cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF ENDOTOXIN ON HEPATIC MICROSOMAL DRUG METABOLISM OF RATS

Infections due to pram-negative bacteria have assumed ever-increasing importance during the past several years. Endotoxin, a soluble lipopolysaccharide cell wall constituent of gram negative bacteria, is released into body fluids during infection by these organisms. A key aspect in the therapeutic management of patients with endotoxemia is the administration of pharmacological agents. Since most drugs are metabolized by the hepatic mixed function oxidase system and/or by conjugation, we studied the effect of intraperitoneally administered endotoxin (a lipopolysaccaride derived from E. Coli 026B6 serotype) on hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes. Endotoxin dose response studies in adult rats resulted in a striking decrease within 24 hrs postadministration (I.P.) in hepatic microsomal aminopyrine demethylase (51.5%), benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase (58.9%), and cytochrome P-450 (64.1%) and cytochrome b5 (90%) of control. These changes occurred with 1 mg/kg but effects were also noted with doses as low as .1 mg/kg. Low protein diet (8%) enhanced the reduction in enzymic activity. Endotoxin administration during late pregnancy also decreased the ability of the rat to metabolize drugs. These studies emphasize the need for careful evaluation of drug administration and effects in patients with endotoxemia.
Synchrotron X-ray scattering study of the pressure melting of near-monolayer xenon on single crystal graphite at 140 K

Abstract In this paper we report a study of the melting transition of near-monolayer xenon at a temperature of 140 K. Xenon on graphite is widely regarded as a model system for the investigation of two-dimensional melting in the presence of a weak orientational ordering field. It has been suggested that it may represent an example in which melting occurs continuously through the unbinding of topological defects in a manner analogous to the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition in superfluids. Recent thermodynamic studies by Chan and coworkers [Phys. Rev. Lett. 62 (1989) 1372] have reported that the melting of near-monolayer xenon on graphite is always first order in contrast to the observations of previous X-ray scattering studies as well as compressibility studies by Suter and coworkers [Phys. Rev. B 39 (1989) 2459]. Our investigation confirms that at a temperature of 140 K there is indeed a continuous evolution of the length scale of the positional fluctuations corresponding to a transition from a finite-size limited 2D solid to a well correlated ( ∼ 100 A) orientationally ordered 21) liquid. The order parameter corresponding to a finite-sized 2D crystal is measured and an effective exponent extracted for the solid to aligned liquid transition. This is compared to recent observations in other physical systems.
Bounds on generalized structured singular values via the Perron root of matrix majorants

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present several bounds upon the structured singular value. We first adopt a generalized notion of the structured singular value which is useful for problems where uncertainties are assumed to be bounded in an l p - induced matrix norm. Two different type of bounds, in terms of Perron root and interaction parameters respectively, are given for the new structured singular value and their relations are discussed. These bounds are useful in that they are easy to compute and may be further analyzed to provide insights useful in design.
Queer Theory as Pedagogy in Counselor Education: A Framework for Diversity Training

There is an ongoing and pernicious debate within the field of counselor education surrounding the question of whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues should be included under the umbrella of multiculturalism. Some argue that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender concerns do not fit within the traditional framework of multicultural counseling, while others assert that they do. A consequence of this debate is that many graduate-level counselors are earning degrees without having sufficient levels of self-awareness and knowledge regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. The authors propose queer theory as a unifying framework for diversity training within counselor education programs.
Spurious Identification of Critical Intercostal Arteries by Evoked Responses During Aortic Resection

Abstract A patient with an acute dissection of the thoracic aorta is described. Intraoperative evoked-response evaluation suggested the presence of a critical intercostal vessel in the excluded segment, but no major vessel could be identified. Expedient grafting and reestablishment of flow led to prompt recovery of the evoked response, suggesting that mechanical distortion of the aorta by the distal cross-clamp led to a compromised flow through a subadja-cent intercostal artery that was an important source of cord perfusion. Recognition of this possibility is important because it may prevent time-consuming attempts to implant small vessels in the excluded segment, which are not major contributors to spinal cord blood flow.
Population and Economic Change in Nineteenth-Century Eastern Europe: Prussian Upper Silesia, 1840–1913

This article deals with a largely Polish speaking region of eastern Prussia which was transformed from a rural, agrarian area in the mid-nineteenth century to a modern mixed agricultural and heavy industrial economy by 1913. This region moved from a condition of high ana fluctuating mortality and fertility prior to the 1860's to a situation with declining mortality and eventually declining fertility after the 1860's. Consideration of detailed patterns of mortality (by age, sex, atid cause of death) and of fertility (by Kreise) helps relate economic factors to these demographic trends and differentials.
Transcutaneous fiber optic Raman spectroscopy of bone using annular illumination and a circular array of collection fibers.

Transcutaneous bone Raman spectroscopy with an exciting annulus of 785-nm laser light surrounding the field of view of a circular array of collection fibers is dem- onstrated. The configuration provides distributed laser light. The annulus is located 2t o 3m mbeyond the edge of the field of view of the collection fibers to reject con- tributions from skin and other overlying tissues. Data are presented for rat and chicken tissue. For rat tibia, the carbonate/phosphate ratio measured at a depth of 1m m below the skin is in error by 2.3% at an integration time of 120 s and within 10% at a 30-s integration time. For chicken tibia 4m mbelow the skin surface, the error is less than 8% with a 120-s integration time. © 2006 Society of
Modelling Behaviour of PET for Stretch and Micro-Blow Moulding Applications Using an Elasto-Visco-Plastic Material Model

Abstract Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has been widely used in the stretch blow moulding (SBM) process for packaging applications. Finite element analysis has become extensively useful for assessing container designs and enabling the designers to perform analyses earlier in the design cycle to determine the best material and the best structure. However, there are several challenging issues due to various processing parameters and complex material behaviour, which is both temperature and strain-rate dependent. In this paper, we generalize the G'Sell-Jonas law in the three-dimensional (3D) case to model and simulate the elasto-visco-plastic (EVP) behaviour of PET, taking into account strain-hardening and strain-softening. In addition, it is observed that the internal pressure (inside the preform) is significantly different from the nominal pressure (imposed in the blowing device upstream) since the internal pressure and the enclosed volume of the preform are fully coupled. In order to accurately simulate...
Biaxially-Textured Photovoltaic Film Crystal Silicon on Ion Beam Assisted Deposition CaF2 Seed Layers on Glass

We grow biaxially textured heteroepitaxial crystal silicon (c-Si) films on display glass as a low-cost photovoltaic material. We first fabricate textured CaF2 seed layers using ion-beam assisted deposition, then coat the CaF2 with a thin, evaporated epitaxial Ge buffer and finally deposit heteroepitaxial silicon on the Ge. The silicon is grown by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition, a high-rate, scalable epitaxy technology. Electron and X-ray diffraction confirm the biaxial texture of the CaF2 and epitaxial growth of the subsequent layers. Transmission electron microscopy reveals columnar silicon grains about 500 nm across. We fabricate a proof-of-concept epitaxial film c-Si solar cell with an open circuit voltage of 375 mV that is limited by minority carrier lifetime.
Common fur and mystacial vibrissae parallel sensory pathways: 14 C 2-deoxyglucose and WGA-HRP studies in the rat.

Stimulation of mystacial vibrissae in rows A,B, and C increased (14C) 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) uptake in spinal trigeminal nucleus pars caudalis (Sp5c) mostly in ventral portions of laminae III-IV with less activation of II and V. Stimulation of common fur above the whiskers mainly activated lamina II, with less activation in deeper layers. The patterns of activation were compatible with an inverted head, onion skin Sp5c somatotopy. Wheatgerm Agglutinin-Horseradish Peroxidase (WGA-HRP) injections into common fur between mystacial vibrissae rows A-B and B-C led to anterograde transganglionic labeling only of Sp5c, mainly of lamina II with less label in layer V, and very sparse label in III and IV. WGA-HRP skin injections appear to primarily label small fibers, which along with larger fibers, were metabolically activated during common fur stimulation. Mystacial vibrissae stimulation increased 2DG uptake in ventral ipsilateral spinal trigeminal nuclei pars interpolaris (Sp5i) and oralis (Sp5o) and principal trigeminal sensory nucleus (Pr5). Common fur stimulation above the whiskers slightly increased 2DG uptake in ventral Sp5i, Sp5o, and possibly Pr5. The most dorsal aspect of the ventroposteromedial (VPM) nucleus of thalamus was activated contralateral to whisker stimulation. Stimulation of the common fur dorsal to the whiskers activated a region of dorsalmore » VPM caudal to the VPM region activated during whisker stimulation. This is consistent with previous data showing that ventral whiskers and portions of the face are represented rostrally in VPM, and more dorsal whiskers and dorsal portions of the face are represented progressively more caudally in VPM. Mystacial vibrissae stimulation activated the contralateral primary sensory SI barrelfield cortex and a separate region in the second somatosensory SII cortex.« less
All Together Now? An Empirical Study of the Voting Behaviors of Homeowner Association Members in St. Louis County

Homeowner associations (HOAs), by design, collect homogenous members of a community into a residential development with defined boundaries and contain at least some very active individuals. This implies that HOAs may lower the transaction costs involved with voting resulting in HOA membership increasing voter participation. Further, as more HOAs provide goods and services to their members as substitutes for goods and services provided by the public sector, one would expect HOA members to vote more conservatively and in support of more privatization. Using a detailed population database constructed for Saint Louis County, Missouri, and results from the November 2004 general election, this article analyzes the effect that living in an HOA has on voter participation and on the results of several election issues. Following a similar study by the Public Policy Institute of California, the results show that, once population characteristics are controlled for, there is no HOA effect on the likelihood of HOA members to vote Republican. Unlike previous work, this study shows that if the vote reporting districts are broken into five mutually exclusive categories rather than using the 60% rule used in other studies, areas with more HOAs do show an increase in participation rates and an increased likelihood to vote against property tax increases. The results hold up even after the presence of spatial autocorrelation is confirmed and controlled for.
Divergence of the Yeast Transcription Factor FZF1 Affects Sulfite Resistance

Changes in gene expression are commonly observed during evolution. However, the phenotypic consequences of expression divergence are frequently unknown and difficult to measure. Transcriptional regulators provide a mechanism by which phenotypic divergence can occur through multiple, coordinated changes in gene expression during development or in response to environmental changes. Yet, some changes in transcriptional regulators may be constrained by their pleiotropic effects on gene expression. Here, we use a genome-wide screen for promoters that are likely to have diverged in function and identify a yeast transcription factor, FZF1, that has evolved substantial differences in its ability to confer resistance to sulfites. Chimeric alleles from four Saccharomyces species show that divergence in FZF1 activity is due to changes in both its coding and upstream noncoding sequence. Between the two closest species, noncoding changes affect the expression of FZF1, whereas coding changes affect the expression of SSU1, a sulfite efflux pump activated by FZF1. Both coding and noncoding changes also affect the expression of many other genes. Our results show how divergence in the coding and promoter region of a transcription factor alters the response to an environmental stress.
“Improved” Calculation of Reflection Coefficient for Coaxial Antennas With Feed Gap Effect

A method is proposed to characterize the reflection coefficient of an insulated coaxial antenna with consideration of the feed gap effect. This method models the insulated antenna as a transmission line and extends the method proposed by Su and Wu . The original model assumed the gap to be small and considered a simple capacitance which is ignored in the calculation. Our improvement to this model is a component added to account for the gap impedance. When using insulated dipoles in medical treatment (hyperthermia, ablation, etc.), optimized antennas may require larger gaps, which this ldquoimprovedrdquo model accounts for. Excellent agreement is observed between theoretical and numerically simulated S 11 data, which indicates that this is an appropriate model for designing an efficient applicator for interstitial microwave hyperthermia.
Conjugate Gradient Methods with Inexact Searches

Conjugate gradient methods are iterative methods for finding the minimizer of a scalar function fx of a vector variable x which do not update an approximation to the inverse Hessian matrix. This paper examines the effects of inexact linear searches on the methods and shows how the traditional Fletcher-Reeves and Polak-Ribiere algorithm may be modified in a form discovered by Perry to a sequence which can be interpreted as a memorytess BFGS algorithm. This algorithm may then be scaled optimally in the sense of Oren and Spedicalo. This scaling can be combined with Beale restarts and Powell's restart criterion. Computational results will show that this new method substantially outperforms known conjugate gradient methods on a wide class of problems.
Current Perspectives on the Use of Gene Therapy for Hypertension

Systemic hypertension is a pathophysiological state that is manifested as high blood pressure and is a major risk factor for stroke, ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and progressive renal damage. Pulmonary hypertension occurs in 3 distinct forms: primary pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, or secondary pulmonary hypertension attributable to a variety of lung and cardiovascular diseases. This review discusses the use of gene therapy in the control of systemic and pulmonary hypertension. Overexpression of vasodilator genes as well as antisense knockdown of vasoconstrictor genes has been successfully used in animal models of both forms of hypertension. Furthermore, the use of viral vectors to deliver these constructs has achieved long-term control of hypertension. The successful establishment of gene therapy techniques in the animal models of hypertension coupled with the anticipated advances in the genetic aspects of this disease would make it highly feasible to attempt gene delivery in the control of human hypertension.
The influence of race on the development of acute lung injury in trauma patients.

Background Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are sequelae of severe trauma. It is unknown if certain races are at greater risk of developing ALI/ARDS, and once established, if there are racial differences in the severity of lung injury or mortality.
Atmospheric Processing Module for Mars Propellant Production

The multi-NASA center Mars Atmosphere and Regolith COllector/PrOcessor for Lander Operations (MARCO POLO) project was established to build and demonstrate a methane/oxygen propellant production system in a Mars analog environment. Work at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Applied Chemistry Laboratory is focused on the Atmospheric Processing Module (APM). The purpose of the APM is to freeze carbon dioxide from a simulated Martian atmosphere containing the minor components nitrogen, argon, carbon monoxide, and water vapor at Martian pressures (approx.8 torr) by using dual cryocoolers with alternating cycles of freezing and sublimation. The resulting pressurized CO2 is fed to a methanation subsystem where it is catalytically combined with hydrogen in a Sabatier reactor supplied by the Johnson Space Center (JSC) to make methane and water vapor. We first used a simplified once-through setup and later employed a HiCO2 recycling system to improve process efficiency. This presentation and paper will cover (1) the design and selection of major hardware items, such as the cryocoolers, pumps, tanks, chillers, and membrane separators, (2) the determination of the optimal cold head design and flow rates needed to meet the collection requirement of 88 g CO2/hr for 14 hr, (3) the testing of the CO2 freezer subsystem, and (4) the integration and testing of the two subsystems to verify the desired production rate of 31.7 g CH4/hr and 71.3 g H2O/hr along with verification of their purity. The resulting 2.22 kg of CH4/O2 propellant per 14 hr day (including O2 from electrolysis of water recovered from regolith, which also supplies the H2 for methanation) is of the scale needed for a Mars Sample Return mission. In addition, the significance of the project to NASA's new Mars exploration plans will be discussed.
Reversible arithmetic coding for quantum data compression

We study the problem of compressing a block of symbols (a block quantum state) emitted by a memoryless quantum Bernoulli source. We present a simple-to-implement quantum algorithm for projecting, with high probability, the block quantum state onto the typical subspace spanned by the lending eigenstates of its density matrix. We propose a fixed-rate quantum Shannon-Fano code to compress the projected block quantum state using a per-symbol code rate that is slightly higher than the von Neumann (1955) entropy limit. Finally, we propose quantum arithmetic codes to efficiently implement quantum Shannon-Fano (1948) codes. Our arithmetic encoder and decoder have a cubic circuit and a cubic computational complexity in the block size. Both the encoder and decoder are quantum-mechanical inverses of each other, and constitute an elegant example of reversible quantum computation.
Chaos Theory and Macroeconomics

Chaos theory has entered the old debate between Classicals and Keynesians regarding the nature of macroeconomic fluctuations and the ability and desirability of government efforts to stabilize them. In its current form between New Classicals and New Keynesians both sides use the assumption of rational expectations to varying degrees. For the New Classicals (Lucas, 1972, 1975; Barro, 1974; Kydland and Prescott, 1982; and Long and Plosser, 1983) real business cycles arise from exogenous supply-side shocks to a basically stable economy which lead to fluctuations due to sectoral or labor market misperceptions or “time-to-build” lags in capital investment. Government stabilization policies will be ineffective if systematic and non-optimal if effective.
Chapter 1 Principles of cardiovascular device design

Abstract The design of cardiovascular devices is a complex process that is partially, but never completely, illuminated by scientific information and precise specification of the performance wanted of the device. No design satisfies by only accomplishing its intended goal; it must also avoid unintended, unwanted effects, termed in this chapter failure modes. Discussion of these modes is the principal goal of this chapter, which, however, concludes with a discussion of a feasible process of design that can be carried out in the presence of substantial ignorance. Natural components of the cardiovascular system as models for the exploitation of current technology are suggested to be, at least at present, less useful than are precedent artificial systems.
Multifocal nephroblastomatosis: clinical significance and imaging

The correlation between nephroblastomatosis and Wilms' tumor has been established in the pathology literature. Two cases of multifocal nephroblastomatosis in the kidney contralateral to a Wilms' tumor are presented. The importance of these lesions and their recognition is discussed.
Effects of Prebaiting on Small Mammal Trapping Success in a Morrow's Honeysuckle–Dominated Area

Abstract Researchers have obtained mixed results in studies that use prebaiting to enhance small mammal trapping success. In 2004–2005 we tested the effects of prebaiting on small mammal trapping success in an exotic and invasive shrub community, Morrow's honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii), using 4 80 × 120-m live trapping grids at Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, USA. We randomly assigned traps to 1 of 3 trapping methods: we prebaited one-third of the traps 2 nights (n = 3,508 trap-nights), one-third one night (n = 3,492 trap-nights), and one-third had no prebaiting (n = 3,509 trap-nights). We compared small mammal richness, diversity, and relative abundance (no. captures/100 trap-nights) of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus; n = 462 captures), meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus; n = 89 captures), meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius; n = 221 captures), masked shrews (Sorex cinereus; n = 87 captures), and shorttail shrews (Blarina brevicauda; n = 78 captures) amon...
Nanosecond electroperturbation-mammalian cell sensitivity and bacterial spore resistance

Ultra-short, high-field electric pulses induce apoptosis in Jurkat T lymphoblasts but have little effect on rat glioma C6 cells even at much higher doses. Germination of Bacillus atrophaeus spores is unaffected even by exposure to millions of nanosecond, megavolt-per-meter pulses. Despite the many fundamental similarities among biological systems at the cellular level, and the well-defined physical and electrical parameters of nanoelectropulse delivery systems, a wide variety of responses to stimuli in this new bioelectromagnetic regime must be anticipated. Future studies can utilize these differences to uncover the underlying mechanisms and to exploit the relative resistances and sensitivities among cell and tissue types for the expansion of fundamental knowledge of cell biology and for practical applications in therapeutics and bioengineering.
Private-Payer Innovation In Massachusetts: The ‘Alternative Quality Contract’

In January 2009 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts launched a new payment arrangement called the Alternative Quality Contract. The contract stipulates a modified global payment (fixed payments...
Predictive value of psychological screening in acute hand injuries

Difficulties in adjustment frequently accompany severe hand injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine whether presurgical screening could predict long-term adjustment problems. One hundred thirteen patients with severe hand injuries completed a presurgical questionnaire evaluating flashbacks, avoidance, and causal factors pertaining to the injury. Patients were evaluated by a psychologist within 5 days after surgery and again 6 months later. Flashbacks initially occurred with equal frequency in occupationally and nonoccupationally injured groups. At 6-month follow-up 50% of the occupationally injured patients and 25% of the nonoccupationally injured patients had flashbacks. Avoidance of the activity at which patients were injured was also assessed. Among occupationally injured patients, 52% initially reported no avoidance compared with 17% at follow-up. Patients with nonoccupational injuries showed more initial avoidance (68%), with slightly less at follow-up (61%). Of the occupationally injured patients, 46% initially reported personal error or fatigue as the cause of their injury, but only 6% reported this as the cause at follow-up; it is interesting that at 6-month follow-up 81% of this group reported machine failure or lack of safeguards. Among nonoccupationally injured patients, 71% reported personal error as the cause of injury presurgically and 66% at 6-month follow-up. Presurgical screening appears to be a valid means of identifying persons at risk of ongoing adjustment problems after hand injury. A screening interview can easily be conducted in less than 5 minutes.
The identification and characterization of new immunogenic egg components: implications for evaluation and control of the immunopathogenic T cell response in schistosomiasis

In schistosomiasis, granuloma formation to parasite eggs signals the beginning of a chronic and potentially life-threatening disease. Granulomas are strictly mediated by CD4+ T helper (Th) cells specific for egg antigens; however, the number and identity of these T cell-sensitizing molecules are largely unknown. We have used monoclonal T cell reagents derived from egg-sensitized individuals as probes to track down, isolate and positively identify several egg antigens; this approach implicitly assures that the molecules of interest are T cell immunogens and, hence, potentially pathogenic. The best studied and most abundant egg component is the Sm-p40 antigen. Sm-p40 and its peptide 234-246 elicit a strikingly immunodominant Th-1-polarized response in C3H and CBA mice, which are H-2k strains characterized by severe egg-induced immunopathology. Two additional recently described T cell-sensitizing egg antigens are Schistosoma mansoni phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Sm-PEPCK) and thioredoxin peroxidase-1 (Sm-TPx-1). In contrast to Sm-p40, both of these molecules induce a more balanced Th-1/Th-2 response, and are relatively stronger antigens in C57BL/6 mice, which develop smaller egg granulomas. Importantly, Sm-p40 and Sm-PEPCK have demonstrated immunogenicity in humans. The findings in the murine model introduce the important notion that egg antigens can vary significantly in immunogenicity according to the host's genetic background. A better knowledge of the principal immunogenic egg components is necessary to determine whether the immune responses to certain antigens can serve as indicators or predictors of the form and severity of clinical disease, and to ascertain whether such responses can be manipulated for the purpose of reducing pathology.
BRCA1 Zinc RING Finger Domain Disruption Alters Caspase Response in Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cells

The frequently occurring 185delAG mutation occurs in the amino-terminal zinc RING domain of the breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA1. We sought to determine differential cell viability and apoptotic response of human ovarian surface epithelial cells with and without the 185delAG mutation. BRCA1wt and BRCA1+ cells were treated with staurosporine. Cell proliferation assays showed BRCA1wt cells grew to a greater extent compared to BRCA1+ cells. Trypan blue exclusion assays confirmed this observation. Western immunoblot analysis revealed that caspase 3 levels were higher after staurosporine treatment in BRCA1+ cells than in wild type cells, while full length DNA Fragmentation Factor 45 levels were lower in BRCA1+ cells. While there was no significant difference in levels of excision repair cross complementing protein1 (ERCC1) with BRCA1 status, BRCA1+ cells demonstrated cleavage of polyribose ADP polymerase (PARP) before wild type cells. Disruption of the BRCA1 RING domain caused altered cell viability and caspase-dependent apoptotic response after chemotoxic stress.
Sarcopenic Obesity in Myasthenia Gravis (P5.063)

OBJECTIVE: Determine the effect of myasthenia on body composition. BACKGROUND: Little attention has been focused on long term consequences of chronic myasthenia gravis. Secondary biologic change in body composition, such as sarcopenia (loss of muscle bulk, strength, and function) and increased adiposity may have profound consequences on cardiopulmonary health and function. DESIGN/METHODS: 12 (5 female: 7 male) individuals with stable chronic myasthenia had body composition measures determined by anthropometrics, dual x-ray absorptiometry, and abdominal and thigh CT imaging and metabolic (cardiopulmonary peak and submaximal fitness determined by open circuit spirometry) and functional testing (timed walks, chair rises, and daily step activity). RESULTS: Subjects with myasthenia, aged 64 ± 8, had MG ADL Symptoms Scale 4 ± 3, Quantitative MG Score 5.5 ± 5.2, FVC 3.3 ± 0.6 L men, 1.6 ±0.6 L women), 30 meter gait speed 1.1 ± 0.2 m/s, timed get-up and go 9 ± 2 s, 5 chair rises 13.7 ±4.9 s, and daily steps 1,750 ± 650. Peak fitness level was 20.2 ± 5.5 ml/kg/min, this is 20[percnt] lower than age matched controls. Submaximal oxygen utilization was 13.3 ± 4.6 ml/kg/min with a resultant physiologic fitness reserve of 66 ± 11[percnt], which is more than twice that of age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with myasthenia gravis have low muscle mass with correspondingly poor cardiovascular peak fitness level and diminished physiologic fitness reserve (requiring 66[percnt] of peak fitness is required to walk at a comfortable pace). Low daily step activity levels (1/3 age matched controls) may be one of the factors that leads to increase adiposity. This adiposity is under-estimated by standard formula for adiposity derived from body mass index (BMI) equations. Study Supported by: Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Disclosure: Dr. Hafer-Macko has nothing to disclose.
I Synthetic-Aperture Optics

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a survey of a variety of techniques for increasing optical resolution by what may be termed “synthetic-aperture optics.” This includes any technique for achieving, with one or more small apertures, the resolution normally associated with a single large aperture. The various approaches to optical aperture synthesis are divided into six classes as follows: (1) interferometry, (2) feedback-controlled optics, (3) imaging with partially filled apertures, (4) aperture synthesis with coherent illumination, (5) object restoration beyond the diffraction limit, and (6) aperture-synthesis techniques based on a priori object information. Some of the techniques discussed are put to practical use on a limited basis. The chapter also discusses practical difficulties in interferometric measurements: (1) maintaining equal path lengths, (2) limitations imposed by atmospheric seeing, and (3) Jennison's triple interferometer.
Child Maltreatment, Trauma, and Physical Health Outcomes: The Role of Abuse Type and Placement Moves on Health Conditions and Service Use for Youth in Foster Care

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the relations between abuse types, non-maltreatment-related trauma, and health service utilization in a sample of youth in foster care with and without chronic medical conditions. METHOD: A total of 213 youth, aged 8-21 years, provided self-report of general trauma and abuse exposure. Medicaid claims for each child were collected from official state databases. RESULTS: Exposure to sexual abuse, neglect, or general trauma but not exposure to physical abuse or psychological abuse increased the rates of medical visits, while only general trauma increased medical hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma types are not equally predictive of health care utilization for youth with chronic health conditions. Language: en
On Self-Repeating Effect in Reconstruction of Irregular Waves

The paper is focused on the previously known effect of “statistical self-repetition” encountered when a wave record is reconstructed from spectrum with a constant frequency step. A correlation function calculated for such a record shows a repetitive pattern of high values. It means an unrealistically strong probabilistic dependence between certain time sections of the process. The effect remains even if the autocorrelation function is calculated directly from spectrum without actual reconstruction of the wave record. An attempt to work the effect around using a variable frequency step leads to a spread of the error. It appears as a series of unrealistically high values instead of discrete peaks. The previous work of the author also found that the presence or absence of the effect strongly depends on the method of numerical integration.
'Compartmentation' of acids in plant tissues.

The cells of higher plants, in contrast with those of other organisms, contain relatively large amounts of organic acids. Krebs & Lowenstein (1960) calculated that the concentrations of individual organic acids in Escherichia coli are about 0-01 mM, in liver or kidney cells 0 1 mm, and in yeast cells 1 mm. By using the same type of calculation it can be estimated that many plant tissues contain citrate and malate at concentrations of 10 mm, and some contain aconitate or isocitrate at this concentration. Succinate and fumarate are often present at a concentration of 1 mm, but other acids occur at lower concentrations. Another distinguishing feature of plant cells is the large vacuole which frequently accounts for more than 90% of the volume. Stiller (1959) has given theoretical reasons for supposing that a correspondingly large proportion of the total acid is present in the vacuole. She has calculated that, if malic acid in Bryophyllum leaves were confined to the cytoplasm, its concentration would be 7-8M, but, if it were in the vacuole also, its average concentration would be 0-25M, a more credible value. Her experimental results also indicate 'compartmentation' of malate, since the malate formed from 14CO2 remained asymmetrically labelled, but asymmetrically labelled malate provided to the tissue from outside became randomized. BennetClark & Bexon (1943) have experimental evidence that individual acids may be constrained inside the vacuole so that an apparent diffusion gradient is maintained between the vacuole and the cytoplasm. The vacuole need not be considered as the only storage reservoir of metabolites, however, since a degree of 'compartmentation' within the cytoplasm itself has been invoked as a rational explanation of a variety of results in which labelling patterns and specific activities of metabolites have been measured after providing 14C_ labelled intermediates to various cells (Porter & May, 1955; Steward, Bidwell & Yemm. 1958; Lajtha, Berl & Waelsch, 1959; Berl, Lajtha & Waelsch, 1961; Cowie & Walton, 1956; Cowie & Bolton, 1957; Cowie & McClure, 1959).
ELEVATED PLASMA TRIMETHYLAMINE-N-OXIDE IS ASSOCIATED WITH POOR PROGNOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE

Production of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) by gut-microbiota metabolite from dietary phosphatidylcholine has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis in animals and in humans. The ability of plasma TMAO to predict future risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE=death, myocardial
Spontaneous coiling of a peripherally inserted central venous catheter

A 30-year-old man with extensively drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis and prior left upper lobe lobectomy presented to clinic for routine follow-up. His review of systems and physical examination were unremarkable. In addition to his oral antitubercular regimen, he was receiving intravenous capreomycin and meropenem through a right basilic vein single lumen peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placed 12 months prior. Routine chest X-ray (figure 1A), revealed a new PICC coiling (black arrow) within the right subclavian vein and migration of its distal end to the region of the brachiocephalic vein confluence. Contrast medium administered through the indwelling PICC (figure 1B) demonstrated …
The Migrations of a Moose Herd

This paper was derived from study, for six years, of moose ( Alces alces ) in Wells Gray Park, British Columbia. Part of this work involved study of the annual migrations of these animals between lowland burns with deciduous vegetation and coniferous forests with few burns among them at higher elevations. A number of mammals are known to be migratory. Hamilton (1939) notes that whales and seals of several species, some bats, caribou, bison, elk, mule deer, mountain sheep and porcupine undertake migrations. The last four move mainly in relation to altitude. Hatter (1946) has noted that moose are migratory in parts of British Columbia, while Hosley (1949) quotes Palmer's reports, on moose in Alaska, which describe seasonal movements similar in many respects to those in Wells Gray Park. Moose ascend the Clearwater Valley in spring when snow is still present on the valley floor. Data on spring migration is obtained from counting moose tracks crossing a snowshoe trail. Tracks are counted daily, are recorded as to direction, then are marked to avoid inclusion in subsequent counts. This technique has been used in California and Oregon for deer (Interstate Deer Herd Committee, 1954). The fall migration is not so easily observed. Its progress on the valley floor is more leisurely, with movement continuing downward throughout the winter. Some information concerning this movement is available from hunting statistics gathered in autumn, while track counts and general observations provide further data. The main objective of these track counts in spring is a partial census of the herd. The first movement north, up the valley, is rather sudden and involves over a thousand animals. Since this first movement is quite variable as to calender date, means for predicting the time of migration are necessary for efficient operation of the track counting project. This paper is …
First-Principles Models of Facilitating H2 Transport through Metal Films Using Spillover

Catalytic materials to dissociate hydrogen molecules play an important role in both the large-scale production of hydrogen from gasification of coal and efficient storage of hydrogen by metal hydrides. We use first-principles calculations together with statistical mechanics methods to systematically investigate hydrogen transport properties through Mo2C-coated vanadium membranes. We evaluate hydrogen fluxes to determine the rate-limiting steps during hydrogen purification with these membranes. The existence of a high desorption resistance explains the non-Sieverts’ behavior observed in previous experiments with these membranes and suggests a general rule to select ideal catalysts to facilitate hydrogen transport through metal films by spillover.
Contact dermatitis to knee patch adhesive in boys' jeans: a nonoccupational cause of epoxy resin sensitivity.

Three cases of eczematous dermatitis of the knees are reported in three children who had been wearing Sears, Roebuck and Co. Toughskin® and/or Roughhouser® jeans with knee patches for several months. All had strong positive patch tests to epoxy resin (Epon® 825) from the standard screening patch test tray and to pieces of the knee patches. Although Sears initially denied that “epoxy resin” was present in the knee patch adhesive, it was later confirmed that 4,4-isopropylidene diphenyl epichlorohydrin (Epon® 828) was present. In 2 of the 3 patients patch-tested to Epon® 828, results were positive, one test at a concentration of 1:20,000. The epoxy resin had been added to the knee patch adhesive as an adhesion promoter. Sears has now substituted a nonepoxy adhesive for the knee patch of their jeans.
Research on improving the experimental teaching effect on microcomputer technology and application

" Microcomputer Technology and Application",which contains two parts of teaching contents:microcomputer principles and 51 single-chip microcomputers,is a professional basic curriculum for students majored in automation.Due to the open and practical characteristics in this curriculum,only through constant practice shall students be able to master the theoretical knowledge and arouse their studying interests.According to the traditional teaching method,students would conduct experiments on microcomputer principles at first,and then carry out experiments on the 51 single-chip microcomputer.The differences in CPUs,instruction systems and hardware structures between microcomputers and 51 single-chip microcomputers make experiments for single-chip microcomputers even harder to conduct.Considering less time being spent on experimental curriculums in traditional teaching methods,it is important to specify the differences and relationships between microcomputer principles and 51 single-chip microcomputers,which is also the key to improve the experimental teaching effect.In this paper,a comparison-based method that deals with the reform of teaching method for " Microcomputer Technology and Application" is proposed.Using this approach,a desired result with a good exercise for improving the practical abilities of students,as well as the teaching effect,can be achieved.
Influence of Temperature on Operation Reliability of XLPE Cable

The paper expounds the influence of temperature on the operation reliability of XLPE cable from several aspects,including the mechanical property of XLPE,the formation and development of electrical tree and water tree as well as the operating condition of XLPE cable in service,and points out that increased temperature not only make mechanical property reducing,but also speed up the formation and development of the electrical tree and water tree.Based on which,the paper draws a conclusion that the influence of temperature on the operation reliability of XLPE cable can be reduced by applying reasonable laying mode.
Pain Assessment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

OBJECTIVE Pain assessment of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is largely unexplored. The core deficits of ASD may interfere with this population's ability to effectively use traditional pain assessment tools. Accurate pain assessment is essential to providing quality care. The objective was to illuminate barriers to pain assessment in children with an ASD, describe novel methods to communicate about their pain experience, and identify vocabularies that hold meaning with respect to pain to better understand pain from their context. METHODS Qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews including interactive electronic technology to enhance communication. Subjects included children aged 6 to 17 years with ASD experiencing acute pain after a surgical procedure at a large urban tertiary children's hospital. RESULTS Based on the analysis of 40 interviews, participants consisted of 34 (85%) male, 29 (72.5%) non-Hispanic white with mean age 11.75 ± 3.36 years (range: 6-17). All subjects were able to describe and locate their pain but required a variety of approaches. Assessment preferences included minimal time spent focusing on pain and simplistic language and actions using terms familiar to each subject. Notably, subjects were able to reliably demonstrate understanding of graded response and seriation. Parent involvement was essential, both in helping interpret the child's needs and providing trusted support. CONCLUSIONS Some children with ASD require an alternate interactive approach to pain assessment. Individualized consideration and estimation of pain assessment methods for use in this population may provide more meaningful interactions, ultimately guiding better pain management interventions.
Metastatic Tumors of Ovary

Metastatic tumors account for up to 15 % of ovarian malignancies in western countries and may present a significant diagnostic challenge during intraoperative frozen section consultation. The primary site is most commonly located in the gastrointestinal tract, with approximately 30 % of cases originating from the colon, followed by appendiceal, gastric, and pancreatobiliary primaries. Among non-gastrointestinal primaries, breast cancer is the most frequent source of ovarian metastases, which may also be an incidental finding in prophylactic or therapeutic oophorectomy specimens. Metastatic endometrial and cervical carcinomas to the ovary occur at a lower frequency and generally have less severe implications on the intraoperative management at the time of frozen section compared to other metastatic sites. While comprehensive surgical staging is typically performed for primary ovarian malignancies, gynecologic staging surgery is unnecessary for extragenital primary tumors metastatic to the ovary. Intraoperative frozen section evaluation plays a critical role in this distinction and therefore guides the extent of surgery.
In Vitro Drug Transfer Due to Drug Retention in Human Epidermis Pretreated with Application of Marketed Estradiol Transdermal Systems

Study objective was to assess skin-to-skin drug transfer potential that may occur due to drug retention in human epidermis (DRE) pretreated with application of estradiol transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) and other estradiol transdermal dosage forms (gels and sprays). TDDS (products-A, B, and C) with varying formulation design and composition, and other estradiol transdermal products (gel and spray) were applied to heat separated human epidermis (HSE) and subjected to in vitro drug permeation study. Amounts of DRE were quantified after 24 h. The DRE with product-B was significantly (P 0.05) amounts of DRE. A separate in vitro permeation study was carried out to determine amounts of drug transferred from drug-retaining epidermis to untreated HSE. The amounts of drug transferred, due to DRE after 8 h, with product-C were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than those with products-A and B, gel, and spray. The in vitro study results indicate a high potential of skin-to-skin drug transfer due to the DRE after labeled period of using estradiol TDDS, though the clinical relevance of these findings is yet to be determined.