cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of wound infection in ventral hernia repair

Abstract Background Postoperative wound infection is a significant risk factor for recurrence after ventral hernia repair (VHR). The current study examines patient- and procedure-specific variables associated with wound infection. Methods A cohort of subjects undergoing VHR from 13 regional Veterans Health Administration (VHA) sites was identified. Patient-specific risk variables were obtained from National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data. Operative variables were obtained from physician-abstracted operative notes. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to model predictors of postoperative wound infection. Results A total of 1505 VHR cases were used for analysis; wound infection occurred in 5% ( n = 74). Best-fit logistic regression models demonstrated that steroid use, smoking, prolonged operative time, and use of absorbable mesh, acting as a surrogate marker for a more complex procedure, were significant independent predictors of wound infection. Conclusion Permanent mesh placement was not associated with postoperative wound infection. Smoking was the only modifiable risk factor and preoperative smoking cessation may improve surgical outcomes in VHR.
Low dimensional temporal organization of spontaneous eye blinks in adults with developmental disabilities and stereotyped movement disorder

This study investigated the mean rate and time-dependent sequential organization of spontaneous eye blinks in adults with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) and individuals from this group who were additionally categorized with stereotypic movement disorder (IDD+SMD). The mean blink rate was lower in the IDD+SMD group than the IDD group and both of these groups had a lower blink rate than a contrast group of healthy adults. In the IDD group the n to n+1 sequential organization over time of the eye-blink durations showed a stronger compensatory organization than the contrast group suggesting decreased complexity/dimensionality of eye-blink behavior. Very low blink rate (and thus insufficient time series data) precluded analysis of time-dependent sequential properties in the IDD+SMD group. These findings support the hypothesis that both IDD and SMD are associated with a reduction in the dimension and adaptability of movement behavior and that this may serve as a risk factor for the expression of abnormal movements.
Update Of Our 1982 Low Energy X-Ray Photoabsorption And Scattering Factor Tables

Our low energy x-ray photoabsorption and scattering factor tables along with methods for their application were published in 1982 (1). The photoabsorption cross sections were compiled for the 30-10,000 eV region, with which, using the Kramers-Kronig dispersion integrals, the zero-angle atomic scattering factors were determined for the 100-2000 eV region. These tables are now being revised, based upon the 1987 experimental photoabsorption data base as extended down to 10 eV and with the calculated zero-angle atomic scattering factors for the extended 50-10,000 eV region. Refined methods of application of these tables to modern problems of x-ray spectrometry design involving filters, mirrors and crystal-multilayer analyzers will be included in this revision.
Comparison of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure of 8 versus 5 cm H2O on Outcome After Cardiac Operations.

Purpose:Postoperative positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) selection in patients who are mechanically ventilated after cardiac operations often seems random. The aim of this investigation was to compare the 2 most common postoperative initial PEEP settings at our institution, 8 and 5 cm H2O, on postoperative initial tracheal intubation time (primary outcome); cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU); hospital length of stay (LOS); occurrence of pneumonia; and hospital mortality (secondary outcomes).Materials and Methods:The electronic medical records of patients who were mechanically ventilated after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or combined CABG and valve operations were reviewed. Propensity score matching was used to compare patients with an initial postoperative PEEP setting of 8 cm H2O (n = 4722 [25.9%]) with those who had PEEP of 5 cm H2O (n = 13 535 [74.1%]) on the primary and secondary outcomes listed earlier.Results:There was no difference in initial postoperative intubation...
Up, down and around the stack: ISP characterization from network intensive applications

Broadband characterization has recently attracted much attention from the research community and the general public. Given this interest and the important business and policy implications of residential Internet service characterization, recent years have brought a variety of approaches to profiling Internet services, ranging from Web-based platforms to dedicated infrastructure inside home networks. We have previously argued that network-intensive applications provide an almost ideal vantage point for broadband service characterization at sufficient scale, nearly continuously and from end users. While we have shown that the approach is indeed effective at characterization and can enable performance comparisons between service providers and geographic regions, a key unanswered question is how well the performance characteristics captured by these network-intensive applications can predict the overall user experience with other applications.In this paper, using BitTorrent as an example network-intensive application, we present initial results that demonstrate how to obtain estimates of bandwidth and latency of a network connection by leveraging passive monitoring and limited active measurements from network intensive applications. We then analyze user experienced web performance under a variety of network conditions and show how estimated metrics from this network intensive application can serve as good web performance predictors.
Model calculation of infrared absorption by a monolayer of CO2 on NaCl(100)

Abstract We calculate the absorbance for a proposed model of CO 2 monolayer adsorption on the (100) surface of NaCl. The fitted results near the asymmetric stretch frequency agree quite well with recent experimental data. Implications for further measurements are discussed.
Total Wrist Arthroplasty

This article reviews the history of total wrist arthroplasty as a treatment option for painful, nonfunctional wrists in disease states. Technologic advances in materials, wear properties, and manufacturing now account for increased implant longevity. They may also improve total wrist replacement design, survival, and hence patient function. Also, alternative surgical treatments such as distal radius hemiarthroplasty may serve as a treatment option for patients with higher activity levels and diffuse arthritis. With careful patient selection, soft tissue considerations, and novel implant designs, TWA may become a viable treatment staple for patients with functional wrist disability.
Significant Correlation between Cerebral Oximetry and Carotid Stump Pressure during Carotid Endarterectomy

Limited information on a correlation between carotid stump pressure and cerebral oximetry changes associated with cross-clamping of carotid vessels during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) prompted us to prospectively evaluate 38 consecutive CEAs in 37 patients. The authors used the INVOS-4100 cerebral oximeter to measure cerebral oximetry (cerebral oxygen saturation) before (t1) and after (t2) cross-clamping along with carotid stump pressure. All patients had CEA under general anesthesia with the routine use of a Javid shunt. Cross-clamping (t1 vs. t2) resulted in statistically significant changes (p < 0.0001) on the operated side of 6.03 units or a percent change of 9.2% when analyzed using the nonparametric signed-rank test. The nonoperated side had insignificant change (p = 0.71). Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant correlation (r = -0.63) between cerebral oximetry changes on the operated side and carotid stump pressure such that a larger change in cerebral oximetry due to cross-clamping was strongly and significantly correlated with lower carotid stump pressure. Using regression analysis, stump pressures of 25 and 50 mm Hg were predicted by cerebral oximetry changes of 28.5 or 8.8 units, respectively. This is equivalent to a percent change from baseline (t1) of 41.1% or 13.1%, respectively. Taken together, these findings suggest that cerebral oximetry can be used as an alternative to carotid stump pressure to provide noninvasive, inexpensive, and continuous real-time monitoring during CEA.
Ag-Catalyzed Diastereo- and Enantioselective Vinylogous Mannich Reactions of α-Ketoimine Esters. Development of a Method and Investigation of its Mechanism

An efficient diastereo- and enantioselective Ag-catalyzed method for additions of a commercially available siloxyfuran to α-ketoimine esters is disclosed. Catalytic transformations require an inexpensive metal salt (AgOAc) and an air stable chiral ligand that is prepared in three steps from commercially available materials in 42% overall yield. Aryl- as well as heterocyclic substituted ketoimines can be used effectively in the Ag-catalyzed process. Additionally, two examples regarding reactions of alkyl-substituted ketoimines are presented. An electronically modified N-aryl group is introduced that is responsible for high reaction efficiency (>98% conversion, 72−95% yields after purification) as well as diastereo- (up to >98:2 dr) and enantioselectivity (up to 97:3 er or 94% ee). The new N-aryl unit is crucial for conversion of the asymmetric vinylogous Mannich (AVM) products to the unprotected amines in high yields. Spectroscopic and X-ray data are among the physical evidence provided that shed light on ...
DIFFERENCE LIMEN FOR PERCEPTION OF THE VERTICAL IN MONKEYS.

Summary.-The experimenr was designed to determine the ability of monkeys to visually discriminate the vertical from the non-vertical. Using a simultaneous, two-choice, non-correction technique in a WGTA, 8 mature, experimentally sophisticated monkeys were trained to respond to a vertical line and not to respond to a horizontal one. In the test sessions, the vertical line was randomly paired with 20 displacements (2" to 40") from the vertical. The Kendall Coefficient of Concordance between 3 training measures and 2 rest measures was significant (p < ,001). The DL based on all test trials was 2". The DLs for the first and second halves of the test sessions were 4" and lo, respectively. There were large individual differences in the ability to make this discrimination, but after training, monkeys can discriminate less than 2" from the vertical. Vertical perception has been studied extensively throughout the course of scientific psychology. Werner and Wapner ( 1952 ) reviewed some of the human studies in this area in their efforts to develop a general theory of perception. The widespread interest in this phenomenon may be partially attributed to the simplicity of this perceptual problem and thus the apparent ease with which it can be investigated, and the fundamental nature of this percept in man's spatial orientation. Renewed interest in this area has been spurred by attempts to relate the phenomenon to personality theory (Witkin, 1954). Srudies on human Ss when both visual and poswral experiences were available for orientation indicate that humans show high acuiry in making judgments of the vertical. The average variation reported by those who have investigated this process (Asch & Witkin, 1948; Jastrow, 1893), is less than lo. The aim of the present research was to explore vertical perception in monkeys. More specifically, this research was undertaken to determine the limen of vertical perception of monkeys when stimulated by visual as well as postural cues.
Charge transfer and excitation-energy transfer in a model for enzyme-coenzyme interactions

Abstract 1. 1. The properties of indolylethynicotinamide are exanmined as a model for interactions between the tryptophan side chain of dehydrogenases and the nicotinamide moiety of NAD+. 2. 2. The long, diffuse absorption band in the spectrum of indolethylnicotinamide has been assigned to a charge-transfer transition. Absorption in the visible region is reminiscent of the spectrum of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-NAD+ complex. 3. 3. Indole emission is completely quenched by the pyridinium ion in this model compound by a mechanism which operates in other charge-transfer complexes. 4. 4. Although the absorption spectrum of indolylethyldihydronicotinamide gives no evidence of interaction between the two nitrogen heterocyclics, the fluorescence properties indicate that the transfer of energy of excitation from indole to dihydronicotinamide is quantitative. 5. 5. The importance of donor-acceptor complexes in biological systems is reemphasized.
Building an infrastructure to prevent falls in older californians : The fall prevention center of excellence

The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence (Center), a consortium of federal, state, and private organizations, was established in 2005 to guide the implementation of a statewide initiative to prevent falls among older Californians. The process began with the convening of a representative group of recognized leaders in California's health and human services in 2003. This group engaged in a 2-day strategic planning process that culminated in the development of the California Blueprint for Fall Prevention. The overarching goal of the Blueprint is to build a statewide infrastructure for fall prevention services and programs that will serve as a model for the rest of the country. The specific goals of the Center are to establish fall prevention as a key public health priority in California; create, test, and evaluate effective and sustainable fall prevention programs; and build a comprehensive and sustainable fall prevention system in California. To accomplish these goals, the Center is currently engaged in developing and disseminating fall prevention tools and informational resources directed at the needs of both consumer and professional audiences; linking organizations involved in fall prevention while increasing awareness of fall prevention as an important public health issue; and helping communities build their capacity to effectively address falls in older adults through the delivery of integrated fall prevention services and "best practice" programs.
Efficient naming, addressing and profile services in Internet-of-Things sensory environments

Abstract We present a naming, addressing, and profile server (NAPS) as a middleware to bridge different platforms in Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensory environments. Given massive amount of heterogeneous devices deployed across different platforms, NAPS serves as the key module at the back-end data center to aid the efficient upstream sensory data collection, content-based data filtering and matching, and downstream efficient control by applications. While previous research efforts only focus on a specific standard or protocol, we aim to design a middleware component servicing dynamic application needs, and sensors/actuators deployment and configurations across different platforms. Specifically, we propose a complete design of NAPS, including its key functionalities, system flows, interfaces, and individual module design. We further propose a unique device naming and addressing convention, and show its applicability to a few widely-used standards and protocols. We also propose an efficient identifier generation scheme; and we demonstrate a full implementation of the above designs with a case study, including a service registration portal. Finally, performance evaluation is done against the system throughput.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT, MIGRATION AND LOCATIONAL FACTORS IN CHINA, 1985–1997

Abstract Foreign investment is playing an increasingly important role in transitional economies, not only in their overall economic growth but also in the configuration of their spatial economies. In China, foreign direct investment was as unevenly distributed in the late 1990s as in the 1980s, a testimony to the validity of the three-economic-belts and ladder-step conceptualizations of regional development. Despite a slight diffusion from the southern coast to the north, the eastern coastal region remains an unequivocal leader in the receipt of foreign investment. In this paper, we show that the relative stickiness of foreign investment is attributable to the coalescence of favorable locational factors in the eastern coastal region, including not only government policy and social affinity, but also labor migration. While the literature focuses mostly on foreign investment as a determinant of internal migration, this paper highlights also migration as a factor of foreign investment. We argue that migrants...
Electron-pair donors in carbocationic polymerization : synthesis of linear living α,ω-di(tert-chloro)polyisobutylenes

1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone is used for the first time as an efficient electron-pair donor in conjunction with 1,4-dicumyl acetate and BCl 3 coinitiator in solution for isobutylene polymerization, resulting in the preparation of living α,ω-bis(t-chloro)polyisobutylene. Direct evidence for the absence or suppression of cycloalkylation is presented. A simple, mild and rapid procedure for acylation of 1,4-dicumyl alcohol to 1,4-bis(2-propyl-2-acetate)benzene in quantitative yield is also reported.
Segregation analysis of two-locus models regulating apolipoprotein-A1 levels.

For quantitative traits associated with risk to complex diseases, such as heart disease, single major locus models are likely to be too simplistic. Currently, researchers have begun to use oligogenic models of inheritance, but the resolving power of these models remains to be determined. As the major apoprotein of high density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (apo-A1) is generally accepted as a protective factor for coronary artery disease. Although familial aggregation of apo-A1 levels has been reported, the mode of inheritance of apo-A1 remains ill defined. In the present study, we conducted a segregation analysis comparing a series of one-locus and two-locus univariate models for apo-A1 levels in a sample of 137 families ascertained through probands undergoing elective, diagnostic coronary angiography. A two-locus Mendelian model fit these data significantly better than any one-locus model. The incorporation of the second major locus into the model of inheritance leads to a significant improvement in the fit, and a significant decrease of the residual heritability. The best-fitting model included two loci with a reciprocal pattern of epistasis generating 4 distinct genotypic distributions. Taken together, these two major loci account for 58% of the variance of adjusted apo-A1 levels. This demonstration of a second major locus controlling apo-A1 levels may explain the equivocal results obtained from previous studies. This two-locus model may be more powerful for linkage analysis to map one or both of these quantitative trait loci. Genet. Epidemiol. 15:73–86,1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemical Algorithm for Differentiation of Lung Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Large Series of Whole-Tissue Sections With Validation in Small Specimens

Immunohistochemistry is increasingly utilized to differentiate lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. However, detailed analysis of coexpression profiles of commonly used markers in large series of whole-tissue sections is lacking. Furthermore, the optimal diagnostic algorithm, particularly the minimal-marker combination, is not firmly established. We therefore studied whole-tissue sections of resected adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (n=315) with markers commonly used to identify adenocarcinoma (TTF-1) and squamous cell carcinoma (p63, CK5/6, 34βE12), and prospectively validated the devised algorithm in morphologically unclassifiable small biopsy/cytology specimens (n=38). Analysis of whole-tissue sections showed that squamous cell carcinoma had a highly consistent immunoprofile (TTF-1-negative and p63/CK5/6/34βE12-diffuse) with only rare variation. In contrast, adenocarcinoma showed significant immunoheterogenetity for all 'squamous markers' (p63 (32%), CK5/6 (18%), 34βE12 (82%)) and TTF-1 (89%). As a single marker, only diffuse TTF-1 was specific for adenocarcinoma whereas none of the 'squamous markers,' even if diffuse, were entirely specific for squamous cell carcinoma. In contrast, coexpression profiles of TTF-1/p63 had only minimal overlap between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and there was no overlap if CK5/6 was added as a third marker. An algorithm was devised in which TTF-1/p63 were used as the first-line panel, and CK5/6 was added for rare indeterminate cases. Prospective validation of this algorithm in small specimens showed 100% accuracy of adenocarcinoma vs squamous cell carcinoma prediction as determined by subsequent resection. In conclusion, although reactivity for 'squamous markers' is common in lung adenocarcinoma, a two-marker panel of TTF-1/p63 is sufficient for subtyping of the majority of tumors as adenocarcinomas vs squamous cell carcinoma, and addition of CK5/6 is needed in only a small subset of cases. This simple algorithm achieves excellent accuracy in small specimens while conserving the tissue for potential predictive marker testing, which is now an essential consideration in advanced lung cancer specimens.
Infrared Spectra of Gallium Hydrides in Solid Hydrogen: GaH1,2,3, Ga2H2,4,6, and the GaH2,4- Anions

Reactions of laser-ablated Ga atoms and normal hydrogen during co-deposition at 3.5 K give GaH as the major product and GaH2, GaH3, GaH2-, GaH4-, and Ga2H2 as minor products. Identifications are based on infrared spectra, isotopic substitution (D2, H2 + D2 mixtures, HD), comparisons to earlier work, and frequencies calculated by density functional theory. Mercury arc radiation destroyed the GaH2- and GaH4- anions, decreased GaH and increased GaH3, destroyed Ga2H2, and produced new bands due to Ga2H4, two Ga2H5 radical isomers, and Ga2H6. ArF laser irradiation at 193 nm was particularly effective in converting GaH to GaH3 and to Ga2H6. The GaH4- anion absorptions in solid hydrogen are compatible with solid NaGaH4 bands: Near-ultraviolet excitation of GaD2- with D2 present increases GaD4- absorptions. Warming these samples to remove the H2 matrix replaced sharp gallium hydride molecular absorptions with broad 1800−2000, 1300−1700, and 600−700 cm-1 bands due to higher oligomers containing terminal and bridg...
EPA's CLEANUP 2000: Reforms to the RCRA Corrective Action Program

“EPA has initiated CLEANUP 2000, which includes a number of reforms to the RCRA Corrective Action Program to help increase the pace of cleanups.”
Expression of CSF-1/c-fms and SF/c-kit mRNA during preimplantation mouse development

c-fms and c-kit are structurally related tyrosine kinase receptors for colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and for steel factor (SF), respectively. The level of c-fms mRNA, like c-kit mRNA, increases during the maturation of oocytes and is an abundant maternal message found in the unfertilized oocyte. Following fertilization, the level of both c-fms and c-kit oocyte mRNAs decreases rapidly until they are no longer detected by the early 2-cell stage. By the late 2-cell stage, both mRNAs are reexpressed, albeit at low levels. This low level of mRNA expression continues throughout preimplantation development. CSF-1 and SF transcripts are not detected in early preimplantation embryos, but are detected in cumulus cells, oviduct, and uterus, suggesting a paracrine action of these growth factors during the preimplantation period. The patterns of CSF-1/c-fms mRNA and SF/c-kit mRNA expression are consistent with the hypothesis that these two ligand/receptor systems may act in a compensatory or synergistic manner during preimplantation development.
Quantitative MRI assessment of leukoencephalopathy

Quantitative MRI assessment of leukoencephalopathy is difficult because the MRI properties of leukoencephalopathy significantly overlap those of normal tissue. This report describes the use of an automated procedure for longitudinal measurement of tissue volume and relaxation times to quantify leukoencephalopathy. Images derived by using this procedure in patients undergoing therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are presented. Five examinations from each of five volunteers (25 examinations) were used to test the reproducibility of quantitated baseline and subsequent, normal-appearing images; the coefficients of variation were less than 2% for gray and white matter. Regions of leukoencephalopathy in patients were assessed by comparison with manual segmentation. Two radiologists manually segmented images from 15 randomly chosen MRI examinations that exhibited leukoencephalopathy. Kappa analyses showed that the two radiologists’ interpretations were concordant (κ = 0.70) and that each radiologist’s interpretations agreed with the results of the automated procedure (κ = 0.57 and 0.55).The clinical application of this method was illustrated by analysis of images from sequential MR examinations of two patients who developed leukoencephalopathy during treatment for ALL. The ultimate goal is to use these quantitative MR imaging measures to better understand therapy-induced neurotoxicity, which can be limited or even reversed with some combination of therapy adjustments and pharmacological and neurobehavioral interventions.
Promotions and purchase decisions in private clubs.

Abstract This study investigated the use of price discount promotions at private clubs. The purpose was to determine whether the promotions led club members to purchase the promoted food entree items when dining at the club, and the effect of the promotions on the purchase of regular or non-promoted food and beverage items. Over three-fourths of the members who cited the promotion as a reason for visiting the club purchased one or more regular price items. Members visiting the club for the promotion spent more money on regular price items than on promoted items. Moreover, the majority of promotional purchases were made by members who did not visit the club in response to the promotional advertisement.
Effects of response delay and token relocation on token test performance of aphasic subjects

Abstract Performance of 12 aphasic subjects was analyzed on a delayed response task using commands similar to those found in the Token Test, under Standard, Relocation, and Nonvisual conditions. In Standard Condition, subjects could see the tokens as commands were presented and during delay intervals that were interposed between the end of the command and the subject's response. In Relocation Condition, subjects could see the tokens during command presentation and delay intervals, but the tokens were repositioned before the subject was allowed to respond. In Nonvisual Condition, no visual information was available to the subject until the delay interval was over. Results suggested that performance was not significantly affected by the presence of delay except in Part III of the test. The effects of delay appeared only in Part III, where most aphasic subjects began making errors. No appreciable differences in performance were found across conditions. These results suggest that aphasic subjects did not rely to any great extent on visual or visual-spatial strategies to perform successfully on the delayed response task. It appears that subjects may have been using some type of verbal strategy to mediate the delay interval, in spite of their impaired language systems.
Fe(III)-Salen and Salphen Complexes Induce Caspase Activation and Apoptosis in Human Cells

To explore the apoptotic and antitumor activities of metallo-salens, the authors have synthesized several Fe(III)-salen and salphen complexes and analyzed their effects on human cancer and noncancer cells. Their results demonstrated that Fe(III)-salen and salphen complexes affect cell viability and induce nuclear fragmentation and apoptosis in breast cancer (MCF7) cells. The IC(50) values for the active metallo-salen complexes ranged between 0.3 and 22 µM in MCF7 cells. Biochemically active Fe(III)-salen and salphen complexes induced caspase-3/7 activation and release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to cytosol, suggesting the involvement of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Comparison of IC(50) values toward 3 different cell lines demonstrated that selected Fe(III)-salen complexes induce tumor cell-selective apoptosis in cultured cells. Overall, the studies demonstrated that Fe(III)-salen and salphen complexes induced efficient apoptosis in cultured human cells. The nature of the substituents and the bridging spacer between diamino groups play critical roles in determining the apoptotic activities of Fe(III)-salen and salphen complexes.
Effect of Antibody-Mediated Crosslinking of Insulin on Its Bioactivity and Receptor Binding

Precipitating anti-insulin antibodies or anti-insulin IgG/anti-IgG complexes bind insulin in a highly aggregated form and thus should preferably be capable of inducing receptor aggregation, which has recently been suggested to be a precondition for insulin bioactivity. We, therefore, studied the influence of antibody-mediated crosslinking of insulin on the glucose conversion into CO2 in rat fat cells and glycogen synthesis in rat liver cells. As far as possible receptor-bound insulin was measured in parallel. Insulin bound to antibodies with low insulin precipitating capacity had no or little bioactivity and receptor reactivity on fat cells. The bioactivity, however, could be restored in part by addition of a second antibody. On liver cells, second antibody-mediated crosslinking of insulin-antibody complexes resulted in an enhancement of receptor reactivity, and insulin bioactivity of such crosslinked immune complexes was demonstrable. An insulin-precipitating antiserum was shown to form insulin-antibody complexes with significant bioactivity in fat cells which correlated with their receptor binding. In each case antibodies had no or little effect in the absence of insulin. Our data suggest that insulin neutralization by antibodies can be compensated by crosslinking the insulin-antibody complexes or by formation of big complexes precipitating by themselves. This is probably due to the induction of receptor aggregation.
Collagen crosslinking: Isolation of hydroxyaldol-histidine, a naturally-occurring crosslink

Abstract A new trifunctional crosslink, termed hydroxyaldol-histidine, was isolated from cow skin collagen. This compound was not reducible by sodium borohydride; it was characterized by PMR spectroscopy and by low and high resolution mass spectroscopy of volatile derivatives. This crosslink is identical to an unknown amino acid previously detected in pure collagen-derived peptides. We postulate that it arises by condensation of peptidyl allysine, hydroxyallysine and histidine. This is the first example of a non-borohydride reducible crosslink found in collagen.
Bisphosphonates: Mechanism of Action and Role in Clinical Practice

Bisphosphonates are primary agents in the current pharmacological arsenal against osteoclast-mediated bone loss due to osteoporosis, Paget disease of bone, malignancies metastatic to bone, multiple myeloma, and hypercalcemia of malignancy. In addition to currently approved uses, bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed for prevention and treatment of a variety of other skeletal conditions, such as low bone density and osteogenesis imperfecta. However, the recent recognition that bisphosphonate use is associated with pathologic conditions including osteonecrosis of the jaw has sharpened the level of scrutiny of the current widespread use of bisphosphonate therapy. Using the key words bisphosphonate and clinical practice in a PubMed literature search from January 1, 1998, to May 1, 2008, we review current understanding of the mechanisms by which bisphosphonates exert their effects on osteoclasts, discuss the role of bisphosphonates in clinical practice, and highlight some areas of concern associated with bisphosphonate use.
Curvature changes during thermal cycling of a compositionally graded NiAl2O3 multi-layered material

The elastoplastic deformation characteristics of a plasma-sprayed, tri-layered composite plate subjected to thermal cycling from 20°C up to 800°C were studied experimentally and numerically. The tri-layered solid comprised polycrystalline Ni and Al2O3 outer layers and a 2.2 mm thick compositionally graded NiAl2O3 composite interlayer (FGM) wherein the composition varied approximately linearly along the layer thickness. The experiments involved in situ and ex situ measurements, employing a scanning laser technique, of the changes in the overall curvature of the unconstrained plate arising from the thermal mismatch between the constituent phases. The variations of curvature, accumulated plastic strains and thermal stresses at different locations in the layered solid were also assessed numerically with the aid of available continuum formulations, and the numerical predictions were compared with experiments, wherever appropriate. It is shown that when only small plastic strains exist in the Ni layer or in the Ni-rich end of the FGM layer, known formulations are capable of providing approximate predictions of the cyclic variations in curvature, the onset of plasticity and some features of the initiation of cracking (and its location). We also examine possible sources of error in the experimental measurements of curvature and in the interpretation of thermally induced deformation due to some processing conditions.
Ontogenetic Alteration of the Spindle Apparatus: Possible Relation to Chromosome Pairing

SUMMARYAs the monocot Ornithogalum virens matures from seed germination to flowering there is a progressive reduction in the diameter of mitotic spindle apparatuses at the metaphase plate, and poles become more distinct. Apparently one result of this constriction of the spindle is a closer association of chromosomes on the metaphase plate which could be a factor in the eventual pairing of chromosomes for meiosis.
Satellite measurements of the backscattered ultraviolet to determine ozone trends, volcanic SO2, and nitric oxide

Measurements of the atmospheric backscattered UV albedo have been used from satellites for more than 20 years to measure ozone. The longest continuous record has been from the Solar Backscattered Ultraviolet instrument (SBUV) and TOMS on the Nimbus 7 satellite, which have been in operation since November of 1978. Because of degradation in space of the diffuser plate used to measure extraterrestrial solar flux, it has been necessary to develop new techniques to maintain the calibration of these instruments. Calibration is maintained by requiring that ozone measured by different wavelength pairs be consistent, and by requiring that ozone measured at different solar zenith angles be consistent. This technique of using a geophysical quantity, ozone, as a transfer standard for wavelength calibration is very powerful. The recalibrated data have been used to measure total ozone trends to an accuracy of +/- 1.3 percent 2(sigma) error over ten years. No significant trends are found near the equator, but significant trends larger than predicted by homogeneous chemistry are found at middle to high latitudes in both hemispheres. In addition, UV albedo data have been used to measure SO2 using band structure in the 300-310 nm range, and to measure nitric oxide in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere using the (10) and (02) NO gamma band fluorescence features.
Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase p38α and Retinal Ischemic Preconditioning

Abstract In previous studies, inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP) p38 significantly improved recovery and attenuated apoptosis after retinal ischemia in rats. Yet, ischemic preconditioning (IPC) attenuated the ischemia-induced increase in p38 expression. We hypothesized that p38 was required for induction of ischemic tolerance by IPC. We examined the mechanisms of involvement of p38 in IPC neuroprotection. IPC or ischemia was induced in rat retina in vivo. Recovery after ischemia performed 24 h after IPC was assessed functionally (electroretinography) and histologically at 7 d after ischemia in the presence or absence of inhibition of p38. We examined the role of p38α in the mimicking of IPC produced by opening mitochondrial KATP channels using diazoxide, or stimulation of p38 activation by anisomycin. The importance of adenosine receptors in p38 activation after IPC was assessed using specific blockers of adenosine A1 and A2a receptors. Interfering RNA (siRNA) or SB203580 was used to block p38α. Phosphorylated p38 levels were measured. Phosphorylated p38 protein increased with IPC. Interfering RNA (siRNA) to p38α prior to IPC, or inhibiting p38 activation with SB203580, with ischemia following 24 h later, significantly attenuated the neuroprotective effect of IPC. Anisomycin administered to increase p38 mimicked IPC, an effect blocked by SB203580. IPC-mimicking with diazoxide, an opener of mitochondrial KATP channels, was diminished with p38α siRNA. Adenosine receptor blockade did not decrease the elevated levels of phosphorylated p38 after IPC. Specific inhibition of p38α suggests that this MAPK is involved in the protective effects of IPC, and that p38 is downstream of mitochondrial KATP channels, but not adenosine receptors, in this neuroprotection.
Nitrate‐nitrogen determination—a critical review

Abstract This paper reviews the published methods of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) determination with the objective to assess their applicability to soil and plant tissue anarysis. The methods are separated into three categories on the basis of the analytical approach utilized for NO3‐N determination. Strengths and weaknesses of the methods are discussed. The first analytical approach utilitizes direct measurement of NO3‐N by the following methods: (a) colorimetric (after a color producing reaction with NO3‐N), (b) potentiometric, (c) absorption of UV radiation by NO3‐N in a complex matrix, (d) transnitration of salicylic acid, and (e) chromatographic (separation and measurement of NO3‐N) methods. The second approach is based on the reduction of NO3‐N to nitrite‐nitrogen (NO2‐N), ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4‐N), or nitric oxide and measurement of the reduction product. When NO3‐N is reduced to NO2‐N, the measurement may be achieved by (a) colorimetric, (b) fluorimetric, (c) coulometric, and (d) catalytic kinetic met...
Relative gain maximization in experimental games

Three experiments were conducted to demonstrate the role of relative gain (the difference between a subject's score and that of another subject) as opposed to individual gain maximization processes in experimental two-person, two-choice games. In addition to demonstrating that relative gain maximization is an important goal in such situations, it is also shown that the predominant component of this process is associated with the avoidance of outcomes in which the subject receives less than another subject.
Microscopic aspects of surface deformation and fracture of high density polyethylene

Abstract Microstructural evolution during plastic deformation of high density polyethylene was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques as a function of strain and strain rate. At low strain rates of tensile test, wedging was the dominant mode of deformation and produced fibrillated fracture. At higher strain rates, wedging was reduced and crazing was the dominant micromechanism of deformation. The final fracture was a combination of crazing/tearing and fibrillation. The micromechanisms of deformation and fracture are sensitive to strain rate. The domains of micromechanisms of deformation are depicted in terms of strain rate–strain diagrams providing a perspective of the domains of the deformation processes occurring in different strain rate–strain regimes. Atomic force microscopy was applied to study the mechanical response in wedge and craze modes of deformation, and quantify the surface relief. Atomic force microscopy indicated that wedge mode of deformation involved drawing and grouping or close packing of lamellae, while crazing was characterized by stretching, merging and splitting of lamellae, and formation of microvoids between the split lamellae. The surface relief associated with wedge was relatively less in comparison to craze deformed region.
Rifampin, but not rifabutin, may produce opiate withdrawal in buprenorphine-maintained patients

Background This series of studies examines the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic interactions between buprenorphine, an opioid partial agonist increasingly used in treatment of opioid dependence, and rifampin, a medication used as a first line treatment for tuberculosis; or rifabutin, an alternative antituberculosis medication.
Systems engineering analysis of aplanatic Wolter type I x-ray telescopes

It is well known that normal-incidence aplanatic telescope de- signs perform better at small field angles than ones corrected only for spherical aberration. This is why most large astronomical telescopes fab- ricated in the past fifty years have been of the Ritchey-Chretien (aplanatic) design rather than of the classical Cassegrain design. For the relatively new field of x-ray astronomy, the Wolter type I grazing inci- dence design has been extensively utilized. It consists of a paraboloidal primary mirror coaxial with a confocal hyperboloidal secondary mirror. Aplanatic versions of the Wolter type I grazing incidence x-ray telescope have been discussed in detail in the literature, and are widely touted as being superior designs. However, scattering effects from residual optical fabrication errors and other practical engineering error sources prevent these grazing-incidence telescopes from being near diffraction-limited (even on axis) at the very short operational x-ray wavelengths. A sys- tems engineering analysis of these error sources indicates that they will dominate coma at the small field angles, and of course astigmatism, field curvature, and higher-order aberrations dominate coma at the large field angles. Hence, there is little improvement in performance when going to an aplanatic design. Comparison of performance predictions for the clas- sical versus aplanatic Wolter type I x-ray telescope are presented for the special case of the Solar X-Ray Imager (SXI) baseline design. SXI is expected to become a standard subsystem aboard the next generation of NOAA/GOES weather satellites. © 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumen- tation Engineers. (S0091-3286(00)01606-8)
Video Storage by Secondary Emission from Simple Mosaics

It has been found that the derivation of a video signal in an iconoscope by scanning does not involve bringing each element of the mosaic into an electron-exchange equilibrium while under the beam. Consequently, the mosaic charge is erased, not at the instant of passage of the beam, but continuously by the rain of low-velocity electrons. An output-signal attenuation of less than 1 per cent per scan has been observed. A factor of 10 increase in the number of removal scans per unit time after the creation of the original stored signal has yielded no observable change of attenuation per unit time. Only for storage tubes having a beam-density to capacitance ratio at least 100 times that of the iconoscope can a scanning-exchange equilibrium with charge obliteration be observed. In general, the mosaic escape current constituting the signal can be represented as a linear function of both the beam current and the potential of the mosaic element. The complex stored signals resulting from square-wave grid modulation of an ordinary oscilloscope used as a storage tube are explained in terms of electron loss at the instant of scan, preceded and followed by the gain of secondary electrons from the near-by beam.
Plasma and the Universe: Large Scale Dynamics, Filamentation, and Radiation

One of the earliest predictions about the morphology of the universe is that it be filamentary (Alfven, 1950). This prediction followed from the fact that volumewise, the universe is 99.999% matter in the plasma state. When the plasma is energetic, it is generally inhomogeneous with constituent parts in motion. Plasmas in relative motion are coupled by the currents they drive in each other and nonequilibrium plasma often consists of current-conducting filaments.
Informing "envisioning" with data

Envisioning Information, Tufte's most recent book, is dedicated to presenting strategies for enhancing the design of information. By drawing on a series of examples ranging from topological maps to train schedules, Tufte discusses five principles of information design: macro/micro readings; layering and separation; small multiples; color and information; and space and time. He devotes a chapter to each principle, using examples mainly designed to convey numerical, referential, or tabular data (e.g., a graph, a directory, or a chart).
Hemihypertrophy and the Chiari I malformation.

We report two children with hemihypertrophy and Chiari I malformation (CIM) and review the extant medical literature regarding CIM and overgrowth disorders. We propose that these two entities do not represent a spurious association but rather share a common dysembryology of mesoderm.
Wet diaper artifact

Sir, As I am sure many pediatric radiologists have already noticed in their daily practice, an annoying, mottled radiodense artifact is sometimes encountered superimposed on the inferior aspect of abdominal/pelvic radiographs of infants and babies wearing disposable diapers. Modern disposable diapers are constructed of an absorbent central core that lies between a porous, inner top sheet and an impermeable, outer back sheet. The absorbent core material most commonly used is a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) that holds the liquid in place, thus keeping the baby’s skin dry. I wondered if this material was radioopaque and, therefore, obtained simultaneously exposed radiographs of a dry diaper and a diaper wetted using approximately 40 ml of tap water as the urine substitute (Fig. 1). Only the wet diaper reproduced the peculiar mottled artifact. An excellent web article by Pytlik et al. [1] entitled “Superabsorbent polymers” states that the most commonly SAP is sodium polyacrylate prepared from acrylic acid and a crosslinker. This substance is said to retain “... about 30 times its weight in urine” [2] making these products attractive to consumers. The SAP is not intrinsically radioopaque but retains liquid in such a way as to produce the small clump-like artifact pattern. The article goes into detail regarding the construction and components of disposable diapers, the chemistry of SAPs, the mechanism of fluid absorption and retention, and environmental implications. The “bottom” line is, if you want to avoid artifact, remove wet diapers prior to radiography. Dry diapers are OK. The absence of a diaper represents additional risk beyond the scope of this letter.
Vision and lasers: An abstract

This report is a summary of two, more comprehensive treatments of the effects of radiation emitted by lasers on the human visual system. Topics broached are: novel visual effects; threshold of damage to the eye, its mechanism, both theoretical and empirical estimates of it, and its relation to psychophysical brightness; computation of retinal irradiation by lasers; and a potential application of lasers.
Determination of Biochemical Oxygen Demand of Area Waters: A Bioassay Procedure for Environmental Monitoring

A graphical method for determining the 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) for a body of water is described. In this bioassay, students collect a sample of water from a designated site, transport it to the laboratory, and evaluate the amount of oxygen consumed by naturally occurring bacteria during a 5-day incubation period. An accuracy check, prepared by spiking a portion of the water with a glucose–glutamic acid solution, is used to evaluate the student’s technique. This graphical treatment requires a larger number of samples than the standard method described in the literature, but it is not prone to errors caused by the quality of dilution water, which can invalidate measurements made with the standard method.