mapping of the moon. These radar maps have been used along with other earth-based and Apollo orbital measurements to define surface units. The radar maps and these other data can describe physical properties such as small-scale blockiness and surface chemistry.
Kinematics of Turbomachinery Fluid Motion

The turbomachinery aerodynamic design process has been experiencing continuous progress using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools. The use of CFD-tools opens a new perspective in simulating the complex three-dimensional (3-D) turbomachinery flow field. Understanding the details of the flow motion and the interpretation of the numerical results require a thorough comprehension of fluid mechanics laws and the kinematics of fluid motion within the turbomachinery component. Kinematics is treated in many fluid mechanics texts. Aris [1] and Spurk [2] give excellent accounts of the subject. In the following sections, a compact and illustrative treatment is given to cover the basic needs of the reader.
Gurson model parameters for ductile fracture simulation in ASTM A992 steels

This study is concerned with the modelling the ductile fracture in ASTM A992 steels using the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model for high stress triaxiality regime. The GTN model for ASTM A992 structural steels is calibrated from the experiments performed on axisymmetrically notched tensile specimens. The experiments are designed to obtain a range of stress triaxiality and different fracture initiation locations. The non-uniqueness in the constitutive parameters of the GTN model is illustrated in this study. The choice of a unique set of GTN constitutive parameters is made by choosing the nucleation strain (e N ) as a material constant. The process of estimating this material specific nucleation strain is provided. All the other GTN model parameters corresponding to the material specific nucleation strain (e N ) are evaluated to best fit the experimental results. The calibrated GTN model is shown to predict the load displacement behaviour, ductility and fracture initiation locations in the notched specimens. The calibrated GTN parameters are used to successfully predict the ductility of structural components: (a) bars with a hole; (b) plate with reduced section and (c) plate with holes; that are typically found in structural engineering applications.
Phase II Trial of Weekly Irinotecan Plus Cisplatin in Advanced Esophageal Cancer

PURPOSE: To evaluate the response, toxicity, survival, and quality of life in patients with unresectable or metastatic esophageal cancer treated with weekly irinotecan and cisplatin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with metastatic or unresectable esophageal adenocarcinoma (23 patients) or squamous cell carcinoma (12 patients) were treated. No prior chemotherapy was allowed. The majority of patients had metastatic and bidimensionally measurable disease (34 patients each [97%]). Patients were treated with cisplatin 30 mg/m2 and irinotecan 65 mg/m2, repeated weekly for 4 weeks, followed by a 2-week rest period. Treatment was recycled every 6 weeks. Degree of dysphagia relief was monitored, and quality of life was measured prospectively using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C-30 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General instruments. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were assessable for response and toxicity. Major objective response...
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL STUDIES ON HEMOLYSINS : I. THE ESTIMATION OF TOTAL ANTIBODY IN ANTISERA TO SHEEP ERYTHROCYTES AND STROMATA.

1. Total antibody in hemolysins may be estimated from the nitrogen added to sheep stromata suspensions. 2. The method is applied to a number of hemolysins and a correlation, valid to within 20 per cent, established between hemolytic titer and total antibody. 3. When stromata combine with antibody in the presence of guinea pig complement they may take up at least 80 per cent of their weight of complement combining component(s).
High-resolution mapping of DNA hypermethylation and hypomethylation in lung cancer

Changes in DNA methylation patterns are an important characteristic of human cancer. Tumors have reduced levels of genomic DNA methylation and contain hypermethylated CpG islands, but the full extent and sequence context of DNA hypomethylation and hypermethylation is unknown. Here, we used methylated CpG island recovery assay-assisted high-resolution genomic tiling and CpG island arrays to analyze methylation patterns in lung squamous cell carcinomas and matched normal lung tissue. Normal tissues from different individuals showed overall very similar DNA methylation patterns. Each tumor contained several hundred hypermethylated CpG islands. We identified and confirmed 11 CpG islands that were methylated in 80-100% of the SCC tumors, and many hold promise as effective biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer. In addition, we find that extensive DNA hypomethylation in tumors occurs specifically at repetitive sequences, including short and long interspersed nuclear elements and LTR elements, segmental duplications, and subtelomeric regions, but single-copy sequences rarely become demethylated. The results are consistent with a specific defect in methylation of repetitive DNA sequences in human cancer.
Comparison of 3 different methods used to measure the rapid shallow breathing index.

Abstract Purpose Rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) is conveniently measured through the ventilator. If continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is used, it may change the RSBI value. We measured the RSBI with a handheld spirometer and through the ventilator, with and without CPAP, to assess differences. Materials and Methods Rapid shallow breathing index was measured in 3 ways: (1) CPAP 0 cm H 2 O and fraction of inspired oxygen (F io 2 ) 0.4, (2) CPAP 5 cm H 2 O and F io 2 0.4, and (3) ventilator disconnected and F io 2 0.21. Tidal volume and respiratory frequency were recorded from ventilator monitor values in methods 1 and 2, and from a handheld spirometer and observed respiratory frequency, in method 3. Results A total of 170 measurements, each using all 3 methods, were obtained from 80 patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit. The mean RSBI values for methods 1, 2, and 3 were 98.1 ± 58.7, 87.6 ± 51.2, and 108.3 ± 65.3, respectively ( P 2 O and by 19.1% when using CPAP 5 cm H 2 O. Conclusions The RSBI values measured through the ventilator with CPAP 5 cm H 2 O are much lower than the values measured with a handheld spirometer. Even the RSBI values measured with CPAP 0 cm H 2 O are significantly lower. This is attributable to the base flow delivered by some ventilators. The difference must be taken into account during weaning assessment.
Telemedicine: legal and licensure issues

The National Information Infrastructure program offers a great opportunity for the United States to capitalize on remarkable technological advancements over a broad range of applications benefiting society. One such application, telemedicine, has the potential to offer widespread access to sophisticated medical care, curtailed health care delivery costs, and homogeneous health and health-related educational opportunities. However, there are a variety of barriers to widespread application of telemedicine once the technical infrastructure of the information highway is well established and ubiquitous. These barriers include technical limitations, reimbursement issues, equipment and networking costs, and appropriate scientific studies to document efficacy and cost effectiveness. These issues may prove to be only transient disincentives which can be surmounted. Additional barriers exist, however, that may not be as readily resolved by traditional methods of analysis and more widespread practice applications. These political and regulatory obstacles will require clarification of the issues and solutions based on national consensus. It is the purpose of this discussion to amplify on these particular barriers which include licensure and tort jurisdiction.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Progressive 3D Model Acquisition with a Commodity Hand-Held Camera

We present a system for progressive 3D model acquisition with a commodity hand-held camera. The pipeline starts with a real-time scanning stage accomplished using a sparse point-based tracker for camera pose estimation and a dense patch-based tracker for dense reconstruction. While the user scans the target object, a model composed of local planar patches is continuously updated and displayed for visual feedback. This live feedback loop allows the user to choose new viewpoints based on the state of the current reconstruction, and determine if the model is completely covered in desired details. After live scanning is completed, our system refines the reconstructed patches into denser and more accurate patches through an offline model refinement procedure. We demonstrate the ability of our system on various real datasets.
Engine flow visualization using a copper vapor laser

A flow visualization system has been developed to determine the air flow within the combustion chamber of a motored, axisymmetric engine. The engine has been equipped with a transparent quartz cylinder, allowing complete optical access to the chamber. A 40-Watt copper vapor laser is used as the light source. Its beam is focused down to a sheet approximately 1 mm thick. The light plane is passed through the combustion chamber, and illuminates oil particles which were entrained in the intake air. The light scattered off of the particles is recorded by a high speed rotating prism movie camera. A movie is then made showing the air flow within the combustion chamber for an entire four-stroke engine cycle. The system is synchronized so that a pulse generated by the camera triggers the laser's thyratron. The camera is run at 5,000 frames per second; the trigger drives one laser pulse per frame. This paper describes the optics used in the flow visualization system, the synchronization circuit, and presents results obtained from the movie. This is believed to be the first published study showing a planar observation of airflow in a four-stroke piston-cylinder assembly. These flow visualization results have been used to interpret flow velocity measurements previously obtained with a laser Doppler velocimetry system.
Congenital Fibular Deficiency: A Review of Thirty Years’ Experience at One Institution and a Proposed Classification System Based on Clinical Deformity

Background: Congenital longitudinal deficiency of the fibula is the most common lower extremity congenital deficiency, with a broad spectrum of severity and subsequent reconstructive treatment. Published classification schemes do not accurately predict reconstructive treatment currently in practice. Methods: We reviewed all medical records of patients with a dominant deformity of congenital fibular deficiency who were managed at our institution between 1971 and 2005. We assessed the impact of limb-length inequality, foot deformity, bilateral extremity involvement, and extent of fibular preservation on the treatment of the limb deficiency. Results: One hundred and four patients (including twenty-two with bilateral congenital fibular deficiency) with 126 affected extremities had adequate radiographs to be included in the study. Femoral shortening was noted in seventy (85.4%) of eighty-two patients with unilateral limb involvement. Limb-length discrepancy prior to any treatment remained proportional in forty-seven (82.5%) of fifty-seven patients during an average duration of follow-up of ten years and ten months (range, two years to fifteen years and six months). Limb salvage with foot preservation was deemed feasible in thirty-eight (97.4%) of thirty-nine five-rayed feet, thirty (81.1%) of thirty-seven four-rayed feet, twenty (48.8%) of forty-one three-rayed feet, and one of nine feet having fewer than three rays. Twenty-two (41.5%) of fifty-three limbs with an absent or vestigial fibula were not treated with amputation. Of the twenty-two patients with bilateral fibular deficiency, twelve (54.5%) had preservation of both feet, three (13.6%) had unilateral amputation, and seven (31.8%) had bilateral amputation. Conclusions: We propose a simplified classification for congenital fibular deficiency based on the clinical status of the foot and the magnitude of limb shortening as a percentage of the contralateral limb on radiographs. This classification may be effectively applied in infancy to allow the physician and family to anticipate the extent of deformity at maturity and to estimate the amount of treatment required to reconstruct this limb deformity. This system more accurately predicted the management of patients with fibular deficiency who were managed at our institution over the past three decades. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Increased sensitivity to the hepatocarcinogen diethylnitrosamine in transgenic mice carrying the hepatitis B virus X gene.

The role of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein in liver tumorigenesis is unresolved. Transgenic mice harboring the X gene (nt 1376–1840 under the control of the human α-1-antitrypsin regulatory elements) (ATX mice) display only minor histopathologic alterations of the liver. To determine if ATX mice are more susceptible to the effects of hepatocarcinogens, 12- to 15-d-old male ATX and control littermate mice were injected with a single dose (2 μg/g body weight) of diethylnitrosamine (DEN). The animals were killed 6–10 mo after exposure and were analyzed for histological changes in the liver. One hundred percent of the DEN-treated ATX mice developed abnormal liver lesions. When their liver tissues were compared by stereological analysis with those of non-transgenic animals, the ATX mice had a relative twofold increase in the total number of focal lesions and a twofold increase in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Elevated levels of X protein and p53 protein were not detected in carcinogen-induced nodules or tumors. These results are consistent with a model in which the expression of the HBV X protein potentiates the induction of DEN-mediated liver disease. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Availability of Integrated Care in a National Sample of Therapeutic Communities

Therapeutic communities (TCs) for substance abusers are oriented toward changing the entire person as a means for facilitating a drug-free future. This vision parallels ideas such as integrated care for the treatment of co-occurring substance abuse and psychiatric conditions. The extent to which integrated services are available in TCs has not been documented. Using data from a national sample of 345 TCs, this paper examines the availability of integrated care in TCs and the structural and cultural characteristics of TCs that offer integrated care. The results indicate that a substantial portion of TCs in this sample admit clients with co-occurring disorders (70.7%), and as many as half of the TCs offer integrated care. TCs that offer integrated care show increased use of professional staff, individual psychotherapy, and a less confrontational milieu, but notably, retain many of the “essential elements” of the traditional TC model.
Finite-temperature density-dependent HF calculation of nuclear matter with gogny interaction

A finite-temperature density-dependent Hartree-Fock method is formulated starting from a variational principle for the thermodynamic potential. Based on this method, we have carried out a nuclear-matter calculation using the Gogny D1 finite-range effective interaction. The equation of state and several other thermal properties of nuclear matter so obtained are found to be rather similar to those given by the Skyrme SkM∗ interaction. The critical temperature and density for the liquid-gas phase transition of nuclear matter are found to be 15.1 MeV and 0.05 fm−3, respectively. The effect of the finite-temperature rearrangement potential is discussed
What's new in colon and rectal surgery.

With the beginning of the new millennium, new developments in colon and rectal surgery have not only stimulated tremendous interest in the field but are changing the traditional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the spectrum of disease encompassed by this discipline. Already, increased understanding of the molecular biology of colorectal cancer and the translational research accompanying this knowledge is changing the paradigm of how this disease is managed. New techniques for the management of benign colorectal disease have also been forthcoming, and are being evaluated to determine their proper role in the clinical armamentarium. This article will update the reader on the most recent advances that are currently evolving in the field of colon and rectal surgery.
Optimal design of compliant mechanisms for smart structures applications

Compliant mechanisms are currently used in conjunction with induced-strain actuators to provide stroke amplification. These compliant or flexure mechanisms are preferred over conventional rigid-link amplifiers because they avoid problems with clearances in mechanical joints. Many of the current compliant amplifiers are designed using ad-hoc or intuitive methods, however. In this paper, a topology optimization algorithm developed for systematic design of compliant mechanisms is applied to the design of compliant stroke amplifiers for induced-strain actuators. The underlying formulation for the optimization method is presented, and is then illustrated by two design examples. The functionality of the optimal solutions are verified by finite element analyses.
Coordinate regulation of adenylate cyclase, protein kinase, and specific enzyme synthesis by cholera toxin in hormonally unresponsive hepatoma cells☆

Abstract Since none of the hormones which activate adenylate cyclase in other tissues have been found to activate adenylate cyclase or to induce tyrosine aminotransferase in cultured Reuber hepatoma cells (H35), despite the stimulatory effects of cyclic AMP derivatives on the latter enzyme, we tested the ability of cholera toxin to influence these processes. At low concentrations cholera toxin was found to mimic the ability of cyclic AMP derivatives to selectively stimulate the synthesis of the aminotransferase. Adenylate cyclase and protein kinase activity were also enhanced, but only after a lag period as in other systems. Specific phosphorylation of endogenous H1 histone was also shown to be increased by cholera toxin treatment. The increase in tyrosine aminotransferase activity is due to an increase in de novo synthesis as shown by radiolabeling experiments utilizing specific immunoprecipitation. The activity of another soluble enzyme induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP, PEP carboxykinase, was also stimulated by exposure of H35 cells to cholera toxin. Combinations of cholera toxin and dexamethasone led to greater than additive increases in the activity of both the aminotransferase and carboxykinase. Close coupling of cyclic AMP production with protein kinase activation and enzyme induction was suggested by the observation that the ED50 values for the stimulation of adenylate cyclase, cyclic AMP production, protein kinase, and tyrosine aminotransferase activities were found to be the same (5–7 ng/ml) within experimental error. The results indicate that the adenylate cyclase system in H35 cells is functionally responsive and they support the suggestion that activation of protein kinase is functionally linked to induction of specific enzymes.
Aberrant retinotectal projections in the frog

Abstract We mapped receptive fields of isolated retinal fibers in the superficial tectum of frogs. In animals which had previously undergone partial tectal ablation, we found a normal visual map plus an overlay projection of aberrant optic fibers, instead of the compression usually reported for the gold-fish. In animals with localized mediolateral incisions in the superficial tectum, however, we found an orderly shift of the retinal projection in a lateral direction. These data seem to indicate that interactions among retinal axons can contribute substantially to reorganization of the retinal projections upon the tectum.
Superresolution precision direction-finding techniques and measurements

An improved optical technique for electrical phase measurement has been developed at the Naval Research Laboratory under ARPA sponsorship. The approach has been demonstrated in an rf interferometer application and its performance evaluated under condition of direct rf injection and free-space irradiation. Test results indicate high-accuracy angle of arrival and low probability of ambiguity was achieved. This paper describes the phase measurement concept, implementation into the NRL Precision Direction Finding Receiver brassboard unit, calibration techniques, automated test software, and measurement results.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase Activity Is the Principal Determinant of β-Lapachone Cytotoxicity

β-Lapachone activates a novel apoptotic response in a number of cell lines. We demonstrate that the enzyme NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) substantially enhances the toxicity of β-lapachone. NQO1 expression directly correlated with sensitivity to a 4-h pulse of β-lapachone in a panel of breast cancer cell lines, and the NQO1 inhibitor, dicoumarol, significantly protected NQO1-expressing cells from all aspects of β-lapachone toxicity. Stable transfection of the NQO1-deficient cell line, MDA-MB-468, with an NQO1 expression plasmid increased apoptotic responses and lethality after β-lapachone exposure. Dicoumarol blocked both the apoptotic responses and lethality. Biochemical studies suggest that reduction of β-lapachone by NQO1 leads to a futile cycling between the quinone and hydroquinone forms, with a concomitant loss of reduced NAD(P)H. In addition, the activation of a cysteine protease, which has characteristics consistent with the neutral calcium-dependent protease, calpain, is observed after β-lapachone treatment. This is the first definitive elucidation of an intracellular target for β-lapachone in tumor cells. NQO1 could be exploited for gene therapy, radiotherapy, and/or chemopreventive interventions, since the enzyme is elevated in a number of tumor types (i.e. breast and lung) and during neoplastic transformation.