cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Eccentric Diaphyseal Plate and Screw Placement on the Risk of Peri-Implant Fracture.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the type and orientation of peripheral screw placement in an eccentrically positioned locking plate on the structural integrity of the plate-diaphyseal bone interface. We hypothesized that central placement of the screw at the end of the plate in this setting is more important than screw type (locking versus nonlocking) to limiting the risk of subsequent fracture. METHODS Twenty osteoporotic fourth-generation composite left humeri were divided into 4 groups and plated with stainless-steel 6-hole locking plates and 4.5-mm screws. Group 1 (control group) consisted of a centrally positioned plate with a centrally placed non-locking end screw at the sixth, most-proximal hole. Group 2 consisted of an eccentrically positioned plate with a non-locking proximal end screw placed through the center of the bone. Group 3 consisted of an eccentrically positioned plate with a locking proximal end screw placed perpendicular to the plate and eccentrically across the cortex. Group 4 consisted of an eccentrically positioned plate with a non-locking proximal end screw placed perpendicular to the plate and eccentrically across the cortex. Each group was tested with a single load to failure in torsion at a rate of 1°/second. RESULTS The control group (Group 1) failed at significantly higher peak torque values (51.62 ± 7.35 Nm) than Group 2 (38.98 ± 6.78 Nm; p = 0.006), Group 3 (34.75 ± 1.81 Nm; p < 0.001), and Group 4 (31.55 ± 1.23 Nm; p < 0.001). Failure energy absorbed in Group 1 (2,591.49 ± 819.63 Nm/degree) was significantly higher than Group 3 (1,430.51 ± 449.99 Nm/degree; p = 0.04) and Group 4 (952.49 ± 123.52 Nm/degree; p = 0.004), but not significantly higher than Group 2 (1,847.73 ± 827.35 Nm/degree; p = 0.27). CONCLUSIONS Eccentrically placed plating of humeral shaft fractures significantly increases the risk of peri-implant fracture compared with a centrally placed plate. Directing the proximal-end screw centrally in an eccentrically placed plate may help to mitigate this risk at the proximal end. CLINICAL RELEVANCE When possible, care should be taken to place the plate centrally on the bone to avoid increased risk of peri-implant fracture at the proximal plate-bone interface.
Brief Announcement: Fast and Scalable Group Mutual Exclusion.

The group mutual exclusion (GME) problem is a generalization of the classical mutual exclusion problem in which every critical section is associated with a type or session. Critical sections belonging to the same session can execute concurrently, whereas critical sections belonging to different sessions must be executed serially. The well-known read-write mutual exclusion problem is a special case of the group mutual exclusion problem. In a shared memory system, locks based on traditional mutual exclusion or its variants are commonly used to manage contention among processes. In concurrent algorithms based on fine-grained synchronization, a single lock is used to protect access to a small number of shared objects (e.g., a lock for every tree node) so as to minimize contention window. Evidently, a large number of shared objects in the system would translate into a large number of locks. Also, when fine-grained synchronization is used, most lock accesses are expected to be uncontended in practice. Most existing algorithms for the solving the GME problem have high space-complexity per lock. Further, all algorithms except for one have high step-complexity in the uncontented case. This makes them unsuitable for use in concurrent algorithms based on fine-grained synchronization. In this work, we present a novel GME algorithm for an asynchronous shared-memory system that has O(1) space-complexity per GME lock when the system contains a large number of GME locks as well as O(1) step-complexity when the system contains no conflicting requests.
Measurement of tissue factor activity in extracellular vesicles from human plasma samples

Tissue factor (TF) is the cellular receptor for plasma factor (F) VII/FVIIa and triggers blood coagulation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane vesicles that are released from activated cells and tumor cells. Different cell types, including activated monocytes and tumors cells release TF-positive EVs into the circulation. We developed an assay to measure levels of TF activity in EVs isolated from human plasma samples. We and others have used this assay to demonstrate increased levels of EV TF activity in a variety of diseases associated with thrombosis, including cancer. These studies suggest that EV TF can be used as a biomarker of thrombotic risk. The strength of this laboratory assay is that it is relatively sensitive and specific. However, the limitations of the assay are that it is labor intensive and the coefficient of variation is too high for it to be used as a clinical assay.
What Are Group Speech Acts

Abstract The paper provides a taxonomy of group speech acts whose main division is that between collective speech acts (singing Happy Birthday, agreeing to meet) and group proxy speech acts in which a group, such as a corporation, employs a proxy, such as a spokesperson, to convey its official position. The paper provides an analysis of group proxy speech acts using tools developed more generally for analyzing institutional agency, particularly the concepts of shared intention, proxy agent, status role, status function, convention and constitutive rule.
Autoimmune Epilepsy in Children: Unraveling the Mystery.

Abstract Although many neurologists are familiar with the clinical presentations of anti-N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor or limbic encephalitides, there remains much mystery surrounding autoimmune etiologies of subacute and chronic epilepsies. In addition, the subtleties and differences in presentation in the pediatric population limit diagnosis and challenge clinicians. In the absence of an acute encephalitic picture, it is likely that many clinicians do not test for autoimmune disorders due to the uncertainty surrounding the selection of appropriate candidates for testing and immunomodulation. Recent developments have expanded the definition of epilepsy related to autoimmune mechanisms. Based on current knowledge, autoimmune epilepsy can best be thought of as a subset of autoimmune encephalitis where seizures and epilepsy are the primary presenting factor. Autoimmune epilepsy has been increasingly recognized as a contributor to drug-resistant epilepsies; however, identification of affected individuals remains challenging, particularly in the pediatric population. Our understanding of autoimmune epilepsy continues to evolve as more individuals with epilepsy are tested for antibodies to neuronal proteins and as additional antibodies are being identified. This article provides an overview of the clinical features most commonly associated with positive antibody testing in epilepsy and the scales that are currently available to screen patients for antibody testing and response to immunotherapy. Literature-based recommendations are presented for the modification and validation of current scales to increase applicability to children.
Effects of acetaminophen on risk taking.

Acetaminophen, an analgesic and antipyretic available over-the-counter and used in over 600 medicines, is one of the most consumed drugs in the USA. Recent research has suggested that acetaminophen's effects extend to the blunting of negative as well as positive affect. Because affect is a determinant of risk perception and risk taking, we tested the hypothesis that acute acetaminophen consumption (1000 mg) could influence these important judgments and decisions. In three double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, healthy young adults completed a laboratory measure of risk taking (Balloon Analog Risk Task) and in Studies 1 and 2 completed self-report measures of risk perception. Across all studies (total n = 545), acetaminophen increased risk-taking behavior. On the more affectively stimulating risk perception measure used in Study 2, acetaminophen reduced self-reported perceived risk and this reduction statistically mediated increased risk-taking behavior. These results indicate that acetaminophen can increase risk taking, which may be due to reductions in risk perceptions, particularly those that are highly affect laden.
Geometric precision analysis for Additive Manufacturing processes: A comparative study

Abstract Additive Manufacturing (AM) has recently attracted increasing attention among manufacturing industries. This class of technologies is capable of creating parts with complex shapes and intricate structures. However, the poor geometric quality of the parts they produced is a major constraint in wide industrial adoption. Currently available analytical techniques based on classic measurement equipment could fail in analyzing the process parameters based on AM-created parts because of the layer-by-layer fabrication process. In this article, we introduce a novel three-dimensional point-cloud-based analytical toolset, volumetric data analysis (VDA), for AM-oriented metrological and experimental analysis. Each step of the VDA is discussed in detail. A high dimensional hypothesis testing procedure is proposed to compare the geometric precision of the part samples from two printing settings. New visualization tools for deviation diagnostics are presented to aid in interpreting and comparing the process outputs. The proposed methods are illustrated with a real experiment to compare the effects of different layer thicknesses in a filament deposition modeling printing process.
Intravenous Iron Induced Severe Hypophosphatemia

Introduction: Hypophosphatemia is a recently recognized adverse effect of certain intravenous iron formulations. It was previously thought to be asymptomatic and transient, however it can cause severe hypophosphatemia associated with renal phosphate wasting. We present a case of severe hypophosphatemia following intravenous ferric carboxymaltose administration. Clinical Case: A 40-year-old female with history of iron deficiency anemia, Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism and multinodular goiter status post thyroidectomy and obesity status post gastric sleeve presents to the hospital due to dizziness, generalized weakness, bone pain and severe myalgia right after 2nd dose of 750 mg of ferric carboxymaltose administration. She received 1st dose of 750 mg of ferric carboxymaltose a week ago prior to the presentation. She was found to have severe hypophosphatemia with a phosphorus level 1.0 mg/dl (2.4 - 4.8 mg/dl), hypocalcemia with calcium level at 8.7 mg/dl, normal PTH at 40 pg/ml and normal 25-OH Vitamin D level at 59.1 ng/ml. The fractional excretion of filtered phosphate (FEPO4) was 19.5%, supporting renal phosphate wasting. She was hospitalized for 5 days and received intravenous phosphate 45 mmol on hospitalization day 1, 15 mmol on day 2 and 30 mmol on day 3. She was discharged on K-phos Neutral 250 mg TID, Calcium carbonate/Vitamin D3 600 mg/500 IU 2 tablets TID and Calcitriol 0.5 mcg daily. While she was taking K-phos Neutral, Calcitriol and Calcium carbonate/Vitamin D3, her phosphorous level was down to 1.3 mg/dl, which was 4 weeks after 1st dose of ferric carboxymatose administration. She presented to the ED and received intravenous phosphate 15 mmol. She is currently taking K-phos Neutral 250 mg QID, Calcitriol 0.5 mcg daily and Calcium carbonate/Vitamin D3 600 mg/500 IU 2 tablets TID. Her phosphorous levels ranged at 2.5 - 3.0 mg/dl. Her bone pain and myalgia have gradually improved. Conclusion: Clinician should be aware of the side effect of hypophosphatemia following ferric carboxymaltose administration. Recent studies showed that incidence of hypophosphatemia associated with intravenous iron administration was significantly higher in ferric carboxymatose group compared with either iron isomaltoside group or ferumoxytol group. The impact of severe hypophosphatemia should be considered when choosing an intravenous iron medication.
The Hallmarks of Aging and Environmental Insults: Molecular Mechanisms

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This presentation, which is part of the symposium “Hallmarks of Environmental Insults”, will highlight the molecular mechanisms of aging impacted by environmental exposures. Spe...
Psychosocial Adaptation to Disability Within the Context of Positive Psychology: Philosophical Aspects and Historical Roots.

Purpose The purpose of this article is to review the conceptual and clinical similarities that exist between the principles of positive psychology and those underlying rehabilitation counseling and psychology, occupational rehabilitation, and those espoused by the field of psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability (CID). Methods Three themes were selected for review. These included the historical contributions of early scholars in the area of psychosocial adaptation to CID that later were indirectly infused into mainstream positive psychology; state and trait constructs that constitute much of the infrastructure of positive psychology and psychosocial adaptation to CID; and, finally, the philosophical congruencies between positive psychology and psychosocial adaptation to CID. Conclusion The existing literature indicates that there is a substantial philosophical and conceptual overlap between the fields of positive psychology and psychosocial adaptation to CID. Since theoreticians and researchers, from both fields, often use differing terminology and definitions to describe similar concepts, as well as seek similar research goals, it would behoove both fields to seek a closer partnership in order to establish a meaningful dialogue that focuses on human strengths and virtues in the lives of people with CID.
Chapter 5. Abuse of CNS Agents

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the various aspects of abuse of central nervous system (CNS) agents. Abuse of drugs, both licit and illicit has been a worldwide epidemic and has involved agents as diverse as opiates, amphetamine, barbiturates, and other hallucinogens. An injection of a narcotic antagonist into a nondependent subject will block the subjective opiate-like effects of a subsequent injection of heroin or other opiate. It is suggested that a long-acting antagonist could immunize an addict from the subjective effects of opiate abuse. The existing antagonists like naloxone, cyclazocine, and naltrexone have certain drawbacks that may limit their usefulness as blocking agents in treating heroin. Oxilorphan has been subjected to parenteral chronic toxicity and Phase I oral and parenteral testing. In a double-blind comparison of oxilorphan with cyclazocine, oxilorphan was found to have a hallucinogenic potential one-fourth that of cyclazocine. The addition of 1 mg of naloxone to 100 ml of paregoric 230 produces a product, which is indistinguishable from paregoric alone when taken orally as intended. The development of totally synthetic analgesics and antitussives is also elaborated in the chapter.
GRANULAR-CELL AMELOBLASTIC FIBROMA. REPORT OF TWO CASES.

Abstract Two cases of an unusual odontogenic tumor have been presented. Both lesions were considered to be ameloblastic fibromas with extensive granular-cell change in the mesodermal component. The patients were considerably older than the typical patient with ameloblastic fibroma. We suggest that the granular-cell alteration in the mesodermal component represents an aging or degenerative response in the lesion. These lesions possibly are related to the granular-cell congenital epulis. The granular-cell ameloblastic fibroma appears to be a quite benign lesion, and curettage is probably sufficient for cure.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device Time to Procurement in a Disadvantaged Population

Introduction. The management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients who cannot afford a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is challenging. In this study we compare time to CPAP procurement in three groups of patients diagnosed with OSA: uninsured subsidized by a humanitarian grant (Group 1), uninsured unsubsidized (Group 2), and those with Medicare or Medicaid (Group 3). We evaluate follow-up and adherence in Group 1. We hypothesize that additional factors, rather than just the ability to obtain CPAP, may uniquely affect follow-up and adherence in uninsured patients. Methods. 30 patients were in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. 12 patients were in Group 3. Time of CPAP procurement from OSA diagnosis to CPAP initiation was assessed in all groups. CPAP adherence data was collected for Group 1 patients at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. Results. There were no significant differences between groups in gender, age, body mass index, or apnea hypopnea index. The mean time to procurement in Group 1 was shorter compared to Group 2 but not significant. Compared to both Group 1 and Group 2, Group 3 patients had significantly shorter times to device procurement. Conclusion. Time to procurement of CPAP was significantly shorter in those with Medicaid/Medicare insurance compared to the uninsured.
Service Utilization and Minority Elderly

Research on minority elderly service use was examined and patterns of utilization of emergency services, hostpital stays, physicians visits, nursing home placements, and community-based services are described. Although ethnic elders have higher service needs based on medical problems and functional limitations, they have lower utilization rates of the services most important for geriatric populations. Structural and cultural barriers to service utilization are discussed. A framework for service providers is presented which can enable them to address the needs of minority elders for appropriate, accessible, and acceptable geriatric care.
Immune cell-derived C3a and C5a costimulate human T cell alloimmunity.

Emerging evidence indicates that complement provides costimulatory signals for murine T cells but whether complement impacts human T cells remains unclear. We observed production of complement activation products C3a and C5a during in vitro cultures of human T cells responding to allogeneic dendritic cells (DC). Both partners expressed the receptors for C3a (C3aR) and C5a (C5aR) and C3aR- and C5aR-antagonists inhibited T cell proliferation. Recombinant C3a/C5a promoted CD4+ T cell expansion, bypassed the inhibitory effects of CTLA4-Ig, and induced AKT phosphorylation, the latter biochemically linking C3aR/C5aR to known T cell signaling pathways. Lowering DC C3a/C5a production by siRNA knockdown of DC C3 reduced T cell alloresponses. Conversely downregulating DC expression of the complement regulatory protein decay–accelerating factor increased immune cell C3a/C5a and augmented T cell proliferation, identifying antigen presenting cells as the dominant complement source. Pharmacological C5aR blockade reduced graft versus host disease (GVHD) scores, prolonged survival, and inhibited T cell responses in NOD scid γcnull mouse recipients of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, verifying that the mechanisms apply in vivo. Together our findings unequivocally document that immune cell–derived complement impacts human T cell immunity and provide the foundation for future studies targeting C3aR/C5aR as treatments of GVHD and organ transplant rejection in humans.
Visualizing the Viral Burden: Phenotypic and Functional Alterations of T Cells and APCs during Persistent Infection

Persistent viral infections continue to present major public health problems. Failure to achieve virus control confronts the immune system with a chronic viral burden that may involve immune cells themselves and directly compromise the functionality of effector lymphocytes and APCs. In this study we use the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus system for persistent viral infection of its natural murine host and use analytical techniques for direct ex vivo visualization of virus-infected immune cells. We report that virtually all cells of the immune system can be infected, but the distribution of the viral burden is differentially allocated to lymphocyte and APC subsets of defined phenotypes. Importantly, the profile of immune cell infection found in the blood is broadly representative for the pattern of cellular infection in most organs and is independent of the presence of Abs or complement. By direct comparison of virus-infected and uninfected cell subsets, we demonstrate that lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-infected T cells show preferential activation, skewed cytokine profiles, and increased apoptosis. In contrast, increased activation of APCs is generalized and independent of the presence of viral Ag. Our data indicate that specific patterns of immune cell infection are associated with distinct forms of immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive alterations that may provide insights into autoimmune processes associated with infectious disease and offer clues for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoration of complete immunity.
Black and White School Violence

Abstract This study examines racial, social, and contextual-environmental factors to determine what effects they have in predicting the likelihood of student victimizations in urban, suburban, and rural schools. In doing so, it seeks to answer two basic questions-Is school violence more prevalent among African-American students in urban schools? And if so, which factors predict the likelihood of one being victimized in urban schools compared to suburban and rural schools? The results of this study indicate that race was not significant in predicting victimizations among students in either urban, suburban, or rural school districts. However, the probability of student victimizations increased for students who attended school in the Western regions of the U.S. where student diversity is greater. Also, students who attended schools where gangs, drugs, weapons, and security were present were more likely to be victimized than those who did not have these elements in their schools. Finally, the regression model...
Solving parity-N problems with feedforward neural networks

Several neural network architectures for computing parity problems are described. Feedforward networks with one hidden layer require N neurons in the hidden layer. If fully connected feedforward networks are considered, the number of neurons in the hidden layer is reduced to N/2. In the case of fully connected networks with neurons connected in cascade, the minimum number of hidden neurons is between log/sub 2/(N+1)-1 and log/sub 2/(N+1). This paper also describes hybrid neuron architectures with linear and threshold-like activation functions. These hybrid architectures require the least number of weights. The described architectures are suitable for hardware implementation since the majority of weights equal +1 and weight multiplication is not required. The simplest network structures are pipeline architectures where all neurons and their weights are identical. All presented architectures and equations were verified with MATLAB code for parity-N problems as large as N=100.
Thinking outside the girl box: teaming up with resilient youth in Appalachia

As a woman from rural Virginia and a feminism in school scholar, I was intrigued by this book's two main premises: that doing collaborative ethnography with marginalised adolescent girls from a gir...
Improved western U.S. background ozone estimates via constraining nonlocal and local source contributions using Aura TES and OMI observations

Western U.S. near-surface ozone (O3) concentrations are sensitive to transported background O3 from the eastern Pacific free troposphere, as well as U.S. anthropogenic and natural emissions. The current 75 ppbv U.S. O3 primary standard may be lowered soon, hence accurately estimating O3 source contributions, especially background O3 in this region has growing policy-relevant significance. In this study, we improve the modeled total and background O3, via repartitioning and redistributing the contributions from nonlocal and local anthropogenic/wildfires sources in a multi-scale satellite data assimilation system containing global Goddard Earth Observing System–Chemistry model (GEOS-Chem) and regional Sulfur Transport and dEposition Model (STEM). Focusing on NASA's ARCTAS (Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites) field campaign period in June–July 2008, we first demonstrate that the negative biases in GEOS-Chem free simulation in the eastern Pacific at 400–900 hPa are reduced via assimilating Aura-Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) O3 profiles. Using the TES-constrained boundary conditions, we then assimilated into STEM the tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) columns from Aura-Ozone Monitoring Instrument to indicate U.S. nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO2 + NO) emissions at 12 × 12 km2 grid scale. Improved model skills are indicated from cross validation against independent ARCTAS measurements. Leveraging Aura observations, we show anomalously high wildfire NOx emissions in this summer in Northern California and the Central Valley while lower anthropogenic emissions in multiple urban areas than those representing the year of 2005. We found strong spatial variability of the daily maximum 8 h average background O3 and its contribution to the modeled total O3, with the mean value of ~48 ppbv (~77% of the total).
The political economy of pervasive rent-seeking

This article provides an account of rent-seeking in relation both to economic policies and political practices in South Africa. The article draws attention to continuities and similarities in this ...
Foaming of nonionic surfactant solutions: Effect of surfactant concentration and temperature

Foaming of solutions of the nonionic surfactant, octoxynol 9, was investigated in the concentration range of 0.010 to 5.00% and in the temperature range of 7–37 C, well below the cloud point of 65 C, by measuring the height and stability of foams generated by pouring thin streams of surfactant solutions into a glass column. All foams were fast-thinning. Their height increased monotonically with surfactant concentration. The rate of change of foam height with log surfactant concentration underwent no change at the CMC of 0.018%, but was four times lower above 0.146% than below 0.146%. Foams at lower temperatures generally thinned somewhat more slowly and were stronger or more cohesive and more stable than foams generated at higher temperatures by surfactant solutions of comparable concentrations. Oxidative degradation reduced foam height somewhat. Octoxynol 9 and sodium lauryl sulfate, rated as a good foamer, produced foams of comparable volume and stability.
Disposition and exposure of the fibrinogen receptor antagonist XV459 on αIIBβ3 binding sites in the guinea pig

The disposition of XV459, a potent, selective GP IIb/IIIa antagonist, has been examined following intravenous administration of XP280, the benzenesulphonate salt, and 3H-SA202, the trifluroacetic acid salt, to male guinea pigs. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was developed and validated for XV459 quantitation in guinea pig plasma with an LLOQ of 0.1 ng/mL. Intravenous infusions (30 min) of XP280 at doses of 0.5 and 2.0 μg/kg were administered to guinea pigs which were sequentially sacrificed at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h postinitiation of infusion. Maximum total (unbound and GP IIb/IIIa displaced) XV459 plasma concentration of approximately 3.5 ng/mL was obtained at the 2.0 μg/kg dose. Pooling individual concentration–time data yielded a systemic clearance of 1.42 mL/min/kg, Vss of 0.24 L/kg, and a terminal half-life of 2.8 h in the guinea pig at the 0.5 μg/kg dose. The 2.0 μg/kg dose yielded XV459 exposure that was less than proportional to the previous dose. Similar behaviour has been observed in human trials. Cumulative (up to 72 h) urinary and faecal recovery of total radioactivity was 66.4 and 11.2%, respectively. The time course of spleen, marrow and whole blood radioactivity profiles was similar, suggesting that XV459 was not preferentially sequestered on non-plasma GP IIb/IIIa binding sites. Tissue to blood ratios of 20.7 and 8.3 for the spleen and bone marrow, respectively, indicate that increased (relative to blood) exposure was evident for sites containing the GP IIb/IIIa receptor. In vitro studies confirmed the similarity of XV459 binding to both resting and activated platelets in the guinea pig and humans. Given the comparability of dissociation rate constants and IC50s based on in vitro platelet aggregation, human dosimetry estimates should assume similar partitioning of radiolabelled XV459 as in the guinea pig. These results suggest that the guinea pig may indeed be an appropriate animal model for pharmacokinetic and distribution studies with DMP754; in conjunction with recent pharmacological findings with GP IIb/IIIa antagonists, our results suggest that the guinea pig may be the rodent species of choice for preclinical studies with some other GP IIb/IIIa antagonists. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two Dimensional Femtosecond Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy

A new methodology for two-dimensional Raman spectroscopy_termed two-dimensional femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (2D-FSRS)_ is presented and experimental results for acetonitrile and chloroform are discussed.
On-chip isotachophoresis for separation of ions and purification of nucleic acids.

Electrokinetic techniques are a staple of microscale applications because of their unique ability to perform a variety of fluidic and electrophoretic processes in simple, compact systems with no moving parts. Isotachophoresis (ITP) is a simple and very robust electrokinetic technique that can achieve million-fold preconcentration1,2 and efficient separation and extraction based on ionic mobility.3 For example, we have demonstrated the application of ITP to separation and sensitive detection of unlabeled ionic molecules (e.g. toxins, DNA, rRNA, miRNA) with little or no sample preparation4-8 and to extraction and purification of nucleic acids from complex matrices including cell culture, urine, and blood.9-12 ITP achieves focusing and separation using an applied electric field and two buffers within a fluidic channel system. For anionic analytes, the leading electrolyte (LE) buffer is chosen such that its anions have higher effective electrophoretic mobility than the anions of the trailing electrolyte (TE) buffer (Effective mobility describes the observable drift velocity of an ion and takes into account the ionization state of the ion, as described in detail by Persat et al.13). After establishing an interface between the TE and LE, an electric field is applied such that LE ions move away from the region occupied by TE ions. Sample ions of intermediate effective mobility race ahead of TE ions but cannot overtake LE ions, and so they focus at the LE-TE interface (hereafter called the "ITP interface"). Further, the TE and LE form regions of respectively low and high conductivity, which establish a steep electric field gradient at the ITP interface. This field gradient preconcentrates sample species as they focus. Proper choice of TE and LE results in focusing and purification of target species from other non-focused species and, eventually, separation and segregation of sample species. We here review the physical principles underlying ITP and discuss two standard modes of operation: "peak" and "plateau" modes. In peak mode, relatively dilute sample ions focus together within overlapping narrow peaks at the ITP interface. In plateau mode, more abundant sample ions reach a steady-state concentration and segregate into adjoining plateau-like zones ordered by their effective mobility. Peak and plateau modes arise out of the same underlying physics, but represent distinct regimes differentiated by the initial analyte concentration and/or the amount of time allotted for sample accumulation. We first describe in detail a model peak mode experiment and then demonstrate a peak mode assay for the extraction of nucleic acids from E. coli cell culture. We conclude by presenting a plateau mode assay, where we use a non-focusing tracer (NFT) species to visualize the separation and perform quantitation of amino acids.
An XPS study of passive film formation on iron in chromate solutions

Abstract X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used to monitor the surface composition of iron passivated in aqueous chromate solutions varying in concentration from 10 −4 to 10 −1 mol/l. For iron in 10 −4 M chromate, passive film formation is complete after 20 min immersion, reaching a plateau value of 15 at. % Cr in the film, which remains constant up to the longest immersion time of 2 h. For up to 20 min immersion, the uptake of Cr is rapid and follows a logarithmic rate law. Chromium is present in the passive film as Cr 3+ , iron as Fe 3+ , and oxygen both in metal-oxygen and metal-hydroxyl bonds. The outermost surface of the passive film is hydroxylated and the hydroxyl species is contained in the first 30–60 A of the film, although at a lower concentration than at the surface. The outermost 15 A of the passive film is enriched in Cr 3+ , with Fe 3+ being prevalent in the inner portion of the film.
Effect of glucose–insulin–potassium infusion on mortality in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fifty years' worth of published evidence has inferred benefits of glucose–insulin–potassium (GIK) infusion to critically ill patients. We sought to measure the treatment effect of GIK infusion on mortality in critically ill patients.
A novel optical technique to characterize fiberization of textured vegetable proteins under high-moisture extrusion

ABSTRACT There have been great interests in using twin-screw extruders under high moisture conditions to produce textured vegetable proteins. Unlike the low moisture extrusion counterpart, a product extruded under high moisture can have well-defined fiber orientation and bears a strong resemblance to muscle meat. The textural properties of such extruded products are important for consumer acceptance. In this study, we developed a novel fluorescence polarization based technique that measures the fiber formation of extruded protein products. The experimental results using our new technique showed good agreements with results obtained from visual inspection and digital imaging of the dissected samples. The new technique provides an in vivo and noninvasive approach to characterize the fiber formation of textured vegetable proteins under high moisture extrusion. It has a potential to be used as a real time monitoring tool in food extrusion studies. Keywords : protein extrusion, fiber formation, fluorescence, polarization
High-throughput single molecule screening of DNA and proteins.

We report a novel imaging technology for real time comprehensive analysis of molecular alterations in cells and tissues appropriate for automation and adaptation to high-throughput applications. With these techniques it should eventually be possible to perform simultaneous analysis of the entire contents of individual biological cells with a sensitivity and selectivity sufficient to determine the presence or absence of a single copy of a targeted analyte (e.g., DNA region, RNA region, protein), and to do so at a relatively low cost. The technology is suitable for DNA and RNA through sizing or through fluorescent hybridization probes, and for proteins and small molecules through fluorescence immunoassays. This combination of the lowest possible detection limit and the broadest applicability to biomolecules represents the final frontier in bioanalysis. The general scheme is based on novel concepts for single molecule detection (SMD) and characterization recently demonstrated in our laboratory. Since minimal manipulation is involved, it should be possible to screen large numbers of cells in a short time to facilitate practical applications. This opens up the possibility of finding single copies of DNA or proteins within single biological cells for disease markers without performing polymerase chain reaction or other biological amplification.
New technique for producing thin boron films

Abstract A review will be presented of methods for producing thin boron films in high-vacuum processes applying electron bombardment and resistive heating to evaporate the boron. Previous papers have noted the problem of sputtering of the boron source during the evaporation. A method for reducing sputter-coating will be described.
Stable FFT-JVIE solvers for fast analysis of highly inhomogeneous dielectric objects

Abstract A stable volume integral equation formulation based on equivalent volumetric currents is presented for modeling electromagnetic scattering of highly inhomogeneous dielectric objects. The proposed formulation is numerically solved by means of Galerkin method of moments on uniform grids, allowing for acceleration of the matrix–vector products associated with the iterative solver with the help of FFT. In addition, the pertinent volume–volume Galerkin inner products are reduced to purely surface–surface integrals with smoother kernels, allowing for highly accurate and fast computation by readily available sophisticated cubatures. Numerical results demonstrate the convergence properties of the algorithm for scatterers with high dielectric contrast. In addition, we describe a road-map for Magnetic Resonance-specific volume integral equations fast solvers based on the proposed algorithm.
Exercise ventilatory response to upright and aero-posture cycling

The aero-cycling posture has become increasingly popular among cyclists. Because of the potential for altered lung mechanics in the aero-cycling posture, the ventilatory and gas exchange profiles of 10 moderately trained males (31.1 +/- 6.3 yr, mean +/- SD) exercising on a cycle ergometer in the upright posture (UC) and aero-cycling (AC) posture were studied. Exercise consisted of 3-min work stages with 50-W incremental changes until volitional exhaustion. Ventilatory and gas exchange responses to exercise were averaged each minute. Maximal oxygen consumption (54.3 +/- 6.3 vs 53.4 +/- 6.9 ml.kg-1.min-1) in the UC and AC were not significantly different. Maximal values for ventilation (132.5 +/- 32.3 vs 128.0 +/- 28.7 l.min-1), tidal volume (2.7 +/- 0.5 vs 2.6 +/- 0.3 1.br-1), breathing frequency (50.0 +/- 8.0 vs 47.0 +/- 5.0 br.min-1), and submaximal ventilatory and heart rate responses in the UC were not significantly different compared with the AC. No significant difference existed between postures for mean inspiratory flow and inspiratory duty cycle at comparable submaximal power outputs. These results indicate that at absolute power outputs, ventilatory responses, as determined by respiratory pattern and timing, and metabolic cost, were similar in the UC and AC. Thus, the AC does not impair physiologic responses to high intensity exercise.
Organic matter and soil biota of upland wetlands in Taylor Valley, Antarctica

In January 2001, we surveyed streams and ponds above 300 m a.s.l. in Taylor Valley, South Victoria Land, Antarctica. One pond was examined in detail. Organic materials covered nearly 100% of the adjacent soil to 5–20 m from the shore, with intermittent patches to 80 m. Organic matter averaged 257 g C/m2, and totaled 1,388 kg organic C on the soil around the pond. Soil-moisture content (0.56–12.41%) decreased with distance from shore, whereas pH (7.8–10.8) increased with distance. Electrical conductivity was lowest in the soils <10 m from the pond (416±94 µS/cm). Mineral soil organic C and total N concentrations were greatest between 10 and 30 m from the edge of the pond (1.21±0.37 and 0.13±0.05 mg/g soil, respectively). Soil invertebrates were present in only 50% of samples and included tardigrades, rotifers, and two nematodes, Scottnema lindsayae and Plectus antarcticus. A non-parametric, discriminant function analysis based on soil moisture, soil organic carbon, and electrical conductivity correctly predicted 87.0% of sites that had invertebrates and 70.8% of sites for which invertebrates were absent. Tardigrades, rotifers, and P. antarcticus were found only in the wettest soils nearest the pond whereas S. lindsayae was restricted to drier soils further from shore. Other ponds and streams also showed substantial accumulations of organic matter, suggesting that upland wetlands serve as resource islands in these polar deserts that provide a source of organic matter to nearby soils.
Voluntary wheel running decreases adipose tissue mass and expression of leptin mRNA in Osborne-Mendel rats.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of voluntary wheel running on the expression of leptin mRNA in rats that are either sensitive (OM) or resistant (S5B/P1) to diet-induced obesity. Male OM and S5B/P1 rats had ad libitum access to standard rodent diet and water. At 3–5 weeks of age, animals of both strains were randomly assigned to either an exercise or sedentary control group. The exercise groups had 24-h access to a running wheel, and they trained for 7 weeks. During weeks 1–4, animals in both OM and S5B/P1 exercise groups progressively increased their running. During weeks 5–7, S5B/P1 exercisers tended to run more than did OM (∼60 vs. 45 km/week), but by the end of the study both groups had an equally greater heart weight (mg/g body weight) and planteris citrate synthase activity than their sedentary controls. Oral glucose tolerance tests performed during the last week of training revealed that compared with their appropriate controls, insulin sensitivity was enhanced ( P < 0.05) in OM but not in the S5B/P1 wheel-running groups. Inguinal, epididymal, and retroperitoneal fat pads weighed less in the running than in the nonrunning groups of both strains ( P < 0.01). Additionally, exercised animals had an increased percentage of smaller cells (40–60 µm; P < 0.05) and a decreased percentage of larger cells (120–160 µm; P < 0.05) in the epididymal fat depot. Epididymal leptin mRNA measured by Northern blot analysis was reduced in the exercise-trained rats of both strains ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, serum leptin was reduced in exercise-trained compared with the control animals of both strains. In comparison to S5B/P1, control OM animals exhibited both a higher expression and higher circulating levels of leptin ( P < 0.05). While serum leptin levels were decreased and food intake was increased in the exercise-trained animals of both strains ( P < 0.05), the exact relationship between exercise, leptin, and food intake in this rat model of dietary obesity remains to be determined. Nonetheless, these results suggest that the expression and secretion of leptin can be influenced by exercise training and that these changes (i.e., reduced expression and secretion of protein) can occur independently of changes in whole-body insulin sensitivity and susceptibility to diet-induced obesity.
On their shoulders, we proudly stand

Dermatology is not a giant among the specialties, but by standing on the shoulders of the basic science giants it has achieved remarkable advances. The resurfacing and rejuvenation of sundamaged facial skin is now routinely secured by use of an ingenious tool: the ultrapulsed carbon dioxide laser. Its uniquely superficial vaporisation removes just the epidermis, thus clearing away freckles, lentigines, First came the laser to peel the tomato surface naevi, and wrinkles. The H J Heinz Company developed this tool 15 years ago for skinning tomatoes, but it did not prove cost effective. Today, it is the laser of youth. Bioengineers can now nqanufacture a pure cultured skin for grafting bums and ulcers with both epidermis and dermis (Lancet 1996; 348: 466). Being free of immunogenic components, it does not trigger the feared rejection of ordinary skin grafts. The pharmaceutical industry is currently converting the practice of dermatology from topical to systemic therapy, and new drugs are bringing insights into many skin diseases. The erythromycin derivatives azithromycin and clarithromycin control bacteria hitherto beyond our reach. Antibiotic therapy for previously undetected organisms is helping in scleroderma, scleroedema (Brit J Dermatol 1996; 134: 593), erythema annulare centrifugum (Lancet 1996; 347: 897), and confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (,7 Am Acad Dermatol 1996; 346: 253). In psoriasis, streptococci have just been demonstrated in the lesions of some patients, who may respond dramatically to antibiotics. In atopic dermatitis, elimination of the staphylococcal superantigen with antibiotics has been remarkably helpful. In rosacea and chronic urticaria, eradication of Helicobacter pylori from the stomach cures some cases (JAm Acad Derrnatol 1996; 34: 253). Certain exanthems have now been shown to be due to Arcanobaaerium haemolyticum infections of the throat, which are responsive to antistreptococcal treatment. However, many pathogenic bacteria remain unidentifiable, casting antigens and emboli from occult foci of infection, such as dental, otolaryngological, and urological infections, to incite a variety of cutaneous reaction patterns. In this golden age of antibiotics, trials with the new broad-spectrum agents often bring about remarkable resolution of skin lesions. Equally impressive are the new antiviral agents. Acyclovir has spawned valacyclovir, famciclovir, and ganciclovir, proven effective for treating herpes simplex,
Stepwise reductions in US density and intensity: Maintenance and extinction of conditioned suppression

Information was sought on how the strength of fear, acquired and extinguished in a classical conditioning paradigm, might be affected by certain of the circumstances that normally are associated with the course of avoidance learning. Following preconditioning exposures to the conditioned stimulus, one group of rats (Group PRF) was given continuous conditioned stimulus-unconditioned stimulus (CS-US) acquisition trials followed by stepwise reductions in US probability (given the CS) over three phases to about 11% for the final phase. Another group, Group US(lo), was given continuous CS-US pairings throughout, but, following acquisition, received stepwise reductions in US intensity (to permit evaluation of a progressively changing feature of the US over a wide range without having to employ excessive shock) over the same phases. A third group, Group US(hi), received unchanging (from acquisition) CS-US pairings over these phases, and an explicitly unpaired control group (Group RU) was included. Although outcomes differed somewhat depending upon whether suppression ratios or absolute measures of responding were considered, the major findings were that suppression to the CS was complete by the end of acquisition and persisted thereafter throughout the three phases for all but control subjects. In contrast to Group US(lo), which showed relatively little resistance to extinction of suppression to subsequent CS-only exposures, Groups US(hi) and PRF displayed marked resistance over two separate, extended sets of extinction sessions. Suppression to context cues was pronounced only for Groups US(hi) and RU, and varied as a function of US parameters and not whether the shocks were or were not signaled. Theoretical reconciliation of these findings was most difficult for Groun PRF.
A correlation-based signal detection algorithm in passive radar with DVB-T2 emitter

This paper considers target detection in passive radar that employs a digital video broadcasting-terrestrial version 2 (DVB-T2) emitter as an illuminator of opportunity. The target detection problem is equivalent to identifying the presence/absence of the DVB-T2 signal in the returns. A correlation-based detection strategy is proposed by exploiting a unique C-A-B structure of the P1 symbol that is ubiquitous in all DVB-T2 transmissions. The P1 symbol, originally introduced for a DVB-T2 receiver to obtain synchronization, is exploited for target detection. The performance of the proposed detector is evaluated by Monte Carlo simulations. Our results show that the proposed detector can reliably detect the target without full knowledge of the DVB-T2 signal waveform (except for the C-A-B structure).