cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution of low density lipoprotein in the branch and non-branch regions of the aorta

Abstract Atherosclerosis occurs focally in branch segments of the artery. Understanding why these segments are more susceptible to the development of the disease is at the root of understanding atherogenesis. We investigated accumulation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the branch and non-branch regions of the aorta to determine why the disease develops in branch regions. Abdominal aortas and their major branches were harvested from 36 rabbits. Rabbit LDL was prepared from whole blood and radiolabeled with 125 I. The aorta was incubated with radiolabeled LDL in the lumen at 37°C, under intraluminal pressure of 2–3 mmHg, for 1 h. Disks of 1.8 mm diameter were punched from the branch and non-branch regions of the aorta, cryosectioned and the sections counted in a gamma counter. Protein bound radioactivity was determined by TCA precipitation. LDL accumulation was highest towards the aortic intima and declined sharply towards the media. LDL accumulation at any given depth was higher in the branch than non-branch region. LDL accumulation in the intimal-medial sections was 87% higher in the branch than non-branch region. Total LDL accumulation in the branch was almost twice that in the non-branch region. Mean LDL accumulation was also greater in the branch than non-branch region. The aorta was significantly thicker at the branch. LDL distribution profiles indicate that LDL is present in a greater concentration and over a greater depth in the branch than non-branch region. The tendency of the branch region to accumulate LDL in greater amounts may explain its susceptibility to atherosclerotic lesion development.
The Ancestry of Genetic Segments

Recombination within a DNA segment during the neutral fixation process is studied to determine the number of individuals in previous generations which carry genetic material ancestral to that region in the present generation. If 𝑁𝑟≪1, where 𝑁 is the population size and 𝑟 is the probability of a recombination event within that region per individual in a generation, the ancestors of all the base pairs in that segment were probably in the same individual in an arbitrary generation in the asymptotic past (prior to the most recent common ancestor) and all the base pairs in that segment share a common coalescent. If 𝑁𝑟≫1, the ancestors of the base pairs in a segment are probably spread among several individuals in asymptotic generations; hence, there is not an ancestral individual, but an ancestral pool, and the coalescents of base pairs do not coincide. The overlap of the ancestral pools of unlinked genetic segments is less than 2𝑝𝑞 where 𝑝 and 𝑞 are the relative frequencies of the two ancestral pools, which provides that the size of the ancestral pool for the human genome is close to the .80 upper bound which ensues from the Poisson progeny distribution.
Application of moment methods to the characterization of ribbon cables

Abstract A general method for computing the generalized capacitance matrix for a system of cylindrical conductors with cylindrical, dielectric insulations was applied to the case of ribbon (flatpack) cables. Simplifications in the general method were made possible by the symmetry of the cable: the wires lie in a plane, and all wires in the cable are identical as are the center-to-center spacings of adjacent wires. These characteristics were exploited in the adaptation of the general method to the case of ribbon cables and resulted in numerous computational simplifications.
Implementation of dynamic service aggregation for interactive video delivery

Conventional video-on-demand (VoD) servers providing VCR-like interactivity allocate a separate channel for each user. Various schemes have been proposed for aggregating users into groups to improve resource utilization. By bridging the temporal skew between users viewing the same content, multiple users can be served from a single channel. Dynamic aggregation techniques such as rate adaptation and content insertion attempt to optimize resource utilization on-the-fly, thus improving their performance in interactive situations. In this paper, we describe a VoD system which delivers continuous media content to multiple clients using dynamic service aggregation to reduce bandwidth requirements. MPEG-1 system streams are used as the content format and IP multicast is used for video delivery. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate the viability of dynamic service aggregation using rate-adaptive merging in a VoD system. We present our experiences with building the system and address some important issues relating to aggregation in video servers including server directed channel switching in the client and stream merging by acceleration. We show simulations of our clustering and merging algorithms for large user populations and report the piggybacking of over 2.5 users on average per physical channel.
Intravitreal triamcinolone for treatment of complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Abstract Background: We present a retrospective evaluation of the clinical outcome and complications associated with intravitreal injection of unaltered triamcinolone acetonide in conjunction with pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for the treatment of complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy with tractional retinal detachment and severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Methods: Thirteen eyes of 12 consecutive patients were identified from a computerized patient database. All eyes were operated on by the same surgeon and received 4 mg of unaltered, commercially available triamcinolone acetonide intravitreally, before silicone oil injection. The patients were followed for a mean of 4.7 months (range 1–15 months), and demographic as well as pertinent preoperative and postoperative clinical information was gathered. Results: At the last follow-up visit, vision had improved in 4 eyes, remained stable in 5 eyes, and worsened in 4 eyes. The retina was attached at the end of follow-up in 10 of the 13 eyes. Eight of the 13 eyes did not show any clinical signs of reproliferation or redetachment during the course of follow-up. The mean intraocular pressure did not increase (preoperative value was 10.8 ± 6.22 mm Hg with a range of 0–22 mm Hg; at last follow-up, mean pressure was 9.6 ± 3.86 mm Hg with a cumulative postoperative range of 0–26 mm Hg). Steroid crystals were visible at 1 month postoperatively in 3 eyes and did not hinder fundus examination significantly. Interpretation: The intravitreal injection of low-dose, unaltered triamcinolone acetonide in the setting of pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy and complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy appears to be well tolerated. Further controlled study is needed to clearly define the potential beneficial effects of intravitreal steroids in these 2 disease processes.
Application of Coherent Gradient Sensing (CGS) to the investigation of dynamic fracture problems

Abstract In this paper we review recent theoretical and experimental developments related to the investigation of dynamic and transient crack-tip deformations using a new coherent optical technique— coherent gradient sensing (CGS). CGS is a full-field, lateral-shearing interferometric technique with an on-line spatial filter. This full-field optical method has been used both in transmission and reflection modes to study deformations in transparent as well as opaque solids. Its ability to produce fringes in real time is used advantageously to map dynamic crack-tip deformations in PMMA and AISI-4340 steel specimens as well as in bimaterial combinations of PMMA/Al and PMMA/steel. The technique measures either in-plane stress gradients (transmission) or out-of-plane displacement gradients (reflection).
Differences in enzymatic and mechanical isolated rabbit renal proximal tubules: comparison in long-term incubation.

Suspensions of renal proximal tubules (RPT) are the in vitro model for many biochemical and physiologic investigations. Inasmuch as there are numerous procedures for tubule isolation and the more commonly used enzymatic procedures may disrupt the basement membrane, there is a need for information comparing the influence of various isolation methods on RPT viability and function in long-term suspension. Rabbit RPT isolated a) enzymatically (ENZ) by in vitro collagenase digestion and Percoll size and density purification, and b) mechanically (MECH) by in invitro iron oxide perfusion and purification by sieving and magnetic removal of glomeruli were compared for viability, morphology, and functional stability during long-term suspension. RPT isolated by ENZ and MECH methods had excellent viability (<15% lactate dehydrogenase release), limited lipid peroxidation (<0.2 nmol MDA mg protein−1), and stable nystatin-stimulated oxygen consumption (QO2) (38 and 36 nmol. O2·mg protein−1·min−1) throughout 24 h of incubation. Basal QO2 was higher in ENZ than MECH tubules (27 and 19 nmol O2·mg protein−1·min−1, respectively), and was unchanged over 24 h in each preparation. The higher basal QO2 in ENZ tubules was ouabain-sensitive, suggesting an increased rate of Na+, K+-ATPase activity in these tubules. Total glutathione content (oxidized + reduced) in ENZ and MECH tubules increased over the 24-h incubation from 8 to 18 nmol·mg protein−1· γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activity of the RPT homogenates was equivalent in both preparations and stable over time. The ratio of suspension GGT activity to homogenate GGT activity doubled (0.4 to 0.8) during the incubation period. MECH tubules retained their tubule structure during 24 h of incubation whereas the ENZ tubules had a striking loss of tubular morphology over time. These results show that ENZ- and MECH-isolated renal proximal tubule suspensions exhibit similar biochemical properties in long-term incubations but differ in ouabain-sensitive QO2 and the retention of tubular morphology. The loss of tubular morphology and the increase in the rate of Na+, K+-ATPase activity in ENZ tubules may be secondary to the disruption of the tubular basement membrane.
Analytical applications of organically modified silicates

Inorganic-organic hybrid materials prepared by the sol-gel process have become an attractive field of study due to the immense versatility associated with this method of composite material preparation. The blending of inorganic precursors with organosilicon reagents enables unique materials to be fabricated with the desired chemical and physical characteristics. The ability to control the interfacial polarity, the degree of porosity, and the chemical functionality in the matrix has been shown to be a powerful tool in the design of materials for sensor, optical, chromatographic, and catalytic applications. In this review, the preparation of the organically modified silicates (ORMOSILs) where the individual precursors are covalently bound to each other is discussed and selected examples of their potential usefulness in analytical applications is presented.
Effects of autoionizing resonances on electron-impact excitation rates and gain calculations for Ni-like tantalum

The electron-impact excitation-rate coefficients for the 3{ital d} to 4{ital l} transitions in Ni-like tantalum were calculated using the distorted-wave and the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock methods. As for the few-electron cases, the effects of autoionizing resonances are found to be very important for most transitions. In some transitions, resonances can enhance the rate coefficients by as much as a factor of 5. A collisional-radiative model was employed to study the effects of resonances on the laser gains. We found that the inclusions of the resonance excitation-rate coefficients in the calculations significantly reduce the gain coefficients for the two {ital J}=0{r_arrow}1 lasing transitions but fail to explain the large discrepancies between the predicted and measured lasing spectrum.
Scattered compactifications and the orderability of scattered spaces

Abstract A space is defined to be suborderable if it is embeddable in a (totally) orderable space. The length of a scattered space X is the least ordinal a such that X ( a ), the a th derived set of X , is empty. It is shown that a suborderable scattered space of countable length is hereditarily paracompact, orderable, and admits an orderable scattered compactification.
System Design of Adjustable Speed Drives, Part 1: Equipment and Load Interactions

The solid-state power converter markets are rapidly increasing due to the push for improved energy efficiency and reduced impact on the environment, using alternative and distributed energy generation. Power converters have a high growth opportunity, irrespective of low-voltage (LV) or medium-voltage (MV) technology. To meet these market expectations, designers and application specialists are forced to address both well-known and new technical hurdles.
A SINGULAR VALUE ANALYSIS OF BOUNDARY LAYER CONTROL

Several approaches for boundary-layer control are analyzed from a linear system point of view. The singular value decomposition (SVD) is applied to the linearized Navier–Stokes system in the presence of control. The performance of control is examined in terms of the largest singular values, which represent the maximum disturbance energy growth ratio attainable in the linear system under control. It is shown that the maximum growth ratio is less in controlled systems than in the uncontrolled system only when control parameters are within a certain range of values. With opposition control, for example, when the detection plane is located too far away from the wall, the maximum energy growth ratio is larger, consistent with the results observed in direct numerical simulations. The SVD analysis of other controls also shows a similarity between the trend observed in the SVD analysis (linear) and that observed in direct numerical simulations (nonlinear), thus reaffirming the importance of linear mechanisms in t...
Effects of interfacial layer growth on the electrical characteristics of thin titanium oxide films on silicon

Effects of interfacial layer growth on reactively sputter-deposited TiO2 films were studied. Leakage current was reduced to 10−8 A/cm2 at +1 V after annealing in oxygen ambient and showed tunneling-like temperature dependence. As the interfacial layer grew, interface states and hysteresis were improved significantly. However, the reliability was degraded as the annealing temperature increased.
Effects of various forms of monoclonal anti-Fc gamma R II (2.4G2) on B lymphocyte responses.

Abstract The effects of monoclonal anti-Fcγ R II (2.4G2) in various forms on B lymphocyte proliferation and antibody (mu) secretion in vitro were evaluated. Soluble native 2.4G2 did not stimulate or inhibit the responses of B lymphocytes, either unstimulated or stimulated with rabbit F(ab') 2 anti-mouse mu (anti-mu) plus lymphokines (the supernatant of Concanavalin A stimulated rat spleen cells). The failure of native 2.4G2 to affect responses was observed over a broad range of concentrations, and even when the B lymphocytes were incubated with the 2.4G2 for 24 hr prior to stimulation with anti-mu and lymphokines. Similarly, soluble chemically cross-linked 2.4G2 failed to affect B lymphocyte responses. Binding studies indicated that this failure was not due to a lack of binding and suggested that the polymerized 2.4G2 was cross-linking at least four Fcγ R II. Larger multimers of 2.4G2 could not be evaluated due to a loss of binding activity. In contrast to the above results, 2.4G2 which was capable of extensively cross-linking Fcγ R II (2.4G2 bound to Sepharose) or of cross-linking Fcγ R II to surface IgM (2.4G2 hetero-cross-linked with anti-mu) specifically inhibited B lymphocyte responses to anti-mu and lymphokines. Antibody secretion was affected more than proliferation. These results provide additional evidence that Fcγ R II regulate the responses of B lymphocytes, and suggest that cross-linking of more than four Fcγ R II is necessary to generate the inhibitory signal. Further, the results indicate that the ligand does not have to be internalized in order to generate the regulatory signal. Finally, the results with the heterodimer suggest that it may be possible to regulate a particular antibody response using anti-Fcγ R II cross-linked to antigen or to anti-receptor antibody (e.g. an anti-idiotype).
Comparison of the effects of brain dopamine-depleting lesions upon oral behaviors elicited by tail pinch and electrical brain stimulation

Abstract Rats with extensive brain dopamine (DA) depletions subsequent to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) intraventricular injections (2×200 μg) showed relatively normal food-directed responses to tail pinch and to electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus. These eating and gnawing behaviors occurred even in animals that were still spontaneously aphagic after the brain lesion. In contrast, rats with similar brain DA depletions produced by a single intraventricular injection of 250 μg 6-OHDA showed a permanent abolition of electrically-elicited eating, and a chronic reduction in tail pinch behaviors. Rats treated with intranigral 6-OHDA sustained essentially complete striatal and 90% nucleus accumbens DA depletions; they showed a marked absence of both spontaneous and pinch-elicited oral behaviors. We discuss the possible parallels between tail pinch- and electrically-elicited behaviors, their relationship to naturally occurring behavior patterns, and the necessary or sufficient supportive role of nigrostriatal DA.
Early changes in the synthesis of proteins with affinity for single-stranded DNA during the onset of transformation in NRK cells.

Abstract Early alterations in the synthesis of proteins which bind to single-stranded DNA have been examined following the onset of transformation in NRK cells transformed by a heat-sensitive mutant (ts339) of Rous sarcoma virus. Transformation was initiated by shifting quiescent cultures from non-permissive to permissive temperatures. Cultures were prelabelled with [ 3 H]leucine for several generations at the non-permissive temperature, and with [ 35 S]methionine at times after shift to the permissive temperature. Cytosol extracts were passed through sequential columns of double-stranded and single-stranded DNA bound to cellulose. Within the first hour of transformation there was an increase in the synthetic rate of proteins binding tightly to single-stranded DNA, but not to double-stranded DNA. More loosely bound protein fractions showed no such early synthetic increase. Electrophoresis of the fraction eluted from single-stranded DNA-cellulose with 2 M NaCl demonstrated the presence of a major protein of 93 000 daltons, which comprised more than 0.1% of the cytosol protein. The synthesis of the 93 000 dalton protein increased continuously over the first 4 h interval after the onset of transformation. The synthetic rate of a 35 000 dalton protein, a major DNA-binding polypeptide found in mammalian cells, began to increase after a 1-h lag, following the onset of transformation. The protein fraction containing the 93 000 dalton protein had considerable unwinding activity, depressing the melting temperature of poly(dA-dT) by 39°C. The protein fraction containing the bulk of the 35 000 dalton protein did not have unwinding activity. Transformation-induced DNA synthesis was measured in cells made permeable to deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates at times after shift to the permissive temperature. It was determined that synthesis of DNA began within the first 1–2 h after the onset of transformation. We conclude that the early transformation-associated synthesis of SS93 and perhaps other proteins binding to single-stranded DNA may be related to early transformation-associated changes preparatory to DNA replication and subsequent growth.
A Distribution-Free Test for Symmetry Based on a Runs Statistic

Abstract I present a simple test, based on a runs statistic, for symmetry of a continuous distribution about a known median. The statistic has a binomial sampling distribution and desirable invariance properties. Monte Carlo studies demonstrate that, for a wide variety of alternative asymmetric distributions, the test is more powerful than tests proposed by Butler (1969), Rothman and Woodroofe (1972), or Hill and Rao (1977).
The Measurement of Donnan Potentials with Dyed Cellulose and Aqueous Salt Solutions

Measurements have been made of the electrical potential difference (Donnan potential) between dyed Cellophane and aqueous solutions of alkali-metal chlorides. The presence of adsorbed coloured ions of negative electric charge increases the negative potential of cellulose, whereas positively charged coloured ions may reverse the sign of the charge. The measured potentials, whilst smaller than those predicted by the application of the Donnan theory, after making the usual simplifying assumptions, are in good general agreement with modern views of the mechanism of direct dyeing.
Regulation of pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion by RhoC GTPase and caveolin-1.

In the current study we investigated the role of caveolin-1 (cav-1) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) cell migration and invasion; initial steps in metastasis. Cav-1 is the major structural protein in caveolae; small Ω-shaped invaginations within the plasma membrane. Caveolae are involved in signal transduction, wherein cav-1 acts as a scaffolding protein to organize multiple molecular complexes regulating a variety of cellular events. Recent evidence suggests a role for cav-1 in promoting cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis; however, the molecular mechanisms have not been described. The small monomeric GTPases are among several molecules which associate with cav-1. Classically, the Rho GTPases control actin cytoskeletal reorganization during cell migration and invasion. RhoC GTPase is overexpressed in aggressive cancers that metastasize and is the predominant GTPase in PC. Like several GTPases, RhoC contains a putative cav-1 binding motif. Analysis of 10 PC cell lines revealed high levels of cav-1 expression in lines derived from primary tumors and low expression in those derived from metastases. Comparison of the BxPC-3 (derived from a primary tumor) and HPAF-II (derived from a metastasis) demonstrates a reciprocal relationship between cav-1 expression and p42/p44 Erk activation with PC cell migration, invasion, RhoC GTPase and p38 MAPK activation. Furthermore, inhibition of RhoC or p38 activity in HPAF-II cells leads to partial restoration of cav-1 expression. Cav-1 expression inhibits RhoC GTPase activation and subsequent activation of the p38 MAPK pathway in primary PC cells thus restricting migration and invasion. In contrast, loss of cav-1 expression leads to RhoC-mediated migration and invasion in metastatic PC cells.
Neoamphimedine circumvents metnase-enhanced DNA topoisomerase IIα activity through ATP-competitive inhibition.

Type IIα DNA topoisomerase (TopoIIα) is among the most important clinical drug targets for the treatment of cancer. Recently, the DNA repair protein Metnase was shown to enhance TopoIIα activity and increase resistance to TopoIIα poisons. Using in vitro DNA decatenation assays we show that neoamphimedine potently inhibits TopoIIα-dependent DNA decatenation in the presence of Metnase. Cell proliferation assays demonstrate that neoamphimedine can inhibit Metnase-enhanced cell growth with an IC50 of 0.5 μM. Additionally, we find that the apparent Km of TopoIIα for ATP increases linearly with higher concentrations of neoamphimedine, indicating ATP-competitive inhibition, which is substantiated by molecular modeling. These findings support the continued development of neoamphimedine as an anticancer agent, particularly in solid tumors that over-express Metnase.
Circular External Fixation for Treatment of Distal Humerus Fractures: Case Report

High-energy blasts can lead to complex intra-articular distal humerus fractures with extensive soft tissue loss, and treatment is fraught with complications. We describe 2 patients with such injuries treated successfully with the use of aggressive wound management followed by distal humerus fracture stabilization with a circular external fixator. We chose this circular external fixator over the Ilizarov frame because of our experience and success in the treatment of open tibia fractures with negligible malalignment and high union rate. This circular external fixator allows for indirect reduction of fracture fragments over time to improve final alignment with great control to fine-tune the reduction postoperatively. In our humerus cases, fracture union was achieved with good alignment and acceptable functional range of motion. Symptomatic heterotopic ossification did not develop despite the presence of multiple risk factors.
Interferometric radar sensor with active transponders for signal boosting and clutter rejection in Structural Health Monitoring

A continuous wave (CW) radar sensor system with active transponders is designed for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) to accurately measure the structures' vibration while rejecting clutters reflected from the surrounding environment. The radar sensor, designed with a coherent heterodyne architecture, transmits a single-tone 2.4 GHz signal and receives a returning signal at 3.3 GHz, thus rejecting the backscattered clutters at 2.4 GHz. The active transponder was designed to convert the received 2.4 GHz signal up to 3.3 GHz and transmits a 900 MHz reference to synchronize the radar sensor. The proposed radar with active transponders was tested in lab environment to successfully capture vibration movements from 4.1 m with SNR over 35 dB. Experiments also showed that the radar sensor can isolate the target motion from the interferences from surrounding shaking bodies and sinusoidal phantom motions.
Effects of Storage Temperature and Kernel Physical Condition on Popping Qualities of Popcorn Hybrids

ABSTRACT Effect of storage temperature before popping and kernel physical properties on popping characteristics were studied using popcorn (Zea mays L.) hybrids harvested in 1997. Popped volume (PV), unpopped kernel ratio (UPK), and popping times were measured from 250 g of moisture-adjusted kernels stored at 30, 1, and −29°C for one month. Maximum popped volume (MPV) and minimum unpopped kernel ratio (MUPK) at the corresponding optimum moisture contents (OMC) were mathematically calculated from PV, UPK, and moisture content values. MPV was significantly affected by storage temperature before popping. Hybrid significantly affected MPV and MUPK. Moisture content, storage temperature, and hybrid significantly varied popping time of the popcorn hybrids, with moisture content being the most important. Correlation results showed that MPV was negatively correlated with unsound kernel ratio, UPK, and popping time. Moisture adjustment of intact kernels should be done at different storage conditions; high temperat...
Formation of alumina nanofibers in carbon-containing coflow laminar diffusion flames

Abstract Nano-fibrous materials have attracted continuing research interest because of potential applications due to their unique properties. We report, for the first time, formation of alumina nanofibers in carbon-containing coflow diffusion flames with pure oxygen support, using trimethylaluminum vapor as the precursor. The alumina nanofibers were non-crystalline, typically 2–10 nm in diameter and 20–210 nm in length. No alumina nanofiber formation was found in flames supported by air. Neither was alumina nanofiber formation found in flames with pure H 2 as fuel. Thermophoretic samples showed that the nanofibers were formed in the region past the maximum temperature zone of the flame. The experimental data suggest that the alumina nanofibers were formed from gas-phase aluminum-containing species in the flame. Gas-phase carbon-containing species such as CO were probably crucial to the formation of the alumina nanofibers.
Examining the Effects of a Reformed Junior High School Science Class on Students' Math Achievement.

Though national standards emphasize the importance of connections between math and science, few empirical studies exist to support the notion that student achievement increases from such integration. This paper examines an eighth-grade science class that integrated mathematics into science through the use of technology. In a setting of action research, the effects of such integration were examined. This paper reports that integrating mathematics into the science class positively affected students' achievement in their math class and describes the circumstances under which the integration occurred.
The association of telomere length with family violence and disruption

BACKGROUND: To enhance the understanding of biological mechanisms connecting early adversity and negative health, we examine the association between family interpersonal violence and disruption and telomere length in youth. These specific exposures were selected because of their established links with negative health consequences across the life-course. METHODS: Children, age 5 to 15, were recruited from the greater New Orleans area, and exposure to family disruption and violence was assessed through caregiver report. Telomere length, from buccal cell DNA (buccal telomere length [bTL]), was determined by using monochrome multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The association between bTL and adversity exposure was tested ( n = 80). RESULTS: Cumulative exposure to interpersonal violence and family disruption was correlated with bTL. Controlling for other sociodemographic factors, bTL was significantly shorter in children with higher exposure to family violence and disruption. Witnessing family violence exerted a particularly potent impact. A significant gender interaction was found (β = −0.0086, SE = 0.0031, z test= −2.79, P = .0053) and analysis revealed the effect only in girls. CONCLUSIONS: bTL is a molecular biomarker of adversity and allostatic load that is detectable in childhood. The present results extend previous studies by demonstrating that telomeres are sensitive to adversity within the overarching family domain. These findings suggest that the family ecology may be an important target for interventions to reduce the biological impact of adversity in the lives of children.
Nitric oxide reduces flow-induced superoxide production via cGMP-dependent protein kinase in thick ascending limbs.

We have shown that increased luminal flow induces O2− and nitric oxide (NO) production in thick ascending limbs (TALs). However, the interaction of flow-stimulated NO and O2− in TALs is unclear. We...
Intermediate Determinants of Mortality in the Evaluation of Screening

The long time needed to carry out experimental studies of screening for chronic diseases limits their usefulness. This paper describes a method of using prognostic factors, such as the stage of cancer, determined at the time of treatment in screened and unscreened groups to predict the subsequent population mortality rate in each group. The method of prediction makes use of available data on the relation of case fatality to the prognostic factors. Such predictions could be made several years in advance of the time that mortality would be observed directly. The method is illustrated by use of data from the Health Insurance Plan (HIP) study of screening for breast cancer. A reduction of mortality in screened compared to unscreened women was predicted, but it was substantially less than the reduction that was observed. Potential sources of error in the predictions are discussed.
Selection of Paths for Delay Testing

In this paper, we propose a new approach to efficiently identify paths for delay testing. We use a realistic delay model and several new concepts (timing threshold, settling times [14], and timing blocking line) and algorithms, to identify a set of paths that is guaranteed to include all paths that may potentially cause a timing error if the accumulated values of additional delays along circuit paths is upper bounded by a desired limit, ... The first phase of the proposed approach identifies a small subset of all possible paths in the circuit for further analysis. Since this phase only requires breadth-first static timing analysis (forward and backward), its complexity is independent of the number of paths in the circuit as well as the number of all possible two-vector sequences that may be applied to the circuit. We then use new conditions for functional sensitization that help identify paths that may be functionally sensitizable and have the potential of causing timing errors if accumulated values of additional delays along any path is upper bounded by ... The results show that without any search, the proposed approach identifies a near minimal number of paths at low complexity.
Signal polarity restoration in a 3D inversion recovery sequence used with delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC).

Purpose: To develop an image reconstruction algorithm that restores the signal polarity in a three-dimensional inversion-recovery (3D-IR) sequence used in delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC). This approach effectively doubles the dynamic range of data used for T1 curve fitting. Materials and Methods: We applied this reconstruction algorithm to a 3D-IR TFE sequence used for T1 mapping, validated the technique in a phantom study, and performed T1-map calculations in postosteochondral allograft transplant (OAT) patients. In addition, we performed a signal simulation study to assess the algorithm's capability to reduce the number of inversion times used in the 3D-IR TFE sequence. Results: In comparison to a standard T1-mapping algorithm that uses the magnitude of the MRI signal, the proposed algorithm improves the reliability of T1 relaxation fits to the inversion-recovery three-parameter function. The signal simulation study shows that the number of TI inversion times can be reduced to as few as four, without compromising the accuracy of T1 calculations. Conclusion: This algorithm can be applied to any 2D- or 3D-IR acquisition sequence used in conjunction with dGEMRIC. Application of the algorithm improves the reliability of T1 calculations and allows the number of TIs to be reduced, leading to shorter scan times in dGEMRIC. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:1248–1255. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo 13C NMR analysis of acyl chain composition and organization of perirenal triacylglycerides in rats fed vegetable and fish oils

Lipid composition of body fat can be a key indicator of nutritional status and a number of human disorders. In vivo 13C NMR provides for repeated, noninvasive analysis of fatty acyl chain composition on individuals, which circumvents classical problems of individual variation and repetitive invasive sampling. It also offers a unique opportunity to examine acyl chain organization in situ. This approach was used to examine the fatty acyl chain composition in the perirenal fat pads of rats fed olive, safflower, and menhaden oil-containing diets. These changes were then monitored during a diet switch between olive and menhaden oil-fed rats. The fatty acid composition of perirenal fat pads and livers was also analyzed using gas chromatography for comparison with the in vivo NMR analysis. Both tissues assumed the general characteristics of diet fatty acyl chain and fatty acid composition and the diet switch induced a switchover of the perirenal composition in 30-45 days. These results indicate that a large portion of the diet fatty acyl chains were incorporated directly into adipose and liver tissues although some were also metabolized, particularly in menhaden oil-fed rats. Furthermore, changes in the in vivo spin-lattice relaxation times (T1) of fatty acyl carbons in the perirenal fat pads and their lipid extracts were followed and effective correlation times (tau eff) were calculated from the T1 data. The result indicated that the in vivo segmental mobility of acyl carbons was sensitive to changes in diet-derived fatty acyl chain composition and that the central region of the acyl chain was more sensitive to these changes. There was a qualitative similarity but quantitative differences in the tau eff of acyl carbons acquired in vivo and from extracts. These results suggest that adipose triacylglycerides experience an overall liquid-like microenvironment in vivo but with more restriction in their mobility, and that different factors may exist in governing their organization in situ versus in extracts.
High resolution digital elevation model and a Web-based client-server application for improved flood plain management

Digital elevation models (DEMs) are used more and more frequently in flood plain management. Examples include flood plain models, visualization, flood hazard assessment, and determination of flood-plain elevation. One of the major problems in developing accurate high resolution DEMs is that traditional data sources do not possess enough horizontal resolution and vertical accuracy for flood-plain studies. In this study, a high-resolution DEM was generated using digitally scanned NAPP aerial photos in conjunction with highly accurate ground control from a rapid-static GPS survey. The high resolution DEM and an ortho-mosaic of the NAPP images developed in this study were made available to St. Charles County government officials through the World Wide Web using Client-Server technology. The design and development of this technology utilized ArcViewIMS, ArcView GIS, Java, JavaScript, HTML and Avenue programming. This Web-based tool allows the user to query a point in the ortho-mosaic to determine horizontal position and vertical elevation. In addition, common mapping functions such as zoom, pan, download and print are also incorporated in the Web-based tool.
Using mathematical optimization models to design nature reserves

Designing an optimal nature reserve for the protection of biological diversity has been a long-standing challenge in conservation biology. A fundamental question has always been, which areas of land should be set aside. During the past two decades, quantitative methods from the field of operations research have been applied to the problem of selecting reserve sites. Here, we trace the development of decision models for systematic reserve design, from the iterative methods developed in the 1980s to the sophisticated spatial models being formulated today. Collaborations among ecologists, conservation biologists, and operations researchers have been key to the progress made thus far. We expect that mathematical reserve design models will become more widely used, in response to a growing need to identify effective alternatives for complex conservation problems worldwide.
Remembering Poemen Remembering : The Desert Fathers and the Spirituality of Memory

In 407, a tribe of barbarian raiders known as Mazices came sweeping off the Libyan desert and devastated one of the first great centers of Christian monasticism, the settlement of Scetis. Scetis was located in a remote desert valley west of the Nile and had been founded around 330 by one of the pioneers of the monastic movement, Macarius the Egyptian (d. 390). Before the attack, it had enjoyed an international reputation for its ascetic rigor and incisive wisdom. Word of the devastation spread rapidly, even to the Latin West. Augustine knew of it and counted it among the great disasters of the time.2 And when the sack of Rome took place a couple of years later, in 410, one of Scetis's survivors, Abba Arsenius, would link the two events: “The world has lost Rome and the monks have lost Scetis.” Scetis's destruction marked a turning point in the history of early Christian monasticism. The site would be resettled a few years later, and in fact would suffer other barbarian raids, notably in 434, 444, and 570. But after this first one, many of its leading monks dispersed and never returned.
Dielectric and magnetic measurements: A survey of nondestructive, quasi-nondestructive, and process-control techniques

A review of the most common methods for nondestructive permittivity and permeability measurements is presented. Transmission-line techniques, coaxial apertures, open resonators, surface-waves, and dielectric resonator methods are examined. Measurements on bulk, thin materials, and thin films are addressed. Measurement fixtures that can be used as sensors are highlighted. The frequency range of applicability and typical uncertainties associated with each method are addressed.
Bayesian Analysis of the Two-Parameter Gamma Distribution

This paper presents a Bayesian analysis of shape, scale, and mean of the two-parameter gamma distribution. Attention is given to conjugate and “non-informative” priors, to simplifications of the numerical analysis of posterior distributions, and to comparison of Bayesian and classical inferences.
Assessment and treatment of recurrent VTOS

Patients that have undergone treatment for venous TOS generally have excellent clinical outcomes, but a small proportion of individuals may present with persistent or recurrent upper extremity symptoms. The purpose of this chapter is to outline the spectrum of conditions that should be considered in evaluation of such patients and a systematic approach to address these problems. It can be expected that with comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment, the majority of patients with persistent or recurrent venous TOS can experience decreased symptoms and restoration of normal upper extremity function.
Co-electroplated kesterite bifacial thin film solar cells

Kesterite bifacial thin film solar cells using transparent conductive oxides (TCO) as front and rear back contact were prepared by the post-chalcogenation of co-electroplated Cu-Zn-Sn-S precursors. The crystallization growth machnism of kesterite materials on the ITO and FTO substrates are investigated. A novel interfacial reaction between ITO and kesterite materials is revealed. 5% efficient kesterite sulfide bifacial solar cells are achieved under front-side illumination.
Yitzhak Kertesz (1956-1995): In Memoriam

The career and contributions of Yitzhak Kertesz, the late Chief Librarian of the Leo Baeck Institute in New York, are described. Appended is a translation of a eulogy by Dr. Jozsef Schweitzer, Director of the Rabbinical Seminary in Budapest, which appeared originally in Hungarian.
Heel reconstruction with flexor digitorum brevis musculocutaneous flap

A 4-year-old girl with an extensive soft tissue loss of the left heel is presented. Management by debridement followed by coverage with an innervated flexor digitorum superficialis musculocutaneous flap resulted in primary healing. Full weight-bearing ambulation was resumed 8 weeks postoperatively. The patient has been ambulating on the reconstructed heel for 18 months without difficulty. Technical aspects of the reconstruction are presented as well as a discussion of treatment alternatives.
Milking–Induced Release of Endogenous Prolactin In Cows Infused with Exogenous Prolactin

SummaryExogenous prolactin (3 or 9 mg NIH–B3/hr) or saline was infused for 2.5 hr into 6 cows. The prolactin or saline infusions were repeated on alternate days for a total of 4 days. Approximately 45 min was required to achieve a stable baseline after the prolactin infusion was started. The exogenous prolactin, which increased serum prolactin approximately 5– and 8–fold above baseline endogenous concentrations, did not prevent the release of endogenous prolactin in response to milking. When the infusion was stopped serum prolactin disappeared with a 1/2 time of 23–25 min. We conclude that the inhibitory effects of exogenous prolactin previously reported on endogenous prolactin secretion must be exerted primarily on synthesis rather than release mechanisms, or the animals may require chronic exposure to high concentrations of prolactin.The able technical assistance of Mrs. Annemieke Ambrosier is gratefully acknowledged.
Dissolution and Disintegration of Uniform SiO2 Layers During Direct Silicon Wafer Bonding

The conditions for the dissolution and disintegration of SiO2 layers between silicon wafers during direct wafer bonding are discussed in terms of two possible mechanisms. The calculated maximal thickness of a SiO2 layer which may be completely dissolved does not only depend on the bonding temperature and time but also on the starting concentration of interstitial oxygen in the silicon wafers. Finally, the influence of rotational misorientation of the two wafers on the behavior of the S1O2 layers is dealt with.
Evaluation of methods for calibration of O2 and CO2 electrodes.

The reliability of tonometered venous and arterial blood for calibration was demonstrated. The readings of O2 and CO2 tensions in samples of venous and arterial blood correlated well with the readings obtained by calibrating the electrodes with humidified gases. The different equilibration times used for tonometry of gases in blood did not result in any significant differences; therefore, 10 min. in the tonometer for equilibration of the venous blood with gases is sufficient. Calibration of a blood gas apparatus with gas is satisfactory if the gas is properly humidified. Therefore, in the authors' laboratory the machines are calibrated with gases equilibrated in blood once a week; the rest of the time the calibrations are done with humidified gases only.
Organizational Context and the Characteristics and Tenure of Hospital Administrators

The professional background and tenure of hospital administrators were examined in relation to organizational size, competition for funding and staff, relations with the local business community, a...
Controlling the Rate of Water-Induced Switching in Mechanically Dynamic Cellulose Nanocrystal Composites

Carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals with varying charge densities, ranging from ca. 270 to −1100 mmol/kg, were prepared via partial functionalization of 1100 mmol/kg carboxylated CNCs with different equivalents of propylamine. Incorporation of these differently charged nanofillers into poly(vinyl acetate) produced a series of water-responsive mechanically adaptable nanocomposite materials. Dynamic mechanical analysis and rheological studies of the nanocomposite samples indicated that both the degree of water swelling and the rate of mechanical softening are related to the CNC charge density. Interestingly, however, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, either dry or fully swollen, are more-or-less independent of the charge density of the CNC nanofillers. Thus, these results highlight a method to tailor the rate of mechanical switching (or diffusion of water through the nanocomposite material) without significantly impacting its mechanical properties.
Linewidth calculations in tunable semiconductor external-cavity lasers for coherent optical systems

Semiconductor lasers with an external cavity (SEC) employing strong frequency-selective feedback with a diffraction grating are being investigated extensively for use with DPSK and PSK coherent fiber-optic communication systems (COFOCSs) because of many advantages: (1) extremely narrow linewidths (0.5–40 kHz) from a compact cavity (5-10 cm); (2) fine tuning of a few gigahertz without servo control of cavity length; (3) coarse tuning over an extremely wide range of ~ 140 nm; (4) fair insensitivity to optical reflections; (5) precise temperature and current control not needed.
Regulation of parturition update : Endocrine and paracrine effectors of term and preterm labor

This article summarizes the role of endocrine and paracrine mediators of human parturition. Gonadal steroids (17s—estradiol and progesterone) mediate many of the decidual and uterine contractile functions during early events in labor. Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines orchestrate many of the events triggering or sustaining active labor at term and in the preterm setting. Several autacoids (prostaglandins, platelet-activating factor) serve proximal activities such as uterine contractility and remodeling of the cervical extracellular matrix leading to dilatation and effacement. As the biochemical participants during parturition become more clearly understood, it will be possible to develop improved surveillance, management, and treatment strategies for preterm labor.