cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting diabetes: our relentless quest for genomic nuggets.

The latest estimates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that in 2010 approximately 26 million American adults had diabetes and 79 million had prediabetes (1). African Americans and other ethnic groups continue to suffer higher rates of diabetes than whites. Worldwide, diabetes affects 285 million adults (2). Type 2 diabetes accounts for ∼95% of all cases. The exact reasons for the diabetes epidemic, and its predilection for certain ethnic groups, are unknown. However, interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers (or accelerants) are generally presumed to underlie the etiology of diabetes (3–5) (Fig. 1). The best known environmental risk factors are dietary habits, physical inactivity, and obesity; interventions that ameliorate these risk factors prevent the development of type 2 diabetes (6,7). Figure 1 Schematic of the pathogenesis of diabetes. Genetic and environmental factors, acting via complex immunological mechanisms, result in β-cell destruction that leads to type 1 diabetes. Gene-environment interactions also underlie susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, the pathophysiological hallmarks of which include insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. By contrast, knowledge of the genetic basis of diabetes is incomplete, despite Herculean efforts (8–12). Genome-wide association studies have accelerated the discovery of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at numerous loci. Comparison of the frequencies of these SNPs in case-control studies has enabled the calculation of the odds of their association with specific disease phenotypes. To date, genome-wide studies have added more than 4,000 SNPs involving some 200 diseases, including >30 diabetes-related SNPs (diabetoSNPs). The analysis of diabetoSNPs has intrinsic appeal as a tool for diabetes prediction, and could also yield potential clues to ethnic disparities in the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. Because the diabetoSNPs individually confer modest effects, investigators have adopted …
Early-stage phase separation in polyimide precursor blends : an atomic force microscopy study

The surface of polyimide precursor blends is studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The acid (PAA) and ester (PAETE) precursors in the blends are of the same polyimide. The topographical contrast is due to the complexation of solvent with the acid precursor, causing the latter to swell. Early-stage phase separation prior to impingement is studied for a blend with 20% sreight fraction of PAA relative to PAETE. The growth rate of the domains is by nucleation and growth. The PAA-rich discontinuous phase grows at a rate of ∼t 1 rather than the t 1.5 , which is usually obtained for surface-induced phase separation
Toxicity of protein hydrolysate solutions: correlation of glutamate dose and neuronal necrosis to plasma amino acid levels in young mice.

Abstract Casein and fibrin hydrolysate preparations currently used for human total parenteral alimentation therapy contain varying quantities of glutamate and aspartate. The administration of large quantities of these amino acids to the neonatal mouse either orally or by injection, produces a variety of neurotoxic effects, the most marked of which is an acute hypothalamic neuronal necrosis. Olney et al. have recently reported a dose-related incidence of such neuronal necrosis in infant mice injected with these protein hydrolysates, suggesting a possible hazard to the young human infant infused with such preparations. Since the neonatal mouse is acutely sensitive to glutamate-induced neuronal damage, we have measured plasma amino acid levels following injection of these protein hydrolysates in an attempt to determine the threshold plasma glutamate level which first results in neuronal damage. Casein and fibrin hydrolysates were administered subcutaneously to 9- to 11-day-old mice at 3 dose levels (20, 50, and 100 μl/g body weight), and plasma amino acid levels were determined at appropriate time intervals thereafter. Control animals were injected with isotonic saline at 50 μl/g body weight. Comparison of the maximal glutamate levels obtained in this study with the extent of neuronal necrosis reported by Olney et al. , indicated that no neuronal damage would be expected at plasma glutamate levels ranging from 24 to just under 50 μmoles/dl. This comparison indicates that plasma glutamate levels reached 50 to 52 μmoles/dl (normal, 6–12 μmoles/dl) during the hydrolysate injection reported to produce the smallest lesion, and thus approximate a minimal threshold value for the neonatal mouse. The data of Olney et al. indicate that most animals (11 of 12) were able to sustain this level without neuronal damage. Older mice (25 days) showed a marked improvement in ability to metabolize glutamate following injection when compared to 9- to 11-day-old animals. The latter phenomenon likely accounts for the decreased glutamate susceptibility noted in the adult mouse. Since plasma glutamate and aspartate levels remain within normal limits in the human infant during parenteral alimentation, and since the acutely sensitive neonatal mouse tolerates blood glutamate levels of at least 24 μmoles/dl, there appears to be little danger to the human infant during parenteral alimentation therapy.
Characteristics of Sexually Active Teenage Girls Who Would Be Pleased with Becoming Pregnant

To investigate factors associated with favorable pregnancy attitudes among teenage girls. Participants were sexually active teenage girls aged 15–18 years old (n = 965) who took part in the 2002 or 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). Multinomial multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the likelihood of being pleased with a teenage pregnancy. Sixteen percent of sexually active teenage girls (n = 164) would be pleased (11 % a little pleased, 5 % very pleased) if they became pregnant. In a multivariable model, participants who had not yet discussed sexual health topics (i.e., how to say no to sexual intercourse or birth control) or had only discussed birth control with a parent were more likely to be very pleased with a teenage pregnancy than participants who had discussed both topics with a parent. Prior pregnancy, racial/ethnic group status, older age, and having parents with a high school education or less also increased the odds of being pleased with a teenage pregnancy. Being pleased with a teenage pregnancy was correlated with a lack of discussion of sexual health topics with parents, prior pregnancy, and sociodemographic factors (having less educated parents, racial/ethnic group status). Pregnancy prevention efforts can be improved by acknowledging the structural and cultural factors that shape teenage pregnancy attitudes.
Integrated workflow for characterizing intact phosphoproteins from complex mixtures.

The phosphorylation of any site on a given protein can affect its activity, degradation rate, ability to dock with other proteins or bind divalent cations, and/or its localization. These effects can operate within the same protein; in fact, multisite phosphorylation is a key mechanism for achieving signal integration in cells. Hence, knowing the overall phosphorylation signature of a protein is essential for understanding the “state” of a cell. However, current technologies to monitor the phosphorylation status of proteins are inefficient at determining the relative stoichiometries of phosphorylation at multiple sites. Here we report a new capability for comprehensive liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis of intact phosphoproteins. The technology platform builds upon an integration of bottom-up and top-down approaches that is facilitated by intact protein reversed-phase (RP)LC concurrently coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) MS and fraction collection. As the ...
Percutaneous Stone Implantation in the Pig Kidney: A New Animal Model for Lithotripsy Research

Purpose: This report describes a new animal model for research on the parameters of shockwave delivery and the mechanisms of shockwave action in SWL. Materials and Methods: Female pigs (~45 kg) wer...
Recent advances in the management of leukaemia

Abstract The prognosis for children with leukaemia has continued to improve over the past decade. The improved survival has, for the most part, not been caused by the introduction of new drugs. Instead, the improvement has resulted from a number of factors relevant to both acute lymphoblastic and acute myeloid leukaemia. Most important has been the progress made in the ability to assess prognosis using patient characteristics at diagnosis complemented by modern cytogenetic analysis of the leukaemic blasts. This has enabled patients to be allocated to appropriate treatment protocols, leading to an increased proportion of patients with a higher risk of relapse receiving more intensive chemotherapy. In addition, there has been a significant reduction in treatment-related mortality, mainly because of fewer infectious deaths, but also in part because of the lower rate of bone marrow transplantation seen in modern leukaemia protocols.
CPW-FED Slot-Oscillators for Power Combining Applications

We have combined integrated circuit antenna technology with microwave oscillator design to build an active slot-oscillator. The design is planar, does not require via holes and is compatible with monolithic transistor technology. The coplanar-waveguide (CPW-fed) antenna impedance is calculated using a full-wave analysis technique. Slot-oscillators were built at 7 GHz, 13 GHz and 22 GHz and the predicted oscillation frequencies agree well with experiments. The design is easily scaled to millimeter-wave frequencies and can be extended to power combining arrays.
Numerical modeling of gravitational wave sources accelerated by OpenCL

Abstract In this work, we make use of the OpenCL framework to accelerate an EMRI modeling application using the hardware accelerators – Cell BE and Tesla CUDA GPU. We describe these compute technologies and our parallelization approach in detail, present our performance results, and then compare them with those from our previous implementations based on the native CUDA and Cell SDKs. The OpenCL framework allows us to execute identical source-code on both architectures and yet obtain strong performance gains that are comparable to what can be derived from the native SDKs.
Thoracolithiasis: a case report

We present a rare case of incidentally found mobile thoracolithiasis in a 76-year-old cirrhotic patient on serial computed tomography scans performed before and after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. Mobility and calcification are the important clue to diagnosing this benign condition and avoiding unnecessary surgery.
High-energy electron scattering from helium

Total (elastic and inelastic) differential scattering cross sections for 40-keV electrons incident on helium have been measured with a precision of 0.1%. Theoretical scattering intensities as given by an explicitly correlated wave function are compared with experimental results. It is shown that corrections to the Morse expression for kinematic effects, at small angles, are adequate to relate scattering intensities at constant angle to incoherent x-ray scattering factors.
Isopod Parasites of South Indian Crustaceans

[Vier Arten bopyrider Isopoden werden beschrieben. Von diesen vier Arten ist Hypophryxus leptochelae neu fur die Wissenschaft. Die sogenannten "triramous" (dreiastigen) Pleopoden von Diplophryxus und Stegoalpheon werden kurz diskutiert. Der Autor vertritt die Ansicht, das der dorsale Ramus der dreiastigen Pleopoden in Wirklichkeit die laterale Platte des Pleonsegmentes darstellt., Vier Arten bopyrider Isopoden werden beschrieben. Von diesen vier Arten ist Hypophryxus leptochelae neu fur die Wissenschaft. Die sogenannten "triramous" (dreiastigen) Pleopoden von Diplophryxus und Stegoalpheon werden kurz diskutiert. Der Autor vertritt die Ansicht, das der dorsale Ramus der dreiastigen Pleopoden in Wirklichkeit die laterale Platte des Pleonsegmentes darstellt.]
THE LONG-RANGE PROTONS FROM THE DISINTEGRATION OF CARBON BY DEUTERONS AND A STUDY OF THE COMPETING REACTIONS

The excitation curves for the reaction ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(d,p){\mathrm{C}}^{13}$ have been determined at the three laboratory angles of 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} for the range of deuteron energies 0.78 to 1.55 Mev. Resonances were observed at 0.91, 1.16, 1.30, and 1.435 Mev corresponding to resonances found previously for the competing ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(d,p)^{*}\mathrm{C}^{13}$ and ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(d,n){\mathrm{N}}^{13}$. In addition, a resonance was observed for the long-range proton group at 1.13 Mev.The angular distributions of the long-range proton group have been determined for eight energies of bombardment and have been converted to center of mass coordinates. These angular distributions have been analyzed in terms of the Legendre polynomials and show no terms higher than the fourth order to within the experimental error of about three percent.The intensities, positions, widths, and angular distributions of the resonances are discussed.The excitation curves show the effects of large amounts of interference between states. The 1.30-Mev resonance is exhibited at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} as an "anti-resonance," while the 1.435-Mev resonance shows a shift of maximum yield of about ten kev for the excitation curves at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}.
Treatment with the Hyaluronic Acid Synthesis Inhibitor 4-Methylumbelliferone Suppresses LPS-Induced Lung Inflammation

Exposure to bacterial endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), can lead to the induction of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). To date, there are no known effective treatments for LPS-induced inflammation. In the current study, we investigated the potential use of the hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) on LPS-induced acute lung inflammation. Culturing LPS-activated immune cells with 4-MU led to reduced proliferation, reduced cytokine production, and an increase in apoptosis when compared to untreated cells. Treatment of mice with 4-MU led to protection from LPS-induced lung injury. Specifically, 4-MU treatment led to a reduction in LPS-induced hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, reduction in lung permeability, and reduction in proinflammatory cytokine production. Taken together, these results suggest that use of 4-MU to target HA production may be an effective treatment for the inflammatory response following exposure to LPS.
Police‐caused homicides in the USA as a function of community characteristics: revisiting a set of relationships from a previous generation

Although a rare event, police‐caused homicides – legal lethal intervention – have received a relatively large amount of attention: both in the popular as well as in the scholarly press. This paper re‐visits a perspective developed in the late 1970s in which police‐caused homicides in the USA were placed within the context of characteristics of the referent community. To wit: the rate of police‐caused homicides was empirically demonstrated to be a (partial) function of demographic characteristics of the referent community. Using a comparable method, rates of police‐caused homicide from circa the beginning of the twenty‐first century were similarly analyzed within the context of policemen’s current referent community. As in the previous survey, the rates of police‐caused homicides were predictably aligned with facets of community demographics, for example, level of ethnic homogeneity and educational levels. Hence, current levels of police‐caused homicides may be better viewed as a variable which responds to...
A multi-feature scheme for posture recognition with 3D TOF sensor

This paper presents a multi-feature approach for detection of key postures by using a MESA SR4000 time-offlight 3D sensor managed by a low-power embedded PC. Acquired data were pre-processed by using a well-established framework including self-calibration, segmentation and tracking functionalities. To accommodate different application scenarios, hierarchical coarse-to-fine features were extracted by exploiting two different descriptors: topological and volumetric. The topological descriptor encoded intrinsic topology of body postures in a skeleton-like representation based on geodesic distance. Instead, the volumetric descriptor used a cylindrical voxelization to describe postures in a histogram-based representation. Both synthetic and real datasets were used to evaluate performance. The complementary discrimination capabilities exhibited by the two descriptors allowed to achieve good results in four different application scenarios with a classification rate greater than 96.4%.
Differential expression of embryonic and maternal activity-dependent neuroprotective protein during mouse development.

Abstract Objective: Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) potently enhances the survival of neurons and is regulated by vasoactive intestinal peptide, which also mediates postimplantation mouse embryonic growth. The objective of this study was to characterize ADNP in mouse embryonic tissues throughout development. Study Design: Developmental tissues (embryo, decidua, placenta) from timed pregnant C57B16/J mice were harvested on days 6 though 18. To evaluate ADNP expression, RNA was extracted from at least three samples from three different mice per day. Five micrograms of total RNA from each sample was used per reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Immunocytochemistry with anti-ADNP-derived peptide immunoglobulin and anti-γδ T-cell receptor was performed on 20 μm thick fixed sections of day 9.5 uteri. Results: Embryonic ADNP messenger RNA (mRNA) has a temporal pattern with greater amounts present from gestational days 9 to 16. Placental ADNP mRNA was uniformly expressed on gestational days 11 to 18. Levels of decidual ADNP mRNA were greatest early in gestation and declined until delivery. Within the decidua, ADNP and γδ T-cell receptor immunoreactivity was present in the same cells. Conclusion: The expression of ADNP during pregnancy supports a developmental role for this protein. These data indicate both embryonic and maternal sources of ADNP during the critical period of organogenesis. ( Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:973–6.)
GABAergic inactivation of basolateral amygdala alters behavioral processes other than primary reward of ventral tegmental self-stimulation.

Although recent work on amygdalar function has concentrated on a role in fear and anxiety, a possible role in reward processes continues to be considered. This function may occur via anatomical connections between the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the mesoaccumbens dopamine (DA) system (i.e., ventral tegmental area [VTA] to nucleus accumbens septi [NAS]), particularly at the level of the NAS. The current experiments investigated a possible role of the BLA in the reward of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) of the VTA. Rats were trained in either an autotitration ICSS task or a rate-frequency ICSS task. We examined the effect of intra-BLA injections of muscimol, a GABAA agonist which inhibits the firing of most neurons, on VTA ICSS in both behavioral procedures. The injections produced a pattern of behavioral change which, across the two tasks, was more consistent with a change in behavioral processes other than primary reward. Possible processes include cost/benefit analysis and incentive motivation.
Elevated atmospheric CO2 alters soil microbial communities associated with trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) roots.

Global atmospheric CO2 levels are expected to double within the next 50 years. To assess the effects of increased atmospheric CO2 on soil ecosystems, cloned trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) seedlings were grown individually in 1 m3 open bottom root boxes under either elevated (720 ppm, ELEV) or ambient CO2 (360 ppm, AMB). After 5 years, soil cores (40 cm depth) were collected from the root boxes and divided into 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm fractions. ELEV treatment resulted in significant decreases in both soil nitrate and total soil nitrogen in both the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil fractions, with a 47% decrease in soil nitrate and a 50% decrease in total soil nitrogen occurring in the 0–20 cm fraction. ELEV treatment did not result in a significant change in the amount of soil microbial biomass. However, analysis of indicator phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) indicated that ELEV treatment did result in significant increases in PLFA indicators for fungi and Gram-negative bacteria in the 0–20 cm fraction. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis was used to analyze the composition of the soil bacterial communities (using primers targeting the 16SrRNA gene) and the soil fungal communities (using primers targeting the intergenic transcribed spacer region). T-RFLP analysis revealed shifts in both bacterial and fungal community structure, as well as increases in both bacterial and fungal species richness with ELEV treatment. These results indicated that increased atmospheric CO2 had significant effects on both soil nutrient availability and the community composition of soil microbes associated with aspen roots.
Cytokinesis: LET-ting the Asters Signal

Cytokinesis is regulated by both astral microtubules and the midzone microtubules of the mitotic apparatus. A new study in Caenorhabditis elegans has identified the polarity factor LET-99 and its heterotrimeric G-protein regulators as components of the signaling pathway downstream of astral microtubules.
Effects of Corticosteroid Pretreatment on Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty

We treated 18 patients with open-angle glaucoma with topical 1.0% prednisolone acetate before performing argon laser trabeculoplasty in an attempt to prevent the increase in intraocular pressure frequently observed during the immediate postoperative period. Intraocular pressure was measured hourly for eight hours postoperatively and was increased in 14 patients. The mean maximum increase, 7.72 ± 8.62 mm Hg, occurred an average of 3.06 ± 1.86 hours after laser treatment. Substantial increases in intraocular pressure (more than 15 mm Hg) were observed in five patients within eight hours postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the intraocular pressures of these patients and of 20 similar patients with open-angle glaucoma who did not receive corticosteroid therapy immediately, one week, and two months postoperatively. Corticosteroid pretreatment of patients undergoing laser trabeculoplasty apparently does not influence either the increase in intraocular pressure during the immediate postoperative period or the intraocular pressure two months after treatment.
Risk Factors for Serrated Polyps of the Colorectum

Serrated pathway polyps are a relatively new area of interest in the field of colorectal cancer screening and prevention. Akin to conventional adenomas, some serrated polyps (SPs) have the potential to develop into malignant serrated neoplasms, yet little is known regarding risk factors for these lesions. Early epidemiological studies of hyperplastic polyps were performed without knowledge of the serrated pathway and likely included a mixture of SPs. More recently, studies have specifically evaluated premalignant SPs, such as the sessile serrated adenoma (SSA) or surrogates for these polyps such as large or proximally located SPs. SPs share some risk factors with conventional adenomas and have been associated with tobacco use, obesity, and age. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, fiber, folic acid, and calcium have been associated with reduced risk of SPs. Studies focused on SSAs specifically have reported associations with age, female sex, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and possibly diets high in fat, carbohydrates, and calories. Higher education has also been associated with risk of SSAs, while an inverse association between NSAID use and SSAs has been reported. Risk factors for traditional serrated adenomas are largely unknown. Studies are largely limited by varying inclusion criteria, as well as differences in pathological classification schemes. Further epidemiological studies of SPs are needed to aid in risk stratification and screening, and etiological research.
Geometric rigidity for class "S" of transcendental meromorphic functions whose Julia sets are Jordan curves

We consider any transcendental meromorphic function f of Class S whose Julia set is a Jordan curve. We show that the Julia set of f either is an extended straight line or has Hausdorff dimension strictly greater than 1. The proof uses conformal iterated function systems and extends many earlier results of this type.
Risk of intracranial hemorrhage and cerebrovascular accidents in non-small cell lung cancer brain metastasis patients.

Background Brain metastases confer significant morbidity and a poorer survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted antiangiogenic therapies (AAT) have demonstrated benefit for patients with metastatic NSCLC and are expected to directly inhibit the pathophysiology and morbidity of brain metastases, yet patients with brain metastases have been excluded from most clinical trials of AAT for fear of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The underlying risk of ICH from NSCLC brain metastases is low, but needs to be quantitated to plan clinical trials of AAT for NSCLC brain metastases. Methods Data from MD Anderson Cancer Center Tumor Registry and electronic medical records from January 1998 to March 2006 was interrogated. Two thousand one hundred forty-three patients with metastatic NSCLC registering from January 1998 to September 2005 were followed till March 2006. Seven hundred seventy-six patients with and 1367 patients without brain metastases were followed till death, date of ICH, or last date of study, whichever occurred first. Results The incidence of ICH seemed to be higher in those with brain metastasis compared with those without brain metastases, in whom they occurred as result of cerebrovascular accidents. However, the rates of symptomatic ICH were not significantly different. All ICH patients with brain metastasis had received radiation therapy for them and had been free of anticoagulation. Most of the brain metastasis-associated ICH's were asymptomatic, detected during increased radiologic surveillance. The rates of symptomatic ICH, or other cerebrovascular accidents in general were similar and not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions In metastatic NSCLC patients, the incidence of spontaneous ICH appeared to be higher in those with brain metastases compared with those without, but was very low in both groups without a statistically significant difference. These data suggest a minimal risk of clinically significant ICH for NSCLC brain metastasis patients and proposes having more well designed prospective trail to see the role of AAT in this patient population.
Characteristics of galactosyl and fucosyl transfer to bovine rhodopsin.

Abstract Isolated bovine rod outer segment preparations catalyze the transfer of galactose and fucose from the respective sugar nucleotides to rhodopsin. The apparent K m for UDP-galactose is 4·2 μ m and for GDP fucose, 4·0 μ m . The pH optima are both 6·3. The transfer of galactose is stimulated somewhat by 0·06% Triton X-100, whereas higher concentrations inhibit. ATP (0·2 m m ) stimulates galactose transfer and can be replaced by any nucleoside di- or triphosphate except UDP and UTP, which inhibit. Nucleoside monophosphates, including UMP, neither stimulate nor inhibit, therefore the UDP and UTP inhibition is not simply competition by uridine nucleotides for the UDP galactose binding site on the transfer enzyme. Rather, the inhibition suggests the reversal of the formation of a lipid intermediate in the transfer of galactose to rhodopsin. Retinyl phosphate enhances the transfer reaction and may represent the lipid acceptor. Fucose transfer is stimulated to a lesser extent by Triton and by nucleoside di- and triphosphates. However, guanosine nucleotides including GMP, uniformly inhibit the transfer, probably by direct competition with the GDP-fucose binding site. Higher Triton concentrations do not inhibit the fucose transfer. The evidence suggests that fucose transfer does not involve a lipid carrier.
Flight Mechanics of the 24-Hour Satellite

The noncircularity of the parallels of latitude, including the equator, will cause the 24hr equatorial satellite to drift in longitude. This paper presents simple expressions for the magnitude, period, and other parameters of these oscillations. The results show excellent agreement with those obtained by the tedious detailed machine integration of the classical differential equations of motion. Simple closed-form equations and dimensionless plots are presented for angular drift rate, altitude, velocity, and period of the satellite's mean path. For an equatorial elliptic!ty of 3.21 X 10 ~5, the maximum change in altitude of the mean path for one day is ±1275 ft. This occurs when the satellite is half-way between the major and minor axis of the equator. A diurnal oscillation can exist about this mean path. The maximum magnitude of the oscillation in this example is ±203 ft, which is 1/2^ as great as the maximum daily change in altitude. Nomenclature A = maximum value of tangential component of gravity acceleration g = gravity acceleration r = radius distance from earth center to satellite R = earth equatorial radius t = time V = velocity of satellite dr = magnitude of daily oscillation in r from mean path A = an increment or change in, generally the deviation from the 24-hr circular orbit condition A = equals by definition e = ellipticity of the equator //, = gravity constant (distanceVtime2) = r 2gr X = satellite longitude measured from equatorial minor axis T = period of mean satellite drift w = earth rotational angle
Melatonin and radioprotection from genetic damage: in vivo/in vitro studies with human volunteers.

Abstract Peripheral blood samples were collected from human volunteers at 0 (5–10 min before), and at 1 and 2 h after a single oral dose of 300 mg of melatonin. At each time point, (i) the concentration of melatonin in the serum and in the leukocytes were cultured with mitogenic stimulation to determine the extent of radiation-induced genetic damage, viz., chromosome aberrations and micronuclei. For each volunteer, the results showed a significant increase in the concentration of melatonin in the serum and in the leukocytes at 1 h after the oral dose of melatonin, as compared to the sample collected at 0 h. The lymphocytes in the blood samples collected at 1 and 2 h after melatonin ingestion and exposed in vitro to 150 cGy gamma radiation exhibited a significant decrease in the incidence of chromosome aberrations and micronuclei, as compared with similarly irradiated lymphocytes from the blood sample collected at 0 h; the frequencies abserved in the cells sampled at 2 h after the ingestion of melatonin were consistently lower when compared with those collected at 1 h. The data may have important implications for the protection of human lymphocytes from the genetic damage induced by free radical-producing mutagens and carcinogens.
Increasing Evidence for Chaotic Dynamics in the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere System: A Motivation for Future Research

Abstract This paper reviews the background and current development of nonlinear dynamics and chaos as it applies to the soil- plant-atmosphere system (SPAS). We build the case that such processes are likely common in the SPAS and offer the possibility that the phenomena constituting chaotic dynamics are the underlying biophysical basis for sustainability of natural ecological and agricultural systems. Recent experiments that illuminate this viewpoint are described, along with data analysis methodology. It is concluded that a fuller understanding will require interdisciplinary research devoted to an improved understanding of complex system behaviour.
The federal government and medical technology: Crossing policy and management thresholds

This paper reviews the changes in federal government involvement in medical technology in the pastdecade, from prior reliance upon non-governmental decision-making about development, diffusion, anduse, to increasingly centralized decision-making. The case of end-stage renal disease offers contrastsbetween the past and present. The cases of Karen Ann Quinlan and CT scanning indicate the source ofpresent scepticism about benefits and costs of medical technology. Current federal involvement in medicaltechnology decision-making, through health planning, medical device regulation, and increased formalanalysis of safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness, is described. Though increased federal involvementin medical technology stems from a desire to compensate for failures of the medical marketplace, theimmediate effect is to place greater decision-making reliance upon formal analysis, bureaucracy, legalprocedure, and politics. It is unclear whether the result of increased federal involvement will producebeneficial outcomes.
Rectoceles and the anatomy of the posteriorvaginal wall: Revisited

Objective: The purpose of this study was to histologically evaluate the posterior aspect of the pelvis, specifically, the relationship between the perineum, posterior vagina, anterior rectum, and all other intervening tissue. Study design: The perineum, posterior vaginal wall, and upper part of the rectum were removed en bloc from 4 fresh cadavers without pelvic prolapse. Length of the specimens ranged from 6 to 7.9 cm and width 3 to 4 cm. Seven to 26 serial sections were taken from each cadaver. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson trichrome, and Verhoeff Von Gieson elastic stain. Results: All 4 specimens showed dense connective tissue and no plane of cleavage for 3 to 3.5 cm proximally from the posterior forchette. Proximal to this, all 4 specimens showed space between the muscular wall of the vagina and the muscular wall of the rectum, which was composed of adipose tissue with discontinuous bands of fibrous tissue or loose areolar tissue. This appears to be a natural line of cleavage. Histologically, no evidence of fascia or a rectovaginal septum was identified. Conclusion: Histologically, there is no evidence of a distinct fascial layer between the posterior vaginal wall and anterior wall of the rectum. Clinically, it is the splitting of the adventitia and fibromuscular layers of the vagina that are used in defect-specific rectocele repairs to support the anterior rectal wall.
Vectorcardiographic Detection of Early Hemodynamic Abnormalities in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The ability of the vectorcardiogram to detect mild circulatory abnormalities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear. Therefore, vectorcardiographic changes were correlated with hemodynamic measurements made at rest and during supine exercise in 32 patients with COPD and no clinical or electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy. Twelve patients had normal hemodynamic data (group 1), nine had abnormal hemodynamic data only during exercise (group 2), and 11 had abnormal hemodynamic data at rest and during exercise (group 3). The extent of rightward terminal QRS forces noted on the vectorcardiogram was significantly less in group 1 (5.5 ± 8.7 percent) than in either group 2 (19.0 ± 10.7 percent) or group 3 (17.8 ± 14.8 percent). Sixty-five percent (13) of the 20 patients with hemodynamic abnormalities had rightward terminal QRS forces of 15 percent or more, whereas only 8 percent (one) of the 12 patients with normal hemodynamic data had such forces of 15 percent or more. The mean of the rightward terminal QRS forces in 27 age-matched normal subjects was 5.0 ± 5.4 percent, and only one subject had forces of 15 percent or more. We conclude that hemodynamic abnormalities are frequent in patients with COPD and no clinical evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy and that the vectorcardiogram provides an indirect method of detecting these abnormalities.
NEAR ULTRAVIOLET AND POSTIRRADIATION DNA DEGRADATION: EFFECTS ON THE INDUCIBLE INHIBITOR OF IONIZING RADIATION‐INDUCED DNA DEGRADATION

— Possible effects of near ultraviolet radiation (near UV) on DNA degradation were examined. Postirradiation DNA degradation induced by ionizing radiation in strain Bs-l (uur-, lex-) is shown to be inhibited by carbon monoxide (CO) and potassium cyanide (KCN) if the cells are grown on glycerol. Presumably the blockage of respiration by these agents lowers the amount of ATP in the cell. 50 kJ/m2 near UV did not simulate the action of CO and KCN, indicating that at this Ruence the supply of ATP remains adequate for postirradiation DNA degradation. Near UV did not, itself, produce DNA degradation. In a strain (B/r) in which an inhibitor of postirradiation DNA degradation can be induced by both UV and ionizing radiation, near UV affects the inhibitor formation, whether administered before or after induction.
A continuum of life histories in deep-sea demersal fishes

Abstract It is generally perceived that all deep-sea fishes have great longevity, slow growth, and low reproductive output in comparison to shelf dwelling species. However, such a dichotomy is too simplistic because some fishes living on continental slopes are relatively fecund and fast growing, important considerations in respect to the management of expanding deep-sea fisheries. We tested two hypotheses that might explain variation in life history attributes of commercially exploited demersal fishes: (1) phylogeny best explains the differences because deep-sea species are often in different families from shelf dwelling ones and, alternatively, (2) environmental factors affecting individual life history attributes that change with depth account for the observed variation. Our analysis was based on 40 species from 9 orders, including all major commercially exploited deep-sea fishes and several phylogenetically related shelf species. Depth of occurrence correlated significantly with age at 50% maturity increasing linearly with depth ( r 2 =0.46), while the von Bertalanffy growth coefficient, maximum fecundity and potential rate of population increase declined significantly and exponentially with depth ( r 2 =0.41, 0.25 and 0.53, respectively). These trends were still significant when phylogenetically independent contrasts were applied. The trends were also consistent with similar slopes amongst members of the order Gadiformes and the order Scorpaeniformes. Reduced temperatures, predation pressure, food availability, or metabolic rates may all contribute to such changes with depth. Regardless of the mechanisms, by analyzing a suite of fishes from the shelves to the slope the present analysis has shown that rather than a simple dichotomy between deep-sea fishes and shelf fishes there is a continuum of life history attributes in fishes which correlate strongly with depth of occurrence.
Reducing Roentgenography Use: Can Patient Expectations Be Altered?

• Many roentgenographic tests, including lumbar spine roentgenograms, may be overutilized. We examined the psychological, functional, and financial consequences of omitting spine films for patients with back pain with little risk of underlying systemic illness. Patients were randomized to receive immediate roentgenograms (n = 49) or a brief educational intervention, with roentgenography only for failure to improve (n = 52). After three weeks, 73% of the roentgenography group believed "everyone with back pain should have an x-ray," vs 44% of the education group. After three months, although 31% in the education group had received roentgenograms, overall radiology charges were still far less than those of the roentgenography group. No serious diagnoses were missed, and symptom resolution, functional improvement, and satisfaction were similar for the two groups. Thus, eliminating or delaying spine films need not cause anxiety, dissatisfaction, or dysfunction. This strategy may modify future expectations of roentgenography use and reduce health care costs. ( Arch Intern Med 1987;147:141-145)
Pharmacologic principles of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer

Intraperitoneal therapy has now been demonstrated in multiple randomized trials to improve the outcome of chemotherapy for patients with optimally debulked or small volume ovarian carcinoma. This article reviews the basic pharmacologic principles that underlie the use of intraperitoneal therapy and identifies the key factors that determine the pharmacologic advantage of this route of administration. These include the relative peritoneal and plasma clearances and elements of tumor vascular permeability and blood flow that limit the penetration of drug entering tumor nodules by free-surface diffusion. New information about how cisplatin and carboplatin are transported into ovarian carcinoma cells points to novel strategies for further improving the therapeutic effectiveness of intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Demographic and health characteristics of residents choosing to use on-site medical care in a newly opened continuing care retirement community (CCRC).

Objective To determine demographic and health characteristics of older adults choosing to use on-site medical care in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Design A descriptive study of residents moving into a newly opened CCRC. Residents responded to a self-report mail survey composed of questions related to reasons for moving to a CCRC, health and functional status, and health care use during the previous 5 years. Results Of 942 residents, 642 (68%) completed the survey. Medical center users and nonusers were similar demographically and reported similar reasons for moving to the CCRC including desire for a low maintenance apartment (49% vs. 48%;P = 0.806), concern about health or spouse's health (67% vs. 63%;P = 0.345), and desire for social activities (63% vs. 58%;P = 0.151). However, on-site medical center users versus nonusers reported increased rates of fair/poor health (31% vs. 18%;P = 0.0001), fair/poor vision (27% vs. 15%;P = 0.0003), and difficulty walking in the home (13% vs. 8%;P = 0.53), using the toilet (6% vs. 2%;P = 0.044), shopping (29% vs. 20%;P = 0.007), using transportation (19% vs. 10%;P = 0.005), doing laundry (13% vs. 7%;P = 0.016), using the telephone (8% vs. 3%;P = 0.002), and taking medication (5% vs. 1%;P = 0.022). Conclusion For both users and nonusers of the medical center, the most frequently cited reason for moving to the CCRC was concern about health. On-site medical center users had lower perceived health, were functionally more disabled, and had health characteristics that made them at higher risk for high health care utilization. The challenges to provide high quality medical care and enhance quality of life for CCRC residents will continue to increase. Physicians should play an active role not only in providing medical care to CCRC residents, but also in providing medical leadership for these institutions.
Experiments and Analytical Modeling of Frequency-Targeted Laser Elastic Wave Generation and Detection in Aluminum Structures

AbstractPropagating solid elastic waves forms the basis of multiple nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring techniques. The majority require direct sensor contact with the material or structure being tested. Conventional NDE methods such as ultrasonic testing have rigorous coupling requirements and limited ranges for damage or defect detection. These requirements and limitations make inspection of large areas or complex geometries slow and cumbersome or altogether impractical. Removing the requirement for contact between the sensor and structure could greatly relax the geometric and size limitations of current elastic wave–based NDE techniques. Laser-based excitation and detection of solid elastic waves are demonstrated capabilities; however, existing laser-based excitation techniques lack the precision and flexibility required by NDE methods that target specific wave modes or frequencies. This proof-of-concept study investigates using a pulsing laser for frequency controlled exci...
The bone-anchored hearing device (BAHA)

Abstract The bone-anchoring hearing device (BAHA) is an osseointegrated system that is used for hearing rehabilitation through direct bone conduction. The indications for the BAHA include unilateral and/or bilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss, and unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. When used for unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss, the BAHA acts as a bone conduction CROS (contralateral routing of off-side signal) device transmitting the signal from the deaf side through the skull to the contralateral cochlea. The surgical procedure to place the abutment and titanium screw is straightforward. In general, the satisfaction rate is very high for patients using the BAHA system.
Passively Mode-Locked High-Power (210 mW) Semiconductor Lasers at 1.55- $\mu$ m Wavelength

We report on the generation of stable passively mode-locked pulses at 1.55-mum wavelength from high-power electrically pumped, large transverse mode semiconductor diode lasers. Optical pulses as short as 5.8 ps were measured directly from the laser. This is the shortest pulsewidth reported (without external compression) from a monolithic mode-locked slab coupled optical waveguide laser. The highest average power measured in mode-locked operation was 212 mW albeit the pulsewidths were larger. It was also found that length of the laser changes the power-current efficiency with the largest recorded efficiency of 165 mW/A.
An annual pattern of native embolism in upper branches of four tall conifer species

NEWS COVERAGE: A news release based on this journal publication, which is written for a lay audience and has been approved by an author of the study, is available online: http://bit.ly/nRIAhO
Immunosuppressive Drugs: Do They Have Any Role in the Treatment of IBD?

After 20 years the question of immunosuppressives in the management of inflammatory bowel disease is no longer a subject for a debate. The scientific evidence is clear and incontrovertible that these drugs are effective in both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The lack of acceptance by the medical community is based on: 1) a failure to carefully review uncontrolled and controlled trials; 2) a lack of personal experience in treating patients with these agents; and 3) an unfounded fear of toxicity which has not been observed. The evidence of efficacy from published controlled and uncontrolled trials will be presented with emphasis on the personal series of Dr. Korelitz and myself.
Predicting vegetation types at treeline using topography and biophysical disturbance variables

. The relationships between four vegetation types and variables representing topography and biophysical disturbance gradients were modeled for a study area in east-central Glacier National Park, Montana. Four treeline transition vegetation types including closed-canopy forest, open-canopy forest, meadow, and unvegetated surfaces (e.g. rock, snow, and ice) were identified and mapped through classification of satellite data and subsequent field verification. Topographic characteristics were represented using a digital elevation model and three variables derived from topoclimatic potential models (solar radiation potential, snow accumulation potential, and soil saturation potential). A combination of generalized additive and generalized linear modeling (GAM and GLM, respectively) techniques was used to construct logistic regression models representing the distributions of the four vegetation types. The variables explained significant amounts of variation in the vegetation types, but high levels of variation remained unexplained. A comparison of ‘expected’ and ‘observed’ vegetation patterns suggested that some unexplained variation may have occurred at the basin scale. A suite of tools and techniques is presented that facilitates predicting landscape-scale vegetation patterns and testing hypotheses about the spatial controls on those patterns.