cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Decentralized Connectivity Strategy for Mobile Router Swarms

Abstract In this paper we create a mesh of mobile robots that move in a decentralized fashion (swarming) in a two-dimensional space while maintaining communication constraints. The motion of the agents is dictated by four factors: i) a spring-mass interaction between agents; ii) a repulsive force from the obstacles; iii) an attractive force from the base station; and iv) an attractive field to regions with high probability to find users. Dijkstra's algorithm is implemented for optimal routing and a Bit Error Rate minimization is performed for communication optimization. The network is seen as a switched system in which virtual springs interactions create and delete the sensing links between agents. Stability analysis in the sense of Lyapunov is presented. Simulation results validate the applicability of the proposed method.
Analysis of the relative phases of contributions to the primitive semiclassical S matrix

The relative phases of contributions to the primitive semiclassical S matrix arising from different trajectories obeying the appropriate stationary phase conditions are considered for systems with a single internal degree of freedom, such as the case of collinear atom-diatom scattering. It is found that the relative phases are determined by the behaviour of final action and angle functions associated with the internal degree of freedom at points where the action function has an extremum, treating these variables as functions of the initial angle. The time evolution of the action and angle functions throughout the collision process is analysed using classical mechanics. Although the angle function can change discontinuously at specific points, it is demonstrated that the primitive semiclassical S matrix varies continuously at these points. It is also shown that certain types of changes in the action and angle functions which would result in a poorly defined S matrix are precluded by the classical mechanics.
Interest in breast cancer chemoprevention among older women

The study aim is to describe interest in breast cancer chemoprevention among older women without a history of breast cancer and to determine whether aging-related factors such as diminished life expectancy, increasing comorbidity and medication burden attenuate chemoprevention interest. Cross-sectional survey. University of Pennsylvania Health System. Four-hundred fifty-seven community-dwelling women aged 60–65 years old who were potentially eligible for breast cancer chemoprevention according to guidelines linking risk and eligibility to age. Interest in breast cancer chemoprevention, Gail model breast cancer risk, perceived breast cancer risk, breast cancer worry, self-reported health status and comorbidities, and self-reported perceived life expectancy. Of 457 participants, 11.2% reported being interested in taking chemoprevention, 40.9% reported no interest, and 47.9% reported being unsure about their interest in chemoprevention. Overall, interest in chemoprevention was not associated with individual Gail model breast cancer risk. In adjusted analysis, lack of interest among high-risk women was associated with low breast cancer worry and low perceived risk. Conversely, interest in chemoprevention among low risk women was associated with greater breast cancer worry. Age-related factors hypothesized to affect chemoprevention interest, including subjective life expectancy, increased comorbidity, and number of daily medications did not attenuate chemoprevention interest. Breast cancer worry and perceived breast cancer risk contribute to the lack of correlation between interest in breast cancer chemoprevention and objective breast cancer risk. Perceived life expectancy, increased comorbidity, and medication burden do not attenuate chemoprevention interest among older women.
A Rat Model of Chronic Pressure-induced Optic Nerve Damage

To develop unilateral, chronically elevated intraocular pressure in rats, episcleral veins were injected with hypertonic saline and the intraocular pressure was monitored with a Tono-Pen XL tonometer. Histologic analyses of eyes with differing degrees and durations of intraocular pressure elevation were performed to ascertain the effects of these pressures on the optic nerve. Out of 20 consecutive animals, nine had elevations of intraocular pressure following a single injection, while subsequent injections raised intraocular pressure in seven others. One eye became hypotonous. In the remaining animals, subsequent injections sufficient to raise intraocular pressure were deliberately withheld, to determine the possible direct effects of injections on the optic nerve. Mean sustained pressure elevations ranged from 7 to 28 mm Hg and the retinal vasculature remained perfused in all eyes. Optic nerve cross sections from eyes without intraocular pressure elevation appeared identical to those from uninjected eyes, while nerves from eyes with the greatest intraocular pressure rise demonstrated axonal damage that involved 100% of the neural area. Eyes with either less severe pressure elevations or shorter durations showed partial damage, ranging from 0.5% to 10.4% of the neurla area. In 70% of these nerves, damage was concentrated in the superior temporal region. Within the optic nerve head, often associated with astrocytes, axons contained abnormal accumulations of membrane-bound vesicles and mitochondria. The anterior chamber angles showed sclerosis of the trabecular meshwork with anterior synechiae, but Schlemm's canal, collector channels and aqueous veins appeared patent. Unilateral sclerosis of the trabecular meshwork produces sustained elevation of intraocular pressure in rats with optic nerve damage that in many ways resembles that seen in human glaucoma. Understanding the mechanism of nerve damage in this model may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of human glaucoma.
Stability and predictability of orthognathic surgery

In assessing post-treatment stability in a group of treated patients, most of the change usually occurs in just a few of them. For this reason, it is highly misleading to use statistics based on normal distribution to describe posttreatment changes. With a normal distribution, the mean is the most likely indicator of what a patient would experience, and the clinician tends to think of it in just that way. But if essentially no change occurred in three fourths of the patients who underwent a certain type of treatment, and relatively large changes occurred in the one fourth who experienced change, the mean is highly misleading as an expectation of treatment response. It is even more misleading to describe stability in terms of the percentage of treatment change that was retained at some follow-up time, as was done in many early articles on stability after orthognathic surgery. Reporting such percentages implies that the amount of relapse is directly related to the amount of treatment change: the more you changed it, the more it would relapse. In dentofacial patients, that almost never is the case. You simply cannot say that 80% of the amount of typical mandibular advancement will be retained, for instance, because, up to 8–10 mm, posttreatment change (in the few patients who experience it) is relatively independent of the amount of advancement. So how should stability data be reported? The best way is in terms of the percentage of the patients who have changes of a given magnitude. From that perspective, responses can be grouped as: Highly stable—less than a 10% chance of significant posttreatment change Stable—less than a 20% chance of significant post-treatment change and almost no chance of major posttreatment change Stable if modified in a specific way (eg, rigid internal fixation [RIF] after surgery) Problematic: a considerable probability of major posttreatment change In the real world, nothing is 100% successful, and high-risk procedures sometimes are quite successful. The clinician needs to know the odds of long-term stability and predictability with the possible treatment approaches, so that this information can guide the choice of treatment. The goal of this article is to put what we know in that context.
Corticosterone levels of tufted puffins vary with breeding stage, body condition index, and reproductive performance

Corticosterone (CORT) levels in free-living animals are seasonally modulated and vary with environmental conditions. Although most studies measure total CORT concentrations, levels of corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) may also be modulated, thus altering the concentration of CORT available for diffusion into tissues (free CORT). We investigated the seasonal dynamics of CBG, total CORT, and free CORT in breeding tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) during 2 years characterized by high rates of nestling growth and survival. We then compared concentrations of total CORT in this population to levels in chick-rearing puffins at another colony during 2 years with low productivity. At the high productivity colony, levels of CBG, total baseline CORT, free baseline CORT, and total maximum CORT were all higher prior to egg-laying than during late incubation and late chick-rearing. Levels of CBG were positively correlated with body condition index (BCI) and free baseline CORT was negatively correlated with BCI. Total baseline levels of CORT during chick-rearing were two to four times higher at the colony with low rates of nestling growth and survival. Our results demonstrate the need for long-term datasets to disentangle seasonal trends in CORT levels from trends driven by changes in environmental conditions. Given the negative effects associated with chronic elevation of CORT, our results indicate the cost of reproduction may be higher during years characterized by low productivity.
Alteration of muscle and red cell sodium and potassium in 20,25-diazacholesterol-induced myotonia.

Myotonia was induced in rats by a single oral dose of 20,25-diazacholesterol. Myotonia as determined by electromyography developed in 12 days, and was maintained for 20 days. Accompanying the myotonia there was a significant decrease in intracellular sodium that, when compared with controls, was most marked in white glycolytic muscles such as white vastus lateralis [24.6 (se ± 4.3) percentage of decrease (P < 0.005)], and the paraspinal muscles [18.0 (se ± 4.4) percentage of decrease (P < 0.01)], and least in red oxidative muscles such as soleus (3.8 (se ± 4.4) percentage of decrease, not significant). No change in intracellular potassium was observed. The changes in muscles are probably the result of a decreased membrane permeability for sodium. No alteration in serum, or red cell sodium, potassium, or chloride was observed, and (Na+ + K+)ATPase of the red cells remained constant.
Evaluating the child with acute hip pain ("irritable hip") in a Lyme endemic region.

Objectives To estimate the prevalence of Lyme infection among children presenting with acute, nontraumatic hip pain in a Lyme endemic region and to investigate predictors of Lyme disease among children with suspected transient synovitis. Study design Retrospective cross-sectional study of children with unilateral hip pain who were brought to an academic pediatric emergency department. Cases were identified by specific discharge diagnoses or radiologic imaging. Lyme infection was determined by serologic criteria, and a minimum prevalence was estimated for the entire study population; maximum estimate was determined for those who had Lyme testing. Multivariate regression was used to identify discriminating clinical findings for Lyme disease among those with nonseptic arthritis. Results Three hundred eighty-five children with a median age of 5.4 years were studied; 15% of children had fever ≥38.0°C and 40% had pain for less than 24 hours at evaluation. Lyme infection was identified in 5.2% (95% CI 3.2%-7.9%). A maximum estimate of Lyme disease was calculated to be 8.0% (95% CI 4.9%-12.0%). Regression analysis did not identify any practical clinical predictors of Lyme infection. Conclusions Lyme infection occurred in approximately 5% of children with acute, nontraumatic hip pain who were evaluated in a pediatric emergency department in a Lyme endemic region. Based on this estimate, we do not recommend routine Lyme testing when transient synovitis is suspected; however, Lyme testing should be considered in children having laboratory studies obtained for alternative diagnoses such as septic/pyogenic arthritis and for those with an atypical clinical course for transient synovitis.
Novel inverse algorithm for borehole induction measurements using a spectral hybrid EBA forward method

We invert for the axisymmetric conductivity distribution from borehole electromagnetic induction measurements using a two-step linear inversion method based on a fast Fourier and Hankel transform enhanced extended Born approximation. In this method, the inverse problem is first cast as an under- determined linear least-norm problem for the induced electric current density; from the solution of this induced current density, the unknown conductivity distribution is then obtained by solving an over-determined linear problem using the newly developed, fast Fourier and Hankel transform enhanced extended Born approximation. Numerical results show that this inverse method is applicable to a very high conductivity contrast. It is a natural extension of the original two-step linear inversion method of Torres-Verdin and Habashy to axisymmetric media. In the first step, the CPU time costs O(N2). In the second step, the CPU time costs O(N log2 N) where N is the number of unknowns. Because of the fast Fourier and Hankel transform algorithm, this inverse method is actually more efficient than the conventional, brute-force first-order Born approximation.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
INSULIN-INSENSITIVITY: ITS POSSIBLE RELATION TO THE PITUITARY GLAND1

The present knowledge of the glands of internal secretion suggests that there are extra-pancreatic endocrine factors which may influence carbohydrate tolerance and sensitivity to insulin. Sweeney (1) and others have shown the effect of varying amounts of carbohydrate, protein and fat on the glucose tolerance of normal individuals. It has been accepted generally that a highcarbohydrate, low-fat diet increases carbohydrate tolerance, whereas a diet low in carbohydrate and high in fat may so diminish carbohydrate tolerance as to produce a diabetic type of glucose tolerance curve in an otherwise normal individual. Recently, Himsworth (2, 3) reported that in normals the carbohydrate intake alone will determine both the glucose tolerance and the sensitivity to insulin. It follows that, the greater the response of the organism to insulin, the better will be the glucose tolerance. Improvement in carbohydrate tolerance in patients with diabetes mellitus has been observed following the use of the high carbohydrate ...
Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines is Associated with Lower Allostatic Load and Inflammation in Mexican Americans

Examine the relationship between physical activity (PA) and allostatic load in Mexican-Americans as well as variations by gender. Self-reported PA as well as cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory markers were assessed in 330 Mexican-American adults in the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (Brownsville, TX, USA). Dependent variables included total allostatic load, blood pressure, metabolic, and inflammatory scores. PA participation was categorized as sedentary, low, moderate, high, and by whether activity was sufficient to meet public health guidelines. Logistic regression analyses were conducted using cross-sectional data, and tested interaction effects of gender and PA. High active participants had lower allostatic load and inflammatory risk than sedentary participants. These relationships held for meeting versus not meeting guidelines. Males meeting guidelines were less likely to have high inflammation than other groups. The data did not suggest a dose-response association. These findings indicate that PA may reduce accumulation of allostatic load, highlighting the importance of a physically active lifestyle across the life span.
A Continuous Sampling System for Room Temperature Phosphorimetric Analysis

An experimental system for the continuous sampling of organic phosphors by the room temperature phosphorimetric technique has been constructed. Phosphorimetric time resolution was achieved by the use of an analog switch phosphoroscope. The results obtained show that this system is fairly sensitive and will allow extremely rapid analyses of small amounts of samples, thereby making it quite suitable for routine analysis of molecules exhibiting phosphorescence at room temperature.
Disparate responses of cultured skeletal muscle cells and growing chicks to tripeptide aldehyde protease inhibitors and an in vivo interaction with ethanol

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of leupeptin and two leupeptin analogs (calpain inhibitors I and II) on protein turnover in embryonic chick skeletal muscle cell cultures and on growth of chicks. For in vitro studies, inhibitors (70 μg/mL) were added to the medium of cell cultures for 24 hr and proteolysis was determined by measuring the release of natural leucine into medium containing all leucine as [5,5,5- 2 H]leucine. Compared with controls, leupeptin and calpain inhibitors I and II decreased proteolysis 17.0%, 55.4%, and 60.6%, respectively. For in vivo studies, 7-day-old male White Leghorn chicks were given the inhibitors by daily intraperitoneal injection for 7 days. In experiment 1, inhibitors were administered in a 25% ethanol:75% saline carrier at doses of 2.0 or 20.0 mg/kg body weight. Calpain inhibitors I and II had no effect on lean tissue gain or feed efficiency. Leupeptin-injected chicks gained 51.1 ± 2.1 g and control chicks gained 43.2 ± 2.1 g ( P P P
Synthesis of Nanoparticles under Cold-Plasma Conditions.

Pyrene-based nano-spheres were synthesized under RF-plasma conditions in an originally designed plasma reactor. The reactor configuration allows the processing of non- volatile, liquid-phase organic compounds or their solutions in volatile solvents, by atomizing them during their injection into the low-pressure reaction vessel. It has been shown that saturated benzene solution of Pyrene generates under Ar-RF-Plasma environments uniformly sized, hard spherical nano-particles. The structure and the thermal behavior of microsphers were analysed using X-ray photoelectron microscopy (ESCA), FTIR spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). Silver layers, composed of nanoparticles were deposited on formaldehyde-RF-plasma functionalized polyethylene (PE) surfaces by taking advantage of the Tollen's reaction. The presence of aldehyde functionalities and the silver on the modified PE surfaces were evidenced using ESCA, Energy dispersive X-ray analysis spectroscopy, SEM, and AFM techniques. High concentration of water-based colloidal (nano-size silver particles) silver solutions were also prepared under Dense Medium Plasma (DMP) plasma environments, and the strong bactericide effect of the silver solutions were evaluated. Applications of nano-particle systems are discussed.
Structure-activity analyses of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

Summary HIV-1 reverse transcriptase is a dimeric enzyme which can exist in both homodimeric (p66/p66) and heterodimeric (p66/p51) forms. The monomeric subunits are catalytically inert. However, during DNA synthesis by the dimeric enzyme, only one subunit (p66) appears to carry out the catalysis, while the second subunit serves only a supportive role. In the case of the p66/p66 homodimers, we find that both the subunits are catalytically competent as judged by the observation that a) primer binding occurs to both subunits and b) catalytically inert dimers can be partially activated by replacement of one of the two inactive p66 subunits.
Relative Risk Aversion: What Do We Know?

The relative risk aversion measure that represents the risk preferences of a decision maker depends on the outcome variable that is used as the argument of the utility function, and on the way that outcome variable is defined or measured. In addition, the relationship between any two such relative risk aversion measures is determined by the relationship between the corresponding outcome variables. These well-known facts are used to adjust several reported estimates of relative risk aversion so that those estimates can be directly compared with one another. After adjustment, the significant variation in the reported relative risk aversion measures for representative decision makers is substantially reduced.
The molecular basis of T cell differentiation

Our laboratory has studied the molecular basis of T helper cell differentiation. We have used reporter transgenic mice, selective hybridization techniques, and studies of cell signaling to show that a complex pattern of gene expression is reprogrammed as the decision is made to become either a Th1 or Th2 cell. Many of these components have been identified, and their mechanisms of action elucidated. Understanding these mechanisms is likely to lead in the long-term to ways to intervene in these processes and, therefore, to direct immune response in therapeutically useful directions.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor enhances killing of translocated bacteria but does not affect barrier function in a burn mouse model.

Background Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor drives the proliferation and differentiation of granulocytes and also enhances their bactericidal and phagocytic activity. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of murine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (mG-CSF) on bacterial translocation and gut-derived sepsis after burn injury. Methods In experiment I, BALB/c mice were randomized into two treatment groups, which received 1 microgram/mouse of mG-CSF subcutaneously for either 1 (n = 16) or 2 days (n = 15). Controls received saline (n = 16). After treatment, all animals were gavaged with 10(10) 111In Escherichia coli and then given a 20% burn. All groups were observed 10 days for survival. In experiment II, three additional groups (n = 6/group) received the same treatment as above but were killed 4 hours after burn injury. Mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and spleen were harvested to measure radionuclide counts (disintegrations per minute per gram of tissue) and colony-forming units (CFU/g of tissue) and to calculate the percentage of viable bacteria (% alive). Results Experiment I: 10-day survival was significantly higher in groups treated with mG-CSF for 1 or 2 days (75% and 73%, respectively), compared with controls (43.7%), p = 0.001. Experiment II: no differences in translocation to the tissues were observed among any of the groups, according to radionuclide counts. However, quantitative colony counts and calculated percentage of viable bacteria showed that killing was enhanced in the mesenteric lymph nodes and liver of animals that received mG-CSF, but this was significant only in the liver for both treatment times (1 day, p = 0.021 and 2 day, p = 0.009). Conclusion These data suggest that treatment with mG-CSF does not improve gut barrier function, but does enhance the host's ability to kill translocated organisms and improve survival in a gut-derived sepsis model.
An influence function method based subsidence prediction program for longwall mining operations in inclined coal seams

Abstract The distribution of the final surface subsidence basin induced by longwall operations in inclined coal seam could be significantly different from that in flat coal seam and demands special prediction methods. Though many empirical prediction methods have been developed, these methods are inflexible for varying geological and mining conditions. An influence function method has been developed to take the advantage of its fundamentally sound nature and flexibility. In developing this method, significant modifications have been made to the original Knothe function to produce an asymmetrical influence function. The empirical equations for final subsidence parameters derived from US subsidence data and Chinese empirical values have been incorporated into the mathematical models to improve the prediction accuracy. A corresponding computer program is developed. A number of subsidence cases for longwall mining operations in coal seams with varying inclination angles have been used to demonstrate the applicability of the developed subsidence prediction model.
Cytochrome oxidase in Alzheimer's disease: Biochemical, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses of the visual and other systems

Defects in oxidative metabolism have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study evaluated the level of cytochrome oxidase (C.O.), an indicator of neuronal oxidative capacity, in various brain regions of post-mortem AD and control patients. We found a statistically significant reduction in C.O. levels in all cortical areas examined, including the primary and secondary visual cortices. In addition, all layers of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and sublaminae of the primary visual cortex in AD cases examined suffered a reduction in their relative C.O. activity and protein amount. Our results suggest a generalized suppression of oxidative metabolism throughout the cortex, as well as in a major subcortical visual center in AD. Such hypometabolism may form the basis for not only deficits in higher cortical functions, but also a variety of visual dysfunctions known to occur in AD.
Sweet-Sensitive Protein from Bovine Taste Buds: Isolation and Assay

Using refractometry and ultraviolet-difference spectroscopy to indicate interaction between proteins and coinpounds of low molecular weight, we found a protein fraction in bovine tongue extracts that coinplexes sugars and saccharin. The strengths of the coinzplexes parallel the degrees of sweetness of the compounds, and the effects of pH upon formation of complexes parallel the effects of pH upon sensitivity of taste buds to sweet compounds in vivo.
Paleomagnetism of Late Ordovician Neda Iron Ore from Wisconsin and Late Ordovician Queenston Shale from New York: ABSTRACT

The Neda iron formation is a hematite and goethite-rich oolitic ore which occurs in lens-shaped deposits on top of the Maquoketa Shale at only a few locations in the Wisconsin area. Its origin has been a puzzle for over a hundred years, but there have been suggestions that it is the westernmost extension of the Queenston Shale. Paleomagnetic studies were undertaken to see if paleopole directions from the two formations could aid in determining the origin of the Neda. Thermal demagnetization of the Neda samples indicates the remanence is carried by hematite. Chemical demagnetization suggests the remanence is produced by the interstitial material rather than the oolites. The paleopole from 25 samples is at S 45.4°, W 48° (^agr 95 = 16°). This pole position is similar to Late Mississippian to Early Permian of North America rather than Late Ordovician. This suggests that the hematite in the ore was produced from dehydration of goethite during Late Mississippian time. Queenston Shale samples from western New York were similarly measured. Thermal demagnetization indicates the remanence is carried by hematite and the pole position from 8 samples is at S 45°, W 38° (^agr 95 = 10°). This pole position is very similar to that of the Neda. This indicates that both formations were presumably subjected to the same post-depositional chemical changes in the late Paleozoic, but it does not conclusively show that the Neda is in fact the western extension of the Queenston. This late Paleozoic pole position has been found in almost all red sediments of Ordovician age in North America, both folded and nonfolded, which suggests that the remanence is not simply due to deformation produced by the Appalachian orogeny. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1170------------
The order-disorder transformation in Ni3Al and Ni3AlFe alloys—II. Phase transformations and microstructures

From a combination of dilatometric and micrographie evidence, the precipitation of the β′ phase at temperatures above the metastable ordering transition, Ttm, is demonstrated for those NiAlFe alloys containing at least 19 at.% Al. Ni-AlFe alloys which have been heated above Ttm and then slow-cooled are found to contain a network of disordered γ phase which outlines the boundaries of antiphase domains in the ordered γ′ phase. The implication of these observations is that the formation of equilibrium γ phase from off-stoichiometric γ′ requires antiphase domain boundaries as nucleation sites: the Ttm determined by dilatometry represents an upper absolute instability limit at which the ordered phase is converted into disordered phase of the same composition, whereas the equilibrium disordered phase would have a different composition. The microstructure of a series of binary Ni-Al alloys are examined: at 22–23 at.%Al, the γ′ phase consists of grains which partly contain fine antiphase domains (with γ at the APD boundaries) and partly very coarse APD's; microanalysis established that this is due to microsegregation, and that the coarse APD's are in regions with excess Al so that Ttm is locally above the freezing temperature. The structural distinction between directly and sequentially ordered alloys is thereby made clear: fine APD's form only in alloys which freeze in disordered form.
A multiple transfer function model for air traffic control systems

Abstract This paper considers the problem of modeling dynamic fluctuations in aircraft concentration within a group of air traffic control sectors. Using simultaneous time series recorded for each of the sectors, a multiple transfer function noise model is constructed. The modeling procedure demonstrates a data-dependent approach to ATC systems analysis which does not rely on describing the movement of individual aircraft.
Quantitative expression profile of hepatobiliary transporters in sandwich cultured rat and human hepatocytes.

As sandwich cultured (SC) hepatocytes can repolarize to form bile canalicular networks, allowing active excretion of compounds in a vectorial manner, the model has been widely used for assessing the transporter related complexity of ADME/tox issues. A lack of quantitative information on transporter expression during cell culture has made in vitro to in vivo extrapolation of hepatobiliary transport difficult. In the present study, using our newly developed LC−MS/MS absolute quantitative methods, we determined the quantitative expression profile of three biliary transporters in SC rat and human hepatocytes. A significant shift of hepatobiliary transporter proteins was observed both in human and rat sandwich cultures. A decrease of BSEP/Bsep protein and an increase of BCRP/Bcrp protein were detected in both rat and human hepatocytes over time in culture. Interestingly, Mrp2 in rat hepatocytes was significantly diminished, while MRP2 constantly increased in human hepatocytes during the cell culture. Consequen...
Complement catabolism and chemotaxis in acute pancreatitis

Abstract Acute pancreatitis is often mild and self-limited; however, occasionally widespread systemic sequelae occur. We examined eight patients with acute pancreatitis for evidence of complement catabolism, to determine whether complement is a mediator of systemic disease. Sera from these patients were compared to normal sera from eight volunteers. Five of eight patients experienced respiratory distress and three patients suffered late complications of pancreatic abscess, pseudocyst, and renal failure. Total hemolytic complement activity (CH 50 ) for sensitized sheep red blood cells was depressed in 75% of patients in the acute phase (0–4 days from onset) and levels returned to normal in convalescence (5–65 days). The depression in CH 50 was associated with significant acute phase production of complement-derived chemotactic activity for polymorphonuclear leukocytes as assayed in Boyden chambers by the “leading front” technique. The trypsin inhibitory capacity (an indirect reflection of antiprotease activity) was significantly depressed in acute phase sera, concomitant with the complement catabolism. Changes in CH 50 , trypsin inhibiting capacity and chemotactic activity were most marked in patients with pulmonary and other complications. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that in acute pancreatitis, active complement cleavage products are generated by protease-antiprotease imbalance and may lead to systemic complications.
On the Treatment of Statical Indeterminacy in the Elementary Statics of Particles and Rigid Bodies

The inability to determine reactions beyond a maximum of six for a three-dimensional rigid body (or three for a planar rigid body) is termed statical indeterminacy and represents a flaw in the elementary statics of particles and rigid bodies because the indeterminate reactions cannot be obtained by methods developed from within the subject. As noted in virtually every modern textbook on statics, statical indeterminacy may be resolved by relaxing the assumption of structural rigidity. This theory forms the content of the mechanics of deformable solids, which considers the stretching, twisting and bending of elastic bars. The indeterminacy may also be resolved by maintaining structural rigidity but relaxing the assumption of support rigidity. Because deformable supports may be modeled by lumped linear and torsional springs (which are traditionally part of the statics of particles and rigid bodies), analysis of statically indeterminate reactions in such systems utilizes no new concepts except that of rigid b...
The minimally conscious state in children.

The minimally conscious state (MCS) is a condition of severely altered consciousness in which minimal but definite behavioral evidence of self-or environmental awareness is shown. Diagnostic criteria recently have been proposed for entry into and emergence from the MCS. We present clinical and neuroimaging data on 5 children diagnosed with MCS and discuss the limited information available concerning its epidemiology, etiology, pathology, and prognosis. Issues related to the evaluation and care of children suspected of having MCS are also reviewed as well as current ethical and legal controversies.
Adsorption and reaction of thiophene on the Fe(100) surface: selective dehydrogenation and polymerization

Abstract Adsorption and reaction of thiophene on the Fe(100) surface under ultrahigh vacuum have been investigated using temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). Thiophene undergoes selective dehydrogenation on the surface during the thermal reaction, following an αα, ββ sequence. Activation of CH at the α positions occurs at 100 K, producing surface atomic hydrogen which desorbs at 390 K at low coverages, shifting to 290 K as coverage increases. Hydrogen desorption associated with β hydrogens is observed at 495–530 K. These two peaks have equal intensity, indicating that the dehydrogenation is highly selective. TPRS and HREELS results suggest that the heterocycle remains intact after α dehydrogenation. The ring structure is inclined to the surface at low temperature and becomes perpendicular to the surface at higher temperature. It is proposed that thiophene polymerizes on the Fe(100) surface through αα coupling. The surface polythiophene monolayer is stable with respect to water and oxygen at 400 K. Decomposition of the polymer overlayer results in a reaction limited hydrogen desorption and surface adsorbed carbon and sulfur.
Sleep cyclicity in infants during the earliest postnatal weeks.

Abstract Cyclicity within sleep was investigated in 20 fullterm infants who were monitored in the home for 24-hour periods when they were 2–5 weeks old. Using a pressure sensitive mattress in the crib, analog signals from the baby's respiration and body movements were computer scored for: Quiet Sleep, Active Sleep, Active-Quiet Transitional Sleep, Sleep-Wake Transition, and Wakefulness. Sleep episodes with at least four recurrences of Quiet Sleep were analyzed for cyclicity. Significant cyclicity of Quiet Sleep was found in 49 of the 55 sleep episodes analyzed. The mean Quiet Sleep recurrence period was 63.2 minutes. Eighteen of the 20 infants exhibited cyclicity on one or more weeks. Thus, sleep during the neonatal period is generally characterized by the presence of cyclicity. Cyclicity was not related to other parameters of the sleep cycle, but was correlated with stability of state patterning over weeks. The results provide new evidence for neurobehavioral competence of the neonate in terms of sleep organization.
The definition of core electrons.

The traditional separation of electrons in molecules into core and valence types is often based on molecular orbital energies. This method is known to lead in some cases to large relative errors in correlated calculations. Instead, we propose a method based on the definition of molecular core character using separation of basis functions into core and valence types. This gives size-consistency to separation of electrons in molecules into core and valence types.
Photovoltaics: capturing hot electrons.

The efficiency of photovoltaic materials is compromised by their inability to capture all the energy absorbed when excited by high-energy photons. Such absorption creates 'hot' electrons, and now their transfer from excited lead selenide nanocrystals to an electron acceptor provides a necessary initial step towards tapping their 'lost' energy.
The Strozzi Chapel: Notes on the Building History of Sta. Maria Novella

The recently restored Strozzi Chapel in the west transept is the focus of an inquiry into the architectural evolution of Sta. Maria Novella. Evidence in the fabric of the adjacent campanile, new documentation concerning the rebuilding of the underlying Chiostro dei Morti, and stylistic analysis support a date of ca. 1340-48 rather than the previously proposed 1279-1284 or 1246. The Chapel exemplifies the practice of collective patronage by several branches and generations of the family. As an architectural entity, it constitutes a major project of the church's Opera under Fra Jacopo Talenti (1333-62) when, it is suggested, Sta. Maria Novella mirrored developments in the Opera del Duomo workshop.
The effects of extracellular pH and calcium manipulation on protein synthesis and response to anoxia/aglycemia in the rat hippocampal slice

Extracellular pH modulates the function of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which may influence pathophysiological responses to glutamate. While damage due to oxygen and glucose deprivation or glutamate exposure is attenuated by acidification of the incubating medium of cultured neurons, neuron damage is enhanced in vivo following ischemia in hyperglycemic animals. A persistent inhibition of protein synthesis (to less than 5% of normoxic levels) is a reliable index of damage to neurons both in vivo and in the rat hippocampal slice. We explored the influence of extracellular pH and calcium manipulation on protein synthesis inhibition and energy failure due to anoxia/aglycemia or exposure to N-methyl-D-aspartate in the rat hippocampal slice. Moderate acidification of the medium during anoxia/aglycemia did not reduce the damage to protein synthesis in hippocampal neurons (9% of normoxic levels) and did not alter basal ATP levels or the rate of ATP depletion during anoxia/aglycemia. However, when calcium levels were lowered during the acidification and following the anoxia/aglycemia, protein synthesis was almost completely protected (84% of normoxic levels). Calcium reduction itself also attenuated the protein synthesis inhibition due to anoxia/aglycemia (to 55.6% of normoxic controls), but the protection was not as complete. In contrast, moderate acidification of the medium significantly reduced the damage to protein synthesis due to a brief exposure to NMDA (37% of control with NMDA, 78.9% of control with acidification during NMDA), even in the presence of extracellular calcium. Alkalinization of the medium exacerbated the protein synthesis inhibition following anoxia/aglycemia, and significantly reduced basal ATP levels (to 52% of normoxic control levels). Thus, pHo changes influence neuronal metabolism and response to anoxia/aglycemia. In addition, while acidification can reduce the excitotoxic damage caused by direct exposure to NMDA, it cannot reduce damage due to anoxia/aglycemia unless calcium is lowered concomitantly. Thus, both NMDA receptor activation and calcium are involved in the damage due to oxygen and glucose deprivation in the slice.
Psychiatric and Behavioral Disorders in Hospitalized Preschoolers with Developmental Disabilities.

Describes the types of psychiatric and behavioral disturbance present in 169 preschoolers with developmental disabilities admitted to a specialized psychiatric inpatient unit. Differences in the proportion of some diagnoses and behavior problems across cognitive functioning level and across age were found. Seventy-two percent of the sample had one or more medical diagnosis. Similarities and differences with earlier reports in the literature are discussed.
A variational approach for modelling surface tension effects in inviscid fluids

By employing a variational principle similar to Hamilton's principle, a finite element solution method for a fairly general class of inviscid, compressible fluid flows with flexible structural interfaces and/or free surfaces was developed in a previous paper. In this study, surface tension effects are added to the existing formulation by including the surface energy. We demonstrate the finite element implementation on test cases with analytical solutions: nonlinear static analyses involving a capillary tube and a droplet on a plane and linear frequency analyses of capillary/gravity waves, jet vibrations, and bubble oscillations. The method for incorporating surface tension is quite general and can be applied to nonlinear transient analyses as well.
Efficient naked plasmid cotransfection of lung grafts by extended lung/plasmid exposure time.

Abstract Background . Multiple gene cotransfection may be an effective strategy to modulate concurrent pathologic events after lung transplantation. We investigated in vivo naked plasmid lung cotransfection during cold preservation and the role of lung parenchyma/naked plasmid exposure time. Methods . F344 rats underwent left main bronchus instillation of pCF1-CAT (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase) (130 μg) ± pCF1-β-Gal (β-galactosidase) (130 μg) in saline. Part Ia: 4°C preservation versus cotransfection. Lung isografts (4 groups, n=8) were stored after transfection for 1 (2 groups: one received only pCF1-CAT), 6, and 18 hours. Recipient sacrifice was after 48 hours. Part Ib: 4°C preservation versus transgene expression. Rats were sacrificed 48 hours after transfection in a nontransplant setting (2 groups, n=8; one received only pCF1-CAT). In a third group (n = 8) lungs were harvested 24 hours after transfection, stored for 18 hours, and recipients were sacrificed after 24 hours. The CAT and β-Gal enzymatic-linked immunosorbent assays were performed. Part II: Lung/plasmid exposure time. In three groups (n = 6) after pCF1-CAT transfection the left main bronchus was not clamped, clamped for 10 minutes, or clamped for 1 hour. Sacrifice was after 48 hours. Results . Part Ia: Lung CAT protein was (in picograms per 100 μg of total protein): median, 42 (range, 25 to 95) after 1 hour (only CAT); 67 (19 to 296) after 1 hour, 32 (6 to 157) after 6 hours; and 9 (5 to 243) after 18 hours. Lung β-Gal protein was (in picograms per 100 μg of total protein): median, 20 (range, 5 to 353) after 1 hour; 17 (6 to 157) after 6 hours; 4 (1 to 74) after 18 hours (1 hour versus 18 hours, p = 0.04 for both proteins). CAT and β-Gal production were significantly correlated ( p = 0.0001, r=0.924). Part Ib: Lung CAT protein was (in picograms per 100 μg of total protein): median, 2 (range, 0.6 to 10) no transplant, only CAT; 7 (0.3 to 13) no transplant; 3 (0.9 to 14) transplant. Part II: Left lung CAT protein was (in picograms per 100 μg of total protein): median, 31 (range, 6 to 83) no clamp; 74 (25 to 430) 10 minutes of clamp; 111 (30 to 263) 1 hour of clamp. Right lung CAT protein was (in picograms per 100 μg of total protein): median, 0.06 (range, 0 to 0.9) no clamp; 1 (0 to 6) 10 minutes of clamp; 1 (0 to 18) 1 hour of clamp. Conclusions . Efficient lung isograft endobronchial cotransfection results from using naked plasmid. Cold preservation affects transfection efficiency but not transgene expression. Lung parenchyma/naked plasmid exposure time determines transfection efficiency.
Ist Gott Französisch? Germans, tourism, and occupied France, 1940–1944

(1996). Ist Gott Franzosisch? Germans, tourism, and occupied France, 1940–1944. Modern & Contemporary France: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 287-298.
Physical aspects governing the design of hollow fiber modules

Abstract For the design and use of hollow fiber membrane separation units, the engineer is in need of a quantitative or at least semi-quantitative description of the process, which will enable him to predict the effect of fiber length, fiber diameter, packing density, flow rates, etc. To this end, models are considered for which an approximate mathematical description can be developed. By way of illustration, two processes are discussed in particular: reverse osmosis and dialysis. In reverse osmosis, the relevant physical quantities for a given permeability are flow rates and pressure gradients. The model assumes a rate of permeation which is proportional to the pressure difference between the two sides of the membrane. Special attention is paid to the serious problem of polarisation. The dialysis process considered is one in which the shell-side flow is radial, volume changes due to permeation of solute are small, and the rate of permeation of solute is proportional to the concentration difference. The conditions to be fulfilled to neglect the role of diffusion are examined and, by way of illustration, corrections for diffusion are developed for the special case of axial flow of a solution through a fiber when the solute is removed by dialysis through the fiber wall.
Content Analyses of A Priori Qualitative Phantom Limb Pain Descriptions and Emerging Categories in Mid-Southerners with Limb Loss

Purpose The purposes of this descriptive study were (a) to identify the relative frequencies of a priori categories of phantom limb pain (PLP) quality descriptors reported by Mid-Southerners with limb loss, (b) to analyze their descriptions for emerging categories of PLP, and (c) to identify the relative frequencies of the emerging categories. Design This cross-sectional descriptive verbal survey assessed PLP descriptors. A content analyses determined relative frequencies of a priori PLP descriptors as well as emerging categories that were identified. Findings The most common a priori PLP quality descriptors reported by 52 amputees with PLP were intermittent, tingling/needles/numb, sharp, cramping, burning, and stabbing. The most common emerging categories reported were pain compared to illness/injury, electrical cyclical, and manipulated/positional. Conclusion The detailed descriptions of PLP provide insight into the vivid experiences of PLP. Clinical Relevance Rehabilitation nurses can use this information with PLP assessment, patient teaching, and counseling.