cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellulose supplementation of a nutritionally complete, liquid formula diet: effect on gastrointestinal tract function of humans and fecal fiber recovery.

The objective was to determine the effect of cellulose supplementation of a nutritionally complete, liquid formula diet on fecal fiber composition, cellulose digestion, and gastrointestinal tract motility in healthy human adults. The liquid formula product was supplemented with 0, 20, 30 or 40g cellulose/subject/day. Dry fecal weights increased with increasing levels of cellulose; however, moisture content of wet stools tended to decrease. Approximately 76% of the cellulose supplements were recovered in the stools as cellulose. While fecal transit times tended to decrease and number of defecations per period tended to increase with increasing levels of cellulose, stools at high levels of cellulose were abnormal in appearance and several subjects experienced problems with elimination.
Cost Analysis of Antibiotic-Impregnated Catheters in the Treatment of Hydrocephalus in Adult Patients

Objective To determine if use of antibiotic-impregnated shunt (AIS) systems to reduce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infections in adult patients with hydrocephalus has been cost-effective at one institution. Methods All adult patients undergoing CSF shunt insertion over a 7-year period at the Johns Hopkins Hospital were retrospectively reviewed (2004–2009). In 2006, a categorical switch to AIS catheters was made. Before 2006, standard nonimpregnated shunt catheters were used. The 1-year incidence of shunt infection was retrospectively assessed and accounting and billing records were reviewed to determine shunt infection–related medical costs for patients undergoing AIS vs non-AIS shunt surgery. Results A total of 500 (250 AIS, 250 non-AIS) shunt surgeries were performed for normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) ( n = 378 [76%]), pseudotumor cerebri ( n = 83 [17%]), and various obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus etiologies ( n = 40 [8%]). The incidence of shunt infection was decreased in the AIS (1.2%) vs non-AIS (4.0%) cohorts ( P = .0492. Overall, the mean cost per shunt infection was $40,371. Per 250 shunts placed, the total infection-related cost was reduced from $321,407 to $203,424 after the conversion to AIS catheters. AIS catheters were associated with direct cost savings of $47,193 per 100 shunt surgeries performed. Conclusions In a retrospective cohort study of 500 CSF shunt surgeries performed in adult patients with hydrocephalus, this institution's categorical conversion to AIS catheters was associated with a significant reduction in infection-related medical costs within the first year after surgery. Although prospective randomized cost-utility studies are needed to confirm these observations, these results suggest that AIS catheters are cost-effective in the treatment of hydrocephalus in adult patients.
The Impact of Corruption on Investment: Predictability Matters

Abstract This paper argues that it is not only level of corruption that affects investment but also the nature of corruption. Corruption regimes that are more predictable—in the sense that those seeking favors from government do obtain those favors—have less negative impact on investment than those that are less predictable. Using the data collected by World Bank in preparing the World Development Report of 1997, we provide empirical support for the conjecture.
MEASUREMEKT OF THE URANIUM‐URANIUM (III) POTENTIAL IN LiCl‐KCl EUTECTIC*

Measurement of the potential of the uranium-- uranium(III) couple in fused KCl--LiCl eutectic melt, with respect to a silver- silver(I) chloride reference electrode, is reported. The temperature emf behavior for the cell was determined at 452 to 534 ction prod- C (C.J.G.)
Antioxidant vitamins, cancer, and cardiovascular disease

In 1850, an article on the origin of epidemic yellow fever and malaria appeared in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. 1 The anonymous author referred to earlier reports that “those who slept under musquito [sic] netting escaped the disease” and that “a gauze screen in a window adds much to the security of . . . the occupant of a chamber, in even the most unsound places.” These observations, which now seem prescient, were used to support the theory that epidemics result from infective spores carried by the wind from decaying organic matter; the netting and screens were believed to . . .
Multi-Stage Program of Differentiation in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes: Regulation by Retinoids

The proliferation and differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes in vivo and in vitro is influenced by a variety of different factors, including several peptide growth factors, protein kinase C activators, retinoids, and various cytokines. Retinoids can affect the proliferation of human epidermal keratinocytes either positively or negatively and influence the multi-step program of differentiation in epidermal keratinocytes at very specific stages. Epidermal keratinocytes express nuclear retinoic acid receptors, RARα, and RARγ. It is likely that at least some of the alterations in gene expression induced by retinoids are mediated through these RAR. The cytosolic retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP), which is differentially expressed during squamous differentiation of human epidermal keratinocytes, may control the effective concentration of retinoic acid in the cell and therefore regulate indirectly gene expression.
The relevance of maternal immune responses to inhalant allergens to maternal symptoms, passive transfer to the infant, and development of antibodies in the first 2 years of life

Abstract Background: Asthma and other atopic diseases are strongly hereditary. Although the mother might play a special role, the mechanisms for such an effect are not clear. Objective: We sought to investigate the influence of maternal immune responses to cat and mite allergens on (1) maternal symptoms, (2) the development of immune responses in the infant, and (3) the development of allergic disease during the first 3 years of life. Methods: In sera from 465 mothers and 424 infants (cord blood), as well as in sera from 230 of the children at age 2 to 3 years, total IgE and IgE antibodies were measured by using CAP testing; IgG and IgG4 antibodies for the cat allergen Fel d 1 were measured by means of radioimmunoprecipitation. Results: In both mothers and children, approximately 15% of sera contained IgG antibodies to Fel d 1 without IgE antibodies to cat. The strongest predictor of the maternal IgG antibody response was exposure to greater than 8 μg of Fel d 1/g of dust. Thus approximately 70% of children living in a house with a cat had received IgG antibodies from their mothers. In many cases the infant received IgG and IgG4 antibodies to Fel d 1 from a nonallergic mother. Maternal IgE antibodies were consistently associated with asthma; by contrast, the IgG antibody was not independently related to asthma but was related to rhinitis in the mothers (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1-6.2) and to eczema in children. At age 3 years, 13 of 230 sera contained IgE antibodies to mite, but only 5 had IgE antibodies to cat. Conclusions: A significant proportion (approximately 15%) of mothers and children exposed to high concentrations of cat (but not mite) allergens have serum IgG antibodies without IgE antibodies. This IgG antibody is freely transferred to the infant and might influence IgG antibody production in the child. The results indicate the importance of understanding the mechanisms of tolerance to cats and raise questions about the independent role of the mother in the inheritance of allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;111:123-30.
Chemical/Molecular Structure of the Dentin–Enamel Junction is Dependent on the Intratooth Location

The dentin-enamel junction (DEJ) plays an important role in preventing crack propagation from enamel into dentin. This function stems from its complex structure and materials properties that are different from either dentin or enamel. The molecular structural differences in both mineral and organic matrix across the DEJ zone were investigated by two-dimensional confocal Raman microspectroscopic mapping/imaging technique. The intensity ratios of 1450 (CH, matrix)/960 (P-O, mineral) decreased gradually to nearly zero across the DEJ. The width of this transition zone was dependent on the intratooth location, with 12.9 +/- 3.2 microm width at occlusal positions and 6.2 +/- 1.3 microm at cervical positions. The difference in width was significant (P < 0.001). Concurrently, spectral differences in both organic and inorganic matrices across the DEJ were also noted. For example, the ratios of 1243 (amide III)/1450 (CH) within the DEJ were lower than the values in dentin; however, the ratios of 1665 (amide I)/1450 (CH) within the DEJ were higher than those values in dentin. In addition, the ratios of 1070 (carbonate)/960 (phosphate) within the dentin were lower than the values in the DEJ. Raman images indicated that the distribution of the above ratios across the DEJ zone were also different at occlusal and cervical positions. The results suggest that the intratooth-location-dependent structure of the DEJ may be related to its function. Micro-Raman spectroscopic/imaging analysis of the DEJ provides a powerful means of identifying the functional width and molecular structural differences across the DEJ.
Nestling aggression and the evolution of brood parasitism in altricial birds

Interspecific brood parasitism, in which females lay eggs in the nests of other species, has been observed in many altricial birds. In addition, nestling aggression, in which parasite nestlings attempt to out compete or kill host eggs or nestlings, occurs in many species of interspecific brood parasites. We examine the relationship traits for nestling aggression potentially have to the evolution of obligate brood parasitism. We propose the following: (1) under conditions in which a low number of extra eggs is made possible by being freed from parental care, a stable facultative stage could arise; (2) if aggression arose in a stable facultative parasite, aggression would be selected for if the ratio of the increase in success conferred on young in host nests to the decrease in success suffered by young in the home nest was above some threshold; and (3) once aggression had arisen in the facultative parasite, it could produce strong selection for the evolution of an obligate strategy.
Diode laser heterodyne spectroscopy on the ν4 and ν9 bands of 1,1-difluoroethylene

Abstract Portions of the ν 4 and ν 9 bands of 1,1-difluoroethylene have been studied with a diode laser spectrometer. Line measurements were made by using markers produced by beating the output of the diode laser with the radiation from a CO 2 laser. With a dual trace oscilloscope presentation, frequencies of infrared lines could be rapidly determined with a precision of better than ± 6 MHz. Ground state constants were derived by combining microwave data with 10 combination differences obtained in this work. Upper state constants were obtained for both bands by combining the infrared measurements of this work with excited state microwave data and heterodyne measured submillimeter laser frequencies.
Differing symptoms of abused versus nonabused women in obstetric-gynecology settings.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to document the prevalence rates of reported abuse in obstetric/gynecology settings and to characterize physical symptoms, function, and psychologic distress of women who report abuse. Study Design: This was a descriptive study of 118 patients who reported physical or sexual abuse in the past year and 2800 patients who reported no abuse at seven obstetric/gynecology practices. The Patient Health Questionnaire measured psychiatric diagnoses, somatic complaints, and psychosocial stressors. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 20 assessed health status, and self-reported health care use was measured. Results: Four percent of women reported recent abuse. Patients who reported abuse had more psychiatric diagnoses, more severe psychologic distress, more somatic symptoms, more psychosocial stressors, more physician visits, and poorer reported health status compared with nonreporters of abuse. Conclusion: Enhanced recognition of possible abuse through screening may identify women in need of intervention and help to reduce the need for continued medical intervention. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:707-13.)
Prolonged Viability of Human Skin Xenografts in Rats by Cyclosporine

Abstract The immunosuppressant cyclosporine (CSA) has shown usefulness in both animal and human transplantation. The present study investigated the effect of CSA in human to rat skin xenografts. Recipient rats received either a fresh split-thickness (0.020 in.) or full-thickness graft obtained from plastic surgery, or frozen cadaver skin. The graft bed of recipient Lewis rats was prepared by full-thickness excision. Animals were maintained on CSA 25 mg/kg/day × 50 days, followed by 12.5 mg/kg 2×/week. Control animals received an equivalent volume of vehicle. All animals receiving split-thickness grafts and treated with CSA maintained their grafts significantly longer (up to 255 days) than controls. The 2 CSA-treated full-thickness grafts and the 10 vehicle-treated controls showed clinical and microscopic signs of rejection at a mean of 6.4 days. Histologic examination of successful grafts showed areas of viable epidermis with a negligible inflammatory infiltrate. There was some loss of normal polarity and occasional apoptotic pigmented basal cells. The dermis revealed moderate fibrosis, probably secondary to the surgical procedure. Graft viability was confirmed by autoradiography. Immunohistochemical staining for S-100 protein revealed morphologic alteration of suprabasilar dendritic (Langerhans-indeterminate) cells, as well as their existence in xenografts at 12 weeks posttransplantation. Toxicities reflected by weight loss and blood chemistries were felt to be dose-dependent. This in vivo model may provide a means for testing percutaneous drug penetration and pharmacokinetics in human skin, and for observing the immune component of explanted cutaneous neoplasms and dermatoses.
Wavelength tunable and broadband variable fiber-optic attenuators using liquid crystals

Fiber-Optic Variable Optical Attenuators (VOAs) are demonstrated using Liquid Crystals (LC) for broadband as well as wavelength tunable applications. Attenuation is achieved by using a beam spoiling approach implemented via electrically reconfigurable non-pixelated no moving parts Nematic LC deflectors. The VOAs feature in-line architecture and polarization insensitive design without the use of bulky polarization splitting and combining optics. The proof-of-concept VOAs in the 1550 nm band demonstrate >30 dB attenuation ranges, low polarization dependent losses and low power consumption. Applications for these VOAs include agile wavelength tunable secure data communications networks and RF sensor systems.
Clinical arrest of endocardial actionomycosis after forty-four million units of penicillin

Abstract 1. 1. A man, aged 39 years, with clinical evidence of mitral endocarditis, complicated by right hemiplegia, aphasia and other signs of grave intracranial injury, and multiple peripheral embolic lesions, has shown so much improvement that the disease is now in a state of arrest. 2. 2. Cultures of the blood yielded growth of an actinomyces. 3. 3. The therapeutic program included rest in bed, sodium salicylate for a period of ten days in July, intravenous and intramuscular injections of penicillin, and intravenous injections of thiobismol and of citrated blood continued over a period of many months. 4. 4. The total amount of penicillin injected was 43,972,000 units during the period from February 26 to November 21, and the penicillin actually expended, including waste and loss in handling, amounted to 50,010,000 units.
The Effects of Undergarment Type on the Urinary Continence of Toddlers.

There is a growing trend toward later toilet training of typically developing children. This trend is a problem for caregivers and professionals who work with young children, because it is associated with a number of costs and health risks in child-care settings. Results of a recent study (Tarbox, Williams, & Friman, 2004) suggest that wearing underwear may facilitate the development of toileting skills. Based on these findings, we examined the effects of wearing disposable diapers, disposable pull-on training pants, and underwear on urinary continence of 5 typically developing toddlers in a child-care setting. Underwear decreased incontinence and increased continent urinations for 2 of the 5 participants, produced no improvement in 2 participants, and when combined with increased fluid intake and longer sitting periods, produced some favorable trends for the 5th participant.
Leak monitoring system for gas pipelines

An approach and a solution to the continuous leak monitoring problem in underground gas pipelines are presented. This approach places permanent monitoring units along the pipeline. These units detect acoustic signals in the pipeline and discriminate leak sounds from other man-made or natural nonleak sounds that can occur. The system uses the kNN classifier as the detector with LPC (linear predictive coding) cepstrums as signal features. To increase system performance, pipeline effects on acoustic signals were taken into account during the classifier training phase. Each unit can detect 1/4-in-diameter leaks from a distance of 300 m, yielding 600 m as the maximum distance between units. >
On optimizing the xeromammographic image

This work undertakes a detailed system-based analysis of the xeromammographic process starting from basic considerations. Both the edge enhancement and wide-recording latitude, the two principal characteristics of xeroradiography, are shown to bear an intimate relationship to the electric-field distribution. Criteria and methods are formulated for optimizing xeromammographic image quality and a procedure is developed for calculating the white gap. Densitometric curves are derived for both positive- and negative-mode xeroradiography and found to be in excellent agreement with experiment. The question of image linearity is examined carefully and a threshold value of the electrostatic contrast is established, which sets a natural criterion for the application of Fourier analysis. Furthermore, it is shown that, in xeromammography with its inherently low-contrast structures, an optimal exposure exists which optimizes simultaneously all low-contrast edges. This last finding, coupled with experimental results, suggest immediately the possibility of an automatic exposure termination in xeromammography. Beam hardening is also investigated and it is shown that increased filtration combined with a lower bias potential leads to substantial dose reduction without significant loss of image quality. The paper concludes with a discussion of scattered radiation and how it affects xeromammographic image quality.
The influence of reducing agent and 1, 10-phenanthroline concentration on DNA cleavage by phenanthroline + copper

Copper in the presence of excess 1,10-phenanthroline, a reducing agent, and molecular oxygen causes cleavage of DNA with a preference for T-3',5'-A-steps, particularly in TAT triplets. The active molecular species is commonly thought to be the bis-(1,10-phenanthroline)Cu(I) complex, (Phen)2Cu(I), regardless of the reducing agent type. We have found that (Phen)2Cu(I) is not the predominant copper complex when 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) or 2-mercaptoethanol are used as the reducing agents, but (Phen)2Cu(I) predominates when ascorbate is used as the reducing agent. Substitution of ascorbate for thiol significantly enhances the rate of DNA cleavage by 1,10-phenanthroline + copper, without altering the sequence selectivity. We show that (Phen)2Cu(I) is the complex responsible for DNA cleavage, regardless of reducing agent, and that 1,10-phenanthroline and MPA compete for copper coordination sites. DNA cleavage in the presence of ascorbate also occurs under conditions where the mono-(1,10-phenanthroline)Cu(I) complex predominates (1:1 phenanthroline:copper ratio), but preferential cleavage was observed at a CCGG sequence and not at TAT sequences. The second phenanthroline ring of the (Phen)2Cu(I) complex appears essential for determining the T-3',5'-A sequence preferences of phenanthroline + copper when phenanthroline is in excess.
Measurement of the replacement correction factor for parallel-plate chambers in electron fields.

When parallel-plate chambers are used for dosimetry in electron fields, the AAPM dosimetry protocol recommends a value of 1.0 for the replacement correction factor, P(repl),pp,E, until further data become available. Here, P(repl),pp,E for five commercially available parallel-plate chambers was measured as a function of electron energy from a nominal value of 5.5 to 22 MeV by comparison with a cylindrical chamber whose P(repl),cyl,E was obtained from data in the protocol. Since this method is based on the concept of a constant value for Ngas,pp, the energy and modality dependence of Ngap,pp is also investigated for these chambers for Co-60, 4-, 6-, 24-MV photons and for 22-MeV electrons. It is found that for three of the chambers P(repl),pp,E is independent of energy, consistent with unity within one or two standard deviations (s.d.). For the fourth chamber P(repl),pp,E is similarly consistent with one above 10 MeV, but decreases at lower energies, while for the fifth one it shows a systematic drop with decreasing energy.
Algorithms for intersecting parametric and algebraic curves II: multiple intersections

Abstract The problem of computing the intersection of parametric and algebraic curves arises in many applications of computer graphics and geometric and solid modeling. Previous algorithms are based on techniques from elimination theory or subdivision and iteration and are typically limited to simple intersections of curves. Furthermore, algorithms based on elimination theory are restricted to low degree curves. This is mainly due to issues of efficiency and numerical stability. In this paper we use elimination theory and express the resultant of the equations of intersection as a matrix determinant. Using matrix computations the algorithm for intersection is reduced to computing eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices. We use techniques from linear algebra and numerical analysis to compute geometrically isolated higher order intersections of curves. Such intersections are obtained from tangential intersections, singular points, etc. The main advantage of the algorithm lies in its efficiency and robustness. The numerical accuracy of the operations is well understood and we come up with tight bounds on the errors using 64-bit IEEE floating point arithmetic.
Management of Hypertensive Urgencies and Emergencies

Hypertensive emergency is a condition in which there is elevation of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with the presence of acute target organ disease. Hypertensive urgency is a condition where the blood pressure is elevated (diastolic > 120 mmHg) with the absence of acute target organ disease. Hypertensive emergencies are best managed with parenteral drugs and careful intraarterial blood pressure monitoring. Hydralazine has been widely used in treatment of hypertension in eclampsia and preeclampsia, and its safety has been demonstrated in these patients. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) has the most reliable antihypertensive activity, which begins immediately after its administration and ends when the infusion is stopped. As with diazoxide, it should be used with caution in patients with impaired cerebral flow. SNP is the preferred drug in obtaining controlled hypotension in patients undergoing neurovascular surgery. Intravenous nitroglycerin is useful in patients prone to myocardial ischemia, but should be avoided in patients with increased intracranial pressure. Esmolol is effective in controlling both supraventricular tachyarrhythmias and severe hypertension. Its short onset of duration of action make it useful in the emergent setting, but because of its negative inotropic effect its use should be avoided in patients with low cardiac output. Verapamil should not be used in patients with preexisting conduction abnormalities. Nicardipine is a potent arteriolar vasodilator without a significant direct depressant effect on myocardium. As with other afterload reducing agents, it should not be used in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Because angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors generally cause cerebral vasodilatation, enalaprilat may be particularly beneficial for patients who are at high risk of developing cerebral hypotensive episodes secondary to impaired cerebral circulation. Fenoldopam, a selective post-synaptic dopaminergic receptor (DA1) has been shown to be effective in treating severe hypertension with a lower incidence of side effects than SNP. Hypertensive urgencies can usually be managed with oral agents. Oral nifedipine, captopril, clonidine, labetalol, prazosin, and nimodipine have all been shown to be effective in these situations.
Reducing Exciton Binding Energy by Increasing Thin Film Permittivity: An Effective Approach To Enhance Exciton Separation Efficiency in Organic Solar Cells

Photocurrent generation in organic solar cells requires that excitons, which are formed upon light absorption, dissociate into free carriers at the interface of electron acceptor and donor materials. The high exciton binding energy, arising from the low permittivity of organic semiconductor films, generally causes low exciton separation efficiency and subsequently low power conversion efficiency. We demonstrate here, for the first time, that the exciton binding energy in B,O-chelated azadipyrromethene (BO-ADPM) donor films is reduced by increasing the film permittivity by blending the BO-ADPM donor with a high dielectric constant small molecule, camphoric anhydride (CA). Various spectroscopic techniques, including impedance spectroscopy, photon absorption and emission spectroscopies, as well as X-ray spectroscopies, are applied to characterize the thin film electronic and photophysical properties. Planar heterojunction solar cells are fabricated with a BO-ADPM:CA film as the electron donor and C60 as the ...
Cold stress induced changes in the uptake and distribution of radiolabelled magnesium in the brain and pituitary of the rat.

L'imposition de conditions hypothermiques augmente l'incorporation de28Mg dans le cerveau et la glande pituitaire du rat.
Heligmosomoides polygyrus abrogates antigen-specific gut injury in a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Developing countries have a low incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), perhaps prevented by the high prevalence of helminth infections and other alterations in intestinal flora and fauna. Helminth infections prevent colitis in various murine models of IBD. IBD may be driven by an aberrant immune response to luminal antigen(s). Methods: We developed a murine model of IBD in which gut injury was induced by a specific antigen to better simulate the IBD disease process and to determine if helminth infections could abolish gut injury induced by an orally administered antigen. The model features pan-enterocolitis triggered by feeding ovalbumin (OVA). Results: The intestinal inflammation is antigen-specific and generates interleukin (IL)-17 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), but not IL-4. Full expression of the disease required T cells with defective capacity to make IL-10 and treatment with a noninjurious, low dose of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug. Exposure to Heligmosomoides polygyrus abrogated this antigen-induced gut injury. H. polygyrus colonization induced Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) and mucosal production of IL-10 from non-T cells. Lamina propria mononuclear cells from H. polygyrus-infected mice released less IL-17 and IFN-γ constitutively and when stimulated with OVA or anti-CD3/CD28 monoclonal antibodies. Conclusions: We developed a murine IBD model featuring antigen-specific enterocolitis and demonstrate for the first time that gut inflammation induced by an antigen could be abrogated by H. polygyrus infection. Protection was associated with suppressed IL-17 and IFN-γ production, induction of Foxp3+ Tregs, and elevated secretion of non-T-cell-derived IL-10, all of which could be part of the protective processes. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012)
Trends in Sex Ratios of Turtles in the United States: Implications of Road Mortality

Road mortality has been implicated as a significant demographic force in turtles, particularly for females, which are killed disproportionately on overland nesting movements. Moreover, the United States' road network has expanded dramatically over the last century. We therefore predicted that historical trends in sex ratios of turtle populations would be male biased. To test this prediction, we synthesized published estimates of population-level sex ratios in freshwater and terrestrial turtles in the United States (165 estimates for 36 species, published 1928-2003). Our analysis suggests that the proportion of males in populations has increased linearly ( p = 0.001); the trend in male bias is synchronized with the expansion of the surfaced portion of the road network since 1930; sex ratios became more male biased in states with higher densities of roads; and populations have become more male biased in aquatic species, in which movement differentials between males and females are greatest, and are least biased in semiaquatic and terrestrial species, in which overland movements are more comparable between sexes. Our results suggest an ongoing depletion of breeding females from wild turtle populations over the last century because of many factors, including, and perhaps chiefly, road mortality.
Liquid formation in 3He multilayers

Abstract Multilayer films of 3He on Grafoil show transitions in the heat capacity which are attributed to evaporation of droplets of bulk liquid 3He.
AIDS and the dermatologist: a perspective

My first experience in the care of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection began in the fall of 1980 on the dermatology consult service at the Brooklyn (NY) Veterans Administration Medical Center. The patient, a young, and previously healthy, homosexual man, had developed multiple violaceous nodules with a morphology and distribution that have now become familiar. At the time, we were startled and confused by his histologic diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma, as were all of his doctors by his peculiar, progressive neurologic dysfunction and his death fromPneumocystispneumonia. Several months later, we met as a group of internists and dermatologists, seven physicians from three New York medical centers, to analyze a total of eight cases of Kaposi's sarcoma in homosexual men.1Our report suggested that this cutaneous disease resembled one previously described in renal transplant recipients, and that an underlying immune disorder might be at work. Little
Micronized Estradiol and Progesterone: Effects on Carbohydrate Metabolism in Reproductive-Age Women

We assessed glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity in normal reproductive-age women after administration of micronized estradiol, micronized progesterone, or the combination of micronized estradiol and progesterone. Hyperglycemic and euglycemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp studies were performed in normal, regularly cycling women both before and after a short course of either micronized estradiol (n = 8), micronized progesterone (n = 8), or micronized estradiol and progesterone (n = 7). All studies were performed after an overnight fast. Glucose and insulin were determined in the control period and then every 2–10 minutes in the hyperglycemic clamp studies and every 5–10 minutes in the euglycemic clamp studies. In the hyperglycemic clamp studies, hyperglycemia was maintained by a variable glucose infusion. In the euglycemic clamp studies, a primed 3-3H glucose infusion (25 μCi) followed by a 0.25-μCi continuous injusion was begun 120 minutes before initiation of the insulin infusion and variable glucose infusion. Samples for glucose radioactivity were measured during the control period and during the last 40 minutes of each step of the euglycemic clamp after establishment of a steady state. NO differences in baseline glucose or insulin levels were detected in any of the study groups as compared with control. Glucose utilization as assessed by the hyperglycemic clamp model was not significantly different from control in the estradiol group, the progesterone group, or the group treated with the combination. In all of the treatment groups, no significant differences were noted under euglycemic, hyperinsulinemic conditions in glucose utilization, hepatic glucose production, or insulin sensitivity. Women of reproductive age do not demonstrate significant differences in basal levels of glucose or insulin when given a short course of micronized estradiol and progesterone, either alone or in combination. Under conditions of the hyperglycemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp, the pancreatic β-cell response to hyperglycemia and glucose utilization is not significantly altered by exogenous administration of hormones. Conditions of the euglycemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp failed to elicit significant differences in glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity in any of the three treatment groups. These findings demonstrate that glucose homeostasis is not altered by the exogenous administration of natural hormones in reproductive-age women.
Bloatware Comes to the Smartphone

The author explores the security and privacy implications of the now-common industry practice of installing bloatware on phones sold by cellular carriers. Is it merely annoying, or do smartphone users face more serious concerns? Do the economic advantages outweigh the security and privacy concerns?
Conservative bias in classification accuracy assessment due to pixel-by-pixel comparison of classified images with reference grids

Abstract The use of reference grids derived from aerial photography for a pixel-by-pixel comparison with classified images can yield conservative estimales of classification accuracy. Even if the class assignment of each polygon is 100 per cent correct, and there is no change in cover type due to temporal differences between the reference data and the classified image, conservative bias in estimales of classification accuracy are still possible. In this letter, we discuss two major sources of this potential bias: 1. positional errors, and 2. difference between polygon minimum mapping unit (MMU) area and pixel size of the classified image.
Effect of surfactant on rheological properties of aqueous titanium dioxide suspensions

Abstract The effect of a cationic surfactant on the rheological properties of aqueous TiO 2 suspensions was studied by measuring the steady flow and the dynamic elastic properties by varying the surfactant concentration. The rheological properties were correlated with the dispersion stability. It was found that as the surfactant concentration increases, the rheological properties (η, η′, τ, G ′, G ″) increased initially and then decreased, showing a maximum. As the concentration increased further, the parameters increased, showing a minimum. The rheological parameters reach a maximum and a minimum at the surfactant concentrations at which the stability reaches a minimum and a maximum. The flocculation caused by depletion at high surfactant concentration is more elastic than the flocculation caused by charge neutralization at low surfactant concentration. The long range electrostatic repulsion between particles may be the cause of the elastic properties of the depletion flocculation.
A simple protocol to prevent external ventricular drain infections.

BACKGROUND External ventricular drains (EVDs) are associated with high rates of infection, and EVD infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE To determine whether the introduction of an evidence-based EVD infection control protocol could reduce the rate of EVD infections. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of an EVD infection control protocol introduced in a tertiary care neurointensive care unit. We compared rates of cerebrospinal fluid culture positivity and ventriculitis for the 3 years before and 3 years after the introduction of an evidence-based EVD infection control protocol. A total of 262 EVD placements were analyzed, with a total of 2499 catheter-days. RESULTS The rate of cerebrospinal fluid culture positivity decreased from 9.8% (14 of 143; 11.43 per 1000 catheter-days) at baseline to 0.8% (1 of 119; 0.79 per 1000 catheter-days) in the EVD infection control protocol period (P = .001). The rate of ventriculitis decreased from 6.3% (9 of 143; 7.35 per 1000 catheter-days) to 0.8% (1 of 119; 0.79 per 1000 catheter-days; P = .02). CONCLUSION The introduction of a simple, evidence-based infection control protocol was associated with a dramatic reduction in the risk of EVD infection.
Relative Performance of Lindgren Multiple-Funnel, Intercept Panel, and Colossus Pipe Traps in Catching Cerambycidae and Associated Species in the Southeastern United States

In 2004, we evaluated the relative performance of 8-unit Lindgren multiple-funnel (funnel), Intercept panel (panel), and Colossus pipe (pipe) traps, baited with ethanol and α-pinene lures, in catching saproxylic beetles (Coleoptera) in pine stands in northern Florida and western South Carolina. Panel traps were as good as, if not better than, funnel and pipe traps for catching Cerambycidae. In particular, more Monochamus titillator (F.) were captured in panel traps than in pipe and funnel traps. Of three species of Buprestidae captured in our study, most Buprestis lineata F. were caught in panel traps, whereas most Acmaeodera tubulus (F.) were caught in funnel traps. Catches of Chalcophora virginiensis Drury and the root-feeding weevils Hylobius pales Herbst and Pachylobius picivorus LeConte (Curculionidae) were unaffected by trap type. Among bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), catches of Ips grandicollis (Eichhoff) were unaffected by trap type, whereas most Dendroctonus terebrans (Olivier) were caught in panel traps, most Hylastes salebrosus Eichhoff were caught in panel and pipe traps, and most Hylastes tenuis Eichhoff were caught in funnel traps. Among ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), panel traps caught the most Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg), whereas pipe traps caught the most Xyleborus Eichhoff spp. More Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) and Dryoxylon onoharaensis (Murayama) were caught in panel and funnel traps than in pipe traps. Among bark beetle predators, more Platysoma Leach spp. (Histeridae) were caught in pipe and panel traps than in funnel traps, whereas most Lasconotus Erichson spp. (Zopheridae) were caught in funnel traps. Variation among trap performance for various species suggests that managers should consider more than one type of trap in their detection programs.
Atomic motion in magneto-optical double-well potentials: A testing ground for quantum chaos

We have identified ultracold atoms in magneto-optical double-well potentials as a very clean setting in which to study the quantum and classical dynamics of a nonlinear system with multiple degrees of freedom. In this system, entanglement at the quantum level and chaos at the classical level arise from nonseparable couplings between the atomic spin and its center of mass motion. The main features of the chaotic dynamics are analyzed using action-angle variables and Poincar\'e surfaces of section. We show that for the initial state prepared in current experiments [D. J. Haycock et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 3365 (2000)], classical and quantum expectation values diverge after a finite time, and the observed experimental dynamics is consistent with quantum-mechanical predictions. Furthermore, the motion corresponds to tunneling through a dynamical potential barrier. The coupling between the spin and the motional subsystems, which are very different in nature from one another, leads to interesting questions regarding the transition from regular quantum dynamics to chaotic classical motion.
High testosterone levels predict low voice pitchamong men

Abstract We measured salivary testosterone levels and voice pitch, or fundamental frequency,among 61 male and 88 female college students. Higher levels of testosterone were significantlyassociated with lower pitched voices among males but not among females. The magnitude of theeffect was approximately the same as the magnitude of other relationships that have beenreported between testosterone and behavior. There are two plausible explanations of a linkbetween testosterone and pitch. One explanation is physiological, in which testosterone changesthe bulk, length, or tension of the vocal folds. The other is psychological, in which testosteroneaffects the vocal style that an individual uses as part of a social interaction strategy.
A comparison of forecast error generators for modeling wind and load uncertainty

This paper presents four algorithms to generate random forecast error time series, including a truncated-normal distribution model, a state-space based Markov model, a seasonal autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model, and a stochastic-optimization based model. The error time series are used to create real-time (RT), hour-ahead (HA), and day-ahead (DA) wind and load forecast time series that statistically match historically observed forecasting data sets, used for variable generation integration studies. A comparison is made using historical DA load forecast and actual load values to generate new sets of DA forecasts with similar stoical forecast error characteristics. This paper discusses and compares the capabilities of each algorithm to preserve the characteristics of the historical forecast data sets.
Experimental radiation pneumonitis. Radiographic and pathologic correlation

A small volume of lung of 36 dogs was subjected to supervoltage irradiation. In half of the animals the hilum of the right lung was exposed by a 3-field beamdirected technique and in the other half the periphery of the right lower lobe was exposed by a wedge pair technique. The dose levels corresponded to 4200, 5600, 6500, and 8400 rads in 5 weeks. Subsequent radiographs at monthly intervals showed localized consolidation beginning between 3 and 6 months resolving between 6 and 12 months with subsequent fibrosis. Histologic examination showed pleural thickening, inflammatory infiltration, alveolar metaplasia and fibrosis. There was good correlation between radiographic and histologic findings. Higher doses caused more severe reactions. Changes at the periphery occurred earlier and were more severe than at the hilum. Survival in apparent good health after 12 months was obtained at doses of 6500 rads or less.
Association of HSP70 with the adenovirus type 5 fiber protein in infected HEp-2 cells.

Abstract Although maximal synthesis of HSP70 is induced early (6–12 hr) after adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) infection of HEp-2 or HeLa cells, the total amount of HSP70 appears to be increased at late times of infection (18–24 hr). Since virion structural proteins also accumulate at these times, we investigated the possible interaction between Ad5 structural proteins and HSP70 by immunoprecipitation of infected cell extracts with antibodies to either ATP-affinity-purified HSP70 or to CsCl-gradient-purified Ad5 virions. We found that HSP70 and a 62-kDa Ad-specific protein coimmunoprecipitated from infected cell extracts. Antibody which recognizes one of these two proteins does not cross-react with the other. Thus, the association between HSP70 and the 62-kDa protein appears specific. Using different antisera to specific adenovirus structural proteins, we have identified the 62-kDa protein as the Ad5 fiber protein.
Recurrent popliteal vein aneurysm

A 28-year-old female presented with a soft mass in the left popliteal fossa. She had a popliteal vein aneurysm repair 4 years ago. Magnetic resonance venography and ultrasound revealed a recurrent saccular aneurysm on the site of the repair. It measured 3 × 4 cm and had no thrombus. The aneurysm was resected, and as the vein had adequate length, it was primarily repaired with an end-to-end anastomosis. She was placed on Coumadin for 3 months. At follow-up, the vein was competent and free of thrombosis.
Advancing the medical management of epilepsy: disease modification and pharmacogenetics.

Despite the recent development of new antiepilepsy drugs, a significant number of children are still unable to achieve seizure freedom without side effects. Understanding the factors behind individual variability in antiepilepsy drug tolerability and dose response and incorporating these factors into a treatment plan would represent an important advance in epilepsy pharmacotherapy. A more thorough understanding of the epileptogenic process may allow clinicians to select antiepilepsy drugs that interrupt or modify various steps in the epileptogenic progression (ie, disease modification). Additionally, advances in the understanding of human genetics may allow for selection of antiepilepsy drugs and dosage regimens based on a patient's clinical characteristics and genotype (ie, pharmacogenetics). This article focuses on these two areas of potential improvement in the medical treatment of patients with epilepsy. Such methods of tailoring antiepilepsy drug therapy would be preferable to the trial-and-error sys...
The tenability of the CIA estimates of Soviet economic growth

Abstract This paper evaluates the tenability of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) estimates of Soviet economic growth during 1950–1980, published in December 1982. The evaluation involves applying the CIA methodology used in making these estimates to estimate economic growth in the Federal Republic of Germany and the United States and then comparing the results with the official estimates of the respective countries themselves. Use of the CIA methodology understates substantially the growth of both the West German and the U.S. economies, which raises the possibility that it also understates Soviet economic growth.
Ultrastructure of the Human Dermal Microcirculation. IV. Valve-Containing Collecting Veins at the Dermal–Subcutaneous Junction

Valve-containing collecting veins 70–120 μm in diameter were found at the interface of the dermis and fat. Two cusped valves with sinuses were found at most points where 25- to 50-μm venules entered these larger veins as well as in the lumens of the larger veins unrelated to branch points. The walls of these valve-containing veins in their narrowest portions were composed of smooth muscle cells, collagen fibers, and homogeneous-appearing basement membrane material. As the vessel became wider, elastic fibers first appeared just inside the most peripheral layer of smooth muscle cells, and gradually occupied the spaces between all the layers of smooth muscle cells. However the subendothelial zone was frequently devoid of elastic fibers. The valves were always pointed in the direction of the larger vessel as would be expected in a collecting vein. Recent experiments by other workers have demonstrated that the capillary blood flow in human nail-fold capillaries is pulsatile, thereby providing physiologic reasons for the presence of valve-containing veins at the dermis-fat interface.