cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hospital-acquired infections and thermally injured patients: Chlorhexidine gluconate baths work

Background Thermally injured patients are at high risk for infections, including hospital acquired infections (HAIs). We modeled a twice-daily chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bath protocol aimed at decreasing HAIs. Methods Bathing with a 0.9% CHG solution in sterile water was provided twice daily as part of routine care. Institutional HAI prevention bundles were in place and did not change during the study. Baseline HAI rates were collected for 12 months before the quality study implementation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions for HAIs were used; our blinded Infection Control physician made each determination. This was an Institutional Review Board–exempt protocol. Results The study cohort included 203 patients before the quality trial and 277 patients after the quality trial. The median burn area was 25% of total body surface area. Baseline HAI rates were as follows: ventilator-associated pneumonia, 2.2 cases/1,000 ventilator-days; cathether-associated urinary tract infection, 2.7 cases/1,000 catheter-days; central line–associated bloodstream infection, 1.4 cases/1,000 device-days. With implementation of this protocol, the rates dropped to zero and have stayed at that level with the exception of 1 cathether-associated urinary tract infection. There were no untoward effects or observed delays in wound healing with this protocol. All of these changes were clinically significant, although not statistically significant; the study was not powered for statistical significance. Conclusions Using this nurse-driven protocol, we decreased, in a sustainable manner, the HAI rate in our intensive care unit to zero. No integumentary difficulties or wound healing delays were related to this protocol.
Effect of ferromagnetic ordering on the thermoelectric power of GdAl2

Abstract We have measured the temperature dependence of the thermoelectric power of GdAl 2 and we find a sharp break at 151°K, indicating the magnetic transition, followed by a broad peak at about 77°K.
Tribological Effects of Some Hydrocarbons on the Head/Disk Interface

The effects of some hydrocarbons on the head/disk interface were studied, with a new test system. Vapors of the contaminating hydrocarbons at the desired concentration and relative, humidity were continuously introduced into the test enclosure and the head/disk interfaces were subjected to accelerated start/stop tests. Tests with Mn-Zn ferrite heads and thin-film disks showed that diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) induced high stiction/friction at the interface after 3500 start/stops. When palmitic acid vapors were introduced along with DEHP, the detrimental effects of DEHP were completely reduced. Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the STLE/ASME Tribology Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 24–27, 1993
Acute canine idiopathic polyneuropathy: A Guillain-Barré-like syndrome in dogs

We evaluated 14 previously healthy dogs with acute progressive flaccid quadriparesis and hyporeflexia. Electrophysiological and pathological features indicated varying degrees of motor-sensory polyneuropathy with some demyelination. Perivenular cellular infiltrations were present in roots of one autopsied case. Recovery was rapid and often complete in dogs that did not die from respiratory complications. Two dogs subsequently developed a chronic progressive course and two had a relapsing, corticosteroid-responsive course. Acute canine idiopathic polyneuropathy (ACIP) shares many features with the Guillain-Barre syndrome, and may be a naturally occurring model of the human disorder.
Patient as the other

Abstract The “Other” refers to that which is “absolutely other,” which, according to certain postmodern thinkers, signifies the radical difference and autonomy of our fellow humans. To approach the patient as the Other, then, is to accept him or her as someone who is ultimately inaccessible to my grasp, concealed from my truth, and withdrawn from my presence. Ethics of the Other poses manifold challenges to conventional patient care: a) it exposes the inherent violence against the Other, as is manifest in the pervasive rejection of absence/concealment, in psychiatric care; b) it demands consideration of alternative perspectives on absence/concealment; c) it demands a new paradigm of healing, a paradigm which focuses on care instead of cure, and which measures excellence in clinical practice in terms of humility and sensibility, instead of power and mastery.
FlexMin: a flexible tool for automatic bug isolation in DBMS software

Debugging a database engine is an arduous task due to the complexity of the query workloads and systems. The first step in isolating a bug involves identifying a sequence of steps (or repro) that deterministically reproduces the problem. Repros are usually composed of various complex queries, which makes it very difficult to understand root causes and fix underlying bugs. Developers are thus burdened by the task of minimizing the repro as much as possible while still making it reproduce the original problem. In this paper we present FlexMin, a tool that automatically minimizes repros. FlexMin builds on previous repro minimization techniques, SIMP and delta-debugging, and makes two key contributions. First, FlexMin integrates previous approaches into a single, united technique that performs simplifications in a more focused manner. This approach is flexible and can incorporate hints to guide the search. Second, FlexMin introduces data minimization as a new facet in the minimization process, which is helpful when data is too large or sensitive to share in its entirety. We used FlexMin to isolate bugs in a commercial DBMS, and show that it consistently produces simpler repros more rapidly than prior techniques.
Bug or Feature: The Role of "Gamestar Mechanic's" Material Dialog on the Metacognitive Game Design Strategies of Players

This article examines the language and literacy practices of middle-school children as they worked toward constructing their own computer games using Gamestar Mechanic, a game intended to teach them key ways of thinking and communicating germane to the discourse of game designers. It examines the changes that took place in what previous work with this game has called their material dialog, a sequence of interactions with components made available by the game to make their own games. Using discourse analysis, it examines participants' conversation and think-aloud interview data to track the changes in their design and thinking strategies over time. Findings suggest that growing familiarity with the tools and components provided by the game allowed them to develop sophisticated understandings of the grammatical relationships between game elements that helped them develop a systemic perspective of their games. In doing so, this view allowed them to move from seeing game features that deviated from their intended designs as 'bugs', to viewing them rather as opportunities to create features that would enrich the play experience for others. Implications of these findings for children's learning in the academic and work disciplines of the twenty-first century are discussed.
Mechanism of Proton Transport of the M2 Proton Channel Studied by Constant pH Molecular Dynamics

The M2 protein of the influenza virus is a proton-selective homotetrameric channel. During virus entry, M2 is activated by the low pH of the endosome and transports protons into the virion, initiating viral uncoating. A histidine tetrad in the pore of the M2 transmembrane domain is responsible for pH activation and proton selectivity. A number of different mechanisms have been proposed for proton transport of M2 based on experimental and computational studies. To test these hypotheses, we applied the explicit-solvent continuous constant pH molecular dynamics method to study the pH-dependent conformational dynamics of M2 in explicit membrane. The calculated pKa values of the histidine tetrad are comparable to experimental values. The C-terminal openning of M2 became wider when pH was lowered. This work provides novel insight into the coupled protonation and conformational dynamics of the M2 proton channel.
Determination of 238Pu and 241Am in 239Pu by alpha-spectrometry

Abstract The alpha-spectrum tailing function used for the determination of 238Pu/239Pu and 241Am/239Pu in plutonium isotopic mixtures is described. The alpha-ratio of 238Pu to 239+240 Pu is determined from sources purified by anion exchange. The alpha-ratio of 238Pu + 241Am to 239+240Pu is then determined from sources of the unpurified material. The 241Am to 239+240Pu alpha-ratio is found by difference and converted to atom parts per million by application of the 239Pu/240Pu isotopic ratio as determined by mass spectrometry. The validity of the method has been verified by analysis of Standard Reference Materials of the US National Bureau of Standards over a period of 5 1 2 y . These analyses enable us to establish the effective purification dates of SRM 946 (10 April 1970). SRM 947 (26 September 1970), and SRM 948 (6 July 1962).
Evoked potential correlates of echolocation in the mustached bat, Pteronotus p. parnellii.

Abstract The biosonar signals of the greater mustached bats are characterized by a long constant frequency component that is preceded and terminated by frequency modulated components. It has generally been concluded that the terminal FM (TFM) is important for target ranging while the initial FM (IFM), or beginning of the signal, is relatively insignificant. With the aid of chronically implanted electrodes, acoustically evoked brainstem potentials were recorded from bats during simulated flight on a pendulum and when targets were placed at fixed distances from the bat's head. Distinct pulse- and echo-evoked potentials were recorded in relation to the onset of both the IFM and TFM, or the onset of the CF when no IFM was present. Echo-evoked potentials were often as high in amplitude as pulse-evoked potentials and the timing of the IFM- and TFM- pulse and echo-evoked potentials seemed to accurately reflect target distance. Data indicate that the IFM, or signal onset, must be a significant part of the echo even though it is usually faint, overlaps the intense outgoing CF component, and returns to the ear when the middle ear muscles are contracting.
Adhesion of Natural Rubber to Steel Substrates: The Use of Plasma Polymerized Primers

Abstract Plasma-polymerized acetylene films are excellent primers for bonding natural rubber (NR) to steel substrates. The purpose of this research was to determine the mechanisms responsible for adhesion at the NR/primer interface. Interactions between natural rubber and plasma-polymerized acetylene films were simulated using model systems containing squalene (C30H50) or squalane (C30H62), carbon black, sulfur, stearic acid, N, N-dicyclohexyl-benzothiazole-sulfenamide (DCBS), cobalt naphthenate, and diaryl-p-phenylene-diamine. Analysis of plasma-polymerized acetylene films before and after reaction with model rubber systems was accomplished using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The importance of the unsaturation in the reaction was demonstrated by comparing the behavior of the two model systems. In the squalane-based system, squalane itself was stable throughout the reaction, with only a slight reaction with the antioxidant and sulfur. No significant reactions occurred between the squalan...
Advancing the Concept Development Process With Systems Thinking

ABSTRACTCollaborative teams from the University of Cincinnati were challenged to ‘break the rules’ by not following the traditional industrial design processes and methods for developing transportation products. The well-established design process for a typical automobile is usually accomplished in industry with limited regard to the environment the vehicle will operate within. Because this process is not inclusive of the broader surroundings, it has resulted in many of the growing challenges we now face. While applying strategic methods of systems thinking to the design development process unexpected opportunities were identified, which led to the development of several alternative mobility concepts. This paper presents three of these concepts as examples and discusses how systems thinking methodologies were applied.
InAs nanowire growth on oxide-masked 〈111〉 silicon

Abstract Here we investigate the growth of InAs nanowires on 〈111〉 Si substrates masked by SiO x using metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. We study 〈111〉 (axial) and 〈1−10〉 (radial) growth of InAs NWs by varying growth duration, temperature, group-III molar flows, V/III ratio, mask material, mask opening size, and inter-wire distance. We find that growth takes place without an In droplet and the process evolves through three successive phases: nucleation of an InAs cluster, followed by two distinct nanowire growth phases. These two growth phases have different axial and radial growth rates, which originate in a transition from having In supply dominated by the open Si area in the first phase towards an In supply from the vapor/oxide mask in the second growth phase. The linear relation found between nanowire length and diameter vs. time in the last growth phase indicates that 〈111〉 growth is not surface diffusion limited as is usually the case for catalyzed growth. A high yield of vertical nanowires is obtained if group-III flow is above and V/III ratio below threshold values, in addition to having an arsenic-terminated Si surface. Furthermore, we observe that 〈111〉 and 〈1−10〉 growth is surface kinetically limited below 520 °C and 540 °C, respectively, with activation energies of 20 and 6.5 kcal/mol. This difference in activation energies limits the selectivity of the 〈111〉 to 〈1−10〉 growth to 25:1 under optimized conditions, which must be considered when fabricating axially modulated structures. However, we find that by placing wires in large arrays it is possible to completely stop the 〈1−10〉 growth rate in favor of the 〈111〉 growth rate.
Comparison of initial hemodynamic response after endovascular therapy and open surgical bypass in patients with diabetes mellitus and critical limb ischemia.

Background While endovascular (ENDO) therapy has increasingly become the initial intervention of choice to treat lower extremity peripheral arterial disease, reported outcomes for ENDO in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and diabetes have been reported to be inferior compared to open bypass surgery (OPEN). Objective data assessing the hemodynamic success of ENDO compared to the established benchmark of OPEN are sparse. We therefore evaluated and compared early hemodynamic outcomes of ENDO and OPEN in patients with diabetes with CLI at a single academic center. Methods We studied 85 consecutive patients with diabetes and CLI who underwent 109 interventions, either ENDO (n = 78) or OPEN (n = 31). The mean patient age was 69 years; 62% were men. All patients presented with either rest pain and/or ulcer/gangrene. Per protocol, all were assessed using ankle brachial index (ABI) and toe pressure (TP) determinations before and early postintervention. Results Both ENDO (ΔABI = 0.36 ± 0.24, P Conclusions These data suggest that with appropriate patient selection, each intervention is similarly efficacious in initially improving hemodynamics. If the intermediate or long-term results of ENDO for CLI in people with diabetes are inferior, the problem is not one of initial hemodynamic response, but more likely due to differing patient characteristics or durability of the intervention.
Intestinal Metaplasia, Not Atrophy or Achlorhydria, Creates a Hostile Environment for Helicobacter pylori

A 54-year-old man with dyspepsia, Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic active atrophic gastritis without intestinal metaplasia, and hyperplastic gastric polyps was followed up for 1 year after H. pylori eradication with sequential endoscopic gastric mucosal mapping and gastric function tests. Eradication of H. pylori by triple therapy resulted in the histologic resolution of gastritis. However, the patient's condition, gastric function, and morphology of the polyps were not affected. This case illustrates that: a) in the absence of intestinal metaplasia, H. pylori can infect the stomach with gastric atrophy; b) the absence of acid does not preclude H. pylori infection; c) advanced atrophic gastritis may be an irreversible condition; and (d) the neutrophilic infiltrate in hyperplastic polyps is independent of the presence of H. pylori.
Putting the US polar bear debate into context: The disconnect between old policy and new problems

Abstract Rapid ecological and social change in the Arctic challenge conventional methods of policy analyses and prescriptions. This is especially true for the conservation of ice-dependent species as climate warming has reduced sea ice cover. Polar bears are an interesting case to examine, as they are subject to a bundle of institutions, many of which cross scales and have in the past resulted in successful collective action. However, key policies such as the US Endangered Species Act, premised on mediating short-term disturbances, may not fit new problems that cross geographic and temporal scales and require the conservation of slow ecosystem processes such as oceanographic conditions or sea ice habitats. In this case, it is argued that the American polar bear regime as it has evolved no longer fits contemporary social–ecological dynamics. Through an analysis of the scale, efficacy and feasibility of individual policies making up the regime, the current bundle of policies are evaluated against a model of social–ecological system dynamics. The results indicate that the regime has increased its geographic scale to match population dynamics, but has focused on short-term disturbance over long-term resilience and is characterized by trade-offs between efficacy and feasibility. The equity of these trade-offs for indigenous communities that live with bears as part of a social–ecological system is highlighted. To address resilience and issues of equity, a systems approach to policy design and evaluation is recommended.
Production of premature delivery in pregnant rhesus monkeys by androstenedione infusion

The endocrine mechanism involved in term and preterm delivery in primates, including pregnant women, are poorly understood. In the term monkey, fetal plasma androgen concentration rises to two hundred times the maternal concentration which remains unchanged. Placental conversion of androgen to estrogen results in increased maternal plasma estrogen concentration at term in both pregnant nonhuman primates and women. In the present study, continuous infusion of androstenedione to 0.8 gestation monkeys resulted in the premature occurrence of labor-type myometrial activity and increases in maternal plasma estrogen, oxytocin and amnion fibronectin concentrations similar to those measured at normal-term labor. Androstenedione induction of these normal-term biochemical and endocrine changes accompanied by fetal membrane rupture, cervical dilatation and live delivery provides a rich opportunity to study the molecular and physiological mechanisms of both term and preterm labor in primates.
Signaling through the B cell antigen receptor regulates discrete steps in the antigen processing pathway.

Abstract Antigen processing in B cells is initiated by antigen binding to the surface B cell antigen receptor (BCR). The BCR is a signaling receptor which also functions to endocytose bound antigen for subsequent intracellular processing and presentation with class II molecules. Previously, using subcellular fractionation, we showed that although the surface BCR constitutively traffics from the cell surface to the class II peptide-loading compartment (IIPLC), cross-linking the BCR regulates trafficking, resulting in a more rapid movement of the BCR to the IIPLC (Song et al., 1995, J. Immunol. 155, 4255). The rate of degradation of both the BCR and the bound antigen was also accelerated following BCR cross-linking. Here we provide evidence that the effect of cross-linking the BCR on antigen processing is in part dependent on signal cascades initiated by the BCR. We show that the protein kinase inhibitors Genistein and Chelerythrine, which block BCR signaling, reduce BCR-enhanced antigen processing in a dose-dependent manner. The kinase inhibitors have a small effect on the rate of internalization of the BCR and antigen following BCR cross-linking and significantly decrease the accelerated trafficking to the IIPLC. The increased rate of degradation of the BCR and antigen induced by BCR cross-linking is also decreased by the kinase inhibitors. BCR signaling does not appear to have a global effect on intracellular membrane trafficking as cross-linking the BCR did not alter the rate of trafficking of newly synthesized class II molecules to the IIPLC. Thus, the signaling function of the BCR appears to play a significant role in regulating discrete steps in the intracellular antigen processing pathway.
Influence of variable chemical conditions on EDTA-enhanced transport of metal ions in mildly acidic groundwater

Adsorption of Ni and Pb on aquifer sediments from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA increased with increasing pH and metal-ion concentration. Adsorption could be described quantitatively using a semi-mechanistic surface complexation model (SCM), in which adsorption is described using chemical reactions between metal ions and adsorption sites. Equilibrium reactive transport simulations incorporating the SCMs, formation of metal-ion-EDTA complexes, and either Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide solubility or Zn desorption from sediments identified important factors responsible for trends observed during transport experiments conducted with EDTA complexes of Ni, Zn, and Pb in the Cape Cod aquifer. Dissociation of Pb-EDTA by Fe(III) is more favorable than Ni-EDTA because of differences in Ni- and Pb-adsorption to the sediments. Dissociation of Ni-EDTA becomes more favorable with decreasing Ni-EDTA concentration and decreasing pH. In contrast to Ni, Pb-EDTA can be dissociated by Zn desorbed from the aquifer sediments. Variability in adsorbed Zn concentrations has a large impact on Pb-EDTA dissociation.
Guiding hand: a teaching tool for handwriting

The goal of our demonstration is to illustrate how the haptic, force feedback device, can be used to assist people with disabilities in learning fine motor tasks, such as writing. We will be demonstrating this idea by the simulation of several letters and symbols. We use electromagnetic sensors (MotionStar Wireless2) to capture unencumbered movements performed by a 'normal' individual. The captured movement is translated to the haptic coordinate system with the use of a table-top centered frame as an intermediate frame. The translated movement is then fed into our haptic system, which varies the exerted force as a function of trainee performance. Our demonstration will use the Phantom Omni for the simulation of these writing tasks, and it will also provide visual feedback of the desired and user trajectories.
A system to assess fitness of dairy cows responding to exercise training

Objectives were to develop a system to administer exercise training to dairy cows, to measure potential physiological indicators of fitness, and to assess physical fitness. Nonlactating, nonpregnant multiparous Holstein cows (n = 19) were in one of three exercise training treatments: no exercise; 1-h exercise; or 2-h exercise by walking 3 km/h every other day for 60 d in a mechanical walker. Treadmill tests on d 15, 30, 45, and 60 consisted of walking (5 km/h) with 1.6% increases in slope at 3-min intervals until heart rates reached 180 beats per minute (experimentally specified maximum) or until cows refused to walk. Fitness indices analyzed in tests as single datum points at maximal heart rates were length of time of test, heart rate, and plasma L-lactate concentration at end of the test, and change in heart rate and lactate concentration during the test. Exercised (1 or 2 h) cows had longer times to end of tests than nonexercised cows. Maximal and change in heart rates or plasma lactate during tests did not indicate improved physical fitness. However, when all data were evaluated as repeated measures of day and minute of tests, reductions of heart rates and plasma lactate concentrations were greatest on d 60 between exercised and nonexercised cows indicating improved fitness. Acid-base measurements were not found useful in this study. Changes of heart rates and plasma lactate concentrations over time (repeated measures) of treadmill tests quantified the physical fitness of dairy cows and can be used to compare potential responses to different exercise training treatments in this system.
Genetic to genomic vaccination

Abstract Our development of genetic immunization (unfortunately named ‘DNA’-immunization at times) seems to have great promise as a vaccine delivery system. However, one is still left with the often formidable problem of discovering what gene of the pathogen to include in the genetic immunization vector. This is particularly a problem with pathogens with large genomes such as bacteria and parasites. We have developed a potential solution to this problem termed ‘expression library immunization’. It involves using expression libraries in genetic immunization vectors to basically strip down the genome into protective genes. It may offer a systematic, unbiased approach to discover vaccine candidates.
Fighting Back: The Growth of Alternative Trade

Mark S. LeClair looks at the growing influence of fair trade, the marketing and sale of products at greater than free trade prices, on international trade. He argues that fair trade represents a unique response to the perceived inequities of unrestricted free trade and through a survey conducted with fair trade organizations shows how it is operating at the moment to balance inequalities, though he warns there is a precarious future for the artisans relying on such a system.
White paper on the health status of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and recommendations for research.

Abstract A literature review of various reports sponsored by federal governmental agencies and proceedings of conferences of Asian Americans' and Pacific Islanders' health organizations provides data of health disparities among and between these diverse ethnic groups. Specifically, demographic and socio-economic data, as well as health care issues, are reported. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders exceed other groups in health disparities in the area of tuberculosis and hepatitis B, whereas cancer and cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of death within the Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. Recommendations for areas of research are provided. Nurs Outlook 2001;49:173-8.
Spurious solutions of three-particle equations

Abstract We present a new criterion for the existence of spurious bound states in the equation for three-body scattering proposed by Weinberg. It is applied to the s-wave Yamaguchi potential with the result that spurious solutions exist at real negative energies for certain values of the parameters of this realistic potential.
Hematopoietic cell transplantation for hemoglobinopathies.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation is the only curative therapy available for patients with the common and morbid inherited hemoglobin disorders, -thalassemia major and sickle cell anemia. As will be discussed, a number of complex independent factors need to be carefully weighed in making a decision as to whether the patient is an appropriate candidate for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). In this review, we will consider patients with -thalassemia major and -thalassemia intermedia, along with those with sickle cell anemia, and discuss options and limitations of current and future approaches to treat these hemoglobinopathies.
Expanding the DNA-recognition repertoire for zinc finger proteins beyond 20 amino acids.

The design of DNA binding domains based on the Cys2His2 zinc finger motif has proven to be a successful strategy for the specific recognition of novel DNA sequences. Although considerable effort has been devoted to the generation of zinc finger proteins with widely varying DNA-binding preferences, only a limited number of potential DNA binding sites have been targeted with a high degree of specificity. These restrictions on zinc finger design appear to be a consequence of the limited repertoire of side-chain lengths and functionalities available with the 20 proteinogenic amino acids. To demonstrate that these limitations can be overcome through the use of “unnatural” amino acids, expressed protein ligation was employed to incorporate the amino acid citrulline into a single position within a three-zinc finger protein. As anticipated, the resulting semisynthetic protein specifically recognizes adenine in the appropriate position of its binding site.
Respiratory bellows-gated left atrial late gadolinium enhancement

The LGE method can visualize post-ablation scar in the LA, using increased spatial resolution (1-2). However, the inversion pulse required for LGE also nulls the liver signal at the time of data acquisition (optimal TI time), so that NAV-gating, used for respiratory compensation, becomes impossible. The NAV-restore (3), which reinverts the region of the liver immediately after the initial inversion pulse, permits gating. However, pulmonary vein (PV) blood magnetization is also reinverted, and flows into the left atrium, generating inflow artifacts. These artifacts have been addressed by 1) a NAV with a smaller diameter, 2) monitoring applied earlier before data acquisition (4), or directly after data acquisition (5), when the liver magnetization will be non-zero due to a shorter or longer effective TI (with no NAV restore needed). However, optimal NAV-gating demands monitoring coincident with acquisition of central k-space. Bellows-gating is an early respiratory compensation method, with recent data suggesting a strong correlation with the superior-inferior diaphragmatic motion (6-9). Here we present the results of bellows-gated LGE.
Problems and theories of polymer crystallization

This paper discusses four general problem areas and their associated theories: the relationship between crystal growth and nucleation; the concentration dependence of crystal growth rates; the crystallization of random copolymers, and the annealing (thickening) behavior of polymer crystals.
Relationship between cell-free synthesis of ornithine transcarbamylase and protein synthesis.

Abstract An increase in ornithine transcarbamylase activity, observed in a cell-free system derived from Escherichia coli, has been examined with the following results: (1) The increase in enzyme activity required particles, ATP, and GTP and was inhibited by chloramphenicol and ribonuclease. (2) The E. coli W system was inhibited by arginine and UTP, and the supernatant from E. coli W cells grown in arginine did not support increase in ornithine transcarbamylase activity. (3) The extent and duration of enzyme activity increase was greater when s-RNA, RNA polymerase, and DNA were added to dialyzed supernatants and washed particles of E. coli B (R−). (4) Partial purification of the enzyme after in vitro incubation demonstrated that ornithine transcarbamylase was −C14 formed by the cell-free system from E. coli. (5) Calculation revealed that only 1% of the increase in enzyme activity observed could be accounted for by incorporation of C14-amino acids into ornithine transcarbamylase-C14. Rather than demonstrating complete de novo synthesis of new enzyme protein, the results suggested a cell-free completion of protein chains resulting in active enzyme formation.
Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D responses of younger and older men to three weeks of supplementation with 1800 IU/day of vitamin D.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare changes in plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels of younger and older men after three weeks of oral vitamin D supplementation.Methods: Nine younger men (22 to 28 years) and nine older men (65 to 73 years) with self-reported vitamin D intakes below 200 IU/d were enrolled in February and randomized to 1800 IU/d of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2, n=11) or to a control group (n=7) and followed for three weeks. Blood was collected at baseline, and after one, two and three weeks for measurement of plasma concentrations of total 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3.Results: In both the younger and older supplemented men, 25(OH)D2 and total 25(OH)D concentrations increased significantly during the study, whereas values of these metabolites did not change in younger or older control subjects. No group showed significant changes in 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. There was a significant interaction between age group and supplement group, suggesting that the effect of vitamin ...
Acellular Fetal Bovine Dermal Matrix for Treatment of Chronic Ulcerations of the Midfoot Associated With Charcot Neuroarthropathy

Background. Gross deformity of the foot in Charcot neuroarthropathy can lead to collapse and subsequent ulceration, infection, amputation, or premature death. This study evaluated healing of midfoo...
Peace building through a substance use conference structured on peace psychology principles

In 2005, researchers and policymakers gathered in Istanbul, Turkey for a conference, Delivery Systems for Substance Abuse Treatment, to address the internationally shared problem of substance use disorders. The conference included participants from the United States, Israel, and neighboring Middle Eastern countries and territories and was structured to create conditions that behavioral scientists have identified as key factors in facilitating successful intergroup contact. At the conclusion of the meeting, attendees reported being more likely to work with people from other countries or territories in their region as a result of the conference. Five years later, surveyed attendees reported having engaged in cooperative activities that the participants attributed at least in part to the conference. A number of concrete and verifiable examples of joint efforts between participants from the United States, Israel, and other Middle Eastern countries and territories were provided, suggesting the conference had a meaningful and lasting impact. This occurred despite a generally poor and declining environment for cooperation during this same period. These outcomes suggest that psychological principles can be successfully applied to real-world meetings, and that this may be a useful method for reaching participants who would not otherwise be reached by meetings explicitly promoted as peace-related. Limitations of this study include its descriptive nature and lack of a comparison group, which prevents conclusions regarding causality or magnitude of effect. This is a first step; in the future, controlled studies are needed to provide a stronger test of the effect of such structured meetings on outcomes. © 2014 American Psychological Association.
Regularizations and superconformal anomalies

By using different regularization methods we demonstrate that supersymmetry invariance is maintained up to one-loop order in supersymmetric gauge theories and calculate the superconformal anomalies.
Effects of shadowing in oblique-incidence metal (100) epitaxial growth.

The effects of shadowing in oblique-incidence metal (100) epitaxial growth are studied using a simplified model. We find that many of the features observed in Cu(100) growth, including the existence of a transition from anisotropic mounds to ripples perpendicular to the beam, can be explained primarily by geometrical effects. We also show that the formation of (111) facets is crucial to the development of ripples at large angles of incidence. A second transition to ``rods'' with (111) facets oriented parallel to the beam is also found at high deposition angles and film thicknesses.
Heart Failure Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction

Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs in about one half of all patients with acute myocardial infarction and is a manifestation of acute alterations in left ventricular function. In the present study CHF is defined on clinical grounds, according to the presence and extent of bilateral pulmonary rales. An accompanying S3 ventricular gallop was heard in 58% of our patients with heart failure initially, but it disappeared eventually in the majority. Dilatation of pulmonary veins and blurring of pulmonary vascular markings are useful roentgenographic signs which reflect elevations in left heart filling pressure. At times the earliest indicators of heart failure, these findings appear in general to be less sensitive than the physical examination in diagnosing CHF. Although stroke volume is decreased with CHF, cardiac index is generally maintained by increased heart rate. Left ventricular minute work and stroke work are significantly decreased, while left ventricular end-diastolic pressure is significantly increased, in patients with CHF complicating acute myocardial infarction. Arterial hypoxemia is common and the degree of arteriovenous shunting is roughly proportional to the elevation of left ventricular filling pressure. The mortality of patients with CHF is approximately three times that of patients with acute myocardial infarction and no complications. Diuretic therapy is safe and effective. Attention is called to the probability that the use of digitalis preparations in the early hours following myocardial infarction is hazardous. Furthermore, hemodynamic benefit from digitalization in the early postinfarction period remains unproven.
Effect of excess iodide upon anterior pituitary cytology of the completely thyroidectomized rat and its bearing on the question of extrathyroidal thyroxine synthesis.

ALTHOUGH cytological changes in the anterior pituitary after thyroidectomy were observed as early as 1889 (Rogowitsch), it has only recently been shown that the state of the acidophils in the rat anterior pituitary is related to the level of circulating thyroxine. Thus, Greisbach and Purves (1945) and Goldberg and Chaikoff (1950a) demonstrated that in the totally thyroidectomized rat, the acidophils constitute only about 1 per cent of the total adenohypophyseal cells, in contrast to a normal value of approximately 40 per cent. The daily administration of 0.5 gamma of DL-thyroxine per 100 gm. body weight does not prevent the appearance of typical thyroxine deficiency changes in the basophils of the thyroidecto-mized rat, but does keep the acidophils normal as judged by their morphological appearance and their percentage. The sensitivity of the acidophil response to thyroxine is most clearly brought out by comparing the effects of smaller doses; the daily injection of 0.25 gamma DL-thyroxine per 100 gm.
Issues and implications of implementing surcharges to improve the U.S. balance of trade

This article addresses the issue of implementing surcharges on goods imported into the U.S. Recent legislation calling for surcharges is reviewed and a theoretical analysis of the effects of such legislation is presented. It is suggested that the implementation of surcharges would not improve the U.S. balance of trade to the extent expected by proponents of the surcharges due to offsetting factors. Particular factors considered in this study include surcharge pass-throughs, exchange rate mechanisms, trade diversion and reaction abroad.
Inhibitors of Endocannabinoid-Metabolizing Enzymes Reduce Precipitated Withdrawal Responses in THC-Dependent Mice

Abstinence symptoms in cannabis-dependent individuals are believed to contribute to the maintenance of regular marijuana use. However, there are currently no medications approved by the FDA to treat cannabis-related disorders. The only treatment currently shown consistently to alleviate cannabinoid withdrawal in both animals and humans is substitution therapy using the psychoactive constituent of marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, new genetic and pharmacological tools are available to increase endocannabinoid levels by targeting fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) or monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), the enzymes responsible for the degradation of the endogenous cannabinoid ligands anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, respectively. In the present study, we investigated whether increasing endogenous cannabinoids levels, through the use of FAAH (−/−) mice as well as the FAAH inhibitor URB597 or the MAGL inhibitor JZL184, would reduce the intensity of withdrawal signs precipitated by the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant in THC-dependent mice. Strikingly, acute administration of either URB597 or JZL184 significantly attenuated rimonabant-precipitated withdrawal signs in THC-dependent mice. In contrast, FAAH (−/−) mice showed identical withdrawal responses as wild-type mice under a variety of conditions, suggesting that the absence of this enzyme across the development of dependence and during rimonabant challenge does not affect withdrawal responses. Of importance, subchronic administration of URB597 did not lead to cannabinoid dependence and neither URB597 nor JZL184 impaired rotarod motor coordination. These results support the concept of targeting endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes as a promising treatment for cannabis withdrawal.
Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass for redo patients

Background. The minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) procedure, using a small anterolateral thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass, has been recommended for high-risk patients because it is less traumatic than conventional coronary artery bypass grafting. For redo patients who have patent grafts and pericardial adhesions, the MIDCAB may be preferable to the conventional operation because manipulation of the graft and dissection of adhesions may be minimized. Methods. Since November 1995, 120 patients underwent the MIDCAB procedure in our institution. Among these patients, there were 25 redo cases (20.8%). We reviewed these redo cases and studied their surgical results (mortality, morbidity, hospital stay, operation time, and postoperative inotropic support). To clarify the usefulness of this procedure, we compared the results of redo operations with those of the first-time operations. Results. For redo MIDCAB, there was one operative death (4%) because of intestinal infarction. The mean hospital stay was 4.3 days and the number of patients who needed postoperative positive inotropic agents was 3 (12%). There was no significant differences between redo and first-time operation patients in mortality, morbidity, hospital stay, operation time, and postoperative inotropic support. Conclusions. Results of the MIDCAB procedure for redo patients were comparable to those for primary MIDCAB operations.
Follow-up of children with autism spectrum disorders from age 2 to age 9

The purpose of the present study was to examine the developmental outcomes of children 7 years after their initial diagnosis. Children diagnosed with autism or PDD-NOS at age 2 received follow-up evaluations at age 9. Diagnostic stability was high, with 88 percent of the sample obtaining autism spectrum diagnoses at age 9. Cognitive scores improved considerably for a large segment of the sample, with over 50 percent obtaining scores in the average range at follow-up. Language outcomes were also positive at follow-up; 88 percent of the sample demonstrated at least some functional language, and 32 percent were able to engage in conversational exchanges. Early characteristics that predicted outcome status were: age of diagnosis, age 2 cognitive and language scores, and total hours of speech-language therapy between ages 2 and 3. These findings highlight the potential long-term benefits of both early identification and early intervention, and provide additional evidence for the importance of promoting public awareness of the early signs of autism.
Seasonality in an Empirically Derived Markov Model of Tropical Pacific Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies

An empirically derived linear dynamical model is constructed using the Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set enhanced sea surface temperature data in the tropical Pacific during the period 1956-95. Annual variation in the Markov model is sought using various tests. A comparison of Nino-3.4 forecast skill using a seasonally varying Markov model to forecast skill in which the seasonal transition matrices are applied during opposite times of the year from which they were derived is made. As a result, it is determined that the seasonal transition matrices are probably not interchangeable, indicating that the Markov model is not annually constant. Stochastic forcing, which has been hypothesized to exhibit seasonality, is therefore not the sole source of the annual variation of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) dynamics and the phase locking of ENSO events to peak during November.
Plasma Renin Activity in Relation to Serum Sodium Concentration and Body Fluid Balance

ABSTRACT The relationship of peripheral plasma renin activity to changes in body fluid volume and to serum sodium concentration was studied in normal subjects and in hypertensive patients during changes in hydration or changes in sodium intake. There was an inverse relationship between renin activity and fluid volume; e.g., renin activity increased (168 to 833 ng/100 ml in normal subjects) following loss of body fluid (−2.1%) by diuresis. In contrast, the relationship of renin activity to serum sodium concentration could be reversed; e.g., renin activity decreased (109 to 62 ng/100 ml) during overhydration in spite of a decrease (140 to 129 mEq/1) in serum sodium concentration. Expansion of intravascular volume in a patient with a defect in renal sodium conservation resulted in suppression of plasma renin activity. It thus appears that some factor related to body fluid balance, perhaps intravascular volume, may be more important than serum sodium concentration in determining plasma renin activity.
Carbon nanotube sensing skins for spatial strain and impact damage identification

Impact damage, excessive loading, and corrosion have been identified as critical and long-term problems that constantly threaten the integrity and reliability of structural systems (e.g., civil infrastructures, aircrafts, and naval vessels). While a variety of sensing transducers have been proposed for structural health monitoring, most sensors only offer measurement of structural behavior at discrete structural locations. Here, a conformable carbon nanotube-polyelectrolyte sensing skin fabricated via the layer-by-layer technique is proposed to monitor strain and impact damage over spatial areas. Specifically, electrical impedance tomographical (EIT) conductivity mapping techniques are employed to offer two-dimensional damage maps from which damage location and severity can be easily and accurately quantified. This study deposits carbon nanotube-based sensing skins upon metallic structural plates with electrodes installed along the plate boundary. Based on boundary electrical measurements, EIT mapping captures both strain in the underlying substrate as well as damage (e.g., permanent deformation and cracking) introduced using an impact apparatus.