cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of calcitriol in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Treatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3 (calcitriol) was compared with placebo in a double-blind, randomized, parallel clinical trial of 24 months' duration. Subjects were white women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. The study was completed by 15 patients who received placebo and 12 patients who received calcitriol. Positive slopes were observed in the active treatment group for total body calcium, bone mineral content of the radius, bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, and radiographic absorptiometry of the middle phalanges. In contrast, negative slopes were observed for the bone mineral measurements in the placebo group. Measurement of urinary hydroxyproline and of serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin suggested that the mechanism of action of 1,25-(OH)2D3 involved reduction of bone resorption. Hypercalciuria occurred regularly and preceded hypercalcemia by about 2 weeks. A decline in creatinine clearance was observed in two patients, one of whom had nephrolithiasis on sonography. Calcitriol is effective in preventing bone loss, but must be used with caution.
An Empirical Note on Regionalization and Globalization

Purpose – Is it regionalization or globalization that more accurately depicts the state of the global economy? Exports and foreign direct investments (FDI) data are analyzed with the aim of answering the question and determining how intra‐ and inter‐regional integration has changed over time.Design/methodology/approach – To address the research questions, this paper covers the following. First, it takes a longitudinal perspective in examining the changes taking place in exports and FDI at the regional level. Second, it draws strategic business and marketing implications of this development.Findings – The results show a trend toward regionalization in the Quad (North America, Western Europe, Asia, and Latin America), especially with respect to exports data.Originality/value – Findings, strategic implications, and directions for future research are presented.
Differential Expression of Cell Adhesion Molecules on Trigeminal Cutaneous and Muscle Afferents

Abstract Previous work from our laboratory (Woodbury and Scott, 1995) suggested that embryonic cutaneous and muscle afferents might express different surface cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) on their growth cones. To examine this possibility directly we measured the relative levels of expression of various adhesion molecules on growth cones of neurons from the dorsomedial portion of the trigeminal ganglion (DM-TG), which are largely cutaneous, and from the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus (TMN), which are exclusively muscle afferents. Axonin-1, L1, BEN, and N-cadherin were expressed more abundantly on DM-TG growth cones, whereas N-CAM was more abundant on TMN neurons. Expression of polysialated N-CAM was similar on the two populations; addition of NGF and NT-3 appeared to increase expression of polysialated N-CAM on TMN neurons. Although the levels of L1 and axonin-1, both of which bind L1, were markedly different on TMN and DM-TG neurons, these differences were not sufficient to cause dramatic differences in the growth rates of TMN and DM-TG neurons on L1.
Cyclic creep acceleration and retardation in polycrystalline copper tested at ambient temperature

Abstract In order to understand the mechanisms of cyclic creep retardation and acceleration, tests in both static and cyclic creep have been made on copper polycrystals at ambient temperature. Cyclic retardation occurs at low stress and acceleration at high stress. An expression for the temperature dependence of the threshold stress for acceleration is offered. The dislocation structures of the cyclically-crept copper have also been explored both in the presence and absence of strain bursts, and as a function of stress amplitude and grain orientation. Cyclic creep acceleration is interpreted by a cyclic softening process involving dislocations on secondary systems, and the role of point defects is discounted.
Accelerator test of an angle detecting inclined sensor (ADIS) prototype with beams of 48Ca and fragments

Abstract The measurement of cosmic rays and Solar energetic particles in space is basic to our understanding of the Galaxy, the Sun, phenomena in the Heliosphere and what has come to be known broadly as “space weather”. For these reasons, cosmic ray instruments are common on both scientific spacecraft and operational spacecraft such as weather satellites. The resource constraints on spacecraft generally mean that instruments that measure cosmic rays and Solar energetic particles must have low mass (a few kg) and low power (a few W), be robust and reliable yet still highly capable. Such instruments must identify ionic species (at least by element, preferably by isotope) from protons through the iron group. The charge and mass resolution of heavy ion instruments in space depends upon determining ions’ angles of incidence. The Angle Detecting Inclined Sensor (ADIS) system is a highly innovative and uniquely simple detector configuration used to determine the angle of incidence of heavy ions in space instruments. ADIS replaces complex position sensing detectors (PSDs) with a system of simple, reliable and robust Si detectors inclined at an angle to the instrument axis. In August 2004, we tested ADIS prototypes with a 48Ca beam at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory's (NSCL) Coupled Cyclotron Facility (CCF). Among the analyses performed on the data taken at the NSCL, we demonstrate that our prototype design with an ADIS system has a charge resolution of less than 0.25e. We also present a more generalized analytic derivation of instrument response and report on the corresponding analysis of Monte-Carlo modeling data.
An Analysis of 114 Consecutive Patients with Complete One‐Year Follow‐Up

This study assesses the clinical and electrode complications associated with the use of the epicardial screw-on electrode technique for permanent ventricular pacing. The records of 114 consecutive patients who received screw-on epicardial electrodes were analyzed in-hospital and at one year following implantation. We compared two techniques of implanting the screw-on electrode: 72 transmediastinal (TM) and 42 subxiphoid (SX) procedures. Baseline clinical inequalities were not apparent between the SX and TM patients. There was one operative death in the SX series and none among the TM patients. Total hospital mortality was 4% in the SX group and 2% in the TM group. In-hospital morbidity in the SX series (13/72-18%) was less than the TM group (14/42-33%), largely due to pleural entry and necessity for more frequent chest tube placement in TM patients. Electrode complications were low in both groups (3% in-hospital and 3% late; total 6/114, or 5%). Morbidity and mortality of these approaches to direct myocardial pacing remain noticeably higher than reported results of some transvenous series. Excellent electrode stability can be attained using the screw-on electrode, however, and the SX approach offers lower hospital morbidity than the TM method.
Desertification control in the Sudanian and Sahelian zones of west Africa — Better management of the renewable resource base

Abstract Interactions between droughts and human abuse of the environment are the primary cause of the current Sahelian desertification process. The principal task is not simply one of ‘stopping the desert’, except where specific infrastructure is to be protected, but the more subtle one of arresting and, if possible, reversing the desertification process in the populated Sudanian-Sahelian Zone (SSZ) heartland. The well adapted traditional production systems (TPS) have been increasingly disrupted, above all by rapid population growth; other pressures include changing social institutions, centralized political authority, and urban biased economic policies. Past development efforts have largely focussed on promoting productivity components in a single sector without paying too much attention to the contexts in which traditional production systems developed. Such a sectorial ‘top-down’ approach has proven inadeaquate in the SSZ. In order to address the desertification problem, certain elements of a strategy are clear: • (a) in general the design approach should be multisectorial (holistic), based on probable instead of average outcomes and obligatory based on popular participation; • (b) actions should be determined on the basis of the ratio of actual population to carrying capacity in any given area, although action programs will have to be site specific; • (c) research should be focussed on more drought-resistant, high yielding cereals and multipurpose forestry species; • (d) demand will have to be reduced by starting to reduce population growth rate. In the short term, demand for wood must be drastically reduced; • (e) participatory approach, which is a key element of the proposed project strategy, will require the political will to: • - delegate authority from central government to local decision making bodies; and • - change laws, regulation policies and prices to increase the incentives for better renewable resource management. In conclusion, although within the overpopulated zones no significant change is possible without technological breakthrough, locally, however, the erosion/degradation/desertification process may be controlled by selected appropriate actions, to encourage communities to use their land in a sustained yield manner. Nevertheless, reducing the continued rapid growth of population (where on-site solutions have been lacking and will be long in coming) and encouraging resettlement into more favorable zones are crucial.
Methods for lower bounds to frequencies of continuous elastic systems

Es werden Verfahren zur Berechnung der unteren Grenzen des Frequenzgangs freier Schwingungen von kontinuierlichen linear-elastischen Systemen dargestellt. Diese Verfahren beruhen auf einer systematischen Verbesserung der durch explizite Losung ahnlicher, jedoch einfacherer Schwingungsprobleme hergeleiteten unteren Grenzen. Die Allgemeinheit unserer Darstellung ermoglicht die Erfassung einer umfangreichen Klasse linearer Theorien. Die Anwendbarkeit dieser Verfahren wird an Beispielen aus der klassischen Plattentheorie erlautert, und es werden numerische Ergebnisse fur vier Balkenprobleme angegeben.
Balancing Diameters of Distillation Column with Vapor Feeds

Methods for balancing distillation vapor loads to achieve smaller, more-uniform diameters are developed for vapor feeds and the largest calculated diameter in the enriching section. The diameter can be reduced by (i) cooling the entire feed, (ii) cooling or condensing part of the feed while leaving the other part vapor (two-enthalpy feed), or (iii) condensing vapor inside the column with an intermediate condenser. For distillation of a saturated vapor feed of 10 mol % ethanol and 90 mol % water, the use of a two-enthalpy feed resulted in a 58% reduction in column volume with the same purity and no increase in energy use. Examples are also shown for methanol−water and n-butane−propane distillations.
Bounding the risk of crew loss following orbital debris penetration of the international space station at assembly stages 1J and 1E

Orbital debris impacts on the International Space Station occur frequently. To date, none of the impacting particles has been large enough to penetrate manned pressurized volumes. We used the Manned Spacecraft Crew Survivability code to evaluate the risk to crew of penetrations of pressurized modules at two assembly stages: after Flight 1J, when the pressurized elements of Kibo, the Japanese Experiment Module, are present, and after Flight 1E, when the European Columbus Module is present. Our code is a Monte-Carlo simulation of impacts on the Station that considers several potential event types that could lead to crew loss. Among the statistics tabulated by the program is the probability of death of one or more crew members in the event of a penetration, expressed as the risk factor, R. This risk factor is dependent on details of crew operations during both ordinary circumstances and decompression emergencies, as well as on details of internal module configurations. We conducted trade studies considering these procedure and configuration details to determine the bounds on R at the 1J and 1E stages in the assembly sequence. Here we compare the R-factor bounds, and procedures could that reduce R at these stages.
Excretion and metabolism of orally administered aflatoxin b1 by rhesus monkeys

Abstract The metabolic fate of [ 14 C]aflatoxin B 1 administered orally in solid form was determined in two groups (H and L) of three male rhesus monkeys. The animals of group H were each given a single dose of 0·4 mg/kg, while the animals of group L received a dose of 0·015 mg/kg. Within 7 days, 40% of the dose was excreted in the urine and 42% in the faeces, excretion being independent of the dose level. The urine and blood still contained detectable radioactivity 5 wk after administration, and the liver retained higher amounts. The liver of one monkey dosed with 0·015 mg/kg retained 1 % of the dose at that time. The rate of disappearance of liver radioactivity was slower in the animals treated with the lower dose of the toxin. Of the urinary metabolites excreted during day 1, 74% were chloroform-soluble and represented 24% of the administered dose. The percentage of the extractable urinary radioactivity declined sharply thereafter. Five radioactive urinary metabolites were separated from the chloroform-soluble fraction. Aflatoxin M 1 was the major metabolite, approximately 20 and 18% of the oral dose being excreted as aflatoxin M 1 in the urine of the animals of group H and L, respectively, during days 1–4. Unmetabolized aflatoxin B 1 was excreted only during day 1 and represented 0·2 % (group H) and 0·05 % (group L) of the dose. Of the unidentified metabolites, X 1 and X 2 (each representing 0·04–0·07 % of the dose) were less polar than aflatoxin M 1 and appeared during days 3 and 2, respectively. The other two metabolites, X 3 and X 4 , were more polar than M 1 , were excreted during days 1–4 and accounted for 1 and 0·5% of the dose, respectively. Aflatoxin P 1 in urine represented approximately 5 % of the administered dose (3·3% as glucuronide and 1·2% as sulphate conjugate). Only 15 % of the excreted faecal radioactivity was solvent-extractable. Aflatoxins M 1 and B 1 in the faeces accounted for 2·6 and 2·2% of the dose, respectively. The solvent-extractable faecal radioactivity declined with time of excretion, reaching the low level of 1 % of the faecal radioactivity excreted during day 4.
Berry's phase in the relativistic theory of spinning particles.

We show that the change of the phase of the wave function of a free relativistic spinning particle under the action of the Poincar\'e group is described by a certain universal connection in momentum space. This connection determines the parallel transport of the spin during the motion of the particle through external fields. In the special case of photons we reproduce the formula for Berry's phase calculated recently by Chiao and Wu.
Predicting adverse drug reaction profiles by integrating protein interaction networks with drug structures

The prediction of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) has become increasingly important, due to the rising concern on serious ADRs that can cause drugs to fail to reach or stay in the market. We proposed a framework for predicting ADR profiles by integrating protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks with drug structures. We compared ADR prediction performances over 18 ADR categories through four feature groups-only drug targets, drug targets with PPI networks, drug structures, and drug targets with PPI networks plus drug structures. The results showed that the integration of PPI networks and drug structures can significantly improve the ADR prediction performance. The median AUC values for the four groups were 0.59, 0.61, 0.65, and 0.70. We used the protein features in the best two models, "Cardiac disorders" (median-AUC: 0.82) and "Psychiatric disorders" (median-AUC: 0.76), to build ADR-specific PPI networks with literature supports. For validation, we examined 30 drugs withdrawn from the U.S. market to see if our approach can predict their ADR profiles and explain why they were withdrawn. Except for three drugs having ADRs in the categories we did not predict, 25 out of 27 withdrawn drugs (92.6%) having severe ADRs were successfully predicted by our approach.
Diagnostic testing and evaluation of maximum likelihood models

Abstract The paper develops a unified theory of likelihood specification testing based on M-estimators of auxiliary parameters. The theory is sufficiently general to encompass a wide class of specification tests including moment-based tests, Pearson-type goodness of fit tests, the information matrix test, and the Cox test. The paper also presents a framework based on Frechet differentiation for determining the effects of misspecification on the almost sure limits of parameter estimates and specification test statistics.
Studies on acarine cuticles—II. Plastron respiration and levitation in a water mite

Abstract 1. 1. The cuticle of the mite Hydrozetes sp. is equipped with four bands of highly refractile material. This material, when studied with the scanning and transmission electron microscope, is seen to be honeycomb-like. 2. 2. The physical properties of the honeycomb, i.e. resistance to excess hydrostatic pressures, change in appearance in the presence of detergents, suggest that it is air-filled and may function as a plastron. 3. 3. Theoretical studies indicate that this plastron, as well as meeting respiratory requirements, may serve as a source of gas for formation of a flotation bubble.
UNC-1 regulates gap junctions important to locomotion in C. elegans

Summary In C. elegans , loss-of-function ( lf ) mutations of the stomatin-like protein (SLP) UNC-1 and the innexin UNC-9 inhibit locomotion [1, 2] and modulate sensitivity to volatile anesthetics [3, 4]. It was unknown why unc-1(lf) and unc-9(lf) mutants have similar phenotypes. We tested the hypothesis that UNC-1 is a regulator of gap junctions formed by UNC-9. Analyses of junctional currents between body-wall muscle cells showed that electrical coupling was inhibited to a similar degree in unc-1(lf) , unc-9(lf) , and unc-1(lf);unc-9(lf) double mutants, suggesting that UNC-1 and UNC-9 function together. Expression of P unc-1:: DsRED2 and P unc-9:: GFP transcriptional fusions suggests that unc-1 and unc-9 are coexpressed in neurons and body-wall muscle cells. Immunohistochemistry showed that UNC-1 and UNC-9 colocalized at intercellular junctions and that unc-1(lf) did not alter UNC-9 expression or subcellular localization. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays suggest that UNC-1 and UNC-9 are physically very close at intercellular junctions. Targeted rescue experiments suggest that UNC-9 and UNC-1 function predominantly in neurons to control locomotion. Thus, in addition to the recently reported function of regulating mechanosensitive ion channels [5, 6], SLPs might have a novel function of regulating gap junctions.
Production of Shiga-like toxins by Escherichia coli O157:H7 can be influenced by the neuroendocrine hormone norepinephrine

To examine whether the neuroendocrlne hormone norepinephrine may influence the production of the Shiga-like toxins (SLTs), several Escherichia coli O157 :H7 clinical isolates were grown in the presence or absence of norepinephrine. An in vitro culture system consisting of low (<1500 colony-forming units/ml) initial concentrations of inocula into a serum-based medium was used to more closely approximate in vivo conditions. The growth of all isolates was increased several logs in the presence of norepinephrine, as compared with the growth in controls, during a 24-hour growth period. Controls included additional dextrose as well as the use of the norepinephrine metabolite normetanephrine, which contains one more methyl group than norepinephrine and hence would serve as a better energy source for growth if the effect were solely nutritionally mediated. During the 24 hours of growth, the production of cell-associated SLT-I on a protein-equivalent basis was shown to be increased over 100-fold in norepinephrine-cultured bacteria as compared with controls. SLT-II elaboration into culture supernatants was also greatly increased in norepinephrine-cultured bacteria as compared with controls. Maximal detection of cell-associated SLT-II occurred at least 12 hours before maximum levels were achieved in culture supernatants. Because norepinephrine represents one of the largest pools of monoamines present throughout the small intestine, these results suggest that the neuroendocrlne environment of the small intestine may play a role in the growth of O157 :H7 and the production of SLTs.
Quantitative assessment of prion infectivity in tissues and body fluids by real-time quaking-induced conversion.

Prions are amyloid-forming proteins that cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies through a process involving the templated conversion of the normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) to a pathogenic misfolded conformation. Templated conversion has been modelled in several in vitro assays, including serial protein misfolding amplification, amyloid seeding and real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC). As RT-QuIC measures formation of amyloid fibrils in real-time, it can be used to estimate the rate of seeded conversion. Here, we used samples from deer infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD) in RT-QuIC to show that serial dilution of prion seed was linearly related to the rate of amyloid formation over a range of 10−3 to 10−8 µg. We then used an amyloid formation rate standard curve derived from a bioassayed reference sample (CWD+ brain homogenate) to estimate the prion seed concentration and infectivity in tissues, body fluids and excreta. Using these methods, we estimated that urine and saliva from CWD-infected deer both contained 1–5 LD50 per 10 ml. Thus, over the 1–2 year course of an infection, a substantial environmental reservoir of CWD prion contamination accumulates.
Coulomb Effects in the Final State for Three-Body Reactions

A semiclassical Monte Carlo calculation has been performed which indicates that Coulomb forces among the final-state particles may significantly affect the angular distributions and directional-correlation functions for sequential reactions with three bodies in the final state.
Influence of two preparations of bovine albumin on the total bilirubin as determined by Thomson's method in its reference solution

The influence of bovine albumin on the determined total bilirubin was examined by estimation of bilirubin in standard solutions prepared with albumin solutions of five different concentrations. The determinations were made by six different methods. The results show that when bilirubin was determined by Thompson's method the estimated bilirubin decreases by increasing the concentration of albumin. This discrepancy appears in preparations from two different industrial sources of albumin.
Structure of Conjugated Bile Salt−Fatty Acid−Monoglyceride Mixed Colloids: Studies by Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

The structures of particles found in isotropic phases of mixed surfactant systems consisting of conjugated bile salts and fatty lipids were assessed using small-angle neutron scattering. The conjugated bile salts were either cholylglycine or chenodeoxycholylglycine. The fatty lipids were mixtures of oleate and oleic acid either alone or with monoolein. The scattering data suggested that both particle interactions and polydispersity must be modeled in these systems. Particle interactions were modeled using the reduced mean spherical approximation and the decoupling approximation. Maximum entropy was used to characterize the polydispersity. A self-consistent analysis of the scattering was arrived at by making an initial estimate of particle size and shape using derivative−log and Guinier analysis and refining the estimates by analyzing the particle interactions and polydispersity and iterating. The scattering at high total lipid concentrations was consistent with globular mixed micelles with repulsive elect...
Two-step purification and partial characterization of a variant of the Vibrio cholerae non-O1 hemolysin

A two-step purification method using ammonium sulfate precipitation and gel filtration was developed for the purification of a variant of the El Tor hemolysin/cytolysin from supernatant fluids of a Vibrio cholerae non-O1 human isolate (strain 2194c). The toxin displayed delayed elution from a Sephacryl gel filtration column, eluting at between two and three column volumes. The molecular mass and isoelectric point of the purified 2194c toxin were 60 kDa and 5.3, respectively. The N-terminal amino acid sequence was ASPAPANSETNTLPHVAFYI. Purified toxin was cytolytic for Chinese hamster ovary cells and erythrocytes from several animal species.
World-wide development of antibiotic resistance in pneumococci.

Antibiotic-resistant pneumococci, especially penicillin-resistant strains, are being increasingly isolated. Pneumococci with intermediate penicillin-resistance (MIC).1–1.0 μg/ml) have been reported from many parts of the world over the past two decades, and highly resistant strains (penicillin MICs⩾2 μg/ml) have also appeared. Infection may be acquired in the hospital or community, and nosocomial outbreaks may occur which require control measures to limit organism spread. Most infections occur in children with diminished host responses. Disease caused by pneumococci with intermediate penicillin-resistance may be treated with high doses of penicillin, but disease caused by highly resistant strains, especially meningitis, may require alternative therapy. Pneumococci resistant to sulfonamides, tetracyclines, erythromycin, lincomycin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides and rifampin have also appeared. Strains resistant to all the above-mentioned agents, including allβ-lactam antibiotics tested, have bee.n reported from South Africa and Spain. Alternative therapy for resistant strains may include vancomycin, cefotaxime, cefoperazone, ceftriaxone and imipenem. Pneumococci isolated from sites suggestive of infection, especially blood and cerebrospinal fluid, should be routinely tested for penicillin-susceptibility.
Fabrication of WC–Co cermets by laser engineered net shaping

Abstract The Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS ® ) technology is an extension of rapid prototyping technologies into the direct fabrication of metal parts. Bulk dense tungsten carbide–cobalt (WC–Co) cermets were produced without any molds using the LENS ® technology, starting from granules consisting of nanostructured WC crystallites in a Co matrix. Thermal behavior of the LENS ® process, shape change and coarsening of WC crystallites were investigated in this work to study the mechanisms of microstructural evolution of the cermets. Microstructures with alternating layers were observed, which is relevant to the thermal behavior of the LENS ® process. Variations in hardness result from the change in cooling rate along the specimen height.
RNA and protein biosynthesis in the fat body of dormant pupae and pharate adult Heliothis zea

Abstract 1. 1. Fat body RNA and protein synthesis were measured in vivo in Heliothis zea during pupal diapause and metamorphosis to determine the metabolic basis for termination of the “weak” diapause of this species in response to warming temperatures. 2. 2. RNA and protein synthesis declined during the first two weeks of diapause, but RNA synthesis increased during sustained diapause to a level only 36% below that of developing pharate adults. 3. 3. Protein synthesis responded more than RNA synthesis to diapause termination and increased by 5-fold before adult emergence. 4. 4. Maintenance of the RNA synthetic capacity during extended diapause suggests that translational processes are affected most by diapause termination.
Experimental observation of total-internal-reflection rainbows

A new class of rainbows is created when a droplet is illuminated from the inside by a point light source. The position of the rainbow depends on both the index of refraction of the droplet and the position of the light source, and the rainbow vanishes when the point source is too close to the center of the droplet. Here we experimentally measure the position of the transmission and one-internal-reflection total-internal-reflection rainbows, and the standard (primary) rainbow, as a function of light-source position.
Decreasing anastomotic and staple line leaks after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Anastomotic and staple line leaks (ASL) occur after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) with a reported incidence as high as 6%. Leaks are the second most common cause of post-LRYGB mortality after pulmonary embolism, and can be associated with significant morbidity. Prevention and early detection may limit both morbidity and mortality. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed on all LRYGBs performed in a community hospital by a single surgeon from August 2001 to December 2005. All operations were performed using a linear-stapled anastomosis with buttressing material, handsewn otomy closures, stay sutures, intraoperative leak testing, and fibrin sealant. 760 patients underwent LRYGB during the study period. Eighty-nine percent (n = 674) were female and 11% (n = 86) were male. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 50 kg/m2 (range 36–83 kg/m2). Mean age was 40 years (range 17–72 years). Two patients developed three gastric pouch staple line leaks (0.4%). There were no mortalities. Operative technique, including appropriate staple sizing, staple line reinforcement, handsewn otomy closures, placement of stay sutures, intraoperative leak testing, and placement of fibrin sealant contributed to a lower than expected incidence of ASL after LRYGB in this series.
Automated unnatural pattern recognition on control charts using correlation analysis techniques

Abstract Pattern recognition techniques are currently pursued to identify unnatural patterns on quality control charts. This approach has been shown to enhance the ability to utilize the information of the chart more effectively than conventional run rules. This paper presents analysis and development of a pattern recognition system for identifying unnatural patterns on quality control charts. The system is based on correlation analysis, where a set of optimal matched filters are generated. To illustrate the design methodology and operation of the system, a set of commonly encountered patterns is utilized, such as the trend, the systematic, and the cyclic patterns. A training algorithm that minimizes the probabilities of Type I and Type II errors i presented. To evaluate the system performance, a testing algorithm as well as a set of newly-defined performance measures are introduced. The obtained results, based on extensive simulation runs, have proved the effectiveness of correlation analysis for control chart pattern recognition. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
Comparative photocross‐linking analysis of the tertiary structures of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis RNase P RNAs

Bacterial ribonuclease P contains a catalytic RNA subunit that cleaves precursor sequences from the 5' ends of pre-tRNAs. The RNase P RNAs from Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli each contain several unique secondary structural elements not present in the other. To understand better how these phylogenetically variable elements affect the global architecture of the ribozyme, photoaffinity cross-linking studies were carried out. Photolysis of photoagents attached at homologous sites in the two RNAs results in nearly identical cross-linking patterns, consistent with the homology of the RNAs and indicating that these RNAs contain a common, core tertiary structure. Distance constraints were used to derive tertiary structure models using a molecular mechanics-based modeling protocol. The resulting superimposition of large sets of equivalent models provides a low resolution (5-10 A) structure for each RNA. Comparison of these structure models shows that the conserved core helices occupy similar positions in space. Variably present helical elements that may play a role in global structural stability are found at the periphery of the core structure. The P5.1 and P15.1 helical elements, unique to the B.subtilis RNase P RNA, and the P6/16/17 helices, unique to the E.coli RNA, occupy similar positions in the structure models and, therefore, may have analogous structural function.
A cytosolic protein binds to structural elements within the iron regulatory region of the transferrin receptor mRNA

Abstract The level of mRNA encoding the transferrin receptor (TfR) is regulated by iron, and this regulation is mediated by a portion of the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the TfR transcript. This portion of 3' UTR of the human TfR mRNA contains five RNA elements that have structural similarity to the iron-responsive element (IRE) found as a single copy in the 5' UTR of the mRNA for ferritin, whose translation is regulated by iron. Moreover, five very similar elements are also contained in the 3' UTR of the chicken TfR mRNA. Cytosolic extracts of human cell lines are shown by a gel shift assay involving RNase T1 protection to contain an IRE-binding protein capable of specific interaction with the human TfR 3' UTR. When the protecting protein is removed, the protected RNA can be digested with RNase T1 to yield oligoribonucleotide fragments characteristic of two of the IREs contained in the TfR 3' UTR. As judged by cross-competition experiments, the same IRE-binding protein interacts with the ferritin IRE. The apparent affinity of RNA sequence elements for the IRE-binding protein is shown to depend upon the sequence of the RNA. A comprehensive secondary structure for the regulatory region of the TfR mRNA is proposed based on the experimentally demonstrated presence of at least two IRE-like structural elements.
Accommodations Use for Statewide Standardized Assessments: Prevalence and Recommendations for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The Second Annual National Survey on Assessments and Accommodations for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing investigated the types of testing accommodations used on 2004-2005 statewide standardized assessments as well as recommendations for best practices. A total of 444 participants who served over 9,000 students as teachers, administrators, or other educational professionals responded to the survey. The most widely used accommodations were small-group testing, interpreting test directions, and extended time. With the exception of interpreting or reading test items aloud, accommodations were largely used for both reading and math assessments. Participants perceived all listed accommodations as both valid and easy to use. Participants recommended that student academic level, communication mode, and additional disabilities be taken into account when choosing accommodations for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
A brief cannabis-associated problems questionnaire with less potential for bias

Existing measures of problems associated with cannabis use may contain gender-biased items. The Cannabis-Associated Problems Questionnaire (CAPQ), a measure of occupational, social, and psychological problems related to cannabis use, contains items that men and women may endorse differentially. Gender discrepancies in CAPQ scores may indicate true differences in overall problem severity but could also signify the presence of biased items. Additionally, a short form could improve the measure's utility. Examination of responses from a large internet sample of current cannabis users revealed five items that functioned differentially for men and women, suggesting a potential for bias. Omitting these items resulted in a shorter scale with nearly identical psychometric properties. Correlations with cannabis use indices were comparable to those of the full scale, and the effect size for the difference between men's and women's responses did not change significantly. Thus, a short form of the CAPQ could benefit cannabis research.
A general division algorithm for residue number systems

A general algorithm for signed number division in residue number systems (RNSs) is presented. A parity checking technique is used to accomplish the sign and overflow detection in this algorithm. Compared with conventional methods of sign and overflow detection, the parity checking method is more efficient and practical. Sign magnitude arithmetic division is implemented using binary search. There is no restriction on the dividend and the divisor (except zero divisor), and no quotient estimation is necessary before the division is started. In hardware implementations, the storage of one table is required for parity checking, and all the other arithmetic operations are completed by calculations. Only simple operations are needed to accomplish this RNS division. >
Making College Happen: The College Experiences of First-Generation Latino Students.

This article documents the experiences of a group of first-generation Latino college students who enrolled in 4-year institutions immediately after high school graduation. Students form part of a research intervention program that focuses on disrupting social reproduction by increasing college access and persistence for underrepresented youth. In particular, this article explores the long-term effects of a college access/intervention program by examining how a group of first-generation Latino college students navigate the transition from high school to college, maintain a capacity to access academic and social support while in college, and sustain a college-going identity. The experiences of these first-generation Latino college students are situated within social/cultural capital theory, social reproduction theory, and critical theory. Analysis of a longitudinal database focuses on students’ proclivity to mobilize support around academic, financial, personal, and family issues while embedded within the c...
On the Image Sharpness in the Central Field of a System Presenting Third- and Fifth-Order Spherical Aberration*

It is customary in photographic lenses to leave some third-order spherical aberration to partially compensate the higher order terms. However, so far no satisfactory answer has been given to the question of the amount of third-order aberration which gives the best balance. The problem has been attacked with the assumption that all the higher order terms can be approximately included in the fifth-order term, a situation that in most practical cases holds with great accuracy. It has also been assumed that useful indications regarding the image sharpness resulting from a given correction can be arrived at by pure geometrical optics. The illumination in the image of a sharp edge has been calculated for a constant fifth-order aberration and for different values of the third-order aberration and of the distance of the image plane from the paraxial focus. The numerical integration needed has been carried out with the aid of an IBM computing machine. The best results are obtained for a condition approaching that of the smallest circle of confusion.
Modeling risk in the dynamic environment of maritime transportation

The Washington State Ferries are one of the largest ferry systems in the world. Accidents involving Washington State Ferries are rare events. However, low probability, high consequence events lead to difficulties in the risk assessment process. Due to the infrequent occurrence of such accidents, large accident databases are not available for a standard statistical analysis of the contribution of perceived risk factors to accident risk. In the WSF Risk Assessment, a modeling approach that combined system simulation, expert judgement and available data was used to estimate the contribution of risk factors to accident risk. Simulation is necessary to capture the dynamic environment of changing risk factors, such as traffic interactions, visibility or wind conditions, and to evaluate future scenario's that are designed to alter this dynamic behavior for the purposes of risk reduction or improved passenger service. This paper describes the simulation component of the model used in the Washington State Ferries Risk Assessment.
CT findings in intracranial neurosarcoid

Abstract The CT findings in two cases of neurosarcoid are presented. We feel CT features are specific enough to diagnose central nervous system involvement in patients who have sarcoid calcification, and peripheral leptomeningeal involvement is described for the first time.
Development of an Affordable Data Collection, Reporting, and Analysis System

Available professionally designed systems for recording, storing, retrieving, and analyzing patient data (such as treatments delivered, laboratory and pulmonary function test results, ventilator settings, and patient assessments) are prohibitively expensive to many hospitals and clinics. At Tufts-New England Medical Center we designed and implemented a computerized patient data management system that uses relatively inexpensive "personal digital assistants" and inexpensive, commonly-available software. Compared to the pen-and-paper flow sheet system we previously used, our computerized system saves time and money, is accurate and user-friendly, and allows data retrieval and analysis that can improve clinical practice and efficiency. We believe our experience could benefit other institutions.
Is Postpartum Depression a Disease of Modern Civilization

Access to calorie-dense foods, medicine, and other comforts has made modern humans healthier than our prehistoric ancestors in many respects. However, the epidemics of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease suggest that there are also drawbacks to modern living. Here, we address the question of whether the dramatic cultural changes that have occurred over the past century have inflated rates of postpartum depression, adding postpartum depression to the list of “diseases of modern civilization.” We review evidence from cross-cultural, epidemiological, and experimental studies documenting associations between postpartum depression and modern patterns of early weaning, diets deficient in essential fatty acids, low levels of physical activity, low levels of sun exposure, and isolation from kin support networks, all of which mark significant divergences from lifestyles believed to have been typical throughout human evolutionary history. This “mismatch hypothesis” of postpartum depression integrates research across diverse research areas and generates novel predictions.
Hardwired control system changes for NSTX DC power feeds

The National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) has been designed and installed in the existing facilities at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). Most of the hardware, plant facilities, auxiliary sub-systems, and power systems originally used for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) have been used with suitable modifications to reflect NSTX needs. The original TFTR Hardwired Control System (HCS) with electromechanical relays was used for NSTX DC Power loop control and protection during NSTX operations. As part of the NSTX Upgrade, the HCS is being changed to a PLC-based system with the same control logic. This paper gives a description of the changeover to the new PLC-based system.
The regulation of epidermal hyperplastic growth.

(1981). The Regulation of Epidermal Hyperplastic Growth. CRC Critical Reviews in Toxicology: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 151-200.
Self-tuning flat domain walls in 5D gravity and string theory

We present Poincare-invariant domain wall (''three-brane'') solutions to some five-dimensional effective theories which can arise naturally in string theory. In particular, we find theories where Poincare-invariant solutions exist for arbitrary values of the brane tension, for certain restricted forms of the bulk interactions. We describe examples in string theory where it would be natural for the quantum corrections to the tension of the brane (arising from quantum fluctuations of modes with support on the brane) to maintain the required form of the action. In such cases, the Poincare-invariant solutions persist in the presence of these quantum corrections to the brane tension, so that no 4D cosmological constant is generated by these modes. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Metabolic characteristics of primary inspiratory and expiratory muscles in the dog

These experiments examined the metabolic properties of the canine respiratory muscles. Because the costal diaphragm (COD), crural diaphragm (CRD), parasternal intercostals (PI), triangularis sterni (TS), and transversus abdominis (TA) are active during quite breathing in the dog, we hypothesized that these muscles would have different metabolic profiles (i.e., higher oxidative and antioxidant enzyme activities) compared with ventilatory muscles recruited only at increased ventilatory requirements [e.g., scalene (SC) and external oblique (EO)] and locomotor muscles [e.g., deltoid (DEL)]. To test this hypothesis, muscle samples were removed from six healthy adult dogs and analyzed to determine the activities of citrate synthase (CS), phosphofructokinase (PFK), 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HADH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The activities of these enzymes were interpreted as relative measures of metabolic capacities, and enzyme activity ratios were considered as representing relationships between different metabolic pathways. Analysis revealed that CS and HADH activities were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the PI, COD, CRD, and TS compared with those in all other muscles. Muscles with the lowest CS, HADH, and SOD activities (i.e., SC, TA, EO, DEL) generally had the highest PFK activities, Furthermore, the PFK/CS ratio was significantly lower in the PI, COD, CRD, and TS compared with that in all other muscles studied. These data support the notion that the canine PI, COD, CRD, and TS are metabolically different from other key ventilatory muscles.
Endoscopic Management of Urolithiasis in the Horseshoe Kidney

Objective To assess the endourologic outcomes of patients diagnosed with a horseshoe kidney (HK) and symptomatic urolithiasis. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients diagnosed with an HK who underwent endoscopic management from 2002 to present. Results We identified 45 patients with 64 stone-bearing moieties who underwent 56 procedures, of which 31 (69%) were male. Mean age was 49.4 years (23-78) and mean stone size was 1.6 cm (0.2-5.7). Of the 64 moieties, 37 (58%) underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), 25 (39%) underwent ureteroscopy (URS), and 2 (3%) underwent extracorporal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). More than one access was utilized in 2 (5.7%) moieties undergoing PCNL. Additional procedures were required in 10 (28.5%) PCNL patients, of which 7 were URS, 2 were secondary PCNL, and 1 sandwich therapy with SWL and PCNL. Stone-free rate by moiety was 81.1% for PCNL, 84% for URS, and 50% for SWL. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients in the PCNL group, including readmission for pain and complicated urinary tract infection. With a mean follow-up of 20.5 months (range 0-118 months), stone recurrence was noted in 7 (16%) patients with a total of 11 events. Calcium oxalate was the most common stone type and 20/24 (83%) of patients with metabolic evaluations were found to have at least one abnormality. Conclusion After careful consideration of the anatomy, individuals with HK and symptomatic urolithiasis can be managed safely by a variety of endoscopic approaches with excellent outcomes; however, secondary procedures and recurrence are common.
Invited Editorial on “Irregularities and power law distributions in the breathing pattern in preterm and term infants”

there has been a longstanding desire to develop an index that concisely describes the breath-to-breath irregularity of breathing. Such an index might be useful for distinguishing potentially pathological respiratory arrhythmias from “normal” variability in the breathing pattern or for describing