cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Situ X-ray Absorption of a Carbon Monoxide−Iron Porphyrin Adduct Adsorbed on High-Area Carbon in an Aqueous Electrolyte

The electronic and electrochemical properties of a carbon monoxide−FeTMPP adduct (FeTMPP = (5,10,15,20-tetrakis[4-methoxyphenyl]-21H,23H-porphine)iron(II)) adsorbed on Black Pearls (BP) high-area carbon have been examined in situ in 0.05 M H2SO4 by Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES). This adduct was prepared by first polarizing a Teflon bonded electrode, incorporating the high-area FeTMPP/BP material, at a potential at which the adsorbed macrocycle is present in the reduced state, followed by bubbling CO into the electrolyte. The resulting in situ XANES displayed two new preedge features centered at 7112 and 7115 eV, as found for other well-characterized iron macrocycle−CO adducts, as well as a shift of the main absorption edge toward higher values (ca. 1.3 V) indicative of charge transfer from the iron to CO. Dissociation of the adduct could be achieved by polarizing the electrode at more positive potentials to yield the CO-free form of the macrocycle in the ferric state, as has been ...
SYNTHESIS OF RNA BY SEPARATED HEADS AND TAILS FROM BOVINE SPERMATOZOA

Highly purifiedpopulationsof beads and tails obtained from normal bovine spermatozoa and from spermatozoa carryingthe “decapitatedsperm defect”synthesizeRNA when incubated in an assay mixture for RNA polymerase. Both fractions utilize endogenous templates and demonstrate maximal activity in the presence of MgCl:. 2mercaptoethanol and all four ribonucleoside triphosphates. Although heads and tails share many similar reaction parameters. the synthesis in the two fractions can be distinguished by the following criteria: Heads Tails a) Temperature optimum 37#{176} 31#{176} C
Lift Every Voice and Sing: Faculty of Color Face the Challenges of the Tenure Track

This article highlights some of the obstacles facing tenure-track faculty of color in academia. Through the perspective of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and by using a counterstories method, four faculty of color share their experiences as they explore diversity issues through engaging in a 1-year self-study. Findings of this qualitative study provide important insights from the perspectives of faculty of color to address ways in which to identify supports that lever barriers during the tenure process.
Gold labeling of thrombin and ultrastructural studies of thrombin-gold conjugate binding by fibrin.

Abstract Monodispersed thrombin-gold (T-Au) conjugates were prepared by the absorption of a monolayer (3.8 nm thick) of human α-thrombin around individual monodispersed colloidal gold particles (16.5 ± 1.8 nm). Like free molecular thrombin, T-Au conjugates can cause platelet aggregation, plasma clotting, and the release of fibrinopeptides A and B from fibrinogen. At the same thrombin concentration, T-Au conjugates have only one-tenth the fibrinogen-clotting activity of free thrombin and one-third the amidolytic activity of free thrombin. Hirudin can completely inhibit the fibrinogen-clotting activity of both T-Au conjugates and free thrombin, but can inhibit only half of the amidolytic activity of the conjugates. Diisopropyl fluorophosphonate can completely inhibit the fibrinogen-clotting activity and the amidolytic activity of both T-Au conjugates and free thrombin. T-Au conjugates were further characterized by studying the mechanism of their binding to fibrin and the location of the binding site on fibrin. The results of electron microscopic studies showed that T-Au conjugates, but not albumin-Au conjugates, are bound by fibrin. Increasing T-Au conjugate concentrations are associated with an increase in the number of T-Au conjugates binding to fibrin. At 0.1 μ m thrombin, 73% of the T-Au conjugates are bound to branch points of the fibrin network with 27% of the T-Au conjugates present in the fibrin strands. At higher thrombin concentration (e.g., 0.5 μ m ) the percentage of T-Au conjugates bound to locations other than branch points increases to 62%. All T-Au conjugates are attached to fibrin and no free conjugates are trapped in the fibrin network, which has a minimum pore size of about 400 nm. T-Au conjugates could be prevented from binding to fibrin by competition from molecular thrombin. Thus, T-Au conjugates which have qualitatively and also partially quantitatively the same actions as free molecular thrombin can be used as qualitative and also partially quantitative probes of thrombin. The present studies suggest that T-Au conjugate is specifically bound to fibrin with at least two different affinity sites, with the higher affinity-binding sites being located on the branch points of the fibrin network. These results using T-Au conjugates as the new probes provide the structural correlate for the thrombin-fibrin interactions previously determined by chemical kinetic studies using free molecular thrombin.
Genomes in a bottle: creating standard reference materials for genomic variation - why, what and how?

Broad clinical application of ultra-high-throughput sequencing is imminent. In a few notable cases, actionable information has been discovered from sequencing, and the number of such cases is likely to increase. At present, there are no widely accepted genomic standards or quantitative performance metrics. These are needed to achieve the confidence in measurement results that is expected for sound, reproducible research and regulated applications. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been approached about considering development in this area by several commercial entities and regulatory agencies. There is great enthusiasm for translation of sequencing from the research community to clinical practice, and standards that can be used to inform confidence in measurement results (for instance, through validation studies, proficiency testing and routine quality assurance) may be an enabling factor in that goal. NIST is currently gathering input from the genomics community about which reference materials and data would be useful. For example, NIST and the Coriell Institute for Medical Research may develop genomic reference material from cell lines from families that have already been characterized by a variety of sequencing methods (for example, the cell line from which NA12878 DNA is derived). In addition, we may build synthetic DNA constructs to test specific questions about measuring different types of variants or combinations of variants in different genomic contexts. For example, we might create pairs of constructs with single nucleotide polymorphisms, indels and/or structural variants in GC- or AT-rich regions or repeat regions. To ensure the design of appropriate standards, we are interested in discussing the design and application of genomic reference materials with any interested parties.
NOMOGRAMS FOR PREDICTING GRAFT FUNCTION AND SURVIVAL IN LIVING DONOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION BASED ON THE UNOS REGISTRY

Purpose: We developed nomograms that predict transplant renal function at 1 year (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation [estimated glomerular filtration rate]) and 5-year graft survival after living donor kidney transplantation. Materials and Methods: Data for living donor renal transplants were obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing registry for 2000 to 2003. Nomograms were designed using linear or Cox regression models to predict 1-year estimated glomerular filtration rate and 5-year graft survival based on pretransplant information including demographic factors, immunosuppressive therapy, immunological factors and organ procurement technique. A third nomogram was constructed to predict 5-year graft survival using additional information available by 6 months after transplantation. These data included delayed graft function, any treated rejection episodes and the 6-month estimated glomerular filtration rate. The nomograms were internally validated using 10-fold cross-validation. Results: The renal function nomogram had an r-square value of 0.13. It worked best when predicting estimated glomerular filtration rate values between 50 and 70 ml per minute per 1.73 m 2 . The 5-year graft survival nomograms had a concordance index of 0.71 for the pretransplant nomogram and 0.78 for the 6-month posttransplant nomogram. Calibration was adequate for all nomograms. Conclusions: Nomograms based on data from the United Network for Organ Sharing registry have been validated to predict the 1-year estimated glomerular filtration rate and 5-year graft survival. These nomograms may facilitate individualized patient care in living donor kidney transplantation.
Mitochondrial complex I inhibition is not required for dopaminergic neuron death induced by rotenone, MPP, or paraquat

Inhibition of mitochondrial complex I is one of the leading hypotheses for dopaminergic neuron death associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). To test this hypothesis genetically, we used a mouse strain lacking functional Ndufs4, a gene encoding a subunit required for complete assembly and function of complex I. Deletion of the Ndufs4 gene abolished complex I activity in midbrain mesencephalic neurons cultured from embryonic day (E) 14 mice, but did not affect the survival of dopaminergic neurons in culture. Although dopaminergic neurons were more sensitive than other neurons in these cultures to cell death induced by rotenone, MPP+, or paraquat treatments, the absence of complex I activity did not protect the dopaminergic neurons, as would be expected if these compounds act by inhibiting complex 1. In fact, the dopaminergic neurons were more sensitive to rotenone. These data suggest that dopaminergic neuron death induced by treatment with rotenone, MPP+, or paraquat is independent of complex I inhibition.
Client perceptions of couples and family therapy

Abstract The investigators analyzed videotaped interviews with 18 client systems attending marital or family therapy. During the interviews, clients were asked to comment on their experience of the process of therapy, including what was helpful and not helpful about the treatment they were receiving. Three thematic categories emerged from the qualitative analysis of the data: 1) respect for the hierarchy inherent in the therapeutic relationship; 2) the importance of therapist empathy; and 3) perceived helpfulness of various therapeutic techniques.
Traveling Waves in Neural Models

Since the fundamental work of Hodgkin and Huxley in 1952 on the propagation of action potentials in the giant axon of Loligo there has been an enormous amount of related research. It gave rise to a substantial literature on the modeling of neurons and systems of neurons, as well as investigations of the mathematical properties of the equations arising. Various simplified models have been introduced, including that of Fitzhugh and Nagumo, and a piecewise linear analog. For each single cell model there is a corresponding diffusive model for propagation of a voltage signal. The analysis of the Hodgkin and Huxley system of four differential equations done by Fitzhugh exhibited an important feature: the existence for a short time after excitation, of a saddle point in a reduced model. We investigate counterparts to the saddle in other models and find near singular behavior that sustains propagating waves. We compare various models, offer some of our own, and give numerical evidence to illuminate the robustness of stable propagation or the lack of propagating waves.
Fraudulent Democracy? An Analysis of Argentina's Infamous Decade using Supervised Machine Learning

In this paper we introduce an innovative method to diagnose electoral fraud using vote counts. First, to circumvent data availability problems and to study a particular type of fraud, we create synthetic data using Monte Carlo methods. Next, we build a supervised machine learning tool and use a Naive Bayes classier to distinguish between Benford and Benford-deviant data sets. To illustrate our technique, we examine elections in the province of Buenos Aires (Argentina) between 1931 and 1941, a period with a checkered history of fraud. Using a novel dataset of district-level vote counts, our results corroborate the validity of the conventional wisdom: Conservative manipulation of the electoral process, rather than changes in voters' preferences, led to the dramatic electoral shifts during this period. More generally, our endings indicate that Benford's Law can be an exective tool for identifying fraud, even when minimal information (i.e. electoral returns) is available.
A reexamination of the structure of the immobilization antigen from Paramecium aurelia

Abstract 1. 1. The purification of the immobilizing antigen (i-antigen) of serotype A from strain 51.7 s from Paramecium aurelia has been reexamined. 2. 2. A contaminant protease which is activated by the sulfhydryl reagents 2-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol (DDT) was separated from “purified” preparations of the i-antigen by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex. 3. 3. Under the conditions usually employed to reduce disulfide bridges, this contaminant protease degraded the i-antigen into fragments averaging between 20,000 and 35,000 daltons. 4. 4. Control samples of bovine serum albumin were similarly degraded by this material under identical conditions to those used for the i-antigen. 5. 5. When i-antigen was purified by the procedure described herein, little or no change in molecular weight was observed following reduction with dithiothreitol as demonstrated on Na dodecyl sulfate containing polyacrylamide gels.
Morphological Development and Expression of Neurotrophin Receptors in the Laryngeal Sensory Corpuscles

Morphological development of sensory structures in the laryngeal mucosa of postnatal rats was observed by use of immunohistochemistry for protein gene-product 9.5 (PGP9.5). Moreover, expression changes of high affinity neurotrophin receptors, TrkA, TrkB and TrkC, and low affinity neurotrophin receptor p75(NTR) were examined to elucidate the relationship to morphogenesis. Intraepithelial nerve endings and parent axons of the laminar endings with immunoreactivity for PGP9.5 have already appeared in the rat on embryonic day 18 (E18) as well as solitary chemoreceptor cells in the glottic cleft. According to neurotrophin receptors, TrkA immunoreactivity were observed on and after postnatal week 3 (3W) in the nervous sensory structures, that is, free nerve endings, laminar endings and sub- and intragemmal plexuses of the taste buds. In the laminar endings, TrkC immunoreactivity was also observed on and after 3W. According to the laryngeal sensory cells, the solitary chemoreceptor cells were immunoreactive to TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC on and after postnatal day 3 (P3). In the taste buds in arytenoid region, taste cells were immunoreactive for TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC on and after 3W, P14, and 3W, respectively. Immunoreactivity for p75(NTR) was observed on the surface of taste cells on and after P9. The results of the present study suggest that sensory structures in the laryngeal mucosa were developed on perinatal days to involve respiratory reflex, and that neurotrophin receptors may take part in the regulation and maintenance of sensory structures.
Identification of brain lesions in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus by magnetic resonance scanning

Cranial magnetic resonance imaging in 28 systemic lupus erythematosus patients who had experienced 30 acute neuropsychiatric events showed focal brain lesions in 16 of 30 events (53%) and low brain volume (atrophy) in 20 of 30 events (67%). Definite focal lesions were significantly more frequent in patients with clinically localized neurologic deficits (8 of 8, 100%), or seizures (5 of 6, 83%) than in patients without such localizing signs (3 of 16, 19%). Many of these lesions were occult on intravenous contrast-enhanced x-ray computed tomography. In 2 patients, lesions in gray matter resolved within 2 or 3 weeks, in association with clinical improvement. Magnetic resonance imaging is an important technique for detecting the extent of brain injury in cerebral lupus.
Fractionally charged kinks in a 1: 3 Peierls system

The electronic structure of fractionally charged kinks in a Peierls system with commensurability 3 is analyzed. The existence of an electronic state in each of the two gaps separating the three bands of the $\ensuremath{\pi}$ electrons is established using a Green's-function method. Related properties of the kinks are discussed.
Immobilization of Titanium Tetrachloride on Mixed Support of MgCl2 · xEB/Poly(methyl acrylate-co-1-octene): Catalyst for Synthesis of Broad MWD Polyethylene

TiCl4 immobilization on different compositions of mixed support of MgCl2 · xEB and poly(methyl acrylate-co-1-octene) (PMO; synthesized through ARGET ATRP) resulted in the formation of solid catalysts having variation in incorporation of titanium. The effect of mixed support composition onto the titanium immobilization, catalyst morphology and performance for ethylene polymerizations has been evaluated. The polyethylenes synthesized showed broad to bimodal MWD in GPC and DSC where the broadness was found to be dependent upon the ratio of mixed support MgCl2 · xEB/PMO. The morphological features of PE as elucidated using SEM lead to postulation of polymer formation mechanism.
Ectoderm removal prevents cutaneous nerve formation and perturbs sensory axon growth in the chick hindlimb.

Target tissues are thought to provide important cues for growing axons, yet there is little direct evidence that they are essential for axonal pathfinding. Here we examined whether target ectoderm is necessary for the formation of cutaneous nerves, and for the normal growth and guidance of cutaneous axons as they first enter the limb plexus. To do this, we removed a patch of ectoderm from the chick hindlimb at various times during early axon outgrowth. We find there is a critical period when cutaneous nerve formation requires target ectoderm. When the ectoderm is absent during this time, axons progress into the limb more slowly and, although a few sensory axons occasionally diverge a short distance from the plexus, they do not form a discrete nerve that travels to the skin. A few days later, when the nerve pattern is mature, axons normally destined for the ‘deprived’ cutaneous nerve are not segregated appropriately within the plexus. Some cutaneous axons are instead misdirected along an inappropriate cutaneous nerve, while others have seemingly failed to reach their correct target, or a suitable alternative, and died. These results demonstrate that the target ectoderm is necessary for normal sensory axon growth and guidance in the hindlimb.
Balancing Diuretic Therapy in Heart Failure: Loop Diuretics, Thiazides, and Aldosterone Antagonists

In heart failure, sodium is retained by the kidneys despite increases in extracellular volume. There is activation of renin secretion, which culminates in the production of angiotensin II, causing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion. These synergistically produce an increase in tubular reabsorption of sodium and water. Diuretics are the mainstay of symptomatic treatment to remove excess extracellular fluid in heart failure. Diuretics that affect the ascending loop of Henle are most commonly used. Thiazide diuretics promote a much greater natriuretic effect when combined with a loop diuretic in patients with refractory edema. Recently, spironolactone, an aldosterone receptor blocking agent, has been recommended to attenuate some of the neurohormonal effects of heart failure. Regardless of the diuretic, patients need to be counseled on the importance of avoiding sodium in their diet
Coulomb potential from a particle in uniform ultrarelativistic motion.

The Coulomb potential produced by an ultrarelativistic particle (such as a heavy ion) in uniform motion is shown in the appropriate gauge to factorize into a longitudinal \ensuremath{\delta}(z-t) dependence times a simple two-dimensional potential solution in the transverse direction. This form makes manifest the source of the energy independence of the interaction.
Morbidity that is associated with curettage for the management of spontaneous and induced abortion in women who are infected with HIV

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the morbidity that is associated with curettage for the management of abortions in women who were infected with human immunodeficiency virus compared with women who were not infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Study design Women who were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (cases) and who underwent curettage for the management of scheduled and unscheduled abortions in the first half of pregnancy between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 2002, were identified. Women who were not infected with human immunodeficiency virus (control subjects) were matched 3:1 to cases for gestational age, type of abortion, and year of procedure. Medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic characteristics, gestational age, abortion characteristics, and procedure-related complications. Chi-squared test, Student t test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to determine statistical significance. Results Seventy-one women who were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (cases) and 213 women who were not infected with human immunodeficiency virus (control subjects) who underwent curettage during the study period were evaluated. Forty-eight cases (68%) and 146 control subjects (69%) underwent a scheduled curettage. Twenty-three cases (32%) and 66 control subjects (31%) underwent an unscheduled curettage for spontaneous or incomplete abortion. No significant differences were seen in age, gravidity, or parity. There were significantly more black women in the HIV-infected cohort ( P P =.004). Procedure-related complications occurred in 10 of the women (14%) who were infected with human immunodeficiency virus who underwent curettage, compared with 9 of the women (4%) who were not infected with human immunodeficiency virus ( P =.004). With the use of logistic regression, complication rates were unaffected by the difference in gestational age. Infectious complications did not differ between the 2 groups ( P =.435). Conclusion There was a higher rate of procedure-related complications among women who were infected with human immunodeficiency virus and who underwent curettage for management of spontaneous and induced abortions. There was no increase in infectious morbidity in the women who were infected with human immunodeficiency virus.
P05.49. Development of a model for the conduct of randomized clinical trials of hypnotic intervention

Purpose Research on the efficacy of hypnosis has been limited due to the lack of a sham hypnosis (placebo) for comparison to use as a control in randomized clinical trials. Researchers have used a variety of controls ranging from wait-lists to structured attention, resulting in a lack of blinding of participants and inconsistency. A sham hypnosis methodology would provide a means to compare study results and make aggregate statements regarding hypnosis’ efficacy beyond placebo effects. The purpose of this study involved two primary aims: 1) to evaluate whether white noise can be considered an “inert” procedure; and 2) to evaluate the feasibility of a model of sham hypnosis that uses white noise as a potential form of “hypnosis” when presented within the hypnotic context.
Electrochemical reduction of 2,4-dichloro-1-(4-chloro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzene (methyl triclosan) at glassy carbon cathodes in dimethylformamide

Abstract Methyl triclosan [2,4-dichloro-1-(4-chloro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzene, 1 ], which is now considered an environmental pollutant, has been shown to be formed via microbial methylation of triclosan [5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol, 2 ]. In the present work, cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential (bulk) electrolysis have been employed to investigate the direct reduction of 1 at glassy carbon electrodes in dimethylformamide (DMF) containing 0.050 M tetramethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TMABF 4 ). Cyclic voltammograms for the reduction of 1 at a glassy carbon electrode exhibit three irreversible cathodic peaks with peak potentials of −1.72, −2.07, and −2.35 V (versus a cadmium-saturated mercury amalgam reference electrode). These three peaks correspond, respectively, to (a) scission of the ortho C–Cl bond, (b) cleavage of the two para C–Cl bonds, and (c) rupture of the C–O bond. Controlled-potential (bulk) electrolyses of 1 at reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes result in the formation of mixtures of 4-chloro-1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methoxybenzene ( 3 ), 4-chloro-2-methoxy-1-phenoxybenzene ( 4a ), 1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methoxybenzene ( 4b ), 1-methoxy-2-phenoxybenzene ( 5 ), anisole ( 6 ), and phenol.
Latitudinal variation in the Dungeness crab, Cancer magister: zoeal morphology explained by incubation temperature

The difference in morphology between zoeae of Cancer magister Dana from Alaskan and Californian waters was documented to determine if the morphological variation is attributable to environmental influences. First-stage zoeae from Alaska have significantly longer carapace spines than zoeae from central California. The dorsal, rostral and lateral carapace spines were 14, 14 and 29% longer, respectively, in the Alaskan zoeae. The effect of temperature was tested on zoeal morphology as it is an obvious environmental difference between Alaskan and Californian waters. Ovigerous female crabs collected in southeastern Alaska in 1984 were held at 1°, 5°, 10° and 15° C until hatching occurred. Eggs were sampled seven times during the incubation period, and relative mortality, egg diameter and development stage were measured. All of the crabs and eggs at 1° C died before hatching occurred. Egg mortality averaged less than 2% in the other temperature treatments. Egg diameter increased significantly over the incubation period for all temperatures. Developmental rate of the embryos was inversely related to temperature. Hatching first occurred in 42 d at 15° C, 60 at 10° C and 160 d at 5° C. Newly hatched zoeae were collected and body length, dorsal, rostral and lateral carapace spines were measured. Significant differences existed between all temperatures for all spine lengths, with longer spines occurring at lower temperatures. Zoeal body lengths were also significantly different between the three temperatures. The results of this study question the use of spine lengths to distinguish similar larval species.
'Behold, I stand at the door and knock': The Living Dead and Apocalyptic Dystopia

The zombie genre in contemporary literature and film presents another form of the monstrous as a response to political situations. The undead exhibit apocalyptic fears and anxiety about the future. In the New Testament narratives of the undead, especially the stories of Lazarus and the risen Christ, the undead appear sanctified, holy. But lurking beneath the transformed flesh are apocalyptic possibilities, and zombies make good reading partners of the biblical apocalypse.
When will the milk spoil? Everyday induction in human intelligence

Abstract We sought to understand (a) the mental processes underlying everyday predictive and postdictive judgements involving objects undergoing either change or no change of state over time and (b) the relation of these processes to intelligence. Forty adult (nonstudent) participants were asked to solve 40 induction problems, each presented in four forms, for a total of 160 test items. Half of the items involved predictions and half involved postdictions; within each of these two categories, half of the items involved a state change from present to future (prediction) or past (postdiction), and half did not. In addition, each participant completed convergent-discriminant psychometric ability tests measuring inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, and vocabulary. Prediction was performed more rapidly than postdiction, but was also more susceptible to errors of judgement. Judgements involving change of state were more rapid and less error-prone than were judgements involving no change. A single information-processing model was useful for describing performance on both prediction and postdiction problems. A quantification of stimulus variables affecting performance via this model (with six predictor variables) provided a good account of participants' response latencies. Response latencies showed convergent and discriminant validity, exhibiting rather high correlations with inductive reasoning, but not with deductive reasoning. The paradigm we used thus seems to provide one useful approach to understanding the relationship of everyday induction to human intelligence, and to provide a complement to the more abstract kinds of problems—such as analogies, classifications, series completion, and matrix problems—typically used to test inductive-reasoning abilities, as an aspect of intelligence.
Indications for sleeve gastrectomy as a primary procedure for weight loss in the morbidly obese.

Single-stage laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) may represent an additional surgical option for morbid obesity. We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of LSG performed from November 2004 to April 2007 as a one-stage primary restrictive procedure. One hundred forty-eight LSGs were performed as primary procedures for weight loss. The mean patient age was 42 years (range, 13–79), mean body mass index of 43.4 kg/m2 (range, 35–75), mean operative time of 60 min (range, 58–190), and mean blood loss of 60 ml (range, 0–300). One hundred forty-seven procedures (99.3%) were completed laparoscopically, with a mean hospital stay of 2.7 days (range, 2–25). A 2.7% major complication rate was observed with four events in three patients and no deaths. Four patients required readmission; mild dehydration in two, choledocholithiasis in one, and a gastric sleeve stricture in one. Laparoscopic SG is a safe one-stage restrictive technique as a primary procedure for weight loss in the morbidly obese with an acceptable operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative complication rate.
Patient Experiences with Surveillance Endoscopy: A Qualitative Study

Background Prior studies examining patterns of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) surveillance in patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) demonstrate variable adherence to practice guidelines. In prior studies, memories of endoscopic experiences shaped overall perceptions and subsequent adherence behaviors, but the specific elements of that experience are unclear. We sought to identify specific elements of the EGD experience that frame overall perceptions of surveillance.
Markov processes with creation of mass

A theory of Markov processes for which the sample paths have random starting and terminal times was first considered by Hunt [4, 5]. Such processes require that the classical notion of a probability measure space be modified so as to allow σ-finite probability measures. Such an extension necessitates only minor adjustments of the language of probability theory; e.g., the phrase “absolute probability of an event E” does not admit the usual interpretation and is not used. Only conditional probabilities are used in the extended theory and do admit the usual interpretation. The purpose of this paper is to establish regularity properties of Markov processes having sample paths with random creation and terminal times. An existence theorem for such processes appears in [3].
Thou shalt not live by statistics alone, but it might help

(1996). Thou shalt not live by statistics alone, but it might help. Feminist Economics: Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 139-142.
Obesity and psychopathology in women: a three decade prospective study

To evaluate prospective associations between elevations in body mass index (BMI) at average age 27 and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) at average age 59 in a community sample of women. Three waves of data collected over three decades were drawn from mothers in the Children in the Community (CIC) Study. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate predictive effects of two BMI cutpoints (⩾30 and ⩾25) on GAD and MDD independent of other risks for psychopathology. The 544 mothers who were interviewed in the original wave of the CIC Study in 1975 and in the first and most recent follow-up waves in 1983 and 2002–2005. Information about height and weight was obtained by self-report in face-to-face interviews. GAD and MDD were assessed by structured interview covering DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Other potential risk factors examined included age, race, education, prior depressive symptoms and marital status, chronic disease, social support and financial strain concurrent with GAD and MDD. A baseline BMI ⩾30 significantly increased the odds for subsequent GAD and MDD by 6.27 and 5.25 times, respectively, after adjusting for other significant risk factors. Odds of GAD also increased significantly given a baseline BMI ⩾25 (by 2.44 times); however this association was not independent of other significant risk factors. Predictive associations between a baseline BMI ⩾30 and MDD were not attenuated by attained BMI assessed at outcome. Findings extend existing evidence of the mental health consequences of obesity in a representative sample of mothers, and suggest that obesity may have long-term implications for mental distress in women at a clinical level over the adult years.
The late region differentially regulates the in vitro transformation by cottontail rabbit papillomavirus DNA in different cell types.

Abstract Papilloma induced by the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) progress at a high frequency to cancers. This property makes the CRPV system unique to study the role of papillomaviruses in cancer development. In contrast to bovine papillomavirus type 1, no convenient in vitro transformation system for CRPV has been available. Here, we describe two in vitro systems that we have developed. Transformation of NIH 3T3 cells is greatly facilitated by deletions in the CRPV late region. Specifically, a 300-bp segment located in the 5′ half of open reading frame L2 inhibits transformation of NIH 3T3 cells by CRPV DNA. In a second system involving the natural host cell of CRPV, rabbit skin epithelial cells, transformation is a two-stage phenomenon leading first to cells with an increased growth potential which subsequently become morphologically transformed. Transformation of rabbit skin epithelial cells does not require deletions in the L2 ORF. However, late region sequences located in the 3' half of ORF L1 are needed, as they are for papilloma induction in rabbits.
Poisson regression for modeling count and frequency outcomes in trauma research

The authors describe how the Poisson regression method for analyzing count or frequency outcome variables can be applied in trauma studies. The outcome of interest in trauma research may represent a count of the number of incidents of behavior occurring in a given time interval, such as acts of physical aggression or substance abuse. Traditional linear regression approaches assume a normally distributed outcome variable with equal variances over the range of predictor variables, and may not be optimal for modeling count outcomes. An application of Poisson regression is presented using data from a study of intimate partner aggression among male patients in an alcohol treatment program and their female partners. Results of Poisson regression and linear regression models are compared.
Photo-Cross-Linked PDMSstar-PEG Hydrogels: Synthesis, Characterization, and Potential Application for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

Inorganic-organic hydrogels with tunable chemical and physical properties were prepared from methacrylated star polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS(star)-MA) and diacrylated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-DA) for use as tissue engineering scaffolds. A total of 18 compositionally unique hydrogels were prepared by photo-cross-linking, varying weight ratios of PEG-DA and PDMS(star)-MA of different molecular weights (M(n)): PEG-DA (M(n) = 3.4k and 6k g/mol) and PDMS(star)-MA (M(n) = 1.8k, 5k, and 7k g/mol). Introduction of PDMS(star)-MA caused formation of discrete PDMS-enriched microparticles dispersed within the PEG matrix. The swelling ratio, mechanical properties in tension and compression, nonspecific protein adhesion, controlled introduction of bioactivity, and cytotoxicity of hydrogels were studied. This library of inorganic-organic hydrogels with tunable properties provides a useful platform to study the effect of scaffold properties on cell behavior.
Surface and bulk plasmons in interaction with quantum well inter- and intra-subband plasmons

Abstract The collective oscillations of a 2D quantum well electron plasma embedded in a semi-infinite host plasma medium (at a distancez0from the surface) are analyzed here, based on an explicit inversion of the joint dielectric function of the combined system in position representation in closed form. The coupling ofsurfaceand bulk plasmons of the host medium withintersubband and intrasubband plasmons of the quantum well, and the dependence of the coupled modes onz0are discussed.
Craniofacial and cutaneous findings expand the phenotype of hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy.

Background: Hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy (HNA) is an autosomal-dominant disorder associated with recurrent, episodic, painful, brachial neuropathy. The gene for HNA has been mapped to chromosome 17q25. Characteristic features including hypotelorism, short stature, and cleft palate occur in some patients. Objective: To further characterize the clinical, neurologic, and craniofacial features in 27 patients from seven families with HNA. Methods: Medical history, physical examination, and facial measurements were obtained. Facial measurements were also made on 60 healthy controls. Results: Twenty-five patients had an average of three attacks of brachial neuritis. The right arm was involved more frequently. Cleft palate was present in four individuals. Facial measurements showed significant hypotelorism in HNA patients versus controls. Unusual skin folds and creases were observed on the necks of several individuals as well as on the scalp of one man: cutis verticis gyrata. In three families, deep skin creases were present on the limbs of infants and toddlers who were subsequently affected with HNA. Conclusions: The phenotypic consequences of the mutant hereditary neuralgic atrophy gene may include a wider spectrum than previously appreciated and involve nonneural tissue.
Halobacteroides acetoethylicus sp. nov., a New Obligately Anaerobic Halophile Isolated from Deep Subsurface Hypersaline Environments

Summary A halophilic isolate from deep subsurface gas bearing sandstones and brine waters associated with an injection water filter on an offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico was described as a representative of the new species Halobacteroides acetoethylicus sp. nov. The organism is a Gram-negative, non-sporeforming anaerobic rod which exists singly or in pairs. The DNA base composition was 32.0 ± 0.5 mol % G + C. The mesophilic isolate grows in salt concentrations of 5–22% (w/v) and a pH range of 5.3 to 8.0. A doubling time of 7.5 h on glucose was measured at 34°C using a rich medium containing 10% NaCl at a pH of 7.2. The balanced fermentation of glucose yielded ethanol, H 2 /CO 2 and acetic acid. The taxonomic relationship of H. acetoethylicus to other haloanaerobes is discussed.
Limits of ICD-9-CM code usefulness in epidemiological studies of contact and other types of dermatitis

Abstract Background : International Classification of Diseases, Version 9, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) coding information used for billing is readily available incomputerized form. Objectives : The purpose of this article is to determine the usefulness of ICD-9-CM codes in a descriptive dermatoepidemiological study of contact and other dermatitis. Methods : Prospective recording of specific dermatologic diagnoses and the ICD-9-CM code assigned for each diagnosis was performed for all patients visits to the author's dermatology clinics for 6 months. Results : There were 2,524 patient visits with 4,451 diagnoses, of which 789 diagnoses were dermatitis. The 10 different diagnostic categories of dermatitis had eight associated ICD-9-CM codes. Allergic contact dermatitis with 247 visits, irritant contact dermatitis with 30 visits,and nummular dermatitis with 61 visits shared one diagnostic code. Thus, 43% of visits for dermatitis were intermixed by having the same ICD-9-CM code. Conclusion : Lack of one-to-one correspondence of ICD-9-CM codes with dermatitis diagnostic categories creates a situation in which ICD-9-CM codes are not useful for dermatoepidemiological studies of contact and other types of dermatitis. This could be corrected by assigning additional five-digit ICD-9-CM codes to cover each type of dermatitis. Coding for specific allergens or irritants is not feasible with the current five-digit ICD-9-CM codes.
Reliability, availability, and serviceability of IBM computer systems: a quarter century of progress

Computer systems have achieved significant progress in the areas of technology, performance, capability, and RAS (reliability/availability/serviceability) during the last quarter century. In this papers, we shall review the advances of IBM computer systems in the RAS area. This progress has for the most part been evolutionary; however, in some cases it has been revolutionary. RAS developments have been driven primarily by technological advances and by increases in functional capability and complexity, but RAS considerations have also played a leading role and have improved technological and functional capability. The paper briefly reviews the progress of computer technology. It points out how IBM has maintained or improved its systems RAS capabilities in the face of the greatly increased number of components and system complexity by improved system recovery and serviceability capability, as well as by basic improvements in intrinsic component failure rate. The paper also covers the CPU, tape, and disk areas and shows how RAS improvements in these areas have been significant. The main objective is to provide a comprehensive view of significant developments in the RAS characteristics of IBM computer systems over the past twenty-five years.
Density functional theory study of vibrational spectra. 4. Comparison of experimental and calculated frequencies of all-trans-1,3,5,7-octatetraene — The end of normal coordinate analysis?

Abstract Comparison of the observed and calculated vibrational frequencies of all-trans -octatetraene indicates that the density functional theory (DFT) using Becke's exchange and Lee-Yang-Parr's correlation functionals is as accurate as the Hartree-Fock (HF)-based scaled quantum mechanical force field approach in predicting fundamental vibrational frequencies. As the DFT calculation does not use any empirical parameters pertaining to the subject molecule and its computational cost scales more favorably than that of the HF theory, it is a more promising approach to molecular vibrational problems and should replace the empirical normal coordinate analysis for assisting vibrational assignments.
MUTATING REAL-VALUED VECTORS USING ANGULAR DISPLACEMENT

A new self-adaptive mutation operator, Angular Displacement, for optimizing real-valued vectors is presented. This is designed for applications, called directional problems, where the quality of a solution vector is based exclusively on the direction of the vector and not the length of the vector. Angular Displacement maintains one control parameter that stochastically governs the amount of angular displacement, θ, induced by a single mutation. After θ is chosen, a random vector is selected that forms an angle of θ radians with the input vector. This approach contrasts the standard mutation operator that maintains one extra parameter for each vector component to control the displacement of the vector's head. Experiments show Angular Displacement is superior to the standard mutation operator in a directional problem involving the optimization of a hyperplane's parameters.
Genetic variability in the major histocompatibility complex: A review of non‐pathogen‐mediated selective mechanisms

The extraordinary genetic polymorphism observed in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the vertebrate genome has attracted the attention of researchers for decades. In almost all taxa that have been investigated, levels of polymorphism are remarkably high. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the maintenance of genetic diversity at the MHC, including pathogen-driven natural selection, selection driven by maternal-fetal interactions, and negative assortative mating. In this review we discuss the evidence for the latter two mechanisms in human and animal populations. We begin with a description of the structure and function of the MHC, particularly in humans. Then, evidence for natural selection acting on MHC genes, in the form of homozygote deficiencies observed in human population isolates, is discussed. The two major candidates for mechanisms of non-pathogen-driven selection, maternal-fetal interactions and MHC-based mate choice, are described in detail and their implications are discussed. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of damage morphology on cortical bone fragility.

Despite a general understanding that bone microdamage has distinct strain dependent morphologies, very little information exists on how different damage morphologies develop and participate in bone fracture. In this study, cortical bone beams were subjected to the primary or tertiary phases of bending fatigue followed by either post-hoc fracture toughness tests or microdamage analysis to determine the sequence in which linear microcracks and diffuse damage form during bending fatigue and how they affect the propensity of bone to fracture. The results demonstrate that, following the primary phase, linear microcracks and diffuse damage are formed on the compressive and tensile sides, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, this mode of damage formation results in a greater toughness loss if a fracture crack initiates from the tensile side rather than the compressive side (p < 0.05). Continued loading of bone specimens to the tertiary phase, however, leads to further accumulation of damage only on the compressive side (p < 0.05), and this mode of damage formation results in a further toughness loss if a fracture crack initiates from the compressive side rather than the tensile side (p < 0.05). Thus, cortical bone compartmentalizes the damage morphologies in different regions and the sequence of damage production in different phases of cyclic loading to dissipate energy and resist a catastrophic fracture.