cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Hemoglobin A1c Levels and Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Infection: Analysis of US Insurance Claims Data.

Abstract Background The association between elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and the risk of postoperative infection after penile prosthesis surgery remains controversial. Aim To examine the association between HbA1c levels and penile implant infections in men undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery for erectile dysfunction using a large insurance claims database. Methods This was a retrospective review using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database. Male subjects 18 years and older with available laboratory data undergoing IPP insertion between 2003 and 2018 were included. Administrative diagnosis and procedural codes were used to assess subsequent penile implant revision surgery status for either infectious or noninfectious causes. Associated conditions were controlled for such as smoking status, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity status, and Peyronie's disease. Outcomes The main outcomes were risk of revision for infection and time to revision. Results A total of 2,363 individuals underwent initial IPP insertion and had available HbA1c data with a mean HbA1c of 6.9%. The overall IPP infection revision rate was 3.9% and the highest rate of 12.1% was seen in the highest HbA1c group (>10%). After adjusting for demographic and health factors, a higher HbA1c level was associated with a higher risk of revision for infection, with every 1 point increase in HbA1c conferring an increased risk of infection requiring revision by 29% (95% CI 17–42%). When infections did occur, they happened sooner in men with HbA1c > 10.0% with an average of 1.3 months vs 3.5 months in the HbA1c Clinical Implications These findings provide insight into the potential relationship between HbA1c levels and postoperative risk of infection after penile prosthesis surgery and may aid in clinical decision-making. Strengths and Limitations Strengths include the large sample size, length of data coverage, and real-world analysis of surgeries done across the United States. Limitations include the reliance on insurance claims data, the retrospective study design, and lack of additional relevant clinical variables that may impact infection rates. Conclusions While the overall risk of penile prosthesis infection remains modest, the current report notes an increased risk of infection for diabetic men with poor glycemic control. Chen T, Li S, Eisenberg ML. The Association Between Hemoglobin A1c Levels and Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Infection: Analysis of US Insurance Claims Data. J Sex Med 2021;18:1104–1109.
Immune thrombocytopenia in 2 healthy young women after the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT16B2b2 messenger RNA coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare complication associated with vaccines targeting various diseases, including influenza, measles-mumps-rubella, hepatitis B, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis. We report 2 cases of ITP in healthy 20-year-old and 21-year-old women presenting to Emory University in Atlanta, GA, 2 days after the second dose and 11 days after the first dose (respectively) of the Pfizer-BioNTech messenger RNA severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine. Both patients recovered quickly. With more than a billion doses of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines safely administered worldwide as of May 2021, discussions with patients should put into perspective the low risks of vaccination against the enormous societal benefit of the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine.
Analytical and Experimental Study of the Piles Cap Normal and Light Weight Aerated Concrete: Literature Review

The main objective of this study is to understand the work of the pile caps made of lightweight aerated foam concrete and study the many factors affecting the ability and the capacity of the shear. The study was done by analyzing previous practical and theoretical experiences on the reinforced concrete pile caps. The previous practical results indicated that all specimens failed by shear diagonal compression or tension modes except one specimen that failed flexural-shear mode. Based on test specimens' practical results and behavior, some theoretical methods for estimating the ultimate strength of reinforced concrete pile caps have been recommended, some of which evolved into the design documents available on the subject. A theoretical and practical study of compression concluded that the shear capacity is limited by the nodal zone bearing stresses. The flexural capacity can be described by the column load that would cause the yielding of the tie (i.e., steel reinforcement). Therefore, the design of pile caps should include a check on bearing strength to be added to the traditional section force approach for pile cap design.
Continuous Labor Support and Person-Centered Maternity Care: A Cross-Sectional Study with Women in Rural Kenya.

This study assessed whether having continuous support during labor is associated with better person-centered maternity care (PCMC) among women in rural Kenya. Data are from a cross-sectional survey with women aged 15–49 years who delivered in the 9 weeks preceding survey completion (N = 865). PCMC was operationalized using a validated 13-item scale, with a summative score developed from responses that capture dignity and respect, communication and autonomy, and supportive care from providers (excluding support from a lay companion). Continuous support was operationalized as the continuous presence of a lay companion (friend or family) during labor. We carried out bivariate analyses using chi-squared and t-tests and ran multivariable linear regression models to examine the association between continuous labor support and PCMC. The average PCMC score was 24.2 (SD = 8.4) out of a total score of 39. About two-thirds (68%) of women had continuous support during labor. The average PCMC scores among women who had continuous support was 25.7 (SD = 8.4) compared to 21.0 (SD = 7.6) among those who did not have continuous support (p-value ≤ 0.001). After controlling for various confounders this association was still significant (coefficient = 4.0; 95% CI 2.9, 5.2; p-value ≤ 0.001). Women who have continuous labor support during childbirth are more likely to have improved PCMC. Efforts to promote PCMC should thus include continuous labor support.
First Report of Biscogniauxia mediterranea on Quercus emoryi in southern Arizona.

In 2019, a decline of Quercus emoryi (Emory oak) was observed on the Coronado National Forest located in southeastern Arizona. Symptoms associated with oak mortality included crown die-back and lar...
Three-dimensional models of the cervicovaginal epithelia to study host-microbiome interactions and sexually transmitted infections

Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems have provided controlled, reproducible means to analyze host-pathogen interactions. Although inexpensive, straightforward, and requiring very short time commitment, these models recapitulate neither the functionality of multi-layered cell types nor the microbial diversity of an infected human. Animal models have commonly been used to recreate the complexity of human infections. However, extensive modifications are commonly required to recreate interactions that resemble those in the human reproductive tract microbiologically and physiologically. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models have emerged as alternative means of reproducing key elements of human infections at a fraction of the cost of animal models and on a scale that allows for replicative experiments to be readily performed. Here we describe a new 3D model that utilizes transwells with epithelial cells seeded apically and a basolateral extra cellular matrix (ECM)-like layer containing collagen and fibroblasts. In this system, basal feeding creates a liquid/air interface on the apical side. The model produced tissues with close morphologic and physiological resemblance to human cervical and vaginal epithelia, including observable levels of mucus produced by cervical cells. Infection by both Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was demonstrated as well as the growth of bacterial species observed in the human vaginal microbiota, enabling controlled mechanistic analyses of the interactions between host cells, vaginal microbiota and STI pathogens. Future experiments may include immune cells to mimic more closely the genital environment. Finally, the modular set up of the model makes it fully applicable to the analysis of non-genital host-microbiome-pathogen interactions.
Determination of the Thermal Inactivation Kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 and non-O157 in Buffer and a Spinach Homogenate.

Produce has been associated with a rising number of foodborne illness outbreaks. While much produce is consumed raw, some is treated with mild heat, such as blanching or cooking. The objectives of this research were to compare the thermal inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7, and non-O157 STEC in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; pH 7.2) and a spinach homogenate and to provide an estimate of the safety of mild heat processes for spinach. Five individual strains of S. enterica, L. monocytogenes, STEC O157:H7, and non-O157 STEC were tested in PBS in 2-ml glass vials, and cocktails of the organisms were tested in blended spinach in vacuum-sealed bags. For Listeria and Salmonella at 56 to 60°C, D-values in PBS ranged from 4.42 ± 0.94 to 0.35 ± 0.03 min and 2.11 ± 0.14 to 0.16 ± 0.03 min, respectively. D-values at 54 to 58°C were 5.18 ± 0.21 to 0.53 ± 0.04 min for STEC O157:H7 and 5.01 ± 0.60 to 0.60 ± 0.13 min for non-O157 ST...
A Technique For Modelling The Performance Of Birefringent Wave Plates

By considering the phase delay introduced by a birefringent wave plate to each frequency component of a finite bandwidth light source we establish the polarisation state of the transmitted light. Realisable designs of achromatic, zero-order and high-order quarter wave and half wave plates are analysed for use with a variety of light sources with different bandwidths.
Scientific developments in the second half of the nineteenth century

About the middle of the last century microscopical research in France was directed in particular at pathologic cytology, whilst in Germany, where Johannes Muiller’s school was predominant, more attention was being paid to the structure of the diseased tissues. At the same time, German research workers displayed great interest in the genesis of cancer: where do the first cancer cells come from? They first focussed attention on blastema, the matrix of all cells as was generally accepted in the 1840’s and still adhered to by many even in the fifties.
Electrochemical characterization of manganese oxide cathode materials based on Na0.4MnO2

Abstract Cathode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries were prepared from Na 0.4 MnO 2 by solution and molten salt ion-exchanges. The former process results in partial replacement of sodium while the latter results in complete exchange. The discharge characteristics depend upon the sodium content, with the partially lithiated material exhibiting hysteresis in the charge/discharge profile and differential capacity plots from stepped potential experiments. For the fully lithiated material, a complex voltage profile with several distinct plateaus corresponding to several two-phase regions is observed. No evidence of spinel formation during ion-exchange or electrochemical cycling is seen for this system.
Parallel homotopy algorithms to solve polynomial systems

Homotopy continuation methods to compute numerical approximations to all isolated solutions of a polynomial system are known as “embarrassingly parallel”, i.e.: because of their low communication overhead, these methods scale very well for a large number of processors. Because so many important problems remain unsolved mainly due to their intrinsic computational complexity, it would be embarrassing not to develop parallel implementations of polynomial homotopy continuation methods. This paper concerns the development of “parallel PHCpack”, a project which started a couple of years ago in collaboration with Yusong Wang, and which currently continues with Anton Leykin (parallel irreducible decomposition) and Yan Zhuang (parallel polyhedral homotopies). We report on our efforts to make PHCpack ready to solve large polynomial systems which arise in applications. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 65H10. Secondary 14Q99, 68W30.
APPLICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

Organizations are in constant interaction with their environment. This phenomenon has been termed in the literature as the environment-organizational interface. An organization acquires information concerning changes in its environment via some scanning system. This paper presents the results of an empirical investigation of the scanning process. The relationships of scanning to different environmental states is discussed and various propositions advanced. Different environmental states (stable versus dynamic) are moderated by the determinants of hierarchical levels and functional specialties in the firm.
Ergonomics for Passenger Cars

Driving a vehicle is a demanding task, even if it is not done as a profession. Ergonomics therefore plays an important role during the development process. Human limits are manifold, which makes ergonomics a multidisciplinary task. Capacity and demand need to be considered simultaneously. This chapter explains various categories of human performance limits and brings this into an automotive context. International standards are introduced, along with an explanation of the tools and methods to apply the standards. Knowledge about the human body is an essential component of ergonomics. Key findings and methods in the areas of anthropometry, biomechanics, and physiology are described briefly. A practical guide through the layout of the driver's environment shows how the specific knowledge can be applied in order to optimize the ergonomics of passenger vehicles. A few considerations related to vehicle evaluation conclude the chapter. Owing to the complexity of the subject, this chapter can only provide an overview and refers to literature sources for further reading. Keywords: ergonomics; passenger cars; anthropometry; biomechanics; physiology; HMI ; driver's environment; people package; vehicle evaluation
Identities and astronomy camp: how individual campers make meaning of science experiences

This study uses the concept of affinity space to analyze youth participation in a summer science camp, examining how students took on virtual identities as astronomers, merged them with their real identities, and, to varying degrees, adopted projective identities of themselves as scientists. Analyzing camper interviews, I investigate the degree to which Astronomy Camp is an affinity space and present individual cases of ways campers make meaning of their research experiences by creating different identities.
Arylsulfatase activity in salt marsh soils.

The presence of arylsulfatase(s) was confirmed in salt marsh soils. The temperatures of maximum activity and inactivation, the pH range over which the enzyme was active, and the Km values were similar to those of soil enzymes. Unlike soil arylsulfatases, however, the salt marsh enzymes do not appear to be repressed by sulfate. It is postulated that these enzymes may be necessary for the initiation of arylsulfate ester metabolism.
Abstract 189: βAR Resensitization At The Plasma Membrane Provides Beneficial Cardiac Remodeling

βAR downregulation and desensitization are hallmarks of heart failure. Agonist occupied βARs undergo desensitization through phosphorylation by G-protein coupled receptor kinases leading to βAR internalization. Phosphorylated βAR becomes resensitized following dephosphorylation by PP2A in the endosomes. In contrast to this paradigm our recent studies have shown that resensitization of βARs can occur at the plasma membrane through the inhibition of PP2A activity by I2PP2A. We generated a stable HEK cell line expressing short hairpin RNA targeting I2PP2A (shRNA-I2PP2A). Confocal microscopy studies show cells expressing shRNA-I2PP2A resulted in significant loss of receptor phosphorylation despite the presence of the agonist. Radioligand binding and confocal imaging also showed marked inhibition of receptor internalization upon depletion of I2PP2A with significant PP2A activation. We also observed preservation of βAR function despite the presence of agonist measured by cAMP generation and adenylyl cyclase activity. To further dissect the interaction of I2PP2A-PP2A we generated mutants of PP2A from amino acids 263-309. Over expression of these PP2A mutant peptides significantly reversed receptor phosphorylation upon isoproterenol (ISO) stimulation compared to full length PP2A. Also, expression of PP2A mutant showed marked increase in adenylyl cyclase activity in response ISO stimulation suggesting that this mutant I2PP2A competes out inhibitory I2PP2A interaction with PP2A. To test whether alteration in βAR resensitization contributes to cardiac dysfunction with stress we generated transgenic (Tg) mice with cardiac specific over expression of wt I2PP2A and mutant I2PP2A (phopspho- and dephospho-). ISO treatment of wt I2PP2A Tg and littermate controls showed that wt I2PP2A Tg mice had significant βAR dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy. Assessment of age dependent cardiac function of these mice showed that wt I2PP2A Tg and phospho-I2PP2A Tg mice have cardiac hypertrophic response followed by dilated cardiomyopathy; expression of dephospho-I2PP2A mutant reversed this phenotype. These studies suggest targeting I2PP2A alters receptor function and may have implications in cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy with cardiac stress.
Memory performance and subject-defined depth of processing

This experiment found that subjects could order a series of classification questions in terms of their relative depth of processing. The subject-defined processing depth was used to predict performance in an incidental learning task which employed the same questions with different subjects. A significant rank correlation was obtained between question depth of processing and stimulus word free recall. These data provide an independent assessment of processing depth and memory performance and thereby satisfy a necessary, but not sufficient condition for the depth-of-processing hypothesis. Little success was achieved, however, in attempting to define the scheme relating processing depth and performance. While memory is related to encoding conditions, the search for the relational scheme continues.
Unavailability and Mispricing of Advertised Specials: The Food Shopper's Knowledge, Experience and Response

Unavailability and mispricing of advertised specials has been under FTC regulation for a number of years. Despite FTC trade regulation rules a large proportion of the shoppers surveyed in this study recalled a recent experience with product unavailability or overpricing. They were, moreover, surprisingly docile when confronted with this problem even though most were quite knowledgeable about regulations covering it. It appears that a store would have to be a major offender before consumers would shift their patronage elsewhere.
Effects of cold acclimation and arousal from hibernation on brown fat lipid and protein in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus).

Abstract 1. 1. Total lipid and protein are monitored in interscapular, cervical and thoracic brown fat deposits from normal control, cold-acclimated, hibernating and newly aroused golden hamsters ( Mesocricetus auratus ). 2. 2. During cold acclimation total lipid declines significantly while protein content increases markedly in all brown fat deposits. In contrast to interscapular and cervical deposits, thoracic brown fat contains a higher percentage of protein than lipid after cold acclimitation. 3. 3. After cold acclimation brown fat retains the same lipid and protein levels in hamsters exposed to very short and very long hibernating periods. 4. 4. Newly aroused hamsters show little or no evidence of loss of brown fat lipid during arousal from hibernation. This contrasts with findings of other workers that ground squirrels lose a substantial percentage of brown fat lipid during arousal.
Mechanisms of Sustained High Firing Rates in Two Classes of Vestibular Nucleus Neurons: Differential Contributions of Resurgent Na, Kv3, and BK Currents

To fire at high rates, neurons express ionic currents that work together to minimize refractory periods by ensuring that sodium channels are available for activation shortly after each action potential. Vestibular nucleus neurons operate around high baseline firing rates and encode information with bidirectional modulation of firing rates up to several hundred Hz. To determine the mechanisms that enable these neurons to sustain firing at high rates, ionic currents were measured during firing by using the action potential clamp technique in vestibular nucleus neurons acutely dissociated from transgenic mice. Although neurons from the YFP-16 line fire at rates higher than those from the GIN line, both classes of neurons express Kv3 and BK currents as well as both transient and resurgent Na currents. In the fastest firing neurons, Kv3 currents dominated repolarization at all firing rates and minimized Na channel inactivation by rapidly transitioning Na channels from the open to the closed state. In slower firing neurons, BK currents dominated repolarization at the highest firing rates and sodium channel availability was protected by a resurgent blocking mechanism. Quantitative differences in Kv3 current density across neurons and qualitative differences in immunohistochemically detected expression of Kv3 subunits could account for the difference in firing range within and across cell classes. These results demonstrate how divergent firing properties of two neuronal populations arise through the interplay of at least three ionic currents.
Presenilin enhancer-2 gene: identification of a novel promoter mutation in a patient with early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract γ-Secretase proteins complex cleaves the amyloid precursor protein (APP) to generate amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. Considerable evidence suggests that alterations in genes encoding these proteins exert their influence on the pathogenesis of familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). Presenilin enhancer-2 gene ( PEN-2 ) is a necessary component of the γ-Secretase complex. Recently, it has been shown that PEN-2 mutations could be involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We performed a mutational screening of all PEN-2 coding and promoter regions in a FAD cohort derived from Southern Italy. Four hundred and fifty-two subjects (FAD: 97; Controls: 355) were recruited for this study. We identified for the first time in a key region necessary for the promoter activity a novel 3 bp deletion in a subject with early-FAD. Our genetic data demonstrate that the mutant allele may influence the transcriptional activity of the PEN-2 gene. Although the effective role of the PEN-2 promoter deletion in AD is not entirely clear, these findings might lead to more studies on its functional and genetic role.
Prostaglandin regulation of the content of sex hormone receptors in human decidual tissue.

1. In the cytosol of the decidual tissue of women 3 h after intravaginal introduction of suppositories with 1 mg 15-methyl-PGF2α, the content of estrogen and progesterone receptors is increased. 2. In vitro, PGF2α in doses of 10, 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml induces a dose-dependent increase in the content of estrogen receptors in the decidual tissue 15, 30, 60, and 180 min after introduction into the incubation medium. 3. The content of progesterone receptors is unchanged under the action of PGF2α in each dose studied and for any time of incubation. 4. The increase in the content of estrogen receptors under the action of PGF2α is not associated withde novo biosynthesis of the receptors.
Middle cerebral artery velocity during upright posture after marijuana smoking

Marijuana is known to cause symptoms suggestive of orthostatic hypotension such as dizziness and fainting during upright posture. We examined changes in cerebral blood velocity (CBV) and peripheral circulation during upright posture after smoking marijuana in 10 right-handed male subjects with a previous history of exposure to marijuana. The participants were physically and mentally healthy and drug-free for a minimum of 3 months before the experiment. Middle cerebral artery CBV, blood pressure and pulse rate were recorded during reclining position and standing, before and after smoking a high-potency marijuana cigarette or a placebo cigarette administered during 2 separate visits to the laboratory. The participants were questioned about dizziness during the upright position. Six of 10 subjects reported moderate to severe dizziness during standing after marijuana but not placebo. Subjects who experienced severe dizziness during standing showed marked decreases in blood pressure and CBV. Those who reported moderate dizziness showed reduction in CBV but not blood pressure. Subjects who reported mild dizziness after marijuana and after placebo smoking showed minimal changes in blood pressure and CBV. Cerebral ischemia during upright position after marijuana smoking may be caused by hypotension and impaired cerebral autoregulation.
Soil carbon dioxide fluxes in established switchgrass land managed for biomass production

Abstract Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) grown for biomass feedstock production has the potential to increase soil C sequestration, and soil CO 2 flux in grassland is an important component in the global C budget. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the effects of N fertilization and harvest frequency on soil CO 2 flux, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), and potentially mineralizable carbon (PMC); and (2) evaluate the relationship of soil CO 2 flux with soil temperature, soil moisture, SMBC, and PMC. Two N rates (0 and 224 kg ha −1 ) were applied as NH 4 NO 3 and cattle ( Bos Taurus L.) manure. Switchgrass was harvested every year at anthesis or alternate years at anthesis. The data were collected during growing season (May–October) 2001–2004 on switchgrass-dominated Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land in east-central South Dakota, USA. Manure application increased soil CO 2 flux, SMBC, and PMC during the early portion of the growing season compared with the control, but NH 4 NO 3 application did not affect soil CO 2 flux, SMBC, and PMC. However, seasonal variability of soil CO 2 flux was not related to SMBC and PMC. Estimated average soil CO 2 fluxes during the growing periods were 472, 488, and 706 g CO 2 –C m −2 for control, NH 4 NO 3 –N, and manure-N plots, respectively. Switchgrass land with manure application emitted more CO 2 , and approximately 45% of the C added with manure was respired to the atmosphere. Switchgrass harvested at anthesis decreased soil CO 2 flux during the latter part of the growing season, and flux was lower under every year harvest treatment than under alternate years harvest. Soil temperature was the most significant single variable to explain the variability in soil CO 2 flux. Soil water content was not a limiting factor in controlling seasonal CO 2 flux.
Math link: linking curriculum, instructional strategies, and technology to enhance teaching and learning

Math Link was a professional development project involving Louisiana State University and the West Feliciana Parish School District in the United States. Math Link focused on teachers in grades three through six in the entire district and included over ninety percent of the teachers in the district. The teachers participated in a three week summer workshop directed by a professional staff that included two elementary mathematics specialists, a technology specialist, a mathematics specialist/site coordinator from the school district, a mathematics education professor, and an educational technology professor.During the summer, the educators worked on four major components: technology tools to support learning: mathematics standards, instructional methodology, and assessment; team building and collaboration; and instructional models that they would implement. During the academic year, a site coordinator provided instructional and resource support for all the teachers. The site coordinator also monitored progress and worked directly with the university staff directing the project. Four day-long workshops were also held during the school year. During the following summer, the educators worked at the university for two more weeks to formalize their instructional models and curriculum and plan for the future.
Long-Term Hydraulic Performance Evaluation for a Multilayer Closure Cap

As part of an evaluation of closure alternatives for a radioactively contaminated facility, the Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP) Model was used iteratively with published leakage equations to predict the long-term hydraulic performance of a (degraded) multilayer soil/geosynthetic closure cap. The evaluation included an analysis of the possible effects of various degradation processes on the various components of the cap. Because the HELP Model does not account for the long-term effects of aging on the integrity of a geomembrane (a component of the proposed closure cap), a review of environmental and geomechanical degradation processes that could detrimentally affect hydraulic performance of the geomembrane was conducted. Possible effects of these processes on geomembrane hydraulic properties were estimated, and calculations performed to estimate long-term leakage rates through defects predicted to (eventually) occur in the geomembrane as a consequence of these degradation processes. Ad...
Chemiluminescence biosensors using tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) and dehydrogenases immobilized in cation exchange polymers

Abstract Tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ) and dehydrogenase enzymes are immobilized in cation exchange polymer films to create electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) biosensors. Eastman AQ and Nafion polymers were used as immobilization support in a regenerable ECL sensor for NADH and NADPH and in biosensors for glucose, lactate and ethanol. The biosensor design places an enzyme-loaded polymer film adjacent to a Ru(bpy) 3 2+ -loaded polymer film covering a platinum electrode. The modified electrode was used in a flow injection analysis system as an ECL detector. The CL response to samples containing enzyme substrate and cofactor (NAD + ) result from the Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ECL reaction with NADH produced by the enzyme. The analytical response to NADH using an AQ film modified with Ru(bpy) 3 2+ . The coimmobilization of that seen for Nafion films modified with Ru(bpy) 3 2+ . Teh coimmnolization Ru(bpy) 3 2+ and dehydrogenase enzymes in the same film showed reduced enzyme activity which led to various biosensor designs with adjacent layers. The ECL biosensor concept was shown applicable for both NAD + -and NADP + -dependent enzymes, where NADPH detection ranged from 0·01 to 100 μM NADPH.
The Search for Fuller Mutuality and Self Experiences in a Women's Psychotherapy Group

This article examines the reconnection experience of four women, mutually sharing their feelings, thoughts, and implicit relational knowing of each other within the group treatment setting. Initially, Carol, Marcia, Helen, and Nancy were in a six-month psychotherapy group, describing and recounting their histories and life narratives of rape, abuse, neglect, and generally traumatic childhoods. Four years later, they met again, “just to see how everyone was doing.” The social worker hired a camera-woman to film the five hours of this re-engaging group process. What emerged was a dynamic example of intersubjectivity, affect attunement, emotional regulation, and the power of mutuality and intrinsic responsiveness.
Bile salt stimulated lipase : comparative studies in Ferret milk and lactating mammary gland

Bile salt stimulated lipase (BSSL) activity in 10–20 times higher in ferret milk than in human milk. We have used the ferret to study BSSL activity in lactating mammary gland and in mammary cells isolated by hyaluronidase-collagenase treatment followed by Ficoll gradient centrifugation. Furthermore, we have compared the characteristics of BSSL in the tissue preparations (homogenate or cells) to BSSL of ferret milk and to BSSL purified from ferret and human milk. The characteristics of BSSL in ferret mammary gland preparations and milk were similar to those of human milk BSSL—absoltue requirement of primary bile salts, pH optimum of 7.5–9.0 stability at pH 3–9 and inhibition by eserine (physostigmine) and by serum. Purified ferret milk BSSL had a lower molecular weight (90kD) than did human milk BSSL (125 kD). There was an 86% homology of theN-terminal amino acid sequence between BSSL of ferret and of human milk. The marked similarity in characteristics between BSSL in ferret and human milk and the high activity of BSSL in ferret milk (520 U/mL colostrum and 250 U/mL mature milk) indicate that this species is an ideal animal model for the study of the synthesis and secretion of this digestive lipase which constitutes a significant portion (1–2%) of total milk protein.
Medical treatment of valvular heart disease.

Despite recent advances in operative and percutaneous surgical techniques for valvular heart disease, medical management of complications of valvular disease, such as atrial fibrillation and infection, and prevention of thromboembolism remain important clinical problems. This review discusses recent
Induced stresses due to fluid extraction from axisymmetric reservoirs

Earthquakes can be induced by fluid extraction, as well as by fluid injection.Segall (1989) proposed that poroelastic stresses are responsible for inducing earthquakes associated with fluid extraction. Here, I present methods for computing poroelastic stress changes due to fluid extraction for general axisymmetric reservoir geometries. The results ofGeertsma (1973) for a thin disk reservoir with uniform pressure drop are recovered as a special case. Predicted surface subsidence agrees very well with measured leveling changes over the deep Lacq gas field in southwestern France. The induced stresses are finite if the reservoir pressure changes are continuous. Computed stress changes are on the order of several bars, suggesting that the preexisting stress states in regions of extraction induced seismicity are very close to frictional instability prior to production.
On the Minkowski tensor and thermodynamics of media in an electromagnetic field

Abstract Thermodynamic implications of various forms for the electromagnetic stress tensor are examined for polarizable media subject to an electromagnetic field. It is found that the Minkowski stress tensor for ponderable matter yields the simplest mathematical structure for constructing a theory of irreversible processes in ponderable matter.
Thymidine kinase activity of biochemically transformed mouse cells after superinfection by thymidine kinase-negative, temperature-sensitive, herpes simplex virus mutants.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that thymidine kinase (TK)-negative mutants isolated from HSV-1 clone 101, HSV-2 (333), marmoset herpesvirus, and pseudorabies virus enhanced the resident TK activity of biochemically transformed mouse fibroblast [LM(TK − )/HSV-1 Cl 7] cells. The present study shows that 10 additional TK-negative HSV-1 mutants isolated from HSV-1 strains HF and KOS also stimulated the resident TK activity of LM(TK − )/HSV-1 Cl 7 cells. To identify possible HSV-1 gene(s) regulating the formation of the resident HSV-1 TK, the LM(TK − )/HSV-1 Cl 7 cells were superinfected at permissive (34.5°) and nonpermissive (39°) temperatures with TK-negative mutants that were also temperature-sensitive (ts) for virus replication. TK-negative, HSV-1 ts mutants from 12 complementation groups (tsA1, B2, C4, E6, F18, G3, J12, K13, M19, N20, O22, and ts-24) were studied. All of these TK-negative HSV-1 ts mutants enhanced the resident TK activity of LM(TK − )/HSV-1 Cl 7 cells at the permissive temperature, and all mutants, except HSV-1 ts B2, did so when infections were carried out at the nonpermissive temperature. The resident TK activity of LM(TK − )/HSV-1 Cl 7 cells was either unaffected, or it was depressed after infection at 39° by mutant ts B2 at multiplicities of infection of 3–25 PFU/cell. The experiments indicate that the product of HSV-1 gene B is one of the regulatory proteins required for TK enhancement in biochemically transformed cells.
Quantitative assay for hydroxylysine in protein hydrolyzates.

Abstract A quantitative assay for hydroxylysine in protein hydrolyzates was developed on the basis of periodate oxidation of the hydroxyamino acid to glutamic semialdehyde and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid, and subsequent oxidation of these compounds to an unidentified product which formed a color with p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde. Since proline gave the same color, a preliminary separation of hydroxylysine from proline was carried out by thin-layer chromatography. The assay will detect 2 μg of hydroxylysine.
Primary and secondary tissue expansion gives high quality skin and subcutaneous coverage in children with a large myelomeningocele and kyphosis.

When operating on a child with a large myelomeningocele and kyphosis, coverage with skin of high quality and a supporting layer of subcutaneous tissue can be difficult. The dermal circulation in the newborn is finite and an extensive mobilisation of the skin is a risky venture.
Toward quantification of athetotic movements by frequency spectrum analysis

The frequency spectrum of the elbow movements of one normal subject and six handicapped subjects were obtained in order to investigate the possibility of using this technique in quantifying athetosis. The frequency spectrum technique appears to be useful but data from more subjects must be obtained and specific details regarding scaling need to be investigated.
Dense polymer film and membrane formation via the dry-cast process part II. Model validation and morphological studies

Abstract In order to validate the dry-cast model developed by us, a multifaceted experimental approach was undertaken whereby three process variables can be followed independently in real time. Since it is extremely difficult to determine experimentally the concentration and temperature profiles within the cast polymer solution, experiments were designed so as to provide information on the coupled mass- and heat-transfer processes by measuring other process variables. The experimental data-acquisition technique combined gravimetric, inframetric, and light-reflection analyses which provided information on the overall mass change, surface temperature, and the onset and duration of phase separation, respectively. Structural studies were conducted using scanning electron microscopy. These studies revealed that macrovoids or “fingers” can be fomred in dry-cast membranes. A hypothesis for the formation of fingers based on the model predictions and experimental observations is proposed.
Design and analysis of a smart optical storage read head for relational database applications

The commercialization of CD ROM drives has clearly demonstrated the ability of optical storage devices to meet the growing demand for archival data storage. However, with the continued expansion of electronic information resources, storage capacity requirements are expected to approach the terabit level for personal users and exceed the petabit level for databases and data warehouse systems. Further, many data intensive applications will also require real time access data access rates. Thus, designers for the next generation of archival storage systems have the challenging task of providing storage capacities several orders of magnitude larger than existing systems while maintaining current data access times. To meet this challenge, we have been developing a 'smart' read-head device for large capacity, page-oriented optical storage systems. Further the device is designed to operate as a data filter that will pass only valid data between the optical storage system and the host computer. Based on a photonic VLSI device technology, our data filter monolithically integrates optical detectors, photoreceivers circuits, data manipulation logic, and filter control circuitry onto a single CMOS chip that can be readily fabricated using a standard VLSI fabrication facility. Thus, our device is compatible with existing electronic device manufacturing technology and shares all of the reliability, uniformity, and manufacturability benefits associated with current, electronic hardware. This paper will present an evaluation of our latest smart pixel circuits and detail our performance expectations for a 32 X 32 bit data filter chip currently under development.
Effect of Two Approaches to Auditory Training on Speech Recognition by Hearing-Impaired Adults

Twenty adults with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing impairments were given three tests of speech recognition: the CUNY Nonsense Syllable Test (NST), the low predictability items of the Revise...
Surface Plasmon Scattering by Gold Nanoparticles and Two-Dimensional Agglomerates

There has long been an interest in nanosized metallic particles for numerous novel applications, from the productions of colored glass in medieval times to the molecular-level sensors of today. These particles are known to display considerably different, and size-dependent, optical properties than those of their bulk counterparts. Yet it is very difficult to determine the size and structure of these particles in situ, such as monitoring the actual self-assembly process, because of their small size. In this paper, we present a methodology to predict the patterns of nanosized particles and agglomerates subjected to surface plasmon waves. For this characterization, the scattering patterns of different types of particles and agglomerates on or near the surface are needed. A combination of the T-matrix method, image theory, and a double interaction model are considered. The incident and scattered fields are expanded by employing spherical harmonic functions. The surface effects are incorporated using the Fresnel equations, in the incident-field expansion coefficients, and by including particle-surface interaction fields. The premise of the method is that the T-matrix is independent of incident and scattered fields and hence can be used effectively for cases involving incident surface waves. By obtaining the T-matrix for clusters or agglomerates of metallic particles, the scattering matrix elements (M 1 , M 12 , M 33 , and M 34 ) of agglomerated structures on the surface are calculated using an additional T-matrix operation. The effect of size, shape, and orientation of gold nanosized particles on their scattering patterns are explored both in the visible spectrum and at resonance wavelengths. The results show that the normalized scattering matrix elements at certain observation angles and incident wavelengths provide significant information to monitor the structural change of gold nanosized particles on a gold substrate.
Embryonic Stem Cells in Cardiac Repair and Regeneration

Abstract Cell transplantation is a subject of fast-growing research with a potential of a therapeutic approach for the treatment of heart diseases. Clinical applications require preparation of large number of donor cells. Stem cell studies published to date demonstrate that scientists have not reached the general consensus to use an optimal cell type for better cardiac repair and regeneration. We used embryonic stem (ES) cells and their released factors for cardiac repair and regeneration. The major concern of cardiac regeneration with stem cells includes engraftment, differentiation, and teratoma formation after ES cell transplantation. Our current knowledge of ES cell transplantation in the heart is very limited. This review discusses the use of various growth factors to enhance ES cells engraftment and differentiation, as well as the issue of teratoma formation. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 11, 1857–1863.
Toward an interdisciplinary model of barriers to nuclear arms control

Abstract The nuclear arms race is a powerful phenomenon with political, technical, historical, economic, and psychological dimensions. Most analyses concentrate on the political, technical, or historical dimensions to the neglect of the economic and psychological. This article seeks to correct this neglect, arguing that serious barriers to arms control arise from economic and psychological forces. Richard W. Mansbach critiques the article from the perspective of a political scientist. The authors rebut.
Ethnicity and Musical Identity in the Lyric Landscape of Early Cyprus

AbstractThis paper re-examines several standing assumptions about the lyre-types of early Iron Age (ia) Cyprus and how these should be correlated with historical and cultural phases on the island, specifically the pre-Greek (‘Eteocypriot’) Late Bronze Age (LBA); Aegean immigration in the twelfth and eleventh centuries; and the so-called Phoenician colony period from the ninth century. I introduce an important new piece of lba evidence connecting the island to the lyric culture of the Levant; challenge the usual ‘Aegean’ interpretation of ia round-based lyres; and reassess the evidence of the so-called Cypro-Phoenician symposium bowls, which exhibit a basic bifurcation between ‘eastern’ and ‘western’ morphologies (as traditionally interpreted). A clearer sense of Cypriot musical identity, as distinct from Aegean and Phoenician, emerges, and new methodological guidelines are developed for future investigations.
Force balances and convective state in the earth's core

Abstract Kuang and Bloxham [Kuang, W., Bloxham, J., 1997a. An Earth-like numerical dynamo model. Nature 389, 371–374] found that numerical strong-field dynamo solutions in the earth's core depend strongly on viscous couplings introduced in simulation. In this paper, we discuss in detail how the force balances, the convective patterns and the magnetic field inside the core vary with the viscous couplings on the boundaries. We find that dynamo action region depends on the viscous couplings on the boundaries. When strong viscous couplings are retained in simulation, dynamo action is confined in the region near the inner core boundary (ICB) and within the tangent cylinder (the co-axial cylindrical surface across the core tangent to the inner core at the equator). Dynamo action occurs in the bulk of the fluid core when viscous couplings are neglected. The convective flow inside the tangent cylinder is very sensitive to the viscous couplings on the ICB, while the flow patterns outside the tangent cylinder do not vary qualitatively with the viscous couplings. We also find that when the viscous couplings are eliminated, the axial Lorentz torques acting on the co-axial cylindrical surfaces balance almost the fluid inertia, resulting in strong zonal flow (differential rotation) outside the tangent cylinder. However, they are strongly damped when the viscous couplings are retained. The thermal wind and the magnetic wind inside the tangent cylinder vary significantly with the viscous couplings on the ICB. With strong viscous couplings on the ICB, the magnetic wind is small compared with the thermal wind. Both winds are unidirectional, resulting in a zonal flow increasing with the depth and a super-rotating inner core. Without viscous coupling, both winds are comparable. Their directions vary with depth and with time, resulting in a zonal flow varying non-monotonically with the depth and an oscillating inner core.
Intense high-pressure sequence-band CO 2 laser

We have obtained temporally smooth, single-line megawatt output from the (0,0°,2) → [(1,0°,1), (0,2°,1)]I sequence band in an 1800-Torr CO2 double-discharge laser. These lines were first observed by Reid and Siemsen in a low-pressure discharge at subwatt power outputs [Appl. Phys. Lett. 29, 250 (1976)]. The intense 10-μm region laser transitions reported here may be useful for selective molecular excitation, for nonlinear optics experiments where wavelengths of the usual CO2 transitions are inappropriate, and for long-path atmospheric transmission.