cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Field Performance of Concrete Pavement Joints Protected by Silane Sealer: Case Study

AbstractPenetrating sealers have been applied to some concrete pavement joints to reduce moisture movement and provide additional durability in Wisconsin since 1999. In these projects, contractors ...
Von Willebrand factor exerts hepatoprotective effects in acute but not chronic cholestatic liver injury in mice

Abstract Acute and chronic liver disease are associated with substantial alterations in the hemostatic system, including elevated levels of the platelet-adhesive protein von Willebrand factor (VWF). Carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis is reduced in VWF-deficient mice, but it is unclear if VWF plays a pathologic role in all settings of liver fibrosis. Indeed, several studies suggest an anti-fibrotic role for components of the hemostatic system, including platelets, in experimental settings of bile duct fibrosis. However, the role of VWF in this specific pathology has not been examined. We tested the hypothesis that VWF exerts hepatoprotective effects in experimental bile duct injury. Wild-type and VWF-deficient (VWF−/−) mice were challenged with the bile duct toxicant alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) and the impact of VWF deficiency on acute cholestatic liver injury and chronic liver fibrosis was determined. Acute ANIT (60 mg/kg, po)-induced cholestatic liver injury was associated with increased VWF plasma antigen and activity levels. VWF deficiency enhanced ANIT-induced hepatocellular injury, evidenced by increased plasma ALT activity and area of hepatocellular necrosis. Surprisingly, platelet accumulation within necrotic areas was increased in ANIT-challenged VWF−/− mice compared to wild-type mice. Compared to acute ANIT challenge, hepatic platelet accumulation was modest and appeared to be VWF-dependent in mice exposed to ANIT diet (0.05 %) for 6 weeks. However, contrasting the role of VWF after acute ANIT challenge, VWF deficiency did not impact biliary fibrosis induced by chronic ANIT exposure. The results suggest that VWF plays dichotomous roles in experimental acute and chronic ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury.
Case based reasoning using speech data for clinical assessment

The question of detecting pertinent information about an individual from properties of their speech is not a new one. Much research has been done to explore the manifestation of emotions in voice. The work presented in this paper proposes to apply these efforts in the domain of depression assessment using Case Based Reasoning. Cases are constructed using the recordings of responses to a questionnaire from English speaking Males and Females, and Spanish speaking Males and Females. We apply the exemplar and instance approach to classify new test cases. Experimental results show that the construction of cases using sound waveform statistics can be utilized by a case based reasoner to classify new instances correctly.
Novel Methods of Measuring Hydraulic Conductivity of Tree Root Systems and Interpretation Using AMAIZED (A Maize-Root Dynamic Model for Water and Solute Transport)

Steady-state and dynamic methods were used to measure the conductivity to water flow in large woody root systems. The methods were destructive in that the root must be excised from the shoot but do not require removal of the root from the soil. The methods involve pushing water from the excised base of the root to the apex, causing flow in a direction opposite to that during normal transpiration. Sample data are given for two tropical (Cecropia obtusifolia and Lacistema aggregatum) and two temperate species (Acer saccharum and Juglans regia cv Lara). A hysteresis was observed in the relationship between applied pressure and resulting flow during dynamic measurements. A mathematical model (AMAIZED) was derived for the dynamics of solute and water flow in roots. The model was used to interpret results obtained from steady-state and dynamic measurements. AMAIZED is mathematically identical with the equations that describe Munch pressure flow of solute and water in the phloem of leaves. Results are discussed in terms of the predictions of AMAIZED, and suggestions for the improvement of methods are made.
Phorbol esters affect multiple steps in beta-amyloid precursor protein trafficking and amyloid beta-protein production.

Amyloid β-protein (Aβ), the major constituent of amyloid deposits found in Alzheimer’s disease, is derived from the β-amyloid precursor protein (βPP). Constitutive proteolysis by α-secretase and secretion of soluble βPP (βPPs) are stimulated by protein kinase C (PKC) activation, whereas Aβ production and release are inhibited. The cellular mechanism that underlies the PKC-mediated down-regulation of Aβ generation is unclear. Because endocytic processing of βPP from the cell surface is a major pathway of Aβ production, the effect of PKC activation by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) on endocytic trafficking of βPP was examined. In this study, trafficking of βPP was assayed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) cells stably transfected with full-length βPP751. Treatment with PDBu resulted in a rapid and striking reduction of up to 80% in the amount of βPP at the cell surface. This loss of cell-surface molecules could not be accounted for by changes in the trafficking of cell-surface βPP molecules, as determined by a radiolabeled antibody assay. Rather, the decrease in βPP was due primarily to a reduction in the sorting of βPP to the cell surface. This alteration was correlated with accelerated intracellular α-secretase-mediated βPP cleavage and accelerated βPP trafficking in the exocytic pathway. The data suggest that the displacement of βPP away from the cell surface after phorbol ester treatment reduces the substrate available for endocytic processing and, in turn, results in the inhibition of Aβ production.
Toward an Artificial Choroid Plexus, Concept and Clinical Implications

Understanding of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) physiology is continuously evolving. Classical, more mechanistic, notion of CSF circulation from choroid plexus (CP) to arachnoid granulations is giving way to a more complex model with the blood–brain barrier (BBB) serving as the site of CSF production and absorption. Furthermore, role of the CP as the major site of CSF production and absorption is challenged. However, the role of CP as a source of biologically active compounds, that is peptides, is becoming more evident. The CP-secreted peptides may be involved in the regulation of brain homeostasis, especially in CNS diseases. We will discuss that the novel understanding of CSF physiology does not depend upon the function of CP as a major source of CSF production. We will then review evidence that indicates an important role of CP as a source of peptides secreted into the CSF under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Also, pharmacological factors are discussed, such as whether the CSF space may serve as a compartment and system for the distribution of peptides throughout the brain. Finally, we analyze our previous work with encapsulated stem cells transplanted into the CSF space and the concept of an artificial CP is outlined.
Are peptides truly satiety agents? A method of testing for neurohumoral satiety effects

Because controversy exists as to the interpretation of the known feeding-suppressive effects of various neuropeptides, we attempted to construct a model that could differentiate satiety from other nonspecific effects. Reasoning that a satiety factor should be less inhibiting of feeding in a hungrier animal, whereas aversive agents should be unaffected by hunger, we studied the neuropharmacologic dose responses of five substances administered peripherally to rats at two different degrees of starvation. Included were four neuropeptides with putative satiety effects: cholecystokinin, calcitonin, bombesin, and pancreatic polypeptide, as well as the known aversive agent lithium chloride. In the study, cholecystokinin behaved as we postulated a satiety factor would, showing significant effect of starvation at every dose and in the ANOVA. The aversive agent lithium showed overlapping among the starvation groups and no starvation effect by ANOVA. Calcitonin failed to show differences attributable to starvation. Bombesin produced some overlapping of starvation groups and a barely significant starvation effect by ANOVA. Pancreatic polypeptide produced no feeding suppression in the rat. We conclude that cholecystokinin is a short-term satiety signal and that calcitonin acts peripherally by some nonspecific nonsatiating means. Bombesin's effects are unclear but may be nonspecific.
Recast of the outputs of a deterministic model to get a better estimate of water quality for decision makings

The outputs of a deterministic water quality model are retreated to recast the model simulation. A multi-variance regression method is used for daily model outputs versus observed data to assess the systematic errors in model simulation of individual model cell. The model outputs are re-adjusted to better represent the actual values, and to yield a better model calibration. Such a recast is important to model application for water quality analysis, especially for TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) which requires accurate simulation to exam criteria attainment. This paper addresses the recast method, its prerequisites, and how the results are extended for the scenarios with various load reductions.
Research highlights: elucidating the role of complex interactions affecting nanoparticle deposition

In this issue, we highlight recent works that advance our understanding of physicochemical mechanisms governing nanoparticle (NP) deposition in the environment. In one study, the transport of citrate-stabilized silver NPs in an unsaturated porous medium was assessed experimentally, which provided data to assess the contributions of NP attachment at the air–water interface with a modified transport model. Another study applied cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering to examine the effect that ferrihydrite NP aggregation state (density and structure) has on deposition behavior. Finally, we highlight a study that investigated the influence of excess polymeric constituents on the deposition of polymer-coated quantum dots and incorporated this effect in a multi-component site-blocking model. Overall, these studies highlight three distinct mechanisms of NP attachment beyond simple scenarios of saturated conditions, stable NPs, and single-constituent systems. These studies also point to new directions for improving the predictive capability of transport models.
Jeremiah Metzger Lecture: cholesterol, inflammation and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: is it all LDL?

Scientific investigation of the relationship between atherosclerosis, inflammation, and lipoprotein metabolism originated in the mid-19th century and has increased exponentially over the past 50 years. Basic research that characterized the lipoproteins and their metabolism was followed by clinical and epidemiologic studies that began to link elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood to the development of atherosclerosis and increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The link between elevated serum cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease, known as the “lipid hypothesis,” was confirmed with the discoveries of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and of the statins. Subsequent results of multiple clinical trials, particularly with statins, have established that reductions in LDL cholesterol are associated with reduced risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). A growing body of evidence suggests that measures of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), may enhance cardiovascular risk assessment and help guide clinical decision-making. Reductions in CRP in individuals with low serum levels of LDL cholesterol have been shown to reduce cardiovascular events. A variety of agents designed to further reduce LDL cholesterol, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and target inflammation are currently in development. Future research can help clarify the roles of emerging biomarkers and lipid fractions other than LDL cholesterol in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
On constructing optimistic simulation algorithms for the discrete event system specification

This article describes a Time Warp simulation algorithm for discrete event models that are described in terms of the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS). The article shows how the total state transition and total output function of a DEVS atomic model can be transformed into an event processing procedure for a logical process. A specific Time Warp algorithm is constructed around this logical process, and it is shown that the algorithm correctly simulates a DEVS coupled model that consists entirely of interacting atomic models. The simulation algorithm is presented abstractly; it is intended to provide a basis for implementing efficient and scalable parallel algorithms that correctly simulate DEVS models.
Association of HIV-1 Tat with the cellular protein, Purα, is mediated by RNA

The interaction between two regulatory proteins plays a crucial role in the control of several biological events, including gene transcription. In this report, we demonstrate that the interaction between the cellular sequence-specific single-stranded DNA binding protein Purα and the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein is mediated by specific ribonucleic acids. The region of Tat that is important for its interaction with Purα includes the region demonstrated to bind Tat’s viral RNA target, TAR. A 10-nucleotide GC-rich consensus sequence identified in RNAs associated with Purα derived from human U-87MG cells plays an important role in the Purα:Tat interaction as examined by an in vitro reconstitution assay. Furthermore, expression of the Purα-associated RNA in these cells enhances transcriptional activation of the HIV-1 promoter by Tat and Purα.
Can Coyotes Affect Deer Populations in Southeastern North America

Abstract The coyote (Canis latrans) is a recent addition to the fauna of eastern North America, and in many areas coyote populations have been established for only a decade or two. Although coyotes are known predators of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in their historic range, effects this new predator may have on eastern deer populations have received little attention. We speculated that in the southeastern United States, coyotes may be affecting deer recruitment, and we present 5 lines of evidence that suggest this possibility. First, the statewide deer population in South Carolina has declined coincident with the establishment and increase in the coyote population. Second, data sets from the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina indicate a new mortality source affecting the deer population concurrent with the increase in coyotes. Third, an index of deer recruitment at SRS declined during the period of increase in coyotes. Fourth, food habits data from SRS indicate that fawns are an imp...
Anomalous electron scattering from 142, 146, 150Nd

Abstract Properties of the ground state charge distributions and some low-lying states in 142, 146, 150 Nd have been investigated using the Yale University Electron Accelerator. The incident energy was varied between 15 MeV and 60 MeV while angular distribution measurements were obtained at angles between 70° and 150° inclusive. If the ground state charge distribution is described in terms of a half-density radius and a skin thickness, a conventional phase-shift analysis of the present results, in the context of spherically symmetric static charge distributions, indicates anomalously small values of the skin thickness in all three neodymium isotopes. Measured cross sections differ by as much as 40 % from those expected for these nuclei on the basis of the results of muonic X-ray and high-energy electron scattering experiments. Estimates by Rawitscher of the effect of virtual nuclear excitations suggest that these excitations (neglected in the analysis) may be responsible for the observed anomalies. Reduced γ-transition probabilities have been deduced for the following low-lying levels: 142 Nd, 1.57 MeV (2 + ), 2.09 MeV (3 − , (2 + ?)); 146 Nd, 0.45 MeV (2 + ); 150 Nd, 0.13 MeV (2 + ).
Posttraumatic thromboprophylaxis revisited: an argument against the current methods of DVT and PE prophylaxis after injury.

Background Thromboprophylaxis after injury is a controversial issue. Practices and outcomes vary widely.
Organometalloidal derivatives of the transition metals II(1) silylmethyl complexes of dicarbonyl(η5 cyclopentadienyl)iron

The complex [η5-C5H5Fe(CO)2]− Na+ reacts with variously substituted silylmethyl halides to yield the corresponding new silylmethyliron complexes which react with tertiary phosphines to yield asymmetric monocarbonyl derivatives containing either a silylmethyl or silylacetyl ligand. The silylacetyl derivatives desilylate when treated with traces of acid. Sulphur dioxide inserts into the iron carbon bond to form silylmethylsulphinato complexes.
Polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 and the risk of ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective. Recent studies of ovarian cancer have suggested a role for inflammation in carcinogenesis. Data from a population-based case-control study in Hawaii were examined to assess the relation between polymorphisms in cytokines involved with the inflammatory response, specifically members of the interleukin (IL) family and the incidence of ovarian cancer. Patients and methods. The analysis of 182 epithelial ovarian cancer cases and 219 controls focused on the polymorphisms in the following genes: IL-1α , IL-1β , IL-6 , IL-10 , and IL-18 . Genotype data were obtained from blood samples collected in participants' homes, and reproductive, demographic, and lifestyle histories were collected during interview. Results. There were no significant odds ratios (ORs) for ovarian cancer by allelic variants in any of the IL genes after adjusting for age, ethnicity, education, oral contraceptive pill use, pregnancy, and history of tubal ligation. Although there was a significantly reduced risk of ovarian cancer risk among women with an IL-1α ( − 4845) T allele compared to women with two G alleles (OR: 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.37–0.97) after adjustment for age and ethnicity, the trend was not significant ( p = 0.10). Further examination of the data suggested that women with at least one IL-18 variant allele (a G to C transition at position −137) were at significantly decreased risk of advanced ovarian cancer (OR: 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.28–0.90) compared to women with the IL-18 GG genotype. There was a significant difference in the risk of ovarian cancer associated with the IL-18 C allele by stage at diagnosis ( p = 0.04 for homogeneity in the ORs): cases with IL-18 GC or CC genotypes were less likely to be diagnosed at regional/distant stages. Analysis of the data within ethnic subgroups revealed a significant positive association of the heterozygous IL-18 GC genotype with ovarian cancer risk among Native Hawaiian women (OR: 9.96; 95% CI: 1.88–52.90). The OR for ovarian cancer was not significant for Native Hawaiian women homozygous for the IL-18 C allele, but only one case and control had the IL-18 CC genotype. Conclusions. Overall, this study does not support an association of selected IL-1α , IL-1β , IL-6 , IL-10 , or IL-18 polymorphisms with the risk for ovarian cancer. However, the IL-18 G137C variant may be a marker for ovarian cancer progression or metastasis.
Cocaine-induced HIV-1 expression in microglia involves sigma-1 receptors and transforming growth factor-β1

Abstract The neuropharmacological properties of cocaine are known to be associated with the activation of sigma-1 receptors. Cocaine also has been shown to alter both cytokine production and HIV-1 expression in mononuclear phagocytes, including microglial cells. This study tested the hypothesis that sigma-1 receptors and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 are involved in cocaine-induced up-regulation of HIV-1 expression in microglial cell cultures. Treatment of microglial cells with cocaine resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in viral expression assessed by measurement of p24 antigen levels in culture supernatants. This cocaine-mediated stimulation of HIV-1 expression was blocked by treatment of microglia with inhibitors of sigma-1 receptors (BD1047) and TGF-β1 (SB-431542 and anti-TGF-β1 antibodies). Microglia were also shown to constitutively express sigma-1 receptor mRNA. Thus, the results of this study support the notion that neuroimmunopharmacological properties of cocaine involve sigma-1 receptors and cytokines.
The phase structure of SU(2) × U(1) lattice gauge theory

Abstract We determine the phase structure and nature of symmetry breaking of the standard SU(2) × U(1) electroweak theory on a lattice.
Electrogenerative reduction of nitric oxide

Electrogenerative processes are those in which favourable thermodynamics and kinetic factors are utilised in an electrochemical cell to generate by-product electricity while bringing about a desired reaction. The cell actually functions as a reactor to produce a desired chemical or occasionally to destroy an undesired one. Electrode potentials are generated by reactions at the electrodes; they are frequently different from those of conventional electrosynthesis. Here, we describe an exploratory study of the electrogenerative reduction of nitric oxide to favour ammonia production as well as the effect of electrocatalyst, external load, and other parameters on product distributions.
A processor allocation method for time-sharing

A scheduling algorithm is proposed which is intended to minimize changes of tasks on processors and thereby reduce overhead. The algorithm also has application to more general resource allocation problems. It is implemented by means of a method for efficiently handling dynamically changing segmented lists.
Bilateral shoulder pain: psoriatic arthritis masquerading as overuse

A 25-year-old man who played summer softball developed bilateral shoulder pain. The pain was not alleviated by decreased activity, and signs and symptoms, including previous bilateral foot pain that developed before the onset of a psoriatic scalp lesion, suggested psoriatic arthritis (PA). Bilateral pain is unusual with PA; more typically, patients have monarticular pain (see "Asymmetric Presentation of Psoriatic Arthritis," below). Discussed are differential diagnosis, etiology, clinical features, and treatment, including physical therapy, NSAIDs, and disease-modifying agents such as sulfasalazine.
Resistance fluctuations in a four-probe geometry with infinite leads.

The mean-square variation in the magnetoresistance of small metal wires is calculated in a four-probe geometry with infinite leads. Dephasing scattering is included in a simplified but current-conserving manner. As a result, a region of each lead approximately one dephasing length from the sample contributes to the fluctuations, which, however, then remain finite as the leads are made long, as one would expect on phyiscal grounds. The calculated symmetric and antisymmetric parts of the resistance fluctuations are in semiquantitative agreement with experiment.
The United States does a poor job of evaluating Medicare hospitals: perhaps Australia can help.

The United States spends more money per person on healthcare than does any other country in the world, and this rate of spending is increasing. Healthcare expenses currently absorb more than 12 percent of the American gross national product, and recent projections indicate that such expenses will exceed 16 percent by the year 2000. By the year 2005, the U.S. Medicare program is expected to absorb more of the national budget than either Social Security or defense. One justification for the high rate of spending has been that, for those who receive it, U.S. healthcare is the best in the world. There is, however, no way to validate this view because no national or international agreed-upon set of criteria for measuring quality of care exists. Proponents of the American system seem to assume that if it costs more, it must be better. If this is true, it is certainly not reflected in American consumer satisfaction: a recent poll of citizens of ten developed countries indicated that Americans were by far the least satisfied with their healthcare system. This article focuses on the American oversight of Medicare hospitals to determine it, in this narrow area, dissatisfied American consumers are justified.
Effects of Calculus Reform: Local and National

(1999). Effects of Calculus Reform: Local and National. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 106, No. 9, pp. 800-811.
Electrical engineering reference resources: a survey from LibGuides

Purpose – The purpose of this survey is to find a significant sample of reference resources for electrical engineering as they are presented in subject-specific LibGuides. Design/methodology/approach – The survey is based on a detailed observation and collection of sources designated as Reference Resources in LibGuides, titles found were compiled and organized. Findings – The results are substantial; they offered a body of specialized resources, which includes e-book collections, dictionaries, handbooks, encyclopedias and other resources that are important to electrical engineering students and researchers. Research limitations/implications – A considerable amount of resources were found; nevertheless, they represent the resources found in a randomly selected sample of LibGuides; therefore, the result is limited to the group of libraries selected. Practical implications – The results of this survey are valuable to subject librarians interested in comparing resources with a pool of libraries and to discove...
Permeability of Marine Sediments and Tropical Volcanic Soils

Permeability values for a range of fine-grained deep-sea sediments are presented and evaluated in terms of index properties such as plasticity, grain size and carbonate content. It is found that whereas clay-rich sediments have similar permeabilities to those of equivalent land-based fine-grained soils, the presence of volcanic, carbonate and other non-clay fractions tends to increase permeability somewhat. Volcanic silty-clayey soils from Hawaii have comparable permeability values, although they can be slightly more permeable.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Chemically Driven Convection in a Porous Medium.

This paper is focused on the analysis of interaction of free convection and exothermic chemical reaction. As a consequence of the chemical reaction, free convection effects can result. It is difficult to perform an analytical bifurcation analysis of the full nonlinear governing equations; however, Fourier expansion combined with a Galerkin approximation results in a small set of ordinary nonlinear differential equations (initial-value problem) that are amenable to analysis. Conditions for branching of the solution can be determined in an analytical way. A continuation algorithm makes it possible to calculate the branches of stability. The results of the approximative analysis are supported by the numerical integration of the full governing nonlinear equations.
Lymphatic malformations of the tongue base

Purpose: In light of the paucity of literature on lymphatic malformations of the tongue base, our aim was to present our experience and long-term outcomes of patients with this rare and challenging pathologic entity. Methods: Medical records of 25 patients treated by the 3 senior authors (RGA, MTC, and RTC) between 1974 and 2003 were retrospectively reviewed, and comprehensive clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results: Twenty-one patients (13 female and 12 male infants) were diagnosed either prenatally or at birth. Of these patients, 18 required early airway stabilization; 17 required tracheotomy. Four patients were diagnosed after 1 year of age and had no airway problems. Follow-up ranged from 2 days (owing to death) to 28 years, with a mean of 10 years. In 21 patients, pathology was extensive, involving contiguous anatomical areas such as the anterior tongue, larynx, pharynx, and floor of mouth. Multiple resections and debulking procedures were performed to restore function and improve cosmesis. Four patients died, all with laryngeal involvement. Of the 14 survivors who had tracheotomies, only 5 are decannulated. Normal oral feeding has been achieved in 14 patients and normal speech, in 8 patients. Cosmesis has improved with time. Orthodontic and dental problems are common, and 9 patients have significant macrognathia. Conclusions: Although most patients with lymphatic malformations of the tongue base achieve normal oral feeding, airway, speech, and cosmesis issues remain problematic throughout life. Laryngeal involvement signifies extensive disease and is the most significant risk factor for serious complications and death.
NOTE The Application of Surface Analysis Techniques in the Adhesive Bonding of Oily Automotive Steel

Abstract There are fewer papers on the adhesive bonding of steel for structural applications than for aluminum and titanium alloys. However, the approach to the adhesive bonding of all three adherends has been similar, that is, the surfaces are pretreated prior to bonding. Trawinski, et al.1,2,3 reviewed several conversion coatings or etching processes used for steel. Haak and Smith4 selected two surface treatments among nineteen based on minimal cost, simplicity and good durability. Smith5 has reported work on stainless steel-epoxy bonds under hydrothermal stress. Bischof, et al.6 investigated the effect of surface pretreatment of steel on bonding strength obtained with polyvinyl chloride. Ziane, et al.7 identified four fracture zones resulting from shear loading of epoxy bonded galvanized steel following four different surface pretreatments. But in some cases, as in the automotive industry, there is a need to bond oily steel directly without surface pretreatment. Rosty, et al.8 have reported a study of ...
Combustion Synthesis of Composite Materials

This paper discusses the of application of combustion synthesis of ceramic and ceramic-metal composites. Several model exothermic combustion synthesis reactions are being used to investigate the effect of reaction parameters, eg. stoichiometry, green density, combustion environment and mode, particle size, physical properties of reactants and products, on the stability and control of the synthesis reaction, product morphology and properties and performance.
Incompetent Patients with Limited Care in the Absence of Family Consent: A Study of Socioeconomic and Clinical Variables

To understand the factors that distinguish terminally ill, incompetent patients who are given do-not-resuscitate status by physicians against the wishes of the patient's family, I reviewed the charts of 20 such patients (cases) seen in consultation by the ethics committee at the Massachusetts General Hospital over 10 years. I also compared this group of patients with 105 patients who received do-not-resuscitate status with family consent over 3 months in 1986. Socioeconomic factors were similar between cases and controls. Selected prehospitalization characteristics such as history of alcohol or substance abuse, depression, dementia, or other psychiatric diseases were rarely present in the ethics committee group. However, these patients were likely to be incontinent (90%), incapable of any self-care (80%), and have low Glasgow Coma Scale scores (mean, 9.4). The ethics committee cases were relatively young (mean 63.6 years), were in the hospital for a long period before a do-not-resuscitate decision was reached (mean, 48.2 days), were frequently admitted to intensive care units (75%), and often received ventilatory (70%) and pressor medication (50%) support. Eighty percent of the ethics committee cases died in the hospital. The control do-not-resuscitate patients were much less sick and received much less invasive support. This research suggests that the ethics committee at the study hospital was not redefining the principles of medical ethics that underlie decisions not to resuscitate when it recommended limited care in the absence of family consent, but rather was recommending such limitations only for patients in whom it appeared further care was futile.
Pulley anatomy for the radial side of the wrist.

This is the first presentation in the literature of a radial tendon flexor pulley in the distal forearm adjacent to the flexor carpi radialis. The clinical significance is that in performing wrist tendon arthroplasty, this structure and, in close proximity, the sensory branch of the median nerve may be encountered. Whether cutting the pulley of the flexor carpi radialis is clinically significant in changing wrist biomechanics is unknown. Clin. Anat. 14:246–247, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Do psychological interventions make a difference

A major challenge for the science of clinical psychology is to convincingly demonstrate the effectiveness of our interventions. Competition from pharmacological companies and restrictions by health insurance organizations make this an important challenge. Factors external to psychology as well as those within our profession contribute to the lack of full acceptance of psychological interventions. We need to identify psychological variables that have powerful relationships with health characteristics as well as investing in treatment outcome studies. Professional psychology also needs to commit to disseminating information about empirically supported treatments.
Psychological distance in disturbed and normal children.

In an attempt to determine whether emotionally disturbed children experience more distant psychological relationships than normal children a modified version of Kuethe's social schemata technique was administered to 20 children referred to a treatment center and to 26 control group youngsters. The figures to be replaced on a field consisted of eight social stimuli and four non-social designs presented in 12 different combinations of pairs. No significant systematic directional differences in replacement distances for emotionally disturbed as compared with normal children were found. There were, however, significant age and stimulus effects. Moreover, the patient group exhibited less over-all accuracy in distance judgments than the non-disturbed children.
Reversal of the net dinitrogen gas flux in coastal marine sediments

The flux of nitrogen from land and atmosphere to estuaries and the coastal ocean has increased substantially in recent decades. The observed increase in nitrogen loading is caused by population growth, urbanization, expanding water and sewer infrastructure, fossil fuel combustion and synthetic fertilizer consumption. Most of the nitrogen is removed by denitrification in the sediments of estuaries and the continental shelf, leading to a reduction in both cultural eutrophication and nitrogen pollution of the open ocean. Nitrogen fixation, however, is thought to be a negligible process in sub-tidal heterotrophic marine systems. Here we report sediment core data from Narragansett Bay, USA, which demonstrate that heterotrophic marine sediments can switch from being a net sink to being a net source of nitrogen. Mesocosm and core incubation experiments, together with a historic data set of mean annual chlorophyll production, support the idea that a climate-induced decrease in primary production has led to a decrease in organic matter deposition to the benthos and the observed reversal of the net sediment nitrogen flux. Our results suggest that some estuaries may no longer remove nitrogen from the water column. Instead, nitrogen could be exported to the continental shelf and the open ocean and could shift the effect of anthropogenic nitrogen loading beyond the immediate coastal zone.
Mean-field theory of block copolymers: bulk melts, surfaces, and thin films

A quantitative mean-field treatment of inhomogeneous polymer systems is applied to bulk diblock copolymer melts, as well as to surfaces and thin films of these melts. Equations for a set of polymer chain probability distribution functions are solved numerically in a manner that requires no further approximation to the fundamental mean-field treatment. Results for symetric block copolymer meld are in quantitative agreement with previous predictions which are valid only near the critical point or in the strong segregation regime
Changes in thrombolytic and inflammatory markers after initiation of indinavir- or amprenavir-based antiretroviral therapy.

HIV-infected subjects who have lipodystrophy and insulin resistance on prolonged antiretroviral therapy have elevated levels of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAl-1) antigens, markers of impaired thrombolysis that are associated with hyperinsulinemia and increased cardiovascular risk. We studied HIV-infected, protease inhibitor (PI)-naive adults treated with indinavir (n=11) or amprenavir (n=14) plus two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors enrolled in two independent prospective trials. Antiretroviral and immune responses were similar in both studies. Over 8 wk, indinavir was associated with decreased insulin sensitivity, whereas amprenavir was not. Levels of tPA antigen declined by approx 25% with both treatments (p<0.05 for each); levels of PAl-1 antigen did not change. Levels of the inflammatory marker soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor II (sTNFr2) correlated positively with tPA antigen (r=0.33, p=0.02), and mean (±SD) plasma concentrations of sTNFr also declined with treatment (4.44±1.11 ng/mL pretherapy, 3.75±1.21 posttherapy, p=0.007). Short-term improvement in a marker of impaired thrombolysis and increased vascular risk can occur during PI-based antiretroviral therapy, perhaps as a consequence of improvement in HIV-related inflammation. This improvement occurred independent of development of insulin resistance, which occurred only with indivinavir.
Demo-speci-ocracy

Rapidly growing interdependence of government policy decisionmaking and multiplying varieties of specialized knowledge, on the one hand, and continuing decline in democracy due to increasing distances between voter and the effective act of deciding, on the other, pressure political scientists to devise a more adequate system. Demospeciocracy proposes integration of both democratic and scientific values in a multi-leveled system. After discussing six assumed principles, the article presents nine different, but interdependent, agencies needed for the system: initiators, steerers, researchers, informers, examiners, voting supervisors, planners, judges, and administrators, and concludes with suggestions about how to introduce them.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea as a Unique Cause of Hyponatremia

Hypovolemic hyponatremia in the pediatric population is a common electrolyte disturbance, most often secondary to salt loss in excess of water loss from the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., diarrhea). We present an unusual case of an 18-month-old boy who had recurrent hyponatremic, hyperkalemic dehydration secondary to salt losses from cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and low dietary salt intake. An extensive evaluation revealed normal renal and endocrine function. Head imaging revealed a persistent craniopharyngeal canal, suggesting a communication between the nasopharynx and subarachnoid space. The nasal secretion was confirmed to be cerebrospinal fluid by detection of beta transferrin-2. This case highlights cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea as an unusual, but clinically significant, cause of sodium loss.
MYOCARDIAL EXPRESSION OF THE MICRORNA DRE-MIR-133A-5P IS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPROVEMENT IN LEFT VENTRICULAR EJECTION FRACTION IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY TREATED WITH BETA-BLOCKERS

Congestive heart failure has a varying degree of responsiveness to treatment with β- blocking agents. Given that microRNAs are known to be involved in regulation of cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling, we hypothesized that their differential expression may be predictive of prognosis and treatment
Deciphering skeletal patterning: clues from the limb

Even young children can distinguish a Tyrannosaurus rex from a Brontosaurus by observing differences in bone size, shape, number and arrangement, that is, skeletal pattern. But despite our extensive knowledge about cartilage and bone formation per se, it is still largely a mystery how skeletal pattern is established. Much of what we do know has been learned from studying limb development in chicken and mouse embryos. Based on the data from such studies, models for how limb skeletal pattern is established have been proposed and continue to be hotly debated.
Application of 720-Cycle Carrier to Power-Distribution Circuits

LOW-frequency carrier has been applied extensively to distribution circuits for remote control of street lights, window lights, off-peak water heaters, and similar services. Since carrier makes available a control system whose operating flexibility can be duplicated only by the use of a number of separate wire or pilot circuits, it permits saving large amounts of copper and other critical war materials. The necessity of reducing illumination or “blacking out” lighting circuits under war conditions has emphasized the value of the direct control provided by a carrier system. More recently the importance of carrier control for air-raid sirens and for signaling air-raid warnings to defense centers and civilian-defense personnel has been demonstrated.
Evaluating CME Speakers

To the Editor: We recently analyzed the results of the evaluation forms for nine speakers who participated in a continuing-medical-education (CME) symposium. There were 245 attendees, of whom 94 (38 percent) submitted evaluation forms. One speaker had to withdraw abruptly because of an unforeseen event before the scheduled presentation. The remaining eight speakers were graded very high (80 percent of the attendees gave them “excellent” or “good” mean scores for quality of presentation). The missing speaker was graded by 21 percent of the responders. The evaluations of the canceled presentation ran a little better than the mean; 88 percent scored . . .
Ab initio pair potentials for the ionic lithium-formate system

The potential energy surfaces for the interatomic interaction in the Li+HCOO− system have been investigated byab initio methods within the rigid-molecule approximation. Analytical potential expressions were fitted to 133 calculated SCF energies for the Li+-HCOO− interaction, 42 SCF energies for the Li+-Li+ interaction, and 332 SCF energies for the HCOO−-HCOO− interaction. The global minimum on the Li+-HCOO− surface is −170 kcal/mol and corresponds to the lithium ion lying on the C2 axis of the formate ion at 2.2 A from the carbon atom on the oxygen side. The cation-cation and anion-anion interactions are repulsive everywhere, although the potential surface is markedly anisotropic for the HCOO−-HCOO− interaction.
Heroin use, street crime, and the “main hustle”: Implications for the validity of official crime data

This paper explores the basis for a concept known on the street as the “main hustle” with intensive life history interviews with 30 hard core heroin addict‐criminals. Implied in this descriptive te...
Flexibility, Diversity, and Cooperativity: Pillars of Enzyme Catalysis

This brief review discusses our current understanding of the molecular basis of enzyme catalysis. A historical development is presented, beginning with steady state kinetics and progressing through modern fast reaction methods, nuclear magnetic resonance, and single-molecule fluorescence techniques. Experimental results are summarized for ribonuclease, aspartate aminotransferase, and especially dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Multiple intermediates, multiple conformations, and cooperative conformational changes are shown to be an essential part of virtually all enzyme mechanisms. In the case of DHFR, theoretical investigations have provided detailed information about the movement of atoms within the enzyme–substrate complex as the reaction proceeds along the collective reaction coordinate for hydride transfer. A general mechanism is presented for enzyme catalysis that includes multiple intermediates and a complex, multidimensional standard free energy surface. Protein flexibility, diverse protein conforma...
Observations of Oceanic Surface-Wind Fields from the Nimbus-7 Microwave Radiometer

Brightness temperatures from the fiIve-frequency (6.6, 10.7, 18, 21, and 37 GHz) dual-polarized scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) on Nimbus 7 have been used to obtain surface wind fields over the ocean. The sateilite-derived wind field for 1200Z, February 19, 1979, in the eastern North Pacific has been compared with an operationally generated surface-wind analysis field. Previous point comparisons at selected locations have indicated that satellite winds are accurate to 3 ms-1. The results here, although of a preliminary nature, indicate that SMMR-derived winds may be used to determine large-scale wind fields over the ocean, particularly in areas of strong wind gradients such as found in cyclonic systems.
Red Cell 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate and Adenosine Triphosphate in Patients with Shock*

Summary. 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were studied in 12 patients with shock. Observations in the first 6 hr revealed a mean value of 2,3-DPG higher than normal with a range above and below the normal limits. After this period the mean value was lower. In the presence of metabolic acidosis, the values were low. In two patients, the improvement in clinical state was associated with a rise in the level of these compounds. The mean value for ATP was slightly higher than normal in the first 6 hr and remained the same later; there was no correlation with 2,3-DPG or with pH. Our data failed to reveal any definite relation between shock and 2,3-DPG levels in the red cells. The metabolite varied independently of ATP and did not correlate with red cell age. There was a significant correlation of the levels of 2,3-DPG with the hydrogen ion concentration of arterial blood.
Reducing respiratory artifacts in chest MR images through hybrid space motion tracking and postprocessing

A new postprocessing method of correcting for respiratory motion induced artifacts in MRI is presented. The motion of the chest during respiration is modeled as a combination of translation and dilation. Displacements of the chest wall are tracked via a thin, MR-sensitive plate placed on the patient's chest during a scan. Scanning with phase encoding left/right (L/R) and frequency encoding anterior/posterior (A/P) causes the motion artifacts to be repeated in the L/R direction, thus not overlapping on the plate. By performing the inverse A/P Fourier transform, the resulting hybrid space data has A/P spatial data and L/R spatial frequency data, in which the motion of the plate is clearly visible as a nearly periodic waveform. Modeling the motion of the chest wall as an equal combination of translation and dilation allows corrections to the image to be make in k- space using properties of the Fourier transform and the measured displacement data. Noticeable reduction of the intensity of the motion artifacts is achieved, indicating the validity of the motion model and tracking method.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.