cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hearing results with a hydroxylapatite/titanium bell partial ossicular replacement prosthesis.

Objectives/Hypothesis To study the preliminary hearing results in patients receiving a hybrid hydroxylapatite/titanium bell partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) and compare these with a cohort of patients receiving a HAPEX PORP. We hypothesized that the design of the hybrid PORP would enhance its acoustic properties. In particular, the titanium bell, which allows the prosthesis to be freestanding, would obviate the need for Gelfoam, preventing fibrosis. Study Design A retrospective study was made of two cohorts of patients. Methods A computerized otologic database was used to identify all patients implanted with either PORP. The four-frequency (500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz) pure-tone average air–bone gap (PTA-ABG) and ABG values for individual frequencies were compared using the Student t test. Results The PTA-ABG for the titanium bell prosthesis was 9.8 ± 5.7 dB, compared with 13.2 ± 8.3 dB for the HAPEX PORP, which was statistically significant (P <.05). The average ABG values at 500 and 1000 Hz were also statistically significantly improved with the titanium bell PORP (P <.05). Conclusions The titanium bell PORP showed improved postoperative results for the PTA-ABG and at 500 Hz and 1000 Hz. The prosthesis is freestanding and may provide better coupling with the capitulum, factors which may lead to improved hearing results in the lower frequencies.
Effect of Loading Condition on Traction Coefficient between Shoes and Artificial Turf Surfaces

ASTM F2333 is a test method for quantifying traction characteristics between an athletic shoe and a sports surface. This standard calls for normal loads of 500—3000N to be applied between a footfor...
Highlights of High Energy Physics

Data provided by accelerators in various parts of the world have given high energy physicists plenty to think about during the past year.
Combined acetaldehyde and nicotine exposure depresses cardiac contraction in ventricular myocytes: prevention by folic acid.

Abstract Chronic alcoholism can progress to alcoholic cardiomyopathy characterized by ventricular dilation and impaired ventricular contractility. Nicotine abuse continues to remain a serious risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, little is know regarding the combined effects. This study was designed to examine the role of short-term combined exposure of the main alcohol metabolite acetaldehyde (ACA) and nicotine on cardiac contractile function in adult rat ventricular myocytes, and if folate exposure attenuates the effect of ACA/nicotine. Mechanical and intracellular Ca 2+ properties were evaluated by an IonOptix SoftEdge system. Short-term (4–6 h) culture of myocytes with ACA (10 μM), nicotine (100 μM), or combination of the two in sealed vials with silicone septa depressed maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening, without affecting duration of shortening/relengthening and intracellular Ca 2+ handling. Interestingly, the toxin-induced defects on myocyte mechanical properties were ablated with cotreatment of folate (100 μM), an essential vitamin required for DNA synthesis and repair. Collectively, these data provided evidence that ACA and nicotine, either alone or in combination, directly depressed cardiomyocyte mechanical function possibly through mechanisms related to DNA damage.
Ergodicity of Lévy flows

Abstract We consider a stochastic differential equation (SDE) of jump type on a finite-dimensional connected smooth and oriented manifold M. The SDE is driven by a family (ζj, 1⩽j⩽n) of complete smooth vector fields on M and an n-dimensional Levy process X with characteristics (b,σ,ν), where b=(bj) is a real vector, σ=(σij) is a real matrix, 1⩽j⩽n, 1⩽i⩽m, m⩽n and ν is a Levy measure on R n −{0} . The induced flows of local diffeomorphisms (γt(.,w), t⩾0) on M are assumed to be stochastically complete. We find a necessary and sufficient condition for irreducibility of the flows with respect to a volume measure. We apply this criterion to the Horizontal Levy flows on the orthonormal frame bundle over a compact Riemannian manifold and prove that the spherical symmetric (isotropic) Levy motion on M is ergodic with respect to the Riemannian measure on M.
Temporal and Spatial Sampling Constraints in High-Resolution 3-D Seismic Surveys

An experimental, high-resolution 3-D seismic survey was acquired over a 1.5 km2 section of an incised fluvial valley. The data were acquired as a near-zero offset, single-channel survey using a 15 in3 water gun as the source, and differential GPS for navigation and positioning. The objective was to acquire a 3-D seismic data volume suitable for calculating the volume of shallow sand deposits. Horizontal time sections from the 3-D volume clearly show the flanks of the incised valley, as well as high-amplitude reflections interpreted as coarse-grained channel-lag deposits. The volume of this lag deposit can be calculated using the combination of the horizontal and vertical sections from the high-resolution 3-D seismic data set. The results of the experiment also illustrate the importance of spatial sampling in 3-D seismic surveying.
Nanoscale Nucleosome Dynamics Assessed with Time-lapse AFM

A fundamental challenge associated with chromosomal gene regulation is accessibility of DNA within nucleosomes. Recent studies performed by various techniques, including single-molecule approaches, led to the realization that nucleosomes are dynamic structures rather than static systems, as was once believed. Direct data are required in order to understand the dynamics of nucleosomes more clearly and to answer fundamental questions, including: What is the range of nucleosome dynamics? Does a non-ATP-dependent unwrapping process of nucleosomes exist? What are the factors facilitating the large-scale opening and unwrapping of nucleosomes? This review summarizes the results of nucleosome dynamics obtained with time-lapse AFM, including a high-speed version (HS-AFM) capable of visualizing molecular dynamics on the millisecond time scale. With HS-AFM, the dynamics of nucleosomes at a sub-second time scale was observed, allowing one to visualize various pathways of nucleosome dynamics, such as sliding and unwrapping, including complete dissociation. Overall, these findings reveal new insights into the dynamics of nucleosomes and the novel mechanisms controlling spontaneous chromatin dynamics.
The natural history of medication compliance in a drug trial: Limitations of pill counts

To assess medication compliance over time, we prospectively performed pill counts among 121 ambulatory hypertensive subjects for less than or equal to 12 months. Prescribed regimens consisted of pinacidil or hydralazine administered four times a day and of secondary drugs administered up to twice daily. Surreptitious pill counts occurred every 1 to 12 weeks. Among a middle-aged subject group that had been selected for high rates of compliance, we observed mean compliance rates that approximated 100%. We noted marked intrasubject and intersubject variability for any one medication, between medications, and over time. From baseline blood pressures (+/- SE) of 155.5 +/- 1.9/97.3 +/- 1.0 mm Hg, subsequent mean blood pressures varied by compliance subgroup: "hypocompliers" (less than 80%), 151.3/91.0 mm Hg; "hypercompliers" (greater than or equal to 120%), 147.6/91.4 mm Hg; and "eucompliers" (80% to 119%), 143.3/88.5 mm Hg (systolic blood pressure: F1,52 = -220.9, NS; diastolic blood pressure: F1,52 = -121.4, NS). We concluded that weekly pill counts indicated marked intersubject and intrasubject variability, obscured by long-term averages; that compliance lapses appeared to be random; and that excessive medication-taking was the most consistent with "pill dumping."
Congenital pyloric atresia and associated anomalies.

Congenital pyloric atresia (CPA) is a very rare condition that was first described by Calder in 1749. Commonly, CPA occurs as an isolated lesion, which has an excellent prognosis, but it can also be seen in association with other malformations, which can have a negative impact on the final outcome. The medical records of all patients with the diagnosis of CPA treated at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed for: age at diagnosis, sex, presenting symptoms, history of polyhydramnios, diagnosis, associated anomalies, operative findings, treatment and outcome. Eleven cases with the diagnosis of CPA were treated at our hospital. There were five males and six females. Seven were products of full term normal vaginal delivery and the remaining four were prematures. Their birth weights ranged from 1.2 to 3.9 kg (mean 2.2 kg). Polyhydramnios was seen in seven (63.6%). Associated anomalies were seen in six (54.5%). These included epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in three, hereditary multiple intestinal atresias (HMIA) in two including a duplication cyst in one of them, esophageal atresia in one, Down’s syndrome in one, congenital heart disease in one, cleft palate in one and aplasia cutis congenital (ACC) in one. Intraoperatively, five had pyloric diaphragms, in two of them there were double diaphragms, three had pyloric atresia with a gap between the two ends and two had pyloric atresia with no gap. One of them had duodenal perforation as well as ileal perforation. The patients with pyloric diaphragms had excision of diaphragms and Heineke–Mickulicz pyloroplasty. Four of the other five patients had gastro-duodenostomy. One of them also had duodeno–jejunostomy due to associated distal duodenal atresia and excision of duplication cyst. The patient with duodenal and ileal perforation and because of the marked distension of the duodenum had reduction duodenoplasty, gastroduodenostomy, and duodeno–jejunostomy. The area of ileal perforation was resected and end-to-end anastomosis was done after correction of the associated malrotation. One patient with associated esophageal atresia had gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy. Post-operatively, all did well initially, but subsequently, six of them died giving an overall survival of 45.5%. Sepsis was the cause of death in all of them. CPA is very rare and when it occurs in isolation it has a good prognosis. The association of CPA with HMIA is universally fatal. CPA in association with EB has a high mortality but there are encouraging results with the use of steroids and phenytoin. Sepsis continues to be the main cause of death and an associated combined immunodeficiency should be excluded.
Cattell Anxiety Scale in Predicting College Students' Achievement

120 college students were studied to estimate the relationship between high sten scores on the Cattell Anxiety Scale and above average college term grades. 43 male and 77 female undergraduate stude...
Development and Psychometric Investigation of an Inventory to Assess Fight, Flight, and Freeze Tendencies: The Fight, Flight, Freeze Questionnaire

Fear is a psychological construct inherent in assessment of and reaction to threat. Its expression has been associated with individual differences in temperament, personality, and behavioral inhibition. Defining and subsequently assessing these individual differences in fear as a trait-like variable, however, have been largely neglected by researchers. Although there are well-established measures of fear, these primarily assess response to phobic stimuli rather than a reaction tendency to acute fear. As such, the goals of the present studies were to create, pilot, and revise a scale to assess the general construct of trait-like response to fear as it relates to underlying individual differences. Following guidelines for scale development, outlined by Haynes, Richard, and Kubany (1995 [Content validity in psychological assessment: A functional approach to concepts and methods. Psychological Assessment, 7, 238-247]) results of the current investigation provide strong, initial support for the factor structure, reliability, and construct validity of a new measure of trait-like fear: the Fight, Flight, Freeze questionnaire.
Multiple loss of heterozygosity without K-ras mutation identified by molecular analysis on fine-needle aspiration cytology specimen of acinar cell carcinoma of pancreas.

Fine-needle aspiration diagnosis of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PAC) is challenging. Typically, the cytologic findings in PAC are described as a cellular population of loosely cohesive clusters and single neoplastic cells. The individual cells have granular cytoplasm, uniform nuclei, a fine chromatin pattern, and occasional prominent nucleoli. These features are suggestive of PAC but not diagnostic. We illustrate a case in which the combination of cytopathologic findings, clinical information, and molecular analysis enabled us to arrive at the diagnosis of PAC. Although the cytomorphologic features alone were not specific, the presence of a markedly elevated serum lipase level, cutaneous lesions of fat necrosis, and loss of heterozygosity at 1p, 5q25 at the APC locus, 9p21 at the p16 locus, and 17p13 at the p53 locus were essential in excluding the main differential diagnostic entities including pancreatic ductal carcinoma, pancreatic endocrine tumor, and pancreatoblastoma.
Systems biology of pro-angiogenic therapies targeting the VEGF system

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a family of cytokines for which the dysregulation of expression is involved in many diseases; for some, excess VEGF causes pathological hypervascularization, while for others VEGF-induced vascular remodeling may alleviate ischemia and/or hypoxia. Anti-angiogenic therapies attacking the VEGF pathway have begun to live up to their promise for treatment of certain cancers and of age-related macular degeneration. However, the corollary is not yet true: in coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease, clinical trials of pro-angiogenic VEGF delivery have not, so far, proven successful. The VEGF and VEGF-receptor system is complex, with at least five ligand genes, some encoding multiple protein isoforms and five receptor genes. A systems biology approach for designing pro-angiogenic therapies, using a combination of quantitative experimental approaches and detailed computational models, is essential to deal with this complexity and to understand the effects of drugs targeting the system. This approach allows us to learn from unsuccessful clinical trials and to design and test novel single therapeutics or combinations of therapeutics. Among the parameters that can be varied in order to determine optimal strategy are dosage, timing of multiple doses, route of administration, and the molecular target.
Enhanced Expression and Hydrogen Peroxide Dependence of Lignin Peroxidase from Streptomyces viridosporus T7A

The volumetric and specific activities of Streptomyces viridosporus T7A lignin peroxidase isoform ALiP-P3 were increased by formulating a novel corn-starch-based growth medium by optimizing the concentrations of starch, casein, yeast extract, CaCO3 ,N H 4Cl, and trace metals. This medium increases cell densities by 10-fold, cell-specific ALiP-P3 activity by 6-fold, and volumetric ALiP-P3 activity by 60-fold compared to those obtained using a yeast-extract-based medium. The presence of increased concentrations of ALiP-P3 in the starch-based cultures was confirmed by Western blot analysis. In addition, the lignin peroxidase activity was found to be highly dependent upon the concentration of the necessary cofactor, hydrogen peroxide; using 2,4-dichlorophenol as the substrate, ALiP-P3 activity increased 1448-fold as the concentration of H2O2 was varied from 0.1 to 250 mM.
The flow reactor oxidation of C1−C4 alcohols and MTBE

Experimental results are presented for the flow reactor oxidation of methanol, ethanol, normal- and iso-propanol, tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) at initial temperatures of 1020–1120 K and at atmospheric pressure. In comparison to alkanes, alcohols have a more complex oxidation mechanism, which involves the production of both oxygenated and nonoxygenated intermediates directly from the fuel. The ratio of dehydration to dehydrogenation observed depends on the molecular structure of the fuel. Primary alcohols are more susceptible to dehydrogenation than to dehydration, because of the weakness of the α C−H bonds. The direct production of aldehydes from primary alcohols causes these fuels to have much shorter reaction times than do the corresponding alkanes. By contrast, tertiary alcohols are highly susceptible to unimolecular dehydration. Since the dominant intermediates are alkenes, the chemistry closely resembles that of non-oxygenated hydrocarbons. Secondary alcohols react both by dehydration to alkenes and by dehydrogenation to ketones. MTBE decomposes directly to methanol + isobutene. These findings are summarized in a general mechanism for alcohol fuel oxidation. Methanol is observed to have the unique property that nearly half of its heat release occurs before the CO peak.
Experimental infections of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses by intranasal inoculation of virus and ingestion of virus-infected chicken meat

The present study investigated the susceptibility of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) exposed to two strains of Asian lineage H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus by evenly separating six gulls into two groups and inoculating them intranasally with 106 median embryo infectious doses of either A/whooper swan/Mongolia/244/05 (H5N1) or A/duck meat/Anyang/AVL-1/01 (H5N1). Two additional gulls were fed 5.0 g meat from a specific pathogen free chicken that died after experimental infection with A/whooper swan/Mongolia/244/05. Morbidity and mortality were observed in the gulls infected with A/whooper swan/Mongolia/244/05 by both routes of exposure. Gulls infected with A/duck meat/Anyang/AVL-1/01 exhibited high morbidity, but no mortality. The concentration and duration of viral shedding were similar between gulls infected with either strain of H5N1 HPAI virus by intranasal inoculation and gulls exposed to A/whooper swan/Mongolia/244/05 through ingestion of virus-infected chicken meat. The suscepti...
The key to halting progression of CKD might be in the produce market, not in the pharmacy

In vitro, experimental, and clinical work suggests that metabolic acidosis, either directly or indirectly, can promote the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Goraya et al. demonstrate that both oral alkali supplementation and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are equally effective at decreasing urinary excretion of markers of renal injury in patients with stage 2 CKD. Although this study is promising, the short duration and use of only urinary markers as a surrogate outcome weaken the conclusions.
Understanding behavior in the Milgram obedience experiment: The role of personality, situations, and their interactions.

Among the far-reaching implications that have been drawn from Milgram's obedience research is that situations powerfully override personal dispositions as determinants of social behavior. A focused review of the relevant research on the Milgram paradigm reveals that the evidence on situational determinants of obedience is less clear than is generally recognized; contrary to the commonly held view, personality measures can predict obedience; another kind of dispositional variable, enduring beliefs, is also implicated in the obedience process and approaches suggested by interactionist perspectives can provide some integration of the literature. The article concludes with a discussion of the broader inferences about obedience and social behavior called for by this review and the enduring significance of Milgram's obedience research
Standing orders: considerations for acquisitions method

Even though a substantial amount of the library materials budget may be allocated for standing orders, this method of acquisition is frequently not given the same attention as those used for traditional monographs and serials. This article describes some of the differences in standing order material, including their shared characteristics with both monographs and serials. It also reviews factors that make some standing orders a good candidate for an approval plan. The article also enumerates some considerations in vendor selection decisions, regardless of which acquisitions method is used. The author concludes that it is definitely time to assess how these materials are acquired and which type of vendor is used and to make decisions that extend our purchasing power.
The biologic dilemma of early carcinoma of the prostate

BACKGROUND. The clinician has long been challenged by the diversity in clinical expression of carcinoma of the prostate. On one end of the spectrum is a disease that is phenotypically malignant but biologically not virulent. It is the prostate carcinoma that males die with rather than of. On the other end of the spectrum, there is a carcinoma of the prostate that is relentless and virulent, and has been resistant to our intervention efforts. Although all males are known to be at risk for the occurrence of carcinoma of the prostate, there is no means at present to predict the type and behavior of the disease they will experience. This is the conundrum faced upon recognition of premalignant and early microscopic disease. METHODS. This paper presents a conceptual framework of the evaluation of disease behavior along one of three distinctive pathways. In this trilogy of expression of carcinoma of the prostate, there are the indolent (Type I), the slowly progressive (Type II), and the virulent and systemic (Type III). These general patterns of behavior may be an expression of the tumor cell (seed) and the factors that were its genesis, or the effect of the environment (soil) in which the tumor cell finds itself. The more likely fact is that it is the product of both (seed and soil). RESULTS. Our goal is to identify tumors for which no therapy is warranted at their outset by molecular and biologic methods ; age group in whom curative local therapy is feasible ; and the carcinomas that require effective systemic therapy. CONCLUSIONS. The three general patterns of clinical expression provide a framework in which to identify the genetic, molecular, and cellular determinant of the biologic behavior of carcinoma of the prostate. Being able to correlate such parameters with likely behavior patterns would help us choose appropriate therapy.
Theorem on Closure and the Criterion of Compactness for the Classes of Solutions of the Beltrami Equations

We study the classes of regular solutions of degenerate Beltrami equations with constraints of the integral type imposed on a complex coefficient, prove the theorem on closure, and establish a criterion of compactness for these classes.
Spinal cord injury induced neuropathic pain: Molecular targets and therapeutic approaches

Neuropathic pain, especially that resulting from spinal cord injury, is a tremendous clinical challenge. A myriad of biological changes have been implicated in producing these pain states including cellular interactions, extracellular proteins, ion channel expression, and epigenetic influences. Physiological consequences of these changes are varied and include functional deficits and pain responses. Developing therapies that effectively address the cause of these symptoms require a deeper knowledge of alterations in the molecular pathways. Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases are two promising therapeutic targets. Matrix metalloproteinases interact with and influence many of the studied pain pathways. Gene expression of ion channels and inflammatory mediators clearly contributes to neuropathic pain. Localized and time dependent targeting of these proteins could alleviate and even prevent neuropathic pain from developing. Current therapeutic options for neuropathic pain are limited primarily to analgesics targeting the opioid pathway. Therapies directed at molecular targets are highly desirable and in early stages of development. These include transplantation of exogenously engineered cell populations and targeted gene manipulation. This review describes specific molecular targets amenable to therapeutic intervention using currently available delivery systems.
CARDIO-METABOLIC ADAPTATIONS TO MARATHON TRAINING

Marathon (42 km foot race) participation has risen steadily among middle-aged people seeking the reported health benefits of regular physical exercise. To date, data defining the cardio-metabolic responses to marathon preparation are sparse. Recreational male runners [n = 45; age = 48 ± 7 years;
Novel therapies for the antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL Abs) are associated with thrombosis in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). There is strong evidence that aPL Abs are pathogenic in vivo from studies in animal models. Furthermore, there are now convincing data indicating that activation of complement is involved in those processes. This report addresses current modalities of treatment, as well as recent findings with respect to molecular events triggered by aPL Abs on endothelial cells, platelets, monocytes and complement activation. A separate section addresses recent findings with regard to the putative receptor(s) recognized by aPL Abs on target cells. Based on experimental evidence using in vitro and in vivo models, new targeted therapies for treatment and/or prevention of thrombosis in APS are proposed and discussed.
Allergic contact dermatitis to temporary tattoos with positive para-phenylenediamine reactions: report of four cases.

Background In recent years, temporary tattoos instead of permanent tattoos have become popular worldwide. Although contact allergy to temporary henna tattoos appears to be rare in the past, it is progressively more commonly reported. Patients Four Taiwanese patients of allergic contact dermatitis following application of temporary tattoos were patch tested and they were followed up for 1 year after treatment. Results All four of the tested patients were positive to paraphenylenediamine. At 1-year follow-up, all four patients still showed various degrees of remnant hyperpigmentation on their previous tattooed areas. Conclusion Temporary tattoos may pose similar risks of allergic reactions associated with permanent tattoos. A high risk of prolonged post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after allergic contact dermatitis from temporary tattoos should also be alerted, especially in Asian skin type.
Conformational plasticity of the influenza A M2 transmembrane helix in lipid bilayers under varying pH, drug binding, and membrane thickness.

Abstract Membrane proteins change their conformations to respond to environmental cues, thus conformational plasticity is important for function. The influenza A M2 protein forms an acid-activated proton channel important for the virus lifecycle. Here we have used solid-state NMR spectroscopy to examine the conformational plasticity of membrane-bound transmembrane domain of M2 (M2TM). 13 C and 15 N chemical shifts indicate coupled conformational changes of several pore-facing residues due to changes in bilayer thickness, drug binding, and pH. The structural changes are attributed to the formation of a well-defined helical kink at G34 in the drug-bound state and in thick lipid bilayers, nonideal backbone conformation of the secondary-gate residue V27 in the presence of drug, and nonideal conformation of the proton-sensing residue H37 at high pH. The chemical shifts constrained the ( ϕ , ψ ) torsion angles for three “basis” states, the equilibrium among which explains the multiple resonances per site in the NMR spectra under different combinations of bilayer thickness, drug binding, and pH conditions. Thus, conformational plasticity is important for the proton conduction and inhibition of M2TM. The study illustrates the utility of NMR chemical shifts for probing the structural plasticity and folding of membrane proteins.
Social Factors in Science Education.

A review of the major factors relevant to learning seience, suggests certain elasses of social variables that should be studied. A number of social experiments are suggested, which may result in improved achievement in science, among the nation's high school students. A science education policy is suggested by this analysis.
Changes in the Scale and Size Distribution of US Metropolitan Areas During the Twentieth Century.

The scale and size distribution of US metropolitan areas from 1910 to 1995 are documented and analysed. The data show that the country's population became increasingly concentrated, prior to the Second World War, in the largest metropolitan areas in the top decile of the size distribution by population. The data leave little doubt that the largest labour market areas became increasingly attractive places in which to live and work during this time. In contrast to this pre-war trend, the data since 1950 show a loss of population share for the largest metropolitan areas in the top decile of the population size distribution. This loss of share by very large areas is not counterbalanced by increasing share among small or medium-sized metropolitan areas. Rather, the share is captured by the next-largest group of areas in the adjacent decile of the size distribution. Thus, while there is evidence of declining share for the very largest areas, there is no evidence that the rise of the services/information sectors...
Persistence of Sleep-Associated Decrease in GnRH Pulse Frequency in the Absence of Gonadal Steroids

Context: There is dramatic slowing of GnRH pulse frequency during sleep in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, but it is unknown whether this represents a primary effect of sleep or is dependent upon the sex steroid environment. Objectives: Our objective was to determine 1) whether sleep affects GnRH pulse frequency in postmenopausal women (PMW) in whom gonadal hormones are low and 2) whether this relationship changes with aging. Design and Setting: Studies were performed in the Clinical Research Center of an academic medical center. Subjects: Subjects included healthy PMW, 45–55 (n = 8) and 70–80 (n = 6) years old. Interventions: Subjects were studied during one night of polysomnographic-recorded sleep and one night of monitored wake during which blood was sampled every 5 min for 8 h. Main Outcome Measures: Pulsatile secretion of free α-subunit (FAS), a marker of GnRH secretion, was assessed. Results: There were no differences in sleep macroarchitecture or sleep efficiency [75 ± 12% (mean ...
Steam sterilizers: an evolution in design.

The basic design of steam sterilizers has remained virtually unchanged for more than forty years. Facelifts have improved the machine's external appearance, and microprocessor controls have simplified the wiring. However, the sterilization process--the essence of sterilization-has remained the same. Steam sterilization, although relatively simple in theory when compared with other methods of sterilization, can be applied improperly, resulting in unsterile products. Most sterilization experts indicate that inadequate air removal is the most common cause of ineffective sterilization in steam sterilizers.1 Air prevents adequate steam penetration, which prevents materials in the sterilizer from reaching proper temperature and thereby impairs the sterilization process. There are numerous sources of air leaks in the most commonly used prevacuum steam sterilizers, including door seal gaskets, valve seats, pipe fittings, and fatigued or corroded pressure components. The healthcare industry spends $20 million annually for indicators that assure proper performance of steam sterilizers.2 Indicators typically used include Bowie Dick tests, biological indicators, chemical indicators, and more recently, integrating chemical indicators. A considerable safety factor is built into sterilizers to assure sterilization occurs. Recommended exposure time and temperature are significantly greater than needed to actually sterilize materials.1 The safety factors are based on a history of ineffective air removal. Extended exposure times help compensate for slow heating when trace quantities of air remain in the process and retard heat penetration; however, extended times only provide limited compensation for air in the system.1 The main evolution in the design of steam sterilizers has centered on developing methods to remove air from the sterilizing chamber more effectively. Most of the design improvements have been related to changes in the preconditioning phase of the sterilization cycles because air is supposed to be removed from the load and the sterilizing chamber during preconditioning. After the preconditioning phase, the other aspects of the sterilization processes remain substantially unchanged.
Surface tension, hydrophobicity, and black holes: The entropic connection

The geometric entropy arising from partitioning space in a fluid {open_quote}{open_quote}field theory{close_quote}{close_quote} is shown to be linearly proportional to the area of an excluded region. The coefficient of proportionality is related to surface tension by a thermodynamic argument. Good agreement with experimental data is obtained for a number of fluids. The calculation employs a density-matrix formalism developed previously for studying the origin of black hole entropy. This approach may lead to a practical technique for the evaluation of thermodynamic quantities with important entropic components. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Exact solutions to the double sinh-gordon equation by the tanh method and a variable separated ODE method

New exact travelling wave solutions for the double sinh-Gordon equation and its generalized form are formally derived by using the tanh method and the variable separated ODE method. The Painleve property v = e^u is employed to support the tanh method in deriving exact solutions. The work emphasizes the power of the methods in providing distinct solutions of different physical structures.
Structure and magnetic properties of NdFeB thin films with Cr, Mo, Nb, Ta, Ti, and V buffer layers

Abstract Layers of NdFeB of the form A(20 nm)/NdFeB( d nm)/A(20 nm) where A represents Cr, Mo, Nb, Ta, Ti, V were prepared on a silicon substrate by magnetron sputtering. The purpose is to determine how (i) the chosen buffer layer and (ii) NdFeB layer thickness d (especially d 2 Fe 14 B with no preferred crystalline orientation. Our highest coercivities occur for buffer layer elements from row five of the periodic table, 20 kOe (1600 kA/m) in a Nb buffered sample with d of 180 nm and 17 kOe (1350 kA/m) in a Mo buffered sample with d of 180 nm. Buffer layers from row four (Ti, V, and Cr) and row six (Ta) all give lower coercivities. Our largest energy product, 10.3 MG-Oe (82 kJ/m 3 ), is obtained for the Mo buffered sample. Average Nd 2 Fe 14 B crystallite size for this sample is 27 nm. Only the Cr and Ti buffered films show a large coercivity (⩾2 kOe) for d of 54 nm with the Cr films showing the highest coercivity, 2.7 kOe (215 kA/m). In films subjected to a rapid thermal anneal (anneal time 30 s) we find that both the coercivity and energy product are larger than in samples subjected to a 20 min anneal. In our Nb buffered systems we obtain coercivities as high as 26.3 kOe (2090 kA/m) after a rapid thermal anneal.
Synthetic Strategy for Preparing Chiral Double-semicrystalline Polyether Block Copolymers

We report an effective strategy for the synthesis of semi-crystalline block copolyethers with well-defined architecture and stereochemistry. As an exemplary system, triblock copolymers containing either atactic (racemic) or isotactic (R or S) poly(propylene oxide) end blocks with a central poly(ethylene oxide) mid-block were prepared by anionic ring-opening procedures. Stereochemical control was achieved by an initial hydrolytic kinetic resolution of racemic terminal epoxides followed by anionic ring-opening polymerization of the enantiopure monomer feedstock. The resultant triblock copolymers were highly isotactic (meso triads [mm]% ∼ 90%) with optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, wide angle X-ray scattering and small angle X-ray scattering being used to probe the impact of the isotacticity on the resultant polymer and hydrogel properties.
Holographic interferometric study of heat transfer to a sliding vapor bubble

Abstract Heat transfer associated with a vapor bubble sliding along a downward-facing inclined heater surface was studied experimentally using holographic interferometry. Volume growth rate of the bubbles as well as the rate of heat transfer along the bubble interface were measured to understand the mechanisms contributing to the enhancement of heat transfer during sliding motion. The heater surface was made of polished silicon wafer (length 185 mm and width 49.5 mm). Experiments were conducted with PF-5060 as test liquid, for liquid subcoolings ranging from 0.2 to 1.2 °C and wall superheats from 0.2 to 0.8 °C. The heater surface had an inclination of 75° to the vertical. Individual vapor bubbles were generated in an artificial cavity at the lower end of the heater surface. High-speed digital photography was used to measure the bubble growth rate. The temperature field around the sliding bubble was measured using holographic interferometry. Heat transfer at the bubble interface was calculated from the measured temperature field. Results show that for the range of parameters considered the bubbles continued to grow, with bubble growth rates decreasing with increasing liquid subcooling. Heat transfer measurements show that condensation occurs on most of the bubble interface away from the wall. For the parameters considered condensation accounted for less than 12% of the rate heat transfer from the bubble base. In this study the heater surface showed no drop in temperature as a result of heat transfer enhancement during bubbles sliding.
Close relationship between the state of the xanthophyll cycle pigments and photosystem II efficiency during recovery from winter stress

The potential involvement of the xanthophyll cycle in photoprotection of overwintering evergreen plants was investigated. Leaves from five evergreen species, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus ponderosa, Euonymus kiautschovicus, Mahonia repens and Malva neglecta, were collected from the field predawn during winter and transferred to the laboratory where chlorophyll fluorescence emission as well as the chlorophyll and carotenoid composition were ascertained periodically for 4.5 days. Leaves and needles from all species were found to have retained large amounts of the xanthophyll cycle pigments zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin, and they exhibited sustained low values of the intrinsic efficiency of photosystem II (PSII; measured as the ratio of variable to maximal fluorescence, F v /F m ) upon collection. The increase in PSII efficiency was biphasic, with a rapid phase (requiring several hours) and a slow phase (requiring several days). Changes in the conversion state of the xanthophyll cycle were found to correlate with increases in PSII efficiency in both phases, with the latter phase involving large increases in both F m (maximal fluorescence) and F o (minimal fluorescence) throughout the period of recovery. The relationship between F m quenching (expressed as nonphotochemical or Stern-Volmer quenching [NPQ] of F m , i.e. F m /F m ' -1) and F o quenching (F o F o '-1) was linear, as expected for changes in xanthophyll cycle-dependent energy dissipation in the antenna complexes. Furthermore, the relationship between F v /F m and NPQ during recovery followed the theoretical relationship predicted for changes in the rate constant for energy dissipation in the antenna complexes. This fit between the theoretical relationship and the actual data indicates that all changes in NPQ or F v /F m can be accounted for by changes in this rate constant. The results suggest a role for the photoprotective xanthophyll cycle-dependent dissipation process in the lowered efficiency of PSII observed in cold-stressed evergreen plants in the field.
Dissimulation in Sunni Islam and Morisco Taqiyya

This study provides an outline of the religious doctrine of taqiyya or dissimulation in Sunni Islam, drawing on Qur’ānic commentaries, hadīth compilations, legal manuals, and ethical treatises. Moriscos and the North African jurists who advised them had access to discussions of taqiyya and the closely connected legal dispensation of coercion ( ikrāh ) through these sources, many of which were wellknown in al-Andalus before the Reconquista, and some of which continued to be popular afterwards. Attention to this material helps one to interpret the 1504 fatwā of Ibn Abī Jum’a al-Wahrānī to the Moriscos and in particular his discussion of blasphemy under coercion.
Dorsal Vagal Complex of the Brainstem: Conformal Avoidance to Reduce Nausea

Abstract Purpose To investigate the role of dose to the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) as an emetic stimulus in head-and-neck cancer patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy but without chemotherapy. Methods and materials Seventy consecutively treated patients were analyzed for factors associated with nausea. The DVC was contoured on treatment planning scans using a previously published template and mean dose to the structure was analyzed for dose response. Results Nausea occurred in 26 of 70 patients (37%). Two patients (3%) experienced grade 2 nausea, with the remainder having grade 1 nausea. On univariate analysis, dose to the DVC, age, and T-stage were the only significant predictors of nausea. The highest quartile of dose to the DVC (>3000 cGy) was associated with an incidence of nausea of 67% compared with less than 30% in each of the other 3 quartiles (P = .0255). Conclusions Dose to the DVC of the brainstem appears to correlate with radiation-induced nausea and vomiting. Attentive treatment planning efforts can reduce dose to this critical structure and hopefully minimize the risk of nausea.
The role of birds in the culture of the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe

Msimanga, A. 2000. The role of birds in the culture of the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 22–24. The Ndebele people of western Zimbabwe uphold some beliefs and practices relating to birds and these are either shared with other ethnic groups or unique to them. Some areas of interaction include the naming of birds, taboos, folk stories and songs as well as food and medicine. The changes in the lifestyle of the Ndebele resulting from industrialisation and urbanisation have had corresponding effects on attitudes towards cultural beliefs and this is affecting birdlife and indeed all biodiversity. It is suggested that where possible those beliefs and practices that impact positively on birdlife be identified and promoted for purposes of conservation and sustainable utilisation.
Abstract 2826: Carbohydrate intake, glycemic load, and glycemic index and prostate cancer risk

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Background: The typical U.S. diet is characterized by high carbohydrate intake, and dietary carbohydrates can modulate insulin sensitivity depending on their glycemic effect. Glycemic load and glycemic index, which represent the quality and quantity of carbohydrate foods, and prostate cancer risk are poorly characterized. Objective: To examine the association between dietary carbohydrate intake, glycemic load, and glycemic index and risk of prostate cancer, and determine if these associations differ between Whites and Blacks. Methods: We analyzed data from an ongoing case-control study of White (N=109) and Black (N=143) veterans at the Durham VA Medical Center. Cases were 65 men with biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer. There were two groups of controls: biopsy-negative controls (N=89) and healthy (i.e. no biopsy indication) controls (N=98). All men had a PSA test done in the year prior to enrolling in the study. Demographic and lifestyle risk factors were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Diet information was obtained using the Harvard food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for prostate cancer risk were obtained using logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, race, and total energy. Results: Mean carbohydrate intake, glycemic load, and glycemic index were similar among cases and both groups of controls (all p-values >0.05). We did not observe any statistically significant risk estimates for high (≥median) carbohydrate intake, glycemic load, or glycemic index. Compared to healthy controls, the ORs for prostate cancer risk associated with high carbohydrate intake, glycemic load, and glycemic index were 0.66 (95% CI 0.34-1.30), 0.57 (95% CI 0.22-1.49), and 1.18 (95% CI 0.61-2.02) respectively. Corresponding ORs when compared to biopsy-negative controls were 0.88 (95% CI 0.46-1.70), 0.69 (95% CI 0.29-1.64), and 0.83 (95% CI 0.43-1.59), respectively. The associations between carbohydrate intake, glycemic load, or glycemic index and risk of low-grade (gleason score <7) as well as high-grade (gleason score ≥7) prostate cancer relative to healthy controls were null for all analyses. There was no evidence of effect modification by race in our analyses. Additional adjustment for fiber intake did not appreciably alter any of the ORs. Conclusion: Our findings in a small case-control study do not suggest that a high carbohydrate intake and/or high glycemic load increase the risk of prostate cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2826.
Presidential Accountability in Foreign Policy: Some Recurring Problems

“Accountability”–accountability of elected representatives to the public which elected them–is basic to normative democratic theory. Yet as a discrete theoretical concept, it is rarely treated systematically by contemporary democratic theorists but rather subsumed under representation, participation, the press and other rubrics. Contemporary political science frequently delineates two orders of accountability, one for domestic and one for foreign affairs. Extraordinary circumstances are said to attach themselves to the foreign policy process which renders it less susceptible to accountability. It is argued, accordingly, that such factors as the need for secrecy, diplomatic finesse, expert knowledge, time constrictions, etc., limit the possibilities of public participation in the foreign policy process and free the presidency from the measure of accountability allegedly operative in the domestic sphere. On the contrary, I argue that it is unsound, both on grounds of theory and practice, to posit two orders...
Grain‐Boundary Chemistry of Barium Titanate and Strontium Titanate: I, High‐Temperature Equilibrium Space Charge

Direct observations using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) of the grain-boundary chemistry of selectively doped SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 show the predominant solute segregation in both systems to be that of acceptors (negative effective charge). Appreciable donor segregation is not observed even at lattice concentrations as high as 10 mol%. Donor and acceptor codoped materials show segregation of the acceptor only. The results are consistent with a grain-boundary space-charge distribution consisting of a positive boundary and negative space charge. All grain boundaries examined also show an excess of Ti relative to the A-site cations, suggesting that the positive boundary charge is at least partially accommodated by an excess of Ti ions. The sign and magnitude of the electrostatic potential appear to be remarkably insensitive to changes in lattice defect structure with solute doping. Grain-boundary chemistry appears dominated by space-charge segregation, in contrast with the predictions of recent atomistic simulations which neglect the space-charge potential.