cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overdispersed logistic regression for SAGE: Modelling multiple groups and covariates

Background Two major identifiable sources of variation in data derived from the Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) are within-library sampling variability and between-library heterogeneity within a group. Most published methods for identifying differential expression focus on just the sampling variability. In recent work, the problem of assessing differential expression between two groups of SAGE libraries has been addressed by introducing a beta-binomial hierarchical model that explicitly deals with both of the above sources of variation. This model leads to a test statistic analogous to a weighted two-sample t-test. When the number of groups involved is more than two, however, a more general approach is needed.
Increase in bleomycin-detectable iron in ischaemia/reperfusion injury to rat kidneys

Iron has been shown to be important in ischaemic, immune and toxic forms of tissue injury in various organs. Although it is generally accepted that iron participates in the generation of powerful oxidant species (e.g. hydroxyl radicals) there has not been any direct evidence that iron capable of catalysing free-radical reactions is increased in tissues in these models of injury. In the present study we demonstrate that ischaemia/reperfusion injury to the kidney results in no significant change in total, nonhaem or ferritin iron levels, but there is a marked and specific increase in bleomycin-detectable iron (capable of catalysing free-radical reactions) in the kidney. The increase in bleomycin-detectable iron is observed only after reperfusion but not during the ischaemic period. In a separate study we demonstrate that despite a drastic reduction in the iron content in the kidney, as a result of feeding an iron-deficient diet, there is a similar and a marked increase in the bleomycin-detectable iron in kidneys accompanied by a lack of protection against ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
Beach and Dune Restoration: Beach nourishment and impacts

The potential for restoration Many natural values and human–nature relationships that are lost in the process of converting natural coasts to developed coasts can be regained by nourishing beaches with compatible sediment and allowing natural processes to re-establish landforms and biota (Figure 2.1). Beach nourishment (also termed recharge, replenishment, or fill) has both positive and negative impacts (Table 2.1). Benefits to natural systems are not automatic byproducts of nourishment operations because nourished beaches may be built too high and wide to allow natural wave and swash processes to rework the backshore or they may be graded flat to enhance recreation, thereby eliminating the opportunity for naturally functioning landforms to evolve (Figure 1.1). Exotic sediments can change the morphology, chemical composition, and evolutionary trend of the beach. If dunes are included in designs, they are often built as linear dikes by earth-moving equipment rather than by aeolian processes (Figure 1.2). Beach nourishment is often called beach restoration but beaches are not restored simply by placing a volume of sediment on a coast (Nordstrom 2000). The considerable shore protection and recreational values of nourished beaches are well documented (Dean 2002; Gomez-Pina et al. 2004; Reid et al. 2005). This book focuses on the way existing management practices can be evaluated and modified to achieve restoration goals. No attempt is made to provide guidelines for traditional fill practices, evaluate fill longevity, discuss the social or economic advantages and disadvantages, or evaluate the long-term feasibility of beach nourishment projects.
Transient condensation in the presence of noncondensables at a vertical wall

An experimental investigation was undertaken in which transient condensation of steam-air mixtures occurred on one face of a large aluminum block of which all the other faces were insulated. Tests ...
States Of Wisdom In Marketing During An Era Of Economic Turbulence

n 1975, Cundiff (1975) wrote an editorial in the Journal of Marketing titled, “What is the Role of Marketing in a Recession?” The 1974/1975 recession was more damaging to the economy than any recession since the Great Depression. Implicit in his editorial was the momentary concern corporations would emphasize cost reduction over marketing innovation to insure their short-term survival. Numerous articles were published in response to his article about how marketing and consumers appeared to be changing during the period.
Urogenital Disorders Associated With Gut Failure and Intestinal Transplantation

Purpose: Intestinal transplantation has been increasingly performed in patients with short bowel syndrome and irreversible gut failure with successful outcomes. In parallel a common association was observed between gut failure and different urological disorders. To our knowledge this study is the first to address such an important clinical observation with special reference to the underlying disease.Materials and Methods: The medical records of 175 consecutive adult intestinal recipients were reviewed. Data were compiled and described according to the documented urogenital disorder, cause of intestinal failure and treatment modality, including transplantation.Results: Of the patients 43 experienced a total of 53 urogenital disorders for an overall incidence of 25%, including 24 (56%) who had the disorder before referral and 19 (44%) in whom the morbidity developed as a result of transplantation. Interestingly hypercoagulability, pseudo-obstruction, Crohn’s disease and Gardner’s syndrome were the underlyin...
Short-term effects of levobunolol on ocular pulsatile flow.

In a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated the effect of levobunolol 0.5%, a nonselective beta-blocker, on intraocular pressure, volume amplitude, and ocular pulsatile flow in healthy individuals and patients with glaucoma. Volume amplitude and ocular pulsatile flow were derived from measurements of pulse amplitude with a pneumatonometer. Two hours after instillation of levobunolol, intraocular pressure decreased from 26.0 ± 5.1 mm Hg to 17.8 ± 3.9 mm Hg (28.3%) (P
Features of Modularly Assembled Compounds That Impart Bioactivity Against an RNA Target

Transcriptomes provide a myriad of potential RNAs that could be the targets of therapeutics or chemical genetic probes of function. Cell-permeable small molecules, however, generally do not exploit these targets, owing to the difficulty in the design of high affinity, specific small molecules targeting RNA. As part of a general program to study RNA function using small molecules, we designed bioactive, modularly assembled small molecules that target the noncoding expanded RNA repeat that causes myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), r(CUG)(exp). Herein, we present a rigorous study to elucidate features in modularly assembled compounds that afford bioactivity. Different modular assembly scaffolds were investigated, including polyamines, α-peptides, β-peptides, and peptide tertiary amides (PTAs). On the basis of activity as assessed by improvement of DM1-associated defects, stability against proteases, cellular permeability, and toxicity, we discovered that constrained backbones, namely, PTAs, are optimal. Notably, we determined that r(CUG)(exp) is the target of the optimal PTA in cellular models and that the optimal PTA improves DM1-associated defects in a mouse model. Biophysical analyses were employed to investigate potential sources of bioactivity. These investigations show that modularly assembled compounds have increased residence times on their targets and faster on rates than the RNA-binding modules from which they were derived. Moreover, they have faster on rates than the protein that binds r(CUG)(exp), the inactivation of which gives rise to DM1-associated defects. These studies provide information about features of small molecules that are programmable for targeting RNA, allowing for the facile optimization of therapeutics or chemical probes against other cellular RNA targets.
Hemostatic Effectiveness of Fibrin Glue Derived from Single-Donor Fresh Frozen Plasma

Abstract Fibrin glue derived from pooled human blood is an effective sealant for high-porosity vascular grafts and a valuable topical hemostatic agent in heparinized patients. Use of this agent in the United States is prohibited because of potential transmission of hepatitis B, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and other serologically transmitted illnesses. We have developed a cryoprecipitation technique that allows preparation of fibrin glue from single-donor fresh frozen plasma. Use of this agent presumably entails no greater risk of disease transmission than intravenous administration of single-unit fresh frozen plasma. This report describes our early clinical experience with this material. Fibrin glue was used as a sealant for porous woven Dacron tubular prostheses and cardiovascular patches in 19 patients. The fibrin glue sealant has also been employed to control bleeding from needle holes and small anastomotic tears in 22 patients. No patient in this series had a bleeding complication from a suture line or graft treated with fibrin glue. This experience indicates that like fibrin glue from pooled blood, fibrin glue from single-donor plasma is effective as a graft sealant and topical hemostatic agent. Preparation of fibrin glue from single-donor plasma is simple and economical, and may provide cardiothoracic surgeons in the United States with a widely available, valuable hemostatic adjunct.
Quantitative studies of human urinary excretion of uropontin

Quantitative studies of human urinary excretion of uropontin. Uropontin is the urinary form of osteopontin, an aspartic acid-rich phosphorylated glycoprotein. Uropontin has been previously shown to be a potent inhibitor of the nucleation, growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals and the binding of these crystals to renal epithelial cells. Quantitative data defining the excretion of this protein are necessary to determine its role in urinary stone formation. In the present studies, we determined uropontin excretion rates of normal humans. Urine samples were obtained under conditions of known dietary intake from young adult human volunteers with no history, radiographic or laboratory evidence of renal disease. Urinary concentrations of uropontin were measured by a sensitive ELISA employing an affinity purified polyclonal antiserum to uropontin. Thirteen normal subjects ingested a constant diet providing 1 gram of calcium, 1 gram of phosphorus, 150mEq of sodium and 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body wt per day during an eight day study period. The relationship of urinary volume to uropontin excretion was assessed by varying fluid intake on the last four days of the study to change the mean urine volume/24hr by > 500ml. Urine collected in six hour aliquots for eight days was analyzed for uropontin by ELISA, and for calcium, and creatinine. Daily uropontin excretion of 13 individual subjects was 3805 ± 1805 μg/24hr (mean ± 1 SD). The mean urinary levels (1.9 μg/ml) detected in the present study are sufficient for inhibition of crystallization; our previous studies have demonstrated that the nucleation, growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals and their binding to renal cells in vitro are inhibited by this concentration of purified uropontin. In contrast to the regular pattern of diurnal variation of calcium excretion seen in most subjects, uropontin excretion showed no regularity of diurnal variation and was not directly related to either calcium or creatinine excretion or changes in urinary volume. However, uropontin concentration varied inversely with urine volume (P ≤ 0.001), so that the highest uropontin concentrations occurred when urine volume was the lowest. We conclude that the physiologic characteristic of an inverse relationship of uropontin concentration to urine volume favors protection from urinary crystallization of calcium oxalate by uropontin. Our quantitative definition of urinary uropontin excretion of normal adults provides the basis for the evaluation of uropontin excretion by individuals who have formed urinary stones.
Role of promoter DNA sequence variations on the binding of EGR1 transcription factor.

In response to a wide variety of stimuli such as growth factors and hormones, EGR1 transcription factor is rapidly induced and immediately exerts downstream effects central to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Herein, our biophysical analysis reveals that DNA sequence variations within the target gene promoters tightly modulate the energetics of binding of EGR1 and that nucleotide substitutions at certain positions are much more detrimental to EGR1–DNA interaction than others. Importantly, the reduction in binding affinity poorly correlates with the loss of enthalpy and gain of entropy—a trend indicative of a complex interplay between underlying thermodynamic factors due to the differential role of water solvent upon nucleotide substitution. We also provide a rationale for the physical basis of the effect of nucleotide substitutions on the EGR1–DNA interaction at atomic level. Taken together, our study bears important implications on understanding the molecular determinants of a key protein–DNA interaction at the cross-roads of human health and disease.
Monitoring the dissolution rate of photoresist thin films via multiwavelength interferometry

Dissolution rate monitors (DRMs) and related techniques have been used for a number of years to study the dissolution behavior of photoresist materials in detail. Due to the relative difficulty in obtaining commercial DRM instruments, crude methods for measuring dissolution rates such as the (formula availble in paper) have been developed. In this method, the resist-coated substrate is immersed in a developer solution for a fixed development time, removed and dried, and the remaining film thickness is measured. The dissolution rate information for the resist is then calculated from the slope of the resist thickness versus development time data. This method is simple and can easily be used in a fab environment, but it suffers from a number of limitations. For example, this method is very inaccurate for resists that develop very quickly ( 100 nm/s). Hence for films that either have very long development times (typically very thick films of the order of ~ 5μm), films that have very short development times (usually with dissolution rates exceeding 100 nm/s), or films that swell during development, film thickness determination using the multiwavelength reflectance spectra is the best solution. With this motivation, a multiwavelength interferometric data analysis software (MIDAS) has been developed in this work that can robustly perform both single and multiwavelength DRM data analysis. It has been found to be very useful in analyzing thin film dissolution data with dissolution rates exceeding 400 nm/s. Another useful application has been to measure swelling in the processing of photoresists and other polymer thin films. For example, such resist swelling appears to be an issue in the case of resists or other polymers developed or cleaned using high pressure CO2. The basic approaches and algorithms used for thin film thickness/rate determination in MIDAS will be discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of this method will be compared with quartz crystal microbalance techniques as well. It will also be shown that these two methods can be coupled for demanding applications. Results from the use of the MIDAS software in various applications will be presented.
Assays for Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF) Using Rats Treated with Morphine, Chlorpromazine, Dexamethasone and Nembutal

Rats treated with morphine and Nembutal (M-N) or chlorpromazine, morphine and Nembutal (CPZ-M-N) or dexamethasone, morphine and Nembutal (Dex-M-N) were used as assay systems for corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). These 3 groups were compared for reliability and ease of performance of the assay. A high percentage of the rats treated with M-N died during the assay due to respiratory difficulties, and animals in this group often showed a very high plasma concentration of corticosterone. The mortality rate of CPZ-M-N rats was much lower than that of M-N preparations. CPZ-M-N rats showed consistently greater responses than Dex-M-N rats when given the following CRF preparations: the extracts of rat stalk median eminence (SME), β-CRF, α-CRF and hypothalamic CRF. This suggests a direct suppression of the CRF activity by dexamethasone. Dex-M-N completely suppressed ACTH release caused by 50 mU of vasopressin and partially blocked ACTH secretion following 100 mU of vasopressin. In CPZ-M-N preparations, both 50 a...
Atmospheric dispersion and transport within coastal regions—part I. Tracer study of power plant emissions from the Oxnard Plain

Abstract Atmospheric tracer studies were conducted using the Ormond Beach Generating Station in Ventura County during September 21 and 22, 1975. The purpose of this work was to probe the transport and dispersion of atmospheric pollutants between Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The area of interest is characterized by rough terrain and complex, coastal meteorological conditions. The sulfur hexafluoride tracer data clearly show that pollutant transport occurs from the Oxnard Plain along the Malibu coast across the Lennox area into the San Fernando Valley of the Los Angeles Basin, and along an inland route through the Thousand Oaks area into the San Fernando Valley as far east as Reseda. These tracer data were found to be consistent with air parcel trajectories constructed from available meteorological data. Pollutants emitted from the Ormond Beach Generating Station, under the test conditions, were determined to be diluted by approximately 10 5 upon reaching the San Fernando Valley and upon reaching the Los Angeles Basin. Calculations using the Gaussian plume model yielded a close fit to the tracer data when values of the dispersion terms σ y , and σ z , were taken from the experimental results. Close agreement between the tracer data and the model predictions was also obtained using values of σ y , and σ z , from the Pasquill-Gifford atmospheric stability class which was one class less stable than that suggested to exist by wind speed and insolation measurements.
Ruthenium(II) complexes possessing the η6-p-cymene ligand

Complexes possessing a soft donor η 6 -arene and hard donor acetylacetonate ligand, [(η 6 -p-cymene)Ru(K2-0,0-acac-μ-CH)] 2 [OTf] 2 (1) (OTf=trifluoromethanesulfonate; acac = acetylacetonate) and [(η 6 -p-cymene)Ru(κ 2 -0,0-acac) (THF)] [BAr' 4 ,] (2) {Ar'= 3,5-(CF 3 )-C 6 H 3 }, were prepared and fully characterized. The lability of the μ-CH linkage for complex 1 and the THF ligand of 2 allow access to the unsaturated cation [(η 6 -p-cymene)Ru(K2-O,O-acac)]+. The reaction of [(η 6 -p-cymene)Ru(K2-0,0-acac) (THF)][BAr' 4 ] (2) with KTp {T p = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate} produces [TpRu(η 6 -p-cymene)][BA' 4 ] (5). The azide complex [(η 6 -p-cymene)Ru(κ 2 -0,0-acac) (N 3 Ar)][BAr' 4 ] (6) forms upon reaction of [(η 6 -p-cymene)Ru(κ 2 -O, O-acac)(THF)][BAr' 4 ] (2)with N 3 Ar (Ar = p-tolyl), and reaction of [(η 6 -p-cymene)Ru(K2-O,O-acac)(THF)][BAr' 4 ] (2) with CHCl 3 at 100 °C yields the chloride-bridged binuclear complex [{(η 6 -p-cymene)Ru}2(μ-Cl)3][BAr4] (7). The details of solid-state structures of [(η 6 -p-cymene)Ru(K2-O,O-acac-μ-CH)]2[OTf]2 (1), [TpRu(η 6 -p-cymene)][BAr' 4 ] (5) and [{(η 6 -p-cymene)Ru} 2 (μ-Cl) 3 ][BAr' 4 ] (7) are disclosed.
Introducing Professional and Career Development Skills in the Marketing Curriculum

According to recent studies in academic journals, business practitioners have expressed the view that marketing graduates lack certain professional and career skills. In addition, informal discussions with campus recruiters have suggested that their experience is very similar. This exploratory study reports the results of a survey of the perceptions of marketing practitioners and educators concerning the need to incorporate the development of professional and career development skills into the marketing curriculum. The results of this study indicate marketing graduates may not have many important managerial skills necessary to begin a successful career in marketing. Practitioners and educators agree that marketing departments should consider teaching professional and career development skills either as a separate class or by integrating them into existing marketing classes.
Effects of hemorrhage and opiate antagonists on adrenal release of neuropeptides in cats.

Abstract Concurrent levels of methionine-enkephalin (ME), neuropeptide Y (NPY), peptide YY (PYY), neurotensin (NT), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), cholecystokinin (CCK) and bombesin (BMB) were measured in adrenal vein (AD), femoral vein (FV) and femoral artery (FA) under baseline conditions and during hypotensive hemorrhage (HTH) in halothane anesthetized cats (Group II, n=6) and compared to a non-bled control group (Group I, n=6). Five cats (Group III) received an IV bolus of naltrexone (1 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion prior to induction of HTH. A blood volume loss of ∼40% evoked a selective increase in AD levels of ME, NPY, PYY and NT. No differences in regard to hemodynamics and pattern of neuropeptide levels were observed between Group II and Group III. Administration of naloxone (1 mg/kg, IV) in Group I and Group II at the end of the experiment led to a significant increase in MABP in both groups but did not evoke changes in neuropeptide levels. We conclude that adrenal neuropeptide release during hypotensive hemorrhage is not modulated by actions on opiate receptors in the halothane anesthetized cat.
Effects of geometrical and material properties on the vertical vibration of three-dimensional foundations by BEM

The dynamic response of foundation is influenced by various mechanical properties of soil as well as the geometrical properties of the foundation. In this paper, the effects of Poisson's ratio and material damping, as well as the influences of aspect ratio and embedment depth on the dynamic stiffness of rectangular foundations are studied. Studies are also conducted to investigate the influence of the type of contact at the soil–foundation interface and the soil layer overlaying a half-space. These studies were conducted using an advanced algorithm of the boundary element method incorporating isoparameteric quadratic boundary elements. Higher-order elements (quadratic) were used since they can model the wavy nature of the dynamic problem accurately.
Physician-nurse migration to the United States: regional and health status origins in relation to legislation and policy.

This article examines the origins of physicians and nurses who were admitted as permanent immigrants to the US from 1962-1979. Data are mainly from the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Countries used in the developmental analysis are only those whose population was estimated at 1 million or more as of mid-1979 encompassing 99% of the physicians and 97% of the nurses. Life expectancy at birth is the criterion used to differentiate origin countries by developmental dimension of health status. During the study period health workers constituted about 30% of immigrants admitted to the US; of these nurses and physicians constituted 72-82% throughout the study period. The period 1962-1979 has 4 distinct phases marked by important legislative and/or policy changes; 1) 1962-1965 when the McCarran-Walter Act prevailed; 2) ending in 1968 the 2nd phase covers the transition mandated under the 1965 Immigration Act which encouraged physician immigration; 3) the 3rd phase 1969-1976 covers the transition to the 1976 Immigration and Nationality Act amendments; and 4) the 4th stage is 1977-1979. Results show that 1) under the McCarran-Walter Act North America became the dominant physician source; 2) from 1966-1968 Asia attained dominance as the physician source and became even more predominant after 1968; 3) North America produced relatively few physicians in the early 1970s; 4) Europe produced substantially fewer physicians in the 1970s than in the 1960s; 5) South America Africa and Oceania were the lowest contributors of physicians; 6) during the McCarran-Walter years North America and Europe produced almost 90% of nurses admitted into the US; 7) the 1965 Immigration Act and its aftermath resulted in Asia becoming the dominant source of nurses; 8) prior to the 1965 Immigration Act Canada generated 20% of the aggregate number of physicians; 9) the Philippines surpassed Canada during the transition and India led after the transition; and 10) Canada supplied 30% of the nurses up through the transition with the Philippines in the lead 1969-1979. Low health status countries were a relatively minor nurse source. Health status at the origin was a far less significant determinant of physician immigration than that of nurses. English language high and low health status country groups produced substantially more physician and nurse immigrants that their corresponding non-English language counterparts. The US attracted more physicians and nurses from less developed countries than more developed countries after 1968.
Contributions of anharmonic phonon interactions to thermal boundary conductance.

Continued reduction of characteristic dimensions in nanosystems has given rise to increasing importance of material interfaces on the overall system performance. With regard to thermal transport, this increases the need for a better fundamental understanding of the processes affecting interfacial thermal transport, as characterized by the thermal boundary conductance. When thermal boundary conductance is driven by phononic scattering events, accurate predictions of interfacial transport must account for anharmonic phononic coupling as this affects the thermal transmission. In this paper, a new model for phononic thermal boundary conductance is developed that takes into account anharonic coupling, or inelastic scattering events, at the interface between two materials. Previous models for thermal boundary conductance are first reviewed, including the Diffuse Mismatch Model, which only consdiers elastic phonon scattering events, and earlier attempts to account for inelastic phonon scattering, namely, the Maximum Transmission Model and the Higher Harmonic Inelastic model. A new model is derived, the Anharmonic Inelastic Model, which provides a more physical consideration of the effects of inelastic scattering on thermal boundary conductance. This is accomplished by considering specific ranges of phonon frequency interactions and phonon number density conservation. Thus, this model considers the contributions of anharmonic, inelastically scattered phonons to thermal boundary conductance. This new Anharmonic Inelastic Model shows excellent agreement between model predictions and experimental data at the Pb/diamond interface due to its ability to account for the temperature dependent changing phonon population in diamond, which can couple anharmonically with multiple phonons in Pb.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Differences in coronary mortality can be explained by differences in cholesterol and saturated fat intakes in 40 countries but not in France and Finland. A paradox.

BACKGROUNDFor decades, the coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rate has been four or more times higher in Finland than in France despite comparable intakes of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat. A potential answer to this paradox is provided by this study of 40 countries and the analyses of other nutrients in the diets besides cholesterol and saturated fat.METHODS AND RESULTSCHD death rates for men aged 55 to 64 years were derived from the World Health Organization annual vital statistics. Dietary intakes were gathered from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations database. Forty countries at various levels of economic development and 40 dietary variables were investigated, including a lipid score that combined the intakes of cholesterol and saturated fat (Cholesterol-Saturated Fat Index [CSI]). The CSI was significantly and positively related to CHD mortality in the 40 countries. The countries with low CSIs had low CHD death rates. Countries with high CSIs had a wide range of CHD...
Temperature and Composition Dependence of the Interaction of δ-Lysin with Ternary Mixtures of Sphingomyelin/Cholesterol/POPC

The kinetics of carboxyfluorescein efflux induced by the amphipathic peptide δ-lysin from vesicles of porcine brain sphingomyelin (BSM), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC), and cholesterol (Chol) were investigated as a function of temperature and composition. Sphingomyelin (SM)/Chol mixtures form a liquid-ordered (Lo) phase whereas POPC exists in the liquid-disordered (Ld) phase at ambient temperature. δ-Lysin binds strongly to Ld and poorly to Lo phase. In BSM/Chol/POPC vesicles the rate of carboxyfluorescein efflux induced by δ-lysin increases as the POPC content decreases. This is explained by the increase of δ-lysin concentration in Ld domains, which enhances membrane perturbation by the peptide. Phase separations in the micrometer scale have been observed by fluorescence microscopy in SM/Chol/POPC mixtures for some SM, though not for BSM. Thus, δ-lysin must detect heterogeneities (domains) in BSM/Chol/POPC on a much smaller scale. Advantage was taken of the inverse variation of the efflux rate with the Ld content of BSM/Chol/POPC vesicles to estimate the Ld fraction in those mixtures. These results were combined with differential scanning calorimetry to obtain the BSM/Chol/POPC phase diagram as a function of temperature.
Urinary tract infections in pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis.

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to investigate the risk of urinary tract infections in pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis. Study Design: In a cross-sectional study, 503 pregnant women were examined for bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections from July 1999 through April 2000. Results: Nineteen (13.6%) of 140 women who had bacterial vaginosis had urinary tract infections compared with 24 (6.6%) of 363 women without it. Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy was associated with an increased risk for urinary tract infections (odds ratio 2.21, 95% CI 1.16-4.18). Conclusion: Pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis are more likely to have urinary tract infections. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:916-7.)
Assessment of three methods for detection of ultrasound artifacts

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to measure the performance (sensitivity and specificity) of three different visually based methods of detecting ultrasound artifacts using dynamic clips obtained with a liquid phantom. It is important to detect the presence of these non uniformities as early as possible, so they can be assessed, tracked, and addressed well before clinical image quality is impacted. Methods: A total of 28 transducers of varying models containing a single artificial artifact created by stretching thin filaments across the transducer face were prepared. A second set of 28 matching transducers contained no artifacts. A 10 s clip was recorded of a dynamic speckle pattern from a custom liquid phantom (“dynamic clip”). A single-frame image was obtained by computing the median values at each pixel location over all frames of the clip (“median image”). This single-frame median image was then subtracted from a baseline image previously obtained with no induced artifact (“subtracted median”). All images were evaluated by six observers. The mean sensitivity and specificity with 95% exact binomial confidence intervals for the three artifact detection methods were estimated. Evaluation time and observer confidence were recorded. Results: Both single-frame median and subtracted median images had a higher sensitivity than the dynamic clip. Overall the subtracted median images had the highest sensitivity of 97%, while maintaining a high specificity of 92%. Observers identified artifacts in the shortest time and with the highest confidence with this method. The subtracted median method removed the original structural variations and non-uniformities, and reduced the likelihood of false-positives. Conclusions: From the three methods assessed in this study, subtracted median images allow detection of artifacts with very good sensitivity and specificity, low image evaluation times, and a high degree of observer confidence, making these ideal for routine QC. For acceptance testing, where there are no previous baseline images available for subtraction, the use of median images is useful, although comparison with median images from different transducers of the same model and/or comparison of impressions from multiple observers should be made to decrease the incidence of false-positive findings. If median and subtracted median images are not available, direct inspection of the dynamic B-mode clips is useful for acceptance testing and quality control, but with lower sensitivity and somewhat longer evaluation time.
Optimal and adaptive control of aero-optical wavefronts for adaptive optics

This paper compares two control methods to predict and correct aero-optical wavefronts derived from recent flight-test data. The first is an optimal linear time-invariant controller constructed from an identified state-space model of the turbulence flow. The second control method is an adaptive controller based on a recursive least-squares lattice filter. The performance of these control schemes versus classical integrator methods is investigated in an adaptive optics experiment that reproduces the aberrations from in-flight measurements of aero-optical turbulence. Experimental results show the improvement in wavefront correction achieved by both prediction methods. Altering the flow characteristics of the disturbance wavefront during the control process illustrates the ability of the adaptive controller to track changes in the aberration statistics.
Gustav Shpet's Literary and Theatre Theory

In his paper, "Gustav Shpet's Literary and Theatre Theory," Galin Tihanov focuses on the literary and theatre theory of Gustav Shpet (1879-1937), Russia's foremost phenomenologist. Shpet's work on literary and theatre theory comes into view as a complex amalgam of innovation and regression. He foreshadowed important tenets of semiotics and structuralism while remaining critical of Russian formalism. At the same time, his knowledge of aesthetics and the philosophy of art, as well as his distrust of historical poetics, barred him from keeping pace with significant contemporary developments in literary theory. Moreover, his work remained in the end skeptical of the self-assertion of literary theory as an autonomous field of enquiry in the late 1910s and the early 1920s. Instead, Shpet preferred to see literary theory in the sanctuary of aesthetics, allied with a neo-Humboldtian philosophy of language. His interpretation of the novel points to his deeper roots in an artistic and philosophical tradition largely alien to the new departures in literature, art, and theory heralded and stimulated by the efforts of the avant-garde. This regressive entrenchment is even more salient in Shpet's theatre theory. Tihanov examines Shpet's contribution in intersecting areas and assesses his contribution to literary and theatre theory in 1920s Russian culture. Galin Tihanov, "Gustav Shpet's Literary and Theatre Theory" page 2 of 10 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 9.4 (2007):
Improved accuracy of cortical bone mineralization measured by polychromatic microcomputed tomography using a novel high mineral density composite calibration phantom

Purpose: Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) is increasingly used as a nondestructive alternative to ashing for measuring bone mineral content. Phantoms are utilized to calibrate the measuredx-ray attenuation to discrete levels of mineral density, typically including levels up to 1000 mg HA / cm 3 , which encompasses levels of bone mineral density (BMD) observed in trabecular bone. However, levels of BMD observed in cortical bone and levels of tissue mineral density (TMD) in both cortical and trabecular bone typically exceed 1000 mg HA / cm 3 , requiring extrapolation of the calibration regression, which may result in error. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate (1) the relationship between x-ray attenuation and an expanded range of hydroxyapatite (HA) density in a less attenuating polymer matrix and (2) the effects of the calibration on the accuracy of subsequent measurements of mineralization in human cortical bone specimens. Methods: A novel HA-polymer composite phantom was prepared comprising a less attenuating polymer phase (polyethylene) and an expanded range of HA density ( 0 – 1860 mg HA / cm 3 ) inclusive of characteristic levels of BMD in cortical bone or TMD in cortical and trabecular bone. The BMD and TMD of cortical bone specimens measured using the new HA-polymer calibration phantom were compared to measurements using a conventional HA-polymer phantom comprising 0 – 800 mg HA / cm 3 and the corresponding ash density measurements on the same specimens. Results: The HA-polymer composite phantom exhibited a nonlinear relationship between x-ray attenuation and HA density, rather than the linear relationship typically employeda priori, and obviated the need for extrapolation, when calibrating the measuredx-ray attenuation to high levels of mineral density. The BMD and TMD of cortical bone specimens measured using the conventional phantom was significantly lower than the measured ash density by 19% ( p 0.001 , ANCOVA) and 33% ( p 0.05 , Tukey’s HSD), on average, respectively. The BMD and TMD of cortical bone specimens measured using the HA-polymer phantom with an expanded range of HA density was significantly lower than the measured ash density by 8% ( p 0.001 , ANCOVA) and 10% ( p 0.05 , Tukey’s HSD), on average, respectively. Conclusions: The new HA-polymer calibration phantom with a less attenuating polymer and an expanded range of HA density resulted in a more accurate measurement of micro-CT equivalent BMD and TMD in human cortical bone specimens compared to a conventional phantom, as verified by ash density measurements on the same specimens.
Video games as research tools: The Space Fortress game

From 1983 through 1986, several laboratories investigated the role of practice in skill acquisition in a joint project called theLearning Strategies Program. The principal research tool for this project was a video game calledSpace Fortress. The present article summarizes the major findings obtained with Space Fortress, and examines several problems that arise in choosing a video game for use as a research tool.
The ACS Exams Institute Undergraduate Chemistry Anchoring Concepts Content Map III: Inorganic Chemistry

To provide tools for programmatic assessment related to the use of ACS Exams in undergraduate chemistry courses, the ACS Exams Institute has built a content map that applies to the entire undergraduate curriculum. At the top two levels, the grain size of the content classification is large and spans the entire undergraduate curriculum. At the bottom two levels, the grain size of the content is more fine and tuned to specific course levels of the curriculum. This paper presents all four levels of the map as identified for first-year general chemistry.
Reflection by a Concave Parabolic Mirror

The diffraction of a plane electromagnetic wave axially incident on the concave side of a perfectly conducting parabolic reflector is solved exactly and in closed form in the frequency domain. The method of solution follows the technique originally proposed by Lamb in 1906, who, however, was unable to solve the problem addressed herein. The present solution is obtained by matching the left- and right-propagating fields at the focal line of the mirror.
Light Scattering and Pair-Correlation Functions in Fluids with Nonuniform Velocity Fields

We study fluctuations in a fluid with a stationary, linear shear. We find that the pair-correlation function gains a long-ranged part. The Brillouin components of scattered light are enhanced or reduced compared to equilibrium depending on the scattering angle. The Landau-Placzek ratio no longer holds and the total scattering intensity is $k$ dependent. We suggest a simple light-scattering experiment to test our predictions. The new features are explained by the differential attenuation of sound modes.
Robotics and self-closing U-clips for microsurgical nerve repair

Abstract Introduction: Robotic surgery provides tremor filtration allowing fine precision at high magnification, which should be a significant advantage for microsurgeons. We aimed to demonstrate feasibility and compare robotic nerve repair with standard microsurgical techniques, also comparing suture with self-closing U-clips, which do not require knot-tying. Methods: We divided and reanastomosed 36 sciatic nerves in 18 rats, half with the Zeus robot and half by traditional microsurgery, all using an operating microscope. Nine anastomoses in each group were created with interrupted 8-0 sutures; the other half employed nitinol U-clips. We recorded time for each anastomosis and calculated average time per stitch or clip. Results: The time required to place each stitch or clip was not significantly different, except when sutures were placed with the robot, which took more time (see Table 1). Clipped repairs, whether by hand or robot, did not take significantly longer than traditional hand-sutured anastomoses. ∗Robotic time (min)Hand-sewn time (min)Per clip5.4 ± 1.33.5 ± 1.2Per stitch6.5 ± 2.13.5 ± 1.1∗Clipped anastomosis16.4 ± 3.510.6 ± 3.7Sutured anastomosis28.1 ± 7.8 † 14.7 ± 4.8∗∗Indicates statistically significant difference between columns (p ≤ 0.001).†Indicates statistically significant difference between rows (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: U-clips can be used to create a peripheral nerve anastomosis. Robotic microsurgical nerve repair is feasible with U-clips or suture. Both stitches and U-clips take about the same amount of time to place. With present technology and currently available instruments, robotic microsurgery with sutures takes longer than by hand. Further studies are in progress to demonstrate and compare functional healing in a survival model.
Performance of Diversity Combining Techniques for FH/MFSK in Worst Case Partial Band Noise and Multi-Tone Jamming

Diversity combining techniques to be used in frequency hopped MFSK spread spectrum communication systems with explicit redundant transmission are examined. Expressions are given for the conventional linear noncoherent combining technique to compute the BER performance under worst case partial band noise jamming. Results obtained indicate that the conventional linear combining is far from optimum in the jamming environment. In order to combat the worst case jammer, several non-linear algorithms have been examined through computer simulation to obtain the BER performance for comparison. A practical anti-jam combining algorithm is recommended. When binary convolutional code is used in conjunction with M-ary FSK modulation (M ≫ 2), soft decision decoding can be accomplished by means of a M-ary to binary metric conversion algorithm. Modem BER performance based on this algorithm has been obtained for the 8-FSK waveform through computer simulation and is presented in this paper.
An ultra-conserved retrovirus produces a new class of small RNA and defines genetic and epigenetic components of the vertebrate centromere

Little is known about the function of centromere satellite RNAs in vertebrate cells or the elements controlling their transcription. Nonetheless, evidence suggests that they play a role in centromere identity and in the recruitment of kinetochore proteins. Our investigation of centromeres of vertebrate species spanning over 300 million years of evolution, encompassing mammals and birds, has uncovered a previously unidentified conserved sequence element, a retrovirus. We have determined that this novel retrovirus is composed of ultra-conserved sequence elements, that it is transcribed bi-directionally and produces small non-coding RNAs of a novel class size. Deep sequencing of these small RNAs shows that they are enriched for this retroviral sequence and their contiguous genomic neighbors within the centromere. Targeted disruption of the processing of these small RNAs results in severe cell division defects. Taken together, these data indicate that this virus plays an apparently domesticated role in centromere function and cytokinesis.
Growth hormone content and metabolic actions of human pituitary glands.

MANY effects of growth hormone have been described on the basis of the response of rats to beef and hog pituitary hormone (1). These effects include, in addition to growth promotion, an increase in the plasma inorganic phosphate level (2), and the maintenance of cardiac and skeletal muscle glycogen in fasted hypophysectomized rats (3, 4). In contrast to the growth hormones of animal origin the effects of human growth hormone have never been studied directly. In view of this we have investigated the metabolic actions of human pituitary extracts in rats. In addition we have assayed the growth-promoting content of pituitaries obtained from individuals of different ages. The pituitary was removed at autopsy, cleaned of connective tissue and kept frozen until used. No attempt was made to dissect out the anterior pituitary since comparative studies were made between these pituitaries and pituitaries removed by operation in patients with cancer of the breast; during the latter operation the pituitary is removed ...
Effects of ruminal exposure on the amino acid profile of heated and formaldehyde-treated soybean meal.

Abstract Rumen cannulated Holstein steers, fed corn silage and a corn-soybean grain mixture twice a day, were used to compare the effectiveness of heat and formaldehyde treatments in preserving the amino acid profile of soybean meal exposed to ruminal fermentation for 12h. Formaldehyde treatments were 0, .3, .6, and .9g/100g soybean meal. Defatted soybean flakes treated at 250, 250, 215, and 180°C for 30, 20, 20, and 25min, respectively, and unheated soybean meal comprised the heat treatments. The in situ polyester bag technique was used to obtain estimates of ruminal degradation of the treated and untreated soybean meals and to obtain undegraded residues from the soybean meals following 12h of rumen exposure. Diaminopimelic acid was used to assess the extent of bacterial contamination. Significant amounts of apparent diaminopimelic acid were detected in unexposed samples (2.0 to 7.6% of soybean nitrogen) and in residues (4.8 to 12.7% of residue nitrogen). Significant differences in amino acid contents were detected between untreated and heat-treated soybean meals and their respective residues. Formaldehyde treatment was effective in preserving the original amino acid profile of soybean meal.
Using the World Wide Web for research: are faculty satisfied?

Abstract This survey explored faculty members’ satisfaction toward the Web as a research source. Results indicate that, although faculty members are generally satisfied with the Web, they question the accuracy and reliability of much Web-based information and the sufficiency of Web resources for research. Attitudes also vary by academic discipline.
CZM in California: Successes and Challenges Ahead

California has a forty-year history of successful coastal zone management. The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, the California Coastal Commission, and the State Coastal Conservancy have protected and made accessible hundreds of miles of shoreline. While each agency has played a critical role, this article focuses on the Coastal Commission. Implementing the California Coastal Act, the Coastal Commission has partnered with local government, other agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the public to concentrate new development in already developed areas, and much of the rural coastal zone looks as it did in 1972. The Commission has protected and expanded public shoreline access through its regulatory actions. Using strong ecological science the Commission has protected a wide variety of sensitive habitats and wetlands. And under the authority of the Coastal Zone Management Act, the Commission has reviewed thousands of federal projects to assure that they are consistent ...