cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endermologie versus Liposuction with External Ultrasound Assist

Background: Endermologie has been presented as a treatment to reduce cellulite and as a noninvasive method of body contouring. Objective: The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of Endermologie in cellulite reduction and body contouring, (2) compare the results of external ultrasound-assisted liposuction (EUAL) with those of Endermologie with regard to body contouring and cellulite reduction, and (3) determine whether EUAL is as effective in cellulite reduction as it is in body contouring. Methods: A prospective study comparing 2 closely matched, nonrandomized groups of 36 women each was conducted. Group 1 underwent a 20-week course of Endermologie, concentrating on the abdomen, flanks, hips, and thighs. Group 2 underwent EUAL to the superficial and deep subcutaneous areas of the flanks, hips, and thighs. Methods of evaluation included analysis of standardized 35-mm photography, standardized circumferential body measurements, and body composition. Photographic results were evaluated by objective blind grading from 4 physicians. Patient satisfaction was assessed through use of a questionnaire. Results: No significant complications were noted in either group. In the EUAL group, the average volume of aspirate was 1900 mL, with a subsequent contour revision required in 11% of cases. The standardized circumferential body measurements of the waist, hips, thighs, and right knees of the EUAL patients demonstrated a reduction greater than that noted in the Endermologie patients; this difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The body composition analysis of the EUAL patients demonstrated a greater reduction in the percentage of body fat, fat mass, body weight, lean body mass, and impedance than that seen in the Endermologie group; this difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The EUAL patients exhibited an increase in total body water greater than that noted in the Endermologie group; this difference was statistically significant (P < .05). In the Endermologie group, the results of objective blind photographic grading demonstrated a mean improvement of 25% in body contour, which was largely proportional to weight loss, and a mean cellulite reduction of 50%. In the EUAL group, a mean improvement of 87% in body contour, which represented a true alteration of body contour rather than a proportional reduction, and a mean cellulite reduction of 0% were noted. Mean patient satisfaction was 92% in the Endermologie group and 96% in the EUAL Group. Conclusions: EUAL has no role in reducing cellulite. Endermologie is the superior choice when cellulite reduction is the goal, but it is not an effective method of body contouring.
XIV. The relation between the radioactivity and the composition of uranium compounds

(1906). XIV. The relation between the radioactivity and the composition of uranium compounds. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 11, No. 61, pp. 176-186.
Electronic structure and reactivity of low-spin Fe(III)-hydroperoxo complexes: comparison to activated bleomycin.

The spectroscopic properties, electronic structure, and reactivity of the low-spin Fe(III)−hydroperoxo complex [Fe(N4Py)(OOH)]2+ (1, N4Py = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine) are investigated in comparison to those of activated bleomycin (ABLM). Complex 1 is characterized by Raman features at 632 (Fe−O stretch) and 790 cm-1 (O−O stretch), corresponding to a strong Fe−O bond (force constant 3.62 mdyn/A) and a weak O−O bond (3.05 mdyn/A). The UV−vis spectrum of 1 shows a broad absorption band around 550 nm that is assigned to a charge-transfer transition from the hydroperoxo to a t2g d orbital of Fe(III) using resonance Raman and MCD spectroscopies and density functional (DFT) calculations. Compared to low-spin [Fe(TPA)(OHx)(OOtBu)]x+ (TPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, x = 1 or 2), an overall similar Fe−OOR bonding results for low-spin Fe(III)−alkylperoxo and −hydroperoxo species. Correspondingly, both systems show similar reactivities and undergo homolytic cleavage of the O−O bond. From ...
Research orientation and data presentation in Maya archaeology

Gordon R. Willey, ed. Excavations at Seibal. Cambridge, Mass.: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, 1975. Number 1 : Introduction: The Site and Its Setting. Gordon R. Willey, A. Ledyard Smith, Gair Tourtellot III, and Ian Graham, xvi + 56 pp. Number 2: Ceramics. Jeremy A. Sabloff. viii + 253 pp. Figures, maps, appendix, bibliography. $35.00.
CXCL13 antibody for the treatment of autoimmune disorders

Homeostatic B Cell-Attracting chemokine 1 (BCA-1) otherwise known as CXCL13 is constitutively expressed in secondary lymphoid organs by follicular dendritic cells (FDC) and macrophages. It is the only known ligand for the CXCR5 receptor, which is expressed on mature B cells, follicular helper T cells (Tfh), Th17 cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells. Aberrant expression of CXCL13 within ectopic germinal centers has been linked to the development of autoimmune disorders (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosis). We, therefore, hypothesized that antibody-mediated disruption of the CXCL13 signaling pathway would interfere with the formation of ectopic lymphoid follicles in the target organs and inhibit autoimmune disease progression. This work describes pre-clinical development of human anti-CXCL13 antibody MAb 5261 and includes therapeutic efficacy data of its mouse counterpart in murine models of autoimmunity. We developed a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody, MAb 5261 that specifically binds to human, rodent and primate CXCL13 with an affinity of approximately 5 nM and is capable of neutralizing the activity of CXCL13 from these various species in in vitro functional assays. For in vivo studies we have engineered a chimeric antibody to contain the same human heavy and light chain variable genes along with mouse constant regions. Treatment with this antibody led to a reduction in the number of germinal centers in mice immunized with 4-Hydroxy-3-nitrophenylacetyl hapten conjugated to Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (NP-KLH) and, in adoptive transfer studies, interfered with the trafficking of B cells to the B cell areas of mouse spleen. Furthermore, this mouse anti-CXCL13 antibody demonstrated efficacy in a mouse model of Rheumatoid arthritis (Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA)) and Th17-mediated murine model of Multiple Sclerosis (passively-induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)). We developed a novel therapeutic antibody targeting CXCL13-mediated signaling pathway for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.
Void fractions in two‐phase steam‐water flow

The pressure-drop characteristics associated with one liquid and one gaseous phase flowing concurrently in a pipe or tube have yet to be understood. The operation of evaporators, boilers, and condensers has long stimulated interest in the pressure drop of steamwater mixtures, and more recently this specialized case of one-component, two-phase flow has received even greater attention from the applications in cooling nuclear reactors. The two-phase–flow problems have not been amenable to through theoretical analyses, and therefore empirical and semiempirical correlations have attained unusual prominence in practical applications. The present investigation employs a new research tool for the study of two-phase–flow structure. A variety of geometric flow patterns is possible. Bergelin, Alves, and others have classified these patterns according to visual appearance; whereas the Martinelli classifications were based upon whether the flow in each phase was termed viscous or turbulent. The distinction between viscous and turbulent flow in either phase is rather arbitrary, and if the Reynolds number for one phase, calculated on the basis of the total tube diameter, is greater than 2,000, the flow in the phase is called turbulent. This investigation is confined to the study of annular flow, in which most of the liquid is found in an annular ring surrounding the central vapor core and the flow in each phase is turbulent. Boiling or flashing occurs when superheated water rises in an insulated vertical tube at atmospheric pressure. For a separated two-phase flow geometry, the mean linear steam velocity may exceed that of the water. The fraction of the tube occupied by the steam (void fraction) at a given cross section cannot be obtained directly from a determination of the thermodynamic quality. Void fractions, however, must be known for the estimation of the pressure drops due to head and momentum changes. Void fractions and pressure drops for steam-water flows were measured in an 0.872-in. I.D. vertical tube at atmospheric pressure over a quality range of 0 to 4%. The test section was the hot leg of a natural-circulation loop, and the inlet liquid flow rate ranged from 1 to 3 ft./sec. A new technique for measuring void fractions was used, and the method utilizes the difference between the gamma-ray absorption coefficients of water and steam.
MOORE'S MANY PARADOXES

Over the last two decades J.N. Williams has developed an account of the absurdity of such utterances as “It’s raining but I don’t believe it” that is both intuitively plausible and applicable to a wide variety of forms that this so-called Moorean absurdity can take. His approach is also noteworthy for making only minimal appeal to principles of epistemic or doxastic logic in its account of such absurdity. We first show that Williams places undue emphasis upon assertion and belief: It is similarly absurd for a person to accept a proposition P as a supposition for the sake of argument while denying that her state of mind is one of supposing P, yet Williams has no account of this. Williams’ approach is then modified to account for such a case. That modification employs a principle of doxastic logic that is at least plausible as the one on which Williams relies, while being unlike his principle in applying to cases other than belief.
Immunotherapy of sarcomas.

Purpose of review To describe the current advances in immunotherapy and how they can be applied to sarcoma. This review will discuss the recent literature and selected clinical trials. Evidence supporting treatment with immunotherapy alone in sarcoma will be reviewed, as will the potential incorporation of immunotherapy into treatment for sarcoma. Recent findings Sarcoma, cancer of the connective tissues, frequently strikes young people, comprising a large percentage of cancer in children and young adults, but may occur at any age. Although molecularly targeted inhibitors are of great interest in treating sarcoma patients, immunotherapy is emerging as a plausible therapeutic modality because of the recent advances in other cancer types that may be translated to sarcoma. The licensing of ipilimumab and sipuleucel-T for cancer, and the remarkable success of immunotherapy for some childhood cancers, suggest a role for immunotherapy in the treatment of tumors like sarcoma. Summary Sarcoma is a disease for which new treatments are needed. Immunotherapies have different mechanisms of action from most current therapies and could work in concert with them. Recent advances in sarcoma biology and cancer immunotherapy suggest that our knowledge of the immune system has reached the point where it can be used to augment both targeted and multimodality therapy for sarcoma.
Second-Order Cone Programming for Scan-Plane Reconstruction for the Wavelength-Scaled Array

The wavelength-scaled array architecture reduces the element count in large, ultrawideband antenna arrays by segmenting the aperture into subapertures of varying sizes and bandwidths. This results in an asymmetrical aperture of dissimilar elements with associated patterns that require significant correction. Here, we assess narrowband array performance using its far-field pattern as obtained in two steps. First, we characterize individual elements using planar near-field measurements. Second, we use second-order cone programming to optimize the complex element weights that generate the desired individual far-field element patterns derived from those measurements. This document details the far-field optimization technique, referred to here as optimized scan-plane reconstruction, and uses it to demonstrate that the asymmetric wavelength-scaled array can support low global sidelobe reduction, deep localized nulls, and/or mainbeam scanning like a conventional symmetric array.
Radar echo variations of a large rough sphere

The effect of surface roughness on the radar backscattering cross section of a perfectly conducting nominally spherical target is examined by applying the Kirchhoff method. It is shown that, for the type of roughness and sphere size to which the Kirchhoff method is applicable, the standard deviation of the cross section increases with frequency according to the law 2\sqrt{2} \sigma_{0} k\zeta until the first Fresnel zone reduces in size to the scale length of the roughness. At this point a knee in the curve occurs and its further course is determined by a more detailed statistical description of the surface. Here \sigma_{0} is the nominal cross section, \zeta is the standard deviation of the surface height h and k=2\pi/\lambda , where \lambda is the wavelength. The average cross section is shown to be given by \sigma_{0}[1+0 \{(kh)^{3}\}] . Some experimental results are reported which support the theoretical conclusions.
The Physiology of Perception

The brain transforms sensory messages into conscious perceptions almost instantly Chaotic, collective activity involving millions of neurons seems essential for such rapid recognition.
Faith, Evidence, and Action: Better Guesses in an Unknowable World

That reminds me of a story. Up until the mid 1950s pediatricians refused to believe that parents were beating their children even though they kept seeing X-rays where long bones in arms and legs had been broken and were in different stages of healing. This pattern suggested multiple traumas. But when pediatricians asked parents about these patterns, the parents usually said they didn’t remember and the physicians then diagnosed the child as having ‘brittle bones’. Here’s how Ron Westrum describes this troublesome period. Pediatricians:
Patterns of Fluoride accumulation and growth reduction exhibited by Douglas Fir in the vicinity of an aluminum reduction plant

Abstract Observed injury to vegetation in the vicinity of an aluminum reduction plant prompted an extensive quantitative analysis of fluoride accumulation in needles of Douglas fir and the associated effect on annual growth. Experimental trees were systematically selected using a grid system, 1- to 4-year old needles were collected for fluoride analysis, and tree corings were made. Correlations were then established between fluoride concentrations in needles and annual growth increments, wind pattern, distance from the fluoride source, and hydrogen fluoride concentrations in aerial effluents. Fluoride concentrations in leaves ranged from background levels in sheltered sites to over 500 mg kg −1 in a critical area where growth reduction coincidentally reached 72%. In some sites visible fluoride symptoms and over 40% growth reduction occurred in trees which were accumulating fluorides below ‘injury threshold levels’. This suggests a need to reconsider safe levels or that a case of synergism between HF and SO 2 exists in the study area.
Effect of Inclusions on Grain Growth of Oxides

Metal addition effect on grain growth of matrix oxides, noting inhibitive results in most cases
Correlated electrons in high-temperature superconductors

Theoretical ideas and experimental results concerning high-temperature superconductors are reviewed. Special emphasis is given to calculations performed with the help of computers applied to models of strongly correlated electrons proposed to describe the two-dimensional Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ planes. The review also includes results using several analytical techniques. The one- and three-band Hubbard models and the $t\ensuremath{-}J$ model are discussed, and their behavior compared against experiments when available. The author found, among the conclusions of the review, that some experimentally observed unusual properties of the cuprates have a natural explanation through Hubbard-like models. In particular, abnormal features like the mid-infrared band of the optical conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$, the new states observed in the gap in photoemission experiments, the behavior of the spin correlations with doping, and the presence of phase separation in the copper oxide superconductors may be explained, at least in part, by these models. Finally, the existence of superconductivity in Hubbard-like models is analyzed. Some aspects of the recently proposed ideas to describe the cuprates as having a ${d}_{{x}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{2}}$ superconducting condensate at low temperatures are discussed. Numerical results favor this scenario over others. It is concluded that computational techniques provide a useful, unbiased tool for studying the difficult regime where electrons are strongly interacting, and that considerable progress can be achieved by comparing numerical results against analytical predictions for the properties of these models. Future directions of the active field of computational studies of correlated electrons are briefly discussed.
Simplified calcium transport and storage pathways

Abstract The control of calcium concentration in the cytoplasm of most cells involves both the influx and efflux of Ca++ from extracellular fluid and the release and uptake of Ca++ from two separate, but interacting intracellular membrane-bound Ca++ stores: (1) the ryanodine receptor-activated calcium store (RyR) and (2) the inositol-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor calcium store ( Golovina and Blaustein, 1997 , Spatially and functionally distinct Ca2+ stores in sarcoplasmic and endoplasmic reticulum. Science 275, 1643–1648). A more complete understanding of calcium pathways may lead to the development of new strategies to reduce the pathophysiology induced by severe hyperthermia, exercise, hypoxia, and other stresses. This review discusses the fundamental mechanisms involved in the control of Cai, the main regulator of biochemical processes, and ultimately, of physiological responses to moderate and severe physical exercise and stress.
Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program: II. Analysis of diagnoses and diagnostic categories in the first 1,000 referrals.

The Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program has provided a mechanism for the collection and analysis of unbiased and representative information concerning stillborn infants. Generated diagnoses and diagnostic categories within the first 1,000 referrals (including 789 stillbirths) is summarized here. Among all referred stillborns, 24.5% were found to have an identifiable intrinsic fetal cause of death. Specific diagnoses were extraordinarily heterogeneous, with about 85 different processes identified with this group. No single diagnosis was found in more than 1 1/2% of the evaluated stillborns. Distribution by classes of fetal causes (as a percent of all fetal causes in stillborns) included malformation syndromes in 44%, single malformations and defined sequences in 34%, disruptions in 10%, and dysplasias in 3%. The heterogeneity of syndromic causes is illustrated, examples of previously undescribed syndromic processes provided and the problems experienced in generating specific diagnoses discussed. Specific single malformations, sequences, disruptions, and dysplasias are also tabulated and illustrated. Distribution by etiologic categories (as a percent of all fetal causes in stillborns) included defined sporadic conditions in 29%, cytogenetic aberration in 25%, presumed multifactorial processes in 12%, Mendelian disorders in 5%, and environmental events in less than 4%. A fourth of all fetal causes could not be sufficiently defined to allow for certainty in assigning a specific etiologic category. The materials summarized provide reference data regarding the frequency of classes and categories of fetal diagnoses generated from an unbiased and non-selected series of stillborns. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Neutralizing positive charges at the surface of a protein lowers its rate of amide hydrogen exchange without altering its structure or increasing its thermostability.

This paper combines two techniquessmass spectrometry and protein charge ladderssto examine the relationship between the surface charge and hydrophobicity of a representative globular protein (bovine carbonic anhydrase II; BCA II) and its rate of amide hydrogen-deuterium (H/D) exchange. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated that the sequential acetylation of surface lysine-e-NH3 + groupssa type of modification that increases the net negative charge and hydrophobicity of the surface of BCA II without affecting its secondary or tertiary structuresresulted in a linear decrease in the aggregate rate of amide H/D exchange at pD 7.4, 15 °C. According to analysis with MS, the acetylation of each additional lysine generated between 1.4 and 0.9 additional hydrogens that are protected from H/D exchange during the 2 h exchange experiment at 15 °C, pD 7.4. NMR spectroscopy demonstrated that none of the hydrogen atoms which became protected upon acetylation were located on the side chain of the acetylated lysine residues (i.e., lys-e-NHCOCH3) but were instead located on amide NHCO moieties in the backbone. The decrease in rate of exchange associated with acetylation paralleled a decrease in thermostability: the most slowly exchanging rungs of the charge ladder were the least thermostable (as measured by differential scanning calorimetry). This observationsthat faster rates of exchange are associated with slower rates of denaturationsis contrary to the usual assumptions in protein chemistry. The fact that the rates of H/D exchange were similar for perbutyrated BCA II (e.g., (lys-e-NHCO(CH2)2CH3)18) and peracetylated BCA II (e.g., (lys-e-NHCOCH3)18) suggests that the electrostatic charge is more important than the hydrophobicity of surface groups in determining the rate of H/D exchange. These electrostatic effects on the kinetics of H/D exchange could complicate (or aid) the interpretation of experiments in which H/D exchange methods are used to probe the structural effects of non-isoelectric perturbations to proteins (i.e., phosphorylation, acetylation, or the binding of the protein to an oligonucleotide or to another charged ligand or protein).
Compact prototype one-step Ultragram printer

We describe a prototype reduced-size holographic stereogram printer capable of producing scalable, Ultragram-format hardcopy output. An analysis of the resolution requirements for high quality stereogram output with respect to the printing method and printer components is presented. A holographic optical element is combined with a pseudorandom band-limited diffuser to focus the spatially modulated object beam and provide Fourier-plane broadening, thus improving image quality. We analyze issues of image preparation time and integration of image rendering and exposure control to optimize system resource requirements.
Neoplastic Transformation In Vitro by Mixed Beams of High-Energy Iron Ions and Protons

The radiation environment in space is complex in terms of both the variety of charged particles and their dose rates. Simulation of such an environment for experimental studies is technically very difficult. However, with the variety of beams available at the National Space Research Laboratory (NSRL) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) it is possible to ask questions about potential interactions of these radiations. In this study, the end point examined was transformation in vitro from a preneoplastic to a neoplastic phenotype. The effects of 1 GeV/n iron ions and 1 GeV/n protons alone provided strong evidence for suppression of transformation at doses ≤5 cGy. These ions were also studied in combination in so-called mixed-beam experiments. The specific protocols were a low dose (10 cGy) of protons followed after either 5–15 min (immediate) or 16–24 h (delayed) by 1 Gy of iron ions and a low dose (10 cGy) of iron ions followed after either 5–15 min or 16–24 h by 1 Gy of protons. Within experimental err...
Gastrointestinal "sterilization" in the treatment of patients with acute leukemia.

In preliminary studies, a combination of gentamicin, vancomycin, and nystatin in conjunction with either sterile or reduced-bacterial diets consistently resulted in bacterially “sterile” stools and an apparent reduction of infection in granulocytopenic patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. the ease and economy of the approach recommends it to chemotherapy centers which lack elaborate isolation facilities. Studies are in progress to more precisely compare the relative effectiveness of physical isolation, air filtration, diet, and prophylactic antibiotics in reducing the infectious complication of cancer chemotherapy.
Measuring Racial Discrimination in the Housing Market: Direct and Indirect Evidence.

Recently, several researchers have attempted to evaluate the extent to which housing discrimination explains the continuing levels of racial separation in U.S. metropolitan areas. They often use au...
Validation of Enhanced Normalization as an improvement over the Normalization and Compliance Ratio methods

Fracture toughness testing of ductile materials can be difficult in situations where it is not possible to measure crack extension during the test. The Normalization method is typically used to infer crack extension and generate the tearing resistance curve. Evidence is provided that the Normalization method can produce elevated tearing resistance curves for some alloys. An Enhanced Normalization method is proposed that builds on the good features of Normalization and addresses its shortcomings. Experimental validation of this new approach is presented for an A336 steel forging and an HY-100 weld, and results are compared with current methods.
Strain differences in the gating-disruptive effects of apomorphine: relationship to gene expression in nucleus accumbens signaling pathways.

Background Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle is a measure of sensorimotor gating that is deficient in certain psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats are more sensitive to PPI-disruptive effects of apomorphine (APO) at long interstimulus intervals (ISIs) (60–120 msec) and less sensitive to PPI-enhancing effects of APO at short ISIs (10–30 msec) compared with Long Evans (LE) rats. Methods Prepulse inhibition was tested in SD and LE rats after APO (.5 mg/kg) or vehicle in a within- subject design and sacrificed 14 days later. Total RNA was extracted from the nucleus accumbens (NAC). Approximately 700 dopamine-relevant transcripts on the Affymetrix 230 2.0 microarray were analyzed. Results As previously reported, SD rats exhibited greater APO-induced PPI deficits at long intervals and less APO-induced PPI enhancement at short intervals compared with LE rats. One hundred four genes exhibited significantly different NAC expression levels in these two strains. Pathway analysis revealed that many of these genes contribute to dopamine receptor signaling, synaptic long-term potentiation, or inositol phosphate metabolism. The expression of some genes significantly correlated with measures of APO-induced PPI sensitivity in either SD or LE rats. The expression of select genes was validated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Conclusions Differences in PPI APO sensitivity in SD versus LE rats are robust and reproducible and may be related to strain differences in the expression of genes that regulate signal transduction in the NAC. These genes could facilitate the identification of targets for ameliorating heritable gating deficits in brain disorders such as schizophrenia.
EFFECTS OF MUSCULAR ACTIVITY UPON THE ACUTE MYOCARDITIS OF C3H MICE INFECTED WITH TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI.

Abstract An acute myocarditis was produced in 48 C3H mice by infection with Trypanosoma cruzi (Colombian). Spontaneous activity was measured in activity drums, and the effects of forced muscular exercise, in the form of swimming, were studied. Fifty days after inoculation, the infected as well as the 44 control animals were sacrificed. Spontaneous activity decreased as parasitemia increased, and increased again as parasitemia subsided. The ratio of heart weight to body weight was increased significantly by swimming alone, and also by infection alone. The combination of both factors resulted in a significantly greater increase in the heart weight/body weight ratio than did either alone. The ratio of dry heart weight to wet heart weight was not affected by either factor. Swimming was associated with a greater mortality, with more severe and more diffuse cellular infiltration, and with a greater number of parasites in the myocardium.
American Academy of Dermatology evidence-based guideline development process: Responding to new challenges and establishing transparency

Background Evidence-based clinical guidelines are developed to educate and inform physicians about best practices in patient care, and assist providers in the application of treatments and technologies that can improve outcomes. Clinical guidelines also aid appeal of payment decisions; serve as the basis for quality measure development, appropriateness criteria, and maintenance of certification modules; and help identify areas for further clinical research. Objective For guidelines to serve dermatologists effectively in these diverse roles, they must be current, varied in clinical focus, and developed with a high degree of rigor that includes attention to potential conflicts of interest. Method To address these needs and keep pace with advances in medicine, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recently revised the evidence-based guideline development process. Results Key changes include development of a yearly needs assessment process to determine what guidelines are most needed, the development of focused guidelines that address rapidly evolving clinical topics, a formal method of vetting guidelines produced by other societies, and a scheduled reassessment of existing guidelines to ensure they provide current and practical information. The process for identifying and managing potential conflicts of interest was also revised and expanded to meet current expectations and evolving standards. Limitations The impact of these changes to the AAD's guideline development process will not be fully realized for several years. Conclusions These changes will help ensure the AAD will be able to provide its members with continued evidence-based guidance to support patient care across the scope of dermatologic practice.
Toward a Framework of Corporate Merger Processes and Outcomes: A Behavioral Perspective

Abstract Traditionally, the merger literature has examined mergers and acquisitions from a strategic or financial perspective, largely overlooking important behavioral issues. In this paper, we present a comprehensive behavior‐based framework of merger processes and outcomes designed to provide more academic rigor to the study of the behavioral aspects of the merger process. The proposed framework combines and synthesizes established merger‐related behavioral concepts and relationships with new ones that are not encompassed within the current literature. #An earlier version of this paper was presented to the Human Resources, Labor Relations, and Careers track of the 1999 Southern Management Association Conference in Atlanta, GA.
Atmospheric transport and wet deposition of ammonium in North Carolina

Wet deposition and transport analysis has been performed for ammonium (NH‘ ) in North Carolina, USA. Multiple regression analysis is employed to model the temporal trend and seasonality in monthly volume-weighted mean NH‘ concentrations in precipitation from 1983 to 1996 at six National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network (NADP/NTN) sites. A signi"cant (p(0.01) increasing trend beginning in 1990, which corresponds to an annual concentration increase of approximately 9.5%, is detected at the rural Sampson County site (NC35), which is located within a densely populated network of swine and poultry operations. This trend is positively correlated with increasing ammonia (NH 3 ) emissions related to the vigorous growth of North Carolina’s swine population since 1990, particularly in the state’s Coastal Plain region. A source}receptor regression model, which utilizes weekly NH‘ concentrations in precipitation in conjunction with boundary layer air mass back trajectories, is developed to statistically test for the in#uence of a particular NH 3 source region on NH‘ concentrations at surrounding NADP/NTN sites for the years 1995}1996. NH 3 emissions from this source region, primarily evolving from swine and poultry operations, are found to increase NH‘ concentration in precipitation at sites up to +80 km away. At the Scotland County (NC36) and Wake County (NC41) sites, mean NH‘ concentrations show increases of at least 44% for weeks during which 25% or more back trajectories are in#uenced by this source region. ( 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Role of muscarinic receptors in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses

Leukocytes contain both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, and while activation of nicotinic receptors suppresses immune/inflammatory responses, the role of muscarinic receptors in immunity is unclear. We examined the effects of a muscarinic receptor antagonist (atropine) and agonist (oxotremorine), administered chronically through miniosmotic pumps, on immune/inflammatory responses in the rat. Results show that while oxotremorine stimulated, atropine inhibited the antibody and T-cell proliferative responses. Moreover, atropine also suppressed the turpentine-induced leukocytic infiltration and tissue injury, and inhibited chemotaxis of leukocytes toward neutrophil and monocyte/lymphocyte chemoattractants. Thus, activation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors has opposite effects on the immune/inflammatory responses.
Purification of cytochrome b-559 from oxygen-evolving Photosystem II preparations of spinach and maize

Abstract A rapid and simple procedure is presented for the purification of chloroplast cytochrome b-559. The method is based on the protocol devised by Garewal and Wasserman (Garewal, H.S. and Wasserman, A.R. (1974) Biochemistry 13, 4063–4071), which we have modified to eliminate the requirement for a lengthy electrophoretic step. Novel features of our method include: the use of oxygen-evolving Photosystem II preparations (Kuwabara, T. and Murata, N. (1982) Plant Cell Physiol. 23, 533–539) as the starting material; isocratic elution of cytochrome b-559 from a DEAE-cellulose column (yielding the protein in a pure state); and a simple column procedure for removal of excess Triton X-100. The procedure has been applied to both spinach and maize (Zea mays L.). Purified cytochromes b-559 from these species have similar optical spectra and mobility during gel electrophoresis under native conditions. Lithium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of cytochrome b-559 from both spinach and maize reveals a major polypeptide band (apparent molecular mass = 9 kDa), and two minor bands (apparent molecular masses = 10 kDa and 6 kDa).
The Effects of Fast ForWord Language on the Phonemic Awareness and Reading Skills of School-Age Children With Language Impairments and Poor Reading Skills

Purpose To examine the efficacy of Fast ForWord Language (FFW-L) and 2 other interventions for improving the phonemic awareness and reading skills of children with specific language impairment with...
Role of Cellular Cholesterol in Pharmacologic Preconditioning with Cyclosporine in Experimental Kidney Transplantation

Background/Aims: Ischemia reperfusion injury in the early posttransplant period affects immediate graft function and late allograft dysfunction. Recently, we showed that pharmacolog
Phase transformation of calcia-alumina-magnesia fibres produced by inviscid melt spinning

CaO-Al2O3-MgO (CAM) ceramic fibre produced via inviscid melt spinning (IMS) was investigated for phase transformation. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) on the as-spun CAM fibre gave two transformation peaks, one for exothermic peak at around 927°C and the other for endothermic one at around 1100°C. In order to identify each phase transformation x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed on the CAM fibres heat-treated to each phase transformation completion temperature. The exothermic peak was determined to represent crystallization of remaining amorphous phase in the as-spun CAM fibre. The endothermic peak was determined to correspond to transformation of non-equilibrium CaO · Al2O3 phase to equilibrium 3CaO· 5Al2O3 phase.
INTRACARDIAC OXIMETRY IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE.

A fiberoptic reflection oximeter has been adapted to the diagnostic study of patients suspected of having congenital heart disease. The results of 10 successive catheterizations with use of this technic are reported and compared with the results obtained in the same subjects with a standard sampling technic. A large number of determinations was possible without blood loss. The results were immediately available for use in directing the manipulation of the catheter. Freedom from the distortions attendant upon catheter sampling permitted precise observation of the nature of flow across a ventricular septal defect and of the relationship between blood oxygen saturation in the main pulmonary artery and the pulmonary arterial wedge position.
Detection of Basic Organic Drugs and Their Metabolites in Urine

Basic organic drugs were extracted into ethanol from urine saturated with potassium carbonate. Drugs in this concentrate were purified by extraction into ether at pH 8.5. The ether extract was evaporated and applied to several thin-layer chromatograms. Functional-group detection was used in qualitative and semiquantitative analysis of the developed chromatograms by spraying the plates sequentially with several group-specific reagents. This simple, sensitive, and inexpensive procedure permits simultaneous analysis of many samples. It is well suited for detection of drug abuse.
Survivability analysis of complex computer-networks with heterogeneous link-capacities

A technique for obtaining a survivability index called capacity-related reliability (CRR) in large computer communication networks have been programmed where links have different capacities. The network operates successfully as long as a minimum message capacity W/sub min/, can be transmitted through it. This condition is termed a suitable operational environment (OE) to transmit the message. The proposed method is a two-step approach. First, one enumerates only k-composite paths that relate link capacity and network connectivity. Second, using the composite path information, one generates the CRR that measures the probability of the existence of at least one OE. The experimental results on CRR for a given network with various values of W/sub min/ are presented in tables. The method is efficient and straightforward, and is illustrated with examples. >
In situ Biofilm Formation by Multi-species Oral Bacteria Under Flowing and Anaerobic Conditions

An understanding of biofilm behavior of periodontopathic bacteria is key to the development of effective oral therapies. We hypothesized that interspecies bacterial aggregates play an important role in anaerobic biofilm establishment and proliferation, and contribute to the survivability of the biofilm against therapeutic agents. The system developed in this study assessed a multi-species (Streptococcus gordonii, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum) biofilm formation under anaerobic and flowing conditions with the use of an in situ image analysis system. The biofilm was comprised of a base film of non-aggregated cells and complex interspecies aggregates that formed in the planktonic phase which rapidly colonized the surface, reaching 58 ± 9% and 65 ± 11.8% coverage by 5 and 24 hrs, respectively. Upon SDS (0.1%) treatment of a 24-hour biofilm, substantial detachment (55 ± 14%, P < 0.05) of the aggregates was observed, while the base film bacteria remained attached but non-viab...
Quantum friction in nanomechanical oscillators at millikelvin temperatures

We report low-temperature measurements of dissipation in megahertz-range, suspended, single-crystal nanomechanical oscillators. At millikelvin temperatures, both dissipation (inverse quality factor) and shift in the resonance frequency display reproducible features, similar to those observed in sound attenuation experiments in disordered glasses and consistent with measurements in larger micromechanical oscillators fabricated from single-crystal silicon. Dissipation in our single-crystal nanomechanical structures is dominated by internal quantum friction due to an estimated number of roughly 50 two-level systems, which represent both dangling bonds on the surface and bulk defects.
An Analysis of a Hybrid Optimization Method for Variational Data Assimilation

In four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var) an optimal estimate of the initial state of a dynamical system is obtained by solving a large-scale unconstrained minimization problem. The gradient of the cost functional may be efficiently computed using the adjoint modeling, at the expense equivalent to a few forward model integrations; for most practical applications, the evaluation of the Hessian matrix is not feasible due to the large dimension of the discrete state vector. Hybrid methods aim to provide an improved optimization algorithm by dynamically interlacing inexpensive L-BFGS iterations with fast convergent Hessian-free Newton (HFN) iterations. In this paper, a comparative analysis of the performance of a hybrid method vs. L-BFGS and HFN optimization methods is presented in the 4D-Var context. Numerical results presented for a two-dimensional shallow-water model show that the performance of the hybrid method is sensitive to the selection of the method parameters such as the length of ...
A technique for isolated hyperthermic liver perfusion

Hyperthermia, either alone or combined with chemotherapy, has been shown to be effective in treating cancer. Because some investigators believe that regional hyperthermia may be more effective than whole body hyperthermia, we developed a technique to heat only the liver to 42-43 degrees for 4 hr. The procedure was adapted from a previously described animal model and was performed in four humans. Vascular isolation of the liver was accomplished by cannulating the hepatic artery, the portal vein, and the inferior vena cava followed by occluding the suprahepatic vena cava and the liver was then perfused with blood and nutrients from an oxygenated reservoir. Preliminary results show radiologic and histologic evidence of tumor necrosis or cessation of tumor growth in three of the patients. We believe this technique is safe enough for clinical experimental use and deserves further investigation.
Abstract 437: Dysregulation of Cardiovascular Homeostasis by Proton Pump Inhibitors: Safety Concerns

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used drugs to treat gastric reflux. Recent retrospective cohorts have raised concern that the use of PPIs is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. In addition, we have recently reported seminal preclinical work demonstrating interference of the PPIs with CV homeostasis (Ghebremariam et al; Circulation 2013; 128:845-53). However, there is no prospective clinical study evaluating whether the use of PPIs directly causes CV harm. Methods: We conducted a controlled cross-over pilot study among 21 adults who are healthy (n = 11) or have established clinical cardiovascular disease (n = 10). Study subjects were assigned to receive a PPI (Prevacid) or a placebo pill once daily for 4 weeks. After a 2 week washout period, participants were crossed-over to receive the alternate treatment for the ensuing 4 weeks. Subjects underwent evaluation of vascular function (by the EndoPAT technique) and had plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, an endogenous inhibitor of endothelial function) measured before and after treatment. In addition to the clinical study, we also carried out pharmacovigilance study of PPI use and CV harm using novel data mining approach from a dataset of 1.8 million patients. Results: In the clinical study, we observed a marginal inverse correlation between the EndoPAT score and plasma levels of ADMA (r = -0.364). Subjects experienced a greater worsening in plasma ADMA levels while on PPI than on placebo. However, these trends did not reach statistical significance, and PPI use was also not associated with impairment in flow mediated vasodilation during the course of this study. Nevertheless, our data mining study revealed increased association of PPI use with CV risk. Conclusions: In this open-label, cross-over pilot study, PPI use did not significantly influence vascular endothelial function. However, a positive association between PPI use and CV risk in our database study suggests that large number of participants may be needed to be followed up prospectively. Therefore, larger and longer-term trials are needed to mechanistically explain the correlation between PPI use and adverse clinical outcomes, which has increasingly been reported in retrospective cohorts.
Rapid estimation of charge distribution. II: Heteroatoms

A rapid method for estimating CNDO charges in large data bases using a reparameterized Del Re method has been described previously. In this article the method is extended to saturated compounds containing B, N, O, F, Si, P, S, and Cl. Good results are obtained by forcing the Del Re δo parameter for each element to be linearly related to its Pauling electronegativity, but with the slopes and intercepts being different for second- and third-row elements. With a test set of 17 compounds and 71 atoms, the CNDO charge was reproduced with an average deviation of ±0.03. The largest deviations, up to ±0.2, were observed for carbons having multiple F or Cl substituents and for sterically hindered atoms. © 1992 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Reverse transient characteristics of a P-N junction diode due to minority carrier storage

Analysis of the transient switching characteristics of a p-n junction diode is considered a boundary value problem; solution of this problem yields mathematical equations applicable to the design of high-speed computer components. This analytical technique is used to establish the transient current of a semiconductor diode when an external biasing potential is rapidly switched from the forward to the reverse direction. Using a one-dimensional model of finite geometry, minority-carrier storage is assumed within a region of arbitrary lifetime, bounded on one side by the junction and on the other side by an ohmic contact of arbitrary recombination velocity. Further, this region of carrier storage is assumed to contain a drift field of constant magnitude as would result from an exponential type of conductivity grading. Mathematical equations are presented which characterize this transient situation from its initiation until the junction current has decayed to some arbitrary magnitude. Applications of this analysis are illustrated in graphical form throughout a range of parameters characterizing practical semiconductor devices.
The Role of Surface Functionality on Acute Cytotoxicity, ROS Generation and DNA Damage by Cationic Gold Nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are promising materials for biomedical applications [1,2] due to their tunable surface properties [3] and extraordinary stability.[4] Additionally, the inert core material reduces the potential for toxicity issues arising from particle degradation.[5] The size regime and concomitant geometrical outcomes including high degree of curvature, however, generates the potential for toxicity.[6,7] Generally, the toxicity of AuNPs depends on size, shape, the degree to which they aggregate, and their surface properties[8,9] Recently, several studies on the short-term cytotoxicity of AuNPs[10] and quantum dots[11] have focused on size,[12,13] shape,[14,15] and charge.[16] To date, however, issues such as ligand hydrophobicity have not been systematically explored.