cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interview with a Quality Leader: Paul Gluck, Immediate Past Chair, National Patient Safety Foundation

: Dr. Paul Gluck, MD, FACOG, has held many leadership positions. He served as the president/chair of the William A. Little OB/GYN Society, the Miami OB/GYN Society, the Florida OB/GYN Society, the Baptist Health Foundation, the Health Council of south Florida, the Florida Section of the American College of OB/GYN (ACOG), National Patient Safety Foundation, as well as the Dade County Medical Association. He is currently ACOG assistant secretary and serves on their Executive Committee. Dr. Gluck has an interest in access to healthcare. For his work in establishing a prenatal clinic in an area of critical need he received ACOG president's Service Award and Humanitarian of the Year Award from the South Florida Perinatal Network. He led the Florida initiative to promote depression screening and treatment in women recognized by the Wyeth National Section Award. He co-chaired the Governance Committee of the Mayor's Task Force charged with solving the problem of providing care for the over 450,000 uninsured residents of Miami-Dade County.
Coupled Effects of Treated Effluent Irrigation and Wetting–Drying Cycles on Transport of Triazines through Unsaturated Soil Columns

The physical and chemical parameters controlling the movement of atrazine (6-chloro-N 2 -ethyl-N 4 -isopropyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine; 98.8%) and prometryn [N,N'-bis(1-methylethyl)-6-(methylthio)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine; 99.5%] were investigated in columns infiltrated with treated effluent under unsaturated transient conditions and subjected to drying events at 22 or 60°C followed by rewetting. Three soils varying in soil pH and texture and three solutions were used. The infiltrating solutions consisted of either a CaCl 2 matrix (CC), a swine waste-derived lagoon effluent (SW), or a simulated buffer solution (SB) representative of the element composition and pH of the SW but with no dissolved organic matter. Several parameters were monitored including leachate triazine concentrations, pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), inorganic carbon, and flow rates. Compared with CC, application of SW and SB increased column leachate pH, enhanced dissolution of organic carbon and particle dispersion, and decreased average flow rates, which allowed for increased desorption time. The coupled effect of these processes enhanced movement of triazines in some cases, with SW generally having the greatest effect. The individual effect of increased pH was more pronounced for prometryn (pK a = 4.05) versus atrazine (pK a = 1.66), and most dramatic for the soil with the lowest initial pH. High-temperature drying, which simulated intensive evaporation, further enhanced the dissolution of soil organic matter and the reduction in leachate flow rates with SW and SB applications; however, the net effect under the experimental conditions employed varied with soil type. Relative to low-temperature drying, high-temperature drying in the silty clay loam-packed columns reduced pesticide migration.
Predicting Prehistoric Settlement in the Northern Neck of Virginia: The Richmond County Assessment Survey Methodology

Les etudes des services du Cultural Ressource Management (CRM) ont localise et identifie une grande variete de types de sites et ont genere des donnees appropriees aux analyses statistiques et predictives. Malheuresement, les modeles predictifs incluent souvent des hypotheses injustifiees a propos de la structure de l'environement et de la distribution mathematique des donnees. Les approches statistiques et graphiques issues de l'Exploratory Data Analysis, combinees a l'echantillonage de l'environnement favorisent l'evaluation du potentiel environnemental pour la prediction et la localisation des sites. L'analyse des donnees du Richmond County Archaeological Assessment illustre ces problemes
THE EFFECT OF A HEAD-UP SPEEDOMETER ON SPEEDING BEHAVIOR

The effectiveness of a head-up display (HUD) was investigated as a means of controlling drivers' speeding behavior on a highway, a residential road, and as a means of minimizing the effects of speed adaptation. 40 subjects were randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions, using either a HUD or a conventional speedometer and being speed-adapted or nonspeed-adapted. Analysis indicated that no group drove significantly faster than any other group on any measured section of residential road or highway under any condition. Plausible explanations for the observed results are discussed.
Kinetics of the effect of vincristine sulfate on the reproductive integrity of proliferating cultured leukemia L1210 cells.

SummaryWhen proliferating cultured L1210 cell populations were exposed to effective concentrations of VCR or colchicine, the kinetics of the reduction in the number of viable cells did not occur at a first-order rate (the fraction of cells killed per unit of time was not constant). The minimum effective concentration of VCR required to produce an effect on the reproductive integrity of L1210 populations was 0.001 μg/ml. If the duration of drug exposure was 24 hours, extensive cell killing could be produced by VCR concentrations which were relatively low when compared to the theoretical maximum concentration attainable in the body fluids of a mouse. The kinetics of the lethal action of VCR on proliferating cultured L1210 populations indicate that this agent has cell cycle specificity.
Liver-directed gene therapy: quantitative evaluation of promoter elements by using in vivo retroviral transduction.

Abstract Liver-directed gene therapy will be applicable to many inherited diseases. Although various protocols have been devised for in vivo delivery of retrovirus, comparison of hepatocyte transduction frequencies has been difficult due to variations in retroviral titer and a paucity of DNA data. We have previously reported an in vivo rat hepatocyte transduction technique which involves 70% hepatectomy followed 24 hr later by portal vein injection of retrovirus during hepatic in-flow occlusion. In this study, we employed this method and concentrated retroviral preparations to achieve transduction of up to 15% of hepatocytes as determined by a quantitative PCR assay. As an initial step toward identifying promoters which lead to high-level long-term expression of retroviral transduced genes, we used our in vivo delivery system to compare the Moloney murine leukemia virus long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter with the promoter for the large subunit of murine RNA polymerase II (Pol-II). Human alpha 1-antitrypsin (hAAT) was used as the reporter gene to facilitate long-term analysis of expression. Serum hAAT levels were higher for the Pol-II promoter (143 ng/ml) than for the LTR promoter (50 ng/ml). This difference was consistent with the higher transduction frequency observed for the Pol-II-hAAT vector. Although serum hAAT expression was sustained for up to 1 year in six of eight Pol-II-hAAT-transduced rats and three of five LTR-hAAT-transduced rats and was proportional to hAAT mRNA level and proviral DNA frequency, in vivo expression was significantly lower than in transduced tissue culture cells. We conclude that a high frequency of in vivo transduction can be achieved by using retroviral vectors and our rapid transduction protocol, but transduced gene expression remains a serious problem. The quantitative assays described herein will facilitate in vivo comparisons of gene regulatory elements.
Main-reflector-rim diffraction in back direction

Wedge-diffraction analysis is used to derive some relatively simple formulas for back radiation. The rear axial radiation can be controlled by castellation, and all rear radiation can be reduced by reducing the edge illumination. The order of magnitude of these calculations agrees with measurements on parabolic dishes.
Specificity of receptor sites on insect cells for the synergistic factor of an insect baculovirus

Abstract The granulosis virus of the armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta , contains a synergistic factor (SF) which enhances the in vitro and in vivo infections of baculoviruses. The SF agglutinates certain insect cells but not the cell line of Trichoplusia ni (TN368). A single application of the SF to TN368 cells causes an interference of the infection of a nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Trichoplusia ni (TnMNPV). The interference increases with higher concentrations of the SF. Multiple applications of the SF result in a decrease in interference and possibly even in an enhancement. These observations suggest that the receptor sites on the cell plasma membrane of TN368 cells are not the same for the SF and for the virus.
Elemental Carbon in Marine Sediments: a Baseline for Burning

A RECORD of prehistoric and historic burning of carbonaceous materials may be found in the elemental carbon contents of the sedimentary columns. The widespread dissemination of such carbon as microcrystalline graphite is indicated by its presence in atmospheric dusts collected over the North Atlantic1 and in ice nuclei collected from North Pacific airs2. Its submarine survival over geologic time periods, at least up to millions of years, is suggested by its occurrence in manganese nodules3 and in sediments from the Sierra Leone Rise1. But a biologically mediated oxidation of elemental carbon in terrestrial soils has been proposed to explain the gradual disappearance of charcoals originating from forest fires4. The contributions of carbon from industrial activities are also visible and well documented (see, for example, ref. 5).
Immunosuppression by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: a structure-activity relationship in B6C3F1 and DBA/2 mice.

Abstract The structure-activity relationship of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced immunosuppression was investigated using the antibody-forming cell response to sheep erythrocytes. Ten polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were evaluated following 14 days of subchronic exposure in female B6C3F1 mice. Additionally, the immunotoxicity of benzo(a)pyrene and 3 of its congeners was evaluated following acute exposure. The immunosuppression observed following both subchronic and acute exposure was similar to the structure-activity relationship observed for the carcinogenicity of the compounds tested. Anthracene, chrysene, benzo(e)pyrene and perylene did not significantly suppress the antibody-forming cell response compared to the corn oil vehicle controls. Benz(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenz3a,c)anthracene, and dibenz(a,h)anthracene suppressed the antibody-forming cell response by 55 to 91%. The greatest suppression was observed with the 3-methylcholanthrene and 7,12,-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene. Studies using mice with different susceptibility to aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase induction demonstrated that susceptible mice (B6C3F1) were not as immunosuppressed following exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as were nonsusceptible mice (DBA/2).
A wide-field relay optics system for the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory.

Relay optics designed for use with imaging arrays at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory are described. An off-axis ellipsoidal mirror with foci displaced from the conjugate planes is used to achieve a Strehl ratio >0.88 over a 2′ square field of view (corresponding to a far field of 15 × 15 diffraction beams) at a wavelength of 350µm. The mirror also provides an aperture-stop image just prior to focus which allows compact entry into cryogenic camera dewars. Using a compensating ellipsoid in subsequent camera optics, the Strehl ratio can be improved to >0.95 at all points across the field, even for off-axis chop angles of the telescope’s secondary mirror as large as 2′.
First isolation of a Helicosporidium sp. (Chlorophyta: Trebouxiophyceae) from the biological control agent Cyrtobagous salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract Cyrtobagous salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a weevil that has been introduced into at least 16 countries as a biological control agent for the floating fern, Salvinia molesta. Screening in Florida of C. salviniae imported from South Africa found a pathogen identified as a previously unknown species of Helicosporidium (Chlorophyta: Trebouxiophyceae). Fresh cysts measured 5.1 × 4.8 μm and ultrastructural examination demonstrated the presence of three ovoid cells surrounded by a filamentous cell. Cysts of this pathogen were isolated and transmitted to the alternate hosts Helicoverpa zea and Anopheles quadrimaculatus. This is the first report of a pathogen from C. salviniae and demonstrates the need for and value of screening and monitoring biological control agents for pathogens prior to introduction. Releasing healthy C. salviniae not only enhances the chances for successful control of S. molesta but also reduces the risk for the inadvertent introduction of pathogens that may have undesirable and unexpected impacts on native fauna.
Metformin and body weight

Most patients with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese, overweight or obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity per se is strongly associated with multiple cardiometabolic risk factors. However, many antidiabetic treatments increase body weight. The oral antidiabetic agent, metformin, has been evaluated in hundreds of clinical studies in diverse patient populations during approximately five decades of clinical use. This review summarizes the effects of metformin on body weight, with special reference to studies of longer duration (>/=6 months) as both diabetes and obesity are long-term conditions. Approximately half of studies in drug-naive type 2 diabetic patients demonstrated significant weight loss with metformin compared with baseline or comparator drugs, although pooled analyses have suggested no significant effect versus placebo. Similarly, metformin has been shown to induce weight loss in obese nondiabetic populations, although studies of long duration in this population are scarce. Metformin does appear to mitigate the adverse effects of insulin on body weight. The weight-neutral or weight-sparing effects of metformin constitute a therapeutic advantage in diabetes management where other first-line oral antidiabetic treatments often promote clinically significant weight gain.
Role of the Kv4.3 K+ Channel in Ventricular Muscle: A Molecular Correlate for the Transient Outward Current

The expression of 15 different K + channels in canine heart was examined, and a new K + channel gene (Kv4.3), which encodes a rapidly inactivating K + current, is described. The Kv4.3 channel was found to have biophysical and pharmacological properties similar to the native canine transient outward current (I to ). The Kv4.3 gene is also expressed in human and rat heart. It is concluded that the Kv4.3 channel underlies the bulk of the I to in canine ventricular myocytes, and probably in human myocytes. Both the Kv4.3 and Kv4.2 channels are likely to contribute to the I to in rat heart, and differential expression of these two channels can account for observed differences in the kinetic properties of the I to in different regions of rat ventricle. There are significant differences in the pattern of K + channel expression in canine heart, compared with rat heart, and these differences may be an adaptation to the different requirements for cardiac function in mammals of markedly different sizes. It is possible that the much longer ventricular action potential duration observed in canine heart compared with rat heart is due, in part, to the lower levels of Kv1.2, Kv2.1, and Kv4.2 gene expression in canine heart.
Studies on the Occurrence, Origin, and Significance of Ammonia in Evaporated Milk

Summary The ammonia content of evaporated milk was found to increase with increasing heat treatment. Trials with dialyzed and bisulfite-treated milks have shown that ammonia production is independent of browning reaction. It was found that, of the total ammonia in milk heated at 242° F. for 15min., 44% comes from urea, 26% from casein, and 23% from the whey proteins; the remaining 7% is attributed to dialyzable peptides and amino acids.
The total synthesis of eupomatilones 2 and 5

Abstract Efficient and diastereocontrolled syntheses of natural lignans eupomatilone 2 ( 1 ) and 5 ( 2 ) are described. Biaryl coupling was achieved using Suzuki chemistry. The lactone moiety was constructed using allylmetal reagents, which were synthesized from Baylis–Hillman adducts. Allylindium reagents were found to be most effective.
Gompertz growth in number dead confirms medflies and nematodes show excess oldster survival

Abstract A recent report (Easton, 1995) showed that, at least for Mediterranean fruit flies, a Gompertz growth equation based on the increase in number of individuals that die is a better predictor of survival data than is the classical Gompertz survivorship model based on the decrease in number that survive (analysis of medfly data of Carey et al., 1992). In the growth model, the rate of increase of the number dead (i.e., the death rate) decreases exponentially with age. The poor fit of the classical model predicts “excess survival” of older members, but, when the scale of the better-fitting growth model is increased 2400 ×, such excess is now also evident as a small but distinctly separate cohort of the medfly subjects. The smaller population appears to be about 0.01% of the larger, and the death rate decreases about one-fourth as fast. Survival of the nematode C. elegans (Brooks et al., 1994) is also better predicted by the growth model, which also shows excess survival of the worms at great age.
Accuracy-configurable adder for approximate arithmetic designs

Approximation can increase performance or reduce power consumption with a simplified or inaccurate circuit in application contexts where strict requirements are relaxed. For applications related to human senses, approximate arithmetic can be used to generate sufficient results rather than absolutely accurate results. Approximate design exploits a tradeoff of accuracy in computation versus performance and power. However, required accuracy varies according to applications, and 100% accurate results are still required in some situations. In this paper, we propose an accuracy-configurable approximate (ACA) adder for which the accuracy of results is configurable during runtime. Because of its configurability, the ACA adder can adaptively operate in both approximate (inaccurate) mode and accurate mode. The proposed adder can achieve significant throughput improvement and total power reduction over conventional adder designs. It can be used in accuracy-configurable applications, and improves the achievable tradeoff between performance/power and quality. The ACA adder achieves approximately 30% power reduction versus the conventional pipelined adder at the relaxed accuracy requirement.
NK cell granule exocytosis and cytokine production inhibited by Ly-49A engagement.

Abstract MHC class I-specific NK cell receptors inhibit natural killing, and presumably granule exocytosis, when engaged by target cell ligands but it is not yet known which specific activation receptor pathway for natural killing is inhibited or if these receptors influence other NK cell activities such as cytokine production. Moreover, an individual NK cell may express multiple inhibitory MHC class I receptors; these NK cell receptors may cooperate in inhibiting NK cell activity. To address these issues, we examined whether the murine Ly-49A NK cell receptor, specific for H-2D d , can regulate granule exocytosis and NK cell cytokine responses. Expression of transfected H-2D d on tumor targets specifically inhibited granule release from Ly-49A + NK cells. Importantly, Ly-49A engagement also inhibited target cell-induced cytokine (GM-CSF) secretion. Using a target cell-free system, we next determined that anti-Ly49A mAb can regulate NK cell responses induced by specific stimuli. Cross-linking of NK1.1 with immobilized mAb induced granule release and TNF-α, IFN-γ, and GM-CSF secretion; all were inhibited by coimmobilized anti-Ly-49A. These effects were specific because an isotype-matched control mAb did not alter NK1.1-mediated responses. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the Ly-49A receptor can regulate granule exocytosis and cytokine secretion in response to targets and NK1.1 signaling, consistent with its function as an inhibitory receptor for MHC class I molecules in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In addition, these results strongly support the thesis that signals transduced from Ly-49A alone are sufficient for mediating the inhibitory effects against target cells.
Collection Development and the College Library: A State‐of‐the‐Art Review

Collection development literature has burgeoned over the past decade, yet the complaint is still heard that college libraries are not engaged in meaningful collection development activities. College librarians often consider methods described in published research as too time‐consuming, technologically dependent, or statistically complex to apply to their own situations. How relevant is the literature to the practical needs of the collection developer? In addressing this question, a theoretical overview of collection development is presented, and recent publications reviewed, in terms of their relevance to collection planning, implementation, and evaluation in the small college library.
Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with suture repair of the pelvicaliceal system.

Abstract Objectives Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is emerging as a viable minimally invasive nephron-sparing option for select patients with an exophytic renal tumor. With increasing experience, we are applying laparoscopic partial nephrectomy to tumors invading more deeply into the renal parenchyma, necessitating intentional caliceal entry to ensure an adequate margin of resection. In this prospective study, we assessed the safety and efficacy of such substantive renal parenchymal resections that incorporate laparoscopic suture repair of the collecting system. Methods Since August 1999, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed in 64 patients with a renal tumor. Our technique routinely involved transient clamping of the renal artery and vein, caliceal suture repair (if necessary), and renal parenchymal suture repair. Intraoperative and postoperative data from the group requiring caliceal repair (group 1, n = 27) were compared with those not requiring caliceal repair (group 2, n = 37). The mean tumor size was 3.4 ± 1.6 cm in group 1 and 2.6 ± 0.9 cm in group 2 ( P = 0.02). The mean depth of tumor invasion into the renal parenchyma was 1.5 ± 0.8 cm in group 1 and 0.9 ± 0.3 cm in group 2 ( P = 0.15). Results Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was technically successful in all 64 cases without any open conversions. Both groups 1 and 2 were comparable in terms of total operative time (3.2 ± 0.9 hours versus 2.7 ± 1.0 hours, P = 0.06), tumor excision time (5.9 ± 1.8 minutes versus 6.0 ± 1.9 minutes, P = 0.97), and estimated blood loss (241 ± 306 mL versus 258 ± 342 mL, P = 0.27). Pelvicaliceal suture repair was associated with a longer warm ischemia time (30.2 ± 5.4 minutes versus 19.4 ± 4.9 minutes, P P = 0.003). No patients in group 1, and 1 patient in group 2, developed an asymptomatic perinephric urinoma that was drained percutaneously. On pathologic examination, inked surgical margins were negative for cancer in all but 1 case; the width of the parenchymal margin on histologic examination was 0.5 ± 0.4 cm in group 1, and 0.4 ± 0.3 cm in group 2 ( P = 0.59). The mean preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine was 1.1 and 1.2 mg/dL in group 1 and 1.0 and 1.1 mg/dL in group 2, respectively ( P = 0.4). During a mean follow-up of 9.5 ± 3.5 months in group 1 and 15.7 ± 4 months in group 2, no renal unit developed irreversible ischemic damage or local cancer recurrence. Conclusions Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can be performed safely and efficaciously for select invasive renal tumors with intrarenal extension, even up to the collecting system. Intentional caliceal entry in such cases can be effectively repaired in a watertight manner by laparoscopic freehand suturing, albeit with longer mean operative and warm ischemia times, without adverse renal functional sequelae.
TAMGeF: Touch-midAir-Motion Framework for Spatial Input

TAMGeF, Touch-midAir-Motion Gesture Framework is a modern template-based, multi-threaded, C++ cross-platform framework for spatial input devices. In this paper, we provide a look at the lower-level layer of TAMGeF, which provides two contributions to the creation of framework development for input devices: Device generalization (or abstraction) and thread-safe Observer-Queue Pattern. We show that these two contributions provide a foundation for any input device framework.
Novel hemispherical vertical cavity 1.3 mu m surface-emitting laser on semi-insulating substrate

A vertical cavity GaInAsP/InP surface-emitting laser at 1.3 μm wavelength is demonstrated with a hemispherical cavity structure. The laser consists of a circular mesa buried (passivated) in polyimide and is made on a semi-insulating InP substrate. CW operation was obtained at 77 K with a threshold current density of 90 kA/cm2.
Differential Sensitivity to Duration of Acoustic Signals

Experiments were conducted to assess differential sensitivity to acoustic signal duration under various combinations of reference duration, sensation level, and signal frequency, and to determine whether hearing impairment, ostensibly due to cochlear pathology, affects such discrimination. The absolute DL (difference limen) was linear as a function of reference duration at both 10 dB and 50 dB sensation levels in normal subjects and in those with presumed cochlear pathology. When a 10 dB SL signal was used, the mean absolute DL increased at the rate of 2.63 msec per 100-msec increase in reference duration. A concomitant increase of 2.38 msec per 100-msec increase in reference duration was observed when a 50 db SL signal was employed. Neither the signal frequency nor the presence of sensorineural hearing loss affected the duration DL, whereas a sensation level effect was exhibited by both types of subject. A smaller limen was obtained at 50 dB SL than at 10 dB SL.
Grasping and in-hand manipulation: Geometry and algorithms

This paper addresses the problem of grasping and manipulating three-dimensional objects with a reconfigurable gripper that consists of two parallel plates whose distance can be adjusted by a computer-controlled actuator. The bottom plate is a bare plane, and the top plate carries a rectangular grid of actuated pins that can translate in discrete increments under computer control. We propose to use this gripper to immobilize objects through frictionless contacts with three of the pins and the bottom plate, and to manipulate an object within a grasp by planning the sequence of pin configurations that will bring this object to a desired position and orientation. A detailed analysis of the problem geometry in configuration space is used to devise simple and efficient algorithms for grasp and manipulation planning. The proposed approach has been implemented and preliminary simulation experiments are discussed.
Effect of ethanol as a processing co-solvent on the PLGA microsphere characteristics

The effect of ethanol, as an organic phase co-solvent, on the characteristics of dexamethasone containing poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres prepared via the emulsion-solvent evaporation/extraction process has been evaluated. This study allowed determination of the maximum amount of ethanol that can be used to prepare radio-labeled dexamethasone microspheres without affecting their performance. Different ethanol co-solvent concentrations (0-43.75% (v/v)) were investigated and changes in the physicochemical properties and in vitro release profiles were determined. A significant decrease in particle size and drug loading was observed at 12.50% and 25% (v/v) ethanol concentrations, respectively. Morphological evaluation revealed the presence of drug crystals on the microsphere surfaces prepared using ethanol co-solvent concentrations of 18.75% (v/v) and higher. A high burst release was observed with these formulations due to the presence of drug crystals on microsphere surfaces. Various competing factors such as interfacial tension between methylene chloride and water, solubility of drug in the organic phase and the viscosity of the polymer phase contributed to the changes observed in microspheres characteristics at different ethanol co-solvent concentrations. It was determined that radio-labeled dexamethasone solution (in ethanol) can be used at concentrations up to 12.5% (v/v) of organic phase without any significant change in microsphere characteristics.
The Hepatocellular Transport of Sulfobromophthalein-Glutathione by Clofibrate Treated, Perfused Rat-Liver

The hypolipidemic drug clofibrate is known to affect the hepatic transport of various organic anions including bilirubin, fatty acids and sulfobromophthalein. Changes in the rate of metabolism and/or intracellular transport have been claimed responsible for the effect. To evaluate these possibilities, the transport of sulfobromophthalein-glutathione, a model compound that does not require metabolism for biliary excretion, was studied in perfused livers isolated from clofibrate-treated and control rats. Cytosolic fatty acid binding protein and glutathione S-transferase activity were also measured. Clofibrate treatment significantly increased liver weight; as a result glutathione S-transferase activity (toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene) fell if expressed per gram of liver (4560±420 (SE) vs 7010±260 nmoles/min for clofibrate treated and controls respectively, p 0.5). Irrespective of how it was expressed fatty acid binding protein was significantly increased by the drug treatment. Steady state sulfobromophthalein-glutathione removal velocity was saturble with increasing concentrations of sulfobromophthalein-glutathione in both control and clofibrate-treated livers. Steady state extraction ratio, as well as Vmax and Km for removal, did not differ between the two groups. In keeping with other observations, these data collectively indicate that the hepatic steady state removal of nonmetabolized compounds is not affected by clofibrate. Because the concomitant decrease in glutathione S-transferase activity only reflects an opposite change in liver weight, it remains to be determined whether clofibrate alters the hepatic transport of sulfobromophthalein and other compounds that are conjugated with glutathione solely by changing their rate of metabolism.
Method for Characterization of PEGylated Bioproducts in Biological Matrixes

PEGylation of peptides and proteins has been widely used to enhance stability and reduce immunogenicity of biotherapeutics. Characterizing the degradation of these PEGylated products in biological fluids can yield essential information to support pharmacokinetic evaluations and provide clues about their in vivo properties useful for further molecular optimization. In this paper, we describe a novel and uncomplicated approach to characterize PEGylated peptides or proteins and their related degradation products in biological matrixes. The method involves direct liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis of animal sera containing low nanograms to low micrograms per milliliter of PEGylated product with or without an acetonitrile precipitation sample treatment. Applying the methodology to analyze the model PEGylated peptides, 20K PEGylated-Pancreatic Polypeptide analogue (PPA) and 20K PEGylated-glucagon, we elucidated the decomposition pathways occurring in animal sera. The data provided direct e...
Using a Continuous Time Lag to Determine the Associations between Ambient PM2.5 Hourly Levels and Daily Mortality

Abstract The authors are interested in understanding the possible association between exposure to short-term fine particulate matter (PM2.5) peaks that have changing physical characteristics throughout the day and observable health outcomes (daily mortality). To this end, modern statistical methods are used here that allow for a continuous time lag between hourly PM2.5 mass concentration and daily mortality. The functional linear regression model was used to study how hourly PM2.5 mass of past days continuously inﬂuences the daily mortality count of the current day. Using a Poisson likelihood with the canonical link, the authors found that a 10μg/m3 increase in the hourly PM2.5 above the hourly average is associated with 1.7% (0.1, 3.4), 2.4% (1.2, 3.7), 1.6% (0.6, 2.7), and 0.8% (–0.2, 1.8) higher risk of mortality on the same day, next day, 2 days, and 3 days later, respectively. The increase in relative risk is statistically significant for lags of 0–2 days, but not at lag 3. The highest association be...
Coronary revascularization in context.

Coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG), introduced in 1968, was the only method of coronary revascularization until 1977, when percutaneous balloon angioplasty was first performed. The complications of balloon angioplasty (acute vessel closure in 3 to 5% of patients and restenosis in almost half) prevented its use in patients with severe coronary artery disease. In the 1990s, the introduction of bare-metal stents led to reduced rates of these complications. The improved short-term and long-term procedural success with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) allowed for its safe and effective performance in patients with severe coronary artery disease. By the year 2000, more PCI procedures . . .
A neutron spectrometer employing charged-particle collimation to improve resolution

Abstract Two different experimental neutron spectrometers were developed using charged-particle collimation to improve the energy resolution in neutron detection by solid-state detectors. The “thick” spectrometer containing a 6Li metal target, 1.02 × 10−2 cm thick, and two copper collimators showed the neutron energy resolution of approximately 1.5% when detecting 14.7 MeV neutrons. The “thin” spectrometer containing a 6.0 × 10−5 cm thick 6LiF target and a single collimator was tested with thermal neutrons. The use of charged-particle collimation provided a significant improvement of about 30% in detector resolution for thermal neutrons, although the counting efficiency was reduced to about 85% of that efficiency before collimation. Both spectrometers were maintained under a vacuum to prevent oxidation of the lithium metal and to eliminate the energy loss by the charged particles colliding with gas while traversing the collimators. This study revealed that by separating the two silicon surface-barrier detectors, charged-particle collimation is achieved. The separation provides an alternate means of improving the energy resolution of neutron spectrometers.
Train tracks and zipping sequences for pseudo-Anosov braids

Abstract The n-string braid group is naturally isomorphic to the group of isotopy classes of orientation-preserving diffeomorphisms from the n-punctured closed disk to itself which restrict to the identity map on the boundary of the disk. Every such diffeomorphism may be classified as either periodic, reducible, or pseudo-Anosov. In the pseudo-Anosov case, the map may be described in terms of an invariant train track. In his dissertation, H. Huang defined the dynamical power of the center, a number which describes how the diffeomorphism behaves outside a regular neighborhood of the invariant train track. Another object, introduced by Papadopoulos and Penner in 1987 under the name “RLS word”, describes how the map behaves inside a regular neighborhood of the train track. We introduce the concept of zipping sequences, which encode the same information as RLS words in a more useful and easily visualized manner, and we sharpen the definition of zipping sequences by proving that the zipping can always be done from just one outside cusp of the train track. We prove that the ordered triple consisting of the invariant train track, the dynamical power of the center, and the zipping sequence completely determines a braid up to conjugacy. As an application, we present a new solution of the conjugacy problem for pseudo-Anosov 4-braids. In addition, we describe an algorithm for computing the dynamical power of the center of a pseudo-Anosov 4-braid. We also indicate how zipping sequences are related to criteria for recognizing when a closed braid is Artin reducible.
Kallmann’s Syndrome — Beyond “Migration”

THE analysis by Bick et al. in this issue of the Journal 1 closes the circle on a rapidly evolving set of discoveries that have implicated the function of a defined protein in neuronal migration. Specifically, these investigators have identified, as the common genetic mutation associated with Kallmann's syndrome in two brothers, a 3.3-kb deletion confined to the KALIG-1 locus on the short arm of the X chromosome. The deletion was also carried on one X chromosome of their unaffected mother. The defining clinical characteristics of Kallmann's syndrome are anosmia and hypogonadism. A series of stunning discoveries has revealed a rational . . .
Power variances and decay curvature in a reverberant system

Laboratory measurements of the variance of the power transmission coefficient for ultrasound in a reverberant elastic body are compared with extant theory and found to agree. The theory is then extended to describe the transition between behaviors at low and high modal overlap and to incorporate the effects of decay curvature. The new and more precise theory is found to agree poorly with measurements. Reasons for the poor agreement are discussed; it is concluded that the only viable hypothesis is that mode shape statistics are not described by real Gaussian random functions.
Schrödinger Green's function for an electron in a rotating coordinate system with an axial magnetic field

Abstract The nonrelativistic retarded Schrodinger Green's function is derived here for electron propagation in a rotating coordinate system (angular velocity ω = ω k ) subject to a constant, uniform axial magnetic field ( B = B k ), including the effect of a Pauli spin term in the Hamiltonian. This analysis, carried out using Schwinger's operator equation-of-motion method, yields the retarded Green's function in closed form, as an explicit elementary function of its position and temporal variables in direct space-time representation.
LIQUID SLUG MOTION IN A VOIDED LINE

Abstract Transient individual liquid slug motion in a voided line is investigated both numerically and experimentally. In a series of experiments, slugs of various lengths are propelled into an empty pipe under varying air pressures controlled at an upstream reservoir. The pressure–time histories created by the impacting slugs at an elbow located at the end of the pipe reach are measured, and the peak pressures are in reasonable agreement with results reported in an earlier study. An analytical model is developed to predict the slug acceleration and its impulse at the elbow. Comparisons between measured and predicted parameters reveal the random nature of the slug motion and subsequent impact.
Latency and power consumption in unstructured nanoscale boolean networks

The self-assembly of nanoelectronic devices may result in network of heterogeneous components with an unstructured interconnect. It has been shown that the fan-in of two per gate optimizes the number of required gates in logical blocks for feed-forward networks of gates. On the other hand, the local connectivity in a mesh network optimizes the interconnects energy consumption. In this paper, we address the question of what fan-in optimizes both the power consumption and the latency in an unstructured network. We show that an average fan-in of K = 3.3 is optimal for random Boolean networks when energy and latency are considered equally important. Our results are important as they show an inverse relationship between the energy consumption and the performance, and this allow us to determine the optimal connectivity of a certain class of self-assembled nanoscale devices.
Replamineform: A New Process for Preparing Porous Ceramic, Metal, and Polymer Prosthetic Materials

The replamineform process (meaning replicated life forms) is a technique for duplicating the microstructure of carbonate skeletal components in ceramic, metal, or polymer materials. The special pore structures of marine invertebrate skeletal materials such as echinoid spines and corals, which are difficult or impossible to create artificially, can thus be copied in useful materials. Of immediate interest is the possibility of using these replicated microstructures in the fabrication of orthopedic prosthetic devices. By means of this technique, prosthetic materials having a controlled pore microstructure for optimum strength and tissue ingrowth may be obtained.
A model management solution system for multicommodity network flows

Abstract There are certain decision problems in the industry for which theoretically reasonable optimization models are not usable in practice, either because the model is cumbersome and difficult, or because the decision information produced is inappropriate and poorly focused on the problem at hand. The class of models known in operations research literature as multicommodity network flows belongs in this category. This paper presents a decision modeling system for multicommodity network flows using model management techniques to generate part-solutions targeted on the decision maker's specific queries. This method avoids the repeated complex solution process of a large model. The decision maker can direct his attention to decision issues, without regard to the technical characteristics of the model. The dynamic character of the decision process is enhanced by direct interaction with the normal business database. The decision modeling system is illustrated here with a problem in the operations of a hypothetical oil company, a typical example of multicommodity network flows.
THE ECONOMIC FUTURE JUST HAPPENED

Amid the worst economic contraction since 1981-82, and possibly the Great Depression, attention has naturally turned toward the silver lining we might be able to find around the gloom. Some have turned toward historical work on the Great Depression, noting the bright spots that existed; others have examined the relationship, if any, between recessions and entrepreneurial activity. By peering into the economic past, we hope to somehow circumvent our very limited prognosticative abilities and answer the question, “What effect do recessions have on new firm formation?”This research study, analyzing data from the U.S. Census, the Fortune 500, and the Inc. list of America’s fastest-growing companies, presents three main findings: 1. Recessions and bear markets, while they bring pain and often lead to short-term declines in business formation, do not appear to have a significantly negative impact on the formation and survival of new businesses. 2. Well-over half of the companies on the 2009 Fortune 500 list, and just under half of the 2008 Inc. list, began during a recession or bear market. We also find that the general pattern of founding years and decades can help tell a story about larger economic trends. 3. Job creation from startups is much less volatile and sensitive to downturns than job creation in the entire economy. While these data are far from conclusive and can only hint at broader trends, they do illustrate a more fundamental economic reality: each year, new firms steadily recreate the economy, generating jobs and innovations. These companies may be invisible, or they may one day grow into household names. But they constantly come into being as individuals bring forth their economic futures.
Aspartame and Polydextrose in a Calorie‐Reduced Frozen Dairy Dessert

A calorie-reduced frozen dairy dessert was formulated using aspartame as the sweetener and polydextrose as the bulking agent. Two levels each of polydextrose/corn syrup solids combinations and microcrystalline cellulose were evaluated in a dessert consisting of 4% milkfat and 30.5% total solids. Taste panel data showed that the products were acceptable and that microcrystalline cellulose played an important role in the formula. Four levels of polydextrose/sorbitol combinations and two levels of aspartame were also evaluated in a 2% fat, 29.8% total solids frozen dessert. The taste panel data showed that usage levels between 0.05-0.1% aspartame and a maximum of 12% polydextrose produced an acceptable product.
Fraction Size and Dose Parameters Related to the Incidence of Pericardial Effusions

Purpose The influence of treatment parameters, such as (a) fraction size and (b) average and maximum dose (as derived from three-dimensional (3D) distributions), on the incidence of pericarditis was analyzed. To understand and predict the dose and volume effect on the pericardium, a normal tissue-complication probability model was tested with these complication data. Methods and materials Patients (n = 57) entered in 3 consecutive University of Michigan protocols of combined modality for treatment of localized esophageal carcinoma, and having 3D treatment planning for radiation therapy were the subject of this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the significance of the effect of fraction size and dose parameters on the development of any grade of pericarditis. Dose distributions were corrected for the biological effect of fraction size using the linear-quadratic method. Normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) was calculated with the Lyman model. Results Nonmalignant pericardial effusions occurred in 5 of the 57 patients; all effusions were in patients who received treatment with 3.5 Gy daily fractions. On multivariate analysis, no dose factor except fraction size predicted pericarditis, until the dose distributions were corrected for the effect of fraction size ("bio"-dose). Then, both "bio-average" and "bio-maximum" dose were significant predictive factors (p = 0.014). NTCPs for the patients with pericarditis range from 62% to 99% for the calculations with the "bio"-dose distributions vs. 0.5% to 27% for the uncorrected distributions. Discussion A normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model predicts a trend towards a high incidence of radiation pericarditis for patients who have high complication probabilities. It is important to correct the dose distribution for the effects of fractionation, particularly when the fraction size deviates greatly from standard (2.0 Gy) fractionation.
The fine structure and development of the neck region of the mammalian spermatozoon.

The cross-striated connecting-piece in the neck region of the mammalian spermatozoon develops from material that seems to arise between the triplets in the wall of both proximal and distal centrioles. The precursor material extends radially from the centrioles and polymerizes around them to form the connecting piece. This is not composed of “segments” or “lamellae” as usually described but is a cross-striated fibrous protein with a major period of 665 A and a complex pattern of intraperiod bands. It is considered to be homologous with the striated rootlets of cilia. During differentiation of this region, the proximal centriole develops at one end, a cylindrical prolongation which is similar in its structure but not identical with the centriole proper. This centriolar adjunct is a transient structure. The proximal centriole persists in the mature spermatozoon, but the distal centriole disintegrates during formation of the connecting-piece. The outer dense fibers of the flagellum and the cross-striated columns of the connecting piece are distinct components which arise separately and secondarily become continuous. The dense fibers originate as ridge-like radial outgrowths from the wall of the corresponding doublets in the axonemal complex. As they enlarge they separate from the doublets throughout most of their length but they remain continuous with them at their distal ends.
Generalizing From Laboratory to Field Settings

The article presents a review of the book “Generalizing From Laboratory to Field Settings,” by Edwin A. Locke.
Some fused‐ring succinimides as potential anticonvulsants

The syntheses of two compounds, which are fused-ring succinimides, prepared as potential anticon-vulsants, are described. The compounds are 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-methyl-6-oxoindeno[7,1-bc]thiepin-4a,5-(2H)dicarboximide and 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-2-oxo-1H-benz[cd]azulene-1,9a-(2H)dicarboximide. The spirodioxolane of the latter compound was also prepared by ketalization.